Chapter 16

Chapter 16

"Demons?"

"How dare demons meddle with the Xuanmen?"

The sect leaders and elders gathered in the council hall to discuss the matter.

Zhuang Yanming said, "Two days ago, Daoist Ying mentioned encountering a demon in Jingtao Town on his way here. I dispatched people to investigate, but no trace was found. It seems to have vanished." He sighed. "Who would have thought the demon race would become this rampant?"

Si Muyun took a sip of tea. "A hundred years ago, Qi Zhuo sealed Dan Cangke, and the demon race fell silent for many years. In recent years, their movements have become more frequent, and now they've even extended their reach into the Xuanmen. Could it be the Demon-Subduing Formation..."

Feng Cong shook his head. "Every year, a sect is assigned to oversee the Demon-Subduing Formation. This year, it's our Tianmen Wucheng. The formation shows no abnormalities."

Ying Nianling looked around at everyone and said, "The matter of the demon race likely requires long-term planning. The urgent priority now is to find the demon hiding within Jinque Valley."

Zhuang Yanming nodded, frustration simmering in his heart.

One of the prestigious Four Major Sects, infiltrated by a demon just like that? If word got out, wouldn't they become a laughingstock?

"The illusion realm has always been under Qiu Shui's management, and the replication of demonic beasts is her responsibility. I've already sent people to look for her."

Just then, Luo Xia walked in. She glanced at the assembled sect leaders and elders, pursed her lips slightly, and bowed. "Valley Master, Qiu Shui is missing."

Zhuang Yanming wasn't surprised and nodded. "I understand. Gather more people and continue the search."

"Yes," Luo Xia said and left.

Zhuang Yanming frowned deeply. "Everyone must be tired today. Please return and rest for now. I will notify you if there is any news."

The others said nothing more, bidding farewell one by one and departing.

When Ying Nianling returned to the courtyard, Qi Wuyu came to ask, "How did it go?"

Qi Wuyu nodded. "I know."

He had not only instructed Chu Minghe and the others but also used the Spirit Language Jade to remind Yao Shuning, telling her to contact them promptly if anything happened.

Qi Wuyu had only missed reminding Liu Nanzhou. After some thought, he first went to the kitchen to make a bowl of noodles. Then, carrying the steaming bowl, he knocked on Liu Nanzhou's door.

Liu Nanzhou opened the door and was taken aback to see Qi Wuyu holding the noodles.

"Hurry, hurry, let me in," Qi Wuyu urged.

Liu Nanzhou quickly stepped aside. Qi Wuyu strode in with the noodles, placed them on the table, and rubbed his fingers. "So hot."

Liu Nanzhou closed the door and walked over. "What is this?"

Qi Wuyu smiled. "I heard you didn't eat much tonight, so I made you something."

Liu Nanzhou's gaze fell on the noodles, then shifted to him.

Qi Wuyu cleared his throat dryly and touched his nose. "Sit, eat quickly before it gets soggy." He asked, "How's the injury on your arm? Does it hurt? Let me see."

Liu Nanzhou sat on the chair, felt his arm through his clothes, and shook his head. "It's fine now."

"That's good."

He pushed the noodles toward Liu Nanzhou. "Eat."

Liu Nanzhou wasn't really hungry, but drawn by the faint aroma of the noodles, he picked up his chopsticks.

Qi Wuyu watched him from the side. After taking a couple of bites, Liu Nanzhou asked, "Any leads on the demon?"

Qi Wuyu said, "A few. Don't go out alone these next couple of days."

Liu Nanzhou nodded. He glanced at Qi Wuyu, noticing he showed no intention of leaving, and asked again, "Is there anything else?"

Qi Wuyu tilted his head, unsure where to start, so he asked curiously, "Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"

If Liu Nanzhou had argued with him, made a scene, or accused him of lying, Qi Wuyu would have actually felt better.

But Liu Nanzhou acted as if nothing was wrong, leaving Qi Wuyu momentarily uncertain.

"I didn't deliberately hide anything, nor did I intentionally withhold teaching you."

Liu Nanzhou looked at him, then down at the bowl of noodles, finally understanding the purpose of his visit tonight.

"I know."

Having lived with Qi Wuyu day and night for ten years, if he couldn't even tell whether Qi Wuyu had spiritual power, he'd be a fool.

"Didn't you say it was because of that sword?"

Moreover, Qi Wuyu had vomited blood at the time, clearly a result of his body being unable to withstand the immense spiritual power.

Qi Wuyu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Liu Nanzhou was truly so understanding!

"You're really not angry?"

Liu Nanzhou thought about it; he had no reason to be angry. His purpose in joining the Tianyao Sect wasn't to learn supreme techniques or uphold justice.

Initially, he just wanted a home to shelter him from the wind and rain. Later, he wanted to have the strength to protect the Tianyao Sect... to protect Qi Wuyu.

Taking a step back, even if Qi Wuyu truly hadn't taught him everything, it was understandable.

"No," Liu Nanzhou said.

Qi Wuyu ruffled his hair. "Then why were you so sullen when you came back? I thought you were angry."

Liu Nanzhou said, "I was just thinking..."

Liu Nanzhou paused mid-sentence. Qi Wuyu asked, "Thinking what?"

He was just thinking that if this competition was canceled, he would have no chance to obtain the Fuling Amber.

Liu Nanzhou lowered his eyes. "It's nothing."

Seeing he didn't want to elaborate, Qi Wuyu didn't press further. He simply said, "I saw your sword broke. After we handle matters here, how about I take you to find a good sword?"

Liu Nanzhou's eyes lit up. What young man wouldn't want a unique weapon of his own? Especially after seeing Fengxue today.

"Really?"

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"

"......" Haven't you lied plenty?

Liu Nanzhou fell silent for a moment, but this time, he chose to believe. Qi Wuyu stood up. "Alright, it's getting late. You should rest early too. I'm leaving; no need to see me out."

Liu Nanzhou got up and watched Qi Wuyu leave. After a quick tidy-up, he went to bed.

Yet, for some reason, he couldn't calm his mind. He felt agitated and restless, tossing and turning like a pancake on a griddle, unable to sleep.

He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a long time before sitting up irritably, throwing on a robe, and going out to get some air.

He wasn't the only one sleepless that night.

A strange sound caught Zheng Linghao's ear. He turned and caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure darting by. Squinting, he muttered, "Liu Nanzhou?"

What was he doing sneaking around so late?

Zheng Linghao only hesitated for a moment before following. He tailed Liu Nanzhou, nearly losing him several times, and finally saw him enter the Treasure Hall of Golden Que Valley.

The area was deserted, but the sounds of a struggle came from the hall. Zheng Linghao was about to step forward to investigate when a person flew out, almost slamming into him.

He stepped back and looked down, focusing his eyes. It was a woman, dressed in what appeared to be Golden Que Valley attire.

Liu Nanzhou came chasing out and was just about to land a palm strike when Zheng Linghao darted in front of the woman. "What are you doing?"

Liu Nanzhou frowned impatiently. "She's possessed by a demon. Move aside."

Zheng Linghao wouldn't hear it. "I think you're the thief!" He eyed the sword in Liu Nanzhou's hand suspiciously—it clearly wasn't the one he used in yesterday's competition. "Sneaking around in the middle of the night to steal a sword, and you got caught by someone from Golden Que Valley, huh? And now you're making up stories about this girl, saying she's possessed? Have you no conscience?"

The woman slowly got to her feet behind Zheng Linghao. Liu Nanzhou said, "If you don't get out of the way, I'll hit you too."

Zheng Linghao scoffed, hands on hips. "Quite the tough guy, aren't you? Go ahead, hit me then... Hey!"

Before Zheng Linghao could finish, Liu Nanzhou grabbed him by the collar and yanked him aside, causing him to stumble. When Zheng Linghao turned back to look, he saw Liu Nanzhou's hand blocking his chest, a shield of spiritual energy deflecting the sword thrust by the woman.

If Liu Nanzhou hadn't pulled him away, that sword would have pierced his body.

Only then did Zheng Linghao notice the woman's eyes were red.

The two began fighting again. Seeing Liu Nanzhou was a formidable opponent, the woman turned her attack toward Zheng Linghao. Zheng Linghao met her gaze and, for some reason, felt his entire body freeze, unable to dodge.

Liu Nanzhou cursed under his breath and threw the sword in his hand. The woman sidestepped to avoid it. Seizing the opening, Liu Nanzhou kicked Zheng Linghao in the rear, sending him stumbling away. Simultaneously, he leaped up, caught the thrown sword, landed on a nearby tree branch, used it as leverage to flip, and resumed fighting the woman.

"You bastard, Liu Nanzhou!"

Liu Nanzhou didn't even spare him a glance. "If you're not helping, then get lost. Don't get in the way."

Finally snapping out of it, Zheng Linghao went to assist him. Their commotion attracted quite a few people.

Suddenly, Liu Nanzhou felt the woman's movements falter. She then spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed backward, motionless.

By then, many had arrived upon hearing the noise. Luo Xia gasped upon seeing the person lying on the ground and hurried over. "Qiu Shui!"

Yao Shuning immediately went to help examine her.

Qi Wuyu spotted Liu Nanzhou first. He walked over, first checking him from head to toe, then asked, "What are you doing out here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping soundly in your room?"

Liu Nanzhou only shook his head. Qi Wuyu didn't press further. He glanced at Qiu Shui on the ground and then positioned himself in front of Liu Nanzhou, shielding him from the probing and accusatory stares of the crowd.

After all, most of those who arrived had seen Qiu Shui collapse during her fight with Liu Nanzhou.

Zheng Linghao saw Si Muyun approach and respectfully bowed. "Master."

Si Muyun asked, "What are you doing here?"

Zheng Linghao replied, "This disciple merely stepped out to relieve himself. On the way back to my room, I saw Liu Nanzhou acting suspiciously, so I followed him here."

Upon hearing this, the crowd looked at Liu Nanzhou with even more suspicion. Someone from Golden Que Valley had already recognized the sword in Liu Nanzhou's hand as belonging to the Treasure Hall.

The scene looked very much like Liu Nanzhou had been caught stealing by Qiu Shui and fought with her.

At that moment, Yao Shuning stood up and said, "Her... her spiritual meridians are shattered."

Zhuang Yanming turned to Liu Nanzhou. "Young man, what exactly happened here?"

Qi Wuyu turned to look at Liu Nanzhou. "It's alright, don't be afraid. Your master is here."

Liu Nanzhou said, "I encountered Miss Qiu Shui while I was out. Her behavior seemed strange, as if possessed by a demon, so I followed her to investigate. As soon as I followed her inside, she attacked. I didn't bring a sword with me, so in the urgency of the moment, I grabbed one at hand."

As he spoke, he stepped forward and presented the sword with both hands. "I hope the Valley Master will not blame me."

Some people remained half-convinced, whispering among themselves.

Zhuang Yanming took the sword, looking at Liu Nanzhou and then at Qiu Shui lying on the ground. His expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Qi Wuyu said, "Valley Master Zhuang, my disciple has never lied. I believe you will make your own judgment."

Zhuang Yanming sighed softly. "Naturally, I trust your disciple. However, this matter is no small affair and requires careful handling. Very well," he waved a hand, "Jinchen, go fetch the Memory Mirror. Let's see why Qiu Shui came here in the dead of night."

Zhu Jinchen nodded. "Yes."

Author's Note:

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Zhuang Yanming: Hehe, I installed surveillance. [Perked-up rabbit ears]

Why aren't my collections moving? [Bursts into tears] Balala energy, increase collections, increase collections!