9. The definitely-not-cute demonic beasts

As food was being prepared for the cultivators, the leftovers and scraps would be used to feed the demonic beasts.

Wen Zhihao volunteered to help carry the baskets of food scraps and leftovers. He went with Old Tang, once again carrying the baskets with his sword. They went via the servants’ footpaths that went behind the buildings and were disguised by high fences and greenery, so they did not come across any other cultivators.

The demonic beasts lived in an enclosure that included half of one of the mountains. There was a large sprawling building that went from the base of the mountain and climbed slightly up the mountain. At the lowest level was the enclosure for the baby and young demonic beasts. They were cared for by the animal-tamer cultivators.

The food scraps they had were more suitable for the young demonic beasts; the baby demonic beasts had a special baby formula, while the older beasts hunted for themselves on the mountain.

Wen Zhihao went up the enclosure, with his laden sword floating beside him. He looked through the lattice fence with interest. His eyes almost turned into hearts.

The demonic beasts...they were kittens!

Kittens, in real life! That kitten was sleeping, and that kitten was being mischievous, and that kitten over there was annoying another kitten…

Wen Zhihao was a netizen, and he was indoctrinated by cat videos. To see such kittens and young cats in real life...too good!

Screw being a sword cultivator, maybe he could be an animal-tamer type cultivator instead!

Old Tang chuckled. “Young master, perhaps you should give them their food.”

Wen Zhihao blinked. “Yes, yes of course!”

There was an inner sect disciple named Huang Jialing standing near the enclosure. She was the one who opened the gate for him. The two of them entered, and she quickly closed the gate behind them. Wen Zhihao could also sense that there was a magical ward in addition to the physical fence.

“Be careful,” Huang Jialing said, “these are dangerous demonic beasts.” She shooed the kittens, leading Wen Zhihao to the animals’ food bowls.

“They’re so cute…” Wen Zhihao muttered under his breath. He wished she didn’t shoo them away. “Don’t tell me you use abusive training to make them vicious?”

The other cultivator scowled. “If you are so buddhist, why don’t you go to a temple to cultivate instead?”

“If you can give me some recommendations, that would be good,” Wen Zhihao said absently. He wandered away from the other cultivator. Carefully arranging his long robes, Wen Zhihao crouched down. “Here, kitty kitty.”

One of the pure white kittens gave him an unimpressed look, raised its nose, and walked away.

Wen Zhihao: …

So it turned out that they were pretty smart?

Wen Zhihao took a handful of food and held it out. “Do you want to eat? You’re all so beautiful…”

A brown-furred kitten trotted over in curiousity. “Meow!” it said.

“Meow?” Wen Zhihao replied, having no idea what he was saying. “Here.”

The kitten dipped its head and ate from Wen Zhihao’s hand.

Wen Zhihao (inside): (≧∀≦)ﾉ

The meaning of life, complete.

With one curious kitty came another. Wen Zhihao set down all the baskets of food. While some of the kittens didn’t care for Wen Zhihao, others came over to play.

Old Tang watching this from outside the enclosure didn’t know what to think about it. “Young master cultivator, I will leave you, okay? Remember to bring the baskets back!”

“En, walk slowly, Old Tang!” Wen Zhihao nodded at cultivator Huang. “They won’t hurt me, you don’t have to stand so vigilantly.”

Huang Jialing narrowed her eyes. “Then I will not be responsible,” she said and turned around.

Content, Wen Zhihao petted a purring kitten. Blissful!

Demonic beast: When I grow up, I’ll be super strong! Defeat you!

Wen Zhihao: *only hears meows* yes, yes, you’re super cute!! (づ￣ ³￣)づ

Demonic beast: *grrrr* (petting feels too good)….I’ll accept you...for now…

Huang Jialing: ...