Chapter 53: Mirror City, Illusions of Light and Shadow

The origin of this mirror is unknown; all that is certain is that since the founding of the Half-Demon Kingdom, such a mirror has existed, known as the Mirror of True Form.

The mirror has but one purpose: it reveals the true form of any human or demon who stands before it.

Because of this mirror’s existence, many schemes of humans and demons alike have been thwarted within the Half-Demon Kingdom. For this reason, half-demons have managed to survive in the demon realm.

Moreover, this mirror is the only official entrance from the demon realm to the Half-Demon Kingdom. Beyond this entrance, a vast city has been built, called Mirror City, which welcomes those demons and half-demons who wish to enter.

As for whether any humans dwell within, Hongyun still does not know.

Though the Half-Demon Kingdom is nominally under the rule of the demon race, it functions more like an autonomous vassal state. Unlike ordinary demon kings, their relationship with the Demon Emperor is one of name only.

Hongyun wondered if, after obtaining the Cloud-Skirting Wings, he might pass through the mirror’s scrutiny. If not, forcing his way in would only invite trouble.

He pondered the matter for some time. Seeing Chai Xiaoyue diligently practicing the technique he had taught her, he made a decision: it would be best not to rush into the kingdom just yet. He would wait until the little girl mastered the Cloud-Suppressing Demon Technique before making any further plans.

Since that was settled, there was no harm in pausing here for a while.

With that thought, Hongyun’s mood lightened. He called for the two demons to lower their flying vessel and conceal their forms. Carrying Chai Xiaoyue’s wooden trunk on his back, he led the group toward the looming Mirror City ahead.

“While we’re out, you two keep a low profile. Don’t cause me any unnecessary trouble,” Hongyun instructed as they approached the city gates. Then, recalling something, he added, “Of course, if anyone speaks rudely or provokes you deliberately, don’t hesitate to deal with them as you see fit.”

Once the two demons behind him agreed, they followed the half-demon guide waiting outside the city, who had been arranged to lead them inside. Only then did Hongyun notice what set this place apart.

Within the city, almost every material that could be replaced with mirrors had been substituted as such. The city was cut off from the outside world, with neither sun nor moon nor stars overhead. Upon every rooftop, there were large, ornate mirrors.

At the city’s dome, the central mirror reflected a mysterious light from an unseen source, illuminating all of Mirror City.

High above the sky, several Nirvana-level demon lords stood guard, each surrounded by a squad of half-demons mounted on flying beasts, all at least at the Treasure Body level of cultivation.

“Judging by your expressions, this must be your first time in Mirror City, esteemed sirs?” the guide said with barely concealed pride, noticing them gazing up at the sky.

“This is the foundation of our city—four Nirvana-level Mirror Guardians patrol the skies at all times. Each commands a squad of Treasure Body half-demons, who together can rival the strength of a Nirvana lord. And beyond that, our city’s Master of the Mirror...”

So this was an independent enclave. Clearly, this mirror was no ordinary artifact.

Hongyun gazed up at the highest mirror, feeling the light it cast down, his eyes narrowing slightly. Such an arrangement was beyond the abilities of most demon kings, not to mention the other mysteries the mirror might contain.

Yet, the guide’s chatter was becoming irksome.

“Make him be quiet,” Hongyun ordered, his mind focused on laying a solid foundation for the little girl’s future. The incessant rambling grated on him—he had no time to waste. What mattered now was determining whether he could enter the Half-Demon Kingdom.

If he could, things would proceed simply enough; with his current power, clearing a path for the girl would be easy. But should he be denied entry, matters would become much more complicated...

The two demons behind him, hearing the command, floated a foot above the ground, expressing their own displeasure at the guide’s unsolicited speech.

“Coincidentally, I can also fly,” one remarked lightly.

“As can I,” the other added.

The guide, witnessing this display, nearly fainted in terror. While he was accustomed to seeing important figures from afar, he had never encountered two Nirvana-level demon lords—peers of the city’s guardians—in person.

“Speak less, and you’ll still receive your reward,” Hongyun said, a trace of amusement in his heart as he watched the stunned guide. He lightly patted the man’s shoulder, passing two gold leaves into his hand. “Take us to the safest inn in Mirror City.”

...

Within the territory of the Luan King, the old wolf demon’s face was twisted with rage. Having found no clues in his long search, he howled at the sky, scattering the distant clouds.

He had not expected that after so long in pursuit, he would find nothing—not even a trace of his quarry. Along the way, he had come across a few human cultivators and devoured them in passing, but none were disciples of the Rising Moon Sect, whom he sought.

As his furious howl echoed, a streak of crimson fire blazed across the sky and condensed into the form of a graceful woman. Her voice, slow and ethereal, drifted down:

“So it’s you, Elder Youming Huan of the Howling Moon Wolf Clan. Why are you wailing in my domain? Has someone in your clan died?”

“Luanhong of the Phoenix Clan...” the wolf demon growled, his pupils narrowing to slits, clearly provoked. His claws lengthened as he rasped out her name.

“A member of my clan, a youth of exceptional talent, was slain by a brat from the Rising Moon Sect.”

The Rising Moon Sect?

No wonder.

Seeing his expression, she let her mocking air fade. The Phoenix Clan was well aware of the long-standing feud between the Rising Moon Sect and the Howling Moon Wolves. Without protection from the Demon Emperor, various demon kings, and the barrier of the Sun-Moon Gorge, the wolf clan might well have become a thing of the past.

In truth, the wolves were weak now—this generation had not produced even a single demon king. It was nothing like the days, millennia ago, when they were the mightiest under the Demon Emperor.

But how could the Rising Moon Sect’s reach extend into Phoenix territory? The Sun-Moon Gorge, which they guard, was separated from her land by the domain of another demon king...

Though she respected his strength and cunning, she still reminded him, “Elder, what brings you to the Phoenix Clan’s domain? When did a brat from the Rising Moon Sect ever pass this way?”