Chapter 125: The Contest of Words and Writing (Part 2)
Ji Ma’s face showed a hint of melancholy, as if the rumors of her having one hundred and eight lovers, which she had supposedly fabricated, had hurt her deeply. But she quickly smiled again.
Professor Yu Weiwen, a history professor with crow’s feet, prided himself on his keen observation skills, and naturally, he didn’t miss this subtle change in her expression.
He asked, “Are you jealous?”
“Since ancient times, beautiful women are only meant to belong to the strong,” Ji Ma said淡淡. “I agree with that wholeheartedly, and have no objection. Besides, I am just a succubus…”
At this point, Ji Ma’s tone reluctantly lowered, and she self-deprecatingly added, “To put it bluntly, a succubus is merely a more sophisticated kind of whore. That’s our nature, and others see us that way too. George has treated me quite well.”
Professor Yu Weiwen felt a surge of pity. He looked at Ji Ma’s pure and enchanting face, and aside from her horns, she was just like any other human. Her every move bore no hint of being a “female worker in a entertainment venue.” Yet everyone, those ordinary folks, viewed her as nothing more than a whore.
Women isolated and envied her, tightly guarding their husbands for fear they would be seduced away. Men, while scornful of her being a whore, were still eager to engage in intimate relations with her.
He asked, “Is that true?”
Ji Ma forced a smile: “Yes, he treats me well. I, as a succubus, only have him as a man. Unlike what others say behind my back, that I like to be with different men…”
Professor Yu Weiwen’s sympathy deepened. It seemed that the so-called hero regarded her as his personal whore; his self-proclaimed “salvation” now appeared exceedingly hypocritical.
Ironically, that very hypocrisy was something she felt grateful for.
Professor Yu Weiwen’s heart softened considerably: “What are your plans for the future?”
“Once I can decide my own fate, I will find a place where no one knows me and start anew, a place where no one knows I am a succubus. After that, there will be no more records of the succubus Ji Ma in history.”
“What a good idea.” Professor Yu Weiwen nodded. “Being a social flower and depending on men has no future. You need to think more about the future; once you fall, there’s no getting back up.”
“I’ve learned from you. Unknowingly, I’ve shared a lot. I rarely have heart-to-heart talks with men I just met.” Ji Ma lied, “Back to the point, what do you want to interview me about?”
Professor Yu Weiwen softened his tone: “I have a piece of inside information that says you helped the witch hunter Van Helsing impersonate a goblin shaman to infiltrate the greenskin camp and successfully stab the beast war general in the back?”
“As someone who has studied greenskins extensively, I merely provided him with some necessary assistance,” Ji Ma said. “Another minor task was to suggest that the emperor not pursue the greenskin routing army and let them fight amongst themselves. At that time, the imperial army suffered heavy losses and was unable to chase; the main faction insisted on concentrating the remaining cavalry to hunt the greenskins. Fortunately, the emperor chose to heed my advice.”
“Is there related literature on the characteristics of greenskin infighting?”
“Of course there is.”
“Was the debate fierce at that time?”
“Absolutely fierce.”
“How long did it last?”
“I don’t know, it should have been quite a while; when I arrived, both sides were parched and exhausted.”
Professor Yu Weiwen wrote on paper:
“Despite the clear historical documentation of a major upheaval among greenskins, the emperor himself was unsure whether to urge the exhausted troops to pursue or to stay put and rest. The two factions quarreled for a long time until they ran out of spit, and finally had no choice but to call upon the wild mage who understood greenskins…”
Ji Ma glanced at it and thought, hey, isn’t this the Spring and Autumn style of writing? Just by slightly rearranging the order, it makes it seem like the upheaval among greenskins is common knowledge, highlighting the emperor’s lack of learning and decisiveness, relying entirely on his subordinates to save the day.
After Professor Yu Weiwen finished writing the last word, he asked, “Do you have any comments?”
“Anyway, it has nothing to do with me.”
Professor Yu Weiwen shifted the topic:
“The emperor has been emphasizing that the demon race should initiate the apocalypse, and the empire must unite; for this, he has seized two electorates and killed one elector, disregarding imperial traditions. What do you think of the demon race?”
“I have no opinion.”
Ji Ma secretly speculated that the emperor’s “unity” process had obviously harmed Professor Yu Weiwen’s interests. It seemed she could exploit this to manipulate him.
“Do you know the city of Arcado in the demon realm?”
“I know, it is the first trade city in the demon realm where demon and human coexist peacefully, each taking what they need.” Only, the ditches are always clogged with the bodies of humans.
“It is said that the supreme demon lord strictly prohibits all murders, suppressing the demon race’s sanguine nature with great effectiveness.”
“Indeed.”
“Does this mean that such a model of peaceful coexistence can be promoted?”
Ji Ma’s expression displayed difficulty, glancing around.
Professor Yu Weiwen understood and believed she was wary of the emperor; he smiled and put away his pen and paper, saying, “This is merely a conversation between friends.”
“Really?” Ji Ma said, “If I mess it up, I may never be able to control my own fate again.”
Professor Yu Weiwen nodded seriously, saying, “I swear, although it’s not under the name of Sigma, it’s because I don’t trust him.”
“I remember Arcado city well; the local lord’s prohibition on killings is truly unforgettable. Once, his son suffered from blood thirst and desperately wanted to go home, but accidentally encountered a human mercenary seeking revenge against the demon race…”
Ji Ma continued to share a fabricated story: “The mercenary targeted the lord’s son because of his exquisite clothing and suddenly attacked; the lord’s son subdued him but, smelling the scent of blood from the wound, couldn’t resist and twisted the human mercenary’s head off, violating the law.”
“The supreme lord had to execute his son, and everyone advised him, including his wife, who begged him while holding onto his legs not to do it, as it was his favorite youngest son. The lord said, ‘Precisely because he is my son, I must sentence him to death; otherwise, how could anyone believe that we are of a bloodthirsty nature?’”
“The lord’s son also agreed with his father. He held his head high and requested his father to do it himself. The supreme lord beheaded his son, shedding tears for the first time in centuries.”
“From then on, Arcado city became the first city to coexist with mortals, each fulfilling their needs. The centuries-long cycle of blood and hatred finally stopped. If possible, I believe other cities can also become like Arcado city.”
Professor Yu Weiwen sighed: “What a wonderful city! The demon race can also overcome their bloodthirsty nature, and both sides can peacefully coexist without war. How great.”
Afraid of dying humans seemed weak.
Ji Ma secretly despised them, yet maintained a facade of love for peace, saying, “Yes, but how many can be like the lord of Arcado city?”
“It’s a pity my compatriots are obsessed with blood feuds from centuries ago. As long as the emperor intimidates them with the demon race, they turn a blind eye to the emperor’s tyranny, trampling on the traditions of the empire and seizing power from the electors.” Professor Yu Weiwen’s emotions grew more agitated, “The emperor constantly incites hatred, diverting conflicts; this way, people will overlook his atrocities. The emperor keeps dredging up old grievances, urging people to remember the massacre of the empire by the demon race hundreds or even thousands of years ago, inciting them to seek revenge on the demon race, turning them into extreme vengeful spirits. By avenging with blood, all they get is blood.”
Professor Yu Weiwen’s words flowed out like a broken dam, unstoppable:
“Those who are obsessed with revenge are truly foolish. The demon race has begun to repress their sanguine nature, seeking peace, paying enormous costs to halt the cycle of hatred. Yet they willingly snuff out the budding peace, ultimately causing more deaths among humans; the true culprits that kill humans are none other than them.”
After speaking, Professor Yu Weiwen looked around somewhat nervously.
Ji Ma frequently nodded, her face lit up in realization as she exclaimed, “Master, as expected, you are a master! I had only vague notions before; now that you say them, I suddenly understand.”
Professor Yu Weiwen said, “Nowadays, people are filled with fervent thoughts and cannot tolerate dissenting voices. I’ve suppressed it for a long time, afraid to speak to others, fearing they might secretly report me. It’s ironic that my heartfelt friend turns out to be a demon.”
“Master must be distressed, surrounded by foolish people who won’t wake up no matter how you call out.”
“I can only watch helplessly as the tyrant gradually turns the empire into his own,” Professor Yu Weiwen said. “He has been inciting hatred, practically leading the masses to slaughter their compatriots.”
Ji Ma echoed, “Yes, while the demon race often kills freely in the mortal realm, drenched in blood, offering skulls as sacrifices, it is much better than before. The cycle of hatred is gradually ceasing, yet now some people are eager for it to turn faster, and no one can stop it.”
Professor Yu Weiwen stood with his hands behind his back, facing the evening glow, resembling a martyr: “I can only do my meager part, risking my old life, to halt the cycle of hatred.”
“To put it bluntly, you are just a scholar, what can you do?” Ji Ma shook her head. “I have a suggestion that might just stop the cycle of hatred, but saying it might scare you; it’s rather shocking.”
“Please speak; my earlier remarks are shocking enough. If I say it, a bunch of zealots will tear me apart.”
“You can relocate your entire family to Arcado city,” Ji Ma said. “Facts speak louder than words.”
“That makes sense!” Professor Yu Weiwen said joyfully, but then added, “However, I am unfamiliar with the place… I do not fear the demon race; on the contrary, I trust the environment of Arcado city very much.”
He had just said he was “risking his life”.
Ji Ma’s face showed an understanding expression: “I understand; if your life in Arcado city turns out to be worse than in the empire, your enemies will manage to exploit that. By coincidence, I have a friend in Arcado city who knows that they are in desperate need of iron ore, silk, iron pots, and spices. If you can bring these bulk goods there, you are sure to make a fortune.”
“You could organize a trade caravan; after making a fortune, you could relocate your family.”
“I just happen to have a key to a treasure chest. Once you arrive at Arcado city, you can find the treasure spot — I have written everything down on paper; it contains trade permits and some finances, all belonging to a late friend.” In truth, it was merely a small treasure of the demon king Ji Ma.
Professor Yu Weiwen’s hands trembled with excitement: “This… this gift is too precious.”
“Accept it,” Ji Ma pushed the key into his hand. “For the peace of both races, what is this worth? It’s merely compensation for my work for the emperor; please be sure to accept it.”
“Alright.” Professor Yu Weiwen accepted the key. “For peace, I will surely move my whole family to Arcado city. When the time comes, they will absolutely be speechless, and my books will awaken more people.”
Before that, you will most likely be speechless, after all, a head that has fallen from the neck cannot speak.
Ji Ma’s eyes welled up with tears as she said softly, “Thank you.”
“I swear!”
Uncertain whether she had forgotten or for some other reason, Ji Ma didn’t tell him about the tradition of “midnight blood” held in Arcado city. She had experienced it; it was thrilling and exciting, almost like a different-world version of “The Purge,” where all demons could kill anyone freely. The entire city would be engulfed in blood and death, attracting the attention of the blood god.
During this process, those who survived would continually grow stronger, ultimately achieving “social mobility” to become powerful beings.
