The townspeople gradually returned, with members of the Blade Sect overseeing their arrangements. Meanwhile, the disciples took charge of cleaning up the aftermath outside the city. The division of labor was clear, though it would take several days to complete.
Mo Zhu held an umbrella for Yu Zhiling, stealing glances at her from time to time. It was obvious she had been preoccupied throughout their journey—she had never been good at hiding her emotions, whether sorrow or joy, as they always showed plainly on her face.
He didn’t ask what was on her mind, choosing instead to accompany her in silence as they walked back. Along the way, they encountered Blade Sect disciples, and Mo Zhu specifically inquired about the inn Yi Xunzhou had arranged for them.
Yun Zhi and Wu Zhaoyan would likely stay for a couple of days to recover from their injuries before leaving. Yu Zhiling had originally planned to return directly to Yingshan Sect—she had been uneasy about leaving it unattended. But with the rain pouring down, flying on the miniature boat was inadvisable, so they settled in the city for the time being.
Yu Zhiling didn’t seek out Yun Zhi or Wu Zhaoyan, heading straight for the room Yi Xunzhou had prepared.
Just as she turned to close the door, a hand slipped into the gap, blocking it.
Yu Zhiling quickly released the door. "Mo Zhu, what are you doing? What if I’d crushed your hand?"
"Let me stay for a while."
Mo Zhu pushed the door open and strode inside, closing it behind him.
The moment he entered, the room suddenly felt much smaller. The tall, broad-shouldered youth stood before her, his imposing frame casting a shadow over her, making her feel as though she were already wrapped in his embrace.
Yu Zhiling muttered under her breath, "You’ve grown taller again. How are you still getting taller?"
Mo Zhu gripped her waist and lifted her effortlessly.
"Mo Zhu!"
Yu Zhiling gasped, clutching his shoulders for balance.
Holding her with one arm as if she weighed nothing, he carried her a few steps before setting her down on the table. Then, with a smirk, he pinched her cheek.
Yu Zhiling’s eyes widened. "You rebellious disciple! How dare you pinch your master’s face!"
Mo Zhu nodded. "Mhm. I am rebellious—utterly disrespectful toward my master."
Whether intentional or not, his gaze drifted to her lips, still slightly red from earlier. They had kissed for a long time. Before meeting her, Mo Zhu had never imagined he would one day do something so reckless—kissing someone in a deserted alleyway, drenched by the rain.
Yu Zhiling covered her mouth. "Don’t even think about kissing me again!"
Mo Zhu sighed in exaggerated disappointment. "Fine. I’ll wait for next time."
Yu Zhiling kicked his shin. "Behave yourself!"
Mo Zhu wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin against her shoulder and nuzzling her neck like a spoiled child. "Master said you like me. Does that mean our relationship has changed?"
Yu Zhiling often acted on impulse, doing things even she couldn’t explain. But she didn’t regret it—kissing him had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, and she had followed through.
Still, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
Pressing her nose against his shoulder, she mumbled, "I did take the initiative, but… what do you want from me?"
"Can I have anything I want?"
"...Depends. Nothing too excessive."
He knew exactly what she meant by "excessive."
Mo Zhu hugged her tighter, rubbing his cheek against hers before whispering in her ear, "Can I be Master’s cultivation partner?"
Yu Zhiling hesitated in his arms before murmuring, "Mo Zhu… I’m much older than you."
The young man stiffened, pulling back slightly to look at her.
"Does Master mind that?"
Sitting on the high sandalwood table, her feet dangled without touching the ground, leaving her feeling unsteady. His intense questioning only made her more nervous.
After a long pause, she lowered her head and muttered, "A little. You… you might meet someone younger, someone better—"
"Don’t." Mo Zhu cut her off, covering her mouth. His throat bobbed as he said firmly, "Don’t say things like that."
With his hand over her lips, only her bright, wide eyes were visible, filled with confusion.
Mo Zhu softened his voice. "There won’t be anyone else. My heart only has room for one person—only Master. If Master likes me, then don’t worry about anything else."
Yu Zhiling grasped his wrist, pulling his hand away. She looked up at him and asked, "What if I’ve kept many things from you?"
Mo Zhu interlaced their fingers, squeezing gently.
"It doesn’t matter. I don’t mind. Master can have her secrets. If you’re willing to tell me, I’ll listen. If not, I won’t force you."
"Mo Zhu, you…"
Yu Zhiling had to admit—her resistance toward him was weakening. He was just too good at this.
The way he feigned vulnerability at times, balanced with moments of assertiveness… He knew exactly what she liked. And on top of that, he treated her better than anyone else. Having arrived alone in this unfamiliar world, he had been by her side the longest. Though he was originally just her mission target, he had become her greatest source of security.
She was sensitive by nature, and Mo Zhu was meticulous—slowly but surely breaching her defenses.
Mo Zhu leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers, their noses brushing lightly.
"Then let’s take it slow. Master can think it over. We have all the time in the world. Just… don’t say things like you did earlier."
What had she said?
That even if she wasn’t by his side in the future, he should still be fine.
No. He wouldn’t allow it.
Mo Zhu cupped her face, his calloused thumbs tracing her cheeks before grazing the corner of her eye.
He stared at her—like a serpent eyeing its prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Yu Zhiling shivered under his gaze, turning her head slightly before murmuring,
"Okay."
"Then… can I hold you for a while?"
"...Okay."
Mo Zhu relaxed, pulling her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck, pressing light kisses against her skin. She trembled but didn’t push him away.
He was always testing her boundaries. Every time she yielded even slightly, her heart opened to him a little more.
Mo Zhu was grateful for his sharp mind. Since childhood, he had been calculating, always finding the most efficient solutions. And when it came to love, it was no different—he studied her preferences, avoided her triggers, and steadily unlocked her heart.
Sometimes, strategic retreats were the best way to advance.
The full moon hung high in the sky as rain poured over the entire Central Continent.
A woman in lotus-patterned robes traversed the mountain path until she reached a sheer cliff. Pressing her manicured fingers against the stone, a crack formed on the seamless surface, widening until it became a passage large enough for one.
She stepped inside.
Unlike the people of the Central Continent, who relied on sunlight, demons despised it. They thrived in darkness—and You Zhou, born of the abyss, was no exception.
You Zhou reclined on a stone couch, the flickering crimson candlelight casting eerie shadows across his already pallid face.
"You’re back. Are your injuries severe?"
“Hmm.” She raised her hand, and the left wrist that had been severed was now regrown with fresh flesh. Her gaze lingered on the newly formed limb. “This subordinate is a demonic lizard. As long as my head remains intact, I cannot die.”
You Zhou propped his chin on one hand, his brow lifting slightly. “The plan failed this time?”
“Yu Zhiling didn’t use the third Windfrost Slash. She deployed the Fourfold Killing Formation instead. We acted too late. After ascending to the Transcendence Realm, she’s far stronger than she was at the peak of the Mahayana Realm back then. Not to mention, she had those people by her side.”
You Zhou’s dark hair spilled loosely over his shoulders, his blood-red eyes glinting with amusement. Even upon hearing of the plan’s failure, he showed no anger, merely replying lazily, “Yu Zhiling has reached Transcendence. Impressive. Truly impressive.”
His voice grew quieter, yet his laughter swelled, as if forced from his throat. His body trembled, the mirth escalating from calm to near-manic.
Suddenly, You Zhou sat up, his wide sleeve sweeping out a vicious gust that slammed into the woman before him.
She was hurled backward, crashing against the stone wall before sliding down, purple-red blood trickling from her lips. Yet she dared not show even a flicker of resentment, immediately dropping to one knee.
“This subordinate has failed in her duty.”
You Zhou rose to his feet, his tall, gaunt figure resembling a specter.
“Of course you failed. Years ago, I sent you to the Yingshan Sect, and all this time, you never found the Jade Serpent Bracelet! I ordered you to extract Mo Zhu’s Flying Serpent heart and carve out his reverse scale—did you accomplish that?”
The woman clutched her chest, struggling to speak. “The Jade Serpent Bracelet was truly not within the sect. I don’t know where Zhuo Yu hid it. As for Mo Zhu… there was a strange power within him. I had already slit open his chest, but the moment I touched his heart, a restriction lashed out and severely wounded me.”
You Zhou descended the steps in a few strides, crouching before her on one knee. “Yu Zhiling was already dead by then. You couldn’t even handle a child?”
The woman clenched her teeth, not daring to meet his gaze. “The power within Mo Zhu was unnatural. This subordinate suspects… it was a restriction placed by Zhuo Yu before he left. He must have feared someone would come for him again.”
“So, you couldn’t break a restriction left by a dead man?”
No answer came. She didn’t dare speak.
You Zhou suddenly laughed, standing and strolling back leisurely.
“Still, Yu Zhiling is full of secrets. She clearly died in the Demon Abyss—so why is she alive? In the three years you were away from the mountain, she inexplicably reappeared at the Yingshan Sect, her memories wiped clean.”
He whirled around, his voice sharpening. “She forgot everything, yet her Dao Heart remained intact. She’s still a master of the Path of Clarity, completely unaffected by my demonic seed, and now she’s reached Transcendence?”
“She’s reached Transcendence! Not even two hundred years old, and she’s already there! If we don’t kill her soon, do you realize how high the Path of Clarity will elevate her? She’ll reach the peak of Transcendence within a century, unraveling centuries of my plans!”
“No, no—back then in the Lingyou Dao, I shouldn’t have sent you to kill Yu Xiangrong. I should have gone myself. I should have slaughtered the child in her womb, nipped it in the bud. Then there would be no Yu Zhiling in this world.”
No matter how he ranted, the woman kept her head bowed, listening to his deranged monologue.
“The Path of Clarity—always the Path of Clarity. First Fuchun, now Yu Zhiling. Why must they insist on courting death?”
“I sacrificed a doppelgänger to lure her into the Demon Abyss. How is she still alive? How is Yu Zhiling still alive?”
His obsession with Yu Zhiling had festered into something deeper, a venomous hatred for all who walked the Path of Clarity. Whether it was Fuchun or Yu Zhiling now, it seemed the Path of Clarity was forever standing in his way.
Speaking too much risked mistakes. At times like this, it was best to wait for You Zhou to calm down on his own. Silence was the safest choice.
After roughly fifteen minutes, the frenzied muttering ceased. You Zhou stood tall and composed once more, every bit the serene nobleman.
“Rise.”
“Yes.”
She stood, stealing a glance at him before quickly lowering her eyes. “This subordinate has failed. The blame lies with me.”
You Zhou, now calm, replied evenly, “It’s not your fault. If Yu Zhiling were so easy to kill, I wouldn’t have spent decades running from her.”
He tossed her a vial of pills before pacing back up the dais.
“Leave. I won’t need you for now. Go wherever you wish and await my summons.”
“Yes, my lord.”
She turned and exited the cavern, but at the mouth of the cave, she paused, looking back at the figure reclining on the stone couch.
You Zhou was born of the Heavenly Demon’s Womb—ruthless, devoid of humanity, the most tyrannical of Demon Lords. He was incapable of love.
For millennia, he had kept no consorts, never allowing anyone close. She knew this. To him, conquest was his sole pursuit.
From beginning to end, he had only ever seen her as a useful subordinate. He rewarded her, punished her, saved her—and one day, he would kill her without hesitation.
She had even wondered if he harbored feelings for Yu Zhiling, given how animated he became whenever her name was mentioned.
But the truth was, You Zhou’s hatred for Yu Zhiling was pure. His desire to kill her had become an obsession. He admired her courage and strength, how she had dared to hunt him for decades—but his wish to eradicate this meddling Immortal was equally genuine.
Hidden in the shadows, her once-vibrant peony-colored robes now dulled, she smiled faintly. Yet her eyes held no mirth.
Who was she laughing at? Who was she mocking?
Only she knew.
Wu Zhaoyan had just stepped out of his room when he spotted a figure standing outside the door opposite.
Mo Zhu was impossible to miss. Though orphaned young, as royalty of the Flying Serpent lineage, etiquette had been drilled into him since childhood. Years of training had only honed his poise further—whether standing or sitting, his spine remained straight as a blade.
He was an adult now, yet he still wore his hair in the high ponytail of his youth, his arms crossed over his sword as he stood guard outside Yu Zhiling’s door.
Sensing Wu Zhaoyan’s gaze, he turned, his expression cold, a trace of hostility in his eyes.
Wu Zhaoyan shut the door behind him, the two men locking stares across the corridor.
“What are you doing outside her room?”
Mo Zhu ignored him, turning back to his vigil.
Wu Zhaoyan strode forward, seizing his arm and yanking him away. “Come with me.”
Mo Zhu scowled, shaking him off. “What do you want, Immortal?”
Wu Zhaoyan’s eyelids lifted slightly as he glanced at Yu Zhiling’s closed door. “I don’t want to disturb her rest. We need to talk.”
Mo Zhu averted his gaze, brushing past him. He hadn’t planned to disturb Yu Zhiling either—that was why he’d been waiting silently, not calling for her to wake.
They reached the front courtyard, where Mo Zhu leaned against the railing, his expression icy.
Wu Zhaoyan crossed his arms and sneered coldly, "Now that you're not in front of your master, you don’t need to pretend anymore, do you?"
Mo Zhu replied impatiently, "What do you want? My master will wake up soon."
"You even know when she’ll wake up—are you spying on her?"
Mo Zhu frowned. "I would never disrespect my master. Her routine is consistent; observing for a while is enough to learn it. Sect Leader Wu, you’ve known my master for so long, yet it seems you don’t understand her as well as I do."
Wu Zhaoyan was momentarily silenced.
Mo Zhu stood up to leave. "I have things to attend to."
"Mo Zhu," Wu Zhaoyan called out, stopping him. "Before, I didn’t know you were a Flying Serpent and thought you weren’t worthy of her. Now that I know, I still think you’re unworthy."
Mo Zhu wasn’t angered in the slightest. He glanced over indifferently. "And then? Are you worthy?"
Wu Zhaoyan didn’t rise to the provocation. His lips pressed tightly together as he lowered his voice. "Do you know what the Immortal Alliance has been discussing lately?"
Mo Zhu didn’t know, and neither did Yu Zhiling. They had been in Lingyou Dao—how would they know about affairs in the Central Continent?
But Wu Zhaoyan had received news last night. He knew.
"Sect Leader Yan went to the Immortal Alliance. The demons have chosen a new Monster King—one of your grandfather’s former subordinates. You must have heard of him, right?"
Mo Zhu’s expression darkened instantly, his brows furrowing and his gaze turning icy.
Wu Zhaoyan continued, "You know how the Flying Serpent clan was betrayed back then. Now that that python has become the new Monster King and learned you’re still alive, hiding in the Central Continent, don’t you think he’ll do everything to kill you?"
He stepped closer to Mo Zhu as he spoke. "Staying by Yu Zhiling’s side will only bring her danger. The Demon Lord covets Xiao Wu’s life, and the Monster King wants you dead. What exactly are you hiding from her? Why haven’t you told your master?"
"What are you scheming by keeping her in the dark?"
Mo Zhu suddenly lifted his gaze, his voice cold. "I have never thought of using my master. Likewise, my affairs are mine to handle—no need for Sect Leader Wu’s concern. I will tell her everything I know."
He turned to leave, his figure resolute. Just as he reached the end of the corridor, about to disappear, he suddenly glanced back.
"Oh, Sect Leader Wu."
Wu Zhaoyan remained silent, waiting coldly for him to speak.
Mo Zhu’s eyes curved slightly, though the smile didn’t reach them.
"Only the childish believe there’s an order to love. Only the weak stay rooted in place. A single step behind means a lifetime of regret—so what’s wrong with the latecomer surpassing the first?"
His lips curled into a faint smile. Whether intentional or not, the wound on his lips from last night remained unhealed.
Wu Zhaoyan hadn’t noticed before, but now it was impossible to ignore. The mark was too glaring—his heart skipped a beat, his blood running cold.
Mo Zhu’s smile faded, his expression turning frigid as he turned away.
The look he gave Wu Zhaoyan was one of mockery, of disdain.
Wu Zhaoyan’s throat tightened. Even long after Mo Zhu had vanished from the corridor, he couldn’t tear his gaze away.
"Zhaoyan, respect Xiao Wu’s choice."
A hand suddenly rested on his shoulder.
Wu Zhaoyan seemed to snap out of his daze. He turned his head away, taking a deep breath. His clenched fists loosened, revealing crescent-shaped marks dug into his palms.
"You know, don’t you? How far have they gone?"
His voice was hoarse, thick with emotion.
Yun Zhi, biased toward Wu Zhaoyan, spoke gently. "Xiao Wu likes him."
"Yu Zhiling likes him?" Wu Zhaoyan whirled around, his voice rising. "How could Yu Zhiling possibly like him? He’s a demon!"
Yun Zhi’s expression remained calm. "You’re prejudiced against demons, but Xiao Wu isn’t. She’s always been like this—what does it matter if he’s a demon? She doesn’t care."
"Is he worthy of her?"
"No, he’s not. But Xiao Wu likes him." Yun Zhi replied evenly. "Mo Zhu treats her well."
Everyone could see it—the kind of care that feared she might shatter if held too tightly, the kind of devotion that cherished her like a priceless treasure. But Wu Zhaoyan had never believed that a seventeen-year-old boy’s affection alone could move the heart of a Central Continent immortal.
If it were just about treating Yu Zhiling well, the entire Central Continent did so. Her friends spanned the three sects and four great families—was a little kindness really enough?
Wu Zhaoyan’s eyes reddened, his breathing heavy. He had told himself not to dwell on it, yet he couldn’t help recalling the way Yu Zhiling leaned into Mo Zhu, the closeness between them that she never showed him.
Yun Zhi gripped his shoulder and sighed. "What moved Xiao Wu was never material kindness—it was sincerity. Zhaoyan, you haven’t spent as much time with her as Mo Zhu has, and she doesn’t care for your temperament. Don’t overthink it."
What Yu Zhiling loved was unconditional devotion and indulgence—something Wu Zhaoyan, raised as a proud clan leader, could never offer. But Mo Zhu attended to her every need, spoiled her without principle, and stayed by her side day after day.
Wu Zhaoyan looked away. He understood. He knew how well Mo Zhu treated Yu Zhiling.
Yun Zhi patted his shoulder. "Respect her choice. If she truly loves him, don’t interfere. Even the Yingshan Sect isn’t standing in their way—what right do we have to meddle?"
"So don’t hold too much prejudice against Mo Zhu. Investigations have revealed the truth—the Flying Serpent royal family’s tragedy was unjust. That boy is a good one."
Wu Zhaoyan covered his eyes, his voice trembling. "I don’t hate him. I just… regret it. I shouldn’t have clung to my pride. I thought Xiao Wu would never love anyone, that I’d have my chance eventually."
"Regret is useless, Zhaoyan. Don’t dwell on the past."
Yu Zhiling had just woken up when she spotted her little disciple waiting outside.
The moment he saw her emerge, his eyes lit up.
"Master, you’re awake."
Like a puppy.
That was the thought that crossed her mind.
Yu Zhiling suppressed the smile tugging at her lips, forcing a stern expression. "You’re up early."
Mo Zhu straightened and closed the door behind her. "Mn. I missed you."
Her ears burned instantly. She glared at him. "Shut up!"
Her little disciple trailed after her, smiling. "Master, are we returning to the Yingshan Sect?"
Yu Zhiling mumbled, "Mn. Let’s go back. I’m a little worried."
Mo Zhu had already prepared the dimensional boat. He nodded. "Alright, let’s set off."
As they left the inn, they ran into Wu Zhaoyan and Yun Zhi at the entrance.
Yun Zhi bid them farewell politely. "Travel safely. Zhaoyan and I will return once we’ve settled matters here."
Wu Zhaoyan, however, stared deeply at Yu Zhiling before turning away without a word.
Yu Zhiling: "?"
She fumed. "What’s his problem now?!"
Yun Zhi quickly intervened. "It’s nothing, nothing. Xiao Wu, you should leave while the rain’s stopped."
Yu Zhiling gave a soft hum and pulled Mo Zhu by the wrist onto the mustard-seed boat. As they departed, she leaned over the deck, gazing down at the devastated landscape outside the city.
Her voice was low and heavy. "It's because of me... You Zhou came for me."
Mo Zhu stepped to her side and replied calmly, "Master, when he left these demonic fiends behind, you weren’t even a year old. Even if it wasn’t to target you, he would have used them against the Central Continent."
Though now, what he truly wanted was to eliminate Yu Zhiling.
Mention of the demonic fiends unsettled her. "I understand that logic, Mo Zhu. But I can’t help worrying—if the River of No Return holds so many of them, what about other places?"
The mission to uncover the truth behind the Yingshan Sect’s annihilation was only half-complete. The system still hadn’t updated the progress, meaning the true culprit behind the destruction of a major sect of over ten thousand disciples remained at large.
Could it be... buried near the Yingshan Sect?
Thousands—no, far more—demonic fiends lying in wait?
