My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 225: Chapter 225: An Xiaoruan Sneaks a Peek at the Diary (Request for Monthly Ticket)

Ouyang Ping’s words fell, and suddenly the entire Fengyun Hall burst into an uproar.

While the Ghost Swordsman attacked Dongluo Pass, Ouyang Ping, to stabilize the morale of the Demon Sect’s experts, revealed that there was still a hidden Great Elder within the Sealing Demon Platform, whose strength surpassed even Jiang Shang.

Thus, it was without a doubt that the Demon Sect, standing alongside the present-day representative of the Mystical Sect, the Zhenyi Sect, and the Buddhist faction, possessed considerable power.

Even though the sect had begun its decline over the past few decades, with the Five Poison faction splitting from the Demon Sect, Jiang Shang losing interest in the affairs of the sect, his whereabouts unknown, Li Fuzhou imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, and a series of upheavals such as Yuan Feng’s betrayal, their actual strength undeniably existed.

Among the things the world’s experts feared most was the extremely mysterious Sealing Demon Platform, and now the veil of mystery of the Sealing Demon Platform was gradually being lifted before the eyes of the Demon Sect’s experts.

“Is the Great Elder coming out of seclusion?”

An Jing also murmured in a low voice.

Zhao Qingmei had once told him that within the Sealing Demon Platform resided a top-notch expert. With Jiang Shang’s strength now suspected to be around that of a Four Qi Grandmaster, it was very likely that this Great Elder was a Five Qi Grandmaster, but he had previously been in closed-door seclusion.

An Jing narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile, “Could it be that this Great Elder has reached……?”

Ouyang Ping glanced at An Jing and said, “I do not yet know about this matter. I only received a transmission from the Great Elder yesterday, stating that he would come out of seclusion within a month. I plan to have Zhao Qingmei visit the Sealing Demon Platform once the Great Elder is out.”

As for whether the mysterious elder of the Sealing Demon Platform had broken through his limits, Ouyang Ping was also unsure, but the Great Elder’s cultivation was absolutely among the top of this era. If he could give Zhao Qingmei some guidance, perhaps she could avoid some detours.

After all, the Demon Sect was currently weak, and rapid enhancement of Zhao Qingmei’s strength was the immediate priority for the sect.

An Jing indeed did not speak, lost in deep thought.

Not just him, but other experts of the Demon Sect also furrowed their brows, not as ecstatic as one might expect.

“You all need not worry too much.”

Seeing the signs, Ouyang Ping said, “The Great Elder was once a member of the Demon Sect, born into its ranks, and I know him very well. He absolutely will not do anything to harm the interests of the Demon Sect, like Yuan Feng did.”

“I dare to guarantee this with my own life.”

Since Yuan Feng’s betrayal and his collusion with the Soul Seeker Mansion, it indeed had a great impact on the prestige of the Sealing Demon Platform, leading to some doubts in the Demon Sect about the mysterious Sealing Demon Platform.

An Jing nodded and said, “I will discuss this matter with my wife.”

The martial arts within the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,” are too tempting to ignore. If this Sealing Demon Platform Great Elder also harbors malicious intentions, it could prove troublesome later on.

A suspected Five Qi Grandmaster’s strength is indeed fearsome.

“Let’s wait until Sect Hierarch Zhao breaks through the Second Qi,” said An Jing.

Ouyang Ping nodded and then expressed his amazement, “Sect Hierarch Zhao truly surprises people, reaching the Second Qi Realm at such a young age. Considering the history of thousands of years, such cases are rare and only comparable to a few monstrous talents from the Qin Dynasty who bathed in dragon blood.”

Lin Tianhai also stroked his beard and said, “I am seventy-three this year, and have only just entered the Grandmaster Realm. It is truly embarrassing.”

“Not bad already. I am still at the First Grade, and it seems hopeless for me to become a Grandmaster in this lifetime.”

Liu Simiao pursed his lips.

Whether a master or a genius is more scarce, it’s naturally the master, because a master not only requires aptitude, resources, temperament, but also a certain fortune.

The difficulty in creating a master can be glimpsed from the case of Li Fuzhou.

Initially, with Lv Guoyong as his support, and later although he left the Lv Sect, he found refuge under the massive tree of the Demon Sect. Recognized and supported by Jiang Shang’s master, he accessed the vast resources of the Demon Sect. Additionally, with Li Fuzhou’s transcendent temperament and perseverance, a Second Qi Grandmaster was made.

This gave rise to the heroic deed on the Eight Feet Platform, where he struck down Tang Taiyuan with his palm.

Yu Qiurong curled her lips, and couldn’t help but think to herself: “Right now, in front of you all, stands a young master who is no less than the Sect Hierarch.”

But, of course, she wouldn’t say that out loud.

Ouyang Ping thought for a while and said in a deep voice, “As long as Sect Hierarch Zhao is safe, the Demon Sect still has hope.”

All the Demon Sect members present seriously nodded in agreement.

Ouyang Ping pondered for a moment and said, “In that case, I’ll be heading back now. I’ll get in touch with Sect Hierarch Zhao after the Great Elder emerges from seclusion.”

With that, Ouyang Ping prepared to leave.

Lin Tianhai chuckled softly, “Elder Ouyang, you have come all the way here, dusty and weary. Why not return tomorrow? Allow me to host Elder Ouyang tonight.”

Liu Simiao winked and added, “That’s right, Third Elder, after such a tiring journey, why the rush to return?”

Seeing the expressions of Liu Simiao, Ouyang Ping coughed lightly and nodded, “That sounds good. Indeed, the travel has been somewhat exhausting.”

Exhausting!?

An Jing observed everyone’s expressions and then scoffed coldly to himself. For someone at the peak of the Second Qi Realm, such a journey hardly counts as wearying, right?

“Then I will go and prepare the banquet right now.”

Lin Tianhai was incredibly enthusiastic and then glanced at An Jing, saying, “Tributor An, we might discuss the mysteries of martial arts tonight, and I plan to discuss spear techniques with Elder Ouyang. Since you’re not interested in such matters…”

Liu Simiao thought of something and continually nodded, “Brother An really isn’t suited for this occasion.”

An Jing pondered for a moment and said, “Flinging spears and wielding staffs, actually, I do know a bit about them…”

But before he could finish, the few people walked out of the hall, seemingly ignoring An Jing completely, leaving him out of the loop.

“What’s there to be proud of!?”

Tan Yun was also somewhat annoyed and whispered quietly.

These people actually looked down on my son-in-law. Remember, it was my son-in-law who cured the Red Beauty Drunk in Yu Qiurong’s body.

An Jing cursed under his breath and turned to Yi Daoyun, who had been silent, “Isn’t Chief Yi going tonight?”

“No, Yi needs to go back and practice his swordsmanship.”

With that, Yi Daoyun also walked out of the hall, indifferent.

An Jing watched Yi Daoyun’s departing figure and shook his head.

Stripped of the external garment of a Grandmaster, they are still people.

There are swordsmen like Lou Xiangzhen who chase after the empty title of the best under the heavens, scholars like Li Fuzhou who are transcendentally calm, Taoists like Luo Chongyang who seek the great Dao within, and even Grandmasters like Cha Wei who faced life and death choices and begged on their knees.

After reaching the Grandmaster Realm, not many can continue pressing forward fearlessly.

It’s not that he was unwilling to put effort into martial arts, but having reached the Grandmaster Realm, advancing became exceedingly difficult; the effort invested and the results obtained were not proportional.

Moreover, already a grandmaster high above ninety-nine percent of all elites in Jianghu, how many people would still be willing to strive so hard?

“Son-in-law, let’s go back, there’s nothing appealing at the banquet.”

Tan Yun looked outside the hall, pouting as she spoke.

“Let’s go, let’s head back.”

An Jing also nodded in agreement.

Afterward, the three returned to their residence.

Yu Qiurong said by the side, “Son-in-law, I need to go to Mountain and Sea Garden this afternoon.”

Mountain and Sea Garden is a place where Demon Sect’s ‘saplings’ live and are nurtured. These saplings are mostly beggars, along with some children who joined the Demon Sect voluntarily. Now, these ‘saplings’ are mostly the core pillars of the future of the Demon Sect, which is one of the reasons why the Demon Sect could stand for thousands of years.

In addition, there are many displaced people around Mountain and Sea Garden, especially since Yan Country and Houjin had recently waged war, resulting in a large influx of refugees near Dongluo Pass. The Demon Sect had gathered these refugees and had now almost settled them all.

“Go ahead.”

An Jing waved his hand, inadvertently recalling the old beggar Li Qirong he had met in Yuan City.

“This old beggar is really ruthless.”

He had learned a bit about the battle of the Northern Wilderness Dao. The war between Yan Country and Houjin was strategized by this beggar.

Opening a gap in Heavenly Gate Pass, the Houjin army entered Northern Wilderness Dao and lost tens of cities, numbing the Houjin army and eventually annihilating these two massive armies.

This battle killed nearly two hundred thousand of the Houjin army, yet Yan Country’s military suffered little loss, preserving the majority of Yan Country’s forces. It seemed like a grand victory, but the citizens of the tens of cities, especially those at the initially lost Heavenly Gate Pass, suffered immensely.

Some see it as a great victory, but countless others criticize Li Qirong’s ruthlessness, utterly disregarding the lives of the people of Great Yan.

If Wang Shiyi had faced the Houjin army in regular combat, the great war might still be ongoing, and the Yan Country troops would have suffered terribly, with Houjin reinforcements arriving while the Northern Wilderness Dao could be even more endangered, and Zhao Country is also seizing the opportunity to move northward.

All of Great Yan was caught in turmoil, and the people were suffering deeply.

Some things inherently do not have debates over right and wrong but are a matter of pros and cons.

An Jing sighed softly, then leaned back in a chair under a tree in the courtyard, his mind revolving around the Nameless Heart Scripture and that Invisible Sword technique, exploring the mysteries of the Sixth Realm.

…….

Three days later, as August arrived, the sunshine became more intense and fierce, and the days seemed to slow down.

And the days, so uneventfully tranquil, also flashed away.

The morning sunlight poured into the courtyard, where the calls of the geese could be heard above.

Yu Qiurong arrived at Tan Yun’s room door and knocked, “Tan Yun! Tan Yun!”

“Coming.”

With a languid voice, Tan Yun came out with sleepy eyes, yawning as she said, “Sister Qiurong, are we eating so early today?”

Yu Qiurong responded irritably, “What meal? I need to help Mu Xiaoyun with some matters at Vermilion Bird Seat, handling the final handover. There will be cooks coming in the morning and at noon today.”

Hearing this, Tan Yun immediately woke up and widened her eyes.

Yu Qiurong thought for a moment, then cautioned, “Don’t be so lazy, be careful or you’ll be punished one day.”

This young girl was lively but not clever; without the Sect Leader, she completely let loose. In the Demon Sect, she needed to always be aware of her identity and position.

Tan Yun stuck out her pink tongue and laughed, “Son-in-law won’t care about these things.”

She naturally knew her way of survival; facing Zhao Qingmei and An Jing, she indeed knew what to do.

“Alright, get ready then, prepare some breakfast for Son-in-law.”

After saying this, Yu Qiurong rose and walked out of the courtyard.

Tan Yun watched Yu Qiurong leave, then returned to her room to start grooming, drawing her eyebrows, applying makeup.

Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and abruptly awoke.

“Today is the start of the month; new booksellers are supposed to come.”

Thinking this, she hurriedly changed into a black outfit, picked up the hat hanging on the wall, and cautiously exited the courtyard.

She strode briskly, and soon arrived at a bookstore.

The bookstore owner was dusting the bookshelves with a feather duster and brightened up at the sight of Tan Yun walking in, smiling as he said:

“Customer, we’ve just received a new batch of books.”

This guest left a deep impression; hidden face but generous, never haggling, and always arriving on time when there were new arrivals.

“New stock?”

Tan Yun pondered for a moment, then said, “Pack them all for me.”

As she spoke, she pulled out some silver from her chest.

“Alright, I’ll get them for you right away.”

The owner responded and went behind the bookshelf to pull out several brand new volumes.

Tan Yun’s heart warmed immediately, and she prepared to take the books and leave, her heart leaping with joy: With these books, there’s no loneliness tonight.

Just then, a figure approached; the man was dressed in brocade, lavish in appearance—it was none other than Lin Tianhai, the head of the Azure Dragon Sect.

At this moment, Tan Yun had not employed the Human Sect Secret Technique, so Lin Tianhai recognized her at a glance and couldn’t help asking, “Tan Yun, what are you doing?”

“Uncle… Uncle Tianhai.”

Tan Yun, seeing the familiar person, panicked, her voice trembling slightly.

Oh no, how had she run into Lin Tianhai here!?

“This is…..”

Lin Tianhai glanced at the books in Tan Yun’s arms, vaguely able to see the name of the top book, “Wild Bed Chronicles.”

“Good heavens!”

Lin Tianhai exclaimed internally, his expression turning to one of astonishment as he looked at Tan Yun.

Had this dim-witted girl, Tan Yun, also been tainted by the worldly dust!?

“Uncle Tianhai.”

Suddenly as if enlightened, Tan Yun said solemnly, “I hope you can keep this secret for my husband.”

“The doctor?”

Lin Tianhai raised an eyebrow.

Tan Yun nodded shyly, “Yes, my husband has been working hard, studying late into the night every day, and he has become quite haggard these past few days.”

Lin Tianhai remembered that An Jing had indeed not been in as good spirits as before since returning from the Russell Clan a few days ago, and suddenly thought of Zhao Qingmei, realizing the situation at once.

This doctor is really talented!

What use is there in learning poison techniques or swordsmanship?

Those are just trivial matters.

It’s better to learn the bedroom techniques and win the Sect Hierarch’s favor, this is the truly clever move, the true great path.

No wonder the doctor’s status had risen sharply lately, even Duanmu Xinghua had changed her attitude towards him.

Lin Tianhai took a deep breath and praised, “This Doctor An is truly a man of great wisdom, I admire, truly admire him.”

Really or not!?

Tan Yun’s eyes widened, could reading this kind of trivial book really denote great wisdom?

I have been reading the book for half a year and have never felt that way.

After a moment of silence, Tan Yun coughed lightly and said, “Uncle Tianhai, my husband doesn’t want others to know about this…”

“I understand.”

Lin Tianhai nodded seriously, “Tell that young doctor to take care of his health.”

After all, Zhao Qingmei was a Grandmaster expert, the doctor appeared decent too, and moreover, he was a Divine Doctor. If something fatal were to happen, the Demon Sect would be down one Divine Doctor.

Tan Yun pursed her lips and said, “I understand, Uncle Tianhai, my husband is waiting for me.”

“Go on.”

Lin Tianhai waved his hand.

Tan Yun, holding the book, hurriedly left.

Lin Tianhai watched Tan Yun’s departing figure, stroking his beard and sighed, “So it is, it seems I and the Poison King have fallen into the lower ranks. Poison techniques, swordsmanship, how can these compare to bedroom techniques? This doctor is indeed a clever man.”

……

In a separate courtyard, in the bedroom.

As usual, An Jing slightly opened his eyes after circulating his spiritual energy three times.

“Although the ‘Nameless Heart Scripture’ is very mysterious, I always feel there is something amiss with it, could it be due to the lack of the ‘Beidou Seven Stars Technique’?”

In recent days, the cultivation of the ‘Nameless Heart Scripture’ had been incredibly rapid, and although it could directly absorb nature’s spiritual energy, An Jing still felt somewhat uneasy, thus guessing it was due to the incompleteness of the ‘Nameless Heart Scripture’.

The ‘Beidou Seven Stars Technique’ was the foundational martial arts heart method of the Zhenyi Sect, only Sect Leaders like Xiao Qianqiu and Ye Ding could practice it. Obtaining the verbal formulas and heart method from these two was as tough as ascending to heaven.

“Back then at Liu’s Villa, I almost obtained the ‘Beidou Seven Stars Technique’….”

An Jing pressed down with his palm preparing to get up, just at that moment a spark of inspiration flashed through his mind, he quickly stood and went over to the table, searching for something, but found nothing.

“Not on the table, this place is too conspicuous.”

“Look at other places, based on Qingmei’s usual behavior and her nature, I guess it’s in the wardrobe.”

…..

An Jing, having thought it over, came to Zhao Qingmei’s wardrobe, then opened it and began rifling through the bottom of it.

Soon, his hand touched something, a smile spread across his face, “Found it.”

He withdrew his hand from the wardrobe, bearing three words, ‘Diary.’

“Hahaha.”

An Jing looked at the ‘Diary’ in his hand, bursting into excited laughter, this seemed even more thrilling than when he had initially obtained the ‘Nameless Heart Scripture’.

What exactly was written inside Zhao Qingmei’s ‘Diary’?

“This is what you said yourself, to be open and honest.”

An Jing muttered to himself, gently opening the ‘Diary’, and as the pages turned, it was as if memories sealed in the annals of time were revealed.

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 3rd, clear.

Today the weather is very nice, moved by yesterday’s injury to our followers, I personally took action today. With a single press, I suppressed Xi Jikui, also avenging our followers and offering some comfort.

Rushed back home afterwards, chopped and prepared vegetables, hoping my husband would like the dinner I’m preparing.

Unfortunately, with such nice weather today, I couldn’t go out with him, feeling somewhat regretful, wanting to discuss going out with him again tonight… we’ll talk about it later tonight, it’s a good opportunity to try out the new trick I’ve learned.”

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 6th, cloudy.

Today I went to listen to an opera, and at night as I was about to undress and sleep,

my brother lifted my chin with one hand, teasingly said, ‘Girl, come sing a tune for your lord!’

I bit his hand and laughed, ‘Respectable sir, please show some respect, I only sell my body, not my art!’

But my brother’s face suddenly changed, ‘Ran into the muzzle.'”

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 11th, clear.

After my brother had bathed, he lay on the bed reading, upon seeing this I pounced like a hungry tiger. Fiercely I said, ‘Hehe, young sir, you look good, I want to taste something fresh today!’

“Brother swore to resist unto death, I could only turn to him with a gentle tone, ‘My lord, please comply with this young lady.’

Brother stated tremblingly, ‘Give me a reason first!’

An idea struck me, and after glancing at brother, I said, ‘This young lady follows An’s Divine Doctor whose medical skills are exquisite! Today has specially come to learn more.’

Upon hearing this, brother could only laugh and say, ‘Then today, brother can only pass on all he knows.’

In the end, brother fatally struck, throwing off his armor and helmet, utterly defeated.”

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 20, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 21, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping thirteenth year, November 22, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping fourteenth year, January 24, clear.

Tonight, heading to Liu Wood Manor, encountered the Ghost Swordsman, accidentally killed Qi Yun. I originally wanted to snatch the ‘Beidou Seven Stars Technique’, to possibly combine it with ‘Jade Emperor Scripture’ for my husband’s cultivation in the future, but it fell short. This Ghost Swordsman indeed has some strength, unknown which power he belongs to, but he has always been lurking in Yu State City, always a menace. To prevent any risks, I must find him.”

After a fierce battle with the Ghost Swordsman late into the night, I hurried back and saw my tired husband, immediately feeling a bit guilty, feeling like I had deceived him. I only hope the empire can be stabilized soon to return to my true self, to return to a peaceful life … Hmm, naturally rebellious, I was unexpectedly overthrown last night, my waist even feels a bit sore … There are less than ten days left before I leave, suddenly feeling reluctant to part from brother.”

“Taiping fourteenth year, January 15, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping fourteenth year, January 17, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping fourteenth year, January 18, clear, day after day.”

“Taiping fourteenth year, January 25, cloudy, today is the day to leave Yu State City and return to Dongluo Pass. Looking at brother, I always feel somewhat reluctant to leave, really want to tell him everything, but… I must solve all lingering concerns.”

……

As the pages continued to turn, pages of the diary came into view.

“This….this…..”

An Jing, looking at the ‘Diary’ in his hands, had his mouth wide open, as if he could fit an egg in it.

He never expected Zhao Qingmei’s ‘Diary’ to be an actual diary.

An Jing took a deep breath and continued reading.

……

Dongluo Pass, quiet chamber.

Zhao Qingmei, dressed in black, was seated cross-legged on a cushion, having absorbed all of Qiu Fengsheng’s three Heaven and Earth Spirit Essences, her body contained a great amount of essence.

She then circulated the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’, and the True Qi around seemed hugely attracted, like waves continuously rushing toward Zhao Qingmei.

True Qi rapidly entered Zhao Qingmei’s whole body, flowing into every corner, immediately making her feel a warmth all over.

As time passed, as more and more True Qi was absorbed, a massive amount of True Qi around began to turn misty, slowly condensing without dispersing, forming droplets of True Qi rain.

Suddenly, a cold divine light slowly refracted around Zhao Qingmei, fiercely tearing open the surrounding True Qi, sending a powerful surge through the air.

Second Qi Grandmaster!

After the breakthrough, she didn’t waste time, continuously absorbing True Qi, constantly strengthening her cultivation.

Zhao Qingmei’s cultivation was visibly growing at a visible rate.

About another hour later, she slowly opened her eyes.

“Reached the realm of Second Qi Grandmaster, I can exit the retreat now.”

With that, she got up and walked out of the quiet chamber.

The sunshine was bright, casting on her garments like a layer of misty gauze, since it was still early morning, the sun wasn’t too hot.

“I wonder if brother is awake yet.”

Zhao Qingmei’s lips curled slightly upward as walked towards the front courtyard.

Outside the quiet chamber, along the corridor, many of the Demon Sect experts bowed and respectfully said, ‘Greetings, Sect Hierarch, on your exit from retreat!’

Zhao Qingmei just nodded indifferently and quickly walked towards the courtyard she longed for.

Her steps were fast, and soon she reached inside the courtyard.

“Hmm!? Are both Tan Yun and Qiurong not here?”

Hearing no sound inside, Zhao Qingmei found it peculiar and quickly walked toward her own bedroom.

“Creak—!”

As the door was pushed open, she saw An Jing lying on the bed, holding a book and laughing heartily.”

“Brother!”

Seeing An Jing laugh so joyously, Zhao Qingmei couldn’t help but smile and asked, “What’s so funny?”

“My lady, did you successfully break through to the Second Qi?”

An Jing blinked and sat up, the book in his hand subconsciously retracting behind him.

He had been so engrossed that he hadn’t even heard the footsteps.

The Diary!

That was her diary!

Zhao Qingmei also saw the book in An Jing’s hands, her eyes widening in shock, a great sense of embarrassment flooding her, followed by a piercing shriek tearing through the sky.

“Ah—-!”

“An Jing, you dared to peek at my diary!?”

…..

PS: Today’s update is short; I seek a monthly ticket for encouragement.