When the youth regained his freedom, the Pill Cauldron Sect had gathered the elders from various sects for a meeting.
“Everyone should have received the letter. A small conflict has broken out in Northern Delusion City. Those demonic cultivators broke through the border and dared to plunder mortals. Although Elder Shen of Azure Profound Sect is currently stationed there, we still can’t let our guard down.”
Sect Leader Chen spoke first. “The last major conflict was two hundred years ago during the Dao-Demon War. These years have seen constant minor clashes. I’m afraid this might be a precursor to another war between Dao and Demon.”
“This year’s Pill Assembly didn’t go as smoothly as in previous years, with frequent accidents that made everyone laugh at us. I’ve invited you all here partly to discuss the matter.” He paused, observing the reactions of the others present.
The disturbance had come suddenly, right in the middle of the Pill Cauldron Sect’s meeting. His own sect’s disciples were one thing, but disciples from other sects were also here. If anything happened, the Pill Cauldron Sect couldn’t bear the responsibility.
He took the lead in speaking, and the elders from other sects chimed in one after another, noting how suspicious the incident was.
With demonic cultivators causing trouble at the border, and the Pill Cauldron Sect located in the heart of Dao Sect territory—plus the recent demonic qi incident—it was hard not to overthink.
“The Demon Domain has been restless lately. That strand of demonic qi appeared out of nowhere with no resolution. Who knows what those demonic cultivators are plotting? I say we end the Pill Assembly early and have everyone return to their sects as soon as possible. It’s safer that way.”
One elder suggested this, and Sect Leader Chen nodded. That was exactly his thinking.
When that strand of demonic qi was mentioned, many people glanced at Elder Fu seated at the head.
The figure in apricot robes remained silent, a mild smile on his face, showing no intention of speaking. He seemed completely oblivious to the recent rumors, simply watching as they discussed.
Another elder objected. “That’s not wise. Demonic cultivators use dirty tricks. That strand of demonic qi might have been deliberate, linked to the disturbance in Northern Delusion City as a lure to make us disperse early. What if they set traps along the return routes and intend to pick us off one by one?”
“Then we should leave even sooner.” The elder from Hidden Sword Mountain spoke bluntly. “My Hidden Sword Mountain is close to the border, and our sect leader has ordered us to return early and bolster defenses.”
“But everyone can rest a bit easier. Our sect’s Sword Venerable is nearby right now. He can provide temporary protection and escort your sects’ disciples back.”
Sect Leader Chen quickly followed up. “Our sect’s Spirit Boat Array Artifact is also available for your use. We only hope to ensure all sects’ disciples return safely.”
In just a few exchanges, they began discussing arrangements. The Pill Cauldron Sect had plenty of magic artifacts and immediately displayed one that showed a map and routes, scheduling departure times and paths for each sect.
Some sects would leave first, some later—essentially using the early departures to scout the way, while the later ones brought up the rear for support if needed.
At this moment, Elder Fu at the head suddenly spoke. “Elder Yaoguang? What are the Myriad Beasts Sect’s plans?”
He abruptly called out a certain elder’s name, and the discussion quieted for a few breaths. Following his gaze, they saw the Myriad Beasts Sect elder sitting calmly in the corner, sipping tea.
He seemed to have already made up his mind, so he hadn’t joined the discussion, remaining composed and unflappable.
Yao Guanheng set down his teacup and looked toward the head seat.
Unexpectedly, instead of answering the question right away, he said something out of left field. “Elder Fu’s complexion has improved greatly.”
At the head seat, the man was still dressed in apricot robes, but unlike his previous plain attire, he now wore some rare ornaments—even a yellow peony tucked into his hair at the temple, bright yet not gaudy, soft yet not cloying.
Facing this inexplicable remark, Fu Songjin maintained his mild smile. “Yes, after a few days of secluded cultivation, some of my heart knots suddenly unraveled.”
Seemingly casually, his fingertip briefly touched the flower at his temple. Through the flower, he seemed to recall something joyful, his expression growing even gentler.
“A great deal was gained.” The man enunciated clearly, repeating his earlier question. “It seems Elder Yaoguang already has a plan? When does the Myriad Beasts Sect intend to leave?”
“Probably after Hidden Sword Mountain and Azure Profound Sect.” Yao Guanheng smiled warmly. “These days, my disciple has benefited greatly from Elder Fu’s care. If fate allows, next time, I’ll bring her to visit you again.”
The “visit” he mentioned—what kind of visit was it? And what exactly did “benefited greatly” mean?
The others didn’t catch the implication, but the two men understood each other perfectly.
Fu Songjin stared fixedly at his smile. After a long moment, he tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Elder Yaoguang is too polite.”
The two went back and forth, exchanging a few words. There had been no prior rumors of any connection between them, yet now they both smiled as if they were old friends.
Though one wore blue robes and the other apricot, their temperaments were quite similar, so it made sense they’d get along. That was what the crowd thought.
People from the Pill Cauldron Sect knew a bit of the inside story. Some disciples had clashed with outsiders and been punished, and the other party’s master had approached Elder Fu—but to no avail. Turns out the other party was a Myriad Beasts Sect disciple.
It was normal to exchange greetings before the person in question left.
Everyone had their own explanations in mind. No one could have imagined it involved a demonic cultivator’s supplementation technique.
What they didn’t notice was that after the conversation ended, the blue-robed elder of the Myriad Beasts Sect smiled with evident pleasure, utterly composed, and even gave a slight nod of courtesy to Elder Fu at the head—extremely polite.
The usually gentle Elder Fu returned the polite smile, but suddenly, he lowered his gaze, took a sip of tea, and gripped his cup so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
His heart sound was audible only to him.
【He’s in the know… He’s doing it on purpose, saying it deliberately…】
【If fate allows? How laughable. The master-disciple bond between you and her ended a hundred years ago. Even when she calls you Master, he doesn’t know where he is yet…】
【Bring her to visit you again… What a joke. She’s originally your little disciple. When has she ever needed someone else’s permission to come find you… Hypocritical, seducing your naive disciple into illicit relations with you, utterly false…】
A thousand words and phrases ultimately turned into one sentence.
【This person, undoubtedly a scum.】
Fu Songjin suddenly set down his teacup too forcefully, splashing a few drops of tea. He had lost composure inexplicably.
Someone glanced over and asked what was wrong. Fu Songjin smiled and said it was nothing.
After a moment, he rubbed his chest.
He really shouldn’t comment on others so harshly.
As a master and role model, what if he led his little disciple astray one day… He truly shouldn’t.
The order of departures—scouts, main body, rear guard—was set, and they discussed the timing for lifting the Pill Cauldron Sect’s lockdown.
There was still no resolution on that strand of demonic qi. Someone voiced suspicion. “The demonic qi was real, and the cultivation level didn’t seem too high, but we haven’t caught anyone even now—no other traces at all…”
“I’m just worried someone is covering for the demonic cultivator who sneaked in.”
The implication was that there might be an inside agent for the demonic cultivators here, a cultivator who had defected from the Dao Sect.
But as soon as he said this, it was hard not to connect it to the recent rumors. Following those rumors, suspicion inevitably fell on Elder Fu—perhaps he was involved with that little demonic cultivator and harboring his lover.
Amid varying expressions, Sect Leader Chen couldn’t stand it anymore. “Ahem, it’s not certain yet whether a demonic cultivator actually sneaked in.”
“After all, our sect has numerous arrays. How could a demonic cultivator come and go freely? Maybe someone just threw in a strand of demonic qi to slander our sect elder’s reputation, confuse the situation, and sow discord…”
That made sense too. Who could be certain of the truth? The crowd nodded again.
“So, in my view, we might as well lift the lockdown tomorrow. Then everyone can depart separately and be extra careful…”
Sect Leader Chen was about to make further arrangements when a cold snort suddenly came from the side.
Amid fluttering butterflies, a man appeared, his purple pupils sweeping over them. “Just say outright that This Venerable made a mistake.”
A Mahayana Stage Dao Venerable referring to himself as “This Venerable” wasn’t very polite, and the crowd fell silent at once, listening as Valley Master Ci Yuan continued.
“Aren’t you worried about demonic cultivators colluding from inside and out?” His voice was icy cold. With a flick of his sleeve, he stated his disgust bluntly. “They’re all rat-like vermin. They’re probably going to punch a hole right through your Pill Cauldron Sect’s arrays.”
A Mahayana cultivator had spoken. Though he wasn’t their sect’s elder, they still had to give face to the Medical Poison Valley. Sect Leader Chen couldn’t continue with his previous arrangements and wiped the sweat from his brow.
Ci Yuan sneered. “You can leave if you want, but only after individual checks.”
One elder, unhappy with his approach, stood and said “You,” but was met with a glance from those eerie, glamorous purple pupils. Someone beside him pulled him back, forcing him to sit down in frustration.
Others didn’t mind, like Elder Xiao of the Joyous Union Sect, who had been sitting quietly in the corner the whole time, uninvolved in anything.
“Valley Master Ci Yuan.” Fu Songjin, already displeased with the man, spoke out in opposition. “Checking everyone one by one is too excessive. The demonic cultivators haven’t even arrived—do we start infighting first?”
Ci Yuan’s gaze turned cold, his expression blank as he stared at the man’s face. “Elder Fu, I’m speaking the truth. If we let those demonic cultivators slip away today, the ones who’ll get hurt are our Dao Sect disciples.”
His words held water, but his usual character contradicted this performance.
Was Valley Master Ci Yuan the type to care for disciples?
He wasn’t known for being kindhearted. Since when did he righteously lecture under the pretext of concern for others’ lives?
One strange thing after another. Fu Songjin vaguely felt something off.
As an argument seemed about to erupt, Sect Leader Chen stepped in as mediator. “Valley Master Ci Yuan has a point, and so does Elder Fu. How about this: If the Valley Master suspects specific individuals, he can investigate them. The rest can prepare to leave. What do you think?”
An elder from the Medical Poison Valley also spoke up. “I think Sect Leader Chen’s arrangement is fine. What do you say, Valley Master?”
Amid the back-and-forth, Valley Master Ci Yuan finally nodded, and many people breathed a collective sigh of relief.
With the discussion concluded, everyone dispersed.
Yao Guanheng also rose. His little disciple was still waiting for him to return.
The slave mark was removed, the heart demon oath sworn—Ji Little Dao Lord would settle down now. For the player, the most pressing crisis was temporarily resolved.
The remaining issue was the Pill Cauldron Sect’s lockdown. The Pill Assembly was nearly over, but the restrictions were growing stricter. Li Yin recalled the information from the Jade Joy Palace Lord: the lockdown wasn’t entirely to catch her, this little demonic cultivator.
She just didn’t know what was happening in the Demon Domain or how the Dao Sect planned to respond.
Though they had one less inside agent now without Ji Lingyao, there was still Yao Guanheng.
While the Pill Cauldron Sect had called the elders to discuss, she was counting on her master to relay information.
When her master returned, the girl set down her snack and eagerly asked about the situation.
“Relax. We should be able to return to the sect in a few days.” Noticing the crumbs on her fingertips, Yao Guanheng used a spell to summon a handkerchief and spring water, wiping her hands for her.
“That’s good. Did anyone find any suspicious traces?” Li Yin extended her hand, watching as her master helped tidy her up.
Her master pulled her to sit down and said, “No rumors of that yet. Don’t worry. The lockdown isn’t entirely to find you. So far, only the Medical Poison Valley Lord still wants to investigate.”
Li Yin: “…Medical Poison Valley Lord.”
She couldn’t help repeating it. The man’s pupils shifted slightly, as if sensing something unusual.
Yao Guanheng’s ink-black eyes were deep as jade. He suddenly stared at her. “Yes, the Medical Poison Valley’s Valley Master Ci Yuan.”
He said slowly, “It’s strange. That Valley Master seems obsessed with something, as if he’s determined to uncover whatever it is.”
His little disciple looked innocent, blinking her eyes. “Is that so?”
Her master’s gaze deepened, then he suddenly showed a helpless expression and said no more.
After wiping her hands clean, he seemed about to wipe her mouth too.
Seeing his movement, the little disciple slightly lifted her chin. But her master leaned down and gently kissed her lips instead.
【Young Lord, you really are…】 The transmission cut off mid-sentence.
Her master had suddenly sought a kiss, leaving the girl baffled and innocent.
But kissing her master’s lips, they tasted a bit sour.