The bustling streets teem with life.
Today marks the concert of the continent's most beloved diva, Miss Freya, drawing countless fervent fans from across the land to gather in the grand stands, their excited shouts echoing the name of their goddess.
"Freya!"
"Freya!"
The fervent cries resonate, seemingly dispelling the harshness of winter, instilling a sense of vibrant energy in the air.
Yet, in a corner unnoticed by all, a cold malevolence, more biting than the winter's fiercest blizzard, lurks.
The snow has ceased.
Today, in the city of Tianxin, the weather is the clearest it has been since the heavy snowfall began, as the sun, previously obscured by the howling winds and snow, finally casts its warm rays upon the city.
Though the sunlight may not banish the winter's chill, its bright glow brings smiles to the faces of the people.
Children joyfully chase one another through the streets, occasionally bending down to scoop up small snowballs from the corners and alleys, playfully hurling them at each other.
Their laughter lingers in the air, and when the little snowballs collide with unsuspecting passersby, they often elicit warm, indulgent smiles from the adults.
A harmonious scene unfolds.
(Ah, look, look... this human boy! These creatures truly regard you as insignificant! Just think about it—here you are, the formidable Beast Lord, passing by, and instead of trembling in fear, they revel in joy! This is utterly intolerable! It is a blatant disrespect towards you! An unabashed scorn!)
(What are you hesitating for? What are you contemplating? Rush forth and unleash carnage! Let their blood wash away the mortals' contempt for you! Make them atone for their sins with their own demise!)
Indifferently traversing the lively streets, Xiao Mu Yu's steps remain unwavering, his tattered gray cloak billowing slightly with his detached stride, his mixed gray and white hair appearing disheveled and forlorn.
Like a weary traveler returning from afar, the indifferent man disregards the demon's tiresome whispers in his mind, his icy gaze fixed ahead at the grand arena.
In the Valoran continent, where martial spirit thrives, most major cities boast combat arenas; however, for a border town like Tianxin, the arena holds more symbolic than practical significance.
Today, due to the enchanting diva Freya, this long-idle arena has been transformed into a splendid stage, drawing unprecedented crowds.
Perhaps the designer, who initially aimed to embezzle more funds from the governor's office, never anticipated that the grand arena he envisioned would one day be filled to capacity.
(Ah, are you truly considering abducting that charming little diva?)
"Why not?" Xiao Mu Yu retorts coldly, making his way indifferently towards the backstage area, circling the circular arena.
(Oh, I mean, that little diva is so beautiful, truly a sight to behold. Can you bring yourself to harm her? Just think, after you capture her and exchange her for that girl named Yaya, what fate awaits her in the hands of that count... well, you can surely imagine... heh heh...)
"And what concern is that of mine?" His indifferent tone radiates an icy chill.
(Heh heh... such a selfish and cruel response; I like it... How about this, human boy? Just think—once you capture that little diva, she will undoubtedly be ravaged by that count. Well... since the fat water doesn't flow to outsiders, why not do it this way?)
(After you capture the little diva, you can enjoy her first, and when you're tired of her, send her off to the count. What do you think? It won't affect anything, right? After all, that count hasn't decreed that you can't lay your hands on her. It's a splendid idea, isn't it? Are you tempted? Are you tempted?)
"…Boring." However, the demon's insidious suggestion elicits only a cold response from Xiao Mu Yu.
(What? Boring? Ah, you bastard, emotionless fool! Here I am, kindly offering you a good idea, and you dare say I'm boring? Go die!!! Ah!!! Wait... you can't possibly be impotent, can you? Is that why you have no interest in that charming little diva?)
(Well, I have confidence in my suggestion; I believe any normal man would be stirred with passion, wouldn't they? Yet you refuse. Heh heh... what could that imply? Let me think... haha... your decisive rejection suggests only two possibilities.)
(One, you're impotent; two, heh heh... it indicates you're gay. Hahaha... is that truly the case? It must be true! The mighty Lord of Winter's Embrace is a homosexual! Ahahaha... I'm dying of laughter!!!)
Ignoring the demon's incessant chatter, Xiao Mu Yu arrives at the entrance to the backstage, where two guards stand idly conversing, a conspicuous sign reading "Authorized Personnel Only" affixed to the door behind them.
Yet, seemingly oblivious to the sign, the indifferent man strides past the guards without a second glance.
As Xiao Mu Yu approaches, one of the guards cannot help but call out, "Hey! Sir, you can't enter here. Please..."
Before he can finish, two heads fly from their bodies, vibrant blood splattering across the cold, white snow, instantly melting patches of the icy ground and releasing wisps of steam.
(Tsk tsk!! Decisive!! Sharp!! Human boy, your method of killing is becoming increasingly adept, hahaha... excellent, I like it.)
Within the confines of his mind, the demon laughs maniacally.
(This is the resolution befitting a Beast Lord! Killing with abandon, thirsting for blood—my favorite! Hahaha... In this world, such decisiveness is essential! Treating lives as mere fodder is what you need! Well done, human boy! I have high hopes for you! Hahaha...)
As the demon's raucous laughter echoes, the cold man steps into the backstage area.
In the stands, the enthusiastic cheers of fans rise and fall like waves, yet among these fervent admirers, does anyone sense the arrival of the demon king?