At the foot of Mount Wenshen.
“Master, going to the Wenshen Sect like this without the sect’s permission could easily be seen as a war between sects,” one of Qin Rushan’s disciples could not help but warn.
They had followed Qin Rushan in a mad dash from the Longevity Dao Sect, arriving at the foot of Mount Wenshen in only two days.
But in truth, they had not received any official writ from the Longevity Dao Sect.
In today’s cultivation world, the immortal sects included the Nine Great Sects, led by the Longevity Dao Sect and the Carefree Dao Sect. The demonic path, meanwhile, had its Ten Great Demonic Sects, led by the True-Demon Sect and the Soul-Refining Demonic Sect.
Beyond those were the affiliated sects that had sprung up around these nineteen major factions, as well as the countless lesser, insignificant sects.
After years of rivalry, the nineteen sects had reached a tacit understanding.
Disciples of different sects could squabble and fight among themselves, but they could not take the conflict to another sect’s gates. Doing so would be regarded as the start of a war between sects. In that event, the other sects would be free to intervene, whether to aid one side or join in an attack.
This was meant to prevent anyone from taking all the spoils for themselves—and to keep any single sect from growing too powerful.
It was precisely because of this arrangement that the Wenshen Sect had managed to cling to its existence.
The best course for the Longevity Dao Sect would have been to slowly wait for the Wenshen Sect to wither away, then take over all of its assets without spending a single soldier or losing a single blade. That way, they would not have to share the spoils with the other sects.
In recent years, not only had the Wenshen Sect lost its spiritual vein and its supply of spiritual energy, it had also lost every source of income. Aside from Xu Guan, who could still hold his own, the sect’s other six disciples would find it difficult even to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm. It was obvious that the sect was destined to decline in Xu Guan’s generation.
Could that be why Xu Guan had gone mad—why he would rather perish together with him than let things go?
Qin Rushan’s eyes flickered, but he did not immediately head up the mountain.
He knew all too well what the Wenshen Sect possessed.
There was only a run-down residence and a barren mountain peak. Cultivating in a sect like that offered no future whatsoever. Besides, compared with him, the previous sect master had valued Xu Guan far more highly. What was wrong with looking out for his own future?
After having tasted the wonders of being a cultivator, was he supposed to go back to being that destitute cowherd, never knowing whether he would survive another day?
“Yes, Master. We can’t act rashly. We need a justifiable cause,” another disciple urged.
If things truly escalated, their master, as a cultivator of the Immaculate Realm, might not necessarily be abandoned by the sect. But the fate of disciples like them would be far less certain.
“Why are you all so anxious? I’m not dead yet.” Qin Rushan cast a disdainful glance at the disciples he had taken in. Still, he knew that the truly talented and strong-willed disciples would never have ended up under his tutelage in the first place.
The Longevity Dao Sect’s rigid hierarchy permeated every aspect of life.
“I’ve already spread word outside. Demonic cultivators will be arriving soon to test the waters for us.” Qin Rushan left two disciples behind. “You two stay here and keep a close watch. Xu Guan has gone out to attend a banquet, so the Wenshen Sect must be vulnerable now. Still, Xu Guan should have left behind a mountain-guarding formation. Observe it carefully. Above all, find out who else is inside the Wenshen Sect besides Xu Guan’s disciples.”
Qin Rushan did not want to confront Xu Guan just yet, but finding and killing the person who had given Xu Guan advice was still within his means.
It did not matter even if the sect despised him now because of the cultivation technique.
The Asking Gods Sect still possessed one truly supreme cultivation technique, and it should also have a treasure passed down through the generations. Otherwise, how could the Asking Gods Sect have survived for so long?
As long as he obtained that cultivation technique and treasure, what would a mere Li family amount to?
By then, the Nine Sons of Longevity would become the Ten Sons of Longevity!
“Colluding with the Demon Sect…?” The disciples had already begun to tremble.
Once this matter came to light, it would become evidence of their crimes.
“If you want to rise above the rest, what is a little hardship?” Qin Rushan sneered. “Why do you think the sect didn’t give me an official warrant? Naturally, it was because they wanted me to shoulder the blame for this. If the sect can treat me this way, then it’s only natural for me to treat you the same. Otherwise, why would you qualify to become my disciples and enjoy my resources? Everything I have was obtained by selling myself out. Did you really think that all you had to do was take me as your master, call me ‘Master,’ and you’d enjoy wealth and glory for the rest of your lives?”
Dream on.
Even when his mortal parents learned that an immortal had taken an interest in him, they had told him to ask the Asking Gods Sect’s leader for money—because they themselves had not dared to do it.
Why did parents have children in the first place? Wasn’t it so they could gain a human beast of burden who would work tirelessly without requiring them to spend a single coin?
Seeing the situation, the disciples could only grit their teeth and agree.
“Rest assured, Master. We will keep a close watch on everything happening in the Asking Gods Sect.”
Qin Rushan nodded, then vanished from the spot.
If he appeared here and was caught, escaping responsibility would be difficult. It was better to exercise a little caution.
Besides, if these disciples died, he could simply take on new ones. There were plenty of young cultivators eager to become his disciples.
Inside the Asking Gods Sect, only three disciples remained meditating.
Of their own accord, they had moved to a place near Shu Xin’s room. Their purpose was to ensure that no one disturbed their senior sister while she broke through.
Their master had already sent word that he would soon return and personally protect their senior sister while she cultivated in seclusion. By then, the Asking Gods Sect would have another Grotto-Heaven Adept!
Yet just as the three disciples were celebrating, the two swords beside their senior sister suddenly flew into the air. Sword qi surged in every direction, startling all three of them awake from their meditation.
“Junior brothers and sister, wake up. We have guests,” Shu Xin said. She was already standing in the courtyard, with the two swords guarding her on either side.
The aura emanating from Shu Xin was even more ethereal than before. It was clear at a glance that she had made considerable progress during her secluded cultivation and was now only a step away from breaking through.
[Those three disciples are looking at you almost the same way they look at Xu Guan.]
The Sword Spirit spoke sourly.
Shu Xin might not be good at many things, but she was truly skilled at manipulating people’s hearts.
“Take the formation discs Master gave you,” Shu Xin instructed, soothing them. “For now, don’t activate the sect’s formation. Wait until the intruder has entered before doing so. Their cultivation is roughly on par with mine, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
When Xu Guan had left with his disciples, he had said that cultivators at the Immaculate Realm and above were actually less of a threat once they arrived at the Asking Gods Sect.
As for those below the Immaculate Realm, Shu Xin was more than capable of dealing with them.
That was why Xu Guan had dared to leave with only half of the disciples.
“Senior Sister, we understand. We’ll wait until the enemy enters the mountain before activating the formation. Then they won’t be able to escape,” Second Junior Brother Qi Feiyang said earnestly.
“Idiot. We should wait until they’ve entered our sect gates before activating it. That way, we’ll use fewer spirit stones,” Third Junior Sister Cao Ru said, rolling her eyes irritably. “Second Brother, you should at least read *The Fundamentals of Formations*.”
“Alright, Senior Brothers and Sister, stop arguing. Eldest Senior Sister is watching,” Junior Brother Meng Wenrui said gently, trying to mediate.
Shu Xin waved a hand, and the three immediately fell silent and obediently took their places behind their eldest senior sister.
Their master had said that if anything went wrong, Eldest Senior Sister’s judgment would be final.
“Have any of you ever seen demonic cultivators?” Shu Xin asked, stroking her chin.
“I’ve only seen one, but he was already dead—the one who tried to rob Master and ended up getting robbed by him instead,” Cao Ru answered honestly. “Master said that demonic cultivators at the same level are generally wealthier than orthodox cultivators. But a lot of their magical artifacts can only be destroyed. The only useful things are usually the materials.”
“Eldest Senior Sister, why would demonic cultivators come to our sect? The disciples of the Longevity Dao Sect love capturing demonic cultivators to make a name for themselves. The demonic cultivators around here have practically been hunted to extinction,” Qi Feiyang said in shock.
Since their sect was neighbors with the Longevity Dao Sect, they had seen very few demonic cultivators over the years—so few they could be counted on one hand.
“Perfect. Then today, you’ll get to see them.” Shu Xin had been about to make a move, but when she turned and saw the three junior disciples behind her, all harmless as little white rabbits, she decided not to rush. “There are five of them altogether. One is a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator, and the other four are Core Formation cultivators, at the same level as the three of you. Go figure out how to deal with them first. I’ll be watching.”
“Really, Senior Sister?”
“We can fight?”
“Great, great! We definitely won’t let you down, Senior Sister!”
The three disciples had always been protected by Xu Guan, and they had long wanted a proper fight with demonic cultivators.
They were sick of sparring back and forth within the sect.
What young, hot-blooded cultivator didn’t want to test the limits of their own abilities?
So young.
That was what happened when they had never been properly beaten down by the real world.
Shu Xin smiled. “Then let’s go.”
The Asking God Sect was not large. Finding the enemy was easy enough.
“Stop.” The leading demonic cultivator held a command flag in his hand. The four demonic cultivators following behind him immediately halted.
“Wasn’t the Asking God Sect supposed to have only three Core Formation disciples left to guard the mountain? Why is there an extra Nascent Soul cultivator?” The moment the leader spotted Shu Xin in the distance, he felt the urge to flee.
Her cultivation was visibly on the verge of a breakthrough. She was only one step away from the Grotto-Heaven realm—far beyond his ability to contend with.
But his sect had heard that the Asking God Sect was recently understaffed, and that it had acquired treasures from quite a few other sects. That was why they had sent people to investigate.
If he could return with a full haul, he would earn himself one of the sect’s next opportunities to cultivate in the Blood Demon Pool.
Otherwise, he would have to surrender another third of his blood essence to replenish the pool’s waters.
“You four, go test their strength first.” The leading demonic cultivator watched Shu Xin warily. “I’ll keep an eye on that Nascent Soul cultivator. As long as she doesn’t make a move, everything can be discussed.”
“Yes.”
Shu Xin nodded and sent her junior brothers and sisters ahead to clear the way. She herself looked the demon cultivator opposite her up and down.
She was sorely disappointed.
“His vital blood is so depleted. He’s definitely from the Blood Demon Sect. That sect is all about making sure one person eats his fill while everyone beneath him goes hungry.” Shu Xin had raided countless demon lairs in the past, so she knew the various demonic sects like the back of her hand.
The disciples of the Blood Demon Sect fell into one of two categories: either the Sword Spirit could cleanse away most of the blood stains from them, or it could not cleanse anything at all.
To put it simply, the demon cultivators of the Blood Demon Sect were either like an all-you-can-eat buffet, allowing the Sword Spirit to gorge itself in one sitting...
Or they were scraps that someone had already chewed on, with nearly all the vital blood in their bodies drained away. They were practically useless.
That was why, whenever Shu Xin and the Sword Spirit encountered a fiend from the Blood Demon Sect, they had to gamble on their luck and see whether this particular one would prove useful.
There was no helping it. The Blood Demon Sect operated on a scheme much like a pyramid scheme. The highest-ranking members could cultivate by using the vital blood of the entire sect’s elders and disciples. The elders, in turn, drained the vital blood of their disciples, while those disciples went on to drain that of disciples one level below them.
The disciples at the very bottom could practically be called blood slaves.
And these blood slaves were disciples selected by the Blood Demon Sect from the demonic kingdoms under its control.
Yes, in this cultivation world, the countless nations were nothing more than resources belonging to different sects.
It was as if all cultivation resources had been monopolized. Even ordinary mortals, as one form of resource, were monopolized as well.
Some of these mortals could give birth to children with spiritual roots, who could then serve as the foundation of the cultivation world’s lowest tier. Mortals themselves could also tend to spirit herbs and flowers; in sufficient numbers, they represented a considerable resource. When the demonic sects had need of them, even mortals’ flesh and souls could be used as materials for refining magical artifacts.
The one relatively fortunate thing was that mortals ate ordinary food and had never cultivated, which meant there was hardly any spiritual energy in their bodies. With a bit of luck, they could still live out their natural lifespans.
In this cultivation world, there were no natural disasters, nor were there wars.
Cultivators could summon clouds and rain with a flip of their hands. Floods, earthquakes, and wars between nations were virtually nonexistent.
The power of cultivators was enough to alter every natural and man-made calamity.
But at the same time, they were the greatest calamity of all.
Consider this: in a world without natural disasters, where the weather was always favorable and mortals were so prolific, why had there not been a population explosion?
Because although mortals gave birth to many children and raised many of them, they died in equally great numbers.
When cultivators fought, the earth shook and the mountains trembled.
When demon cultivators passed through, not a blade of grass survived.
And in those prosperous cities, the mortal nobles who held themselves high above everyone else were almost all descendants of cultivators. Even when an unusually capable ruler appeared who treated the common people well, he could maintain that state of affairs for only a few decades before everything returned to the way it had been.
Even so, according to the Sword Spirit, things were already much better than they had been ten thousand years ago.
Back when Earth Immortals were numerous, not only mortals but even low-level cultivators and lesser demon clans had nearly been wiped out.
“Fellow Daoist, have you come to pay a visit to the Wenshen Sect?” The demon cultivator across from her cupped his hands slightly. “I am Xue Wang of the Blood Demon Sect. If you have merely come as a guest, I ask that you show us some consideration. We will not stand in your way.”
“My apologies, but I was asking for the senior disciple of the Divine Inquiry Sect.” Shu Xin smiled faintly. “Guests as unwelcome as you, yet you put on the airs of hosts—how interesting. Has the Blood Demon Sect recently begun taking after the Spirit-Parasite Demon Sect, treating other people’s homes as their own?”
The Spirit-Parasite Demon Sect was also one of the foremost demonic sects. Its disciples never cultivated their physical bodies, focusing solely on the soul. Whenever they spotted a suitable cultivator’s body, they would directly possess it, treating another person’s body as their own home.
Their favorite pastime was infiltrating cultivation sects or cultivation families by possessing their members, then using those bodies to commit atrocities. In the end, the original owners could only watch helplessly as their bodies were controlled by others, murdering their loved ones and destroying their families. The resulting demonic thoughts would then be consumed by disciples of the Spirit-Parasite Demon Sect.
A sect that cultivated by feeding on the demonic thoughts of others was despised even among the demonic path.
Thus, although the demonic path had ten great demon sects, in truth its practitioners acknowledged only nine. The remaining Spirit-Parasite Demon Sect was hunted even by other demonic cultivators.
Xue Wang’s expression changed. “I am not one of those shameless Spirit-Parasite Demon Sect disciples. It seems I am ignorant indeed—I never knew the Divine Inquiry Sect had such an accomplished disciple living outside the sect.”
“Recognizing the limits of your knowledge is not a bad thing,” Shu Xin replied good-naturedly. “At least it means you possess some self-awareness. Looking at you, I can tell you were sent here to probe our strength as well. How about this? My junior brothers and sister would like some practice, so for now, none of us need intervene. If I make a move, you will die too quickly, and my junior brothers and sister will have no opportunity to hone themselves.”
Xue Wang dearly wanted to wave the command banner in his hand and summon an army of yin spirits to tear Shu Xin apart.
But when he saw the two sheathed swords floating at Shu Xin’s side, he knew he could not act rashly.
If they truly fought, he would probably die.
“Find a way to restrain her junior brothers and sister,” Xue Wang secretly transmitted to his four subordinates. “Otherwise, we will all die.”
The Divine Inquiry Sect had few disciples. Unlike those great sects, they surely would not treat their disciples as disposable pawns; they would care about their lives.
If they could capture hostages, then everything would be negotiable.
“Yes.”
The four demonic cultivators nodded in unison, formed a circle, and lunged directly at Qi Feiyang and the other two.
Meanwhile, the disciples of Qin Rushan who had been keeping watch at the foot of the Divine Inquiry Sect’s mountain were utterly dumbfounded.
“Th-that’s Shu Xin, isn’t it? Why is she at the Divine Inquiry Sect?”
“Didn’t she run off with a Great Ascension cultivator? Her appearance at the Divine Inquiry Sect must mean something is terribly wrong!”
“Has Xu Guan found a Great Ascension cultivator to back him?”
“The Divine Inquiry Sect is colluding with a Great Ascension cultivator. They must be plotting something sinister.”
The disciples were beginning to panic. They had never imagined that Shu Xin, after leaving the Longevity Dao Sect, would appear here.
Although the sect had issued a gag order, the more strictly something was forbidden, the more fiercely people discussed it in private.
By now, the rumors about Shu Xin within the sect had grown increasingly outrageous. Some claimed she was the direct disciple of a Great Ascension cultivator, while Situ Jian was merely the male pet she kept.
Others said that she was actually some powerful old monster who had taken possession of a new body and been reborn, sent into the Longevity Dao Sect as an infiltrator.
In short, there were all kinds of rumors.
But there was no denying that even the sects themselves kept their mouths tightly shut about her. Clearly, Shu Xin was someone they could not afford to provoke.
Reporting to their master first was always the safest choice.
Qi Feiyang, Cao Ru, and Meng Wenrui had been accepted as disciples by Xu Guan because their foundations were solid.
When they fought, it was clear that they were not entirely helpless. They had undergone proper training. Though they were still somewhat inexperienced, they had the advantage when dealing with these four Blood Demon Sect disciples, whose vital essence had been drained by more than half.
Even though it was three against four, Qi Feiyang and the others coordinated seamlessly, and they had gradually begun to gain the upper hand.
However, the reason demonic cultivators were demonic cultivators was that what made them formidable was often more than just their demonic arts.
Before long, Meng Wenrui noticed that the demonic disciple attacking him kept deliberately avoiding his vital points. He even seemed to be intentionally exposing openings, as though trying to force Meng Wenrui to kill him.
All four Blood Demon Sect disciples had pale faces and purplish lips. They looked three parts human and seven parts ghost.
Meng Wenrui did not fall for it. Instead, he continued attacking the demonic cultivator.
Yet this young demonic cultivator neither dodged nor evaded. He simply took Meng Wenrui’s sword strike head-on.
“Please, kill me.” A secret transmission reached Meng Wenrui’s ears.
“Yes, you heard correctly. It’s me.”
The secret transmission had actually come from the demonic cultivator who had taken his blow.
“I don’t want to live anymore. Please, give me release.” The demonic cultivator, who had been stabbed by Meng Wenrui, pleaded with him. “I don’t want to be treated as a blood slave anymore. They want to drink my blood and eat my flesh. I have no attachment to this mortal world anymore.”
Meng Wenrui hesitated. “If you want to die… why did you come to our sect?”
Seeing that Meng Wenrui had responded, the disciple opposite him filled with even more tears.
“Have you ever heard of the Blood Slave Kingdom? I was born there. I started out as the lowest kind of blood slave in the sect. I had to obey the sect’s orders, or they would kill every one of my relatives. I thought that by doing so, I could protect my village. But only a few days ago, I learned that the village I came from—my parents and all my relatives—had already become materials for one of the disciples. Since all my hope is gone, what meaning is there in staying alive?”
“I heard that disciples of the immortal sects possess immortal energy. If I were killed by you, perhaps it could wash away the demonic aura in my body. Then, when I go below to meet my parents, I could be clean.”
“Please, give me release.”
“I won’t resist.”
Meng Wenrui thought for a moment before nodding. “All right. I’ll kill you quickly and cleanly. Don’t worry. In your next life, may you live peacefully with your parents.”
With that, Meng Wenrui raised the sword in his hand and brought it down at the demonic cultivator before him.
And this demonic disciple truly abandoned all resistance.
However, just as Meng Wenrui’s sword pierced through the disciple’s clothes, a surge of blood aura suddenly coiled around the blade.
The blood aura wound its way up along the sword, and it looked as though it was about to strike Meng Wenrui in the face.
As for the demonic cultivator standing before him, where was any trace of his earlier desire for death?
His eyes held an unmistakable smile—and open mockery toward Meng Wenrui.
“Junior Brother!” Sensing that something was wrong, Cao Ru turned to save him.
But she was already too late.
“Hold it.”
The moment the words fell, the blood aura vanished just as it was about to touch Meng Wenrui’s cheek.
The demonic cultivator who had released it was pierced straight through by a sword. The sword then flew back to Shu Xin’s side.
It was Senior Sister!
Only then did Meng Wenrui realize that he was drenched in cold sweat. The demonic cultivator who had just died had turned into a sheet of human skin and fallen to the ground, while all the blood essence from his body returned to the command banner in Xue Wang’s hand.
“Didn’t we agree that you wouldn’t interfere?” Xue Wang’s expression darkened.
“You’re a demonic cultivator. Do you actually believe in keeping one’s word?” Shu Xin stared at him in disbelief. “What, you realized you can’t beat me, so now you expect me to honor our agreement? Do you really think that’s possible? If you were in my place, would you do something that stupid?”
Xue Wang ground his teeth, growing ever more wary of Shu Xin.
This woman simply refused to play by any normal rules.
“Th-thank you, Senior Sister.” Meng Wenrui was still pale with fright as he hurriedly bowed to Shu Xin.
“Listen carefully: don’t believe a single word a demonic cultivator says. From the moment they start talking to you, they’re already setting a trap. If you can’t tell what they’re up to, just kill them all. Out of a hundred demonic cultivators, a hundred and one of them deserve to die.” Shu Xin looked at Meng Wenrui with pity.
With an expression that foolish, he’d be doomed to fall for scams even in her original world!
Situ Jian: This is what happens when you haven’t attended Sister Shu’s anti-fraud class.
Xu Guan: …Even demonic cultivators can’t do anything to you. You’re the truly strange one here!
