Chapter 1201: Somewhat Risky
Bai Jiumeng thoroughly explained her situation to Yang Haoran and Bai Xue. Aside from some secrets she couldn't reveal, she held back almost nothing else, pouring out everything in one go.
The reason she did this was, on one hand, to demonstrate her sincerity in joining the Demon Horde Society to Yang Haoran, showing absolutely no intention of deception. On the other hand, it was to allow Yang Haoran and Bai Xue to better understand her circumstances, so they could properly consider whether to let her join the Demon Horde Society. This way, they wouldn't blame her for not making things clear if she were to cause trouble later.
"I've already told you my situation and current predicament in detail. Do you still intend to invite me to join the Demon Horde Society? It's not too late to regret it now; I can leave immediately, and it won't affect you. But if you still decide to let me join the Demon Horde Society, then I can't guarantee that my presence won't cause significant trouble for the Demon Horde Society, or even this Guardian District, in the future."
Bai Jiumeng spoke, this being her final confirmation to Yang Haoran and Bai Xue. At the same time, she wanted to see just how much courage the two possessed.
Initially, she had been unwilling to join the Demon Horde Society, not only due to her unfamiliarity with it but also for a more crucial reason: she had been forcibly brought here by Ye Zhiqiu. This act had made her deeply resistant, so she had completely disregarded her own predicament and current needs, refusing outright with a heart full of disgust, without giving any thought to the implications.
As for why she agreed now, one reason was that she had witnessed the considerable scale and respectable overall strength of the Demon Horde Society. Furthermore, she had learned from Bai Xue about the existence of the Medicine God Society, an organization composed entirely of Pharmacists. This revelation had shocked her far more profoundly than the Demon Horde Society itself. Combined with Yang Haoran, the Underworld Night Watcher, backing the Demon Horde Society, such a vast network and formidable overall strength truly instilled in her a strong sense of security.
Beyond this reason, of course, Yang Haoran and Bai Xue's prior verbal hints and suggestions also played a significant role, helping her to face reality and realize what she needed to do.
In addition to these two reasons, there was a most crucial one: she wished to obtain more cultivation resources within the Demon Horde Society, so she could break through to the Demon King realm in the shortest possible time. Only then would she dare to return to her clan to deal with the arranged marriage.
At this moment, facing Bai Jiumeng's re-confirmation, Bai Xue remained silent. Having learned Bai Jiumeng's detailed identity and the troubles she was currently facing, Bai Xue felt that while Bai Jiumeng possessed significant potential, she was also a danger. Just as Bai Jiumeng herself had stated, if they truly took her into the Demon Horde Society, it might genuinely bring enormous trouble to the society in the future, and the value Bai Jiumeng could create might not be proportionate to the problems she would bring.
However, refusing Bai Jiumeng would be quite a "slap in the face"—not Bai Jiumeng's face, but hers and Yang Haoran's. If news of this spread, it would inevitably bring considerable negative repercussions to the Demon Horde Society and even make them a laughingstock. The number of demons drawn to join the Demon Horde Society in the future would certainly decrease significantly.
Bai Xue knew this matter was no trivial one, so she did not speak rashly. Instead, she turned her gaze to Yang Haoran, understanding that it was naturally best for Yang Haoran to make this decision.
Though she was the president of the Demon Horde Society, Yang Haoran was the true power behind the scenes, a fact she always kept firmly in mind.
However, no matter what decision Yang Haoran made, she would unhesitatingly stand by him.
"Heh heh, inviting you to join the Demon Horde Society might indeed bring me considerable trouble in the future, but I never go back on my word. I am a man of my word, and once I've spoken, it's like water poured out—there's no taking it back. So, of course, I won't change my decision.
"As for any potential trouble that might arise, as long as you cooperate well, I will certainly try my best to avoid it. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be embroiled in problems either. If it truly can't be avoided, I will uphold the promise I made to you today and use every means to resolve the trouble for you."
Yang Haoran chuckled faintly. He had spoken these words lightly, yet the responsibility they entailed was considerable.
Throughout this process, Bai Jiumeng's gaze remained fixed on Yang Haoran's face. She wished to discern his true thoughts by observing his expressions, but Yang Haoran's demeanor remained utterly unchanged from beginning to end, exhibiting extreme composure, as if an unshakeable mountain stood before her.
"Your words make me happy, and they put my heart at ease," Bai Jiumeng said. "If they're true, I'll be even happier, and my heart will be even more at ease."
Bai Jiumeng spoke. She wasn't overjoyed by Yang Haoran's affirmative reply, but neither was she frowning with a cold expression as before. Her current expression was quite calm, from which it could be seen that in this moment, the anger within her should have subsided.
However, the doubt in her words was quite evident, showing that at present, she still hadn't completely trusted Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, whether my words are true, time will prove for me. No matter how much more I say now, not only will you not believe it, but it might even increase the doubt in your heart. So, for now, we'll leave this to time.
"What you need to do now is fulfill the duties of a Demon Horde Society member. Only by creating value for the Demon Horde Society can you gain more resources. Of course, if you perform well, I can even privately sponsor you a considerable amount of resources, absolutely enabling you to break through to the Demon King realm in the shortest possible time. After all, that's no difficult task for me."
Yang Haoran said with a faint smile. If it had been anyone else speaking these words, Bai Jiumeng might not have believed them, as not everyone possessed such financial power. But coming from Yang Haoran, she harbored no doubt whatsoever.
"Rest assured, I will do what a member should do. And I won't ask for resources that don't belong to me, but as for the resources I'm due, I hope there won't be any deductions."
Currently, this was Bai Jiumeng's greatest concern, as she was eager to achieve a breakthrough. If her due resources were withheld, then breaking through to the Demon King realm in the shortest time would certainly be impossible, which is why she worried about such a thing occurring.
Although she yearned to complete her breakthrough in the shortest time, she had no designs on resources that didn't rightfully belong to her. This was her principle, and her pride.
"Heh heh, on that point, you can be a hundred percent at ease," Yang Haoran said with a smile. "You can ask any member of the Demon Horde Society if their due resources have ever been withheld. I believe their words will be more convincing than mine."
Yang Haoran said with a smile. He was quite patient with Bai Jiumeng, not showing any impatience despite his status.
As the person directly involved, Bai Jiumeng naturally saw this. It was precisely because of this that her goodwill towards Yang Haoran increased slightly, though only a little.
Bai Jiumeng nodded gently, no longer dwelling on the issue. However, she certainly hadn't forgotten about it. After all, this matter was simply too important to her, so she decided it would be best to secretly inquire about it with other Demon Horde Society members. Only if the Demon Horde Society truly had no precedent for withholding members' resources could she genuinely feel at ease.
Conversely, if the true situation was not as Yang Haoran described, and the Demon Horde Society did have a history of withholding members' resources, then no matter how severe the deduction, she would find every means to leave the Demon Horde Society and absolutely not remain there.
"Finally, I have one more request."
Bai Jiumeng spoke to Yang Haoran. Without even thinking, Yang Haoran immediately responded with a smile.
"Heh heh, speak freely."
Seeing Yang Haoran's straightforwardness, Bai Jiumeng felt a little embarrassed. However, after a slight hesitation, she still voiced her request to Yang Haoran.
"I've already told you my detailed situation, so I'd like to ask if I can have a private residence here, as I currently have nowhere else to go."
Yang Haoran had expected Bai Jiumeng to make some extraordinary request, but to his surprise, it was merely this. So, he nodded with a smile.
"Of course, no problem, that's just a small matter. Besides, every member of the Demon Horde Society who reaches the Great Demon realm can apply to choose a residence here. This is a benefit you are entitled to, so it's not even a request.
"Naturally, this is not compulsory. If you don't wish to stay in my Guardian District, you can also find suitable lodging elsewhere, as long as you remember you are a member of the Demon Horde Society and never, under any circumstances, violate its orders."
Yang Haoran spoke, and there was not a single false word in his statement. The Demon Horde Society currently had a considerable number of members, and it was naturally impossible for all of them to reside in the Guardian District. Although his Guardian District covered a vast area, it still couldn't accommodate so many people, so the vast majority of the Demon Horde Society members did not live there.
Bai Jiumeng expressing a desire to stay in the Guardian District did not surprise Yang Haoran. After learning her detailed situation, he had known that Bai Jiumeng would, in all likelihood, choose to remain in the Guardian District. One reason was that Bai Jiumeng currently had nowhere else to go, as she wasn't originally from Jingling Continent.
Beyond this, there was an even more critical reason: Bai Jiumeng needed to evade the pursuit of her clan members. Staying within the Guardian District would certainly be safer than being outside it. Neither the White Fox Clan nor any future enemies she might make would necessarily dare to cause trouble in the Guardian District. Therefore, remaining within the Guardian District would provide a certain degree of security for Bai Jiumeng.
Since Bai Jiumeng hadn't explicitly stated this point, Yang Haoran naturally saw no need to expose it. After all, Bai Jiumeng didn't seem to have a thick skin, and truly pointing it out would surely make her incredibly awkward.
Upon receiving Yang Haoran's consent, Bai Jiumeng felt considerably more at ease. Following this, Yang Haoran summoned Huang Sha, the vice-president of the Demon Horde Society, with a Communication Talisman. After a brief introduction between the two, Yang Haoran entrusted Bai Jiumeng to Huang Sha's care.
Whether it was choosing a residence, distributing the Demon Horde Society's exclusive special attire, or thoroughly familiarizing Bai Jiumeng with the local environment, Yang Haoran left all these matters to Huang Sha.
As Huang Sha and Bai Jiumeng departed, only Yang Haoran and Bai Xue remained in the study.
"Brother Underworld Officer, won't keeping Bai Jiumeng be a bit too risky?"
Bai Xue asked, her usual alluring demeanor gone as she spoke. Her brow was slightly furrowed, and her expression was serious—a rare sight indeed.
She naturally couldn't voice this when Bai Jiumeng was present. Now that only she and Yang Haoran remained, she finally expressed her inner concern to him.
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