Rearing Demons
Chapter 102: Jealousy

Chapter 102: Jealousy

Aside from Yur, both Julian and Xia stared at Velmira in stunned silence, each with their own thoughts.

She’s unbelievably beautiful...!

How can someone be this powerful?

Their minds raced, shocked at Velmira’s sudden appearance. Xia, who was considered a peerless beauty throughout Freau and neighboring kingdoms, instantly felt overshadowed. Comparing herself to Velmira felt like comparing an ugly duckling to a graceful swan.

Julian’s reaction was different—cold sweat appeared on his forehead. She appeared without me noticing!

He was an experienced cultivator who could normally sense even the faintest breath of a mortal. Yet Velmira had appeared like a ghost, without triggering even his slightest perception.

"Velmira, take a seat," Yur called out casually, completely unfazed. He’d known she was close by; after all, he had summoned her himself.

"Yes." Velmira turned her head, smiling warmly only at Yur, before elegantly seating herself. "What’s going on?"

"Nothing much," Yur responded briefly. "You’ll accompany me tomorrow. We’re infiltrating Welit."

"Understood," Velmira replied without hesitation or further questioning. She respected Yur deeply—not as a servant to a master, but as an ally loyal enough to follow him without doubt.

"She’s your companion?" Julian asked hesitantly.

"Yes. Remember when I mentioned I had companions?" Yur gave Julian a calm glance. "Velmira is the strongest among them."

Without waiting for Julian’s reply, Yur stood up and smiled gently at Xia. "Discuss among yourselves if this marriage will happen or not. You already know my stance."

Velmira’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief. He’s smiling?! Though she hadn’t known Yur long, everything she’d learned from Jisvruul indicated that Yur was cold, indifferent—emotionless. Yet here he was, smiling warmly at Xia.

Who exactly is she to him?

"Velmira, let’s go," Yur called, returning to his usual neutral expression.

"Wait, I’m coming too!" Xia mustered her courage, stepping forward in front of her father. "Dad, he’s my guardian anyway; let me go."

Julian hesitated briefly, but upon seeing Velmira’s presence and beauty, he relaxed slightly. Xia isn’t foolish; she’ll handle herself. He waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, go."

"Thank you!" Xia quickly moved toward Yur, relieved.

Only Velmira noticed Yur’s faint irritation. It surprised her once more; she’d never imagined Yur could be irritated by someone’s presence.

"Let’s go," Yur repeated, walking out with the two women at his sides.

Left alone, Julian remained seated, deeply immersed in thought, not only due to Yur’s mysterious background but also Velmira’s frightening strength. Is she another powerful ally or another hidden threat? After a heavy sigh, he stood up and went to inform his brother of these developments.

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Upon arriving back at their home, Yur settled comfortably onto the sofa.

"Xia, you can do your own thing," he said gently, smiling slightly at her. Turning to Velmira, his voice immediately became neutral. "We need to discuss our plans and your recent activities."

"I’ll stay here for now," Xia said unexpectedly.

Yur raised an eyebrow, looking at her curiously. "What’s wrong?"

Xia fidgeted nervously, subtly shooting an aggressive glance toward Velmira. "Come here a second."

Yur stood and approached her calmly. "What is it?"

She stepped close, placing her hand gently against his chest, blushing heavily. "I... want to do it again..."

Yur scratched his head, momentarily perplexed. "Not right now. How about tonight? I have important matters to discuss with Velmira first."

"Oh..." Xia’s shoulders slumped slightly. Though her attempt failed, she still sent a cautious glance toward Velmira.

Seeing this, Yur sighed inwardly. He reached out, softly patting her head. "Xia, think clearly. If I wanted her, wouldn’t something have already happened between us? Yet, despite knowing Velmira for years, nothing has ever happened. But with you, it only took one day. Doesn’t that prove something?"

His gentle words deeply touched Xia’s heart, instantly calming her anxiety. Her blush intensified, and she nodded shyly. "I understand. Tonight, then... I’ll be waiting..."

Yur smiled softly at her once more. "I’ll look forward to it. Rest now."

"Okay." Xia quickly left, cheeks burning brightly.

As soon as she was gone, Yur’s expression reverted to its usual dull indifference. He sat back on the sofa, gesturing to Velmira. "Sit. We have work to do."

"Who exactly is she?" Velmira couldn’t help but inquire curiously.

"Not important," Yur replied, quickly dismissing the topic. "Update me about Welit and the sects."

Velmira sighed lightly at the clear difference in Yur’s attitude but quickly began her report.

"I gave you a rough summary before, but here are the details. We’re currently in the region called Vestranor, meaning ’West Nor’. It houses three Mortal Kingdoms. The northern regions are uninhabitable kingdoms-wise due to harsh conditions. Other regions are dominated by more sects."

Yur listened attentively, nodding occasionally as she continued.

"Within Vestranor, aside from Raging Dragon Sect—which is connected to Welit—there are two other major sects. Freau is loosely affiliated with Mountain of the Eye Sect, though they only appear here to recruit disciples and offer no real protection."

"What’s their strength like?" Yur asked thoughtfully.

"They have at least four Luminous Heart cultivators and a single Essence Forge cultivator," Velmira explained clearly. "Minor sects exist as well, but none pose any threat."

"And the situation with Raging Dragon?"

"I only managed to eliminate their sect leader and one elder. Other senior members were absent, so I didn’t get the opportunity. I did, however, remove many disciples," Velmira reported honestly.

"That’s sufficient," Yur said approvingly.

At that moment, Quin walked by. Yur casually called out, "Quin, fetch me a drink."

Quin nodded immediately, though she stared in shock at Velmira’s extraordinary beauty before quickly controlling her expression. "Would you like something too?" Quin asked politely.

"No," Velmira replied bluntly, not even glancing Quin’s way.

Feeling the oppressive aura from Velmira, Quin hurriedly withdrew.

"Now, the plan," Yur resumed. "Tomorrow we travel. We should reach Welit by the following day." Yur clearly outlined his strategy, pausing occasionally to gauge Velmira’s reaction.

"I suggest we adjust this..." Velmira provided detailed suggestions, showcasing her keen strategic mind.

Yur nodded, accepting her modifications without issue. This intellectual exchange was why he valued Velmira highly. His inherited memories were invaluable, but he still needed someone like her—sharp, intelligent, and experienced—to help refine his plans.

They continued their detailed planning for hours, with Yur eventually revealing the Rite of the Hollow to Velmira.

"Oh?" Velmira’s lips curled into a slight smirk upon hearing the ritual details. "Once we return, leave this task to me."

"Good," Yur nodded approvingly.

Glancing out the window, Yur saw the sun had already set. Rising slowly, he moved toward the stairs without further explanation.

Reaching the top, he pushed open the bedroom door, seeing complete darkness inside—though to him, it was as bright as day. He immediately noticed Xia hiding shyly beneath the covers.

"Xia, what are you doing?"

Stepping closer, he tugged the blanket away gently. His eyes widened slightly at the sight before him. Xia wore a beautifully seductive nightgown, thin enough to tease yet tasteful enough to leave some mystery.

"How...how do I look?" Xia whispered bashfully.

What a bother... Yur thought inwardly, though outwardly he gave a playful smirk.

"Let me find out." Yur’s voice softened as he reached out, gently exploring the curves of her body. Xia squirmed beneath his touch, her breathing growing uneven.