Aren and the Purple Feathered Flame Eagle tribe glanced curiously at the city below them. It was the first time they've come this close to Beltran City, so they were curious about their surroundings.
"That old demon was an existence at the Origin God Realm, but the master didn't even bat an eye when the old coot released his destructive aura. Is the master at the legendary V-Void God Realm!?" Aren muttered excitedly to himself as he followed behind Jiu Shen with glittering eyes. He praised himself for being smart or he would have wasted an opportunity to serve this strong human.
Just as he was thinking about the future of his tribe, Aren suddenly heard Jiu Shen's calm voice.
"We're here. Let's go down. As for your tribe, just let them rest outside that building." Jiu Shen said as he pointed at the lotus building below them.
Aren's sight followed where Jiu Shen was pointing and his jaws almost dropped when he saw the huge and captivating azure lotus. It was like an eye candy among the pile of rubbish that this city was. It was truly beautiful!
"What b-building?" Aren dumbly asked as he stared at the lotus building with a shocked look.
Jiu Shen smirked when he saw his dumbfounded expression. He then slowly descended towards the lotus building with his hands behind his back.
When Aren saw Jiu Shen's descent, he immediately commanded his tribe to go rest near the lotus building. He then speedily followed Jiu Shen. When they were already in the lotus building's entrance, Aren's eyes almost popped out when he noticed that there were dozens or even hundreds of spiritual plants around the lotus building. It was a wonder how such precious spiritual plants were living vibrantly in a demon city.
"Master, this...this..." Aren poked Jiu Shen with his finger and pointed at the spiritual plants.
Jiu Shen chuckled and shake his head as he randomly said. "Those are just some ornamental plants I casually planted to make the store look more refreshing. Oh and, don't let your tribe eat them. I have something more nutritious for savage beasts like them."
Aren nodded his head woodenly.
"Master is back! Welcome back, master!" A bright and cheerful voice came from inside the store followed by a series of quick footsteps.
Creek.
When the intricately beautiful door was partially opened, a charming face popped out carrying a blinding smile that could capture one's heart.
"Hello, master! Hehehe." This beautiful girl was the cheeky Xiaoxiao.
"Welcome back, master!" Two more pretty girls came into view and greeted Jiu Shen with worship and respect. Their eyes were shining as they greeted him.
Just a second later, a huge and frightening figure walked behind them.
'A Demon Lord?!' Aren glanced warily at Burlock. His muscles were tightening as he prepared to strike.
"Welcome back, Wine Master Jiu Shen. It's good that you're here. Demon Ancestor Jun and the four Demon Lords came earlier seeking for you." Burlock said with a depressed tone.
Aren who was preparing to attack calmed himself. It looks like this demon was on their side.
"I know. Don't worry about them. They won't cause trouble here anymore." Jiu Shen said as he patted Burlock's shoulder.
Burlock stared suspiciously at Jiu Shen and asked. "What do you mean, Wine Master Jiu?"
Jiu Shen merely smiled at the curious Burlock as he stepped inside the store.
"This man here is Aren. He is a newly ascended Nascent God Realm savage beast. He will be working here as a temporary guard, so make sure to treat him well. He also brought with him his Purple Feathered Flame Eagle tribe. Burlock, you will be responsible for their food." Jiu Shen introduced the man behind him.
Aren lightly bowed his head. "I will be in your care."
Of course, he has his reasons for being respectful. Aside from his worship for Jiu Shen, the three girls and the demon were so much stronger than him! Although he wasn't afraid of them, he didn't want to offend them since they would be his comrades starting now.
"Hello, Aren! I'm Xiaoxiao. Don't worry. I'll teach you everything you need to know here." Xiaoxiao grinned evilly.
Seeing her smile, Aren felt a chill running down his spine.
"Buddy, we welcome you here. You can call me Burlock and I'm one of the five Demon Lords of Beltran City, but now I serve Wine Master Jiu Shen. Come, let me tour you around the building." Burlock patted Aren's shoulder warmly. His warm words were a stark contrast to his demonic visage, making Aren at loss for words.
"Alright." Aren nodded his head reluctantly.
Seeing that, Burlock glanced at Jiu Shen and waited for his approval.
Jiu Shen waved his hand and nodded his head. "Go."
After seeing that the two men were gone. Xiaoxiao, Meimei, and Blue pulled Jiu Shen to a seat and asked him a series of questions about his recent travel.
Jiu Shen did not want to disappoint the enthusiastic girls, so he answered their questions calmly.
***
"General, we've secured the young master!" A dark-skinned single-armed man laughed joyfully when he heard the voice in his communication crystal. Behind this man were a dozen human figures with different degrees of injuries, but despite their sorry figures, relieved smiles can be seen on their faces.
The one-armed man stared at the communication crystal in his remaining hand and said with fierce resolution. "Leave Beltran City right away! We will buy time for your escape! Treat our family well, brothers!"
The man behind the communication crystal was stunned when he heard the general's words, but he still replied as tears trickled down his cheeks. "Yes, general!"
The general heaved a sigh when heard the reply. He then crushed the communication crystal and glanced regretfully at his subordinates. "I'm sorry, brothers, but we must buy time for the young master's escape." His voice carried a hint of sadness for his men.
"General, we are more than happy to sacrifice our lives for the young master's safety!"
"That's right! We are prepared for death, general!"
Looking at the resolute faces of his subordinates, the general felt a pang of pain in his heart. 'I don't want such loyal men to die under my watch, but how could we live under this circumstance!'
Just then, he suddenly recalled a mysterious figure. The general's tired look was invigorated. "Brothers, it looks like we still have a chance to live! Come, follow me to the lotus building!"
His subordinates were surprised, but they followed the general while looking around their surroundings.