The next day.
Su Nian slowly opened her stunning eyes amidst an indescribable soreness and exhaustion.
Every muscle and bone in her body was silently protesting against last night’s nearly frenzied demands.
Chaotic images from last night barged into her mind.
That bastard Horned Demon had reverted to his usual domineering and rough self.
His overbearing assaults, humiliating whispers, and those utterly shameful poses that drove her to the brink of mortification.
If she were still a man in her previous life, seeing this kind of risqué film—
She’d have to admit, “That’s some real skill.”
Yet now—
She was the heroine.
Su Nian’s cheeks flushed uncontrollably with a layer of embarrassed crimson, and even her ears grew warm.
But the next second, that shame was forcibly suppressed by an even stronger sense of determination.
Almost at once, she struggled to lift her aching arm and brought up the system panel.
[Current Humiliation Value: 1,520,000]
[Current Spirit Road Tenacity: 51%]
[Remaining Time Until Contract Beast Arrival: 57 minutes]
[Remaining Summonable Contract Beasts: 2 (Requires 14 days, or can be expedited with 1,400,000 Humiliation Value)]
‘1,520,000 Humiliation Value!’
Seeing that number, Su Nian’s fatigue improved considerably in an instant.
The flames of vengeance blazed anew in the depths of her sky-blue eyes, fiercer than ever before.
Because this time—
She might truly win!
Once again, she had gained a million Humiliation Value in a single night…
Though the process… was not something she wished to recall.
Still, she had endured!
‘Bastard Horned Demon, did you ever expect this?’
The Humiliation Value he inflicted upon her last night ended up empowering her, becoming the fatal blow to defeat him.
‘Hmph!’
After a brief surge of excitement, Su Nian quickly calmed down and began carefully planning her next steps.
She now had enough Humiliation Value, and her first Contract Beast would arrive in about an hour.
But the road to revenge still faced two major obstacles.
First, the choice and summoning of the Contract Beasts.
She needed to summon all three Contract Beasts today, and make sure these three could form a powerful and effective combat bond with her.
They had to be strong enough to stand against the Horned Demon and his equally mysterious and terrifying knight, Da Hei.
Moreover, the summoning had to be absolutely secret; the Horned Demon must not sense anything in advance.
Second, the choice of the battlefield.
Shadowmoon Manor was the Horned Demon’s stronghold, filled with all manner of unknown magic arrays and traps—far from an ideal battleground.
She had to find a place that could limit some of the Horned Demon’s advantages while allowing her and her Contract Beasts to unleash their full power.
Most importantly, she needed a reasonable excuse to lure the Horned Demon there.
Both issues were full of variables and risks.
But compared to last night’s ordeal, these were small problems!
After surviving that bastard Horned Demon last night, there was nothing she couldn’t do.
Su Nian bit her lower lip lightly, her gaze flickering with deep thought.
Soon, she set her revenge plan for the day.
Success was the only option—failure was not allowed.
First she needed to choose a location to summon her Void Contract Beast.
She had to find a place both secluded and brimming with magic, to carry out this critical summoning ritual.
Shadowmoon Manor was out of the question.
If that bastard Horned Demon sensed her summoning, he’d barge in at once, and if a battle broke out in the city, others might get involved.
Very quickly, she thought of a place: ‘the Forbidden Land of the Academy’s Rear Mountain.’
It was where generations of Academy predecessors had meditated, sought enlightenment, and conducted high-level magic experiments.
The depths of the Forbidden Land were shrouded year-round in thick, pure magical elements, with magic density far surpassing the outside world.
Higher magic density also meant that powerful magic beasts might be attracted to lurk within those woods.
Aside from a few top Academy officials, students and mentors who lacked strength were strictly forbidden from approaching during the day.
It was undoubtedly the perfect place for a secret summoning.
Coincidentally, her level and contributions were just enough to apply for half a day of cultivation in the Forbidden Land of the Magic Academy’s Rear Mountain.
Having made up her mind, Su Nian took immediate action.
She did not sneak off to the Magic Academy; instead, she reported to her master, the Horned Demon, saying she needed to visit the Magic Academy.
After all, as an Instructor of Red Maple Magic Academy, going to the Academy was perfectly reasonable, right?
Besides, although that bastard Horned Demon didn’t say anything,
Su Nian could sense he was quite “satisfied” with her performance last night.
So he had no objections to her leaving the manor, especially since she was headed to the Magic Academy—a respectable place.
And as usual upon hearing she was going to the Magic Academy, the bastard Horned Demon did not follow.
***
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the grand gates of Red Maple Magic Academy.
Su Nian collected her slightly scattered thoughts, took a deep breath, and pushed open the carriage door to step out.
Sunlight spilled over her, her ivory-white dress swaying gently with each movement, accentuating her graceful curves.
Familiar with the way, she navigated the campus paths, avoiding the crowded main roads, and quickly arrived at the entrance to the Forbidden Land of the Academy’s Rear Mountain.
The entrance was covered by a visible, semi-transparent barrier radiating powerful magical fluctuations.
Complex and mysterious runes flowed across the barrier’s surface, clearly the result of great effort by the Academy to provide strong defenses.
Before the barrier stood two middle-aged mages, wearing special Academy guard robes and exuding solemnity.
Their eyes were sharp, watching every approacher with vigilance.
Su Nian stepped forward and calmly presented her badge, symbolizing her status as a Mentor.
The badge was engraved with a red maple leaf and a magic book, glimmering with a faint magical sheen under the sunlight.
The two guards carefully verified her Mentor badge and confirmed its authenticity.
A hint of imperceptible doubt flickered in their eyes as they looked at Su Nian.
After all, Su Nian was far too young and beautiful, utterly different from the typical image of the aged mentors who usually delved into the Forbidden Land for research.
Moreover, she had come alone.
Still, the badge was genuine, and her reason sounded legitimate.
They did not trouble her further, only offering the usual official reminders according to protocol.
“Mentor Su Nian, the energy fluctuations in the depths of the Forbidden Land are quite intense, so please be careful. Try to stay in the outer areas and don’t venture too deep.”
After speaking, one of the guards raised his hand and chanted a brief spell.
The magical barrier before him rippled like water and silently parted, forming a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through.
Su Nian nodded in thanks and stepped through the barrier.
The instant she entered the Forbidden Land, a surge of magic—several times richer and purer than outside—rushed toward her like a tidal wave.
The dense elemental energy was nearly tangible, soaking into every inch of her skin and jolting her spirit awake.
The air was filled with the fragrance of ancient vegetation, mingled with faint traces of energy, and a hint of the profound, weathered scent of time.
All around was unusually quiet; only the rustle of wind through the leaves and the occasional distant low calls of unknown magical beasts could be heard.
Compared to the lively campus outside, this felt like an entirely different world.
Her Void Contract Beast would be summoned right here!
At the thought of the powerful strength her soon-to-arrive companion might possess, and that the key piece of her revenge plan was about to be completed, Su Nian’s heart couldn’t help but race.
With a mix of nervousness, excitement, and intense anticipation, the young lady carried an unprecedented sense of solemnity and determination…
‘Void Contract Beast—descend!’