Volume 3 Chapter 2: The Cunning Beruses

After welcoming the more than ten Apostles, the demon Beruses led the group out of the valley.

As they exited the Gourd Valley, the full view of the Scorching Plain unfolded before everyone’s eyes. Unlike in the Moonlight Forest, the Apostles on the Scorching Plain felt the “hellish” atmosphere here more keenly.

Compared to the dry heat of the Crimson Gobi, the Scorching Plain, filled with active volcanoes, actually did not feel hot. Instead, sharp, cold winds blew everywhere, and the climate resembled that of a very high-altitude mountain plateau.

The ground of the Scorching Plain appeared brown, dry, and cracked, with almost no moist soil visible. Thin wisps of blue smoke often rose from the cracks, giving off a pungent smell that made those who smelled it feel nauseous. The closer the ground was to the active volcanoes, the darker the soil color became. In some places, one could even see fiery red magma flowing deep within the cracks.

Apart from the demons, the smoke drifting across the plain made the Apostles feel extremely uncomfortable. Though it caused no harm to their Law Bodies, the pungent odor even caused a slight stinging sensation on exposed skin.

Compared to the Moonlight Forest, this place was truly awful! Although the Apostle City, Devil’s Horn, was not yet in sight, some Apostles seemed to regret leaving the Moonlight Forest based on their body language.

“Master, I feel terrible!” While Qin Lun was looking around, the little Goblin behind him stumbled and fell to the ground.

Qin Lun took two steps forward and helped the little fellow up. He found its eyes tightly closed, its face pale, and large beads of cold sweat dripping from its forehead.

“The smoke on the Scorching Plain is toxic. Besides the Demon Clan and Apostles, creatures of other races struggle to adapt!” A kind voice came from behind Qin Lun. “Let me take a look!”

Qin Lun turned around and saw the demon leader Beruses walking towards them.

“Thank you for your trouble!” Qin Lun smiled and let the little Goblin lie semi-recumbent against his knee.

“Little one, take a deep breath!” Beruses pulled out a small metal canister resembling an asthma inhaler from his chest and had Didi put it in his mouth.

Didi took a deep breath as instructed. His face quickly regained color, and he opened his eyes again and stood up.

“I’m sorry, Master, for causing you trouble!”

“Little one, you are different from your master. It’s best to wear the mask those Elves gave you.” Beruses pointed at the mask in Didi’s arms, and the flames in his pupils flickered slightly. “This kind of mask can filter toxic air and is essential gear for adventurers. Once we reach Devil’s Horn, everyone will need to wear one!”

Hearing Beruses’s meaningful words, Qin Lun had a thought and put his own mask back on too. He suddenly realized something: although both the Apostle City and the Moonlight Forest were Floating Cities, they were clearly very different.

The Moonlight Forest had only about a hundred Apostles, most of whom were Probationary Apostles. Its armed forces could deter any Apostles with bad intentions and keep the entire city stable.

The Apostle City was different. It contained thousands of Formal Apostles, including many High Apostles. The Demon Clan and the management council were merely administrators and service providers; they did not have the power to enforce strict control over these Apostles.

Those who maintained stability in Devil’s Horn and set the rules were also Apostles, perhaps even joint law enforcement by certain High Apostle teams.

However, Apostles were ultimately Apostles. Their attention would never focus on mundane affairs. As long as no one openly broke the rules, they probably wouldn’t face suppression or restraint.

In other words, acts of bullying the weak and survival of the fittest were bound to happen in private. Without solid evidence, the law-enforcing Apostles would likely turn a blind eye.

This was hell for the law-abiding and heaven for prisoners! Qin Lun suddenly grinned and couldn’t resist glancing at Beruses. He said meaningfully, “You’re absolutely right. Devil’s Horn truly is an adventure park for real men!”

“Heh heh, it seems you’ve figured it out!” The flames in Beruses’s eyes jumped, and he laughed knowingly. “The administrators cannot interfere in matters between Apostles. However, promising, strong individuals like you deserve a heads-up. Those Elves really don’t know how to handle people!”

Qin Lun smiled without replying. No wonder the Demon Clan sent Beruses to receive the new Apostles. This Cunning Demon was truly crafty and sly. While currying favor, he never missed a chance to throw his opponents under the bus.

Actually, Beruses had only hinted quite subtly earlier. If Qin Lun hadn’t caught on, it might not even count as a reminder. After experiencing the great destruction of the ancient era and the race wars of the medieval period, the Sapient Races of the Shattered Starry Sky would no longer change their creed regarding Apostles.

Value the help of Apostles, but do not depend on them. Strive to attract Apostles, yet do not interfere in their affairs. This was the iron rule for the survival and reproduction of Sapient Races within the Shattered Starry Sky. Even the Demon Clan strictly adhered to this principle.

“By the way, did you receive any information about me?” The demon’s words earlier had made Qin Lun wary.

“Heh heh, the Sapient Races of the Shattered Starry Sky cannot possess detailed information on Apostles. However, when Apostles from a Floating City transfer to an Apostle City, the Sapient Race of that Floating City submits an evaluation report on the Apostle to the Apostle City.” Beruses said with a smile.

“The Elven Race gave you a very high evaluation. They specifically noted that you had already received an Apostle Soul Mark while still a Probationary Apostle and completed your first Otherworld Mission with great rewards!”

“The Elven Race provided your information?” Qin Lun raised an eyebrow and asked somewhat surprised.

“Heh heh, I know what puzzles you! Although the Elven Race holds prejudices against our Demon Clan, they would not conceal anything in matters like this. Or rather, no Sapient Race would falsify an Apostle evaluation. Misleading a rival race isn’t a big deal, but if it indirectly incurs an Apostle’s ill will, the loss would outweigh the gain!” Beruses said lightly.

“So that’s how it is!” Qin Lun nodded silently. He felt he was beginning to understand the complex feelings the Sapient Races had towards Apostles.

Turning to look at Beruses’s demon appearance, Qin Lun suddenly felt a bit strange and couldn’t help asking, “Lord Beruses, do your Demon Clan members not have wings?”

“Wings?” Beruses’s face stiffened, and he forced a dry laugh. “Demon Clan members with wings are all Archdemons. They have basically retreated from the world and live in seclusion. Even within the Demon Clan, very few know their whereabouts. Why do you ask?”

Seeing Beruses’s awkward expression, Qin Lun’s mind raced and he immediately understood. Archdemons were high-level beings. To Apostles, their entire bodies were treasures; even their flesh made excellent equipment material. It was no wonder they dared not appear before Apostles. Even if Beruses knew, he wouldn’t tell him.

“Heh heh, I’m sorry. Please forget what I just said. I was simply curious about your Demon Clan and meant no harm!” Qin Lun spread his hands and apologized to the demon.

“Our Demon Clan has many types. The main body on the Scorching Plain is the Balin Demons, along with some smaller demon races. For example: Cunning Demons like me, and Succubi, Flame Demons, etc.” Beruses introduced without holding back. “The way to tell demons apart is simple, mainly by looking at our demon horns and skin color.”

Under the old Cunning Demon’s explanation, Qin Lun also learned that the demon guards currently surrounding the Apostles were mostly Balin Demons, characterized by brown skin and curved horns resembling those of a goat.

Demons from other Suspended Continents included those with black skin, dark red skin, spiral horns, forked horns, and other demon races. Compared to the Elven Race, the Demon Clan had more varied and diverse types.

“Of course, to you humans, all demons probably look the same!” Beruses said with an embarrassed laugh.

“Heh heh, you certainly know how to talk!” Qin Lun asked with a smile, “Lord Beruses, could you please tell me more about the specific conditions of Devil’s Horn?”

“Every new Apostle arriving at Devil’s Horn will have dedicated personnel responsible for guidance and introduction!” The flames in Beruses’s eyes wavered slightly as he said calmly. “However, since you asked, allow me to give you a preliminary introduction!”

“Thank you. I will remember this favor.” Qin Lun glanced at the old demon and said faintly.

“It is my honor to serve you!” The fire in the Cunning Demon’s eyes suddenly blazed brighter as he said meaningfully.

The two exchanged a knowing look, both feeling quite satisfied. Although there would be official guides at Devil’s Horn, that was just the official line. They absolutely would not explain the city’s hidden rules and secret information to new Apostles.

By hinting that Beruses should introduce things to him, Qin Lun naturally hoped to obtain certain hidden details and unspoken rules, allowing him to adapt quickly to the Apostle City. Sapient Races would not interfere in matters between Apostles, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t trade information.

Qin Lun was now exchanging this potential favor for such information from Beruses. For the old Cunning Demon, this constituted a private relationship between the two of them, unrelated to the Demon Clan or the Apostle City—much like how Mafa had privately invested in Qin Lun before.

In Beruses’s subsequent introduction, Qin Lun also gained a general impression of Devil’s Horn.

Devil’s Horn had five main managing races. Since this Apostle City was initially built by the Demon Clan, they held the greatest administrative authority. The other four managing races were the Wind Elemental Race, Rakshasa Race, Dwarf Clan, and Elven Race.

As soon as Qin Lun heard this combination of races, he gave a bitter smile.

No wonder the Moonlit Elves were marginalized in this Apostle City. These races were either from the Chaotic Evil faction or the Chaotic Neutral faction. Meanwhile, the Moonlit Elves were from the Lawful Good faction. Combined with the fact that Devil’s Horn itself followed the law of the jungle, it was no surprise the Elven Race struggled to gain influence here.

According to Beruses, for new Apostles to establish themselves in Devil’s Horn, they only needed to follow one principle…