Chapter 39

Chapter 39

So, two days later.

Sensing newcomers in the mountains, Wen Jue and Fourteen were already waiting at the village entrance early in the morning.

Fourteen raised a hand to shade his eyes, gazing into the distance. "It really is someone from the Cangyun Sword Sect."

Wen Jue squinted, then spat out a blade of grass. "Guess we’ll have to welcome him."

A Sword Sect punk, bold enough to show up here. Asking for a death wish.

Fourteen laughed, but his eyes stayed cold. "Your mess, you clean it up. I’ll help bury the body."

Wen Jue might be a monster, but the village chief wasn’t. To actually hunt someone down in the mortal realm—Fourteen wasn’t pleased either.

They’d better not exploit the chief’s new form just because his cultivation was temporarily low.

...

Meanwhile, Fang Huai, walking along the path, suddenly sensed something. He lifted his head, his gaze cutting through the haze, landing directly on the mountain ridge at the village entrance.

There were people there—strong ones.

Their aura screamed danger.

"We’re close, Immortal Master!" the servant guiding him called out.

But Fang Huai didn’t even glance away. He just grunted in reply. "Thank you."

This servant was none other than Young Master Qin’s former personal attendant, Ah Sheng.

Wen Jue remembered him. Once, when he visited the Qin residence, he happened to witness an argument between Ah Sheng and Chen San. Never would he have imagined that today, it would be this guy leading someone up the mountain.

"Immortal Master, may I ask why you’re looking for our young master? Had I known earlier, I could’ve run ahead and asked him to come down. No need for you to hike all this way," Ah Sheng simpered, all smiles.

Fang Huai didn’t respond.

At first, he had doubted whether this servant was truly from the Qin household. But the moment he mentioned Qin Zhou, the man had eagerly jumped up to guide him. Not even checking if Fang Huai meant harm, just because he was a Cultivator, he had hurriedly led him up the mountain.

But as Fang Huai glanced at the figure atop the ridge, he thought, at least the path wasn’t wrong. Probably why the master never kept him close.

"We’re close, Immortal Master," Ah Sheng babbled on, ignoring Fang Huai’s silence.

Big deal—he’s just some high-and-mighty Cultivator. If Chen San could leech his way up, why not him?

This man clearly came from a major sect—just his vibe made people look away.

For someone like Ah Sheng, guiding him and asking for an introduction token to join the sect seemed fair trade, right? He thought to himself. If even someone like Chen San could enter the Medicine Moon Sect, he had a shot too.

Ah Sheng had it all figured out.

Unbeknownst to him, Fang Huai’s guts screamed *run*.

The ridge pulsed with menace. His timing was unfortunate—ascending now would mean encountering Wen Jue. And if he met Wen Jue… what were the odds he’d walk away?

Fang Huai wanted to find Qin Zhou, but if he were to face Wen Jue directly, forget about taking Qin Zhou away—whether he could even leave this place alive would be a question.

Thinking this, Fang Huai halted his steps.

To go up and court death or not—that was the question.

"Immortal Master?" Ah Sheng turned back, puzzled. Why’d they stop?

Watching their every move, Fourteen smirked. "He stopped. He's afraid of you."

A glint of killing intent flashed in Wen Jue’s eyes. "How many in all the heavens dare step forward under my presence?"

No surprise this Sword Sect disciple stopped.

Seeing his expression, Fourteen frowned slightly. "We’re in the mortal realm. Best not to make a bloodbath." Fourteen reminded him.

Wen Jue could kill this Sword Sect cultivator in an instant. But this was the mortal realm. If the commotion grew too large, the natural order would sense it, and even Wen Jue would be forcibly sent back in spirit form.

"Relax. I’ve got this." Wen Jue nodded.

He couldn’t afford to be sent back.

They were shorthanded as it was, and Qin Zhou had been fretting over this matter for two days. If he were sent back as well...

The Spiritheart Fruit harvest—Qin Zhou and Fourteen wouldn’t finish even after the New Year.

"You go back too," Wen Jue suddenly said.

Fourteen blinked. 'Huh?'

"You want that Sword Sect brat spotting you with me?"

If word got out, by tomorrow, the Thousand Mystic Sect would be branded demonic.

Fourteen: "Understood."

In the end, Fourteen complied.

Wen Jue stood atop the large rock at the village entrance, quietly watching Fang Huai halfway up the mountain. A lock of his hair danced in the wind.

Now, the choice was his—did he dare come up?

……

"What are you hesitating for? Even if you choose to leave now, he won’t spare you." A voice suddenly whispered into Fang Huai’s ear.

Fang Huai spun around.

Whoever spoke hadn’t shown themselves, but he recognized the voice.

"Since you’re here, go up and take a look. Forget winning or losing—does a disciple of the Sword Sect lack the courage to draw his sword and face him?"

The voice was icy, yet it struck Fang Huai like a bolt of clarity.

Fang Huai’s fists tightened. Yes, he was a disciple of the Sword Sect.

Capturing Qin Zhou was about eliminating Wen Jue, about upholding his path of eradicating demons. He wouldn’t justify dragging Qin Zhou—possibly innocent—into this. So be it.

He had already decided to do this—his resolve wouldn’t, couldn’t, waver.

Even with Wen Jue present.

A disciple of the Sword Sect should know no fear. Their sword's tip must always align with their heart's path.

Fang Huai's eyes flew open.

"My thanks, Your Excellency. I understand now."

"Value your life? Then don't follow!" Leaving these words for Ah Sheng, Fang Huai unsheathed his sword, his figure transforming into a streak of light as he charged straight toward the mountaintop.

Ah Sheng stood frozen in shock.

Suddenly, a figure appeared beside him.

Ah Sheng jumped in fright, only to realize upon closer inspection that the newcomer also carried a sword on his back.

"Faithless, honorless wretch." Lu Er muttered coldly, flicking his fingers. Ah Sheng's mortal body was sent flying like a ragdoll.

Ah Sheng's eyes widened in terror, unable to comprehend what had happened in that split second. By the time he regained his senses, he was already tumbling uncontrollably down the mountainside.

White-hot pain lanced through his body, tearing screams from his throat.

Was this how he'd die?

He didn’t want to die!

Bitter regret flooded Ah Sheng’s mind.

He didn’t know how he eventually blacked out—only that his body slammed into something, finally halting his fall.

At the foot of the mountain, Lu Qi arched a brow at the "corpse" that had suddenly rolled to his feet.

Seems like there’s quite a show unfolding up there.

"Hey, you're blocking my path."

With a cruel smirk, Lu Qi stepped right on him.

The satisfying crunch of Ah Sheng’s bones was music to his ears. Pulling out a handful of sunflower seeds, Lu Qi casually strolled up the mountain.

...

Standing atop the peak, Wen Jue instantly detected the approach of another.

What a lively day, he mused.

A sardonic smile twisted at the corner of his lips.

Yet, as Fang Huai lunged toward him with his sword, Wen Jue gave an icy chuckle—

"Lu Er, using me as your disciple's enlightenment tool—isn’t that a bit inappropriate?"

Even though the young man had just grasped a sliver of enlightenment, his concentration laser-focused and his sword intent at its peak, Wen Jue had no intention of retreating.

He stood unmoving as a mountain on the boulder.

What meaning has it if he’s gained some insight?

Wen Jue's eyes gleamed sharply. So what if he faced this sword intent with his spiritual body?

Facing Fang Huai's thrusting sword, Wen Jue spread his fingers, emitting a bright light as a concentrated surge of spiritual energy appeared in his palm. In an instant, he erected an impenetrable palm barrier.

The sword clashed against his hand with a crisp clang.

Fang Huai's grip on the sword went numb, feeling as though he had struck the hardest object imaginable.

The surrounding spiritual energy surged violently, and a sudden gale sent Fang Huai flying, his insides churning as if scrambled.

As Fang Huai soared through the air, someone caught him.

"Sovereign—" he choked out, but before he could finish, a surge of blood welled in his chest, and he spat out a mouthful of crimson.

Fang Huai's face turned ashen.

He had only heard rumors of the terrifying cultivation of the fiend Wen Jue. Only now, after crossing blades, did he realize he couldn’t last a single exchange.

Meanwhile, Wen Jue remained standing on the boulder. The shockwave of spiritual energy merely lifted the hem of his robes before falling back into place like nothing happened.

"Lu Er, do the muscleheads of your Sword Sect not understand the meaning of 'a mayfly trying to topple a tree'?" Wen Jue arched a brow, standing atop the mountain peak in his snow-white robes, as if no one could rival even a fraction of his brilliance.

Lu Er released Fang Huai's collar and turned to ask him, "Do you understand now?"

Fang Huai froze for a moment before turning beet-red.

Indeed, the Sovereign had warned him—told him not to come.

"Lu Er, I’ve also told you not to lay hands on what belongs to me. It seems you have a poor memory." Wen Jue’s voice carried a trace of smoldering anger.

Fang Huai alone was manageable—just send the nuisance packing.

But if Lu Er was here, and Qin Zhou saw… his identity…

Seeing the ruthlessness in Wen Jue’s eyes, Lu Er immediately dumped Fang Huai unceremoniously and unsheathed the sword at his back. "It’s been years since we last crossed blades."

Wen Jue scoffed. "Someone who can’t even break my barrier dares to speak so boldly? Then let me see if your years in seclusion have amounted to anything."

As he spoke, the air around them seemed to solidify, twisting gradually.

The thin spiritual energy of the mortal realm surged toward the two of them, coiling like a gathering storm, ready to wreak havoc upon the land!

A great battle was about to erupt.

Fourteen, sensing the disturbance, peeked out from the doorway. Seeing the spectacle in the mountain sky, he smacked his forehead—this was a disaster in the making!

"It seems I’ve arrived just in time," a voice echoed from the wilderness.

Lu Er, teetering on the edge of striking, abruptly halted.

Wen Jue also glanced downward.

Lu Qi glided through the air, a fistful of melon seeds in his grasp, floating lazily between them.

"Oh, don’t mind me. Go ahead and fight—I’ll root for you," Lu Qi squinted with amusement.

He had wondered why Wen Jue had come down to the mortal realm.

Finding him in a fight, of course, had Lu Qi seeing red.

A primordial spirit like you, yet you come to the lower realm to fight—are you not afraid of drawing down the heavenly lightning tribulation?

But then, turning his head, he spotted the figure from the Sword Sect.

Now this show just got interesting.

Why interfere? Let them fight—fight to the death! Lu Qi's eyes seemed to say just that.

Fourteen, peeking through the door crack, was beside himself with worry: "This is bad!! Why is Seventh Brother here too?!"

This is going to be a fight to the death!

What should he do? Jump in and help?

Wait—if he steps out, whose side should he even take?!

Nearby, the injured Fang Huai felt his heart turn cold at the sight of Lu Qi’s arrival. One demon lord wasn't bad enough? Now we've got two?

The two terrors who once turned the cultivation world upside down had both come!

"My Lord, I’ll assist you!" Fang Huai mustered his qi and charged toward Lu Er.

But before he could even get close, Lu Qi’s mocking voice reached his ears. "Who let this garbage come play with the adults?"

Fang Huai's whole body went cold.

The next second, he was sent flying again.

Only this time, the Lord didn't save him this time!

Unable to control his descent, Fang Huai could only watch helplessly as the three figures faced off in a three-way standoff, none willing to yield an inch.

He hit the ground with a bone-jarring thud, tumbling several times before finally losing consciousness.

"Wen Jue, shall I go first? I could use some exercise myself." Lu Qi’s eyes remained fixed on that cold, expressionless face, a sneer curling his lips.

That damned poker face—still just as loathsome after all these years.

Wen Jue: "..."

He wanted no part of this now.

Thanks to Lu Qi’s sudden appearance, Wen Jue’s rage subsided slightly.

If Qin Zhou caught wind of what was happening outside, he’d be utterly doomed. If not for the village’s protective barrier keeping Qin Zhou inside, the earlier disturbance would’ve already alerted him.

"I'm done fighting. Why don't you both just get lost?" Wen Jue snapped irritably.

Yet no one listened.

Lu Er’s blazing gaze remained locked onto Lu Qi’s face, unblinking.

A vein pulsed at Lu Qi's temple. "One more look and you're dead!" he growled.

Lu Er: Oh.

Lu Qi: "...Wen Jue, move. He's mine."

Today, Lu Er would die!

Wen Jue was startled to see Lu Qi actually rolling up his sleeves. Although he wasn’t eager to meddle in their business, after a beat, Wen Jue still flew over and grabbed Lu Qi’s arm.

"Old Seven, if you want to fight, take it upstairs."

"You can fight here, so why can’t I?" Lu Qi asked with a dark expression, tch. "At worst, I’ll just be sent back by my primordial spirit. Or do you think I can’t beat this bastard?"

Lu Er remained silent, only staring at Wen Jue’s hand gripping Lu Qi’s arm, his gaze darkening.

"Wen Jue, you’re fighting me." After a long pause, Lu Er finally spoke.

Wen Jue: "..."

Silence hung heavy.

"Gentlemen, I believe fighting isn’t the best course of action." A mild-mannered voice floated over from the distance—the words arrived before the man himself.

The three turned their heads in unison to see the Celestial Lord, his hair flowing, arriving with his disciple in tow.

Bai Xing also politely cupped his hands. "Bai Xing pays respects to my uncles."

After years apart, Lu Wu was still the same, same old pushover—typical. Bai Xing was as courteous as ever. Lu Er and Lu Qi thought in unison.

Only Wen Jue felt his temples throbbing.

Damn it, great, just great. Everyone’s here, the whole crew’d be here, huh!

"What about Third Brother? Didn’t he come with you?" Wen Jue laughed in exasperation. Just one more, and they’d all be assembled.

Lu Wu gave them a puzzled look, even spotting Fourteen lurking in the door crack. "I thought… you had notified Third Brother. What, you didn’t?"

Wen Jue: "..."

Lu Er: "..."

Lu Qi: "..."

Fourteen: "..."

"Old Five, what are you doing here? This isn’t your business—we’re brawling." Lu Qi waved a hand dismissively, urging him to leave.

Lu Wu sighed and simply brushed past them, making for the village gates, before landing smoothly.

Bai Xing, watching from behind, couldn’t help but whisper, "Master, are we really just going to leave them be?"

The leader of the righteous path in the cultivation world and the two heads of the demonic sect were brawling in the mortal world. This was no small matter.

Lu Wu smiled. "It’s fine. They’re just blowing off steam."

Brawling in the upper realm might not be a joke, but in the mortal world, what’re they gonna wreck? Besides, there was still…

Passing by Fourteen, Lu Wu pushed open the courtyard gate and bellowed—

"Chief! I’m here!"