7/10

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

The visitor was one of the Snowflake Pavilion guards from the last time they captured the Nine-Fanged Beast. He personally delivered a message from Zhou Shilin.

Someone from the upper realm is looking for him?

Clothed in black and white, a sword strapped to his back… Qin Zhou recognized the description immediately.

Cangyun Sword Sect.

It was undoubtedly the Cangyun Sword Sect. When he had sent Lu Yi to the sect for training, it was this very sect that had received him.

But why would someone from Cangyun Sword Sect seek out a Qi Cultivation-stage alchemist?

Qin Zhou couldn’t fathom the reason. From the message Zhou Shilin had sent via the messenger, it was difficult to discern whether the upper realm individual’s intentions were good or bad.

They sought him out, yet knew not his name…

“That person left this whistle, instructing the Pavilion Master to contact him if any news surfaced. However, the Pavilion Master felt that even if this elder wasn’t seeking Young Master Qin, he certainly had no intention of betraying his partners.”

Qin Zhou nodded. “Thank you. I understand the situation now.”

The Snowflake Pavilion guard was about to remind him to be extra cautious about his safety—if the upper realm person harbored ill will, this could be no small matter. But then he thought better of it. The pill master before him was no ordinary pill master.

He possessed both strength and means.

Thus, the words stuck in their throats. The Snowflake Pavilion guards refrained from mentioning it further and instead turned to the matter of the pills.

It turned out that the first and second-tier precious-grade pills from Snowflake Pavilion had been selling exceptionally well recently, and they wished to procure another batch.

Qin Zhou readily agreed.

He knew Snowflake Pavilion’s sales were booming. Many people even came specifically to buy the Dragon-Phoenix Pills.

Consequently, the pill business had steadily improved. His father was swamped with work, sending an urgent letter overnight requesting Madam Qin to come to the provincial capital to assist.

Having finished their business, the Snowflake Pavilion guard naturally prepared to leave.

Qin Zhou had just seen him off when Wen Jue appeared from behind him.

“Someone’s looking for you?” Wen Jue’s expression was grim. Could it be Lu Er… No, not Lu Er. Lu Er would never bother mortals with such tasks; he’d simply trail me to find the village.

Then it must be someone else from Cangyun Sword Sect.

Sure enough, the letter sent by that little spy around Lu Xiao had triggered a chain reaction.

Within the Cangyun Sword Sect, there were indeed petty thieves who wanted to use Qin Zhou to threaten him.

A few days ago, Wen Jue would have scoffed at this.

But now…

Whoever comes will die!

The murderous intent in Wen Jue’s eyes was hidden beneath the surface.

Qin Zhou glanced over with his peripheral vision.

Behind him, the cat’s fur bristled.

Clearly, the visitors meant no good.

Qin Zhou felt the doubt stir within him, yet he answered, “Hmm, sounds like someone from the Cangyun Sword Sect.”

Back when he sent Lu Yi to the Cangyun Sword Sect for training, barring any mishaps, he should have at least become an elder by now.

Yet Wen Jue reacted this way upon hearing someone from Cangyun Sword Sect sought him out… There must be some hidden reason behind this.

Qin Zhou wasn’t overly concerned.

Even if the other sought his life, they couldn’t breach Wen Jue’s barrier. Let them come. He’d ask why they came.

The thought formed, and Qin Zhou asked, “Why did you come out too?”

Wen Jue, who was contemplating how to dispose of the Sword Sect visitor: ”…I came out to take a look. I’ve cleared a patch of land. Can’t I rest for a bit?“

Qin Zhou shook his head: ”If you don’t want to do it, just leave it.“

Wen Jue scowled, ”Leave it for who to do?”

Why did this man seem to despise his very existence, inside and out!

Just then, a shout came from outside the door, “Village Chief! I’m back!”

“…”

“…”

The two exchanged a glance.

There you go, the worker’s here. Qin Zhou gestured.

Wen Jue was speechless.

“I’ll open the door.” Wen Jue said, striding toward the entrance without waiting for a response.

The Blue-robed Immortal Lord had been in high spirits, but upon opening the door, he was met with a face familiar beyond recognition.

Uh.

“I… you… I…” Shisi took a step back.

Wen Jue rolled up his sleeves. You know what should and shouldn’t be said, right?

Shisi felt like crying.

“Who are you?! I’m looking for the village chief!” Shisi shouted loudly.

Indeed, a good son is made by the rod. Wen Jue smiled, narrowing his eyes.

Turning his head, Wen Jue wore an innocent expression: “Qin Zhou, who is this person?”

Qin Zhou: “…”

These two…

“The little kid from the house. Let him in.” The tone carried a hint of resignation.

Hearing the village chief’s voice, Shisi’s eyes crinkled with a smile. He thrust his hands forward, brushing past Wen Jue with an air of haughtiness. “Excuse me, please. I’m the kid from this house.”

Evidently, this expression looked incredibly annoying to Wen Jue. A vein throbbed on Wen Jue’s forehead. “Welcome, youngster over nine thousand years old.”

Shisi giggled.

Just as he stepped inside, Shisi saw Qin Zhou emerge from the storage room, a hoe in hand.

He had a bad feeling.

Sure enough…

“Shisi, go clear some land.”

Shisi instantly deflated. He pointed at Wen Jue, who stood nearby with arms crossed, watching the show. “Village Chief, why isn’t he working?”

“He’s not as good at farming as you.” Qin Zhou handed him the hoe, speaking calmly. It was the truth.

Shisi: “But…”

Shisi’s heart ached inwardly.

But Village Chief…

He wasn’t that little boy anymore who’d be tricked into plowing from mountain top to valley bottom with just a “Shisi’s the best farmer!”

Knowing this land clearing was unavoidable, Shisi hung his head and bargained: “Then… next time, I want my medicine in a little box wrapped in velvet cloth too.”

Qin Zhou glanced at Wen Jue upon hearing this.

Wen Jue immediately averted his gaze, mumbling indistinctly.

“Agreed,” Qin Zhou replied.

Only then did Shisi cheerfully grab his hoe and dash toward the back mountain.

Wen Jue was puzzled: “He acts like a child. Is he mentally impaired?” The Supreme Elder of the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect? Which disciple would dare claim that?

Qin Zhou remarked indifferently, “A bit of liveliness is better.”

It was also because of Shisi that the village had regained some semblance of its former self.

Still, there were far too few people. Qin Zhou surveyed the vast courtyard. It lacked the bustle of days past.

Wen Jue opened his mouth: “Liveliness…”

Then closed it again.

It seemed unlikely they could ever return to that former bustle.

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

While the two culprits tilled the fields in the lower realm, the upper realm was thrown into utter panic.

The demonic Wen Jue had invaded the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect and abducted its Supreme Elder—news that swiftly spread throughout the upper realm.

What shocked everyone was—

Wasn’t Wen Jue imprisoned in the Immortal Restraint Prison?

How did he escape?

Could the Immortal Restraint Prison not hold him?

This news undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the righteous cultivators.

Particularly since it was common knowledge that the Supreme Elder of the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Sect possessed the supreme treasure, the Thousand Mechanisms Bell, capable of calculating future events. Now, with the secret realm about to open, Wen Jue had targeted the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Sect at this critical moment. What was his true purpose?

Just as the various sects grew restless, even attempting to persuade the Sword Sect to intervene, the Thousand Mechanisms Elder was returned.

Yet no matter who approached the Thousand Machinery Sect to inquire about the incident, the Sect Master remained tight-lipped, refusing to discuss it.

This led many sects to speculate wildly. Rumors spread like wildfire, suggesting the Thousand Machinery Sect had been threatened by demonic forces into predicting the future—likely concerning this very secret realm.

If the demonic overlord truly relied on the Thousand Machinery Sect’s predictions, what chance did the righteous path stand in this secret realm?

Several restless sect masters, independently, sent letters to the Cangyun Sword Sect.

This Wen Jue had everyone on edge. As the foremost sect of the righteous path, the Cangyun Sword Sect ought to do something.

The sect master sighed upon reading the letters.

What could the Cangyun Sword Sect possibly do?

They were powerless against Wen Jue, too.

Helpless, the sect master could only seek guidance from his master.

If anyone in this world could possibly stand against Wen Jue, it could only be his own master.

“Master, the news of Wen Jue’s divine soul escaping the Immortal Restraint Prison can no longer be concealed. He has even sought out the Supreme Elder of the Thousand Schemes Divine Sect… His audacity has thrown the upper realms into turmoil,” the Sect Master reported respectfully.

“Wen Jue went to the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Sect? What for?” Lu Er, who had been sitting cross-legged in meditation, opened his eyes.

“According to speculation from various sects, they all say Wen Jue sought out the Thousand Mechanisms Elder for divination regarding the upcoming secret realm.”

Lu Er frowned. “What did the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Sect say?”

“The sect avoided the topic entirely. Some sought answers from the sect leader, but he stated that Elder Thousand Mechanisms was injured and unwilling to meet outsiders.”

Lu Er: “Dispatch some disciples to support the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect. With Elder Qianji injured, ensure those people don’t disturb him.”

“Understood.” The Sect Master hesitated before asking, “Then what does the Master believe is the reason Wen Jue sought out Elder Qianji?”

“He went because he wished to go.” Lu Er closed his eyes once more.

Head of the Sect: ?

“Master, you don’t think it’s about the secret realm…?”

“Wen Jue went to see Elder Qianji. It might be for fortune-telling, or it might be to settle accounts, but it definitely isn’t about the secret realm. If those sects are getting too full and worrying too much, just write back and tell them to eat less.”

Sect Leader: “…Understood.”

Though the Sect Leader found his Master’s words sharp, they were indeed blunt yet true.

Rather than fret over what the demonic master might have discussed with Elder Qianji, it was wiser to focus on strengthening their own power. The dangers within the secret realm didn’t come solely from the Demon Sect.

Even if Wen Jue truly committed some act defying Heaven’s will, the righteous path still had the Master and other great masters to bear the brunt.

“By the way, Master, I heard the Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect has returned.”

Lu Er’s ears twitched slightly as his eyelids lifted. “Returned?”

“Yes. The news came from Junior Brother Jiang Huan. His letter stated that with the secret realm about to open, the Demon Sect’s might has grown considerably since the Supreme Patriarch’s return.”

“What else did he say?”

“Nothing else.”

Lu Er: “…Who on earth assigned Jiang Huan to be the undercover contact? Next time, assign someone else.”

Grandmaster: “…Understood.”

Master, if you put it that way, Junior Brother Jiang Huan would cry upon hearing it.

Just as the Grandmaster was about to leave, Lu Er suddenly added, “Keep an eye on Fang Huai.”

The Grandmaster abruptly turned back. “Master?”

“His descent to the lower realms made far too much noise.” A flicker of indifference passed through Lu Er’s eyes. Within the entire Cangyun Sword Sect, no one had ever dared to slip away under his watch by projecting their soul essence to the lower realm.

Once, twice, and now a third time.

Hearing only this, the Sect Master instantly grasped the entire situation. His expression darkened. “Fang Huai? So he really went to find that mortal? I’ll send someone to look for him immediately.”

“Unnecessary. I shall go myself.” After a moment’s thought, Lu Er rose to his feet.

If Fang Huai found that mortal, he would inevitably cross paths with Wen Jue.

To say he was courting death would not be an exaggeration.

Still, as a disciple of the Sword Sect, a beating would be preferable to dying by Wen Jue’s hand.

Besides, he himself was intensely curious about that mortal.

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

Jiang Huan hadn’t heard his master’s words, but right now, at this very moment, he truly felt like crying.

As the junior master uncle of the Cangyun Sword Sect’s disciples, as the last disciple of the Cangyun Sword Immortal, Jiang Huan had always been… Well, never mind. Those glorious days were best left untouched.

But ever since arriving at the Demon Sect.

He truly walked on thin ice!

“These won’t do either. Bring me another batch.” Lu Qi propped his chin, reclining half-draped across the sect master’s throne in the Demon Sect’s grand hall. He munched contentedly on grapes Jiang Huan fed him.

Jiang Huan’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly plucked another grape, carefully offering it to Lu Qi’s lips as he said, “Supreme Patriarch, this is truly the last batch.”

As he spoke, Jiang Huan raised his hand, signaling everyone in the hall to withdraw.

Yet he couldn’t help wondering: What kind of habit is this, enjoying the sight of handsome men?

The Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect favors men—and particularly beautiful ones!

He returned just to select consorts for his bedchamber, and this selection has dragged on for days!

“The Left Guardian seems rather well-built. Perhaps the Left Guardian should attend to this seat tonight.” Lu Qi suddenly scrutinized Jiang Huan from head to toe.

Jiang Huan nearly jumped out of his skin. His expression remained impassive as he replied, “Jiang Huan knows he is not handsome and dares not overstep.”

“Then this Lord shall see if you truly are not handsome,” he said, his words carrying hidden meaning. With a flick of his finger, the sash at Jiang Huan’s waist suddenly loosened.

Jiang Huan scrambled to pull up his falling trousers, nearly weeping inwardly. “…Please spare my life, Supreme Patriarch.”

“Sleeping with me would cost you your life?” Lu Qi narrowed his eyes, displeased. “Or is it that I’m so hideous I frighten you?”

“No…” Jiang Huan steeled himself. “The Supreme Patriarch possesses divine beauty—it is Jiang Huan who dares not aspire to such heights!”

Lu Qi dug behind his ear. “Not bad. I like that. Say more.”

“If you satisfy this seat, I’ll let you go.”

Jiang Huan swallowed hard, his words suddenly flowing like a spring. Praise poured out of him like popping beans.

Lu Qi narrowed his eyes, sizing up this little spy.

His looks were indeed quite good—no wonder Lu Xiao had been fixated on him for years.

Everything about him was fine, except his memory was a bit shaky.

The last time he’d seen this little brat, he was still a chubby infant, clutching a tiny wooden sword as he scampered after Lu Xiao, calling “Brother! Brother!” nonstop. Not only did Lu Xiao adore him, but even Lu Qi found the resemblance to his own Brother Shisi back then touching, making him feel a surge of affection.

But now that he’d grown up, he wasn’t nearly as adorable as he’d been as a child.

And now he’d actually come to the Demon Sect as a spy.

How amusing.

“Supreme Patriarch, the Patriarch has arrived and requests an audience at the gate,” someone reported.

Jiang Huan, who had been praising Lu Qi, felt a surge of relief. His savior had finally arrived.

Lu Qi lifted an eyelid and waved dismissively. “I won’t see him.”

“Understood.” The subordinate hurriedly withdrew.

Jiang Huan: ?

Jiang Huan felt a chill in his heart. This was the Demon Sect! When the Supreme Patriarch was absent, the Patriarch’s word held the most authority. But the moment the Supreme Patriarch returned, the seat in the Demon Sect’s main hall would be taken by someone else!

“Father, what are you doing?” Lu Xiao pushed his own wheelchair through the main gate.

Clearly, even with his injuries, the Demon Sect’s guards couldn’t stop him.

Lu Qi sat up, crossed his legs, and yawned. “Nothing much. Just chatting with your… Left Protector.”

Jiang Huan kept his head bowed, tugging at his trousers, not daring to speak.

Lu Xiao noticed his baggy pants, paused, frowned, and sighed helplessly. “Don’t bully Jiang Huan.”

“The secret realm is approaching. You should focus on yourself.” Lu Qi rose, glancing at him with eyes that seemed to say, you brought this upon yourself.

“Father, if you have nothing to do, why not go see Fourteenth Uncle? Word has spread throughout the cultivation world that Uncle Wen went to find him.”

Lu Qi immediately grew serious. “What? Why did he seek out your Fourteenth Uncle?”

Lu Xiao replied, “Many say Uncle Wen sought Uncle Shisi to calculate matters concerning the secret realm—that the Demon Sect plans to surprise the righteous path. But I suspect Uncle Wen went to consult him about marital fate.”

Lu Qi: “…”

Calculating marital fate? Impossible.

What had Uncle Shisi done to provoke him now? Lu Qi propped his chin, deep in thought.

“Father, won’t you go see Uncle Shisi?”

Lu Qi shook his head. “No. If I went, those rumors would spread like wildfire.”

Lu Xiao nodded. That made sense.

“But I can go find Wen Jue.” Lu Qi’s eyes held a hint of meaning. “What is this Wen Jue scheming behind my back and your Fourteenth Uncle?”

For thousands of years, sneaking off to meet Xiao Shisi without even telling him.

That bastard.

“I’m heading to the Immortal Restraint Prison. I’ll be back soon.”

No sooner had he spoken than Lu Qi’s figure vanished from the Demon Sect’s main hall.

Just as Jiang Huan was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Lu Qi’s voice pierced his ears like a demonic chant—

“Left Guardian, find me a few more beauties. I want to see them when I return. If you fail, I’ll eat you alive.”

Jiang Huan: “…Rest assured, Supreme Patriarch.”

Only after confirming Lu Qi had departed did Jiang Huan descend the steps to Lu Xiao’s side. He sighed, “Patriarch, you were too late.” He nearly lost it.

Lu Xiao chuckled from his wheelchair: “Are you that afraid of my father?”

Jiang Huan: “…Hard to say.”

He seemed genuinely a bit afraid of the Supreme Patriarch. A fear he couldn’t quite pinpoint. It felt innate, as if he’d been born with it.

Lu Xiao pondered for a moment, suspecting it might stem from Jiang Huan’s childhood.

Because he was too adorable, that little face had been tormented by his father more than once. Getting pinched until he cried seemed to be a regular occurrence.

“By the way, Master, you have a Fourteenth Uncle?” Jiang Huan suddenly remembered something and asked.

He wasn’t exactly cut off from information within the Demon Sect, but he genuinely hadn’t known Lu Xiao had a Fourteenth Uncle.

“Didn’t you hear about Demon Lord Wen Jue going to the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect?”

“I heard,” Jiang Huan replied, his speech slowing. He stiffened as he asked, “But… what connection does the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect have with… your Fourteenth Uncle?”

Lu Xiao grasped Jiang Huan’s wrist and smiled. “The legendary Elder Qianji, renowned throughout the cultivation world for comprehending Heaven’s will and hearing the voices of all spirits—that is my Fourteenth Uncle.”

Elder Qianji… connected to the Demon Sect? Jiang Huan suppressed his shock. Lu Xiao confiding this now—could it mean…

Jiang Huan could feel the scorching heat radiating from Lu Xiao’s palm. He looked down at Lu Xiao in the wheelchair, his face already pale.

“Jiang Huan, the secret realm is about to begin. No matter how much you miss home, you can’t send any more messages to the Sword Sect.” Lu Xiao’s voice grew solemn.

Hearing this, Jiang Huan’s face also turned ashen.

Speaking, Lu Xiao still couldn’t bring himself to do it. He took a letter from his bosom. “Even if you must send word, you don’t need to report every single detail.”

He unfolded the letter.

“What on earth is this?”

Lu Xiao almost laughed. “The Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect is obsessed with male beauty, demanding to see countless handsome men daily. Perhaps… we could test him with a beauty scheme?”

Oh, my little ancestor.

“Do you realize how much turmoil this letter would cause if sent to the Sword Sect?” Lu Xiao held the letter between two fingers, and the flames ignited swiftly.

He was such a good boy, still hoping for family harmony.

Jiang Huan shook off Lu Xiao’s hand, his expression abruptly shifting back to that of a proper Sword Sect disciple—sincere, upright, and fearless.

“I don’t know, but whether you choose to kill or torture me, it’s entirely up to you.”

Lu Xiao’s eyes darkened. Noticing Jiang Huan’s baggy trousers, he asked, “Seriously?”

Jiang Huan: ?

W-what else could I do?

He couldn’t beat Lu Xiao!