Rearing Demons-Chapter 101: Velmira Arrives

Yur and Xia turned their heads, spotting Julian approaching with a frown etched deeply on his face. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Yes, Dad?" Xia asked nervously, still shaken by her earlier conversation with Vilis and Ley.

"I need to talk to you," Julian replied before shifting his gaze sharply toward Yur. "You as well."

"About?" Yur returned Julian’s gaze calmly, his expression indifferent.

"About you two; your marriage and all that it entails. There are things I need to understand clearly."

"Sure," Yur responded with a casual shrug, unconcerned.

Xia’s heartbeat quickened; anxiety crept into her expression. Julian paid no heed to her nervousness—his concern was purely for her well-being. He silently led them away from the crowded hall and into a more private chamber.

Inside, Yur and Julian sat opposite each other, while Xia chose to remain standing behind her father, partly to avoid his scrutinizing gaze.

"Yur, let’s address this directly," Julian began, not wasting any time. "Who exactly are you, where are you from, and how did you grow so powerful at your age?"

"Why do such things matter now?" Yur questioned mildly.

"If you plan to marry Xia, I have the right to know these details," Julian retorted firmly. "I’m grateful for your help with the kingdom, but that’s separate from my daughter."

"Truthfully, I have no noble background," Yur stated plainly.

"You’ve mentioned that before. What exactly does that mean?" Julian pressed.

Yur leaned back comfortably, his gaze drifting upward. For a moment, his dull expression flickered with a rare hint of sadness. Julian and Xia both noticed this subtle shift.

"I was born a slave," Yur confessed calmly, causing Julian and Xia to pause, wide-eyed in disbelief. He met their gazes evenly and smiled faintly. "Does my background upset you?"

"Upset isn’t the right word," Julian countered, still visibly stunned. "But how could someone born into slavery become this powerful?"

"I was fortunate," Yur explained plainly. "At seven, I was sentenced to death for a petty crime."

"Seven?!" Julian’s voice echoed in shock, Xia’s expression mirroring her father’s astonishment.

"That was merely the beginning," Yur continued, his tone growing colder. "After narrowly escaping execution, I stumbled into Zulmasharr."

"Zulmasharr?!" Julian bolted upright, incredulity written all over his face. Zulmasharr was notorious—no sane mortal willingly ventured there. Even rogue cultivators steered clear; only elite sects braved its treacherous lands.

"Yes. I lived there for several years, surviving by mere luck and desperation," Yur recounted thoughtfully. "That place forced me to awaken my talent and ultimately break into Nascent Orb Realm. It was constant struggle—every day a fight, every breath nearly my last."

"And what about Zhal?" Julian asked suspiciously, still absorbing Yur’s revelations.

"I met Zhal much later," Yur clarified.

"But you two are brothers, aren’t you?" Julian pressed.

"Not by blood. Rather, we’re brothers by bond and shared hardship," Yur corrected. "As for why I came here initially, it was actually to find my way to the Fiend Devouring Sect."

"Fiend Devouring Sect?" Julian’s eyes narrowed further. "Why them?"

"I was saved by one of their disciples," Yur said plainly. He recounted his fabricated encounter with Ris in Zulmasharr, their rigorous training, and how he eventually left that place with newfound strength.

Julian and Xia listened intently to Yur’s lengthy tale. Yur had long prepared this story, covering every potential loophole, ensuring it was both convincing and compelling. Julian probed multiple times, attempting to uncover any falsehood, yet Yur flawlessly addressed every inquiry, even presenting scars and small proofs as evidence of his claims.

"To think you’ve endured such experiences," Julian finally sighed, gazing at Yur with newfound respect.

Xia’s eyes shimmered, filled with tears and compassion.

"Then why help us?" Julian suddenly questioned again.

Yur calmly answered, "To grow stronger."

"Grow stronger?" Julian repeated, puzzled.

"You might not believe me, but I’m still merely at the Seekers of Embers realm," Yur admitted with a faint smile. "I haven’t reached Luminous Heart yet."

"What?!" Julian nearly shouted, staring incredulously. "Rank two?! You’re lying!"

"I’m not," Yur replied simply.

"That’s impossible," Julian argued. "No one could be this powerful at such a low realm."

"Perhaps impossible for you," Yur countered, unbothered. "There’s someone in the Fiend Devouring Sect who could battle Valgath demons even at Luminous Heart."

"That’s even more ridiculous," Julian sighed, feeling overwhelmed by these revelations.

"That aside," Yur shrugged lightly, steering the conversation back, "Xia makes me feel at home. That’s why I wish to marry her. I want her to travel with me."

"Travel where exactly?" Julian’s voice was laced with concern.

"You’ve forgotten already? The Fiend Devouring sect," Yur reminded him. "It would be beneficial for Xia too, surrounded by stronger peers."

Julian stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Though your origin and strength are suspicious, it’s clear no one here could oppose you if you had malicious intent. You’ve protected Xia consistently. I suppose I have no choice but to trust you."

Julian knew his logic was sound. Yur’s overwhelming aura earlier had made one thing clear: nobody here could stop him if he wished harm. Yet, he had done nothing.

"Glad you understand," Yur smiled lightly. "I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning."

"Leaving?" Xia’s voice rose anxiously, startled by his sudden statement. "Where?"

"I’ll be infiltrating Welit," Yur answered calmly. "A companion of mine will join me."

"What?" Xia stepped forward, panic filling her voice. "Isn’t that too dangerous?"

"This was already discussed," Julian said reassuringly, though his expression showed he shared Xia’s unease. "With his strength, he’ll be fine." He turned to Yur again. "Though, you never mentioned this companion before. Who is this person?"

"That would be me."

A voice, melodic yet chilling, reverberated softly through the room. Julian immediately stood, eyes darting around anxiously. "Who’s there? Show yourself!"

Without warning, shadows coalesced beside Xia, revealing a mesmerizingly beautiful woman with flowing white hair. Her vivid eyes gleamed with curiosity and a hint of danger as she stepped closer, leaning gently toward Xia.

Velmira inhaled softly, her expression morphing into subtle distaste. "I smell Yur on you..."

An oppressive, icy aura seeped from her, wrapping around Xia like invisible chains. Xia’s breathing grew shallow, her heartbeat quickening with instinctual dread.

She stared into those dangerous, piercing eyes, one question echoing desperately through her mind:

Who... is this woman?