My Anti-Demon System

Chapter 17 - the system's rewards

Si Wei's face lit up with delight, and she smiled, clearly amused by Ryujin's words. Her smile was like a blooming flower, radiant and beautiful, and it lit up the entire temple. Xing Xu's expression, however, was one of surprise, his eyebrows rising in astonishment.

The guard on the floor looked up, his eyes welling up with tears. His face was pale and drawn, and his body trembled with fear. "Young master, it was this humble one's fault! I don't just mean twenty-four taels, even if it's two hundred, I would give you any amount you want!" Ryujin's eyes sparkled with mirth as he thought about the possibilities. Although he did possess considerable strength, he couldn't help but think about how much wealth he could amass by playing the part of a fake powerhouse.

Just then, Xing Xu intervened, his voice firm. "Nonsense! What identity does Young Master Ryujin have that makes him value your silver?" He turned to the guard, his expression stern. His eyes, like two glittering stars, shone with a deep understanding of the world and its ways. "Young Master Ryujin has already shown great mercy. Shouldn't you thank Young Master Ryujin immediately?" The guard's face turned pale as he realized his mistake. He kowtowed again, his movements frantic as he begged for forgiveness.

"This humble one thanks Young Master Ryujin! I'm sorry for trying to bribe you with money!" The guard's voice trembled with fear as he spoke, his eyes fixed on Ryujin's face. Xing Xu's expression softened slightly, and he nodded in approval. "That's right. Young Master Ryujin is a powerhouse. He couldn't lack silver. It would be an insult to the powerhouse if he used his own money." The guard's eyes widened in understanding as he realized the implications of Xing Xu's words.

Ryujin's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the bold guard, Xing Xu. He thought to himself, "Two hundred and twenty-four taels of silver, ten years of my salary at the Demon Prison... I value it, of course I value it. Who says I'm a rich powerhouse? Why did Xing Xu stop the other guard? What a loss... I could have used that silver to purchase better equipment or cultivate my skills further." Ryujin's unpleasant expression deepened as he pondered the missed opportunity.

The guard, still trembling with fear, held out a small pouch containing twenty-four silver tails. "Please, Young Master, accept this humble offering," he begged, his voice shaking. "It's the least I can do to make up for my mistake earlier."

Ryujin took the pouch, his movements deliberate as he cleaned off a bit of dirt before tucking it into his robe. He continued to stare at Xing Xu, his eyes piercing. Xing Xu, sensing Ryujin's gaze, looked nervous, sweat dripping from his face. "Did I... did I say something wrong, Young Master?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

Ryujin's expression remained unreadable as he turned and walked away. "Let's just forget about this matter," he said, his voice firm but controlled. "We have more important things to attend to."

The bold guard watched Ryujin's retreating back, thinking to himself, "Truly a powerhouse... truly magnanimous." He felt a sense of admiration for Ryujin's character, despite the unpleasant encounter.

As the night deepened, Ryujin and Si Wei sat together at the corner of the temple, chatting and laughing softly. The flickering candles cast a warm glow over the scene, and the savory smells of roasted chicken and turkey wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl with hunger. Si Wei watched Ryujin eat with a warm smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Later, Ryujin lay down on a haystack, getting comfortable as he closed his eyes. The soft rustling of the hay and the distant sounds of the temple's nightlife lulled him into a peaceful slumber. Si Wei stood up and walked over to the guards, who were still busy with their tasks. Ryujin thought to himself, "This world is truly realistic. The attitudes towards me have completely changed before and after this incident. If I weren't a powerhouse today, I'm afraid I would have died here."

Ryujin sat on the haystack, lost in thought as he reflected on the events that had transpired. He decided to pull up the system window to see the results of his earlier battle against White Bone Elder.

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System Window

Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Adamantin Body and Fire Mastery!

Adamantin Body: As the name suggests, the body is as strong as adamantin, with a defense stronger than copper or iron. It can defend against attacks below the She Gathering Realm. Specific data still needs to be tested in actual combat.

Fire Mastery: This is as valuable as the Adamantin Body. It can control all fires, just like the Flame Emperor, making all flames submit. When encountering enemies who can manipulate flames, there is no fear, and it can even seize control of the opponent's flames. It is the nemesis of fire-based warriors and demons.

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Ryujin was shocked by this explanation. He thought to himself, "It's so powerful!" He smiled, thinking, "Plus the Bone Evil Fire provided by White Bone Elder... this time, the harvest is quite abundant." He lay back on the haystack, feeling content and satisfied with his recent accomplishments.

The next morning, Ryujin prepared to leave. He carefully tied up his belongings - the Wooden King Sword, shovel, umbrella, and regular sword - in a piece of cloth, completely covering them. He slung the bundle over his shoulder, ready to depart.

Just then, someone called out from behind, "Young Master Ryujin!" Ryujin turned to see Si Wei standing behind him, a glimmer in her eyes.

"Would you be willing to return to Wutong County with me?" Si Wei asked, her voice soft and clear. 

Si Wei looked at Ryujin, her green emerald eyes sparkling with elegance, like two precious jewels shining brightly in the sunlight. She lifted her hands to her mouth and gently removed her veil, revealing her entire face. Her skin was as pale and smooth as alabaster, and her features were delicate yet striking. Ryujin's eyes widened inwardly as he took in her breathtaking beauty, his heart skipping a beat as he gazed at her.

Si Wei continued, her voice melodious and soothing, like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "Young Master Ryujin."

Ryujin bowed his head slightly, his voice filled with respect and admiration. "It is an honor for me, Ryujin, to go to Wutong County with Miss Si Wei," he said, his words dripping with sincerity.

Si Wei smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement and warmth. "Please take care of me on the way," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They set off, with Si Wei riding in a luxurious carriage, its intricate carvings and plush cushions a testament to her family's wealth and status. Ryujin and the guards followed on horseback, their steeds' hooves pounding out a rhythmic beat on the dusty road. Two days passed, and they finally entered the city of Wutong County, its bustling streets and vibrant markets a stark contrast to the peaceful countryside they had left behind.

As they rode through the city gates, Ryujin turned to Si Wei, who was still seated in her carriage, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. "Miss Si Wei, I still have a pressing matter to attend to. I must rush to the Zehmo Division. Let's part ways here until we meet again," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.

Si Wei smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with kindness and understanding. "Young Master Ryujin, take care on your journey. May the roads rise up to meet you, and may the wind be at your back," she said, her words dripping with sincerity.

Ryujin nodded, his face set in a determined expression. He kicked his horse into a gallop, speeding away from the carriage as he disappeared into the crowded streets of Wutong County.

Si Wei watched him go, a gentle smile still on her face. She seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed on the spot where Ryujin had vanished.

The bold guard, Xing Xu, turned to Si Wei and said, "Miss, being in Wutong County, you have plenty of opportunities to see Young Master Ryujin. I'm sure he will visit you often," he added, his voice filled with a hint of amusement.

Si Wei turned to him, her eyes still gazing in the direction Ryujin had disappeared. "Uncle Xing, let's go back to the mansion first and find Father. I'm sure he will be worried about me," she said, her voice soft and melodious.

Xing Xu nodded, his face serious. "Yes, Miss. Let's head back to the mansion."

Back in the Sun Dynasty, at the Demon Dispel Bureau's martial arts arena, the air was electric with anticipation. The competition to choose a Yellow Rank Demon Hunter had already begun, and the crowds were cheering wildly, their voices echoing off the high ceilings of the arena. The participants were eager to start, their faces set with determination, their eyes burning with ambition.

At the judges' table, a stern-looking official stood up, a bear-shaped bell in his hand. "First match, Ye Xuan, Qi Gathering Seventh Heaven Realm, versus He Yi, Qi Gathering Ninth Heaven Realm!" he announced, ringing the bell loudly, its deep, resonant tones filling the arena.