Demon Castle

Bottomless Abyss.

Somewhere in the northwest of the Zeru Territory.

The transmitted white light slowly disappeared.

Ji Qiu opened her eyes alertly.

However, the scene he saw before him was completely different from the horrific tragedy he had imagined—

He saw the mountains rising and falling.

I saw a vast expanse of dark, fertile land.

There are also rows of beech trees growing on the mountains.

The scenery that came into view was quite nice.

Ji Qiu observed for a while with suspicion.

He then nimbly climbed up the small slope.

Behind the small hill lies a vast, dark sea.

The sea breeze has a strong salty smell.

But it wasn't as devastated as he had imagined.

Ji Qiu initially suspected that there was a problem with the transmission.

But the Martial Artist's senses told him that this was indeed an abyss.

And beneath this seemingly ordinary scenery lies a deadly trap—

For example, a group of bullies and Lesser Devil might be hiding in the beech forest;

Meanwhile, lurking among the rocky reefs by the sea are unknown demons from the abyss and the deep sea;...

Even on what appears to be a flat road not far away.

It also discreetly harbors a Land Demon capable of swallowing an entire convoy whole in an instant!

Certainly.

These dangers could be fatal to other travelers.

But for Ji Qiu, who is on the verge of immortality.

It's just a matter of sprinkling water—

It stems from the nature of Martial Artist.

He easily wiped out all the demons in the vicinity.

In this process.

Roger did not speak up to stop him.

Ji Qiu then confidently began his trial.

His goal for this trip was actually quite relaxed.

Anyway, it's just a matter of fighting all the way.

Ji Qiu had already planned it out before she came.

We must adhere to one principle—

He went wherever there were crowds! But he was just a Martial Artist.

The abyss is not his home turf.

He couldn't tell which direction had the most demons.

Therefore.

He decided to first set a general direction—

Considering that the side quest given by the Sect Master is to save a group of teenagers from the Self-Salvation Society.

Ji Qiu decisively took out the spell coordinate sensor that Roger had given him.

A preliminary positioning has been established.

"Sizzle!"

The deep blue sapphire flashed three times.

It immediately turned into a blinding red light.

Ji Qiu frowned—

The positioning results were not ideal.

Vilan's teleportation direction was originally intended to send him towards the coordinates of the Self-Salvation Society and others.

Although the instability of interdimensional teleportation is well known.

But Ji Qiu never expected it to be this unstable! "It's actually more than a thousand kilometers apart..."

Ji Qiu grinned.

He quickly came to terms with it. "Where you go doesn't matter, you're still going."

"This will just enrich the trial content..."

The spell sensor cannot provide a precise indication.

But the general direction is clear.

Ji Qiu naturally walked very fast.

He then strode quickly through the undulating mountainous region.

In less than half a day.

Ji Qiu made it out of the mountainous area quite smoothly.

It's strange, really.

Along the way, Ji Qiu has indeed encountered many demons.

But most people would run away as soon as they saw him.

A very small number of people overestimated their abilities and confronted him head-on.

He also quickly met his end under the Azure Dragon Dharma Idol.

This surprised Ji Qiu a little.

Weren't we supposed to be demons who mindlessly fight? Why are all the demons we've encountered so far masters of running away?

He pondered it for a while.

Although no particularly clear conclusions were reached.

However, it also slightly corrected some prejudices about the abyss:...

Even demons can run away!

"Many books describe the Abyss as a place uninhabitable by mortals, but in fact, the environment of the Abyss is even better than that of Mystra..."

"Seeing is believing!"

That's all.

Ji Qiu, constantly redefining his own understanding, traversed the Zeru Territory.

A day and a half later.

He came to a strange river.

This is roughly the edge of Zeru Territory.

The rolling hills and the plains shimmering with dim firelight were all cut off by this not-so-wide river.

Beside the river.

All that could be seen were piles of white bones.

Cormorant-like creatures hovered back and forth above the river.

They scrutinized everyone who approached the river with malicious eyes.

Ji Qiu did not approach.

Because he sensed an extremely terrifying sense of crisis from the surface of the river! However...

He couldn't determine what made the river dangerous.

Therefore.

He lingered by the river for a while.

Sometimes they would get close and test the waters.

Sometimes I meditate to perceive.

A full half hour later.

Ji Qiu decisively moved further away from the river.

Instead, it went upstream along the river's flow.

The reason it's upstream.

It was because he deduced that the river's estuary should be not far downstream.

If one cannot cross this river.

Then the seaside is an even more dangerous place.

Ji Qiu was not in a hurry.

He walked patiently along the riverbank.

After walking a long way.

He then discovered an inconspicuous dock.

There are several boats on the dock.

But no one could be seen.

We walked a few kilometers upstream.

Ji Qiu encountered many demons and other races of beings.

He was prepared for battle.

But those people were used to seeing him.

In addition to necessary vigilance.

They have no intention of taking the initiative.

This situation surprised Ji Qiu once again.

He had originally planned to fight against all the creatures in the abyss single-handedly! But he never expected this.

The demons here didn't even consider him an enemy!

For Ji Qiu

If all these demons charged at us at once, that would be one thing.

He was confident that he could sweep away everyone with the Azure Dragon Dharma Idol.

The other party did not make a move.

He was actually the one who felt the worst! Because he was a little lost.

This was completely different from the demons he knew!...

After bracing themselves and watching several waves of demons pass by from a distance, they finally managed to keep up.

Ji Qiu found an extremely prosperous and bustling castle.

He observed for a while.

They discovered that half of the creatures in the castle were demons.

The remaining half includes races related to demons.

There were also humans, orcs, Gray Dwarf, and even all sorts of elves...

This place doesn't feel like an abyss at all.

Instead, it's a free dimension with an extremely open atmosphere!

He scouted outside the castle.

Not long after.

Surprisingly, a Lesser Devil stepped forward.

He asked solicitously, "Does the guest need anything?"

"Mogrim knows Zeru Castle best!"

"Please hire me! I'm absolutely worth every penny!"

Looking at the Lesser Devil's cunning expression.

Ji Qiu's heart stirred.

He asked in a deep voice:

"Is this Zeru Castle?"

"How come it's different from what I know?"

The Lesser Devil wagged its tail without changing its expression. "Aha!"

"I misspoke... Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue!"

"This is Shakiri's castle, the most prosperous place in Ze Lu Territory, and also the most prosperous place in the entire Outer Abyss!"

Whether you need supplies or intelligence, we can meet your needs here!

Ji Qiu's gaze gradually turned cold.

Really.

This weak Lesser Devil is full of lies.

That last sentence was meant to test whether Ji Qiu was a traveler who knew nothing about this place.

Once you're trapped.

The consequences would be unimaginable!

But.

He wasn't in a hurry to settle scores with the Lesser Devil.

There must be a group behind these Lesser Devil.

It's even quite possible that the local Demon Lord is their backer.

Otherwise, the other party wouldn't dare to approach so brazenly.

Ji Qiu pondered for a moment.

They decisively abandoned their plan to recklessly charge ahead.

His experiences since arriving at the abyss overturned his preconceived notions.

He decided to take the safer route.

At present.

He negotiated with the Lesser Devil using his keen ability to Read the Room.

Martial Artist have always had a keen understanding of human nature.

Moreover, this Lesser Devil named Mogli wasn't exactly a con artist to begin with.

After several rounds...

Ji Qiu had figured out Mogli's tricks perfectly.

Ji Qiu successfully disguised himself as a seasoned abyss traveler.

Soon.

The two parties agreed.

Ji Qiu will hire the Lesser Devil Mogli to be her guide at Xia Qirui Castle for the next three days at a price of 1 Silver Horn per day.

And they are required to be available at any time.

That's all.

Mogli happily led Ji Qiu into the city.

As we passed by the main gate of the castle.

Ji Qiu discovered that everyone else had to pay at least 50 Copper Coin to enter or leave the city.

I'm the only one who doesn't use it.

Yu Guangzhong.

He saw the Lesser Devil and the castle guard exchange knowing glances.

The guards scoffed dismissively.

He didn't even glance at Ji Qiu.

He then crept towards the caravan behind him.

This scene further solidified Ji Qiu's judgment.

Mogli must have prepared a huge pit for himself! Although Ji Qiu is not afraid of fighting.

But there's no benefit in turning against them now.

He didn't think that the Lesser Devil would have much patience to wait until tomorrow or the day after before making their move.

Really.

Mogli enthusiastically led Ji Qiu on a short tour.

Then he spoke in a very mysterious way:

"Mr. Tata ..."

"Do you need intelligence or supplies?"

"If you need intelligence, I'll take you to the 'Shame Tavern' right now. It has the most informants there, and their information is more reliable. If you need supplies, the 'Red Dragon Inn' is the best choice, because it's right next to the 'Magical Department Store,' which sells all sorts of magical items. The two shops are owned by the same person... a good friend of mine!"

Watching the other person's comical way of whispering to each other.

Ji Qiu just wanted to laugh!

Lesser Devil are such weak creatures.

In a demonic society where the strong prey on the weak, it is at the very bottom of the hierarchy! Even if it has friends.

It could only be Lesser Devil, kobolds, goblins, Jackalmen...

And the guys who can afford to open hotels and department stores in places like this.

He certainly couldn't be a nobody.

So either Mogli is bragging.

Or they harbor malicious intentions.

Ji Qiu was a little disappointed.

He wanted to tag along with the guide a little longer.

Unexpectedly, the other party has now revealed their true intentions.

Left with no other choice.

Ji Qiu could only suddenly point behind the Lesser Devil: "How much does that thing cost?"

Mogli turned nimbly.

But then they saw a herd of Abyssal Steed passing by on the distant road.

It instinctively answered, "A wild horse?"

"Depending on the condition, a lower-quality one will cost 50 Silver Horn, while a good one might even require several Gold Disc..."

But when it turned around...

But he found that there was no one behind him.

The Lesser Devil's eyes widened suddenly.

Xia Qirui Castle.

A bustling Commercial District.

Ji Qiu wore Traveler's Cloak.

They walked through it as if no one else was there.

I ditched the Lesser Devil and wandered around on my own.

He had gained a basic understanding of the city.

The castle has a very complex structure.

But all the facilities were designed to defend against external enemies.

The castle's interior layout, with its deep interior, is also geared towards warfare.

Regarding daily order.

Xia Qirui Castle has no clear-cut dividing line.

Here.

Everyone is equal.

Apart from the area where the Great Demon Lord Xia Qirui himself resided, which was designated as a restricted zone.

The rest of the area consists of Commercial District and residential areas.

There are basic guards to maintain order.

But chaos still occurs on the streets from time to time.

However, this scene was already very restrained for the Abyss.

It is said that Lord Xia Qirui is one of the very few civilized people among the Greater Demon.

She Martial Force but hates mindless, chaotic fighting.

Therefore.

The demons under her rule are also more orderly than other demons.

And in this process.

Ji Qiu made an unexpected discovery: he realized that the demons in Xia Qirui Castle did not have Aberrant Matter on them!

This is completely different from the demons that invade the Prime Material Plane.

Perhaps that is the reason.

The demons weren't as crazy and warlike as they are portrayed in the book!

After discovering this.

Ji Qiu couldn't wait to share it with Roger.

To everyone's surprise, the other party spoke in a low, drawn-out voice:

"I noticed it a long time ago..."

Ji Qiu was surprised:

"Really?"

Roger was speechless.

"Of course it's true!"

"Would I lie to you?"

Ji Qiu looked on with suspicion.

"I sensed this area as soon as you entered the Abyss. It's indeed very clean, with no Aberrant Matter. Compared to that, Mystra is more like the Abyss!"

Roger, through a projection that appeared on his belt, instructed:

"The demons here haven't gone out of control, so it's difficult for us to definitively define them as evil species until they take action..."

Ji Qiu nodded.

Taking advantage of the rare opportunity when Roger was willing to speak up.

He then said, "I'm going to go and gather some information."

"See if there's any information about that river..."

Roger responded calmly:

"Can."

This is my first time being a grandfather.

He decided to be more reserved.

He had already seen through many things.

But since it is a trial...

Naturally, Ji Qiu should explore her own potential.

Roger had already figured it out by now.

Ji Qiu is not young.

But his adventure experience is really average! I don't know how he cultivated before! So this time...

Roger was determined to put him through the wringer!

Roger's indifferent attitude made Ji Qiu even more uncertain.

He couldn't help but speak up:

"Sect Master, what are your thoughts on that river?"

Roger sneered, "Now I might as well tell you, I think that river is very safe, you can just step across it!"

Ji Qiu was taken aback.

Roger tried to offer some advice:

Are there many skeletons along that river?

Ji Qiu nodded:

"There are a lot!"

"But doesn't that mean it's dangerous?"

Roger chuckled and said, "Did you take a close look at what kind of animal bones those were?"

Ji Qiu was slightly taken aback.

He immediately pinched his thigh. "You mean—someone is bluffing?"

Roger said definitively:

"If that river is truly extremely dangerous, then those bones will most likely have been disposed of..."

"And let me be frank, the riverbank is littered with the bones of Lesser Devil!"

"And what the Abyss has no shortage of is Lesser Devil!"

Ji Qiu fell silent.

Roger had already understood what he meant.

The river was strewn with bones to frighten unsuspecting travelers.

Its purpose.

It most likely points to this castle!

"Then I'll leave!?"

Ji Qiu's voice sounded somewhat insecure.

Roger said helplessly:

"Why are you leaving! You've already come all this way..."

"Go and gather some information!"

"There's a tavern not far down the alley to your right."

"It's safer to gather intelligence there..."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qiu immediately went to look for it.

Sure enough, we found a lavishly decorated "**tavern"! "Why is it so safe here?"

Ji Qiu humbly sought to learn.

This is the first time.

Roger, however, didn't bother to answer.

On the data panel.

Hint: You have discovered 'Tavern...

"Warning: You have discovered 'Elite Demon Shakiri' in the tavern..."