So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 232 Rou'er's Boxing

Chapter 233 Rou'er's Boxing (Second Update)

Jiang Mu thought he could stay for a couple more days.

After the housekeeper, Bai Xiang, finishes her business and returns home, they can spend some quality time together before setting off again.

The day after Zai Qingshan left, the two prodigies sent by the General Headquarters to accompany him on the trial arrived at the Demon Slaying Division in Huzhou City.

The atmosphere inside the courtyard was somewhat awkward.

Jiang Mu sized up the other two prodigies, a man and a woman.

They were all in their early twenties.

The man's name was Yun Xiaocheng. He was dressed in a blue cloth robe and had an unremarkable appearance. An old longsword was slung across his back, giving him a somewhat carefree, wandering chivalrous air.

However, this person was extremely outgoing and friendly.

Upon seeing Jiang Mu enter, he grinned and greeted her warmly: "This must be Hall Master Jiang, right? I've heard so much about you. My name is Yun Xiaocheng. I look forward to traveling with you in the future, and I hope you'll take good care of me."

In contrast, the woman standing next to him appeared much more indifferent.

The woman was tall and slender, wearing a pale yellow fitted long dress with a matching light gauze cape, and had striking features.

Although her appearance was not as charming as Shui Miaozheng's, nor as cold and aloof as Ling Ye's, her delicate features and refined air gave her a sense of elegance, as well as a noble and arrogant air.

That kind of arrogance comes from the sense of superiority built up from being born into a wealthy and influential family and from childhood through flattery.

It was Princess Xiang Xiuxiu.

When Zhou Yuanzhi introduced Jiang Mu, he merely glanced at him out of the corner of his eye out of politeness, nodded very slightly, and then had no other reaction.

It was as if the person in front of me was no different from the furnishings in the hall.

Jiang Mu didn't care.

Prodigies are usually arrogant, so it's normal for them to act aloof.

Zhou Yuanzhi took in the reactions of the three people and said with a smile, "The three of you are all outstanding talents carefully selected by the General Commander from among the many talents in various prefectures and the capital."

Not only are they exceptionally talented, but they also possess orthodox celestial positions.

Looking at the younger generation in Daqing, it's hard to find anyone your age who can compare to you.

17

At this point, Zhou Yuanzhi's gaze lingered on Jiang Mu for a moment, her admiration growing even stronger: "Especially Hall Master Jiang, who went from an ordinary person with no cultivation to joining the Demon Slaying Division and officially embarking on the path of cultivation in just one year."

"Wow!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiaocheng, who had been all smiles, nearly popped his eyes out. "A year? Lord Zhou, you're not joking, are you?"

Even Xiang Xiuxiu, who had maintained a cold expression, had her long eyelashes tremble slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Her cool gaze finally fell on Jiang Mu again.

Although she still didn't show much expression, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, betraying the turmoil in her heart.

You should know that as the apple of the prince's eye, she was immersed in countless rare and precious herbs from a young age.

They enjoy guidance from top-tier instructors.

Even so, she cultivated diligently for more than a decade, experiencing countless trials on the brink of life and death, before finally attaining the Heavenly Star Rank and stepping into the threshold of the Sixth Realm.

And this seemingly carefree, somewhat roguish country gang leader in front of us actually only took a year?

This incredible speed of advancement is utterly humiliating these so-called geniuses!

Faced with Yun Xiaocheng's shocked gaze, Jiang Mu simply smiled faintly.

He said very modestly, "Please don't listen to Lord Zhou's nonsense. I'm not that capable; how could it possibly take a year?"

Hearing Jiang Mu deny it, Yun Xiaocheng patted his chest with relief and let out a long sigh: "I knew it, there's no such outrageous monster in this world."

"Hehe, I suppose Master Jiang must have laid a solid foundation from a young age, accumulating knowledge and experience before unleashing his full potential."

However, the next moment, Jiang Mu slowly said, "To be precise—it's actually been less than a year. It's mainly because I was too busy recently, which slightly delayed my cultivation progress."

""

Yun Xiaocheng's smile froze.

After a moment, he gave a thumbs up: "You're awesome."

Zhou Yuanzhi smiled and steered the conversation back on track: "Alright, enough of this small talk."

Although the imperial court possesses many hidden realms and secret sites, these realms cannot be opened at any time.

Firstly, we need to wait for the appropriate opening time of the spiritual energy tide of the secret realm itself.

Secondly, the headquarters also needs to consider each of your star positions and cultivation levels to determine the most suitable secret realms for you to undergo trials and obtain opportunities.

This all requires a lot of time and resources.

This time, the trial ground that the Commander has opened for the three of you is the Swamp of Fallen Souls.

"The Swamp of Fallen Souls?"

Upon hearing this name, Jiang Mu was secretly surprised.

Isn't this the very place where the monsters that killed her parents and family, as Lan Rou'er once mentioned, were hiding?

What a coincidence!

Zhou Yuanzhi glanced at Xiang Xiuxiu almost imperceptibly before continuing, "I still need to wait for the final confirmation message from the Commander-in-Chief and arrange the carriages. We will meet outside the city gate in two hours and depart. During this time, if you have any personal matters to settle, you may arrange them as you see fit."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xiang Xiuxiu turned and left without saying a word.

Yun Xiaocheng watched her departing figure, pursed his lips, and muttered under his breath, "Such a haughty attitude—"

Immediately, his eyes lit up, and a knowing smile appeared on his face. He moved closer to Jiang Mu and nudged him gently with his elbow, saying, "Brother Jiang, I've heard that Huzhou City is quite prosperous?"

How was the experience at that brothel? We still have two hours to spare, so why don't I treat you to a meal?

Don't worry, you have plenty of time; I'll make sure you have a comfortable journey.

Jiang Mu's lips twitched slightly. He subtly took half a step back and politely declined, saying, "I appreciate Brother Yun's kindness, but I have some trivial matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."

After saying this, he bowed to Zhou Yuanzhi and turned to leave.

He planned to take advantage of the two-hour break to go to the bamboo house behind Huichun Medical Clinic to find Lan Rou'er and ask her for clarification.

What did those monsters that killed her family look like?

Since the location of this trial happens to be the Fallen Soul Swamp.

He happened to be killing that litter of animals, thus settling this blood feud for her.

In a quiet bamboo grove courtyard.

The wind rustled through the bamboo leaves, making a soft, rustling sound.

Jiang Mu pushed open the courtyard gate and peeked inside.

They didn't see the grumpy little healer who usually liked to tinker with all sorts of dangerous poisons in the yard.

Only Lan Rou'er was squatting by the kitchen threshold.

The girl was wearing a simple, light white dress with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her two delicate, fair forearms. She was washing medicinal herbs soaking in a small wooden basin.

"Where is Lingzhu?"

Jiang Mu walked over.

"ah!"

Hearing that familiar voice, which carried a hint of tyranny, Lan Rou'er trembled with fear, her large, watery eyes looking timidly at Jiang Mu: "Lord Jiang—"

Jiang Mu found it amusing to look at her submissive and submissive demeanor, and casually asked, "Where's Lingzhu? Why are you home alone?"

Lan Rou'er bit her pink lips, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "Lingzhu went to the clinic in front early this morning to see patients."

"oh."

Jiang Mu responded.

Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed a dozen or so crystal-clear, dark red jujubes soaking in a small porcelain basin not far from Lan Rou'er, their color enticing.

A faint, sweet scent mixed with the aroma of herbs wafted into my nostrils.

"These dates look pretty good."

Jiang Mu casually picked up a piece from the small bowl, threw it into her mouth, and started chewing.

You know what?

These dates seem to be sweeter and more glutinous than the last time I ate them, with a faint, refreshing fragrance.

"No—you can't eat this, it's made with spirit bamboo."

Seeing Jiang Mu's actions, Lan Rou'er almost burst into tears, waving her little hands anxiously.

"What? Is it poisonous?"

Jiang Mu asked, chewing on a date.

"No—no poison," Lan Rou'er stammered.

"If it's not poisonous, then what can't you eat?"

Jiang Mu rolled her eyes. "At worst, you can just make some more when you need it later, right? So stingy."

He casually picked up another one and popped it into his mouth before saying seriously, "Alright, let's get down to business."

I came here specifically to see you because I'm about to go to the Fallen Soul Swamp to carry out a mission.

Didn't you tell Fan before you lost money that your parents were killed by a group of monsters that escaped into that swamp?

Time is of the essence, so tell me in detail quickly. What exactly are those monsters? What do they look like? What are their distinctive features?

"On this trip, Fan will also take the opportunity to avenge you."

Hearing these words, Lan Rou'er was stunned.

A pair of beautiful, watery eyes widened, long eyelashes fluttering, as if she couldn't believe her ears: "Really—really? Young Master Jiang, you—you're going there?"

"Of course it's true. Since Fan promised you, he won't go back on his word." Jiang Mu's tone was firm. "Time is short, so speak quickly."

"Oh, Lord Jiang, please wait a moment!"

Lan Rou'er seemed to wake from a dream, and without even wiping the water droplets from her hands, she hurriedly ran into the inner room, lifting her skirt.

After a while.

Clutching a rolled-up piece of paper tightly in her hand, she jogged back to Jiang Mu.

"Aunt Fan once told Fan that the ones who killed Fan's family were a group of donburi demons."

Lan Rou'er unfolded the scroll and pointed to the surface, saying, "Their leader is a master of about the fourth level of cultivation. The lesser demons all call him Fifth Master." (Approximately...)

"Why does it look like this?"

Jiang Mu leaned closer to take a closer look.

The paper roll held a picture of a coupon.

However, this paperwork is clearly very inexperienced, with clumsy and awkward strokes, obviously written by the young man in front of us.

The monsters, though seemingly ordinary, largely retained the torso and limbs of humans.

But his head was stretched into a fat, well-shaped head.

The two dead well eyes bulged outwards, their mouths wide open, and a few comical well whiskers curled up.

Jiang Mu asked curiously, "Why did these demons kill your whole family?"

Lan Rou'er looked sad and gently shook her head: "I don't know. Fan was too young then and can't remember anything."

My aunt only said that the group of monsters looked like bandits from the mountains, and that Fan's parents were unlucky enough to run into them.

Her voice grew softer and softer, choked with emotion.

Jiang Mu nodded, folded the drawing paper and put it away, and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Fan will keep an eye on this Master Jing."

"It's just a fourth-tier demon. If Fan finds it, he'll personally cut off that fat man's head and bring it back to you as an offering to your parents' spirits in heaven."

Lan Rou'er's eyes instantly reddened, and a layer of moisture welled up in them.

She sniffed hard, bowed deeply to Jiang Mu, and said in a tearful voice, "Thank you—thank you, Lord Jiang. Fan—Fan will give you all the money and land deeds—"

Jiang Mu waved her hand to interrupt her: "No need. You are Lingzhu's good friend. For Lingzhu's sake, I will help if I can. Talking about money will only make things more awkward."

"oh----"

Lan Rou'er responded.

For some reason, a slight sense of loss welled up in her heart, and her bright eyes dimmed slightly.

She lowered her head and stared at the tips of her shoes.

Jiang Mu didn't notice her subtle change in mood and stood up, saying, "Alright, I won't keep you from doing your work."

When Lingzhu returns, please tell her for Fan that Fan has gone on a long trip.

Also, there's a small village headman at Fan's house. If Fan's steward, Bai Xiang, hasn't returned by tomorrow, could you please take some time to go and check on him at Fan's house?

You don't need to worry about food and drink for Zhi Mang; those two won't starve, and they know how to cook.

"Okay, I've got it. Lord Jiang, please be careful on your journey."

Lan Rou'er nodded her little head.

Jiang Mu nodded, turned around, and walked towards the courtyard gate.

"Lord Jiang—please wait a moment!"

Just as Jiang Mu was about to step out of the courtyard gate, Lan Rou'er's urgent shouts suddenly came from behind.

Jiang Mu stopped and turned around in confusion.

Lan Rou'er hurriedly ran into the inner room with small, quick steps.

Then, carrying an object, she ran out, panting, and ran up to Jiang Mu, her face flushed red with nervousness.

"What is this thing?"

1

Jiang Mu was somewhat bewildered.

In front of me was a glove made of thick cotton and coarse cloth.

It looks round and chubby.

Create and merge —

It looks very much like a simplified version of boxing gloves from my previous life.

Lan Rou'er held the cotton glove in both hands, raised her watery eyes, and looked timidly at Jiang Mu: "It's a glove that Fan Zi sewed himself. Lord Jiang, if you ever feel bad, or if Rou'er does something wrong that makes you angry..."

You can use a —————— sail ——————

But could you be a little gentler? Fan—I'm really afraid of pain—"

'

'

Jiang Mu looked at the "boxing glove" with its fine stitches and even a crooked little flower embroidered on it, and felt a surge of emotion.

He took the gloves and weighed them in his hand.

It feels soft and thick, which shows that they put a lot of thought into it.

"No, what's going on in your head all day long?"

Jiang Mu said irritably, "Do you think Fan is some kind of violent person who likes to abuse people? Fan rarely hits women, okay? That was to teach you a lesson, to show you how treacherous society is!"

Upon hearing Jiang Mu's words, Lan Rou'er's beautiful, tear-filled eyes seemed to be instantly illuminated.

She looked up at him expectantly: "Then—then, Lord Jiang, will you never hit Rou'er again?"

"Of course."

Jiang Mu put the cotton glove on her right hand, her gaze sweeping over the girl's slender body and her pitiful face. "How could I bear to hit such a cute girl like you?"

The voice just fell.

boom!

A fist wearing a cotton glove slammed into Lan Rou'er's forehead.

"ah!"

Lan Rou'er exclaimed in surprise.

Her delicate body couldn't withstand the force, and she fell backward onto the ground with a thud.

Xiao Doutou covered his forehead with both hands, his eyes quickly filling with tears that were about to fall, and looked at Jiang Mu with a pitiful expression.

"This is meant to teach you a lesson."

Jiang Mu took off the cotton gloves and nodded in satisfaction. "Hmm, you know what, these gloves do feel pretty good when you're hitting someone."

After saying that, he hummed an off-key tune and leisurely left the courtyard.

Lan Rou'er was left sitting alone on the ground.

The girl clutched the cotton glove, her little mouth pouting in grievance, tears streaming down her face: "Zang Zang—liar—"