Realm of the Night God

Yang Haoran not only did not answer the demonic woman's question, but instead took out a cigarette box from his pocket and handed it to her.

As Yang Haoran approached the demonic woman, her heart was filled with caution, wondering if Yang Haoran would suddenly make a move against her. She was prepared for it, ready to retaliate if Yang Haoran attacked first.

However, to her surprise, Yang Haoran pulled out a box of cigarettes and asked if she smoked.

The demonic woman hesitated for a moment and then waved her hand, "No, I'm not interested in such things."

Yang Haoran smiled, nodded, and said nothing. He then put the cigarette box back into his pocket.

"Are you really a demon?" the demonic woman asked again, this being her third time posing the question.

"Does it matter whether I'm a demon or not?" Yang Haoran responded.

The demonic woman nodded with a smile, affirming the importance of the question.

"Of course, it's important. If you're a demon, then we are on the same side," the demonic woman replied with a smile. "If you are one of us."

Yang Haoran's smile deepened, and he asked, "If I'm a demon, does that automatically make me someone you consider on your side? Besides, even if we're on the same side, what does it matter? Humans can kill each other for their own interests, even disregarding family ties. Won't demons do the same?"

This response left the demonic woman momentarily stunned. She then recovered and chuckled, saying, "Demons will indeed kill each other, that's for sure. However, if you're a demon, and we are both trapped here, then we have every reason to join forces, break these demon suppression talismans, and regain our freedom. Don't you agree?"

Maintaining his smile, Yang Haoran did not directly answer the demonic woman's question. Instead, he looked at the bundles of white bones on the ground.

"So many bones. How many people had to die for such a spectacle?" he wondered aloud.

Seeing that Yang Haoran intentionally avoided her question, the demonic woman decided not to press further. Regardless of whether Yang Haoran was human or demon, he was now trapped here. If they wanted to regain their freedom and leave this place, they needed to destroy the demon suppression talismans. So, she wasn't concerned about whether Yang Haoran was human or demon; as long as they could destroy the talismans, her goal would be achieved.

When Yang Haoran inquired about the bundles of bones on the ground, the demonic woman maintained her seductive smile, though a hint of deep disgust appeared in her eyes.

"Those? Hehe, they sought death willingly. Can't blame me. Do you think they were all good people? Each one of them lusted after my body. Some even wanted to pin me down on the bed even when they were on the brink of death. They all fancied themselves scholars, wanting to take a cross-border train ride. But sadly, in my eyes, they were just food. Would you fall in love with your food?"

Yang Haoran shook his head with a smile, "Some people might, but I wouldn't."

"There are demon suppression talismans here. I can't get out. If they don't willingly enter my room, how can I harm them? Do you think they didn't bring it upon themselves?" the demonic woman asked with a laugh.

Yang Haoran didn't answer her question. Instead, he pointed to the pot on the stove, smiling as he asked, "Can I see what's cooking inside?"

Since the pot was covered, Yang Haoran had no idea what was inside, but the fragrance was enticing.

"Oh, inside? Hehe, it's definitely something good. These are meant for entertaining human guests, not for you, but if you just want to take a look, that's fine too," the demonic woman said with a seductive smile, gesturing for Yang Haoran to proceed.

Yang Haoran didn't hesitate. He took a puff of his cigarette and then exhaled slowly. As the smoke wafted from his mouth and nose, the Yin Qi entwined around the pot lid, slowly moving aside to reveal what was inside.

The first thing Yang Haoran saw was a dark, soft, and mushy substance.

However, as the liquid in the pot boiled and bubbled, he finally saw clearly what this dark substance was.

It was hair—more precisely, a woman's long hair, a layer of dark strands floating on the water's surface.

"Now that I've shown you what's on top, let me show you what's underneath as well, so you won't accuse me of being stingy," the demonic woman said with a seductive smile, her words filled with implications that were undeniably enticing. With a gentle wave of her jade-like hand, a head slowly emerged from the pot.

It was the head of a woman, thoroughly stewed to the point of disintegration, yet her long hair remained intact and embedded deep into the skull.

Before opening the lid, Yang Haoran didn't know what was being cooked in the pot, but he was certain it wasn't anything good. However, when he saw the head rising from the pot, his smile involuntarily stiffened. Not out of fear, but rather a sense of disgust.

"I know humans enjoy eating cooked food, so to entertain them, I've specially prepared different noodles. However, mine aren't boiled; they're stewed and become more fragrant as they cook. If not for entertaining guests, I might have been tempted to take a bite myself," the demonic woman said, laughing.

Yang Haoran wiped the smile off his face, took a drag from his cigarette, and shifted his gaze from the stewed head to the demonic woman.

"Do you not find what you're doing cruel?" Yang Haoran asked.

"Cruel?" The demonic woman's face showed a playful expression. Then she asked Yang Haoran, "In our eyes, she's just food. I've just done a bit of processing. How does that make it cruel? Do you... prefer it raw?"

"She was a human," Yang Haoran said with a furrowed brow.

"I know she was human. Humans can eat animals and cook them however they like. Why can't animals, including humans, be eaten according to our preferences?" the demonic woman countered.

These words left Yang Haoran with a tightened brow. He was momentarily at a loss for words.

"This world is inherently survival of the fittest. Whether humans eat animals or animals eat humans, or even when the same species turns on itself, it's the rule of this world. No one can escape it, and everyone must abide by it. To avoid being consumed, one must become strong. That's the ultimate rule of survival," the demonic woman continued.

"As for cruelty, hehe, humans seem to be even more brutal than us demons. It's just that they've become accustomed to their own cruel methods, so they don't see it as cruel. But when demons use the same methods, they find it hard to accept. Don't you think I'm right?"

Yang Haoran's brow furrowed even more. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "You're right; this world is inherently survival of the fittest, a rule that cannot be changed. But aside from that, one must have their own stance and principles."

The demonic woman covered her mouth and chuckled before asking Yang Haoran, "Hehe, then what are your stance and principles?"

Yang Haoran didn't answer immediately. He looked at the demonic woman and slowly, a smile returned to his face.

"My stance and principles, hehe, I sometimes have them, but other times, I'm quite whimsical. Isn't that contradictory and strange?" Yang Haoran laughed and asked.

The demonic woman's smile deepened, and she said, "Indeed, it's a bit strange. But at this moment, is your attitude more aligned with the former or the latter?"

Yang Haoran didn't answer immediately. Instead, he lifted the cigarette between his fingers, took a drag, only to find that it had burned out and extinguished. Without reaching for another cigarette, he casually flicked the butt away with his fingers and then smiled at the demonic woman, asking, "Well... what do you think?"