Monster Lair

"Is it him? Has he come?"

Evil Wolf asked with wide, fearful eyes.

"Yes, my lord!"

A subordinate replied.

"Then why the hell didn't you say so earlier?"

Evil Wolf roared.

The subordinate grimaced inwardly, thinking, It was you who told us not to mention it. But he dared not voice this aloud.

"That demon is here."

"Why would that demon come all the way here?"

Evil Wolf paced back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, while the others' eyes followed his every move.

"Why are you all staring at me? Think of something, quick!"

Evil Wolf barked impatiently.

"My lord, you are the city's ruler, after all,"

one of them couldn't help but point out—whether as a reminder or a retort was unclear.

"Useless fools."

Evil Wolf scolded before resuming his frantic pacing.

His mind raced, trying to figure out the demon's intentions.

Has he caught wind of something and come to cause trouble?

Should I just cut my losses and flee now?

"Excuse me, is anyone there?"

Just as Evil Wolf was at a loss, Yi Feng's voice rang out from outside.

Evil Wolf stiffened, realizing there was no escape now—he'd have to face whatever came his way.

Straightening his posture, he adjusted his robes, forcing an air of dignified composure.

"Ah, yes, I'm here!"

Evil Wolf plastered on a smile while shooting his subordinates a meaningful glance.

The subordinates hurriedly swung the gates open.

At the entrance stood a young man in white robes, exuding an air of refined elegance.

"Ahem, esteemed guest, what brings you here today?"

Evil Wolf clasped his hands in greeting.

"It's a bit complicated. May I come in?"

Yi Feng asked.

"Of course, of course!"

Evil Wolf hastily ushered Yi Feng inside, seating him in the main hall.

The moment Yi Feng sat down, his eyes lit up in recognition.

"Well, well, if it isn't you two."

Yi Feng had clearly recognized Gou Da and Gou Er.

The two immediately went weak in the knees, nearly collapsing on the spot.

Seeing their terrified expressions, Yi Feng couldn't help but smirk.

They must be this frightened because they witnessed me slaying demons barehanded.

Is this the intimidation of a true master?

Yi Feng didn’t bother engaging with them further, instead turning to Evil Wolf.

"I am Yi Feng. And how should I address you?"

"Ah, I—"

Evil Wolf’s heart leaped into his throat. His name alone might give him away!

Thinking fast, he forced a smile. "You may call me... Little Wolf."

That tiny name alone betrayed his subservience before Yi Feng.

"Little Wolf?"

Yi Feng raised an eyebrow, eyeing him skeptically.

"Aren’t you the city lord? Why such a name?"

"I—uh—"

Sweat poured down Evil Wolf’s back as he stammered, "The people adore me, you see. We’re very close, so they affectionately call me that."

"Ask them if you don’t believe me!"

He quickly jerked his head toward his subordinates, frantically signaling with his eyes.

"Ah, yes, yes!"

"The city lord is right. Everyone calls him Little Wolf."

The subordinates nodded like chickens pecking at rice.

Yi Feng’s expression darkened slightly.

But it was just a name—he couldn’t be bothered to press further.

Just then, two more figures entered the hall.

They were high-ranking officials of the demon city, part of a dispatched group summoned earlier for a meeting at Evil Wolf’s command.

As they stepped inside, every eye in the room locked onto them.

Evil Wolf’s face turned thunderous, his expression so dark it could summon a storm. He wished he could tear these two idiots apart on the spot, cursing himself for having such incompetent underlings.

Silently, he prayed Yi Feng wouldn’t notice anything amiss.

But Yi Feng did speak up.

Pointing at the newcomers in shock, he turned to Evil Wolf.

"What—what’s going on here? Why do you three look exactly the same?"

Evil Wolf’s heart skipped a beat. His mind whirred into overdrive before he forced a smile.

"Ah, forgive the confusion, Master Yi Feng. These two are my twin brothers—that’s why we look identical."

"Oh! So you’re triplets!"

Yi Feng nodded in sudden understanding and dropped the subject.

Evil Wolf exhaled in relief, patting his chest.

Thank the heavens for my quick thinking.

But his relief was short-lived.

Before he could fully relax, over thirty more figures marched into the hall.

Evil Wolf’s jaw dropped. His eyes bulged.

Every single one of them looked exactly like him—down to the last strand of hair.

He nearly exploded on the spot.

What kind of brainless pigs have I been employing?!

Beside him, Yi Feng gulped, stunned.

He turned to Evil Wolf with a questioning look.

"Are... these also your... brothers?"

"Uh..."

Evil Wolf wiped the sweat from his brow and weakly muttered,

"Uh..."

Yi Feng was equally dumbfounded. How in the world does this even happen?

Even a litter of piglets rarely reaches double digits—but thirty-plus identical siblings?

He couldn’t even begin to describe it.

Impressed despite himself, he gave Evil Wolf a thumbs-up and said sincerely,

"Your mother is amazing."

"Th-thank you..."

Evil Wolf hung his head, replying with palpable guilt.

Fortunately, Yi Feng didn’t dwell on the matter. His mind was still fixed on his own quest.

"City Lord Wolf, with so many of you gathered, you must have important matters to discuss. I won’t intrude further, but before I go, I’d like to ask you one question."

Hearing Yi Feng was about to leave, Evil Wolf nearly wept with joy.

Slapping his chest heartily, he declared, "Ask away, Master Yi Feng! There’s nothing in this city I don’t know!"

His tone carried a hint of urgency.

Just ask your damn question and get out already!

Pleased by the response, Yi Feng got straight to the point.

"Then, City Lord Wolf, could you tell me where the nearest demon nest is located?"

"Mhm, mhm."

Evil Wolf nodded earnestly—before freezing mid-motion.

"Wait... what?"

"Demon nest?"