Chapter 64: Hidden Shadows of Concern

Zhang Xiaofan gazed at the middle-aged scholar before him, the very heart of evil that plagued the righteous path, the “Demon King.” His mind was a whirlwind of chaos. In recent days, he had found himself questioning his long-held beliefs, doubts that all stemmed from a conversation in a teahouse at the foot of Kongsang Mountain.

Now, seeing an old acquaintance, his emotions were a complex tangle, nearly making him forget the peril of their current situation. But even if he could forget, the others around him would not.

Little Zhou wiped the blood from his mouth and struggled to stand. He whispered to Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er, “This man’s cultivation is too high. We cannot defeat him in direct combat. I will hold him off, and you two must escape quickly!”

With those words, he beckoned with his hand, and the “Seven Stars Sword” that was still vibrating slightly in the rock wall responded to his call. With a metallic chime, it broke free and flew back into his grasp.

The Demon King looked at Little Zhou and nodded, a faint smile on his face. “From your level of cultivation, it seems you are the foremost among the younger disciples of the Qingyun Sect. I did not expect there to be another talent like you in addition to Zhang Xiaofan. Very impressive, indeed.”

Startled, Zhang Xiaofan noticed that both Tian Ling’er and Little Zhou were looking at him. His face flushed, but he did not know what to say.

Taking a deep breath, Little Zhou stepped forward, and the Seven Stars Sword in his hand glowed. The Demon King made no move, simply standing there with a smile. Little Zhou knew this was the strongest foe he had ever faced, but he could not abandon his fellow disciples. He only hoped to delay the Demon King long enough for his companions to escape.

But just as he was about to channel his energy, his qi and blood suddenly surged, forcing him to vomit blood.

Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er rushed to support him. Little Zhou, pale-faced, knew he was gravely injured and could no longer use his magic. He was terrified, half because of his dire situation, and half because of the Demon King’s formidable power, which could spell disaster for the righteous path in the future.

The Demon King observed him and said, “You are trying to stall me so that your companions can escape, correct?”

Little Zhou snorted, not answering. Tian Ling’er, however, stood up and shielded him, glaring at the Demon King. “You demonic heretic, don’t think your high cultivation means anything. I am not afraid of you!”

Zhang Xiaofan was startled. The Demon King had clearly shown his immense power by injuring Little Zhou. Even combined, the three of them might not be a match for him. Seeing Tian Ling’er’s fearless demeanor, he felt worried and pulled her back, signaling her not to be rash.

Tian Ling’er, caught off guard, did not react. The Demon King and Bi Yao, however, noticed the gesture. Bi Yao’s face darkened, and she looked coldly at Tian Ling’er and Zhang Xiaofan. “Zhang Xiaofan, this must be the Senior Sister Tian Ling’er you often mention, right?”

Both Tian Ling’er and Little Zhou were shocked. Little Zhou frowned, “Junior Brother Zhang, do you know them?”

After a moment’s silence, Zhang Xiaofan replied softly, “Yes.”

Tian Ling’er suddenly exclaimed, “Ah, I remember now! You’re the demon girl who sneaked over that night and was chased to a small island. You said you were looking for Xiaofan…”

She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes fixed on Zhang Xiaofan. Zhang Xiaofan’s heart was in turmoil; this was the very scene he had feared. Now that it had happened, he still did not know how to handle it.

The Demon King, seeing Zhang Xiaofan’s conflicted expression, smiled and said, “Zhang Xiaofan, how have you been since we last met at Kongsang Mountain?”

Distracted, Zhang Xiaofan ignored him. Little Zhou, frowning, was deeply puzzled. The Demon King and his daughter’s familiarity with Zhang Xiaofan suggested an unusual relationship. The strict rules of the Qingyun Sect, especially regarding contact with the demonic path, made him worry about the implications. However, now was not the time to question it. They were still in a dangerous situation.

Struggling to focus, Little Zhou turned to face the Demon King. Before he could speak, the Demon King spoke first, “You are trying to channel your remaining energy into the Seven Stars Sword to stall me, so your companions can escape, correct?”

Little Zhou’s body trembled, his face turning ashen. He had not expected the Demon King to be so perceptive. Given his power and preparedness, they stood no chance.

The Demon King smiled. “You need not despair. I have no intention of harming you.”

“Wh-what?” Little Zhou and Tian Ling’er stammered in unison. Zhang Xiaofan, equally surprised, looked at him.

The Demon King glanced at Bi Yao, then at Zhang Xiaofan, and continued, “Zhang Xiaofan, you and my daughter shared a bond of mutual suffering in the Dead Spirit Abyss. You also helped her resolve a long-standing issue between us, a favor I owe you. For that, I will let the three of you go. But in doing so, you will face the questioning of the Qingyun elders. Why not join our Holy Sect? I will treat you well, and you can be with Bi Yao, a life of bliss…”

“Stop!” Zhang Xiaofan shouted, unable to contain himself. Pointing at the Demon King, he declared, “You can kill me, but I will never join your demonic sect!”

Relieved, Tian Ling’er clapped her hands. “Well said, Xiaofan.”

Little Zhou gave Zhang Xiaofan a sideways glance, still frowning.

The Demon King smiled and shook his head. “Very well, as you wish. Time will tell. Think about it.”

With that, he took Bi Yao’s hand and flew out of the cave. Mid-air, Bi Yao turned to look back at Zhang Xiaofan, who saw the lingering sorrow in her eyes, and his heart wavered once more.

Watching Zhang Xiaofan’s expression, Little Zhou’s frown deepened.

As the Demon King and Bi Yao disappeared into the darkness, commotion arose outside. Voices echoed, suggesting an attack on the righteous path. Soon, whistling sounds filled the air, indicating many flying figures.

A deep voice, likely that of Daoist Cangsong, resonated, “Who are you, with such profound cultivation? Why do you not come down and duel with me?”

Clearly, this was directed at the Demon King, but no one answered, and the winds faded, suggesting their departure.

In the cave, the silence returned. Tian Ling’er, concerned, asked, “Senior Brother Zhou, are you alright? By the way, which master are you under?”

Seeing Little Zhou sway, Zhang Xiaofan rushed to support him. Little Zhou looked at him, and Zhang Xiaofan felt uncomfortable, lowering his head.

Little Zhou sighed, smiling, “You don’t need to call me Senior Brother Zhou. That’s a fake name I used to infiltrate the demonic sect. My real name is Xiao YiCai, a disciple of Grandmaster Daoxuan from the Tongtian Peak of the Qingyun Sect.”

“What? You are Xiao YiCai, Senior Brother Xiao?”

Xiao YiCai nodded, smiling.

Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er exchanged looks, recognizing the name.

***

Deep into the night, the stars over Mount Liubo shone brightly. In a secluded spot, the Demon King walked out, finding Bi Yao standing on a hill, staring eastward towards the place where the righteous path resided.

The Demon King sighed and approached her, saying, “Yao, be careful in the damp night air.”

Bi Yao turned, forcing a smile. “Yes, thank you, Father.”

The Demon King, seeing her expression, remarked, “Thinking of Zhang Xiaofan, are you?”

Blushing, Bi Yao did not respond.

The Demon King patted her shoulder, walking ahead. “Today, I noticed Zhang Xiaofan’s cultivation has advanced after his trip to the Fire Dragon Cave with you. It seems he gained insight from the First Scroll of the Heavenly Book you brought from the Blood-Dripping Cave.”

Bi Yao’s face lit up. “Really?”

The Demon King nodded. “The Heavenly Book has four scrolls, and possibly a fifth. Our Ghost King Sect prospered after obtaining the Second Scroll. The key to the Second Scroll, however, lies in the First. Without it, we share the world with the other major sects. But with the First Scroll, our prospects are much brighter.”

Smiling, Bi Yao said, “I’m glad, Father.”

The Demon King continued, “Today, I deliberately made it seem like you and Zhang Xiaofan have a close relationship. Xiao YiCai, who holds a high position in the Qingyun Sect, will report this, raising suspicion. This may increase the chances of Zhang Xiaofan joining our Holy Sect.”

Bi Yao, initially smiling, then looked down, her joy dimming. “Father, I worry that Zhang Xiaofan will suffer more because of this.”

The Demon King grunted. “If he cannot endure hardship, he is not fit to be with you. He showed true concern for you today, despite his care for his senior sister. In his heart, your weight may be equal to hers.”

Bi Yao blushed, her eyes filled with joy, but then grew thoughtful. “But, Father, I still worry…”

The Demon King consoled her, “He will be tested. If he passes, he will be a worthy partner. If not, he is not fit.”

Bi Yao nodded, but her heart was still troubled, looking eastward into the vast, endless forest.

***

Xiao YiCai’s return caused a stir in the Qingyun Sect. Daoist Cangsong and Tian Buyi were relieved and excited, learning that the Demonic Sect was after the mystical beast, the Kuinu, and that the Demon King himself was present.

Lying on a makeshift stone bed, Xiao YiCai explained, “I infiltrated the Demonic Sect to gather information. Though I couldn’t rescue Zhang Xiaofan and Lu Xueqi, I managed to gain the Demonic Sect’s trust. I discovered their plans and joined them under the alias ‘Little Zhou.'”

Tian Buyi and Daoist Cangsong listened intently, praising his bravery. After a brief discussion, they decided to rest and regroup.

As they left, Xiao YiCai called out, “Senior Brother Tian.”

Tian Buyi, curious, returned. “What is it?”

Xiao YiCai, leaning against the stone, said, “I want to discuss Zhang Xiaofan with you.”

Tian Buyi’s brows furrowed. “What about him?”

Xiao YiCai, lowering his voice, began to explain, his words a soft whisper echoing in the quiet cave.