INHA Chapter 121

This day was an incredibly momentous one for the Bureau.

First, Zhulong, who had sealed itself away, was now unsealed. Humanity no longer had to worry about the possibility of Zhulong losing control one day, breaking free from the seal, and destroying the world.

Second, this awe-inspiring, distant, and mysterious being—Zhulong—did not harbor ill feelings toward humanity. In fact, a strategic, friendly cooperation had been established.

Third, Zhulong promised that if humans were able to identify the entity behind the resentful spirits, he would personally step in and help eliminate them.

Among these significant developments, Xu Dongyou played a crucial role. It could be said that without Xu Dongyou, this day might never have come.

Therefore, after a thorough discussion, the Bureau made an unprecedented decision to promote Xu Dongyou, a rookie who had been with the Bureau for less than a year, to the captain of the 9th Squad, granting him the authority to lead four team members.

Tian Ze and others were genuinely happy for Xu Dongyou. They were unaware that Zhulong had emerged from the sealed array. This information was kept secret to prevent the resentful spirits from becoming more covert in their activities. If they were to find out, it would be much harder to track them down.

As for the other Bureau members, upon learning of Xu Dongyou’s promotion, their initial reaction was one of discomfort. After all, Xu Dongyou had only been with the Bureau for a short time. However, when the Bureau reminded them of Xu Dongyou’s numerous achievements, they realized that this newcomer had accomplished things that many veterans had not.

He was exceptional and he had earned the position of captain of the 9th Squad.

When Xu Dongyou learned of his promotion, his first reaction was a mixture of pressure and unease. He also felt that his time with the Bureau had been relatively short. But after hearing the chief’s words, Xu Dongyou eventually nodded and accepted the role of captain.

“I understand you’re feeling uncertain and anxious about this position right now,” the Chief said, “but this decision was made after careful consideration of your contributions. You’ve earned this role and more importantly, your experience is rich enough. It’s time for you to help train new members and contribute more to the Bureau.”

The chief continued, “And don’t forget to pay close attention to Mr. Zhu Yuan. It’s important to maintain his goodwill toward humanity, understood?”

Xu Dongyou gently nodded after listening.

Upon learning that Zhulong had emerged from the seal, many of the elder demons arrived at Zhulong’s new mansion, given to him by the Bureau, via the teleportation array to meet him. This was also Xu Dongyou’s first time seeing all the senior demon leaders, several of whom he didn’t recognize.

Elder Chen introduced each of them to Xu Dongyou one by one. Finally, they came to a kind and particularly wise-looking elder. “This is Elder Bai,” Elder Chen said.

Xu Dongyou still remembered when Elder Bai had helped reincarnate the infant, so he greeted the elder with great respect.

Zhulong, lazily reclining on the sofa, watched the scene unfold with amusement before casually stating, “I see that your fates seem intertwined with humanity’s. You should return soon to guard your posts.”

Xu Dongyou was momentarily stunned, curiously looking toward Elder Bai and the others. Could this be the reason they rarely emerged into the human world?

Elder Bai gave a wry smile and nodded, “Lord Zhu Yuan, you’re still as direct as ever. We’ll only stay for a short while before leaving. For now, I’d like to chat a bit more with the cub.”

Even though the demon race was Zhulong’s subordinate, Zhulong couldn’t very well push them to leave after such words. So, he responded with a calm, “Granted.”

Xu Dongyou instinctively straightened his posture, feeling a bit like a student facing a wise teacher—nervous and uneasy.

Elder Bai’s smile was even more soothing and kind than Elder Chen’s, making Xu Dongyou feel an even greater sense of closeness. “You’ve worked hard during this time. You are the bravest and the most pride-worthy child of our demon race.”

Xu Dongyou, feeling a bit embarrassed, replied, “It’s nothing, really. It’s what I should do.”

Even though he hadn’t been part of the demon race for long, he truly felt the care and affection from these elders, especially since they had given him many precious gifts.

All the demon elders looked at Xu Dongyou with even more affectionate eyes.

Elder Bai’s fondness for this young one grew as he observed and he couldn’t resist the urge to pat Xu Dongyou’s head. But sensing a sharp, piercing gaze from behind him, he discreetly withdrew his hand and continued, “I can feel that our demon race’s fortune is slowly improving. Though it may never fully return to what it once was, I sense that with your help, many more naturally-formed demons will emerge.”

Xu Dongyou had always been concerned about this matter, and upon hearing Elder Bai’s words, he immediately felt a sense of responsibility. Puffing out his chest, he said with determination, “I will do my best to make that happen.”

However, a question lingered—how exactly was he supposed to help?

“Do your best to make humans like you,” Zhu Yuan suddenly interjected. “Let their fate become intertwined with yours. You carry the fortune of the demon race on your shoulders. The stronger your fate becomes, the more new young demons will naturally be born.”

Although Zhu Yuan had not yet fully recovered his peak strength, he could easily see the strange, pure fortune surrounding Xu Dongyou—untainted and immune to any kind of evil.

Xu Dongyou had a sudden realization and nodded resolutely, “I will definitely work hard to achieve that.”

Elder Bai nodded and pulled out a small toy-like object from his sleeve, its material unclear. “This is for you. It can help you avoid danger and seek out benefits. Although your senses can already do that, this object can also grant you a stroke of good luck.”

Xu Dongyou felt that the item was quite precious and hesitated to accept it. Elder Chen said, “Don’t worry, take it. After all, you’re the cub of our demon race. These things are meant to be given to the cubs.”

Xu Dongyou was still a bit reluctant.

“Go ahead and accept it. It’s a good thing. For Xiao Bai, it’s not something that’s easily available,” Zhu Yuan added.

Only then did Xu Dongyou accept the gift, softly and obediently saying, “Thank you, Elder Bai.”

He pretended not to notice that Zhulong had just referred to this elderly man as “Xiao Bai”, as it felt a bit odd. However, considering that Zhulong was indeed much older than Elder Bai, calling him “Xiao Bai” did seem somewhat reasonable.

He reminded himself to get used to the longevity of the demon race and not to be overly shocked by such things. Who knows, maybe one day he too would have a similarly long life.

Suddenly, the faces of his father and mother appeared in his mind, causing his heart to tighten. As a member of the demon race, he would age much more slowly than humans.

In a decade or so, when his parents aged, he would still look the same. How would he explain this to them? Or to his fans who adored him?

Xu Dongyou suddenly felt a wave of anxiety and confusion.

Noticing his obvious mood change, Elder Chen, concerned, asked what was wrong. Thinking the demon elders might have some good advice, Xu Dongyou shared his concerns.

After hearing him out, Elder Chen looked over at Elder Bai, as he was the wisest of the demon elders. Although Zhulong was the most powerful and intelligent, Elder Bai had a deeper understanding of these matters.

Elder Bai said, “I had anticipated this issue long ago. Now that Lord Zhu Yuan has emerged from the seal, there will inevitably come a day when both he and our demon race will be revealed to the world. It’s unavoidable, but it will still need the right moment.”

Xu Dongyou nodded, feeling a little more at ease. But soon, he became troubled again, wondering how he would tell his parents about his demon identity.

Half an hour later, Elder Bai and the others had left. Although Zhu Yuan quickly learned how to use all the machines and gadgets humans had invented, he didn’t seem to enjoy moving around much. Xu Dongyou, knowing how to cook, decided to prepare a meal as a way of thanking Zhu Yuan for his earlier help.

After finishing the meal, Zhu Yuan praised, “Your cooking is excellent. Could you come over to cook for me again sometime? I can help you out in the kitchen.”

Though Zhu Yuan’s expression was calm as he said this, Xu Dongyou suddenly remembered how pitiful Zhulong had looked while trapped in the sealing array before.

For thousands of years, Zhu Yuan hadn’t properly eaten or drunk anything.

Now that Xu Dongyou wanted to spend more time with Zhulong, he nodded. “If you like it, I’ll come over often.”

Zhu Yuan smiled softly. The stern, unapproachable features on his face seemed to soften at that moment. Xu Dongyou couldn’t help but stare, his heart racing once again.

He quickly looked away, but his heartbeat refused to slow down.

He could feel Zhu Yuan’s gaze land on his exposed skin, sending shivers down his spine. For some inexplicable reason, his body felt feverishly warm.

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, he wanted to leave.

Just then, Zhu Yuan leaned in closer, his voice low, “Are you nervous?”

Xu Dongyou quickly shook his head, insisting, “N-no, not nervous at all.”

Zhu Yuan found this response amusing and couldn’t help but laugh softly. “You really are cute.”

He even thought of how Xu Dongyou looked in his original form—truly the epitome of cuteness.

Xu Dongyou felt even more flustered, jumping up hurriedly and avoiding Zhu Yuan’s gaze. “I’ll head out now. I’ll come by next time.”

Zhu Yuan, momentarily surprised, recalled the advice from the love guides he had read. Xu Dongyou’s reaction seemed like a sign of affection, which filled Zhu Yuan with quiet joy, though he worried about scaring Xu Dongyou. He stood and offered, “Then let me walk you back.”

“No, no need! You should rest,” Xu Dongyou quickly refused.

Zhu Yuan fell silent. Xu Dongyou, feeling a bit uneasy, glanced up to find Zhu Yuan’s calm yet somewhat nervous expression.

Strange.

Why was Zhu Yuan nervous?

Wasn’t he the one who should be nervous?

“What’s wrong?” Xu Dongyou gathered his courage and asked softly.

Zhu Yuan’s fingers twitched slightly as his gaze rested on Xu Dongyou’s pure eyes. For the first time in his thousands of years of life, he felt a sense of shame, as if he were being deceitful. His eyes darkened as he responded, “Nothing. You’re right, though. I should take some time to rest.”

Xu Dongyou didn’t know why, but Zhu Yuan’s words made him feel oddly disappointed. It was as if what Zhu Yuan said wasn’t what he truly wanted to hear. Forcing a smile, he suppressed the unfamiliar emotions stirring within him. “Alright, I’m going then.”

“Okay.”

Xu Dongyou left, but Zhu Yuan remained where he was, silently watching Xu Dongyou’s figure fade into the distance.

Just like before.

But unlike before, back then he couldn’t leave. Now, he was free.

Let it be.

Perhaps he shouldn’t harbor such shameful emotions and involve Xu Dongyou too deeply.

Zhu Yuan’s gaze turned cold as he shut the door.

A minute later, a hidden red light floated out from the villa, quietly following Xu Dongyou from afar. It stayed with him until Xu Dongyou arrived home safely and began speaking with his parents. Only then did the light retrace its path, disappearing as it returned.

For a brief moment, a faint flicker resembling a dragon’s tail flashed within the red glow.

In an instant, it vanished.

Upon returning to the villa, the cold and indifferent Lord Zhulong pulled out the phone developed by the Anomaly Handling Bureau and resumed his search for dating guides without hesitation.

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