Gao Qiumin returned to her chambers, her face as cold as frost. She fiercely suppressed the burning anger in her chest, knowing that while in Yongxue City, she could not and dared not vent her emotions.
“Qiumin!” A familiar stern call made Gao Qiumin’s body stiffen. She halted her steps and timidly looked towards Su Ningzhen, who was seated nearby.
Having raised Gao Qiumin for many years, Su Ningzhen knew her temperament inside out. She immediately noticed something was amiss with Gao Qiumin. She sternly said, “Hasn’t your master told you that practitioners of the Dao should avoid being impetuous and letting their emotions show?”
Gao Qiumin pressed her lips together and lowered her eyes to conceal her resentment, softly saying, “This disciple knows her mistake.”
Su Ningzhen naturally knew that this admission of fault was insincere. Feeling somewhat exasperated, she furrowed her brow as she scrutinized Gao Qiumin.
“You were born with nine orifices, and although your aptitude may not match Sect Leader Xie’s, it far surpasses that of ordinary people. Why is it that after years of cultivation, you’ve only just broken through to the Golden Core stage? Have you ever reflected on this? You bear the heavy responsibility of reviving the Mingyue Manor. How can you be so complacent and slack in your efforts?”
Gao Qiumin’s face turned pale, not daring to retort.
Seeing cold sweat forming on her forehead, Su Ningzhen realized her words had been too harsh. Looking at Gao Qiumin reminded her of her unfortunate twin sister who had passed away early, and her heart softened. She let out an almost imperceptible sigh, and her tone became gentler as she asked, “You came in just now seething with anger. Did something happen?”
Gao Qiumin hesitated for a moment before answering, “This disciple sensed a fleeting trace of demonic energy in the garden earlier and wanted to investigate. However, I saw the South Manor Lord’s cousin alone in the garden.”
Su Ningzhen’s brows furrowed tightly as the image of that unforgettably beautiful face flashed through her mind.
“This disciple was concerned that a demon might harm her, so I asked her to hand over her storage pouch for inspection. Unexpectedly, she falsely accused me of attacking her in front of Sect Leader Xie!” Gao Qiumin said indignantly.
Su Ningzhen gave Gao Qiumin a faint glance, having no intention of exposing her jealousy.
“You left your chambers after nightfall yesterday. I suppose you went to see Sect Leader Xie.”
Hearing this, Gao Qiumin’s face flushed red. She slowly nodded and said, “This disciple did go, but… South Manor Lord and Miss Ling were also there, so I returned.”
A flicker of doubt crossed Su Ningzhen’s mind—Sect Leader Xie was not one to indulge in beauty, yet he seemed to treat Miss Ling differently.
“Master, it’s not that this disciple harbors jealousy, but… I always feel there’s something strange about that Miss Ling,” Gao Qiumin said hesitantly. “This disciple always feels like… I’ve met her before.”
At first, she thought it was because the other woman resembled herself, which gave her a sense of familiarity. But after repeated consideration, it didn’t seem to be the case.
“Qiumin, she’s just an ordinary mortal woman. You needn’t dwell on her too much,” Su Ningzhen said indifferently. “Unable to cultivate, she’s no more than an ant. Even if she possesses unparalleled beauty, even if Sect Leader Xie has feelings for her, a mortal’s lifespan is merely eighty years, and a beauty’s prime is even shorter. How long can she enjoy her moment of glory? It’s nothing more than a fleeting pleasure. You should focus on your cultivation. Once you reach the Fashen realm, you’ll remain youthful for a thousand years. Moreover, Sect Leader Xie has reached the pinnacle of the Dao at such a young age, looking down upon the six realms. How could he be someone who indulges in love and desire? The Dao companion he needs is a woman of equal realm and mindset.”
With Su Ningzhen’s guidance, much of the resentment in Gao Qiumin’s heart dissipated. That’s right, flowing water does not compete for first place, but for endurance. She and Sect Leader Xie belonged to the same world, while mortals had short lifespans, merely fleeting like an epiphyllum.
Seeing Gao Qiumin’s eyes brighten, Su Ningzhen continued, “However, you must also understand one thing: cultivators cannot be entangled in love, hatred, and emotions. Otherwise, even a Fashen master would die at the hands of demons and monsters.”
Gao Qiumin couldn’t help but mutter, “Master, don’t you also hate demons and monsters to the extreme…”
“That’s because I have an irreconcilable grudge against them!” Su Ningzhen suddenly raised her voice, startling Gao Qiumin. She stared at the bloodshot eyes and throbbing veins on Su Ningzhen’s temples, unconsciously taking a step back in shock and fear.
“Master…”
Su Ningzhen took a deep breath, suppressing her inner demons. After a moment, she said coldly, “Among the demon race, there are three Demon Gods whose strength is on par with Fashen masters. Their methods are insidious and ghostly. They excel at manipulating people’s hearts and stirring up inner demons. If you harbor thoughts of greed, anger, or delusion, you may become their puppet.”
“But Sect Leader Xie alone could severely wound the three Demon Gods and even the Demon Lord,” Gao Qiumin couldn’t help but reveal her admiration.
“That’s because they set an ambush in the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, which greatly suppresses the demon race. They could only exert less than half of their original power,” Su Ningzhen explained. “However, there’s another very important reason why Sect Leader Xie could overpower the Demon Lord and the three Demon Gods—he has no inner demons, no thoughts of greed, anger, or delusion. Qiumin, this is what you need to cultivate.”
Gao Qiumin respectfully said, “Yes, this disciple understands.”
Su Ningzhen shifted her gaze from Gao Qiumin, privately pondering which of the five major immortal sects had become a traitor. Could it be that someone had succumbed to their inner demons and was being controlled by the demon race?
“Demons are a type of evil being that is extremely difficult to kill,” said an elderly man with white hair and beard but a ruddy complexion. He wore a gray hemp robe, and his smile was benevolent, inspiring a sense of closeness in others. “They are born from the evil thoughts in people’s hearts. When concentrated in one place, they take on physical form. But they have no blood or flesh, no weaknesses. Even if beaten to smoke and scattered, they will eventually return to the Void Sea. It only takes some time for them to reconstitute themselves.”
“Venerable One Thought, from what you’re saying, it seems the demon race cannot be completely eradicated?” Nan Xuyue unconsciously furrowed her brow.
“Cultivators from thousands of years ago felt this way, which is why they set up the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation to seal off the demon realm. The formation specifically counters the demon race—the stronger the demonic energy, the greater the suppression. Therefore, high-ranking demons find it difficult to leave the formation, while some lower-intelligence demon soldiers can escape from it. We wanderers of the Xuantian Temple travel the world, eliminating demons and protecting the Dao. We clean up these demon soldiers. Although the demon race cannot be completely eradicated, after returning to the void, it takes them years or even hundreds of years to reconstitute. This is the peace we have won for the people of the mortal realm. As long as we act, there will be benefits.”
Nan Xuyue rose in respect and bowed to One Thought Venerable. “The Venerable One’s righteousness is admirable.”
One Thought Venerable smiled and returned the gesture. “We do what we can with the strength we have. When the old South Manor Lord was alive, he killed countless demons, benefiting millions. Now, the current South Manor Lord is also managing well, not tarnishing your father’s reputation.”
“I’ve heard that the Immortal Alliance intends to attack the demon realm. If there’s any way Yunxiu Mountain Manor can be of help, please don’t hesitate to tell us. Yunxiu Mountain Manor will not shirk its responsibility,” Nan Xuyue said.
One Thought Venerable replied, “It’s rare and commendable that the South Manor Lord has such intentions. However, attacking the demon realm is no easy task. After passing through the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, there are still three hundred defensive grand formations set up by the demon realm. They are shaped like silver shuttles, crisscrossing and interconnected, with deadly traps at every step. It’s called the Suoluo Demon Formation and is extremely effective against the human race.”
Nan Xuyue pondered, “The Ten Thousand Immortals Formation specifically counters the demon race, while the Suoluo Demon Formation specifically counters the human race. Doesn’t that mean the beast race can come and go as they please?”
One Thought Venerable nodded, “That’s correct. These two formations have the least effect on the beast race. The beast race can travel between the two realms at a minimal cost. This is why both the human race and the demon race are vying for the support of the beast race. Currently, there are many beast race guest cultivators in the Immortal Alliance, with over ten thousand registered good beasts in the Beast Inspection Department.
For the beast race, the human realm is their preferred place of residence. However, half-demons, cannot absorb spiritual energy to cultivate and can only absorb demonic energy. Therefore, the vast majority of half-demons ultimately choose to enter the demon realm and ally with the Great Priest Sang Qi and the demon race.
The demon race has low intelligence, but with the help of half-demons, they become like tigers with wings added, posing an even greater threat to our human race.” One Thought Venerable sighed as he spoke, “Seven years ago, Mingyue Manor was massacred by Sang Qi leading an army of demons and monsters. Low-level demons are not formidable on their own because they lack intelligence and are easy to deal with, but if they have a mastermind directing them, they become an unpredictable killing force.”
“I’ve heard that Great Priest Sang Qi is a beast of great intelligence, with endless tricks up his sleeve. The ambush in the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation was his doing,” Nan Xuyue asked, “Has the Venerable One ever crossed swords with Sang Qi?”
One Thought Venerable shook his head, “Sang Qi lives in seclusion and commands from behind the scenes. Few people know his true strength. However, Sect Leader Xie recently engaged him in combat within the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, so he should have some understanding of him.”
Mu Xuanling lazily sprawled on the couch, resting her chin on her hands as she looked towards Xie Xuecen in front of her.
Xie Xuecen had just finished his daily sword cultivation, his breath still even and steady. Although his divine apertures had not yet recovered, his wounds were healing at an extremely fast rate, leaving only faint scars. They would likely be fully healed in a few days. Since returning to Yongxue City, he had not rested for a moment, either in meditation and cultivation or planning the attack on the demon realm. Having just returned to his chambers, he received several urgent messages reporting unusual activities near the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation at Liangjieshi Mountain.
Mu Xuanling’s bright black eyes scanned Xie Xuecen from top to bottom, her burning gaze seeming to see through him inside and out, finally landing on Xie Xuecen’s thin lips.
It was as if she had done nothing, yet as if she had done everything.
“Xie Xuecen, what do you think of my master’s strength?” Mu Xuanling forced herself to shift her attention, not wanting to become a slave to desire.
Xie Xuecen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said seriously, “That day in the formation, Sang Qi did not exert his full strength.”
Mu Xuanling’s eyes flickered slightly as she pondered, “So he did hold back…”
“So?” Xie Xuecen noticed the unusual tone in her words and asked, “Did you also sense something?”
Mu Xuanling covered her face in distress, frowning as she said, “I have no feelings for the demon race and can betray them without hesitation, but master…”
Xie Xuecen averted his gaze and said, “I understand your difficulty. If you don’t want to speak, I won’t force you.”
After all, Sang Qi was her master, a person with a close relationship. They had a master-disciple bond.
Mu Xuanling didn’t notice the unusual emotion in Xie Xuecen’s tone. She recalled Sang Qi’s cold silver eyes, and a sense of fear swept over her, making her shudder. Even after years of interaction and his careful teachings, Mu Xuanling still understood that between them, there was only the name of master and disciple, without the true feelings.
Xie Xuecen’s lack of emotion was a great love that didn’t favor any individual, while Sang Qi’s lack of emotion was a complete absence of attachment to this world, even harboring hatred.
“I don’t understand master. Apart from teaching me lessons, he never says much to me,” Mu Xuanling’s eyes flickered slightly. “He went into seclusion to recover after returning from the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, but I sense that his injuries are not severe.”
Xie Xuecen nodded and said, “The formation doesn’t restrain him much. The Demon Lord and the three Demon Gods were giving their all, while he was merely assisting from the sidelines.”
Xie Xuecen had a vague feeling that if Sang Qi had exerted his full power, he might not have survived.
“No one can guess what master is thinking,” Mu Xuanling frowned. “But I always feel that things are not that simple. You still have two days before your power recovers. You must be extra careful during this time.”
“It’s not easy to harm me in Yongxue City,” Xie Xuecen said calmly.
Mu Xuanling said, “That traitor hasn’t made a move yet.”
Xie Xuecen glanced at the sky and said, “Soon.”
What was Sang Qi plotting with such elaborate schemes? Perhaps the truth would be revealed soon.
In the vast Zhushen Palace, the forest-green flames could not illuminate every corner of the empty hall. On the cold and expansive throne sat a tall man draped in a black robe.
“Greetings, Great Priest!” Two Demon Gods placed their hands on their chests and bowed their heads in salute.
Sang Qi’s cold silver eyes swept over the two Demon Gods below, and he said faintly, “Where’s Lust Demon?”
“Lust Demon’s projection was destroyed, and he was badly injured. He’s still in seclusion,” War Demon said. He had a green face with fangs, golden horns, and red eyes, resembling an evil spirit. Standing nine feet tall, he was a terrifying sight.
“Overestimating himself,” Sang Qi closed his eyes briefly. “Xie Xuecen is the human race’s number one sword cultivator. Even if injured, he’s not someone a mere projection can handle. Upon discovering the other party’s whereabouts, he should have reported immediately, not recklessly seeking credit.”
“Lust Demon is the stupidest and weakest, yet he won’t admit it,” Delusion Demon chuckled. Compared to War Demon’s height, Delusion Demon was like a dwarf. He was only the size of a seven or eight-year-old human child, with a round face and features that seemed childlike, yet with wrinkles. He had a tuft of hair tied up on top of his head, looking quite ridiculous.
“Before the Demon Lord emerges from seclusion, you will follow my every command,” Sang Qi said.
War Demon and Delusion Demon bowed their heads in unison and replied, “As you command.”
“The pieces within the Immortal Alliance have already found the passage to activate the Ten Thousand Immortal Array, but this passage will close in ten breaths. Once you leave, whether you succeed or fail, there is no need to return to the Demon Realm,” Sang Qi continued.
The two demons paused, puzzled. “Then where shall we go?” they asked.
Sang Qi smirked, his smile cold and cruel. “Let’s bring some chaos to the human realm. What could be more delightful?”
Understanding dawned on the two demons—they could wreak havoc as they pleased in the human world!
Unlike that fellow, the Lust Demon, they were descending in their true forms. In their true forms, ordinary Law Avatar (Fa Xiang) couldn’t kill them!
“Hahaha!” The War Demon laughed heartily, shaking the entire palace, “I can’t wait!”
“However, before that, you must act according to my instructions,” Sang Qi said, lightly raising his hand. Two communication conch shells flew towards the two demons. “These conchs contain a sound transmission array; I will guide you step by step on what to do.”
The Obsessive Demon asked, “High Priest, won’t you come with us?”
Sang Qi chuckled softly, a strange light flickering in his silver eyes. “I have my plans.”