So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 165 The Magical Mirror

Chapter 165 The Magical Mirror (Second Update)

"Splash—"

'

Inside the courtyard, Jiang Mu stood by the well, wringing out a bed sheet that had just been changed.

The water made a crisp sound as it splashed onto the stone slab.

He shook his head helplessly as he hung the bed sheets to dry.

It really is made of water.

Shui Miaozheng turned her back to him and remained silent.

But upon closer inspection, one can see that her small, pale hands, clutching the edge of her dress, have knuckles that are already slightly white.

After Jiang Mu finished getting ready, Shui Miaozheng finally calmed down.

She turned around, trying to make her voice sound normal: "I just received the latest intelligence from the undercover agents."

It is said that the Golden Roc Demon originally brought a thousand demon soldiers to provide support, but they were ambushed on the way and more than half of them were killed or wounded.

Did you do this?

"I think so."

Jiang Mu let out a satisfied burp, rubbed his stomach, and muttered to himself.

Well, I guess I won't need to drink water for the next couple of days.

I even threw up from drinking the soup.

Shui Miaozheng stared at him with her bright, clear eyes, her gaze filled with both amazement and a touch of emotion.

After a long silence, she sighed softly, "If you ever have any dangerous plans like this in the future, you can tell me in advance. I will do my best to help you. Why take the risk alone?"

"I already told you that."

Jiang Mu shrugged. "In the end, not only did you disagree, you also firmly rejected me."

Shui Miaozheng felt a sudden surge of inexplicable grievance.

She was just being kind and worried about his safety, but this brat—

The woman stood up angrily, rushed to Jiang Mu, and grabbed his ear.

She adopted the authority of an elder and said angrily, "I am your elder, you should listen to me in everything! As long as you are obedient, Aunt Shui will naturally do whatever you want."

Jiang Mu muttered something under her breath as her ear was twisted.

"you!"

The woman's cheeks flushed bright red instantly, like fiery clouds on the horizon.

She glared at the man through gritted teeth, but ultimately gave in.

He turned around, head down: "Next time—let's go somewhere else."

Should we go somewhere else?

Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise, and said, "Aunt Shui, didn't you swear that that was the last time?"

"Jiang Mu!"

The woman was now truly enraged and embarrassed. She turned around, her beautiful eyes wide and bulging.

Seeing that she was really angry, Jiang Mu smiled and took her hand: "Just kidding."

What I mean is, I will absolutely obey from now on. If Aunt Shui points east, I will never go west. I will listen to whatever you say.

Hearing these gentle words, Shui Miaozheng's expression gradually softened.

Looking at the man in front of her, who was much younger than her, the tension in her heart completely eased.

He couldn't help but reach out and gently pull Jiang Mu into his arms.

A unique, alluring aroma of mature woman wafted into Jiang Mu's nostrils.

"It's not that your aunt doesn't believe in your abilities, it's just—"

Shui Miaozheng's voice trembled, "But Auntie is really scared. Scared that you'll die silently again, like last time—"

Jiang Mu felt a warmth in his heart, patted her back with his other hand, and said softly, "Okay, I promise you, I won't do anything reckless."

"Master Boss!"

Just at this tender moment, a clear shout suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

It's Ming Cuicui's voice!

Shui Miaozheng seemed to wake from a dream, and like a startled fawn, she hurriedly pushed Jiang Mu away and took several steps back in a panic.

She hurriedly straightened her slightly disheveled dress, took a deep breath, and tried to regain her dignified and solemn demeanor as the head of the department.

Seeing that Jiang Mu was still standing there smiling at her, Shui Miaozheng glared at him fiercely.

She quickly stepped forward and helped the man straighten his clothes, which had been ruffled by the brush.

Then, she quickly took a few steps back, stood still, put on airs, and said in a cool voice to the people outside the courtyard, "Come in."

Ming Cuicui pushed open the courtyard gate and strode into the courtyard. Her expression was solemn as she said, "Lord Commander, the demon army that had been probing the perimeter of our defense zone has suddenly retreated five miles and re-established its defensive line there."

Judging from their subsequent movements, it seems they intend to bypass our area and head directly towards the defense zones of other state-level Demon Slayer Divisions.

Shui Miaozheng was taken aback upon hearing this, and subconsciously glanced at Jiang Mu, feeling a surge of emotions.

This kid is really an unreasonable scourge.

He single-handedly drove the demon army to take a detour. Such a feat is unbelievable unless you see it with your own eyes.

Jiang Mu asked, "Should we take the initiative and help the others?"

Shui Miaozheng shook her head: "No need."

She looked at Jiang Mu and calmly analyzed, "We and your Demon Slaying Division of Huzhou City have always been close because of the relationship between Elder Tian and Chief Ran, so it's not a big deal for us to help each other and watch out for each other."

However, the situation is different in the Demon Slayer Divisions of other prefectures.

Firstly, if we rashly lead our troops there, they will not only not be grateful, but will also feel that we are going there to steal their credit.

Secondly, even though they are currently suffering repeated defeats, out of pride, they find it difficult to swallow their pride and accept charity and assistance from their colleagues.

After all, everyone is from the Demon Slayer Division, and they are secretly competing for resources. Why should only your Fazhou City be able to defeat the demon army and have to show mercy and save them?

This will affect their reputation.

Jiang Mu rolled her eyes, speechless.

He thought it was strange enough that the demon race was divided into factions and constantly fighting each other, but he didn't expect that the human race was the same.

These subtle, intricate schemes and hidden agendas came one after another.

What time is it?

With the demon army pressing in and life and death hanging in the balance, why are you still arguing about saving face and making achievements?

What a bunch of incompetent teammates!

Shui Miaozheng sighed softly and continued, "Unless the order is personally issued by the Commander-in-Chief. But the current Commander-in-Chief is Yan Wu, the newly appointed head of Yancheng, who was personally appointed by the Commander-in-Chief."

His personality has always been such that he likes to compromise and values ​​balance and consideration for all parties' feelings.

He would never issue such an order to provide cross-border support without receiving a clear distress signal from other defense zones.

Jiang Mu frowned and asked, "What if the other Demon Slayer Divisions really can't hold out and retreat completely, and the demon race turns around and surrounds our two families? What then?"

Shui Miaozheng's expression darkened slightly, and she said helplessly, "There's nothing we can do about it. The demon army has an absolute advantage in numbers. If it comes to that, we'll have no choice but to abandon the outer defenses and retreat entirely into Yan City to hold out for the rest of the city."

"but,"

She changed the subject, her gaze towards Jiang Mu now filled with a hint of relief, "Right now, because of your surprise attack, their original plans have been disrupted, and the pressure on our side has been greatly reduced. Even if it only delays us for a few more days, it's still a good thing."

Due to their racial characteristics, the demon race always engages in this kind of war of attrition; the more they are exhausted, the more advantageous it is for us.

"As long as we retreat back into the city and rely on Yan City's defensive array, we can hold out for a long time."

Jiang Mu glanced at the magic gauge in her mind, which showed that it was only half full, and clicked her tongue in regret.

The explosion of the demonic shadow killed so many monsters, and we couldn't run over to absorb the demonic energy, which was a huge loss.

He had hoped to go to other defense zones to help out and kill more demons to recharge, but he was blocked by the interpersonal relationships within the Demon Slayer Division.

It's ridiculous that I can't help others and still get disliked.

Just as Jiang Mu was about to press Shui Miaozheng for more details about the situation in the city, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind.

"Master Boss!"

Zhu Chang hurriedly stepped across the threshold, and before he could even catch his breath, he clasped his hands and said, "Manager Yan has sent someone to ask you to come over immediately. He said that someone from the capital has arrived."

"Someone from the capital?"

Shui Miaozheng frowned slightly, her heart sinking.

At this critical juncture, what kind of people could possibly come to the capital? A little thought reveals that they would most likely be from the Imperial Guard!

Yang Tianci died such a tragic death that his powerful father, Yang Qintian, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, will likely come to demand an explanation.

"Okay, I understand."

Shui Miaozheng quickly regained her composure and authority as the commander, and turned to Jiang Mu, saying, "Little Jiang, you stay here and keep watch. I'm going into the city to check on the situation."

Jiang Mu said in a deep voice, "How about I go with you? Anyway, the demon army has already retreated. Even if they regroup and attack again, we will have enough time to rush back and set up defenses."

He naturally guessed who the visitor was.

Jiang Mu was actually quite surprised by Yang Tianci's death.

That kid is, after all, a "second-generation official" with a powerful background. In this Yancheng area, apart from myself, a reckless madman, probably not many people would dare to actually kill him.

I never expected him to die so quietly.

All I can say is that the Red Umbrella Cult members are truly insane, utterly unscrupulous.

As for why they were so certain the killer was from the Red Umbrella Cult?

Based on Tian Wenjing and Shui Miaozheng's previous analysis, whether it was her own "assassination," Yang Tianci's tragic death, or Wen He's betrayal—

Of all these events, the only one who can reap the benefits is the Red Umbrella Cult.

Although there are still some logically inexplicable doubts, at present, the Red Umbrella Cult is undoubtedly the most likely suspect.

Shui Miaozheng shook her head and refused: "No, you stay here. If the demon makes any move, send me a message immediately."

A hint of worry flashed in her beautiful eyes.

Jiang Mu had previously had a violent conflict with Yang Tianci, even breaking his leg in public.

Now that Yang Qintian's men have arrived in person, if Jiang Mu were to follow them into the city, the Imperial Guards would likely use this as an excuse to deliberately make things difficult for him.

Although a formidable enemy is at hand, it is unlikely that the Imperial Guards would do something so foolish as to destroy their own defenses.

But what if?

She couldn't let Jiang Mu take that risk.

Jiang Mu looked into the woman's eyes and understood her concerns, so he stopped insisting and nodded, saying, "Alright, then be careful."

Shui Miaozheng hummed in agreement, then straightened her skirt again, preparing to go out.

But as she reached the door, she suddenly stopped.

The woman turned around, and two blushes inexplicably appeared on her dignified and charming face.

She bit her red lips lightly, her eyes darting away. After hesitating for a moment, she said in a very low voice, "Xiao Jiang, in the future—could you be a little gentler in the future?"

"what?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback, blinked blankly, and asked, "Why?"

Seeing that the other party had not understood her meaning at all, Shui Miaozheng was furious.

She glared at Jiang Mu, stomped her foot in embarrassment and anger, and practically spat out the words through gritted teeth: "Aunt Shui is a human being!"

After saying this, the woman lifted her skirt and hurriedly left, leaving behind only a fragrant breeze.

Jiang Mu scratched his head, standing there completely bewildered: "Didn't I treat you like a human being?"

Back in her room, Jiang Mu sat down on the edge of the bed.

The faint fragrance of Shui Miaozheng still seemed to linger around her nose, and a strange heat rose in Jiang Mu's heart.

He rubbed his face vigorously, silently reflecting to himself, "Little Jiang, what's wrong with you? Is Aunt Shui really that fun? Why are you so infatuated with her?"

Despite his past and present lives, he did not have that almost pathological obsession with matters of love and romance.

But ever since he was detoxified in the dragon vein, he has truly tasted the sweetness of success.

Jiang Mu found herself becoming somewhat addicted.

Of course, it could also be because Aunt Shui is just too alluring.

Jiang Mu shook her head, forcibly dispelling the bad thoughts in her mind.

With nothing else to do, he flipped his wrist and took out the bronze mirror he had taken from the dragon vein cave.

"I'd like to see what kind of treasure you, this gold-devouring beast, can be transformed into!"

With a thought, Jiang Mu mobilized the demonic energy within the demonic trough and began to pour it into the bronze mirror without reservation.

However, the demonic energy vanished without a trace.

As the water level in the magic tank was about to reach the bottom, the broken mirror still didn't make any real movement.

"Damn, they can really eat!"

Jiang Mu painfully cut off the transmission of demonic energy and sighed helplessly.

This damn thing reminded him of the protective jade pendant that Tang Guixin had given him.

That jade pendant was a bottomless pit; it swallowed demonic energy without making a sound.

"A jade pendant?"

Jiang Mu's heart stirred, and she took the jade pendant out of her bosom as well.

He placed the jade pendant and the bronze mirror together and examined them carefully.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

The patterns carved on the edge of the jade pendant were found to be strikingly similar to the dragon patterns on the edge of the bronze mirror.

Apart from a few extremely subtle differences in curvature, the two styles are almost identical.

As if guided by some unseen force, Jiang Mu picked up the jade pendant and slowly pressed it against the surface of the bronze mirror.

"Clatter!"

A slight, crisp sound.

An unbelievable scene unfolded.

When the jade pendant touched the mirror, it did not make a sound like a stone hitting metal, but rather like a pebble falling into a calm lake.

The mirror surface rippled with concentric circles of waves.

Immediately afterwards, the physical jade pendant passed right through the mirror and disappeared into Jiang Mu's hand.

"Holy crap! What's going on?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback and quickly reached out to touch the mirror.

The surface is still cold to the touch, lacking the softness and moisture of water.

But when he looked closely in the mirror...

However, they discovered that the jade pendant had not disappeared, but had appeared inside the mirror.

Even more bizarrely, the jade pendant is suspended in the void within the mirror in a three-dimensional way.

It was as if it were sealed in a miniature world, frozen in a slowly drifting posture.

Jiang Mu looked on, completely bewildered.

Undeterred, he channeled a wisp of demonic energy into the bronze mirror, attempting to retrieve the jade pendant or trigger some other reaction.

But the bronze mirror remained lifeless, offering no response.

"How strange, what kind of combination of magical artifacts is this?"

Just as Jiang Mu was racking his brains and studying the mirror with great concentration, he was completely baffled.

"Click—"

A faint sound drifted into Jiang Mu's ears on the night breeze outside the window.

It sounded like the window being gently pushed open.

Years of navigating the edge of life and death honed his intuition, causing every hair on Jiang Mu's body to stand on end in that instant.

Without the slightest hesitation, he lowered his head.

"Whoosh—!"

Almost at the same instant he lowered his head, a chilling, sharp sword light whistled past his scalp.

A few strands of hair fell down.

"boom!"

The sword's momentum didn't diminish, and it slammed into the wall opposite Jiang Mu.

The solid wall was immediately cleaved open with a deep gash, sending shards of stone flying!