Chapter 25: A Horde of Demons in Wild Dance 18

Having accepted such a generous gift, any further explanation seemed unnecessary and belated.

Shen Xiao cleared his throat lightly and said, "Rise, please. If there truly is a demon threatening the people, the three of us will do our utmost to vanquish it."

Xu Qingfeng lifted his robe and stood up. There were faint traces of tears at the corners of his eyes, and he smiled awkwardly as he pressed a sleeve against them. "Forgive me for making you laugh, esteemed Daoists. To be honest, I have gone out many times, each time inviting demon hunters, yet every one either fled in fear or was defeated by the fox demon. Now, seeing you three, I finally feel there is hope for ridding us of this scourge."

Shen Xiao asked, "The fox demon is truly so formidable? What abilities does it possess?"

In truth, most of the demons Shen Xiao had encountered were of minor cultivation, some even lacking full consciousness, and were not difficult to handle. Truly powerful demons either secluded themselves to focus on their practice, or had attained the rank of demon immortals and would never randomly disturb the human world. After all, those with great power had broader perspectives.

Xu Qingfeng shook his head with a bitter smile. "I do not know what powers it has. Often, we do not even catch a glimpse of it before the demon hunters I've invited are frightened away."

Shen Xiao's suspicions deepened. Driven away without even seeing the demon? How terrifying must it be?

He frowned, gazing out of the cabin toward the green hills and flowing waters, and asked, "Is the city ahead Green Mountain City?"

"Yes, ten more miles along the river and we’ll arrive," Xu Qingfeng replied.

Shen Xiao pondered for a moment, then rose and walked to the bow, looking towards the distant peaks.

Shi Xianyu, sitting inside the cabin, asked curiously, "Brother Shen, do you notice anything?"

Shen Xiao frowned and said, "Strange. If a powerful demon were lurking here, the mountains and waters should be saturated with demonic energy. Yet I sense no obvious presence of it. There is only a faint trace of evil energy, likely from lesser demons—not enough to be as formidable as young master Xu described."

Xu Qingfeng was momentarily stunned and hurried to say, "I speak only the truth, I would never dare deceive you, Daoist."

"I believe you," Shen Xiao interrupted him, returning with a solemn expression. "Perhaps it is concealing its presence, or there is another cause. In any case, once we reach Green Mountain City, we’ll uncover the truth."

...

The three traveled upriver by boat, passing a great mountain with bluish-grey stone, its shape resembling a massive battle axe lying across the river. The peak was steep and sharp, while the lower part naturally curved inward, forming a cavern through which the boat could pass.

As the boat entered the cave, the light dimmed instantly. The attendants methodically lit oil lamps, illuminating the surroundings as they continued forward.

Shi Xianyu looked around curiously. Though the cave was dark and chilly, it was quite clean, with no strange creatures.

She had thought they would exit soon, but the waterway twisted and turned, winding east and west. Without someone familiar with the route, it would be easy to crash against hidden rocks within.

After a long while, a patch of light finally appeared ahead. The attendants habitually extinguished the lamps on the boat, following the light out of the cave.

The view opened dramatically—nearby were emerald willows and pale apricot blossoms, while farther off, tall buildings stood atop rocky hills. The elegant, ancient-style houses were arranged in layers, ascending and descending with the terrain, connected by stone steps and bridges, nestled among verdant mountains and clear waters, making for a beautiful and majestic sight.

As the boat moved further, the scene expanded to reveal several fishing boats moored by the shore, scattered fields of blue-green crops, and children herding waterfowl to the riverbank. Seeing Xu Qingfeng’s boat return, they watched curiously from afar.

Shi Xianyu admired the scenery, remarking with wonder, "This place looks wonderful."

There was no sign at all that it had suffered from demon attacks; it was clearly a peaceful and thriving community.

Xu Qingfeng nodded. "For the past two years, chaos has raged outside. Green Mountain City, thanks to its unique location, has remained untouched by war. That’s why, even with the fox demon causing trouble, people haven’t moved away."

He sighed and continued, "Remaining here means only the young girls suffer. If we left, encountering soldiers on the road might mean none of the family would survive."

Listening, Shen Xiao felt a heaviness in his heart. "Victory brings suffering to the people, defeat brings suffering to the people as well. The princes and nobles never think of how to grant the people a peaceful world, only pursuing power and ambition—it’s truly absurd."

Shi Xianyu recalled the scouts they’d encountered on the road and hesitantly looked at Shen Xiao. "Brother Shen, could the army invade Wanji’s village?"

Shen Xiao slowly shook his head. "The Black Abyss Forest is fraught with danger; those scouts were likely probing the way. If they find it too risky, the army will choose another route and may not pass near Wanji’s village."

On the other hand, if the scouts find it safe, or within their tolerance, the army will advance along the forest’s edge, making it quite likely they’ll encounter the village.

Shi Xianyu frowned, worried. Shen Xiao fell silent as well.

They might overcome lone demons, but could not contend with thousands of soldiers.

"We’ve arrived. Esteemed Daoists, please follow me."

Xu Qingfeng disembarked and led the three up a stretch of neatly paved stone steps.

Along the way, they occasionally met elderly folk, children, and adults, but, as Xu Qingfeng had said, not a single young girl was in sight.

Shen Xiao walked and observed, asking, "Are there any surviving young girls in the city? If so, it would be best to bring them for me to see."

Xu Qingfeng replied, "Only three remain on the registry; all others have been taken. The fox demon is truly vile—it demands a bride every ten days, leaving no unmarried girl from ages nine to sixteen untouched."

Shen Xiao was taken aback. "So, by your account, married women are spared?"

Xu Qingfeng clasped his hands and nodded. "You’re correct, Daoist. Once a girl marries, she escapes the demon’s grasp. Thus, many residents have hurriedly wed their daughters, even to the extent of one man marrying two or three wives, or pairing young girls with old men. If this continues, Green Mountain City will surely descend into chaos."

Shen Xiao frowned and fell silent, pondering.

What a strange affair...

He had traveled for years, and never encountered a fox demon that sought brides—let alone one so selective, only taking chaste girls from nine to sixteen. Such behavior was unlike any demon, but rather resembled humans... Yet Xu Qingfeng was adamant that it was a fox demon, which was indeed bizarre.

No matter; he would see for himself soon enough.

After climbing several more stone steps and crossing a few bridges, they reached a relatively spacious and level area. The residences here were noticeably grander and more elegant than elsewhere, guarded by two stone lions at the entrance.

It seemed word had been sent ahead, for the gate opened and a man and woman emerged. The man, about forty, was clean-shaven and amiable, while the woman was young and striking—a rare beauty with a cold, elegant air.

"Father! Mother!" Xu Qingfeng strode forward, smiling as he introduced them. "These three Daoists passed by Tianshui River, and I happened to meet them. They are upright and kind-hearted—this time we have hope of defeating the demon!"

Xu Qingfeng’s father immediately bowed to Shen Xiao and his companions, his face beaming. "Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner! I am Xu Meng, governor of Green Mountain City. The fox demon has plagued us for long. Today, to have the aid of you three esteemed masters is truly our good fortune! We have prepared wine and food—please, do not disdain our humble hospitality, come inside—"