Nusa is a mortal world inhabited by various humans and monsters. However, Yaomo, who resides in the Underworld, often tries to crawl upwards to spread its evil nature.
While not all Yaomo harbor ambitions of world domination, most of them focus on their malevolent essence to exert their influence, particularly over those easily manipulated creatures, such as monsters.
Apart from the Fox Demon, several other demons exhibit a more subtle approach towards humans, often choosing to lurk in the shadows while orchestrating their schemes, spreading chaos discreetly, and concealing their true intentions.
Indeed, some of these demons possess a keen intellect. Rather than delve into a confrontation, they opt for the more insidious technique of sowing discord among humans, to make them harm one another, thereby achieving their malevolent intents without exposing themselves to undue risk.
"Right," Renxian exclaimed, his attention sharpening as he strode forward, bearing a bamboo backpack filled with essential items. "Similar to the cultivation novels I've read into. I take it, above Nusa, there exists a realm akin to Heaven, is it?"
[Correct. Heaven Realm is where all celestial deities reside. The divine that oversees the realm below and the epitome of all power.]
Renxian furrowed his brow as the clamor of voices never seemed to wane around him, but he strived in his concentration. "Do you think by reaching Gate 5, I could access the realm?"
[No. It is not that straightforward. You would be on the same level with a Mystical Beast and even they would not be able to reach the Realm of Heaven at all.]
"No chance?"
[Perhaps not. The Divine Entities could bestow such a chance upon mortals through various means to those who prove themselves.]
As the voices around him crescendoed, Renxian turned his head in exasperation, perturbed by the disruptive commotion. "For the sake of Heaven, what's with the noises?"
Meanwhile, the woman with black and silver hair came to an abrupt halt, and it was evident that a heated debate was unfolding between the two. Siuxa leaned forward and examined upwards toward her, while Meagu stood with folded arms, casting her intimidate sharp fox-eyes, creating a noticeable tension in the air.
"Renxian! How could you allow her to come with us when she almost killed us?" Siuxa's exclamation was filled with irritation. "We can't trust the Fox Demon! We can't expect that she won't eat us the moment we lower our defense!"
"Enough of your nonsensical rants!" Meagu retorted, thrusting her head toward Siuxa. "Who in their right mind would want to eat you? Not even Sanxiu!"
"Huh? What nonsense you have said, old woman?" the tied black-haired woman snapped, directing a venomous glare at Meagu, her disdain evident. "You'd be better off in that village with your home!"
The two women continued their silent standoff, practically brandishing war flags with their eyes, causing Renxian to turn his attention back to the front with a chuckle. "Traveling alone doesn't seem so bad."
As Sanxiu began to distance himself from the spot, the more level-headed Meagu noticed and began to follow. "Wait, don't leave me alone with this commoner!"
Siuxa, taken aback by Meagu's sudden departure, quickly trailed after them. "What? Don't you listen to what I have said?"
The expansive forest served as the abode of numerous creatures. It was further subdivided into distinct regions, each boasting unique ecosystems, such as the fungal spectrum, for instance. Within these diverse domains, a wide collection of monsters lurked, each potentially harboring a formidable boss hidden in the shadows, awaiting the right moment to awaken.
In contrast to many Mystical Beasts that derive their strength from cultivation, some were under the influence and manipulation of the Yaomo. These creatures often displayed sadistic tendencies, causing harm without reason, due to the malevolent sway of the Yaomo. This was in stark contrast to cultivated Mystical Beasts, who retained their wisdom, even if their moral compass diverged from that of humans.
Moreover, the power wielded by the Yaomo was undeniably a force capable of leaving a serious mark on their environment as if they were meant for such an impact. What the Fox Demon had achieved, resurrecting deceased villagers to reconstruct the entire town, was nothing short of astonishing, pushing the boundaries of belief.
This was a feat that continued to haunt Renxian in his still feeble form.
As they continued along the road that served as the one route to Kiwano village, the sound of a flowing river and the cheerful chirping of birds accompanied their journey. Soon, they reached a picturesque wooden bridge, with a magnificent waterfall in the background, creating a serene environment to the scene.
"Hey, there's someone over there!" Siuxa exclaimed, her keen eyes squinting as she spotted the figure of a resting individual. "I think I know him."
Siuxa hastened her speed over to the man who turned out to be the merchant she had encountered in the village. The bald man tired, opted to lean against the bridge's fence, savoring the soothing rush of water. When he caught sight of Siuxa, his eyes widened, and his stance straightened.
"Aren't you the woman from the village?" he inquired with a hint of recognition in his voice. "I thought you were dead!"
Siuxa offered a thin, strained smile. "Close enough." At that very moment, the man's attention shifted to Renxian and Meagu, who had arrived with puzzled expressions. He couldn't shake the peculiar aura he sensed, reminiscent of what he had experienced back in the village.
"Um, did you also escape from there?" He stammered as Meagu continued to watch him. "You, weren't you the one who took down those bandits?"
Renxian nodded then responded, "You know Siuxa?"
For some reason, he was so anxious that beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "That... that's because she wanted to buy my wares. But it didn't work out." He forced a chuckle as he knew he had to get out of there quickly as he was frightened to see Meagu who appeared like a figure in the old house.
Transformed like Saomei.
"Ah, I think I've rested enough," he hurriedly lifted his merchandise on his shoulder and stepped off. "I hope you make it safely to your destination!"
"What did he say?" Renxian absentmindedly analyzed the strange sentence to which Siuxa shrugged in reaction - watching the merchant run as fast as he could.
"Ah, don't mind him," Meagu exclaimed with a moaned sound as she stretched her body, moving toward the fence. "Isn't that waterfall felt refreshing?"
The man bun-haired man then approached Meagu, at the same time as Siuxa who was struck with interest to savor the freshness offered. There were several rocks in front of them to reach the pool, making Meagu unexpectedly leap onto it with remarkable defenses.
"What are you doing, Meagu?" Renxian's surprise burst forth in an exclamation.
The silver-haired woman came to a standstill and turned around, her face lit up by a broad smile. "Let me relish something I haven't had the chance to experience in quite some time."
She stepped from one rock to another until she finally landed in the pond, creating the sound of crashing water. Emerging from the water moments later, she sent droplets in all directions, her stunning hair and drenched hanfu emphasizing her alluring, curvaceous figure.
"Fuah! This is so fresh!" Exclaimed Meagu accompanied by the sound of cheerful laughter.
Renxian, still surprised by the spectacle, shifted his look to the woman beside him. Siuxa, at a loss for words, managed to summon a faint smile. In some inexplicable way, this moment of carefree elation offered a comforting respite after the unsettling events in the village, allowing them to be swept away by the calmness of the scene.
"It seems we have to rest here for lunch," said Siuxa, her face turned red, unable to hide her desire to take a swim.
As if he knew what she meant, Renxian nodded and they started to follow Meagu but took a detour. Meanwhile, the Fox Demon seemed to be busy pampering himself by swimming back and forth, not caring about anything except relishing the time available.
"Meagu! What are you thinking about!" Siuxa appeared from behind the bushes, put down the bamboo backpack, and stopped at the edge. "Even if you're a Yaomo immune to illness, you should at least care about your clothes!"
Upon hearing that, the silver-haired woman broke into a wide smile. "Oh? Are you concerned for me, Siuxa?" She moved towards the black-haired woman, who was at the edge.
"Huh? Why would I?" Siuxa retorted, leaning forward. "I was saying you shouldn't create trouble for us considering we didn't bring much clothing!"
In response, Meagu seized Siuxa and dragged her into the water. "Well, now we're equally inconveniencing Sanxiu!"
Laughter echoed through the area, unapologetically shameless, as the women wholeheartedly reveled in the moment. Renxian, who stood by, couldn't help but emit a hearty snort, his face radiant. This sense of ease was entirely new to him, and he couldn't help but cherish the equilibrium he had found in such a short time, his chest swelling with contentment.
[Afraid to join them?]
"Pervert system."