Chapter 112 The Doctor Is In 8 (1/2)

Demon King Baal waited.Eleven very powerful individuals with one more on the way stood before him with terrifying battle auras. Baal refused to fight. He wasn't getting paid enough to do this. Besides, the illusion Zero was talking about was nowhere in sight. That wouldn't do. He loved the young child's stories so he needed to break the illusion fast.

Baal lazily glanced over the tiny army before him.

”Two undead, one summoner, one archer, a half-blood demon, Lilith's descendant, an archer, a fox, a witch and three warriors... I'm flattered.”

Nobody spoke. They were tense in the presence of a Demon Lord and horrified that Zero was the person who summoned it. Lovina didn't know what to do. The Demon Lord was an ancient and powerful but unpredictable one. It didn't help that the person who contacted him was Zero. What could the child possibly desire that he had to resort to making a contract with Baal?

”Zero,” Lovina started. ”Zero can you hear me? Whatever it is, we can help you. Please cancel the contract with this demon.”

Baal blinked. Contract?

”What are you talking about? Zero's not some cheap human with a petty desire that needs damning. There's no contract although there is an agreement. I don't know what you were expecting but I'm a busy demon. Bring that illusion Zero had trouble breaking, I need to yawn it away before I can collect my payment.”

Soon growled and became murderous. Peter and Manny became bloodthirsty too. Payment? As if they would allow such a thing. Zero might have been deceived by the crafty demon but there was no way they would allow the demon to win. Soon blamed himself. If he had been careful, Zero wouldn't be in danger.

Zenobia wasn't sure of what was happening. Zero still appeared to be himself although his personality had changed quite a bit. Vishnu came running in reporting about an intruder so she wasn't sure what was going on. One thing was clear though... something has taken over Zero's body and they had to get it out.

”Zero, if you can hear me please respond!” the chieftess tried.

Baal was getting irritated. ”Look, the kid is fine. Just hurry up with the illusion so that I can get back.”

Both parties were at a stalemate. Baal couldn't fulfil Zero's request and the villagers couldn't hurt Baal who was in possession of Zero's body. The witch cursed. If only they had an exorcist in the village, they might stand a chance.

Just before things could blow out of proportion, Hua Tuo flew in from the window. He took a look at the villagers and then back at his apprentice. Zero's eyes were black and Hua Tuo raised a brow.

”Zero, did you meditate again?”

Baal saw the newcomer and frowned. This old man looked strangely familiar. He was also very powerful and Baal had some suspicions about his identity.

”I seem to have seen you somewhere before... I just don't remember it. Who are you?”

Hua Tuo paused. That wasn't Zero at all.

”I'm Hua Tuo. May I know who are you? Why are you residing in my apprentice's body?”

Demon King Baal tried to recall where he heard that name before. Then, it clicked. His eyes widened and a smile grew across his face. ”I see... no wonder I thought you were familiar. You're the doctor from before. I'm Demon King Baal. You once cured my insomnia a few centuries ago. En wasn't lying when he said that you were the best. I still haven't thanked you for that.”

Hua Tuo blinked. Demon King Baal... King Yama... how many years ago was that again? He couldn't remember. However, he was certain that King Yama once told him about a patient who had chronic insomnia and a terrible migraine. If it weren't for Demon King Baal's bad temper from the pain and lack of sleep, Hua Tuo wouldn't have made the trip to the abyss.

”I see, I can't recall the details but I seem to remember having to make a special trip to the abyss for a patient. How has your health been?”

Baal smiled. He was fond of the Sage God. ”I've been doing well. As a matter of fact, I was about to take a nap when your apprentice called upon me. He was saying something about needing my help to sneeze an illusion away but when I came to fulfil my end of the agreement, I was met with a tiny army who looked like they wanted me dead. Could you explain?”

”Agreement?” Hua Tuo was confused. ”What did my apprentice agree on?”

”He agreed to tell me four stories in return for my help to break the illusion. It would be troubling for me if there is no illusion to break because I love hearing his stories. The kid is particularly amusing and a great storyteller.”

Hua Tuo didn't doubt it. Zero had a way with words and it was always a pleasure to watch him tell his tales with such expressiveness. However, that didn't explain why Zero required the aid of a demon.

Soon was confused. Did Zero really need the help of a Demon King to break his illusion? Had he really pushed the child into desperation enough to sell his soul to the abyss? Wait, that's not right. The demon lord mentioned something about stories. What's going on?

”Demon King Baal, I'm afraid there is some kind of misunderstanding. The illusion was meant as a test of sorts to understand Zero's magic capabilities in detail. He was in no real danger and there was really no need for you to personally appear.”

Baal paused. ”A test?”

Soon swallowed. ”Yes, a surprise test. I did tell him to find a way to escape or break the illusion. I never expected things to go so far.”

Baal went deadly silent and everyone held their breaths. Then, he threw his head back and laughed. Baal laughed so hard till he cried but didn't stop for a good number of minutes. When he finally did, he looked at Hua Tuo and smirked.

”I believe you're going to face a lot more trouble in future with this apprentice of yours.”