Marrying the Soft-hearted Villain

“High-ranking magical beasts have designated trading caves. It's a mutually understood and respected rule that they don't attack each other there,” Tian Ye added from the side.

The Sand Tribe, a powerful demon tribe in the south, wasn't as impoverished as the Winter Bear Tribe. Unlike the Winter Bears, who only attended the demon market every few months, the Sand Tribe participated monthly.

Tian Ye, possessing considerable strength, often accompanied the tribe leader on these trips and knew more about these matters than Xiong Duoduo and the others.

Ruan Qiuqiu's heart stirred at these words. If high-ranking magical beasts from the Demon Realm were present, she might be able to gather valuable information, perhaps even finding a glimmer of hope as Panda Grandpa had suggested.

Clutching the pearl around her neck, Ruan Qiuqiu pondered for a moment before asking, “What would those magical beasts be interested in?”

Green Moon Cotton clothing was already common in the Demon Realm. Food and handicrafts were also plentiful. The only things of value they currently possessed were the healing water droplets and the few Fire Warmth Grasses.

The Soul Reflection Mirror and the secrets of the Winter Bear Tribe's forbidden back mountain, while precious in a relative sense, were only valuable to certain magical beasts and held no significance for others.

Tian Ye hesitated before taking a deep breath and saying, “Generally, they're quite interested in demon bodies.”

“What? They crave our bodies?” Xiong Duoduo exclaimed in surprise, covering his face with his hands in a shy gesture.

Ruan Qiuqiu was speechless.

Xiong Yuan, finding his brother's behavior unbearable, slapped him on the forehead. “Duoduo, are you stupid? Those magical beasts literally want to eat you.”

The flesh and blood of demons were highly nourishing for magical beasts.

Ruan Qiuqiu fell silent. She remembered Granny Ruyi mentioning that her own flesh and blood were even more delectable than those of ordinary demons.

“Forget it,” Ruan Qiuqiu shook her head. She was unwilling to let everyone sell their blood unless absolutely necessary.

Blood was a vital foundation for demons who hadn't reached the fourth rank. While some blood loss could be replenished with food during summer and autumn, the cost was much higher in winter.

Tian Ye smiled, her gaze towards Ruan Qiuqiu softening. She said gently, “Let's go take a look later. Perhaps we can exchange the healing water droplets for some information.”

Ruan Qiuqiu nodded. After further discussion, the group decided that Ruan Qiuqiu and Tian Ye would go together to see if they could barter for anything useful.

The remaining three male demons would stay in the cave to guard their belongings.

This arrangement was made because Ruan Qiuqiu could produce healing water droplets and had the clearest understanding of the information they needed.

Tian Ye, a fifth-rank early-stage Spatial Red Eagle, was the strongest among them, capable of overpowering most demons and magical beasts.

While the demon market was generally peaceful with everyone adhering to the rules, there were still some unsavory individuals who might resort to robbery.

Ruan Qiuqiu and Tian Ye packed their valuables into a backpack.

In addition to a precious set of third-rank Green Moon Cotton clothing and the small wooden tubes containing the healing water droplets, Xiong Duoduo brought out something that surprised Ruan Qiuqiu.

It was a small garment, likely intended for a young woman or child, made of second-rank Green Moon Cotton and lined with soft black and white fur.

Ruan Qiuqiu accepted the garment as Xiong Duoduo rubbed his nose sheepishly. “This was made with fur willingly donated by the panda cubs in our tribe. We hope to sell it for a good price and exchange it for more food…”

Ruan Qiuqiu, touching the soft fabric, felt a pang of sadness.

In the demon world, although pandas weren't considered national treasures, they were still rare, and their fur was highly valued.

Xiong Duoduo's eyes reddened as he continued, “It's all my fault. I've been shedding a lot lately, otherwise, the children wouldn't have had to give up their fur…”

Looking at the nearly bald young man, Ruan Qiuqiu felt a mixture of sadness and amusement.

She carefully packed the garment away, promising to do her best to sell it for a good price.

After waiting for about half an hour, the thunderstorm finally subsided enough for them to see the path.

“Let's go,” Ruan Qiuqiu said, putting on her straw raincoat and handing another to Tian Ye.

This time, she had also made a veil from a thinner layer of Green Moon Cotton to cover her face.

Tian Ye had never worn such a novel item. She usually used her wings to shield herself from the rain, or, with greater strength, she would manipulate the space above her head with her demon power to avoid getting wet.

However, considering the goods they were carrying and the need to conceal her strength, Tian Ye donned the raincoat and left the cave with Ruan Qiuqiu.

It was dark outside, but the night-light pearls provided enough illumination for Ruan Qiuqiu to see the path.

Tian Ye used a bit of demon power to protect their goods from the rain as they walked and chatted.

After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the first illuminated cave.

“Want to take a look?” Tian Ye asked through the rain.

Ruan Qiuqiu shook her head. “Let's go to the large cave in the center of the market first.”

While the smaller tribe caves might have good items, the probability was lower. With their limited inventory, they needed to prioritize trading for essential items.

Tian Ye nodded in agreement and fell silent. They took a shortcut, wading through mud, but reached a small path near the market center in just half an hour. The number of demons around them gradually increased.

Ruan Qiuqiu could make out the demons on the path thanks to the light spilling from the caves.

To her surprise, most of these demons were in their half-demon or full-demon forms, with few maintaining human appearances.

In just a few seconds, she saw a female demon slithering on the ground with half a snake tail, a giant hyena shaking off water, its sharp teeth glinting menacingly in the dim light, and even a child near a cave with a giant mushroom cap for a head, seemingly a mushroom-type plant demon.

Having never seen so many different types of demons before, she was momentarily stunned.

“The customs of demon markets probably vary from place to place,” Tian Ye explained softly. “In our previous market, everyone preferred human form. It seems they prefer demon forms here.”

Tian Ye then glanced at Ruan Qiuqiu and said, “I'll transform into my half-demon form too.”

Tian Ye quickly transformed.

In the light of the night-light pearls, Ruan Qiuqiu saw Tian Ye's half-demon form: a vermillion mark on her forehead, red wings unfurled behind her back, fiery red eyebrows, and crimson lips framing long lashes, accentuating her valiant and heroic appearance.

Ruan Qiuqiu couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Her own appearance was more gentle, lacking that heroic edge. She felt that Tian Xiu, that eagle, was truly fortunate to have such a beautiful and powerful partner.

Seeing her expression, Tian Ye, perhaps sensing Ruan Qiuqiu's potential discomfort as the only human, offered reassurance. “Qiuqiu, it's alright if you can't transform. I can protect you. Besides, the scent of Yuan Jue is strong on you. Everyone can smell it, so no demon will mistake you for an easy target.”

Ruan Qiuqiu was taken aback. Was Mr. Big Bad Wolf's scent really that strong on her? She couldn't smell it at all.

As they spoke, Ruan Qiuqiu caught sight of several humans in white robes, carrying bone umbrellas, emerging from a large cave not far behind them.

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