The sudden encounter left both sides momentarily stunned.
On the North Star side, apart from Cai Zhao and Song Yuzhi, none of the others had seen Mu Qingyan's true face before. Qi Lingbo even curiously stared a few extra moments at the handsome young man opposite them. Cai Zhao inwardly cursed her luck and immediately lowered her head.
Song Yuzhi, with his sharp eyes, spotted several familiar faces on the other side but couldn't find the right words to address them.
On the opposite side, due to someone's heavy-handed methods, even if You Guanyue and the others were surprised, they wouldn't show it.
After a brief standoff, Li Yuanmin, who was seven or eight years older and a generation senior to the rest, had no choice but to step forward. He cupped his fists and said, "This is the late Great Hero Chang's stronghold. May I ask who you are and what brings you here?"
Mu Qingyan's gaze swept over Song Yuzhi once more before he replied indifferently, "I am Mu Qingyan."
At the mention of these three words, the North Star side collectively gasped.
As centuries-old enemies, both sides naturally kept close tabs on each other's movements.
Months ago, the upheaval in the Vast Sea Mountain Range led to a shift in power. Though the Big Dipper Six Sects might not know the details, they were aware that the Nie Clan's decades-long reign had finally collapsed. The current Demon Lord had reverted to the Mu Clan—Mu Qingyan.
"You're the new Demon Lord?!" Li Yuanmin's pupils constricted sharply as he immediately reached for his sword.
Dai Fengchi and the others also placed their hands on their sword hilts in unison. Only Song Yuzhi and Cai Zhao were half a beat slower, exchanging a glance before putting on a show of vigilance.
Though they were sworn enemies, the intensity of hostility varied among the sects.
The Azure Tower Sect disciples remained wary but had no intention of initiating a fight—after all, the Martial World had been peaceful for over a decade.
However, the disciples of Grand Beginning Temple, bearing the blood debt of Wu Yuanying, drew their long swords in unison. Li Yuanmin, especially furious, lunged forward without hesitation, his sword aimed straight at Mu Qingyan.
Mu Qingyan stood motionless, his sleeves billowing with layers of energy as he flicked them. Li Yuanmin felt an overwhelming force crash into him like a tidal wave, momentarily suffocating him. His wrist went numb, and his sword flew from his grasp, soaring into the air.
You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan stepped forward simultaneously, one on each side, delivering several palm strikes in quick succession. The four disciples beside Li Yuanmin were also knocked to the ground, their swords slipping from their hands. Under the pale moonlight, five long swords fell from the sky, embedding themselves in the wild grass at the edge of the graveyard.
Mu Qingyan withdrew his hands into his sleeves, his expression unreadable as he glanced once more at the figure half-hidden behind Song Yuzhi.
She seemed to have grown taller recently, her figure graceful and slender, her waist delicate. Her clear eyes sparkled like pearls dropped into a lake, captivating with every glance. The girl was gradually shedding the awkwardness of childhood, resembling a budding magnolia—lush, delicate, and exquisitely beautiful.
Originally, Dai Fengchi and Ding Zhuo had been about to draw their swords and charge forward. But seeing five Grand Beginning Temple disciples defeated in a single move, they immediately halted—to put it nobly, personal losses were trivial, but tarnishing the Azure Tower Sect's reputation was a grave matter.
Shangguan Haonan stood tall at the front and declared loudly, "Our Lord is here today only to pay respects to the deceased. We have no wish for further trouble, so don't bring trouble upon yourselves."
You Guanyue laughed heartily. "Wu Yuanying was killed by the Nie uncle and nephew—it has nothing to do with our Lord. If Grand Beginning Temple truly seeks revenge, perhaps you could help our Lord hunt down the remaining Nie Clan remnants now wandering the Martial World."
Rubbing his wrist, Li Yuanmin asked suspiciously, "The deceased? What ties does the Chang family have with you?"Just as everyone was bewildered and uncertain, the observant Fan Xingjia caught some clues from Mu Qingyan's voice and posture. He whispered softly, "Zhao Zhao, don’t you think this person is... is that fake Chang Ning?"
Before Cai Zhao could answer, Qi Lingbo, who had also heard this, exclaimed in shock, "What did you say? This person is that impostor Chang Ning!"
At these words, the disciples of Grand Beginning Temple were puzzled, but the Azure Tower Sect disciples immediately erupted in uproar.
Dai Fengchi, who should have spoken up, recalled the embarrassing scene of being beaten like a dog by the 'fake Chang Ning' earlier and flushed red. Not only did he not step forward to question, but he even retreated half a step. Song Yuzhi glanced at Cai Zhao, hesitating to move.
With the second and third elders feigning ignorance, Ding Zhuo had no choice but to step forward and ask, "Could it be that you are the one who impersonated Chang Ning in our sect before?"
At this question, everyone’s gaze turned toward the opposite side.
"It was me," Mu Qingyan admitted bluntly, though his expression remained indifferent. "What do you have to say, Young Hero Ding?"
Ding Zhuo, of course, had nothing to say. Since childhood, he had been obsessed with martial arts and was rather inept in social matters. Having asked the question, he had no idea what to say next.
Qi Lingbo bit her lip, unable to fathom how the disheveled, pockmarked youth who had sought refuge with them could now be the majestic, noble, and extraordinarily handsome Demon Lord before her.
Fan Xingjia gaped, "It really is him... Who would have thought he’s now the Demon Lord..." His tone carried the astonishment of someone who had once dug for sweet potatoes together but now saw the other rise to glory.
As he spoke, most of the Azure Tower Sect disciples' eyes fell on Cai Zhao.
Back in the sect, if Cai Zhao claimed to be the second closest to the fake Chang Ning, no one dared to claim first.
Knowing she couldn’t avoid this, Cai Zhao steeled herself and stepped forward, raising her voice, "So it’s Lord Mu here. What a pleasant surprise..." She managed only fourteen words before being interrupted by a short, mocking chuckle.
In the cold wind and under the pale moon, the mountain hollow fell silent, and everyone heard clearly—the scoff had come from Mu Qingyan.
Mu Qingyan tilted his head slightly. "Don’t you find this amusing?"
You Guanyue, ever the quick-witted one, promptly replied, "This subordinate finds it extremely amusing, haha, hahaha..."
Led by him, Shangguan Haonan and the others also burst into laughter, their hahas echoing across the mountain. Young Lady Knight Cai’s attempt at initiating conversation thus came to an abrupt end. Her face burned red, and she seethed with anger, wishing she could pounce and beat these demonic scoundrels senseless.
But she heroically restrained herself.
Song Yuzhi, who had been unsure how to approach Mu Qingyan, understood Cai Zhao’s intent the moment she spoke. Playing along, he feigned ignorance and said, "My junior sister spoke politely. Why do your esteemed companions mock her so? Lord Mu, though you outnumber us, we disciples of North Star are not afraid to fight!"
Mu Qingyan’s eyes darkened—this man was the one he despised most.
Cai Zhao’s pretense of not knowing him had a certain charm, but this Song fellow was just putting on airs, like stuffing a pig’s snout with leeks. If only he hadn’t been in such turmoil after annihilating the Nie Clan, with countless tasks at hand—otherwise, he would never have let this Song leave the Vast Sea Mountains unscathed!
"I’ve heard that Young Hero Song is exceptionally gifted, with astonishing cultivation, the most outstanding disciple among the North Star sects today. Since we’ve met by chance, why don’t you and I spar right now..." Mu Qingyan’s eyes brimmed with malice. Even if he couldn’t kill Song Yuzhi on the spot, he would humiliate him thoroughly.
Song Yuzhi showed no fear, immediately drawing his sword from its sheath. "If it’s a fight you want, Lord Mu, then let’s fight."Before these two could actually come to blows, Cai Zhao pushed Song Yuzhi aside, planting her hands on her hips like a small round-bellied teapot, and declared loudly, "What sparring? What challenge? This is the Chang family ancestral gravesite, not a martial arts arena—no random leaping about allowed! Sect Leader Mu, you might not fear disturbing the spirits of the Chang ancestors, but we North Star disciples dare not!"
"Recently, following our elders' instructions, we've been preparing to honor Great Hero Chang's spirit. If Sect Leader Mu wishes to pay respects today, we'll respectfully withdraw. If you've already paid your respects, then please leave this place so we may each go about our business. Otherwise, let's skip the pretense of sparring and simply fight to the death!"
Li Yuanmin greatly admired this stance. His earlier impulsiveness had made him realize that in a direct confrontation, their group wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps between the Demons' teeth. Yet they couldn't afford to lose face either—it was quite the dilemma. Cai Zhao's words were bold and righteous, yet subtly invoked the Chang family's favor with Mu Qingyan, leaving room for negotiation.
Thus he said, "Junior Apprentice Cai is right. North Star and your sect are irreconcilable. There's no point in further talk—Sect Leader Mu may do as he pleases!"
Mu Qingyan didn't respond. His sinister gaze swept over them, followed by a short, cold laugh before he turned and left, with You Guanyue and the others following closely behind.
Once the Demons had completely departed, Li Yuanmin exhaled in relief and turned to clasp his hands respectfully. "As an elder, I'm ashamed to admit I lacked both the courage and wisdom displayed by Junior Apprentice Zhao Zhao just now. My words were inadequate—truly embarrassing."
Qi Lingbo bit her lip. "Adequate words? I hardly think so. Seventh Junior Sister was clearly showing weakness earlier. They only had about ten people while we have dozens—why should we fear them?"
Cai Zhao understood Qi Lingbo's nature perfectly. She wasn't particularly malicious—she just couldn't stand seeing girls her own age outshine her.
From their very first meeting, Qi Lingbo had resented Cai Zhao's looks and family background matching her own, then grew jealous when Cai Zhao received more affection from Qi Yunke, and later begrudged how even the universally disliked "Chang Ning" got along with her. Now hearing Li Yuanmin praise Cai Zhao had triggered her old habits again.
But times had changed. The young Miss Cai's temper had soured too, and she immediately snapped back, "Well I can't beat that Mu fellow. If Senior Sister Lingbo thinks it's so easy, why don't you go fight him yourself?"
"You—!" Qi Lingbo sputtered in rage.
Cai Zhao showed no mercy: "My aunt once said that when sending others into deadly battles, true heroes shout 'Follow me!' while fake ones yell 'Go for me!' Senior Sister Lingbo talks big, but when real fighting starts, she'd be hiding behind me and the senior brothers!"
This was too harsh. Qi Lingbo's eyes welled with angry tears as she cried, "Back at the sect, that impostor Chang Ning was disliked by everyone except you. No wonder you're so fearless now—counting on the Demon Lord to go easy on you. I don't have your advantages, so I'll go fight the Demons myself! Even outside the sect I won't endure your insults..."
Dai Fengchi's heart ached for her. Handing Qi Lingbo a handkerchief, he reproached, "Seventh Junior Sister, where are your manners? Lingbo is your senior after all. How can you speak to her so disrespectfully?"
Song Yuzhi stepped forward and said coolly, "If not for your constant bullying back then, Master wouldn't have entrusted Zhao Zhao to look after that impostor Chang Ning. Given how things turned out, what right do you have to criticize? I think Junior Sister Zhao Zhao was completely correct—those who hide during storms shouldn't pretend to be heroes when the seas are calm."Seeing her fiancé not defending her at all, Qi Lingbo cried even harder.
With the internal dispute within the Azure Tower Sect, Li Yuanmin found it inappropriate to intervene. In the end, only Ding Zhuo, who usually avoided meddling in others' affairs, and the timid Fan Xingjia stepped in to mediate—
"Senior brothers and sisters, please stop arguing. This is the Chang family's burial ground!"
"If you keep quarreling, I'll report it to the master later."
By the time they returned to Wuan City at the foot of the mountain, night had fallen deeply. Li Yuanmin barely managed to get the city gates opened, but all the shops were already closed. He then had the Azure Tower Sect disciples rest briefly at a tea stall while he led some disciples to find lodging.
Fan Xingjia, holding a warm teacup, sidled up to Cai Zhao: "When Senior Sister Lingbo used to pick on you before, you always just laughed it off. Why didn’t you give an inch today and ended up letting the Grand Beginning Temple disciples witness such a spectacle?"
As he spoke, though the other disciples didn’t voice agreement, their eyes conveyed the same sentiment. Qi Lingbo had been willful and spoiled for over a decade—everyone knew it, everyone tolerated it, and Cai Zhao had never made an issue of it before. Something that could usually be brushed off with a smile, yet today Cai Zhao refused to yield at all, resulting in the Grand Beginning Temple disciples watching a grand drama unfold.
Cai Zhao glared with her beautiful eyes: "Am I her mother, obliged to indulge her all the time? She’s even a year older than me!" Not wanting to argue further, she tossed out, "I’m going for a walk to clear my head. I’ll be back later."
Song Yuzhi had just risen to stop her when the young girl turned and vanished into the vast night. He stood there, stunned.
The surroundings were heavy with dew, the sounds of chickens and dogs faintly audible. Cai Zhao stomped heavily on the cobblestone road, thinking how blood is indeed thicker than water. No matter how amiable she usually was, she couldn’t compare to Qi Lingbo, who had grown up in the sect, in the hearts of the disciples. If she didn’t stand her ground once, she’d be expected to yield forever—how infuriating!
Her chest felt stifled, like a pot of boiling water with its lid tightly sealed, seething relentlessly. Filled with indignation, she stomped her feet furiously.
Walking aimlessly with her head down, she didn’t know how much time had passed when she suddenly bumped into a familiar, solid chest. Looking up, she saw a face dark with anger, ruining what would otherwise be handsome features—none other than that accursed Painted-Skin Demon!
"You—" Cai Zhao’s temper flared as she planted her hands on her hips, ready to unleash a tirade.
But the Painted-Skin Demon seemed even angrier than her and snapped first: "Have you no conscience left, daring to show your face before me?!"
Cai Zhao: ???
Furious beyond words, Cai Zhao turned on her heel and walked away without a word.
Mu Qingyan glared at her retreating back and roared, "If you dare leave, I’ll go ‘spar’ with Song Yuzhi right now!"
Cai Zhao nearly jumped as she spun back around: "What’s wrong with you, you monster?!"
Mu Qingyan sneered coldly in his rage: "Fine, fine! If I don’t beat Song Yuzhi into a pulp, I’ll renounce my family name!" With that, he turned to leave.
"If you have something to say, say it properly! Don’t go picking fights for no reason!" Cai Zhao grabbed his arm with both hands, pulling with all her might.
"I’m picking fights?!" Mu Qingyan twisted around and gripped the girl’s shoulders, his fair face contorted with fury. "First, you pretended not to know me to my face. When I swallowed my pride to seek you out, you turned away. Now, the moment I mention Song Yuzhi, you change your tune—are you trying to provoke me?!"
"Take a look in the mirror—when have you ever swallowed your pride? You strutted in here like you came to collect a debt!" Cai Zhao’s shoulders ached from his grip, and she was nearly spitting blood in anger.Mu Qingyan roared, "I came to collect a debt! What you owe me can never be repaid in a lifetime! I’m going to crush that Song bastard right now!"
Cai Zhao nearly fainted from anger. "Why are you targeting Third Senior Brother to collect a debt?! Does that make any sense to you?!"
"So you admit you owe me?!"
"...I don’t!" This bastard!
Mu Qingyan narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous. "Don’t try to fool me! For the past two months, rumors have been spreading throughout Azure Tower Sect that Song Yuzhi and Qi Lingbo’s relationship has cooled, and their marriage might not happen. And that old dog Song—before even returning from his journey, he sent half a ship’s worth of lavish gifts to Fallen Blossom Valley. It’s not even a festival—do you think I can’t guess what he’s scheming?!"
"You sent spies to infiltrate us and gather information?" Cai Zhao was speechless. "Can’t you Demons ever take the righteous path?!"
Mu Qingyan sneered. "I don’t take the righteous path, but Song Yuzhi does? He’s plotting sinister schemes, too cowardly to act openly, resorting to underhanded tricks! If I don’t kill this hypocrite, I won’t be able to swallow this anger!" He turned to leave again.
Cai Zhao, furious and heartbroken, shoved his arm away and shouted, "Go ahead! Kill Third Senior Brother! Then we’ll come for revenge, and we’ll all perish together—clean and simple!"
Mu Qingyan turned back and saw the girl’s tear-filled eyes. Enraged, he snapped, "Why are you crying?! I won’t let you suffer! Does the thought of Song Yuzhi dying pain you so much?!"
Cai Zhao wiped her cheeks and realized her face was drenched in tears.
Standing there, she sobbed like a child. "If you really kill or harm Third Senior Brother, Azure Tower Sect and Vast Heaven Gate will never let you go! Then the Big Dipper Six Sects and your Demon faction will go to war again, mountains of corpses and rivers of blood—what am I supposed to do then?!"
Mu Qingyan’s heart ached. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly—this soft, longed-for body—his chest swelling with bittersweet pain.
Cai Zhao pounded his chest. "Do you know how I’ve been living these days? My parents, my master, and elders from other sects keep reminding me—subtly or outright—not to stray from the righteous path, as if I’m about to turn into some evil fiend at any moment! You monster, this is all your fault! What did I do wrong? I didn’t seek you out! I’ve never been this miserable in my life!"
"Bastard, monster, liar! Why did you have to come to Azure Tower Sect? Couldn’t you have just healed in some remote mountain?! I wish I’d never met you in my life!"
Mu Qingyan endured her blows, but at these words, his anger flared again. He grabbed her arm and pinned her against the wall, gritting his teeth. "Don’t even dream of it! If I recover and reclaim my power, I’ll immediately attack your Big Dipper Six Sects to establish my dominance—starting with wiping out your Fallen Blossom Valley! Then I’ll drag you back and lock you up. Let’s see who dares to take you from me then!"
Cai Zhao shoved him away, furious. "You dare?!" She flicked open the clasp of her waist saber, and a flash of golden-red light sliced through the air—forcing Mu Qingyan to dodge.
Seizing the chance, Cai Zhao slipped into an alley.
With a single leap of her peerless lightness skill, Flower-Fluttering Crossing, her fragrant figure vanished without a trace.
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