[Featured ×6]
★ SHORT LISTED - OPEN NOVELLA CONTEST 2024ˎˊ˗
Yueting has always had a lousy life. She was already an adult. She used to study her ass off in school, yet she ended up on the streets, spending her money only on alcohol. One night, like...
"There will probably be even stronger demons attacking, so don't just sit idly," Yueting says to the two of them as she continues on. Taking out her map, she looks for the way. "Where are we, system?"
⌞Marking location..⌝
With that, a following red dot appeared on the map, tracking Yueting's every step. Looking up, they were in front of a forest. "The forest should be the fastest way," Yueting suggests.
"The forest is filled with demons. We should go around it," Zhang Wei counters.
"The demon realm is filled with demons as well. If you don't want to meet them, then you should turn back," Yueting advises as she begins heading towards it.
Despite the demon realm being named the demon realm, it was apparently not that big. You could say the demons owned 30% of the world while the humans owned 70%. Even so, there are many more low-ranking demons than high-ranking demons who act human. Looking back, Yueting sees the two of them hesitating. "I can use my barrier ability," Yueting reassures them. Looking up at her, the two of them finally continue on.
⌞Activating Midnight Veil along with training's help..⌝
After a few seconds, a huge veil-like barrier appeared above them, slowly sliding onto the sides down. From inside, the veil looked like being under a starry sky, while from outside, it looked like they were invisible. "Your abilities are very impressive," Zhang Wei remarks.
After a few minutes of walking, Yueting speaks to the system again. "Can you make this thing transparent?"
⌞System message: Of course, master!⌝
Something Yueting had already noticed before was that the system in the dream world (aka her previous life) was very different from her current system. Maybe the system changes along with Yueting?
Regardless, that wasn't her concern at the moment. Looking outside, there were many monsters on the side of the path, each one looking in their direction. Well, from their perspective, they were gazing into thin air, perhaps even at the monster on the opposite side of the road. "Can they see us?" Meiyang inquires.
"They can't, though they can probably still sense we're here," Yueting responds. "It's our aura," Zhang Wei remarks. "Even so, aren't these creatures too unintelligent to detect our presence?" Yueting questions. "They're brainless. They sense we're here, but they can't see us, so they probably won't attack," Zhang Wei explains.
"That makes sense," Yueting acknowledges as she continues onward. Until the very end of the forest, monsters lined up on both sides of the road, looking forward, not directly at them, but at the path.
As they neared the end of the forest, Yueting caught sight of the sun shining from outside; it was beginning to set. Having exited the forest, she dispelled the barrier. They stood atop a small mountain, and peering downward, they could already discern the demon city in the distance.
"Are you two prepared?" Zhang Wei inquires. "Mhm," Yueting affirms with a nod as she signals the horse to proceed. Descending and spurred on by the horse's pace, they swiftly approached the front of the demon city. Up close, it boasted formidable walls encircling its perimeter, presenting a substantial sight.
Though they had not yet reached the guard, Yueting could discern, even from a distance, that despite its humanoid appearance, the guard still bore horns and other demonic features. "Do you think they'll permit our entry without question?" Yueting poses. Zhang Wei takes a brief pause before responding. "They will, without a doubt," he asserts.
Advancing toward the guard, the sentinel casts a glance at Zhang Wei and Meiyang, allowing them to pass. With each step, Yueting grows increasingly suspicious of Zhang Wei. "Greetings, Your Majesty," one of the demon guards remarks. Exhaling deeply, Yueting comprehends the situation at last. Zhang Wei wasn't merely a cultivator visiting the demon realm; nor was he just an ordinary demon—he held the title of emperor.
Even though Yueting had learned this fact, Zhang Wei didn't appear insane or particularly regal. Even if he were completely unhinged, what could she do? Eliminate him? That would hardly rectify the error. "How come you didn't mention your status, yet you were so interested in mine?" Yueting queries, gazing calmly at Zhang Wei as they strolled through the city.
Apart from its predominant dark red hues, it presented a strikingly beautiful appearance. "You didn't inquire about my status," Zhang Wei responds. "Answer both questions," Yueting presses. "Because you didn't seem like a commoner or a high-ranking cultivator. You appeared to be something more," Zhang Wei asserts. "You're exaggerating," Yueting counters.
Contemplating this, in the previous world, the system dispatched a letter to the emperor. It would be illogical to repeat the same action here, especially since the issue is with the emperor. Nevertheless, Yueting felt compelled to inquire, "System, did you send a similar letter to the king in this world as well?" she inquires, maintaining pace with Zhang Wei. Uncertain of their destination, but aware of his status as the king, she felt obliged to accompany him regardless.
⌞System message: Even in the demon realm, everyone is aware of the hero's presence.⌝
"What does that mean?"
⌞System message: Here, the tale of the hero is widely known, not only among humans but also among demons and monsters. Would you like to hear it?⌝
⌞System message: Humans believe he will punish demons, but in demon lore, it's said he'll administer justice to all who do wrong, whether human or demon.⌝
"I see, that adds up," Yueting remarks before glancing back at Zhang Wei. "Are you familiar with the hero?" she asks, pretending as if she weren't the so-called hero herself.
"I am," Zhang Wei confirms.
"If he were to arrive in the demon realm at this moment, what do you reckon would happen?" Yueting inquires as they stroll through the city, drawing attention due to Zhang Wei's presence.
"Are you insinuating something?" Zhang Wei questions, his gaze intense, as if ready to cut Yueting in half.
Facing Zhang Wei, Yueting sighs internally, thinking, God, this day has been incredibly draining for no reason. "And if I am?" Yueting retorts, her boldness a facade to coax out his 'insane' side.
With bloodlust in his eyes, Zhang Wei doesn't hesitate to attack Yueting. This wasn't the Zhang Wei she had known in the past few days. It was as if being in the demon realm had changed him. Evading the attack, Yueting speaks again. "Aren't you simply confirming my claims?" she asks. The people around them are shocked; no one else dares to attack their emperor like that.
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