Chapter Thirty-Two: Delivering Wine

“Where is the invitation?”

Standing guard was a skeleton, two faintly glowing flames flickering in its eye sockets. It was strange—no one knew how this creature produced sound.

Shen Chang’an reached into his pocket and pulled out the red paper, handing it to the skeleton, who examined it briefly.

There was really nothing to inspect; this was merely a formality for General Black Wind.

After a moment, the skeleton suddenly spoke, “Isn’t this the invitation from Old Hu down the mountain?”

Shen Chang’an nodded. “Yes, it’s his.”

“Are you here on his behalf?”

“No, I killed him and took over his estate. I heard General Black Wind is getting married, so I came to pay my respects.”

“Oh, I see.” The skeleton scratched its skull and then said, “Alright, you may enter.”

“Thank you, Brother Skeleton.”

“No need to be polite. Go ahead.”

With that, Shen Chang’an and Yu Qingxian stepped into Black Wind Fortress. Apart from killing a wolf demon earlier, they had caused no further disturbance.

“Are demons always so indifferent to one another?” Shen Chang’an asked Yu Qingxian, having little experience with clustered demons and thus unfamiliar with their social structure.

“Not exactly,” Yu Qingxian explained. “For the demons in Black Wind Fortress, the tiger demon from down the mountain was merely an acquaintance at best. Killing it and taking its place is viewed much like winning a business deal—nothing personal.”

Shen Chang’an nodded thoughtfully and then asked, “Is it the same with demons elsewhere?”

Yu Qingxian shook her head. “I’ve heard of sects among demons, like the Ten Thousand Demons Mountain. The demons there have learned etiquette and music; they understand honor and disgrace. They’ve established their own order, unlike ordinary demons.”

Shen Chang’an stroked his chin. If Yuan’s plan succeeded, Fang City would become a second Ten Thousand Demons Mountain.

At the time, Shen Chang’an had thought Fang City might shake the foundation of humanity, but that now seemed to underestimate the world.

Even a formidable power like Ten Thousand Demons Mountain could not topple humanity’s roots; Fang City, by comparison, would be no threat.

---

“We’ve arrived.”

They followed the demons ahead for a distance, arriving outside an open courtyard. The demon in front announced their arrival, then went off to find friends and settled at a table.

Shen Chang’an and Yu Qingxian exchanged glances. It seemed demons of their rank could only be assigned to the outer courtyard, barred from entering the inner chambers.

Shen Chang’an pondered how to approach when a voice beside him said, “Whoa, you two actually look quite human.”

A chill prickled down Shen Chang’an’s back; he nearly gripped his withered wood sword instinctively.

Turning, he saw the speaker was a massive rhinoceros demon.

“What do you mean by ‘look human’?” Shen Chang’an asked.

The rhinoceros demon chuckled, “I mean your cultivation levels are impressive. See, I can’t even take human form.”

Relieved, Shen Chang’an realized it was a compliment, not a suspicion.

“I see you’re quite formidable. Why not join us for a seat?” the rhinoceros demon offered.

Shen Chang’an was taken aback but soon realized these demons were trying to befriend him.

His earlier display of strength had clearly impressed many, and some powerful demons saw value in allying with him.

Thinking it better to accept help than strategize alone, he took Yu Qingxian’s hand and sat down, smiling at the others. “I am Hu An. May I ask your names?”

Shen Chang’an had chosen the fox form, and among foxes, the surname Hu was common. ‘An’ was taken from his own name.

“So, Brother Hu,” one demon said, “I didn’t expect such strength from a fox spirit.”

Fox demons often excelled in skill, speed, and charm, but few possessed Shen Chang’an’s brute power.

He laughed lightly, “It was just some childhood adventures—not worth mentioning.”

The demons understood and shifted the conversation.

After a while, Shen Chang’an said, “To be honest, I came here because I killed a tiger demon down the mountain and took his place. So, I wanted to pay respects to General Black Wind.”

Among the demons of Black Wind Mountain, General Black Wind held the greatest power. The tiger demon Shen Chang’an killed was barely under General Black Wind’s command, so it was proper to visit.

“I see,” the rhinoceros demon laughed heartily. “Brother Hu, look over there—there’s a weasel. He’s the steward for General Black Wind. Go to him, call him Steward Huang, explain your purpose, and present your gift. He’ll speak on your behalf.”

Shen Chang’an nodded. However, whether the Drunken Dragon Wine would be accepted by these demons was uncertain.

He glanced at Yu Qingxian, who said, “The aroma of Drunken Dragon Wine is strong. When you reach Steward Huang, open the wine jar deliberately. That will surely draw attention.”

Shen Chang’an understood. When he was below, he had also smelled the Drunken Dragon Wine—it was as Yu Qingxian described. Still, whether the plan would succeed was unknown.

He lifted the jar of Drunken Dragon Wine and briskly approached Steward Huang.

“Greetings, Steward Huang.”

The weasel turned upon hearing such politeness and, seeing a fox spirit, smiled. “Ah, Brother Hu. What brings you here?”

Shen Chang’an explained his purpose. The weasel nodded. “No problem. I will convey your message to General Black Wind.”

Shen Chang’an quickly added, “This jar of wine is extraordinary. It must reach the general’s hands.”

The weasel’s expression turned impatient. “What fine wine hasn’t my general already tasted...?”

Before he could finish, Shen Chang’an opened the wine jar.

A rich fragrance immediately spread, stirring the nostrils of every demon present.

All eyes turned toward them, each filled with deep greed and a hunger to seize the treasure.