Chapter 33: Black Wind

Drunken Dragon Fragrance was no ordinary wine—this much Shen Chang’an knew. Yet its potent effect against demons and evil spirits was beyond his expectations.

He cast a glance at Yu Qingxian, only to find that she had vanished without a trace, at some unknown moment.

“Ah...” Shen Chang’an sighed deeply, momentarily at a loss for words. He could only hope that she wouldn’t focus solely on her friend, but would also take away the ordinary humans.

The weasel was the first to react. Seeing the excitement spread throughout the garden, it immediately sensed trouble. Swiftly, it snatched the Drunken Dragon Fragrance away and sealed it up.

“What are you looking at? This is a gift for the General!”

The demons exchanged glances, saying nothing further. They dared not touch the Black Wind General’s wine, but what about the fox demon’s gift? Perhaps there was more at home?

Shen Chang’an remained silent, standing motionless, his hand unknowingly resting on the withered wooden sword at his side. If anything happened, he would have no choice but to draw it.

The atmosphere grew oppressively silent; all eyes fixed on Shen Chang’an, as if expecting another jar of Drunken Dragon Fragrance to appear in his hand at any moment.

Just then, the weasel stepped forward and called out loudly, “Young Master Hu, please come in. The General is very pleased with your gift and invites you to join him.”

Shen Chang’an exhaled heavily and entered the room. While this might delay the immediate threat, the risk he faced grew significantly.

Inside were powerful demons of considerable cultivation. Unlike the lesser demons who couldn’t see through Shen Chang’an’s disguise, these great demons were far more discerning. Entering this room was undeniably dangerous.

But if he acted now, he would face the onslaught of all these powerful demons. It was better to blend in and see if the Drunken Dragon Fragrance could truly incapacitate them. If so, he could withdraw safely.

Even if the wine failed, the situation would be no worse than it was now.

“Very well, thank you, Steward Huang.”

“Not at all. From now on, I’m afraid Young Master Hu will need to take good care of us.”

Shen Chang’an showed no emotion as he followed Steward Huang into the chamber.

Outside, the demons withdrew their gazes once Shen Chang’an had entered.

Inside, Shen Chang’an casually surveyed the room. The layout was much like any ordinary house, except every occupant was a demon.

Most of these great demons had mastered excellent shape-shifting skills, appearing human save for a few unnatural traits.

In the center, female demons with rabbit and tiger ears danced and sang.

Shen Chang’an’s expression remained blank, as if oblivious to their oddities, and his gaze then settled on the one seated in the place of honor.

That was the Black Wind General.

Shen Chang’an had learned from Yu Qingxian that the Black Wind General was a black bear spirit, though the man before him bore no visible resemblance.

This man was extraordinarily handsome and commanding, with a smile that exuded charm and a striking air of elegance. Two strands of dark hair hung before him, making him appear like a distinguished and carefree hero. Had it not been for the title, most would mistake him for a gallant swordsman.

“Oh? So you are the Young Master Hu who brought the fine wine?”

The Black Wind General’s eyes swept over Shen Chang’an, a warm smile playing on his lips.

Shen Chang’an cupped his hands and said softly, “Greetings, Black Wind General. I am Hu An.”

Typically, newly arrived demons had to declare their origins, but Shen Chang’an knew nothing of such customs, nor of the demons’ gathering places, so he said nothing more.

The Black Wind General glanced at him but said nothing further, instead motioning to an empty seat and saying quietly, “Today is my wedding day, and I welcome friends to join. The wine you brought is exceptional; you may consider yourself a friend of mine. Please, have a seat.”

Shen Chang’an nodded and took the offered seat.

Once seated, the Black Wind General ignored him and turned his attention back to the performance.

The room was spacious, with about twenty or thirty tables, each occupied by one or two demons.

Shen Chang’an’s seat was towards the back, a more secluded spot, so no other demons sat at his table.

Relieved by the quiet corner, he noticed a servant bringing dishes shortly after he sat down.

Looking down, Shen Chang’an saw not food, but two bowls of bloody flesh.

His expression darkened. Without even sniffing, he knew this was undoubtedly human flesh.

Though he did not react, he had anticipated that the feast would feature human blood and meat.

While demons could consume other animals, Black Wind Mountain’s demons were too numerous; any other species’ flesh would provoke disgust among some. Only human flesh could please all.

Shen Chang’an did not touch the food. A rat-tailed man sitting nearby turned to look at him curiously.

“Fox, you don’t eat human flesh?”

Shen Chang’an shook his head. “I don’t.”

“Why not?”

“I am cultivating and cannot eat meat; I must eat only vegetables.”

The rat-man eyed him suspiciously for a moment but said nothing. Instead, he summoned a servant and said, “This gentleman is cultivating; replace his meat with vegetables.”

The servant nodded and removed the bloody dishes, bringing in cooked vegetables.

Shen Chang’an breathed a slight sigh of relief. Although most demons were carnivorous, many who cultivated abstained from meat.

Though uncommon, his choice was not so shocking as to cause alarm.

Yet for some reason, the rat-man continued to watch him with a strange look that made Shen Chang’an uneasy.

Fortunately, nothing else came of it.

At that moment, the dancers on stage finished their performance and withdrew.

Dear reader, this chapter concludes here. Wishing you an enjoyable read!