The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

"Do you need something?" Luo Yan bent down, kindly aligning his gaze with hers.

For loyal citizens, he was never stingy in showing his approachable side, especially to the Gray Wind Tribe who had steadfastly stood by him time and time again.

However, what he didn't expect was that as he bent down, the girl suddenly leaned toward his cheek and planted a kiss.

Everyone froze on the spot.

Even the young man sitting on the roof playing the six-stringed guitar paused his movements involuntarily, and the Dark Night Elf girl who had been singing instinctively stopped her song.

Before anyone could react, the mischievous girl had already dashed away like a gust of wind, her cheeks bright red.

"Earlier… uh, no… that…"

Helen, coming back to her senses, was horrified as she looked at Luo Yan, trying to justify her tribeswoman's impulsive behavior.

But he merely touched his cheek, waved his hand with a smile, and graciously dismissed the matter.

"It's fine, let's continue leading the way. Don't keep Mr. Terrell waiting."

"Yes…"

Helen still looked at him nervously, but seeing that he truly didn't mind, she secretly exhaled in relief.

She had thought that the girl's action was an expression of admiration, but it turned out to be one of fondness.

Still, she could understand.

After all, repeatedly defeating Chaos invasions, his legendary feats had long been enough for the minstrels to weave into epic tales. Not to mention, he prevented the Maze's collapse and restored the Gray Wind Tribe's view of the luminous moonlight.

It was entirely normal for someone to harbor admiration for him.

Especially considering most of her fellow tribeswomen, much like her sister, were naturally enthusiastic and unrestrained, the type to openly express their emotions.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be called the 'Fallen' by the elves living under the Yigde Tree...

Watching the Demon King be embraced by the tribe, Helen, while convincing herself, also felt a heartfelt happiness for him.

Yet for some reason, she wasn't fully happy—there was a trace of an unidentifiable emotion within her heart.

The music resumed, flowing serenely through the air once again.

This time, however, unlike the previous lively and spirited tune, the improvised performance now carried a youthful and dainty undertone—as if rum had been infused with a slice of lemon.

These born artists truly knew their craft; they didn't even need to draft their compositions in advance.

Perhaps because he willingly accepted the bouquet earlier, Luo Yan could distinctly feel that his relationship with the Dark Night Elves around him had taken a significant step forward.

At this moment, they truly regarded him as one of their own, no longer just a distinguished guest from afar.

He quite enjoyed this feeling.

Pretending to carry airs was exhausting, particularly since his true nature wasn't one for putting on a show.

Most of the time, the dignity he displayed was merely an act.

"…Actually, you could've dodged, couldn't you?" Youyou, who hovered beside him, spoke softly while looking at the Demon King whose lips were slightly curled upward.

"It was just a little touch on the cheek, it's not like I lost a piece of flesh. Besides, if I had dodged, wouldn't that have been too mean?" Luo Yan responded with a smile in his heart.

Youyou stared at him in surprise.

"Eh?! That's really how you think about it?"

Luo Yan spoke without hesitation.

"Is there any other interpretation?"

Youyou pondered for a while and then admitted in awe.

"No wonder you're the Demon King—taking advantage and playing coy without even blushing…"

Smelling the bouquet in his hand, Luo Yan shot an annoyed glance in Youyou's direction.

"…How exactly did I take advantage?"

Youyou didn't answer.

But sometimes, silence can serve as a response.

...

At the tribe's central council hall, Luo Yan met Terrell, the leader of the Gray Wind Tribe.

At this moment, Terrell was holding a staff made of withered wood, seated properly in a chair woven from numerous vines.

The ritual of soul grafting had been completed.

His expression was solemn and dignified, and his opened eyes overflowed with emerald-green light, like glowing jade.

Upon learning that Luo Yan wanted to converse with Gray Wind, Terrell had generously lent his body to the latter.

Now, sitting opposite Terrell, Luo Yan could distinctly feel that a soul far more present than Terrell's had replaced him.

Although he couldn't sense any Divine aura from that soul, its immense and pure energy was even more powerful than a god's!

Grandmaster?

Demigod?

Or perhaps the usual standards used to measure ordinary souls were no longer applicable to this ancient creature who had lived countless years.

Especially since it was not an isolated entity.

Every tree in this forest was etched into the deep rings of its soul.

"…Esteemed Lord Demon King, it is an honor to meet you again. May your glory shine forever, as everlasting as the boundless starlit sky."

Facing the master of the entire Maze, the Gray Wind within Terrell greeted him with the utmost respect.

Gazing at the Tree of Life, which took the initiative to show kindness, Luo Yan smiled casually and began the conversation in a relaxed tone.

"Thank you for your blessing. May your glory radiate alongside the sun and moon. By the way, how are you feeling? Are you doing better now?"

Ever since the battle against Chaos, the Gray Wind had been in a semi-dormant state, only recently awakening fully.

Though it had helped him resolve the issue of paper money materials some time ago, this was the first direct conversation they had in quite some time.