Jian Lin thus confirmed one thing: the courtesan's demeanor was entirely dictated by the boss's preferences.
Saint Fox Granny claimed to be old, but judging by her appearance, she was a seductive older sister. Her hair was styled high, adorned with eighteen golden hairpins, each inlaid with five-colored gems.
Her entire being shimmered with pearls, jade, and gold, but none of it could overshadow her eyes. Her eyes were upturned at the corners, and a sharp glint flashed within them. A three-thousand-year-old fox; anyone who met her gaze felt considerable pressure.
Facing the scrutiny, the Demon Lord remained as still as a mountain and directly stated his purpose for the transaction. "Saint Fox Granny, I am here to inquire about the whereabouts of Zhan San Dao."
Saint Fox Granny was still observing Jian Lin. Upon hearing this, she playfully placed her index finger to her lips. "Esteemed guest, do not be in a hurry. In recent years, fewer and fewer people are able to conduct transactions with me, Saint Fox Granny. Since you two have finally come, let us have a good chat. Someone, bring tea. Please, be seated."
The Demon Lord was indifferent and followed Saint Fox Granny forward. Jian Lin lagged a step behind, shaking off goosebumps. The old fox's gaze was rather unsettling.
The three walked to a private room at the back and sat by a low table. Old Turtle slowly brought three cups of Red Jade tea. Jian Lin curiously opened hers, revealing the same shimmering gold inside.
Could drinking this truly not cause heavy metal poisoning?
Jian Lin closed the lid, not daring to drink.
Over at the table, Saint Fox Granny said to the Demon Lord, "Esteemed guest, you look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"
"Never," the Demon Lord replied. "I rarely set foot in the demon realm. This is my first time."
Saint Fox Granny's eyes flickered. "Why? With your abilities, you should be able to roam the Three Realms freely. To confine yourself to one corner is truly a waste of talent."
"Then why haven't you, Saint Fox Granny, ascended to godhood? Operating a business in the demon realm is truly a waste of your talent."
Saint Fox Granny covered her mouth and giggled, her tongue lightly flicking. "Because I... cannot let go of men, especially powerful men like you, Demon Lord."
Jian Lin subtly raised an eyebrow. It was not surprising that Saint Fox Granny had guessed the Demon Lord's true identity, given their exchange.
"You already knew I was coming. The second trial was you deliberately testing me?" the Demon Lord's tone grew colder.
"Yes, it was a whim. I wanted them to test you," Saint Fox Granny said flirtatiously, her words light. "After testing you, I was even more satisfied. I like men like you, the difficult ones."
Jian Lin secretly observed the Demon Lord's expression and noticed a twitch at the corner of his mouth. She instinctively knew this was a sign of his sharp wit.
She could already imagine what the Demon Lord would say. He was malicious and picky. He disliked the spider demoness on the second floor, and now he likely disliked Saint Fox Granny for being indecent despite her age.
Although it was true, she couldn't say it out loud! Would they still be able to do business? Had their efforts to pass the trials been in vain? Had they wasted 100,000 spirit stones?
Under the low table, Jian Lin reached out and grasped the Demon Lord's wrist, signaling him to calm down.
The Demon Lord glanced down, took a deep breath, and changed the subject. "Saint Fox Granny, actually, the one who wishes to conduct a transaction with you today is the person beside me. Let's not chat excessively."
Jian Lin chimed in at the opportune moment, offering Saint Fox Granny a standard fake smile. "Hello, it's me. Do you see anything precious I possess? Take it."
Saint Fox Granny's gaze shifted, fixing tightly on Jian Lin. Suddenly, her pupils dilated, and a red light flashed. Jian Lin felt as if she were being sucked in.
The Demon Lord clasped Jian Lin's wrist in return, channeling his demonic energy to her. The familiar stinging pain appeared, and Jian Lin suddenly regained consciousness. She couldn't control the expression on her face, revealing a look of agony.
What in the world was this! She had become a conduit for the clash between two powerful figures. Who could be more unlucky than her?
Jian Lin felt two forces battling within her. She couldn't bear it and raised her hand, slamming it onto the low table. The teacups clinked, driving both forces out.
"Listen to me, both of you," Jian Lin said earnestly. "When discussing transactions, harmony is most important. Harmony brings wealth, don't you understand?"
Saint Fox Granny covered her mouth and giggled. "You speak the truth. However, this little fox demon, your life is empty. There is nothing worthy of my transaction."
To be honest, Jian Lin was not surprised by this outcome. She smirked provocatorially and retorted, "May I ask, Saint Fox Granny, is this the first time you've seen someone like me?"
"Indeed. From the moment you stepped into my Golden Hall, I sensed it. You are rootless, not of this world."
Jian Lin lifted her chin, speaking with feigned arrogance. "That is my ability. I give it, but Saint Fox Granny cannot take it. This is not my fault. Saint Fox Granny must still tell us the whereabouts of Zhan San Dao."
If nothing else, Jian Lin had plenty of experience in negotiations and business. She knew that a three-thousand-year-old fox demon, being arrogant and proud, would surely not tolerate her provocation and would likely let her off the hook.
Saint Fox Granny threw her head back and laughed heartily, causing the Golden Hall to tremble. Then, her expression suddenly became serious. "Indeed, there are people whom I, Saint Fox Granny, cannot fathom. They are undoubtedly not simple. The rules were set by me. If I cannot obtain it, I admit defeat."
"Then, Saint Fox Granny, please tell us, where is Zhan San Dao?" Jian Lin pressed her advantage, immediately inquiring.
"Zhan San Dao is now a name that cannot be mentioned in the demon realm," Saint Fox Granny said mysteriously. "He is currently working for the Demon Emperor, investigating a half-demon containing a dragon pill. Instead of chasing him, you should go find that half-demon and wait for him there."
Jian Lin looked at the Demon Lord, seeking confirmation of Saint Fox Granny's words in his eyes.
The Demon Lord gently squeezed her wrist and spoke, "This is not a proper answer. At least point us in a direction."
Saint Fox Granny's slender jade finger pointed upwards. "Of course, there's no problem with that. You should head towards the center of the demon realm, the Demon City."
Jian Lin didn't understand these matters and left the decision to the Demon Lord.
The Demon Lord nodded, pulled Jian Lin up, and said, "Thank you. We shall take our leave."
"Wait!" Saint Fox Granny was still unwilling. Her eyes fixed on the Demon Lord, her desire uncontrollable. "Demon Lord, if you give me a kiss, I can answer one more question!"
The Demon Lord turned around. "No need. I already know enough."
Jian Lin, however, felt it was a pity. What a great opportunity, why not ask one more question!
What a man who so carefully guarded his chastity!
The two walked out of the Ten Thousand Demons Tower. The east was already turning white, and sunrise was imminent. They had unknowingly spent the entire night in the tower.
The bustling demon town had become much quieter. Small stall vendors hurried away with their bundles, and shops were busy boarding up their doors.
The demons rested during the day and went out at night, their schedule the opposite of the human world.
The Demon Lord pulled Jian Lin and they hurried, slipping into an inn just before it closed.
If they did not rest in the demon realm, they would be expelled by the dark market. Upon arriving in a new land, one had to abide by its rules. Here, the Demon Lord also had to follow the demon realm's schedule.
Jian Lin was overjoyed upon learning this. Having time to sleep was wonderful. She had truly feared the Demon Lord would push them to rest day and night, draining her life force.
The owl-like innkeeper's eyes widened like copper bells. "Esteemed guests, how many rooms do you require?"
"One superior room," the Demon Lord replied.
Jian Lin was stunned. Hey, what did that mean? Wasn't that inappropriate?
The Demon Lord paid no mind to her thoughts and followed the garrulous myna bird waiter to the third floor, entering a private room.
As the door closed, Jian Lin glanced sideways and whispered, "Young Master, men and women should maintain a distance. Isn't this inappropriate?"
The Demon Lord sat leisurely on the small couch, cross-legged in meditation, and said as a matter of course, "There's nothing inappropriate. If we are in the same room, and any issues arise, we can respond more flexibly."
Jian Lin was persuaded. Seeing the Demon Lord meditating and practicing there, with him keeping watch, she could also sleep more soundly.
With this thought, she rolled over and lay on the bed, whispering, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Young Master."
Jian Lin, exhausted from the night, was about to fall asleep when she suddenly felt someone staring at her.
She opened her eyes and saw the Demon Lord standing by the head of the bed, startling her into a scream. She said with great distress, "Young Master, I beg you, can you please stop the habit of standing by the bed and staring at people?"
The Demon Lord ignored her, focusing on his own concerns, and said incredulously, "You actually want to sleep? How lazy. No wonder your cultivation hasn't improved."
Jian Lin gritted her teeth, telling herself not to get angry. "Young Master, it's because my cultivation is low that I need to sleep."
"If you are undisciplined, your cultivation will always be low," the Demon Lord said sternly. "Sleeping for two hours is enough. Did you not gain any insights from fighting those rats in the first trial? Now is a good time to cultivate."
Jian Lin choked, not wanting to argue with the Demon Lord about the chicken-and-egg problem.
As for insights, she only had one: she had overexerted herself. She was tired and wanted to rest first.
Just as she was about to retort, the system popped up with a reminder: "Host, you only have 2 points left. Cultivating first is indeed recommended. With points in hand, one feels at ease."
Ah! This is all so annoying!
Jian Lin's forehead veins twitched. She sat cross-legged, smiled, and said, "Alright, I will cultivate."
The Demon Lord still didn't leave, staring at her without speaking.
Jian Lin felt like a proctor watching her exam paper during a test. She couldn't cultivate. "Young Master, do you have to stare at me while I cultivate..."
The Demon Lord stood with his hands behind his back, saying somewhat awkwardly, "Thank you tonight. Confronting Saint Fox Granny and obtaining the information we wanted."
His words made Jian Lin's heart bloom with joy. Her efforts were not in vain; the Demon Lord had thanked her!
Although the two zeros above her head remained.
"Young Master, you're welcome. It's all my duty," Jian Lin said humbly.
The Demon Lord grunted softly, then suddenly leaned in, reaching out to put an arm around her shoulder. "To show my gratitude, I've decided to help you."
What? Jian Lin's eyes widened in disbelief. Why would he hug and hold her to show gratitude?
The Demon Lord knelt on one knee on the bed, holding Jian Lin fixedly in his embrace with one arm, while the other held her wrist. Fierce demonic energy surged into her body.
Jian Lin wanted to scream, but the Demon Lord pressed her face into his chest, stifling all her screams.
Assaulted by the intense demonic energy, Jian Lin struggled desperately. The Demon Lord remained motionless, cold and unfeeling.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Demon Lord stood up and released Jian Lin. Jian Lin slumped onto the bed, her gaze vacant, covered in a cold sweat, like a young girl who had suffered abuse.
The Demon Lord turned around, disdainfully pinching his fingers to clean the water stains on his chest. He said faintly, "It's better now. The demonic energy in your body is no longer floating and rootless. I personally planted it for you. Your cultivation will naturally be smoother from now on. As long as you're not lazy, you'll quickly reach a higher level."
Jian Lin's pupils shifted. She knew he meant well, but who could endure such forceful methods? It truly hurt!