Chapter 7 As If He’d Even Bother Thanking Him

Chapter 7: As if he needed thanks...

That early winter, snow fell upon Chunbo Lake.

The library pavilion, nestled in the heart of the lake, seemed to gain an air of aloofness and solitude.

On the day of the Lingdao Academy's martial contest, Sheng Yiming, the elder guarding the pavilion, had left early to watch the spectacle at the training grounds, leaving Que Zizhen alone in charge. The fervent enthusiasm of the young disciples had always held no interest for Que Zizhen. Everyone knew he was a man of few words and a solitary nature, yet they envied his talent and feared his abilities. Over time, few sought his company.

He sat alone for half a day, his tea long since grown cold.

Snowflakes danced outside the window, drifting down to the water’s surface. Que Zizhen raised a hand, catching one, but his palm was too warm; it melted in an instant.

As if struck by a sudden realization, he lifted his gaze to the sky, where a streak of crimson appeared, drawing nearer. Light as a bird, it skimmed across the lake and gracefully arrived.

It was a vibrant, audacious youth, clad in fiery red robes, as if not of this world.

The swirling white snow became a mere backdrop, and the world itself seemed to lose its color.

The youth settled on his windowsill, a smile in his eyes. “Hey, little Taoist, what place is this?”

Que Zizhen was almost speechless, retreating a step as if startled, and lowered his gaze. “Tianshu Palace, the library pavilion.”

The youth chuckled at his reaction. “Do I look that frightening?”

“No… not at all.”

Watching Que Zizhen’s ears gradually redden, the youth, amused, leaped from the windowsill and advanced, step by step. “Little Taoist, how about I ask you for something?”

Faced with such an unknown individual appearing in the library, he should have questioned him thoroughly. But at that moment, Que Zizhen pressed his lips together, unable to speak, his mind consumed by a single thought—

*Okay.*

…

Yuan Qichen had almost prepared himself to reveal everything, but this casual “Okay” caught him completely off guard.

“Okay what?” He laughed at the other’s cluelessness. “Do you even know what I’m asking you to do, to agree so readily?”

“I know.”

Que Zizhen naturally knew. The moment he heard that Yuan Xiao was born with both immortal and demonic essences, everything became clear.

Perhaps that day at Tianshu Palace, he shouldn’t have presumptuously accused the other.

When it came to being a father, Yuan Qichen had clearly done everything within his power.

Since Que Zizhen understood what was required, Yuan Qichen had nothing more to say. “Once the brat’s problem is solved, I’ll return with you.”

As for how the elders of Tianshu Palace would deal with him—that would depend on their capabilities.

Once the two reached an agreement, Yuan Qichen went to explain the matter to Yuan Xiao.

Though simple in theory, broaching the subject came with many considerations.

The brat had always believed himself a pure demon. For thirteen years, his cultivation hadn't progressed, and he simply attributed it to a lack of talent. As a child, he’d often asked about his mother, but later, realizing that most demons had neither parent, he considered himself fortunate to even have a father and never brought it up again.

Unexpectedly, the silly boy’s main conclusion was—

“So I really am a peerless genius!”

Yuan Qichen: “…”

*As long as you’re happy.*

“Don’t celebrate too soon.” Shiyi entered at just the right moment.

Celestial-Demonic Unity wasn't unprecedented, but Yuan Xiao’s case was special due to his astonishing talent.

As a newborn, the child couldn't control himself, often injuring himself. The two forces warring within him day and night once brought little Yuan Xiao to the brink of death.

Yuan Qichen scoured the Ascension Pavilion, exhausting countless rare treasures to save him, and at great cost to his own cultivation, forcefully sealed the Golden Core belonging to the immortal path. Only then did Yuan Xiao survive to this day.

But it was not a permanent solution.

Yuan Xiao’s cultivation hadn’t been entirely stagnant over the years—he was just a step away from reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Yet, because of that Golden Core, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t advance. If the seal were ever broken, his life would once again be in danger.

Shiyi’s method relied on the formidable abilities of Yuan Qichen and Que Zizhen.

The first step was for Yuan Xiao to learn to cultivate and control both forces simultaneously.

Demonic energy was no issue—he’d always considered himself a demon, and thirteen years of practice had made him adept at using it.

As for spiritual energy, Que Zizhen could use the same method: suppressing the demonic Golden Core so Yuan Xiao could cultivate the other.

Heaven and earth are born of yin and yang—opposing yet sharing the same origin.

The Dao has its own laws, maintaining the balance of yin and yang. The same principle applied to the celestial and demonic energies within Yuan Xiao.

Once Yuan Xiao cultivated the Golden Core formed from spiritual energy to the same level, Yuan Qichen and Que Zizhen would each guide one Golden Core, creating a pathway within his dantian. Like two fish chasing each other’s tails, they would revolve around a central point, endlessly pursuing yet never touching due to their mutual repulsion.

Once this balance was found, they would form a protective barrier, remaining in their respective orbits, perpetually chasing one another.

But all of this was merely Shiyi’s theory—whether it would work remained unknown.

Now, the decision rested with Yuan Xiao himself.

“Dad, will I die?” Hearing all this, even Yuan Xiao couldn’t help but grow sentimental.

Yuan Qichen rapped him lightly on the head. “Die? Who said you could die without my permission?”

The path ahead was long and fraught with obstacles. It was understandable if Yuan Xiao chose not to take it.

But even if he refused, Yuan Qichen wouldn’t let him die—it would just require more effort and further depletion of his own cultivation.

“I agree.” A smile spread across Yuan Xiao’s youthful face, so similar to his father’s. “If I can keep cultivating, I won’t always need Dad to protect me.”

Yuan Qichen was taken aback, a feeling akin to pride swelling in his heart.

*Haven't raised the brat for nothing.*

-

The day of the procedure was set for the following evening.

They hadn’t planned to rush, but Que Zizhen received a message from his master, instructing him to go to Zhongzhou in two days to assist Wen Dao Academy disciples on their first training journey.

Shiyi thought it a good opportunity. Once the Golden Core was switched, Yuan Xiao, brimming with immortal energy, could blend in with them during the training journey, helping him master the energy more quickly.

“What does the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord think of this?” Shiyi feigned seeking Que Zizhen’s opinion.

Yuan Xiao naturally had to follow him. Having a Golden Core but lacking cultivation methods to utilize it was like a chef having premium ingredients but no proper tools.

Que Zizhen gave him a cool glance: “No need for tests, Underworld Lord. Since I’ve agreed, I won’t go back on my word.”

His probing not only failed, but his identity was also exposed. Shiyi felt no shame; instead, he exclaimed with exaggerated surprise, “You actually figured it out!”

Que Zizhen: “…”

“Little Yuanxiao means a lot to him,” Shiyi suddenly blurted out, seemingly out of nowhere. “I hope the Immortal Lord doesn’t disappoint that protective little kitten.”

His meaningful smile made Que Zizhen frown.

*Kitten?*

Yuan Qichen’s irritable voice echoed from afar: “You old bastard, what nonsense are you spouting about me again?”

Shiyi took off running immediately.

-

The next day, the Ascension Pavilion closed to visitors.

Yuan Xiao and Que Zizhen sat facing each other, while Shiyi stood guard outside for them.

As for Yuan Qichen, he drew his sword Jinghong and held it to Que Zizhen’s neck, narrowing his eyes threateningly: “If anything goes wrong…”

“I’ll do my best.”

Yuan Qichen pressed the sword forward slightly: “Not just your best—you *must* succeed.”

He knew Que Zizhen never lied, but as a member of Tianshu Palace, Yuan Qichen couldn’t help being wary, even if he trusted him.

Que Zizhen acted as if the sword at his neck wasn't there and began channeling his spiritual energy to seal Yuan Xiao’s core.

As the powerful foreign energy entered his body, Yuan Xiao showed pain on his face.

Without blinking, Que Zizhen said sternly, “Focus.”

This process was a test not only for Yuan Xiao but also for Que Zizhen.

He had to suppress the demonic energy within Yuan Xiao while avoiding irreversible damage to his meridians, finally gathering all the demonic energy into the dantian and sealing it within the Golden Core.

The current Yuan Xiao was no longer the newborn he once was—his meridians had expanded significantly, and the demonic energy fiercely resisted this foreign power.

Watching the usually lively boy grit his teeth, furrow his brows, his expression shifting with pain, Yuan Qichen began to question whether this was the right decision.

But Que Zizhen was the only one who could do this.

And fortunately, it was him.

After an unknown length of time, as Que Zizhen withdrew his spiritual energy, Yuan Xiao finally collapsed unconscious on the bed.

Yuan Qichen rushed forward, checked his condition, and let out a sigh of relief before awkwardly saying, “This time, I owe you.”

“No need.” Perhaps due to having expended too much spiritual energy and effort, Que Zizhen’s voice was deeper than usual.

He silently rose and left, his steps steady, seemingly fine. But Yuan Qichen, having done the same thing before, knew how difficult it was.

If Yuan Qichen were to strike now, Que Zizhen wouldn't be able to put up a fight.

Yuan Qichen could have teased him like he usually would, but in the end, he said nothing.

After all, the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord had his weakness exposed by him—how undignified.

However, before Que Zizhen reached the door, he turned back to remind him: “I hope the Demon Lord remembers what he promised.”

Yuan Qichen’s momentary gratitude vanished: “Do I really seem like the kind of person who breaks promises?”

Que Zizhen gave him a deep look before silently turning away.

Yuan Qichen gave a wry chuckle as he watched him leave.

*Well, it was just a transaction anyway. As if he expected thanks?*

They rested at the Ascension Pavilion for another day before Que Zizhen got ready to leave for Zhongzhou.

Naturally, the father and son would follow, but they couldn’t reveal their true identities in front of Tianshu Palace disciples.

While illusions were effective, Yuan Xiao’s current abilities, as if reborn, would definitely give them away. So, before leaving, Shiyi gave each of them a Disguise Talisman.

Yuan Qichen looked at it suspiciously: “So generous?”

Shiyi patted his ledger: “I’ve recorded all your debts.”

“Then keep recording. Maybe by your next reincarnation, I’ll mercifully clear them.” After all, when you're deep in debt, a little more doesn't matter.

Shiyi smiled without answering.

If he didn’t repay them, someone else would in the future.

-

Zhongzhou was a mortal land, quite far from the Guixu Realm. For ordinary cultivators, it would take at least two or three days of sword flight, but for Yuan Qichen and Que Zizhen, it was no big deal.

The three waited outside Canglan City for a while before finally seeing the Wen Dao Academy disciples arrive.

“Jade Mountain Immortal Lord!”

The disciples were clearly delighted to see Que Zizhen.

Even if the academy’s dean, Pei Tianhe, had come in person, it wouldn’t have been as exciting as seeing the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord.

If they could witness the Immortal Lord’s legendary sword technique that chilled fourteen provinces, they’d be content even if they got no credit for the mission.

Ke Xuesong, the senior disciple from Lingdao Academy leading the group, was also pleasantly surprised but kept his composure. After greeting Que Zizhen, he quickly noticed the two unfamiliar figures beside him.

The younger one was around the same age as the others, with an ordinary appearance but strikingly lively eyes.

The older one wore a veil that reached their knees, making it impossible to discern their appearance or gender.

“Immortal Lord, who are these two…?”

Since Yuan Xiao hadn’t revealed his name when he visited Tianshu Palace, and few across the three continents and four realms knew the Young Master of the Demon Realm’s name, Que Zizhen introduced him as Yuan Xiao, the son of an old friend entrusted to his care.

“And this is…” Que Zizhen turned to the other person, who was clearly planning mischief, and hesitated.

Just as he paused, Yuan Qichen lived up to expectations, coughing delicately, like a fragile willow, and speaking in a woman’s voice: “I am the old friend Zizhen mentioned. You may call me Ximu.”

Que Zizhen: “…”

Yuan Xiao: “…”

Author’s note:

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Although I’ve explained the principles in detail, I don’t actually practice cultivation myself, so please don’t take it too seriously.