Chapter 28:

When the gates of the Demon-Sealing Tower closed behind them, Elder Qixia couldn’t help but sigh, “Xue Ying, my junior, is truly wasted as a sword cultivator.”

But that was beside the point. The mention of breaking the seal by Shen Jin had Elder Qixia deeply concerned. The demon realm had remained silent for years solely because of the suppression from the Realm of Consciousness. Now, judging by Shen Jin’s tone, had something gone wrong with the seal?

She turned her gaze to Cen Wuwang, who confirmed her fears with a simple statement, “The seal has been compromised.”

Elder Qixia’s face paled. Since the birth of the Four Realms, the miasma had tormented all living beings. The prosperity of the Three Teachings was only possible because the miasma was confined to the demon realm. If the seal were broken, the accumulated miasma of tens of thousands of years would pour forth, bringing catastrophic disaster to the Three Realms.

Noticing her distress, Cen Wuwang offered some reassurance, “Cang Wu is already handling it.”

As the master of the Taigu Valley, Cang Wu was revered not only for his medical skills but also for his age. A contemporary of the founding ancestors, there was no situation he hadn’t encountered.

Cang Wu: “Just kidding… I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

With Cang Wu taking charge of the seal, Elder Qixia felt slightly relieved. She recalled Cen Wuwang’s earlier words and hesitated, “Senior Brother advised us to stay put, but this Demon Lord…”

He didn’t seem like the type to wait quietly.

“Though the Demon Lord is in our hands, the demoness remains at large. If we let her roam freely, at best, she’ll wreak havoc in the Three Realms; at worst, she’ll hinder the sealing efforts. Our Tai Xuan Sect will bear the blame.”

Seeing Cen Wuwang’s expression soften, Elder Qixia pressed on, “If Senior Brother finds it difficult to decide, leave it to us. Once we’ve discussed it, we can negotiate with Cang Wu.”

Cen Wuwang agreed. After Elder Qixia left, only the master and disciple remained in the clearing.

Xue Ying stared at the figure before her. By all rights, she should be angry. Ten years ago, Cen Wuwang had left without a word, offering no explanation. A decade later, he returned in a new body, still without a single word of clarification. If not for Shen Jin’s accidental reveal, she might have even called him “mother.”

But after hearing Elder Qixia’s words, Xue Ying’s anger dissipated. She wasn’t a child anymore. Cen Wuwang had been handling serious matters, not gallivanting around. Besides, she had thrived in the Tai Xuan Sect over the years, suffering no losses.

It was Shen Jin who had slandered her, not Cen Wuwang. Logically, if she were to vent her anger, it should be on Shen Jin. If there was any regret, it was that Cen Wuwang had returned too soon—she hadn’t had enough time to enjoy the title of Sword Immortal.

After careful consideration, Xue Ying magnanimously forgave Cen Wuwang. However, one thing still bothered her. Before leaving, she asked him, “From now on, should we address each other as master and disciple, or as sisters?”

The night wind was strong, lifting the hem of Xue Ying’s skirt. Cen Wuwang gazed at her delicate face and suddenly remembered something.

“Have you finished today’s sword practice?”

…

Generally speaking, the disciplinary halls of major sects were used as infrequently as men went shopping—perhaps once in centuries. Of course, some also treated them as gyms, gradually forgetting their sacred purpose.

Xue Ying now stood behind the grand chair, next to Wen An, who had been dragged there after pulling an all-nighter to finish his manuscript. His expression perfectly captured the phrase “smiling on the outside, screaming on the inside.”

Lately, his visits to the disciplinary hall had surpassed his visits to brothels in his earlier years. Unfortunately, frequency didn’t equate to progress—Wen An still hadn’t turned in his manuscript.

Xue Ying wisely took a step away from Wen An. Not far off, Du Yizhou arrived with several elders from the Tai Chu Sect. Compared to the unadorned simplicity of the Tai Xuan Sect, Du Yizhou and his entourage were a sight to behold—elegant robes with white trim, adorned with cloud patterns, jade pendants at their waists, and translucent outer garments. Each held a unique magical artifact, exuding an air of celestial grace. At the very least, they won in terms of presence.

But it was three in the morning. The sun would rise in two hours. Did they sleep in their formal attire?

Yu Xuzi shifted in his seat, straightening his posture to stand out among the plain-clad sword cultivators. Addressing Du Yizhou, he said, “We’ve summoned you urgently today to discuss a grave matter.”

Du Yizhou glanced at Xue Ying and Wen An before clasping his hands in salute. “The Tai Chu and Tai Xuan Sects share the same roots. If the Tai Xuan Sect faces trouble, the Tai Chu Sect will naturally lend its full support. Please speak freely, Sect Master.”

Yu Xuzi stroked his beard and sighed. “This matter is shameful to recount. Our Sword Immortal was possessed, nearly leading to a grave mistake. Poor Junior Brother Yu Heng—his reputation ruined, his body stolen, reduced to such a state.”

The elders present exchanged uneasy glances. Du Yizhou zeroed in on the key point. “Who was the impostor?”

Yu Xuzi’s expression darkened. “He was none other than the Demon Lord of the demon realm. Posing as the Sword Immortal, he infiltrated the Tai Xuan Sect, repeatedly sowing discord between Xue Ying and Yu Heng. Fortunately, Xue Ying’s righteousness prevailed—not only did she capture the Demon Lord, but she also extracted vital intelligence from him.”

As the saying goes, the process doesn’t matter—only the result.

Was the Demon Lord’s disguise exposed?

Yes.

Was his purpose uncovered?

Yes.

As for the unsavory details in between—best not to dwell on them. The enmity between the righteous and demonic paths was natural.

Xue Ying, now the center of attention, instinctively adjusted her collar, striving to project an image of humility and peace.

Elder Qixia, who had witnessed the entire ordeal, closed her eyes in silent agony, repeating to herself, “Family scandals shouldn’t be aired in public.”

Du Yizhou withdrew his gaze, waiting for Yu Xuzi to continue. The sect master obliged. “This demon harbored sinister intentions—to break the seal, lead a million-strong demon army to ravage the Three Realms. Disrupting the Tai Xuan Sect was merely the first step.”

The atmosphere in the disciplinary hall shifted dramatically as murmurs spread. Du Yizhou pressed, “The demon realm has lain dormant for years, sealed away by the Realm of Consciousness. How did they escape and seize Yu Heng’s body?”

Yu Xuzi sighed, recalling past events. “Years ago, during that upheaval, the Three Realms suffered greatly. Not only your Junior Brother Yu Heng, but even our sect master was affected—he still hasn’t returned.”

The upheaval in question involved a certain golden crow being airdropped—quite literally—resulting in a massive earthquake that cracked the seal of the Realm of Consciousness.

At the mention of their sect master, the Tai Chu Sect representatives fell silent. Du Yizhou pressed urgently, “Where is the sect master now?”

The cultivators sent to retrieve him kept postponing their return. To an outsider, it might seem like the Tai Chu Sect master was a heartthrob with endless suitors. In reality, it was more like an endless queue of vengeful spirits blocking the way—always “just one more.”

Yu Xuzi coughed awkwardly, exchanging glances with the Tai Chu elders before tactfully changing the subject.

Du Yizhou muttered, “…Is she deliberately avoiding her return?”

Well, better others die than oneself. Junior Brother, you’re young and strong—a little overtime never hurt anyone.

Elder Qixia steered the conversation back on track. “The demon realm’s plot against the Three Realms is dire. We cannot afford to sit idle. What are your thoughts?”

Yu Xuzi picked up the thread. “Currently, the Demon Lord is imprisoned in the Demon-Sealing Tower, immobilized. But the demoness remains at large. If she learns of his capture, bloodshed will follow, and the Three Realms will face calamity.”

Lin Shen, one of the elders, spoke up. “Since they impersonated the Sword Immortal for nefarious purposes, why not turn the tables? Pretend we’re unaware of the impostor, lure the demoness in, and trap her.”

The crowd voiced their approval, praising Lin Shen for his cunning—truly a worthy asset of the Tai Chu Sect’s wealth accumulation.

Lin Shen: “I’m a rich second-generation, not a corrupt official! My family owns mines, not political favors!”

The group brainstormed ways to deceive the demoness. Following Shen Jin’s earlier logic, someone suggested, “Why not spread rumors that the master and disciple are at odds—Yu Hengzi wants to kill Xue Ying.”

“That won’t work—it’s been done before. Besides, with Bailu and Yaoguang still in their original owners’ hands, what pretext would he have to hunt her down?”

“How about… cuckolding the master’s wife?”

“I suspect the Tai Chu Sect is deliberately slandering our Tai Xuan Sect.”

“Everyone, hear me out.” Lin Shen stepped forward, fully embracing his role as the sect’s financial strategist. “As the saying goes, money makes the mare go. In this modern age, sword cultivators no longer start with nothing. Look at Xue Ying’s attire: her hairpin, Guanhuo, is custom-made; her robe is from the renowned brand ‘Seamless’; her sword case is a mage’s luxury item; and her waist bears Bailu, the latest model from the Tai Chu Sect, limited to just twenty-four in the world.”

Lin Shen lamented, “In the past, when our sects were united, sword cultivators roamed the world with a single battered sword, never complaining, earning glory. But today, as a candidate for the next Sword Immortal, Xue Ying’s expenditures rival a mage’s. Ask yourselves—does a sword cultivator decked in designer labels and idolized by the masses still qualify as a sword cultivator?”

Yu Xuzi rushed to defend Xue Ying. “You misunderstand. Guanhuo was a necessity, her robe was fairly won, hardly extravagant. Moreover, she cultivates both sword and magic—what’s wrong with an extra case? As for Bailu…”

Lin Shen cut him off. “I understand, Sect Master. Xue Ying isn’t vain. But outsiders don’t know that. If we flaunt her lavish gear and claim she fell into debt from luxury purchases, lured by demonic temptations, leading Yu Hengzi to expel her in rage—such sensational news would surely draw the demoness. Whether she seeks Xue Ying or contacts the Demon Lord, both scenarios play into our hands. Once she’s captured, we can clear Xue Ying’s name. Everyone wins.”

Lin Shen finished triumphantly. Clearing her name? So what? The mud had already been slung. Once the crowd finished cursing her, who would bother reading retractions?

Cen Wuwang, silent until now, spoke. “The demon realm has three clans, historically at odds. Years ago, Shen Jin united them, appointing two clan leaders as dukes—one civil, one military. Under them are numerous ministers, collectively called the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers. Major decisions require their consensus. If we wish to contact the Demon Lord, we need only impersonate him.”

Lin Shen didn’t recognize Cen Wuwang in his new form. Seeing his youthful appearance and intimate knowledge of demon affairs, he dismissed him slightly. “And who might you be?”

Cen Wuwang met his gaze. “Yu Hengzi.”

The crowd gasped. Lin Shen, noting the Tai Xuan Sect’s calm reaction, realized the truth but stubbornly persisted. “My plan is foolproof. It won’t arouse suspicion.”

Cen Wuwang’s voice, neither wholly masculine nor feminine, echoed in the hall. “My disciple is not yours to slander.”

Lin Shen flushed but reluctantly backed down.

With the plan settled, Cen Wuwang left to retrieve the Flame Feather from Shen Jin. The others exchanged uneasy glances. Yu Xuzi mediated, “Now that we’ve decided, who should impersonate the Demon Lord?”

Lin Shen turned away, clasping his hands. “We lack the expertise. I decline.”

He assumed the plan would collapse, but Wen An stepped forward gracefully. “This matter concerns the Three Realms. If it fails, the blame shouldn’t fall on one person. Let me take responsibility—success or failure, no one else is at fault.”

His words subtly mocked Lin Shen. Yu Xuzi, also irritated, agreed. “So be it.”

As the group headed to the Demon-Sealing Tower, Du Yizhou stopped Lin Shen. Though young, he already carried the bearing of a future sect master. “The Tai Chu and Tai Xuan Sects share roots. Petty squabbles are one thing, but jeopardizing the Three Realms out of spite? Elder Lin, reflect on your actions.”

Lin Shen retorted, “My son predicted today’s events. If this continues, the Sword Immortal’s disciple and the Demon Lord will entangle further, inviting disaster. I spoke out to drive a wedge between them, averting calamity.”

Du Yizhou’s eyes turned icy. “Drive a wedge? I wonder—did your daughter, Lin Jiu Jiu, live peacefully in her past life? Did she avoid the White Deer Valley and the Phoenix Feather?”

The White Deer Valley produced a Buddha’s disciple; the Phoenix Feather was a phoenix clan treasure. With her past-life memories, how could Lin Jiu Jiu have been so careless?

Lin Shen fell silent. When Lin Jiu Jiu spoke of her past life, she had been evasive about her fate—clearly hiding something.

Du Yizhou delivered his final blow. “The Tai Chu Sect can afford to support one mortal. But if anyone deliberately sabotages our alliance—be they elder or disciple—they will be expelled.”

Lin Shen’s face darkened. “Du Yizhou, you overstep!”

Du Yizhou smirked, arrogance etched in his features. “What can you do about it?”

The Tai Chu Sect, unlike the Tai Xuan Sect, revered strength. As the sect master’s chosen successor, his authority was absolute. If Lin Shen wanted to throw his weight around, he’d better check his own standing.

If push came to shove… Du Yizhou thought of the sect’s forbidden treasures, his expression chilling.

Don’t blame him for being ruthless.

…

When Cen Wuwang returned with the Flame Feather, Yu Xuzi noticed the bloodstains on his robe and winced.

Junior Brother, that was your own body.

As for Shen Jin’s temper, Wen An coaxed Xue Ying inside. “Talk to him.”

Xue Ying pointed at herself, then entered to greet Shen Jin.

Fresh from Cen Wuwang’s beating, Shen Jin leaned weakly against the wall. Seeing Xue Ying, he sneered. “Don’t think I don’t know your plan. Stealing my Flame Feather to trick the demoness? Dream on.”

Xue Ying studied him curiously. “Did you earn your Demon Lord title by flirting?”

Shen Jin told her to leave. Instead, she sat down. “Look, you possessed my master’s body. You could’ve seized the sect leadership, then proposed merging with the Tai Chu Sect. The ensuing chaos would’ve been perfect. You, as the Sword Immortal, could’ve involved the Taigu Valley, pitting them against the Tai Chu Sect. A three-way feud—flawless.”

Shen Jin couldn’t resist. “The Taigu Valley stays neutral. They’d never interfere.”

Xue Ying shrugged. “Even simpler. If they refuse, the Tai Xuan Sect resents them. Either way, it’s their problem, not yours. So, seriously—did you flirt your way to power?”

Shen Jin: “…”

Outside, the eavesdroppers nearly had heart attacks. Yu Xuzi clutched his chest, asking Cen Wuwang, “Is she really a sword cultivator?”

Why was she more venomous than a mage, more ruthless than a healer?

Cen Wuwang remained unmoved. “When I took her as my disciple, I had one rule.”

“Sword cultivators are the greatest under heaven.”

Before absolute power, all schemes were insignificant.

Du Yizhou added dryly, “Yet Senior Uncle still got possessed.”

Inside, Shen Jin argued, “Ridiculous! My strategist is peerless—planning victories from a thousand miles away. How could you compare?”

Xue Ying: “And yet, you’re captured.”

Shen Jin: “…Get out.”

Xue Ying: “Given the circumstances, I strongly suspect your strategist is a mole. He’s not helping you—he’s sabotaging you.”

Shen Jin couldn’t take it. Ming Gong was blameless! The fault lay with them—with the world! “Nonsense! You’re the heartless one. I’ve never met anyone as cold as you. I tried to talk, and you lectured me about swords. Can swords give you love? Sword Immortal’s disciple, do you even have a heart?”

This was Shen Jin’s greatest grievance. What maiden didn’t dream of romance? Was Yu Hengzi’s face not handsome? Was master-disciple love not enticing? Yet Xue Ying refused, even preparing his retirement fund. If he, an impostor, was this furious, the real Yu Hengzi would’ve disowned her.

Hearing this, Cen Wuwang entered and asked calmly, “You want to fall in love?”

Shen Jin stared blankly as Cen Wuwang turned to Xue Ying. “Your swordsmanship has progressed, but your mindset lags. Left unchecked, it will hinder you. Seize this chance to temper your heart and eliminate weaknesses.”

Xue Ying understood. Cen Wuwang had been cuckolded; she hadn’t. That was why she couldn’t surpass him. Now, with Shen Jin offering romance, she shouldn’t refuse. Challenge brought growth—she would face it head-on.

She grasped Shen Jin’s hand earnestly. “Want to fall in love? Master-disciple? Righteous-demonic? I’m open to breakups and third parties.”

Xue Ying envisioned an epic, tragic love—transcending time, space, and age. At its peak, she’d be betrayed, ensuring a lifetime of unforgettable heartache.

Cen Wuwang nodded approvingly. “You’ve learned well.”

Shen Jin: “Screw you all—you’re the real demons!”