Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Qi Wuyu dutifully swept for four days before calling it quits. Liu Nanzhou ignored him and went on his own, so Qi Wuyu went to find Xie Yongdao.

"You came just in time. I was about to look for you."

"Oh? You missed me?"

Xie Yongdao rolled his eyes, ignoring him, and gestured for him to sit. "Sect Leader Si and I discussed the matter of the demonic forces a couple of days ago."

"What was said?"

"She thinks the same as you, believing Dan Cangke being alive is a potential threat and wants to deal with him as soon as possible," Xie Yongdao said. "She also mentioned she would discuss this with other sects during this period, and then we'll come to a joint decision."

Qi Wuyu nodded. "Good."

Xie Yongdao looked at him. "How has Xiao Zhou been these past few days?"

"He's been fine."

"Others still don't know about his return. Outsiders are painting him as one of the demon clan. Who knows what will happen next."

"We've done nothing wrong, so what do we have to fear?"

"But the court of public opinion is fearsome, don't you understand that?"

Qi Wuyu took a sip of tea. *As if I don't.*

"At worst, I'll just hide him in Fengsheng Wutong and not let him out, alright?"

Xie Yongdao's mouth twitched, feeling something was off.

The two chatted for a bit longer. While they were talking, a sudden commotion came from outside. Yao Shuning burst in anxiously: "Sect Leader, Elder, come quickly! Something's happened to Junior Brother!"

Qi Wuyu immediately stood up. "What happened? Take me there."

He hurried out, his long legs covering ground quickly. Yao Shuning almost had to jog to keep up. She said in a rush, "It's the villagers from the foot of the mountain who came up together. Junior Brother was sweeping the steps at the mountain gate, and those people surrounded him, demanding an explanation from us."

Xie Yongdao asked, "Villagers?"

Qi Wuyu frowned. "What explanation?"

Yao Shuning said, "They say Junior Brother is very dangerous, that us bringing him back is like raising a tiger only to be bitten by it, and they want us to... cleanse our ranks."

"Nonsense!" Qi Wuyu's anger surged. Xie Yongdao immediately tried to calm him: "Easy now, they're just villagers. Once we explain, it'll be fine. Xiao Zhou won't be in danger... But how did they find out?"

Yao Shuning's eyes reddened. "It must be because of that day he went down the mountain to help me retrieve my needle pouch... It's all my fault."

Qi Wuyu ruffled her head. "It's alright."

Before even reaching the mountain gate, Qi Wuyu heard the noisy clamor of what sounded like a protesting crowd. He ran forward and saw Liu Nanzhou surrounded by several people in the middle. He wasn't injured and was still holding the broom calmly, his expression composed. Qi Wuyu finally felt relieved.

Other villagers were shouting in front of the mountain gate: "Expel Liu Nanzhou!"

More than half of these folks were people Qi Wuyu knew. They often went down the mountain to help them, and some had even received assistance from Liu Nanzhou himself. Xie Yongdao walked down, raising a hand to gesture for quiet. "Everyone, why have you gathered to cause trouble at the entrance of our Tianyao Sect?"

One of the leaders, a middle-aged man with a square face, said, "Sect Leader Xie, when did Liu Nanzhou return?"

Xie Yongdao didn't answer, merely stating, "That seems to be our sect's private matter."

"It may be your private matter, but this person," he pointed at Liu Nanzhou, "is plagued by a Heart Demon, has committed numerous evils, how many innocent lives has he harmed? How many have died by his hand? You brought him back without a word. Are we supposed to live in fear every day from now on? Shouldn't Sect Leader Xie give us an explanation?"

Liu Nanzhou kept his head down, not daring to look at Qi Wuyu or Xie Yongdao. Xie Yongdao said, "Sir, everything requires evidence. Isn't it unjust to convict someone based on hearsay and rumors? You say he has harmed many innocent lives. I ask you, have you witnessed it yourself? Have you seen him randomly kill people on the streets? Or can you name even one person who was harmed by him?"

The man was stumped by his questions, because they had indeed heard rumors that Liu Nanzhou killed like a demon, but they couldn't seem to recall anyone specific who had died by his hand.

The crowd looked at each other and began murmuring quietly. Then, someone asked, "Then what about the incident at Tianmen Five Cities two years ago? Does it have nothing to do with Liu Nanzhou at all?"

"Well asked!" An abrupt voice rang out. A group of people landed in front of the Tianyao Sect's main gate. Leading them were Zhao Mingye and Feng Cong. Qi Wuyu's expression instantly turned cold.

With just these villagers, Qi Wuyu wasn't too worried. No matter how much they protested, there wouldn't be great danger. But with these people here, it was a different story.

Zhao Mingye looked at Liu Nanzhou with a venomous glare, grinding his teeth. "You really aren't dead."

The surrounding villagers, seeing these suddenly appearing people who seemed hostile, instinctively moved closer to the Tianyao Sect entrance, drawing a clear line between themselves and the newcomers.

Xie Yongdao looked down at them from the long steps. "Zhao Mingye, Feng Cong, what is the meaning of blocking our mountain gate without cause?"

Seeing his face, Liu Nanzhou immediately recalled that heart-wrenching, bone-piercing day, and his expression changed instantly.

"Sect Leader Xie, don't play dumb," Zhao Mingye said, pointing at Liu Nanzhou. "Shouldn't you first explain why this person is appearing in your Tianyao Sect?"

Xie Yongdao: "It seems I have even less need to explain to you."

Seeing the two at a standoff, Feng Cong hurriedly raised a hand. "Gentlemen, let's talk this out properly. Sect Leader Xie, we also heard that Liu Nanzhou appeared here and came to see for ourselves. If it were anyone else, we certainly wouldn't interfere, but... this is Liu Nanzhou. How dangerous this person is, we're all well aware. Now you've brought him back without a word. That really shouldn't be."

Qi Wuyu stepped forward. "Oh? I wasn't aware he was dangerous. Tell me about it."

Zhao Mingye snorted coldly. "Hmph, two years ago he controlled disciples from various sects to kill each other, how many did he cause to die? Later he publicly turned into a demon and escaped the Frost Whip punishment. Isn't that enough? Or does Taoist Priest Qi need to see him destroy the entire cultivation world? Or perhaps, are you truly involved with the demon clan?"

Those present were either shocked or angered by his words. Qi Wuyu looked at him with a thin, insincere smile, cracking the joints of the hand behind his back. "It seems Sect Leader Si didn't manage to get through to you. Zhao Mingye, do you really think I have no temper?"

Si Muyun had long ago explained the events of that year to Zhao Mingye. He also knew his own speculations were baseless, merely a vessel for his own resentful emotions.

"Back then, the demon clan used Liu Nanzhou to create chaos. We all suffered heavy losses, yet I don't see anyone living every day complaining about heaven and blaming others. If you have the heart to avenge your little disciple, why not go directly to settle accounts with the demon clan, charge into the Demon Lair City? What's the use of shouting at our gate?"

Zhao Mingye, having his true feelings exposed, flushed red with anger. "You!"

"Don't argue, don't argue," Feng Cong said.

"And also," Qi Wuyu glanced at Feng Cong, then swept his gaze over the present villagers, asking Zhao Mingye, "How did you all hear that Liu Nanzhou is here? Are you spying on us?"

Qi Wuyu's eyebrow twitched. It was most likely the demon clan spreading the news.

But after speaking, Feng Cong also recalled that when Zhao Mingye told him this news, it was several days earlier. Was his information too well-informed, or did he really...

Zhao Mingye flicked his sleeve. "Stop trying to change the subject here. Even if he was controlled by the demon clan back then, who knows if he might be controlled again? What if he goes mad once more?" He pointed at the villagers. "What about these villagers? Moreover, as far as I know, Liu Nanzhou has been staying with the demon clan these past two years. Who dares believe he has no issues?"

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused a commotion among the surrounding villagers. The people who had been surrounding Liu Nanzhou no longer dared to stay too close to him, keeping him isolated at a distance.

"Then what do you propose?" Xie Yongdao asked.

Zhao Mingye said, "Escort him to the Chaowu Tian Rebirth Pavilion, to be held under Chaowu Tian's supervision. Within the Rebirth Pavilion, his mind and spirit can be clearly discerned. If it is verified that he has indeed cleansed the Heart Demon and poses no danger, we will naturally release him."

Qi Wuyu let out a cold laugh. "In your dreams."

The Rebirth Pavilion—that was a place where those completely controlled by a Heart Demon, guilty of heinous crimes, were taken. He could never let Liu Nanzhou go there.

"For the safety of the world, don't blame us for being impolite!"

Zhao Mingye made a grab for Liu Nanzhou, who shielded the villagers behind his back. Before he could block it, the hand was slapped aside.

“Show some respect.” Si Muyun seemed to have arrived in haste, looking travel-worn. She first shot Zhao Mingye a glare, then turned to Feng Cong. “City Lord Feng, the Senior City Lord asked me to relay a message. He says there’s urgent business and requests your immediate return.”

Feng Cong glanced at the tense scene and quickly replied, “Thank you, Sect Leader Si. I’ll return at once.”

After bidding farewell to Xie Yongdao, he led his disciples away.

Zhao Mingye was indignant. “Sect Leader, I’m acting for the common good.”

“Quiet,” Si Muyun said. “Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t cause trouble at someone’s gate. Do you think Chaowu Tian is a den of bandits? Apologize.”

Zhao Mingye had entered the Dao path later in life, so he appeared older. Si Muyun, with her youthful face, looked like a junior next to him. Zhao Mingye often subconsciously thought of her that way, making it feel humiliating to obey her in front of others. Gritting his teeth, he gave a stiff, reluctant bow.

“So we just let Liu Nanzhou go, like that?” Zhao Mingye demanded. “Who among them can guarantee he won’t cause trouble again? Even if they wrote a guarantee, would that piece of paper save lives when disaster strikes? We're talking about human lives here. Who dares to gamble?”

He glared at the villagers. “Do you dare to gamble? Do you? Do any of you dare?”

The villagers huddled together, trembling, some of the more timid ones already reduced to tears by the confrontation.

Si Muyun sighed inwardly. “The matter from last time has been dealt with, and the blame was placed on the demonic tribes. We won’t pursue Liu Nanzhou for past matters. But what Zhao Mingye says… isn’t wrong. We do need a concrete safeguard.”

Xie Yongdao also knew that mere words wouldn’t convince anyone. Even if we could keep his return a secret forever—though he had told Qi Wuyu that public opinion was a fearsome thing—how could a perfectly good person hide for a lifetime?

“Then what do you suggest we do?” Xie Yongdao asked.

“With the demons so restless, they might make a comeback. We really shouldn’t weaken our own forces further,” Si Muyun said. “How about… a Blood Oath?”

Qi Wuyu’s expression tightened. That was something used by demonic beings to discipline their servants.

Zhao Mingye immediately agreed. “Sounds good to me. If Liu Nanzhou ever harms the Xuanmen or innocent people again, may he be struck by lightning!”

Xie Yongdao glanced at Qi Wuyu. It was actually a good solution, except…

Just as Qi Wuyu was about to speak, Liu Nanzhou, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. “I accept.”

“Liu Nanzhou!” Qi Wuyu was startled.

Liu Nanzhou gave him a faint smile, then turned to Si Muyun. “But I have a condition.”

Zhao Mingye exploded. “You dare set conditions? You…”

Si Muyun asked with a slight smile, “What is it?”

“If anyone maliciously slanders or defames the Tianyao Sect or anyone within it, they are not innocent. I may kill them.”

Zhao Mingye was so angry his beard seemed to bristle, but Si Muyun smiled at Liu Nanzhou’s unflinching demeanor. “Agreed.” She turned to Qi Wuyu. “You really didn’t pick this disciple for nothing.”

Liu Nanzhou knelt before the Tianyao Sect’s main gate. Cleanly and decisively, he used his hand as a blade to slice his palm, using his blood as ink to draw a sigil. “I, Liu Nanzhou, hereby swear an oath: I will never betray my sect in this lifetime. If I break faith, act treacherously, or kill the innocent, may I be cut to pieces and die without a whole corpse.”

The blood sigil split in two. One part settled on his forearm, the other on Qi Wuyu. Qi Wuyu suddenly felt his hand grow heavier.

Zhao Mingye complained, “Qi Wuyu as the oath-witness? Then what's the oath even for?”

Si Muyun shot him a sharp look, and Zhao Mingye fell silent.

“Is this acceptable?” Liu Nanzhou asked.

“Of course. I trust Taoist Priest Qi knows what he’s doing.”

Qi Wuyu seemed still stunned. Xie Yongdao addressed the villagers, “With that settled, this matter is over. Everyone, please return home.”

He waved a hand behind him, signaling two disciples to escort the villagers down the mountain.

“Sect Leader Si, you've had a long journey. Please, come in and rest.”

“Thank you.”

Xie Yongdao led Si Muyun and the others inside. Qi Wuyu stood to the side. Liu Nanzhou was the last to enter. Seeing Qi Wuyu still standing there blankly, he tugged at his sleeve. “Master? Let’s go.”

Qi Wuyu glanced at him but said nothing, turning and walking away.

Yao Shuning watched Qi Wuyu’s retreating back and asked, “What’s wrong with Elder Qi?”

Liu Nanzhou shook his head. “I don’t know either.”

Yao Shuning set aside her concern for Qi Wuyu for a moment and said to Liu Nanzhou, “I’m sorry, Junior Brother. It’s all my fault. It must have been when you helped me fetch the acupuncture kit last time that a villager recognized you, leading to today’s trouble.”

Liu Nanzhou brushed it off. “It’s fine, Senior Sister. In a way, it’s a good thing. Now we don’t have to worry about being seen.”

Yao Shuning looked deeply guilty. “But a Blood Oath… no one in the Xuanmen swears such a thing! It’s clearly meant to humiliate!”

Liu Nanzhou smiled slightly and gently pushed Yao Shuning’s shoulder, urging her to walk back. “Don’t overthink it. This is already a very good solution. Sect Leader Si tacitly allowing Master to be my oath-witness is great.”

Yao Shuning was torn between laughter and tears. “How is that great?”

Xie Yongdao and Si Muyun had matters to discuss, and Qi Wuyu joined them. Liu Nanzhou escorted Yao Shuning to Shen You’s place, then returned to Fengsheng Wutong. For some reason, he was in high spirits. Lying on the rocking chair in the courtyard, he swayed gently, gazing at the clear blue sky. Soon, drowsiness crept over him.

He didn’t know how long he slept. When he opened his eyes again, the sky had begun to darken. Qi Wuyu still hadn’t returned. Liu Nanzhou grabbed a quick bite, took a bath, and got dressed, intending to look for Qi Wuyu, when he saw him walking back, stretching.

“Master, why are you only coming back now?”

Qi Wuyu opened his mouth to speak but seemed to remember something. He lowered his hand, snorted coldly, and strode toward his room, sleeves fluttering.

Liu Nanzhou had no idea what had brought on this mood, so he simply followed. He watched Qi Wuyu enter the room but leave the door open, then sit down, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. Liu Nanzhou took the hint and walked in. Just as he sat down, Qi Wuyu stood up and went behind the screen to take a bath.

Liu Nanzhou had no choice but to wait. When Qi Wuyu emerged, Liu Nanzhou took a cloth towel, drying his hair while using spiritual energy to warm it. The silver hair flowed like silk through his fingers. He asked cautiously, “Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat? Or maybe some wine?”

Liu Nanzhou pressed a wine flask into Qi Wuyu’s hand. Only then did Qi Wuyu deign to give him a look, tilting his head back to drink.

Liu Nanzhou watched him. Suddenly, Qi Wuyu grabbed his collar, pressing his cool lips against Liu Nanzhou’s and passing him a mouthful of clear, strong wine. Liu Nanzhou’s mind went momentarily blank.

“What are you doing?”

“Liu Nanzhou, I’ve realized something. You don’t care about me at all.”

“Huh?” Liu Nanzhou wondered if his alcohol tolerance had worsened again. One mouthful of wine, and he was already struggling to understand human speech.

“Cut to pieces, die without a whole corpse… Hah…” Qi Wuyu’s hand rested on the wine flask as he let out a cold laugh, but his eyes as he looked at Liu Nanzhou were filled with anguish.

Finally understanding the source of his anger, Liu Nanzhou smiled softly. “I just said it casually.”

“Casually? Do you even know what a Blood Oath is?”

Of course Liu Nanzhou knew. It was a sentence passed on oneself. Those who broke the oath would pay the corresponding price, with the punishment carried out by the oath-witness. Originally used for demonic servants, the oath-witness was usually their master, who would deal a fatal blow to any betrayer, ensuring the oath’s outcome.

It meant that if Liu Nanzhou ever made a wrong step, Qi Wuyu would have to personally carry out the punishment.

“I know,” Liu Nanzhou said with a smile. “If I ever have to die one day, I’d be at peace dying by your hand. If I died by someone else’s, I’d never rest in peace.”

Qi Wuyu closed his eyes. "Stop talking nonsense."

Liu Nanzhou didn't want to see him so burdened with worries. He leaned in and kissed Qi Wuyu's forehead. "Don't feel pressured. It won't ever come to that. Do you believe me?"

Qi Wuyu opened his eyes to look at him. "I believe you."

Liu Nanzhou clamped a hand on Qi Wuyu's wrist. "Wait a moment..."

Qi Wuyu tilted his head. "Hmm?" He kissed Liu Nanzhou's earlobe. "It won't hurt."

Liu Nanzhou released his wrist and instead wrapped his arms around his neck, clearing his throat awkwardly. "It's not that I'm afraid of that."

"Then what is it?"

"I wanted to say... I love you."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Liu Nanzhou regretted it. Qi Wuyu acted like he wanted to devour him whole, biting down hard on Liu Nanzhou's collarbone and leaving a clear tooth mark. Liu Nanzhou wanted to return the favor, so he bit Qi Wuyu's shoulder. For all the force behind it, not even a red mark was left behind.

He thought magnanimously, *Forget it. After all, I'm the one who made him angry today.*

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Author's Note: Have any of you watched movies recently? I saw *Zootopia 2* a few days ago and was completely smitten by Gary the snake—so adorable! [Perked-up rabbit ears emoji] And also... today we stood tall! Our 751 stood tall! I stood tall too! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]