Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The carriage rattled along, and the forest behind them gradually faded from view.

Night travel was perilous, so everyone remained vigilant, their lights turned to their brightest.

Xue Zhao was assigned to the last carriage, sharing it with several townspeople.

The townsperson who had comforted him earlier was also present, handing him a round lantern.

The lantern, crafted from paper, emitted a gentle, warm glow.

"We mean you no harm," the townsperson sighed. "Monsters have been rampant lately. Come with us for now; we'll help you."

Xue Zhao clutched the paper lantern and nodded softly, "Mm."

This was the sole word he had uttered since his discovery.

The townsperson's face was kind, her eyes filled with tender concern as she looked at Xue Zhao.

[Character Favorability has changed]

The System was highly pleased with Xue Zhao's performance: "Excellent, excellent."

Provided this phase of the plan succeeded, even if subsequent tasks within the town failed, some progress would be made, ensuring the journey wasn't in vain.

However, Xue Zhao's attention was drawn to the recent message. He asked the System, "Does this mean they like me?"

The townsperson beside him exuded a gentle aura, a unique softness characteristic of an older female human.

[System]: The exact favorability value isn't visible yet. Given the current circumstances, it's highly probable it has increased.

[System]: However, a decrease in favorability isn't impossible. Do not let your guard down; many humans are two-faced.

Xue Zhao remained silent, slowly tracing the tail wrapped around his left arm. He then subtly pushed it further inward and meticulously adjusted his cuff.

Approximately half an hour later, the carriages arrived at the town.

It was already around 8:30 PM, and the town was brightly illuminated, with many people bustling about.

Upon seeing the returning group, everyone quickly came forward to greet them and inquire about the situation.

"The altar has been destroyed," the assistant reported, "but we arrived too late and didn't encounter the demon..."

None of this concerned Xue Zhao. He remained in the carriage and was driven directly to a low-rise building.

The townsperson accompanying him, named Aunt Huai, informed him that this was her home and that a vacant room was available for Xue Zhao's temporary stay.

Aunt Huai's son had left town years ago for experience, leaving her to live alone.

She led Xue Zhao inside, tidied up briefly, then found him suitable clean clothes and instructed him on how to use the bathroom's hot water.

When Xue Zhao emerged from his shower, a plate and water glass awaited him on the room's desk.

Aunt Huai was absent; she might have retired to her own bedroom. Xue Zhao carefully closed and latched the door.

He paused, then moved a chair to brace against the door.

Only after completing these actions did Xue Zhao begin to survey his surroundings.

He explored every corner, curiously touching the wardrobe and table lamp, picking up a pastry from the plate to sniff, then taking a small bite.

Xue Zhao was both tired and hungry, and the pastry was delicious. He devoured the entire piece, alleviating his hunger somewhat, yet an inexplicable emptiness and fatigue lingered within him.

[System]: This can only barely sustain you. You are a Succubus; you must acquire sustenance through your skills.

With a soft 'click,' a box materialized before Xue Zhao.

[Current Identity Race]: Succubus

[Primary Skill]: Drain

[Intermediate Skill]: Charm

[Advanced Skill]: Soul Absorption

The System explained that the primary skill was Xue Zhao's method of obtaining food, and the higher a character's favorability, the greater the success rate of 'Drain.'

Xue Zhao clicked on [Primary Skill], which read: 'Can convert the target's qi, liquids, essence, blood, etc., into energy.'

[System]: Casual contact can also provide sustenance, but in smaller quantities.

[System]: Favorability cannot be viewed now, so it's advisable not to act rashly. If you're hungry, endure it for the time being.

[System]: Once you complete the three tasks, I will select a suitable target for you.

Xue Zhao absorbed the System's messages while consuming three pastries and the glass of water, then burrowed into the soft bed.

He pulled up the covers, habitually curled up, and yawned, "Mm."

The room light remained on as Xue Zhao buried his head and drifted into a deep sleep.

In the dead of night, a dark silhouette gracefully leaped onto the windowsill.

Through the narrow gap in the curtains, the black cat observed the sleeping Xue Zhao for a moment, then turned and departed.

—

The next day, Xue Zhao awoke at ten in the morning.

Aunt Huai seemed to have left. Fresh toiletries were on the living room coffee table, and breakfast, kept warm by charcoal, sat beside them.

Xue Zhao washed up, ate, and then approached the window.

He pulled back the curtain slightly, cautiously peering outside through the glass.

He hadn't noticed upon their return last night, but now in daylight, it was clear that several residential buildings directly opposite had sustained varying degrees of damage, and many residents were engaged in repairs.

[System]: This is the aftermath of the altar's activation yesterday.

The concentrated demonic energy surged towards the town. Its original target was the church, but it was forcibly diverted midway. Fortunately, few people were injured.

From the town residents' perspective, they understood nothing of holy relics; they only knew that strange occurrences had become frequent, with signs of demons appearing, disrupting their once peaceful lives.

It was also fortunate that with the church's assistance and guidance, the town managed to maintain a semblance of safety.

Xue Zhao observed quietly for a while and then caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure.

His gaze followed intently, then he retreated back into the room, peeking from that window.

Xiu Jixin, accompanied by a church assistant, arrived at a medical clinic across the street, a scene clearly visible from Xue Zhao's vantage point.

A crowd had already gathered outside the clinic. Some sought medicine or medical attention, while others specifically awaited Xiu Jixin.

Since the demon attack on the town, the church typically restricted entry to outsiders. With the Old Priest gravely ill, Xiu Jixin became even busier. Residents could only seek his help when he made an appearance.

[System]: He is a significant character, his strength currently unknown.

Xue Zhao clutched a corner of the curtain, revealing a small portion of his face from behind.

Compared to last night, Xiu Jixin appeared considerably gentler during the day, displaying immense patience when conversing with residents.

Xue Zhao couldn't resist asking the System, "Among the humans here, is he the most attractive?"

He hadn't been in human form for long. As a plant, he could distinguish every leaf, but humans presented only a vague impression.

[System]: He's alright.

The tail wrapped around his arm suddenly twitched restlessly. Xue Zhao frowned slightly and looked down to investigate.

The System detected Xue Zhao's subtle anomaly and immediately became alert.

A Succubus's skills require favorability, but they can also independently seek out preferred prey. Moreover, Xue Zhao's current HP was low, and his state was weak.

If he became too hungry, Xue Zhao might suffer a backlash from his Succubus skills, leading to irrational behavior.

Xue Zhao pulled up his sleeve. The tail, detached from his body, resembled a black bracelet, firmly gripping his skin, long and slender with a small triangular tip.

He was bewildered, acting purely on instinct, and stroked it soothingly.

[System]: It's best to keep your distance from that priest. You're so vulnerable; if he captures you, you'll undoubtedly suffer.

These words successfully instilled timidity in Xue Zhao. He dared not peek again and obediently sat down on a chair inside the room.

Downstairs, the resident facing Xiu Jixin appeared uneasy.

"Our child acknowledges his mistake. He has copied the scriptures ten times and has been vegetarian these past few days. Could you please release him...?"

"When he truly repents with sincerity, the seal on the door will automatically lift."

"His temperament is too impetuous. If he cannot endure even such a trial, how will he maintain his composure when demons appear?"

Xiu Jixin's tone was low and gentle, yet his words carried an undeniable severity: "Let him copy the scriptures fifty more times."

The resident could not refute: "Yes, yes, thank you."

After the resident departed, Xiu Jixin seemingly inadvertently raised his eyes, glancing at the window of Xue Zhao's room.

—

At noon, Aunt Huai returned from outside and prepared a meal for Xue Zhao.

During the meal, she tentatively asked Xue Zhao if he had recalled anything.

Xue Zhao consistently shook his head or remained silent, gazing at her with a slightly bewildered expression.

Aunt Huai reluctantly gave up, saying, "It's alright, just settle in for now. This afternoon, I'll take you for a walk nearby."

After the meal, Xue Zhao followed Aunt Huai outside and noted that Xiu Jixin was no longer outside the medical clinic.

Aunt Huai led him around to familiarize him with the area. This street was densely populated and quite noisy during the day, but the large vegetable garden behind the low-rise building was significantly quieter.

The vegetable garden was meticulously tended. Gazing at the soft, sun-drenched soil, Xue Zhao unconsciously slowed his pace, lingering for a few extra moments.

No new tasks had been issued yet, and Xue Zhao was new to the place, making it inconvenient for him to do anything. Aunt Huai advised him to settle in, and the System also urged patience.

By noon on the third day, Xue Zhao sat by the window, stroking his tail for a while, then peered outside.

Aunt Huai was not home. Unable to resist, he rose and went downstairs alone, making his way to the vegetable garden behind the house.

The garden was empty, with no one else nearby. Xue Zhao pushed open the gate and tiptoed inside.

He looked left and right, then chose a suitable spot at the edge and sat down.

The afternoon sun bathed him in warmth. Xue Zhao hugged his knees, leaned against a nearby haystack, and comfortably closed his eyes.

His current identity was a Succubus, but his essence was a plant spirit, and he still cherished the scent of soil and sunlight.

Xue Zhao was basking in the sun, and just as he was about to drift off, he heard a faint sound.

[System]: It's that cat.

A rustling sound came from above the haystack. Xue Zhao opened his eyes.

The black cat stood on the haystack, tilting its head and looking over.

In broad daylight, its golden vertical pupils appeared somewhat dim, its gaze scrutinizing Xue Zhao.

Xue Zhao held his breath, slowly sat up, and gradually shifted backward, seeking distance from the black cat.

The black cat perceived his timidity, extended a front paw, and feigned a pounce.

Xue Zhao recoiled in fright, his beautiful eyes wide.

The black cat watched him, feigned another pounce, and Xue Zhao recoiled again.

"Meow!"

As if finding amusement, the black cat leaped off the haystack, deliberately approached Xue Zhao, and pawed at him.

[System]: Don't be afraid; it likely means you no harm.

The black cat was a Familiar. If he displayed too much fear, he might arouse suspicion.

But Xue Zhao had never encountered such a creature, so he was understandably nervous.

Unable to escape, he simply hugged his knees tightly, buried his face, and feigned death.

After a while, the black cat ceased pawing at Xue Zhao's clothes and seemed to have departed.

Xue Zhao finally cautiously raised his head, unaware that the black cat had been waiting for this very moment.

It swiftly returned, leaping onto Xue Zhao's knees, letting out a triumphant "meow."

The sharp claws and golden vertical pupils were too close. Xue Zhao remained motionless, not daring to breathe.

The black cat lowered its back, moved even closer, and twitched its nose, carefully sniffing his scent.

Its eyes held a hint of doubt and curiosity. After sniffing for a long time, it suddenly licked the side of Xue Zhao's face.

[Character Favorability has changed]

Xue Zhao looked disbelieving, his cheeks slowly flushing, unsure if it was from fear or indignation.

He held it in for a moment, then fiercely declared, "...Go away!"

The black cat was unfazed and attempted another lick.

Meanwhile, far away in the church on the other side.

Xiu Jixin opened his eyes, a golden flash momentarily crossing them.

He frowned slightly: "Ying Jie."

As soon as the words left his lips, the black cat's movements ceased.

Its golden eyes brightened slightly. It shook its head, looked back, then looked at Xue Zhao again.

The black cat was reluctant but had to abandon the idea of continuing to play with Xue Zhao. It turned its head, leaped out of the vegetable garden, and vanished from sight.

Its agile form leaped and climbed between buildings, swiftly returning to the church to locate Xiu Jixin.

However, Xiu Jixin gave it no new instructions; he merely glanced over, a warning in his eyes.

The black cat met his gaze coldly, looking rather impatient, then turned and left.

On the other side, Xue Zhao also left the vegetable garden and returned to his room.

He covered his face, still feeling a bit wronged: "Did it want to bite me...?"

[System]: I don't think so. It seemed to like you very much.

[System]: Task refreshed!

[New Main Quest has been issued!]

[Task Details]: Find and burn the silver salt used to capture demons.

[Task Reward]: Villain Value +10

[Current Villain Value]: 5

The System rubbed its hands together: "Finally, I can do something wicked!"

Xue Zhao wiped his face with his sleeve and nodded nervously, "Mm!"