Chapter 30#

The Peerlessly Beautiful Great Demon Ba Snake#

A baby’s cry sounded in the small courtyard, though the cry was very weak. Bai cleaned the infant with a spell, then wrapped her in a brocade quilt. He examined the child carefully. Though he had just become a father, Bai’s expression was filled with immense grief, because he knew the child’s vitality had already faded; she likely would not live long.

“It’s a daughter,” Bai said softly to Yunniang.

“Bring her here and let me see.” Yunniang said weakly.

Bai hesitated for a moment. He did not want to let Yunniang see the child, lest it only add to her sorrow. But seeing the look of hope on Yunniang’s face, he ultimately could not bear to refuse her.

Yunniang took the child and on her face was the happiness and tenderness of a new mother: “Your father and I met in the season when the pear blossoms were in full bloom. How about we call you Bai Li?”

She lowered her head and gently kissed the infant’s cheek: “May you have a life of happiness and joy, peace and freedom from worry.”

Then Yunniang spat something from her lips into the mouth of the infant in her arms. She had not swallowed the Thousand-Leaf Lotus spiritual liquid after all, but secretly hidden it beneath her tongue.

The events happened too quickly; Bai at her side had no time to stop her. The infant instinctively swallowed the liquid in her mouth. With the naked eye, her pale blue-white complexion became rosy, and her cries gradually grew loud and clear.

But Yunniang, as if her wish had been fulfilled, immediately became ashen-faced. It seemed what had just happened was merely a last radiance before death.

“Yunniang, why are you so foolish!” Yunniang’s death was already certain. Bai was overcome with grief, kneeling beside her, choked with sobs.

Yunniang smiled gently instead. She raised her hand and touched her husband’s face: “No mother would abandon her child. Meeting you was the most beautiful thing in my life; I only have to go one step ahead…”

Bai clutched Yunniang’s hand desperately, shaking his head helplessly.

Yunniang kissed the child in her arms again, her face full of reluctance: “Bai, with you and little Li, I have no regrets in this life. Don’t be too hard on yourself. What my family did… it is not worth ruining your cultivation for them… Also, take care of little Li…”

Having spoken, Yunniang finally exhausted her last strength and closed her beautiful, gentle eyes. Yet the corners of her mouth still carried a faint smile.

Several days later.

Bai finally recovered slightly from the grief of losing his wife. Only then did Lu Heng learn what had happened that day.

Possessing a treasure is a crime.

Some time before, Bai had gone out to search for auxiliary spiritual medicines needed to refine the Thousand-Leaf Lotus. Yunniang’s parents and elder brother suddenly came to the door, claiming that since Yunniang and Bai’s matter was already settled, for the sake of the child, they were willing to acknowledge Yunniang and Bai’s marriage.

When she had left her family and eloped with Bai all those years ago, Yunniang had never regretted it. But in the midnight hours of her dreams, she still missed her family.

Yunniang had originally been a sheltered young lady of the inner chambers. She was overjoyed by her closest kin’s initiative to show goodwill. Without much suspicion, she let them stay in the small courtyard. She never imagined they had not come with good intentions.

Yunniang’s elder brother had dealings with a disciple of a sect. By chance, he learned that a demon clan member had obtained a heavy treasure, and saw the demon’s appearance in a recording pearl. To his delight, he discovered that this demon was none other than the poor boy who had once abducted his own younger sister and eloped with her.

For many years, Yunniang had kept sending letters home, hoping to return to visit her family and mend their relationship. However, because of her elopement, Yunniang’s parents had lost great face before the prefect and had always regarded her as a disgrace to the family.

They still knew where Yunniang was. Her elder brother had always wanted to step onto the path of cultivation, but due to his aptitude, he had never been able to join a sect. The moment he heard of this matter, he knew his opportunity had come. He and that sect disciple hit it off immediately. After the sect disciple reported it to his sect, he promised Yunniang’s elder brother that as long as he cooperated in obtaining that heavy treasure, he would be accepted into the sect.

Thus came that night of life and death parting.

That day, Bai returned to the small courtyard after searching for medicinal herbs and saw his wife with a joyful expression. Learning that his wife had reconciled with her family, Bai was also very happy for her, because he knew this had always been a hidden pain in Yunniang’s heart. That night, Bai hosted a banquet to entertain Yunniang’s family, but when his mind was relaxed, he was ambushed by Yunniang’s elder brother with a powerful magical artifact.

At the critical moment, Yunniang blocked the attack with her own body. Badly injured, Yunniang’s fetal qi was disturbed, and the child in her belly was impatient to be born. Outside the small courtyard, cultivators from who knew where had also surrounded the place. After that came the scene Lu Heng had witnessed that day.

“I plan to bring Yunniang’s remains back to the clan lands for burial. We will set out for the clan lands in a few days,” Bai said, holding a small snow rabbit in his arms. Seeing Lu Heng staring at the snow rabbit in his arms, he explained, “Demon children transform into their original forms one day after birth.”

Having said that, Bai took his leave from the two and returned to the small courtyard to deal with the aftermath.

Looking at Bai’s gaunt back, like a wisp of wandering soul, and then thinking of Min’s remains in the storage pouch, Lu Heng could not help but sigh with emotion: “Is this the fate of all humans and demons who fall in love?”

“It has nothing to do with being human or demon. Greed, anger, and ignorance—the three unwholesome roots—each brew bitter fruit.” Shikong still looked calm and indifferent. Bai’s plight had not left even a ripple in his eyes.

Lu Heng stared fixedly at Shikong, unable to keep from wondering what kind of event would make that unshakable face change color.

“Do not let these external things disturb your mind. It is detrimental to cultivation.”

“Cultivation, cultivation. Hey, Shikong, are you raising me like a son? I am several hundred years older than you, you know. You must not muddle the seniority.” Lu Heng blinked and made a joke, wanting to sweep away the heavy atmosphere in the air.

“Do not speak nonsense.”

Lu Heng felt a pain on his forehead, and only then realized that Shikong had actually flicked his forehead. This monk—even when flicking someone’s forehead, his expression was so serious. Lu Heng silently complained inwardly, but on his face he only dared to show an expression of begging for mercy, and obediently went off to cultivate.

Entering the demon clan lands was unexpectedly simple.

Bai gave Lu Heng two shriveled fruits: “These are the fruits of the Migu tree. Eat them, and you will not be confused by the miasma.”

“Then doesn’t that mean anyone who gets this fruit can enter the demon clan lands?” Lu Heng asked.

“The fruit of the Migu tree requires demonic qi to activate its effect. If a human has no demon accompanying them, they cannot use it.” Bai added, “Moreover, it must be demonic qi from the righteous path of cultivation. Demons who walk the evil path cannot use it either.”

Lu Heng nodded and tried channeling demonic qi into one of the fruits. The fruit, shriveled like tree bark, immediately became plump, emerald green and dripping as if about to burst, making one’s appetite stir. Lu Heng handed the fruit in his hand to Shikong, then did the same to activate the other fruit.

The fruit of the Migu tree melted into a sweet, clear liquid the moment it entered the mouth. After swallowing it, Lu Heng felt as if his ears and eyes had become much clearer.

After the three demons and one human had all eaten the fruit, they crossed the Zhi Stone and headed toward the demon clan lands.

Passing through a lush forest, the view suddenly opened up. Unlike humans, who liked to build cities from stone, the demon clan’s towns were built directly among the trees. There were houses built on the ground, and wooden cabins hanging from branches. Lu Heng even saw a door suddenly open on the ground, after which a small, thin demon jumped out.

Seeing Lu Heng’s astonished expression, Bai finally showed his first smile in days: “That is the Split-Gold Mouse clan. They like to live underground.”

After saying this, Bai suddenly paused again, then murmured, “When I told Yunniang about these demon clan customs, she was also very fascinated…”

Lu Heng patted Bai’s shoulder. The pain of losing a wife could only be slowly walked off by himself. Lu Heng looked at the round little snow rabbit in his arms and thought that with such a cute child accompanying him, Bai should be able to recover faster.

“We will stay in Que Lai City for now. The fox clan’s territory is in Qingqiu. I will find a fox clan friend to guide you.” Bai rallied his spirits and said.

The three of them stayed at an inn run by feathered bird demons. Feathered bird demons liked to live in trees. The inn was merged with an ancient towering tree, and each room hung from thick branches like bird nests. This strange architecture broadened the horizons of Lu Heng, who came from modern society.

Lu Heng and Shikong still shared a room. Before, it was because Lu Heng looked young; now, it was because the two had grown used to living this way. In any case, they spent the nights meditating and cultivating, so there was no worry about not having enough beds.

Night fell, and tonight’s moonlight was especially bright.

Lu Heng leaned by the window, fascinated, watching scenery completely different from human towns. Below, demons seemed to be surging in one direction. In that direction, lights of all colors sparkled like neon lights in the modern world.

“Huh? It looks like something big is happening.” Lu Heng curiously leaned half his body out to look.

“Tonight is the demon clan’s Moon-Worship Festival.” Shikong grabbed Lu Heng by the collar and pulled him back into the room. The room was quite high above the ground; with Lu Heng’s half-baked cultivation, if he fell, he would likely end up with a bruised nose and swollen face.

“Moon-Worship Festival? I really want to see it. Can we skip cultivation tonight?”

Looking at Lu Heng’s eyes, which were almost glowing, Shikong nodded: “This poor monk will go with you.”

The Moon-Worship Festival was an important annual festival for the demon clan. All the residents of Que Lai City gathered on a huge open space by the lake. The shimmering lake reflected the millstone-sized bright moon. The pure essence of the moon even caused many demons to unconsciously reveal part of their original forms.

In the center of the open space, a high platform had been erected. A beautiful woman on the platform trailed long tail feathers, her dance steps swirling. Her dance was both soft and charming, yet carried a trace of vigor. Lu Heng, who had never seen such a dance, was somewhat stunned. Only the dancer’s expression was a little peculiar; every movement was full of tender feeling in her brows and eyes. Her whole person radiated endless springtime passion, and all who watched felt their hearts stir.

“This is a male demon,” Shikong said.

What? It was actually a male demon! The words struck Lu Heng like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, but he quickly recovered. Thinking about it, it was normal—courtship dances of birds were originally performed by males for females.

Lu Heng quickly accepted the fact. He was, after all, watching the dance with purely appreciative eyes.

When the dance ended, the surrounding atmosphere suddenly began to boil.

Lu Heng saw a tall male demon beside him, built like an iron tower, take out a flower as red as flame. On his fierce face appeared a shy expression utterly ill-matched to it, and he walked toward a young girl who only came up to about his chest.

The girl was delicate and beautiful. Standing together, the two were a living beauty and the beast. Lu Heng had thought the girl would be frightened, because that tall, bulky male demon looked as aggressive as if he were going to kill someone just by offering a flower. Unexpectedly, the girl accepted the flower generously and said, “You blockhead, you’ve finally come to your senses!”

Then the girl grabbed the tall male demon’s collar, forced him to bend down, and planted a kiss on his lips. The surrounding demons cheered for the pair of lovers, and some mischievous demons even pulled out handfuls of petals and scattered them over their heads.

Such scenes were everywhere. This was probably the part of the festival where lovers confessed to each other, Lu Heng thought.

A pink flower appeared beneath Lu Heng’s nose. The hand holding the flower had slender fingers; at a glance, it was a beauty. Lu Heng looked up and indeed saw a stunningly beautiful face.

Seeing Lu Heng look at him, the beauty unabashedly threw him a flirtatious glance: “Young sir, do you find this humble woman to your liking?”

“Young lady, we are strangers. How can you casually give away such an important token…” Lu Heng was greatly embarrassed and took a step back. He guessed that these flowers of identical shape were probably tokens used at this festival to confess to one’s beloved.

The woman was stunned for a moment, then laughed loudly, extremely bold and unrestrained, laughing until Lu Heng’s face turned red. “Which clan’s child are you? You must have sneaked out before finishing your clan lessons. Let sister tell you, the meaning of this pink moonflower is different from that red moonflower. Red is for eternity; pink is for a fleeting romance.”

Then the woman blinked: “Young sir, you are very much to my liking. How about sister helps you come of age?”

Lu Heng was about to refuse when he felt someone gently pinch the back of his neck, and a soft yet firm force pulled him backward. Lu Heng could not help but retreat two steps and bumped into a familiar chest.

“He is still young.” Shikong bowed to the woman, then led Lu Heng away from the troublesome place.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward. Lu Heng had a strange sense of guilt. Shikong, however, led him to the vicinity of the high platform with an unchanged expression: “I heard that the final part of this Moon-Worship Festival is greatly beneficial to demon cultivation. Wait here for a while.”

As the night deepened, the bright moon rose above everyone’s heads. The interactions between lovers seemed to have come to an end. The noisy atmosphere gradually quieted down, and everyone looked piously toward the high platform, as if waiting for some important ritual.

The male demon who had danced on the platform earlier came up again. In his hands he held a bud-shaped magical artifact. After reciting a mysterious incantation, the male demon raised the artifact toward the bright moon: “Please, Moon God, bless us.”

The bud-shaped artifact then bloomed layer by layer, and from it rose a small crescent moon, higher and higher, until it rose above everyone’s heads. The crescent moon spun nimbly in the air a few times, then suddenly flew toward Lu Heng and Shikong.

Before Lu Heng could react, the crescent moon split in two and sank into him and Shikong respectively. Strangely, after the crescent moon entered, Lu Heng felt nothing unusual. The crescent moon had already chosen its people. The surrounding demons burst into waves of cheers and enthusiastically surged toward them.

On the high platform, the male demon shouted excitedly: “Bless this pair of deeply affectionate lovers. The Moon God will always protect you!”

Deeply affectionate lovers? What was going on? Lu Heng was greatly alarmed. Seeing that the surrounding demons seemed to want to welcome him and Shikong onto the platform, he did not have time to think much. Lu Heng grabbed Shikong and rushed out of the crowd’s encirclement.

After twisting and turning to shake off those overly enthusiastic demons, Lu Heng finally made it back to the inn, only to find that he was still tightly clutching Shikong’s hand.

“You go back first. I have something to ask Bai.” Lu Heng let go of Shikong’s hand and rushed into Bai’s room without looking back.

Bai was by the window guiding Bai Li in absorbing moonlight. He was startled by the sound of Lu Heng barging in: “What happened? Why are you so panicked?”

Lu Heng sat down at the table, poured a full cup of water, and gulped it down, but still felt parched. After three cups, he felt the hot-faced, flushed sensation ease considerably. Only then did he tell Bai in detail what had just happened.

“What exactly is that crescent moon? It was too strange. At first, I felt nothing at all. After a moment, I felt like my whole body was burning. It isn’t some powerful evil art, is it?” Lu Heng still felt a lingering fear.

Bai immediately understood something, but he did not know whether he should point it out. That Master Shikong looked completely ascetic and was also a monk. Bai, who had come to understand the bitterness of love, did not want Lu Heng to follow in his footsteps.

Bai thought for a moment and said, “That is the Moon God’s blessing, not any evil art. Every year at the Moon-Worship Festival, two… close people receive the Moon God’s blessing. From now on, when the two of you cultivate together, you will get twice the result with half the effort.”

Having received Bai’s explanation, Lu Heng finally felt at ease and only then returned to his own room with peace of mind. Shikong was already sitting in meditation. Lu Heng obediently returned to his original form and coiled upon Shikong’s shoulder.

But Lu Heng was not stupid. The more he thought about what had just happened, the more something seemed off. That male demon had clearly said, “deeply affectionate lovers.” Then, recalling Bai’s somewhat odd expression and later vague words, Lu Heng figured out certain key points. That Moon God’s blessing was most likely given to people who admired each other.

Admiration? Lu Heng could not help thinking of scene after scene of his time with Shikong. He found that he did indeed have some different feelings toward Shikong.

Shikong’s unintentional closeness always made him nervous. And during the month Shikong was away, no matter what he did, he always thought about what it would be like if Shikong were there. He even remembered that when he had seen Princess Linyang seducing Shikong in Prince Gong’s residence, there had been a faint discomfort at the bottom of his heart that he had ignored.

Lu Heng could not help but laugh at himself. He really was stupid enough. He had liked Shikong long ago without realizing it, and had always thought his reliance on him was merely a fledgling’s attachment.

But then, thinking of how Shikong always seemed free of desires and wants, Lu Heng became dejected again. This was the first time he had liked someone, and it seemed this feeling was doomed to die young. Shikong was a cultivator of Buddhism; how could Lu Heng, for his own selfish desire, make him break his precepts?

“Your mind is rather troubled. Is there something worrying you?” Shikong suddenly spoke.

Lu Heng, immersed in his own feelings, was startled. Then he listlessly crawled down from Shikong’s shoulder and transformed into human form at the side: “I think with my current cultivation, I can cultivate on my own. During the time you returned to the sect, I did not run into any problems.”

Shikong silently looked at Lu Heng for a moment, until Lu Heng began to feel uneasy, and only then said: “That is fine too. On the path of cultivation, one must ultimately rely on oneself.”

Hearing Shikong’s words, Lu Heng felt even more dejected. For the first time, he found cultivation utterly insipid.

“Your heart is not calm. It would be better to rest tonight,” Shikong added.

Lu Heng nodded and dragged his heavy steps to bed. That night was destined to be restless. Lu Heng felt as if he dreamed the entire night, bizarre and kaleidoscopic, as if a massive amount of information were about to burst his brain.

It took him a long time to struggle free from that tangled mess, and Lu Heng discovered it was already noon. This was the first time since setting foot on the path of cultivation that he had been so slack. Strangely, Shikong, who was usually quite strict about cultivation, had not urged him to get up.

The room was empty. Lu Heng sniffed and smelled lingering Brahma Sound Sandalwood in the room. Brahma Sound Sandalwood was no ordinary thing. Only eminent monks of Brahma Sound Temple could refine it, and its output was extremely small. When used during cultivation, this sandalwood could increase the chance of entering sudden enlightenment.

Shikong had used Brahma Sound Sandalwood to cultivate last night? That did not seem right. Shikong had said he never relied on external things for cultivation. Thinking of another effect of Brahma Sound Sandalwood, Lu Heng thought again. Could it be to help me sleep and drive away nightmares? Impossible, right? Using priceless Brahma Sound Sandalwood just to aid sleep—if word got out, he would probably be hunted down by cultivators.

Unable to figure out the connection, Lu Heng was too lazy to think more. He looked in the mirror at his long hair, which had been rolled into a mess from tossing and turning last night, and fell into distress.

Bai’s appearance rescued Lu Heng.

Seeing Lu Heng looking as if he had seen a savior, Bai could only place a soft cushion on the square table, put little Bai Li in his arms on it, and then take the comb from Lu Heng’s hand, preparing to do his hair.

Before he could begin, Shikong pushed the door open and came in. His gaze fell on Bai’s hand holding the comb and paused for several seconds.

“Today, I won’t trouble you,” Lu Heng stared fixedly at the mirror, not daring to look at Shikong, afraid that Shikong would see something wrong with him.

Shikong did not say much, only walked to the square table and sat down, pouring himself a cup of tea. Seeing Shikong like this, Lu Heng felt a little dejected again. He was truly sick of his own worrying over gains and losses. Why was matters of the heart so troublesome? His mood was completely out of his control.

The comb gently landed on Lu Heng’s hair. Bai was about to begin when the little snow rabbit on the square table snorted. Bai looked back and saw that Bai Li, who had been sleeping soundly, had somehow suddenly woken up and was nuzzling around, trying to find a familiar scent.

Bai felt it strange. His daughter usually slept deeply; unless she had slept for two full hours, it was hard to wake her even in a noisy place. Today she had only just fallen asleep not long ago, so why had she woken? But Bai did not have time to think too much. He said sorry to Lu Heng, put down the comb, and went over to soothe his child.

Lu Heng looked at his still messy hair in the mirror and could only turn to Shikong for help: “Shikong, I still have to trouble you.”

Shikong put down his teacup and, just like every morning, picked up the comb. Only Lu Heng felt that the rhythmically falling force did not merely land on his hair; it seemed to land in his heart as well.

By the time Lu Heng’s hair was combed into a topknot, Bai had also soothed the child. Only then did they have time to discuss business.

Bai said, “My fox clan friend sent word that he happens to be returning to the clan lands today.”

“And you?” Lu Heng saw that Bai seemed to be saying farewell.

“I am taking Yunniang back to the rabbit clan lands. After that, I will stay in the clan lands and focus on raising little Li. Once your matters are settled, you can come find me in the clan lands.”

There is no banquet in the world that does not end.

After introducing his fox clan friend to Lu Heng and Shikong, Bai set off alone on the journey to the clan lands. The passing wind swept up, making Bai’s clothes flap loudly. Only then did Lu Heng suddenly realize that Bai had become emaciated, his frame reduced to bones. The clothes that had once fit him now hung extremely loose on his body.

Thinking again of the energetic youth he had first met, Lu Heng could not help but feel a sense of loss. This matter of love—for humans or demons, was it a blessing or a curse?

“We should set off too.”

Lu Heng heard Shikong say, and then felt his hand fall into a warm palm.

“I am no longer a child. No—no need to hold my hand.” Lu Heng pulled his hand out, feeling his face grow warm.

The mountains of Qingqiu. Led by the nine-tailed fox king, it was the dwelling place of various fox clans. Bai’s fox clan friend introduced them to a fox clan elder.

After hearing Lu Heng finish speaking of Min’s matter, the elder’s brows furrowed tightly, his expression quite grave: “Min was a great demon of our clan. This old one cannot make a decision on his matter. We must wait for the fox king to come out of seclusion.”

“When will the fox king come out of seclusion?” Lu Heng asked.

“It should be within these few days. You two may stay in our clan for a few days. Once the fox king comes out, this old one will immediately report the matter.” The elder said.

Lu Heng and Shikong had no choice but to stay temporarily in Qingqiu. The customs of Qingqiu had always been passionate and unrestrained. The fox women coming and going were dressed very coolly. Although Lu Heng came from modern society, he had almost grown accustomed to this world’s layered, tightly wrapped clothing. Suddenly seeing attire similar to high summer in modern society made him somewhat afraid to look directly.

Lu Heng could not resist glancing at Shikong beside him. Shikong was looking straight ahead, his gaze not avoiding anything in the slightest.

“Do monks not speak of not looking at what is improper?” Lu Heng, somewhat annoyed, tugged at Shikong’s monk robe.

Shikong turned his head, looking puzzled. Seeing this, Lu Heng made a subtle gesture toward those beautiful, bold fox women.

“Beauty is but withered bones; it is only appearance,” Shikong said. “Your dao heart is unstable. You still need to temper it urgently.”

Lu Heng was choked half to death by Shikong’s words. He could only learn from Shikong’s unshakable manner and treat those fox women as roadside grass and distant clouds. After a moment, he found it actually had some effect. If the heart did not move, one naturally would not be affected by any external thing.

The two, single-mindedly cultivating, found several days passing in the blink of an eye.

The fox king came out of seclusion.

The elder, as promised, introduced Lu Heng and Shikong to the nine-tailed fox king. The fox king’s place of cultivation was at the source of the Ying River. The valley was rich in waterways. Under the sunlight, water vapor rose into the air, making it seem shrouded in mist and clouds, quite like a fairyland.

In this ink-wash-like valley, a woman dressed in bright red martial attire emerged from a cave. This fox king’s eyebrows were thicker than those of ordinary women. She had phoenix eyes, pupils like lacquer, and not a trace of charm; her whole body exuded a heroic, valiant air.

The elder introduced Lu Heng and Shikong to the fox king. After hearing, the fox king waved her hand, dismissing the elder.

As soon as the elder withdrew from the valley, the proud fox king unexpectedly bowed respectfully to Lu Heng: “Your Majesty has come to Qingqiu. Has something important happened?”

It was no wonder the fox king asked this. The current king of the demon clan was a thorough cultivation maniac, always coming and going without a trace. Unless something major had happened, he would absolutely not appear. This had led to the situation in the demon clan where, apart from the kings of each clan, almost no demon had seen the demon king’s face.

Lu Heng, meanwhile, was so startled by the fox king’s bow that his soul nearly left his body. Your Majesty? She is calling me? What is going on? Lu Heng could not help grabbing Shikong’s arm, somewhat panicked.

“Let us hear what she has to say.” Shikong sent a voice transmission.

Seeing that Lu Heng had not spoken for a long while, the fox king looked up and only then discovered that the demon king before her seemed somewhat off.

“Your Majesty, has something gone wrong with your cultivation? Why are you in this youthful form?” The fox king looked confused.

Remembering what Bai had told him before they parted about demon clan customs, as well as some things mentioned in the inheritance, Lu Heng recalled that demons were straightforward and frank, with little scheming. The kings of each clan also devoted themselves to clan affairs. Therefore, Lu Heng did not guard against the fox king too much. Besides, at worst Shikong was there; with his profound cultivation, protecting him would not be a problem.

Thinking of this, Lu Heng no longer concealed anything and told the fox king about his current situation.

After hearing him out, the fox king, with his permission, sent her divine sense into Lu Heng’s body and carefully examined his condition.

“This demon core has actually suffered such severe damage. This may be related to your loss of memory.” The fox king could not figure it out either. “I am not skilled in this area. You could summon that one to diagnose you carefully.”

Seeing that Lu Heng had lost his memory, the fox king reintroduced herself. Her name was Xi, and she was a five-thousand-year-old nine-tailed fox.

After that, Lu Heng finally explained the purpose of his visit.

“Is there a green-trace fox named Min in the fox clan?”

“Min? I haven’t seen that brat in a long time. I wonder which human town he is hiding in to play in the mortal world.” Speaking of Min, Xi felt a headache coming on. He clearly had outstanding talent and had cultivated into a great demon in just a few hundred years, yet his mind was never on cultivation.

“Min has already fallen.” Lu Heng ultimately spoke these somewhat cruel words. Among demons of the same clan, feelings were always deep.

“What!” Xi lost control and smashed the teacup in her hand.

“How is that possible! Was he killed by cultivators? I will make sure that person comes to no good end! Even their sect will pay the price!” Shocked and enraged, Xi lost the fox king’s dignity and cursed loudly.

Only after Xi’s emotions calmed somewhat did Lu Heng have the chance to tell her the whole story.

After hearing it, Xi was silent for a long while, then finally sighed: “I also knew about Min and that young girl back then. When he nearly fell into demonic madness, it was I who brought him back to the clan lands.”

“So many years have passed. I thought he had let go. I never expected he still had not given up searching for that girl’s reincarnation. Being too obsessive is not a good thing.” Xi murmured again, “This matter of love…”

Seeing Xi’s expression, it seemed to have stirred some memory. After a moment, she laughed self-mockingly, came back to herself, and said: “Are Min’s remains in your keeping?”

Lu Heng said, “At the time, he said his vitality was already cut off, and gave me his demon core, only asking that I bring his remains back to the clan lands.”

“Vitality already cut off?” Xi’s eyebrows shot up. “I’m afraid he had lost the will to live. That disappointing fellow—at worst he would just have to cultivate from the beginning again!”

Seeing that this hot-tempered fox king seemed about to fly into a rage again, Lu Heng quickly asked: “How should Min’s remains be buried?”

“The remains of fallen great demons must be buried in the forbidden land. Only the demon king can enter that forbidden land. It just so happens that Your Majesty is here. We will set out for the forbidden land tomorrow.” Xi added, “The forbidden land has been passed down for tens of millions of years. I do not know its mysteries, but perhaps there will be an opportunity there to resolve your current situation.”

Since it was decided to go to the demon clan forbidden land the next day, Lu Heng thought that they would be leaving, and decided to take a good look around Qingqiu.

“Qingqiu’s customs are quite interesting. I’ll go out and wander around.” Lu Heng said to Shikong, who was preparing to cultivate.

“This poor monk will go with you.”

“No, no. I’ll just look around and come back.” Without waiting for Shikong to reply, Lu Heng rushed out of the room.

The sun set in the west, and the golden-red sunset glow painted Qingqiu City like a scroll. Lu Heng let out a long breath. He admitted that these past few days he had indeed been avoiding Shikong. After understanding his own feelings, he had been stuck in a tangle, worrying over gains and losses.

Lu Heng could tell that Shikong treated him differently from others. This difference sometimes unavoidably gave rise to wild hopes, making him wonder if Shikong also had feelings for him. But placing matters of love on Shikong made Lu Heng feel it was a kind of sacrilege.

Amid his worries, a banner with the character for “wine” intruded into Lu Heng’s sight.

How to dispel sorrow? Only Dukang. Lu Heng immediately decided to go in for a small drink.

Perhaps because it was just dusk, the tavern was very quiet. Lu Heng casually picked a table and sat down.

The tavern owner was a female demon, graceful and elegant. But her face seemed familiar somehow.

“Young sir, we meet again.” The proprietress recognized Lu Heng first.

“You are?” Lu Heng still could not remember.

“Aiya, young sir truly has a short memory. This humble woman is deeply hurt.” The proprietress blinked. “Moon-Worship Festival.”

So it was the female demon who had given him flowers that night. Lu Heng felt a little embarrassed: “Sorry, too many things have happened these past few days. I could not remember for a moment.”

The female demon smiled unconcernedly: “Meeting is fate, especially since you and I have met by chance twice. This humble woman is named Hongmei.”

Although Hongmei seemed frivolous in manner, her eyes were clear and her disposition straightforward. Lu Heng therefore told her his name. By demon clan custom, after learning someone’s name, they were friends.

Hongmei also abandoned that tooth-aching way of speaking and became open and direct. She brought out two jars of wine from the back kitchen: “You are in luck today. Freshly out of the cellar—Fox Immortal Drunk. Sister will treat you.”

The two sat facing each other in silence, drinking. Hongmei was quite understanding. Perhaps seeing that Lu Heng looked heavy-hearted, if Lu Heng did not speak, she did not disturb him, only accompanying him cup after cup.

When slightly tipsy, Lu Heng finally could not hold it in: “Would you listen to my troubles?”

Hongmei raised her wine cup, signaling Lu Heng to continue.

Lu Heng briefly mentioned how he and Shikong had met and spent time together, but concealed the fact that Shikong was a monk, focusing on his entanglement over discovering his feelings during this period.

“From your description, the other person is not indifferent to you either. Since your feelings are mutual, just tell them. What is there to be troubled about?” Hongmei, who was always direct, could not quite understand. In her view, mutual affection meant they should immediately be together.

“I fear I will hinder his path of cultivation.”

Hongmei suddenly understood: “Your beloved, is he that master who pulled you away that day?”

Lu Heng’s face, already hot from alcohol, flushed red in an instant: “Yes, yes.”

Hongmei clapped and laughed: “Not bad, not bad. Sister greatly admires you. You have guts!”

Growing excited, Hongmei even slapped Lu Heng’s shoulder hard, an expression of relief on her face. Seeing that she seemed to have sunk into some unknown emotion and could not extricate herself, Lu Heng could only wait quietly for her to calm down.

“Have you asked him what he thinks?” Hongmei poured herself another cup of wine, finally a little calmer.

Lu Heng smiled bitterly: “How would I dare ask?”

“Then what right do you have to make the decision for him?” Hongmei said bluntly. “If that master has no feelings for you, then there is no question of hindering his cultivation. If he does have feelings for you, whether he will hinder his cultivation for you is something only he can decide.”

A word awakened the dreamer. Hongmei’s words pulled Lu Heng out of the tangled mess of the past few days.

After three rounds of wine, Lu Heng felt somewhat tipsy. The night was deepening. Seeing this, Lu Heng bade farewell to Hongmei and returned to the inn.

At the door, Lu Heng even cast a cleansing spell to remove the smell of alcohol from his body.

After pushing the door open, Lu Heng saw that Shikong was still sitting cross-legged in meditation, just as when he had left.

Lu Heng lightened his movements, afraid of disturbing Shikong. He had just sat down cross-legged by the window and was about to begin cultivating when he heard Shikong ask.

“Have you bathed?”

“Huh?” Lu Heng was stunned, not understanding what that meant.

“Your mind was already difficult to calm. Foreign scents on your body easily affect your state of mind,” Shikong explained.

Lu Heng found it very strange. Although his spells were not proficient, he still had confidence in a simple spell like the cleansing spell. But since Shikong said so, Lu Heng lowered his head and carefully sniffed his collar and sleeves. There really was no smell of alcohol. If he had to say, there seemed to be a lingering trace of Hongmei’s incense.

Lu Heng cast the cleansing spell again and found it was the same. He did not know what that incense was made of; even the cleansing spell could not completely remove it.

“This scent seems impossible to get rid of.” Lu Heng said with a bitter face. “How about leaving it? Maybe it will fade by tomorrow.”

“Come with me.” Shikong rose and went out.

Lu Heng followed behind Shikong to a valley outside the city. Hidden in the valley was a hot spring with steam rising from it.

“The power of this spiritual spring should be able to wash away those scents on you.”

Lu Heng reached out and tested the spring water. The temperature was suitable—truly an excellent natural hot spring. Happily, he pulled out his hairpin and let down his hair: “You have been with me these past two days, haven’t you? How did you discover such a good place? Did you also go out just now?”

“Divine sense perception.”

Shikong’s answer made Lu Heng feel a little foolish, looking at this cultivation world through the eyes of an ordinary person again.

After finishing his foolishness, Lu Heng lowered his head and began to untie his belt. He comforted himself that he was only like this because he had drunk wine. After taking off his outer robe, Lu Heng thought of something and stopped.

Lu Heng had originally wanted to ask Shikong to turn away, but seeing his calm expression, he thought that he was not a woman. Asking him to turn away would instead make it seem like a cover-up. So he openly took off his inner shirt and walked into the spiritual spring wearing only a pair of underpants.

As soon as he entered the spiritual spring, Lu Heng felt the spiritual energy penetrate into every pore of his body, so comfortable that he gave a soft hum. Then he said excitedly: “Shikong, this spiritual spring seems to have a beneficial effect on cultivation too. Come down and try it.”

Shikong, however, looked at Lu Heng steadily for a moment, until Lu Heng shifted a little uncomfortably, and only then said: “No need. This poor monk does not like to rely on external things when cultivating.”

Then Shikong turned and left, leaving only one sentence: “After bathing, do not delay. Return quickly and complete today’s cultivation.”