My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: People of Lv Sect Gather Again (10,000-word update, please subscribe)

Indeed!

An Jing’s heart harbored little surprise, as ordinary people couldn’t detect his whereabouts, let alone sense his spiritual energy.

This was the first time his Concealing Qi Technique had failed.

After a long while, An Jing took a deep breath, and said with a formal bow, “Elder Lv, this junior pays his respects.”

In the Great Yan, Lv Guoyong served as the Grand Secretary through three dynasties and was an extremely complex figure. In the royal court, his words carried immense weight, making him the most powerful Confucian scholar.

When he was active in politics, he manipulated power with a cruel hand, suppressing countless dissenters. Numerous royal officials died under his authority. Even Li Ping, the Human Emperor, owed his ascent to Lv Guoyong’s support. Everyone knew that as long as he was present, the Lv Sect would remain one of the most significant forces in the court, thus blocking the ambitions of many.

Outwardly, many in the royal court showed utmost respect to the Lv Sect, but inwardly they resented him, fearing to voice their anger.

In the markets and alleys, opinions about him were sharply divided.

Some said he sacrificed himself for the state, driving forward reforms and initiating the revival of Great Yan. Others accused him of nepotism, reckless conduct, and having excessive influence over the government.

In An Jing’s view, regardless of which opinion was true, both were genuine reflections of Lv Guoyong.

Because people themselves are complex.

In his early years, he entered politics full of idealism and integrity, uncompromising and righteous. Later, he simply adapted to the deep-seated power schemes of the court by any means necessary, eliminating opposition and indulging in power and wealth.

However, Lv Guoyong also dared to reform, was fearless of risks, abandoned personal affairs, and dedicated himself tirelessly to public affairs.

Without him serving in the court for sixty years, Great Yan wouldn’t have been able to sustain years of warfare with Zhao Country or possess its current power.

Lv Guoyong’s face, lined with wrinkles, carried a smile as he said, “Young friend, since you have visited my mansion, you are a guest. In my household, we do not let guests stand outside. Please, come inside and sit.”

With that, Lv Guoyong walked toward the adjacent room.

Watching his aged figure, An Jing pondered for a moment before following him.

They entered the quaint, antique-filled room.

Lv Guoyong picked up a fire starter and slowly lit the candle, brightening the room considerably.

Lv Guoyong took a seat without waiting for others, “This place was originally my beloved daughter’s courtyard. She has been gone for a long time. Apart from having it cleaned regularly, it has been uninhabited, so it’s quite somber here.”

“You mentioned admiring me for a long time, but I don’t recall having such a young friend. You didn’t come just to visit me tonight, did you?”

An Jing also sat down and said, “Elder Lv sees clearly. My intrusion late at night was not with ill intent; I hope Elder Lv will not take offense.”

Lv Guoyong waved his hand, saying, “Don’t worry about it. You must be the Ghost Swordsman who has recently gained considerable fame in the Jianghu, correct?”

An Jing nodded and replied, “Indeed.”

After studying An Jing carefully, Lv Guoyong remarked with a sigh, “Such prime years, all within your grasp.”

To be listed as one of Great Yan Martial World’s Sword Immortals at such an age, even if Lv Guoyong was not involved in the Jianghu, he knew what that meant.

An Jing exhaled and responded, “Elder Lv flatters me; I am nothing more than a panicked stray dog with no home.”

To others, he was one of the six great Sword Immortals of the current Jianghu, having pursued Qi Shu for three hundred miles and rescued Princess An Le, becoming a hero of the Great Yan Martial World. But many things were only known to himself; he was merely a stray dog that had narrowly escaped death in Jiang Shang’s hands.

“Life without several twists and turns, how can it be considered splendid? Smooth sailing is less exciting than braving the wind and waves,”

Lv Guoyong smiled faintly, his experienced eyes shining brightly.

An Jing smiled as well, “What Elder Lv said is very true.”

Smooth sailing is nowhere as exhilarating as riding the winds and breaking the waves!

Neither made another comment, allowing the room to fall into silence, illuminated only by the faint moonlight streaming through the door, stretching endlessly.

Gazing at the moonlight, Lv Guoyong slowly said, “Young friend, by rescuing that girl Xuening, you have done a great favor both publicly and privately. You may temporarily stay in my home. Here in Yujing City, apart from the high walls of the palace, this place is the most peaceful.”

An Jing shook his head, “My mind is restless. I must not stay here long; I ask for Elder Lv’s understanding.”

Right now, all he wanted was to find a way to infiltrate the Demon Sect and then advance his cultivation to the Grandmaster level. How could he possibly stay within the Lv Sect?

Lv Guoyong laughed and asked, “Why the unease? Please, share with me.”

After a moment’s thought, An Jing said, “I feel powerless.”

“Hahaha.”

At this, Lv Guoyong burst out laughing, “You’ve come to feel this way at such a young age?”

An Jing gave a couple of dry laughs, yet he couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: So irreverent, no wonder he was Li Fuzhou’s teacher.

Lv Guoyong’s smile gradually faded, and he said seriously, “You are now at the stage where Three Flowers Merged, only a step away from Three Flowers Gathering at the Top. However, reaching that realm might still take some time.”

“A high building is built from the ground up; the foundation is terribly important. Don’t be too eager and end up destroying your own foundation by falling into an evil path.”

An Jing clasped his hands together and replied, “Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I will bear it in mind.”

He naturally wouldn’t resort to rashly forcing growth by pulling up seedlings.

“Speaking of the Three Flowers Fusing, it reminds me of a past event,”

Lv Guoyong said cheerfully, “When I was in my forties, I had a conversation with Huang Sheng, the Sect Leader of the Ghost Valley Sect at that time. He even shared with me a method to quickly reach the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing was moved and said, “Elder, could you please speak plainly.”

Lv Guoyong replied, “I noted down that method at that time and placed it in the library. If you want to know about it, you’ll have to search for it yourself.”

The library!?

Hearing this, An Jing looked at Lv Guoyong and said, “Elder Lv, it seems you intend to keep this junior here.”

Lv Guoyong stroked his beard and smiled without a word.

An Jing stood up and bowed with his fist in palm, “If that’s the case, then this junior will impose a little longer.”

It has to be said, obtaining a method to quickly step into the realm of a Grandmaster is indeed the most important thing at present.

A meaningful look appeared in Lv Guoyong’s eyes as he said, “Only my disciple lives in this Qiushui Courtyard. If you don’t mind, you can stay here temporarily.”

An Jing nodded, “Alright.”

Lv Guoyong stood up and said, “It’s getting late, and I should go rest. Once one gets old, one becomes less useful.”

While saying this, Lv Guoyong looked at An Jing and started laughing.

You’re no longer useful, then why are you laughing at me?

An Jing blinked and said, “Then, take care, Elder Lv.”

Lv Guoyong smiled and walked towards the outside of the house.

……..

The night was waning, and the corridor was extremely quiet.

Lv Guoyong walked alone, hunched back and hands behind him.

“Father, where are you going? I heard from Uncle Fu that you suddenly disappeared.”

At that moment, a middle-aged man hurried over—it was Lv Guoyong’s son, Lv Fang.

Lv Guoyong chuckled and said, “I went to meet an interesting person.”

“An interesting person?”

Lv Fang looked down the dark, endless corridor, puzzled, “You mean Zhou Xianming? But I heard he hasn’t come back yet.”

This direction was exactly where Zhou Xianming’s private courtyard was located.

“No, perhaps he’s more interesting than that young Zhou.”

Lv Guoyong shook his head with emotion and said, “It’s just a pity.”

Saying so, Lv Guoyong shook off Lv Fang’s hand and continued walking forward.

“A pity?!”

Lv Fang’s mind was full of confusion as he then looked back over his shoulder.

……..

The sky was clear and cloudless.

Beihuang Dao, Liuhe Tower.

The area around Liuhe Tower divided into two camps.

On the left side stood several tall and burly men dressed in leather, armed with bows and long knives, their faces covered with lush beards, eyes sunken.

Anyone who regularly traveled between countries could tell these men were from Houjin at a glance.

Among these men was a young man with an average appearance, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk, daunting to behold.

In his hand, he held a long sword, four feet and one inch long, forged from black iron and exceedingly thin, emitting a faint cold light, showing extreme majesty, its edge razor-sharp, truly like the frost of autumn.

The young man, full of arrogance, said, “Over fifty years old and still in the Fourth Realm? Is this the famous Huang Dongliang of the Great Yan, known for his Autumn Wind Three Cuts?”

Opposite him stood a middle-aged swordsman, his eyebrows tightly furrowed, his expression grave, accompanied by a young man and woman behind him.

The young man had a handsome face, flushed red with protruding veins on his forehead as if extremely angry, he growled, “Master, let me spar with him.”

The middle-aged swordsman sternly ordered, “Lin Qi, step back.”

“I…”

Although the young man named Lin Qi felt very reluctant, he dared not go against his master’s wishes.

Huang Dongliang looked at the young man opposite him and said calmly, “Since you wish to learn the swordsmanship of a Great Yan swordsman, I, Huang, am obliged to accompany you today.”

“As for the rules of the contest, let’s follow those of your Houjin.”

It was a matter of national pride and honor; naturally, he could not easily back down, especially since his opponent was a young man.

The young man chuckled lightly, “In Houjin, duels usually determine superiority as well as life and death.”

“Oh?”

Hearing this, Huang Dongliang raised his eyebrows and said, “This might not be too good.”

The young man, with a hint of mockery in his eyes, retorted, “What, are you scared?”

“Scared? Huang has fought one hundred and thirty-seven battles in his life, three of which were duels to the death. I have never been scared.”

Huang Dongliang snorted softly, “I merely consider your youth and cannot bear to see you perish here, that’s all.”

The young man sneered, “A duel to the death, where the outcome is especially clear, how do you know it won’t be your honor that is tarnished? Numerous Great Yan swordsmen have already died by my hand, and one more lonely ghost won’t make a difference.”

“Impudent!”

Upon hearing this, a hint of murderous intent flashed in Huang Dongliang’s eyes. “Then today, I shall experience your esteemed skills.”

“Swoosh, swoosh!”

With that, Huang Dongliang’s body leaped up, and his sword quivered in his hand.

The sword light was cold, like the early autumn wind, swift and elusive.

Although Huang Dongliang was not a top swordsman of the Fifth Realm in Great Yan Martial World, he was still quite famous, and his Autumn Wind Moon Viewing Thirteen Forms were highly praised by the Great Elder of the Yu Heng Sword Sect.

Moreover, his cultivation reached the First Grade Human Flower Realm last year, which boosted his reputation to a new level.

Instantly, the sword light arrived in front of the young man.

The sword light appeared to be just one strike, but upon closer inspection, it split into three parts.

“Shick!”

The next moment, the young man drew his longsword, surrounding it with icy coldness.

“Not good!”

Huang Dongliang, a veteran in swordsmanship, sensed something ominous in the young man’s sharp and overwhelming sword intent.

Fifth Realm!

This man in his thirties was actually a Fifth Realm swordsman. @@novelbin@@

This was terrifying; the young man was only so old, and even Lou Xiangzhen, the Peach Blossom Sword Immortal, only reached the Fifth Realm in his thirties.

The young man’s longsword hissed like a white snake, breaking through the wind and moving like a dragon, swiftly striking like lightning and shattering like falling leaves.

It was a flash of silver that began in the courtyard, followed by a burst of blood.

Fast!

Too fast!

Blood spurted from Huang Dongliang’s neck, and then he fell to the ground, the look of alarm still evident in his eyes, showcasing the incredible speed of the young man’s sword.

“Master!”

Two young male and female disciples hurried over from behind Huang Dongliang.

“Gurgle—!”

With his throat cut, blood bubbling forth, he could only grab the arms of his disciples, before he inevitably breathed his last.

One sword, just a single stroke had killed the swordsman of the Human Flower Realm.

“You… you…. you killed my master.”

Lin Qi looked up angrily at the young man in front of him.

“If the skill is inferior, death is but death.”

The young man sheathed his longsword as if he had simply performed an insignificant triviality.

“Hahaha!”

“Is this a top swordsman of Great Yan?”

“Such a disappointment, Yan Gang settled him with just one stroke.”

“On this journey, how many swordsmen could force Yan Gang to strike twice?”

…..

The young man’s followers from Houjin all burst into laughter, their words laden with merciless mockery, paying no heed to the extremely angry expression on Huang Dongliang’s apprentice.

The woman, upon hearing this, suddenly drew the long sword from her waist and pointed it at the people of Houjin: “You barbarians from Houjin! I will fight you all!”

“Barbarians!?”

Upon hearing the woman’s words, the people of Houjin’s smiles disappeared, and their expressions changed drastically.

Someone said, “This woman from Great Yan looks tender and seems quite fiery too.”

Another person coldly said, “Probably hasn’t been whipped enough, that’s why she doesn’t understand the proper hierarchy.”

In an instant, the people of Houjin had surrounded the two.

The woman’s face instantly turned pale with fright, and Lin Qi quickly protected his junior sister behind him, his expression also very tense.

“We still have to continue our journey. The leader does not want you to cause a big mess,” he said.

After speaking, Yan Gang turned and walked towards the tower.

The people of Houjin glanced at the woman and then followed into the tower.

Inside the tower, the fragrance of sandalwood filled the air, and white smoke curled upward.

A man sat directly on the floor, his appearance rough and bold, but his eyes bore a gentle and scholarly softness. He wore a black long robe of Great Yan, looking devoutly at the stone statue ahead.

“Leader,”

Yan Gang approached the man and spoke softly.

In Houjin, those called leaders were generally tribal chiefs, either with imperial lineage or exceedingly high achievements; the man before him was the seventh son of the Holy Master of Houjin, Zongzheng Yuan.

“This journey has indeed made me reflective,”

Zongzheng Yuan felt endless emotions, “Great Yan truly is a land rich in resources and full of outstanding people, a pity it has fallen into the wrong hands and is completely ruined.”

A hint of arrogance crossed Yan Gang’s brow, “The land is rich in resources, yes, but whether it is full of outstanding people, I have my doubts.”

Zongzheng Yuan shook his head and said, “Qi Shu is touted as the future pillar of Zhao Country, yet such a person was chased for over three hundred miles by the Ghost Swordsman. And I heard that the Ghost Swordsman has only risen to fame within this last year, which shows how many masters there are in the martial world of Great Yan.”

Yan Gang, now only thirty-three, was rightly proud, a bit arrogant, and definitely sharp—these were in his nature.

But if he truly harbored extreme pride in his heart, being able to contain that pride would be incredible.

However, in this world, how many young people can truly contain their own sharpness?

In Zongzheng Yuan’s eyes, Yan Gang was still very young with a potentially limitless future, so he hoped Yan Gang could restrain his inner sharpness, much like Lou Xiangzhen once did.

Yan Gang replied, “The Ghost Swordsman has an exotic beast, the Black Flood Dragon, that is extremely fierce and capable of swallowing clouds and spitting thunder. Even a grandmaster of the Second Qi isn’t its match, and chasing Qi Shu was not its true strength.”

If it was another tribal leader, Yan Gang’s rebuttal could have turned him into a corpse by now; yet Zongzheng Yuan remained silent.

After a long while, he finally spoke, “Mu Jin Dharma King rescued Qi Shu, which has startled the enemy. This trip to Yujing City could be dangerous.”

Yan Gang immediately saluted, “I shall vow to protect the leader with my life.”

Zongzheng Yuan waved his hand and said, “Once we enter Yujing City, if the royal family of Yan Country truly wants us dead, not even Mu Jin Dharma King’s intervention would help.”

“Our task is not to fight to the death but to test the reaction of the Yan royal family.”

“You must be extra cautious of the people around you. Sometimes, the one who truly wants you dead isn’t the enemy you see, but could very well be one of our own.”

With that, Zongzheng Yuan stood up and patted the dust off his buttocks.

Upon hearing this, Yan Gang felt a chill in his heart.

Zongzheng Yuan smiled and said, “Let’s go back. If we don’t, Mu Jin Dharma King might start to worry.”

……

Yujing City, Rain Flower Courtyard, the study.

Zhao Chongyin, dressed in white, leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed.

This was his routine; every day, he would lean back in his chair without pondering anything and completely empty his mind.

This time was when his mind was clearest and when he felt the most at ease during the day.

About the time it takes for a serving of tea, Zhao Chongyin slowly opened his eyes and spoke softly.

“Come in.”

“Yes.”

Bai Jing walked in slowly.

Zhao Chongyin asked, “How did the trial go?”

Today was the day for the hearing of Daoist Master Chu Huai of Jiangnan Dao.

Bai Jing presented a stack of case files and said, “The evidence is conclusive. Chu Huai indeed committed numerous crimes in Lijiang City. Chu Nanying’s crime of shielding him is undeniable, and there are some unclear evidence as well…”

Zhao Chongyin did not take the case files but nodded.

There is a cost for every gain, and to appease Zhao Mengtai, they could not afford to cause complications at this critical juncture.

This chess piece could only be sacrificed, which served as an explanation to Zhao Mengtai.

Political games are essentially about one thing, ‘exchange.’

Bai Jing continued, “There are two more issues. First, the Houjin envoy has already reached the Northern Wilderness Dao and is expected to arrive at Yujing City in a few days. Apart from Zongzheng Yuan, this group includes the Mu Jin Dharma King, the Houjin genius swordsman Yan Gang, and several other Houjin masters. This Yan Gang has repeatedly challenged our Great Yan swordsmen, killing them with a single move.”

Zhao Chongyin recalled this name, “Yan Gang, the genius swordsman in his thirties?”

There are not many swordsmen of the Fifth Realm in this world, but only six have truly become Sword Immortals.

Zhao Chongyin naturally could not know all the swordsmen of the Fifth Realm of the world, let alone the Houjin swordsmen of the Fifth Realm.

But he was somewhat familiar with this Yan Gang, rumored to be Houjin’s first genius swordsman, who achieved the Fifth Realm at the age of thirty-three, reaching it earlier than the current world’s top swordsman, Lou Xiangzhen.

If nothing went wrong, within a few years, this man was very likely to reach the Sixth Realm.

Bai Jing added, “The sword in his hand is the Devouring Tiger Sword, also an evil weapon, perfectly complementing his Fast Sword style. Up till now, he has already killed seven swordsmen under his blade, all of whom were well-known swordsmen from our Great Yan.”

Zhao Chongyin slightly nodded, a flash of sharpness in his eyes, “What a swordsman of sharp brilliance.”

A thirty-three-year-old master of the Heavenly Flower Realm and also a Fifth Realm swordsman, his future was almost visibly limitless.

Bai Jing asked in a deep voice, “Your Highness, this man…?”

“With the identity of the Houjin envoy, boldly challenging around Great Yan right upon arrival, this man is too conspicuous.”

Zhao Chongyin calmly said, “He will not be able to leave Great Yan alive.”

The words of Zhao Chongyin carried no murderous aura, but Bai Jing felt absolutely certain inside that this genius swordsman Yan Gang would not return alive to Houjin.

Are there many geniuses in the world?

Since ancient times, countless geniuses have emerged, some even more dazzling than Xiao Qianqiu, but very few have left a mark on their era.

A genius who dies young is just another ordinary life.

Only a genius who grows and matures is a truly terrifying existence.

Bai Jing continued, “There is another matter: it is widely rumored in the martial world that the Ghost Swordsman and Lin Yiyang have had a sparring causing quite a stir, clearly manipulated by someone with an agenda.”

Zhao Chongyin nodded, “Who do you think is behind this?”

“Black Ice Platform, Houjin, all possible.”

Bai Jing thought for a moment, “They want to see internal strife and weakening within Great Yan. Last year, Lin Yiyang challenged a grandmaster and failed, but his cultivation greatly improved, breaking through that barrier and soon reaching the Sixth Realm is within reach. The power of the Ghost Swordsman has also grown astonishingly, and with the Black Flood Dragon by his side, his age unknown, he too might reach the Sixth Realm in the future.”

Zhao Chongyin rubbed his temples, “We can only do our best to stop this matter. We don’t need to intervene forcefully, but we can use their hands to kill Yan Gang.”

With worldly struggles for fame and fortune, coupled with manipulations by vested interests, even if two swordsmen indeed decide to battle, there is little he could do.

However, before that, the edge of Houjin must be blunted.

“I understand.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Jing’s eyes brightened, then she moved behind Zhao Chongyin to gently massage his temples.

Her movements were very soft, soothing, and skilled.

Zhao Chongyin showed a look of enjoyment, “With this opportunity from the Houjin envoy, I plan to invite the sect leaders from the seven major sects to Yujing City to discuss national policies.”

The martial world and the imperial court are inseparable, thus controlling the martial world is also crucial. One cannot forge metal without being strong oneself, and relying on Xuanyi Guard alone definitely cannot suppress the entire martial world.

Now was the perfect time to establish authority in the martial world.

This was also why Zhao Chongyin had spoken those words in front of Zuo Linglong last time. If Zhao Mengtai still wanted to interfere at such a moment, it was not just a simple matter of colluding with the Demon Sect.

Even Zuo Linglong and the many factions in the court dare not stand with him.

After all, in Great Yan, who becomes Emperor first needs the Great Yan Dynasty to exist.

Upon hearing this, Bai Jing’s eyes brightened, “I will have the Heroic Invitations sent out tonight.”

The gathering of the Houjin envoy and the sect leaders of the seven major sects in Yujing City would definitely be the best opportunity for Zhao Chongyin to establish his authority in the martial world.

……

Yujing City, Lv Mansion.

At noon, the sun blazed fiercely, casting myriad rays of light upon the earth.

Zhou Xianming pushed open the door, took a gentle breath, and said with a smile, “The whole day’s plan relies on the morning.”

“Your day seems quite long, as it is already long past sunrise.”

Just then, a voice arose nearby.

“Who!?”

Hearing that strange voice, Zhou Xianming instinctively retreated backward.

Looking towards the direction of the voice, he saw a man in a black robe standing under a camphor tree.

This man was none other than An Jing, who had just returned from the library without success.

“You… who are you?”

Zhou Xianming’s face suddenly turned pale.

Could it be that the person from Yu State City had followed him to Yujing City?

The sudden appearance of the man in black and his tone of voice instantly brought back some unpleasant memories.

An Jing said indifferently, “I am an old friend of Teacher Lv.”

“The teacher’s old friend?”

When Zhou Xianming heard this, his heart was shocked.

Who was Lv Guoyong, the pillar of the Great Yan Dynasty, and what kind of man could his friend be?

“So it is the teacher’s friend, my apologies, my apologies.”

Zhou Xianming quickly spoke, then silently scolded himself, feeling overly suspicious. How could the teacher’s friend be related to the man in black who had once beaten him?

This was the Lv Mansion in Yujing City, not the Spring Wind Alley of Yu State City.

An Jing smiled faintly, “I’ve heard from Teacher Lv about you; he thinks very highly of you.”

Zhou Xianming quickly bowed, “You flatter me, sir. Although my talents may seem blunt, my determination is resilient.”

An Jing asked expressionlessly, “I’ve heard you enjoy visiting brothels and listening to music; is that true or false?”

Zhou Xianming immediately changed his expression and indignantly said, “Who speaks such nonsense, fabricating stories, causing trouble, and defaming… This is a blatant smear… I, Zhou, have never been to a brothel!”

By the end of his words, his tone had become impassioned.

An Jing patted Zhou Xianming’s shoulder, “I was actually planning to invite you to visit the brothel tonight, but it seems we will have to cancel.”

Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but glance at An Jing, feeling somehow that the elder’s movements were familiar.

“What is it?” An Jing noticed Zhou Xianming’s expression and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Zhou Xianming sighed, saying, “It’s nothing, just suddenly reminded of an old friend.”

An Jing asked impassively, “Which old friend?”

Zhou Xianming said solemnly, “He was a doctor, a good man, praised by many for his medical skills that could bring the dying back to life.”

“‘Bringing the dying back to life’ is well said.”

An Jing nodded silently, then continued to ask, “Why does remembering this friend make you feel so sad?”

“He passed away not long ago.”

Zhou Xianming sighed again, sounding quite sad, “Elder, can you understand that overwhelming feeling?”

An Jing: “….”

It must be said, Zhou Xianming had a knack for finding opportunities to speak his mind, quite comparable to that youngster Han Wenxin. If it weren’t for his prior scholarly pursuits, he might truly not understand the deeper meaning of these words.

“Zhou Xianming, Zhou Xianming!”

Just then, a hurried voice came from outside the courtyard.

The two looked towards the voice and saw a slightly overweight young man running towards them.

It was Lv Jingchun, whom An Jing had subjected to the Ghost Valley Enchantment the day before.

“Eh, who are you?”

Lv Jingchun saw An Jing in a black robe and was slightly surprised.

Zhou Xianming interjected, “This elder is the teacher’s old friend; haven’t you met him before?”

Lv Jingchun looked at the man in black with a mask, murmuring, “It seems I have seen him before…”

Zhou Xianming, noticing that Lv Jingchun did not recognize An Jing, slightly raised his eyebrows and felt a flicker of doubt in his heart.

Seemingly recalling something, Lv Jingchun took out a stack of letters, proudly saying, “Right, these are letters from Yu State City, you said that once these letters arrived, you would invite me to the brothel to listen to music, right?”

Zhou Xianming indifferently took the letter and carefully tucked it into his bosom, completely forgetting the statement he had previously made.

Oh boy!

An Jing, however, widened his eyes— a letter from Yu State City, could it be from Li Yue?

Zhou Xianming unassumingly asked, “Where is the teacher now?”

Lv Jingchun replied, “Grandfather just attended the court and is now having tea in Lin Garden.”

Zhou Xianming turned to An Jing with a smile, “Senior, would you like to join us for a tea?”

“Lead the way.”

An Jing remained composed and unruffled.

Lv Jingchun glanced at the two men, hesitated to speak, and ultimately could only lead the way helplessly.

Along the way, An Jing was silent, leaving Zhou Xianming and Lv Jingchun to chat idly.

Zhou Xianming, holding the letter, remarked, “The letter arrived quite promptly today.”

Lv Jingchun took out a red invitation and said, “Someone delivered this to me this morning, so I picked it up along with that.”

Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but ask, “What is this invitation for?”

“One of my brothers is about to get married. This is the wedding invitation he sent.”

Lv Jingchun rubbed his head and chuckled goofily, “He said he would also introduce me to a stunningly beautiful girl. My brother is quite capable; he’s already a master of the Earth Flower Realm, and he’s just over thirty.”

An Jing, puzzled, thought to himself, You are Lv Guoyong’s grandson, do you even lack suitors? Shouldn’t you be marrying ten or eight women?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xianming commented, “That sounds good.”

“Oh, I wonder if she will be as beautiful as Princess An Le. I’d be content with even half her beauty.”

Saying this, Lv Jingchun looked at Zhou Xianming with melancholic envy, “I really admire you, able to conquer such a prime cabbage. I’d be fine with even a smaller one.”

Zhou Xianming remained silent, lost in thought.

An Jing shook his head; this was a case of ‘the dry dying of thirst, and the drowned of deluge.’

Soon, the three of them arrived at a garden.

They saw climbing ivy surrounding the walls, a narrow path through a stone cave leading them forward where dense trees and dazzling flowers shone, the clear stream flowing down which, after a few dozen steps, led them to a wooden pavilion standing in the center.

Lv Guoyong was seated inside the pavilion, properly dressed and brewing tea.

“Grandfather.”

Seeing Lv Guoyong, Lv Jingchun lost his earlier playfulness and instantly behaved as compliantly as a grandchild, although he indeed was a grandchild.

“Teacher.”

“Elder Lv.”

Zhou Xianming performed a deep bow, while An Jing opted to clasp his fists.

Seeing both of them, Lv Guoyong smiled, “You two arrived just in time. I was just lamenting how drinking tea alone lacks pleasure.”

With that, Lv Guoyong poured them both a cup of tea.

“Thank you, teacher.”

Zhou Xianming took the teacup with both hands.

Lv Guoyong also poured a cup for An Jing, then smiling, asked, “Have you visited the library yet?”

An Jing nodded and replied, “I did, but I didn’t find the method Elder Lv mentioned.”

He had gone to the Lv Mansion’s library first thing in the morning, but his search yielded nothing.

Lv Guoyong gently sipped his tea and said, “So many years have passed, I’ve forgotten where it was placed. Take your time, there’s no rush.”

An Jing raised an eyebrow and inquired, “Does Elder Lv really not remember anything at all?”

Lv Guoyong indifferently replied, “I remember some details. It seems related to the Beili Volcano.”

The Beili Volcano!?

An Jing suddenly recalled that Lou Xiangzhen had once told him about an Exotic Fire Bird beneath Beili Volcano, which could also extract nature’s spiritual energy. Could it be that the method was related to this creature?

However, the Fire Bird was an immensely powerful and mysterious creature, hidden deep within the volcano, and even a Grandmaster couldn’t contend with it.

As An Jing pondered, a middle-aged man hurried in. He bore some resemblance to Lv Guoyong, but his expression was one of utter urgency.

This man was Lv Fang.

“Father…..”

When Lv Fang saw the robed figure of An Jing, his speech momentarily faltered.

Lv Guoyong said indifferently, “Just say what you need to say.”

Lv Fang’s expression darkened as he spoke, “Father, Li Fuzhou has arrived, and he’s brought someone with him.”

……

Yujing City, Tianxiang Workshop.

Dressed in a brand new white robe with his hair meticulously groomed, Li Fuzhou’s expression was serious, lacking his usual carefree demeanor.

Looking at the somewhat unfamiliar yet familiar streets before him, his heart was filled with a mixture of emotions.

The road home is both short and long; short in distance, long in sentiment.

Returning to familiar places, everything seemed different; old memories related to them came flooding in unbidden.

Beside him, Tan Yun, donned in a black robe, held two sticks of candied hawthorns and said bluntly, “Master, what is your relationship with Liu Ruyun? She has been quite nice to me.”

Li Fuzhou asked, “What did she say to you?”

Tan Yun licked the sugar coating and replied, “She asked me many questions. She inquired about my childhood, how I joined the Demon Sect, what I’ve been up to these years, and what I liked to eat…”

Apart from his master, it seemed no one else had shown such concern in asking about him like that woman just did.

No, there was another person who used to buy him lots of pastries.

But that person was already dead.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Fuzhou said, “Her? She’s a good friend of your master’s.”

“A good friend? How good?”

Tan Yun was no fool. Liu Ruyun of the Liu family had once been his master’s fiancée, and it was clear from her lingering emotions.

Li Fuzhou glanced at Tan Yun and said indifferently, “She’s simply enthusiastic and kind-hearted, that’s all. Why are you thinking so much? By the way, why were you up so late last night, still keeping the lamp lit?”

Tan Yun blinked her big eyes, her heart pounding erratically, “No… nothing, I was just watching the moon last night.”

“Really? Do you need to keep the lamp lit to watch the moon?”

Li Fuzhou could not be deceived so easily, especially not by Tan Yun’s little tricks.

“Keeping the lamp lit makes it easier to see the moon clearly.”

Tan Yun nodded repeatedly, then cautiously added, “Master, I think we should leave quickly, I always feel like it’s not safe here.”

The two of them, one a Sect Master of the Demon Sect and the other a guardian, had ventured into Great Yan’s Yujing City, leaving her feeling rather uneasy.

Li Fuzhou said indifferently, “Don’t worry, Yujing City is very safe.”

As they spoke, they had already arrived in front of a mansion.

Li Fuzhou paused in his steps, standing in front of that mansion silently.

Tan Yun raised her head and looked in astonishment at the two gilded characters on the mansion, recognizing them but still compelled to ask, “Master… Master, what place is this?”

Li Fuzhou said indifferently, “Lv Mansion.”

“Clatter!”

The two candied hawthorns in Tan Yun’s hand fell to the ground, and then she turned to look at Li Fuzhou, puzzled, “Master, I was wrong.”

Li Fuzhou looked at Tan Yun with surprise, “What did you do wrong?”

“I shouldn’t have spoken ill of you behind your back, nor should I have stealthily taken your silver, nor should I have given orders in your name. Although…” Tan Yun’s face turned red with guilt, “despite all the small things I’ve done that wronged you, you can’t bring your disciple here to be killed.”

This was the place of the Lv Sect.

The mansion of the Grand Secretary of the Great Yan Cabinet, Lv Guoyong.

Li Fuzhou had once defected from this very place, and at the time of his escape from the Lv Sect, Lv Guoyong had ordered the Xuanyi Guard to go after him to kill him. If not for the help of a master from the Demon Sect, Li Fuzhou would now be nothing but a heap of dirt.

No matter how formidable Li Fuzhou was, reaching the Grandmaster Realm at best, coming to the Lv Sect was simply seeking death.

Li Fuzhou stared at the gilded characters and remained silent.

Tan Yun whispered, “Master, let’s go, why bother with a conflict of pride from the past?”

Her heart suddenly filled with fear.

Li Fuzhou patted Tan Yun on the head and offered a faint smile, “Don’t worry, our lives as master and disciple are tough; we won’t die.”

Tan Yun kept shaking her head, “Master, I’m not going.”

As she saw it, the place before her was a dragon’s den and a tiger’s lair; why would anyone from the Demon Sect venture here? It was clearly seeking death.