Chapter Forty-Eight: Refusing to Be a Pet

Two warriors clad in heavy armor, an older priest, and a sweet-looking nun—when Zhou Tian saw such a group, he was stunned for a moment before warily retreating. He did not let the nun’s words sway him from his previous actions, and only relaxed slightly when he reached the shadows, no longer bathed in the holy light.

“Who are you, and why did you help me?” Based on their earlier actions, Zhou Tian knew they likely weren’t his enemies. So, after escaping the terrifying holy light, he refrained from attacking the group and instead questioned their reasons for assisting him.

“Don’t misunderstand us, we weren’t helping you.” Meeting Zhou Tian’s guarded gaze, the nun replied gently, “Actually, that demon was always our quarry. If anything, we should thank you—if you hadn’t forced him to reveal his demonic aura, we might not have found him so quickly.”

“Is that so?” Zhou Tian was half convinced by the nun’s words. Though they had aided him, his wariness toward nuns and churches, ingrained from books he'd read in his previous life, remained strong. Even if they showed no hostility, Zhou Tian couldn’t help but keep his guard up.

Sensing Zhou Tian’s deep suspicion, the others traveling with the nun showed clear displeasure, eyeing Zhou Tian with ill intent, causing his vigilance to intensify further. If they displayed even a hint of hostility, Zhou Tian would retaliate fiercely.

Yet, the nun, seemingly the leader, did not take offense at Zhou Tian’s response. Feeling his unease, she sought to dispel it by explaining, “We witnessed your battle with the demon and are intrigued by your ability to summon serpents. I wonder if you could…”

“There's no point asking. It’s an innate power—I’m afraid you humans can’t learn it.” Zhou Tian had no intention of revealing the existence of the Serpent Basin, so he brushed her off with a convenient excuse and refused to discuss it further.

“I see.” Since most magical beasts indeed possess innate abilities, the nun did not question Zhou Tian’s explanation, merely sighing with disappointment and letting the matter drop.

Zhou Tian felt relieved when the nun stopped asking about his power, but soon noticed the group lingered, making no move to leave. This stirred unease within him—if their goal was truly the demon, now slain, they ought to depart. Their continued fixation on him made Zhou Tian suspicious. Had he not witnessed their strength firsthand, he might have made a move; as it was, their behavior nearly provoked him.

But Zhou Tian’s patience had limits. When the group still showed no sign of leaving after a long while, he finally snapped, “What do you want from me? If you intend to fight, then do it already! If not, then kindly be on your way!”

“You…” The two warriors stepped forward, ready to act, but before a confrontation could erupt, the nun intervened, holding them back. She regarded Zhou Tian with a peculiar gaze and spoke gently, “It’s not easy being a magical beast here, is it?” As if speaking to herself, she looked around and commented, “There’s not a soul in sight. Finding food must be difficult. I imagine the place you live is just some random cave, and as for the magic cores needed to strengthen yourself…”

“Enough, enough.” Hearing the nun’s remarks, Zhou Tian’s expression darkened further until he could no longer bear her tone and interrupted, “Say what you mean and stop with the pointless chatter. My life is none of your concern. If you have nothing else, please leave—you're not welcome here.”

Unperturbed by Zhou Tian’s words, the nun naturally extended her hand, and, with her companions reluctantly holding back, walked up to Zhou Tian without a hint of defensiveness. She introduced herself, “Let me properly introduce myself. I am Vivienne, candidate for the position of Holy Maiden of the Church of Light. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Serpent!”

“I’m not called Mr. Serpent. Just call me Zhou Tian.” Her demeanor compelled him to soften; though he remained wary, Zhou Tian couldn’t continue to treat Vivienne with hostility.

Noticing Zhou Tian’s change of attitude, Vivienne’s smile grew brighter. She rubbed her hands in excitement and proposed, “Mr. Zhou Tian, living here is rather harsh—not only is the environment poor, but it’s inconvenient for you to improve your strength. How about this: our Church of Light is engaged in the great struggle against the demon race, and we need strong allies like you. If you’re willing, why not come as our guest at the Church of Light?”

“You want to capture me?” Zhou Tian’s face soured immediately. Had it not been for the display of their strength and the power backing them, he might have lashed out then and there.

Seeing his expression, Vivienne hurriedly waved her hands, “No, no, Mr. Zhou Tian, you misunderstand. I simply wish to invite you to visit our church. If you’re willing, it would be wonderful for you to join us, but even if you decline, we won’t force you. Please don’t take my words amiss.”

“Not interested. Leave now!” Without listening to her explanation, Zhou Tian rejected her proposal outright, assuming a defensive stance, ready to react at the slightest provocation.

Vivienne’s expression changed at his words, but she did not immediately attempt to capture him. Instead, she asked, “Forgive me, but your abilities would be invaluable to our church. May I ask, why do you refuse?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Once I go in, would I ever get out?” Zhou Tian grumbled inwardly, shot Vivienne a glare, and replied with a snarl, “I have no interest in being anyone’s pet!”