Broken Temple Market.
Atop the bell tower.
This was the most mysterious place in the entire Broken Temple Market, as outsiders were strictly forbidden from entering. It was also the highest point, offering a commanding view of the entire market.
At this moment, an old man and a young woman were playing a game of Go.
If Mo Fan were here, he would surely recognise them: a silver-haired elder and a red-robed woman with her face veiled by white gauze.
Just then, the red-robed woman furrowed her brow slightly, unable to place her black piece. With a casual wave of her hand, a transmission talisman appeared in her grasp.
Seeing it, she pressed the talisman to her forehead.
Soon, her furrowed brow relaxed, but she looked at the elder opposite her, hesitating as if wanting to speak.
“How many demons did he devour this time?” the elder asked without lifting his head.
“You knew, adoptive father?”
The red-robed woman was startled, then gave a wry smile, “I forgot. With your cultivation, if you wished, nothing in this little market could be hidden from you…”
“But this time, he devoured thirty lesser demons and one demon soldier. According to Bing Qi’s observation, when he consumed the demon soldier, there was a momentary fluctuation in his aura. I believe he’s made a breakthrough.”
The red-robed woman continued, “Oh, and that snake demon—I’ve followed your guidance and had her follow him.”
“Hm, that white snake demon has a strong bloodline. She could be a great asset to him in the future, and he’s sure to help her unleash the divine might of her ancestors!
It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
The silver-haired elder nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
“But that white snake demon’s identity is no small matter. Here, those people still fear your reputation, adoptive father. But once outside, I’m afraid she’ll bring endless calamity to that toad demon,” the red-robed woman said, her brow slightly furrowed.
“Challenges breed motivation and growth.”
“What are a few calamities to someone destined to become a titan among demons?
Without the tempering of blood and fire, one can never achieve greatness!
Stop dawdling, play your move!”
“…”
The red-robed woman was speechless, still feeling her adoptive father’s considerations were somewhat flawed. The snake demon’s ties were far more than just a “few calamities.”
She seriously doubted whether that toad demon could survive this so-called trial by blood and fire…
Demon Spirit Mountain Range.
Two figures moved forward, one behind the other, their pace seemingly slow, yet each step covered several yards.
Mo Fan glanced at the bright moon in the sky, feeling rather at ease.
Compared to the scorching day, he much preferred the cool moonlight.
Perhaps because he left promptly this time, he hadn’t encountered any clichéd robbery or murder plots.
“Bai Yaoyao, what’s your connection to this market?” Mo Fan suddenly asked.
Throughout the journey, Bai Yaoyao had remained silent, so Mo Fan took the initiative to speak.
Since he’d decided to take her in, he naturally needed to understand her. He couldn’t just bring an unknown female demon back, could he?
“I thought you’d never ask, Master!”
Bai Yaoyao suddenly smiled.
“You were waiting for me to speak?” Mo Fan looked at her.
“Something like that!”
Bai Yaoyao nodded, smiling, “After all, taking on a cause as big as me requires some mental preparation. It seems you’re ready now?”
“???”
Mo Fan was confused, not quite grasping the meaning behind her words.
Had this female demon misunderstood him?
Bai Yaoyao paid no mind to his expression. As if recalling something, the smile on her face faded, replaced by a cold elegance akin to Bing Qi’s. “Actually, I wasn’t sold into that market. I entered it willingly.”
“What?!”
Mo Fan was shocked.
Willingly entering the Broken Temple Market’s Spirit Beast Court to become a demon for sale?
Bai Yaoyao’s words struck him as utterly absurd.
A demon willingly selling themselves?
“You heard right. I chose to enter the market and the Spirit Beast Court to be sold. But it was part of a deal with an elder,” Bai Yaoyao said after a moment’s thought.
“A deal?”
Mo Fan frowned, even more puzzled.
What kind of deal would make a mid-stage demon soldier willingly become an item for sale?
Her words did clear up one of his doubts, though—no wonder her price was only a thousand low-grade spirit stones.
“Yes, a deal. But I can’t tell you the specifics yet.
Though you’re my master, you haven’t earned my approval!” Bai Yaoyao said calmly.
“You’re not afraid I’ll change my mind after hearing that?” Mo Fan laughed, exasperated.
He needed this snake demon’s approval?
“Change your mind? Planning to send me back to the market?”
“If possible, I’d rather like that. Otherwise, sticking with you might get me killed faster.”
Bai Yaoyao shrugged, her expression indifferent.
“Send you back to the market?”
Mo Fan grinned, baring his sharp teeth, “Of course not. Do you know what I did in the Spirit Beast Court before buying you?”
“What do you mean?”
Now it was Bai Yaoyao’s turn to frown.
“I bought thirty lesser demons and one demon soldier like you. Guess where they are now?”
Mo Fan’s smile grew wider, his sharp teeth giving Bai Yaoyao a chill down her spine.
“You ate them all?” Bai Yaoyao frowned.
“Dealing with a smart demon is easier. No need to waste words. So, you’d better show me some respect!”
“Since you’re my maid now, act like one. Otherwise, I don’t mind refining you.”
“Flowers are beautiful, but I prefer the moment they wither—that’s when they’re truly stunning!”
Mo Fan’s words silenced Bai Yaoyao, who then gave a wry smile, “I think I understand why that elder wanted me to leave. You’re indeed different from other demons.”
“How so?”
“You’re smarter than them!”
“No, I should say you’re more human than other demons!”
Bai Yaoyao took a deep breath, looked at Mo Fan again, and said solemnly, “Since that’s the case, I’ll tell you some things to prepare you mentally and explain why I was reluctant to leave with you earlier.
If, after hearing me out, you still insist on keeping me, then I’ll truly acknowledge you as my master!”
With that, Bai Yaoyao began to slowly recount her story.
Mo Fan’s expression shifted from confusion to calm, then to surprise, and finally to shock…
In a short time, his face went through several changes, quite a spectacle.
At the same time, Bai Yaoyao’s words opened up Mo Fan’s worldview, finally making him understand what kind of world this truly was.
