I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“Perhaps they are merely passing by?”

“Impossible! Their destination is right here!” Mr. Peng shot a furious glance at the demon who had questioned his judgment, causing the demon to quickly lower its head.

“Even I could deceive Liu Xu’s abilities; there’s no way this weak, degraded group, relying solely on formations to intimidate, could discover us so swiftly.” Mr. Peng’s gaze swept over every demon king present: “Could it be that we have a traitor among us?”

The demon kings all shook their heads vigorously, declaring their innocence.

“Get out of here, but remember not to stray too far. I will test them first.”

With Mr. Peng’s command, the demon kings hurriedly exited the room.

Alone at the tea table, Mr. Peng stared at the spirit tea that no longer emitted steam.

Before long, a middle-aged human clad in golden armor, holding a compass, circled the building a few times. Confirming the needle pointed to this tavern, he ordered his subordinates to set up an array outside, while he himself charged directly through the balcony.

This middle-aged man was named Shen Ao, a general of the nation, a trusted subordinate of the emperor. Aside from the imperial palace, there was no place in the Great Zhou Dynasty he could not enter, especially now, armed with an imperial decree to capture the murderer.

“Who are you?” Mr. Peng asked calmly, looking at Shen Ao.

Shen Ao remained focused on the compass, ignoring him.

“Impudent! I asked you who you are!” Mr. Peng unleashed a powerful pressure, startling Shen Ao; the young man before him was actually above him in cultivation?

“My apologies.” Shen Ao introduced himself, informing the other that he was on a mission, though he did not disclose the specifics.

—

“You dare intrude upon this young master’s chamber? What does your task have to do with me? Am I, unbeknownst to myself, a wanted criminal of your imperial dynasty?”

The compass of fate did not point to Young Master Peng, but rather to another direction. Shen Ao smiled as he explained, “Of course not, merely a small misunderstanding. May I ask your esteemed name, young sir?”

“Do you think you are worthy to know? Speak quickly—why have you barged into this young master’s room without cause?”

The other party was aggressive, and Shen Ao felt a twinge of difficulty in his heart. Not everyone needed to bow to the whims of the Great Zhou Dynasty; many noble families stood equal to the dynasty, some even surpassing it. Even among the families of the Central Continent, a single one could easily crush the dynasty.

Uncertain of Young Master Peng’s identity, Shen Ao dared not offend him. Yet, capturing the criminal was urgent; he could not afford to waste time.

“I beg your pardon, young sir. Due to pressing matters, I cannot continue to apologize. Please do not delay me further. I am merely acting on His Majesty’s orders. Once my task is complete, I shall certainly come to apologize in person.” With that, Shen Ao strode toward the door, intent on pursuing the source.

In another place, Young Master Peng would have surely broken Shen Ao’s legs, forcing this human ant to kneel and speak. But here, in the grand city of humanity, at a time when the city’s protective array was at its highest level, he dared not expose himself. He could only snort coldly, casting a few more glances at the compass in Shen Ao’s hand, allowing him to leave.

—

69 An Unfathomable Chill

The tavern was the property of some noble, and those who could come here were all wealthy. Even dining in the first-floor hall incurred expenses that were astronomical for ordinary folk.

Shen Ao traced the source, moving from the top floor to the middle, where the needle pointed to one of the private rooms. He kicked the door open with a single forceful blow, revealing a group of debauched youths, reveling in their drink.

The door was violently kicked open, and everyone felt a surge of displeasure. But upon seeing the figure clad in golden armor, they were instantly struck dumb with fear.

The Grand General of the Nation—an exalted figure in their eyes—was now storming in. Had one of them committed some heinous crime?

Shen Ao’s gaze swept over each person present. The debauched youths lowered their heads, too afraid to meet his eyes.

“Stand up, all of you.” Shen Ao knew this bunch of bullies who feared the strong could not be the masterminds behind it all. Yet, they were still scions of nobility, and with a demon king of the fifth tier of transformation hiding within, he naturally had to ensure their safety.

No one dared to disobey; they all complied.

“You, come here.” Shen Ao called each person to him, keeping a close watch on the compass’s direction.

Moments later, everyone had been called out of the room, but the compass remained unchanged. Shen Ao knew the murderer still lurked within. He let out a cold laugh: “Come out, don’t hide any longer.”

—

No response.

Transforming back to his original form, the willow-whiskers hid behind the mural, not foolish enough to reveal himself. He had survived for thousands of years; this was not his first time being hunted. He was confident in his ability to remain concealed.

Though he did not know what had gone awry this time, he believed he would always escape, just as he had before.

Shen Ao drew his weapon, silently positioning himself before the mural. The compass pointed directly at it. Although Shen Ao did not know where the creature was hiding, he did not hesitate. With a single stroke, he shattered the wall, the mural disintegrating into fragments. A strand of willow fluff burst forth from the breach, gradually transforming into a grotesque figure, spewing green ichor, which crashed heavily onto the street outside the tavern.

“Impossible!” The willow-whiskers exclaimed in shock as he scrambled to his feet. How had they pinpointed his hiding place with such precision?

“A mere wood spirit dares to cause a ruckus in the imperial city? I advise you to surrender; you have nowhere left to flee.” Shen Ao descended slowly, like a war god descending from the heavens. He had not used his full strength in that last strike; otherwise, his attack at the sixth level of transformation would have been enough to obliterate the willow-whiskers, who had thought himself safe and made no preparations.

What normal spirit would surrender? The willow-whiskers considered fleeing, but the elite soldiers surrounding him had already set up a powerful formation, presided over by the Minister of Justice at the fifth level of transformation, making escape impossible.

No worries, Young Master Peng will surely come to my rescue!

The willow-whiskers looked up at the top floor, but he saw no sign of Young Master Peng.

In that moment, the willow-whiskers understood: Young Master Peng had decided to abandon him.

It was no surprise; once he intervened in negotiations with the human race, Young Master Peng would face punishment from his family. He could not risk everything for a mere spirit without backing.

“Capture the spirit!” Shen Ao commanded, activating the formation. The willow-whiskers found his range of movement shrinking, even considering not to resist.