"I don't like the sound of that," Mu Anxiao said.
Regardless of whether she liked it or not, Feng Qishi prioritized her safety.
"You stay here, I'm going," Feng Qishi said, taking her wrist.
Immediately, Mu Anxiao deliberately tightened her grip on Feng Qishi's sleeve and said, "Shen Fengzi, I don't know what you're thinking, but what I want to say is that Yang Tai's matter is very important to me. I'll get the demon realm's通行令牌 (pass token) and leave. Then, you can help."
"You mean, you want to go alone?"
"Yes."
Feng Qishi was astonished by Mu Anxiao's fantastical plan. He loosened his grip on her wrist and said, "Didn't you hear Hei Feng say there are many monsters there? If you go alone, you'll surely never return."
"..."
"Scared now!"
"I..." Mu Anxiao was indeed frightened, but thinking of the token's importance, she suppressed her fear and said with forced bravery, "Who said I was scared? I was just... thinking."
"What could you possibly be thinking?"
"I was thinking of finding a demon lord to guide me along the way."
In the past, the mere thought of demon lords in the demon realm terrified Mu Anxiao. However, after her experience with the rabbit spirit, she realized that perhaps those demon lords weren't as fearsome as she imagined.
She thought that once she reached her destination, a few flattering words might make things twice as effective.
Feng Qishi: "...."
Mu Anxiao frowned. "What, is my idea not good?"
Feng Qishi let out a low hum. "You think very highly of yourself."
"How am I thinking too highly of myself? I think my idea... is quite ordinary."
"Mu Shazi, don't you know that the demon realm is also divided into territories?"
"What do you mean?"
Mu Anxiao had never bothered to learn about the demon realm. She believed it was just one realm, populated by the same old demon lords from years ago.
Hearing Feng Qishi speak like this, she was truly bewildered.
Feng Qishi said, "The mortal realm here is divided into towns, villages, and the sole imperial palace. The Human Realm is also divided into many parts, and so is the Celestial Realm. Do you think the Demon Realm wouldn't be?"
This was something she had genuinely never considered.
So, borrowing Feng Qishi's words, she pondered and said, "No, it's not divided. Besides, this place is simpler, unlike your realm."
At that time, when Mu Anxiao went to the Human Realm, her sole intention was to capture the wolf demon. She never expected so many things to happen there, ultimately bringing back Feng Qishi, who was disliked due to his weak family status in the Human Realm.
Originally, she thought Feng Qishi would be an inexperienced, foolish boy. She never imagined that in just ten years, Feng Qishi would surpass her in everything, especially with his memories from his past life.
Especially after he said this, she truly felt... weak.
However, even so, she refused to admit it.
Feng Qishi paused and said, "If you ask me, it's your thinking that's too simple."
"I've been here for decades, how long have you been here?" she countered.
"I admit I haven't been here long, but I understand this place better than you. For example, the territory where Piao resides is near the rabbit spirit's area, and the ruler here is..." Feng Qishi deliberately created suspense. "Do you know who it is?"
"It's still Piao."
"No."
All along, Mu Anxiao had believed Piao to be the most powerful demon lord in the entire demon realm, that all demon lords obeyed him.
Who knew the outcome would be different from what she thought?
"How is that possible? Isn't Piao the boss of all demon lords in the demon realm?" she asked incredulously.
"I just found out myself."
"What?"
"That blue-clothed man just now was the demon king of this territory. Piao is merely borrowing his land to do business. Otherwise, do you think Piao could act so high and mighty here?"
"You mean, Piao's status might not be as high as that mysterious demon lord?"
"Not necessarily. If that demon lord went to Piao's territory, he wouldn't be as high as Piao. But here," Feng Qishi said, "that demon lord is still superior."
"....." Mu Anxiao's entire understanding of the world was shattered by Feng Qishi. Her mind was now a complete mess.
"So, nothing is as simple as you think. Now, only..."
"Wait, I'll go."
"You going would only be a burden."
"Tch, no, I need to understand things myself. Hearing you say all this has confused me."
Feng Qishi thought he had explained it clearly enough, but he was surprised by Mu Anxiao's response.
Yes, he felt disheartened.
"Mu Shazi, didn't you understand?" he asked, his face filled with disappointment.
"Half-understand."
"I'm explaining to you..."
Before he could finish, Mu Anxiao tugged hard on his sleeve and urged, "Stop talking, let's go!"
"It's very dangerous."
"I'm not afraid."
"You'll die."
Upon hearing this, Mu Anxiao's eyes flickered. "Although I'm afraid of death, I trust you," she forced a smile. "You'll protect me."
"No time."
The second Feng Qishi uttered these words, Mu Anxiao stopped bothering to plead with him.
"Fine, don't take me then," Mu Anxiao said, glancing at Gu Xiao, who was standing not far away.
When Gu Xiao saw Mu Anxiao looking at him, he quickly averted his gaze.
Mu Anxiao said, "Gu Xiao, is there a way?"
Gu Xiao blinked his eyes and grumbled, "No."
"You're a demon soul, you have demon energy too. Take me..."
Hearing this, Gu Xiao interrupted, "I'll stay here to protect him." He turned to look at Mu Anxiao.
Mu Anxiao said, "You're dreaming."
"You're dreaming," Feng Qishi retorted, glancing at Mu Anxiao.
Mu Anxiao snorted coldly and turned away. "Fine, you go. If you go, Chen will definitely think you're a hero saving the damsel. Then," she chuckled, "by the time you two return, my mission will be considered complete."
Feng Qishi was confused. "What does that have to do with your mission?"
Mu Anxiao took a deep breath. "My little mission is to help you find a destined woman. Your master also said a demon would do. And Chen happens to be a little female demon who has never made any mistakes. She," she shook her head slightly, "is truly a good match for you!"
Seeing this, Feng Qishi directly reached out and pressed on Mu Anxiao's head, deliberately steadying her bobbing head. "Mu Shazi, are you crazy?"
"Shen Fengzi," Mu Anxiao raised her hand and patted the hand Feng Qishi had placed on her head. "If you don't want to hear me talk nonsense, then take me."
"You..."
"Just agree quickly."
"I agree, alright!" Feng Qishi gritted his teeth and removed his hand.
Mu Anxiao smiled, turned around, and looked up at Feng Qishi. "Turn around."
"What are you going to do?"
"You turn."
Feng Qishi couldn't figure out what Mu Anxiao intended, but seeing her serious expression, he didn't say anything and turned his back.