Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Part 0.1

In one of the online chats dedicated to amateur writing creativity (or to be more precise, fan fiction), the topic "The Proud Immortal Demon Way", the branch "ANY UPDATES???" (halfway to archiving due to low activity):

@tao-sister: does anyone know where @Airplaine-shooting-towards-the-sky went? Whole year has already passed since the release of "Demon", and nothing new has come out...

@liuqinggetop: lol were you isekai-ed and only now returned to our world? Do you read anything except the last three topics? Airplane-gege has still in the hospital in a coma :(((

@tao-sister: OMG(((, it’s so unfair (((. You’re preparing for exams all year long – and now you won’t see your favorite author anymore ;(((

@fast_as_lightning: memento mori ;)

@liuqinggetop; @tao-sister and @msts complained about @fast_as_lightning; the reason for the complaint is "personal insult"

#Admin @spiritual_sword: complaint rejected, comment "rules not violated"

@liuqinggetop: damn it, trolls have even crept into this old branch :(

@tao-sister: I hope Airplane-gege will still not leave us, his loyal fans (crying sad smiley). Someone can wake up from a coma, right? 

@msts: a whole year has already passed, there were more or less chances if it came out in a week or two, in the worst case, in a month. I was chatting with a friend, he is a medical student and said that the later, the more brain cells can die, and even if you wake up there, it’s not a good case(

@tao-sister: could it be, if Airplane-gege was transmigrated as the hero of one of the novels, then perhaps according to the laws of the genre, after completing the mission, his soul would manage to return to the body...

@liuqinggetop: either he has not yet completed his mission, or, which is sad, but more likely, the transfer of souls to fictional worlds is impossible :/

@msts: what if he doesn't want to come back? Well, maybe he became the Emperor of the world, why does he need our boring reality? Here he is only an author of web novels, albeit a successful one...once long ago. In that case, I wouldn't return the same)))

@liuqinggetop: sometimes being the ruler of the world is not so good. I've read a lot of this stuff, guys): duties, intrigues, assassinations, politics and nothing for entertainment. If I were forced into such a role and there was an opportunity to cancel everything, I would rather go back.

@tao-sister: :((((

@tao-sister: trying to write some fanfic out of grief. If we can't attend for the continuation of "The Proud Immortal Demon Way" from the author, well, at least I'll fantasize within the limits of my modest talents...

@fast_as_lightning: everyone can parasitize on someone else's plot, try to write something themselves, shitposter!!! Surely, you went to type some perverted porn with your dirty little fingers :(((, I know very well such scums!!!

@liuqinggetop; @tao-sister and @msts complained about @fast_as_lightning; the reason for the complaint is "insult to other participants"

#Admin @spiritual_sword: complaint accepted, user @fast_as_lightning banned for 14 days due to violation of chat rules. 

@tao-sister: it won't be porn! Well, maaybe some hot moments (blushing smiley)...but I’m not sure yet. I'm just itching to imagine what happened to the heroes next))) Especially with the sweetest bun Shang Qinghua and his demonic king Mobei-jun (my god, he's hot… well, I mean, cold, but you know what I mean ;)) Did he make his own noodles for his beloved? ;)

@liuqinggetop: eugh, Shang Qinghua, that coward, I don't like him. Really, just "crying princess in the castle" Meanwhile, Liu Qingge was left so alone. Until the final, I hoped that Shen Qingqiu would come to his senses and turn his heart to his unchanging savior. What didn't this line shoot? Author, hear us out, it’s not good (

@msts: well, no chance for Liu Qingge... Binghe is definitely not one to share ;) , at least without a strict OOC. So he will continue to be a "third wheel".

@tao-sister: well-well, I'm going to write about it). Welcome to my page, I will gradually explain what will happen with them)

Part 0.2

Somewhere in the digital depths of the Universal System...

[Warning: The energy level of the world of the novel "The Proud Immortal Demon Way" is critically low! Support for reader attention is required!]

[Initialization of the event #continuation of the plot]

[Check @channel: @eventchannel is not equal to @Airplaine-shooting-towards-the-sky]

[Assessment of pattern compatibility with the current version: 2.34/10.00; required minimum — 5.01/10.00, difference 2.66]

[Energy potential score: 17.84, current value 2.31/10.00, potential gain +15.53]

[Assessment of impact on key indicators:

"Character development" — 8.09/10.00;

"Filling plot holes" — 9.04/10.00;

"World Building" — 7.54/10.00;

"Happily after" — 9.86/10.00]

[/// tempting / although unlikely / this is a chance to stir up the sleepy swamp and close the plotholes / look for opportunities]

[Scenario simulation…]

[WARNING! The scenario "Reap what you sow" requires confirmation from User 001!]

[Generating message…]

[Message to @Airplaine-shooting-towards-the-sky: "Warning! To initiate the continuation of the story and prevent an energy crisis, the System offers you to activate a hidden script. For cancel the activation, within 3 days, press the "reject" button. Thank you, User, for your cooperation!"]

[User profile status @Airplaine-shooting-towards-the-sky: system messages are hidden for 30 days]

[Waiting…]

[Quest Status: Accepted]

[Approximate assessment of pattern compatibility with the current version: 7.05/10.00; required minimum — 5.01/10.00]

[#plot continuation accepted]

…somewhere in the deepest depths of the virtual mind…

[///and don't say later that you weren't warned!]

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua could not describe himself as someone who was willing to die for his own principles. In his opinion, there was practically nothing irreversible as long as you live and struggle; to root on the ground like a donkey, and in many cases — to achieve nothing by this, — is a stupid and ungrateful thing. This agility saved him more than once in difficult situations, both in one world and in another; helped to become the head of the An Ding peak (even if this job was more like the position of Chief of Logistics and Supplies in a broad-based company), to survive in a fight with one of the strongest demon lords, to successfully spy on two worlds for years, and then even to get into the heart (and bed!) of the same lord. 

At least, it was sweet to imagine that there was at least a small corner for Qinghua in Mobei-jun's cold heart... maybe just a small one? Let's agree, a homemade plate of the tastiest and spiciest noodles in all three worlds is quite an argument in favor of this theory. And just a scalding kiss instead of dessert (the Mobei clan's icy demonic qi on the lips can successfully replace liquid nitrogen), that's also a valid argument, yeah. 

When Qinghua managed to swallow some air ( it suddenly ran out in his lungs during the kiss), the demon king was in such an inspired mood that his dark blue irises flashed with pale sparks from the surge of internal energy. If his leg had not been broken in the mountains, Shang Qinghua wouldn't make plans to save his virginity for at least five minutes, but he had to. Not because of one's own moral unpreparedness (flexibility of principles, remember!), but rather because of fears about the consequences. Cultivators, especially those with a formed and well-mastered golden core, stood several steps above mere mortals in terms of physical health, but damage in some very delicate places was an undesirable thing even with powerful regeneration; and patience and tenderness are not about the demonic race at all. 

Some demonstrative wailing and rubbing of the injured limb temporarily postponed their "pa-pa-pa" until the next meeting...but now on Shang Qinghua's terms. Pills taken in advance to increase regeneration, several decoctions for internal application by the recommendation of several treatises (in the sect library, if you know where to look and have access, you can find a lot of interesting and useful things), the right moment (“my king, you look tired after working on this contract, let this unworthy servant give you a massage”) — and voila, after their first time he is alive (bites and bruises all over the body do not count as significant damage), pleasantly stunned by new impressions ... and head over heels in love with the ideal character written by his own hand. Although no, the last one has been happening to him for six months… or rather, since he was seventeen, when he started working as a spy for Mobei-jun. Would it be more honest to say — from his old age of twenty-three, when the image of the ideal man had just been formed by imagination?

The realization of this fact scared Shang Qinghua a little (what about his moral flexibility, the dispassion of the demiurge of this world? Was it very visible on the outside? Shen Qingqiu, aka Brother Cucumber, must have seen it, the scoundrel, as he even joked about "a light beating three times a day"), but in general he did not mind at all. In fact, if you dig a little deeper, the authors of romantic novels are quite romantic people in themselves (sometimes, however, purely theoretically), and in their works they realize their own ideas about ideal relationships; even if they vehemently reject the assumption — are we always honest about our own motives?

What definitely surprised Qinghua in himself was his calm confidence about his feelings for Mobei-jun: if someone asked to describe them, the closest comparison would be like a lake in the coldest winter: a deep water under a thick layer of ice; you can even dance above and won't fall, but subconsciously understand that if the ice breaks and you crush into the water —  nothing will save you from the absolute cold. It's strange, yes. Really, where is the delight with hearts in the eyes, which makes you want to jump and scream at the anime characters; where there is fierce jealousy like "he's mine don't even dare to breathe next to him"; where "I can't live even half a minute without holding his hand" and other stereotyped cliches? Is there something wrong with him? Ok, let's take the sweet couple of Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe — and here, a complete set, at least from the side of the second half. Yes, the brother-by-transmigration seems more calm on the outside, but Qinghua listened to his complaints about the protagonist before their epic reunion and could confidently say that his most devoted reader-critic is no better than his lover inside. 

Shang Qinghua, well… He just knew that he loves Mobei-jun — like he knows that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. And that he likes everything in the demonic prince in general and every feature separately, like no one before — from appearance to hideous character, authority, sharp mind, unceremonious manners (he liked this flaw too, although it did not stop the desire to complain sometimes — but to whom? To himself?). Perhaps because of this, there was no desire at all to test their feelings for strength, or to try to arouse a jealousy, or to arrange an interrogation "do you love me" — just as an ordinary adequate person does not have a desire to stick his fingers into a tiger's mouth and count its fangs. He could safely leave for a few weeks to sort things out on the An Ding peak and distribute orders to his subordinates, knowing that when he returned to the Frost palace, he could come to the king's chambers in the evening and get everything that soul and body desired. And somehow, in general, it didn't matter where and with whom the ice demon spent these days: the thought that he had someone else in his heart or bed seemed simply absurd in Qinghua's mind. Although he soberly realized that such a possibility is quite real, but... well, no, just no, nope. 

However, all that he had personally was currently expressed in actions, not words: instead of "I love you" — spicy noodles (very, very rarely the demon found the mood to cook them, what a pity!) and ice-hot kisses; sometimes unexpected gifts left in private rooms — a hairpin, a cape made of snow-white fur, a rare amulet of three hundred poisons, a set of calligraphy brushes. For this, Shang Qinghua usually thanked with a small set of some exotic treats, because things worthy of a demon lord were usually beyond his pocket. No public affections (which Qinghua himself was totally comfortable with), no special statuses and honors. The king and his subordinate — both during the day and at night.

Chapter Text

How to make a person feel good? Treat him badly and then take it all back. How to make the same person feel bad? Do something good for him...well, then return everything to the way it was. (folk wisdom taken somewhere)

This continued for six months, until, according to the laws of the genre, suddenly, like a summer squall, the peaceful and balanced life of the Frost palace came to the point of no return. Or rather, the demonic advisors who faithfully served the lords of the Mobei clan for generations (and continued to serve the current Mobei-jun), eventually decided among themselves who would be among the lucky ones to present their daughter (granddaughter, sister, niece, or other relative) as a candidate for the lord's harem. 

If you thought that the demon lord's matrimonial affairs were not worthy of such attention, it means that court life is definitely not for you. Wives and concubines are an ideal way for a court clan to rise in the eyes of the lord and take a prominent place among equals; the more valuable the chosen one becomes for the king, the better; if she succeeds in bearing an heir, that's the best. Only the lord's sudden infatuation with an outsider could stand in the way of the cunning plans, but even in this case the methods were tested: from blackmail to a vial of poison.

Shang Qinghua, as the author of the former bestseller harem novel, could rightfully call himself an expert on this issue. In the process of writing "The Proud Immortal Demon Way", he enthusiastically read materials from the "historical true crime" category until late at night, which described numerous examples of "how to become an Empress, leaving behind fifty corpses of female competitors." He used many things to describe the intrigues of Luo Binghe's harem at the time (and even received rave reviews from fans for it). However, he did not expect that someday all these insidious methods will be tested not on someone else — on him!

Keeping something a secret for a long time among demons is only possible under three circumstances: leaving no witnesses, having a powerful authority, or ducking something completely unexpected (again, with leaving no witnesses). Most of the court secrets were rather "restricted news" — those, who had the right or opportunity, knew. It was most difficult for the lords, whose actions were examined almost under a magnifying glass in search of hidden motives. Neither authority nor mass executions stopped here. 

The ice demon lord's courtiers as a whole were aware of exactly who the leader of An Ding Peak was to their lord. But if under the umbrella of the personal servant and spy of Mobei-jun, Shang Qinghua felt unexpectedly comfortable until now (in particular, they did not dare to challenge him for his status, because the ice sculpture of one such dumb demon had long been transferred to the family tomb), but in the role of a lover, the cultivator was no longer so sure of his own safety. The given amulet against poisons, in fact, was not removed from the neck even in the bath. Even — in someone's spacious bed.

Keeping female or male concubines, or even all of them together in a harem was not something forbidden or reprehensible in the demonic world (described by Shang Qinghua again based on real historical chronicles). However, unlike humans, it was much more difficult for demons to conceive a child, especially for those who belonged to the Saint Dynasties (natural compensation for better physical and spiritual capabilities; demonic qi was quite picky by nature, a weak embryo simply did not survive), so the more demonesses in the harem, the greater the chances of getting heirs. Under these circumstances, male favourites were considered something like temporary entertainment; they could have more power than legitimate wives, but only at the expense of their own talents, not the ability to continue the family. 

Therefore, having calculated, as in a game of xiangzi, the position of our unlucky author, the demonic advisers decided that he would not become a special obstacle in the way of the formation of the new lord's harem. And at one of the meetings, thin metal plates with miniatures of beauties and a benevolent hint "My lord, these low servants humbly ask you to think about the continuation of the sacred bloodline" were raised with great respect to Mobei-jun. Absolutely unfazed by the presence of the "secret advisor", Shang Qinghua.

Mobei-jun, who was still thinking about the newly approved budget for strengthening the border outposts, did not even react to the presented gift at first. However, he still turned his head to the clank of metal. From his place a little to the side of the throne, Shang Qinghua observed that the demon's face remained completely indifferent (although the appearance of the demonesses in the paintings was impressive even without artistic exaggeration). Having dutifully turned over the proposed pile to the end, Mobei-jun put the tray with miniatures on the table and with a polite "I'll think about it" (yes, it's very polite for an ice demon), dismissed the meeting. 

This action was repeated once more (the miniatures were replaced), but the ice lord expressed any desire to offer a place in the harem to even one of the beauties. 

Shang Qinghua didn't have the courage to bring up the subject alone; after all, this matter only concerns his king, he has nothing to do with the choice, whether he wants it or not. It wasn't that he didn't care at all… rather, the cultivator already had an inkling of what problems might arise in the future; but as long as you do not see and hear evil, it does not see you. Sort of.

Realizing that their lord did not show any interest in their plan, the courtiers became somewhat worried. Mobei-jun was about to turn two hundred and seven years old this year — for humans it would be a little over thirty; six months ago, he inherited the throne after his father's death — just the right opportunity to worry about the future of the dynasty (so as not to give the accumulated family power to his "favorite" uncle in the worst case). Regarding his tastes before the appearance of Qinghua, there were only rumors (the demon did not flaunt his own love affairs), but the most realistic of them is that the lord of the Northern Lands is already married to his own work. The Ice Prince was a true workaholic: in addition to subordinating to Luo Binghe, he dutifully delved into the management of his own domain, not delegating most of the work to advisors and spending time in luxury like many of the demonic nobility. 

As a personal servant, Shang Qinghua knew this better than anyone else. But why, in this case, as the main obstacle to the adjustment of Mobei-jun's personal happiness, was his own persona???

The first attempts began with a relatively innocuous one: returning to his room in the evening, Qinghua found a barely noticeable gray ribbon on the bed curtain. The curse was not strong: loss of strength for no reason, deterioration of mood, headaches — nothing that a more or less experienced cultivator could not handle. 

Next were: a letter with a spell on confusion of thoughts; a choker scarf pushed to the wardrobe; a poisoned brush that provoked brittle bones. Shang Qinghua redoubled his caution, but even after being trained in a sect’s school, he could no longer hope for the safety of his surroundings. After the fifth activation of the Three Hundred Poison Amulet (what an extremely useful thing!), he stopped eating from the palace kitchen and switched to traveling rations brought from the sect, or surreptitiously finishing the meals prepared for Mobei-jun. Despite all the trouble, complaining to the master was somewhat embarrassing: according to the unwritten etiquette of the demonic world, it meant becoming a laughing stock, because even a concubine in a harem had to defend herself to a certain extent (an attack by several assassins at once, or very exotic poisons or curses). Mobei-jun would not be surprised by his weakness (after all, the flexibility of principles would allow such a thing), but Shan Qinghua did not want to draw attention to the problems that were within his power so far. And who to complain to? Uninvited guests did not leave their business cards.

Of course, the delicate balance could not last forever: Shang Qinghua's measures of protection are not absolute, and demons are known for their own ingenuity in dirty play. To his surprise, the key move was made on the diplomatic field.

One day, after another visit to An Ding Peak, Shang Qinghua was resting in the palace chambers (having first checked them for safety by all available means, nothing special — three poisons, two spells) when a servant conveyed to him a request for a private audience with the Chief Counselor, Heian Binchuan. This old demon had been acquainted with Qinghua for a long time, and in general they had a fairly neutral relationship. This venerable demon did not directly participate in matrimonial races: his only granddaughter was not even ten years old, and among the descendants of the right age were only sons. It would be inappropriate to reject an offer of a meeting from an influential courtier.

“My sincere respects, Advisor Shang! Today's spring day seemed exceptionally cool and this humble one thought that ginger tea would be appropriate to share with a pleasant companion.”

“I am very grateful for the offer, honorable Counselor. May I inquire about other reasons for inviting this humble conjurer to tea?”

Normally, Shang Qinghua was more polite with the old demon, out of respect for his status, but…tiredness. It was not easy to steer a horse in the blizzard, which was pouring spiky crumbs on the road. If the adviser came on personal matters, he should understand that it is better to end the visit sooner; to just drink tea — their relationship is not so trusting.

Heiyang Binchuan clicked his tongue, but not so much as to show offense — more with hidden amusement.

“Eh, young people nowadays are so fast, their thoughts change like a reflection in a lake under gusts of wind. How is this old man supposed to chase after you, huh?”

“Advisor, do not persuade yourself: for demons, your years are the heyday of strength, and also enriched with acquired wisdom.”

"And what use of this wisdom now, if I didn't have this wisdom in my youth! But what was gone, that's gone. Although I can share some thoughts with the younger generation, but who will listen…”

“Assure you: I will. So what is it all about?”

The old demon put the cup of tea on the table and the conversation became more serious:

“Advisor Shang, unlike demons, you, being a human, do not stop valuing time, because you gained the opportunity to extend it due to your own talents and painstaking work. So tell me honestly: why should you shorten it for yourself?”

“Sorry, don't quite understand what you're getting at?”

Shang Qinghua didn't know how else to respond to such an almost open threat other than pretending to be a fool, but this method never failed him.

“Aren't you tired of checking the amulet every time you drink tea? By the way, a beautiful artifact, I suppose, a gift from the lord? Oh, forgive my senile curiosity! I think there have been other...surprises around you in recent days?”

“Small things happens.”

If you begin to pretend — continue until you will be caught: a fancy game of hide-and-seek. To the old demon's credit, he didn't drag with the next move.

“As the ocean is made up of drops, so the whole is made up of small things. Besides, you didn't take into account the possibility that someone...let's call him a "benevolent person" withheld part of the surprises so that it wouldn't fall on someone's careless head?”

There was silence in the hall. Shivers ran down Shang Qinghua's back, even though it was not winter in the rooms.

“Let's suppose that. And why does it make sense for a "benevolent person" to do this?”

“Because who wants to live in chaos? If, let's face it, something...unpleasant happens to someone whom our lord cherishes, then the whole court will be turned upside down, there will be no peace at all. Heads will chopped, sure, you know how our lord, despite his cold temper, is quick to execute? Many also vary about the Cang Qiong sect; I'm sure your fellows won't like trying to deprive them of your company.”

“You have a point. But then why not keep out unpleasant surprises in the future?”

“Even a "benevolent person" is not omnipotent, believe me, Shang-gonzi! There will be a new trick for every defence, an especially stubborn performer or a very interested customer, and eventually the obstacle to prosperity will be overcome. Ah, if fate had turned out differently, and just a beautiful lady was sitting in front of me! How many problems it would solve!”

Shang Qinghua threw up his hands:

“But fate turned out, as it turned out, and I am sitting in front of you. And I wouldn't say that I can regret it.”

“Of course, of course, there can be no doubt about the manhoodness of the Shang-gonzi...however, it is a bit not what the Mobei Dynasty needs right now.”

 “And what is needed then, in your opinion?”

 “Isn't it simple? The stability and continuity of the Saint Dynasty, as bequeathed to us by our ancestors. The young ruler has just ascended the throne, but fate is changeable and unpredictable, and a worthy heir should not only be born — it must be raised and educated. And our lord works like an ox, but he never pays attention to family matters. Shang-gonzi…has greatly contributed to the harmonization of Mobei-jun's inner energy, I admit it frankly, but it is by no means impossible to have an heir under such circumstances.”

The cultivator glanced at Heian Binchuan, trying not to let the inner cry "what did I do with that matter?" appear on his face:

 “But believe me, neither by word nor by deed did this honorable man plan to interfere with the noble king's plans! Yes, I am not capable of continuing the Mobei family, but ifmy king starts a harem or marries — I have nothing against it. Life is fluid, and the affection of the powerful of this world is as fluid as a cloud in the sky. How can I, unworthy, prevent the happiness of my lord? As long as the sun shines for me — I'm happy, it will stop shining — well, an adult men accepts it with dignity and resignation, as it should be.”

The adviser sipped his drink and put the cup down, slightly raising his eyebrows: 

“Surely with resignation? And Shang-gonzi is sure that the vinegar of jealousy will not moisten his mouth at all?”

“Even if it happens, do I have the right to it? Claim something more than I have now? I am a humble servant of my king, he commands — I obey.”

Did he not overdo it with pathos? Ah, nothing, demons appreciate this!

Well, this one should make a note for the future: simpler is better with this old demon, the counsellor did not seem convinced.

“Indeed, the Shang-gonzi's modesty and devotion are worthy of reward, as well as his prudence. Your kind, however, gives certain advantages: a cool head cools the impulses of an excessively ardent heart.”

“I would not say that this is a human ability, by no means! Your interlocutor is simply not one of those who will stand against the rushing current without having enough support. My merits are earned by my efforts, and catching the reflection of the moon in deep water is a thankless task.”

Heian Binchuan sighed as he looked at Shan Qinghua like a mentor at a foolish student: speaking confidently, but still — wrongly.

“It is a great pity to admit it, but Shang-gonzi’s wisdom will not save the situation. As long as you are near Mobei-jun, no woman will take a worthy place in his heart. There are among the demons those who will easily divide their love among many; but there are also those who are surprisingly faithful, even if you slip them fifty beauties. It seems that our lord is one of the latter.”

“Forgive me, Heian-laoshi, but it's not like my inconspicuous persona means so much to the lord of Mobei-jun. You are definitely exaggerating!”

The old adviser smiled slyly — and for some reason the cultivator felt like he was on the top rung of a shaky ladder.

“You have been together for more than fifty years — has he even once shared a bed with someone else?”

“He just works too much! And…and I might just not know something, we didn't always spend time together!”

“Ha! Well, let's assume. You were the only outsider besides Lingwen-jun at the ancestral inheritance ceremony. And judging by the fact that he can't stand it when someone mentions that event — you offended him by something, so much so that he would have torn your head off if it hadn't been for Mobei-jun.”

“Well... we had certain misunderstandings...

"I can only guess which ones. After that, Lord Mobei personally searched for you for a month everywhere.”

“Also a misunderstanding.”

“Which ended with the fact that you got together after all. Although many believed that your relationship began half a century ago...”

“Who thought that — it's definitely not my fault!”

After the sharp answer there was an awkward pause. Damn these gossipers down, wherever and whenever Shang Qinghua gave reason to suspect such a thing…except for the moments when he was literally glued to Mobei-jun's tights, accompanying the ice lord day and night — but that didn't count, he was just trying to save his own person from the tragic end he had foreseen!

“Let's assume. One way or another, our king sets you apart from everyone else. And if it doesn't stop, chaos will ensue in our domain: Honorable Lingwen-jun is not the only one who dreams of an ice throne. Therefore, some are particularly confused and already intend to solve the problem radically, but I still hope for diplomacy.”

Diplomacy — and demons?

“Your suggestions?”

“What if you temporarily disappear from his sight? But only by good reasons. Surely you had already heard of the project proposed by Lord Luo?”

“Who hasn't heard of this…”

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua was well aware of Luo Binghe's latest plan: having the questionable attempt to unify the worlds with the help of the spatial magic of the Xin Mo sword (stopped in time by the Heroic Deed of Shen Qingqiu), he still had reasons to implement this incredible plan in the future, but with more civilized methods (as insisted the mind freed from the harmful influence of the bloodthirsty sword and the same Shen Qingqiu).

The logic was: the worlds of demons and humans somehow have stationary points of intersection, the borders of both worlds are mutually permeable. Sooner or later, the two civilizations must learn to communicate in more than just the language of weapons and spells. The demonic world is rich in energy, but poor in basic things like clean water and nutritious soil for growing edible plants and livestock; the demonic tribes are scattered and often at war with each other for better resources — even the Saint Dynasties only partially contain this chaos. On the other hand, humans are not half as physically strong and knowledgeable in magic (one in twenty can become a cultivator well, and one in a thousand can develop a spiritual golden core to the level of immortality), but there are banally more of them than demons, and society is better united (“first we will deal with the external enemy, and then we will return to internal strife”). But significant concentrations of energy flows in the world of people are limited and have long been divided between various sects; the lack of magical ingredients leads to increased competition. If the two worlds could exchange surpluses on an ongoing basis, rather than raiding them, perhaps the chaos in these interactions would gradually become less.

At the initiative of Luo Binghe (a direct descendant of one of the Saint Demon Dynasties and also a human half-blood cultivator, currently the formal head of the Huan Hua Palace), this idea was spread among the orders and sects as well as among the demon clans. Somewhere it received comprehensive support (especially from the Cang Qiong Mountains), somewhere it was almost declared war (monasteries and demonic clans with a conservative structure), but in the end it was agreed to organize a Great Conference, where both sides could present their own vision of international interaction and discuss controversial points. 

So far, the option of setting up a buffer territory in the Borderlands, which surrounded the center of the continent in the world of humans with an uneven ring — there the boundaries between the worlds were particularly weak. But the preparation and coordination of these projects required a lot of effort and time, so both sides struggled a year before the conference to make sure everything went according to plan.

Shang Qinghua had been participating in the preparatory work from one side or the other for some time now, but he felt that he would soon have to choose which of the worlds to devote his main time to. It seems that this moment came sooner than he wanted.

“Counselor Heian, how exactly should my modest participation in the preparations for the Grand Conference contribute or not contribute to the relationship with Mobei-jun? He quite often entrusts me the work on documents, but this is only a small part.”

“I know, I know, your contribution is highly appreciated by the lord; proposals for optimization more than once received his highest marks.”

No matter how much Shang Qinghua strained his memory, all that came to mind was "put it on the table" and "here's another part, do it by tomorrow"; therefore, quite naturally, he stared at the adviser in surprise.

“Oh no, to directly praise you — that did not happen with our king. However, you are usually not present at the meetings when the various proposals are being put together. If someone's scroll is publicly torn to shreds by Mobei-jun less than three times, its executor is quite lucky. If my memory serves me well, your work was never even thrown out the window!”

The gift of speech was finally left Shang Qinghua; i.e., numerous edits and comments, under which the written text is barely visible — then, it turns out, a high score???

“So what am I talking about? Ah, about the work: in a month, a meeting of the heads of the demonic clans is to be held in Lord Luo's domain, to agree on proposals for the Great Conference. I don't remember the last time such a large-scale reception was organized in the demon world — unless it was at his respected father's times!”

Somehow he missed this event… it's not good. And no, the affairs of his sect are not an excuse at all! Rumors circulated, but the final decision was apparently made at the level of the rulers of the demonic domains.

“And this is the meeting at which you will not be able to accompany our king.”

“Why?”

“Because in order to prevent outside influence, not a single human will be admitted to this meeting as a matter of principle. This is an occasion for demonic clans to meet on neutral territory, search for allies and deal with conflicts. Each domain must be properly represented, for which the lords take with them heirs and relatives, including female representatives. Unions sealed by marriage are a fairly reliable way to strengthen the influence of a dynasty. Do you see what I'm getting at?”

So, here lies the cunning plan of the court snakes, concerned about the family status of the ice demon!

“There will be no me near Mobei-jun, instead a flower garden of the most beautiful and noble women of the demonic world; obviously someone will catch his eye, and it's not far from his heart, yeah?

“Advisor Shang's mind is not secondary to the sharpness of the blade of his sword.”

By the way, it was the pure truth — the cultivator often forgot to sharpen it!

“And this meeting will take place…”

“In seventeen days, will last fifteen, according to the regulations; just enough time before the Great Conference.”

“But then Mobei-jun will return to the palace and everything will be as it was.”

“Not really: you won't be there.”

“How is it?”

“As the lord of An Ding Peak, one of the leaders of the Cang Qiong Sect, you will certainly be involved in the preparation of the conference. You simply will not have enough time and opportunities to be torn between two worlds at the same time…”

Shang Qinghua was impressed by the cleverness of the idea, but still felt that there was a trick somewhere.

“An interesting plan. But there is a question: if the meeting of demons and my departure is inevitable, why did you come to me at all???"

“Nothing can be hidden from your watchful eye, esteemed Advisor. This is where the key moment is hidden, which you and only you can influence.”

Heian Binchuan paused, sighed as he collected his thoughts, and snapped:

"You shouldn't be looking for meetings with Mobei-jun."

And... is he looking for them??? Hold on, something is wrong.

“No way. If the master wants to see me, I don't think I can avoid it.”

“Who, if not you? Lord Mobei is free in his actions, but you are not only his servant, but also the leader of the cultivation peak; a very responsible position that requires certain sacrifices… And our lord obviously values ​​your desire to hold your own among the cultivators more than his own comfort.”

If to put together everything that has just been discussed, it turns out that... He was not sure that he understood the adviser correctly. Absurd, completely absurd!

“So I must pretend that I am very busy with rush matters, and I will be in that state for at least a year, until the end of the Great Conference? Until Mobei-jun gets carried away with a new acquisition in the harem and forgets about my existence?”

“That's right. I sincerely believe only you can choose the necessary words to convince the lord.”

Shang Qinghua was not so confident in his own eloquence: if Mobei-jun heard such a refusal, the cultivator seriously risked encountering demonic fury. He had already seen something similar when was thinking about returning to his native world... By the way, the button is still active somewhere in the System’s interface, maybe it's for the better... No! Still no. Especially now — nope. He must have at least one trump card left up his sleeve.

So, Shang Qinghua will have to trade what he has. Not a very favorable position: he is alone, there are many hired killers, malevolent demons as well. Even Mobei-jun's broad back is not an absolute shield — especially when it comes to the future of his dynasty, it's pretty damn critical. What remains? It's simple: as the work of diplomacy taught, sometimes it's worth taking a step back to get the opportunity to move forward by two.

"It will be difficult... What will I get for this favor from the respected court clans? Councillor, I believe you are here as an unofficial representative, but can you speak for the stakeholders?”

“Very outlined, but generally true. On behalf of the court, I can offer, first of all, your personal safety until the moment of departure for the An Ding peak…”

"No hired assassins?"

“I can personally give a blood oath that I will take care of your life and health as if it were my own. However, I cannot guarantee safety from our king…”

“That's understandable.”

“Secondly... I understand that I am asking you to concede a very personal point... And the probability of restoring your relationship with Lord Mobei after such a divorce is unlikely... However, when the lord has a descendant and you wish to return to the court, there will be no obstacles for you.”

“The descendant, not the wife?”

“This humble one sorry, but you must understand that well…”

“Yeah, I understand. Favorable conditions, nothing to say.... What is the third? Is this not provided for?”

Do the court conspirators already have someone in mind to replace him, that they are so sure of the success of their plan? However, this is already "their" problem, not "Shang Qinghua's problem": his task now and always is to survive. Flexibility of principles, right?

“Advisor Shang, this venerable one sees, that we understand each other perfectly. I have worked with you for years and believe me, I admire your intelligence sincerely. Other demons may despise you for weakness, but with ages comes the understanding that strength is not in strength only, sorry for the tautology! You yourself already know that my offer is a gesture of good will, and one way or another you will be forced to act according to the plan. Because your life is at stake, and it is priceless. But on your part, you are quite capable of significantly complicating the process. I believe we both wish Lord Mobei-jun a long and happy reign. But you, and no one else, will have to humiliate yourself for that. Therefore, the third condition is up to you.”

Shan Qinghua turned his back to the window, beyond which lay the snow-swept plains. Sometimes he could see there the mesmerizing aurora or the scattering of stars in unfamiliar constellations, but tonight the sky was overcast. Although spring was now beginning in the demon world, it was hardly noticeable in the Northern Lands. Until the beginning of summer, the plains were covered by snow, and only for two or three months there was a blooming season, when demons accustomed to the cold suffered from unprecedented heat (and Qinghua got a chance to change his winter cloak for an autumn cloak). 

If he read about a similar moment in someone's story, the hero would be "enveloped by indescribable despair", "his heart was torn to pieces", "one thought that he would have to part with the love of his life seemed unbearable". However, he was not reading a novel at the moment — he was living it, and not as a romantically minded populist, but under the armored skin of a cynical author of many commercially successful stories. He carefully listened to himself: where is that despair? Well, at least some moral struggles? But apart from the foreboding of the next problems ("damned demons somewhere will definitely cheat", "if Mobei-jun finds out about this deal, I'm definitely in trouble", "how tired I am of spinning like a snake in a pan"), Shan Qinghua did not feel anything special. 

“My third condition: ten days before the meeting, you give Lord Mobei a short vacation.”

The advisor's eyebrows rose high; Shan Qinghua didn't even know that demons could basically make a classic surprised anime expression, but look on this.

“Vacation?”

“As far as I know, proposals for the Great Conference from the Northern Domain have already been prepared. What remains — can be completed with the participation of advisors. Formal robes have been ordered. The fitting won't take much time — especially given that Lord Mobei hates the process of dressing. I hope that you can deal with everything that is not urgent yourself or wait until our king returns. And he, though a demon, is not made from the iron.”

“And... what are you planning to do?”

“Well, and this matter does not concern you. I can promise that I will return the Lord in the appointed time, if possible — intact. Don't worry about keeping the deal in secret: you see, it's as beneficial to me as it is to you.”

The hastily generated idea (authored by a brain trained in the popular literary clichés of romance novels) seems to have worked. At least it was completely unexpected for the adviser, but obviously did not go beyond the limits of the outlined leisure. Shang Qinghua himself was currently stuck somewhere between “I will regret it” and “but there will be something to regret”, but still… What else could he bargain with the demons?

“You are a very interesting person, Shang-gonzi. Well, a vacation is a vacation, a completely realistic requirement. Lord Mobei should recover before the Great Gathering. Just be careful in your words and actions: our king is meticulous about details.”

The adviser could not have reminded: the ice prince sometimes even impressed Shan Qinghua himself with a hellishly sharp intuition. Just because the demon seemed indifferent to anything outside of his interests didn't mean he didn't notice anything. And does not remember the details. And is silent until the last moment. Mobei-jun knows how to surprise, and it cost someones their heads!

An agreement of intent was concluded that evening; there was no point in delaying the matter. Bandaging the wound strip of cloth on his wrist (a thin scar, a reminder of the oath ritual, was worth hiding from his king's eyes), Shang Qinghua still did not feel any moral suffering.

In the end, he was guaranteed safety. And ten days alone with Mobei-jun. This was more than he could have hoped for from the demons.

His feelings for the ice lord did not take into account the difference in race, social status and the lack of apparent reciprocity. They will also survive parting. And if not, it means, that it was destined to be so.

Chapter Text

The hardened iron lock that fastened the gates of the palace from the inside, fell in half. The clatter of fragments against the stone tiles, and later — the clatter of the entrance gate against the walls, attracted attention: from the windows of the rooms, several beautiful, like a morning dream, faces stuck out.

“What happened? Who is this?”

“Jiejies, we were attacked!”

“Cultivators! Madame Mein!!!”

A figure wrapped in a spacious cloak appeared at the gate. A hood lined with fur, pulled over the face, hid the features of an uninvited guest — and a guest not polite, judging by the exposed blade of the sword. A few succubus who tried to approach the stranger, had already received cuts and ran off to regenerate and change tactics. The inner door of the place was flung open and purple eyes with a narrow serpent line of pupils looked at the stranger with interest.

“What a familiar technique... Is the master by any chance not from Bai Zhan Peak?”

The older demoness, Madame Mein, made a whimsical gesture and a wall of blue flame rose from the ground in front of the attacker's feet: the activated protective formation gave the denizens time to agree on a plan of action while the caster dealt with the obstacle. The succubae took a closer look at the cloaked figure; suddenly, the demoness's eyebrows arched in two perfect arches and laughter rang out in the middle of the courtyard — as if someone had touched a crowd of thin-walled silver bells.

“How did I not immediately recognise you? Meimeis, today we have a special guest. Greetings to Liu Mingyan, the author of the unparalleled masterpiece "Sighs of Chungshan"!”

For a moment, the crowd of angry, beautiful, but very dangerous creatures froze in surprise...and then it began:

“Oh really???”

“Look, here are the emblems of Cang Qiong and Xiangshu! And a veil on the face…”

“Eternal chaos, and I just happened to buy a new copy with wonderful illustrations! Will Liu-jie agree to sign it as a souvenir?

“Are you crazy? Your throat will be cut instead of an autograph!”

The figure in the middle of the fiery formation was noticeably stunned, but it controlled itself and said in a soft, tender voice:

“This one did not expect to meet so many admirers of her modest talents in such a wilderness. However, I am forced to insist that you leave this place and voluntarily hand over the captured hostages: the local mayor said that you deceived his relatives…”

The statement was met with sincere indignation:

“What??? What relatives?”

“We did not touch any relatives! And in general, we live like peaceful citizens!”

“Nevertheless, you are holding hostage the gonzies Wan Wuei and Tang Ming in the mansion…”

“But they…”

At that time, two young men hurriedly dressed in crumpled clothes, as if they had just gotten out of bed, ran out of the house. Both of them could be considered handsome by mortal standards: fine facial features, long hair, graceful figure — even though they were from common people, their appearance could be envied even by nobles.

“Do not touch them, they are not guilty!”

Madam Mein hastened to explain to the enchantress as quickly as possible, until the irreparable happened: 

“These are the same Wan Wuei and Tang Ming, but no one kidnapped them. They are in no way related to that bastard Feyao. I suppose he called them relatives to hide his own lustful nature from public opinion, since both young men were purchased in a brothel in Heyang. We did not deceive them, oh no! It happened unintentionally: one of my sisters, walking through the city, happened to see Wuei trying to steal wound ointment from the apothecary and was caught by the hand.”

With a smooth gesture, she pointed to one of the demonesses.

“My shimei, Xiao Lian Hua, has a kind heart and a weakness for those who suffer for others. Struck by the gentleman's beauty, she decided to save him from punishment.”

One of the young men, respectfully bowing to the female cultivator, supported the demoness.

“The honorable Jie, I assure you, everything said by the dear madam is the pure truth! I wanted to steal the salve to save my friend; he angered our master and received ten lashes on the back for it. The wounds got inflamed, he was running around in a fever, we had no money, so there was no other way out but crime. And the beautiful Xiao-er saved me! And not only; she helped get Wuei out of this cursed estate!”

Liu Mingyan listened carefully to his speech and nodded:

“Well, you are not lying. It is very unfortunate that you had to go through these ordeals. If everything turns out according to the voluntary agreement of the parties, then my mission here is completed...but in the city, certain issues will have to be clarified.”

The younger man resolutely stepped forward from behind his older friend: 

"My lady, we can go with you and confirm that we are not relatives of Feiao-gonzi. Yes, we are his slaves and escaped, if Heaven sent such an opportunity! He treated us more cruelly than any of the brothel visitors. In his estate, we were locked in rooms and could not even speak to the servants without permission! Everything in our lives — even a sip of water — depended on his whim. And… and it is better to die protecting our saviors — yes, we know that beautiful ladies do not belong to the human race, so what! — than to return to this monster in human form!”

Madame Mein hastened to intervene:

"Liu Mingyan, I can assure you that as long as these young gonzies stay at our estate, me and my sisters will not limit their freedom and dignity. Yes, we are succubus and have special needs, but energy given willingly tastes better than taken by trickery. Would it be presumptuous of me to ask you to give the honorable mayor a small compensation? I think ten lians of gold will be enough…”

"Madame Mein, this is three times more than the price he bought us for!"

Having removed the barrier with a wave of her hand, the demoness reached into her sleeve and pulled out a golden ingot, the size of half her palm, and handed it to the young woman. Having made sure that there are no hidden curses on the metal, she hid the gold in a qiankun. Only after this did the tension finally leave the manor yard.

“Liu-jie, please have tea with us. My sisters never dreamed of meeting such a famous person in person. Who, if not us, knows how there is a lack of really exciting literature these days!”

“And...can you sign a copy for me, please? Right here on the cover.”

“And for me, please-please-please!

“Girls, don't crowd! Don't press on Liu-jie!”

It was warm in the central hall of the manor, so much so that the succubus in thin silk robes in the winter time looked not pitiful, but seductive. And the interior was more reminiscent of the rooms of the female half of the palace: draperies, pillows, thick mattresses spread out on the floor, lined with fur and bedspreads. A low tea table was quickly set with nibbles and sweets, along with a kettle on a pan. When the crowd of writing fans finally subsided, Madame Mein personally filled the cup for the female cultivator.

“Just tea. No trickery, I swear by Eternal chaos.”

Liu Mingyan, who was finally able to remove the veil from her face (the young men were not present at the tea party), calmly accepted the drink and smiled kindly.

“Thank you. You still won't be able to charm me. Unless it's poison...however, I wouldn't advise either.”

“Poison — oh no, this is a last resort and not a very good one: it's better to kill immediately and not take risks, especially with cultivators! As for the rest... from a practical point of view, yes, your energy is not the taste we like. But in general, you can seduce a person known for his legendary beauty, which dazzles the unwary, with pure enthusiasm.”

The tips of the young woman's ears turned red.

“Thank you for the compliment, but it's not worth it.”

“How interesting... And for some reason I thought that the author of such a sensual masterpiece as "Sighs in Chungshan" should not limit herself to excessive modesty.”

“Excessive — of course not; how else to assess whether the plot will be interesting for the reader, if not through the feedback of one's own feelings? During the work, this one was forced to devote a very, very long time to stabilization meditations. However, my book is not my experience: pure imagination and some literary sources.”

Madame Mein saw that the blush now colored not only the ears of the guest, but instead of teasing, she only gently remarked:

“Your imagination is a reason to be proud of yourself, Liu-jie, believe the expert! Especially considering the strict moral rules of adepts at Xian Shu Peak…”

Without listening, Liu Mingyan snorted:

"Strict? I wouldn't say. Our peak leader, Master Qi Qingqi, pays more attention to how one wields a sword and wields spells than whether one observes austerities. However, according to the unwritten rules of the peak, all personal matters must be kept secret outside of the peak, with the exception of marriage. It was agreed that there would be less trouble.”

"Wow, so the great Xian Shu Peak isn't as much like a monastery as we thought! Shimeis, I suddenly felt like going to cultivate my spiritual core, do you think they would take me in?

"You would be kicked out of the peak in a week! Do you even know how to measure your appetites?”

Gradually, tea parties in the manor became more and more like girls' gatherings. The succubus, realizing that no one was going to exterminate them (at least today), completely relaxed; Liu Mingyan, who hadn't returned to the sect for two months, was happy to talk about extraneous topics unrelated to the affairs of the cultivation with the interlocutors without stuttering when looking at the faces under the veil. 

"Mingyan-jie, how is your older brother?"

“Do you know him?”

“Even in person!”

The female cultivator asked the demoness in surprise:

“Forgive me for being curious, but...how did you stay alive after this meeting?”

“Thanks to the leader of Qing Jin Peak, Shen Qingqiu, we managed to escape while he tried to revive his shidi from our charms.”

Liu Mingyan's eyes became like almost perfect circles.

“My elder brother and master of Qing Jing Peak…was affected by your aphrodisiac??? Together???”

“Hm, it seems that I expressed myself a little poorly... Everything was not so dubious: Liu Qingge was highly raged by our magical perfume; Shen Qingqiu managed to cover himself with his sleeve, while this respected master stubbornly tried to reach our heads, regardless of the risks. He was clearly too excited to stop fighting and think rationally. Master Shen restrained him so that he wouldn't do anything stupid.

“Oh...I'm amazed that my brother is able to resist your charms. Usually only female cultivators are sent from the sect for such tasks.”

The demoness twirled the red bean bun in her hands, which she had thoughtfully taken from the tray.

"Your brother is the only man so far who has survived our concerted attack. Why it didn't affect Shen Qingqiu, I can guess, but he… Pardon my curiosity, does Liu Qingge have a companion on the path of cultivation?”

Liu Mingyang sighed.

“All he is interested is in martial arts. Our parents have been hinting for a long time that it is time to look for a spouse, but it seems that it does not bypass him at all.”

"Ah...maybe your brother likes the men more?"

Seeing the skeptical expression on the face of the cultivator, the succubus realized that there was nothing to catch here either.

“It seems to me that he reacted too emotionally when I made a prediction for Shen Qingqiu. Although we succubus can tell almost immediately if someone is a "cut sleeve", Liu Qingge is definitely not one of those types. A complete mystery…”

"Did you make a prediction for Master Shen? And how did everything come true?”

“Of course! My modest talents in love predictions have never failed me. Yep, I did not tell him that he was destined to be with a man...but otherwise everything happened, as the signs of fate foretold!”

"What about my brother?"

“No matter how I assured him that it was safe, he refused to try it.”

Liu Mingyan slapped her palm on the table in frustration, causing the porcelain to shatter.

“So stubborn! How I would like to hope that he was destined for at least a little more happiness than being alone on Bai Zhan Peak!”

Madame Mein thoughtfully sipped her tea, but suddenly sharply turned her head to the interlocutor: mischievous lights flashed in the eyes of the succubae.

“Do you know, that it is possible to predict some details even in the absence of a person. Fortune-telling in love affairs is my skill; in particular, I'm good at custom-made couple compatibility horoscopes. And there is you, his sister. It is possible to try some methods with your consent. Nothing dangerous, I swear. Girls, quickly bring the fortune-telling table, two deep bowls of water and a large mirror!”

Dismissing all her subordinates from the room ("professional ethics require confidentiality"), Madame Mein set up a table next to the mirror and inserted several incense sticks into the recesses between the fanciful lines carved into the wooden surface. Then she placed two bowls on the table and dripped an unknown potion from a bottle to each. Placing one bowl in the center of the table, the demoness pointed Liu Mingyan to a low chair and carefully placed the second bowl filled with water in her hands. Due to the arrangement of the furniture, the young woman saw only herself in the mirror, while from the position of the succubae crouched at the table, the inverted reflection of the mirror fell on the surface of the water-filled steam chalice.

“Now focus, please, the hardest part: can you see your reflection? Now imagine that your brother is sitting here, in the same place. You can close your eyes, the main thing is to clearly remember his image.”

Before that, Liu Mingyan had never participated in divination personally: she flipped through the descriptions of rituals, and several times she saw the public performances of divination masters in cities and towns. Sometimes it seemed like complete nonsense, sometimes something stuck, making you believe in action. Now it felt more like a healer's visit: the succubae didn't try to embellish the ritual with pointless drama, like waving her arms, rolling her eyes, or dancing in the style of nomadic shamans; her movements were confident and calm. Well, if she hadn't carefully analyzed the information about the demoness and her skill in divination, she wouldn't have stayed here. And definitely wouldn't agree to take part in the ritual.

Lowering her eyelids, she imagined her brother sitting on a chair that was clearly too small for him, with a bowl of water in his hands. His face was outwardly calm, but for some reason Liu Mingyan thought he was mentally rolling his eyes at the pointlessness of the pursuit — indeed, her brother would rather spend his time practicing with his sword than sit quietly and wait to hear who (supposedly!) fate had in sleeves for him. The image of her brother appeared in her mind so clearly that when she heard the voice "that's all, that's enough", the young woman did not immediately remember where she was and what was happening. 

Madame Mein, pursed her full lips, stared intently into her bowl. She looked alarmed, even more scared.

“What did you see?”

The fortune teller did not take her eyes off the surface of the water, as if hesitating whether to speak. Finally, taking a deep breath, she said:

“Have you ever heard the expression "born under an unlucky star"?”

Of course, Liu Mingyan was familiar with this common gossip. It happens that someone is not lucky, despite all efforts. Public opinion often transfers guilt to punishment for misdeeds of the past or present life, some argue that the reasons are more mundane ("you have to try harder, honest work will bear fruit"). Legends say that bad luck is ensured by simply being born on an unlucky day and hour, but…her brother?

“It can't be. My honoured parents mentioned that there were exceptionally good omens at his birth!”

"I don't know what scumbag told them this, but frying him alive in oil is the best fate for such fools! Or…sorry for being blunt: your parents just hid what the fortune teller saw.”

Liu Mingyan wondered if this could happen, but after all… If their little son was facing something inevitable in the future, wouldn't it be better not to know than to live his whole life in fear of the inevitable? However, prophecies can be interpreted incorrectly...

“Your brother's fate, even in that small part connected with love affairs, is not just unfortunate — it is catastrophic! Probably, the celestials were angry with Liu Qingge for something. Listen carefully and pass it on to him. I don't know if he will believe it or not call it delusional — he is not the first, he is not the last, empty. After all, if it was destined, he would hear.”

The demoness paused, gathering her thoughts. The gloomy expression seemed to sharpen the delicate features: if it weren't for her eyes, the succubus was difficult to distinguish from an ordinary woman, but at this time Liu Mingyan could clearly see that her interlocutor was not of the human kind. This is how a forest cat differs from a domestic pet, although both are successful hunters.

“Liu Qingge's fate is under the sign of "the shadow that pulls out fortune." How to explain... It happens that one of the twins sucks the juices from the other while still in the mother's womb, because of which the second child is either born dead or frail and weak. The double will extract everything: character, happiness, strength — and will not give anything in return. All benefits will be received in a double amount, so this person is destined to be surprisingly happy. The worst thing is that this dragging happens without conscious participation; someone may not even know that his fate coincides with the fate of another. This is a zhiji he was destined to receive by fate. Now I understand why that fortune teller lied; say that to parents…”

Liu Minyan couldn't believe her ears: her adored elder brother was being robbed by some evil entity? His soulmate — after all, fortune-telling concerned precisely the love aspect. What the dam???

“Who is this person?”

“I only see signs, not a name. First, his path and your brother's path have crossed many times, but all the meetings took place in unfortunate circumstances. No wonder... What else? This person is not close to him, but they are somehow related.”

“At least something: age, status, appearance? Is it a woman or a man?”

Madame Mein covered her eyes: the image she received during the ritual had already dissipated, but for the experienced master of divination, this should not be an obstacle to a good memory.

“Exactly a man. Age…younger than your brother. Status and appearance: the signs in both cases show "double happiness". Higher in position than the peak leader, um, not too many options. As for the appearance... hmm, remembering that handsome one, it's hard for me to imagine a more beautiful person, except... Oh, I understand, others will see him as more attractive, even smeared in mud.”

“Somehow blurred... maybe there is still some?”

Suddenly, the succubae gasped for air with an almost convulsive gasp and bit her teeth into her bottom lip, stifling a scream. An almost black drop hung over the puncture site, but was picked up by a lightning movement of the tongue. Fragile fingers with gold-lacquered claws gripped the wooden table so that it creaked. She saw something — and this something was not very pleasant. Maybe it's scary. 

“In all my life... a very long, eventful life... This has never happened! Never and nowhere have I received a more unhappy love prophecy than for your brother! There were betrayals, divorces, illnesses, but not this... Liu Qingge will not know the happiness of love in this life — moreover, this cursed convict will take away not only his luck, but also his life in the near future!”

The hall was deep in total silence. Liu Mingyan got up from her chair and poured the already cooled tea into two cups. Silently drinking the drink to the bottom, the demoness and the cultivator sat gloomily, pondering the results of the divination. 

"Madame Mein, how can this monster be his zhiji?" How can he be his destined, when in fact they have nothing in common except a stolen merits?”

“The destined person is not always a wife or a husband; these are just formalities invented by society, not by higher forces. Even feelings that are not expressed out loud, are enough. Even mortal enmity can actually be fateful.”

“That means, it can also be my brother's enemy?”

“Maybe so. Or maybe — his best friend, to whom he happily gives everything he has, but never confesses his true feelings. After all, although you are his own sister, I will only be able to see the more precise details directly by participating in the divination of Liu Qingge himself. “

Liu Mingyan knew that the demoness was not lying, nor was she trying to strike fear into a gullible listener. Not the circumstances, but the pride of the master of her craft will not allow. Well, at least now we know what to watch out for — maybe it's still not so fatal? Maybe there is still time to prevent fate? Find a loophole in the interpretation of the prophecy?

Oh, how difficult it is for some stubborn person with his personal life!

“One thing is clear for me: it is easier to kill my brother than to marry him. What a pity, our parents still hope for grandchildren!”

Chapter Text

The Rainbow Bridges that connected all twelve peaks of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect were rightly recognized as one of the most outstanding wonders of the world. The honor of their creation was attributed to several possible creators: from the twelve ancestors who founded the sect, to the deities. The mechanic of the bridges was kept a strict secret by the Qiong Ding Peak; although all kinds of rumors were presented. 

Twenty bridges in total: the main bridge, that leads to the entrance gate and connects the sect's territory to the mortal world (despite the fact that the Cang Qiong Mountains are a very real natural formation, a mere mortal would never be able to find the residences of the cultivators even if they climbed up); eleven leading from the central point — the main peak of Qiong Ding — to other peaks; and eight more that additionally connects some peaks with each other. With only one bridge remained such peaks as Kusin (paragons of asceticism), Sizhe Shengying (burial place of sect members and home of one of the least popular tradition), Bai Zhan (some joked that even one bridge was too much: let them run through the mountains on foot — maybe there will be less excess energy). An Ding (even four), Qiang Cao and Xian Shu (three) could boast the largest number of crossings after the Qiong Ding peak.

There was no direct route from Xian Shu to Tiang Xiang, so Liu Mingyan had to reach the central peak first. As always, the square where the bridges led was crowded: adepts wandered everywhere with errands; materials were brought to the workshops of Wang Jian, Sichou Zhilu, and Dashi Shou: wood, rolls of cloth, metal ingots, and other things ordered below for further transformation into precious artifacts. Another batch of books arrived at Qing Jin Peak, but the wheel of the cart, having withstood the long journey, suddenly broke in half right in the middle of the way, and the hastily summoned adepts of An Ding Peak hotly debated whether it should be repaired or whether it was better to transfer the books to another cart. Numerous smells and voices mingled, turning the place into a semblance of an ordinary city market; if it weren't for the impressive landscape, no one would have imagined that here is the central peak of the most famous cultivation sect. 

Due to this chaos most peaks had strict entry restrictions: at best, outsiders were allowed in the square in front of the main gates, where the adepts sorted the cargo; to such peaks as Kusin, only a guest with a personal invitation or the head of the sect could step on the bridge. Even Qiong Ding Peak itself was off limits to visitors; apart from the central square and warehouses, there was no outside access to the territory of the residence in the mountain.

The bridge leading to Tiang Xiang was open to everyone, so it was rather carelessly guarded — a few younger adepts in white robes with a red border were formally supposed to be standing at chats, but in fact — were dozing...of course, meditating in the shade of the canopy. Stepping on the illusory slabs where patterns glittered under the rays of the sun — mythical beasts, lines from a poems, or simply winding clouds — Liu Mingyan approached the gate, golden in the rays of the morning sun, above which the emblem of a bright red phoenix blazed. Its eyes, carved from black onyx, created the illusion that the bird was watching intently to see if the visitors harbored nefarious intentions...perhaps it wasn't quite an illusion; the system of security measures was kept strictly secret for a long time.

Passing through the gate, the female cultivator saw a young adept who was leisurely sweeping dust from the path and turned to him:

"Shidi, please, could you tell me who I must contact to make an appointment with Peak Leader?"

“To make an appointment? Ah, you probably want to meet him! Master will have breakfast soon, do you want to keep him company?”

“It is a great honor for this disciple  to share a meal with the Peak Leader, but would it be decent?”

 “Why not? Master Fangshi is boring to eat alone without fresh ears, and today you are the first guest at our peak. Come on!”

Before Liu Mingyan had time to recover from such genuine friendliness, the adept set the broom aside, leaning against the wall, and pulled the guest by the arm away from the main street, onto a path overgrown with bushes. Well, maybe at this peak it is so established? Won't he eat her on the way?

Following the path, she listened to the young man talking inspiredly about ordinary everyday matters: the old plum tree near the sanctuary had blossomed magnificently again, although it was no longer expected; for lunch, the cooks promised chicken in a sweet and sour sauce ("very tasty, you should stay and try it, our Auntie Mei is a real master"), adept Fei Wa failed the calligraphy test again ("this time all his brushes fell apart right on the exam, the teacher is very curious what will happen next time, this is already his fourth attempt"). Oblivious to the conversation, the young woman barely kept up with the swift-footed adept until they came to a large valley where a house made of unusually light ivory wood was surrounded by a wide verandah.

Looking back for the young man who left a few steps ahead of her, Liu Mingyan was surprised to see a stranger instead. 

Instead of dark hair, gathered in a tight bundle, he had a long, loose braid of ashen colour: a step away from really gray hair, but with a lively shine, not brittle dullness. The unbleached cloth of the uniform turned on a white and red multi-layered robe with a golden border, embroidered with red phoenixes, decorated with beads and tassels. However, the wearer obviously treated this luxury carelessly: the sleeves were rolled up and tied with a simple rope, as if for cooking, and here and there splashes of dirt could be seen on the hem. By the looks of it, no one would have given the stranger thirty years of age — a childish age among cultivators — but Liu Mingyan felt that things were not that simple. 

Staring at the red phoenix, which seemed to be winking from its shoulder with a beady eye, she still cautiously expressed her sudden suspicion:

“Am I…to have the honor of seeing Venerable Master Fangshi Qinghu?”

 “Oh, please, don't be so official! Fangshi-shidi will be quite enough!’

For the first time, Liu Mingyan had seen someone with a well-deserved status and a respectable position (and probably much older age that seems on first look) simply discard all of that and behave like an ordinary adept. Some absurdity. Breaking of all traditions.

“Let's go, the breakfast has already started to cool down, just a little more — and I throw it away. Haha, just kidding, we would heat it up, I have a great pan. It's good that you came earlier than planned, just in time to drink tea in peace.”

“Master Fangshi…eh, well, Fangshi-shidi, thank you for the invitation, but this one only dared to bother you because of a very important matter…”

“What can good breakfast prevent? What good decisions can be made on an empty stomach? Sit down, don't be shy, be my guest.”

Liu Mingyan (who didn't have time to grab anything in the morning), standing in front of the lavishly laid table, was surprised to realize that she was really hungry. But she is an experienced cultivator, her level of cultivation allows her to go without food for a long time... Under the strange, unexpectedly friendly gaze, this did not seem like a worthy reason for refusal. So, putting her doubts aside, she pushed the bowl of rice closer.

The dishes were simple, but surprisingly tasty. The master of the house was also not ashamed of his good appetite: the plate in front of him was emptied as quickly as it was filled. Liu Mingyan accepted the kindly poured cup of tea, and after collecting her thoughts, tried to get down to business:

"Fangshi-shidi, this adept is sincerely grateful to that esteemed… to you for the treat, but allow me to inquire why..."

“...Why did I meet you at the gate? Well, why not? It is not difficult for me, and the track has not been swept properly for a long time."

 “And...are you definitely the Peak Leader?”

Only after uttering it, she realized what had blurted out. What a shame! However, her interlocutor was not offended: he just rolled his eyes down, smiling dreamily:

“I have wanted to leave this post ever since I was appointed as a successor. Unlucky me: my core development degree is not yet perfect enough to spend my days in heavenly bliss, but already too high to be an ordinary cultivator. Another master at the level of Nascent Soul has not yet appeared among our school, so this one is forced to make up for everyone, eh! Oh, don't listen to my rumbles, I'm finished and ready to listen to Liu-shimei. Not that I don't know the reason for your appearance…but otherwise you'll feel awkward.”

"You...really know what brought me here? Is it that easy, without calculations and rituals?”

“When you swing your sword in the middle of a fight, do you also think "here's a trusty elbow, now a "hawk strikes a snake" stance, then a roll from the right leg" or do you just fight, as you were taught? The same story, nothing surprising.”

Liu Mingyan re-stabilized her ideas about the world, which had been shaken a little during the conversation, but she still got out of her embarrassment.

“My elder brother, the leader of Bai Zhan Peak, Liu Qingge… our parents are very worried that he will remain alone for the rest of his life. During one of the missions, I met a succubus who is engaged in predicting love affairs…”

“Ah, dear Wu Meing, I haven't visited her for a long time. You can be sure: she is truly a master in her field.”

“She performed the ritual of predicting my brother's fate. But what she saw... I still can't believe that he met such a terrible fate.”

Liu Mingyan briefly recounted what she had heard during the divination. Fangshi Qinghu listened to her attentively, occasionally nodding his head as if confirming his inner calculations.

“That's right. When I returned to the sect, I asked my parents who predicted my brother's fate in his childhood. And they said…”

"They said it was me, didn't they?"

"I'm sorry, master... this lowly one thought at first that the prediction was made by some careless adept or even a false fortune teller. Why was such a tragic fate like that of my brother interpreted as "all signs predicted that his life would be successful"? I wanted to find this soothsayer to get some kind of explanation, but when I heard that Fangshi Qinghu is currently in charge of Tiang Xiang Peak, then…”

“...Then, like nine out of ten cultivators, you thought that the "Peak of Heavenly Will is good for nothing, except to fool people's heads"?”

Embarrassed, Liu Mingyan nodded.

“And so it's right. This is the main task of our peak, and we faithfully fulfill it.”

“But... you are definitely not a charlatan! You knew about my visit, moreover, that I would come earlier than I planned; knew what I was doing!”

Fangshi Qinghu straightened a strand of hair that took out of his braid and fell over his eyes and rubbed his nose:

“So, I have known your father since I was among the younger adepts. Despite the differences on various peaks, we maintained friendly relations — in fact, to this day we have something to discuss in correspondence. When his heir was born, he asked about his fate from me — the only fortune teller in whose sincerity he was sure…”

At this moment, Fangshi Qinghu choked up. The tassel from the sleeve was almost torn off by a nervous movement, but the cultivator still released the unfortunate one from the clenched fingers.

"Yes, I was the one making the horoscope for A-Ge, but when I saw the tangled fate that awaited the little boy... You can judge me, I know it's an unworthy act, but I couldn't spill this truth on my dear old friend.”

If the two friends met as younger adepts... Of course, Liu Mingyan knew that after reaching a certain level of golden core development, a cultivator would stop aging, but... How many years does the leader of Tiang Xiang Peak hide behind his youthful appearance? No, now is not the time to count, she is worried about something else!

“So I was right when I thought that the prediction was distorted. Did the "evil twin" that takes away luck appear already then? Since birth?”

“No, his figure began to become actively involved in the fate of your brother no more than thirty years ago. Before that, the impact was almost imperceptible."

Thirty years? So long… And no one noticed anything — not even Liu Qingge himself?

“I don't understand how exactly this "outflow of luck" is supposed to work? My brother is a strong cultivator, peak leader, master of martial arts. He has good health, his appearance is the subject of many sighs. Well, only a slightly difficult character…”

Chapter Text

Fangshi Qinghu raised his hand and Liu Mingyan fell silent. It was... as if you were walking along a narrow path between the trees and suddenly ten steps ahead of you, a tiger appeared from the undergrowth. He doesn't attack — it's just that the owner of the forest is absolutely confident in his power and expects that all living things should stop and clear his way at the first opportunity.

At this moment, the master of the Tiang Xiang peak no longer resembled a carefree adept: in a weak human body, for a moment, was embodied some…spirit. Liu Mingyan, who was in the middle stage of Spiritual Core Formation, and had repeatedly seen masters who had already reached this stage, suddenly realized the gap between "Formation" and "Nascent Soul". Only Yue Qingyang could boast of similar power when he unleashed Xuan Shu's sword: one time was enough for her to see and to be sure she would never forget.

“I will try to explain, but not everything is in my power. You must know, Liu-shimei: those who have accepted the prediction of other people's ways as the foundation of the Tao, are severely limited in whom, when, and exactly how to reveal the details of the future. Prediction is a conversation between three parties: the fortuneteller, the person and his fate. Everyone who does not belong to this circle is simply not able to hear everything — only the part that will allow the discovery of the still unknown. All I can do is answer; all you can do is listen, hear and remember."

The young woman respectfully bowed her head.

“At a certain moment, the world in which we live, as if a part of a mechanism, jumped off the usual path; for a moment, literally at the stroke of a butterfly's wings, but when he turned back, the state of things was no longer the same as before. Our existence copied itself, dividing into full-fledged, but different reflections — like split layers of mother-of-pearl. The basis of separation is that a certain person was endowed by someone from a higher power with those benefits that he should not have had under normal circumstances. This is a violation of the highest laws, which is followed by heavenly punishment. Nothing will be taken from nowhere: all the benefits of the chosen one have been taken from another. By a whim of fate, your brother was that last. This is how the connection that master Meing saw was formed: this is how the karmic burden is created, which will be redeemed by the chosen one for the benefits received.”

“That means, none of the persons involved is really to blame for what happened? But both will suffer the consequences: just one now and the other later, in subsequent incarnations?”

“Exactly.”

“And what, I can do nothing to save my own brother? Can't break this poisonous whimsical connection?”

Tears clouded Liu Mingyang's eyes from the prophet's cold, unforgiving words. What she heard from the fortune teller weighed heavily on the heart: why would a mightful deity confuse things so much? Just for fun? Some profit? What should her brother suffer for? And the other one too — he too is just a pawn in the game with fate!

Only after lightly touching the female cultivator noticed the outstretched handkerchief and hastily wiped her wet face.

"F-forgive me, Master Fangshi, this unworthy adept dared to raise her voice..."

"It's okay, Liu-shimei, I've caused you much more trouble. Drink water and eat something. I will make a new batch of tea, it will be easier.”

After a cup of hot drink, Liu Mingyan still felt awkward. Losing face, what a shame! And she still dares to claim the title of master? How, when she cannot contain her despair at the thought of his brother's fate?

“Don't worry, your talents do not lose their value from sincere tears. Ease your heart: you will reach the heights you aspire to. Qi-shijie can count on you.”

"Thank you, Master Fangshi."

"Just Fangshi-shidi, we seem to have an agreement?"

"I'm sorry mas...I'm sorry, Fangshi-shidi."

 “Drink calmly. This tea was given to me by Mu Qingfang, he said "that's from nerves". Who's nervous, me? Where am I nervous?”

This time the young woman couldn't help but snort. Fangshi Qinghu smiled cheerfully in return, his essence momentarily reverting to the state of “carefree adept”. 

“How do you like tea?”

"Calming... Master Mu knows his business."

“That's good. Now for your question…”

The replacement of the strange essence happened as quickly as the first time. But this did not make it any less impressive.

“One word — from demons. The second is from people. If your brother hears them, then he is destined to do so. But the words are like notes for a song, a rough retelling. What will actually happen is a mystery even to the prophet. Death will be the last gift from earthly suffering; and whether the thread of your brother's fate will be broken in a duel by the hand of the one who is bound to him by Heaven — it is not known.”

The cultivator finished his speech, and Liu Mingyan felt that she could finally breathe. It wasn't clear how, but the lack of certainty calmed her down rather than adding to the nervous tension that had been lurking in her mind since receiving the prophecy from the succubus. Nothing is sealed yet. And the blade of the sword is not yet lowered on her brother's head. That is, it goes down, but...not now? At least not before she could tell him what she heard? She should have been angry with the harbinger, that would have been appropriate, although it did nothing to improve the situation — but the bitter metallic taste of rage was not on her tongue. The desire to find a solution and compete with fate — and not to shift the blame to the prophet, who (well, it felt like) was quite sincerely trying to help. As much as Heaven allows, because yes, he is also not free in his actions.

“How complicated it all is...my head is spinning…”

Fangshi Qinghu just shrugged; the mysterious aura dissipated without a trace, he again looked far from his respectable age.

“That is why Tiang Xiang peak is considered a refuge for weirdos. If you survived the training and did not get a qi distortion,be sure —you can already lead the peak someday. But until that — meditations, meditations, and way more meditations!”

Liu Mingyang suddenly remembered the sleepy adepts near the bridge — aren't they dozing, this is a real way of spiritual development??? As if guessing what she wanted to ask (oh, so she would really ask such nonsense soon?), the cultivator smiled — as if the sun peeked out from behind the horizon. Really nice smile. Warm and sincere, as if it eases the burden on the soul. And it is hard to believe that her kind interlocutor has just predicted someone's death...

“It would be good if at least one of the adepts remembered what the mentors asked for. But most of them sleep in the sun. Studying at the our peak, as I have already said, is quite exhausting, and while the younger ones can enjoy peaceful dreams in which various prophecies do not break, then let them enjoy.”

“Everyone dreams of such a life…”

“Yeah, that's true! However, not everyone is welcome at Tiang Xiang.”

At the end of the conversation, Fangshi Qinghu kindly led Liu Mingyang to the bridge (the broom he had left standing in the corner), and in parting gave unexpected advice: 

"Liu-shidi's birthday is coming soon, isn't it?" I would be recommend the collection "List of legendary swords" as a gift. Head disciple Ming Fan of Qing Jin had just ordered it from the bookseller, so it would appear just one day before the holiday.”

 “Ohh…well, thanks, I was already bashing my head about it…”

“Believe me: he will like it. Nice to meet you, Liu-shimei! Come join us for lunch sometime: Aunt May's chicken and vegetables is truly unsurpassed!”

When Liu Mingyang's figure disappeared into the glow the bridge, Fangshi Qinghu dreamily raised his eyes to the sky:

"”You will first deceive your wife, bring her home, then feed her, surprise her, upset her, make her laugh and calm her down." Thanks, dear Meing, for the advice; that one, he didn't mix anything up in the sequence. She really deserves to sit in this boring position for at least three millennia — and not to ascend and finally bring order among the heavenly idlers!”

Chapter Text

“So, attempt number twenty-three: here is the artifact that strengthens the ring flow, focus it, pour in qi, pour in again, and again; damn, how much does he need... oh fuck!

Shen Qingqiu once again thanked his own caution, even though he had spent  five whole days applying the protective formation before starting the experiments. But now he was not hit by the impact of the energy flow on the spot — it was just thrown to the edge of the stone platform.

“Shizun!”

“I'm fine. Looks like another failure…”

After the clash between alternate realities (which caused the appearance of Luo Binghe's doppelgänger from the original work), Shen Qingqiu offered his dear disciple (husband in same time) to finally get rid of the fragments of the legendary sword Xin Mo, if he could no longer master its power due to unknown reasons. Whether it was mental instability (Shen Qingqiu still became bitter when retrieving memories of his own “deeds”), or whether the power of the sword in this version of reality was too powerful for the thirty-year-old half-blood demon… The roots of the problem remained buried deep. Even without Xin Mo, Luo Binghe’s talents were enough to keep his authority among the demons unshakable (unsurprisingly, his father's revival and failed war campaign had further strengthened the position of the newly minted demon lord). So leaving a source of potential trouble literally behind him, even in a damaged state, was unwise. 

Luo Binghe succeeded in breaking the sword, but the fragments stubbornly held, no matter how much qi, spiritual and demonic, was directed at them. Spells, talismans, enchanted weapons, acids, volcanic lava, other means invented in two worlds — are all useless. All that remained was the infamous method of detonating the golden core… but Shen Qingqiu, remembering his own experience, did not even stutter about this.

“Shizun, are you sure everything is fine? Are your meridians intact?”

“As I said, all is good.”

Luo Binghe wrapped fingers around his wrist to check his pulse. Shen Qingqiu did not resist: if it is calming, let him watch.

“It's time to admit frankly: our attempts have reached a dead end. The core of the sword remained intact even after destruction, which is impossible for a spiritual weapon, no matter how powerful it is. So, it means, we didn't take something important into account.”

The thought had already crept into Shen Qingqiu's head that Xin Mo was an "absolute artifact", like the Ring of Power, on which the entire plot was based. If you want to destroy it, you need to follow the path defined by the author, not deviating even an iota. It is said — to throw to the Fire Mountain — that means, “only there and not to the nearby crater”. But no matter how much he shook his Airplane-bro by the scruff of the neck, that one author did not foresee even in the draft that someone would want to destroy the ultimate weapon of the Protagonist!

Calling the System yielded nothing, the built-in reference only contained a few sentences: "Xin Mo is a legendary sword of the demonic race. Endowed with a spiritual essence. Special abilities: space transformation. Current owner: Luo Binghe." Where the sword came from in the Endless Abyss, and who made it, is unknown.  Just a pile of shit, not world building! (And yes, Shen Qingqiu has already complained about this in his correspondence with the woe-author!)

“We can try to seal the sword somewhere. I know some very safe hiding places…

"Binghe...any of the swords, but not this one. No matter where he is, his essence will eventually find a crack in the barriers. And since the sword has something to be angry about, I suspect he will quickly find a new puppet bearer. And then instead of one potential problem — many will arise.”

An experienced devourer of multi-genre novels, Shen Qingqiu wasn't going to make the standard mistakes that heroes make after an Epic Victory over the Great Evil — faking his remains into a super-secure hideout, only to find that it wasn't so secure and was broken into by passing adventurers.

“Then... what should I do with him, Shizun?”

“While the sword was in the qiangkun, were there any problems?”

“Probably not. Elder Meng Mo is even convinced that Xin Mo has stopped influencing my consciousness.”

“Then let everything remain as it is for now. Although I don't like this option…”

Shen Qingqiu stopped his usual grumbling, sighed, and reached forward to hug Luo Binghe. Because you can pretend to be a great hero and an all-knowing sage at least a hundred times, but inside the porcelain ideality of the owner of the Qing Jin Peak, his inner self, Shen Yuan, still remained, and was very unsure of his own abilities. A little moral support will not hurt. And to his soulmate as well.

The couple's embrace was interrupted by a delicate cough. Yue Qingyuan, the head of the Cang Qiong Sect and leader of Qiong Ding Peak, stood by the stairs leading to the testing ground and contemplated the bamboo thickets, waiting until his presence was timely.

“Shen-shidi, Luo Binghe, my apologies. Forgive this one for dropping by without warning. If your work is still going on, I will wait…”

“No, no, we are done for today.”

“Did you manage to do what was planned?”

Shen Qingqiu opened the fan with a sharp movement — as always, when he was irritated, he wanted to twist something in his fingers. Interestingly, he didn't know if it was his own habit from the old world or the reflexive motility of the body's former owner.

“Not a bit. This sword is invulnerable to any means.”

“This is strange. Usually, if the spirit weapon is already broken, then it is much easier to destroy its remnants.”

“Xin Mo is a sword of demonic origin, having its own spiritual essence. I suspect this is the problem. OK, let's leave it; Zhangmen-shixiong, are you visiting us by the way or…”

Yue Qingyuan remained with his usual friendly smile, but it still faded a little.

“Unfortunately, on business. Something happened and I need an outside perspective on the situation.”

If the head of the order is responsible for that "something", then this is not just a matter, but a problem. And it's good, if not with a capital letter "p".

“If Yue-shixiong needs my help, I am always ready to give it. Binghe, will you wait for me at home?”

"Actually...if Master Luo doesn't mind, I'd like to ask him to join as well."

It seems that after all this event starts from the big one “P”.

"Binghe?"

“Where my Shizun goes, I go there too”

The beginning of spring brought a lacy green cover of the first greenery to the Cang Qiong Mountains, which enveloped the gloomy winter-time rocks. Here and there, primroses have already made their way through last year's grass — fragile, pale sprouts that will soon grow in the colorful carpets of flowers. 

As the leader of the peak, where aesthetics and art are given special attention, Shen Qingqiu habitually predicted that very soon the level of academic performance among the adepts would drop almost below the mountain valleys. Spring metamorphoses and the awakening of life after winter numbness inspired young people to mindless contemplation, composing piles of poems, drawings and melodies about banal trifles, such as the first rays of the sun, the blossoming of plums and the melting of ice. And at the same time — for romance: Qing Jin Peak did not practice asceticism (everything should be moderate), so it was quite natural to come across lovey-dovey pairs while walking along the paths among the bamboo forests. Shen Qingqiu glanced furtively in Luo Binghe's direction, and his cheeks involuntarily turned a little pink as he remembered the wonderful time they had spent together last spring. His beloved turned his head to meet him, and it was clear from the shining eyes that happy memories came to the heads of lovers at the same time. Sensing that there was no focus on business left in his mind — only the dream of kissing that man in the middle of a flower field, Shen Qingqiu with a tremendous effort of will turned his indifferent mask back on his face instead of a smile, sternly glaring at the dreamy half-demon. Spring is spring, but things will not wait.

In the cold dungeon at Sizhe Shengying Peak, there was no hint that it was spring outside, and there could be no that nonsense. The pale light of the lanterns cast deep shadows in the smallest nooks and crannies of the hall, where a silent adept in white led the esteemed cultivators. And stood next to the door so as not to disturb; hooded, he resembled a stone statue rather than a living person.

“Finally! We had to wait for you for a long time.”

“Liu-shidi.”

“What? I've been here for an hour, and the case is still in the same place. I don't know that esteemed Yue-shixiong wants to find something interesting in a devastated corpse. As far as I'm concerned, the matter is clear — another scumbag practicing the forbidden path. Or a demon, among them there are enough tricksters who can cover the tracks.”

“Liu-shidi, it still seems to me that everything is not simple in this case. Shen-shidi, Luo Binghe, perhaps you know this man?”

A body was lying on the stone table, covered to the waist with a gray cloth. A man in his seventies: deep wrinkles, gray hair, pigmented age spots on the skin. The eyes were wide open, a cold light shone in the dilated glazed pupils, like ghostly lights in a dark cave. In general — an ordinary elder who can often be found on the street in the shade of trees, playing a game or sipping tea in the company of his own kind. Only dead.

To Shen Qingqiu, he was completely unrecognizable; Luo Binghe also shook his head resolutely. 

“This is not surprising: I myself recognized him only by the fragments of the sword.”

“A sword? So he is a cultivator??? How old is he then?”

“Yes, he is. Moreover, not so long ago he turned one hundred and thirty-six years old, although no one would have given him forty. This is master Gongzhuo Guoshi, the nephew of the Sichou Zhilu Peak Leader.”

The cultivator of one of the "peaceful" peaks, whose adepts were almost never sent on combat missions, lies here, in the form of a corpse that has long cooled down. In the form of the old man, which is nonsense. Of course, Shen Qingqiu did not remember this one: if they could cross paths somewhere, it was only by chance. He communicated with the uncle of the deceased at the meetings of the leaders of the peaks (the drawing of a thin charcoal stick, with which the master Gongzhuo Qingli carefully shaded geometric patterns, was no worse than boring reports), but mostly his adepts were sent to that peak by order. So there seemed to be no reason to sympathize with the deceased. But... this is still one of his "colleagues" in the sect. And this is already a reason for attention.

Meanwhile, Yue Qingyuan continued to acquaint those present with the circumstances of the case:

“Gongzhuo Guoshi was a senior mentor in leather work. In general, he led a quiet life, practically not leaving the peak from the moment of initiation. A week ago, he went on horseback to the monastery of the Nine Waterfalls at the invitation of the abbot to share experiences — an old arrangement, nothing special. However, the guest did not arrive at the appointed time. The abbot of the monastery waited another three days and then sent a letter to the Cang Qiong Sect to find out whether to expect the master to visit this year. Gongzhuo Qingli immediately dispatched the adepts to Caishu City, through which his nephew was supposed to go, to pick up the ordered materials. The merchants in the city recalled seeing the younger Master Gongzhuo just as he agreed to go to the monastery; according to their testimony, the master took the goods and left through the gate in the right direction.”

“I see, he didn't make it.”

“True. Adepts followed along the path; there are practically deserted places, steep rocks and gorges. Miraculously, they were lucky enough to see something yellow under the path below — as it turned out, a scarf. Descending, they found the master's body and the corpse of his horse. Because of the way the deceased had changed, it was initially assumed that someone had taken the master's horse and was killed instead. But the other signs — shards of a sword in a scabbard, a bracelet on his arm, clothes with a peak emblem — were in place. Adepts of Sichou Zhilu are not very well versed in investigative matters; so as there were four of them, two stayed near the place, two returned to the order, where they asked for help at Qiong Ding Peak.”

“It's a smart decision from them.”

“Really. The squad that arrived to examine the body initially thought that the venerable master had been killed in an attempted road robbery, but quickly dismissed the idea. It looks similar from the outside, but... Look for yourself, here, in the area of ​​the golden core.”

When Shen Qingqiu began to scan the body with the help of qi, he couldn't believe his eyes: the greatest value in the life of every cultivator, the golden core built with sweat and blood, was not even broken. The place was empty. Neither detonation nor exhaustion could cause such an effect, especially since all large and small energy meridians were in a similar state. In the body of the master who devoted a significant part of his life to the cultivation of spiritual energy, not a drop of qi remained. Even an ordinary mortal accumulates tiny particles of it inside; now it was as if a doll in human form was lying in front of Shen Qingqiu. 

Brows furrowed in concentration, he continued to scan — emptiness everywhere. It's no wonder the late cultivator looked his real age: developing a golden core extends life and preserves youth, but deprives the body of energy and it begins to age as nature intended. How long did it take for his appearance to change so much? This is not a matter of one incense stick... Did the master try to resist? Why did his spirit sword shatter into fragments, as if the blow to the core had been struck once and fatally? Continuous questions — and no answer, this damned unknown murderer!

“Yue-shixiong, is this Master Gongzhuo Guoshi for sure? Maybe someone made a joke and threw in a homunculus?”

“Shidi, although this version is appealing, I checked it personally: if it was someone else's creation, traces would be preserved. It is hard to believe that such detailing of the meridians can be reproduced artificially.”

Well, suppose it is still possible to reproduce the destroyed energy channels… if you have the huge energy resource of the Protagonist and a desperate desire bordering on obsession… But Shen Qingqiu doubted that such a madman would be found twice.

"Binghe, perhaps someone among the demonic people practices something like this? What about the Gray Lands?”

The half-demon rubbed his forehead:

“Perhaps there would be such a master among their Saint Dynasty… but they practically do not interfere in matters outside the domain, let alone the human world. There are craftsmen who make dolls, but their creations are much more primitive than…this.”

Liu Qingge, who had obviously examined the body a long time ago and was tired of sitting with his arms folded, stood up from the stone bench.

“I think it is Junior Master Gongzhuo after all. Who needs to copy him so much? A mediocre artifact maker? Such demons, as succubus, are able to extract energy from the core; there are perverted followers of forbidden practices who perform rituals on someone else's power. One of them moved the master near the monastery, that's all. Comb the neighborhood, find and destroy the creature — what else are you waiting for?”

Yue Qingyuan, who had long been used to being rushed into battle, shook his head skeptically:

"Liu-shidi, no succubus, even a thousand-year-old one, can't drink all the energy down to the bottom. A hungry spirit also cannot overcome the entire volume of qi without leaving a single drop in the body. Again, there is no trace of extraneous energy, either spiritual or demonic. The sacrifice ritual required a long time to prepare, and the master was gone for only a few days. No panic signal, qi disturbance. The area, although sparsely populated, is close to the mountains of Cang Qiong, the monastery of the Nine Waterfalls, and several other small centers of cultivation. So how is that no one feels anything?”

“Is it worth inspecting the area again, maybe something was overlooked?”

"Okay, Liu-shidi, then I'll rely on your skills, if you don't mind. Lead the search party.”

Shen Qingqiu intervened in the conversation: 

"Liu-shidi, if you don't mind, I can send Ming Fan with you. My student is quite good at finding the hidden and has achieved some success in investigative work.”

“And you? Don't want to stretch the limbs?”

“If only I could! But there is still a part of the project for the Great Conference, stacks and stacks of documents. And Yue-shixiong will eat me alive if I don't deal with this in a month. Shall we change?”

At the words "documents”, Liu Qingge's eyes went astray: his sincere hatred for paperwork was not a secret among the peaks. For the leader of Bai Zhan, unrighteous actions and activity reports were... well, not on the same level, but somewhere nearby. And in general, it was almost impossible to find an adept at the "combat" peak who was more or less decently familiar with the documentation, so the Qiong Ding Peak bravely took on the lion's share of this definitely important, but very boring work for martial cultivators.

"This Ming Fan, isn't he your senior student?" Shouldn't he help the teacher in all matters?”

“It's okay, I'll get through it somehow, but he should relax a little. My poor disciple was wasted preparing information about the demonic clans. What better entertainment for a clever mind than an interesting riddle, do you agree, Shidi?“

Moreover, Ming Fan knows very well how to choose arguments to cool down some hounds who would like to rush into battle, and figure it out later! In this aspect, the head disciple pedantry worked "excellently", proven repeatedly on missions with the participation of adepts of several peaks.

Liu Qingge quietly muttered something along the lines of “yet another time they hanged the children on me,” but Shen Qingqiu was in no mood to be prodded further — he was preoccupied with more pressing matters:

"Yue-shixiong, is it true that it is only two days' riding from the Nine Waterfalls Monastery to the Cang Qiong Sect?"

“Even less, if you don't stop for the night.”

“It’s an ominous sign that a cultivator from our sect was killed so close and it is not clear who is involved. And we are in the middle of preparing for the Great Conference... I really want to hope that these two events are not connected.”

“Shidi, do you think that Junior Master Gongzhuo was not chosen by chance? But for what?”

“The death of the cultivator from ordinary or spiritual weapons is a common thing; just as from someone’s hands. But the circumstances…the complete drain of energy…more like a show of strength and intimidation at the same time.”

The edge of Liu Qingge's lips twitched in a skeptical smile:

“Is this intimidating? A single dead cultivator is no big deal. When the demons led by that insolent demoness attacked Qiong Ding Peak and extinguished the Rainbow Bridges, it was indeed an threatening; a siege, involving your shameless disciple also counts. So... Let's not mistake a mouse for a tiger!”

“Liu Qingge, this is just a guess, nothing more. Personally, I will be happy if it remains so. But we must take into account all possibilities so as not to miss the tiger, mistaking it for a mouse!”

Yue Qingyuan turned to the white-robed adept who was standing silently and motionless by the door:

"Esteemed one, can Peak Sizhe Shengyin add anything to what has been said? Judging by the complete lack of energy in the body, the worst has happened, am this one right?”

Without removing his white hood, the cultivator took out a brush from his sleeve and hieroglyphs burning with pale light began to appear in the air in front of him:

"Master Bai was unable to summon his soul. Complete silence."

Well, if Bai Mao herself, the mysterious leader of the twelfth peak, is powerless here, it remains only to rely on a sharp eye and a shrewd mind. Shen Qingqiu sighed inwardly: sometimes he missed the times when the plot hadn't strayed too far from the canon. The evil forces were known in advance and most of them did not differ in intelligence, the memory of the most devoted reader kept many details of side quests, you could always buy hints from the System for B-points...

“Yue-shixiong, I will check the archives for the version of the sinister entity; I think Peak Qiong Ding knows more about the rituals of the dark path than I do. Binghe…”

“You can rely on me, Shizun. If the killer is from demons, this disciple will find the culprit.”

“Good. Well, Liu-shidi will inspect the crime scene. Luck will smile on some of us, I believe in it.”

Chapter Text

Whoever, but Shen Qingqiu definitely did not want to be paranoid at all. But what do you do when you have reread so many novels that you gradually begin to recognize familiar plot patterns at every step, even in the real (no matter which way you look at it — for him it is now more real than anywhere) world?

You can, of course, blame everything on a wild imagination and pretend to be the three monkeys "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." You can remain silent and take action on your own, leaving those around you completely surprised by your sudden maneuvers (he's already done that, thanks, he doesn't want to anymore!).

But during the years of being a puppet under the leadership of the relentless System with its "Ten points off for the smallest OOC", Shen Qingqiu was fed up with both turning a blind eye and the lack of access to teamwork. Because of this, he went through two difficult conversations, explaining why Shen Qingqiu was a little different: with Luo Binghe — he alone didn't care who he really was (although with a mirthless smile, he remarked "that's why Shizun ran away from me so much"); and with Yue Qingyuang. Shen Qingqiu could no longer think about “if he had known before” and was determined not to keep his martial brother under illusions, knowing about the past of the former owner of his body. 

Kudos to Yue-shixiong's honest character, he admitted that even long before the events at Maigu Ridge, he had some reason to doubt Shen Qingqiu's identity, but faintly stuck to the version "he lost his memory due to qi distortion, he reviewed his life and changed". When the hope that his shidi was still his shidi changed to a genuine attachment to the new person in his body—Yu Qingyuan couldn't say. According to him, for some time it was still possible to desperately cling to the past, but if the light on the other side of the bridge has long gone out, isn't it better to go where they are waiting for you? Not to say that this confession completely lifted the moral burden from Shen Yuan's shoulders…but looking into the eyes of the sect leader became easier. 

Also a loyal (maybe, slightly vengeful) reader, he presented Shan Qinghua before the head of the sect with all his entrails, while diplomatically explaining that releasing the monsters into the Jue Di Gorge was the only way for him to preserve life: as well as "Endless Abyss and Endless Hatred; Sky Filled with Crystal Frost and Blood Tears" (Luo Binghe's fall to Endless Abyss, if without the pathos of the System), this quest was without alternative. Another praise for Yue Qingyuan's magnanimity: the Airplane-gege was not even removed from his position as peak leader after that!

Five years after completing the mission distorted by a cunningly twisted (beep-beep) System into a novel genre change, Shen Qingqiu was enjoying the extended moment of "and they lived happily ever after". Yes, without knowledge of the future (the ascension to the throne of the Emperor of tree worlds and the collection of the harem was postponed indefinitely — and there were only traces of after-knowledge of individual elements from the future epic and senseless plot), without cheat techniques — in short, slipping from the position of "player" almost to NPC, but not regretting it in any way. The only hint that he is not quite native to this world is the greenish window of the interface that opened in his mind. Brazenly using the additional features of VIP status, Shen Qingqiu quickly got used to writing down his daily tasks, notes and important reminders in the "quest" window, just like a smartphone calendar: it helped tremendously to fight procrastination! Sometimes some of the tasks were even awarded several points. But never — not with a minus sign.

And now, puzzling over the mysterious death of Junior Master Gongzhuo, Shen Qingqiu, with his usual mental effort, entered into the quest log "search for qi-sucking monsters", until suddenly the gray inscription flashed... and in the "main objectives" window, which had been empty for five years, a green entry appeared:

["Quest: Devastated Core"]

This was followed by a brief description of the events outlined by Yue Qingyuan.

["Status: Bonus. Term: Arbitrary. Completion Reward: Dynamic, depends on closed tasks."]

["Task one: information search, Path of the Bestiologist. Read 20 books dedicated to the theme of the event. Completion: 0/20. Reward: +20 points"]

How did Shen Qingqiu manage to restrain himself at that moment and not cry out loud "Noooo!!! Just not again!!!" — he did not know. But when he saw the "bonus status, the term is arbitrary", his heart turned from his heels back to his chest. But…

"System, uh? What's going on? Isn't the plot of the "Proud Immortal Demon Way" 100% complete? Where did this quest come from?"

Silence, even the usual mechanical voice did not make itself felt. It needs to review the system updates, because Shen Qingqiu hasn't been there for a long time. But let him be struck by lightning – it means that this murder is not so easy, if it is awarded a separate quest!

But until he had enough information or further tasks at hand, he could only try to warn his fellow brothers. And yes, it resembled paranoia. However, now he would rather look like a fool than to watch in silence as characters, who had long ago become living people for him, perish because of his arrogance!

“Binghe…”

“Yes, my love?”

“Do you remember how I once told how my spirit ended up in this world?”

“Of course I remember. The life of my beloved husband is worthy of immortalization in legends, no less.”

“And instead, there are these cursed "Sighs in Chunshan"... Stop, that's not what we're talking about. You know, these five years I thought I could continue to enjoy a free, carefree existence, without the supervision of the all-seeing eye of the System, forever. After all, the plot of the initial novel was radically changed thanks to my intervention. But... this lull was temporary.”

Luo Binghe, who was stretched out on the bed next to him, stood up on his forearms, anxiously looking at the cultivator's face:

“Again, some bizarre tasks that must be completed at the cost of life?!”

“No, no, calm down, everything is not so terrible. However, it seems that the mystery of Junior Master Gongzhuo's murder is more serious for our lives than I thought at first glance.”

“Were you assigned to find his killer?”

“So far, the System has only asked to review some books, which I would have looked for anyway.”

“I will help.”

“It's not worth it. It is better to work in parallel: despite my knowledge of monsters, evil spirits and other entities, the demonic world is still a white spot on the map of my imagination. Who knows what monsters live there…”

“Well, some of those monsters are greedy, always hungry, and have a stupid temper. But my wise teacher managed to tame not such beasts, mn?”

A playful sparkle flashed in the half-demon's eyes, and his head lowered, rubbing against Shen Qingqiu's chest like a cat. Messing up the dark wavy curls with his fingers was literally reflexive, and the cultivator saw no reason to give up on a little whim.

“I would like to know who tamed whom! Hey, is that how spring season works for you? Crazy cat! Or maybe, a dog? It's not the time to pamper!”

“As my dear husband wishes, purr. We, demonic monsters, so fickle, will do anything for a master who has tamed with warmth and love. But this is only if you have tamed it to the end...and know the right words…”

Persistent lips and the touch of the tongue, the caress gradually began to lose its playfulness, bringing more serious desires to the surface. Shen Qingqiu had no idea what word could tame this insidious monster in particular. At least, at the moment, passionately arching under the kisses and losing all thoughts from his head.

"Oh, Binghe...nno, just not the neck, ah..."

“Please, my beloved, tell me!”

"Binghe...my...ah...my...love you, my hussband! How I love you…”

“Yours...I'm yours...always was and will be yours, until my last breath!”

Having satisfied (at least a little) his “demonic beast”, Shen Qingqiu sprawled out on the bed; Luo Binghe rested his head on his shoulder and his hand on his stomach. The first stars were twinkling outside the window; the clouds that tightly surrounded the mountains during the day had dispersed, the air was fresh and cool. Even too cool; after several rounds, the skin was too sensitive to the draft. Feeling goosebumps, the cultivator stood up to grab the towel and the lower hanfu. Unwilling to let go of his lover, Luo Binghe tried to pretend that he didn't understand the intentions, but a light blow to his forehead with a folded fan brought him to his senses.

“Let me go, I'm not your pillow!”

"Shizun...this disciple wouldn't want to let you go from his arms even for a moment if he could. Oh, this world is so cruel to lovers!”

“How can you last fifteen days without sticking to me as an agrimony?”

The half-demon's face darkened: Shen Qingqiu reminded him of something very unpleasant, but extremely important.

“This disciple is trying not to imagine how during the Great Gathering he will be without the opportunity to even touch the shizun's hand! And if something will happen?”

Shen Qingqiu smiled. 

“I believe in you, Binghe. Dealing with a horde of insidious demons is a mission worthy of your talents. Who should worry, that’s me: this one supposed there will be so many beautiful demonesses at the meeting that this venerable master might forget about his old mentor…”

At the same moment, his words were crumpled under a passionate kiss, and the cultivator himself was thrown onto the bed again, and pinned down from above. When the air in the lungs ran out, the kisses moved higher, to the ear, where a feverish whisper flowed:

“Has my husband forgotten what this one promised him during the wedding? Am I able to forget about my own soul and heart? What caused my beloved to have reason to believe that there could be someone more precious?”

“Binghe...just kidding, of course I remember everything. But your husband is no stranger to the taste of vinegar on his lips, forgive me for this flaw.”

“This is not a flaw! My husband is peerless; I have to accept everything he feels with gratitude and respect!”

“It's no time to flatter! Let me go!”

Shen Qingqiu really felt a bit out of sorts, thinking about the future — at the end of the month — temporary separation. Binghe was extremely angry when the councilors still asked not to provoke the anger of the other clans by having a human — even an official spouse — at the high meeting. Of course, the protagonist's talents and residual aura guarantee his safety, but Shen Qingqiu's heart was still in worrying.” 

“Are many guests expected?”

“All clans that have at least something similar to normal ruling are invited. All six of the Great Domains have confirmed their participation, plus the Ice Plains.”

"Binghe...be careful. There are no invincibles. Especially remember to keep a cool head: considering that you are not a pure-blooded demon, I am sure that you will be repeatedly tried to provoke with dirty tricks.”

“Shiizun, this disciple will try to be like the Buddha by remembering your precepts.”

“Although if someone offers to bite off the head, it is better to bite than to leave it behind. Just consult with Venerable Elder der Meng Mo about how to do it decently. You are, after all, Tianlang-jun's rightful successor.”

Luo Binghe nodded.

“It seems that the teacher had demonic blood in his family: of course, heads should really be bitten off according to all the rules of etiquette.”

“Do you think that it is somehow different among cultivators? Silly!”

Shen Qingqiu snorted: having lived in this world for almost twenty years, he believed less and less that among those who were impeccable in thought and action, even half a thousand would be genuine; and the higher the cultivator's rank, the more there is to hide. He himself was not at all an example of an exemplary immortal master. Murder, blackmail, lies, betrayal, dark arts... if you do it apparently decently and no one has caught your hand, there are no questions. With demons, everything is just somehow... more open. Although at such gatherings the level of pathos and decency should be higher than mountain peaks.

“By the way… I wanted to ask if your… Did Tianlang-jun transfer his title to you officially?”

“Yes. Last year, he wrote a letter to the Palace of Golden Flowers from his confinement in the Zhao Hua Monastery, that he plans to transfer the title to me so that he can "live in peace, without an unnecessary burden on my soul." Which he did during our meeting.”

“Is that what he really wrote?”

“This student transmitted ad verbatim. Agreed, not like a demon lord, but I suspect the weakness of the body and defeat in battle still affected more than he would like to show.”

"Binghe, did you tell him about your intentions regarding the Great Conference?"

“Yes. We talked about a lot during that visit.”

"And... How did Tianlang-jun react?"

“He called me a naive fool. But in general he liked the idea. Knowing his interest in human activity, I don't think I lied.”

“And why exactly are you a fool?”

“Because I broke Xin Mo; have a roof over my head that blows off with the slightest gust of wind, and married a man, breaking the line of succession of a great demonic dynasty!”

“Tell me honestly — has the monastery been rebuilt after your conversation?”

“Shizun! A noble man like me will not raise a hand against a cripple. What kind of joys do he still have in this world, if not to offend me?”

“So you have established a relationship?”

Luo Binghe paused and continued somewhat uncertainty:

“I don't know, Shizun, if we can call it a fix. But…I don't want to kill him or torture him, even considering what he did to you in the past. I can, of course, but... I don't see the point. You won't like it either, am I right?”

“Let the past go downstream, it is enough that memory does not forget it. Revenge destroys the spirit and will not revive the dead.”

“Tianlang-jun even gave me some advice on holding the Great Gathering. The snake demon kept him up to date with news from the demonic world during his stay at the Sacred Mausoleum, so in some ways I was even less informed.”

“Binghe, this demon really has considerable experience in the affairs of the demonic world due to the years he has lived and ruled. You are not yet half a century old, he is definitely more than three hundred years old...:”

“As he said, "after the second hundred you stop paying attention to it""

“Well, he has the point. For him, we are all stupid children. Not that he himself always acts wisely, but... I can't force you, but I would still advise you to visit Tianlang-jun from time to time — will you suddenly learn something interesting?”

As he finally fell asleep in his beloved's arms, Shen Qingqiu imagined for a moment what it would be like if Luo Binghe grew up under the wing of a not-so-loving, but still, father. Maybe he would be similar in character to Mobei-jun or Sha Hualing now? Would he grow into the cruel tyrant from the original novel? Vain thoughts; his fate has developed, as it has developed, even the Heavens cannot change it. 

One thing is obvious — there would be no humanity left in Luo Binghe then.

Chapter Text

“Junshang, my subordinates have finished browsing the library and archives…”

“Anything useful?”

“Found several relevant entities, six rituals and a dozen high-ranking spells that extract energy from the victim, but for the qi to be completely consumed, as if it were not in the body at all, and in such a short period of time... It is almost impossible to empty all spiritual meridians; even after death, an energy trace remains in the tissues of the body. Spare your grace to your unworthy servants, Junshang; the searches continue, but it still needs some time…”

“I’ll give one more month until the Great Gathering. Report about significant findings immediately.”

“Thousands of prayers, my lord, for your mercy, we will do our best!”

Luo Binghe waved his hand and the dark blue robed demon, the Ink Advisor (magical and scientific matters in the domain were under his supervision), stepped back from the throne. But the call for the next councilor's report was interrupted by an unexpected noise:

“If this venerable one will see you once again handing me a new document — I'll eat you without salt and pepper!”

Ringing like one of her many dress bells, the voice of Sha Hualing, who had scrawled notes in bright red ink on a stack of scrolls until recently, echoed through the hall.

“Do you want Junshang to think that I am not working well? If your empty head signs everything that is shoved under your nose, then I sincerely sympathize to the parents who birthed such a fool! Unlike you, I read what is written there! Even more, I think before I stamp the seal! Before inserting the same document for the third time — wipe your eyes and look where you need to correct!!!”

"Have mercy, Noble Maiden Sha, it's urgent..."

“Everything is urgent here!!! Here is "very urgent", here is "do it for yesterday", here is "it is necessary already". I'm going crazy here with you! Where is the order to appoint guardians of honor, which you followed a long time ago?!”

"The Shield Advisor hasn't set the seal yet..."

The demoness's face darkened, her angry gaze aimed at the military wing chairs. The bells in the voice changed their tone and began to resemble the accompaniment of a funeral procession:

“Ah, dear advisor Tie, this humble maiden is forced to trouble you with a meager request...where is the signed order appointing the guardians, you lazy beast?! Couldn't agree on whose third cousins ​​will guard the main hall? Did you suddenly send all your subordinates on vacation?”

The Iron Wolf of the Tie clan could not resist the screams of an angry (and quite rightly) Sha Hualin for long, so after a few moments the order with a fresh seal was carefully transferred to the "to be executed" pile.

Luo Binghe, who was enjoying another performance of “Noble Maiden Sha drilling the court of the Dark Blood”, asked his Chief Counselor with a smile, lowering his voice:

“How does she have the ardor to fight like a fish seller in the market? Is she even sleeping?”

“My lord, as you ordered, two servants are attached to the Noble Maiden Sha, and follow dutifully her daily routine. After midnight, her brush and seal are taken away so that the restless maiden does not continue to work with reports. However, regarding the dream…your humble servant suspects that there is something wrong here. Sometimes her rooms are surprisingly quiet...too quiet for a sleeper.”

"Talisman of teleportation?"

“Although the Maiden Sha is young, her powers and skills are quite developed, as for a demoness of a hundred and a half years old. Maybe a talisman.”

“If you can do it carefully, find out where she disappears at night. Because replenish elixirs are good, but in acceptable dosages, not three glasses at a time. I am not inspired by the complaints from Sha-jun, how I could harm his little A-Ling.”

“Little, heh. Junshang, maybe we can assign her at least formally to your harem? You would have heard how this noble, sharp-tongued maiden quarreled with her father over the mirror — soldiers have red ears; and where did such dirt was found?”

"Had Sha-jun thrown her yet another candidate for a marriage?" And stop talking about harems! I am a happily married man, no harems! And even more so — I would definitely have no desire to include this sand snake there.”

“This humble servant obeys, Junshang, as you say... If the Maiden Sha had not been so stubborn, she would have made a wonderful union thirty years ago. And the last offer was sent from the Burning Stone Domain for Zhe-jun's middle son…”

But right in that moment the story of the Chief Counselor was interrupted, and quite rudely:

“This fat, arrogant peacock! A pillow stuffed with feathers! As he was kindly beaten in childhood, apparently, from that moment on, the brains completely spread! Just give him the pillow in bed, not me as his fourth wife!”

“Sha Hualing, how are you not ashamed to raise your voice in the presence of Junshang!”

“How is it not embarrassing for two adult demons to gossip about Ling-er behind her back? I don't sleep properly, I spin like a whirlwind so that the Great Gathering goes as it should, and look at that — they just shamelessly discuss my personal life!”

Sha Hualing indeed had the right to be indignant: despite her terrible manners (or perhaps only because of them), she masterfully coordinates the preparations so that the honoured guests will be received with all honors and the honor of her Lord was not tarnished by the negligence of his subordinates. At Luo Binghe's court, she formally held the position of Chief Counselor assistant, but in fact she was the governor of the Underground Palace. Her position in the hierarchy of the demonic court afforded her a sufficient degree of freedom to legitimately call upon Advisor Tie's: Sha Hualin had voluntarily sworn allegiance to Luo Binghe, and had close ties to the ruling dynasty of the Golden Sands Domain (just a daughter, but a favorite daughter). 

At first, the courtiers of the Dark Blood domain expected her to become a concubine or even the wife of their Junshang (even her esteemed father regularly hinted at that in letters). But the demoness, despite her sincere admiration for Luo Binghe, preferred to help him in his affairs with her deeds, not with her body.

“This one apologizes to Maiden Sha for my rude manners, but she was rehearsing so loudly that I cannot hear the reports from the other advisors. That's why only empty conversations remain.”

“Well, huh, I'll shut up! Forgive my insolence, my lord! How did that sound, "the ability to listen to the interlocutor and not to bother him with unnecessary words is the basis of the charity of a noble maiden", ugh!”

“"White lotus instructions for noble maidens and wives"? How many times did you have to rewrite them — ten, twenty?”

“Just twice, my lord! For the third time, this cursed book was carried far, far away into the desert by a sudden tornado!”

“What a coincidence…”

“Exactly!”

After taming the noble maiden, Luo Binghe listened to the advisors' reports (everything was more or less complete, with no significant deviations from the plan) and ended the meeting. From all these great and small matters, even he, a half-blood Saint Demon, has his head buzzing like a temple bell; the hot demonic blood incited to abandon everything and return to the Qing Jing Peak Bamboo House right now without waiting for the evening. But no, he is an adult, who himself initiated this large-scale idea of ​​unification of the worlds, so he has no right to retreat even a step in the face of difficulties. All he could do for himself was to imagine, at least for a moment, how the cool fingers of his beloved Shizun gently massaged the veins pulsating on his temples. 

Tea was served; it was Luo Binghe's old habit of sharing a snack with those close to him, so Sha Hualing sighed and put the brush aside.

“Mmm, the cooks were especially successful with cakes today. Try a piece, Junshang!”

“Too sweet, I'll leave it to you. I like the strip with seeds more.”

“But they are sharp as fire! How can such a thing be done to tea, what a perversion!”

“If you don't like it, don't take it, no one is forcing you.”

Noticing the demoness greedily biting into the third cake, Luo Binghe politely asked:

"Does the Noble Maiden Sha need help with the affairs? The Chief Counselor can assign more assistants.”

“What? No, I have everything under control! This is just that way that your subordinates would tremble and jump higher. Only then this sleepy swamp somehow begins to stir.” 

“Um, compared to the state of affairs ten years ago, it has apparently become better.”

“Exactly! Who will chase them if not me? You are an all-powerful unattainable ruler, you are not worthy of such lowly affairs; the Advisers are stuck in a polite molasses — bow down and don't say a word, because this is the eldest wife's fourth cousin. And they can't kill me, so they have to obey.”

Sha Hualing’s self-confidence sometimes simply amazed Luo Binghe. Although, in a paradoxical way, the demoness still knew how to take a step back from failure, resigning her temper.

“Just remember: you are no immortal, not invulnerable”

“Ha! They can only dream. Little defenseless me has something to surprise them.”

“I believe. However, be careful. Especially during the Great Gathering. You are not only a shameless girl, but Sha-jun's daughter and my adviser; so hold your snake tongue and bite only by order. And choose a decent outfit...at least three layered.”

With visible disappointment on her face, the demoness muttered:

“This Shen Qingqiu has such a bad effect on you! Spouses are identical, they said right. Being an adult is so boring…”

“You will understand yourself when you grow up.”

“Oh, as if I have already grown up, but I understand even less than before. Why so many empty restrictions?”

“This has its own good side. By the way, what groom by number have you already rejected?”

“The seventeenth! Three more — and I can put the fourth earring on my ear!”

The pointed ear, the tip of which peeked out from under the braid, was already decorated with three gold rings with stones.

“Make sure your esteemed father doesn't tear them off along with your ear. You are already a hundred years old, his patience is not made of stone.”

“What does he understand! He proposes to me some idiots, and they just drool at me. Some of them didn't even hold a battle ax in their hands, what a good husband they were!”

Luo Binghe asked in surprise:

"And is the ax what is important to you in marriage?"

“No! What a foolish lord I got: it's not about the ax — I don't want to see a snail near me that only eats and sleeps on a golden bed. And these heirs of the second or third rank are exactly like this: when they understand that a warm place on the throne of the domain does not shine for them, they either sit in some carefree position until they are kicked in the ass, or they weave intrigues in which they themselves get tangled. To marry such a person — better cut my head before.”

“Then you can consider the domain ruler or the first heirs.”

“Tzk! As I need it — to gnaw with someone's harem? Except for you and Mobei-jun, everyone successfully acquired them a long time ago.”

The half-demon spoke slowly:

“I would never have expected that demonesses have such a difficult time finding husbands…”

“Nah, that's me, who has such high requirements, others are less demanding. By the way, Junshang, it is you who must protect yourself: at the Great Gathering you will definitely be licked like a piece of meat. The ruler of the domain, young, unmarried, without a harem...Beware, such snakes will arrive there that you won't have time to blink an eye before getting married!”

“I am already, thanks, no”

“Who cares! Even if you write "cut sleeve" on your forehead, it will not stop the demonesses who want to enter your harem. And demons, by the way, too. It's even good that your husband won't be there: he will survive that mess, poor soul.”

A worried wrinkle appeared between the half-demon's eyebrows:

“Is everything so serious?”

“Junshang ! Well...it is so obvious that you have grown up with humans. If not your family talent, you'd have to pick up a bunch of protective amulets. Look closely at the others at the meeting — they will definitely have a whole arsenal against various dirty tricks. In matrimonial affairs, anything is acceptable, because power is the most desired prize among demons: if you did not get it by birth, you will have to scratch by detours.”

After a moment of silence, Luo Binghe asked a counter question:

“Are you saying that power is a prize for which demons will do anything? Then why are you different from others? Do you not enjoy the privileges of the daughter of the lord in the Golden Sands, and sit here, according to the reports, until night? I seem to have clearly announced that I will not recruit a harem under any circumstances. what do you get from that boring job?”

Sha Hualing sighed and put down the cake she had bitten:

“Junshang, I will not lie that I never thought to get into your heart. In fact, that was my initial desire when I learned of the emergence of a new lord in Dark Blood ten years ago. You impressed me with your courage and beauty as a teenager during the duel on the Qiong Ding. If your eyes did not see only Master Shen Qingqiu even at that time, I would do anything to become your wife. But... you always looked at me as a subordinate, no matter how thin my veil was. And gradually the assigned duties, which at first were perceived as a burden, began to interest me more than fruitless attempts to attract your attention. My power now is not to be the younger daughter of the lord of the domain, a pretty toy with some liberties; but to become the one, who’s recognised for personal talents and merits, who chooses her own path. And yes, for that I will do whatever it takes.”

Luo Binghe did not expect to receive such a frank answer from her. From the moment Sha Hualing arrived at the Underground Palace with the offer of an oath of allegiance, he had been more concerned about not getting stabbed in the back by the new ally, remembering her attack on the sect. Well, he noticed her attempts to flirt, but they were either annoying or amusing, depending on the mood. Her help in running the court was really useful, and gradually Luo Binghe didn't let his guard down…rather, he began to treat Sha Hualing a little differently than a crowd of faceless minions. She reminded him of Ning Yinying in some ways, perhaps in the directness of her judgments? Although the demoness was formally four times her age, their race was slowly maturing; upbringing in the human world and experiences had made Luo Binghe mentally older, and currently the difference in actual age was not in Sha-shimei's favor.

With Mobei-jun, Luo Binghe, on the other hand, felt somewhat younger, although the ice demon had never addressed him as anything other than "Junshang" since their second meeting (that time, after a year of wandering in the wild chaos of the Endless Abyss, the half-demon had perfected his skills and with superpowers, but still defeated his opponent in a duel; after which he suddenly swore allegiance to him).

"Can I call them…friends? Is friendship even possible among demons who value only power and power? Damn it, what a soft pillow you are, gather up, or they'll eat you alive!"

Sha Hualing didn't seem to expect any response to her speech other than ridicule. But her interlocutor was thoughtfully silent, not commenting on what he heard, until he spoke:

“Thank you.”

"Excuse me, my lord?" What are you thanking me for? That is... This lowly one is impressed by your generosity, but I would like to know what exactly earned it.”

“That this Noble Maiden did not try to poison me with aphrodisiacs in order to become my wife.”

“Well... you're welcome. But I'm not that much of a master at this, I would actually poison myself.”

“Sha Hualing, tell me... my plan to unite the two worlds is complete madness, is there still a chance?”

The demoness rolled her eyes: is her lord testing her or seriously asking?

“Junshang, this one will be honest: your first attempt was complete madness. You had warned us what you wanted to do; no one expected such a trick! It's a good thing that the area in both worlds was sparsely populated, otherwise they would have gotten a second Endless Abyss next to them. Such games with interworld space are simply not up to any demon — the core cannot stand it; how it was possible to stop the process halfway — I have no idea at all. If it weren't for your Dark Blood mark, I'd think you were the reborn legendary founder of the Ninth Domain.”

“Ninth Domain? Aren't there only eight of them?”

“It's eight now. Well, the Ninth...in its lands is now the Endless Abyss.”

Is this a legend or a true story? This was the first time Luo Binghe had heard such a thing.

“Why did this happen?”

“Who remembers — it was more than fifty thousand years ago. According to legends, the ruler of the Ninth Domain performed some ritual and did not calculate the power; as if he wanted to break the barrier between worlds or something like that. Something didn't go according to plan and he and the other eight founders, former Celestials, were destroyed by the recoil, and a chaotic breach formed at the site of his domain where the ritual was being performed due to the destruction of their souls. Many demons died, and none of the ruling family of the Ninth Domain was left alive. Therefore, there are only eight domains.”

“An interesting legend.”

“Yeah, that's right. You almost repeated his actions; it's good that it's not so successful. The elders said that before that ritual, our worlds practically did not combine, and after it, the energies began to mix. The elders also said that once, a long time ago, a human could not live in our world for even a year — they would be destroyed by chaotic qi. And demons could not last long in the human world without protective artifacts. And now everything is different.”

Luo Binghe decided to clarify:

"As far as I know, now humans can stay in the demonic world long enough and nothing will happen to them?"

“Few people could stay alive for a long time in the hands of demons. In harems, unless they get bored. Some cunning cultivators manage to infiltrate here and travel for years if not caught early. I once had to ask such a person; some adept of a minor sect, lived in our world for twenty years, hid through the practice of forbidden methods, even successfully disguised his appearance as a demon.”

“What happened to him later?”

“Ah, they were caught trying to steal some demon's property, and already during the interrogation the guards found out that he was a spell caster. It seems they blocked the core, cut off the arm and sold it on the slave market.”

“Of course.”

“Now both worlds have Borderlands. And while there is something to borrow from each other, such areas near the transition points will always exist. It is a question of control: as long as exiles, half-breeds and other trifles live there, these regions belong to everyone and no one. But there's no betting that one of the domains or human sect of cultivators won't seize power over the transitions one day. Therefore, it is better to seize the initiative. Especially if it so happened that the lord of the demonic domain simultaneously controls one of the four strongest cultivation sects in the human world. Maybe under such circumstances something good will come out of it.”

Luo Binghe nodded approvingly: he had roughly the same arguments himself. Five years after the battle on Mai Gu Ridge, his good intentions at that time also seemed to him to be pure madness. And he didn't put everything down to Xin Mo's influence: if it weren't for the naive dreams that in the united world his Shizun wouldn't look at him, a half-demon, with hatred, the sword wouldn't have succeeded in fanning the flames of madness. He himself is guilty; and in what happened in the cave on the Mai Gu Ridge, too. It was a miracle that so few were killed; but this should not happen again.

Now he is together with the one whom he has sincerely loved since his youth, and must become his equal not in strength or magical talents, but first of all — in sober mind. 

Especially when the events around attract the attention of that strange System that the Shizun told him about.

Chapter Text

“If these lazy sons of the turtle are not ready to leave yet — we will go without them! Let them catch up as best they can.”

"Peak Lord Liu, the scheduled departure time hasn't even arrived yet! The esteemed master from Sichou Zhilu will definitely come on time.”

“Okay, but not a minute longer. Yixuan, what techniques are included in the “Crane Dance at Sunset”?”

“"Pine needle", "White cat with red claws", twice "Rapid flow of the waterfall from the top", "Falcon's feather"...”

Ming Fan turned away and, pretending to adjust the clasp of his cloak, squeezed a yawn into his fist. Eh, it's good to be his Shizun, behind whose elegantly open fan he can even smile or yawn at the top of lungs — and still keeps his face and be comfortable. But the head disciple was well aware that if he borrowed a similar technique — firstly, all would point fingers, accusing him of copying; and secondly, it would not be as elegant as it turns out for the Shizun. Therefore, it is not worth starting. Although… In this damp cold fog that has enveloped the peaks since last night, a good raincoat is much better than a paper fan.

Yesterday, when his Peak Lord instructed him to accompany Liu Qingge to the crime scene and provide him with the necessary support in searching for traces of the murderer, Ming Fan did not know whether to be horrified or grateful. A trip with the leader of Bai Zhan Peak: rude, meticulous, impatient, ready to draw the sword at any moment — why do you not like this disciple so much, Shizun??? On the other hand, at least not another list of testimonies about demonic clans, from which his head is already a complete mess, because here and there — "data not verified", "recorded on the basis of the testimony of witnesses", "from the words of a respected...", in a word — fairy tales and stories that coincide with the real state of affairs in the same way that a cat is similar to a tiger. Specializing in the study of historical chronicles (not quite expected for an adept of the most "artistic" of peaks, but that's how it happened), during the years of his studies, Ming Fan hated the inaccuracies that, like a tiny particle of mold, destroy a skillfully brewed infusion of logically constructed events. 

Born in the seventh generation of a family of tea producers, he involuntarily chose an analogue with a tea "taste" for anything. Therefore, now Liu Qingge, who was impatiently clutching the reins of the horse in his hands, seemed to him to be nothing more than a cast-iron kettle boiling on the fire, decorated with expertly carved lions: white steam from the spout, boiling water splashing in different directions, a little more — and with this water it will definitely not be possible to brew normal tea, it will lose half of its taste and acquire a metallic aftertaste. Master Liu's disciple, Yang Yixuan, was more of a simple copper pot with a boiling infusion (what can he does, next to the flawless master of Bai Zhan Peak, the God of War, the pride of the Cang Qiong Mountains Sect, he was still inferior in all parameters, although showed high hopes). Despite the abominable weather and the early hour, both showed no signs of sleepiness (unlike Ming Fan, who was still prone to late ascents) — the "owls" had no chance of staying on Bai Zhan Peak for even a month.

At present, they were waiting for Master Gui Zhuazi from Sichou Zhilu Peak and his assistant. It was this cultivator who led the search for the Younger Master Gongzhuo and brought his body to the sect; now the four of them needed to go this way once more in search of at least some clues. 

Ming Fan checked his equipment once more to make sure everything was in order; under the leadership of Peak Lord Liu, any carelessness is perceived as fatal. Everything was as it should be. Gently running his hand over the fine embroidery on the qiankun, he smiled warmly: although Ning Yinying's talents in needlework were not outstanding, his bride had worked very hard to ensure that the embroidery was even and the signs kept their energy stable. In order to give him such a gift, she underwent six months of training at Sichou Zhilu Peak; it was another test for her restless nature. Even Master Shen was genuinely impressed that his student still managed to complete the course without any complaints or complaints, and as a result received a rather useful artifact.

Thinking of the teacher, Ming Fan carefully took out from his bosom a thin chain on which hung a small, finely crafted crystal phial. It was tightly sealed; a dark purple mist curled in spirals as if alive. The phial glowed faintly from the energy invested in it, but the perception of it was rather unpleasant, like a pinprick — it was not spiritual, but demonic qi.

This strange artifact was entrusted to him by Master Shen before he left, insisting that he bring it back unharmed. Immediately warning that the phial's energy was demonic, Shen Qingqiu firmly assured Ming Fan that no harm would come. What was in the phial — the head disciple was not told, and he did not ask — if Shizun had wished, he would not have kept him in the dark. Ming Fan had wisely held the artifact hidden, rightly fearing that Liu Qingge might not like the thing at all: his prejudice against demons was known even to the last of the junior adepts of the Cang Qiong Sect.

Finally, two minutes before the appointed time, the clatter of horses' hooves was heard from the side of the rainbow bridge that led to Sichou Zhilu Peak, and two cultivators flew into the central square, stilling the horses. The one who rode in front of the black stallion, judging by the dark blue clothes, was Master Guy Zhuazi; his assistant — probably a disciple, in more modest robes — held the bale that had slipped from the mousy mare's back through a carelessly fastened strap.

"Peak Lord Liu, I sincerely apologize for making you wait! We planned to arrive earlier but…”

“Come on.”

Without another word, Liu Qingge turned his horse towards the bridge leading out of the mountains. The cold wind in the face, saturated with moisture, quickly blew away the remnants of sleep from Ming Fan's head; he went after Yang Yixuan, who went after his master. The two Sichou Zhilu cultivators had no choice but to rush their horses, trying to catch up with their companions.

A rainbow bridge led from Qiong Ding Peak to a tall stone gate decorated with elaborate carvings and figures of enchanted guardian creatures. An uninitiated person standing in front of the gate and looking in the direction of the order would not have seen the bridge — only a winding, grassy, stony path leading down the slopes somewhere far away; a cultivator or a person on their way to the sect on business with special enchanted permission would look at the stone square. Behind the gate lay a wide path, where, after a very early hour, there was neither a cart nor a passer-by. Turning in the direction of Caishu, the squad drove their horses unhindered along the empty road: they were to reach the city by evening. 

Following the path of the late Gongzhuo Guoshi, interviewing witnesses, finding out from the city government if there had been any similar murders recently... Ming Fan expected that it would take at least four days: the city was quite densely populated, despite its location in the mountainous area — there were several semi-precious stone mines nearby, and the local raging river elsewhere washed away golden sand from the mountain depths. Also, in this region, several trade routes crossed through the passes; they were now inaccessible by the winter snows, but in a month or two they were to be opened to caravans, and the prudent traders arrived early in the town to collect supplies before the road and form groups. In a word, the future work seemed to be quite a chore. 

The search party sent by Qiong Ding had time to deal only with the scene of the murder, and not with the witnesses; one of them will have to take on this investigative routine. Ming Fan expected that Liu Qingge would go directly to the gorge to search for traces, his disciple would go with the mentor; however, he was counting on the help of Sichou Zhilu's adepts, who were well-versed in the city (the peak constantly bought raw materials for crafting here) — at least they would be able to gather testimony from those who and where they had last seen the late cultivator.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived after lunch, some adjustments were made to Ming Fan's plans: Yang Yixuan had expected to dutifully follow his master to the gorge, but Liu Qingge ordered him to accompany the Shen Qingqiu’s disciple and help him in all matters. Looking at the adept's sullen face, Ming Fan couldn't help but wonder: what, he didn't answer well about the martial arts techniques? Did Liu Qingge want to be a hero himself? Regarding the latter… Ming Fan tried to carefully clarify this point with the head of Bai Zhan Peak:

"Master Liu, it's getting dark soon, and we don't know what exactly might be hiding in these gorges." Are you sure you want to go exploring alone? If something happens to you, we won't even know about it…”

“Do you all are so overly cautious on Qing Jing Peak, or one of the two? I'm not going to wander the mountains at night. I will fly to the place and inspect the path from above. That's all. I'll be back before midnight.”

"Why not do it tomorrow?"

“Why not today? The sooner, the greater the chances that the trail will not cool down.”

Ming Fan, tired from the fast ride and the long journey, had no objections to such an argument. And stopping Bai Zhan leader, is like stopping a mountain avalanche: it won't work, and you'll still get hit on the head. So he dragged a frustrated Yang Yixuan to the city hall, where the official scheduled a meeting with the head of the city guard for tomorrow morning (in Caishu, this unit's tasks included investigating crimes) and granted temporary access to the archives (thanks to the authority of the Cang Qiong Sect, there were no problems with this). They had enough to do for tomorrow; meanwhile, the two of Sichou Zhilu were to go round the shops where the deceased might have visited while he was in town.

Thank Heaven, when Ming Fan and Yang Yixuan were the only ones left at the table in the hotel's common room late at night (the tea in the cups had long since cooled and was poured purely for decency), Liu Qingge returned from his trip unscathed, wet and irritated, heading straight to his own room. Ming Fan did not question him: if there was something urgent, the master would have already spoken about it, everything else will wait until tomorrow. And to bother out to a tired martial cultivator is a suicidal activity.

Before going to sleep, he removed the mysterious phial from his neck, placing it on the bedside table (he was lucky enough to get a separate room and not share it with any of his companions). The purple mist within continued to swirl into whimsical shapes. Contemplating this vortex, Qing Jing Peak head disciple's eyes closed on their own…

The smoke in the phial became transparent like the morning mist and began to seep through the thin walls: the spirit of the demonic elder Meng Mo went on a hunt for dreams.

Chapter Text

Dreams are for everyone who is endowed with even a tiny bit of consciousness. Even someone who is steadfastly convinced that he is not dreaming, in fact, simply does not have time to grasp the conscious meaning in his own memory. Dreams come to humans and demons, dreams are seen by some beasts and monsters (primitive, but still). Meng Mo had his own belief about whether gods dream.

In a dream, the mind is practically omnipotent: it can build fantastic worlds, filling them with strange creatures, it can change the course of time (and then in a short moment of sleep you can survive at least a hundred years), it can even scare half to death and drive you to madness. But at the same time, for most creatures, consciousness is practically defenseless against external intrusion into the created dream space; those who have mastered spiritual practices can easily repel a mental attack in the waking state, but in sleep the plasticity of the dream space plays into the hands of an experienced master of nightmares. Even the most disciplined mind can maximally pull the owner out of sleep at the appearance of a stranger, but not play on the same field.

Occasionally, however, those who have a spark of talent to operate the dream space at their own discretion are born. Not everyone can find this talent in themselves without the help of a connoisseur; it's like explaining to someone how to wiggle your ears — either you will suddenly realize it yourself, or you can explain it ad infinitum. 

Demon Meng Mo was a master of dreams and nightmares, who felt at home in anyone's dream space like an orca in the ocean. This gift saved him after the loss of his body, allowing to exist for many, many years on the energy of other's dreams, but gradually his spiritual powers were exhausted. And then fate accidentally threw up a generous gift: pulled out of the cache by an angry girl to take revenge on her opponent (Sha Hualing, not knowing who exactly was sealed in the enchanted vessel, thought that he was a spirit that extracted life forces or someone similar), he came across a wonderful treasure, a potential source of unlimited energy — a young man who had the gift of manipulating dreams. Seduce him with promises of unlimited power, gradually conquer his mind and turn him into an obedient puppet, dutifully supplying the power necessary for survival? For an ancient demon — spit once!

However, the potential victim was not as easy as he had hoped: Luo Binghe, well trained by his master in devious demonic techniques (and the human cultivators world's had apparently advanced greatly in knowledge since Meng Mo was there last time), cracked his plan like a fried melon seed. The dream demon was already planning to escape (it's a shame to lose such potential, but it's better to end up with an empty soup than to be eaten himself), when the young man suddenly changed his mind. Well, despite the humiliation of his own dignity ("I already have a shizun", look at that stubborn!), Meng Mo got a chance to live in this beautiful world a little longer. 

If he had looked into the future back then, he might not have been so optimistic: despite the rapid progress in learning to work with dreams, life was hurling at Luo Binghe like a dry leaf thrown into a mountain stream. Meng Mo broke into an imaginary cold sweat as he remembered their joint fall into the Endless Abyss (Shen Qingqiu, hypocritical monster, who said “race didn't matter — only actions mattered”?!), the desperate dash to the slope where Xinmo was stuck (it's so nice to feel the red-hot currents of chaos try to either tear you to pieces or swallow you whole, after all), wandering in attempts to find a way out of the destroyed domain (chaotic distortions sometimes spawned such creatures that even for demons it was not easy to deal, better to run away), climbing to the bloody-gold peaks of power (first in the Dark Blood Domain, then in the Huang Hua Palace). And the icing on the cake was the desperate struggle for the disciple, who was gradually but inexorably sinking into the depths of insanity due to a broken heart and the treacherous disposition of the Xin Mo sword. 

In principle, that time Meng Mo would already have the spiritual strength to detach his essence from Luo Binghe's nourishment and leave the world behind his eyes (and there he would find some way out or another carrier), however... Firstly, he quite reasonably suspected that the half-demon, enraged by the betrayal, would be able to find him even in his dreams. And secondly, it was a pity to throw away the results of ten years of work like this, growing a promising heir from scratch.

Miraculously everything went well. And even with a profit: after an epic battle, eager to preserve his own privacy, his disciple racked his brains and was able to enchant a new preservation artifact for him. Periodically, the phial needed to be fed with Luo Binghe's blood and powers, but now Meng Mo didn't have to be constantly present in his mind (he didn't enjoy peeping at all, let alone those two's love perversions), and could send his spirit a dozen li around. So the elder gained relative freedom and could even explore someone else's sleepy space again. Of course, it was necessary to act carefully (at the sect of cultivators, someone could notice an invasive presence in a dream), but it was nice to be in the game again.

Everything was going well until Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu were summoned to the dead body of some cultivator. Meng Mo, whose phial was just hanging on his disciple’s neck, saturating himself with energy, was in the stage of meditation (what could be interesting about a corpse? how much similar he had watched). Hearing the question, he was at first surprised (a homunculus? and who needs to bother so much?), but after secretly scanning the energy channels of the corpse, he asked his disciple for time to think, which resulted in a persistent request to send his phial along with the group heading to the scene of the murder. 

And now, when the investigation participants finally began to fall asleep, Meng Mo could emerge from the artifact to establish mental bridges to the sleeping spaces of his companions. It was the easiest way for him to gain access to information about the investigation without revealing his presence; to make a person once again recall the events of the day in his own dream is child's play for an experienced master.

It didn't make sense to go to Ming Fan and Yang Yixuan: they hadn't had time to do anything yet. Establishing contact with the adepts of Sichou Zhilu was easy (both of them did not have the keen sense of martial masters who had repeatedly faced demons — they were more artisans), Meng Mo carefully listened to the conversations with merchants of stones, cloths, provisions and other witnesses interviewed by the adepts, but he did not get anything significant. Master Gongzhuo had indeed met with some of them that day, negotiated new goods, or promised to check if there was a surplus of certain materials in the peak stock. According to witnesses, the cultivator’s behavior did not differ too much from an experienced merchant and did not ask about any unusual or magical things; on three occasions he mentioned that he would continue to the Nine Falls Monastery by the northern road, making the journey not for the first time and returning only after two weeks. No signs of anxiety, fear, excitement; Gongzhuo Guoshi's life had to follow a long-trodden track like a wheel of a water mill.

Only the last member of the investigation remained, but with him the demon had to be twice as careful. The masters of Bai Zhan peak, who were at least somehow known among the cultivation world, usually had a keen sense not only for a sideways glance at the back, but also for penetrating their own consciousness. About someone else in such a case, Meng Mo would have joked about “seeing something unusual in the single convolution of one’s own brain and not the thought of “whom to kill””, but the person who resisted the charms of the succubus nest (the demon accidentally overheard Shen Qingqiu’s story) deserved special attention.

The spirit of demon’s moved to the Liu Qingge's room and looked inside. The martial master layed on the bed with one hand on his sword; the other folded loosely on top of a blanket, but Meng Mo, taught by bitter experience, recognized one of the most common sleeping positions recommended for risky conditions — to draw the attention of a sneaking opponent to the sword while folding his fingers in a casting gesture. And the facial expression was not like the one formed during a carefree sleep — collected, frozen, not a hint of relaxation.

"Is he asleep or not?"

Meng Mo didn't dare to come close to the bed. Fortunately, a careful scan of the edges of Liu Qingge's spiritual essence revealed that he had fallen asleep after all. The demon concentrated, trying to see the edges of the dreamspace realm through which he could dream-operate.

Instead of a thin, veil-like, changeable hazy surface (in most cases, the dream sphere has a similar appearance), there is a shining dense shell, like the egg of an exotic bird. It was surprisingly small, as if the consciousness was on the verge of awakening.

What is it? Some kind of protective talisman or spell? It doesn't look like it. Meng Mo "slipped" to a deeper level of perception in the space of dreams, where he could see the smallest energy flows. The same dense sphere, although more transparent. Inside, as if in a fog, a figure appeared: approaching, the demon saw that it was the cultivator in his own persona in a meditation position — legs crossed, eyes closed, hands on his knees.

Suddenly, Liu Qingge — exactly it was him — opened his eyes and their gaze stopped exactly at the place where Meng Mo's spirit was:

“Who is here?”

Meng Mo was not going to answer, but hastily draped an extra layer of dreamspace cloth over himself to hide from the sharp-eyed cultivator.

But it didn't work for Liu Qingge:

"A demon? No wonder... What do you need?”

“Do you see me?”

“Shouldn't I?”

“Not at all.”

“Then it's good that I still see. Why are you here?”

“Just passing by.”

“Are you one of those who can walk in other people's dreams?”

“Do you realize that you are sleeping and you are dreaming all this?”

Meng Mo has encountered several times those who are aware in their dreams that they are sleeping, but are alert enough to reveal his presence... Does this master from Bai Zhan Peak also have the ability of dream mastering??? Who would have imagined that course of fate…

“Yes, I'm sleeping and I'm dreaming about it. Will there still be stupid questions?”

“You could have been more polite, boy, in relation to my respectable age…”

“Why would that be? You look no older than me, demon. It doesn't matter though. Being polite to leeches like you is laughable!”

Meng Mo opened his mouth stiffly. How??? Even for Luo Binghe, he took on the appearance of a demon well over half a thousand years ago — hair bleached by time, a mustache and beard grown for solidity, a wizened physique not yet of an ancient dead, but far from the prime of his strength — due to the influence of the elder's authority on the young man's mind. He was supposed to look younger only once — when someone saw his true look, which remained from the moment of losing his body!

“I wonder when you will start doing what you came for? What are the plans: mental manipulations, spells, or will you try to take over the body?”

“Are you sure that's what I came for?”

“Oh? Something new. Usually, nasty spiders like you get down to business right away, and you're just teasing now. Are you strong? I could even wait, but not for long.”

The demon didn't even know how to react to such insolence. Does the cultivator suspect that he wants to attack him? Then why not resist? Even in sleep we act on the basis of our own habits; judging from his sleeping position, Liu Qingge was ready to fight back against anyone. Has a hidden card up his sleeve? Interesting, very interesting...

Meng Mo approached the sphere and, placing his hand on its surface, tried to affect Liu Qingge's dream space using the usual technique. For example, let him dream of an angry tiger...

“Are you already doing something, or shall I give you another hour?”

The spite in the cultivator's voice could anger even a righteous monk. The demon expected that Liu Qingge would not be ridiculed now, but the space inside the sphere was still empty. I tried again — in vain, the dream sphere, however strange, did not lend itself to his powers at all. But surprisingly, the cultivator was not in a hurry to react in any way, even though Meng Mo was currently an arm's length away.

“That's it, is all over? Then I will continue the meditation, with your permission. There are still four hours until dawn. Then I'll wake up, find in which corner of this poor land you're hiding, and kill you.”

Imaginary tingles ran down the demon's spine from the confident statements, uttered in an even indifferent tone, but he had heard a lot of such threats in his long life.

”Why wait for dawn? Here I am, in front of you. Do you want a fight? This old man will be happy to stuff your haughty face!

Liu Qingge, who had already managed to close his eyes again, sighed:

“If only I could! Although there would be some entertainment in this boring grayness.”

“What’s up? Get up and fight! Are you afraid to approach the demon?”

“What's the point? Three steps is all I have left in this gray space, there is no further way. You demons come and go, but not one has yet crossed the line. I think you will not be a happy exception.”

Already driven by the indifference of the cultivator (anyone dare to doubt the power of the nightmare lord???), Meng Mo tried to pass through the wall of the sphere, but the energy barrier did not even flinch. He put more energy into the momentum — and barely had time to deflect the backstab. 

“Said to you — you won't pass.”

“I haven't warmed up yet!”

“Ha! Stubborn!

One blow, another; another level of sleep, subtle manipulations; trying to access the cultivator’s mind once again… Meng Mo stopped when realized that he had almost reached the point of exhaustion, after which he would have to return to the phial.

He tried to gather his thoughts to assess the situation soberly. Solid negatives: Liu Qingge is now aware of its existence, has firm intentions to destroy him (there is a certain chance, that demon must admit; at least the cultivator is definitely capable of destroying the phial), and he not only did not get the information he came for, but also suffered almost the first professional defeat in many years of sleeping. On the plus side...maybe it will be possible to just talk to him? Bai Zhan Peak Lord seems to be bored in his own sleep.

"Okay, I'll admit it: your defenses are as solid as a rock. Your secret technique?”

“It was that way from childhood.”

“What are you, the deity?”

Liu Qingge even gasped:

“Wow, what compliments from a demon! This master has not yet attained the highest degree of Dao knowledge, so do not attribute non-existent merit to me.”

“Then where did this formation come from? And how do you support it?”

“I don't know. It does not depend on me.”

“But I see that this is your dream sphere! So, it is fed by your essence.”

“My what? A dream sphere? Is that what it's called?”

“For normal beings, this is the space in which their mind creates a dream.”

“Ah, I heard about it.”

The indifference in Liu Qing'e's voice made Meng Mo have a strange thought, and he tried to say it out loud:

“Have you only HEARD about dreams? What about you, you don't dream of anything while you sleep?”

“When I fall asleep, I fall into this empty space. And that's all.”

“How so? Don't dream, for example, how you kill a hundred monsters at once, or a luxurious harem of a thousand beautiful virgin maidens?”

“I'm not in the habit of seeing things that don't exist.”

"Never? Even in childhood?”

“I already said — none.”

“Others might envy you. Moreover, they usually do not realize that they are sleeping, it seems to them that it is real, until they wake up.

“I was told that, but it is difficult to imagine. How can you not understand that you are sleeping?”

It seemed to Meng Mo for a moment that person, sitting in front of him was not an ordinary, albeit gifted, flesh and blood human, but some surprisingly complex mechanism in human form. Why, even he, gifted with natural talent, in his very distant childhood did not always realize that he was dreaming! Maybe he is dreaming all this now? In a panic, the demon performed the usual mental exercises to control his own sleep space, but nothing changed, only his energy decreased. A little more time — and you have to go back. May chaos take him away, this stubborn leader of Bai Zhan Peak!

“Well, somehow you take and do not understand, it does not depend on desire. Some are given, some are not. Have you ever done something unconsciously?”

With a familiar gesture, the cultivator touched the solar plexus with his hand, where the golden core was concentrated:

 “I did, yeah. But this is not something you can be proud of and want to repeat. A person should be the master of his will, and not allow himself to be controlled by someone else. Even one's own body must first of all obey a sober mind.”

“What about the heart? Are feelings not foreseen in your ideals?”

“They bring more chaos than good.

"The Master is definitely at the head of Baizhan Peak, not Kusin?"

Liu Qingge narrowed his eyes at Meng Mo with disdain.

"Does the demon know how the peaks of the Cang Qiong Sect differ? Then how can you even compare? These pure-faced seek to renounce everything worldly. This is not my way. As long as there is evil in the world, you need to fight it, not close your eyes and mutter empty mantras.”

“Good, good, I see that it is still too early to classify you as an ascetic. Well, dear master, unfortunately it is time to end our conversation, and you need to recover your strength too — tomorrow is a difficult day.”

The cultivator's eyes narrowed:

“Are you hiding so close? Was it by chance that you killed a cultivator in these parts nine days ago?”

"Even if I say I'm not involved, you still won't believe me. But it's really not me. Moreover, this gentleman is also somewhat interested in the search for his killer.”

"Do demons care about cultivators?" Well, all the more interesting. Although you better run away from here, my advice to you, there is a chance to live longer until I deal with this matter.

Meng Mo huffed as he imagined himself running away from Liu Qingge with all his legs, considering that all his spiritual strength was only enough to move the phial a few steps.

“Dear Master Liu, may I visit your dream tomorrow?”

“Well, it is not in my power to forbid this useless action. If you want to try your hand at it, please do. Although I don't promise not to comment. “

“Thank you for that. Very much.”

Chapter Text

The next morning the cultivators continued their investigation. 

Ming Fan and Yang Yixuan went to meet with the head of the city guard, Ruili Yangjing. He was a stout man, with a face weathered by cold winds; it was immediately noticeable that he does his work not sitting in an office, but on his feet or in a saddle. The scars that criss-crossed the face, in several places close to the eyes, showed better than awards that the head of the guard had been through enough battles, but had come out of them with dignity, if not complete victory. Ming Fan was glad that the official here was not one to value a warm place more than his business; it would be much more difficult to cooperate with them (and what to hide — more expensive).

"You were sent to find the person who killed the master cultivator?" Was he from the Cang Qiong Sect?”

“Yes, qianbei. We wanted to ask you about the surrounding area: have there been any recent disappearances? Maybe something unusual?”

“Well, everything is more or less calm here, and it will be like this until the beginning of summer. In winter, all the criminal trifles — illegal gold diggers, fugitives from mines — sit in burrows, not sticking their pike out. The average fishes — gangs waiting for caravans — pretend to be peaceful peasants for the time being and sit around the villages in the same way. The paths are patrolled, and it is possible to go through the icy slopes only with wings or claws. Now it is possible that thieves are hunting hotels, because traders have already begun to gather in Caishu before the opening of the passes. Sometimes there is drunk bickering, but we quickly twist them, my boys know the business. Of course, there are enough evil spirits in the mountains, but in winter they either hang out near settlements or sleep. And if someone goes missing, the locals quickly start searching or call us for help. But mostly all deaths this year are from drunken sleeping in the cold or falling into a gorge.”

The head of the guard cleared his throat and continued:

“That's why when yours adepts arrived with the news that an entire master cultivator, not just anyone, was killed directly on the road — I was shocked, no joke. Regular patrols of more or less major roads are carried out, and on the way to the monastery of the Nine Waterfalls, on this particular day in the morning, the guards passed. And they reported that everything was fine, no problems — no ambushes, no movement on the slopes, no suspicious tracks; even the signs on guard pillars are not burning.”

“Wow, so there are guarding artifacts installed on this road?”

“Yes, the city opened its treasury five years ago. There was an invasion of shadow snakes, merchants complained that someone was being bitten here and there, and restless spirits sometimes happen, so they invited cultivators. Our mayor has good friends at the Huang Hua Palace — one of his relatives was accepted there — so everything was done quickly. Once a year they send adepts to recharge the signs. Expensive, but effective; my subordinates can handle human scum, but not otherworldly.”

“And after the death of Master Gongzhuo, did your patrol inspect the road?”

“Yes, I sent a free squad with adepts who were looking for the missing person. Unfortunately, there were heavy snowfalls that week and no tracks were left on the road. All we found was an upturned artifact at the point where the bodies were thrown out of the way into the ravine, but the perpetrator had most likely stumbled upon it by accident while disposing of the corpses.”

“These pillars — do they send some kind of signal or just protect against minor evil beings?”

“No, only guard the place. The signal network of the city is not affordable: this is at least a six month job for several cultivators.”

“And the other pillars in that area?”

“They are standing. As for signs, I'm not a cultivator, I don't know.”

“Good. We will inspect the crime scene and if something is wrong with them, we will let you know.”

“I will be grateful, gonzies. Oh, why is this on my watch? Soon the passes will open, chaos will begin, and here we have some mysterious murderer in addition!”

Leaving the gate tower room where the meeting was taking place, Ming Fan cheered up the clearly bored Liu Qingge’s disciple:

"I suggest for us to go to Master Liu and see if all is well with those guard pillars. I don't know what spells are built into them; as far as I know, they often do something like record the energy background fluctuations to determine if the attempted breakouts were”

“Do you know how to work with artifacts?”

“I studied something, but not thoroughly. My Shizun strongly encourages comprehensive acquisition of knowledge”

Yang Yixuan smiled arrogantly:

“Shizun Liu is more in favor of us not wasting our skills on hunting hares.”

“Each peak has its own methods.”

The two adepts alerted the representatives of Sichou Zhilu, who had just returned to the hotel after another round of conversations with the witnesses, about to fly out of the city on swords. They did not mind (so as not to drag them there), agreeing to meet in the evening and share the results.

The weather in the mountains still had little resemblance to spring: the rain had stopped, but the icy wind roared in the twists of the slopes like a hungry beast. From the height of the flight, Ming Fan saw the frozen branches of the trees and mentally praised himself for not taking horses: the narrow road along the cliff looked like a solid sheet of ice.

On the map issued by the order, the place where Gongzhuo Guoshi's body was found was marked with a red circle: about five hundred paces from the last intersection, where one road led to the monastery, the other turned east to a small village and one of the paths through the ridge. So close to the path and no one noticed? Although... that day there was a heavy snowfall, the master left in the morning, there are not many travelers at the moment. However, according to the testimony of the guards, several traders left in the direction of the village that morning, planning to pick up a load of stones extracted from the mines. And Master Gongzhuo joined their group. The adepts of Sichou Zhilu did not succeed in questioning them: they left Caishu even before the arrival of the squad sent to search for them. Maybe the traders noticed something? Ming Fan made a mental note that it would be a good idea to get their names and send someone from the sect to gather evidence.

After a few minutes, they flew to the indicated place. In appearance, it was no different from the previous section of the path: on one side — an almost vertical cliff, on the other — an equally steep cliff, at the bottom of which a rushing stream was rushing. The only thing missing was a low stone pillar — half the height of an adult man — on the four faces of which thin metal patterns and magical seals were ingrained. These pillars stood every hundred paces either on one side or on the other; this was enough to protect travelers from evil spirits. The fifth post from the intersection should have been on the edge of the precipice, but now there is only stone rubble left there. Beside him stood a tall figure wrapped in a cloak. 

As Ming Fan and Yang Yixuan got closer, the stranger turned out to be Liu Qingge, twirling twisted pieces of metal wire in his hands.

“It was at the bottom of the cliff. The pillar was shattered, but I managed to find parts of the seals. Do you notice any surprising things?”

Ming Fan took the metal in his hands. If Master Liu had not warned that he had found it at the place where the guard pillar had fallen, the senior adept would have thought that he had been given ordinary junk from some forge — no trace of the once embedded qi. Just as it was, according to the shizun’s description, with the body of Master Gongzhuo. So…was this pillar also de-energized?

Suddenly he had an idea:

“And the other pillars? Those who stood further?”

"What do you mean?"

“It is worth comparing the final energy level. I will begin at the beginning of the crossroads, five hundred paces from here, that is, four poles from here.”

Liu Qingge nodded his approval and sent the disciple to check the next four pillars.

The artifacts were installed five years ago, and energy replenishment was carried out every year at the beginning of summer. It had been the tenth month since the last charging, but usually energy was put into such security structures for one and a half to two terms, and in the worst case, there should still be half a reserve left in the poles. Even if Ming Fan was wrong in his calculations, ideally the pillars should be charged approximately the same.

The artifact at the intersection had about half a charge, the next two felt similar. But the last two to the fatal precipice... The third in the account compared to its predecessor had a slightly lower energy level, but the fourth was exhausted almost to the brim. Either a very stubborn evil spirit tried to break through here, or...

Returning to the cliff, Ming Fan reported to Liu Qingge about what he had found. Just as he finished, Yang Yixuan returned from the other side of the path. The cultivators looked at the him expectantly.

“Master, for the guarantee, I started from the pillar six hundred steps away. The first four are half, the fifth is a little less, and the sixth is almost empty.”

“So, this unknown phenomenon is quite large-scale. It caught two hundred paces in both directions. And that's all — to kill a somewhat mediocre cultivator. Not a peak leader and not a master of martial arts — a master who made shoes.”

“He was just going to the monastery to teach the local masters. Why was he killed, and even with such destructive methods?”

“If we had known, we would have already solved this case. Perhaps with this invitation, not everything is so simple. Many secret missions are disguised as such legends.”

Ming Fan did not dare to ask Liu Qingge what he meant by secret missions. As the head of one of the peaks, he clearly had higher access to the affairs of the sect than the senior adept. It was a case where the less you know, the better you sleep. 

“Master Liu, did you find anything at the bottom of the cliff?”

“Absolutely nothing. I suspect that the body was dumped there when the deed was done, trying to hide what had been done.”

“Why don't they leave it on the road?”

“If they wanted to demonstrate strength, they would do so. So, Shen Qingqiu was wrong.”

"But we still wouldn't leave the murder uninvestigated! And the disappearance of energy from the body could not be hidden in any case!”

“However, the killer was not so insolent as to challenge openly.”

“Is it possible that this was his first attempt?This devastation of signs…very sloppily done. And the fallen pillar... I don't believe that it was accidentally hit.”

Yang Yixuan watched with interest as his shizun and Qing Jing peak adept exchanged words.

“By chance? Exactly not. You can't throw him off so easily. A few steps to the side — and getting rid of the corpses would be many times easier.”

“In its place, there was a hole — was there a detonation of the structure when it was destroyed?”

“Maybe. If the qi flows in that city were distorted, the signs on the pillar could explode.”

“Nine days have passed, the lines have not yet settled completely. It is necessary to remove the spiritual cast, maybe they will say something interesting at the Qiong Ding Peak.”

Liu Qingge chuckled:

“Perhaps Shen-shixiong will not be ashamed of his disciples in the future. Do you have everything you need? Or we must to go back to the city?”

Ming Fan once again thanked the heavens (and his beloved bride) that before leaving, he had placed a few citrine crystals of good purity in the qiankun, the perfect base for energy casts. His shizun will indeed not be ashamed of his disciple; the ritual succeeded the first time and a twisted grid of lines appeared in the crystal, reflecting the greatest flows of qi a hundred paces from the epicenter. With only general knowledge of what the energy should look like in this area, Ming Fan made an additional cast five hundred paces away where the pillars were of normal energy level. Even in appearance, the flows in the second crystal were more ordered, while in the first location, they more resembled a ball of web. 

“You, return to the city together.”

“Where are you going, shizun?”

“To the monastery of the Nine Waterfalls. Something needs to be clarified.”

“But…”

Ming Fan tugged on Yang Yixuan's sleeve and gave him a warning look not to interfere with the master's business. Liu Qingge had already headed further down the road, flying up on his sword.

 “Let's fly back. If all goes well, Master Liu will return tomorrow, or today, but late.”

“Why does he need to go to the monastery?”

“Did you hear his words about secret missions?”

“Yes, but...what did he mean?”

“When you become the leader of the peak — you will find out.”

“Hey! You talk like an elder!”

“More respect, shidi, I'm ten years older than you!”

“Phah, only ten years!”

“Whole decade!”

While working in the hotel room in the middle of the night (the results of the investigation must be fixed in the report for the shizun), Ming Fan heard quick footsteps in the corridor, and soon the door to Liu Qingge's room closed with a sharp click of the lock. Not to say that he was worried about this master, but as long as there was a murderer roaming somewhere, who was capable of extracting energy from magic seals for two hundred steps, he felt better when the Bai Zhan Peak Lord had returned.

Chapter Text

“Finally! Several hours past midnight, where are you all?”

“All of us? That means you already managed to visit my companions in a dream? It's not good…”

“You may not believe it, but I just desperately need to know how the investigation is going. How else is this esteemed one to do it? Watching dreams does not harm one's health, but only those two with Sichou Zhilu went to bed on time like decent beings!”

“And their testimony is not enough for you?”

“Of course not!”

Meng Mo almost mentally regrew the long tail to himself just for to whip it from side to side for expressing his displeasure: last night he had miscalculated his energy expenditure on the stubborn cultivator and as a result had to meditate inside the phial all afternoon, missing the most interesting part of Ming Fan's journey. And now this one diligent worker still sits at night over the report, and the other stubbornly refuses to share what he has gained!

“Whoever killed the cultivator — he drew energy from the guarding pillars two hundred paces around the scene of the murder.”

Meng Mo stopped abruptly and almost rushed towards Liu Qingge to grab him by the scruff of the neck and shake out the precious information; however the same invulnerable sphere helped him to come to his senses.

“Are you sure? Up to two hundred steps???”

“Plus or minus ten; according to the energy level in the artifacts. It is possible that more distant ones were also affected, but it is difficult to say without exact measurements.”

“This honorable demon is very grateful to you, Master Liu, for agreeing to tell all this. Really, I'm sincerely grateful.”

“It is unpleasant to admit, but I have no idea what could have caused such a reaction. No known ritual gives a similar effect. It's like detonating a core, but in reverse. Even the qi flows in the crystals…”

“What? Did you record the crystals??? Are they at Ming Fan's possession? Wait, give me the incense stick of time, I'll be back soon!”

The demon disappeared, leaving Liu Qingge alone. The cultivator tiredly closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on meditation, but it was harder than usual. During that day, he spent a lot of energy flying on sword; partly in vain — the leader of the monastery did not confirm his suspicions, sincerely claiming that he invited Gongzhuo Guoshi solely for the purpose of teaching the artisans. This murdering was both senseless and premeditated — no witnesses or leads, but why kill a peaceful master with such a powerful weapon?

And now this strange demon in his dream... Liu Qingge's inner sense surprisingly did not notice anything suspicious. But this is a demon, and a very dangerous one that penetrates dreams and can affect consciousness! However, if he was the same murderer, wouldn't they all be dead long ago, just like the unfortunate master Gongzhuo? Is he waiting for the right moment? Which one exactly? It becomes necessary to find where he hides during the day in a corporeal form and interrogate him. This creature behaves quite confidently in the human world, in particular, he knows about the structure of peaks, their task, their names. It does not look like an ordinary evil spirit, it looks almost human, so it is someone from their higher hierarchy. What does such a high-flying bird do in this world?

The demon’s clothes are ancient, such wide multi-layered sleeves have long been used except for ceremonies... Although, how much does he know what is popular among the demonic nobility? Remembering the half-naked demonic girl in see-through ribbons and bells who had brazenly tried to obtain the sect's nameplate years ago, he smirked to himself — hardly a common sight. The shameless disciple husband of Shen Qingqiu, despite his high status among demons, prefers the more plain and practical clothes, as is his icy henchman.

One of the advisors or servants? The demon does not look worthy of such a position, although he speaks of himself as an "old man". An immortal demonic cultivator? Tzk, why here is so many questions that cannot be solved by a fair fight...

Immerged in thoughts, Liu Qingge did not notice the demon's return. In his hands, he clutched two crystals similar to those used by Ming Fan. So powerful that he can transport real things into dreamy space???

“These are only projections. It is easier to see details in this space.”

“Is it possible to analyze spells from the real world in a dream?”

“Ha! A skilled master like me can do not that only. Now, what we have here…”

Meng Mo concentrated and in front of him the two crystals unfolded into two green spheres filled with thousands of lines — projections of qi flows. Liu Qingge decided not to pass up the opportunity to get help for free — even from a demon (and then Zhangmen-shixiong would find out if he was telling the truth), and moved closer, leaning against the invisible wall.

Both projections were like twisted nests of cobwebs; however, the one to the right of the demon looked more damaged, as if someone had started to wind the web around the stick and then jerked it out, snapping many of the threads.

“And what can be seen here?”

“On the left, obviously, a picture of a place with relatively calm flows of qi, these small vortices — something charged with energy…”

“Two guard obelisks at the intersection?”

“Yeah, the signature will fit. Not very effective, but minor evil creatures will be scare away. No other turmoils, the background is neutral.”

“And the other one?”

“The other... Dragon lines seem to have fallen into a whirlpool, some have become completely empty! I can't understand this. Local energy here will be chaotic for a long time; in such places strong evil spirits may appear easier than in other locations. Is this the crystal from the murder scene?”

“Yes. Here, evidently, half-empty pillars a hundred paces away; the third pillar near the cliff was destroyed…”

“Ruined? That is, it detonated?”

“Found his remains at the bottom of the ravine. Metal signs are twisted and emptied from qi.”

Meng Mo stared intently at the right crystal, biting his lip with a pointed fang. He made several gestures and the space between the lines in the sphere became layered, as if filled with thin silk cloths. At the place of the pillar's detonation, a hole appeared, as if someone had lit a fire inside and the silk was charred by the heat. 

The demon stared at it as if numb. Unable to bring him out of this state in any other way, Liu Qingge growled loudly several times:

“Hey! Demon! Old man! What did you freeze?Did you die?”

“A long time ago. Do you see it too?”

“What exactly? This is only hole in the web, why be so afraid…”

“This is a breakdown of reality. This is what happens when some powerful entity rudely violates the interworld boundaries.”

"Someone summoned a demon into the human world to kill the cultivator?"

“No demon from my world would create such an effect. Even if someone thoughtless decides to summon the Saint Demon. After all, now the two worlds are less hostile to each other than in the days of my youth. The flow of natural qi in nine days would assimilate the chaotic energy from a breakdown pretty quickly”

“Then what is it? Summons of the celestial?”

“Stupid head! Then, instead of a hole, the lines would glow with energy: the Heavens is more energy-rich plain than the human world.”

“It's not the right time to play riddles! If you know, tell me!”

Out of anger, Liu Qingge slammed his fist on the transparent wall, but it only gently absorbed the blow. Meng Mo looked up at the cultivator, and he recoiled: the demon's gaze held indescribable fear mixed with despair. His palms clenched, sharp dark claws dug into the flesh. The demon staggered and fell to his knees, not bothering about his clothes (really, this is a dream, what will happen to them?), cupping his face in his bloody palms.

“Hey! What's wrong with you?!”

Meng Mo removed his hands: on his face as pale as a burial cloth, the blood stains looked almost black. 

“Everything is fine with me.”

"Damn you! What happened? Why did you throw such tantrum?”

“I say once again — everything is fine with this one. But everything else seems to be coming to an end. Too bad, this old man has just started to taste life again…”

“Enough muttering nonsense! Oh, you demons adore to dramatize! What is the matter? If you started talking — finish it like that.”

“This esteemed one is sure that he knows who is involved in the cultivator’s murder. He is still wielding carefully, he must not have gotten used to it... I don't know WHY Gongzwo Guoshi was killed, but I know exactly HOW he was killed. And this is not the last such death. And the more of them there are, the stronger this creature will become.”

“What creature?”

"Devourer-from-beyond. That's what we called him then. So pretentious but fully corresponds to its deeds.”

“What kind of devourer? Is it because of energy extraction? And who are "we"?”

Meng Mo took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. He was not at all ashamed of the recent embarrassment: if the cultivator had gone through what he had experienced (relatively successfully) he himself would be shaking like a leaf on a branch right now.

“I will tell you everything. I don't know if this will help: last time we barely managed to cope with this scum, but at what cost... Will something change for the better now? Especially when Xin Mo… Esteemed Master Liu, your squad must return to Cang Qiong; you will not be able to expose the murderer; he is no different from an ordinary human, and only manifests its true essence when drawing energy. I suspect that he left this region a long time ago so as not to be found.”

“To return to the peak? Escape without completing the mission?! I'm still waiting for some kind of explanation from you, demon. Is this how you plan to slip away?”

“I don't want to repeat a long story twice. Return to Cang Qiong and tell Yue Qingyuan what you saw; I will be present at this conversation.”

“And you expect that, knowing this, I will allow a demon to enter the sect's territory???”

“Pha! Do you think it is so difficult to do? Don't worry, this old man will handle this task without any help. But I won't say anything until you return to Cang Qiong, don't waste my and your time.”

Meng Mo was bluffing, letting Liu Qingge think that he has more freedom of movement than a few li from the phial around the disciple's neck. He must have at least some cards left in his sleeves!

“Master Liu, it's time for you to rest. With less than two hours until dawn, your companions will be surprised if you don't wake up early.”

The expression on the cultivator's face clearly showed what he was thinking about the uninvited advisers. However, instead of a caustic “thank you very much for your concern, really, will some demons tell me what to do?”, Liu Qingge just blurted out:

"By the way, what's your name, demon?"

“Meng Mo. However, don't expect to lure me into a trap — it won't work, it's more of a title.”

"Demon of dreams? Not too original.”

“But still aptly.”

In the morning at breakfast, Liu Qingge looked as if he hadn't slept for three days, dark circles under his eyes, a detached gaze. It seemed that the leader of Bai Zhan Peak had been thinking hard about something all night. Ming Fan himself did not look better: writing the report stretched until the morning and he would have preferred to sleep, but plans had to be agreed.

"Master Liu, was your trip successful?"

“Not a bit. Only confirmed that master Gongzhuo was indeed going to the monastery for teaching.”

“It is a pity that this trail turned out to be false.”

“What do you have left in the city?”

“Take the list of names of the merchants of the caravans with which the late master left at that time; they all went from Caishu. The head of the guard promised to give it in the morning.”

“If there is nothing left in the city, then we will return to the sect after.”

Ming Fan was surprised:

“Master? Did you find out anything about the murderer?”

“There is something… but I need to meet with Yue Qingyuan first.”

Chapter Text

[Quest "Devastated Core": task complete!]

[Finding Information: Path of the Bestiologist. Completion: 20/20. Reward: +20 points]

Finally! Shen Qingqiu found these three days packed to the brim: aside from the documents for Yu Qingyuan, he needed to figure out what kind of sinister entity could have drained all the qi from Master Gongzhuo's body in such a short period of time. Yes, even he, an excellent connoisseur of the "Proud Immortal Demon’s Way" bestiary, was unaware of this!

In computer games from the old world, this type of quest looked like one of the easiest: find a book, activate the "read" button and you're done, plus one! Real life, especially without the support of the almighty System's cheat moves, turned out to be more difficult: go to the library, make a request for books on a certain topic (some were on hand, so he had to use authority and send juniors to search), review the received in the spare time (bye-bye, ten hours of peaceful sleep!). Find a description of a suitable beast, make your way through the prescriptions invented by the authors (at these moments he was in complete solidarity with his senior disciple: he also have the urge to clutch and shake these mythmakers around the neck — where is the scientific credibility, where is the verification of sources?!), make extracts (because after the tenth book, the testimonies began to seem the same), move on to the next collection. Sad fact: not all books read counted, obviously they had to mention unique information, not just quoting the same thing! However, it even came in handy for Shen Qingqiu: it was how he unmistakably determined that he had not missed anything important. As a result, there were not twenty, but all one hundred and twenty books in the stacks; it's good that at least he can use adepts to transport them!

His beloved disciple repeatedly expressed his concern about his busyness: late at night, Shen Qingqiu only had enough time to snuggle into his arms and fall asleep, without strength for greater. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this tired — except when they'd run together through the Sacred Demon Mausoleum?

And now, he can finally stretch his tired back and... and what? Going with shame to report to the sect leader, that he did not find anything useful? It seems that he would have to: now Shen Qingqiu knew a lot more about the various dangerous monsters that he did not want to encounter on the narrow path (besides energy, they would gladly feast on his brain, flesh, bones, blood and entrails), but there was no suitable scapegoat for the role of killer of the cultivator from Sichou Zhilu.

The sunset was already blazing outside the window; the weather on the peaks improved and the spring greenery was rampant. Contemplating the clouds gathered in the northern direction, Shen Qingqiu involuntarily wondered how his senior disciple was doing, was Liu Qingge mocking him? In general, he was calm about Ming Fan: over the years, the haughty boy had grown up and no longer suited the role of the low-intellectual envious "cannon fodder" of the initial novel. Shen Qingqiu was justifiably proud of his disciple’s achievements: despite being under the bad influence of a promiscuous teacher, adept Ming Fan had mastered various branches of cultivation art at a decent level. He didn't hop the stars from the sky, but used what he got wisely. 

With a smile, Shen Qingqiu remembered how the young man had gathered the courage for a long time and still approached him to ask for permission to send a letter to the Ning family proposing an engagement. Given the fact that both adepts had long since reached marriageable age and obviously looked at each other too tenderly for "just friends", he had no objections. After gently asking the potential bride if she did not mind (Ning Yingying, blushing from embarrassment, confirmed that she had already confessed her feelings), he gave his blessing. The wedding was scheduled for the third day of the second month of autumn; Shen Qingqiu even received two invitations for the guests of honor. A quirk of fate: the bride was saved from falling into the numerous harem of the Emperor of the two worlds, Luo Binghe (with whom Ming Fan still had relations at the level of high diplomacy between the two states that miraculously signed a peace treaty in the middle of a bloody war); in the same time when Shen Qingqiu tried so hard himself that their destinies would never come together — but it turned out as it did, and the invitations were handed over to him with a bow.

Footsteps echoed on the stairs from outside, and soon a delicate knock was heard: 

“Shizun? This is Ming Fan.”

The door opened, and a Shen Qingqiu’s head disciple stood in the doorway. By appearance, he had just jumped off his horse and had not yet had time to change his clothes: his cloak and boots were smeared with mud, his face was tired and weathered.

“Ming Fan, what a surprise! Didn't expect to see you so soon. Is everything good? Come inside, you clearly need warmth.”

"Shizun, this disciple has just come from the road, and he does not dare to enter your house in this unworthy state..."

“It's just dirt, nothing to worry about. Go inside; judging by your haste, this is not the kind of news that is listened to with the door half open. What happened? Where is Liu Qingge, are you back together?”

Ming Fan still didn't dare to go far from the door: take off boots or don't take them off — the dirty puddle has already flowed from his cloak onto the boards.

“Master Liu ordered Yixuan and me to return as soon as possible, the cultivators from Sichou Zhilu will arrive later. Unfortunately, we didn't find the murderer, but we did get some clues…Master Liu wants to discuss them with Sect Leader Yue and you, master.”

“Very interesting. I hope Binghe will be back soon… By the way, how is the phial I asked you to take?”

The adept carefully pulled the chain from his neck and handed the artifact into Shen Qingqiu's hands with a bow:

"Shizun, here he is, safe and undamaged."

“While you were wearing it, nothing strange happened to you?”

“No... nothing, everything, as usual. Except that somehow I fell asleep easier these days. Why do you ask, master?”

“Nothing for you to worry about. Well, it's good if nothing happened. Go change your clothes; I think that in the next few hours you will have to report to the honorable leader.”

“I will be ready as soon as possible, Shizun!”

Ming Fan ran to the adepts' dormitory to put himself in a decent shape, and Shen Qingqiu, taking a broom and a rag in his hands, cleaned up the dirt: in order not to get completely dirty under the care of the adepts and his beloved husband, he often considered cleaning as a means to put his thoughts in order after intense intellectual work.

So, unlike him, the search party managed to find something useful. Oh well; Shen Qingqiu was not going to be tormented by jealousy that this time the honors would not go to him. Ming Fan seems to have been able to find common ground with Liu Qingge; at least his tone at the mention was a little warmer and less horrified than before the trip. Elder Meng Mo, as promised, did not harm anyone (Ming Fan would definitely complain). It remains to wait for Luo Binghe — and they can start putting the puzzle together.

The meeting was scheduled at the Qiong Ding peak, for late evening, an hour before the official curfew. Luo Binghe had just returned from his demonic palace and was not happy that he had to go somewhere else instead of staying at home with his lover (this alone clearly showed how tired the half-demon was). However, after a few kisses, he still cheered up and was again ready to follow him even to the end of the world. 

Yue Qingyang warmly greeted them and invited Ming Fan to make a report on the results of the investigation. Shen Qingqiu listened to him, noting that everything was done consistently and logically: interviewing witnesses, talking to the head of the city guard, inspecting the scene. The adept's words about the destruction of the enchanted pillars made those present look at each other: why did the criminal use such a serious measure to kill one cultivator?

“...And in the morning Master Liu ordered us to return to the sect. This adept took the lists of merchants, it is worth looking for them and asking them about the events of that day, maybe they saw something unusual.”

“Thank you, adept Ming, you did a good job. I think your teacher has the same opinion.”

A greenish window appeared before Shen Qingqiu's eyes: 

["Quest: Devastated Core": updating the list of completed tasks"]

["Finding Information: The Investigator's Path, Part 1, Crime Scene Investigation. Completion: 3/3. You earned +30 points"]

["New Quest Available: Path of the Investigator, Part 2, Search for Witnesses. Completion: 0/5. Reward: +50 Points"]

“Everything is true. Well done.”

Yue Qingyang then turned to another member of the group:

"Liu-shidi, this shixiong in no way doubts the correctness of your actions, but what made you decide to return early?" How about making an appointment right after your arrival?”

Liu Qingge seemed to be sitting on pins and needles from the very beginning, although only those who knew him well could notice this. Reaching into his sleeve, he pulled out two citrine crystals from the qiangkun.

“Here are casts of qi flows made by senior adept Ming. They cover a space of two hundred paces. Recorded at the crossroads from which the road to the monastery departs, five hundred paces from the scene of the crime, and directly on the spot. Yue-shixiong, what can you say?”

Shen Qingqiu was shocked to the core: Liu Qingge praised one of Qing Jing's adepts? Is it the end of the world?

Fortunately, deciphering the casts for Qiong Ding Peak was a routine matter, so a specially prepared board with carved lines for qi concentration was found on the shelf of the closet in the room where the meeting took place. Yue Qingyang took the crystals from the cultivator's hands and placed them in the central grooves, a drop of energy, and two spheres of ghostly white lines swirled above the table. 

“Let's have a look. Yes, here the vortex around something artificially saturated with energy is similar to protective artifacts. In this area there are small disturbances of flows, which are usual for places where people move a lot. It's a trade route, isn't it? The streams of natural chi are quite active, and it is not for nothing that the monastery of the Nine Waterfalls is located nearby.”

“What about the next sphere?”

Yue Qingyang looked closely at the streams of the left sphere and even sent sparks of qi into the sphere to illuminate the ragged edges. The wrinkle that appeared between the eyebrows of the leader foreshadowed difficulties.

“Liu-shidi, it is difficult for me to say what exactly caused such a gap in the natural channels. Even if you claim that the pillar that was in the epicenter detonated, and the next four were almost completely empty... This is the first time in my entire life that I have seen such a state of flows. This is not the result of an artifact explosion.”

“Is it possible to assume that a demon summoning took place here?”

“Chaotic qi leaves a different signature.”

“Messengers from Heaven?”

“Definitely not.”

“Someone from the ghosts?”

A seasoned expert on the latter aspect, Shen Qingqiu, took the floor: 

“Otherworldly creatures also leave a trail of distorted qi, depending on their species and dietary preferences. Liu-shidi, I cannot name an evil being that can leave such a desert after its appearance.”

["Quest: Devastated Core": updating the list of completed tasks"]

["Finding Information: Path of the Scientist. Completion: 2/2. You earned +20 points"]

“Then…”

“Told you that this creature is not from the human world. And not from the demonic either. Convinced at last?”

Behind the argument, no one noticed how a clear mist oozed out of the crystal phial around Luo Binghe's neck and condensed into a figure in ancient clothing. The attendees reacted very differently to the appearance of another participant in the meeting:

“Elder Meng Mo! What are you doing here??? Your appearance is a bit untimely at the moment…”

"Master, I'm begging you, go back before you're scattered!"

"Luo Binghe, is this one of your subordinates? How did he end up here in Qiong Ding?”

“Master, who is this?”

“Just look at this. Still, you kept the promise. And why do you pretend to be an old man?”

“Liu-shidi???”

Meng Mo glanced at Liu Qingge: 

“Didn't believe that I would show up?”

“This one did not believe that you would dare to appear here in your own spirit.”

“And that's why you didn't warn anyone? How nobly!”

“Why? Do you think I won't have the strength to handle you alone?”

“This elder would see how you can do it!”

Yue Qingyang, who was carefully holding the qi-infused battle sigil in his palm (a risky trick considering they were inside a rather small room with stone walls), decided to interject anyway: 

“Liu-shidi, I didn't want to believe the joke that goes around in peaks, as if you can find a demon even in Heavens, but it looks like I will have to. For some reason, it seems that among those present, only me and adept Min are not familiar with the unexpected guest. For now, I insist on a peaceful solution to this sudden problem, so... Esteemed guest, would you like to identify yourself? And explain the purpose of your visit to Qiong Ding Peak?”

The demon smoothly, wary of sudden movements that could be misinterpreted, politely bowed his head as he greeted the head of the Cang Qiong Sect.

“My name is Meng Mo. And my intentions are exclusively peaceful.”

“Well, thank you for your openness. But I would like to hear more details.”

“We agreed with respected master Liu about a joint meeting regarding the killing of the master Gongwo Guoshi. This venerable elder has some information about this sudden death.”

Yue Qingyang's eyes widened in surprise:

“You agree? With Liu-shidi? To those who received the honorary title of White Death among the demons???”

At these words, Liu Qingge muttered something similar to “those demonic cheap drama lovers”. Meng Mo sighed.

“Yes, with him. This came as a surprise to both of us, but I ask you to believe that the respected master was not drugged and under the influence of a spell at the time of this agreement.”

“Only for some reason he did not warn anyone present about this meeting. Liu-shidi?”

“What? It took a long time to explain. But this demon does not lie.”

Shen Qingqiu got the impression that Yue Qingyang would have really wanted to make a spatial hand gesture right now if he had known about its existence (he himself couldn't forget enough to reveal his habits from his past life in front of shixiong, could he?).

“Yes, good. Let's stay in this. Now to you, Shen-shidi and Luo Binghe. How long have you known this…honorable elder?”

From the attentive look of the sect leader, Shen Qingqiu first reflexively opened the fan in front of his face, and only then thought that this "shush" was probably not too successful, considering the general nervousness.

“It’s a long story…it just so happens that we have both known Elder Meng Mo for over twenty years.”

“And what were the circumstances of this acquaintance?”

“He was sent by someone to kill Binghe. But the attempt failed, instead Meng Mo became his mentor.

Whether Yue Qingyang liked this answer or not, the cultivator did not openly express.

“Very interesting. Talk to you both about it later. Let's get down to business. Venerable Meng Mo, you mentioned that you know who killed Gongwo Guoshi. Could you please share your wisdom with us?”

The demon, who had been patiently waiting for the conversation to continue, only smiled slightly, rubbing his chin and stroking his thin gray beard:

“I was going to do it. But first, esteemed Sect Leader Yue, I suggest that you extinguish your spell: you will only hurt your martial brothers if it breaks. What you see now is only spirit. My body has long been destroyed and your sign will not work.”

Yue Qingyang let out a heavy sigh, but the sigil on his palm gradually decreased in intensity until it was absorbed. Meng Mo made another shallow bow.

“This venerable elder is grateful to the Sect Leader for his trust. I will say right away, as I already discussed with Master Liu, I do not know the reasons for the murder of an adept of your order. And I have no idea what the person who committed this crime looks like.”

“But do you still know something?”

“I recognized the one who made this mess in the energy flows. And who deprived the body of the cultivator, as well as the protective signs, even a crumb of qi. And I can honestly assure you that at the moment I don't know how to deal with it.”

Chapter Text

"The Devourer-from-beyond? Never heard of such a thing. Is it one of the spirits?”

”Theorhetically — yes. But this entity is not a being of our worlds. It comes from a space that combines multiple realities.”

“And what does it need?”

At Yue Qingyuang’s question, Meng Mo just threw up his hands.

“Some lack of thorough research, esteemed master, I think you understand why. My guess is that the monster is attracted to living energy, which is practically absent in interreality.”

Well, of course, nowhere else in the boundless universe has this cursed creature found a better place and moment to feed itself than here and now! Shen Qingqiu pursed his lips, suppressing the urge to express himself in the way "cheap clichéd reception, as if we lack ordinary problems!".

“Pretty typical of a spirit. However, esteemed Elder Meng, are you sure that this entity is such a serious threat and cause for alarm? Destroying the incorporeal is difficult, but possible with spells or weapons…”

Taking into account how much miracle-working Brother-Airplane had packed into the novel, Shen Qingqiu was convinced that there must be some remedy. It cannot be without it — not in a world where there is Breath of the Mountain Breeze, a rare flower whose aroma instantly cures a runny nose!

“The Devourer does not manifest in reality bodily: he is beyond the edge of the world, and in order to absorb energy, only pierces a thin channel. Like an evil spirit, it finds a suitable victim to bond with; who remains in full consciousness, but becomes a shell for the breakthrough of reality. And the longer the Devourer clings to the victim, the wider the channel, the more food is needed. And there are no limits to his appetite.”

There was silence in the hall. Shen Qingqiu raised his eyebrows skeptically:

“Elder, somehow so far your story sounds like a terrible fairy tale. If this entity is so omnipotent that, as they say in stories about mythical monsters, "after meeting him, there are no witnesses", then how do you know about him? So, the Devourer is not as uncontrollable as you are trying to describe to us.”

The demon crossed his arms over his chest:

“Yes, it can be stopped. And once it was done. Moreover, this venerable one personally took part in that ritual. Now you can see with your own eyes what was left of me after that, and I consider that it is still a very happy accident.”

Shen Qingqiu's mind metaphorically rang a bell: something in Meng Mo's story did not match his encyclopedic memory of all kinds of lore nonsense.

“Wait, esteemed elder. According to legends, you lost your body after a heavenly punishment. Allegedly, you faced off in a duel with someone from heaven, or something like that.”

“A very strange legend. I have no idea on what basis it was invented.”

“So how was it really? And how long ago did this epic battle with the Devourer take place?”

“Epic? There is nothing to show off. The sacrifices that were made then were only enough to drive the creature out of the world for about fifty thousand years.”

“For how much???”

The cultivators looked at each other in undisguised amazement: even the oldest known immortal long-lived in the human world was rumored to be three or four thousand years old. Demons live longer (if they survive the constant skirmishes and harsh conditions of their world), but even for them a thousand or two years is an age worthy of respect. How did Meng Mo manage to live fifty thousand years, even in a disembodied form?

“What, do you think, this venerable one hit senility?”

“Judging by the appearance, it is possible.”

“Liu-shidi, where is your tact? Have some respect!”

Bai Zhan Peak Leader crossed his arms over his chest:

“To whom, to him? Fifty thousand? Why not all eternity, huh? Only celestials can live forever, no matter what anyone says!”

Meng Mo sneered at the corner of his lips, despite the fact that Liu Qingge was right, from Shen Qingqiu's point of view. Really, this esteemed demon is not self-confident enough to catch experienced cultivators on the hook with an obvious lie, like…

“I must admit that even in the head of respected master Liu, who is busy with combat techniques, sometimes the right thoughts can wander.”

“What did you say there???”

Yue Qingyang raised his palm, stopping the brewing fight:

“Liu-shidi, please. Venerable Elder, your words... it is difficult to believe in them even with a sincere desire. Perhaps there is some evidence that…”

“That I am more than fifty thousand years old? What other evidence… Perhaps some evidence of that ritual still exists in the demonic domains' archives, though I've never heard anyone mention it. I propose this: this old man tells everything as it was, and whether you believe it or not is up to you.”

Meng Mo rubbed his chin as if gathering his thoughts to remember something very unpleasant. Then he asked an unexpected question to an unexpected interlocutor:

“Luo Binghe, why are the ruling dynasties of the demonic domains called Saints?”

The "excellent reflex" of the diligent student worked flawlessly and the half-demon instantly spoke:

“Because their founders were expelled from Heaven to the demonic world. Conquered chaos to their will by creating domains. And they continue to maintain the stability of energies on their territory due to ancestral power.”

Involuntarily, the half-demon's fingers touched the blood-red huadian mark just above the bridge of his nose.

“How many Saint Dynasties exist?”

 “Eight, honorable elder. Although recently this one heard that there were once nine of them…”

“Oh, that is, some information about those events still remains! And where was the Ninth Domain?”

“Where the Endless Abyss is now. The result of a failed ritual or something. At the same time, all the founders of the domains died, and the line of the ninth dynasty was interrupted. That's all I know.”

Meng Mo nodded in approval:

“Legends do not lie about the origin of the ancestors of the Saint Dynasties. Although no one forcibly expelled anyone from Heaven, we ourselves decided to leave them.”

“We???”

“There were nineteen of us. After the transition to the demonic world, fifteen survived. Nine senior and six junior celestials of low rank, mostly assistants of higher deities.”

[Achievement “Skeletons in the Closet”: Character Storyline Supplement! Demon Meng Mo, Elder-in-Pocket, Master of Dreams: Character Detail +10 percent. Keep it up, User!]

Oh, wow. What the heck. What other character detail? There was nothing about Meng Mo's past in the novel except for a vague two-line legend: Shen Qingqiu could swear anything! Celestial? The founder of the demonic domain? What's next, Liu Qingge is a pureblood demon?

Fortunately, while he was in a stupor, the other participants in the conversation were more resistant to turning the foundations of the world upside down.

“And what prompted such a decision of the venerable celestials? What did you miss?”

“The embodiment of ambitions. Freedom of our own decisions. Desire for change. Did you think that only saints ascend to Heaven?”

“…”

“No one has yet been able to explain the nature of divine ascension, as well as its exact criteria. And gods have flaws.”

“My idea of the world has just been broken at the knee…”

"Ming Fan, pull yourself together, it's too late to retreat. Actually, nothing new; what the people are — what kind of gods they become.”

Well, as for Shen Qingqiu, he didn't feel sorry for his adept — he just couldn't demonstrate what kind of confusion he was in! And has to keep his face in spite of everything (and then it will definitely be time for an internal scream!).

“Well said, Master Shen. So, there were too many junior heavenly officials like us; a place on the highest peak is vacated, if only once every ten thousand years... And next to Heavens — a world full of energy, with some population, and most importantly — there are still no deities, except for the primitive spirits of ancestors. Ideas appear involuntarily…”

“How would you like to take this tasty cake?”

“Exactly. However, the piece is highly poisonous: the energy of the demonic world at that time could distort the divine core in a matter of days. After several failed attempts, the celestials retreated from that world.”

"And your group of conspirators decided to take another chance, knowing the consequences?"

“We constructed a ritual that eventually could help adapt our cores to the consumption of chaotic energy. Not all succeeded, but fifteen survived the transformation.”

“The other four?”

“Their essences dissolved in chaos...it was an unpleasant sight…”

Shen Qingqiu was sure that not only he, but also the others felt a certain…discomfort. Accept such risks for the uncertain possibility of gaining deity power over the demonic world? Was there no way in Heaven to satisfy ambition in a less dangerous way? Although…going up against stronger deities is like Ming Fan challenging Luo Binghe: with any chance of victory. But still, risking a divine core…

Only Liu Qingge remained unmoved by the ancient stupidity of others: 

“Two dozen celestials are fleeing Heaven to take over the world of demons and become its deities — and nobody noticed and didn't try to prevent it? Hardly believing.”

“It was a path without turning back. We were counting on that. We couldn't be punished and we couldn't go back and ask for help. A perfect motivation to survive at any cost.”

“And as a result, did you achieve your goal? Became the supreme deities of the demonic world?”

“Yes. We had to discard many rules from old life, but the prize was worth it. Nine domains were founded by the elders, the younger ones became advisers at their courts, and whoever was braver headed his own clan.”

Yue Qingyang carefully clarified:

“This esteemed elder…?”

“No. I became an advisor to the lord of the Land of Illusions, the ninth domain itself, Mengsang Huoyan, the former junior deity of dreams. I was his deputy in Heaven and followed my shixiong brother to the demonic world.”

This in-depth revelation of the characters' past was fantastically exciting in Shen Qingqiu's opinion (oh, what a pity that Shang Qinghua is still hanging out with his icy demon lord and can't hear what's going on here!), but by focusing on the past, they completely forgot about the present.

"Okay, so what happened fifty thousand years ago? Where did the Devourer-from-beyond come from in the demonic world? And what happened with the ninth domain?”

Meng Mo instantly became serious: it seems that these memories did not bring the former celestial any joy:

“One of the younger ones let the monster into our world. Envious of the strength of others, he was quite weak even for an immortal; or for other reasons — we never found out. He always kept to himself and we already faced the consequences when he took the life force from the territory of a small town on the border of the Land of Illusions and Dark Blood. While they were figuring out what really happened there, the Devourer destroyed two more cities in twelve days. Neither weapons nor magic could stop him. In the end, a ritual was created that was supposed to destroy the channel between the body of the former celestial and its "master". A sword, that could cut through reality, was found and enough strength was put into it. Mengsang Huoyan, the lord of the Ninth Domain and wielder of the sword, volunteered to lead the strike. Moreover, death was already walking on his lands.”

“What could have gone wrong?”

“Literally everything. We were not omnipotent, only self-confident: our powers, even after becoming demonic lords, were inferior to the powers of the same supreme deities. It's good that the ritual worked at least somehow: the Devourer was expelled, the energy channel was destroyed. But due to the rupture of the structure of interreality, all the forces were extracted from the participants and their essences went to the circle of rebirths. Mengsang-shixiong got the worst of it — his entire soul was consumed by the sword he used to strike. I'm not sure there's anything left of her at all.”

The demon closed his eyelids: the heavy confession had seared his memory. Although everything happened millennia ago, some wounds do not heal.

“As you can see, I was incredibly lucky: while my body was collapsing under the vortex of chaos, I managed to escape into the space of dreams. I regained my strength drop by drop for about five thousand years, and when I was able to incarnate in reality, a chaotic anomaly, the Endless Abyss, raged in the place of my land, the domains were ruled by the descendants of those I once knew, and the exact reason for the ritual was lost. I have nothing left — no body, no former strength; it remained to rely on occasional carriers, which were quickly exhausted. That's how I became Meng Mo, the master of nightmares that I remain today.”

Suddenly, Liu Qingge intervened in the story:

“And the sword? The one where the channel was cut? Is it destroyed?”

Meng Mo chuckled sadly:

“A sword that absorbed the power of the fourteen Saint Demons, the energy of the deaths of the ninth domain residents, and partly the power of the Devourer? Do you think it can even be destroyed after that?”

Shen Qingqiu was struck by a sudden guess: is everything really that obvious? The Endless Abyss, the legendary sword in its midst…

“Was it Xin Mo???”

"Brilliant, esteemed master Shen."

“Wait, but then why was Luo Binghe able to break it?”

“Oh, I can only try to explain it in one way — by right of blood relation to the former owner. Only a full-fledged owner could reduce it to its current state.”

What skeletons from family crypts...

“But no one from the domain dynasty survived? Has anyone managed to…”

“Fate is sometimes unpredictable: a chaotic anomaly briefly connected the two worlds together. I have a guess, incredible, but already there: during a space storm, the only son of Mengsang-shixiong got into the human world. And if it was true — the venerable Su Xian could carry the remnants of the demonic legacy in her blood.”

If Brother-Airplane thought out all this pathetic story in drafts and forgot to share it with the most loyal reader — he would be dead! A typical tear-jerking plot for a commercial novel!

Yue Qingyang, as the head of the sect and the most level-headed after everything he had heard (let's exclude from Liu Qingge, but apart from the hammer on the head there is little to impress him, especially the complicated family history of the demonic world in general and Luo Binghe in particular), decided to sum up:

“So what we have: a practically invulnerable spirit that extracts qi from all living things; a witness to the ritual and a sword that can theoretically help drive the monster back to where it came from; a potential descendant of one who performed the ritual and can subdue the sword. That's all. Now to the disadvantages: where and in whom the Devourer is hiding now is unknown; the sword Xin Mo is broken into fragments and it is unclear whether it is possible to restore its power; the owner of the sword must handle its power enough to perform a complex ritual and not go insane. Does anyone have any more news for me — especially, good?”

Meng Mo shook his head:

“I told you everything I knew. How to restore Xin Mo and make him recognize Luo Binghe's supremacy instead of turning his brains aside like last time is beyond me. This venerable one had tried to fight the effects of the sword even before the Battle of Maigu Ridge, but as you can see, without much success. Lord Mengsang invested a lot in his creation — now the sword has its own spirit and its own thought.”

“Is it possible to perform the ritual without the sword?”

“I had a lot of time to consider what exactly went wrong and how it could have been avoided. In fact, the ritual is simple and completely depends on an investment of power: at that time we did not have time to think about subtleties. Xin Mo is a key artifact, its main task is to cut the channel connecting the Devourer and his victim. Replace it with something — unless it's a similar god-level weapon. And no, Master Yue, not even your sword will do. Does anyone have a direct connection to the Heavens to ask for their help? I'm afraid they won't accept the request of this humble one at the moment.”

Yu Qinghuang thought deeply:

"Perhaps Ku Xing Peak or Tiang Xiang can help."

Luo Binghe stepped forward:

“Master Yue, we should limit the circle of those who know about the threat from the Devourer. Otherwise, there will be complete chaos between both worlds. Besides, the Grand Conference…if not now, then the possibility of a peace treaty between the two worlds will be postponed indefinitely. I do not think that anyone present wants this.”

“Totally agree with you, Luo Binghe. I hope, as well as everyone present.”

Ming Fan nodded nervously. Liu Qingge smiled arrogantly. 

Shen Qingqiu closed and opened the fan several times as a substitute for nervous walking in a circle:

“I think it is too early to throw out the idea of a ritual involving Xin Mo. We couldn't destroy it and that's great — maybe we can find a way to restore it? As for Luo Binghe…”

“Shizun! Even if it costs me my life, I will handle this sword! I managed to tame him once — I will succeed again. I swear!”

“I would like to avoid extremes. Ming Fan, this master wants to entrust you with the search for the merchants who were traveling with Master Gongzhuo to the crossroads. You need to find the person who invited the Devourer to the feast. He could be among them.”

"Shizun, I will do my best!"

“Adept Ming, the Cang Qiong Sect will grant you additional powers that should facilitate the search.”

“Thank you, Leader Yue!”

“What about me?”

Everyone present turned their eyes to Liu Qingge. Indeed, the martial master remained somehow…out of business. But where to put this cluster of irrepressible energy?

“Liu-shidi…”

“Okay, I'll deal with the usual missions. Whether there is a Devourer or not, there is no less evil in the world.”

“Well, so be it.”

Chapter Text

Almost the whole domain court had to persuade Mobei-jun to go on a vacation. Shang Qinghua played along with the Chief Counselor as much as he could:

“Junshang, you have not taken your eyes off documents all winter! You will harm your own health!”

“My lord, all the necessary materials have already been prepared, I personally saw to it that they were sent to Lord Luo’s palace!”

“My lord, you must come to the Grand Assembly in full force, you should rest from work! Your humble subordinates will take care of the little things, you can rely on us!”

"My lord, don't you want to relax a little while hunting? Snow wolf migration season is now in the Crescent Mountains, this is a great opportunity!”

“(whispering in his ear) My king, give your courtiers a breather! You drove them to exhaustion. And me too…”

What exactly became the final straw, Shang Qinghua never understood, but his stubborn demon lord finally agreed to leave the court without his presence for as long as ten days. Among the proposed options, Mobei-jun immediately chose his own residence at the foot of the Crescent Mountains, which almost no one doubted — the future heir of the ice throne lived there from the time he came of age until he met Luo Binghe; later, state affairs forced him to return to the capital palace.

No one at the court particularly doubted that his personal attendant would go with the ice king; to be honest, Shang Qinghua himself was glad to escape from the sight of dozens of eyes, closely following his every step. As Counsellor Heian promised, there has been no attempt since the signing of the contract. Moreover, Qinghua noticed shadows accompanying him in the corridors of the palace when he wandered alone, but pretended not to see anyone. However, the accents in the attitude of the courtiers towards him have changed: where there was coldness before, now almost affection. He was uncomfortable with such a change of mood: he was used to expecting reasons from demons, but now he was almost pitied aloud! Perhaps the gossipers expected a heated scandal, tantrums, a dramatic farewell — some usual reaction of a favorite who will soon be forced to leave the court; but Shang Qinghua wasn't going to throw that bloody bone for them to gnaw on.

Having written a message to Cang Qiong that will be delayed a little longer than promised through urgent matters, he packed his most valuable things into a qiankun in advance. As it turned out, during these six months, he did not have enough time to settle in the rooms of the ice palace — there was practically nothing to collect except gifts from his demon lord. 

And now Shang Qinghua was shaking in the saddle of a short horse covered with thick reddish hair (a local breed, especially hardy to the cold of the North) on the road among the still snow-covered wastelands — the first month of spring was almost over, but the change of season was indicated only by a high cloudless dark blue sky and a red sun that lazily poked its shining edge from behind the mountains after months of northern winter Mobei-jun, having spurred on his own steed, appeared in a barely noticeable line on the way ahead — the ice demon had indeed settled down in the palace and was currently making up time in free riding. Shang Qinghua was not a skilled rider, but after thinking a little, he also adjusted his horse: it was necessary to catch up with the lord. And why feel sorry for yourself for the sake of a few bruises: when will he still have the opportunity to carefree rush through the icy wastelands?

Although he and Mobei-jun had known each other for many years, this was the first time Shang Qinghua visited this estate. Moreover, he didn't even know what he looked like: who is to blame for the fact that this moment was omitted in the draft? After all, who among the readers who came for the steamy harem scenes cared where the Protagonist's demonic henchman lived? The lack of such detail in the text could only be complained about by someone like Brother-Cucumber. Of course, now Qinghua was curious to see as soon as possible how the unmentioned would be embodied in reality. A strict fortress in the stone cliffs? A fairy-tale palace made of solid ice (like the residence where the body of the previous lord of the domain rested before being transferred to the Holy Mausoleum)? Maybe an underground cave? Demons preferred to hide their residences from prying eyes in a very extravagant way...

As the landscape began to shrink with rocky outcroppings here and there, and the road — to twist and climb, Shan Qinghua finally managed to catch up with Mobei-jun (more likely because the ice demon slowed his horse). Gradually, stone cliffs, overgrown with tall pines with almost black needles, surrounded the road on all sides; here and there waterfalls descended from the slopes, currently frozen in a mass of icy stalactites. Shang Qinghua even managed to see how the frozen block split off under the influence of the melting water — and the gorge was filled with a roar that was deafening with the echo. He was even afraid for a moment that the road would be flooded by a spring flood on the way back, but the embankment was laid much higher than the river bed, so it was unlikely. Given the demonic paranoid traditions, he had no doubt that water could be used as a means of defense if needed: one or two flow blocking systems were enough — and the enemy who ventured to approach the estate would face a flash flood, or receive an ice slide instead of the normal path.

Finally, on the last climb, the road turns behind the cliff to the left — and a gate appears in front of Shang Qinghua's eyes. It is covered with a thick layer of ice instead of the usual wood. And not a soul around, although the cultivator felt more than one sharp look at his own person. So what's next? 

Above the gate hung the sign "Ice born of flame" — obviously, the name of the estate. Interesting. Controlling the ice is a family talent of the Mobei family, but what is the use of fire?

"Forgive me for bothering you with this trivial question, my lord, but why does the estate have such a strange name? A flame in these cold mountains? How can it even generate ice?”

“You'll see.”

Mobei-jun was, as usual, of few words; Shang Qinghua obediently fell silent. He promised, so he will see. He can wait. Moreover, now, when he was driving a little behind the demon right through the ice tunnel (the walls of which, as if alive, parted and converged right behind the Qinghua's horse’s tail), in a mixture of delight and fear, there was no strength left for thinking.

The last layer of ice melted in front of Mobei-jun's horse and a stone square, skillfully carved into the curves of the wedge-shaped gorge, opened up ahead. There were outbuildings around, the base of which was carved directly into the rock, and roofs with asymmetrical edges descended from above, covered with small panes of local gray-blue stone. In the depths of the artificial valley, a three-story building appears — more precisely, three tiers of terraces as the continuation of the line of the slope. Streams flowed down the downward-sloping roofs, skilfully channeled into the gutters; the melodious patter of water drops against the stone tiles filled the space with a uniform noise. For some reason there was not even a doubt: here it is, the residence of Mobei-jun. It suited the ice demon perfectly: the heart of the ice mountains, impressive not with decorations, but with perfect lines, as if it was conceived by nature, and not created by the hands of builders.

Meals for the demon lord were served in the rooms on the third tier: without any frills — venison, bread made from coarse local cereals, similar to tortillas; local wine for the drink (from the small resinous berries of the northern bush) — for Qinghua, it was even heated! After finishing his meal, Mobei-jun went to his rooms. Shang Qinghua, like a polite attendant, was about to stand by the door (while the lord settled in, he could ask the servants about his own sleeping place), but was pulled into the room by a clawed hand. Well, obviously, outside the capital palace, the ice king was not going to follow proper etiquette and allow his humble advisor to hang out somewhere out of sight!

Inside, it was cool and spacious enough: the perfect environment for some ice demon. A wide bed, a table, a hanger for armor and a chest for things — that's all the filling. The felt curtains were drawn back and sunlight poured through the glass panes of the large windows, casting a warm glow on the dark wood of the furniture and sparks on the quartzite inclusions of the stonework of the walls. From the height, a dizzying view of the snow-covered mountain range that hung over the gorge opened up.

After looking around the room, Mobei-jun carelessly threw the fur cloak on the floor, remaining in a dark blue robe (it was only Shang Qinghua who was chilled to the bone while they were driving, the ice demon liked this kind of weather). Unaware of his king's intentions, the cultivator stood confused at the entrance to the room until he was dragged by the arm to an arch in the wall. 

Ice barrier again, same as at the entrance gate! And just like that, the thick, impenetrable ice melted in a matter of moments from the touch of Mobei-jun's palm. A stone staircase descended behind the arch; It seemed to Shang Qinghua that they had been spiraling down for an eternity, all the way to the foundation of the castle. Tired of the journey, the cultivator could only stubbornly shuffle his feet: what is down there is unknown, why he is there is also unknown, but to refuse to follow Mobei-jun... then he knew what would be the answer for sure. He is not yet tired enough to forget and allow himself to be capricious! And yet... no one forbade him to ask.

"My lord, what is this place?"

“Here, ice is born from flame.”

A flight of stairs led to a terrace under a stone vault. The spacious cave was not silent: hissing, bubbling, ringing song of water falling on the stones — like a cascade of fountains... in fact, not far from the truth!

A small lake filled with… magma?! The orange-hot surface of the verse seethed, occasionally emitting a bubble that burst, scattering sprays of liquid stone; if it weren't for the magical barrier around the terrace, it would already be very, very hot. On the left, it was cold: blocks of ice could be seen from the thick white fog. Between the antagonistic basins stretched a chain of smaller lakes, like scattered beans of various shapes and sizes. Those who were closer to the "hot" side were bubbling, as if a kettle had been forgotten over the coals; on the cold side, the surface was covered with ice, like a blinded eye. Somewhere in the middle, the two forces neutralized each other and the central reservoirs did not boil and did not freeze — in appearance, the plain water, only illuminated by a blue shimmer. And not just illuminated — the natural qi in it almost exceeded the amount of water itself. A real deposit of energy, or rather two completely opposite energies.

Fascinated by what he saw, Shang Qinghua wanted to go closer to the left edge to look at the icy lake, but he was stopped in half a step:

“You can't go to the icy shore.”

"What is it, my king? How does such a miracle exist? Hot stones and ice crumbs — and they still haven't destroyed each other?”

“Two natural sources of qi. Water keeps the parties in balance.”

“Unique! And...can I see all this place? Does my king plan to get rid of his unworthy servant by throwing him into a magma lake?”

After receiving a light kick on the back of the head from Mobei-jun, Shan Qinghua raised his hands with a smile.

“Good, good, you can throw me into a cold spring, an ice statue won't tell anyone anything either.”

“If I wanted to, I would make it easier. Although. If this is your request…”

“No, no, no, this humble servant just made a bad joke, don't!”

Shang Qinghua didn't even have time to blink when his fur cape was ripped off, followed by his upper hanfu. A few quick steps flying in the iron arms — and he is already getting down, right into one of the boiling springs!

The water that swallowed him headlong was hot, but not hot enough to boil his bones, like a rooster in broth. Shang Qinghua did not reach the bottom, and with shaking legs, rose to the surface, coughing. A salty aftertaste remained on the tongue: the underground spring was clearly saturated with minerals.

Mobei-jun on the bridge watched carefully as he tried to regain his breath:

“Isn't it hot?

“Cough, my king, everything is fine. Your sense of humor is spot on as always. Maybe you could have warned this lowly one, now I will have to dry my boots…”

“Stay here. Do not approach the fire lake and the cold stream, stick to the middle.”

“And you, my king?”

“I will be on the other side.”

Well, of course, the basin in which Shang Qinghua was hanging out was too hot for the ice demon. Mobei-jun leisurely walked to the icy lake, threw off his clothes (Shang Qinghua, as usual, shamelessly stared at the perfect body contours), and plunged headlong into the icy mush. When he leaned out, his pale face wore a slight smile that expressed extreme satisfaction. 

Throwing off his wet clothes and shoes and pulling the hairpin out of his hair, the cultivator returned to the hot tub. The warm water pleasantly relaxed the body, which had already patiently become familiar with the cold northern climate; the environment was full of neutral natural energy, perfect for recovery… Catching himself practically falling asleep, Shan Qinghua decided he should try other pools. If life has thrown him a golden ticket to a first-class spa salon — why not break away while it's possible!

Mobei-jun, covering his eyelids, watched as Shan Qinghua carefully tested the water in various fountains with his hand, and even bravely plunged into the one closest to the icy stream (although it was not without a cry). 

Stopping at the most comfortable temperature for himself, the cultivator tried to swim to the bottom of the reservoir, but even with trained breathing he was unable to do so. 

“Do there is a bottom even?”

“It is unknown. I could not swim.”

“My king, how did you survive here with your strength?”

“Training. Can be near a lava lake, but not for long.”

"What, did all the demons from the Mobei family train here?"

“Only from the direct hereditary line. For collateral relatives, there is another source with a lower energy concentration.”

Shang Qinghua didn't ask if Lingwen-jun had the access here now: it was clear that with the current level of relationships between uncle and nephew, he could only stare from afar. 

Softened by the heat and excess energy, the cultivator almost plunged headlong into the warm water again, only to be forcibly pulled out and wrapped in a dry towel. Mobei-jun has already finished bathing. Keeping his wet and dry clothes together and falling asleep as he went, Shang Qinghua reached the top landing just in time, wondering if he would have the strength to walk down the stairs, or if it would be easier to curl up on the floor and fall asleep somewhere in the middle of the climb when his feet were lifted off the ground again. 

His clumsy thoughts were "who am I to you — a bag of grain? Put it where you got it!". But Mobei-jun successfully ignored his weak internal protests. Instant darkness in the eyes — and they are already upstairs in the bedroom. During their stay at the springs, evening had already come, and the dark sky was shimmering with the greenish reflections of the aurora borealis. The room was dark, only two lamps flickered dimly near the door.

When Shang Qinghua's lips were covered by others, whose touch invigorated him like a glass of cool water during a hot summer, his sleepiness disappeared instantly. Clothes involuntarily fell out of hands; the body, steamed in the water, seemed to heat up to the state of magma in an instant, and to extinguish this heat in the icy embrace became urgently necessary and desperately desired.

He almost did not feel the fall on the cool bed, because at that moment he was trying with all his might to wrap all his limbs around the strong body, whose inner coldness he wanted to reach and taste at any price, like a dream ice cream. But the merciless lips burned the skin with cold only for a short moment, only causing a counter-flame. More, he needs more…

When dark blue eyes with dilated pupils were the only thing Shang Qinghua could see through the tears that involuntarily fell from under his eyelids, he reached and reached for them, wanting with all his heart to share the heat that gaze ignited within. And he felt at that moment that the ice demon saw this flame in his eyes and was looking for a way to get it just as Qinghua himself was looking for the desired ice coolness. 

Take it, he is not sorry to divide; keep it if you can stand it!

Chapter Text

Ten days — is it a lot or a little? 

For Shang Qinghua, this turned out to be desperately little, although the time around Mobei-jun seemed to slow things down. Dismissing any thoughts about the future (if he will suffer, it will be later), he plunged headlong into their compatible "resort" existence.

If the etiquette was put aside, as the ice king did without hesitation, it turned out the two of them will always find something to do together (no, not only "pa-pa-pa", although that was head-over-heels; Shang Qinghua was surprisingly discovering new reserves of endurance any next time) and something to talk about. Despite the years of cooperation, the demon and the cultivator had little communication on extraneous topics before; right now, Shang Qinghua felt more free, talking almost non-stop about demonic court gossip, funny moments in peak life, books he had read or books he really wanted to read but never had time for, and so on. Surprisingly, Mobei-jun, who was usually intolerant of idle chatter, not only did not stop his flow of speech, but also occasionally added apt comments. 

They toured the area on horseback (Mobei-jun, as it turned out, had explored almost every place in the region before meeting Shang Qinghua). Several times they went hunting: the cultivator wasn't confident enough to take on a snow wolf — a creature twice the size of a normal grey predator from the human world — with a single dagger, as the ice demon had done; instead, protecting their horses, out of fear he drew a magical barrier so effective that he himself could not figure out how to remove it for a long time. 

Sometimes Mobei-jun was inspired and he would pull Qinghua into the kitchen, where he had to try all the portions of noodles prepared by the ice demon himself, and also reasonedly choose the best version of the taste. An experienced taster of this kind of food in his native reality, Shang Qinghua enthusiastically talked about what could be improved or changed, until he was so full that he couldn't even put a spoon in his mouth, rounding his cheeks like a hamster. In response, the cultivator, slipping into the kitchen from his sleepy embrace, served the ice king "the best pancakes in all the peaks of the Cang Qiong Sect" (the recipe of which secured him the place of head disciple to the old Lord of the An Ding peak) with the same inspiration. 

How the servants of the castle saw all this, especially the cooking, did not bother them in the least. However, no one dared to say anything other than "as the Lord orders." No documents, no mention of the affairs of the demonic domain or sects. The whole world seemed to disappear for those ten days. Otherwise, what kind of vacation would it be?

On the morning of the sixth day of the second month of spring, as he mounted his horse to set off on the return journey, Shang Qinghua said as if in passing:

“My king, this humble servant already has urgent matters waiting for him in the sect, so must leave immediately in the direction of the transition between the worlds, I'm sorry”

“When will you return?”

This seemingly standard question suddenly knocked all the air out of Shang Qinghua's chest. He coughed, but pretended that it was all from the cold morning.

“My king, I am sorry, but this lowly one cannot say clearly when he will be released this time. While you will be at the Grand Assembly, I need to prepare everything necessary for the Grand Conference, as my sect is among those responsible for its human side. Therefore… it can still go on until its beginning. I will try to settle things as soon as possible, I swear, but duties are duties... During my absence, I have familiarized your Chief Adviser with the current state of my affairs, he will answer all questions.”

“Understood.”

And that's it? Is it that simple? No need for further explanation? Whoa. Everything should go perfectly.

At the last crossroads before the capital city, Shang Qinghua hesitated on how best to say goodbye to Mobei-jun, but couldn't think of anything better than the standard one:

“May luck accompany you at the Great Gathering, my king!”

Sure, let the ice demon meet the true love of his life at this meeting, have a bunch of offspring, and forget about Qinghua’s existence at all! Otherwise, this tangled mess will be difficult to pull forward for the both of them. Heavens, let Mobei-jun have as happy a life as possible! Am this humble author asking too much?

Shang Qinghua didn't look back — he knew full well that Mobei-jun wouldn't look after him. 

Leaving the last demon outpost before the worldcrossing, he left his horse behind, paying to be taken back to the Ice Plains. From now on, the cultivator had to travel by air, otherwise it would take many times longer to get to the sect; of course, flying on a sword ate up a lot of energy, but the costs were worth it.

The human world welcomed him with the chirping of birds and the spring awakening of nature. While he was in the demonic world, the New Year's celebrations passed and the way of life returned to the everyday arrangement: fields were sown and gardens blossomed, cattle, which had stagnated in winter stables, happily crunched with juicy greens; people changed their winter clothes to lighters (although they kept warm things at hand, because sometimes a sudden snowstorm could visit). 

Stopping on the way at a familiar tea house, Shang Qinghua listened to a lot of local gossip and, as usual, asked to wrap a few tiles of tea from recent receipts (the owner carefully selected the varieties, and buying tea from him was a pleasure: you will not only be shown all novelties, but he will tell about each one as if he himself grew them, with these hands!). Among them was unexpectedly a small party from the Ming family; the cultivator took one roll, remembering how his fellow Qing Jing Peak Lord treated everyone at the tea parties (the informal name for peak-leader gatherings) to tea supplied by his head disciple's family. 

While munching on the last cookie with his cup, he heard out of the corner of his ear "...and he, can you imagine, totally refused them! Just got up like that and left. Huang Hua’s representative was simply stunned!". 

Two men of a respectable age — by external signs, clearly traders and not from small pond — at the next table were discussing some acquaintance, and judging by their statements, he lost the last rivet in his head:

"Gongyi-qianbei continues to blame all the cultivators in the world for the death of his only son? No wonder he refused the contract with the Palace of Golden Flowers. I've heard that he tried to prevent even his trading partners from serving any of the cultivators; of course, after such a trick, there are few people willing to cooperate with him.”

“Yes, he has completely lost his mind. It's a shame, he was a pleasure to work with. What a business acumen this person has! But when the mind is clouded by grief, the hands cannot hold the reins.”

“Rumor has it — but I didn't tell you about it — his son helped some dangerous criminal get out of the Water Prison. And either he killed him, or the guards caught him and he did not want to fall into their hands. Not everything is clean there.”

“But it's still grief for Gongyi-qianbei, no matter how he died — Xiao was his greatest hope. What a feast his father threw when he joined Huang Hua! And now he almost spits in the back of the cultivators.”

“I heard that when representatives of the Palace came to his house with words of condolences, he got so angry that he chased them away!”

“What a shame! May Heaven have mercy on Gongyi Gen!”

There was nothing strange in this case for Shang Qinghua: what parent, wishing for a better life for their children among high-flying birds, immortal cultivators, would not be burned or angry when their child dies without even outliving them! Some of the families of adepts who died on missions also began to blame the sect for their deaths; you will not please everyone and you will not save everyone. He remembered that there was also a certain Gongyi among his suppliers, but now it seemed that they did not work with him... In general, why should he have any business with a mediocre merchant? Shan Qinghua finished his tea, paid and continued on his way to the order.

After getting caught in a downpour (he had to go down and wait, otherwise he risked going through the "heavenly tribulation" once again, rising high — no matter how powerful a cultivator you are, lightning will not looking at your rank), towards evening, Shang Qinghua reached the familiar mountains. Oh, he had to get used to keeping his chin up again: the rank of Peak Lord obliged. Although during Shang Qinghua's reign the orders were quite democratic at their peak (he strongly opposed empty honors and merits solely for a place in the hierarchy; for bad work both a junior adept and a respected senior master could be punished equally), a certain distance only enhances authority. 

His senior disciple Hao Yun was overjoyed that the respected master had finally returned:

“Shizun! This disciple has prepared the rooms since morning, waiting for your arrival. Should I serve dinner or a bath first? Surely, you won't start dealing with things right away…”

“Bath. Then back to business, let's see what you did here without me…”

“Master! Your disciples did everything according to the instructions, they did not forget anything. All goods are ordered on time, repair work is carried out on time. We process new requests according to the protocol; there is very little left for your signature.”

“Oh, I believe, this one would be a very bad teacher and head of the peak if everything fell apart in a month without me.”

“Master... and you this time for a long?”

“For six months for sure, if I will not go somewhere on the sect’s business. There is no point in guessing further.”

“Wow! This disciple is glad that the teacher is back and for a long time! We were already afraid... well…”

“That the demons ate me? They would suffocate if so. So how about the bathroom?”

Warming up in the warm water (after a long journey is exactly what you need!), Shang Qinghua habitually outlined a plan for the coming week: review documents with new agreements and requests from the peaks, convene a meeting to manage financial matters (this year, the healer’s peak has not yet exceeded the credit for ingredients, but that's it for now), to appear before Yu Qingyuan's eyes (the head of the sect sincerely worried about his martial siblings, even if he felt unworthy of such attention). Maybe meet Shen Qingqiu somehow, if he's not off on business or with Luo Binghe (his fellow won't be taken to the Great Demon Gathering either, will he?). And then he’ll see.

He would have been willing to plan ten thousand years ahead, so as not to return his thoughts to the demonic world. However, he completely forgot about the ancient folk wisdom: "if you want to make the gods laugh, tell them that you have some plans."

The next morning, emerging from a sweet sleep, he could not figure out for a long time what the persistent disciple wanted from him:

“Shizun, I'm sorry, there is a guest! I tried to explain to the honorable Peak Lord that you are resting after a long journey, but he did not want to listen. He says he has an urgent matter and I have to pick you up.”

“Who is there? Why so early? Is it not possible to somehow ask him to wait somewhere else?”

“This disciple tried his best, but this is Master Shen…”

“Understood. Well, give me the clothes, let's see what this very honorable one needs at such an early hour.”

Accustomed to waking up later than usual during ten carefree days, Shan Qinghua completely forgot that the morning at the peaks begins almost at dawn. But what did the recognized "owl" Shen Qingqiu forget here?

The disturber of his peace also obviously did not get enough sleep — the faint shadows under his green eyes indicated that the leader of Qing Jing Peak had either stayed up late or woke up very early. Sitting elegantly on a cushion, he sipped the tea served by a respectful adept as if he had no urgent business. However, the folded fan with which he lightly tapped his knee betrayed his impatience.

“You sleep for a long time! Could you have let me know in the evening that you had already reached the sect?”

“And good morning to you, of course. Why should I do that? If your matter is so urgent, you could send a letter.”

“And what did I do, in your opinion??? Only someone did not read it in all nine days! Where were you? What is the urgent matter in Mobei-jun's domain that you are not called upon?”

“There were things to do. Here, I'm present, what do you have for me?”

Shen Qingqiu glanced at the An Ding head adept, then at Shang Qinghua, and he understood that the conversation required some privacy:

"Thank you, Hao Yung, you can go."

“But the breakfast?”

“Later. That's it, go.”

“As you say, master.”

After waiting for the adept to come out, Shen Qingqiu made a pass with his hand and the paper talismans flew around the four sides of the room.

“What, is something so serious? Not another little family grudge with Luo Binghe?”

“Dude, listen to me carefully, and get rid of your dumb comments. Everything is serious, guaranteed by myself.”

While Shen Qingqiu was pouring out all the details about the killing of the Junior Master Gongzhuo, Shang Qinghua couldn't figure out how it should relate to him — his peak was only acting as a backup in the sect’s investigations. When the cultivator moved on to the appearance of the demon Meng Mo on Qiong Ding Peak, Qinghua, who was more aware of the risks of such a trick than anyone else, almost dropped his jaw in surprise. But after hearing about Elder Meng’s heavenly and demonic past, and then about the prerequisites that led to the appearance of Xin Mo, the former author's jaw dropped in a real way, and his eyes almost drove his eyebrows to the tip of his head.

“...And now we all sit like on an active volcano and wonder where this creature will strike next. We don't have Xin Mo, there's nothing against this cosmic monster. And if you now say "sorry, I was going to tell you about this for a long time, but somehow it wasn't in line" — I don't know what I will do with you!!!

"Brother Cucumber...I, I don't know anything about it! I swear!!! It's not me!!!”

Tears welled up in Shang Qinghua's eyes from fear: this time, he really had nothing to do with all these thousand-year-old mysteries! His only computer-erased draft concerned only the fate of Tianlan-jun, whom Qinghua originally planned to make the main antagonist of the plot. But this arch was completely revealed by Shen Qingqiu!

What a goddamn Devourer, where did this classic global disaster monster come from? Meng Mo is a former celestial, are you serious??? He could have sworn to anyone that the sword Xin Mo was made up based on the classic sword-of-stone trope for the Chosen One (ie, Luo Binghe), and where the sword must come from was beyond his imagination. The Endless Abyss — the ruined Ninth Domain? But Shang Qinghua was only able to tentatively assume that there should be more than two domains — the Northern Lands, Luo Binghe's father's domain, and some other nameless deserts and jungles, into which the original Luo Binghe was taken in search of adventure and another addition to the harem; Qinghua learned about the exact number and names of demonic domains already "from the inside". As for many other details: yes, he put a lot of “loaded guns” and “piano-from-the-bushes” into the plot (a large part of which was not used at all, or was used in some other way, like the same Sun-and-Moon Dew Mushroom), but the living real world turned out to be unpredictable and mysterious — even foreknowledge was not saved the both transmigrators from mistakes. 

How could Cucumber-bro suppose he could hide such important details? He himself now lives in this world. Is he offended that Shang Qinghua has a "return" cheat button? So what, he didn't use it!

“Surely not you? Maybe you forgot something or didn't think about it? Or wanted to write, but did not gather the courage? Or did it fit into another short story?”

“But how? You have seen my other creations and you yourself know — nothing like this. And there was nothing left "on the table" — before I was thrown here, I took a writing time-out after "The Proud Immortal Demon's Way", because I had no fresh ideas. All the hidden arches were revealed by you personally, even the System rewarded you with some kind of bow, you told me yourself!”

“Crap. It would be better if it really was you, better to know who to beat…”

“No need!”

“Indeed, this is not my privilege now. I hope we will see you at least for a week at the peaks? There is a lot of work to do with the preparation of the Great Conference, I am already sewing, and there is this mess…”

“I'm currently for a long time — until the conference for sure, next we'll see.”

"Um, seriously? And how does Mobei-jun relate to this?”

“What about him? I am the Peak Leader, I have no fewer duties here than in the domain, where I am just an advisor.”

“Personal advisor.”

“Stop it.”

Shang Qinghua never learned not to blush when his martial brother hinted at his close relationship with the ice demon!

“Anyway, you wouldn't be accepted at the Great Assembly. Like me.”

“That's why I'm here.”

“In any case, I would be grateful if you still managed to remember at least something useful. How to restore Xin Mo, for example.”

“Who could have even thought that you would break it? In the original story, your disciple managed his powers on his own, and then even managed to unite the two worlds for the sake of Sha Hualin's beautiful eyes…”

“But that didn't happen. Most likely, Binghe in the original plan was able to overcome it only due to the cruelty and integrity of his own personality. Due to my intervention, this did not happen.”

“Oh, enough of feeling sorry for yourself. You are alive, I am alive, many of our acquaintances are alive. The original Binghe could only pay attention to you for another round of torture. Now you have a mostly-healthier relationship, to our mutual happiness. What are you dissatisfied with?”

“But what to do with the Devourer now?”

“Well, we can think together. If it was overcome in the past, it can be done now. With or without a sword, Luo Binghe remains a Proud Immortal Demon and a Protagonist.”

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu nodded, but not cheerfully:

“That's the only hope left, to be honest. I would not like to admit it, but I hate depending on the grace of a miracle…”

At that moment, his pupils froze and the gaze seemed to become unfocused for a moment, but the cultivator quickly came to his senses:

“Wow, congratulations, my dear friend! Long life to you, although how much longer already…”

“What are you talking about?”

“Do you have System messages turned off?”

Indeed, Shang Qinghua, using the privileges of a player with VIP status received for his honest work for the benefit of the “Proud Immortal Demon Way" plot, stopped contacting the System after the main plot of the novel was completed. No matter, the differences with the original work left almost no possibility for predictions, he did not want to participate in new quests (although there were no offers too), and then he found in the deeps of the interface a magical button "Disable notifications for 30 days", which could be switched back only manually. His pal obviously hasn't found this feature yet, or didn't want to use it for his own reasons.

“Stopped to do it a long time ago.”

“Well, you are a risky person! And if something arrived suddenly? Some new quest or update?”

“Enough previous ones for me. I'm not a player, I'm practically an honest NPC. And where to find the update? I can't write a sequel lying in a coma.”

“The search for the killer of master Gongzwo was counted to me as a new quest.”

“And who among us was silent about important information???”

Shang Qinghua barely remembered how to mentally call up the System interface. One message was currently shining on the entire large window:

["Congratulations, dear User, on your birthday! We wish you long and happy years of life in the chosen world! May luck always accompany you! Bonus: +100 B-points."]

So he missed his own birthday? How old was he there...

["Shang Qinghua, character, birthday is the 7th day of the second month of spring. Age — 76 years old.”]

[“Shan Hua, the author of the novel "The Proud Immortal Demon Way", birthday — April 7. The actual age — 100 years.”]

A hundred years??? Where? But no, it cannot be. How old was he in the old world? Twenty-four years. Oh, crap… and then he gained some perks of so-called immortal cultivators.

“Well, happy birthday, jubilee! Didn't think you'd live to such a respectable age, did you?”

“Surely, no... Thanks for the greetings, friend.”

“How much did you have when you were thrown here?”

“Twenty-four.”

“Ha! I was three years older there, and here I surpassed you by five years! You can call me "Elder Shen"”

“Turn off the pathos, the venerable elder. I have a hundred years of actual experience, so yours is what, forty-five? — they don't count at all, child.”

“Oh really, who knows about this, except for the two of us? Stop, we got distracted by trifles. So, after the murder of the master Gongzwo, the System credited me with completing the stages of the investigation as new tasks. And even awarded points. And not only for my own actions, but also for the work of other participants, which is nonsense.”

“Um, let me think. Have you heard of team-based games, where the main player gathers a team in the game (can be NPCs or real players) and rewards are obtained for the actions of the whole team?”

“Yes, I remember something. How long has it been…”

“You played the similar missions here too, didn't you?”

“Not identical, but yeah. So, the System thinks this is a team quest? Am I the leader of the group or something?”

["You got +1 point for explaining a new mechanic to another player! Great job! Keep it up!"]

"My version of the System thinks you're an idiot who needs the new rules explained. Well, even though I got a point.”

“You really think that I could buy your crap? Just wait, old man!”

After a short run around the room, the two venerable elders… excuse me, two brainless teenagers in adult bodies, got down to business again:

“So you are now looking for a way to restore Xin Mo?”

“Yes, while Luo Binghe is at the Great Gathering, I have something to do. And Ming Fan checks the list of merchants who may have been involved in Master Gongzhuo's death.”

“I don't know what I can do to help in this case. Can I take a look at this list, is there anyone I know?”

Shen Qingqiu handed him a piece of paper with five surnames.

“Don't know these two, this one seems to supply stones to Huang Hua and double the prices, this one is also unknown. Gongyi Gen? Something familiar…”

“Gongyi Gen? I had an acquaintance with this surname, but he is dead…”

“Not Gongyi Xiao by any chance?” Was he a head disciple from Huang Hua Palace?”

“Yes, he was. He was accidentally killed by Zhuzhi-lan when he wanted to get me out of the Water Prison.”

Shen Qingqiu frowned: he never forgave himself that the young man died because he helped him get out. 

“I don't know if it's a coincidence... But the surname is quite unique. This Gongyi Gen is said to have gone mad because of his hatred of cultivators. Out of the corner of my ear, I heard in the tea town of Shu that he had refused the contract with Huang Hua Palace. But it was an accidentally overheard conversation, I don't know if it's true at all.”

“True or not, we still need to check. At the very least, this is a motive for the crime and a sufficiently strong one. Well, thank you. And who said that he could not help? Do not belittle your merits, Lao Shang!”

Refusing the offer to drink a jug for the health of the jubilee ("In the morning? I still have to work!"), Shang Qinghua saw off the leader of Qing Jing Peak and was finally able to have breakfast in peace. He didn't really like to celebrate his own birthday in the past world: his parents split up, he didn't have any close friends, nor a beloved. In this world, due to the poverty and large number of his family here, he only knew the date, but he never received any gift. Some of the peak leaders arranged loud banquets in honor of their birthday, others celebrated it quietly; Shang Qinghua belonged to the latter. He usually received well wishes and small treats from his colleagues, but no more.

Still a hundred years... But who knows about this at all, except for Shen Qingqiu? It doesn't matter.

Hao Yung, as befits a head disciple, knew when his master's birthday was, but respecting his desire for silence, limited himself to verbal greetings. However, today's breakfast was surprisingly sumptuous: apparently he sent one of the younger ones to a good restaurant in the nearest town; Shang Qinghua recognized the hand of the cook there. After thanking the adept (he was delighted to be able to please), the cultivator began sorting through the accumulated documents.

After sitting on the scrolls until evening (and having done only half of what he had planned), the leader of the An Ding Peak went out to the veranda of the house overhanging the cliff to breathe fresh air. Contemplating the still snow-covered mountain tops, he remembered that the Grand Gathering in the Demon World was about to be inaugurated right now.

“How is Mobei-jun doing? I hope he's doing well. Luo Binghe may have the unsurpassed charisma of a Protagonist, but an ice demon can also look splendid if he wants to, of course. The demonesses will probably arrange duels to win the favor of these handsome."

Imagining poor Luo Binghe and Mobei-jun surrounded by a crowd of horned, clawed, tailed, full-breasted beautiful demonesses in semi-transparent robes, all with magnificent pedigrees and clouds of aphrodisiac perfume, Shang Qinghua almost snorted with laughter. Despite the separation, he still felt nothing that could resemble jealousy; even the fictional situation rather caused a smile.

"I must be a man with a heart of stone. Shen Qingqiu must be shaking with jealousy right now, as I know him. Well, it's for the best in my situation."

Suddenly, from below the hill where the house of the head of the peak stood, a cheerful voice rang out:

“Hello! Is there anyone at home?”

Shang Qinghua frowned: he didn't expect anyone this evening.

“And who do you need?”

“Of course, the owner! Who else can I propose to drink this bottle of well-aged wine from the southern lands for the long life and prosperity?”

“Ok, I will go down now.”

The voice was familiar, but not so much that Shang Qinghua could recognize the guest. However, it is impolite of him to keep visitors, even uninvited ones, at the door. Opening the gate, he saw a man in white and red robes, embroidered with phoenixes and decorated with numerous golden tassels.

"Ah, really, who, except Qinghu-shidi, could so brazenly lean against someone else's peak in the evening, and also shout at the whole neighborhood! Don't embarrass me more in front of my adepts, come in!”

Shang Qinghua could not call himself a close friend of the Tiang Xiang Peak leader, but the two of them got along well, and not only in matters of the sect. Although this guy was a somewhat strange cultivator, Fangshi Qinghu was the perfect personification of the leader of the peak of Divine Manifestations. And what's not bad is that he was not even mentioned in his original plot!

Having collected some snacks on the table, Shang Qinghua invited the guest to move to the veranda — it was not cold there today. When the wine was poured into the cups, he turned to the interlocutor:

“Thank you for the wine, Shidi. I don't like to celebrate my birthday loudly, so I'm sorry that I didn't welcome you properly. But if someone remembers, I'm glad to have guests on this day.”

“I know that the years you've lived don't feel like much to you, but that's fine — as long as the golden core gives immortality, that's how it should be. We accumulate experience, and not take all the bitterness of the world on our shoulders.”

“So, shall we have a drink?”

“With pleasure. For your first century!”

Shang Qinghua almost dropped the wine cup on the floor and stared at the cultivator, who calmly gulped the drink, as if he had said nothing strange. The owner of the house had no choice but to repeat his gesture. The wine was sweet and very light, well aged, but after it a strange aftertaste of needles, resin and salty sea remained on the tongue and palate.

“How do you like it? Unusual, huh? This morning I thought it was time to drink it. And here is such an excuse.”

“The wine is interesting. What is it from?”

“I have no idea. Don't worry, it's not poisonous. Even your head will not hurt in the morning.”

“And I am grateful for that. But Qinghu-shidi, I am only seventy-six years old, what was this speech about the first century? Oh, surely, I hope that the first will be followed by the second, but that is still to come.”

“I see things a little differently, it's professional. You really are a hundred years old today, aren't you? Even if, by the count of this world, it is only seventy-six.”

Shang Qinghua cautiously dropped:

“Well... from a certain point of view you are right.”

“But this is fine, before two hundred you are surprised by every year you live, after that you already count in tens. Perhaps, when I live to be half-millenia years old, I will already be counting centuries.”

“And... how much do you have?”

“Three hundred and fifty-four.”

“Wow. Good preserved.”

Fangshi Qinghu laughed and poured himself another cup:

“Thanks to Shixiong for the compliment. I'm still getting married in a few years, I can't afford to look much older than my future wife!”

“I like your optimism and faith in a bright future. Does your future wife at least have an idea of the wedding date, or not yet?”

“Not yet, but I'm already working on it. And you know, she is the most beautiful creature this world has ever seen!”

Shang Qinghua didn't have time to stop his tongue, which seems to have had a good effect on the wine:

"What is it, Liu Mingyan?"

Now, Fangshi Qinghu almost choked on his drink. Clearing his throat, he cheerfully commented:

“Yes, it's her. How interesting, you guessed it, but I did not foresee it, shame on me. Good wine, I need to find another similar one. You would know how difficult it is sometimes not to foresee every step ahead…”

“I'm silent as a stone.”

“On the other hand, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the author guessed his own creation only from the description.”

Excuse me, what? Shan Qinghua pretended that what was said did not apply to him at all. What author, what creation, what are you about, I don't know anything, I'm a simple cultivator...

“By the way, congratulations, not everyone succeeds in successfully passing the Heavenly Tribulation at such a young age. Although in your case it was rather a heavenly punishment. Did it hurt?”

Shang Qinghua, no longer hiding his own shock, stared at this…spoiler announcer, that's who! This is how the actors feel when they start reading the script with all the comments! After slowly sipping his wine, he muttered:

“A lot. Good, albeit short-lived, unforgettable sensations.”

“What did you expect? Called the world into existence and made the hero supernaturally gifted and gifted at someone else's expense? The deities can be removed from Heaven for a less serious act. If you know how to write, you must also learn how to correct.”

Shang Qinghua felt that his idea of how this world worked, his little native information bubble was about to burst, shattering into pieces, and waved his hands in panic: 

“That's it, stop, that's enough, this wine is definitely not good for you, shidi! I have enough secrets of the world system! Let me digest the divine instructions at least a little, otherwise I will go crazy right now!”

“Okay, okay, I guess I really said too much. Although I thought you knew it inside…”

“No, I don't know anything! I am a simple little person, I live a peaceful life, I do not create any worlds!”

“Denial is the first step to acceptance. Anyway, I'm silent.”

“So be quiet. Damn, I will definitely have a headache from this tomorrow.”

“It won't happen, I guarantee.”

Shan Qinghua rubbed the bridge of his nose and poured himself some more in order to think less about what he had just said. Dealing with a clearly inebriated prophet who knows more than his status dictates? He only now understood why nothing strong was poured at the peak leaders's banquets. How could he get into this mess?

The excessively cheerful Fangshi Qinghu obviously could not keep his mouth closed for long in such a state, and after slyly looking at the interlocutor, he began to speak again:

“Don't worry so much about your heart — it's not made of stone; when will it really burn — your poor, poor ice demon will get what he deserves and also from above. Although... there is no need to take offense at him, our kindness brings us fruits and we are thanked three times over.”

“I won't.”

“That's good! Let's drink to it! It already coincided, and for the better. A-Ge, poor thing, there is still a lot of grief with these two...and they with him. What tangled threads of fate..”.

Desperate, Shang Qinghua (why does he need all these prophecies, what did he do to the Heavens to deserve such a "gift"? He will never drink with that rascal again!), couldn't think of any other solution but to forcefully press the acupuncture point on Fangshi Qinghu's neck and watch him gently sink to the floor. Dragging the sleeping body onto the couch, he covered it with a blanket from his own supplies and even removed his boots. 

If he had known that this is how he would celebrate his hundredth birthday, he would have hidden in the darkest corner, and let the mountains be all on fire! But in the depths of his soul, Shang Qinghua was well aware that if you were destined to hear a prophecy, neither distance nor closed ears will save you.

What did this drunkard say to him? And most importantly, how to digest it and use it with benefit?

Chapter Text

The entrance to the Underground Palace of the Dark Blood Domain, one of the greatest in the Demon world, shone with lights and luxury. Although the lands had been in anarchy for a long time after Tianlang-jun’s defeat in the first battle with the cultivators (when it became clear that none of the direct heirs of the dynasty remained alive, and several factions fought among themselves for the right to place a descendant of the collateral line on the throne), after the young ruler Luo Binghe emerged from the chaotic anomaly of the Endless Abyss, this gnawing quickly ended. And the survivors hurried to take all the necessary oaths to the new ruler. His charisma and strength attracted the hearts of the population, his rule was dignified and thoughtful, and the once neglected domain, which had already begun to look pretty tasty to neighbours’ greedy eyes, flourished again and took a prominent place among other lands. And now the main city was hosting an unprecedented event — the Great Gathering.

Since the reason for the meeting was extremely important and all the lords volunteered to take part, a temporary ban on any armed conflict was declared on the lands of the domains. For a while, the demons breathed a sigh of relief (border skirmishes and raids on neighboring lands are entertainment for those who seek to rule by force, and a headache for lords who prefer order). But the residents of the capital city of the Dark Blood domain were not at ease: guards armed to the teeth at every step, strict security measures... Two weeks before the event, Lord Luo himself paid a visit to the shadowy quarters and popularly explained, with numerous examples, what awaits the daredevil who tries to make a fuss without his personal permission. After this, even the most powerful and courageous decided to temporarily curtail their activities, so as not to let the Eternal Chaos, not to provoke the wrath of the demon from the Sacred Dynasty once again.

A little more - and the first guests would arrive at the palace: the delegations had already entered the city gates.

“How uncomfortable these ceremonial robes are! Even full armor is easier to put on!”

“Junshang, at least you don't need to do your hair and makeup…”

Looking at the irritated Sha Hualing, Luo Binghe had no choice but to agree with the demoness's statement: her pretty face was now covered with a thick layer of gold powder and pigments from semi-precious stones, and her hair, usually braided in pigtails, was pinned into a complex hairstyle with woven hairpins and pendants. How a freedom-loving demoness, who even in the most severe frosts could only dress in thin gauze, was willing to put on three-layered gold-embroidered robes - the biggest mystery of today so far. But what can she do with the official duties? Also the traditional motifs of the Golden Sands were modestly mentioned elsewhere on the collars of the capes, today Sha Hualing represented not one of the descendants of the Sha family, but a noble maiden-counselor of the Underground Palace. Even the colors were dominated by black and red, not purple and ocher.

Sha Hualing once again released the edge of the sleeve from her claws and exhaled quietly:

“Well, well, I'll play it off in the evening…”

Her lord raised his eyebrows in interest:

“A special outfit?”

“Very special. Specially selected.”

“What, without a veil at all? Have mercy on the guests, among them are the elders!”

“Junshang, I promised to look decent — your advisor keeps her word. Everything will be as it should be.”

From the sincere assurances, the half-demon’s suspicions only strengthened his position:

“Seems quite suspicious. Advisor, have you seen her outfit?”

“No, the noble maiden Sha refused to demonstrate her robes until the evening.”

“So, we are preparing for the performance. Well, If anything happens— let’s return her to her esteemed father and let him educate his daughter properly, as we are no longer able to do it.”

“My lord!”

It was at this time that the herald announced the arrival of the first delegation — the domain of the Ice Plains: as an ally of the Dark Blood, Mobei-jun enjoyed the privilege of entering the hall first.

The ice demon looked… and as always: a cold murderous aura of unwavering confidence “do not approach if you do not want to turn into an ice statue”; the dark blue outfit, laconic in cut, but embroidered with a scattering of precious stones; hair, the color of a raven feather, falls in a dark wave over the silver fur of the collar... If Shang Qinghua were in the hall, he would not be able to take his eyes off such a Mobei-jun even under the fear of death!

Luo Binghe personally descended from the dais to greet the delegation of the North. When the two rulers stood side by side, there was no one in the world who could say which of them was more impressive (except for Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua, but they had their own standards).

“Lord Luo, the Ice Plains Domain responds to your call, true to its word.”

“The Dark Blood Domain greets its esteemed ally.”

Mobei-jun bowed and the delegation took the indicated places on the right hand of the throne.

The next to enter the hall were representatives of the Golden Sands domain - not officially allied with the Dark Blood, but their status was similar, especially after the appointment of Sha Hualing as councilor. Lord Sha-jun would agree to give his beloved daughter to someone else's possession only in exchange for guarantees of her complete safety and inviolability, otherwise the Dark Blood domain would have been surrounded by armies of desert demons long ago.

The Lord of the Golden Sands, a rather stout demon, but with a confident movement that betrayed considerable strength, greeted Luo Binghe:

“Golden Sands Domain greets the Dark Blood! We responded to the call and I am sure we have something to discuss.”

“This lord welcomes the esteemed Sha-jun to the Underground Palace. Seats have been prepared for you on the left if you don’t mind.”

“Why would I mind? I see my beloved daughter jumping up and down, she wants to see her family so much! Will you let her go after all the festivities?”

“Of course, esteemed Sha-jun. The noble maiden Sha is free to do whatever she wants in the Underground Palace, as long as it doesn’t interfere with her duties.”

The lord and his sons followed to the appointed place, giving way to other delegations: Scorching Stone, Snake Valley, Rose Fragrance, Gray Lands and Bottomless Depths. Some of them maintained neutrality with all territories (Grey Lands, home to necromancers and other specific talented masters), with someone the Dark Blood constantly had conflicts, such as with the Scorching Stone, who stubbornly tried to claim rights to the volcanic ridge between the two domains. If there were barren lands there, Luo Binhe maybe would think about fair trading, but giving away gem and ore veins - definitely not under any circumstances! Others simply did not border his domain directly, so they maintained exclusively trade relations. But for these fifteen days, all rulers had to maintain at least external decency in meetings with each other. As a means of resolving conflicts, traditions even allowed duels, but not fatal ones.

Bowing to the lady of the Rose Fragrance, Luo Binghe barely noticed, just in case, so as not to inhale the aroma of delicate perfume, which was literally enveloped in the elegant figure of the white-haired Chi-nyushi. But she, noticing this trick, only laughed:

“What an exquisite compliment! Lord Luo, I see that you know how to honor a woman of our family!”

“The instructions of the ancestors sometimes contain unexpected, but very useful advice. But I am glad to welcome you to the Underground Palace.”

“Oh, and I am glad that I will finally attend such a large-scale meeting. So many new faces! Still, in our society, distrust is sometimes excessive, and this harms productive relationships.”

“Perhaps, but this way of life is conditioned by millennia. It is not easy to change what everyone is used to.”

“That is why I am here! It would be good to shake up this sleepy swamp; the same human communities somehow survive, although they fight among themselves no less than ours.”

Luo Binghe noticed her desire to express support, but did not take it as a gift: the one who grows the “Kiss of Sweet Death” flowers herself in the family greenhouses might have her own reasons, but not necessarily those that coincide with his plans. Alternatively, Chi-nyuishi wanted to “bite” her neighbor, the Scorching Stone Domain, and bargain for something important for her lands in exchange for her apparent loyalty to the Dark Blood.

“Doubt it. She likes the new, especially if it breaks the usual order. The Rose Fragrance Domain actively trades with the human world, although not openly. But don’t relax, Chi-nyuishi can implement several plans at the same time.”

Meng Mo enjoyed the gathering, even though he didn’t take part in it directly. However, nothing prevented him from maintaining a mental connection with his beloved student through the artifact.

“Elder, don’t you regret not founding your own domain?”

“Never. My talents were more evident in dreams than in the real world. I would have made a bad ruler, and I understood that even then. The role of an advisor is somehow easier; espionage, suggestion, obtaining information makes the dream space very useful”

“Then am I a good ruler? After all, my abilities are also… not very suitable for the throne”

“Good, good, what doubts? Definitely better than your father, who was so attracted to human society that he completely forgot about his own lands. Even though you turned all your brains to Shen Qingqiu, at least you didn’t leave the domain.”

At the mention of his beloved, whom he would not be able to see for a long time, Luo Binhe’s mood fell below the bottom of the abyss.

“Hey, stop sighing! Well, by human standards, you seem like an adult, but you behave like a little demon. Nothing will happen to your “love of a lifetime” in fifteen days of absence. What would he say to you about such behavior, huh?”

The instruction worked: indeed, his beloved would not be at all delighted with such a thing.

When all the delegations gathered in the hall, the meeting regulations and rules were announced, after which the guests were settled in the designated chambers. An informal reception was planned for the evening, at which potential allies and enemies were to be identified, lines of conduct for future meetings were agreed upon, and local disputes and problems were discussed. And the event was also supposed to “break the ice” between the closed and paranoid demons and, last but not least, to lay the foundation for future marriages or intrigues.

The robes for the evening reception, carefully prepared for Luo Binhe, were not very different from the formal attire - slightly different embroidery, not so heavy decorations and one layer of fabric less. The half-demon wanted to imperceptibly “forget” two more layers (no one would notice them under the upper cloak anyway), but the advisor insisted on leaving them all:

“My lord, it could seem like you will come naked! You won't notice - others will! My esteemed lord wasn't going to select candidates for the harem, or has this humble advisor already missed some changes?”

After such warnings, Luo Binghe put on all the proposed layers of clothing without objection: what if it helps?

But after the start of the solemn banquet, he doubted the words of the advisor: if the numerous presentations of "my daughter/granddaughter/niece" were expected, then the more daring demonesses almost hung on him in clusters, as if he really went out into public naked.

“I am indescribably happy to finally meet the lord of the Dark Blood! Is it true that with your ancestral abilities you can make your blood do absolutely anything to the body of the one who drinks it? Ah, how impressive!”

“Lord Luo, are you married? Yes? With a husband? Excellent, then you definitely lack a wife, how about discussing this issue alone?”

“Lord, your beauty simply blinds me, oh, I will fall right into your arms now…”

“You are so strong… don’t you want to spend tonight… interesting? Maybe tomorrow, I’ll wait.”

“Lord Lo, you must have a big harem? No way, it can’t be like that! Are you happy in your marriage? I’m very happy for you, but what about the harem, very strict requirements for candidates?”

The demons who were aiming to break into the favorites (comforted by the spectacle with the demonesses, Meng Mo prudently pointed out several potential candidates) did not climb yet: apparently, they were choosing more sophisticated approaches. And to block the way for women with matrimonial plans… Eternal Chaos, not that!

From the crowd of suitors, Luo Binghe was pulled out with a small but firm hand, whose owner was not ashamed to give out elbow bumps:

“Get away from my lord, underground leeches! This one found him first!”

“Maiden Sha, you are just in time.”

“Yeah, I see. Well, the lord has important matters, let him pass!”

Having moved away a little from the crowd, Luo Binghe thoughtfully asked aloud:

“What would have happened if I had not put on those third and fourth hanfu?”

“Junshang wanted so much to start undressing him right in the middle of the hall? Boldly, but recklessly.”

“Is demonic etiquette so regulated that it also provides for such cases?”

“Closer to midnight, you will see how those who are less restrained in their behavior are greeted. Do you have the amulet I got?”

“Yes. This one is sincerely grateful, only noticed some of the attempts after it worked. Although my blood is not so digestible, it is still unpleasant. By the way, are these the same murderous robes? They seem far more modest than expected…”

This time, Sha Hualing really had an outfit that was practically within the bounds of decency: wide ribbons of translucent fabric in purple shades, fastened to each other in layers with golden cords, forming the silhouette of a long dress. The fact that the ribbons were translucent, and the cords did not cover the entire body, especially the back…well, this is a noble maiden Sha! The image was completed by a veil that only shaded her face and dark braids, into which hundreds of tiny bells were woven.

“My lord, you will not be easily pleased: sometimes too frank, sometimes too modest, and poor Ling-er has to think about how to dress.”

“No, everything is good. That is wonderful.”

The demoness snorted:

“Oh, my lord, you never learned how to compliment women!”

“Well, Chi-niushi didn’t complain…”

“Poisonous Auntie? You didn’t even touch her with your hands?”

“And I didn’t even inhale her perfume.”

“Oh, you were taught something. Be especially careful with her other nieces: Aunt Chi has been like their mother since childhood, sharing all her tricks.”

“Where is Mobei-jun? Did he decide to miss the reception?”

“Who would let him? There he is, a poor ice cube, he even speaks politely to my older brother, although he can’t stand his spirit. As do I, actually. Shall we save him, my lord?”

Mobei-jun conscientiously observed etiquette and was currently communicating (active listening is also part of the conversation, isn't it?) with other demons of the ruling clans. Although Sha-jun's eldest son turned out to be a real punishment for him: a smart demon, but too talkative, sitting on his free silent ears was a pleasure for him. Their domains bordered each other and generally maintained friendly relations. So much so that Sha-jun would not mind seeing Mobei-jun as his son-in-law. And the eldest heir of the Sha dynasty really wanted his sister to have a happy marriage, so right now he was enthusiastically describing his advantages to the ice demon:

“My meimei is just a wonderful girl! You have known her for a long time, so will easily find a common language. She is a real smart girl, beautiful, and dances wonderfully. And how she practices with daggers! Her gait is as fast as the wind, yet so light that it leaves no trace on the sand dunes. She has a soft character…”

“Go on, Da-ge, I really like hearing people make up all sorts of nonsense about me!”

“A-Ling! Why are you like that, I'm telling the truth! I would start making up, especially when it comes to your future happiness…”

“So that is my future happiness? Let's get rid of the respected demon, I've been working with him side by side for ten years. If he is someone happiness, it's definitely not mine.”

“You'll never get married like that! I'm trying for your sake! So that's how you appreciate your brother's help?”

“If I don't get married, that will be it. I'll go to the monastery, to improve my spiritual core and ascend to the Heavens!”

The crowd around stared at the demoness in amazement, not knowing how to react to such an innovative statement.

“Is the monastery male or female? Although what difference does it make: the venerable monks will still flee to Heaven first.”

“Mobei-jun! You! Tzk, how low for you!”

To the laughter of the demons, Sha Hualing pursed her lips and even stamped her foot, in an attempt to express her indignation to the fullest extent. The bells in her hair rang together indignantly.

Hearing that Lord Luo had something to discuss with Mobei-jun, the elder Sha heir bowed with all due respect and went to look for a new victim…that is, an interlocutor. The ice king was outwardly as impassive and emotionless as before, but his posture became freer when the chatty demon left.

“Junshang, are there any problems?”

“No, we came to save you from my brother, but I see that we shouldn’t have!”

There was definitely no need to save Mobei-jun from the sly pins of Sha Hwalin, but Luo Binghe wanted to discuss more important matters with the ice demon now:

“Calm down, Sha Hualing. What were your impressions of the reception?”

“Many extra ears and eyes disguised as relatives. The Golden Sands are set on cooperation. Zhe-jun will be against everything proposed. The Snakes wag their tails, but they will most likely support Zhe-jun. The Depths and the Gray Lands are silent, Chi-nuishi is still watching, but he clearly plans to pull off something unexpected.”

“So, three for, two against, two neutral, one should be appeased before Zhe-jun will do it first?”

“The Bottomless Depths want to hear our proposals in detail. One crossing point is in their territory, connected to the sea. But it will be more difficult to coordinate with the sects.”

“It’s not a problem, more of a hassle. With the Gray Lands it’s more difficult, their methods are banned in all the Great Sects.”

“However, the peak of Sizhe Shenying exists quite openly in Cang Qiong.”

“It’s like a necessary evil. As long as they don’t sell ghosts and other resentful creatures.”

This was one of the many problems that arose before Luo Binghe when he thought about harmonizing the systems of the two worlds. Indeed, what to do with those practices of the demon world for which their carriers are severely persecuted in the human world? Suppose both sides could agree on cannibalism, but the rituals at the sacrifices and the sale of corpses to make impure things were a hot coal. In the human world, there were also moments that demons could not accept, in particular, that their race was generally perceived as something that needed immediate destruction even without any special reason.

The path to change is not direct and without thorns, but the search for compromise solutions caused a lot of trouble. That is why the Great Conference was being prepared - if you do not talk about the problem, it does not disappear from this. Demons and humans already coexist in one way or another, but for now it was possible to coordinate their interaction peacefully.

Chapter Text

The guests enjoyed the celebration and drinks, the conversations became more and more free, and the behavior of the demons was more and more relaxed. Luo Binghe did not drink where possible, or only one sip out of respect for the interlocutor: as the host of the evening, he had to observe the progress of business, as well as coordinate, negotiate, threaten... High politics! Meng Mo was right about his talents - his disciple felt quite confident in this gathering. If not the demonesses... It was becoming more and more difficult to fight off the particularly persistent ones, he slipped refusals on the verge of decency. The desire to tear someone's head off became more and more attractive...

Suddenly, a loud voice reached the ears of the half-demon:

“You! Stop! How dare you refuse my proposal, and in such a form! Do you think that if your father pampers you, damn vixen — then you can talk to the son of Zhe-jun like that?”

“Well, well, who’s here? Little Ling-er is already scared… Oh no, it’s Zhe Zhen, phew, there’s nothing to be afraid of. And how exactly did I talk to you, if you feel so offended?”

“Shameless! Who wrote that I can’t hold a battle axe?! I’ve been training with it since I was twenty!”

“In what way — you come to the armory every day and contemplate it with tenderness? Then marry an axe, why bother with me?”

“Sha Hualing! I decided that you would become mine — and so it will be! Do you want me to show you what I’m capable of? Come out to a duel!”

“Ow, we’re not married yet, and you already want to show me something? And who among us is shameless after this? It’s not fitting for a noble maiden to listen to such rude things… I’d rather kick your ass in the ass in a circle!”

“So be it! If I win, you will become my fourth wife…no, my concubine, and then we will see how obedient you are!”

“Deal. And if I win, you will pay me as many gold bars as your bulk fat bag weighs!”

Luo Binghe finally managed to slip to the place of the upcoming duel, but it was too late: Sha Hualing had already managed to conjure up a protective formation on the floor. Opposite her in the circle stood a stocky demon with reddish rough skin and small horns on his forehead. He loomed over the rather fragile demoness, like a stone cliff about to collapse, and his luxurious, ruby-studded robes looked more like an attempt to pass off this piece of rock as a precious mineral of higher value. Zhe Zhen, the third heir of Scorching Stone, was furious to the limit, his fists clenched tightly — the demon clearly imagined someone's tender vein fluttering under his fingers. From the other end of the hall, the worried parents of both duelists were already hurrying to the duel site: Zhe-jun and Sha-jun with their sons, but it was too late to interrupt the duel.

Luo Binghe, as the host of the reception, was the only one who had the right to bring weapons into the hall. However, not for defense — it was a traditional means of resolving disputes among high-ranking demons. Therefore, approaching the circle, he took out two daggers from his belt and threw them approximately halfway between Sha Hualing and Zhe Zhen. The rivals grabbed one each and immediately dispersed to opposite sides.

“The reason for the duel?”

“A personal grudge.”

“What does the respected Zhe demand?”

“If Sha Hualing loses - she will become my concubine!”

“What does the noble maiden Sha demand?”

“He loses — and pays me gold bars equal to his own weight at the time of the fight!”

Luo Binghe examined Zhe Zhen carefully (he even had to raise his chin — the representatives of the Scorching Stone dynasty really stood out in height):

“About five hundred lians in gold; will the venerable Sha be satisfied with such an equivalent?”

“Yeah, acceptable. Wow, what a good prize!”

Several laughter erupted in the crowd; the lord of Scorching Stone, who had just reached the ring, twisted with anger. Luo Binghe did not allow himself a smile: he is still the judge and host, it is unworthy.

“This lord reminds you that killing an opponent is prohibited and punishable by death regardless of the outcome of the fight. The one who loses must admit defeat aloud; in case of loss of consciousness - victory is counted on the count of three, the ability to speak - after the gesture. Or just throw your dagger on the floor.”

Both duelists exclaimed simultaneously “agree”.

“Something for the last time?”

Sha Hualing raised her hand coquettishly and, adjusting her veil, began to speak:

“This humble maiden wants to motivate this… axe lover a little for feats. I am now wearing a Dress of Thousands Knots, and it has a very interesting property: there is one key knot somewhere, you cut it — and my outfit will completely fall off. How do you like it, little Zhe? Do you want to see the real me? Find the knot - and I humbly admit defeat.”

The crowd surrounding the place of the upcoming duel whistled with delight and excitement. Lively discussions began in the ranks, dexterous hands passed jewelry and coins as bets — duels of this nature were expected at demonic celebrations. The faces of Sha-jun and his two sons froze: if Zhe Zhen accidentally succeeded — it would be an unspeakable shame not only for Sha Hwalin herself, but also for their dynasty.

Luo Binghe listened to the stone-faced demoness, then turned to her rival:

“Your last word?”

“When she becomes my concubine, she will kiss my feet and beg for forgiveness after everything said today!”

Luo Binghe raised his hand, activating the ceremonial circle:

“Let the trial begin!”

Saying this, the half-demon stepped back from the edge of the circle. Standing next to Mobei-jun, who had somehow ended up near the duel site, he quietly commented:

“Stupid girl.”

“Risky. But not stupid.”

“This bulge is ten times her size.”

“But it is ten times faster.”

At this time, Zhe Zhen rushed at the demoness, trying to squeeze her against the barrier, but she easily turned away and her dagger grazed the demon's clothing, but without a visible wound.

“She could have grazed…”

The crowd erupted in screams: the dagger of the enraged demon caught one of the large knots on Sha Hualing's dress and cut it! However, only one of the ribbons that wrapped half of her buttocks flew to the ground.

“Oh, what a pity, you didn't guess! Well, try harder, then you'll be lucky!”

Luo Binghe didn't know how this particular demon wielded an axe (if he did it well, the demoness wouldn't have mocked it), but he was obviously familiar with the dagger and quite skilled. Despite his tall stature, the demon moved quickly. Another cord knot that seemed to hold the half-structure on the shoulder was cut, but again, it was a failure — Zhe Zhen only got a small purple scrap of fabric. However, a small scratch was now bleeding on Sha Hualing's golden skin.

"Oh, what a terrible wound! What should poor little Ling-er do with it?"

While Zhe Zhen was focused on how to get her shoulder again, the demoness circled around him like a nimble wasp, leaving small slits in the golden embroidery. She seemed not to be at all embarrassed by the scratch.

Looking more closely at Zhe Zhen, Luo Binghe smiled at the corner of his lips and leaned into Mobei-jun's ear:

"Another half a stick - and she will win the duel with a crushing score."

"Is the weapon poisoned?"

“It would be better for the younger Zhe if she poisoned him.”

Meanwhile, the red-skinned demon was picking at one knot after another on Sha Hualin’s dress, but it was all in vain — the robes were losing one or two purple ribbons or cords, but there was still enough left to cover her body. The demoness laughed and commented on his attempts: “oh, not that one,” “try the one on the left,” “luckier next time,” hopping around like a desert mouse, further fueling her opponent’s ardor. 

Suddenly Sha Hualing jumped to the side, clutching something thin in her fingers… a thread?

“It’s getting boring. Little Ling-er wants to eat, so I have to finish, otherwise all the cakes will be taken apart.”

Luo Binghe generously responded to the claim:

“You can still jump, I ordered the cooks to hold the tray for you!”

“No, that's enough. Look, everyone, a miracle is about to happen.”

Sha Hualing twisted her wrist, twisting away from the enemy's attack, and the luxurious clothes on Zhe Zhen fell to the floor, leaving the demon only in silk underwear. He screamed in surprise and tried to cover himself with his hands. But the thin fabric hid almost nothing.

“Do you admit defeat?”

“No!!! No way! Damned vixen!!!”

Sha Hualing shrugged her shoulders and made another gesture, as if winding an invisible rope around her finger. The upper part of Zhe Zhen's underrobe also fell apart at the seams, leaving the demon only in white pants. The fury on the face of the descendant of the Scorching Stone turned into despair.

“And now? Do you still plan to show poor Ling-er everything that a noble maiden from a decent family should see only after the wedding on her first wedding night? And to everyone present too?”

“No need! I admit defeat! No need!”

Sha Hualing waited until the defeated demon threw his weapon on the floor, and only then did she let go of something almost invisible from her hand. Stepping outside the circle with two daggers in her hands, she bowed and extended them to her “employer”:

“My lord, the battle is over. Thank you for letting me warm up!”

“Well done. Go get your cakes. You will bill the Hot Stone later. I think your domain will not dare to refuse payment, will it, esteemed Zhe-jun?”

The domain lord and father of the defeated demon jerked his head sharply, carelessly imitating a respectful bow, and turned to his son, who was desperately trying to pick up all the pieces of his outfit from the floor and put them together:

“Return to the domain and prepare five hundred gold lyans.”

“Father…”

“Go away!”

After that, Zhe-jun nevertheless made a brief formal bow to Luo Binghe, then a lower one towards Sha-jun.

“You skillfully select subordinates, half-breed. Venerable Sha-jun, I ask your forgiveness on behalf of my family for my son’s words!”

“If my daughter accepts his apology along with five hundred gold — then I will have no complaints either.”

On that, the parties agreed and parted ways. Mobei-jun disappeared somewhere again; Luo Binghe shrugged his shoulders and followed in the direction of the tables with snacks, where the noble maiden Sha directed her victorious path.

“Cakes are soo yummy!”

“So childish. Little Ling-er, eh? Did you spend a long time choosing the most spectacular trick?”

“I searched longer for this fool in the crowd. Childish? This one likes funny ways to deal with problems, if it is efficient enough.”

At this moment, her father finally reached the table; Luo Binghe even stepped back to avoid standing in the way of the excited Sha-jun.

“A-Lin! What in the name of eternal chaos was that?! How could you risk yourself like that! And he even scratched you, that scoundrel!”

“Father, you shouldn't be so nervous! At your age, you need to be more careful with your health…”

“What age?! I'll find a stick somewhere right now and show you what kind of health I have! If it weren't for the shameless Ling-er, this respectable man wouldn't have had a reason to worry so much. As a mother, as a daughter! Lord Luo, would you please marry her and I'll be calm that my daughter will live to be at least two hundred years?”

Luo Binhe sighed inwardly: and this old demon is going there too? How many more days will he be tortured with marriage proposals while his beloved man is not around?

“This lord is grateful to the esteemed Sha-jun for the generous offer, but has to refuse; I am afraid my poor heart will not withstand it. But I assure you that in my palace all conditions have been created for the noble maiden Sha to live to at least three hundred, or even five hundred years.”

“Did you hear, naughty girl? The esteemed lord Luo has a heart, Zhe Zhen now has only pants left — where can I find someone who will take you as a wife?”

“Father, stop trying to get me married! I will choose my own husband. You promised me!”

Sha-jun’s eldest son shook his head disapprovingly, listening to his sister’s speech, and couldn’t help but complain:

“She’s actually going to a monastery to ascend and become a holy celestial…”

“Sha Hengji! How dare you slander your own sister!”

“What slander, she said it herself…”

Sha-jun sighed with exaggerated sadness:

“That's how we nurture a beautiful lotus sprout in the garden, take care of it, and finally look — a desert thorn grows out of it! Her mother! Her hot temper! The first thing I loved about her!”

“Are you praising me or scolding me, father?”

“Of course I praise you! Dealing with this boulder, and even with one scratch, is masterful! And now, children, go and chat with your friends, the elders need to talk to you alone.”

When the Sha siblings left, Sha-jun kept the same pleased expression on his face, but in the details — a little less joy in his eyes, more collected — Luo Binghe understood that now, instead of a caring father, the lord of the desert domain stood before him, a cautious and shrewd ruler. The half-demon knew Sha-jun as someone who would never attack head-on despite the raging demonic blood. When defending his own, the lord of the desert winds could wipe out an entire army in an instant with a storm, but he preferred to trade with his neighbors rather than arrange skirmishes. Even with the Scourching Stone, he had fairly amicable relations, if it came to a marriage proposal. Acquiring such an ally is an honorable matter, it needs to be done.

“Lord Luo, your initiative to establish contacts with the human world is quite risky. You are a representative of three worlds: raised among humans, trained in the sect of cultivators, but your emergence as a ruler took place here, among demons. By your very existence, you prove that there can be common ground between two races and worlds. I know that your path has been quite thorny and you have committed many acts that are not entirely compatible with the righteous path as humans see it. Therefore, I want to know one thing: can I entrust you with the future of my domain and the life of my family? Will they not be destroyed due to human treachery? You are half one of them, you are forgiven for much because of the human blood in your veins. We do not have such a right to trust. A demon is stronger than the average person, but there are many times more of them, their society is more united than ours... And this is not to mention the cultivators! If the borders of our world are opened, will this not become the path to our own destruction?”

Luo Binghe was silent for a moment, choosing his words: now it depended on his persuasiveness and sincerity whether his plan would gain a valuable ally - or give a significant advantage to his opponents.

”Honourable Sha-jun, this one is aware of and shares your doubts about the interaction of the two worlds. You are in vain thinking that my human blood gives you any privileges; human society is even more intolerant of those different from them — it is enough to be born into the wrong family, and your fate weighs no more than dust on the road. But at the same time, among people there are those who judge not by origin, but by deeds. Even among cultivators, who constantly encounter the cruelty and bloodthirstiness of low demons and monsters that penetrate into human lands. In this world, strength is valued, but even among demons there are those who do not harm the weaker, even if they have the opportunity. Constant hostility wears down and destroys everyone, regardless of race; but hatred and prejudice are born of fear of the unknown. Little knowledge of the customs of the human world is why demons consider humans as meat cattle; similarly, humans are ready to hate all demons, because they do not know what to expect and expect the worst. I do not want to forcibly connect two worlds against their will; I want to create conditions so that the two races do not meet exclusively on the battlefield. And I believe that something more valuable than hatred can gradually be born from this. The worlds are already connected, so it will be more and more difficult to restrain mutual exchange with each generation. But while it can be kept within controlled limits - the achievements are worth at least trying. I do not entertain the illusion that it will be easy; however, for my part, I am ready to guarantee the safety of those who trust and will not interfere or play dirty. Whoever seeks to destroy the future agreement - I am personally ready to confront him.”

“Well said, student! The main thing is to be sincere. With this old sand fox, only this will be justified, he smells lies”

The Lord of the Golden Sands listened to Luo Binghe’s speech attentively, expressing neither approval nor objection. It was difficult to say whether he liked what he heard, but it seemed to the half-demon like Sha-jun was weighing every word like a grain of sand on a scale, looking for the slightest deviations from expectations. He endured a reasonable pause. And finally, when Luo Binghe already thought that demon would just thank him for the conversation and leave, he replied:

“I see that you are confident in your words and abilities. It is not for nothing that my daughter decided to come under your wing, and she is the most guarded among my descendants. Well, I listened to you, and I like what I hear. At tomorrow's meeting I expect to see more detailed proposals, not just passionate words, but on the whole I will try to believe at least in your intentions. Anyway, I like the position of the esteemed Zhe-jun less: no matter how much we exterminate people, there are still more of them. In addition, as a father, I have a firm belief that children should only be born in peacetime. Wars are a continuous space for abuse, and who benefits from fishing in these murky waters is still unknown. The powers of cultivation should not be neglected either: I have not been to that world, but I know a little of what they are capable of. Even weak streams of their world are enough to successfully repel all attempts at invasion — and we will flounder, suffocating from a lack of chaotic energy. And the system of knowledge transfer through the sects, and not only from the mentor to the disciple, quickly replenishes the ranks of those who possess power.

“And this is not to mention the possible support from the Heavens…”

“Yes, yes, demons often forget that it is the weak human world that creates deities. We have the Sacred Dynasties, but whether their power can be compared to divine forces is a question that is better not to consider in practice.”

In Luo Binghe’s mind, a thoughtful comment from the ghostly elder sounded:

“An interesting question. To be honest, my disciple, too much time has passed since I was in the Heavenly Capital last time. Perhaps the divine generations are also not the same as before, and the demons are worrying in vain. But they are supported by the faith of people, and this gives them extraordinary advantages.”

Sha-jun returned to the hall. Luo Binghe thoughtfully finished his salty cake, digesting the results of the conversation. Well, the favor of Golden Sands has been won, but it's not worth stopping there.

The approach of the Lady of Rose Fragrances revealed the scent of perfume — although the half-demon only managed to catch a few sweet nuances before he hastily blocked his perception — just in case, negotiations had to be conducted with a sober head. Her gait was light, but the demon was not too secretive.

“Your dishes are extremely delicious, Lord Luo. Any chance for me to lure the chef?”

“No chance, Lady Chi. Your niece is also delighted with his cakes and is not ready to share.”

The demoness winked cheerfully — the gesture was unexpected, but this mistress was not too concerned with hiding her emotions. She looked around the table and unmistakably chose the same cake that Sha Hualing had chosen before her — a fluffy top made of sugar threads and a filling made of fruits that grew only in the Dark Blood domain and nowhere else, sweet enough that when raw they could turn the insides of the unwary into crystallized caves. Demons have a weakness for strikingly contrasting tastes, but sometimes their preferences, not even taking into account their passion for rotten meat, were too strange for our Protagonist; one cake was enough for him to never repeat such an experience again!

“My blood, and so greedy! Although Ling-er has been like this since childhood: she sees, she wants - so it's her. It's strange that with such determination towards you, her persistence failed.”

At this obvious hint, Luo Binghe only shrugged his shoulders:

“So it was destined. I believe she will find her happiness. Do you have any business with me?”

“What business on such an evening? There are so many interesting things around, why discuss business? The meeting will last for another fourteen days, there will be time to talk until throats dry up. This esteemed one decided to make sure whether it is true that they say that you are the most beautiful of all the demons in our world.”

Flattery? Does she think that he can be caught on the hook of boasting? Well, one can also support the game:

“And what do you think?”

The beautiful Chin-nyushi playfully waved her fan and fluttered her long eyelashes, covering her eyes with an unusual iris of the color of dark emerald.

“Struck by your beauty to the very heart! Ah, Lord Luo, would you like to enjoy tea in my chambers this evening? My domain grows interesting blends…”

From her overly dramatic tone, Luo Binghe immediately understood that the demoness was only joking. Although he was not completely sure that the joke could not turn into reality: who would dare to tell the domain lady who to drink tea with?

“This one does not want to break anyone’s heart, but must refuse the invitation. A lot of work, surely you understand.”

“Ah, these happily married men, the curse of girlish dreams and the source of vain hopes! I see, my proposal today is not the first, if you answer so briefly?”

“And not even the hundred and first.”

“Our women have somehow overworked today, when they need to be more subtle, more tender. Patience is the key to victory, like I always said to my nieces! But who listens when they want everything at once!”

Chi-nyushi paused and lowered her voice, as if sharing a spicy gossip: 

“By the way, Lord Luo, that piquant fact that you are married, and to a human, a man, is like a bucket of fresh blood poured into a pool of Underground Lightning Fish for our lovely flowers. “

The half-demon smiled politely: 

“What a juicy metaphor. Can this respectable one ask why exactly?”

“Because until a demon gets married or takes concubines — there is some kind of mystery in him. Who he likes, what character traits attract him, and finally — what he likes to do in bed. Some shy girls are scared away by the unknown. And the appearance of a competitor dispels fear and inflames the hunting passion: why was she chosen, and not me, when I am definitely better! Well, and when the chosen one is a man… Look at him and choose a similar strategy; if it doesn’t work, go from the opposite side, something will work. I will reveal a big secret, only to you, do not doubt it: any woman always believes that she is better than men, at least in love affairs. To give in to him is almost a personal insult for half of the demonesses present.”

“So, if I hid that I was married, would they press less?”

“Well… I’m afraid not in your case. You are also the owner of the domain! At your age, it is high time to have a decent harem.”

Luo Binghe replied, trying to keep his tone down: this evening, other people's advice about his marriage had already begun to seriously irritate him.

“It would be difficult for me to believe in the sincerity of feelings if they go hand in hand with the desire for power.”

It was noticeable that this argument surprised the demoness:

“Who talks about feelings when forming a harem? It is primarily a matter of inheritance: domain lords rarely have enough capable — and living relatives to leave the throne to non-direct descendants. And a heightened sense of ownership... We are very reluctant to let go of what we hold, like little Ling-er her cakes. As a responsible ruler, would you want everything you have built to fly away after your death?”

A sober pragmatic approach, as expected of demons. However, for Luo Binghe, there were things more important than power and its charms.

“Nevertheless, I still have a long life ahead of me. Will there be no descendants? Well, someone from the collateral line of the dynasty is definitely still left. However, this honorable one is not going to betray the marriage vows.”

Chi-nyushi slightly tilted her chin, as if agreeing with what was said, and added:

“Just don’t say it out loud, our elders will not appreciate such a novelty. This honorable one is a different matter; if the founder of our domain was not a woman, you would not be talking to me now as an equal. I just want to remind you that by mutual consent, any oaths can be revised. It’s not a matter of betrayal: sometimes there are situations even in the most faithful marriage when an heir is needed, but the wife or husband cannot provide it. Think about it, Lord Lo, preferably together with the husband. So that there are no bitter surprises later.”

“Your own experience?”

Qin-niu-shi sighed and gently fanned a dark green silk fan, decorated with vines and flowers:

“My parents were a wonderful couple, harmonious in both state and family affairs, but I was only related by blood to my mother. Due to injuries in battle, her husband lost the ability to conceive a child despite all the wonderful herbs of our domain. In order not to interrupt the dynasty line, they agreed together that my mother would try to get pregnant from someone else. She kept it a strict secret from whom she still managed to carry and give birth to triplets - me and my sisters. This honorable woman learned that her father was not her own only after inheriting the domain after her mother's death, from her personal records.”

Luo Binghe was silent: what can be said here? The frankness of the confession of the Lady of Rose Fragrance was stunning. Why would such a moderate person as Chi-nyushi decide to reveal this secret to him? What did he expect in return? At least, it seemed appropriate to abandon diplomatic games at that moment:

“You told me all this for a reason, didn’t you? What do you want from me in exchange for your support at the Great Gathering?”

A final wave — and the fan hidden in the green sleeve:

“Get to work right away, men are such men! Good. The Domain of Rose Fragrances will support you at the Gathering, but I need guarantees that the trade in our goods will not meet with resistance from the cultivators, at least in the case of potions that are not definitely poisonous. The ability to send expeditions to the human world, the security of which will be at the proper level. And the consolidation of agreements for the future.”

“The last…”

“You do not plan to take a wife or start a harem at the moment — fine. But times change. If you change your mind — the first candidate must be from my family. It is strictly a business deal, although if you like one of the ladies of my house — you're welcome. This is for the future. And as a current guarantor… Your loyal ally, Lord Mobei-jun, is also not yet married?”

Luo Binghe felt that under his feet was a thin crust of ash over a red-hot stream of fire.

“No, but… in short — this one doubts that the idea of getting married is to his liking right now.”

Contrary to his expectations, his refusal only lifted Chin-nyushi’s spirits:

“How interesting! Won’t you share who his chosen woman is? Or is it… the chosen man?”

“This is his private life.”

“So, it's a man, otherwise you wouldn’t try to hide it so much. Ah, where can women find a decent match in our time, when the best ones have already been sorted out? Well, until the marriage vows are taken, everything can be played out. And later too. Will you contribute to our conversation?”

What did this cunning fox just get him into? Yes, the loyalty of the entire domain would be very useful in their plans now. But Mobei and marriage... Luo Binghe was not very convinced that he would even consider this proposal. And even less that the ice demon would agree to this condition. No, it couldn't be. Well, maybe while they were looking for Mobei-jun in the hall, he and his mentor would have time to offer something no less weighty, but more acceptable?

“Okay. But I won't be able to influence his decision.”

“Well, that's enough.”

But to Luo Binghe's great surprise, the ice king they had found in response to the marriage proposal only replied:

“Not earlier than in three years.”

Chi-niushi, sensing that the first layer of defense of her opponent had already been broken, flashed her eyes with excitement:

“Then a counter-demand: how about your future bride living in your domain for this period? One of my nieces, Chi Zhonghua, has long wanted to visit the North…”

Something darkened in the eyes of the ice demon. But Mobei-jun’s cold face did not change outwardly:

“If this is a guarantee of an alliance, then so be it.”

“Excellent. How pleasant it is to deal with such determined demons! And handsome ones, too. You will not regret our cooperation!”

Meng Mo, who was watching the negotiations, sighed wearily:

“Well… it was a small bloodbath. This little poisonous flower will not let go until she drinks all the juices! It’s a good thing she didn’t pressure you into marriage. Still, her words are definitely worth discussing with Shen Qingqiu, my disciple.”

“I agree, Elder.”

 But late in the evening, returning from the hall to the chambers accompanied by Mobei-jun, Luo Binghe suddenly turned to him:

“Why did you agree to Chi-nuishi's proposal?”

“As your ally, my lord, this esteemed one could not remain aloof.”

“But marriage… Are you sure?”

“This alliance is important. If for this it is necessary to come to an agreement, then so be it.”

“Tell me, why is my plan to unite the worlds so important to you? You have not had the best experience of interacting with people, but you support me in this? Stepping over your own principles. This lord highly values your support, but still…”

The ice demon was silent for a while, then, when Luo Binghe already thought that he was avoiding an answer, he said quietly:

“Not all of them know how to only hate.”

And Luo Binghe could not wait more words from him.

Chapter Text

“The second day of the Great Assembly is declared open!”

The demon-servant struck the gong and the echo went to all corners of the underground hall. The chamber was impressive in size and decoration: black columns of smooth stone divided the round hall into nine parts, each of which was filled with ascending rows of tables. Places in the middle of each sector were reserved for the domain rulers and their entourage; other attendants were placed according to rank. The walls were decorated with banners and emblems of the domains, the lighting was adjusted with the help of magical crystals that sprouted from the walls and columns and emitted a bright yellow light - enough to see the hieroglyphs on a piece of paper.

Eight sectors were now filled with domain representatives, the ninth was usually reserved for independent clans, but after Meng Mo`s story, Luo Binghe already understood for whom it had once been intended for.

“Did you know that this hall is definitely over seventy thousand years old and is the oldest room in the entire Underground Palace? Hao Qiu was proud as a peacock that he managed to find such a huge caldera in the bowels of an ancient volcano, and it was the main reason that he built his palace exactly here. All the other rooms were carved into the rock from this very point. And at the top there was once an exit to the surface.”

Meng Mo was glad that he could now freely share memories of long-lost antiquity (for him, almost a stormy youth). Luo Binghe mentally answered:

“This exit is still preserved, but currently disguised. If you know where to press, a wide staircase extends from the wall, leading to the square in front of the palace; the slabs covering the vaults move apart. I found it on the old plans when we were preparing for the meeting.”

The mentor and student had some time to chat on extraneous topics, while the advisor announced the main theses that were proposed for discussion. The first was the creation of a settlement for trade between humans and demons in the Borderlands, in the territories bordering the transition to the Dark Blood domain; the second was an agreement with the cultivators communities. But Luo Binghe was not going to stop at just trade: if demons and humans could understand each other, why couldn’t the two worlds exchange scientific achievements or knowledge about arrays and spells? Whatever, evil spirits and various monsters bothered the inhabitants of both dimensions!

But all this required careful consideration and discussion. And now it was necessary to win the most important battle – against the supporters of the tactics of "defeat, destroy, drive under the heel", the union of the domains of Scorching Stone and Snake Valley. The warlike intentions of these rulers had a certain circle of supporters among other domains, and if the resistance was not overcome now – the spokes definitely could be stuck in the wheels later.

The advisor finished the list, and Scorching Stone immediately asked for right to speak:

— This venerable one has heard enough about this strange plan, but I still could not understand: why should our world limit itself so much to please some short-lived weak creatures? To negotiate with the cultivators? Isn't it simpler to immediately get on knees and expose the throat? The honorable Lord Luo should have honestly admitted: “I say that those who raised me as a tame beast whisper to me,” less trouble for all!”

Zhe-jun, famous for his own directness and uncompromisingness, allowed himself to immediately switch to personalities. It was an undisguised challenge, and the demons in the hall froze, waiting for the clash of the two lords.

Luo Binghe slowly rose from his seat; his movements were calm, without any hint of aggression. To a demon, Zhe-jun's words would have seemed almost like spitting in his face; however, he should have answered this with a cool head:

“Those who raised me said that one should look at what a creature does – not at how it looks. And also – that one should not raise waves if one is not ready for the storm; do not set fire to a forest that one has not yet emerged from. And a little something like “limitations create a basis for growth; the soil nourishes the plant, but let`s break the pot – and the flower will die, because it is not able to provide for itself”. So yes, I am saying what I have heard, including from humans. However, is there anything unfair in this for a demon?”

“True demons never bow to anyone – they took everything by their own power! It has been like this since the earliest times!”

“Well, yesterday, the respected Zhe Zhen also wanted to take by force what did not belong to him, just as his father had proposed. Somehow this act does not resemble the glorious deeds of his ancestors…”

Somewhere in the hall, silent laughter was heard; Zhe-jun’s face turned red, but he quickly reshaped himself:

“Yes, my son made a mistake and will pay for his loss with dignity, as befits a demon from the Saint Dynasty! Life is full of risks. If you are on your guard and tremble all the time, will you be able to get at least something?”

So, the lord of the Scorching Stone plans to stir up the demons by appealing to their primal instincts? The half-demon allowed himself to slightly stretch his lips in a mocking smile: a nice try, but still, the representatives of the thousand-year-old Sacred Dynasties are present in the hall at the moment, not the leaders of semi-wild tribes in territories saturated with chaos.

“Venerable Zhe-jun, is my knowledge failing me and is it not in your domain that some of the most severe punishments for committing crimes are in force? So you are against demons being on their guard – but pro for them to obey the punishing hand of the law? What about willingness to take risks? Why not cultivate such behavior in everyone, and not just in the most noble ones?”

Another hint of the recent defeat caused Zhe-jun to flare up with rage, and the demon interrupted Luo Binghe in mid-sentence:

“You can tease the Thousand-Eyed Tiger only while his shackles are intact! My word is the law in my domain, whoever wants to live on my lands – must obey. But the human world despises us and our traditions, as if they have any right to do so! This is unacceptable. If we want our race to continue to exist in the conditions of the combination of two worlds, we must determine the rules of the game ourselves. Are you worried about the crossing points in the Borderlands? Fine, take these lands under our control - and there will be no problems. The law and order that Lord Luo is so worried about will finally be established. The cultivators will not be able to resist the combined power of the domains!”

At that time Mobei-jun's low voice appeared from the places of the sector reserved for the Northern Domain:

“Our hand, our race, our lands... Why does this esteemed one hear the word “mine” everywhere? If your plan is implemented – who will benefit the most? Whose law and order will operate in the occupied lands?”

The Lord of the Scorching Stone stood up straight, trying to use his own bulk as a means of intimidating his opponent:

“What is so bad about the rules of my domain? Does the esteemed Mobei-jun mean something personal?”

“Because these rules are yours. And they depend on the whim of your left ear. Don't think I`m blind how your strict laws work wonders for those who have enough gold in their pockets!”

The trade caravans of the Northern Domain tried to avoid passing through the lands of the Scorching Stone, preferring to go around the territory of other domains rather than pay tolls, both official and unofficial. This had been going on since the reign of the father of the current Mobei-jun, who constantly had disputes with Zhe-jun on one occasion or another: not enough to declare war between the domains, but enough to avenge insults through his wallet. Luo Binghe knew about these conflicts indirectly, but he was sure: Zhe-jun was not the kind of demon who could shame or unsecure his close ally. The Lord of the North was as unwavering in his loyalty as a block of thousand-year-old ice.

The demonic lord from the Bottomless Depths, Dangqian-jun, whose water territories stretched along the southern coast of four of the eight domains, intervened in the conversation:

“Dear lords, let`s return closer to the topic of the conversation! Whether we like it or not, the interaction between the two worlds is increasing with each century. And if earlier it was exclusively raids by nomadic clans for human slaves or attacks by cultivators, now between the crossings a thin stream of trade in rare ingredients, provisions, and artifacts is being established somewhere. Trade is the lifeblood of our domain, and expanding markets is very beneficial to my lands. But we need guarantees that ships passing through our crossing point will not be plundered by either side; and that goods will not be subject to predatory duties under the guise of laws.”

The eyelids half-closed the large round eyes of the color of sea turquoise, which made the sea demon's appearance focused:

“Control over the crossing points should definitely be joint, not single-handed; this reduces corruption at times, believe my experience! But is the other side capable of ensuring the same measures?”

Luo Binghe answered – who, if not him?

“If we put aside ideology, the cultivation sects are not very different in structure from our domains. They also value compliance with the laws, but at the same time there are the same problems with circumventing them. The opposing side will not give the whole piece of the pie into one hand either – most likely, supervision over the crossing points will be distributed between the largest communities, as is currently the case in the forts of the Borderlands.”

Zhe-jun intervened again:

“So who among us wants to grab the whole dish, huh? Lord Luo, nothing to add, your position is the best here – you’re the Master of the Huang Hua Palace on the one hand and the ruler of the Dark Blood Domain on the other! No wonder you’re so confident in your own abilities to control and subdue this mess – under your hand and no one else’s!”

Unexpectedly, this big guy is not as straightforward as it seemed to Luo Binghe. Still, trying to turn the enemy’s weapons against him, it would be worth thinking a little bit about whether he wasn’t prepared for such a scenario in advance. Therefore, instead of getting angry or choking on the accusation, Luo Binghe just politely bowed his head – “grateful for the remark, it`s unnecessary, but you tried your best!” His Shizun is not without reason known as a peerless gentleman, with impeccable knowledge of etiquette – despite the fact that he often used this same trick with annoying opponents.

“I will not renounce what I have. Both of my current possessions were inherited from my esteemed parents. If the esteemed Zhe-jun had such an opportunity - would he refuse? However, this year the situation in Huang Hua will change: in the fall this esteemed lord will voluntarily resign his powers in favor of the new Master. By the time the Great Conference is held, this issue will be resolved. In the future, the affairs of the Golden Flower Palace will not bypass me or my domain - just like the opposite.”

Luo Binghe had long wanted to pass on this hot ember – the leadership of Huang Hua Palace – to someone else. Ten years ago, he had seized power over the Sect thanks to the favor of the former leader. However, despite the old Master’s mutilation during a secret duel (his obsession with controlling Luo Binghe’s mother, Su Xiyuan, passed on to her son, was something he was unwilling to accept under any circumstances), and the hatred of the Young Palace Mistress, the adepts had a favorable attitude towards him. Most of it was because under Luo Binghe’s leadership, even though it had been forced to split into two worlds, Huang Hua Palace continued to lead the usual lifestyle of the richest of the cultivation communities. Of course, there was some quiet opposition among the elders, but… While the reputation of the Palace was at its height, the demand for its services was growing, new aspirants to become adepts of the illustrious order flocked to the annual trials by the hundreds, bringing gold to the treasury – is there any point in rebelling?

Looking at the behavior of the adepts of the order, Luo Binhe was once again convinced that everyone aspired to a stable, peaceful life, and who would provide it – a human or a demon – was not so important for the majority. However, three years ago, he had firmly declared that he was going to resign, and the adepts were forced to choose a new leader from among their own kind. The winner of the hidden “rat race” was Shanyao Xingguang, one of the senior mentors, a sufficiently moderate and strong master to satisfy the demands of all internal factions. Luo Binghe had spoken to him, and although the man did not look holier than the Heavenly Emperor, he was a person to be reckoned with. His appointment was to be officially made in the second month of this summer.

Of course, this statement did not convince Zhe-jun of his good intentions at all!

“You appointed your own protege and you think we will believe you?!”

The half-demon's smile grew even wider: the lord of the Scorching Stone was not his ally anyway, and was demonstrating his inability to trust rational facts any further. More weight on his own reputational scales.

“Esteemed Zhe-jun will be able to meet Master Shanyao in person and form his own opinion, unbiased by the fear of the unknown.”

“Luo Binghe!!! Are you implying that I am afraid of something? I will rip your tongue out right now!!!”

Some time later, with the joint efforts of the advisors of the Scorching Stone, the angry ruler finally calmed down. Luo Binhe sighed sadly in his mind: he really wanted a duel... at least he made up for the previous humiliations.

“Disciple, this is not the time to dream!”

“I know, Elder”

While the Lord of the Scorching Stone was calming down, his ally, She-jun, the Lord of the Snake Valley, entered the battle. Luo Binhe had reasonable beliefs that it was him, not Zhe-jun, who was the main inspirer at the enemy table; and his self-confidence and conscience was used as a contrast to promote profitable narratives against his ally and appear more trustworthy.

“Dear lords, no one says that the seizure of territory after the transition should be only one domain! We all, even the respected Lord Luo, can take part in this feasible participation. And after the conquest of territorial control, it will be a matter of a joint council of domains. Why weave unpredictable cultivators into this connection? They are weaker than us, and the weaker must obey the strong – such is the law of existence. Taking their opinion into account is a very dubious matter.”

And then Chi-nyushi rose from her seat smoothly:

“You said – took a reasonable part? Everyone knows that my domain is famous for its herbalists, not warriors. What crumbs should we eat after domains that can send more military forces? According to your logic, venerable lord, we should beg for alms at the city gate!”

The snake lord clearly did not expect from the Rose Fragrance Domain to enter the game - as their mistress had noted, this domain was indeed not famous for its victory in battles. Because it decides matters in its own way. However, although dealing with an enemy with the help of poison among demons was no less honorable than in a duel – it was still not as spectacular as in close combat. Underestimate? No way! But not to be perceived as an equal – that's fine.

“Well, no one doubts the usefulness of your help, and you will be given a worthy share…”

The demoness would not wait until She-jun wriggled his figurative tail enough and interrupted him in mid-sentence:

“Then my demand for this share – everything! Why not?”

“Esteemed Chi-nyuishi, that’s not how things are done, really, you should understand…”

“What I should understand as the Lady of the domain is that from trading with the same cultivators my profits will be many times higher than your crumbs! I will not get anything from the war! Just like the Bottomless Depths.”

“However, do you realize that not all of your wonderful achievements are permitted in the human world? Among the sects, those who make poisons are very disliked…”

Chi-nyuishi shrugged, carelessly waiving her fan:

“There will always be connoisseurs of beauty. My clever gardeners and alchemists are no less fascinated by combat or healing decoctions. Perhaps in the future my domain will become a center of knowledge of both worlds, who knows!”

This innovative thought silenced the whispers in the hall for a few moments. The pupils of the lord of the Serpent Valley narrowed into thin lines: it seemed that the stunned demon would not be able to resist now and change his appearance, because without a lizard collar, the hissing and rattling of the scales of the dorsal ridge could not fully express the extent of his indignation:

“And you will so easily give your achievements to strangers??? To humansss??? Will you allow some unworthy ants to join the sacred knowledge that has been gathered for centuries, for free???”

“Why for free? The exchange of knowledge should be beneficial to both parties. In addition, any recipe should be updated over time, and scientific thought should be stimulated and developed, and not boiled in a disgusting broth.”

Luo Binghe took the floor again. Now, while Lord She is desperately trying to prove to Chi-nyuishi that ambition is bad (especially when it is not about his own), he has to press the defense of the military coalition. And luckily he had the necessary arguments in his hands:

“Esteemed Zhe-jun, let me ask: why haven't you yet captured the territories that lie beyond the crossing points in your lands?”

The surprised lord of the Scorching Stone, who had paid all his attention to his ally's speech, froze, not knowing how to explain the obvious and not lose face. Because he knew that Luo Binghe knew – and the other demons too – where the greatest vulnerability of his plans lay.

“Eh, well, because…”

“The demons of your domain regularly make raids, plundering and capturing peaceful residents. Why doesn't your banner still fly over any major city in those parts?”

“Because those damned cultivators…”

Zhe-jun realized that he had fallen into a trap, but it was too late. The half-demon wasted no time:

“Oh! So these “weak cultivators” are not as weak as you want to prove.”

“They wouldn’t be so self-confident in the demonic world!”

“Just like demons in the human world. The fact is that the qi energy in the human world is less concentrated and has different characteristics than in the demonic world, right? Therefore, a demon, having crossed the border, weakens several times and in order to restore at least some of its strength, it must stay in the human world for a long time, or use the absorption of forces. And at the same time not to get into the field of view of the cultivators.”

The silence in the hall became tense: yes, this was precisely the inconvenient truth that the pro-aggressive faction was diligently avoiding, depicting idealistic visions of a submissive new world full of treasures and slaves. Their strength was enough to maintain power over the demons, but the army that one or even two domains could gather to conquer the human world, with significant casualties on both sides, would still lose to the forces that the sects would certainly put up. That is why the idea of ​​a joint attack by several, if not all, domains was promoted. But many lords did not like to give their warriors over to someone else's leadership like that and most likely lost a significant part of their troops to get a dubious result: devastated lands, dead bodies instead of a hardworking population, and even punitive measures from the angry cultivators. As the opposite, Luo Binghe offered the demons the opportunity to integrate into the human world on a peaceful basis, without significant casualties and with greater profits. Yes, for this it was necessary to coordinate actions with humans. But... for the first time in many years, the sects were inclined to try to believe the demon's word, at least partially, despite centuries of hatred. It was worth using it and not spoiling it with the actions of aggressive fools.

During the pause, the Lord of Golden Sands decided to add his crumb to the scales:

“Yes, yes, respected lords, I am sure that everyone whose lands are endowed with crossings has already had thoughts of testing the human world for strength. I think that many of you have sent detachments to reconnoiter with battle and many brave warriors have not returned home. What can I say: twenty years ago, my daughter personally infiltrated the Cang Qiong Mountain Order, neutralized their famous rainbow bridges, and practically received what she came for – a tablet with the name of the sect. There were thirty experienced warriors and clan elders with her. It seems like enough for such a petty mission, right? And what is the result? I was happy that this naughty girl returned alive and unharmed! When I found out that at that time there was only one of the able-bodied Peak Leaders left in the order and he with two younger adepts won two out of three duels with her clad… After that, you`ll better think twice about whether such adventures are worth the risk! By the way, did you know that one of these younger adepts was Lord Luo? He won a duel with Elder Tianchwei; how old were you then?”

“Fifteen.”

Dozens of eyes stared at Luo Binghe in surprise; he did his best to remain unmoved. For demons, it would be similar if a newborn baby went out to duel with the domain lord. At fifteen human years, the demon cub, although strong, was no older in mind than a human three-year-old; Luo Binghe’s mixed blood made him more mature mentally and physically, but it was still nothing compared to a demon who was at least three hundred years old.

In the silence of the hall, his voice reached everyone, although the half-demon did not try to shout:

“That is why the idea of ​​the esteemed Zhe-jun and She-jun does not seem worth paying attention to me at all. It is absurd to despise the power of cultivators who will fight for their own world just as we would fight for ours. And I advise you all to think about it. It is better to receive profits from trade and an established supply of goods than to put another corpse in family mausoleums.”

His speech raised a murmur of murmurs among the audience, and even a few cheers of approval were heard from the crowd. Lord Zhe sat, puffed up like an owl, unable to argue with what he had said: Luo Binghe had spoken the truth – and it would remain so even if it was not wanted to be heard. But the demon cast a desperate glance at She-jun; the latter was thinking hard, but eventually got up again:

“Lord Luo… your ability to win over allies is simply amazing. You responsibly consider every detail of your speeches, every step of your subordinates to make the best impression…”

“When an opponent praises you like that – beware, he has something uniquely vile in mind” – Meng Mo was right, as always.

“However… Do those who want to follow you know about all your actions? For example, what kind of earthquake occurred during your battle with Tianlang-jun in both worlds at once?”

The blow unexpectedly fell between the armor of confidence; it was not at all the feat that a half-demon would prefer to recall in public. Well, let's try to lure the enemy closer, let's see how much he knows.

“And what do you think it was?”

“Some of the demons of my domain, who then joined Tianlang-jun, reported that the goal of his campaign was to lead them to the human world, where there would be plenty of clean water and food. Considering that he recruited demons from the Wild Lands for his army, this honorable one understands that for them this was the most desired goal of their entire lives. Perhaps your venerable father was planning to test whether it was possible to lead such a crowd and keep part of the territory in the human world, because his domain was then under your rule – difficult times require decisive action. But... in the place where he planned to lead the army, there was no known crossing point. However, the passage was opened with the help of a certain sword. And not just opened – the two realities began to mix and right near the Luo River, the Maigu Ridge began to appear.

Luo Binghe counted every word that could be uttered:

“It really happened. However, the mixing of worlds was stopped in time.”

“Yes, yes, through the joint efforts of the cultivators and your supporters, a heroic victory was achieved. But rumors are circulating that even after the defeat of Tianlang-jun and his nephew, the unification of realities continued. And who would have thought that it would be directed by none other than the same Lord Luo! How does this agree with your peaceful proposals today, my lord? You could have realized your dream back then, what stopped you, huh?”

“Oh, you! Where did this snake dig up something that shouldn’t be touched? Calm down, Luo Binghe, control yourself!”

The half-demon narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing at She-jun as if he were trying to decide whether to roast this snake or skin it to decorate his belt? Under the piercing gaze, the lord of the Snake Valley suppressed his satisfied smile a little, but remained unmoved, crossing his clawed arms over his chest.

Well. Luo Binghe could not deny what he had said. He had only one thing left to do – to tell the truth. Even if it was not the whole truth. Even if his impeccable image was stained with dirt – no one present was perfect. And they knew it. Pretending to be holier than a celestial? It would work in front of the cultivators (as it had repeatedly), but demons are completely different.

“My dream of uniting the worlds then and now is like comparing a caterpillar and a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. One reason – but different understandings of how this idea should be embodied. At the time, it seemed to me that the power of the sword found in the Endless Abyss was the easiest way, and the spirit of the sword easily fueled my obsession with this dream. Just as my father's desire to better understand the human world after his defeat in the battle with the sects and long years of imprisonment turned into an obsession with uniting the worlds at any cost – even the destruction of everything that was previously valuable to him. This lord suppose the spirit of the sword could also have interfered with the consciousness of my father, who carried it then. Fortunately, the sword was destroyed and I was able to look at my actions with a sober mind again. Not all shortcuts lead to great deeds; This venerable lord does not even want to imagine what consequences this crazy idea would have for both worlds. For now, the path must be different, to avoid thoughtless and unnecessary sacrifices.”

This time, the question to Luo Binghe was posed by Sha-jun:

“Can we be sure that your actions are not again guided by the spirit of the sword? What happened to it?”

“Broken into fragments. Its spirit can no longer influence anyone's consciousness. As for actions – you have seen my proposal. This is not a one-person decision, and it never will be. Even if this respected one loses his mind, it will not be a fatal step.”

Luo Binghe allowed himself a crooked smile:

“If you want to portray me as crazy, let it be. However, the need for change has already come. Let me rather appear a madman than a blind idiot who clings to long-outdated traditions out of fear of making a mistake.”

Mobei-jun rose from the low table with a look of “this venerable lord is so tired of you all stupidity”:

“Anything new is once considered pointless. And being a blind idiot is not my thing. The Icy Plains support the Dark Blood’s plan.”

A tense silence fell among those present: two domain lords spoke out, who is next? And will this one be, the next?

Among the sector, dressed in shades of pink, Chi-niushi, dressed in wine-cherry and emerald-shining silks, looked like the most magnificent rose. Her voice sounded like a melodious chirp, sweet and playful, like the chirp of a bird:

“My domain is also not going to reject new opportunities. We, women,  love new things so much, you know… Rose Fragrance – with Dark Blood!”

“I don’t want to be an old fool either, my own children will laugh. Golden Sands - for Lord Luo's plan.”

The half-demon knew that now Sha Hualing did not look at Lord Sha as an old man, and even more so – didn't see him as a fool. Despite all the conflicts and disputes, the demoness sincerely respected him both as a father and as a ruler.

The translucent robes of the Lord of the Bottomless Depths rustled like a dark sea wave; the pearl scales shimmered, catching the light of the crystals, when Dangqiang-jun rose from his seat to speak:

“Esteemed Zhe-jun, She-jun, it's a pity, but as a demon who values ​​​​benefit, I see more benefit in the proposal of the Lord of the Dark Blood than in yours. Think it over, maybe you will be lucky next time.”

The demon paused, but continued anyway:

“The Bottomless Depths – for peaceful agreements.”

Behind him, a demon in gray robes with a face covered by a hat with a dark veil – Lord Shi-jun – rose from the table. His voice was quiet and monotonous, devoid of emotion, as if a mechanical doll were speaking instead of a living being. It is unlikely that the domain lord would dare to make such a joke at a gathering of this level – you can’t hide the aura of power. Luo Binghe somewhere on a subconscious level felt the unnatural cold that enveloped the demon’s figure, like a cloak – not the way the same Mobei-jun with his icy talents felt; like qi, but inverted, not alive, but still existing.

“The Gray Lands maintain neutrality. Our masters will help you in any endeavor, esteemed lords… for an appropriate price. However, this esteemed one does not influence the opinions and beliefs of individual representatives of my domain, all agreements are made individually.”

As the host of the discussion, Luo Binghe decided that it was time to sum up what was said and end the meeting with a long-awaited, cherished victory:

“Five out of eight in favor, one abstained. Do the Scorching Stone and the Serpent Valley plan to take part in further discussions or will you wait on the sidelines?”

Zhe-jun slammed his fist on the table so that even the stone surface cracked. The demon resembled a volcano about to erupt.

“May Heaven punishment strike you, scoundrel! You will see, these humans will be the first to violate the agreements made! The Scorching Stone is against! There will be no human on my lands!”

Lord She was more reserved, but his voice still vibrated with barely perceptible hissing undertones:

“Serpent Valley supports the Scorching Stone. We do not believe that people can be equal to demons and worthy of anything more than being a resource for the prosperity of our world. Do what you want on your lands – there are no permanent transitions in my domain anyway.”

“Then I will not keep the esteemed lords any longer. Stay if you wish, maybe one of you will change your mind?”

Of course, the irritated demons did not want to be present at the scene of defeat any longer and left the hall with their delegations.

An important battle was won with a good score. It remained to agree on a further strategy, which was to take the remaining thirteen days – and this was numerous comments, corrections, heated discussions. However, anything is better than senseless waving of weapons.

Chapter Text

“...Therefore, this one has to ask for the assistance of the esteemed master in this matter”

Yue Qingyuan finished the letter and sprinkled fine sand over the characters. When the ink was dry, he rolled up the paper and sealed it with his own seal. Then the head of the Cang Qiong Sect rose from his chair and headed for the exit from the office — this message could only be delivered in person.

Peak Ku Xing stood out from the other peaks of the Cang Qiong. Ku Xing’s adepts rarely participated in public affairs; they grew vegetables, harvested berries, and medicinal plants for the general needs of the sect, leaving a small crumb for their own peak. Rarely did any of them go beyond the rainbow bridge, except for the formal leader; however, there were also those who traveled the world, observing people's lives, but not interfering in their affairs, except in critical cases - which were then preserved in legends as the most amazing miracles.

But exactly there, in this school, were masters who could help with problems related to the flow of qi, leaving even the most experienced Qiang Cao healers behind. Intricate family curses, causes of karmic punishment, distortion of qi due to errors in cultivation — if the Ku Xing adepts did not take up the matter, no one else would take it up. It was not easy to attract their attention, but at a certain time of year, the peak arranged a reception for those who needed help - regardless of whether they were a cultivator or a simple fisherman.

This year, the event was still a long way off — the reception usually was held in the second month of summer — but fortunately, the peak leader of Qiong Ding had certain privileges: he was the only one who could directly address the Ku Xing peak leader at any time, although he had never abused this right before. However…perhaps the peak masters would agree to an overtime miracle? If the Devourer was as dangerous as that demon had described him — and Yue Qingyuan had no good reason not to believe this testimony — help should be sought anywhere.

Although all he could do for now was hang the message on a tree that grew right at the entrance to the peak: Ku Xing Peak Leader accepted letters in exactly this way. There was no entrance to the peak itself: if someone wanted to pass through the gate, an invisible barrier would gently push away the uninvited guest. Even a cultivator. Even the head of the sect. Peak Lord would only wave his hands in response to all questions: the barrier allowed only those who had been accepted to the peak. Among the adepts, legends were told that the immortal founder of the Ku Xing school still lives on the top of the mountain; if the barrier is not removed, perhaps the great ancestor does not want his meditation to be interrupted? But is this true or fiction, nobody knew — the adepts of Ku Xing Peak remained completely silent.

With Tiang Xiang Peak, everything turned out to be much simpler: when Yue Qingyuan had already raised his brush to the paper to write another letter, one of the adepts looked into his office:

“Master Yue, there is…”

“Estermed Peak Lord Fanshi Qinghu, isn’t he? Let him in.”

The leader of Tiang Xiang Peak was as always full of enthusiasm (from the point of view of Yue Qingyuan, who was tired of work, a little excessive). But today especially, because like a regular at a wine cellar returning home after a well-spent evening, he held onto the shoulders of the Ku Xing Peak Lord! The latter didn’t even try to break out: it was difficult to resist Qinghu-shidi’s desire to bring someone with him, especially to do it within the framework of decency, prescribed in the charter of Ku Xing Peak.

 Yue Qingyuan, like a father accustomed to the antics of a young mischievous child, turned his gaze to one of the visitors with a slightly disappointed expression.

“What? We happened to cross paths with a respected shixiong, and this one thought it would be a good idea to come together. Moreover, the matter is the same.”

“Qinghu-shidi, this shixiong understands that your gift sometimes makes you act impulsively, but will you finally let me go?”

The cultivator from Ku Xing Peak, dressed in simple cotton robes adorned with the only sign of belonging to the sect — an orange scarf with the peak emblem, seemed almost like a beggar who had just returned from the city streets, where he had been begging near the temple, next to the brightly dressed leader of the Divine Manifestation Peak. He spoke calmly and quietly, as if he had not just been taken hostage. The leader of Tiang Xiang released his hand and his interlocutor hurried away.

“Well, since fate has brought us here - let's talk? Shidi, I sent you a letter two days ago, where I outlined the essence of the problem along with a copy of the crystals. Tell me, can Ku Xing Peak advise anything in this case?”

The leader of the ascetic peak folded his hands in a polite bow:

“Yue-shixiong, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but our capabilities are not as limitless as some people think. Yes, the adepts of our peak can, to a certain extent, manipulate the energy flows in the human body at a level that is inaccessible to other schools. However, interrupting the channel with the extraterrestrial space is beyond our power. Balancing the golden core, stopping the disintegration of the meridians or the distortion of qi in the early stages is yes; working with internal qi is a specialty of our school. However… We are not gods.”

“Perhaps some ideas? An artifact? Something that can help?”

“If there is anything, I don’t know.”

Yue Qingyuan bowed to the cultivator:

“Thank you very much, respected master, for your answer. I won’t keep you any longer.”

After the Ku Xing Peak Lord left, Fanshi Qinghu looked at Yue Qingyuan and sighed:

“You understand that you shouldn’t expect miracles here, don't you? Ku Xing can do a lot, but their Elder Master has long since ascended, no matter what anyone says.”

“Could he do anything?”

“Probably not. According to legend, at the end of his mortal life, he could rekindle the lost golden core, but that’s not what’s needed now.”

Fanshi Qinghu smiled, as if he had suddenly remembered something interesting. Yue Qingyuan raised his eyebrows inquiringly.

“Imagine, recently Shang-shixiong was able to blackout me! Me! Because he didn’t want to listen so much… And I just got to the most interesting thing… A true talent!”

“And why did he do that? What do you mean? Qinghu-shidi, have you started prophesying again?  We were kind of negotiating…”

“Oh, I had to somehow congratulate the  jubilant! It was so fun!”

“Poor Shang-shidi… Okay, now that’s the least of the problems. Let’s get back to the Devourer: can you determine where his victim, the killer of Gongzhuo Guoshi, is?”

Fanshi Qinghu sighed and spread his hands:

“I tried to find out. But it seems that my talent is failing on the devourer’s victim. That’s why I didn’t come to you earlier. I don’t know what caused it. It looks like it was on purpose, but it’s not!”

“Don’t worry, I believe you. Well, as the shidi from Ku Xing aptly said — we are not gods. Maybe something else? How to restore Xin Mo and help Luo Binghe master his power? Is there a way to stop the Devourer without this sword?”

The leader of Tiang Xiang Peak stopped smiling, and under his gaze, Yue Qingyuan felt uneasy:

“Do you know that the future is not a single broad path, but rather a tangled network of beastly paths in the forest depths? Every choice is a crossroads. Right now, I can only see that Xin Mo will be restored, because many prerequisites for this event have already occurred. However, how exactly… I can’t fully see how this knot will be untied. Many events in the near future are like fog to me due to the influence of an ominous entity. I don’t want to panic, but I don’t see many events behind this obstacle yet!”

The cultivator shook his head, as if trying to dispel the darkness of the unknown that had enveloped him with a thick blanket. Yue Qingyuan didn’t even want to imagine what it would be like when your gift, which had accompanied you for many, many years, shows you that there was nothing ahead. What a madness!

“Qinghu-shidi, what’s wrong? Can I help you with anything?”

“Nothing, I…I’ll manage. I thought I wouldn’t face the unknown on the paths of the future ever again after I became a senior adept. However, it seems that I’m just too self-confident. It’s scary, Yue-shixiong, you have no idea how scary it is to see nothing!”

Silence fell in the room, broken only by the prophet’s heavy breathing. Yue Qingyuan didn’t know what he could do for his brother, so he offered a little awkwardly:

“Maybe…tea?” 

“Just water”

Having received the cup in his hands, Fanshi Qinghu drained it in one gulp. He poured more from the jug, swallowed. Another one.

“Did you know that the day before yesterday I saw my future wedding?”

“Oh… congratulations, Shidi. And now… you don’t see it?”

“No.”

With an expression similar to the one that appeared on the face of the immortal master, the warriors are going to fight to the death. His frivolous nature of a butterfly flying through life, as if in a dream? Nothing like that. However, Qinghu-Shidi could be different depending on the circumstances: sometimes cheerful, sometimes terrifying.

“I don’t see it anymore. But I will do everything possible and impossible to make it happen. Even if I have to grope my way through the future. I can only hope that the most likely events will still be visible to my eyes even in the fog. As a prophet, even blinded, I can still see more connections between fates than the average cultivator.”

Yue Qingyuan could only breathe a sigh of relief that his shidi had more or less come to his senses. Even in a difficult situation, his spirit rose from the ashes like the phoenix on the peak emblem.

“We have been spoiled by the gifts of Heaven for many years… let alone complain that they have suddenly ended. Qinghu-shidi, don’t blame yourself, it’s not your fault. ”

“Thank you, Shixiong”

Suddenly, Yue Qingyuan remembered something: “someone has direct connections with Heaven?” Meng Mo, a former Celestial — what if he was right?

“Qinghu-shidi, if the prophetic vision is currently unavailable — how do you feel about the idea of asking for help, let’s say, directly? I know that the ascension of adepts from your peak occurs more often than in other schools. Moreover, it is your peak that deals with divine rituals…”

Fangshi Qinghu looked at Yue Qingyuan in astonishment:

“You want to ask for help from the Heavens?”

“The demons have already been asked, so why not ask the opposite side?”

“But… they cannot intervene directly, it is forbidden by the heavenly rules!”

“At least some hint would not be superfluous.”

“Yue-shixiong, I will try to perform the invocation ritual.  But…even though our peak specializes in interpreting divine signs, we can’t be sure that anyone will respond at all. The Deities rarely respond even to sincere believers, let alone cultivators who rely more on their own strength.”

“It doesn’t matter. If we try and get nothing — at least we’ll try. When will it be possible to perform the ritual?”

“The best opportunity is the second day of the second month of summer.”

“Then I leave it to you, Shidi.”

When the prophet left, Yue Qingyuan wearily placed his fingers on his temples, where the veins throbbed. Sometimes he felt the desire to drop everything and go into seclusion… for decades, at least the half. Barely a few peaceful years had passed when his martial brothers in the sect decided that their lives were too boring and uninteresting, so they had to get involved in some kind of adventure!  Someone would bring themselves to distort their qi, demons would attack, his dear shidi would not think of a better way to escape prison than to pretend to die — and then Yue Qingyuan would have to deal with the actions of his half-demonic disciple. And just as everything calmed down and for five years nothing had to be sorted out except minor conflicts, like this — they received an almost invincible monster on their heads! And at a fateful moment for the entire human world, the first formal meeting with the demonic elite. It's funny, but the head of the sect himself had only a slow recovery of vitality after using the Xuan Shu sword among the problems!

And although all the initiators of the problems stubbornly claimed "I don't need help, I'll figure it out myself" — Yue Qingyuan's heightened sense of responsibility simply did not allow him to stay away. Ever since he had been begging on the city streets, unlike Shen-shidi — or rather, his predecessor, who was a withdrawn boy full of hostility toward everyone around him except his older comrade — he had tried to help not only himself but also other children as much as he could. Then Shen Ju called him a naive fool for this, but for Yue Qi, the eldest son and the only survivor of the family after an outbreak of fever, guardianship was a consolation for a sad heart. Having joined the order, he did not abandon this habit and thanks to it he eventually took the place of leader — his Shizun saw in this extraordinary virtue. Yue Qingyuan sometimes thought that he might have made a good father, but he constantly lacked time and energy for his personal life.

Well, who else but a "father" should sincerely ask Heaven for help to protect his dearest; and although the order's family is large and disputes flare up and sorrows arise from time to time, it is still the most precious thing to him than all the treasures in the world.