This unexpected encounter left both sides momentarily stunned.
On the North Star side, except for Cai Zhao and Song Yuzi, no one had seen Mu Qingyan’s true face before. Qi Lingbo even curiously stared at the handsome youth opposite them. Cai Zhao inwardly cursed her bad luck and quickly lowered her head.
Sharp-eyed Song Yuzi recognized a few familiar faces on the other side but didn’t know how to respond.
On the other side, due to someone’s heavy-handed methods, Yu Guanyue and the others, despite their surprise, didn’t show any reaction.
After a brief standoff, Li Yuanmin, who was seven or eight years older than the rest, stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. “This is the late Hero Chang’s fortress. May I ask who you are and why you’re here?”
Mu Qingyan’s gaze swept over Song Yuzi again before he replied coolly, “I am Li Mu Qingyan.”
At those last three words, the North Star group collectively gasped.
As two-hundred-year enemies, both sides naturally kept a close watch on each other’s movements.
Months ago, dramatic changes in the Hanhai Mountain Range led to a shift in power. While the North Star Six Sects might not have known the details, they were aware that the Nie family’s decades-long reign had finally crumbled. The demonic sect’s leadership had reverted to the Mu family, specifically to Mu Qingyan.
“You’re the new Demon Master?!” Li Yuanmin’s pupils constricted as he reached for his sword.
Dai Fengchi and the others also placed their hands on their sword hilts. Only Song Yuzi and Cai Zhao reacted a beat later, exchanging glances before feigning vigilance.
Though they were sworn enemies, the level of hostility varied among the sects.
The Qingque Sect disciples were on guard but not eager to start a fight, given the fifteen years of peace.
However, the Taichu Temple disciples, still bearing the blood debt of Wu Yuanying, drew their swords. Li Yuanmin, particularly enraged, thrust his sword forward without hesitation.
Mu Qingyan remained still, his long sleeves billowing with layers of energy. Li Yuanmin felt a powerful force like a tidal wave crash into him, momentarily suffocating him. His wrist went numb, and his sword flew from his hand into the air.
Yu Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan stepped forward from either side, striking out with several palms. The four disciples beside Li Yuanmin were knocked to the ground, their swords slipping from their grasp. In the pale moonlight, five swords fell from the air, embedding themselves in the wild grass at the edge of the graveyard.
Mu Qingyan withdrew his palm back into his sleeve, discreetly glancing again at the delicate figure half-hidden behind Song Yuzi.
She seemed to have grown taller recently, her figure graceful with a slender waist. Her clear eyes were like bright pearls in a lake, captivating when she looked around. The girl was gradually leaving behind her childish features, blossoming like a magnolia bud, lush and beautifully delicate.
Originally, Dai Fengchi and Ding Zhuo had intended to draw their swords and step forward. However, seeing the five Taichu Temple disciples defeated in a single move, they hesitated—putting it nobly, suffering a personal setback was minor, but losing face for the Qingque Sect would be a major disgrace.
Shangguan Haonan stood at the front, puffing out his chest, and shouted, “Our Master is here today only to pay respects to the deceased. We don’t wish to cause trouble, so don’t bring problems upon yourselves.”
Yu Guanyue laughed, “Wu Yuanying was harmed by the Nie family uncle and nephew. Our Master had nothing to do with it. If your Taichu Temple truly seeks revenge, why not help our Master hunt down the Nie family’s remaining followers scattered throughout the martial world?”
Rubbing his wrist, Li Yuanmin asked suspiciously, “Deceased? What connection does the Chang family have to you?”
As everyone stood in confused speculation, the observant Fan Xingjia noticed something about Mu Qingyan’s voice and posture. He lowered his head and whispered, “Sister Zhao, doesn’t this person look like… like that fake Chang Ning?”
Before Cai Zhao could answer, Qi Lingbo, who had also overheard, exclaimed, “What did you say? This person is that impostor Chang Ning!”
At these words, the Taichu Temple disciples looked bewildered, but the Qingque Sect disciples immediately began to stir.
Dai Fengchi, who should have spoken up, recalled the embarrassing incident when he was thoroughly beaten by the ‘fake Chang Ning.’ His face reddened, and instead of stepping forward to question, he slowly took half a step back. Song Yuzi glanced at Cai Zhao, hesitating to move forward.
With the second and third-in-command holding back, Ding Zhuo had to step forward and ask, “Are you the one who previously impersonated Chang Ning in our sect?”
All eyes turned to the opposite side at this question.
“I am,” Mu Qingyan admitted straightforwardly, though his expression remained listless. “What does Young Master Ding wish to say?”
Ding Zhuo, of course, had nothing specific to say. Having devoted himself to martial arts since childhood, he was quite inept at social niceties and didn’t know how to continue after asking the question.
Qi Lingbo bit her lip, unable to reconcile the image of the miserable youth with a face full of sores who had come seeking refuge with the imposing, elegant, and exceptionally handsome Demon Master before her.
Fan Xingjia’s mouth gaped open. “It is him. I can’t believe he’s now the Demon Master…” His tone carried a sense of shock as if an old potato-digging companion had suddenly risen to great heights.
As he spoke, most of the Qingque Sect disciples’ gazes fell on Cai Zhao.
Back then, in the sect, the fake Chang Ning had been closest to Cai Zhao—if not the closest, then certainly second to none.
Knowing she couldn’t avoid it any longer, Cai Zhao steeled herself and stepped forward, loudly saying, “So it’s Master Mu here. What a pleasure to meet you…” She managed fourteen words before being interrupted by a short, derisive chuckle.
In the cold wind and moonlight, with the mountain valley silent, everyone heard clearly that the cold laugh came from Mu Qingyan.
Mu Qingyan tilted his head slightly. “Don’t you find this amusing?”
Yu Guanyue, always the quickest to react, immediately said, “Your subordinate finds it extremely funny, haha, hahaha…”
Led by him, Shangguan Haonan and the others also burst into laughter. Their guffaws filled the mountaintop, effectively ending young Miss Cai’s attempt at a dignified greeting. Her face turned bright red, inwardly seething with anger, wishing she could rush forward and beat these demonic miscreants soundly.
However, she bravely held herself back.
Song Yuzi, who had been unsure how to approach Mu Qingyan, caught on to Cai Zhao’s intent when she spoke. He also pretended not to recognize him, saying, “My junior sister spoke politely. Why do you noble gentlemen laugh so mockingly? Master Mu, though you may have more people and strength on your side, we North Star disciples are not afraid to fight!”
Mu Qingyan’s eyes darkened. In his heart, he hated Song Yuzi the most.
Little Cai Zhao’s act of not recognizing him still held some charm, but this Song fellow was like putting a big onion in a pig’s nose—completely unconvincing. He only regretted that when he destroyed the Nie family, his mind had been in turmoil and his hands full with countless matters. Otherwise, he would never have allowed this Song to leave the Hanhai Mountains unscathed!
“I’ve heard that Young Master Song is exceptionally talented, with astounding cultivation. He’s said to be the most outstanding disciple among the North Star sects. Since we’ve met today, why don’t we have a friendly match…” Mu Qingyan’s eyes were full of intense malice. Even if he couldn’t kill Song Yuzi on the spot, he was determined to thoroughly humiliate him.
Song Yuzi showed no fear and immediately drew his sword. “If it’s a fight you want, then let’s fight. Master Mu, please.”
Before the two could engage, Cai Zhao pushed Song Yuzi aside. Standing with her hands on her hips like a small, round teapot, she shouted, “What match? What ‘please’? This is the Chang family’s ancestral grave, not a sparring ground. You can’t just prance around as you please! Master Mu, you might not fear disturbing the spirits of the Chang ancestors, but we North Star disciples certainly do!”
“These days, we’ve been following our elders’ instructions to prepare for the memorial service for the late Hero Chang’s spirit. Master Mu, if you’re here to pay respects today, we’ll take our leave. If you’ve finished paying respects, please leave this place, and we’ll each go our separate ways. Otherwise, there’s no need to talk about friendly matches—we might as well fight to the death right here!”
Li Yuanmin greatly appreciated these words. After his earlier impulsiveness, he realized that if they fought head-on, their group wouldn’t even be enough to fill the gaps in the demons’ teeth. Yet they couldn’t lose face in terms of showing strength. It was indeed a difficult situation. Cai Zhao’s words were bold but also subtly reminded Mu Qingyan of the Chang family’s kindness to him, leaving room for both sides to maneuver.
So he said, “Young Miss Cai is right. Our North Star and your sect are irreconcilable enemies. There’s no point in further discussion. Master Mu, do as you see fit!”
Mu Qingyan didn’t reply. He swept a cold, sinister gaze across them, gave a short, chilling laugh, then turned and left, with Yu Guanyue and the others following.
After the demonic group had completely departed, Li Yuanmin sighed in relief. He turned and cupped his hands, saying, “I’m supposed to be the elder, yet I’m not as brave or insightful as young Sister Zhao. Her words were appropriate. Ah I’m truly ashamed.”
Qi Lingbo bit her lip. “Were her words appropriate? I don’t think so. Seventh Sister was too weak just now. I see they only have about ten people, while we have dozens. Why should we fear them!”
Cai Zhao knew Qi Lingbo’s personality was like this. She wasn’t necessarily malicious, but she couldn’t stand seeing a girl her age outshine her. From their first meeting, she had been jealous that Cai Zhao’s looks and family background were no less than her own. She was even more jealous that Cai Zhao was more favored by Qi Yunke, and then jealous that the ‘Chang Ning’ that even wild dogs would despise got along so well with her. Now, hearing Li Yuanmin praise Cai Zhao, her old habit flared up again.
However, times had changed, and little Miss Cai’s temper had also grown foul. She immediately retorted, “Well, I can’t beat that Mu fellow. Sister Lingbo, if you’re not just all talk, why don’t you go ahead and fight him yourself!”
“You…!” Qi Lingbo was furious.
Cai Zhao didn’t coddle her at all: “My aunt once said, when sending others to charge into battle and risk their lives, those who shout ‘Follow me!’ are true heroes, while those who shout ‘Go for me!’ are false brave ones. Sister Lingbo, you talk a good game, but when it comes to real fighting, wouldn’t you just hide behind us and let me and our senior brothers charge ahead!”
This was too harsh. Qi Lingbo was so angry she began to cry. “Back then in the sect, no one liked that fake Chang Ning except you. No wonder you’re so fearless now, thinking the Demon Master won’t do anything to you. I don’t have your confidence. I’ll go fight the demons right now, even if I die out here, I won’t take your insults…”
Dai Fengchi felt sorry for her. He took out a handkerchief for Qi Lingbo while defending her: “Seventh Sister, where are your manners? Lingbo is still your senior. How can you speak to your senior sister like this!”
Song Yuzi stepped forward and said coolly, “If it weren’t for your constant bullying back then, Master wouldn’t have entrusted Zhao-Zhao to look after that fake Chang Ning. Now that things have come to this, what right do you have to complain? I think Sister Zhao-Zhao is completely right. You didn’t step up when it was dangerous, so there’s no need to act brave now that things have calmed down.”
Seeing her fiancé not defending her at all, Qi Lingbo cried even harder.
With this internal dispute in the Qingque Sect, Li Yuanmin didn’t feel it was his place to intervene. In the end, only Ding Zhuo, who usually didn’t like to meddle, and the timid Fan Xingjia tried to smooth things over—
“Senior brothers and sisters, please stop arguing. This is the Chang family’s burial ground!”
“If you keep arguing, I’ll tell Master when we get back.”
By the time they returned to Wuan City at the foot of the mountain, night had fallen deep. Li Yuanmin finally managed to have the city gates open, but all the shops were closed. He had the Qingque Sect disciples wait briefly in a teahouse while he led his disciples to find lodging.
Fan Xingjia, holding a cup of hot tea, came over to Cai Zhao: “Before, when Sister Lingbo caused trouble, didn’t you always just smile and let it pass? Why didn’t you give an inch today? It gave the Taichu Temple disciples something to laugh at.”
As he spoke, the nearby disciples, though not agreeing out loud, clearly shared this sentiment. Everyone knew Qi Lingbo had been willful and unreasonable for over a decade, and everyone had always tolerated it. Previously, Cai Zhao had never bothered to argue with her either. What could have been easily resolved with a smile before had turned into a spectacle for the Taichu Temple disciples to witness today, with Cai Zhao refusing to yield even an inch.
Cai Zhao glared at him: “Am I her mother? Why should I always give in to her? She’s even a year older than me!” Not wanting to say more, she announced, “I’m going for a walk to get some fresh air. I’ll be back later.”
Song Yuzi had just stood up to stop her when he saw the young girl turn and walk into the vast night. He remained standing, dazed.
The night deepened, the dew grew heavier, and not a sound of chickens or dogs could be heard. Cai Zhao stomped heavily on the bluestone-paved road, thinking that blood indeed ran thicker than water. No matter how amiable she was usually, she couldn’t match the weight Qi Lingbo, who had grown up in the sect, held in the hearts of the other disciples. If she didn’t argue once, she would be expected to never argue, which was truly infuriating.
Her chest felt tight, like a boiling pot with its lid tightly sealed, full of resentment as she walked forcefully.
Head down, she walked aimlessly for who knows how long before bumping into a familiar, solid chest—looking up, she saw a face clouded with dark emotions, ruining an otherwise handsome visage. Who else could it be but that troublesome demon?!
“You…” Cai Zhao’s anger flared, and she put her hands on her hips, ready to berate him.
But the demon seemed even angrier than her and beat her to it: “You’ve lost your conscience! How dare you show your face to me!”
Cai Zhao: ??
Cai Zhao was beyond furious. Without a word, she turned to leave.
Mu Qingyan stared at her retreating figure and shouted angrily, “If you dare walk away, I’ll go ‘spar’ with Song Yuzi right now!”
Cai Zhao spun around, almost jumping with rage: “What’s wrong with you, you demon!”
Mu Qingyan was so angry he laughed coldly: “Fine, fine, fine! If I don’t beat Song Yuzi to a pulp, I’ll change my surname!”
As he spoke, he turned to leave.
“Can’t we talk about this? Stop causing trouble for no reason!” Cai Zhao grabbed his arm with both hands, trying desperately to pull him back.
“I’m causing trouble for no reason?!” Mu Qingyan grabbed the girl’s shoulders, his pale face contorting with anger. “First, you pretend not to know me to my face. When I come to find you, swallowing my pride, you turn and walk away. Now, as soon as I mention Song Yuzi, you completely change your tune—are you trying to anger me?!”
“Look at yourself in a mirror! When did you ever swallow your pride? You came at me high and mighty like you were here to collect a debt!” Cai Zhao’s shoulders hurt, and she was almost spitting blood with rage.
Mu Qingyan shouted, “I am here to collect a debt! You owe me more than you can repay in a lifetime! I’m going to crush that Song fellow right now!”
Cai Zhao nearly fainted from anger. “Why are you going after Third Senior Brother to collect a debt from me? Do you think this makes any sense at all?!”
“So you admit you owe me?!”
“…I don’t!” This scoundrel!
Mu Qingyan narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous: “Don’t try to fool me! For the past two months, all of the Qingque Sect have been talking about how Song Yuzi and Qi Lingbo’s relationship has cooled, and their marriage might not happen. And that old dog Song, he sent half a boat of lavish gifts to Luoying Valley on the way back, for no special occasion. Does he think I can’t guess what he’s up to?!”
“You sent spies to gather information about us?” Cai Zhao said, “Can’t you demons ever do anything upright?”
Mu Qingyan laughed coldly: “I might not be upright, but is Song Yuzi? He has ulterior motives but doesn’t dare to act openly, instead scheming in the shadows! If I don’t kill this scoundrel, I won’t be able to swallow this anger!” He turned to leave again.
Cai Zhao was grief-stricken. She forcefully shook off his arm and shouted, “Fine, go ahead! Kill Third Senior Brother, and then we’ll come for revenge against you. We can all die together and be done with it!”
Mu Qingyan turned back to see tears glistening in the girl’s eyes and exploded in frustration: “Why are you crying?! I’m the one who should be upset! You’re this heartbroken over me killing Song Yuzi?!”
Cai Zhao wiped her cheek, realizing her face was covered in tears.
She stood there, crying like a child: “If you kill or hurt Third Senior Brother, Qingque Sect and Guangtian Gate won’t let you off! Then the North Star Six Sects and your demon sect will fight again, killing until there are mountains of corpses and seas of blood. What am I supposed to do then?!”
Mu Qingyan’s heart ached. He pulled her into his arms, tightly hugging the soft body he had longed for day and night, his heart swelling with bitterness.
Cai Zhao pounded her fists against him. “You don’t know how I’ve been living these days. My parents, my master, and the elders from other sects keep hinting openly and subtly that I shouldn’t take a wrong step, as if I might turn to evil ways at any moment! You demon, it’s all your fault! What did I do wrong? It’s not like I sought you out! I’ve never felt so wrong in my entire life!”
“You scoundrel, you demon, you liar! Why did you come to the Qingque Sect? Couldn’t you have found some remote mountain to heal yourself? It would have been better if I’d never met you in this lifetime!”
Mu Qingyan had been letting her hit him, but hearing this last part, he became furious again. He grabbed the girl’s arm and pressed her against the wall, gritting his teeth: “Don’t dream on! If I had recovered and regained power on my own, I would have immediately attacked your North Star Six Sects to establish my authority, starting with destroying your Luoying Valley! Then I’d capture you and lock you up, and see who dares to fight me for you!”
Cai Zhao pushed him away forcefully, cursing: “You dare?!” She unclasped her waist dagger, and a flash of golden-red light sliced through the air. Even Mu Qingyan had to dodge its sharp edge.
Cai Zhao took the opportunity to slip into a small alley.
With her supreme lightness skill, Flower Crossing, she vanished in an instant, leaving no trace.