My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 226: Chapter 226: Fresh and Delicious Crab Meat Bun (Please Subscribe for Monthly Ticket)

An Jing looked at Zhao Qingmei, who was a mix of embarrassment and anger, and suddenly had a bad feeling, subconsciously saying, “I was sleeping, and I don’t know how this ‘Diary’ appeared on my face….”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

Unconvinced by such a blatant lie, Zhao Qingmei stretched out her hand and reached out to capture An Jing.

An Jing’s body vaulted up, instantly disappearing from the bed.

“You dare to dodge?”

Seeing this, Zhao Qingmei became even more furious, channeling her True Qi and slamming a palm towards him.

An Jing dodged again, and the surge of hand force hit the table behind him, immediately shattering the sturdy sandalwood table into pieces.

“Madam, that was bought with silver,” An Jing said, sweat beading on his forehead at the sight of the broken wood on the floor.

Zhao Qingmei’s face still flushed with embarrassment, she said, “An Xiao Soft, come here.”

An Jing raised an eyebrow as if realizing something, “Who is An Xiao Soft?”

Zhao Qingmei stared into An Jing’s eyes, “Who is An Xiao Soft? Don’t you know in your heart?”

“I can’t take that,” An Jing retorted, looking up with some pride, “How good my kidneys are, may be unknown to others, but don’t you know?”

There was a fiery look in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes as she said, “An Xiao Soft, who let you read my diary?”

An Jing walked over to Zhao Qingmei, wrapped an arm around her fragrant shoulders, and said, “Come on, Madam, I haven’t finished reading it yet, and it doesn’t count as reading if it’s not complete. You can just hide it back in the wardrobe.”

Zhao Qingmei’s brows arched in anger, she yelled, “How do you know it’s in the wardrobe? How can you say you weren’t snooping?”

An Jing: “….”

“You were snooping.”

“It wouldn’t really be considered snooping; I was openly reading it.”

“You… you’re making me so angry!”

“Madam, let’s discuss some serious matters now.”

…..

Inside the bedroom, the two of them had a ‘fierce argument.’

“A dish of pickled cabbage, a dish of stir-fried shredded pork, deep-fried meatballs, and sweet and sour fish, all four vegetable dishes set out, just waiting for my sprightly young lord outside.”

It was at this moment that Tan Yun came back with newly bought books, humming a light tune along the way.

For her, having food to eat, drinks to enjoy, and books to read was the happiest thing in the world.

Of course, she also had to rescue her master.

Just as she stepped into the courtyard, she suddenly heard the sound of a table shattering from inside the bedroom, followed by Zhao Qingmei’s shouting and An Jing’s comforting voice.

“What… what’s going on? Did the Sect Hierarch leave seclusion?”

Tan Yun hurriedly crouched under the stone table, cautiously peering towards the bedroom.

In her memory, Zhao Qingmei rarely scolded An Jing like this. Imagining An Jing being scolded and lectured by Zhao Qingmei, Tan Yun couldn’t help but sigh to herself.

“It seems my son-in-law’s ‘soft rice’ isn’t that easy to eat.”

Upon careful consideration, An Jing came to the Demon Sect, a stranger in a strange land with no friends or relatives, not even someone to drink with to relieve his boredom. If he’s now despised by the Sect Hierarch, that would be truly pitiable.

“Thump!”

Just then, Zhao Qingmei burst out of the room, her eyes landing on Tan Yun hiding under the stone table and spying, “You, come here.”

“Sect Hierarch!”

Tan Yun tucked the books into her bosom and cautiously approached.

Zhao Qingmei ordered, “Go, prepare some food, the son-in-law is hungry and needs to eat.”

“Me?”

Tan Yun was a bit confused. Zhao Qingmei seldom let her cook when she was around, what was happening today?

“Don’t listen to her,” An Jing intervened, saying, “You work hard all day long, washing and cooking, which is already very tough. How can we let you do the cooking?”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes sharpened, “She is my personal maid, she naturally has to listen to me. Tan Yun, go cook!”

“Yes.”

Tan Yun held the book in her arms, ready to turn around and leave, when An Jing suddenly called out.

“Don’t go.”

“I said go!”

Zhao Qingmei’s tone was cold, “Whose orders are you listening to?”

An Jing took a deep breath, playing the emotional card, “Tan Yun, have I not been good to you?”

Both of them turned to look at Tan Yun.

Tan Yun stood there, stiff as a board, feeling troubled, “Young Master, you have indeed been very good to me, but the Sect Hierarch’s commands…”

Young Master, oh Young Master, don’t you understand such a simple principle that an arm is no match for a thigh?

Zhao Qingmei, hearing this, let her lips curl slightly upward, “That’s more like it. Now go and cook for Young Master.”

“Yes, I’ll go now.”

Without giving An Jing a chance to speak, Tan Yun took off running toward the distance; she had been eager to show off her culinary skills in front of Young Master for quite some time.

Watching the joyous figure of Tan Yun, An Jing’s mouth twitched, and then his thoughts turned to the Earth Book, but he noticed no changes.

Could the Earth Book have malfunctioned, failing to notice such an obvious dark opportunity!?

Seeing this, Zhao Qingmei’s lips revealed a trace of a smile, seeming to have found a way to deal with An Jing.

“My lady, cough cough cough.”

An Jing cleared his throat.

“You must eat all of the food that Tan Yun makes, otherwise, I will not forgive you,” Zhao Qingmei said, waving her sleeve as she quickly walked into the room to put away her diary.

Eat it all!?

An Jing’s eyes darkened as he felt as if the sky was collapsing.

“What are you doing?”

Zhao Qingmei turned around to find An Jing heading toward the exit and couldn’t help but ask.

An Jing resignedly said, “I’ll ask Tan Yun to make less.”

“No way.”

Zhao Qingmei’s heart blossomed with joy, but she still said in an annoyed tone: “Just sit there properly.”

No matter how An Jing explained, Zhao Qingmei didn’t seem to want to listen; the only thing that could appease her was eating the food that Tan Yun prepared.

Soon, half an hour passed.

“Sect Hierarch, Young Master, I’ve finished cooking the dishes.”

At this moment, Tan Yun peeked her little head out from outside the door.

At this time, her cheeks were dusted with some fine white powder, looking quite comical and playful.

“Husband, please have your meal.”

Zhao Qingmei said with a smug smile.

“Ah.”

An Jing sighed heavily, asking listlessly, “Tan Yun, what did you make today… for the meal?”

Tan Yun whispered, “Young Master, I steamed buns, I’m sure they’ll suit your taste.”

Saying this, the three of them went to the Dining Hall, where they saw a pile of plates on the table, carrying seven or eight fist-sized buns.

These buns were uniform in size, the dough white and soft, resembling autumn chrysanthemums shrouded in mist, and they indeed looked quite appealing.

“You made these?”

An Jing, upon seeing this, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes as he looked left and right; the buns appeared quite delicious.

Zhao Qingmei also raised an eyebrow, looking toward Tan Yun.

Tan Yun nodded, “Yes, my mother taught me how to make buns when I was young.”

Who isn’t a maid with nimble hands and a clever mind?

Zhao Qingmei couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, “You didn’t buy them from the street, did you?”

“No, no, I definitely made them myself,” Tan Yun quickly waved her hands, “My mother said, what matters in making buns is that they should be soft and tasty, fresh and not greasy; I made the dough and filling all by myself.”

An Jing tapped the soft bun with his finger, finding the texture indeed very satisfying, “Not bad at all, Tan Yun, you’ve grown up.”

“Mister, please try it and see, how does it taste?”

Tan Yun, hearing this, a glint of joy appeared in her eyes, finally having received her husband’s approval.

An Jing pinched the bun with his fingers, chuckling, “Madam, cooking is not that difficult. With Tan Yun being so intelligent, how could she possibly fail to learn?”

Zhao Qingmei, however, gave Tan Yun a look without saying a word.

An Jing picked up the bun and sniffed it, unable to suppress his comment, “This bun looks extremely delicious at first glance.”

Tan Yun also couldn’t wait, urging, “Mister, I’ve prepared for quite a while to make this bun, please taste it.”

“Alright.”

An Jing took a bite and a ‘crack’ sound was heard, his facial expression instantly changing.

He looked at the bun in his hand, only to see a crab claw nestled inside the tender bun, complete with his own teeth marks on it.

“Giggle giggle giggle giggle.”

Zhao Qingmei could no longer hold back and began to laugh while holding her stomach.

Tan Yun proudly said, “Mister, this is a crab meat bun. I spent a lot of money having a trader bring this crab. Go on and eat, I assure you the crab meat is cooked this time.”

An Jing: “…..”

Tan Yun reminded him, “Mister, why aren’t you eating? You can just take out the crab and eat it.”

An Jing plucked out the crab claw from the bun, expressing his distress, “Do you know how to make walnut-flavored buns?”

Tan Yun pondered thoughtfully, then her eyes lit up, “You’re right, Mister. Why didn’t I think of that?”

……

The afternoon sun carried a hint of leisureliness.

After hiding her diary again, Zhao Qingmei slowly exited the room.

“Madam, I have urgent matters to discuss with you.”

An Jing lay under a tree, waving Zhao Qingmei over.

“Speak, but if you dare mention the diary, don’t blame me for being unfriendly,” said Zhao Qingmei, biting her lip.

She swore that this time she definitely wouldn’t let An Jing find her diary again.

An Jing took a deep breath and said, “Ouyang Ping came by a few days ago. He said that the Great Elder from the Sealing Demon Platform is about to emerge from seclusion.”

Zhao Qingmei was clearly surprised by this news, “The Great Elder is coming out of seclusion?”

The Great Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform, as Ouyang Ping had mentioned – his cultivation was even above that of Jiang Shang, deemed a peak expert of the current era, but it seemed his lifespan was running short, thus he planned to enter a life-or-death seclusion to break through his constraints.

Although Ouyang Ping hadn’t been explicit, upon careful thought, one could guess that this Great Elder must be a Five Qi Grandmaster.

Five Qi!

That was nearly reaching the status of a Great Grandmaster.

Most of the Grandmasters in the land were hidden in hermitage, seeking to glimpse the realm of the Great Grandmasters. However, the closest level to the Great Grandmasters was indeed that of the Five Qi Grandmasters.

Even Xiao Qianqiu, who had the best chance of reaching the Great Grandmaster level, was not yet at the Five Qi stage and still needed to elevate his cultivation into the realm of Five Qi before that.

An Jing nodded, “It’s in a month. He will notify us again when the time comes.”

Zhao Qingmei continued to inquire, “Did Elder Ouyang say whether the Great Elder had breached his constraints?”

“He wasn’t very clear about the specifics.”

An Jing somewhat worriedly said, “Elder Ouyang mentioned that this Great Elder is different in temperament from Yuan Feng and Jiang Shang, but the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture is one of the three great secret techniques of this era. He couldn’t possibly be unmoved by it.”

Zhao Qingmei spoke slowly, “This Great Elder’s name is Jun Qinglin, and he was the closely-knit sworn brother of the Second Last Sect Leader. It was because of this relationship that he joined the Demon Sect. Strictly speaking, he is the highest-ranked person in the Demon Sect by generation, and even Jiang Shang’s martial uncle by seniority. Feng Lingyue of the Five Poison Sect also received guidance from him back in the day.

“His cultivation is profound and unfathomable; he was one of the top experts in the world back then, having even defeated the Sect Leader of the Zhenyi Sect, the renowned ‘Hua’ generation expert. Even the Second Last Sect Hierarch was no match for him, and he was known as the number one expert of the Demon Sect. His fame stood alongside the likes of You Gai the Beggar, the Sword God, and the Sword Demon, ranking among the top in the world. Now around a hundred and ten years old, many people thought he had died just like the preceding Hierarch. If it hadn’t been for Ouyang Ping’s words, I wouldn’t have known Jun Qinglin was still alive.”

As An Jing listened, his heart became heavy as well.

You Gai was a Grandmaster who had achieved Heavenly Human Communication, while the Sword God and Sword Demon were Swordsmen who might have glimpsed into the Sixth Realm. Being able to stand alongside such masters, it was apparent how highly skilled Jun Qinglin was.

He was undeniably a genuine old monster of the current world.

After pondering for a moment, An Jing expressed his true thoughts, “Here’s what I’m thinking – if Jun Qinglin truly wants the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture, giving it to him wouldn’t be impossible.”

The Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture might be one of the three great secret techniques of the age, but An Jing had the Nameless Heart Scripture, which surpassed the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture. Therefore, the Demon Scripture wasn’t as invaluable as one might imagine. Besides, exchanging this heart method for the favor or even assistance of a Five Qi Grandmaster wouldn’t be a loss.

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly, “It wouldn’t be a problem to give it to him, and moreover, I think we could slowly pass this Demon Scripture on to Duanmu Xinghua and Ouyang Ping. Whether they can truly harness it will depend on their destiny.”

An Jing said with a smile, “It’s good as long as you have a clear idea.”

Heart Method Martial Arts like the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” are not necessarily the best to possess, for such profound and vast martial arts are extremely difficult for ordinary people to even begin practicing. If they cannot cultivate to the top three levels, they might as well practice a Heavenly Martial level mental method.

Zhao Qingmei said, “Then we’ll wait for Ouyang Ping’s news. When the time comes, we’ll go visit Jun Qinglin together.”

“Good.”

An Jing thought to himself, ‘With the Earth Book in hand, if I sense any ill intentions from Jun Qinglin, I can make preparations in advance.’

After discussing further, something occurred to An Jing, “Also, about our previous deliberations on forming an alliance with Yan Country, I think there might be some complications to it.”

After all, the Demon Sect had many enemies in the Great Yan Martial World, and it was previously a forbidden sect. Now that it suddenly wants to ally with Yan Country, things will definitely not be so simple.

There will be obstructions within Yan Country itself, and even Houjin and Zhao Country may hinder this alliance.

Zhao Qingmei revealed the secret of the Buddhist eastern expedition, “Originally, when Buddhism came eastward, it was Universal Literary Vajra, the head of Leiyin Temple, who personally traveled to Yujing City to discuss with the Human Emperor.”

An Jing raised his eyebrows and said, “No, you cannot go to Yujing City.”

The Demon Sect is different from Buddhism. Universal Literary Vajra represents the Zen Sect, but in Buddhism, there is not only Zen but also the even more powerful Lotus Sect.

The Human Emperor, to win over Buddhism, would not dare to do anything excessive. However, if the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect went to Yujing City, it would be a different story.

Zhao Qingmei smiled and said, “Of course, I have no intention of going. By that time, we can send Duanmu Xinghua to do it.”

Duanmu Xinghua, the head of the Demon Sect Heavenly Sect, held high status and had a position sufficient for negotiating.

An Jing nodded slightly, agreeing that Duanmu Xinghua was a good choice.

……

Southern Barbarian Capital, Holy City.

The fertile land and abundant resources of Yan Country and Zhao Country, with rich soil perfect for cultivation and irrigation.

The Southern Barbarians, backed by the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, also had their own unique advantages. Moreover, with the mountains as a natural barrier, easy to defend and hard to attack, and with Zhao and Yan Countries constraining each other, the Southern Barbarians kept profiting from both sides.

Though slightly less influential than Zhao and Yan Countries, with a deep historical heritage, the power of the Southern Barbarian Royal Court was concentrated in the hands of the Great Wizard. The old shackles of thought had never been broken, keeping the country’s power from developing, but there was no shortage of experts.

In an ancient and vicissitude-filled hall, a burly and tall man sat at the head of the table, playing with an odd little snake in his hand.

The snake had lively eyes, hissing with its tongue and shimmering with a purple-green glow along its body. Looking towards its tail, one could see another head.

Such a strange two-headed snake was indeed rare and peculiar.

At the end of the hall sat an old man with white hair; on the table beside him was a deep blue long knife.

The Black Ice Platform’s Proud Frost Knife wielder, Lv Qiujian.

Lv Qiujian took a sip from his teacup before saying, “Cong Chu, Great Wizard, it has been a long time since we last met. You are more splendid than before, congratulations.”

Cong Chu, one of the ten great wizards of the Southern Barbarians, high in status and power, was one of the Southern Barbarian leader’s close confidants.

Playing with the two-headed snake, Cong Chu said, “You know how I am; I dislike beating around the bush. Let’s cut the pleasantries—you’re not here just to visit me, are you?”

Lv Qiujian chuckled lightly and said, “Since Great Wizard Cong Chu is straightforward, I won’t hide my intentions. You should know about the war between Yan Country and Houjin, correct?”

Hearing this, Cong Chu seemed to guess Lv Qiujian’s intentions and replied calmly, “I think that besides recluses who are detached from worldly affairs, there would be no one who doesn’t know of it.”

Lv Qiujian set down his teacup, “Although Houjin was defeated in this battle, it was not a crushing defeat, and with the Holy Master’s talent for leadership, he will surely not give up easily. There will be another major battle between Houjin and Yan Country, a real battle.”

“Yan Country is wealthy and powerful, and has a powerful national spirit. It will be difficult to determine the victor in the short term, and this presents an opportunity to change the world’s political landscape.”

“Hiss!” At this moment, the two-headed snake in Cong Chu’s hand hissed, and its cold eyes shone with a chilling light.

“Indeed, it is a good opportunity,” Cong Chu said, neither confirming nor denying Lv Qiujian’s words.

Yan Country occupied the central position of the world, thus holding much of the world’s fortune. Southern Barbarians had attempted several times to leave the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains but were always suppressed by the yan Kingdom Court.

The Southern Barbarians then took advantage of the conflict between Yan Country and Zhao Country and began to erode Yan’s territories through clandestine actions. Nanhua Mountain’s Seven Evils Sect was their most important supported sect, which had gained considerable fame in the Great Yan Martial World. But not long ago, Wizard Liang Mo died under the Ghost Swordsman’s blade, revealing Southern Barbarians’ intentions under broad daylight and resulting in the Xuanyi Guard extensively purging them.

Including the officials and martial forces colluding with Southern Barbarians, they were all bloodily cleansed, and their years of planning dissipated like smoke, suffering heavy losses.

Now that the Yan Kingdom Court was in turmoil and Zhao Country and Houjin were eyeing Yan with covetous intent, it would be impossible for the Southern Barbarians to remain indifferent.

Lv Qiujian looked at Cong Chu and said, “I came specifically to invite the leader of the Southern Barbarians to compete for Yan Country.”

After pondering for a long while, Cong Chu said, “If Houjin wins the battle against Yan Country, or if they continue at a stalemate, then indeed the numerous tribes of the Southern Barbarians would unite to attack Yan Country. But now that Yan Country has won, and you should know, our tribes are numerous. It would be difficult to make such a significant decision in a short time……”

Lv Qiujian secretly sneered. If Houjin had won, my Zhao Country would have moved north already; I wouldn’t be wasting time with you here. Your tribes are many, and the Southern Barbarians’ leader can influence them all with just a wave. Now, when presented with such a favorable policy, if he could not make decisions, that would truly be laughable.

Lv Qiujian was well aware of Cong Chu’s evasion.

He laughed lightly and said, “I hope Great Wizard Cong Chu understands that opportunities are fleeting and won’t come again.”

From the beginning, there was a loud laugh, “The Southern Barbarians have suffered in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains for a long time, if there is a chance to get out, naturally they will not let it slip away.”

“Good”

Lv Qiujian stood up and said, “Then I will just wait for the message from Great Wizard Cong Chu.”

“Good, someone see the guest out.”

Cong Chu said with a smiling expression.

After that, Lv Qiujian left the great hall, and suddenly only Cong Chu remained.

“Hiss–!”

The double-headed snake hissed, seemingly recovering from the irritable mood it was in earlier.

Cong Chu’s smile gradually faded as he said, “You heard everything we just discussed, didn’t you?”

“Father, I heard everything.”

At that moment, a graceful figure emerged, asking, “Didn’t you say that now is a good opportunity? Why not agree to Zhao Country’s proposal and report this matter to our lord?”

Clad in a light gauze, the woman had a graceful and enchanting figure, her looks seductive and charming—especially when she smiled or frowned, it carried an alluring charm to the bone.

This woman was none other than Cong Chu’s daughter, Cong Xinyue.

Cong Chu stroked the serpent’s body and sneered, “The alliance of Houjin with Zhao Country to plot against Yan Country is known to all, Yan Country itself is powerful, and with the Zhenyi Sect residing there, now they are joined by the Buddhist, a great battle is inevitable. When the snipe and the clam grapple, it is the fisherman who profits. Why shouldn’t we, the Southern Barbarians, take advantage of this opportunity as fishermen? If I can see this situation clearly, how could our lord of the Southern Barbarians not be aware?”

“Now is not the best time for us to intervene.”

Cong Xinyue nodded in understanding upon hearing this, showing an enlightened expression.

Cong Chu thought for a moment and then spoke calmly, “Spread the news of Lv Qiujian appearing in the Southern Barbarians to Yan Country, I am certain it won’t be long before envoys from Yan Country will set foot on our land.”

“Yes!”

A light sparked in Cong Xinyue’s eyes upon hearing this, “Father is truly far-sighted. With this, the Southern Barbarians will have the initiative. Both parties will have to offer some benefits to us.”

Cong Chu waved his hand and said, “First, let’s secure some minor profits to offset the losses our Southern Barbarians have suffered recently.”

……

Five Poison Mountain, Thunder Pool.

After several months of recovery, the Thunder Pool was now dense with a substantial amount of thunder elements, and white misty fog with lightning arcing through it filled the air.

The ancestor of the Five Poison Sect, Feng Lingyue, stood above the Thunder Pool, gazing into the distance with a serene expression.

Next to him stood a beautiful woman with a hint of coldness in her demeanor.

She was Dai Danshu’s daughter, Dai Ling, known in Jianghu as the Ice Beauty for her renown.

Dai Ling followed Feng Lingyue’s gaze and spoke softly, “Ancestor, can the Thunder Beast be reborn?”

Feng Lingyue, with his hands clasped behind his back, replied, “The Thunder Beasts are born from the lightning arcs in the Thunder Pool, as long as the Thunder Pool endures, new Thunder Beasts will emanate from it. However, Thunder Beasts are inherently ferocious and cunning, and they will even attack their own kind, which is why ordinarily, you would only find one Thunder Beast in the Thunder Pool. The Ghost Swordsman killed one not long ago, but it was merely a juvenile.”

“I believe soon, a new Thunder Beast will emerge from this Thunder Pool.”

As Dai Ling heard the words ‘Ghost Swordsman,’ she exhaled softly.

Ever since Tian Cansou Zhang Zhixing died at the hands of the Ghost Swordsman and Li Fuzhou, she secretly vowed to avenge Zhang Zhixing, but now one is dead, and the other is imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, her vengeance had been carried out in such a manner.

The martial world is indeed fascinating; your enemies don’t necessarily need to be dealt with by your own hands, and they might not even escape this vast Jianghu.

With these thoughts, Dai Ling couldn’t help but sigh lightly, “This Jianghu is indeed a magical place.”

“Oh? How is it magical?”

Upon hearing Dai Ling make such a remark, Feng Lingyue couldn’t help but ask with a smile.

With a flicker of spiritual light in her eyes, Dai Ling spoke softly, “Those who are in Jianghu wish to get out, while those who are outside wish to enter.”

Feng Lingyue’s smile deepened as he gazed into the distance and said, “What people call Jianghu is nothing but a stage for fame and wealth. Those who talk of withdrawing from Jianghu are merely tired of the game and wish to leave.”

“But where in this world can you find such a good arrangement, where after winning and profiting, one can withdraw with ease? I have never entertained such a thought. The moment I stepped into the Jianghu, I never once thought of leaving. If I were to die one day, I would want to be buried right here in the Jianghu.”

What Feng Lingyue detested most were those who claimed to retire from Jianghu. Did they really think they ruled over Jianghu all by themselves?

To think one can come and go as one pleases?

Even in death, he intended to die within the confines of the Jianghu.

Dai Ling hastily said, “Ancestor, your cultivation is profound; how could you die?”

“There are many in this world whose cultivation is far superior to mine. Take for instance Zongzheng Yuan, who was at the rank of Second Qi Grandmaster and had high-ranking protectors. Wasn’t he still killed without a trace?”

Feng Lingyue spoke solemnly, “The Demon Sect is about to return to Great Yan, which will put our Five Poison Sect in a position far more dangerous than now. What will happen then, who can predict it?”

Great Yan faces enemies on both sides now, with Houjin to the north and Zhao Country to the south. It is clear to any discerning observer that these two countries have long been plotting against Yan Country. For Yan Country, an alliance with the Demon Sect seems to be the best option right now.

It seems the Yan Country Court is currently preparing for an alliance; the Demon Sect’s entry into Great Yan is merely a matter of time.

The Demon Sect and the Five Poison Sect originally had grievances, and with the recent siege of the Demon Sect, Feng Lingyue’s eager response to the call undoubtedly deepened the enmity.

Once the Demon Sect returns to Great Yan, they will surely deal with the Five Poison Sect swiftly.

Dai Ling asked, “But didn’t the Zhenyi Sect promise the elder ancestor?”

“Promises are worth their weight in gold to those who keep them, but to those who don’t, they are no more than dog farts.”

“Is it possible that the Zhenyi Sect would not keep its promise?”

“Whether the Zhenyi Sect keeps its promises, I do not know, but don’t you find it absurd to completely place your life and death in the hands of others?”

Feng Lingyue took a deep breath, and his expression became somewhat serious.

After a long silence, Dai Ling finally spoke up, “Elder ancestor, what should we do now?”

“It’s not easy for the Demon Sect to return to Great Yan.”

Feng Lingyue narrowed his eyes to slits and said, “The stance of the Zhenyi Sect is not clear at present, but my name, Feng Lingyue, still holds a certain reputation in the Jianghu. I will not allow the Demon Sect to enter Great Yan easily.”

Dai Ling sighed deeply, realizing that as Feng Lingyue said, the situation for the Five Poison Sect would truly become extremely difficult if the Demon Sect returned to Great Yan.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Feng Lingyue raised an eyebrow and looked toward the Thunder Pool.

From within the billowing white smoke, an odd sound emerged—the call of Thunder Beasts.

Dai Ling was also shocked and looked over.

Soon, two Thunder Beasts appeared in the mist. Upon seeing Feng Lingyue, they seemed frightened, quickly retracting their bodies and disappearing without a trace.

Dai Ling exclaimed, “Two Thunder Beasts! Elder ancestor, look, there are actually two Thunder Beasts.”

Feng Lingyue watched the direction in which the Thunder Beasts vanished without speaking.

…….

Under the lamplight, a faint glow flickered.

On the bed, a beautiful woman lay in her Luo skirt, with delicate features, eyes like autumn water, brows like distant hills exuding a certain valiance, and slightly red lips with an alluring charm.

At the moment, the woman’s Luo skirt was lifted, revealing long and rounded thighs and toes round as cardamom.

In her hand, she held a plate of apricot flower cakes, of which a good portion had already been eaten.

“Madam, the footbath water is ready.”

An Jing came in cheerfully, carrying a wooden basin and placing it before the beauty. “I tested the water; it’s just the right temperature.”

Zhao Qingmei placed her jade feet into the wooden basin, saying with a giggle, “How was the taste of today’s crab meat buns?”

Thinking of the day’s events, she couldn’t help but laugh.

When had Tan Yun ever disappointed her? Never.

An Jing sighed deeply. He seemed as if he had said nothing, yet at the same time as if he had said something.

“Come, have a piece of apricot flower cake.”

Zhao Qingmei pinched a piece of apricot flower cake and put it into An Jing’s mouth.

An Jing said wholeheartedly, “The apricot flower cake made by the madam is the best. Let’s not let Tan Yun cook next time; even the crabs brought in were wasted.”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes gleamed with mirth as she lifted An Jing’s chin, “Little Softy, all will be well as long as you obediently behave.”

“Me, obedient?”

An Jing, without showing any emotion, pulled out a scroll from his bosom, bearing three large characters: Diary.

“You!?”

Zhao Qingmei, upon seeing the Diary in An Jing’s hand, suddenly exhibited a disbelieving expression. “How did you find it?”

A smug smile curved An Jing’s lips. “Madam, sometimes you are even more foolish than Tan Yun. To think you hid it in the same place—she would never make such a dumb mistake.”

“Give it back!”

“Why don’t we study it together? Wouldn’t that be better?”

As he spoke, An Jing opened the diary and began to read aloud, “The fourteenth year of Xingping, January the twentieth…”

“Rustle!”

“Don’t you dare read any further.”

Zhao Qingmei, blush mixed with indignation, stomped hard on An Jing’s face with her feet. Then, without even wiping them, she quickly burrowed into the blankets.

An Jing not only read it, but now he wants to read it in front of her!

He’s actually going to read it out loud!?

An Jing wiped his face with his sleeve, where it had been splashed by foot-washing water, and found the sight of Zhao Qingmei as a cat in the blanket becoming increasingly amusing.

“Madam, I haven’t finished reading.” he said.

“Don’t say another word, or I’ll castrate you.”

Zhao Qingmei, the cat in the blanket, felt to the extreme of humiliation and anger. Although she could be quite brave when no one else was around, she was still somewhat embarrassed and annoyed by An Jing reading out the unacceptable parts of her diary.

It was truly too shameful!

“Are you sure you want to castrate me? You wrote that you like my big….”

“Ah~!”

Zhao Qingmei’s piercing voice interrupted An Jing’s words.

An Jing walked over to the bedside, intending to lift the quilt, but the quilt was wrapped tightly by Zhao Qingmei, without any gap.

“If you don’t come out, then I’ll continue reading.”

“You dare!?”

Zhao Qingmei poked her head out a little, her face red as if it was about to drip blood.

“Then I won’t read anymore.”

An Jing shook the diary in his hand, “Then you have to promise me not to let Tan Yun harm me with poison anymore.”

“I didn’t, she volunteered.”

Zhao Qingmei clenched her teeth.

Tan Yun had now become her trump card, and she wouldn’t easily hand her over.

An Jing placed one hand on the rounded quilt and tucked the diary into his chest, saying, “What did you call me today, it was An… what was it again?”

“An Xiao Ruan.”

Zhao Qingmei’s voice was low, as if coming through her nose.

“An what!?”

An Jing’s tone rose slightly.

Zhao Qingmei bit her lip, gazed at An Jing’s smug expression, and whispered softly, “An….”

“Louder, I didn’t hear you.”

Zhao Qingmei seemed to reluctantly yell out.

“Louder.”

An Jing persisted.

“Just give me the diary already.”

Zhao Qingmei snatched up An Jing’s clothing and pulled it into her embrace.

An Jing watched the beauty before him, his mouth corners lifting slightly, “Do you want the diary?”

“Mm.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded and then her hands began to search beneath An Jing.

An Jing felt enveloped in warmth and couldn’t resist reminding her, “Madam, you’ve touched the wrong thing, the diary is in my chest.”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes filled with a pleading look, and she hastily said, “We can talk about the diary later.”

With that, Zhao Qingmei flipped over and began to tear at An Jing’s clothes.

Under the undone garments within the silky curtains, with shy laughter next to the dim light, all was a sound of cloud flipping and rain covering.

……..

The moonlight was like water, with the flicker of a lamp’s flame.

Tan Yun lay in her own blanket, with a lit lamp and a plate of apricot flower cakes by her side.

These apricot flower cakes were a reward from the Sect Hierarch for the delicious meal she had prepared that day.

“The Sect Hierarch praised me for my creative ideas, combining crab meat with buns. It seems I do have a talent for cooking,” Tan Yun thought to herself as she took a piece of apricot flower cake to her mouth, encouraging herself silently, “Next time, I will make another unique dish, like the walnut buns that the son-in-law mentioned.”

Thinking of this, her heart couldn’t help but look forward to it with anticipation.

After finishing the pastry, Tan Yun patted her slightly bulging belly and carefully took out the new comic book she had bought today.

“Tan Yun, have you not gone to bed yet?”

Just at that moment, Yu Qiurong’s voice came from outside the door.

Tan Yun quickly put away the comic book and said hurriedly, “Sister Qiurong, I’m just looking at the recipe book. You go to sleep first.”

“Alright, remember to go to bed early.”

After Yu Qiurong finished speaking, the sound of her footsteps and murmuring could be heard as she walked away, “I didn’t expect Tan Yun to change so much after visiting Yan Country, but this is a good thing.”

“Phew.”

Tan Yun let out a sigh of relief and took out the cherished comic book.

Under the glow of the firelight, a touch of spring brightness flickered, as if even the moon in the sky had become shy, tucking itself behind the clouds.

……..

Peaceful days flowed by like water, without the slightest ripple or wrinkle, and just like that, a month had passed.

With the end of the Beihuang Dao war, the world fell quiet once again, and life went on as usual.

It was September now, the end of summer.

The weather was still somewhat hot, especially near the desert at Dongluo Pass, where the sweltering heat made it almost unbearable and the wind brought both sand and hot waves.

Under a tree, An Jing was dozing off in a chair, with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

With Tan Yun not at home, the air seemed much quieter.

Yu Qiurong stood by, seemingly hesitant to speak.

An Jing said, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Yu Qiurong asked quietly, “Son-in-law, do you think there’s still a chance for my swordsmanship to reach the Fifth Realm?”

This past month, the Ice Soul Poison within Yu Qiurong had been completely cleared, and her cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds to the peak of the Heavenly Flower Realm.

Besides visiting the Russell Clan in the Extreme Flame Land, she had also sought the teachings of Yi Daoyun in Sword Dao, hoping to glimpse the mysteries of the Fifth Realm. This was her first time proactively seeking advice from An Jing.

“There’s a chance,”

An Jing replied without hesitation.

Yu Qiurong’s swordsmanship had just entered the Fourth Realm, and as she practiced the Fast Sword, her innate talent for Sword Dao was not as high as imagined. Therefore, reaching the Fifth Realm would be challenging.

But she was still young, and could afford to slowly refine her skills with time. Given enough of it, reaching the Fifth Realm was possible, although reaching the Sixth Realm in her lifetime, barring accidents, was nearly out of the question.

“I understand,”

Yu Qiurong nodded, not saying anything more.

An Jing chuckled and said, “Don’t worry about what others think. Maybe in a couple of days, you’ll reach the Fifth Realm. Everything in the world is unknown, so there’s no need to be fettered by formalities.”

“Some people reach the Fourth Realm at thirty and are still there at eighty, and others reach the Fourth Realm at forty and advance to the Fifth Realm by fifty.”

Yu Qiurong nodded again and said, “When I asked him about Sword Dao recently, he said the same. I can feel that he’s trying to break through to the Sixth Realm.”

As she spoke, Yu Qiurong’s eyes turned towards An Jing, as if trying to read some disturbance in his calm gaze.

But, unfortunately, his eyes remained as tranquil as water, without a single ripple.

An Jing thought for a moment and said, “Yi, being the Sect Leader, practices the Killing Sword. Advancing to the Sixth Realm is not difficult for him, but he still needs to settle.”

Yi Daoyun’s Sword Dao, similar to Yan Gang’s Fast Sword, was of a moderate nature. And since Yi Daoyun was recognized as one of the five great Sword Immortals, his Sword Dao had naturally reached the peak of the Fifth Realm.

However, by An Jing’s estimation, Yi Daoyun would need a long time to reach the Sixth Realm, and for those in the world, this duration depended on his personal enlightenment and opportunities.

Yu Qiurong opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but then,

“Son-in-law.”

At that moment, Tan Yun rushed into the courtyard in a hurry.

An Jing curiously asked, “Weren’t you with the lady at Fengyun Hall? Why did you come back all of a sudden?”

Tan Yun patted her chest and replied, “Ouyang Quan, the son of Elder Ouyang of the Sealing Demon Platform has come. The Sect Leader has summoned you as well.”

“I’ll go right now.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing became intrigued.

It seemed that the Great Elder of the Demon Platform had finally left seclusion.

…….