9. The definitely-not-cute demonic beasts

The leftovers and scraps from the food preparation for the cultivators would be used to feed the demonic beasts.

Wen Zhihao volunteered to help carry the baskets of food scraps and leftovers. He went with Old Tang, once again carrying the baskets with his sword. They went via the servants’ footpaths that went behind the buildings. These footpaths were disguised by high fences and greenery, so they did not come across any other cultivators.

The demonic beasts lived in an enclosure that included half of one of the mountains. There was a large sprawling building that went from the base of the mountain and climbed slightly up the mountain. At the lowest level was the enclosure for the baby and young demonic beasts. They were cared for by the animal-tamer cultivators.

The food scraps were suitable for the young demonic beasts, as the baby demonic beasts had a special baby formula, while the older beasts hunted for themselves.

Wen Zhihao went up the enclosure, his laden sword floating beside him. He looked through the lattice fence with interest. His eyes almost turned into hearts.

These demonic beasts...were kittens!

Kittens, in real life! That kitten was sleeping, and that kitten was being mischievous, and that kitten over there was annoying another kitten…

Wen Zhihao was a netizen, and he was indoctrinated by cat videos. To see such kittens and young cats in real life...too good!

Screw being a sword cultivator, maybe he could be an animal-tamer type cultivator instead!

Old Tang chuckled. “Young Master Cultivator, perhaps you should give them their food.”

Wen Zhihao blinked. “Yes, yes of course!”

There was an inner sect disciple named Huang Jialing currently in charge of the young demonic beasts. Upon recognising Old Tang and the food scrap baskets, she opened the gate to the enclosure. She and Wen Zhihao entered, and Huang Jialing quickly closed the gate behind them. Wen Zhihao could also sense a magical ward in addition to the physical fence that prevented the kittens from leaving.

“Be careful,” Huang Jialing said, “these are dangerous demonic beasts.” She shooed the kittens, leading Wen Zhihao to the animals’ food bowls.

“They’re so cute…” Wen Zhihao muttered under his breath. He wished she didn’t shoo them away. “Don’t tell me you use abusive training to make them vicious?”

The other cultivator scowled. “If you are so Buddhist, why don’t you go to a temple to cultivate instead?”

“If you can give me some recommendations, that would be good,” Wen Zhihao said absently. He wandered away from the other cultivator. Carefully arranging his long robes, Wen Zhihao crouched down. “Here, kitty kitty.”

One of the pure white kittens gave him an unimpressed look, raised its nose, and walked away.

Wen Zhihao: …

So it turned out that they were pretty smart?

Wen Zhihao took a handful of food and held it out. “Do you want to eat? You’re all so beautiful…”

A brown-furred kitten trotted over in curiousity. “Meow!” it said.

“Meow?” Wen Zhihao replied, having no idea what he was saying. “Here.”

The kitten dipped its head and ate from Wen Zhihao’s hand.

Wen Zhihao (inside): (≧∀≦)ﾉ

The meaning of life, completed.

With one curious kitty came another. Wen Zhihao set down all the baskets of food. While some of the kittens didn’t care for Wen Zhihao, others came over to play.

Old Tang watching this from outside the enclosure didn’t know what to think about it. Cultivators these days...? He could only clear his throat and call out, “Young Master Cultivator, I will leave you, okay? Remember to bring the baskets back!”

“En, walk slowly, Old Tang!”

After Old Tang left, Wen Zhihao nodded at Cultivator Huang Jialing. “They won’t hurt me, you don’t have to stand so vigilantly.”

Huang Jialing narrowed her eyes. “Then I will not be responsible,” she said and turned around and left him locked inside the enclosure.

Wen Zhihao smiled contentedly as he petted a purring kitten. Good sleep, great food, and kittens? Blissful!

Demonic beast: When I grow up, I’ll be super strong! Defeat you!

Wen Zhihao: *only hears meows* yes, yes, you’re super cute!! (づ￣ ³￣)づ

Demonic beast: *grrrr* (petting feels too good)….I’ll accept you...for now…

Huang Jialing: ...