The words of the black-robed demon stunned Mo Fan, leaving all the demons in the cave equally shocked.
Anyone could see that this toad demon, neither favored by the Demon King nor liked by General Venomfang, was destined for a grim fate.
Though the Demon King was in a good mood and willing to spare the toad’s life, no demon dared speak up for it, fearing they’d offend General Venomfang.
Thus, the black-robed demon’s words drew particular attention.
Mo Fan hadn’t expected this black-robed demon to take him in at such a moment, an act of immense kindness that left his emotions tangled.
Black Wind Mountain had left a terrible impression on him—dragged up the mountain by Qingmian and other minor demons, nearly served up as a feast.
Yet now, the black-robed demon gave Mo Fan a glimpse of light in the darkness of Black Wind Mountain.
“Oh, whose general do you serve under?”
The Demon King looked at the black-robed demon, asking with interest.
“Reporting to Great King Grandpa, I’m a demon under the Third General,” the black-robed demon replied respectfully.
“So, you’re under Shanfeng’s command.”
The Demon King nodded, then continued, “Shanfeng’s rarely at Black Wind Mountain, I nearly forgot about him. Since you’re his demon and have boldly requested this of me, I’ll grant it. This toad demon is now under your account!”
“Thank you, Great King Grandpa, for granting my request!”
The black-robed demon beamed, then barked at the still-dazed Mo Fan, “You ugly thing, hurry up and thank Great King Grandpa!”
Snapping out of it, Mo Fan, though wishing he could devour every demon in the cave, forced a smile and bowed to the Demon King above. “This little demon thanks Great King Grandpa for his great kindness in taking me in!”
“Mhm,” the Demon King nodded, then looked back at the black-robed demon, instructing, “Though this toad is under your account, he’s truly an ugly one. Keep him away from my Black Wind Cave in the future. If he scares my beautiful consorts, I’ll turn you both into a feast to go with my wine!”
Mo Fan’s face stiffened.
“This little demon understands, that won’t happen, please rest assured, Great King Grandpa!” the black-robed demon said respectfully.
“Mhm, off with you all. I’m in a good mood today, time to enjoy myself with my two beauties!”
The Demon King grinned, grabbing a woman by the waist with each hand, heading deeper into the cave amid their cries.
Hearing their heart-wrenching screams, Mo Fan’s scalp tingled, knowing the Demon King was about to force himself on them, pitying the rabbit demon and the beautiful human woman.
Sure enough, before the demons could leave Black Wind Cave, pained cries and low moans echoed from within…
“That tiger demon, come with me. You’ll be my mount from now on!”
General Venomfang suddenly spoke, stopping Erha, who was intently eavesdropping.
“General!”
Erha trotted over eagerly.
“Brothers, you won’t fight me for this tiger demon, will you?” Venomfang ignored Erha, turning to the other two demon generals.
“Tiger demons are rare in the Demon Spirit Mountains, but most get summoned to the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Though rare, this one’s just a newly transformed demon. If you like it, take it under your wing!”
“Exactly, compared to this flashy but useless tiger demon, I prefer flying demons, or better yet, female demons—much more fun to ride, haha!”
The other two generals shook their heads.
“Thanks, brothers, for not competing with me.”
Venomfang clasped his fists to the two generals, then glanced coldly at the toad demon and the black-robed demon, sneering before saying to Erha, “Let’s go!”
Erha hurriedly followed, not sparing Mo Fan another glance, which filled Mo Fan with resentment.
After the three generals left, the black-robed demon sighed in relief, waving a hand at Mo Fan. A flash of dark light cut through the ropes binding him, which fell to the ground in pieces.
“Thank you, Lord Demon, for saving me!”
Regaining his freedom, Mo Fan earnestly clasped his hands toward the black-robed demon.
“I don’t get along with General Venomfang, so saving you was just to spite him.”
The black-robed demon spoke coolly, then glanced at Mo Fan. “Of course, you’re of some use to me. From today, you follow me!”
“Yes, sir!”
Mo Fan nodded quickly, not daring to slack.
Seeing this, the black-robed demon said no more and strode out of the cave.
Mo Fan followed, keeping silent.
The black-robed demon’s steps were small but swift, forcing Mo Fan to run on his two legs to barely keep up.
As they descended the misty area, the black-robed demon slowed slightly and said, “My name is Heizi, a demon under Third General Shanfeng of Black Wind Mountain. Since you’re under my account, you may call me Lord from now on.”
“Yes, Lord!” Mo Fan replied respectfully.
“You’re a newly transformed toad, but you’re sharp, catching my hints. Otherwise, you’d be dead in Black Wind Cave by now.”
Pleased with Mo Fan’s quick wit, Heizi nodded, then asked, “Do you have a name?”
“Replying to Lord, I do. It’s Mo Fan!” Mo Fan answered honestly.
“Mo Fan?”
“That sounds like a human name, too ugly!”
Heizi frowned, saying gravely, “How can we demons be like vulgar humans with such awful names? Black Wind Mountain has a tradition: new demons under each account are named by their demon lord. So, I’ll give you a better name!”
Mo Fan’s face twitched, but he feigned delight. “Please, Lord, grant me a name!”
“See, I said you’re sharp!” Heizi smiled, pleased, and after a moment’s thought, said, “Since you’re a toad and Great King Grandpa called you a lucky demon, how about Lai Fu?”
“…”
Mo Fan’s face froze, his mind racing with a stampede of ten thousand mud horses.
“No, no, Fu is already taken. Let me think… Hmm, Bao’s nice. Lai Bao, Lai Bao… Got it! From now on, you’re Lai Bao!” Heizi said earnestly.
“Ah… this…”
Mo Fan was utterly speechless. What kind of rubbish name was that!
But seeing Heizi’s satisfied expression, Mo Fan didn’t dare refuse, nodding, “Lai Bao thanks Lord for the name!”
“Hahaha… Glad you like it. I’m truly a naming genius!”
Heizi laughed, continuing down the mountain path.
Mo Fan followed Heizi for about half a day, arriving at a cave dwelling.
The cave was carved into a rock, without any plaque or name, pitch-black inside, its depth unknown.
“This is my cave. Come here if you have business, but don’t bother me otherwise, or I won’t mind making you suffer!”
Heizi warned, then suddenly asked, “By the way, do you have the goods?”
“Huh?”
Mo Fan was confused, not understanding.
“Hee hee, Lord’s asking if you, dumb toad, have anything down there!” a voice giggled from above.
Looking up, Mo Fan saw a sparrow the size of a human head circling overhead.
He didn’t need to ask to know this was another demon, though its response puzzled him.
“What’re you staring at, idiot? Lord’s asking you a question!” the sparrow demon spoke, mocking him.
Mo Fan frowned but didn’t argue, turning to Heizi awkwardly. “Replying to Lord, I’m ashamed to say, I don’t have… that thing down there…”
“Lord, looks like this dumb toad’s a useless coward!” the sparrow demon cackled from above.
Heizi frowned, then ordered the sparrow, “Zha Zha, this ugly thing is Lai Bao. From today, he’s patrolling the mountain with you. Teach him the mountain’s rules.”
“I’m tired and need a nap. Off with you both!”
Yawning, Heizi waved them off, ignoring Mo Fan and the sparrow demon, and walked into the dark cave.
“Lai Bao, nice name, but you’re a bit ugly!”
The sparrow landed on Mo Fan’s shoulder, saying, “Lord said you’re part of our patrol team now.”
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to the other three idiots!”
