Chapter 33 Unorthodox and Rebellious

Chapter 33: Defying Conventions

Outside the mountain gates of Tianshu Palace.

Today marked the return of Wen Dao Academy disciples to their homes. Many from prominent families had already arranged for servants and skyships to pick them up early that morning.

Yu Xinchen was no exception.

Her family steward, accompanied by a dozen guards, was waiting on a skyship just beyond the Tianshu Palace's jurisdiction.

By all accounts, their young lady should have descended the mountain by now, yet there was still no sign of her.

The Yu steward, though eager to search, lacked the courage to trespass into Tianshu Palace. No matter his anxiety, he could only wait patiently.

After what felt like an incense stick's worth of time, their young lady finally appeared, accompanied by three youths.

"It's all Qiu Shanshan's fault, insisting on drinking. Now look, everyone's late," Yuan Xiao grumbled.

Tang Lin, who had overslept for the first time and been shaken awake by Yuan Xiao, wholeheartedly agreed: "Drinking leads to trouble."

He had no desire to repeat the experience.

Qiu Shanshan, however, believed their alcohol tolerance was simply too poor.

To this, Miss Yu retorted, "I'm about to leave. Can't you just let me have some peace?"

"Of course, Miss Yu. As you wish, Miss Yu." Qiu Shanshan abruptly dropped his smile, looking even more like her personal servant than the Yu steward.

Only Yu Xinchen detected the deliberate teasing in his tone and expressionlessly kicked him. "Get lost."

Qiu Shanshan shook his head and sighed. "We won't see each other for a whole month. Can't you be a little gentler?"

Yuan Xiao ruthlessly exposed the truth: "When has Sister Chen ever been gentle?"

Qiu Shanshan had no rebuttal.

Yu Xinchen looked up at the sky, pondering how she had come to associate with such a group.

Fortunately, there was at least one reliable person among them.

Tang Lin offered, "Safe travels."

The group chatted and laughed along the way, their close bond evident. Observing this, the Yu steward wisely refrained from interrupting until Yu Xinchen stopped before him.

"Young lady."

Yu Xinchen acknowledged him, then, seeing he was alone, asked with a hint of disappointment, "Did Second Brother not come?"

The steward looked troubled, choosing his words carefully. "The family head has been a little unwell recently and has entrusted all responsibilities to the second young master. He truly couldn't get away this time."

"What's wrong with Father?" Yu Xinchen asked urgently.

"Don't worry, Miss. The family head is not seriously ill, but he has been constantly thinking of you. Before I left, he specifically instructed me to bring you back as soon as possible."

Hearing that her father's illness lingered, Yu Xinchen lost all inclination for banter. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. "Thank you for seeing me off. If you ever come to the Northern Frontier, I will certainly be a proper host."

"An invitation from Miss Yu? When we have the time, we'll definitely make our way to the Northern Frontier to broaden our horizons," Qiu Shanshan said, still with his usual annoying demeanor, though his words were at least less irritating.

Yuan Xiao and Tang Lin also promised to visit if the opportunity arose.

Yu Xinchen departed more swiftly than expected. As her retreating figure gradually faded into the distance, even Yuan Xiao felt a sense of wistful loss.

This feeling was called parting.

Absent-minded, Yuan Xiao soon faced another farewell with Tang Lin and Qiu Shanshan at the entrance of Wen Dao Academy.

One day, he too would leave Wen Dao Academy, leave Tianshu Palace, and become strangers to them.

Perhaps they might even cross swords.

Who would strike the hardest then? Who would still remember their past friendship?

He mused bitterly to himself.

Yuan Xiao shook his head, dispelling the distracting thoughts.

It was too early to think about such distant matters. Better to return to Qingjing Peak first and see if his father was awake yet.

Speaking of which, it was somewhat amusing. Back in the Demon Cave, it had always been his father who dragged him out of bed, sleepy-eyed. Now, he was rising early and retiring late to study and cultivate spiritual power, while his father lived an idle, indulgent life, well-fed and carefree.

Truly, the world was unpredictable.

After parting ways with Qiu Shanshan and the others, Yuan Xiao originally headed toward Qingjing Peak but unexpectedly spotted someone who shouldn’t have been there.

Sheng Yiming.

He was the elder in charge of the library pavilion. Unless something major happened, he rarely left the pavilion, especially since he had difficulty walking.

Most importantly, Sheng Yiming was looking around nervously, as if afraid of being seen, before slipping into a hidden, narrow path.

Yuan Xiao stopped short.

That day in the library pavilion, Sheng Yiming had looked at him as if he knew something. Combined with the later discovery that Sheng Yiming had some history with his father, Yuan Xiao couldn’t help but be suspicious.

A well-liked and respected elder in the eyes of many disciples—what could he be doing that required such sneaky, thief-like behavior?

Unless it was something shameful.

Yuan Xiao checked his magical tools one by one, selecting the two most suitable for hiding and escaping. After ensuring there would be no repeat of the incident in Canglan City, he slowed his steps and quietly followed.

But Sheng Yiming was nowhere in sight.

Yuan Xiao immediately heightened his alertness, ready to flee at the slightest sign of trouble.

But faster than his reaction was the array already laid beneath his feet.

The moment the array activated, a fierce wind erupted, making it hard for Yuan Xiao to even stand steady. He could barely keep his eyes open and had to raise a hand to shield them.

Fortunately, the array wasn’t meant to cause real harm. The wind died down after a while.

Then, the sound of a wheelchair rolling reached his ears.

"You are..." Sheng Yiming appeared as if from nowhere. "Which academy’s disciple are you? Why are you here?"

Yuan Xiao was stunned.

He didn’t recognize him?

No, that couldn’t be. That day, he had specifically asked if he was the one Immortal Lord brought back. Unless...

Yuan Xiao lowered his head to check and found that the Disguise Talisman on him had indeed disappeared.

Ordinary disguise talismans would lose their effect after a single use, but the two given to his father by Uncle Shiyi were different—they only needed to be carried on one's person to take effect. However, once lost, all the illusions cast on the face would completely vanish.

He still didn’t know how long he would have to stay at Tianshu Palace, but such a convenient item was certainly less troublesome than his father's daily meticulous disguises.

Moreover, Sheng Yiming didn’t seem to recognize him.

After all, when he charged recklessly through the mountain gate, Sheng Yiming hadn’t been present, so he naturally hadn’t seen his true face.

"I am a student of Wen Dao Academy. I came to investigate after noticing some unusual activity here. I didn’t expect it to be Elder Sheng setting up a formation array. My apologies for the intrusion, please forgive me." While bowing his head in apology, Yuan Xiao searched the ground for the lost talisman, but without success.

At the same time, his words were also testing Sheng Yiming, wondering why a guardian elder of the library would travel all the way to the woods outside Wen Dao Academy to cast spells and set up arrays.

Surprisingly, Sheng Yiming actually offered an explanation: "A swordsman who has lost the use of his legs can no longer wield a sword, so I can only focus my efforts on arrays. The library is too important to Tianshu Palace, so I had to find this secluded spot to practice. I didn’t expect to disturb you, young friend. It is I who should apologize."

If not for the intense, strange impression Sheng Yiming had given him during their first meeting, Yuan Xiao might have completely believed these words.

But for now, he simply said with a bowed head, "I wouldn’t dare."

With that, he turned and quickly left.

Although Sheng Yiming had never met him, he knew what Yuan Qichen looked like. That was why Yuan Xiao had kept his head lowered the entire time, afraid the elder might recognize him.

After emerging from the woods, Yuan Xiao heaved a long sigh of relief, but the ordeal was far from over.

Too many people in Tianshu Palace had seen his face. If he accidentally ran into someone, they would likely think the Young Master of the Demon Realm had come to charge the mountain gate again.

Fortunately, the ravine above provided a clue, leading him to the Talisman’s trail.

At this point, Yuan Xiao no longer cared about uncovering Sheng Yiming’s secrets. He spotted it with joyous eyes as he hurried after it.

Found it!

Before Yuan Xiao could catch his breath, a hand reached out and picked it up before he could.

"What is this…"

The moment Pei Tianhe touched the Talisman, he grasped its magical purpose. Even with his extensive knowledge, he couldn’t help but sincerely admire the skill of its creator.

"Excellent artifact."

Yuan Xiao’s heart nearly leaped out of his throat, but upon seeing Pei Tianhe, he strangely relaxed. Assuming that Pei Tianhe had never seen this face, he boldly stretched out his hand and said, "That Talisman is mine."

As the esteemed Tianshu Palace Master, surely he wouldn’t lower himself to seizing a junior’s belongings?

Unexpectedly, Pei Tianhe’s reaction upon seeing his face was visibly agitated: "This is a Talisman for disguise. How come you have something like this?"

Yuan Xiao steeled himself and replied, "I didn’t steal or rob for it. Can’t I just have it for fun?"

"Disguising oneself to blend in among the disciples—that’s something only a spy would do." Pei Tianhe narrowed his eyes as he studied him. "You say this is yours. Don’t tell me you’re a demon spy sent by the Demon Lord?"

While it was true that he was of demonic heritage, the accusation of being a spy was completely unfounded.

His father would never be so idle as to send spies into Tianshu Palace.

It was far more likely that some other Demon Lord, who held a grudge against his father, would send people to sow discord.

Pei Tianhe gave him a menacing smile. "Whether you’re a spy or not, we’ll find out after an interrogation at the Disciplinary Court."

Yuan Xiao hadn’t expected this old man to be so unreasonable, immediately resorting to forceful methods against a junior.

Help!

Yuan Xiao screamed in his heart, using a Teleportation Artifact to vanish into thin air and reappear a hundred steps away. Then, employing his increasingly proficient sword-riding technique, he flew toward Qingjing Peak.

At this point, he no longer cared about preserving the Immortal Lord’s reputation—finding his father for help was the top priority.

Unknown to him, Pei Tianhe, watching the direction of his escape, wore a mocking look that seemed to say, "Just as I thought."

If Pei Tianhe had truly intended to capture him, it would have taken only a few breaths. Instead, he followed at a distance, occasionally speeding up abruptly to make Yuan Xiao break into a cold sweat.

It was like a cat toying with a mouse, confident of its victory—thoroughly cruel and despicable.

"Dad! Help me!"

Yuan Xiao ran back in tears, his face full of distress. His father, reclining leisurely on a lounge chair in the courtyard, lazily raised his eyelids and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Since sending Yuan Xiao to Wen Dao Academy, Yuan Qichen hadn’t experienced the scenario of his son returning home in tears to complain in a long time. Occasionally, he would think back on it and couldn’t help but admire Que Zizhen’s wisdom.

Still, having him act spoiled like this occasionally brought him joy as well.

Yuan Xiao flung himself into his arms like a gust of wind, causing Que Zizhen, who was carving wood using the Yuan Yu sword beside them, to pause mid-action.

In his hands was a hairpin, intended as compensation for Yuan Qichen. After working on it for half a day, it was beginning to take shape.

Only the final step remained.

Just as he prepared to continue, the barrier around Qingjing Peak was disturbed again. The Yuan Yu sword he had just picked up had to be set down once more.

He wondered if he would be able to finish it today.

He mused somewhat sadly.

It was at this moment that Pei Tianhe stepped into the small courtyard.

Before him were three people: one gently comforting his son with a soft laugh, another occupied with some minor task nearby—a scene of tranquil, warm contentment.

Pei Tianhe even sensed a touch of ordinary human life in this courtyard brimming with a homey atmosphere.

This was something he had never seen in Que Zizhen before.

"Master, what brings you here?" Out of respect for his teacher, Que Zizhen stood up before asking.

With someone to back him up, Yuan Xiao’s demeanor instantly changed. He sprang up from Yuan Qichen’s embrace and accused, "He wants to drag me to the Disciplinary Court!"

Yuan Qichen’s gaze turned sharp. "The Disciplinary Court?"

As they spoke, the three of them lined up facing Pei Tianhe. Yuan Xiao’s face, placed between the other two, looked like a perfect blend of both.

Others might not make the connection at first glance, but Pei Tianhe had watched Que Zizhen grow up and knew him intimately.

Although Yuan Xiao resembled the other man more, his nose, chin, and some subtle, unconscious mannerisms were unmistakably inherited from his foolish disciple.

The relationship among the three was self-evident.

But guessing was one thing; seeing it with his own eyes was another.

Now it seems this foolish disciple of his is not foolish at all—quietly pulled off such a big move, stashing the person right under his nose at Tianshu Palace, pulling off a brilliant deception.

He's really come a long way.

Pei Tianhe didn’t know whether to feel heartache or relief.

Que Zizhen remained completely unaware and was still defending his son: "What has Yuan Xiao done wrong that you'd personally drag him and send him to the Disciplinary Court?"

Pei Tianhe: "...See for yourself!"

With that, he slapped the Disguise Talisman into his palm.

When he first met Yuan Xiao, he had thought the child didn't look much like Yuan Qichen—turns out it was because of this thing.

Yuan Xiao stared at him with innocent, wide eyes, making Pei Tianhe so guilty that he coughed awkwardly into his fist and said to Yuan Xiao, "Well... it was just a joke."

A joke?

Yuan Xiao was furious at this shameless old fox and shot back angrily, "It wasn’t funny at all."

He had nearly been scared to death!

Having hit a wall with the younger one, Pei Tianhe could only pull rank as a master and called Que Zizhen alone into the study.

Yuan Qichen glanced at their backs as they left, then turned and left as well.

"Dad, where are you going?" Yuan Xiao stood stunned for a moment before quickly following.

Yuan Qichen: "To sleep."

Yuan Xiao instinctively replied, "Again?" His father should have just woken up, right?

Yuan Qichen yawned and spared a glance at his son, not mentioning that he had been busy all night.

Such things weren’t for children to hear.

Inside the study.

Pei Tianhe thought for a long time but still didn’t know how to broach the subject. Que Zizhen, never one to rush, didn’t push him and simply waited quietly.

Finally, after some deliberation, Pei Tianhe went with being direct: "Yuan Xiao... is... he your child with him?"

Que Zizhen: "Yes."

"You—" He actually admitted it without a second thought.

Pei Tianhe tried to protest: "Don’t you have anything to explain?"

Que Zizhen: "This disciple... has nothing to say."

"What do you mean, nothing to say? Haven’t you considered what would happen if this were exposed? How would you explain it to the Various Immortal Sects?" Pei Tianhe was beside himself.

Que Zizhen: "This is my private matter."

This disciple of his, though seemingly obedient and reserved, was actually stubborn to the core once he set his mind to something.

It was the same when he pleaded for a place for Yuan Qichen back then, and it was the same now when he shielded both father and son under his wing without allowing any objections.

But he was the Jade Mountain Immortal Lord, the head of Tianshu Palace, an insurmountable peak for all cultivators across the three continents and four realms.

If this matter were to spread, his reputation would be ruined, and he would face everyone's scorn.

Pei Tianhe slumped onto a stool and waved his hand: "You’ve grown up now, with your own thoughts and plans. I can’t control you anymore."

This seemingly rigid and obedient disciple of his, who always claimed to defer to authority, had in fact done things that could be considered utterly rebellious.

But what could he do? This was his disciple.

The disciple he had watched grow from babbling infancy to now becoming a father himself.

After a long silence, Pei Tianhe said, "I will pretend not to know about your affairs. But seeing you and him like this, the condition of your inner demon must have improved somewhat."

Before this, though Que Zizhen had never spoken of love, Pei Tianhe could tell that his foolish disciple had deep feelings for that demon, so much that unrequited love had given rise to an inner demon.

Now that they were so lovey-dovey, the inner demon should be gone.

If that were truly the case, at least there was something to be relieved about.

But Que Zizhen shook his head at him.

"The inner demon is related to him, but not to this."