Tales of Demons and Gods (CH2)

Dressed and groomed immaculately, Shen Yue strolled along a garden path. His background shone through in terms of appearance and demeanor, seeming undirtied by the mortal world. Among Glory City’s younger generation, that weren’t many that compared to him.

Having taken his time, he was almost late for his appointment with his fiancé, Ye Ziyun. Their parents occasionally organized such meet-ups, intending for the betrotheds to deepen their relationship. Shen Yue wasn’t particularly looking forward to it, but blowing their ‘date’ off would only create trouble.

Rounding a corner, he spotted a walled, roofed gazebo in the middle of the garden. It was like a scene from a painting, surrounded by a bubbling stream snaking in-between colorfully flowered and leaved trees. A figure was seated there, a purple shawl draped over her shoulders. She must’ve noticed him, because she turned her head, glancing at him over the rim of her teacup.

When Shen Yue saw her face, he suddenly froze. From his memories, he was familiar with Ye Ziyun’s appearance. Being infatuated with her, her beauty was a subject of obsession for his predecessor. However, looking at her now, she seemed much prettier. The illustrations of her didn’t begin to do the girl justice—even his own recollections paled in comparison to the real thing.

‘Is it because I’m seeing her through new eyes…?’

He couldn’t think of any other reason. Her level of beauty simply wasn’t something you’d find back on Earth. It was almost inhuman. The descriptions in cultivation novels, addressing women as ‘faeries’ or ‘goddesses’ suddenly made a lot more sense.

With commendable willpower, he schooled his expression, not wanting her to think something was off. He resumed his journey to the gazebo’s shade, sitting on the opposite bench and gracefully pouring himself some tea.

“Hello, miss Ziyun. It’s been a while.”

Ye Ziyun nodded.

“Hmm.”

Taking a sip, Shen Yue surreptitiously glanced at her. She was even more gorgeous up close. Unlike her character-illustration, her hair wasn’t purple, but a deep black. Only under the sun’s rays did it gain a dark violet tint, glinting mysteriously.

Her eyes were more colorful, like a cracked-open amethyst. They were streaked through like a precious stone, glittering with flecks of lavender. They were almost magical, beyond the ability of contacts to emulate.

Feeling a little flustered, he wondered what to say next. He could at least thank the previous him for not having messed things up in advance. The fool had always shown his best side in front of Ye Ziyun, acting like the perfect young master.

“…are you looking forward to tomorrow’s class?”

Ye Ziyun glanced at him before returning her gaze to the garden. She seemed indifferent, but their relationship had always been that way. It wasn’t that she disliked him, but neither did she have any particular affection for him. Not surprising, given their arranged marriage.

“I am. I think it could be interesting.”

Shen Yue coughed into his fist.

“Well, I’ll be counting on you. You’re a better student than I am, so I might need some help.”

This drew a small smile from her.

“I’m really not, but thank you. If you’re okay with it, I wouldn’t mind studying together.”

Their conversation lulling for a moment, Shen Yue judged his ice-breaker to be a success. Any inclinations of just letting Nie Lie have her had long-since vanished. The past and present him had been united in that sense—that Ye Ziyun would belong to him. Anyone who got in his way would be ruthlessly crushed.

“I was thinking about tomorrow after class—if you’d like to join me for lunch. Since we don’t usually get the chance, I’d like to visit a few food-stalls.”

Ye Ziyun returned her attention to him, slightly surprised. He’d always preferred more esteemed establishments.

“I’m not sure. We might have homework. And I think I’d like to check the academy’s library.”

Shen Yue nodded.

“In that case, I’ll go with you. If there’s time, we can eat something afterward.”

They chatted awhile longer, about an hour passing before Ye Ziyun gave her farewells, promising to meet tomorrow. Shen Yue escorted her to her carriage like a gentleman.

Standing on the side of the road, he watched until she and her driver disappeared in the distance. If he remembered right, from the novel’s description, not even the girls from the higher-realms compared to Ye Ziyun in the end.

‘There’s absolutely no way I’m letting her go. I’d be an idiot if I did. Nie Lie, you had your chance in your previous life. Laying hands on her once is already far more than you deserve…’

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After two weeks in this world, the time had come for Shen Yue to experience the novel’s start. Despite himself, he found it somewhat nerve-wracking. It was only a matter of time before Nie Lie realized something was off about him.

However, as of right now, there was nothing he could do. Nie Lie certainly wouldn’t go so far as to reveal his regressor status, and even if he did, nobody would believe him. Shen Yue knew he didn’t need to worry for the time being, but one’s body didn’t always obey their mind.

With sweaty palms, he strolled into the classroom, trying to look as dignified as possible. It seemed to work, judging by the awe-struck gazes sent his way. Though, Ye Ziyun could certainly be responsible.

Yesterday, toward the end of their ‘date’, he’d suggested going to class together. It was a relief when she agreed. Fortunately, at this point, they were still on good terms. That only changed when the original started showing his ugly side, made insecure by Nie Lie.

Shen Yue glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Dressed in an embroidered white robe, Ye Ziyun’s appearance was out of this word. A teenager starting adulthood, she was like a fruit ripening on the vine. If he was being honest, her youth only added to his attraction—contributing a certain purity. The taboo feeling of wanting to defile her only adder to his excitement.

‘Well, if Nie Lie won’t let that stop him, I won’t either. I’m a villain anyway. I can do whatever I want.’

Leading the way, he picked an open row for the two of them. He’d already spotted the protagonist, seated on the opposite side of the class. Remembering his shameless peeking, Shen Yue seated himself in the middle, obstructing Nie Lie’s view.

‘This bastard… by the looks of it, he already recovered his memories. I was almost hoping this was the original timeline, but it seems that isn’t the case.’

Waiting for the class to start, he assessed the situation. With his vivid orange hair, Nie Lie was hard to miss. Shen Yue had to admit he wasn’t exactly ugly. On Earth, he would even be considered rather handsome. However, the protagonist simply couldn’t compare to himself in terms of appearance.

If it was any other girl, he’d have a lot more confidence, but Ye Ziyun was the female lead. She was unusually humble, not looking down on people with lower status. Nor was she superficial, placing little importance on things like appearance.

‘…frankly, it’s a little annoying. I’d have preferred if she was easier to coax, but that’s how it is.’

Soon, a tall woman wearing a lavender dress entered the classroom. In a room of children, it was a little inappropriate—wrapped tightly around her chest to emphasize her figure. Her makeup was exquisite, giving her an elegant appearance.

A murmuring immediately started among the boys.

“I heard the new teacher is from the Sacred Family. She’s even a silver-ranked demon spiritualist!”

“She’s from one of the three major families? No wonder she’s so pretty-…”

The woman thumped her hand against the blackboard, quieting the noise. With her chin up and her back straight, her attitude was full of pride and arrogance.

“I won’t waste time with long introductions. My name is Shen Xiu, from the renowned Shen family. I’ll be your homeroom teacher.”

Scanning the room, her eyes landed on Shen Yue, her hard look softening somewhat.

“For those with… less robust educations, I’ll be covering the fundamentals of cultivation. Some of you will find it boring, but I ask that you bear with me.”

Not one to mince words, she immediately jumped into an explanation.

“All cultivators fall into one of two categories: fighters or demon spiritualists. The latter is plainly superior to the first, allowing the integration of a demon spirit into one’s soul realm from silver rank onward. It’s worth noting a demon spiritualist’s maximum rank is determined by their demon spirit…”

“…fighters and demon spiritualists have the same ranking system: bronze, silver, gold, black-gold and legend. Each rank is separated into five different star levels…”

“…I have to inform you all of the cruel truth. Talent determines success. In this world, equality doesn’t exist. It’s better to stop living in a fairy tale. One’s heritage is invaluable—commoners becoming nobility is simply impossible!”

Shen Yue listened to all this with indifference. He knew Shen Xiu, his aunt, was about to get face-slapped by the protagonist, but there was little he could do.

On queue, Nie Lie raised his hand, his expression mock-earnest.

“Teacher, I have some questions. Firstly, wasn’t lord Ye Mo a commoner in his youth? Is teacher unaware of this?”

At the mention of this, an excited atmosphere emerged in the class. With only five prominent families in Glory City, most of the students were low ranking nobles like Nie Lie or commoners. It was no surprise they rallied behind his words.

“That’s right! There’s lord Ye Mo…!”

“But didn’t teacher say it was impossible…?”

The murmuring caused Shen Xiu’s eyebrow to twitch.

“You all… In Glory City’s long history, he’s the only person to have climbed to the peak-…”

Not letting her finish, Nie Lie stood, looking around the class. He even made eye-contact with Shen Yue.

“Lord Ye Mo is a prime example that, regardless of their origin, everyone’s potential is limitless! Nothing is impossible if one is willing to climb.”

Shen Xiu frowned.

“Do you think putting things that way changes the harsh reality? There are many who tried to do as he did, but failed. Even when lord Ye Mo was younger, he had amazing talent—a cyan soul realm! Checking the class register, you merely have a red soul realm, the lowest talent there is! You’re not qualified to make remarks…”

While this was going on, Shen Yue leaned on his hand, looking bored. A lot of what his aunt said was true, but it really put her in a bad light, arguing with a student like this. Though, that hypocrite, who would’ve been a useless loser in both lives if it wasn’t for the Temporal Demon Spirit Book, was admittedly good at provoking people.

“…instead of nurturing everyone patiently, you’re using harsh words to demoralize them. You’re not worthy of being a professor! I have weak talent, so what? There will be a day when I become a legend-rank demon spiritualist like lord Ye Mo and marry the most beautiful girl in Glory City!”

After making such an arrogant statement, he turned his head, intending to look toward Ye Ziyun. However, Shen Yue had chosen that moment to shift position, perfectly intercepting his gaze.

Seeing this, Nie Lie’s gaze grew intense, though Shen Yue remained indifferent. He simply sat there with his arms crossed.

“How about making a bet with me, teacher? In two months time, I’ll reach bronze rank. If I fail, I’ll quit the Holy Orchid Institute, but if I succeed… then you will resign! How about it!”

Hearing this, the entire class held their breath. Given his background, cultivation and talent, Nie Lie’s challenge was too outrageous. Every sentence of his delivered a shock to their hearts.

Shen Xiu laughed.

“Such rudeness! Why wouldn’t I dare? An egotistical brat like you wants to raise their soul force from 5 to 100 in two months. Who do you think you are-…”

However, before she could finish, Shen Yue spoke up. In the novel, Nie Lie’s superiority among the students was a big reason why he managed to sway Ye Ziyun. This was a good opportunity to knock him down a peg.

“Professor, excuse me for interrupting, but I don’t see a reason for you to agree to this. Even if he ends up being expelled, how does that benefit your esteemed self? I have a different suggestion.”

Shen Xiu looked at him, her eyes lighting up.

“Little Yue? What you say does make some sense. For me to quarrel with a rude kid is already stooping below my level. Please go ahead.”

Nie Lie looked like he wanted to say something, but Shen Xiu waved him down. She was clearly fuming with anger.

“Enough! You’re not the only student in this class. Weren’t you supposedly speaking up for their benefit a while ago? Yet now you want to make the entire lesson about yourself!”

Taking this as his queue, Shen Yue continued.

“If he has the confidence, I’d be more than happy to spar with Nie Lie in two-months time.”

Under everyone’s gazes, Nie Lie smiled.

“Since brother Shen has agreed to it, don’t regret it later on!”

Shen Yue shook his head. He swept his eyes over the class.

“I wouldn’t go back on my words. But it seems brother Lie misunderstood something. It is indeed the case that members of the five great families have superior talent, as professor Xiu stated, but that isn’t something to be envious of or upset about. Ultimately, our strength is Glory City’s strength. It benefits the nobility and commoners alike.”

He briefly glanced at Ye Ziyun, seeing her attention on him.

“When it comes to resisting the beast tide, nobody bears a heavier burden than the five sacred families. If it weren’t for their efforts, Glory City would’ve been overrun long ago. We are all in the same boat. Why do we need to antagonize each other?”

“…!”
His spiel had left everyone stunned, including Shen Xiu and the protagonist himself. Nie Lie never would have expected such words from his mouth—Shen Yue knew this much. After all, it was the Sacred Family who eventually betrayed Glory City in his past life.

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