The man, who was known as Demon King on Martial Island and to his subordinates in the outside world, stepped forward and walked closer to Zhong Feng and Hu Lei. His eyes had a penetrating intensity as if he wanted to see through to their core.
Despite his youth, Zhong Feng felt a sense of danger emanating from him. He also strode forward and shielded Hu Lei behind him.
The red eyes focused on Zhong Feng for a long moment before the man spoke up. His voice was gentle, and his speech refined, but these factors did not comfort Zhong Feng. If anything, his words made him raise his guard even higher.
"You caused me a bit of trouble in the past, Zhong Feng. You are an impressive human." He said.
Zhong Feng frowned a little, wondering why this person said those words as he did. It was like he did not consider himself a part of the human race. Still, Zhong Feng would not refuse to respond to the complaint. He had long wanted to express his dislike and grudge against the man.
"No less than you caused me." He said. "I have a good mind to punch you in the face."
The man looked at him with a hint of something unsettling in his eyes, as if he wished that Zhong Feng would proceed with his threat. However, that flicker of emotion only lasted for a fraction of a second. Once again, he became calm and without emotion.
"I might not be a match for you in the technological scene, but I am stronger than I appear." He still said to Zhong Feng. "I fought for my life since I was a small child. It would be difficult for you to beat me. Moreover, you lack a killer instinct."
The eerie red eyes turned to Hu Lei. "But your wife has it. If she put her mind to it, I would find it difficult to defeat her. It is too bad that she has chosen a simple life in Supreme City instead of dominating the world."
"There is still time. I might yet decide to take over the world." Hu Lei spoke up in response.
"Indeed. It is not too late for you to rise to the summit." The words had a hint of amusement.
Hu Lei stepped out completely from behind Zhong Feng and looked at the man with intensity in her golden eyes. He looked back at her, the two pairs of unusual eyes clashing in a strange altercation. After a while, Hu Lei's eyes softened a little.
Zhong Feng did not know the reason for that look, but he did not like it. He felt a rush of possessiveness welling up in his heart, and it caused him to place a protective arm around Hu Lei. She looked at him and smiled, but she did not mind the gesture.
She turned back to their host. "We are in your home as guests. You should introduce yourself."
There was some hesitation before the man bowed his head in the slightest and almost imperceptible manner. The minute gesture elevated his appearance of elegance. He looked like royalty from the forgotten times.
"I am Yuan Haoran. Welcome." He said.
Yuan Haoran…
The name was not unusual, but it felt like an insurmountable feat for the two of them to discover it. Even Frank had not spoken his master's name through the journey. Therefore, it was, without a doubt, a major accomplishment.
"We would like to speak to you about a matter of utmost importance." Hu Lei spoke up seriously.
"And we will speak of it. But first, take a short rest, and we will discuss it over dinner." Yuan Haoran said and gestured to the old woman at the door.
Hu Lei was surprised at the stealth of the servant. She was strong and walked quietly, despite her advanced age. The strange thing was her physical condition and appearance did not match. From the eyes with cataracts to the dry and wrinkled skin, she did not seem like she could walk properly, let alone swiftly.
Zhong Feng wanted to refuse, but Hu Lei shook her head. She planned to look at their environment first before the discussion. If things did not go well, she wanted to be sure that they could leave unscathed. She would never take their safety for granted.
The old woman led them to a guest bedroom on the first floor of the castle. Hu Lei looked through the window with interest. She was surprised by the beauty of the mountains as the last rays of sunlight disappeared.
Then, she turned and ȧssessed the escape options. The space outside the window did not have offer much, but the walls were made of stone, and the ground was covered in thick snow. If there was a desperate situation, they could jump out somehow.
"Why do you think he lives here with only one helper?" Hu Lei turned and looked at Zhong Feng. He had a stern expression as he surveyed the room.
"Perhaps, his lack of skin pigmentation makes him avoid hotter areas." Zhong Feng said distractedly.
Hu Lei rolled her eyes. "The mountains would offer less protection from UV radiation for an individual affected by albinism. There is less atmospheric protection, meaning the rays would compromise his skin more."
"You are turning into Frank." Zhong Feng laughed a little.
Hu Le pounced on him and bit his neck. Zhong Feng supported her body, even though she was supposedly punishing him for insulting her. His face lightened up a little from its original sullenness. He did not know why meeting that man upset him so much.
Perhaps, it was because he had the slightest feeling that Yuan Haoran was similar to Hu Lei.
"How could you say something so cruel?" She pouted as she tried to get down.
Zhong Feng did not let her go. "Let's take a bath."
Hu Lei looked at him. "You are quite relaxed for someone who is in enemy territory."
"We are already here. We might as well enjoy the holiday. You know, we have never taken a honeymoon. This is the first trip we have taken together since our wedding." He said.
"So, your idea of a romantic getaway is invading someone's house, being surprised by a wayward ȧssassin and ending up in Dracula's lair?" She asked.
"No, but it is yours." Zhong Feng laughed.
"That's true. You can choose what to do on our next trip."