Chapter 3 Your Father Never Knew the Meaning of Modesty

Chapter 3: Your Dad Never Knew the Meaning of 'Low-Key'...

Yuan Qichen’s heart skipped a beat, fearing that the other might be here to inquire about that particular incident.

Logically, those who fell under his demonic spell should have no memory of it upon regaining consciousness. But it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Should Que Zizhen recall anything—even mere fragments—it would cause Yuan Qichen a significant headache.

Que Zizhen’s most irritating trait wasn’t his formidable power, but his extraordinary stubbornness and resolve.

He was rigid and conventional, more difficult to handle than those ancient elders from Tianshu Palace who already had one foot in the grave.

If he insisted on digging for answers...

“Que Zizhen, perhaps you should open your eyes and see where you are. If you’re seeking immortality or enlightenment, I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place.”

Since Que Zizhen hadn't stated his purpose, Yuan Qichen feigned ignorance, quashing his baseless suspicions. He gestured towards the boundless demon realm behind him, mocking Que Zizhen’s rare moment of disorientation.

Que Zizhen gazed at him calmly. “I am not here to seek immortality or enlightenment.”

If it were about discussing the Way, there was no finer place in the world than Tianshu Palace. Why would he forsake such proximity and travel thousands of miles to this barren land?

“Who cares why you’re here? Just don’t block my path.” Yuan Qichen’s desire to leave was palpable, yet the other made no move to yield.

Yuan Xiao peeked out from behind him, whispering nervously, “He’s not here to settle scores with us, is he?”

Settle scores?

Yuan Qichen was lucky he wasn't the one settling scores with Que Zizhen.

He pushed the brat’s head back. “Adults are speaking. Children shouldn’t interrupt.”

“I’m not wrong. You’re the one who ruined his reputation,” Yuan Xiao grumbled defiantly, believing his voice to be soft. But the other two present had acute hearing and caught every word.

“I am not here for revenge either.”

Que Zizhen kindly offered an explanation, startling Yuan Xiao, who clapped a hand over his mouth, his dark eyes darting around, not daring to utter another sound.

Yuan Qichen shot him an exasperated glance before turning back, his gaze playful—an expression Que Zizhen knew all too well.

“If you’re not here for enlightenment or revenge, could it be that you actually believed my nonsense and came rushing to become Yuan Xiao’s stepmother?”

Given the stern Taoist’s nature, upon hearing such absurdities, he should have frowned and warned Yuan Qichen to watch his words. But today, for some reason, he fell into an unsettling silence.

The more he behaved this way, the stronger Yuan Qichen’s suspicions grew. Yet, he maintained his usual demeanor, his demonic eyes narrowing as he stepped closer, tracing the contours of Que Zizhen’s face with a fingertip. His lips parted as he remarked, “Immortal Lord, your face is truly to my liking. If you genuinely harbor such intentions, why would I refuse?”

Que Zizhen averted his gaze, silently tightening his grip on his sword.

Yuan Qichen pressed closer, almost leaning against him. “What are you shy about, Immortal Lord? I haven’t even done anything yet.”

Yuan Qichen was so close that every breath was distinctly audible.

He feigned a kiss on Que Zizhen’s neck, startling the dignified Jade Mountain Immortal Lord, who, with a light step, retreated several yards, his expression changing.

“Yuan Qichen!” Que Zizhen, ever the gentleman, could only raise his voice in anger. “You used seduction magic!”

If anyone had looked closely at that moment, they would have noticed a faint blush on the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord’s serene face.

“Hahahaha…” Yuan Qichen doubled over with laughter. “What’s wrong, Immortal Lord? Can’t you handle it already?”

Manipulating minds was an innate demonic talent. Combined with the unorthodox methods he’d learned from a fox demon out of boredom, even Que Zizhen couldn’t claim to be entirely immune.

Every word Yuan Qichen had spoken was laced with demonic energy, a true case of demonic influence through words.

Taking advantage of the distance Que Zizhen had created, Yuan Qichen grabbed his son and made his escape, his unrestrained laughter fading into the distance, leaving behind a cold “See you never.”

Yuan Xiao watched in utter astonishment.

Though he knew his father’s behavior defied conventional norms…

“Dad,” the boy said seriously, “I don’t mind you finding me a stepmother—or, uh, stepfather—but isn’t this a little too shameless?”

Yuan Qichen turned his son around, his expression complex and filled with bewilderment.

How had this little brat managed to retain a shred of precious moral integrity while growing up among shameless demons?

As he pondered, Yuan Xiao added, “What if that guy Que holds a grudge and comes after you? What if you can’t beat him?”

Yuan Qichen: “...”

Well, he was definitely his own son.

“Adult matters are none of a child’s business.” Yuan Qichen deployed the universal adage, coldly ending the conversation.

-

The three continents and four realms of the Vast Sea bordered one another, with only the Guixu Realm standing apart.

This was the underworld of mortal legends, a chaotic place where demons, monsters, immortals, and ghosts converged. The entrance to the Guixu Realm could only be found where the sun and moon met at the horizon.

Upon entering, Yuan Qichen cast an illusion spell over his and Yuan Xiao’s faces, explaining with feigned seriousness, “When traveling the world, the most important thing is to keep a low profile. The Guixu Realm is a mixed crowd. If you get lost here, I won’t be able to find you.”

Though mostly meant to scare, the danger was very real.

After the ordeal at Tianshu Palace, even Yuan Xiao, as naive as he was, understood that not every place was like the Ten Thousand Demons Abyss, where he could act recklessly. So he gripped his father’s hand tightly and nodded obediently.

The ghost market was bustling and vibrant, no different from the human world. Not only were the goods diverse, but the vendors were also a varied lot.

Out of curiosity, Yuan Xiao bought a box of incense from a dream-eater. It was said that burning it could not only aid sleep but also weave beautiful dreams.

He played with it for a while but couldn’t make sense of it, soon distracted by something else.

Yuan Qichen followed closely, no longer impressed by the novelty, simply paying for whatever his son fancied and letting him enjoy himself to the fullest.

The two wandered along the ghost market street, stopping here and there. At the end stood an ornately decorated tower, its opulent style standing out from the rest of the ghost street. A plaque in the center bore the bold, flowing characters: “Ascension Pavilion,” as if casually telling passersby that the pleasures within rivaled even ascension to immortality.

Even more eye-catching was the bounty notice posted beside the door, its crimson script promising a reward of a hundred thousand spirit stones. Unfortunately, no one seemed interested.

Yuan Xiao was curious, but before he could read the details, his father dragged him inside.

Ascension Pavilion was a place of luxury, famously a money pit. Fine wine, delicacies, fragrant songs, sensual dances, dice, and dominoes—everything refined and vulgar was available.

Yuan Xiao was distracted, forgetting all about the dusty bounty notice.

Yuan Qichen, accustomed to such places, tossed a bag of high-quality spirit stones without turning his head. “It’s too noisy here. Get us a private room.”

The female ghost attendant greeting them took the spirit stones, weighed them in her hand, and broke into a wide smile. Without questioning why he’d brought a child, she swayed her hips as she walked and led them inside. “Honored guests, this way upstairs.”

The private rooms in Ascension Pavilion were quite unusual, notably for their inward-facing windows. Opening them revealed a full view of the lively scenes below.

Not only that, this place was where Ascension Pavilion bought and sold information.

"You're in luck today, esteemed guests. As it happens, there's one room left—any later and there'd be none." The ghost woman led them inside and was about to leave when someone called out, "Hold on!"

The newcomer was a regular, and the one beside him was even more distinguished. Not daring to offend, the ghost woman hurried to greet them with a smile. "Isn't this Boss You and Young Master Bian Xi? It’s been a while."

"Cut the nonsense. This private room is reserved for our Young Master Bian Xi," the burly Boss You said rudely.

Yuan Qichen, who had just been cut off, glanced sideways but didn’t recognize the other party. However, the practically palpable demonic aura made it clear they were from the Nine Abyssal Realm.

"Young Master, you’ve come at an unfortunate time today. The last room has already been given to these two guests," the ghost woman replied politely, still smiling. "Why not follow me downstairs? It’s just the same down there."

Bian Xi, also known as Young Master Bian, immediately had his face fall. "You think it’s the same just because you say so?"

Boss You echoed, "Our Young Master Bian Xi is the younger brother of Demon Lord Bian Xiu of the Nine Abyssal Realm. How could a lowly place like that befit his status?"

Yuan Xiao rolled his eyes inwardly.

Big deal, he's the brother of Demon Lord Bian Xiu? He himself was the Young Master of the Demon Realm!

Don't they understand the concept of first come, first served?

Boss You overheard his muttering and shot a fierce glare his way. "You’re from the demon race? Good, that saves us the trouble of explaining. If you don’t want trouble, be sensible and give up the room."

"We are indeed demons," Yuan Qichen said casually, cleaning his ear as he asked sincerely, "But who is Bian Xiu? And why should I give up my spot for his brother?"

Boss You was incensed, thinking how could any demon not know who Bian Xiu was? He concluded that Yuan Qichen was deliberately provoking him. "It seems you’d rather drink the hard liquor than the soft!"

Yuan Xiao cheered in his heart but said aloud, "Didn’t you say we should keep a low profile?"

"Did I?" Yuan Qichen had already forgotten the nonsense he'd spouted. "Your old man never learned how to write the words 'low profile.'"

Still, the name Bian Xiu did seem vaguely familiar.

After scouring his memory, the Demon Lord finally remembered who this supposedly renowned Demon Lord was—

Wasn’t he the one who had challenged him for occupying the Ten Thousand Demon Abyss and taking the Demon Lord’s throne, only to be defeated?

Yuan Qichen’s indifferent attitude and blatant disrespect thoroughly enraged the other side.

In a fit of anger, Boss You drew his weapon, while Bian Xi’s expression turned grim, seeming to tacitly approve the action. Seeing the situation escalating, the ghost woman quickly raised her voice. "Do you two really intend to start a fight in Ascension Pavilion?"

She respected them as guests and had tried her best to please them, but Ascension Pavilion was not a place for people to run wild.

Bian Xi, who couldn't stand anyone insulting his brother, grew even angrier at her defense of these two nobodies. "I *will* have this private room today!"

Though he made the decision in a rage, Boss You hesitated.

Rumors said that the mysterious, unseen owner of Ascension Pavilion was the Underworld Lord of the Guixu Realm. The ghost woman’s complete lack of intimidation in facing them lent some credibility to the claim.

The atmosphere became charged.

Just as Boss You was weighing his options, hesitating whether to act, a commotion suddenly erupted downstairs.

Ignoring the others, Yuan Qichen walked to the window and pushed it open a crack. The man he thought wouldn’t pursue him stood tall and graceful in the center of the main hall, his transcendent aura starkly contrasting with the surroundings.

Someone recognized the sword on his back and exclaimed, "Jade Mountain Immortal Lord!"

Whispers and murmurs followed as people speculated why the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord who had just emerged from seclusion had personally come to the Guixu Realm.

"Everyone," Que Zizhen spoke, and the room instantly fell silent, a testament to the authority of the Tianshu Palace’s chief seat. "Has anyone seen a father and son enter this place?"

Yuan Qichen cursed inwardly, thinking how annoyingly persistent this man was.

It was already rare for someone to bring a half-grown child to Ascension Pavilion, and many had seen the ghost woman leading them upstairs. He was only here to buy information—no need to get himself caught up in this.

It was too dangerous to stay.

Yuan Qichen quickly made a decision. Taking Yuan Xiao's hand, he walked out of the private room without looking back. "The room is yours."

Bian Xi, whose anger was abruptly cut short, stammered, "Wh-what?"

Que Zizhen looked up at a certain half-open window and demonstrated his characteristic honesty: "Demon Lord, Yuan Qichen."

At the sound of that name, the entire Ascension Pavilion froze for a moment before erupting into a commotion ten times louder than when the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord who had been in seclusion for years had appeared.

"The Demon Lord has truly returned!"

"He owes the owner a million spirit stones, and he still dares to show up?"

"That’s the Demon Lord who even dared to mock the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord—what wouldn’t he dare?"

"Look! The barrier around Ascension Pavilion has been activated!"

"Does that mean the 100,000 spirit stone bounty outside the door is now in play?"

Just then, the ghost woman’s voice, melodious as a nightingale’s, rang throughout Ascension Pavilion: "By the master’s order, if the Demon Lord can be detained tonight, the 100,000 spirit stones will be shared among all present!"

With those words, the entire crowd erupted.

In an instant, Yuan Qichen became the hottest commodity.