THE WHITE MOONLIGHT ONLY HAS A HAPPY ENDING - CHAPTER 43

The underground gambling dens of the Demon Capital were the epitome of chaotic revelry.

The phrase "a chaotic dance of demons" is perfectly embodied here.

Everywhere one looked, there were vendors hawking spirits, gamblers shrieking over bets, and massive stone platforms where demons grappled and beat one another senseless. This was the premier entertainment hub of the Demon Realm, where the primary attraction was wagering on which demon on the stage would be devoured. When a loser was finally consumed, the crowd would erupt in cheers, hoisting jars of wine and howling with laughter.

According to Ran Yang, before the Demon Lord stepped in to reform the place, these "entertainment matches" weren't limited to the combatants; the winners would occasionally snatch a random spectator from the crowd to snack on while everyone else laughed along.

Chao Jinsui: "..."

She stood out starkly among the throng. Her pristine white robes were far too conspicuous amidst the sea of swarthy, soot-colored demons. Had she not been accompanied by the familiar Demon General Ran Yang, several demons would have certainly lunged forward to try and make a meal of her.

She kicked away a lingering demon that tried to creep too close. "What is he doing here? Is he on the stage?"

Ran Yang continued leading her deeper underground. "No, His Lordship is in the subterranean levels."

As they reached the third level below ground, Chao Jinsui felt a sudden, heavy pressure constricting her cultivation. "There is a restrictive formation here?"

"Yes," Ran Yang explained. "This area is constructed from Boundary Stones. Upon entry, everyone, human or demon, has their cultivation suppressed, except for spiritual beasts. The more powerful the individual, the more severe the suppression."

Chao Jinsui grew thoughtful. It made sense now why the Demon Capital could maintain a semblance of order; the suppression of the Boundary Stones was perfectly suited for managing demons prone to madness.

As they descended, they were intercepted by the guards. Hearing the commotion, Guang Ping emerged, his expression shifting to one of surprise. "Miss Chao? Why are you here?"

"I am looking for your Lordship."

Guang Ping instinctively glanced toward the inner chambers, hesitating. Letting the Lord’s beloved inside meant defying the Lord’s orders, likely resulting in a kick. But barring her entry meant offending the "Lady", which would almost certainly result in an even harder kick.

Realizing he was destined for a boot either way, Guang Ping stepped aside and allowed her through.

Beneath this ground lies a massive arena, now completely deserted, having been cleared of all demons.

In the very center of the arena stood a very familiar young man, Yan Xueyi.

Judging by his aura, he had suppressed his cultivation to the level of a mid-tier demon. He had clearly just finished a brutal battle. His upper body was bare, his muscles corded and fluid like a predator ready to pounce, a lethal combination of beauty and raw power. However, thick white bandages were wrapped around his shoulders and waist, stained with the faint seep of fresh blood.

The surrounding demonic energy had condensed into a literal black fog. Suddenly, four massive cages swung open. Four giant Spiritual Leopards bolted out, snarling as they lunged toward the lone demon in the center!

The pressure emanating from these leopards was terrifying. Chao Jinsui noticed their eyes were pitch black, they were berserk beasts, fully corrupted by demonic qi.

Yan Xueyi, currently suppressed to a mid-tier level, was seemingly no match for four frenzied leopards. She moved to draw her sword, but Guang Ping caught her arm.

"Miss Chao," Guang Ping said softly. "If His Lordship wishes to master the Mind-Clearing Manual, he must push himself to the brink of losing control, over and over again."

Her grip tightened around her palm as she turned to him. "The Mind-Clearing Manual?"

What exactly is he trying to do?

In the center of the arena, the long-haired youth was locked in a life-and-death struggle. A berserk leopard roared, pouncing with enough force to overturn a mountain, but Yan Xueyi seized its head in mid-air. With a sickening crack that set one's teeth on edge, the leopard’s neck was snapped instantly.

Then came the second, and the third...

Chao Jinsui suddenly realized that this scene was a haunting mirror of the Little Demon’s childhood as a slave. He was forcing himself back into the nightmares of his youth, using the combat and the dense demonic qi to lure himself into a state of total frenzy.

Sure enough, as the demonic qi thickened, the youth looked up. His eyes had turned entirely black. Within the swirling mist, those void-like eyes scanned the surroundings like a restless, caged beast.

He was beginning to lose control.

Guang Ping released several more leopards into the fray. As the next beast pounced, the black-haired youth's eyes vanished into darkness. He transformed into a blur of roaring black shadow, lunging at his prey with savage intensity.

Chao Jinsui had seen him lose control before; he was exactly as he had been then. But why? Why would he intentionally seek this state?

She soon found her answer. To her shock, golden, flowing Buddhist scriptures began to manifest upon the youth’s skin. The scriptures surged, transforming into a brilliant chain of golden light that lashed around the demon, binding him tight. It looked as though it were physically locking the demonic qi within him, making the vein-popping demon look both monstrous and ethereally beautiful.

Each time he lunged in a frenzy toward the beasts, the golden chains would snap taut, restraining him. The blackened demon would let out hoarse, agonized low growls, torn between fury and collapse as he shredded a leopard to pieces. He succumbed to madness again and again, only to be dragged back by those golden shackles every single time.

Chao Jinsui squeezed her hand so hard she felt the sting of her own nails before she could pull herself back to reality. She finally understood.

He wanted to—

He wanted to place a shackle upon himself for the moments he lost his mind. Even if that shackle was a literal chain of pain.

"Those golden chains are the manifestation of the Mind-Clearing Manual," Guang Ping explained.

"Is there... anything wrong with this technique?" she asked, her voice tight.

Guang Ping shook his head. "There is nothing wrong with it. In fact, it is likely a supreme holy scripture of the Buddhist path."

The Mind-Clearing Manual obtained from the Taixuan Wuji was indeed a priceless treasure.

"This manual is also known as the Sutra of the Lucid Heart," Guang Ping continued. "For a human, it is a simple mantra to suppress demonic qi. But for a demon, practicing it is a path of absolute agony."

"To suppress the birth of the inner demon, one must clarify the heart and still the spirit."

That was the crux of the problem. This was a Buddhist scripture, a holy art. A demon was attempting to cultivate the path of the Buddha. A malevolent being seeking the Dao; a god of slaughter attempting to forge a heart of mercy.

It was an impossible feat. Yet, the demon below was doing exactly that. He had chosen this place to artificially induce his own madness, practicing over and over how to use this technique to master himself when his mind failed.

He used the Mind-Clearing Manual as a golden leash to suppress and whip himself into submission, all so he could maintain a single thread of sanity, a single chance at a future.

Watching the demon below roar and struggle in the agony of the golden chains, Chao Jinsui finally looked away. "I didn't realize the last time he lost control affected him so deeply. But... he didn't hurt me then."

"He didn't then," Guang Ping countered. "But what about the next time?"

She fell silent. In truth, no one knew the future of his madness better than she did. In her previous life, she had crossed blades with his mindless self countless times. She was like a solitary monk carrying the burden of every secret, walking a tightrope she thought no one else knew existed.

While she was desperately searching for a way to change that ending, she never imagined that he was working just as hard. But the core of his motivation was different from hers.

It seemed he was doing all of this simply so he could stand before her and say, with total certainty: I will never hurt you.

Her heart felt as though it were being seared.

"Miss Chao," Guang Ping sighed, "to be precise, every demon cares about this. We are all madmen who could snap at any moment and cause irreparable destruction. We might kill our kin or our lovers in a frenzy, only to wake up to a pain that can never be undone."

This was why demons rarely loved. They were wild, hedonistic, and lived like beasts on the plains. They preferred fleeting flings over the human concept of family, simply because they refused to bear the agony of destroying everything they held dear with their own hands.

Even a high-tier demon as powerful as the Demon Lord might only lose control a few times in his life, but one time was all it took to shatter a life. This innate madness was the reason demons felt they had no right to love.

"However," Guang Ping added, "His Lordship is the only one who has ever gone to such lengths."

Why? She already knew the answer.

Down below, the demon lunged one last time. The golden chains suddenly shattered, disintegrating into the air. Compared to a natural demonic outbreak, this artificial frenzy was less intense, allowing the chains to hold for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

It was a staggering achievement. In a real battle, even if the chains only held for a second, it could save a life.

She felt as if she were watching a vicious hound desperately trying to muzzle itself and clip its own claws, all so it could draw near to her without drawing blood. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Even though the demon below looked terrifying with his bulging veins and blackened eyes, she felt an overwhelming urge to go to him, to stroke his hair, to hold him.

"The chains broke," she said. "What did he say to do next?"

"His Lordship said if they break, to keep throwing mad beasts in until his strength is exhausted and he returns to normal."

The Great Demon was always most ruthless toward himself.

"How many were there yesterday?" she asked, closing her eyes.

Guang Ping hesitated. "Seventeen."

"Don't release any more. I’m going down."

Before Guang Ping could stop her, she gripped her sword and leapt into the arena.

"Yanyan!"

The black demon whipped his head around. In the next instant, the shattered golden chains suddenly surged back into existence, glowing with renewed ferocity.

Chao Jinsui realized something: the name "Yanyan" seemed to be the trigger for the chains. Despite the situation, she almost wanted to laugh.

The demon’s eyes were swirling with black mist. Under the weight of the Buddhist script, he let out a non-human, guttural snarl, a beast's warning. She approached him step by step. He lunged, only to be jerked back by the golden shackles.

She stopped right in front of him. Black, butterfly-like demonic patterns crawled across his cheeks; he looked nothing like a man. As he roared again, she called out softly, "Yanyan."

She reached out and touched the patterns on his face. Ignoring the terrifying sight of his blackened eyes and strained muscles, she pulled him into a hug.

When she spoke his name, the chains flared, but as she embraced him, his body went rigid. He let out a louder roar, struggling to throw both her and the chains off.

"Yanyan," she whispered, "Yanyan." She held on, refusing to let go.

The name seemed to possess a strange, divine magic. After a long time, the golden chains faded away. The roaring, struggling demon gradually went quiet.

When a demon loses control, their memories are a fragmented blur. Yan Xueyi only remembered entering the arena and provoking the beasts. Usually, he woke up having spent every ounce of strength and every drop of sweat in a bloody struggle.

As his consciousness flickered back, he was about to call for Guang Ping when he heard a voice: "Yanyan."

He froze. He opened his eyes, squinting at his surroundings. Realizing he was still in the arena, he felt a sudden, clumsy panic. "Suisui? Why are you here?"

He hadn't wanted her to see this. The fighting, the self-torture, it was too pathetic, too wretched. The Great Demon hated appearing unsightly before her. Moreover, he was injured; he didn't want her to be angry.

Feeling incredibly awkward, he turned to grab his outer robe to hide his wounds.

"Yanyan," she called out. "I saw everything. From start to finish."

She took his hand, and he went stiff again. Without the demonic fog, his injuries were glaringly apparent. A deep gash ran across his abdomen, blood soaking through the bandages. His shoulder was heavily wrapped, but new wounds peeked through the frayed edges. He was covered in bruises, even the corner of his mouth was swollen and blue.

He let her inspect him, standing as still as a statue. When she touched the bruise on his lip, he hissed in pain.

As her hand faltered, he immediately caught it and pressed it against his cheek. "It hurts," he murmured.

For some reason, the Great Demon felt that if she saw him hurt, she would be upset or angry. Terrified of her displeasure, he nuzzled into her palm like a seeking animal.

Chao Jinsui traced the fading demonic marks on his face in silence. Guang Ping had left medicine and food before slipping away, leaving the two of them alone in the vast, empty coliseum.

As she helped him change his bandages, she realized just how much he had put himself through. Her nose felt slightly stung with salt. All of this, just to be able to tell me he won't hurt me? Just so he can kiss me without fear?

He watched her face intently. Seeing her silent for so long, he noticed her expression seemed off in the flickering light of the Ever-Night candles. He began to fumble for words.

"They're just minor wounds, it's fine. I wasn't trying to hide it from you, I’ve just almost succeeded. There was no need to worry you."

He saw her offer a small smile and he let out a breath of relief.

Suddenly, she asked, "Do you really love me that much?"

Chao Jinsui was a person of muted emotions. She had never been like him, fervid and blazing like a wildfire. She had once thought she was destined for the Path of Emotionlessness. Having shouldered heavy responsibilities from a young age, she had learned to read people and navigate the world with a cool, detached air.

She had been famous and beautiful since her youth, never lacking for admirers. People like Su Liuyun would confess their love, and she would simply think: Understood. Now, back to sword practice. She had never considered being with anyone. While her peers were lost in romance, she was worrying about the fate of Kunlun.

But before this pillar of fire, she felt herself being scorched. The heat made her heart tremble; she could no longer simply turn back to her sword.

The Great Demon Lord was silent for a moment before leaning in. His breath was hot against her skin, his eyes filled with an unabashed, predatory intensity. The battle-worn beast smirked, revealing his sharp canines.

"Yes," he whispered. "That much."

He watched her for a moment, reaching out to take her hand to coax a laugh out of her.

She spoke again. "Yanyan, didn't you want an answer?"

"In one month, if you haven't changed your mind... I will take responsibility for you."

He froze. His phoenix eyes narrowed, nearly unable to process what he’d heard. After a long beat, he asked word by word, "What did you say?"

"In one month, if you are willing, I will take responsibility for you."

She didn't want to run anymore. While he was struggling so hard to walk toward her, she didn't want to take another step back. She didn't know how to explain everything yet, the past life, the current one, it was too long a tale. It would be better to wait for the next soul-mending session. When he saw the truth with his own eyes, it wouldn't be too late for him to decide.

She felt her own nerves beginning to fray. She didn't know how he would react.

The next second, she was swept off her feet. The Great Demon, tall and powerful, snatched her up and spun her around in a dizzying circle.

She grabbed his head as they spun. "Yanyan! One month! I said one month!"

He was practically on the verge of tossing her into the air! The handsome demon’s lips curled into a manic grin. "One month? Why wait a month? This Lord can do it right now!"

She covered his mouth with her hand. "No. It has to be a month." She looked at him seriously. "After a month, you decide if you really want to be with me."

By then, whether he hated her or something else, she would accept it.

He grumbled, though his smile wouldn't fade. "What is this? A trial period?"

She laughed. "Let's call it a trial period."

Suddenly, his expression turned suspicious. "Are you saying this because you think this Lord is pitiful? Are you just having 'pity' on me?"

Chao Jinsui: "..."

Pity? Where did he even get that from?

His mood flickered like a shadow. "This Lord only has a few small scratches."

She pressed down on his wounded shoulder, and he immediately hissed, sucking in a sharp breath. He quickly grabbed her hand and tucked it into his, thinking: How heartless!

"If you're only with me because you pity me..."

She cut off his wild imagination. "Yanyan, if I pitied you, I would just give you some spirit stones."

Yan Xueyi paused, and then his smile turned positively radiant. He stared at her, grinning as if he could never get enough.

She suspected he hadn't listened to a word about the "one month" agreement. "Yanyan, do you remember the one…?"

Before she could finish, he hoisted her up again. He looked like he wanted to toss her high into the air, but remembered she was a fragile human and not a sturdy demon, so he settled for a tight embrace.

He laughed. "Hold on tight. This Lord is taking you for a drink."

He refused to put her down, holding her like a priceless treasure. As they left the room, she swatted his shoulder. "Yanyan, put me down!"

"Not a chance!" he laughed. When he was being mischievous, he was like a common rogue, playfully tossing her upward just to hear her gasp. She had to cling to him, which only made him laugh harder as he spun her around twice more.

The Demon Realm’s gambling dens never slept. It was still bustling, filled with demons drinking and laughing in a raucous, joyous harmony.

When he said he was taking her for a drink, he meant it. Demon wine came in massive stone jars, pungent and aromatic. It was a simple brew, but incredibly potent and spicy.

He stared at her for a long time. He didn't understand the "one month" thing. Was it a lure? A way to keep him at arm's length until she could escape? Or was she planning to kill him in a month?

But demons were like snakes lying in wait. Once they saw an opening, they bit down and never let go. Whatever the bait was, he was swallowing it whole! If he had never held her, he might have been able to let go. But now?

If she thinks she can get rid of me in a month, she’s dreaming!

His phoenix eyes narrowed dangerously, like a lazy predator's. "Suisui," he said suddenly, "this isn't how we drink wine in the Demon Realm."

She set her cup down, puzzled. "Then how do demons drink?"

The Great Demon took a large swig of wine. He suddenly leaned in, his large hand cupping the back of her head, and crushed his lips against hers.

The world spun. Spicy, burning wine flooded her throat. The heat of the demon liquor melted between their lips, forced into her by his aggressive, commanding tongue. It was a fierce, passionate kiss, as if he wanted to devour her entirely.

When the wine was gone, she began to cough from the sting of the alcohol. He finally pulled back, looking far from satisfied.

Before she could catch her breath, he hoisted her up again! His iron-like hand gripped her soft waist, pinning her against the wall. His body temperature was searing, his gaze predatory and locked onto her.

She grabbed his demon horns, trying to push him back slightly. He held her with one hand and hoisted a wine jar with the other, taking another swig before crashing his lips against hers again. The spicy wine was swallowed between them.

She gripped his horns tight as his hand moved lower, his touch burning. The alcohol hummed in her veins, the temperature in the room soared, and the cheers of the surrounding demons blurred into a roar in her ears.

A long time later, he finally let her go, his breath hot against her ear. His phoenix eyes were shimmering and filled with a lethal beauty, like a gorgeous, poisonous flower. His long lashes fluttered as he looked at her, the corners of his eyes flushed a decadent, brilliant crimson.

His voice was hoarse to the breaking point. "This... is how we drink in the Demon Realm."

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