Chapter 66: The Land of Half-Demons

So this is the path from Mirror City to the Half-Demon Kingdom…

Red Cloud gazed at the mirror before him, a sense of wonder rising in his heart. From the very beginning, he had assumed the route from Mirror City to the Half-Demon Kingdom would be a conspicuous formation. Yet, unexpectedly, it turned out to be the upright mirror at the very heart of Mirror City.

In front of him, Mirror Seven regarded the mirror with a solemn expression on his pale face. “Brother Yun, remember this: upon entering the Half-Demon Kingdom, you’ll find little scrutiny or obstruction. But I must warn you—not to provoke the Snow Demon clan. Not only is there an obvious Demon King among them, but they are fiercely protective of their own. If you become their enemy, unless you can withstand a blow from the Demon King, do not make yourself conspicuous.”

Red Cloud nodded slightly, understanding Mirror Seven’s meaning, as the latter fell silent. “Rest assured, Brother Mirror Seven, I am mindful of it.”

“That’s good. I say this for Little Moon’s sake. If you cannot protect her, send her back.”

Such a stubborn old man…

Red Cloud felt a flicker of annoyance at his words, unwilling to say more. He took Chai Xiaoyue by the hand and led her toward the mirror.

Obediently, Chai Xiaoyue let Red Cloud guide her, tilting her head to examine the mirror. On her shoulders, two small ravens perched quietly.

Just as they were about to touch the mirror, she seemed to remember something, paused, and turned to where Mirror Seven stood, waving gently. “Goodbye, Uncle Mirror Seven.”

As her words fell, their figures vanished from Mirror City.

Mirror Seven stood frozen in place for a moment, only regaining his composure after a while. From his formerly expressionless face, a faint smile emerged. “Goodbye…”

…

After a short while, the world before Red Cloud brightened. When he landed once more, he found himself in a small inn.

From the counter before him, he heard the sound of water bubbling. Looking up, he saw a half-demon elder reclining there, sipping tea. The greatest difference between him and humans was the pair of dog ears atop his head.

He tapped lightly on the counter, and a square, stone tablet appeared. He pointed at it. “Those above the Treasure Body realm, come and record all your information on this Residue Tablet, and then you may leave the inn. Cross the stone bridge outside, and you’ll reach the true Half-Demon Kingdom.”

Having finished speaking, he ignored Red Cloud and turned over lazily. “This place isn’t as carefree as the outside world; it resembles a human dynasty. Once outside, you won’t have the freedom found in demon cities—be prudent and restrain your murderous impulses.”

Red Cloud, surprised by the elder’s cultivation, offered no reply. He took Chai Xiaoyue’s hand and moved forward.

As Red Cloud reached the counter, before he could act, the elder sat up abruptly, his gaze full of astonishment. “A human cultivator, coming from Mirror City—quite rare indeed.”

“I have my own means. You would do well to curb your curiosity,” Red Cloud replied lightly, paying no heed to the elder’s expression or his inquisitiveness. Though the elder was a mid-Nirvana stage great demon, such demon cultivators held little appeal for Red Cloud. Especially the greedy look he cast at Chai Xiaoyue made Red Cloud feel the urge to strike him down.

Were it not that killing here would leave traces, he would have acted already.

“Ah well, it seems you have no interest in befriending the Xuerong Hound clan,” the elder said, reading Red Cloud’s demeanor. “It’s our own fault—we became the human race’s watchdogs, yet still longed for freedom, ending up shunned by both humans and demons.”

Xuerong Hound clan?

Red Cloud recalled that Zhao Mieyou had once told him he belonged to this clan. But that was hardly reason enough to befriend this demon, especially since Zhao was merely a pawn.

With a cold response, Red Cloud pressed his palm to the tablet. As its surface flashed with light, his information was recorded.

Under the amazed gaze of the innkeeper, the two ravens on Chai Xiaoyue’s shoulders released their own demonic aura, leaving traces of their presence.

Red Cloud offered only a slight bow, then withdrew from the inn, leaving the elder bewildered.

Has Nirvana become so commonplace outside the Half-Demon Kingdom nowadays?

…

So this is the Half-Demon Kingdom?

He looked ahead, marveling at the massive, transparent barrier beyond the iron-chain bridge. To maintain such a construct day and night must not be easy, he mused.

He walked onto the bridge, sensing something unusual. He stepped back, tested it again, and was surprised to discover that flight was forbidden for Nirvana-level demon cultivators on the iron chains—a measure to reinforce the kingdom, serving as a unique natural defense. He had no intention of violating it and proceeded without concern.

Upon the bridge, gusts of fierce wind whipped by. Red Cloud calmly shielded himself and Chai Xiaoyue with a protective aura. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they reached the barrier.

As he approached, a sudden beam of mirror-light enveloped him. When it faded, the world had transformed—a vast realm of silver and snow.

Before him rose a range of towering, unbroken snowy mountains, atop which a royal court glittered brilliantly.

Then, the snow on the ground began to gather, forming into a snowman. As the snow melted away, a snow ape emerged, dressed in official robes, regarding Red Cloud with curiosity.

The snow ape’s eyes flickered—unable to fathom Red Cloud’s aura, he felt a twinge of apprehension but masked it with a smile. “You must be the guest from Mirror City. Today, our Vice Commander is hosting a banquet for honored guests. Please, follow me.”

Red Cloud’s eyes narrowed, but seeing no deceit in the snow ape’s demeanor, he nodded. “Of course. Lead the way.”