Chapter 2 How Can Two Men Have a Child?

Chapter 2: How can two men have a baby?

Absurd!

Utterly preposterous!

The elders trembled with fury. Xuan Heng, the leading elder of Lingdao Academy, pointed a quivering finger at the demon lord, stammering, "You… you… you…" for a long moment before finally managing to blurt out, "Sheer fabrication!"

Their Zizhen was pure and innocent; how could a shameless demon like Yuan Qichen casually slander him?

Though convinced that Yuan Qichen's words were nothing but malicious lies, once the seed of an idea was planted, it grew uncontrollably.

Scrutinizing glances, both overt and covert, fell upon the deeply shaken boy's face, with an occasional one spared for Que Zizhen.

Well, you have to admit, the nose and chin did bear a slight resemblance to Zizhen.

But at first glance, the boy still looked more like Yuan Qichen.

Wait!

What does resemblance matter? How could they possibly trust the words of a demon lord?

The elders suddenly snapped back to reality, filled with remorse.

Yuan Qichen burst into laughter, his gaze settling on Que Zizhen, who had remained silent throughout. With a knowing look, he said, "Whether it's fabrication or not, I'm sure Jade Mountain Immortal Lord knows best in his heart."

Que Zizhen's grip on his sword tightened imperceptibly.

"Zizhen…" Elder Xuan held his breath, dreading that he might utter words of admission.

Fortunately, Que Zizhen frowned slightly and spoke with a commanding tone: "Demon Lord, mind your words."

Yuan Qichen likely didn't even know how to write "mind your words." Far from showing restraint, he intensified his act, clutching his chest and feigning a heartbroken expression: "What an ethereal, transcendent Jade Mountain Immortal Lord—who would have thought you'd be a heartless wretch who abandons his husband and child?"

Everyone in the cultivation world knew what kind of person Yuan Qichen was. Yet, his performance was so convincing that it left people momentarily bewildered.

Even Que Zizhen experienced a fleeting moment of distraction.

In that very instant of distraction, Yuan Qichen dropped all pretense, pushed off the ground with one hand, and leaped into the air.

All they saw was a red blur flash by. By the time they regained their senses, both Yuan Qichen and the boy, who had been held hostage, were gone.

Not only did he rescue the boy, but he also left behind a deliberately provocative remark: "Thank you, Jade Mountain Immortal Lord, for your leniency. We shall meet again someday."

Yuan Qichen's unrestrained laughter still echoed in the air. Elder Xuan choked with indignation, nearly toppling backward: "He… he… he… He infuriates me!"

The other elders scrambled to support him: "Senior brother, hold on!"

Thus, a ridiculous farce came to an end. Que Zizhen watched the direction the two had departed until the trees stood still and the wind ceased, only then turning away.

-

Once beyond the borders of Tianshu Palace, Yuan Qichen couldn’t resist grabbing the little brat by the ear and scolding him angrily: "Yuan Xiao, you've really grown bold, daring to provoke that stone-faced Que Zizhen! You made your father suffer a great loss!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" The boy named Yuan Xiao skillfully covered his ears and mumbled, "Didn't you say he won unfairly back then? I thought he wasn't that powerful, so I just wanted to see for myself…"

Having grown accustomed to causing trouble in the demon realm, he always assumed his father would come to rescue him no matter what.

Yuan Xiao felt increasingly guilty as he spoke.

Bringing up the past only made Yuan Qichen grit his teeth.

"The past is the past, the present is the present. Besides, he did win unfairly."

The true details were not for outsiders to know—destined to remain between heaven, earth, and Yuan Qichen himself. Barring any accidents, he intended to take them to his grave.

"Besides, even if that Que fellow is incompetent, is he someone you, with your amateur skills, can provoke so casually?" Yuan Qichen’s gaze grew increasingly dangerous.

The boy, knowing he was in the wrong, lowered his head and dared not speak further. After a long silence, he hesitantly asked: "Dad… am I really born from you and Jade Mountain Immortal Lord?"

Yuan Qichen stumbled on the cloud, steadied himself, and said seriously: "You believe what I told them? How can two men have a baby?"

Yuan Xiao was stunned, then finally understood: "Oh, right."

Seeing that he had successfully fooled the boy, Yuan Qichen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself: Silly kid, your father isn't even human.

-

Exactly how long it had existed was impossible to verify. All that was known was that among the existing sects and noble families, none boasted a longer history than Tianshu Palace.

The current dean, Pei Tianhe, was considered a renowned master of his generation, a fact evident in his prized disciple, Que Zizhen.

Upon hearing the news of his treasured disciple’s emergence from seclusion, Pei Tianhe immediately set off to return. However, he couldn't resist the hospitality of several clan leaders along the way—he accepted a few letters of recommendation and declined numerous banquet invitations. By the time he returned to Tianshu Palace, the incident had long concluded.

After learning what happened from several elders, his attitude toward Yuan Qichen’s actions was remarkably calm. He simply said, "I'll go see Zizhen."

Que Zizhen had anticipated his visit and had been sitting upright in his room, waiting for a long time. As soon as he saw his master, he stood up and bowed formally.

"Master."

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Que Zizhen possessed an uncommon stubbornness and adherence to certain matters. He waited until Pei Tianhe took his seat before sitting down as instructed.

Master and disciple had not seen each other for fourteen years. Pei Tianhe examined him carefully from head to toe, then let out a long sigh, uttering words that would shock not only Tianshu Palace but the entire cultivation world: "After fourteen years in seclusion, you still haven't overcome your inner demon?"

Que Zizhen lowered his head. "I have disappointed you, Master."

The chief seat of Tianshu Palace, Pei Tianhe’s personal disciple, the foremost cultivator among the Hundred Immortal Sects, had been tormented by an inner demon for over a decade.

Pei Tianhe shook his head. "Zizhen, I have never been disappointed in you. Perhaps it is simply a trial that fate has destined for you."

Even if he wanted to help, he was powerless.

"Since seclusion hasn't solved the problem, perhaps it's time to go out and see the world," Pei Tianhe suggested optimistically with a smile. "Just remember, Tianshu Palace is your home, not a cage that confines you."

Que Zizhen stood up once more and bowed respectfully.

At this point, it seemed Pei Tianhe should take his leave. But as he rose, he suddenly remembered something and asked with blunt curiosity: "That demon youth today—is he really not your offspring?"

Que Zizhen: "..."

The old man’s thirst for knowledge was almost spilling from his eyes.

"This disciple does not know."

Whether he was or wasn't, there should have been an answer. Yet Que Zizhen said he did not know.

It was a very subtle response.

Pei Tianhe absentmindedly stroked his beard, his eyes gradually narrowing into slits as he looked at his extremely mature yet utterly clueless foolish disciple. He sighed. In the end, he said nothing more.

Que Zizhen never lied.

Back when he was controlled by his inner demon and lost his mind, anything could have happened. If he said he didn’t know, then he truly didn’t know.

Moreover, Yuan Qichen’s unusual behavior today was also deeply concerning.

Demonic illusions easily breed inner demons. Given Que Zizhen’s state at the time, if he got caught in one, the consequences would be dire.

He was just one step away from being completely trapped in the demonic illusion set by the other party.

But at the critical moment, Yuan Qichen suddenly hesitated.

About that hesitation, and about everything that happened at Misty Spring Mountain fourteen years ago, Que Zizhen had too many questions in his heart.

Perhaps, just as his master had said, it was time for him to go out and see the world.

-

The mastermind behind all this was busy lecturing his son.

Yuan Qichen became the victim of his own scheme along the way, so focused on dealing with his son that he nearly forgot this matter. The moment they landed, his expression darkened. Before he could even deal with his son, the intimidating pressure he let out terrified all the demons in the Demon Den half to death.

Yuan Xiao was stunned: "Wh-what’s wrong?"

He had never seen his father this angry before.

Yuan Qichen sternly listed his offenses: "Leaving the Demon Realm without permission. Acting recklessly, throwing an egg against a stone, getting captured, and nearly losing your life. And lastly… daring to question your father’s words—utterly unforgivable. If I don’t teach you a lesson today, I’m afraid you’ll never learn."

With that, he produced a soft whip from behind, clearly intending to get serious.

Yuan Xiao immediately jumped up from the ground and took off running, shouting as he ran, "Isn’t it just because you lost face after being defeated by the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord? Is it really that big of a deal?"

Having never left the Demon Realm since childhood, the demons in the Ten Thousand Demon Den, cowed by the Demon Lord’s tyrannical power, had always treated him with deference and never dared to cross him.

Yuan Qichen, concerned for his son’s well-being, had rarely been harsh with him. This was the first time he had ever picked up an implement to discipline his son.

Demons are naturally inclined to look out for themselves and avoid danger, but Yuan Xiao was an exception.

If he continued to act so recklessly, it would be fine while Yuan Qichen was around, but what if he couldn’t get there in time?

Today’s events served as a wake-up call for Yuan Qichen.

Yuan Xiao would grow up eventually, and he couldn’t stay in the Ten Thousand Demon Den forever.

Demons learn to survive in harsh environments from birth. It was ironic that he, the Demon Lord, had raised his son to be a flower in a greenhouse.

Determined, Yuan Qichen gave Yuan Xiao a thorough beating.

The injuries looked severe but were only superficial. The brat cried and complained until midnight before finally falling asleep. Yuan Qichen slipped quietly into the room, tucked him in naturally, and looked at his son’s tear-streaked sleeping face, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

Fatherhood was such a hassle.

It was all that damned Que Zizhen’s fault. If it weren’t for him…

Recalling the past, Yuan Qichen ground his teeth in fury.

What lofty, unattainable Jade Mountain Immortal Lord? Once he lost his mind, he was no different from a wolf in sheep's clothing!

It was precisely because of this that he had hesitated repeatedly during their confrontation, losing his advantage and ultimately being defeated.

Yuan Qichen stayed by the bedside, lost in thought, and sat there until dawn.

Yuan Xiao blearily opened his eyes and saw his father’s devastatingly handsome face, thinking he was still dreaming.

"Dad?"

"Awake?" Yuan Qichen asked gently, as if he were a different person. "I thought it over carefully last night. You’ve grown up without ever leaving home, so it’s no wonder you sneaked out."

Yuan Xiao instantly woke up, only to hear his father continue, "So I’ve decided to take you traveling to expand your knowledge and experience."

That way, he wouldn’t be easily deceived in the future.

Yuan Xiao touched his still-sore bottom, unable to believe it. "Really?"

"We’re leaving right now. How could it be fake?" Yuan Qichen stood up, adopting a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.

The young boy "whooshed" off the bed in an instant, completely forgetting the vows he had made the night before, swearing never to forgive his father.

"Yes! Let's go!"

Though he said they were leaving immediately, Yuan Xiao took half an hour just to pack his bags. Yuan Qichen grew increasingly impatient, struggling to maintain the pretense of a loving father. He closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and repeatedly reminded himself that this was his own son and he must not kill him.

Finally, when they reached the border of the Demon Realm, the brat smacked his forehead and declared that he had forgotten his usual pillow and wouldn’t be able to sleep without it.

Yuan Qichen had had enough. He grabbed his son by the scruff of his neck, smiling insincerely. "If you keep fussing, get back to the Ten Thousand Demon Den."

"Hey, let go! Dad! Look behind you! Why is that damned priest here?"

"In broad daylight, what kind of nonsense are you talking?"

Yuan Qichen turned around and saw none other than Que Zizhen standing there, dressed in black with a plain sword, straight and tall like pine and cypress.

He stepped forward, pushing Yuan Xiao behind him, adopting a defensive stance but unable to resist a sarcastic remark. "If it isn’t the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord? Finally graced us with your presence outside?"

Que Zizhen seemed oblivious to the sarcasm and nodded. "I have doubts in my heart and came specifically seeking answers."