CHAPTER 158: CHAPTER 158: THE WEDDING CEREMONY (REQUEST FOR FULL SUBSCRIPTION)

The Nightmare Demon’s philosophical words rendered Lu Luo silent for a moment.

He hadn’t suffered excessively and wasn’t clear about what those with inner torment truly felt like inside.

Without experiencing another’s hardship, one shouldn’t urge others towards goodness; having experienced their hardship doesn’t necessarily make one better.

He didn’t know what the Nightmare Demon had gone through in its growth and hadn’t had enough interaction with it.

So Lu Luo couldn’t determine whether the Nightmare Demon was indeed a terrifying tyrant, a mentally twisted madman, or merely a normal Exotic Species.

Or, as it was currently displaying, was it a mischievous, naive, yet potent and violent child?

However, from their brief encounters, one thing Lu Luo could ascertain was that the Nightmare Demon desperately needed love—extremely so.

It might be the love of a family or that of companions.

The Nightmare Demon always used its power to create dreams it found amusing, to play dream games.

Then, in reality, it constructed red carpet rooms and dressed up its soldiers and castles like the cartoon toys of human children.

If one didn’t focus on the Nightmare Demon’s current strength, then its age and personality really did resemble that of a seven-year-old child deprived of love.

Yet even so, Lu Luo maintained a skeptical attitude toward the Nightmare Demon’s true nature.

Nevertheless, the Nightmare Demon was too powerful. In its presence, Lu Luo could only hide his doubts deep within, not daring to reveal the slightest bit.

"So the heartsick can be satisfied so easily!"

"Yes, those with a bitter heart really can be easily contented."

Lu Luo was incapable of discerning animal expressions, and it was impossible for him to keep staring at the Nightmare Demon. He just wanted to survive, so whether what the Nightmare Demon said was true or not was irrelevant to him.

"Your mother’s wedding, do you need me to help you with something?"

The topic shifted back to the bride, and Lu Luo knew that he had to handle this situation well, beautifully even.

He needed to make the Nightmare Demon see his worth so that he could safely lead his people away from this place.

The Nightmare Demon cocked its head, pondering for a while.

"I’m not very clear on the wedding process, and I’m also unsure what exactly I should do for her. I just want to give her a surprise, a truly surprising wedding, but I’m not familiar with the details of human weddings.

I don’t know what specifically to do. My original idea was to have Wu En handle this.

Wu En was an old human Priest, and he had officiated countless weddings. He must be very adept at this kind of thing.

He had agreed to help me in the dreamscape. I gave him a part of the Nightmare Demon’s power. Then, I even enlisted three Lords to assist him, and I went myself as well.

But he died nonetheless, and now I can’t sense any other of my kind who can help. So I have no choice but to turn to you."

The host killed Wu En and then took over the task Wu En was supposed to do. Is this destiny?

Lu Luo was a bit speechless. Did killing Wu En just dig a deeper pit for myself?

Well then, since he’d dug his own grave, it was best to get this wedding handled swiftly; perhaps then he could remain alive.

"Regarding marriage, I am indeed knowledgeable! I’ve read many books, so it shouldn’t be a problem."

"That’s wonderful, Lu Luo! How should we proceed?" The Nightmare Demon clacked its hooves together with excitement.

"Like this, and then this, and after that this..."

「...」

About one hour later, Lu Luo had conveyed some simple wedding designs, requirements, and etiquette to the Nightmare Demon.

The Nightmare Demon seemed very happy. Although Lu Luo couldn’t discern the sincerity of its happiness, he knew how to act, so he looked quite pleased as well.

Lu Luo picked up the invitation card that the Nightmare Demon had prepared earlier, adopting a profound expression.

"You probably made a mistake in this invitation. Normally, it’s a ’dusk ceremony,’ not a ’wedding ceremony.’

Humans believe that dusk is an auspicious time. Thus, marrying at dusk is known as the ’dusk ceremony.’

Let me explain.

When a woman marries, she should do so at dusk so the bright moonlight can light her path to happiness.

’Dusk’ refers to twilight, and ’woman’ to the bride.

Together, ’woman’ and ’dusk’ (forming the character for ’wedding’) signifies: ’I return home in the twilight, as if walking on a path of light—it is a sign of happiness and good fortune.’"

The Nightmare Demon’s eyes glowed faintly! This time, it truly felt delighted.

It ran over and licked Lu Luo again.

"Lu Luo, you truly know so much!"

SLURP! SLURP!

"Uhm, please don’t lick."

"Hmm, about the dusk ceremony, that’s probably it. If nothing goes wrong, there shouldn’t be any problems."

"There will be no mistakes. Anyone who dares to make one will die in the Netherflame."

It smiled, but its words were anything but funny.

Perhaps it was truly fond of Lu Luo, or perhaps it really did have a childlike nature.

But a Monarch is a Monarch; when it comes to killing, they never hold back. This was something Lu Luo had to remain vigilant about at all times.

"Who’s the groom? You’ve never said, and that must be where you need my help, right?"

"Heh, getting impatient? You carry his scent; you must be quite familiar with him.

His name is Ludie, a human Hunter.

Although I don’t understand what’s so special about him, I know that Mother has never stopped thinking about him.

As the groom, he definitely needs to know the exact time, so I need you to invite him!"

Lu Luo was reminded of the words Ludie had said to him on the rooftop.

"Those monsters that all of you fear are the very people some of us dream of!"

Upon hearing the Nightmare Demon admit that it was Ludie, Lu Luo actually felt a sense of relief.

The unknown breeds fear; the fewer unknowns, the more advantageous the situation becomes for me.

It’s better if it’s Ludie. There would be more controllable factors.

"If the dusk ceremony is held here, it won’t be easy for him to come. After all, this must be deep within the Exotic Species’ world."

The Nightmare Demon gave Lu Luo a cryptic glance.

"All you need to do is inform him. When the time comes, I will personally invite him."

A personal invitation? To outside the East Ring wall? An Eighth Order Exotic Species standing outside the wall—wouldn’t that be like a Black Tide? Is it just trying to scare people?

Although Lu Luo was curious about the Nightmare Demon’s next moves, he dared not ask at this juncture.

"I see! When do you plan on having the wedding ceremony?"

"Wait a bit longer. The wedding can only take place once the renovations here are finished. In human terms, I guess it will take another half a year.

There’s no helping it, you’ve seen it yourself—these guys work so inefficiently!"

Lu Luo didn’t continue to press for an exact time and place. He wouldn’t question the Nightmare Demon further on matters it had clearly responded to; questioning an Eighth Order Exotic Species was folly.

"Alright, where are my two companions now? I should be getting back."

"Won’t you stay a bit longer? The Dark Energy here is abundant, a very suitable environment for growth.

You’re too weak right now; you should grow quickly."

The Nightmare Demon was right. Had Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi’s lives not been hanging in the balance, he might have indeed stayed here to cultivate.

But right now, that was impossible. He couldn’t let go.

"No need. Every role has its own definition, and I’m very clear about my own. So, I should leave."

The Nightmare Demon nodded, saying nonchalantly,

"Very well, I will send you back now. But Lu Luo, you seem to really like using the word ’human,’ don’t you?"

"Do I? Maybe it makes me seem more human."

Upon hearing Lu Luo say this, the Nightmare Demon was initially taken aback, then nodded in satisfaction.

Only then did Lu Luo feel certain that he had finally passed its test.

The Nightmare Demon tapped its hoof a few times, and a dreamlike gate appeared before Lu Luo.

Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi were lying quietly inside the gate. Just as Lu Luo was about to enter, a woman’s voice stopped him.

"Human? Or perhaps not?"

Lu Luo turned to look, and there stood a woman dressed in red!

A Seventh Tier Specter Species. You should have guessed her identity by now, right? Very strong, and very unique.

Lu Luo narrowed his eyes. Qiao Xing’s report had mentioned a woman in red who had intercepted the Nightmare Demon, after which the Nightmare Demon left the East Ring with her.

From the first glance at her, Lu Luo was certain she was the Seventh Tier Specter Species, the bride Qiu Guling!

How to put it—though she was a Specter Species, she retained almost all human characteristics.

Among all the Exotic Species Lu Luo had encountered, only Wu En had such a form.

"Hello, my name is Lu Luo."

Lu Luo hadn’t answered whether he was human or an Exotic Species, so Qiu Guling was dissatisfied with his response.

"I didn’t ask for your name, human! I’ve told you before, don’t have too much contact with humans!"

Before Lu Luo could reply, the Nightmare Demon spoke on his behalf. After all, it still needed Lu Luo’s assistance and couldn’t afford to let him die in this place.

"No, Mother, it is not human. It is like me. He is my friend."

Upon hearing the word ’friend’ from the Nightmare Demon, Qiu Guling’s ghostly, fire-like pupils filled with disbelief.

A friend? What does it mean to be a friend of the Nightmare Demon?

Qiu Guling fell silent for a moment, glanced at Lu Luo, and eventually did not refute the Nightmare Demon’s words.

"I understand."

Seeing that Qiu Guling no longer objected, the Nightmare Demon hurriedly gestured to Lu Luo, signaling him to leave quickly.

Lu Luo got the hint and immediately jumped through the spatial doorway.

As he grabbed Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi, the illusory world began to collapse once again.

In the midst of the chaotic spatial storm, Lu Luo thought he saw the Nightmare Demon’s abyss-like eyes.

Lu Luo once again wondered, Could an Eighth Order Exotic Species really be like a child?

「...」

The Nightmare Demon, still in the castle, slowly approached Qiu Guling and rubbed her palm with its dark, large head.

Such an ingratiating gesture from an Eighth Order Exotic Species was truly bewildering.

However, Qiu Guling was not moved by it. Instead, she turned and looked at the Nightmare Demon coldly.

"What do you seek from him? What exactly do you want to do?"

The Nightmare Demon did not care about Qiu Guling’s indifference, resting its head in her embrace.

"Hehe, don’t be like that, my mother. What bad intentions could an innocent and cute child have?

Moreover, didn’t you want to see him too? I’m creating the opportunity for you! You should be thanking me."

Qiu Guling stared at the Nightmare Demon, her expression still cold.

The Nightmare Demon, this monster born from her, was growing more powerful by the day, its growth rate alarmingly fast!

The normal limit of a Nightmare Demon was only Seventh Tier, with powers of the mind and illusion.

But now, the Nightmare Demon had somehow acquired the power of Nether.

Nether is a force that controls life and death. With it, the Nightmare Demon was no longer simply a leader of nightmarish creatures but had become a Monarch who held sway over the life and death of countless Exotic Species.

Perhaps two years ago she could have suppressed the Nightmare Demon, but now, it had undoubtedly become the lord of the East Ring, dictating everything here.

This creature, grown from the aggregation of all negative emotions like hatred, despair, anger, and sorrow, had become a new calamity and was still gaining strength.

This was a reality that all Exotic Species and all humans had to face.

"Do you intend to unleash the Dark Tide upon humankind?"

"The Dark Tide? Of course not. I am not as foolish as a Rogue Giant, nor as arrogant as the Stone Mother and Noah.

Humans are still very powerful at the moment, and the other old-timers are unwilling to join forces with me.

If I were to initiate the Dark Tide by myself, wouldn’t that be suicidal? I’m not that stupid.

Besides, all I want is to organize a wedding for you, to make you the most beautiful bride. Isn’t that what you’ve longed for all these years?"

"Madness leads only to destruction; you do not understand him."

"It is because I do not understand that I wish to understand. And according to our relationship, should I call him... Father?"

Qiu Guling glanced at the Nightmare Demon, then turned and left. She could no longer restrain it; staying was pointless.

Qiu Guling didn’t have much regard for humanity itself; it didn’t matter if some of them died.

Moreover, the Nightmare Demon wasn’t wrong. She did really want to see that person!

「...」

In the Alternate Space, Lu Luo held Qi Xinzhu’s hand, pulling her into his arms. This really wasn’t about taking advantage; he primarily feared losing her.

His other hand arbitrarily held onto Gu Fangyi’s waistband, trying to prevent him from causing a disturbance.

He’s really not human!

Amidst the torrent of Spatial Transfer, the three of them arrived back at the tree hole.

The consecutive Spatial Transfers put great pressure on the already injured Lu Luo, causing him to faint.

「Some time passed before Lu Luo slowly regained consciousness.」

An Exotic Species resembling a mouse was biting his nose, but unfortunately, Lu Luo’s defenses were too high for the mouse to do any damage.

Seeing Lu Luo awaken, the mouse seemed to want to flee, but Lu Luo suddenly grabbed it, squishing it into a pulp.

Then he used the Devourer to turn it into 5 energy points.

Turning his head, Lu Luo saw Qi Xinzhu hugging him tightly. He immediately and very sensibly continued to feign unconsciousness.

I’m not being lecherous, I just don’t want to disturb Qi Xinzhu’s rest. Yep, that’s it.

Gu Fangyi woke up shortly after, even before Qi Xinzhu.

Seeing that both Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu were fine, he immediately exclaimed with joy,

"Bro Luo, Qi Xinzhu, we’re back! We’ve finally come back!"

Why is Brother Gu so oblivious? Lu Luo thought, struggling to maintain his act of unconsciousness.

If you’re awake, why can’t you just quietly keep watch? Why did you have to shout it out? Brother Gu, you’re walking on thin ice!

Hearing Gu Fangyi’s call, Qi Xinzhu also slowly woke up. Seeing that the surroundings were back to normal, she felt a bit pleased and quickly shook Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, we’re back!"

It was then that Lu Luo "woke up," looking completely bewildered.

"Ah? We’re back? Good, good that we’re back."

Only then did Qi Xinzhu realize she was holding Lu Luo, and she felt as if some weapon was pressing against her. She hurriedly let go.

"Sorry, I was pressing on you. What’s that in your pants?"

"Hmm! A sword. My hidden weapon, not easily shown to others."

"You have another sword hidden? What kind is it? Let me see."

Who would have thought Qi Xinzhu had such an uninhibited side? Maybe you should find an opportunity...

Qi Xinzhu was a bit puzzled as beads of sweat began to form on Lu Luo’s forehead. He looked at Gu Fangyi, his eyes pleading.

Brother Gu, save me!

Gu Fangyi looked at Lu Luo and, after a moment of silence, said,

"According to Bro Luo’s physique and willpower, he should have been the first one to wake up."

Critical hit, assist, kill!

After that remark, the atmosphere among the three became awkwardly quiet.

Qi Xinzhu looked down and didn’t speak. Even if she was a bit slow on the uptake, she had figured it out by now.

Lu Luo suddenly shot to his feet.

"Brother Gu!"

"Hmm?"

"You’ve been walking on a narrow path lately. Be careful of having nightmares."

Gu Fangyi: "???"

Qi Xinzhu quickly recovered her composure when she noticed something odd about Lu Luo’s attire—it seemed rather... endearingly goofy?

"Lu Luo, your clothes? Weird, they look good! Uh, weirdly good-looking."

Gu Fangyi struggled to hold back his laughter, but his twitching lips were pretty obvious.

"I know what you guys want to say, but wearing clothes is better than being butt-naked, right?"

"Uh, that’s true."

Lu Luo’s fighting style indeed made it easy to ruin his clothes; having something to wear now was actually not bad.

Qi Xinzhu scanned their surroundings and noticed that aside from the equipment they were wearing, all their other belongings were gone.

"All our supplies, food, water—they’re gone."

"I know."

Lu Luo also felt quite distressed. Although he personally gained a lot, like over 10,000 energy points and the power of Nether, those were tangible gains.

But the main purpose of this trip was to make money, not just for energy.

In terms of making money, their current earnings were negative.

Not only did they fail to make any money, but they had even lost their equipment.

Not to mention anything else, those stockpiled supplies of grenades and ammunition, and some scattered equipment, probably cost about 20,000 to 30,000.

Just his two standard-issue greatswords alone cost 5,200.

They had also lost the four double-tails, and those were money too.

"Never mind. I’ll figure something out for food and water later."

Hearing Lu Luo say this, the other two could only nod.

"Bro Luo, what happened with that guy in the end?"