Ruan Muhuan smelled the fragrance of the wine and picked up the delicate cup.
Taking a sip, the cool and refreshing taste slowly moisturized her throat, leaving a faint sweetness of fruit, reminiscent of autumn peaches.
"Peach wine?" Ruan Muhuan asked.
"On the journey, I encountered some Monkey Demons. After dealing with them all in one go, I acquired this peach wine. How’s the flavor?" Wu Hen said.
Is it sweet?
Is it as sweet as a first love?
"Average," Ruan Muhuan commented indifferently. "You have a deep understanding of the Demon Clan?"
"Having spent three years matching wits and courage with them, and having discussed philosophy with some Demon Saints and Demon Kings, they certainly do not take human form because they believe it to be more noble, nor would they risk thousands of years of cultivation for a grand love affair with the Human Clan. The only reason they transform into humans is to move among us and take pleasure in, as well as advance their cultivation by, eating humans," Wu Hen explained.
Ruan Muhuan nodded, as she agreed with this statement.
One cannot judge Demon Spirits by good or evil, but the kind-hearted ones would not venture into Human Clan territory.
"So where do you think these members of the Demon Clan are hiding?" Ruan Muhuan asked in earnest.
"Let us analyze it this way. If you and I were of the Demon Clan and wished to steal our ancestor’s bones, what would be the first thing we’d do?" Wu Hen began to outline the Demon Clan’s line of thought for Ruan Muhuan.
Discover stories at freewebnovel
"Obviously, infiltrate Wudou first," Ruan Muhuan said.
"But they reside deep in the mountains, and the entire True Martial Continent harbors intense hatred for those possessed by evil. If they behave improperly, they will be targeted. How can they quickly assimilate into Human Clan society and ensure they remain undetected?" Wu Hen continued to probe.
"Seek shelter with those members of the Demon Clan who already mingle within Human Clan society year-round," Ruan Muhuan followed up, continuing Wu Hen’s train of thought.
After saying this, Ruan Muhuan immediately had an idea.
Each month in Wudou, there were cases of humans being eaten by the Demon Clan. Some had been solved, but some left no trace.
In other words, by identifying these past cases of the Demon Clan eating humans and defining an area where it frequently happens, one could infer where the Demon Clan members had been hiding.
And the group that stole the Demon Ancestor Bone was likely hidden within these older demons’ homes. Otherwise, with Wudou locked down and an extensive search over several days turning up no one of unknown identity, it was clear they had prepared a place to hide, which had to have been established in Wudou for some time.
"For the Thirty-two City Regions, focus the investigation on where most disappearances have occurred recently," Wu Hen said.
"Do we need to look into areas with a high number of evil possessions as well?" Gu Luoshui added.
Ruan Muhuan shook her head and said, "No need to use that as a reference. It’s in the Demon Clan’s nature to eat humans. If it’s an old demon that has been hiding for a long time, they will methodically consume a few of our lower-class citizens each month whom our Martial Sect doesn’t care for. Those who die from hunger, cold, struggle for interest, or bullying—it’s hard to account for those, and they are not usually investigated. However, the number of disappearances is a clear reference; those eaten by the Demon Clan are certainly among the missing."
"Understood, then I shall go and investigate the cases!" Gu Luoshui nodded, preparing to take initiative.
In fact, Gu Luoshui had also thought it tiresome and unambitious to work for the Northern Guardian Lady, attending to Foreign Guests.
Ruan Muhuan nodded, evidently trusting Gu Luoshui.
With Gu Luoshui’s departure, only Wu Hen and Ruan Muhuan remained in the wooden loft.
Ruan Muhuan was also somewhat surprised that this Foreign Guest had considerable knowledge of the Demon Clan and was equally willing to assist her in the investigation...
"One can also narrow down by the professions involved. Demons cannot do jobs that require long-term contact and communication with people, such as restaurants, brothels, grand shops, large congregations... these can basically be ruled out," Wu Hen said.
"Some old demons can still disguise themselves very well, indistinguishable from humans," Ruan Muhuan commented.
"Old demons can, but not new arrivals. Stealing the Demon God Ancestor Bone requires collaboration on all fronts - infiltration, reconnaissance, finding the moment, surveying the defense, watching for weather conditions, how to scatter after success, and how to hide. This is obviously well-planned, especially since they chose to strike on the night of the feast," Wu Hen said.
"Hmm, even the possibility that some from the Human Clan are aiding them cannot be excluded," Ruan Muhuan nodded.
Wu Hen showed a hint of surprise.
This was exactly what he was going to say next.
Unexpectedly, after not seeing her for some time, Han Han had become increasingly astute. Previously, she would never ponder the problems encountered and simply act on whatever he suggested.
"So we should also check on which Familial Sects frequently purchase house slaves. The disappearance of house slaves is not recorded, as their fate ultimately lies with the Sects’ say. It’s not out of the question that some Sects may buy and sacrifice slaves to appease the Demon Clan, to conveniently serve their needs," Wu Hen added.
"If it involves the Martial Sect, I’ll have to investigate personally, which will take some time," Ruan Muhuan said.
Seven days’ time, and there were numerous Sects in Wudou. Investigating them would undoubtedly be met with obstacles from all sides, given the vast forces opposed to Ruan Muhuan’s appointment as the Northern Guardian Lady. Having made enemies with these Sects in previous years, any investigation would inevitably be dismissed as exploiting the situation.
"If you trust me, I can accompany you to take a look. Simply under the guise of paying a visit and allowing me to search with my Perception, we can learn the general situation," Wu Hen suggested.
"Without Du Wushen vouching for you, you still carry great suspicion," Ruan Muhuan said.
"So, it’s up to you to decide," Wu Hen stated.
Ruan Muhuan’s gaze fell upon the sprawling Wudu City. Even those Martial Sects of considerable status were numerous within Wudou. With extensive roots and discord with her, finding the Demon Bone within seven days, she naturally envisioned the inevitable outcome.
"Very well," Ruan Muhuan finally agreed to Wu Hen’s request.
"How did you suddenly start to trust me?" Wu Hen had just made a suggestion, and he didn’t expect her to fall into the trap so quickly.
He had thought that the Northern Guardian Lady had long developed a temperament that kept others at bay.
"If you are innocent and willing to help me, that is good," she said.
"If you are a demon, having you by my side, I am confident in seeing through you," she explained her thoughts.
Wu Hen started to laugh.
These days of just waiting on end without any hasty actions had finally paid off.
Whether dealing with an old lover or a stranger, the best way to win their favor and trust was not through cold pleasantries or idle chatter but by doing something together.
During the time they had accumulated, Wu Hen hadn’t really talked about romance with Ruan Muhuan, they just kept moving forward every day, and in that fulfillment, he had grown accustomed to her presence—as had feelings developed naturally from that familiarity.
Wu Hen didn’t actively seek out Ruan Muhuan, because he knew that deliberate actions could prompt others to be on their guard.
With a layer of guard up, it would be much harder to deepen interactions later.
Therefore, no matter how excited or agitated he felt inside upon seeing Ruan Muhuan, Wu Hen did nothing these days but wait, patiently, for such a naturally occurring opportunity to converse.
"Du Mao has never been very reliable. If I count on him to clear my name, I might have to be a guest among you Wuting folks for the rest of my life," Wu Hen commented.
Ruan Muhuan didn’t respond, only a bit surprised at why this man had the audacity to directly mention the name of a Martial God.
"By the way, is he dead? On my first day stepping into the True Martial Continent, I started asking around, but most people hadn’t heard of his exploits. So I came here to Wuting, hoping you could tell me about his situation," Wu Hen added.
Du Mao, oh Du Mao!
How is it that even your name has vanished?
Wasn’t it agreed that once we left the Scroll Realm, we would make something of ourselves, returning like kings to reclaim everything you lost, with such high-spirited ambition? And now you seem to be gone.
"I don’t have the authority to know," Ruan Muhuan replied.
"Oh, he’s one of your Martial Gods, right? He wasn’t boasting in front of me, was he?" Wu Hen continued.
"Sort of," Ruan Muhuan nodded.
"Did he get kicked out for flirting with other Valkyries?" Wu Hen asked.
Ruan Muhuan didn’t know how to continue the conversation.
R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.
She had asked the Rotating Martial Gods about it, but they hadn’t given details.
If this person before her truly was a friend Du Wushen had made during his travels in otherworldly realms, then indeed they should treat him as an honored guest.
Regarding Du Wushen’s affairs, Ruan Muhuan knew of him only because, as the Northern Guardian Lady, she had seen the martial god’s wall painting, but where this Martial God was located or which region he presided over, she wasn’t sure.
"Lady, the civil officers have already organized the documents. The number of disappearances in the Twenty-four City Regions has suddenly increased this year, and the neighboring regions are also significantly higher than previous years. Moreover, I’ve also looked into the local gangs and alliances and found that the street forces have fought multiple times, with not a small number of casualties," Gu Luoshui hurried over, presenting the compiled documents.
Wu Hen, however, furrowed his brow.
Do the civil officers of Wudou have computers too? How did they compile the data so quickly? Gu Luoshui had only left for a moment, and he hadn’t spent much time alone with Han Han.
"Which Martial Sects are there in the Twenty-four Cities?" Ruan Muhuan inquired.
"I know this one. Among those closely connected with our Wuting, there are the Duan Family Sect, Yueyun Faction, Xia Mountain Gate…" Gu Luoshui replied.
"Then let’s visit the Duan Family Sect first," Ruan Muhuan decided.
"Ah??" Gu Luoshui suspected he had heard wrong, then whispered softly, "The Duan Family is related to Duan Warfare God."
"It’s just a visit, not a raid," Wu Hen pointed out.
"Hmm," Ruan Muhuan nodded, already on the move.
The two left the wooden loft, discussing the affairs of the Demon Clan as they walked ahead, occasionally exchanging glances and even keeping pace side by side.
Gu Luoshui followed behind, puzzled.
"Is he coming with us to investigate too?" Gu Luoshui quickly caught up, pointing to Wu Hen.
"Yes, join us," Ruan Muhuan said to Gu Luoshui.
Gu Luoshui stood there for a while, utterly baffled.
Having only left for a moment, how did this detestable fellow sway the Northern Guardian Lady with his smooth talk??
No, this won’t do—Martial Arts Queen sister, this evil man has improper designs on you, he’s the one who wants you to dance for him!