The Husband Was Once The Long Aotian

 

Qin Wanwan confirmed that Jian Xingzhi was fine and returned to her room. She hugged the pillow and thought for a while, then took the initiative to sit cross-legged on the bed and began to meditate.

This set of actions scared 38, and he hurriedly asked: “Master, what are you doing?”

“Meditating.”

“You’ve already practiced cultivation for a long time today, fought with people, and even went through a tribulation,” 38 noticed her enthusiasm and became a bit worried. “You should rest for a bit. You’re working too hard, and seeing you like this makes me anxious.”

Qin Wanwan listened to 38’s dissuasion and pondered for a moment. After a moment of thought, she realized that her worry was mostly due to her parents’ situation. She sighed, not wanting to cause 38 any more concern, and lay down on the bed.

In her dreams, she once again heard the sound of a dragon’s majestic roar. By this time, she had grown accustomed to it. She turned her head and saw the familiar Gate of Immortality hanging in the sky, with the Azure Dragon thrashing beside it. The majestic dragon looked pitiful, seemingly in great pain.

Qin Wanwan furrowed her brows and looked around. The icy, snowy landscape seemed vaguely familiar. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly recalled—wasn’t this the scene she had seen in Su Yueli’s Sea of Consciousness? This place seemed to be…

Huangcheng?

Qin Wanwan recalled the scene she saw at that time as she walked forward, her feet crunching in the snow. She didn’t go far before she heard the sound of something colliding.

It sounded like someone was knocking on a door, one strike after another, heavy and weak.

“Let me out…”

Someone was shouting, but she couldn’t tell whether it was a man or a woman. All she felt was that the voice seemed to carry all the despair in the world, tightening around her heart with an almost suffocating grip.

“Let me out…”

She couldn’t help but quicken her pace, hurrying forward. In the distance, she saw a door. The stone gate stood about two feet tall, with large sword engravings carved into its surface. On either side, Azure Dragons coiled around the door rings, their mouths holding the rings. The gate looked as though it were a door of eternal despair, one that could never be opened.

Qin Wanwan rushed toward the stone gate, but before she could reach it, she suddenly heard a soft but excited call: “Beicheng!”

Qin Wanwan suddenly opened her eyes and saw Jian Xingzhi’s enlarged face before her. He was sitting beside her, holding a book in his hand, and seemed to be quite pleased.

Qin Wanwan stared at Jian Xingzhi in a daze. Seeing her expression, Jian Xingzhi quickly understood: “Did you have a nightmare?”

As he spoke, Jian Xingzhi raised his hand and lightly tapped her forehead. A cool, calming spell entered her mind, and in an instant, her heart and thoughts became peaceful and steady.

She propped herself up and rubbed her confused eyes: “Master, why are you here?”

“Cuilu sent someone to ask us to go over, so I came to call you. And also got some points on the way,” Jian Xingzhi said, as he picked up a cup, pinched Qin Wanwan’s face, and started pouring water into her mouth. Then, with practiced ease, he took a handkerchief and wiped her face as if cleaning a table, making sure to clean her little face thoroughly.

He had already become quite skilled at this set of actions during their time in the desert. Qin Wanwan was dragged out of the bed by him. He helped her get dressed while casually instructing her: “After the meal, I’ll take you around the streets. We’ll buy some books, and along the way, I’ll see if there’s any man who catches your eyes.”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

She had always known that Jian Xingzhi had strong execution ability, but she never expected it to be this strong.

Jian Xingzhi got her all dressed. As he heard the sound of points accumulating in his mind with a “ding, ding, ding”, he felt that the pleasant days had officially begun.

The two of them walked out of the room together, Xie Gutang was standing at the door and waiting for them. He greeted them with a bright 45 glowing above his head. Jian Xingzhi stepped forward, walking between the two, and they all headed to the dining hall together.

Cuilu had been waiting for them for a long time. When she saw the three of them entering, she quickly glanced at Qin Wanwan. Qin Wanwan winked at her, and Cuilu immediately understood that she was reminding her about yesterday’s incident. She nodded slightly and then greeted everyone: “Everyone, please take a seat.”

The three of them sat down. Qin Wanwan took the seat to Cuilu’s left, Xie Gutang sat on her right, and Jian Xingzhi sat between them, facing Cuilu.

As soon as he sat down, Jian Xingzhi felt that something was wrong about this seating arrangement, but when he thought about switching the positions, he realized that wouldn’t feel right either.

As Jian Xingzhi couldn’t help but ponder what the correct seating arrangement should be, Cuilu spoke up first. “Yesterday, I had someone investigate the scene, and you were right. There is indeed a blood sacrifice formation for Guicheng, and this formation was created by Hua Rong. But that doesn’t mean I can forgive you, unless it is really as you said.” She said, her gaze shifting toward Qin Wanwan. “Unless, as you claimed, Divine Lord Mingjing died at Hua Rong’s hands. If that’s true, then Hua Rong and I are enemies, and you were avenging Divine Lord Mingjing. In that case, I should be grateful to you.”

“Then how do you plan to verify it?”

Xie Gutang was the first to speak, but Cuilu seemed to have already made up her mind: “By going to Huangcheng?”

“Huangcheng?”

Xie Gutang wasn’t aware of what Cuilu and Qin Wanwan had discussed the previous night, so he couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled: “Why go to Huangcheng?”

“Because Lin Yanzhi didn’t die in Guicheng,” Jian Xingzhi said as he picked up his tea, explaining to Xie Gutang and Nan Feng, who was sitting nearby. “Back then, he sealed the Demon Lord inside his body in Guicheng, then sent himself to Huangcheng. A year later, the Ning family sent news to Guicheng, saying that he couldn’t suppress the Demon Lord and had committed suicide, killing the Demon Lord with him.”

Xie Gutang had heard of the Demon Lord before. He was visibly surprised, murmuring to himself, “So that’s how it was…”

“The Demon Lord was sealed by Divine Lord Mingjing?”

Nan Feng, who had lived for five hundred years and still vividly remembered the calamity caused by the Demon Seeds, was quite excited. “Then why didn’t they publicize it?”

Hearing this, Jian Xingzhi shot him a sideways glance: “Shut up, some things you shouldn’t ask.”

Nan Feng quickly raised a hand to cover his mouth, signaling that he would stay silent.

“I plan to leave tomorrow,” Cuilu said after taking a sip of tea, turning to glance at them: “You should rest and recover, and then prepare for the journey. We can go together.”

As soon as the voice fell, 38’s excited voice appeared in Qin Wanwan’s mind:

【Task 4: Battle of Huangcheng, Obtain the White Dragon Jade. Points +2000. Do you accept?】

At the same time, 666’s voice also sounded in Jian Xingzhi’s mind:

【Task 9: Beauty Saves the Hero. help the protagonist rescue the target character (conquerable), and deliver the target to his father. Points +500. Do you accept?】

This mission also has a detailed description:

“At the Meiren Cliff, Jian Zhiyan and Qin Wan stood together, admiring the moon. At Jian Zhiyan’s request, Qin Wan danced under the moonlight. Like an immortal descending to the mortal realm, as beautiful as a fairy.

The male supporting character saw the beautiful Qin Wan from afar and fell in love with her at first sight. At that moment, he was being chased by enemies from behind. Qin Wan swung her sword, sweeping through the enemies. Her beauty and heroic demeanor overlapped, becoming a memory the male supporting character would never forget for the rest of his life.”

[T/N: 美人崖 (Měirén shàng) literally translates to Beauty Cliff.]

Meiren Cliff, was located in a section between Guicheng and Huangcheng.

Jian Xingzhi confirmed the location, then exchanged a glance with Qin Wanwan. Seeing the affirmation in his eyes, Qin Wanwan nodded: “Alright.”

After deciding on the itinerary, Qin Wanwan recalled some lingering questions and couldn’t help but ask a few more: “Lord Cuilu, may I ask what the relationship is between you, Hua Rong, and Divine Lord Mingjing?”

“Hua Rong and I are both demon cubs.”

While speaking of the past, Cuilu’s eyes held a hint of melancholy: “I am a Green Bird, and Hua Rong was a Peach Blossom demon. We were originally cultivating in the deep mountains, but we were kidnapped by demon traders and sold as slaves. Later, we were rescued by Divine Lord Mingjing, and followed him to Wugoucheng. I have great talent, and because of this, I was highly favored by Divine Lord Mingjing. After a hundred years, I formed my Nascent Soul. Among the many children he saved at that time, I was the most outstanding. At that time, everyone speculated that I would be the next City Lord. But honestly speaking, that didn’t matter to me. Whether I become the City Lord or not was not important. What truly mattered was that Divine Lord Mingjing has shown me boundless kindness, and being able to repay him and help guard Wugoucheng was the most important thing.”

“What about Hua Rong?” Qin Wanwan asked, puzzled. Cuilu smiled gently and replied, “At that time, Hua Rong had little interaction with the Divine Lord. In fact, Divine Lord Mingjing didn’t even remember him. After all, a hundred years old Golden Core was quite ordinary. As for being a Peach Blossom demon, he was neither male or female, and he himself was quite cunning. He once attempted to seduce me for Dual Cultivation in the name of his cultivation, but I didn’t like him. Later, I went into seclusion for my own cultivation. When I came out, he was already undergoing the Tribulation, which meant that Divine Lord Mingjing had entrusted him with Wugoucheng and hoped I would assist him. I was concerned about the citizens of Guicheng, afraid that he might act recklessly, so I stayed behind and became the steward of the City Lord’s Mansion, handling the daily affairs of Guicheng and helping him manage the administration. It seemed that his health was always poor, so he kept secluded in his cultivation.”

“Cultivation?” Qin Wanwan was surprised, “But he told me that he was busy with administration affairs…”

“Busy my ass!”

Cuilu’s temper flared as soon as she heard that: “Those trivial matters, I always helped him take care of most of it—he just needed to stamp his seal on it! And he still has the nerve to say he was busy? I dare him to say that in my face, I swear I’ll knock his head off!”

“Calm down.”

Qin Wanwan quickly poured tea for Cuilu:
“If he’s been in seclusion all this time, when did he suddenly find a male pet?”

“It was just about a year ago,” Cuilu said, thinking for a moment: “He suddenly said he wanted to find a male pet. And after finding one, he instructed to send him to his underground palace. I didn’t think much of it. He was the City Lord, and when he gave an order, I carried it out. As long as it didn’t endanger the entire city, a few male pets is nothing. Let him do as he pleases. After all, that’s how Peach Blossom demons are. There was nothing unusual about this.”

“Have you never thought about why he suddenly wanted a male pet?”

Jian Xingzhi asked as he took a sip of his tea, Cuilu thought for a moment: “He liked the Divine Lord Mingjing?”

“Like?” Jian Xingzhi scoffed, “Have you ever seen someone set up such a massive formation, find a substitute, just to suppress a soul for the sake of mere liking?”

Hearing this, everyone was astonished. Jian Xingzhi glanced around at their astonished faces and said leisurely,
“What, none of you noticed? That formation wasn’t meant to revive someone. It was used to trap vengeful souls and evil spirits inside a person’s body in order to kill them. Oh,” Jian Xingzhi remembered something and added: “It’s quite similar to what Divine Lord Mingjing did back then, when he trapped the Demon Lord in his own body and killed it.”

Cuilu was astonished once more by these words and fell silent. Jian Xingzhi stood up: “As for this trip to Huangcheng, it’s fine to go and take a look. But I think, if Hua Rong had no guilt in his heart,” he smiled, “he shouldn’t be able to create this formation.”

Finished speaking, Jian Xingzhi turned around and called to Qin Wanwan: “Beicheng, let’s go. Master will take you out to buy some books.”

Everyone exchanged glances hearing ‘buy books’. Xie Gutang quickly tried to persuade Qin Wanwan: “Qin… Wanwan…”

Hearing the word “Wanwan”, Jian Xingzhi’s ears twitched. Without needing Xie Gutang to say anything, he shouted at her: “Gu Beicheng, let’s go!”

“I’ll take my leave then.”

Qin Wanwan smiled apologetically at everyone and hurried to catch up with Jian Xingzhi.

Jian Xingzhi’s steps were very fast, and Qin Wanwan could only jog to catch up with him. He quickly walked out of the door, glanced at her struggling, and then slowed his pace.

Qin Wanwan realized that he was unhappy and sighed: “Master, why are you upset again?”

“Why was he calling you ‘Wanwan’?” Jian Xingzhi put his hands in his sleeves and casted a sideway glance at her, clearly showing his dissatisfaction.

Qin Wanwan hurriedly explained,
“Wasn’t my name ‘Qin Wanwan’ on the Tian Jian Sect registration form? Brother Xie and we’ve been through life-and-death situations together so many times. He always calls me ‘Miss Qin’. Doesn’t it feel too distant?”

“Then why do you call him Brother Xie?” Jian Xingzhi continued to ask.

Qin Wanwan was confused.
“Huh?” After a moment of bewilderment, she looked at him in puzzlement and asked, “Master, what exactly are you unhappy about?”

“I’m unhappy that you betrayed me!”

Jian Xingzhi found a very sufficient reason: “How can you secretly change how you address him without telling me? I’m your Master, you should tell me about this kind of thing.”

“Master, let’s be reasonable,” Qin Wanwan said, feeling exhausted. Considering this was Jian Xingzhi’s first time being a Master, she tolerated his elementary school-like possessiveness, something she had also experienced when making friends in elementary school. She could only explain: “My father doesn’t care about these things either.”

Jian Xingzhi was choked. Qin Wanwan then tried to smooth things over:
“Master, you’re still not used to being a Master as it is your first time. As a disciple, being filial to you is important. Filial piety is for our good, not to invade each other’s privacy, right? And what are you even competing with Broth… Xie Gutang for? There are thousands of Brother Xies in this world, but I only have one Master—you. You will always be the most important, the most unique and closest person in my heart, besides my father and my husband. You need to be magnanimous; don’t be so petty. I still need to earn points for you in the future. If you’re always unhappy, how am I supposed to earn them?”

“You have a point.”

Jian Xingzhi listened to her words, and felt slightly relieved, but the word ‘husband’ still felt a bit too jarring to his ears. However, there was nothing wrong with what Qin Wanwan said. After thinking for a while, he realized that his mindset was probably similar to that of a father marrying off his daughter.

He eased his mind and took Qin Wanwan to a bookstore. They walked between the shelves, searching for books. Qin Wanwan, feeling curious, asked,
“Master, what kind of books are we buying?”

As soon as her words fell, Jian Xingzhi spoke: “Found it. ”

As he spoke, Jian Xingzhi raised his hand, pulled out a book, and tossed it to Qin Wanwan. When she caught it, she saw that the title on the cover read《The Thirty-Six Strategies of Love》.

Qin Wanwan was dumbfounded. Jian Xingzhi had obviously found the classified bookshelf. He jumped up, raised his sleeve, and swept it across the shelves, making the books tumbling down. Qin Wanwan hurried to catch them as they fell like rain, their titles ranging from various love manuals, including:

《How to Properly View Love》

《How to Make a Sword Cultivator Fall in Love with You?》

《How to Crack the Ruthless Way》

《There is No Man I Can’t Handle》

……

Qin Wanwan instinctively scrambled to catch the falling books. By the time she had gathered them, they were already piled as high as her own height, blocking her view of Jian Xingzhi. Her chin was pushed upward by the stack, and she asked him in a muffled voice:
“Master, do we really need so many?”

“I read fast,” Jian Xingzhi said confidently: “Once I’ve read through them, I’ll extract the essence and rewrite the materials for you. Don’t worry, with your Master here, there’s nothing I can’t teach you.”

As he spoke, Jian Xingzhi noticed that Qin Wanwan was struggling to hold the books. He raised his hand, moved the towering stack of books from her hands, and with one hand, carried them directly to the entrance. He spread the books out on the counter and instructed: “Pack them up.”

Then he turned to look at Qin Wanwan: “Pay the bill. ”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

Qin Wanwan resigned herself to her fate and paid the bill. The two returned to the courtyard together. Jian Xingzhi went inside to read and rest, while Qin Wanwan practiced swordsmanship in the yard.

After a day of rest, Cuilu came to summon them the next day, and everyone set off together.

Now, Cuilu has become the City Lord. After taking over Guicheng, she appointed a trusted person to temporarily manage it, and then led everyone out of the city.

As the City Lord of a whole city, Cuilu traveled extravagantly. Jian Xingzhi finally got the chance to mount a spirit beast, and Qin Wanwan got into a carriage.

She had just gotten into the carriage when Jian Xingzhi jumped in after her. Qin Wanwan was stunned for a moment and glanced at the spirit beast outside. “Master, what are you doing in here?”

“I have something to teach you.”

Jian Xingzhi said with a serious expression: “You need to study well and follow me closely on the way.”

Qin Wanwan nodded blankly, Jian Xingzhi took out a book and put it in front of Qin Wanwan: “This is the essence I summarized after studying the love manuals last night. You have a lot to learn now, so I, your Master, will teach you.”

“Are you sure you can teach me?”

Qin Wanwan was astonished. Jian Xingzhi nodded seriously: “Of course. I, your Master, am going to turn you into a charming female cultivator, one who will be loved by everyone.”

“I think,” Qin Wanwan thought for a while, “If I use the Qianmian Mirror to transform my face completely, it shouldn’t be a big problem.”

“Don’t be so superficial,” Jian Xingzhi waved his hand: “A person can’t be judged solely by their looks; it all comes down to the soul in the end. For example, look at me—am I not good-looking?”

“You are.” Qin Wanwan nodded in agreement. Jian Xingzhi asked again: “But will you ever fall in love with someone like me?”

Qin Wanwan shook her head frantically, she was not a masochist.

Jian Xingzhi looked relieved. “Do you understand now? Relying solely on looks will only lead to falling to your knees in regret.”

“You have a good understanding of yourself.”

“Exactly. That’s why I need to teach you how to become an enchantress. Whoever lays eyes on you, that person will fall for you!”

Jian Xingzhi spoke with great confidence, and then suddenly remembered, “This matter must be completed within five days. After five days, we’ll arrive at Meiren Cliff.”

“What about that?”

“There’s a man there with a beauty score of over 90, waiting for you there. This man is someone you can pursue. If you fancy him, we need to make sure everything is perfect from the moment you two meet.”

Qin Wanwan understood. She nodded before asking: “What if I don’t like him?”

“In that case, you can keep these training materials for yourself. Once we rescue the person and send him back to his father, the mission will be completed.”

Qin Wanwan responded in understanding: “I understand.”

“We’ll start with the first skill of becoming an enchantress: seductive glance.”

Jian Xingzhi opened the book and looked at Qin Wanwan. “I studied this all night, so here’s what I’ve figured out. First, you squint your eyes. The so-called ‘seductive glance’ means your eyes need to be narrow.”

Qin Wanwan was momentarily stunned. Jian Xingzhi squinted his eyes and raised an eyebrow. “Then comes the ‘throwing’ motion. You can’t just throw it out there directly, or it’ll appear too obvious. You need to build up some tension first, so that the glance has a bit of a twist and feels more subtle.”

Qin Wanwan was completely confused. Jian Xingzhi tilted his chin up towards her. “Finally, you ‘throw’ the glance. So, what do you think? Doesn’t it look alluring?”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

Whether it was alluring or not, Qin Wanwan couldn’t tell, but it definitely looked a bit foolish.

“Try it.”

Jian Xingzhi urged her.

Qin Wanwan thought for a moment but then couldn’t help but voice out her doubt: “Master, are you sure that this method of seduction is trustworthy?”

“You’re doubting me?” Jian Xingzhi raised an eyebrow. “Practice it on me, and I’ll verify it for you. After all, no one understands men better than another man.”

“Well…” Qin Wanwan hesitated, then said, “Master, I hope I don’t offend you. I’ll throw you a glance that I think is a seductive one.”

“Heh, you think you can be more professional than me? I finished reading all the books last night, you know.”

Jian Xingzhi crossed his arms and leaned confidently against the carriage wall: “Go ahead.”

Qin Wanwan nodded, lowered her head before slowly raising her eyes. Her gaze fixed on Jin Xingzhi, clear and calm like an autumn sky, with the gentle ripple of still water—full of unspoken emotions, as if on the verge of saying something, yet holding back.

Jian Xingzhi quietly stared at those eyes, and for a moment, his heart began to race.

He maintained a composed expression on his face, and after a moment, he reminded her: “Do it quickly.”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

Is there really a problem with her understanding?

She began to doubt herself.

Jian Xingzhi urged her: “Hurry up and throw your seductive glance.”

“I’ve done it already. Now, let me try what you taught me, Master,” Qin Wanwan thought for a moment, recalling Jian Xingzhi’s instructions.

First narrowed her eyes, wiggled her eyebrows slightly, and finally, with a deliberate motion, tossed the glance out.

Her movements were perfectly executed. She opened her eyes and looked at Jian Xingzhi expectantly. “Master, how was it?”

“Very good!” Jian Xingzhi praised her, “You have learned very well. If you keep doing it like that, everyone will love your seductive glances. It looks absolutely delightful.”

Qin Wanwan: “???”

As Jian Xingzhi spoke, he turned to the next page. “Now, let’s learn how to act coquettishly…”

Jian Xingzhi continued his serious lessons with Qin Wanwan. While they were happily making their way toward Huangcheng, meanwhile, Jun Shu was supporting Shen Zhiming, stumbling and staggering as they entered a cave.

Shen Zhiming panted heavily, still suffering from the injury caused by Jian Xingzhi’s flying sword, with his wound far from healed. Jun Shu carefully laid him down on the ground, then wearily stood up: “Uncle Shen, I’ll go find some water.”

Shen Zhiming didn’t say anything, just responded with a faint sound of acknowledgment.

Jun Shu turned and went out to fetch water, then hunted two spiritual beasts before returning.

Lecheng and Wen Xin Sect had been family friends for generations. His father and Shen Zhiming were sworn brothers. Years ago, his father had saved Qin Wan and sent her to Wen Xin Sect, hoping to strengthen ties even further by being relatives. Qin Wan was a disciple of Shen Zhiming, and by marrying her, Lecheng would solidify a bond between his family and Wen Xin Sect, making their relationship even more secure—a very beneficial alliance for the future.

But now, Qin Wan’s whereabouts were unknown, and there had been previous friction between Su Yueli and Shen Zhiming. When Jun Shu’s father found out about this, he was greatly displeased. He ordered him to go to Wen Xin Sect to apologize and seek Shen Zhiming’s forgiveness.

It was then he learned that Shen Zhiming was going to retrieve the White Dragon Jade, so he volunteered to help. He never expected that in the end, it would be Shen Zhiming who would have to protect him, resulting in Shen Zhiming getting injured. This left Jun Shu with a lingering sense of guilt in his heart.

He quickened his pace toward the cave, careful not to disturb Shen Zhiming’s rest. As he entered the cave, however, he immediately sensed a surge of demonic energy spreading through the air. Jun Shu’s alertness spiked, and he swiftly dashed into the cave: “Uncle Shen…”

Before the words left his mouth, a man violently grabbed his throat, and ruthlessly shattered his bones with his palm.

The person who attacked him seemed incredibly familiar with his techniques, and in the first instant, he destroyed all the life-saving techniques his father had taught him. Then, without hesitation, they began to wildly drain his spiritual energy.

Jun Shu’s body rapidly shriveled, his energy drained at an alarming rate. He struggled in fear, but the difference in cultivation between them was too vast. In the other’s grip, he felt like a defenseless chick, utterly incapable of resistance.

He tried his best to remain calm, struggling to turn his head. What he saw made his heart tighten—Shen Zhiming’s face was covered in red veins, the green glow around him growing stronger. It seemed as though something within his body was emanating a faint green light.

“Demon Seed…”

Jun Shu trembled as he exclaimed, “You actually have a Demon Seed in your body!”

The Demon Seed had once ravaged the cultivation world. Anyone carrying the Demon Seed would be relentlessly hunted down by all sects and factions.

It was rumored that, many years ago, the revered Divine Lord Mingjing had fallen into madness and massacred the people of Guicheng overnight, all because of the Demon Seed.

However, after the death of Divine Lord Mingjing, the Demon Seed mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again in the cultivation world. Who could have imagined that the esteemed Sect Master of Wen Xin Sect would be carrying the Demon Seed in his body!

So this was why despite having already reached the stage of Tribulation, he still insisted on obtaining the White Dragon Jade, even going so far as to personally seize the opportunity.

Because he had no way of ascending naturally—he needed to rely on the Gate of Immortality.

And if Shen Zhiming hadn’t been injured this time, perhaps no one would have ever known that he was carrying a Demon Seed!

But this also meant that Shen Zhiming would do his best to silence him.

In that instant, the realization struck Jun Shu, and his heart turned cold.

“What’s wrong with the Demon Seed?” Shen Zhiming, gasping for breath, heard Jun Shu’s words and sneered mockingly. “Even with the Demon Seed, haven’t I been fine all these years? What makes me any worse than anyone else? Do you all plan to kill me?”

“Jun Shu, I don’t want to kill you,” Shen Zhiming said, his cold eyes showing a hint of sympathy as he looked at Jun Shu’s rapidly aging face: “But what a pity, you know too much.”

As those words fell, Jun Shu’s eyes widened in shock. His withered body went completely still, and in an instant, all signs of life faded away.

Shen Zhiming tossed the lifeless body aside, unaware that at the moment Jun Shu’s body hit the ground, a tiny light flickered and swiftly shot out, ascending to a higher place.

Shen Zhiming checked his own condition, confirming that his wounds had healed. With a flick of his wrist, he raised his hand and reduced Jun Shu’s body to ashes. Afterward, he calmly walked out.

After he walked out of the cave and quickly ran to a short distance, he whistled sharply. A crow immediately flew down and landed on his shoulder.

“Go, clean up the scene for me, don’t let his father find out.”

The crow flapped its wings and flew away. After a short while, it returned, cawing loudly a few times. Shen Zhiming’s expression changed drastically: “That was his puppet, and he escaped?!”

The crow lowered its head, and Shen Zhiming quickly regained his composure. His voice was cold and steady as he ordered: “Search the area. Lock down the surroundings and find him immediately. I’ve drained his spiritual energy—he’s just a mortal now. He can’t have gotten far.”

“Find him,” Shen Zhiming instructed coldly, “Kill him immediately.”

 

[Mini Theater]

Jian Xingzhi: “Master will teach you how to throw seductive glances, how to act coquettishly, how to fall in love. I guarantee you, in this entire world, no one would dare to like you, except me!”

 

T/N: Hello my beautiful readers! My Kofi is up again. Support me and read some extra chapters in return 😉