Well, that’s a matter of opinion!
It was quite normal for the Demon Race to adopt the ways of the Human Race and give themselves names.
"Understandable, understandable!"
"The name Sheep Horn Daoist is a great choice! A name like mine, Monkey Sun, is just too crude for polite company."
"Indeed, indeed. Sheep Horn Daoist has a certain flair."
The demons all chimed in with their compliments.
After all, pleasantries didn’t cost any Demon Stones.
It was best for everyone to be on good terms.
With the Black Sheep Spirit breaking the ice, the small gathering officially began.
Although the Butterfly Spirit was already considered part of the Pear Blossom Lane merchant alliance, this gathering was her official induction into the circle.
Coupled with the fact that it was the Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn’s, first time attending, the demons all took a moment to introduce themselves.
"Fellow Daoists, I am the Monkey Spirit from the No. 9 Demon Talisman Shop in Pear Blossom Lane, Monkey Sun."
"Fellow Daoists, I am Da Man, from the shop at number thirty-nine Pear Blossom Lane."
"Mountain Ghost."
"Gang Feng."
"Breaking the Cocoon."
"Clever Monster."
"Riding Wind Flower."
"..."
It had to be said, the names the demons chose were bizarre and varied, covering every imaginable style.
Everyone’s tastes were different. ’Well, it’s best just to be respectful!’
"Grey Rat, from the Gray Mouse Elixir Shop at number twenty-three Pear Blossom Lane."
Xu Chang’an introduced himself as well.
After going around the circle, the introductions were mostly complete.
Xu Chang’an keenly sensed that when he introduced himself, the Black Sheep Spirit’s gaze lingered on him for half a breath longer than on others.
’So it really is because of the Butterfly Spirit...’
Xu Chang’an mused silently.
But he didn’t give it much thought.
Once the introductions were over, the few demons who had organized the gathering said a few opening words.
Then, cups and glasses clinked as the demons began to mingle and chat amongst themselves.
The atmosphere was congenial and grew increasingly lively.
A constant stream of demons flowed toward the Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, and the Butterfly Spirit, offering toasts and striking up conversations.
"Everyone, have you heard about the major event that happened outside the Demon City recently?"
"What is it?"
"I’ve heard a little something."
"Could it be about the Peacock Princess!"
"Yes, that’s right. The Peacock Princess!"
"The Peacock Princess? What happened? I’ve been so busy with my shop these past few days that I haven’t kept up with the latest news."
"I’d love to hear the details from you, fellow Daoist."
"Hahaha, a few days ago, the Peacock Princess left the Demon City, and when she returned, she was heavily injured!"
"The Peacock Princess injured? Heavily injured, no less? You must be joking!"
"Exactly! With the Peacock Princess’s level of cultivation and illustrious reputation, her combat prowess is in the top tier just below the Top-tier Great Demons. With all her Guardian Dao resources, she should be able to escape safely even from a Top-tier Great Demon! Besides, which Top-tier Great Demon would dare to provoke the Peacock Princess!"
"Indeed. The Peacock Princess is exceptionally talented and has extraordinary combat strength. What demon could possibly be her match!"
"..."
The demons broke into a flurry of discussion.
Most of them found this news hard to believe.
"This isn’t exactly recent news! As far as I know, it happened over a month ago."
As the demons were chatting, the Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, suddenly spoke up.
When they heard the Black Sheep Spirit speak, the discussions came to a halt.
The Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, collaborated with many Elixir Workshops in the Inner City and had considerable influence. He clearly had access to more comprehensive information.
"Sheep Horn Daoist, do you know something about this!?"
"The Peacock Princess leaving the Demon City and returning heavily injured—it’s true!"
The Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, nodded and said, looking around at the others.
"HISS— How could that be!?"
"Who did it? Who could be so audacious!"
"To heavily injure the Peacock Princess, could it have been a Top-tier Great Demon attacking with a Quasi-Magical Treasure!?"
"..."
"Great Demon Cyan Eagle. I wonder if any of you have heard of him?"
"Cyan Eagle! You don’t mean that Tribulation Cultivator demon, Cyan Eagle, who has been running rampant outside the Demon City for years!"
"Was it Cyan Eagle who attacked!? No, that’s not right. No matter how powerful he is, Cyan Eagle is no match for the Peacock Princess!"
The Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, smiled and waited. Once he saw that everyone had heard of the name and their curiosity was piqued, he continued.
"It was indeed Cyan Eagle, but the one who heavily injured the Peacock Princess was another demon entirely. The Princess went to kill Cyan Eagle by herself. Although Cyan Eagle’s gang was formidable, they were no match for the Peacock Princess.
Everything was going smoothly at first. But just as the Peacock Princess was about to succeed in killing Cyan Eagle, who would have known that he had a helper who launched a sneak attack to stop her."
At this point, the Black Sheep Spirit, Sheep Horn, paused for effect.
"Not only that, but Cyan Eagle’s helper is suspected to be his master—a true Top-tier Great Demon! Furthermore, he had a Talisman Treasure and a Quasi-Magical Treasure in hand. His combat power was unrivaled, and his methods were ruthless and domineering.
Even with the Princess’s overflowing talent and peerless combat strength, it was difficult for her to gain any advantage fighting against a Late Stage expert while only being in the Middle Stage herself—a battle across a major Realm boundary. She faced the pressure from the Top-tier Great Demon, with Cyan Eagle also interfering and assisting at his side.
Under such circumstances, she ultimately returned heavily injured!"
"So that’s what happened!"
"That explains it! No wonder. It was a Top-tier Great Demon who attacked!"
"A Quasi-Magical Treasure! And a Talisman Treasure! This Top-tier Great Demon’s resources are truly impressive! With such an arsenal, he must be a powerhouse even among other Top-tier Great Demons!"
"To face such a powerful expert, with another Great Demon interfering, and still be able to escape... the Peacock Princess is truly impressive!"
"That’s right! She is the Peacock Princess, after all!"
"..."
The demons chattered excitedly, the atmosphere reaching a fever pitch.
Some demons were brimming with excitement, vividly imagining the intensity of the scene.
Magical Artifacts flashing, a Talisman Treasure raging, a Quasi-Magical Treasure asserting its dominance...
They were merchants who had put down stable roots in Peacock Demon City. The Demon City had known peace for a long time, and they rarely experienced such events.
Hearing about it now felt incredibly novel, and they found it thrillingly exhilarating.
Moreover, the incident involved the incredibly famous Peacock Princess.
It sent the demons’ imaginations running wild!