My Misfortune Crushed Instances

Lee Rui previously interacted with entities like Ju Ye, Mire Marsh Demon Race, and Ghost City Witch Race. They inherently faced ghosts and Yin Sha, or deep-seated hatred, so the influence of ferocious spirits was relatively low, causing him to forget his own talent.

However, the Demon Race here, because of poor living conditions and a lack of invaders interested in them, although they are a bit impoverished, live relatively peacefully. Thus, when an inexperienced child saw him, he was immediately scared to tears.

As expected, shortly after the little demon ran back, a large group of the Demon Race came rushing out of the village, shouting loudly.

These demons have three feet growing from their abdomen, with webbing between their toes resembling duck feet, and every inch of exposed skin is covered in light brown scales, some smooth and reflective.

Most of them hold steel forks, unusually vigilant, with expressions more fearful than angry.

Lee Rui didn’t want to complicate matters, so he quickly instructed Yuan Erliang to go forward and negotiate, indicating that they had no malicious intentions.

The Monkey Demon went forward and, after much jibber-jabber, barely managed to prevent the other side from immediately taking action outside the village.

Lee Rui asked, "Who’s in charge, come out and speak."

Soon, a robust member of the Demon Race stepped forward and said in a loud and clear voice, "Who are you, and what is your business here?"

Lee Rui performed a customary salute according to Mire Marsh Demon Race traditions, then smiled and said, "I am the Grand General of the Divine Wood Forest, intending to venture deep into Nuanyang State and require a guide."

He liked to bring up the name of the Divine Wood Forest because it is located far in the southernmost part of Zhangye State, remote and relatively isolated, unlikely to have enmity with other demon races yet useful to gain trust.

If he immediately declared himself an outsider, it might provoke vigilance or even hostility.

The leader of the Three-legged Demon Race scrutinized him and Yuan Erliang with a questioning gaze, "Grand General, just the two of you?"

Lee Rui replied confidently, "We have many tribe members in the south, but to avoid misunderstandings, did not bring them along."

Upon hearing this, the other side nodded slightly, "Why do you wish to go deep into the desert?"

Lee Rui was momentarily stunned, "Nuanyang State is entirely desert now?"

"It is indeed."

The leader of the Three-legged Demon Race waved to dismiss the tribesmen and gestured for them to follow him. Lee Rui gave a brief explanation and called Cheng Mingyue and the mighty warrior to join him as they entered the village.

The landscape here is quite similar to Yellow Earth City, but being closer to the barren desert of Nuanyang State, it’s drier. Instead of building houses with water and mud, they simply dig holes into the bare yellow earth slopes to dwell in.

The scales of these demons can reflect sunlight, insulate heat, and lock in body moisture, making them more adapted to these conditions, which is why they can reside here long-term.

If it were other tribes, surviving in a place so devoid of water might be impossible.

Lee Rui and his companions were invited into a yellow-earth cave in the village, where they exchanged introductions with the leader of the Three-legged Demon Race and learned the area was called Bamboo Village, and the leader’s name was Zhu Qu.

This place was once abundant with water and vegetation, even boasting a vast bamboo forest, and as everyone knows, bamboo demands a significant amount of water.

Due to favorable conditions and fertile land, many of the Demon Race once lived here, but as Nuanyang State’s desert gradually spread, the area became increasingly arid, prompting many demons to relocate.

The tribe of Three-legged Demons was once a flourishing clan here but chose to remain due to generations of residence.

They developed a demon technique to cultivate scale armor resistant to cold and heat and sent brave warriors into the desert year after year to explore in hopes of finding the source of the desert’s encroachment, but all efforts failed.

Eventually, some of the Three-legged Demon Race relocated, severing ties with their kin here, leaving behind a stubborn faction determined to remain and one day uncover the cause of the drought and restore their homeland.

Of course, most of them have lost hope, as the drought intensifies, making it increasingly difficult to cultivate anything but drought-resistant tuberous crops.

"Ah, even the wells can’t yield water anymore; we must fetch it from miles away,"

Zhu Qu remarked as he gradually let down his guard, appearing somewhat repetitive, "I’ve considered having the tribe migrate southward, but it’s a significant affair, and no decision has been made. Some people hold differing opinions."

He laughed sheepishly,"Sorry, I’ve said too much; this place rarely sees new faces, so I got carried away."

Lee Rui said, "No problem. We’re about to venture into the desert, and if you’d be willing to send a guide along, we’d be happy to investigate along the way."

"Well... I’m not doubting, but esteemed guest, have you ever entered Nuanyang State?"

Lee Rui replied, "To be honest, no."

Zhu Qu seemed to have anticipated this, shaking his head with a bitter smile, "The desert is fraught with unpredictable dangers, not only is the environment hostile, but there are also many ferocious spirits and brutal sand thieves. Even if we wish to enter, we’d need to prepare for months."

Lee Rui scratched his head, "Chief, speak freely; I’m not one for beating around the bush. I’m very capable and can tackle any peril."

"....."

Zhu Qu had no idea how to respond to that.

Lee Rui exchanged a glance with Cheng Mingyue, who ran over to the mighty warrior and retrieved a half-foot-wide wooden box containing a Centennial Old Blood Ginseng, a Spiritual Medicine suited for demons’ cultivation.

This was casually taken from the basement of Yellow Earth City, not spoil meant for Secret Realm agents, but within the Demon Race, it served as hard currency.

"Chief, if you don’t trust me, consider this a transaction; I only need a guide and am willing to pay this price."

Identifying directions in the desert is challenging; even if Lee Rui can hover in the air for ten seconds, he wouldn’t dare to venture recklessly.

Seeing the item, Zhu Qu hesitated, as something that enhanced cultivation was useful in solving their predicament.

"Please wait a moment, I must confer with them before making a decision."

"Take your time."

Lee Rui wasn’t concerned about these demons pulling tricks behind his back; he had seen it already—this village is in decline, barely having any combat capability, and he and Cheng Mingyue could easily control the situation.

Were he less benevolent, anyone ruthless would simply kill these demons and capture a few prisoners to lead the way.

Zhu Qu rushed to the village, convening with several elders and the former chief who stepped down due to illness.

"....Ladies and gentlemen, that’s the situation. That guest is quite generous, presumably someone of high rank in the Divine Wood Forest, but he intends to enter the desert right away, and I’m uncertain what to do."

The other elderly Three-legged Demons understood the difficulty involved.

Accompanying a group of strangers into an already dangerous desert isn’t a desirable task; in their view, it’s a one-way trip.

Yet, the Centennial Blood Ginseng is very tempting, as it can enhance their tribe’s cultivation levels, helping either with exploring the desert or relocating south.

It’s akin to offering millions of cash at the edge of a no man’s land, tempting yet intimidating.

Zhu Qu saw the elders hesitating and, gritting his teeth, said, "Why not let Zhujiang take over the tribe; I’ll go with them."

Several old demons quickly objected, "No, no, you’re the backbone; how can you throw your life away?"

"Let me go instead,"

One elder said, "I am already sick and frail; dying is of no consequence."

"Brother, you need to care for young Zhu Ke; I’ll go."

A group of demons argued for a long time until an elderly Three-legged Demon reluctantly took on this "suicidal" task.

Finally, the determined-looking old demon was brought before Lee Rui by Zhu Qu, whose face was filled with sorrow.

"Guest, if you don’t mind, I’ll serve as your guide."