Chapter 61: Sending Word of Safety

Judging by his cultivation level alone, this person's realm is much higher than my own at present; I cannot truly probe it, so perhaps he carries some powerful treasure.

Hongyun felt the corpse of the Howling Moon Wolf being dragged away, and then all was silent. He could not help but think this to himself.

However, regardless of how high the other’s realm might be, it could not have reached the Transformation stage; otherwise, he would not have treated me with such courtesy.

With this thought, his heart eased, and even his mindset shifted considerably.

So, in other words... the other party’s realm might be mysterious, but in battle, he still cannot defeat me?

He stroked his chin, pondering quietly.

Let it be. The wolf demon's corpse has been taken, but I already possess its most precious Demonic Core and fangs; in truth, I have lost little.

Whenever he thought of that Demonic Core, excitement surged within him; feeling that nearly half his demonic energy remained, he wasted no time and vanished into the distant mountains beyond Mirror City.

...

This place, I observe, is blessed with good fortune; it ought to serve well as a site for my breakthrough.

Hongyun had traveled nearly one hundred and twenty miles, entering deep into the mountain range.

After sensing that no beasts in the vicinity posed a threat, he pointed downward, carving out a cave dwelling and lowering himself into it.

With a wave of his sleeve, dozens of Moonlight Stones scattered across the floor, illuminating the cave brightly.

Not bad at all.

Hongyun was quite pleased, surveying his new abode. At the cave entrance, he set up several defensive and concealing arrays, then leisurely returned to the heart of his new sanctuary and sat cross-legged.

He raised his hand, retrieving the Demonic Core from the Howling Moon Wolf Clan's Phantom, setting it before him atop a stone pillar, and entered meditation to restore his demonic energy.

Having just fought a battle, he had tried his utmost to recover his energy after Mirror Seven arrived, but now only about half remained. To break through, he first had to restore himself to peak condition.

This breakthrough would take at least three days, at most seven; he wondered whether young Xiaoyue would manage to cultivate on time.

Once he cast aside the last stray thought, Hongyun settled into meditation, beginning to restore his demonic energy.

...

Mirror City, inn.

Chai Xiaoyue sat by the window, resting her chin in her hand, feeling the wind against her cheek, idly fiddling with a feather—clearly uncertain which of the two crow demons it belonged to.

"Today is the third day already. Why hasn’t Uncle Yun returned..."

The crow demon had been guarding Chai Xiaoyue not far off. Hearing her words, he hesitated briefly before stepping forward to reassure her:

"Miss, Master did not leave any instructions before departing; I imagine he left in haste for something urgent."

After speaking, he saw her small ears twitching and instinctively wanted to comfort her, but recalling how Hongyun had subdued the two of them with a mere gesture, his heart trembled.

The commotion three days ago had been clear to him and his brother.

The incident had occurred not far from here; even ordinary postnatal and prenatal little demons in the city could hear it, so how could they, as keen-sensed great demons, fail to notice?

Judging by the fluctuations and the anomalies that night, they both knew their master had acted.

Yet their master did not summon them; though they too were at the Nirvana stage, had they gone, they would have done little more than serve dishes, so they settled their minds.

When their master did not return that night, the two demons discussed matters the next day; he stayed to watch over the young lady, while his younger brother went out to gather information.

There was no other reason: his cultivation and status were higher than his brother’s, so it was only right he guarded the young mistress.

But two days had passed, and neither Master nor his brother had returned, leaving him somewhat anxious.

Flap-flap—

As he pondered his master’s whereabouts, a flutter of wings sounded from outside the window, and a small crow flew in.

Upon landing, it transformed into its humanoid demon form. Seeing his elder brother look over, he shook his head:

"Judging by the methods, it was likely Master’s doing, but the battlefield has long since been cleared. I searched extensively but only learned that Master fought a Howling Moon Wolf at the Nirvana stage—one whose cultivation was not low."

"So you’ve returned, Crow Two."

Chai Xiaoyue overheard their whispered conversation and, having heard the commotion herself, quickly asked:

"Miss, it is indeed me," the crow demon replied, hastening to report all he had learned without waiting for her to inquire:

"I have investigated—Master apparently fought a high-level member of the Howling Moon Wolf clan. The outcome is unknown, and Master’s whereabouts are unclear."

He finished his report, and seeing the disappointed furrow of Chai Xiaoyue’s brow, his heart ached: he and his brother had long noticed this child could stir their spirits and calm their minds.

But before the brothers could offer comfort, a faint voice echoed from above:

"Brother Yun is unharmed, having slain a formidable foe; though he has suffered some wounds, he has gone to recover."

"Who!"

Both crow demons growled in unison, their demonic energy surging. One spread its wings to shield Chai Xiaoyue, while the other’s feathers bristled like swords, pointing toward the source of the voice.

"So you are the demon servants subdued by Brother Yun. Such protectiveness is commendable."

As these words were spoken, the space before them shimmered, coalescing into a mirror, from which Mirror Seven emerged, his face pale.

Upon his arrival, the two demons’ energy stalled, a sense of impending doom arising—this was a technique of the Mirror Clan!

He surveyed the scene below, clearly pleased with the two demons' vigilance:

"No need to be anxious; I am here only to deliver news of Brother Yun's safety."

Even after his assurance, the two demons remained wary, which made him nod inwardly. With a gesture, he summoned a mirror.

Within, it displayed the battle between Hongyun and the Howling Moon Wolf Clan's Phantom.

Though silent, the devastation was apparent, and the two demons watched with hearts pounding.

"Your master slew one of the five elders of the Howling Moon Wolf Clan. He has taken the Demonic Core and gone off to recover; where, I do not know."

With these words, he reached out, forcibly parting the two demons' protective stance, revealing Chai Xiaoyue.

Looking at the young girl, the sternness on his face softened, and he could not help but smile. Removing a token from his waist, he hung it at Chai Xiaoyue’s side; then he placed a snow-white robe on the table:

"Remain here, carry my token, and you need not worry about anything in the city.

This Snow Demon Robe is crafted from the softest fur of that wolf demon. If you enter the Half-Demon Kingdom and are questioned, simply say Mirror Seven gave it; wear it without hesitation."