Outside the government building, it was already so dark that the path was barely visible.
Edward was surprised.
The battle had only taken him half an hour, yet the sky outside had completely turned black, making it feel like time had moved unusually fast.
Following the path he remembered, he walked down the dark streets and soon arrived in front of a small courtyard.
He reached out and knocked on the door.
From inside, a cold voice responded, and with that, the gate slowly creaked open.
"You still know to come back, huh?"
Standing at the door was a beautiful woman in her thirties.
She was dressed in a pink nightgown that outlined her curvaceous figure, the neckline slightly open, revealing her ample, snow-white chest.
Her features were alluring, with delicate facial features and eyes that hinted at subtle seduction.
When she saw that it was Edward standing outside, her expression shifted slightly.
The coldness faded, replaced by an unmistakable glimmer of joy, and her long, slender eyes held a trace of emotion.
"Why are you here? Where's Russell?"
Her voice was no longer indifferent but filled with pleasant surprise.
She seemed eager to embrace Edward.
Edward cleared his throat and moved slightly to the side, revealing a pale-faced Russell behind him.
Seeing Russell, her face flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure, casting a mocking glance at Russell's disheveled appearance.
"Oh, our brave Russell, why do you look so miserable?"
Her sarcastic tone only made the atmosphere more awkward.
Even Edward found himself feeling sorry for Russell.
This man, already in his fifties, had a tough day at work, faced a demon attack, and now returned home to face his wife's ridicule.
Moreover, it was evident that this charming wife of his seemed to have her thoughts fixed on another man.
Edward sighed internally as he carried Russell into the house, laying him gently on the bed.
As soon as Russell lay down, he turned his head toward the wall, pretending to pass out—obviously trying to avoid any further awkwardness.
"I saved your life, and not even a 'thank you'?"
Edward shook his head but didn't press the issue further.
He left the room, walking into the courtyard.
Just as he departure, a warm, soft body pressed against him.
Russell's wife, Gwen, wrapped her arms around Edward's, pressing it against her chest.
"What's wrong today?" she asked with concern, her hand gently stroking his arm, her eyes filled with worry.
"I've missed you so much. You haven't been by in ages.
Come inside, and give me a check-up."
Gwen's voice was playful and seductive, and her body pressed closer, trying to draw Edward in.
For a moment, Edward's heart wavered, but he quickly steadied himself.
Glancing at the closed door, he carefully withdrew his arm from her embrace, gently pinching her cheek.
"I'm tired today. Prepare me a room—I want to rest alone."
Sifting through his memories of the former Edward, he quickly realized that Gwen and former Edward had a certain inappropriate relationship.
But today, he was too tired to care about that. He could fall asleep instantly if he had a pillow.
Seeing his exhausted face, Gwen bit her lip lightly and said nothing more.
She nodded and went to prepare a guest room.
Edward stood alone in the chilly courtyard.
He breathed in the cold night air and looked at the notifications in front of him.
[Ordinary demon, no rank, total life: 457 years, remaining: 72 years, absorption complete]
[Ordinary demon, no rank, total life: 432 years, remaining: 67 years, absorption complete]
[Ordinary demon, no rank, total life: 587 years, remaining: 99 years, absorption complete]
[Remaining demon life: 238 years]
Edward planned to channel all of this demon life into 'Boiling Blood.'
Although the Demon-Slaying Sword technique had been powerful, when combined with Boiling Blood, he noticed the drawback: the overwhelming exhaustion that followed using it.
"I wonder if 238 years is enough."
Edward's concerns weren't just about his fatigue; they were also about the demon families seeking revenge.
Though he had slain the goat demons and weasels, he couldn't shake his unease.
The weasel demons' clan didn't worry him as much, but the goat demons were a different level of threat.
Demons never needed evidence for revenge.
Even suspicion would be enough to prompt them to wipe out White Deer Town.
As he stood there with these worries, Gwen returned, having prepared the room.
She gently began to help Edward undress.
He resisted at first, feeling awkward, but soon gave in, closing his eyes.
He was far too tired to care about propriety, already slipping into a half-conscious state.
Gwen's movements were careful and gentle.
She had already laid out a nightgown, ready to dress him.
However, Edward, now shirtless, collapsed directly onto the bed.
Seeing Edward's muscular frame, Gwen couldn't help but be surprised.
Previously, Edward hadn't been so well-built—he even had a bit of a belly, and his limbs had been slim.
Now, his muscular physique was clearly defined, and Gwen found it hard to take her eyes off him.
She swallowed nervously, her face flushing red.
Suppressing her impulsive thoughts, she moved closer, trying to touch him.
Just as her hand was about to graze his chest, Edward's eyes snapped open!
In an instant, he grabbed her wrist with a surprising strength that made Gwen cry out in pain, frozen in place.
Edward glanced at her, realized it was Gwen, and released her.
His voice, tired but firm, carried a warning.
"Don't stay near me when I'm sleeping."
With that, he waved her away.
Gwen, still shocked, quickly backed away and left the room, feeling her heartbeat race.
Outside, in the hallway, Gwen leaned against the wall, trying to calm her pounding heart.
Her face still flushed, her breathing ragged.
She clenched her legs and kept rubbing them together.
She couldn't shake the image of Edward's fierce and alert gaze, which both terrified and excited her.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Russell, having heard Gwen's earlier cry, scowled, gritting his teeth.
"Filthy dogs, the both of you. Disgusting."
Russell muttered bitterly under his breath as he pressed his ear against the cold wall.
Although the house was silent, his mind was filled with images of Gwen and Edward.