Realm of the Night God

Being taken away by Yang Haoran was the last thing the serpent demon wanted, but at the moment, she had no way to resist.

Though Yang Haoran's words were initially addressed to Deputy Captain Zhou, she heard them loud and clear. Despite the lack of excitement in his tone, the serpent demon sensed the terrifying nature of Yang Haoran. When this man decided to do something, even the most fervent protests wouldn't sway him.

Understanding this truth, the serpent demon realized she had underestimated the danger of Yang Haoran. If she didn't leave with him now, she had no doubt that this smiling Underworld Envoy would immediately kill her.

So, without resistance, even though unwilling in her heart, she managed to force a smile when facing Yang Haoran and stepped into the spatial crack he tore open.

...

Yang Haoran's study was well-decorated, a result of Master Wu's careful consideration. Everything a study should have was there, except for a sparse collection of books on the shelves.

It wasn't a matter of affording books; Yang Haoran only displayed the ones he was interested in. For those he had no interest in, he wouldn't bother placing them here to take up space.

After Yang Haoran left, the study remained quiet. Aside from Xiaokang making some noise while cooking lunch upstairs, the whole second floor, including Yang Haoran's study, stayed serene.

However, the tranquility in the study was shattered at this moment. Spatial fluctuations occurred, followed by a crack opening, revealing Yang Haoran walking out, Deputy Captain Zhou following closely, and finally, the serpent demon.

Observing the luxurious decoration of the study, the serpent demon's eyes lit up. Deputy Captain Zhou, wearing a solemn expression, had other matters on his mind and showed no interest in the surroundings.

"This is my study. Feel free to sit, and I'll make you some tea," Yang Haoran said with a smile.

"No need, Divine Envoy Yang. Captain Luo is still waiting, and I need to get back to report." Deputy Captain Zhou politely declined Yang Haoran's offer.

Yang Haoran nodded, not insisting, and said, "Alright, please give my regards to Captain Luo."

"Sure, by the way, after I handle the funeral arrangements for my brothers in the next few days, let's go for a drink. I'll thank you properly. If it weren't for your help today, Divine Envoy Yang, we might have lost a few more brothers, and I wouldn't be an exception," Deputy Captain Zhou expressed his gratitude.

"No problem, I'll definitely join," Yang Haoran replied with a smile.

Deputy Captain Zhou nodded and left the study without casting another glance at the serpent demon.

Seeing Deputy Captain Zhou's strong bias against her, the serpent demon glared fiercely at his departing figure, releasing her pent-up frustration.

"Would you like some tea?"

Yang Haoran's voice brought the demonic woman's attention back. She looked at Yang Haoran, once again wearing a tempting smile.

"Hehe, if possible, I'd like chrysanthemum with oolong tea."

Yang Haoran's smile froze for a moment, and then his lips twitched slightly.

"I haven't read many books; please don't make fun of me."

Before he could say more, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase, indicating a child.

"Uncle Yang! Uncle Yang! Are you back?"

Yang Haoran glanced at the serpent demon apologetically, smiled, and said, "Please have a seat. I'll be right back."

With that, Yang Haoran left the study.

As she watched him leave, the tempting smile on the serpent demon's face vanished, replaced by a look of hesitation.

"Should I take this chance to escape?"

Despite the serpent demon's earlier flattering smile towards Yang Haoran, she was extremely vigilant inside. With Yang Haoran leaving the study, she saw it as an opportunity to escape. However, she hesitated as she wasn't confident in successfully eluding Yang Haoran's grasp.

After a moment of contemplation, the serpent demon decided against an immediate escape. She believed the chances of success were too low, even at the peak of her strength. Recognizing the harsh reality, she felt compelled to stay with Yang Haoran.

"Let's complete the transaction first. Afterward, I'll have a good talk with him, probe his intentions. If he still doesn't let me go after the deal, I'll offer him some benefits to buy my freedom."

With a decision made, the hesitation on the serpent demon's face disappeared, but the underlying caution remained.

As Yang Haoran returned shortly to the study, the serpent demon greeted him with another smile.

"Why aren't you sitting?" Yang Haoran asked with a smile.

"I won't be polite then," the serpent demon replied with a smile, taking a seat on the sofa.

Yang Haoran brought tea cups and casually brewed tea for the serpent demon and himself.

"I don't have chrysanthemum with oolong tea. You'll have to make do with plain tea," Yang Haoran said with a smile as he handed the tea cup to the serpent demon.

"Hehe... I was just joking. My taste isn't that strong. Divine Envoy, big brother, don't take it seriously," the serpent demon said, laughing awkwardly.

"Do you mind if I smoke here?" Yang Haoran asked with a smile.

"Not at all! Of course not!" the serpent demon hurriedly responded, thinking to herself, "Mind? I don't care if you burn this place down; I wouldn't mind!"

She didn't dare express her thoughts aloud. Although she harbored significant discontent towards Yang Haoran, she could only vent silently in her mind.

Yang Haoran lit a cigarette, took a deep puff, and then smiled, saying, "I destroyed the demonic suppression talisman for you, and I've secured your safety with the Spirit Police. Now, I believe the beauty can provide what I want, right?"

After Deputy Captain Zhou left, Yang Haoran didn't immediately bring up the matter. He attended to some duties befitting a host, and once he felt it was time and serpent demon didn't mention it, he decided to cut to the chase.

"Of course, I really appreciate your help today, Divine Envoy big brother. I promise to fulfill the transaction, and I won't let you down," the serpent demon said with a smile.

"Oh? Is that so?" Yang Haoran's face showed interest.

He didn't say much but waited with a smile for the serpent demon to continue.

Understanding Yang Haoran's intentions, the serpent demon continued, "The reward I offer to Divine Envoy big brother is a piece of information, valuable to you."

"Information? What information?" Yang Haoran asked with a smile.

"I wonder if Divine Envoy big brother is interested in malevolent spirits?" the serpent demon inquired with a smile.

As an Underworld Envoy, Yang Haoran was naturally interested in malevolent spirits. Now, with the acquisition of the dark yin stone, his interest in malevolent spirits and evil spirits had only grown. Without much thought, he nodded.

"I knew Divine Envoy big brother would be interested in malevolent spirits. So, the reward I'm offering is the specific location of a malevolent spirit."

Upon hearing this, Yang Haoran's smile slightly froze, as if he had realized something, and the smile gradually faded from his face.

While the serpent demon maintained a smiling demeanor, she paid close attention to Yang Haoran's every move, every expression change. Seeing his smile fade, she couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart.

"Divine Envoy big brother, what's wrong?" the serpent demon asked with a somewhat forced smile, feeling uneasy.

"Please don't tell me that the malevolent spirit you're talking about is in the black water pool on your mountain," Yang Haoran said.

The malevolent spirit in the black water pool had already been devoured by Zhong Siyu. If the serpent demon referred to that one, Yang Haoran would have to decline the reward.

Hearing this, the serpent demon visibly relaxed, quickly assuring, "Of course not that one. I knew about the disturbance at the black water pool before you reached the mountaintop. That malevolent spirit there must have been dealt with by you, Divine Envoy big brother. How could I use its location as a reward for you?"

Yang Haoran's face regained its smile at the serpent demon's words. He chuckled and said, "Apologies, I'm a bit too sensitive. Don't mind me. Please continue, I'm all ears."