Chapter Seventeen: Serenity

The director led Demon Night to the dining hall. Seeing the food laid out, Demon Night couldn't help but swallow hard. The director, understanding his state, ordered enough for four people. When the dishes were placed before him, Demon Night’s eyes sparkled and he began to drool. The director laughed heartily, “You must be starving, child! Don’t be shy, eat as much as you want!”

With a quick nod, Demon Night devoured the food with the speed of an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, his mouth stuffed to the brim. He pointed at the empty plates, muffling his words, “Director, may I have some more…?”

The director stared at him in amazement and said, “Goodness, boy, how long has it been since you’ve eaten? Here, today you can eat as much as you like!”

Not until he had finished enough to feed ten people did Demon Night finally lean back, rubbing his stomach with satisfaction, eyes half-closed, and let out a hearty belch, completely unabashed. The director regarded him as though he were a curiosity.

“Are you full now? Come, let me introduce you to your fellow disciples,” the director said, shaking his head. “Yes, Director!” Demon Night replied, rising to his feet, content. The director looked displeased, “Boy, are you still calling me Director?” “Ah—Master!” Demon Night replied, bowing deeply and earnestly. Master Liu Qing smiled with gratification. “Let’s go, child. I hope you’ll soon find a sense of belonging here.”

Following the master to the training grounds, Demon Night heard the sounds of sparring from a distance. He looked up to see several young men and women exchanging moves on the field, his own blood surging with excitement—he couldn’t wait to test his progress.

“All right, everyone pause for a moment and come over. I’d like to introduce your new junior brother,” the master called out. The young disciples gathered before the director and Demon Night. “Come here, Demon Night. Let me introduce you. This is your eldest senior brother, Peng Lei; your senior sister, Liu Xin; your third senior brother, Zhao Mu; and the mischievous junior sister, Liu Xiaoxiao.”

“What do you mean, mischievous? I’m not the youngest anymore—I’m a senior sister now, aren’t I, little brother?” Xiaoxiao cozied up to the master, acting coy.

“Demon Night greets his senior brothers and sisters!” he said with respect.

Peng Lei laughed heartily, clapping Demon Night on the shoulder. “No need to be so formal, little brother. You can just call me Lei, like the others. If you need anything, just come to me!”

“Indeed, little brother. From now on, we’re family. If you need help, we’re all here for you—welcome!” Senior sister Liu Xin and Zhao Mu added sincerely.

At that moment, Xiaoxiao skipped over to Demon Night, her curiosity piqued. “What’s that thing you’re carrying on your back?”

Demon Night grinned honestly. “That’s my weapon for physical cultivation!”

Xiaoxiao’s curiosity only grew, and she reached out. “Such a big thing—let me see!”

“Uh… senior sister, I’m afraid you might not be able to lift it.”

“All right, Xiaoxiao, that’s enough. Demon Night, I’ll leave you in their care. Take my token and show him around the academy, and take him to the library to find a cultivation technique.”

Taking the token, Peng Lei replied, “Don’t worry, Master, we’ll look after our junior brother!”

“Good. I won’t keep you young people any longer.” With that, the director took to the skies and flew away.

“Come on, little brother, let’s take you to your quarters first.” With that, Peng Lei and the others led Demon Night to a courtyard. Peng Lei pointed to it and said, “From now on, this will be your home. My courtyard is right next door—if you need anything, just call for me. I’ll take you to the library to choose a cultivation technique. By the way, what grade of technique are you practicing now, little brother?”

“Senior brother, I’d like to walk my own path, so I haven’t practiced any technique yet. So far, only my body and spirit have reached the Carefree Realm; my vital energy is still quite lacking,” Demon Night admitted, scratching his head in embarrassment.

“Good lad, you’re ambitious. All the more reason to go to the library—there are plenty of techniques that could help you,” Peng Lei said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Just then, an old voice echoed in Demon Night’s mind. “What nonsense, the library! With the Creation Cauldron, why bother imitating others? That’s overlooking what’s right in front of you. What you should do now is find somewhere quiet and use the Creation Cauldron’s power to comprehend the myriad arts and create your own technique as soon as possible!”

Demon Night touched his nose, thinking to himself, How could I forget about the Creation Cauldron?

“Senior brother, I’d like to rest for a few days before going to the library. Maybe next time!” Demon Night said.

Peng Lei looked at him in surprise. “All right, rest up. I’m usually at the training grounds. If you need anything, come find me.”

Watching Peng Lei leave, Demon Night let out a quiet breath. “It’s good to be outside again—it’s been so long since I’ve seen sunlight.” With that, he stepped into the courtyard, finally finding a moment of peace.