Category: I, The Man Who’ll Conquer Both the Immortal Venerable and the Demon Empress

Chapter 135: Demonic Sects

Sha Lingshan, always graceful and composed, approached, her round fan fluttering gently.

“Young Master,” she said, “Elder Shuiyue has arrived and is waiting outside.”

Shi Hao said, “Bring her in.”

Sha Lingshan left and soon returned with an old woman in a blue robe.

The old woman knelt before Shi Hao, “I greet the Young Master.”

Shi Hao said, “There’s no need for formalities, Grandmother. Please rise.”

Elder Shuiyue stood up, her demeanor respectful, and waited silently.

Shi Hao asked, “What are your thoughts on the integration of the three branches?”

Elder Shuiyue bowed, “Rest assured, Young Master. Although the sect has been divided, each faction has always desired reunification. But without a true inheritor, none would yield. Now, with you as our leader, and the three Branch Leaders having informed their respective branches, the integration will proceed smoothly.”

Shi Hao nodded. He wasn’t particularly worried about this. With the Demon Empress backing him, the three leaders would naturally obey.

And with their cooperation, even if there were dissenters, the demonic sects had their ways of enforcing compliance.

He said, “The three Branch Leaders are preparing for their advancement rituals. You will temporarily manage the sect’s affairs. Strengthening the sect is our priority. I entrust the Night Charm Demonic scriptures to you. You may impart the appropriate techniques to the disciples.”

Due to the division of the Night Charm Demonic scriptures, some techniques and their corresponding martial arts had been separated. For example, the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art and the Violet Vortex Blade Technique, the Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art and the Seven Swords of the Mystic Gates, were meant to be practiced together, but now, some factions had the cultivation method without the martial arts, and others the martial arts without the corresponding method.

This division had weakened the three factions, making them insignificant compared to larger sects like the Ghost Extreme Sect.

As the Young Master, he only needed to control the Secret Canon. The revealed canon, however, should be disseminated within the sect to strengthen their overall power.

He said, “There are two priorities. First, resisting the barbarians. Even demonic sects are still part of China. As long as the barbarians rule, we have no home. Of course, the Evil Lotus Sect is a demonic sect, so we shouldn’t openly oppose them, but we must gather intelligence and support the various rebel factions when appropriate.

“And we should also secretly cultivate our own forces, ready to strike when the barbarian court collapses.

“Second, discreetly monitor the Ancestral Altar and the barbarian court’s grand canal project, comparing and analyzing any unusual activity. Report anything you find to me immediately.”

Elder Shuiyue said, “I understand, Young Master.”

Shi Hao said, “And also, forge a sword from Moon Spirit Stone and create a Ghost Spirit Banner, inscribed with the Moon Spirit Diagram. The scriptures contain the instructions. Have them ready.” These were the materials Du Yuejiao needed for her demonic advancement.

Elder Shuiyue said, “Rest assured, Young Master. I’ll take care of it.”

Shi Hao pondered for a moment, then said, “The Ghost Extreme Sect suffered a major defeat at Dragon Head Mountain. I heard Peng Tianwang was killed by his own men while fleeing. The Ghost Extreme Sect will likely splinter.

“Tell me, what other powerful demonic sects are there?”

Sha Lingshan, waving her small, embroidered fan, said, “Allow me to explain, Young Master.

“Although the Ghost Extreme Sect is considered the largest demonic sect, that’s only because they have the most members. Most demonic sects value quality over quantity, unlike the Ghost Extreme Sect, which recruits indiscriminately. So, although they might not appear as powerful as the Ghost Extreme Sect, in terms of high-ranking experts, several sects are their equals.

“There’s the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, specializing in poisonous demonic arts. Their disciples never reveal their affiliation, so they’re not widely known in the martial world, but within the demonic sects, they’re feared for their insidious techniques. Their rituals often involve poison, causing devastating consequences.

“If you encounter a martial artist whose internal energy carries a strong poison, Young Master, be careful. They’re likely from the Poisonous Sunflower Sect.”

Shi Hao nodded. Poisonous internal energy was indeed a dangerous and troublesome ability.

Sha Lingshan continued, “The Flower Butterfly Sect. Their members are known for their beauty and seductive charm. They’re not like those despicable sects that practice dual cultivation for personal gain, but their methods are similar to our Lunar Divinity path, taken to the extreme. They have few members, but each one is exceptionally skilled and charismatic, either incredibly handsome men or beautiful women.

“They’re also very secretive and, due to their techniques and their natural charm, adept at disguising themselves, often posing as disciples of renowned sects. Only true experts can force them to reveal their demonic nature. They enjoy seducing and manipulating prominent martial artists, discarding them once they’re no longer useful. Few in the martial world know about them, but they’re a dangerous foe.”

“And the Flower Butterfly Sect’s disciples rarely appear in public before reaching the mid-ranks. So, every one of them is a formidable opponent.”

“So, both the Poisonous Sunflower Sect and the Flower Butterfly Sect are secretive, their members rarely seen, but each one a dangerous expert. And then there’s the Heavenly Evil Sect. They’re more well-known. They’re the ones who benefited most from the Ghost Extreme Sect’s decline.

“The Heavenly Evil Sect has many experts, including several fourth and fifth-rank martial artists, and even more at the sixth and seventh ranks. Their leader, the Heavenly Scorpion Elder, is said to have reached the high ranks, although few know for certain. They’re a demonic sect, and although relatively large, their true strength is hidden.”

“They’re ruthless and will eradicate an entire family to eliminate an enemy, their methods brutal, secretive, and unscrupulous. Few dare to offend them. So, although not as influential as the Ghost Extreme Sect, they’re even more feared. Many would rather face the Ghost Extreme Sect than provoke the Heavenly Evil Sect.”

“And there are also some smaller, secretive sects with only a single lineage…”

As she continued her explanation, Shi Hao realized the demonic sects were truly a collection of bizarre and dangerous factions, their methods often incomprehensible to outsiders.

“By the way,” Shi Hao turned to Sha Lingshan, “You also cultivate the Prismatic Illusion path, Branch Leader Sha. How did you complete your fifth-rank advancement ritual?”

Sha Lingshan, covering her lips with her fan, smiled, “You’re referring to the ‘Dawn Slaughter,’ aren’t you? Finding enough people to kill isn’t difficult. There’s always conflict in the martial world. The tricky part is the timing.”

“At dawn, although the sky is already light, most people, having just woken up, aren’t fully alert yet. It’s not a good time for ambushes or decisive battles. Creating a ‘dawn slaughter’ requires careful planning.”

“I knew about this ritual years in advance, so I took control of a gang and arranged for them to attack another gang at dawn, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Although you can’t directly participate in the battle during the ritual, there’s no restriction on prior arrangements.”

“Of course, you still need to find a suitable location and ensure you won’t be interrupted during the ritual. Having someone protect you is also advisable.”

Shi Hao thought, although her method was effective, it required years of preparation to gain complete control of a gang. He didn’t have that much time.

He looked at her curiously, “Branch Leaders Xuan and Yue have already left to prepare for their rituals. Why are you still here? Have you already made your preparations?”

Sha Lingshan, her face partially hidden by her fan, sighed softly, “You’ll understand when you reach the fourth rank, Young Master. For this level, there’s no preparation. It’s purely a matter of luck.”

Shi Hao felt a sense of foreboding.

Of course, that was still some time away.

The benefits of dual cultivation were obvious, but so were the drawbacks… He needed double the resources, both Daoist immortal ingredients and demonic ritual materials.

Sha Lingshan said, “This manor is just a temporary residence. Would you like to visit our Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion at Mirror Flower Lake, Young Master? We would be honored to host you.”

Shi Hao shook his head, “The world is in chaos. I don’t have much time for leisure. I plan to leave tomorrow morning with Yuejiao and Xiaoyan. I’ll visit Mirror Flower Lake another time.”

Sha Lingshan, her fan covering her chest, bowed slightly, “In that case, we await your arrival at Mirror Flower Lake, Young Master.”

Shi Hao discussed the integration of the three factions with Sha Lingshan and Elder Shuiyue. He didn’t want to get too involved in the Evil Lotus Sect’s internal affairs. Such distractions would only hinder his cultivation.

He was only sixth-rank. In this world, personal strength was paramount. Although the Evil Lotus Sect could be a powerful ally, if his own strength wasn’t sufficient, they could become a liability.

He preferred to rely on his own power and the help of Yuejiao and Xiaoyan, who were also dual cultivators now.

As long as they progressed quickly with him, they would become his wings, making him even stronger—

Chapter 134: The Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art

“Stop him!” Zheng Ge shouted, gathering his energy as he retreated.

This kid has reached the sixth rank! he thought, alarmed.

If the young man hadn’t been of the same rank, he wouldn’t have been able to push him back, even with a surprise attack.

The young man used the force of the impact to retreat quickly, dodging the blades and swords coming at him from both sides.

The hook and staff wielders, however, reacted faster, their weapons flashing, attacking from the sides.

Shi Hao accelerated again.

A martial artist on the wall saw the young man’s back approaching rapidly, as if being pulled towards him.

The hook and staff missed their target.

The martial artist on the wall leaped down, his saber slashing towards the young man’s back.

Although only a ninth-rank martial artist, Shi Hao didn’t dare block the attack directly.

If he did, the others would swarm him, and he would be trapped.

At the last moment, he flicked his wrist downwards, and a vortex of energy appeared beneath the attacker’s feet.

The martial artist, mid-air, his saber descending, suddenly felt a strange pull, his body momentarily weightless.

Startled, he instinctively tried to regain his balance, his attack faltering.

Shi Hao, seizing the opportunity, struck the back of his saber, sending it upwards, then leaped over him, landing on the wall.

The martial artist crashed to the ground.

A powerful force, accompanied by a whoosh of wind, struck Shi Hao’s back.

It was Zheng Ge. Although forced to retreat, he had been gathering his energy, and the moment he regained his footing, he had launched his iron ruler, imbued with his full power, towards Shi Hao.

As a seasoned sixth-rank expert, his combat experience far surpassed that of Zhuo Mulan.

He had anticipated Shi Hao’s escape route and attacked preemptively, aiming for the wall. The moment Shi Hao landed, the ruler struck.

Shi Hao held the tiger-shaped rune stone, and with a flash of light, his body grew larger. The iron ruler struck him with a thud.

His enlarged form, however, couldn’t withstand the blow and shattered.

But Shi Hao had already escaped the dissipating light.

That was the Earthly Valor Tiger, its uses almost depleted. Using it again had almost destroyed it.

More barbarian soldiers arrived, but their formation was loose, and Shi Hao, using the Soul Chasing Locking Steps, easily evaded them.

Several figures suddenly appeared on the street, fighting their way through the soldiers, creating an opening. One of them shouted, “Brother Hao!”

Shi Hao recognized Jiang Yiran and Chen Feng of Dark Thunder and quickly joined them. They escorted him through the chaos, reaching a busy street.

Zheng Ge and his men gave chase, but seeing figures fleeing in different directions, they didn’t know whom to pursue.

Zheng Ge, frustrated, gritted his teeth.

---

Shi Hao, Jiang Yiran, and Chen Feng entered a small alley, then, after crossing a courtyard and entering a building, they reached a hidden chamber.

Jiang Yiran sighed in relief, “Are you injured, Brother Hao?”

Shi Hao shook his head, “I’m fine. What happened? Why were there so many Six Gates men there?”

Jiang Yiran sighed, “After Hero Fu’s defeat, the barbarian court ordered the Six Gates to eradicate our Dark Thunder, with the support of experts from the prominent families and a large number of troops. Our bases have been attacked, and we’ve suffered heavy losses.

“Our base in Dàxīng City was well-hidden, but one of our members was captured and, unable to withstand torture, revealed its location. Leader Zhu, to protect us, was severely injured, and most of our Xun Mu Branch members were killed.

“The Six Gates, however, weren’t satisfied. They set a trap, hoping to capture those who were still unaware of the situation. We’ve been trying to warn everyone not to go to Calabash Alley, but we couldn’t reach you.

“Leader Zhu was worried you might walk into their trap, so he had some of our brothers, disguised as ordinary citizens, watching the area. Since we had met you before, we also came. But we didn’t see you until the barbarian troops started mobilizing. Then we knew you had gone to Calabash Alley.”

Shi Hao realized that he had used his true appearance before entering Calabash Alley, only changing his appearance with the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique after arriving.

He had wanted to avoid being recognized, but ironically, this had prevented Dark Thunder’s lookouts from identifying him.

He lowered his voice, “I apologize for causing you so much concern.”

Jiang Yiran shook his head, “We’re just glad you’re safe, Brother Hao. The barbarian court is ruthlessly suppressing us. Anyone even remotely connected to Dark Thunder is being targeted. The Six Gates’ methods are brutal, and many of our members, under duress, have betrayed us. It’s best you lay low for a while.”

Shi Hao said, “There’s something I need you to pass on to your Grand Leader…”

He explained his suspicions about the barbarian court’s grand canal project, “Emperor Yang, before the fall of the Yang Dynasty, also ordered the construction of a grand canal. Perhaps there’s a connection.”

“Your organization is resourceful. Perhaps you can investigate the history of the Yang Dynasty and the current canal project and find something. And also, keep an eye on the Ancestral Altar. They clashed with the Ghost Extreme Sect at Dragon Head Mountain. We know the Ghost Extreme Sect’s motive, but the Ancestral Altar’s purpose is still unclear. They might be planning something.”

Jiang Yiran and Chen Feng exchanged glances, their expressions changing as they considered his words.

Jiang Yiran lowered his voice, “Don’t worry, Brother Hao. I’ll inform our leader immediately, and he’ll pass the information on to the Grand Leader.”

Shi Hao bowed, “Thank you.” They exchanged farewells, and Jiang Yiran and Chen Feng hurriedly left.

Shi Hao circled the area, making sure he wasn’t being followed, then changed back to his original appearance, entered the crowded streets, and blended into the crowd.

The barbarian court’s ruthless suppression of Dark Thunder, even involving the powerful families, indicated they saw Dark Thunder as a major threat.

Dark Thunder had been able to grow because of their secrecy. But the Civilian Martial Ridge incident and the Changbai Mountain rebellion, clearly orchestrated by them, had exposed them. The barbarian court’s retaliation was inevitable.

Although he had warned them about the canal project, Dark Thunder, under attack, was struggling to survive. They likely wouldn’t be able to investigate.

He thought, What is the Ancestral Altar doing on Dragon Head Mountain? The Ghost Extreme Sect clearly wants the True Dragon energy to create their ‘ghostly realm,’ but what about the Ancestral Altar? What does Grandmother Ba want with it?

He wondered if he could get some information from Yue Ya’er.

But from his observations while acting as her bodyguard, although she was favored by Grandmother Ba, she wasn’t privy to such secrets.

She was too young. Despite her family background and her abilities, she wasn’t trusted with such sensitive information.

Although he had passed the information to Dark Thunder, he couldn’t shake his unease.

He returned to the Azure Shu Manor, entered the back garden, and went to the pavilion, where he found Du Yuejiao meditating in the lotus position on her bed.

A demonic aura, like flickering flames and shimmering moonlight, swirled around her, giving her an ethereal appearance.

She was cultivating the Illusory Moon Demonic Flame Technique, a Lunar Divinity technique of the Evil Lotus Sect.

As she cultivated, a sweet fragrance emanated from her skin, filling the room.

This was the effect of her Daoist internal elixir!

She had originally practiced the Divine Orchid Technique, which, when cultivated to a high level, produced a fragrant aura.

Now, having reached the seventh rank, it seemed she was still practicing a variation of the Divine Orchid Technique.

Shi Hao thought that her demonic cultivation made her beautiful, while her Daoist cultivation made her fragrant.

Her cultivation methods were… interesting.

Not wanting to disturb her, he left the pavilion and went to another one where Xu Xiaoyan was staying. The sounds of rapid movement came from within.

He looked through the window and saw Xu Xiaoyan practicing swordsmanship in the small room, wielding his sword.

He hadn’t taken the sword with him earlier.

Her movements were swift and precise, the blade flashing, a blur of motion, the Seven Swords of the Mystic Gates, a technique that complemented the Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art.

Since she was practicing, he didn’t disturb her.

After all, in the martial world, strength was paramount.

Shi Hao strolled through the garden. He also wanted to start practicing the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations, but his Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Energy wasn’t strong enough yet.

Often, cultivation techniques and martial arts were separate. Like the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art and the Violet Vortex Blade Technique, although they worked well together, one could still practice the blade technique without the corresponding energy cultivation method, albeit with reduced effectiveness.

Similarly, although Xu Xiaoyan had only just started cultivating the Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art today, she could still practice the Seven Swords of the Mystic Gates.

But the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations was different. It couldn’t be practiced without a sufficient foundation in the Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Technique.

Shi Hao, having nothing else to do, picked up a branch and began practicing his swordsmanship.

He saw Sha Lingshan approaching…

Chapter 133: How Could I Possibly Deceive You?

“You’re always bullying me…” the girl whispered, her voice a mixture of pleasure and playful complaint, as she nestled in his arms.

Then, she drifted off to sleep.

Shi Hao gently covered her with the blanket, got dressed, and left the pavilion.

After walking for a while, guided by his Primordial Energy, he reached a hipped-roof stone pavilion and saw Xu Xiaoyan meditating.

He watched her silently for a moment.

A faint demonic aura flickered around her.

She had chosen a demonic technique and was now cultivating it.

After a while, she exhaled slowly, opened her eyes, and looked at him, tilting her head slightly.

Shi Hao smiled, “What technique did you choose?”

Xu Xiaoyan jumped up, her hands clasped behind her back, and swayed playfully, “The Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art, combined with the Seven Swords of the Mystic Gates. Perfect for an assassin. Hee hee, I’ve never liked fighting fair and square. And it complements my own Soft Serpent Yin Technique.”

This was the first time Shi Hao had heard the name of her Daoist cultivation technique. He had only known it was an unusually yin and soft technique, more akin to demonic arts than orthodox Daoist practices. Now, hearing the name “Soft Serpent Yin Technique,” he was certain it was an unorthodox method.

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art… so you’ve chosen the Black Erosion path? I thought you would choose the Moon Lotus Pavilion’s Lunar Divinity path, or perhaps the Prismatic Illusion path.”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “The Lunar Divinity techniques are too flashy, and although the Prismatic Illusion techniques are interesting, besides the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations, which are useless without the true inheritance, they’re mostly combat-oriented. I prefer the Black Erosion techniques. They suit me better.”

Shi Hao, although having read the Night Charm Demonic scriptures, wasn’t as familiar with the demonic sects’ techniques as she was. He didn’t understand what she meant by the Lunar Divinity techniques being “too flashy.”

But he recalled that although the three factions all originated from the Evil Lotus Sect, their cultivation paths were different. Dragon Girl and Snake Charmer of the Black Lotus Realm did seem different from Zhu Ping and Huan Tingting of the Moon Lotus Pavilion.

Zhu Ping and Huan Tingting seemed more… refined, their auras more distinct.

Compared to them, Dragon Girl and Snake Charmer seemed more ordinary. If this difference was due to their cultivation techniques, then Yuejiao’s choice of the Lunar Divinity path and Xu Xiaoyan’s choice of the Black Erosion path suited their personalities.

But this meant the three of them were now following three different demonic cultivation paths.

Shi Hao asked, “What do you need for your next demonic advancement ritual?”

Xu Xiaoyan sighed, “The ‘Hand of the Dead.’ The hand of a martial artist of the same rank as me, killed through assassination, without them knowing who killed them, or even that they were killed at all. In other words, I have to assassinate someone as strong as me, without them realizing it, and then cut off their hand.”

She looked up at Shi Hao, her eyes pleading, “Why… why are you making me do this?”

Shi Hao thought, That’s a troublesome requirement.

Although Yuejiao’s “Hundred Blood Moon Spirit Sword” and “Hundred Ghosts Moon Spirit Banner” also required… questionable materials, if she were truly unscrupulous, she could just target refugees.

But Xiaoyan’s “Hand of the Dead” required her to assassinate someone of the same rank, without them even realizing it, and without anyone discovering the truth.

Shi Hao asked softly, “Have you gathered the ingredients for your next Daoist elixir? If not, you can ask Yuejiao to…”

“No!” Xu Xiaoyan interrupted, “I don’t want anything from the Chongxian Sect. Don’t worry, I’ve almost gathered everything. I’ve left them with the Red Hill Gathering organizer. I’m only missing one ingredient, and it’s not difficult to obtain.”

She then said, her voice filled with wonder, “Although I haven’t been actively cultivating, my Soft Serpent Yin Technique and the Black Jade Demonic Meteor Art are circulating on their own, my internal energy steadily increasing. At this rate, I might be able to advance to the next rank in just over a month.”

Shi Hao reminded her, “But your Daoist and demonic energies are still unstable. I’ll need to help you adjust them.”

Xu Xiaoyan looked at him skeptically, wondering if he was lying.

Shi Hao, his face serious, tried to reassure her, “How could I possibly deceive you? You’re the one person I would never lie to.”

Xu Xiaoyan made a gagging sound, “I bet you said the same thing to her.”

Shi Hao chuckled, “Don’t think so badly of me.”

He waved his hand, “Continue your cultivation. I have to go into the city.”

He called for Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting, instructing them to inform Yuejiao of his departure when she woke up and to fulfill any requests from the two girls.

Having witnessed the two naked women at the Young Master’s feet in the Demonic Lotus Palace, both Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting considered them his women.

They naturally obeyed his orders.

Shi Hao left the manor and, using his movement technique, hurried towards Dàxīng City.

Knowing his “Mad Blade Hero” nickname had spread through the martial world, he undid the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique before entering the city.

He made his way through the streets and alleys.

Even in broad daylight, the air was heavy with the scent of blood.

The chaos in Dàxīng City hadn’t subsided but intensified. Martial artists hurried through the streets, their faces grim, the usual bustling atmosphere replaced by a tense and uneasy quiet.

Groups of gang members gathered in alleyways or occupied entire restaurants, glaring at anyone who looked at them, ready for a fight.

The lower their rank, the more aggressive their demeanor. They had to fight and claw their way to the top.

Reaching a secluded alley, he used the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique, transforming into “Hao Xinghua.”

He reached the end of the alley, lifted the brass ring on the door, and knocked three times, then five.

The door opened, not the old man from before, but a short, stocky, disheveled middle-aged man.

The man glanced at him, “Brother Hao, come in,” and turned, walking inside.

Shi Hao followed him, about to enter the main hall, when he suddenly stopped and sneered.

With a whoosh of wind, figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding him.

A man in a brocade robe stepped forward, smiling, “You’re Hao Xinghua, the Mad Blade Hero, aren’t you? You’ve walked right into a trap. Surrender now, and we might spare your life.”

Shi Hao stood motionless, sensing the surrounding figures, and sneered, “So it’s the barbarian court’s lapdogs.”

“I am Zheng Ge, the ‘Shining Golden Ruler’ of the Six Gates,” the man in the brocade robe had a broad face, a low forehead, a tall, lean build, sharp eyes, and a powerful aura, suggesting a high level of cultivation, “Hao Xinghua, surrender, and we might even offer you a position in the Six Gates. Otherwise, we’ll avenge Xue Lang, the Flying Scorpion Blade, here and now.”

Shi Hao remained silent, using his Primordial Energy to assess the situation.

This Zheng Ge, the Shining Golden Ruler, likely possessed a sixth-rank cultivation. Even before moving, his aura was oppressive and imposing, suggesting he was a powerful figure even among sixth-rank experts.

And behind Shi Hao, on either side, hidden among the other martial artists, were two figures, one wielding a hook, the other a staff. Although concealed, their auras were stronger than the others.

The other martial artists, over twenty of them, were also eighth and ninth-rank.

More figures were approaching from outside, likely barbarian soldiers.

Shi Hao knew that the longer he waited, the more enemies would arrive. He sneered, “You think you can capture me? Just you… lot?”

As he spoke, his fist shot out, reaching Zheng Ge’s face with lightning speed.

Zheng Ge, enraged, shouted, “You dare!” He flicked his sleeve, and an iron ruler, whistling through the air, met Shi Hao’s fist.

And then, something strange happened. Shi Hao’s fist transformed into a palm, slashing downwards and sideways. Zheng Ge felt a sudden vortex beneath his ruler, pulling it down.

Surprised, he exerted more force, trying to counter the pull. The vortex vanished, and Shi Hao’s palm transformed into a finger, lightly tapping the underside of the ruler.

The ruler flipped upwards, its trajectory diverted. Then, Shi Hao’s left fist, carrying a surge of energy, struck Zheng Ge’s chest.

Zheng Ge, a sixth-rank expert, the strongest among them, had underestimated Shi Hao, believing the “Mad Blade Hero” to be only seventh-rank, based on their intel. He hadn’t expected him to attack him directly, especially while surrounded.

And Shi Hao’s bizarre palm technique, the external projection of energy usually only achievable by mid-rank martial artists and above, and not just ordinary energy, but a swirling vortex of force, had caught him off guard, creating an opening.

However, Zheng Ge, a seasoned fighter, reacted quickly, raising his left hand to block the incoming fist.

A loud crash echoed as their fists collided, the force of the impact sending tremors through the air. Although Zheng Ge was an expert in external martial arts, his strength immense, he was still forced to stagger backwards.

At the same time, Shi Hao was also thrown back by the force of the blow.

Chapter 132: The Illusory Moon Demonic Flame Technique

Xu Xiaoyan, holding the Night Charm Demonic scriptures, bent down and sighed, “You’re being so nice to me, even letting me read the Night Charm Demonic scriptures. You think I’ll fall for your tricks? You think just because you’re giving me some benefits now, I’ll become yours? I’m not that naive.”

Shi Hao extended his hand, “If you’re so worried, give it back.”

Xu Xiaoyan clutched the scriptures and ran, “I’ll return it after I’m done reading!”

Shi Hao chuckled.

After admiring the moon for a while, he returned to the pavilion and glanced into the room where Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan were still cultivating.

With the help of the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin, the impurities in their demonic energy were being purged. With further cultivation, they would soon reach the fourth rank.

After completing their respective demonic rituals, they would officially become fourth-rank experts.

Although still far from the Evil Lotus Sect’s peak strength, this meant three more fourth-rank experts on his side.

And the complete Night Charm Demonic scriptures would further strengthen their other members, resolving the incompatibility issues caused by the divided canons.

Not wanting to disturb the three naked women, Shi Hao went upstairs to rest.

---

The next morning, as dawn broke, Shi Hao sensed someone at the door and turned around.

“Yuejiao, you’re back,” he said, jumping up and pulling her inside.

Du Yuejiao wasn’t wearing her Daoist robe but a sky-blue dress embroidered with butterflies, a pink bodice peeking out from beneath a matching short jacket.

A pink sash was tied around her waist, a decorative knot hanging loosely, a sword at her side.

She looked elegant and refined, her face, however, cold and aloof, as when he had first met her, a distant, icy beauty. But as Shi Hao, ignoring her protests, pushed her onto the bed, her face flushed, and she playfully hit him.

She wanted to punch him, but her blows were soft, almost like a caress.

“Why were you gone for two days?” Shi Hao asked, holding her close, “I missed you so much.”

Du Yuejiao snorted, turning her face away, “Who knows if you really missed me?”

Shi Hao chuckled, “I missed you so much I couldn’t even focus on anything else.” He grabbed a nearby sash and began tying her hands.

Du Yuejiao asked, blushing, “What are you doing?”

Shi Hao smiled, “Didn’t I tell you? I like seeing you like this.” He tied her hands to the bedpost above her head.

Du Yuejiao struggled slightly. As a seventh-rank martial artist, breaking the sash would be easy, but for some reason, she couldn’t summon the strength, “Stop it,” she mumbled, her struggles halfhearted.

Shi Hao held her waist, preventing her from moving. Her arms, stretched above her head, her robe pulled taut, her posture was strangely alluring.

He chuckled, leaning closer, when suddenly, the window screen ripped, and something flew into the room.

Shi Hao turned and saw the Night Charm Demonic scriptures landing on the table. Xu Xiaoyan’s laughter came from outside, “Here’s your book back!”

Du Yuejiao, with a sudden burst of strength, broke the sash, pushed Shi Hao away, and rushed to the window, looking out. She saw a figure disappearing in the distance.

She turned to Shi Hao, “You were with her these past two days?”

Shi Hao said, “No.”

Du Yuejiao said sharply, “You said you missed me, but you were with her. Why would you miss me?” She turned to leave.

Shi Hao leaped forward, grabbed her waist, and, ignoring her protests, pulled her back onto the bed, showering her with apologies and sweet nothings.

He smiled, “I was in seclusion for the past two days, cultivating. I didn’t have time to be with her.”

Du Yuejiao snorted, “You said you missed me so much you couldn’t focus on anything else. And now you say you were in seclusion?”

Shi Hao thought, She’s getting smarter. He quickly changed the subject, making up a story.

He waved his hand, and the Night Charm Demonic scriptures flew from the table into his hand.

Du Yuejiao was secretly impressed. Although projecting true energy was a common ability for mid-rank martial artists and above, manipulating objects like this was much more difficult.

Pushing something away with true energy was one thing, but pulling it towards you was much harder. Even her master, a sixth-rank expert, couldn’t do that.

Thinking of her master, she remembered Zhuo Mulan’s words of comfort and advice these past few days.

Although that scoundrel had treated her cruelly, it was because he liked her. And some opportunities, once missed, were gone forever.

She bit her lip, glanced at him, and whispered, “Master told me that… that night at the Yuan Dan Huo estate, you captured her, but you didn’t harm her, and you let her go…”

Shi Hao thought, I did let her go, but not before…

He held Du Yuejiao close, “She’s your master. I couldn’t kill her, not because of you. I was forced to use both Daoist and demonic techniques in front of her that night. I knew she might recognize them. But I had no choice. She’s your master, after all.”

She hadn’t expected him to risk exposing his secret, his true nature, just for her.

She nestled in his arms, her heart filled with warmth and affection.

Shi Hao, however, didn’t dare tell her that he hadn’t exactly “spared” her master, that they had… done things that Yuejiao could never know.

If she found out, she might truly turn to the dark side.

He held her close, whispering sweet nothings, then took out the Night Charm Demonic scriptures and helped her choose a demonic cultivation technique.

Du Yuejiao chose the Illusory Moon Demonic Flame Technique, along with the corresponding Illusory Moon Movement Technique and the Silver Fiend Sword Technique.

She had chosen the Lunar Divinity path, one of the three cultivation paths of the Evil Lotus Sect.

“Hundred Blood Moon Spirit Sword, Hundred Ghosts Moon Spirit Banner,” she read the requirements for her next breakthrough, “Forge a sword from Moon Spirit Stone, stained with the blood of one hundred people, to create the Hundred Blood Moon Spirit Sword. Create a Ghost Spirit Banner, inscribe it with the Moon Spirit Diagram, and bind one hundred living souls, to create the Hundred Ghosts Moon Spirit Banner.”

She shuddered, “What kind of demonic nonsense is this? It’s terrifying.”

Shi Hao said, “That’s how demonic cultivation works. Actually, the ingredients for Daoist elixirs are much harder to obtain.”

Du Yuejiao said, “Not really. I just ask Master for whatever I need.”

Shi Hao said, “That’s because you’re in the Chongxian Sect. For those outside, the ‘unorthodox,’ it’s not that easy. Like Floating Cloud Monastery, for example. They were once a renowned Daoist sect, but without access to immortal ingredients, even with powerful techniques, they were forced to cultivate external martial arts.

“The materials required for demonic cultivation are difficult to obtain, but also… not that difficult. If you’re willing to be unscrupulous, like most demonic cultivators, they’re relatively easy to find. But immortal ingredients… you can’t just buy them anywhere.”

Du Yuejiao thought about it. He had a point.

She whispered, “Brother Shi, what ingredients do you need for your next breakthrough? I’ll ask Master if she can get them for you.”

Shi Hao thought, I can ask her myself.

He said, “I need three Dream Grasses, one Illusory Sea Lingzhi, and one Azure Sky Vermilion Fruit.”

Du Yuejiao thought for a moment, “Dream Grass shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a relatively common ingredient for lower-rank elixirs. Master should be able to find some. But the Illusory Sea Lingzhi is more difficult. Usually, lower-rank elixirs use the Illusory Sea Spirit Fruit, while the Lingzhi is for mid-rank elixirs. The sect controls them strictly. Even Master might not be able to get one.

“As for the Azure Sky Vermilion Fruit… what is that? I’ve never even heard of it.”

Shi Hao said, “If I can’t find an Azure Sky Vermilion Fruit, I can refine ordinary Vermilion Fruit instead, but I need a hundred jin.”

Du Yuejiao gasped, “A jin or two is manageable, but a hundred jin… that’s a lot. Vermilion Fruit itself has healing properties, equivalent to a Minor Restoration Pill. The sect controls it strictly, and the court also prohibits its trade. A hundred jin… that’s impossible.”

Shi Hao smiled, “There’s no rush. We’ll find a way.” He knew that obtaining ingredients for higher ranks would be more difficult.

For now, he had to focus on cultivating the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique and the Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Technique.

He would deal with the ingredients later. Zhuo Mulan was a valuable resource, and he could also try the Red Hill Gathering again.

And there was another pressing matter he had to deal with, which required contacting Dark Thunder.

He looked at Du Yuejiao and asked softly, “Yuejiao, if I become an enemy of the Chongxian Sect, whose side will you choose?” This was an important question.

Du Yuejiao lowered her gaze and whispered, “Master told me many things these past two days. I now know the truth about the Chongxian Sect, the darkness they hide. I trust Master, and I trust you. I’ll help you fight against the barbarian court and the Chongxian Sect.”

Shi Hao nodded slowly.

He had guessed that Zhuo Mulan would tell her the truth. After all, in these times, shattering the illusion of righteousness was a necessary step.

He said seriously, “I understand. But I still need to test your resolve.” He picked up the broken sash, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and tied her hands to the bedposts.

The girl exclaimed, “What are you doing? You…”

And then, some things happened that are best left undescribed.

Chapter 131: Is This the Legendary…?

Xu Xiaoyan, wearing a simple blue dress with pink floral patterns, had gone to “The Dregs” to gather information.

The martial world was changing so rapidly that it felt like a different world every day.

The rise and fall of gangs within Dàxīng City was one thing.

But the news from outside the city was even more chaotic and often contradictory, making it difficult to distinguish truth from rumor.

She returned to the manor as evening approached.

The air, after days of rain, was cooler now.

She entered the back garden and saw Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting still on guard.

The two, one from the Black Lotus Realm, the other from the Moon Lotus Pavilion, weren’t on good terms, so they stood in silence, ignoring each other.

Xu Xiaoyan was close to Huan Tingting, having spent time with her as a child.

She hadn’t met Dragon Girl before, but Dragon Girl was the talkative type, and having spent the entire day with the quiet and aloof Huan Tingting, she was eager for conversation.

Seeing Xu Xiaoyan, she immediately greeted her, “Xiao Yan, what news did you find?”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “I heard Peng Tianwang, the leader of the Ghost Extreme Sect, is dead, killed by one of his own, although the details are unclear. The Invincible Sect changed its name to the Not Invincible Sect, apparently after paying a fortune teller a hundred taels of silver.

“The Hegemonic Blade Sect is rapidly rising and will likely replace the Leopard Gate as one of the three gangs and six societies. And the new accountant of the Heaven and Earth Gang’s Flood Dragon Branch was assassinated again.

“There’s also a rumor that the Heartless Young Master slept with a woman connected to Xuandu, the Perfected One of the Mystic Capital, and is now being pursued by the Chongxian Sect…”

Dragon Girl said, “Xuandu is one of the Perfected Ones, isn’t he? Aren’t they supposed to be celibate?”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “That’s why it was ‘a woman connected to him,’ not his wife.”

Dragon Girl said, “Even if Xuandu himself is after him, why is the entire Chongxian Sect involved?”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “That’s what I heard. I don’t know the details.” She looked towards the pavilion, “Is he still in seclusion?”

Dragon Girl said, “The Young Master has emerged. He’s inside with the three Branch Leaders.”

Xu Xiaoyan asked, “Branch Leaders?”

Huan Tingting whispered, “The three factions have merged. The former Sect Leaders are now Branch Leaders. The Young Master gave orders that no one besides you and that Yuejiao girl is allowed inside tonight.”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “Du Yuejiao is here?”

Huan Tingting shook her head, “No.”

Dragon Girl whispered, “That Du Yuejiao is from the Chongxian Sect, isn’t she? Can she be trusted?”

Xu Xiaoyan shrugged, “I’m not from the Evil Lotus Sect either. I’m a Daoist cultivator.”

She was straightforward. Since she was allowed inside, she entered the garden without hesitation.

The moon, a pale crescent, hung in the sky, the sun setting rapidly. The shadows lengthened across the pavilions and ponds, the water shimmering with a golden light.

Xu Xiaoyan walked around the garden but didn’t see Shi Hao or the three leaders.

She headed towards the pavilion where Shi Hao was staying. Reaching the first floor, she heard strange sounds coming from above.

Curious, she tiptoed to the closed door and peeked through a crack.

Her eyes widened. This… this… this… was this the legendary… orgy?

Her mouth hung open, speechless…

---

Xu Xiaoyan knew she shouldn’t be peeking, or rather, even if she accidentally saw something, she should have left immediately.

But she couldn’t resist.

She had always seen those three “Branch Leaders” as powerful, fifth-rank experts, formidable figures in the demonic sects.

Seeing them like this, with that young man… made her question everything.

She thought, maliciously, He didn’t allow anyone else inside, only me and Du Yuejiao. Is he trying to tell us something?

But as she continued watching, nothing… untoward happened.

Although the three Branch Leaders were clearly being… manhandled, it didn’t go any further.

She felt a slight pang of disappointment… although she wouldn’t admit it.

But she was clever and quickly figured it out.

Even with the three canons combined, it wouldn’t help Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan, who were all stuck at the peak of the fifth rank.

They needed the Secret Canon to advance further. And Shi Hao, as the true inheritor of the Evil Lotus Sect, naturally possessed the Secret Canon.

Was this… the secret method described in the Secret Canon for helping them advance?

They’ll never be able to marry now… she thought, sighing inwardly.

Since there was nothing more to see, she lost interest and quietly left.

She wandered around the waterside gazebo in the back garden. The sky darkened, the moon, now a fuller crescent, hanging high in the sky, the night air cool.

After a while, she felt a gust of wind and turned to see Shi Hao landing beside her.

He was in his true form… There was no need for disguises in front of Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan.

Looking at Xu Xiaoyan, he said, “Don’t misunderstand…”

Xu Xiaoyan waved her hands dismissively, “I didn’t! I really didn’t!”

Shi Hao asked, “You know?”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “If it was just one or two, it might be something else. But with all three of them… it must be related to their cultivation. I just took a peek. It wasn’t very interesting.” She had been expecting something more… exciting. She had been both embarrassed and thrilled, anticipating a scandalous scene.

Shi Hao couldn’t explain.

If Su Mei were here, it wouldn’t be so complicated. She could simply use the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin to enhance their cultivation without any physical contact.

But he didn’t have that kind of power.

He was only sixth-rank, a newly advanced sixth-rank at that. He couldn’t manipulate their energies remotely; he had to do it manually.

My skills are still lacking… he thought wistfully. If I were more powerful… I wouldn’t have such opportunities.

He took out a jade book and handed it to her. Xu Xiaoyan tilted her head, “What’s this?”

Shi Hao smiled, “The Night Charm Demonic scriptures.”

Xu Xiaoyan’s eyes widened, “The Night Charm Demonic scriptures? For me?”

Shi Hao said, “For you to read.”

Even so, Xu Xiaoyan was still surprised, “Are you sure? I’m not a member of the Evil Lotus Sect. You’re just giving me their secret scriptures?”

Shi Hao said, “You’re a dual cultivator now. Besides your Daoist techniques, you’ll need to choose a demonic cultivation method and its corresponding martial arts. You’re already familiar with the Evil Lotus Sect’s techniques, so I won’t make any recommendations.

“Choose what suits you.”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “You’re giving this to me willingly, right? I didn’t force you. I don’t owe you anything…”

“I know, I know,” Shi Hao said, placing the scriptures in her hands.

He had already read the Night Charm Demonic scriptures and had also asked the Emerald Beauty for clarification on some details.

His own next demonic advancement ritual was… the Dawn Slaughter.

Although it only had one requirement, it was an extremely troublesome one: he had to create a conflict at dawn, resulting in at least one hundred deaths on each side.

And he had to perform the ritual amidst the carnage.

This was far more complicated than finding a “weapon that has killed a thousand people” or a “matricide’s heart.”

Although just one condition, it was an incredibly difficult one. The timing was specific, it required a large number of deaths, and he couldn’t participate directly. If one side didn’t have enough casualties, he couldn’t just join the fight and kill more.

Demonic rituals were truly bizarre.

Shi Hao looked at Xu Xiaoyan, “The demonic essence within you is still relatively pure. The Emerald Beauty infused both you and Yuejiao with True Dragon energy, which, combined with the demonic essence, formed a demonic energy that’s currently balanced with your Daoist internal energy.

“But this balance is unstable, so you need to start cultivating demonic techniques soon. The Evil Lotus Sect has three cultivation paths: Black Erosion, Lunar Divinity, and Prismatic Illusion. The rituals for advancing to the fourth rank are different for each path. Choose whichever suits you.”

Xu Xiaoyan, holding the scriptures, glared at him, “Shouldn’t the sect leader control the scriptures, making disciples earn the right to learn them, and only teaching them their own specific path’s techniques? Why are you just giving me the entire thing?”

Shi Hao leaned closer, looking at her beautiful face, and smiled, “We’re… close, aren’t we?”

Xu Xiaoyan blushed and lightly kicked his foot, “Close? Don’t compare me to that other girl.”

Shi Hao stepped back and smiled, “Although we’re dual cultivators, it’s best to choose Daoist and demonic techniques that complement each other. I don’t know your Daoist cultivation method, and I don’t want to choose for you. Decide for yourself.”

“So far, only the three of us are dual cultivators. Once you start down this path, your progress will be much faster than you expect, so you’ll need to gather both immortal ingredients and ritual materials quickly.”

Chapter 130: Obstacles to Unification

Shi Hao said pensively, “Xiao Yan’s twin sister…”

Yue Yaotai replied, “Xiao Yan’s mother was my senior sister, but she left the demonic sects twenty years ago. Technically, leaving the demonic sects is considered betrayal.

“But at that time, there was constant infighting within the demonic sects. She was at the peak of the fifth rank, and the Moon Lotus Pavilion was embroiled in conflicts with other sects, so we didn’t have the resources to pursue her.”

Shi Hao said, “I heard Xiao Yan’s mother was your Pavilion Lord. Why would a Pavilion Lord defect?”

Yue Yaotai said, “She fell in love with a man from a Daoist sect, and he didn’t want her to remain in the demonic sects.”

Shi Hao was surprised… That’s it?

Of course, for someone in love, that reason was enough.

Yue Yaotai continued, “One night, over ten years ago, my senior sister returned to the Moon Lotus Pavilion, severely injured, with a young girl, about three years old. I wasn’t there at the time; it was Junior Sister Huan who met with her. My senior sister asked her to take care of the girl, while she returned to the East Sea to search for her younger daughter.”

“Normally, we wouldn’t care for the child of a defector. Sparing her life was already merciful. But Junior Sister Huan is kind-hearted, and my senior sister had always been good to her, so she took the girl in. My senior sister left, and shortly after, her body was found by the sea. We don’t know who killed her.”

“Although Xiao Yan was young at the time, she still remembered her younger sister. She’s been searching for her all these years. They’re twins, so her sister, if she’s still alive, should look just like her.

“But she hasn’t found anyone.”

Shi Hao said, “So she wanted to know if you have any information about her sister?”

Yue Yaotai said, “Xiao Yan always suspected we were hiding something from her. She asked me about it just now. I told her we don’t have any more information.”

Shi Hao’s mind raced, and he suddenly said, “But you do have some information, don’t you?”

He had learned the art of reading between the lines from the Holy Jade Immortal. Although Yue Yaotai’s words were technically true, she was still hiding something.

Yue Yaotai, inwardly impressed by the Young Master’s perceptiveness, bowed, “You’re right, Young Master. We don’t know if Xiao Yan’s sister is alive or dead, but we examined my senior sister’s body.

“Although she had many injuries, they were all inflicted before she returned to the Moon Lotus Pavilion. She was killed after she left. The cause of death was a crystal needle in her heart, a technique used by the Penglai Mirage Pavilion.”

Shi Hao asked, “Penglai Mirage Pavilion?”

Yue Yaotai said, “It’s an incredibly secretive sect, even more so than the Taisu Immortal Pavilion. They rarely appear in the martial world, and most people have never even heard of them. They’re neither Daoist nor demonic, their methods mysterious and unpredictable. We don’t know what kind of grudge my senior sister had against them.

“If Xiao Yan knew, she would definitely go after them, which would be disastrous. I didn’t tell her for her own good.”

“And although we don’t know what happened to her sister, considering the circumstances, her chances of survival were slim.”

Shi Hao nodded slowly, committing the name “Penglai Mirage Pavilion” to memory. He knew he couldn’t help Xu Xiaoyan with this, at least not now.

He said, “Call Xuan Feng Huanzhi and Sha Lingshan here. And bring the three canons of the Night Charm Demonic scriptures.”

Yue Yaotai replied, “Yes, Young Master.” The reunification of the three factions was inevitable.

She left the room.

---

An hour later, in a side hall of the manor, the three women – Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan – each held a jade box.

Their faces were a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

After two hundred years of division, the Evil Lotus Sect would finally be reunited, their scriptures whole once more.

Shi Hao sat on a large chair, the Emerald Beauty standing on the table beside him.

The three women presented their jade boxes, and Shi Hao opened them, revealing three jade books.

The pages of each book were thin as cicada wings, made of an unknown material, incredibly delicate yet durable.

Shi Hao quickly flipped through them. They contained the martial arts techniques and cultivation methods of the Evil Lotus Sect.

He stacked the three books and placed them before the Emerald Beauty.

The Emerald Beauty extended its small hands towards the books and began chanting.

A demonic aura swirled around them, and the three books merged into one.

The three women then presented their respective sect’s registers, which Shi Hao examined. They contained lists of their members, their hidden bases, their assets, and other information.

After reviewing them, Shi Hao put them away and said, “From this day forward, the Evil Lotus Sect will have only one leader. Until the Sect Leader returns, I will act as her representative. You three will no longer call yourselves Sect Leaders. The Black Lotus Realm, the Moon Lotus Pavilion, and the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion will retain their names but will be downgraded to branches, and you three will be their Branch Leaders.”

The three women knelt and bowed, “We obey, Young Master.”

Shi Hao said, “Strength is paramount in the martial world. Your priority now is to advance to the fourth rank. My understanding of the sect’s affairs is limited, and my focus is on cultivation.

“Choose one of you to temporarily manage the sect’s affairs, allowing the other two to focus on their cultivation.”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi said, “Grandmaster Shuiyue of the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion is the most suitable candidate.”

Shi Hao looked at Yue Yaotai, who bowed, “I have no objections.”

The three factions had been feuding for so long, the animosity between the Black Lotus Realm and the Moon Lotus Pavilion particularly strong. The Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion, however, had remained relatively neutral.

Neither the Black Lotus Realm nor the Moon Lotus Pavilion trusted the other, and both Xuan Feng Huanzhi and Yue Yaotai knew this.

So they chose Grandmaster Shuiyue, the oldest and most respected member, who had been instrumental in persuading the three factions to cooperate and search for the Emerald Beauty.

Shi Hao said, “In that case, on behalf of the Sect Leader, I appoint Grandmaster Shuiyue as the sect’s Elder, responsible for managing its affairs.”

He then asked, “The Evil Lotus Sect has three cultivation paths. Which one do you each practice?”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi said, “I cultivate the Black Erosion path.”

Yue Yaotai said, “I cultivate the Lunar Divinity path.”

Sha Lingshan said, “I cultivate the Prismatic Illusion path.”

The Evil Lotus Sect had three distinct cultivation methods, each with its own unique rituals and demonic essences.

The Prismatic Illusion path began with the White Crystal Demonic Source, then progressed to the Pure Flame Demonic Source, the Azure Origin Demonic Source, the Blue Glass Demonic Source… This was also Shi Hao’s path.

This was the reason for the Evil Lotus Sect’s division into three factions.

Each faction possessed one of the three paths, their cultivation methods and rituals different, converging only after reaching the fourth rank.

Shi Hao had already guessed their respective paths based on their faction names, but he asked to confirm.

The three women had all reached the peak of the fifth rank, their progress stalled by the increasingly chaotic and unstable demonic energy within them. Forcibly attempting to advance through rituals would lead to demonic affliction. They needed the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin to purify their energies.

Shi Hao had received the Secret Canon from Su Mei. Since they practiced different paths, the methods for using the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin were also different.

Although the Secret Canon described these methods, the three women only knew they needed the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin to advance, not how to use it.

Shi Hao said, “Stay here tonight. I’ll use the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin to help you advance. After tomorrow, you can cultivate in seclusion.”

The three women, overjoyed, bowed again, “Thank you, Young Master!” They would be the first in three hundred years to reach the fourth rank within the Evil Lotus Sect.

“Oh, there’s one more thing,” Shi Hao stood up and paced before them, then coughed slightly, “It’s just… well…”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi and Yue Yaotai, unsure of what he was trying to say, looked at him, puzzled.

Sha Lingshan, the youngest and most perceptive of the three, smiled, “Don’t worry, Young Master. Although you’re a man, and we are women, you are our leader. Treat us as your concubines or servants, if you wish. We demonic cultivators aren’t bound by such conventions.”

“You are our Young Master, chosen by destiny to lead our sect. We are yours, in life and in death. And you’re helping us advance our cultivation. We are eternally grateful.”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi and Yue Yaotai suddenly understood… The Evil Lotus Sect’s inheritors had always been women.

Although they didn’t know how he would use the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin to help them, the fact that he was a man, and they were women, presented a… delicate situation.

For them, advancing to the fourth rank was paramount. They knelt again, their voices humble, urging him not to hesitate.

The Emerald Beauty, who had been silent, said, “Don’t worry, Young Master. It’s just a matter of touching them. Cultivation is more important than such trivial matters.”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan thought, Touching us all over?

Chapter 129: Demonic Source Upgrade

Shi Hao sat cross-legged within the magic circle drawn with the Undying Child’s blood.

The matricide’s heart and the Heroic Deeds Blade were placed at opposite ends of the circle.

Six candles, each coated in the Undying Child’s blood, stood nearby.

He lit the candles with demonic fire, and plumes of green smoke rose, swirling around him.

He closed his eyes, focused his mind, and began chanting the incantation.

Darkness, like a tidal wave, surged towards him.

The six candles erupted in green flames, the Undying Child’s blood burning with a sizzling sound.

The flames spread, engulfing the magic circle.

Shi Hao sat within the circle of fire, the burning runes twisting and intertwining, forming a blood-red chamber.

He was submerged in a sea of blood… but his eyes were closed.

He couldn’t open his eyes, no matter what he saw… That was Su Mei’s explicit instruction for this ritual.

Although it seemed bizarre to “see” with his eyes closed, nothing was impossible in a demonic ritual.

Despite not opening his eyes, he clearly “saw” the scene before him.

He felt a strong urge to open his eyes and confirm whether it was real or just an illusion.

He resisted the urge, continuing his chant.

He saw skulls floating in the sea of blood, their eyes burning with ghostly flames, their jaws snapping at him.

Unfazed, he continued chanting.

Beside him, the Heroic Deeds Blade radiated a powerful aura, driving the skulls away.

“Your life is mine!” A female demon, wearing a red crown and a crimson cape, her claws outstretched, lunged at him from above.

Her long fingernails, curved like blades, and her bloodshot eyes, glowing in their hollow sockets, her face narrow and elongated, her breasts grotesquely large, her appearance monstrous and terrifying.

Her claws reached his chest, about to tear him apart.

He felt the phantom pain of his flesh being ripped open.

The heart beside him, as if enraged, suddenly pulsed with life.

A bloody hand emerged from the heart, grabbed the Heroic Deeds Blade, and slashed at the demon.

The demon shrieked, her cape swirling around her as she vanished.

Darkness enveloped him.

A creaking sound echoed, as if a massive gate was opening in the darkness.

“Oh my, it’s you again, handsome,” a hand caressed his chest, its touch sending shivers down his spine. “It hasn’t been long, has it? Why are you back?”

The voice was seductive, the hand, seemingly passing through his clothes, tracing his skin, reaching his face, “Handsome, hee hee, I like you more and more each time I see you. Come on, let’s have some fun.”

Shi Hao ignored her, continuing his chant.

“I like you so much. Why are you so cold and distant? I know many things, things that will bring you pleasures you’ve never imagined.”

The woman seemed to be clinging to his back, her hands sliding down his shoulders, across his stomach, lower and lower.

He ignored her, treating her as if she didn’t exist… perhaps she didn’t.

He simply repeated the incantation, over and over.

“Alas, such a heartless man,” the woman’s voice was filled with mock sorrow, “Fine, since I’m so fond of you, I’ll give you a warning. Handsome, you’re surrounded by beautiful women. Be careful. Stay away from them, or you’ll suffer the consequences.”

Her voice faded away.

A blue meteor descended from the sky, crashing into him.

Shi Hao opened his eyes. Silence. He looked outside. It was evening. He hadn’t felt the passage of time, yet the entire day had passed.

The magic circle drawn with the Undying Child’s blood was gone, no trace remaining, the candles burned down to puddles of wax.

The heart and the saber were still there, but the heart had rotted, its stench filling the air, as if it had been there for days.

And the Heroic Deeds Blade was dull and rusted, its sinister aura gone, its once-sharp edge now blunt, an ordinary, unremarkable blade.

Shi Hao examined his internal state. His demonic source had been replaced, a more powerful demonic energy now residing within, waiting to be unleashed.

He sighed in relief. The ritual had been successful.

As for the female Yin Demon’s “warning,” he dismissed it.

Su Mei had warned him not to trust anything those demons said, not to dwell on their words. Paying attention to them was playing into their hands.

Especially vague “prophecies” like this. “Recently?” How recent? “Stay away from beautiful women?” How far away? “Suffer the consequences?” What consequences? It was all meaningless.

Neither the Holy Jade Immortal nor Su Mei had ever mentioned anything about “fate” or “destiny.” Su Mei had even said, “Human calculations are more reliable than fate.”

He trusted his two wives.

Shi Hao jumped up, stretched, and with a flick of his wrist, unleashed a demonic flame that incinerated the rotten heart.

He couldn’t stay in this room anymore. He left.

He washed himself in the pond, returned to the pavilion, changed into clean clothes, and sat down on the bed, cross-legged.

He swallowed the elixir he had refined, its energy spreading through his body, a warm current flowing upwards, merging with his internal elixir in his mind.

Although he had already formed a seventh-rank internal elixir, having mastered the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique, it was unstable, formed through the forced influx of True Dragon energy, a fragile and flickering flame in his upper dantian.

Now, the internal and external elixirs merged, forming a nascent soul.

Ice crystals bloomed above him, their petals falling around him like snowflakes, a beautiful and ethereal sight.

This was the manifestation of the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique, having reached its peak and merged with the external elixir.

He began cultivating the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique and the Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Technique.

The energy from his Daoist nascent soul, combined with the energies of the Immortal Ice, True Water, and Profound Wind Techniques, flowed through his meridians like a gentle stream.

The energy cultivated through the Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Technique, however, was strange and elusive, unlike any energy he had encountered before.

As Su Mei had said, it was useless for combat. Its sole purpose was to enable the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations.

Having just advanced, the energies of the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique and the Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Technique were still weak.

But having reached the sixth rank, he tried circulating the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art, and its power surged, merging with the Mysterious Charm Technique.

He struck out with his palm, a blast of wind and swirling flames erupting before him, then dissipating.

Although the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique, taught by the Holy Jade Immortal, was a seventh-rank technique, it allowed for the external projection of energy.

The Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art, however, normally couldn’t be projected outwards.

But he was now mid-rank, and projecting his internal energy was no longer a problem.

The Nine Yin Demonic Primordial Energy was still nascent, not yet strong enough for him to begin practicing the Nine Yin Demonic Transformations.

He sat cross-legged and tried extending his Primordial Energy further. Having reached the mid-ranks, his range of perception had increased.

He could sense the fish swimming in the pond, the chirping of crickets in the grass.

Two figures stood guard at the garden gate, one short, the other tall: Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting.

Beyond the wall, in a distant corner of the garden, two women were talking. The one with the cloud bun and ample bosom was Yue Yaotai, the leader of the Moon Lotus Pavilion. The other, standing before her, was Xu Xiaoyan.

He couldn’t hear their conversation, but he could tell Xu Xiaoyan was upset.

After a while, she turned and left, her figure lonely and forlorn.

Shi Hao left the pavilion and went outside. Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting hurriedly bowed, “Young Master.”

Shi Hao, his hands clasped behind him, nodded and said to Huan Tingting, “Tell your Pavilion Lord to come here.” He turned and walked back into the garden.

As Yue Yaotai arrived, Shi Hao sat in the pavilion, looking out at the pond, his demeanor relaxed and casual.

“Young Master,” Yue Yaotai bowed.

Shi Hao glanced at her, “What were you and Xiao Yan talking about just now?”

Yue Yaotai was inwardly startled. They had chosen a secluded spot for their conversation, not wanting to be overheard, not even by Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting, who were guarding the gate.

As a fifth-rank expert, her senses were sharp. She should have been able to detect anyone within twenty zhang.

And with the walls and the rock garden providing cover, no one should have been able to eavesdrop.

Yet, the Young Master, so far away, had somehow known about their conversation.

She looked at him. Although his expression was calm, there was a hint of displeasure in his eyes. She realized he had misunderstood. She quickly bowed, “Xiao Yan came to me, asking about her sister. Although she has connections to our Moon Lotus Pavilion, she’s not a disciple, and this matter involves the previous Pavilion Lord’s secrets, so I shouldn’t have told her.

“But since she’s with you now, Young Master, I decided to tell her the truth.”

Shi Hao asked, surprised, “Xiao Yan’s sister?”

Yue Yaotai lowered her voice, “Xiao Yan has a twin sister, but they were separated when they were young. She doesn’t know where she is.”

Chapter 128: Master and Disciple

After checking everything, Shi Hao set aside the Heroic Deeds Blade and the matricide’s heart. He picked up a brush, dipped it in the Undying Child’s blood from the vial, and began drawing a strange magic circle on the cleared ground.

---

Back at the Chongxian Sect’s main temple, the first thing Du Yuejiao heard was devastating news.

Her aunt was dead, murdered in her own home. And all evidence pointed to her cousin, Fang Yu, as the killer.

Du Yuejiao was stunned. She couldn’t imagine her usually timid cousin, constantly under his mother’s thumb, committing such an act.

And yet, on the other hand, she also felt… it wasn’t entirely unbelievable.

Fang Yu had fled and was now being pursued by the Six Gates.

On her first day back at the temple, Du Yuejiao attended her aunt’s funeral with her master.

She returned to Mount Qian Yuan as night fell. The atmosphere was somber.

The death of Lu Jin, the Azure Dragon Immortal Warrior, had forced the Chongxian Sect to withdraw from Dàxīng City. Most of the martial artists had left Mount Qian Yuan, only a skeleton crew remaining.

And last night, the descendant of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion had appeared, miraculously resolving the crisis at Dragon Head Mountain.

For the Daoist sects, the reappearance of a Taisu Immortal Pavilion descendant was a greater threat to the Chongxian Sect’s authority than even the death of Lu Jin.

Du Yuejiao hadn’t witnessed the event… She had been… otherwise occupied.

Because of this, she had learned of it later than the others, and she had been equally stunned.

Now, after her bath, dressed in a yellow chest covering and thin silk trousers, she lay in bed with her master.

“You shouldn’t have run off like that,” Zhuo Mulan said, her arm around her disciple, gently scolding her, “Disappearing without a word, not even sending a message… I was worried.”

Du Yuejiao’s explanation for her disappearance was that she had seen Shi Hao with another girl and, overwhelmed by jealousy, had run away… Ignoring the complicated details, it wasn’t entirely untrue.

“I’m sorry, Master,” she whispered, hugging her master’s waist.

Although she had been… taken advantage of by that scoundrel, she felt most guilty towards her master, who had been worried about her.

Having been sent to the Chongxian Sect at a young age, her master was the closest thing she had to family, a mother figure.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow on the floor.

They talked about recent events. Du Yuejiao whispered, “I can’t believe someone like Lord Long Zi was killed. Those martial artists are so ruthless.”

Zhuo Mulan sighed. She knew she couldn’t let her disciple live in the idealized world she had created for her. She said softly, “The one who killed Lord Long Zi is called Zhao Xian, the ‘Peerless Sword.’ He’s been on the Six Gates’ Blacklist for a long time, ranked nineteenth. But in the martial world, he’s known as Hero Zhao.”

Du Yuejiao said, surprised, “A hero? Someone like that?”

Zhuo Mulan said, “Although he’s a skilled martial artist, he never abuses his power. He’s known for his righteousness. Those he kills deserve to die. That’s why he’s called a hero.”

Du Yuejiao’s eyes widened, “But he killed Lord Long Zi…”

Lu Jin, the Azure Dragon Immortal Warrior, was one of the Chongxian Sect’s Eight Immortal Warriors, a respected and admired figure.

Zhuo Mulan shook her head, “Do you know why Zhao Xian killed him?”

Du Yuejiao asked anxiously, “Why?”

Zhuo Mulan sighed, “To avenge the Zong family, the ‘Confucian Hero of Xun River’…” She recounted the story of how Lu Jin had slaughtered Zong Youbi’s entire family, even violating his daughter.

Du Yuejiao was shocked, “Lord Long Zi did that? How… how is that possible?”

Zhuo Mulan said, “Our Chongxian Sect doesn’t have a good reputation in the martial world. We’re just too powerful for most people to challenge us openly. Do you know why your uncle defected? He couldn’t stand for it any longer.”

She revealed the darkness within the Chongxian Sect, no longer hiding anything. The girl in her arms shifted uneasily. As a member of the Chongxian Sect, proud of its supposed righteousness, she couldn’t believe the truth.

If anyone else had told her this, she might have doubted them, but it was her master, the person she trusted most.

Zhuo Mulan said, “Do you know why those martial artists risked their lives to steal the God-Sealing Stones? Why your uncle felt so guilty about creating them? In the martial world, the barbarian court is seen as the enemy, and we, the Chongxian Sect, are seen as their collaborators, traitors who betrayed China.”

“Three hundred years ago, the Chongxian Sect was just a small, insignificant sect called the Chongming Sect. They gained power and influence by siding with the barbarians, helping them suppress the Chinese people.”

Du Yuejiao said uneasily, “But… I heard the Sheng Dynasty was corrupt and decadent, and the Venerable One, seeing the future, declared the Mandate of Heaven belonged to the Jin…”

Zhuo Mulan said softly, “Those who collaborate with invaders always need excuses to justify their actions. But there’s no such thing as the Mandate of Heaven. It’s just a lie.”

Du Yuejiao murmured, “So… so, Master… so those who stole the God-Sealing Stones are the… good guys?”

Zhuo Mulan sighed, “Perhaps ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are too simplistic. But you should understand your uncle’s character. Even he, who usually avoids worldly affairs, couldn’t stand for it any longer. He betrayed the sect and joined the resistance.”

Du Yuejiao felt everything she had ever been taught crumbling around her, the world she knew collapsing.

The Kun Zhen Courtyard, where all female disciples of the Chongxian Sect trained, taught them that the Chongxian Sect represented the Mandate of Heaven, the righteous path, that everything they did was just and noble.

Now, discovering it was all a lie, she felt lost in darkness.

Zhuo Mulan, understanding her feelings, held her close, offering comfort. After a while, she whispered, “You started to say ‘Master’ just now. You were going to say Shi Hao, weren’t you?”

The girl looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.

Zhuo Mulan said, “Shi Hao was the villain who captured you, then rescued you under a different guise. His objective was the information about the God-Sealing Stones, right?”

The girl whispered, “You… you know, Master?”

Zhuo Mulan said, “I didn’t suspect him initially. Who would have thought someone could cultivate both Daoist and demonic techniques? But that night, at the Yuan Dan Huo estate, when I pursued him, he captured me. That’s when I discovered his dual cultivation.

“Logically, he should have killed me after I discovered his secret. But he didn’t. He let me go. And thinking back, I realized he must be Shi Hao. And the reason he risked so much to spare my life… it must be because of you.”

Du Yuejiao was stunned. Brother Shi had captured her master? It seemed impossible. Was he truly that powerful?

But she was also relieved. He must still care about her to have spared her master… In that situation, most people would have killed her.

She hugged her master tightly, burying her face in her chest, “But who knows if he truly likes me? He treated me so cruelly, tricked me, and then just… left…”

Zhuo Mulan hugged her back and smiled, “But he went to such lengths, didn’t he? It must mean he cares about you. Why else would he bother? In the eyes of the martial world, we’re collaborators with the barbarians, his enemies. He could have killed you, but he didn’t. He even spared me because of you…”

Her face flushed… He hadn’t spared her at all.

Zhuo Mulan’s voice was gentle, “I don’t know what happened between you two these past few days, but I suspect he’s involved. Did he… apologize?”

The girl buried her face deeper in her master’s bosom, her cheeks burning.

He had apologized, but his method of apology… she still felt… violated.

She whispered, “But he… he has other women…” The thought of that sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful, female thief filled her with anger.

Zhuo Mulan’s heart sank. Had her disciple figured it out?

She held her close and said softly, “Men… sometimes they’re like that, wanting what they can’t have. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. And my disciple, your beauty is unmatched. As long as his heart is true, don’t worry about such trivial matters…”

She spent the entire night comforting and reassuring her disciple.

Chapter 127: The Sixth-Rank Immortal Formula

Du Yuejiao, still worried about her master, realized she had been in a daze these past few days, now understanding that the Emerald Beauty was behind it. As she got dressed, she couldn’t help but ask, “What was in that box the Emerald Beauty brought?”

Shi Hao said, “Just some ingredients I need for my next breakthrough.”

He had a pretty good idea where the Emerald Beauty had obtained the “matricide’s heart.”

But he couldn’t tell Du Yuejiao.

He didn’t want too many people to know his true face.

Revealing it to Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan, who already knew about the Demon Empress, was unavoidable.

But he didn’t want others to know too much.

So, before leaving the pavilion, he changed his appearance using the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique.

Of course, since the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique was a secret of the Evil Lotus Sect, Dragon Girl, Huan Tingting, and the others would recognize the disguise, although they wouldn’t know his true face.

He left the pavilion and saw Xu Xiaoyan talking with Huan Tingting.

“Young Master,” Dragon Girl greeted him.

Huan Tingting also approached respectfully.

Du Yuejiao glared at Xu Xiaoyan, thinking, Why is she here?

Shi Hao, worried they might start fighting, waved his hand, dismissing Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting. He looked at the two girls and said, “Let’s put the past behind us. We’re all on the same side now. We need to get along.”

Du Yuejiao and Xu Xiaoyan both glared at him.

Du Yuejiao’s expression said, I will never get along with other women.

Xu Xiaoyan’s expression said, What do I care?

Shi Hao quickly said, “The three of us are the only dual cultivators of Daoist and demonic arts in history. Although the energies within you are currently balanced, they still need to be adjusted. Otherwise, there could be serious consequences, from demonic affliction to… well, death.”

The two girls were startled. Xu Xiaoyan exclaimed, “Don’t tell me we have to… do that again?”

Shi Hao lied, “Of course.”

In his experience, once their foundations were stabilized, there shouldn’t be any problems, as long as they didn’t forcefully circulate their energies in opposite directions.

But he wasn’t going to tell them that.

He said seriously, “Dual cultivation is not that simple. There will be complications. What happened last night… I had no other choice. I wouldn’t have done that if there had been another way.”

Since dual cultivation was unprecedented, it was natural for them to believe it was a difficult and dangerous path.

Shi Hao said, “Even I need to cultivate in seclusion for the next few days to stabilize my breakthrough. Little Emerald actually tried to kill me last night, flooding my body with demonic fire, hoping to make me explode. After I stabilize my cultivation, I’ll help you two.”

He took their hands, “I don’t want anything to happen to either of you. Please, try to get along.”

Du Yuejiao snorted and turned away, refusing to look at Xu Xiaoyan.

Xu Xiaoyan bit her lip and muttered, “Why should I get along with a Chongxian Sect prude?”

Du Yuejiao’s eyebrow twitched, about to retort, when Shi Hao suddenly groaned, clutching his chest. The two girls, startled, rushed to his side, “What’s wrong?”

Shi Hao feigned pain, “My energies are in turmoil. I need to cultivate in seclusion. But I was worried about you two, so I delayed it. If you keep arguing, I won’t be able to focus…”

Du Yuejiao said quickly, “We’re not arguing! You’re in pain. Go and cultivate!”

Xu Xiaoyan looked at him skeptically but didn’t expose him, simply saying, “Yeah, we’re not arguing.”

Shi Hao slowly exhaled, as if trying to calm his breathing.

Relieved that his ruse had worked, he called for Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting, instructing them to fulfill any requests from Du Yuejiao and Xu Xiaoyan during his seclusion.

They obeyed. Du Yuejiao, however, wanted to check on her master, so a carriage was prepared, and she returned to the Chongxian Sect’s Dàxīng City temple.

After she left, Xu Xiaoyan glanced at Shi Hao, “She’s from the Chongxian Sect, and this is a demonic sect’s stronghold. Do you really trust her?”

Shi Hao said, “Don’t worry, she won’t betray me.” After everything they had been through, he was willing to trust Yuejiao.

And even if she did betray him, she would tell her master first, so he still had Zhuo Mulan as insurance.

“Speaking of which,” Xu Xiaoyan said, hands on her hips, “Why did you make it seem like we were rivals vying for your affection?”

Shi Hao chuckled, “Things just… happened.”

Before he could finish, Xu Xiaoyan punched him in the chest.

Shi Hao looked at her, puzzled. Although her punch hadn’t been very strong, it was still unexpected.

Then, he remembered something and clutched his chest, feigning pain, “Ouch, that hurts!”

Xu Xiaoyan said, rolling her eyes, “I knew you were faking it.”

Shi Hao smiled, “My body doesn’t hurt, but my heart does.”

“I’ll make your heart hurt even more!” Xu Xiaoyan leaped into the air, her foot aiming for him.

Shi Hao quickly dodged and ran…

---

In a secluded room, now used as an alchemy chamber, Shi Hao channeled his Mysterious Charm Technique, using the Daoist Threefold Fire method to generate a pure demonic flame.

The flame shot towards the bottom of the alchemy furnace.

The garden outside was quiet, the maidservants dismissed, Dragon Girl and Huan Tingting guarding the entrance. Xu Xiaoyan was nowhere to be seen.

Shi Hao wasn’t using charcoal.

In this world, the Daoist Threefold Fire wasn’t actual fire but a type of true energy that could control flames. Therefore, charcoal was still needed as fuel.

However, Shi Hao was using the Threefold Fire method to channel the demonic fire generated by the Mysterious Charm Technique, filtering it with the icy energy of the Immortal Ice Technique before directing it towards the furnace.

The last time he had used this method to refine a ninth-rank Immortal Formula, he had only been eighth-rank. Now, at the peak of the seventh rank, after generating the pure demonic flame, he used the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique to project it outwards, creating a steady fire beneath the furnace.

He placed the Molting Snake Reverse Scale inside the furnace.

The scale, the hardest part of the Molting Snake’s body, was impervious to fire.

This step alone took him half an hour. The scale, tossed and turned by the flames, glowed red-hot but remained intact.

Then, carefully channeling his true energy, he placed the Tri-colored Qilin Grass on top of the scale.

This step was crucial. Any mistake, and the precious ingredient would be wasted.

The Tri-colored Qilin Grass melted under the intense heat, forming colorful droplets that dripped onto the scale.

The scale, its concave side facing upwards, collected the droplets, the flames contained beneath it.

The scale was now coated in a colorful liquid.

Shi Hao placed the Carriage Horse Mushroom on top.

The mushroom, bouncing on the liquid surface, tried to escape, but Shi Hao intensified the flames, creating a barrier around the scale.

He closed the furnace lid and focused his divine sense inwards, monitoring the process.

The flames within the furnace intensified, the Carriage Horse Mushroom slowly melting, merging with the liquid from the Tri-colored Qilin Grass.

Shi Hao’s concentration was absolute. This step also couldn’t tolerate any mistakes.

Using charcoal to control the flames would make it difficult to maintain the perfect temperature for a prolonged period. But now, although his internal energy was constantly being depleted, the process was flawless.

The Carriage Horse Mushroom and the Tri-colored Qilin Grass fully merged, forming a clear, viscous liquid that coated the scale.

He opened the furnace and added the supplementary ingredients.

The liquid on the scale became cloudy as the herbs dissolved.

Finally, he added the Illusory Sea Spirit Fruit. Its outer layer peeled away, leaving only the hard core, which rolled on the scale, absorbing the medicinal essence.

After another half an hour, the scale, now charred black, along with the ashes of the other ingredients, sank to the bottom of the furnace.

A single, colorful elixir, radiating a faint light, floated above the flames.

Before the flames died down, Shi Hao took a jade box and tossed it towards the furnace.

The elixir jumped and landed inside the box, rolling around.

He took the box, moved away from the furnace, and looked inside. The shimmering elixir, like the Carriage Horse Mushroom before it, spun in place.

He sighed in relief and wiped the sweat from his brow… The process had been exhausting.

He opened the door and looked outside. It was dark, the full moon hanging in the sky.

He left the alchemy room and meditated in the waterside gazebo, calming his mind and restoring his energy.

After resting for a while, he went to another room where the Heroic Deeds Blade, the blood of the Undying Child, and the matricide’s heart had been placed.

The blood, contained in a crystal-clear glass vial, should have been dark and coagulated by now, if it were ordinary blood.

But this blood was still bright red, a disturbingly vibrant crimson, radiating a sinister aura, like the Heroic Deeds Blade.

The matricide’s heart, in a wooden box, looked like an ordinary heart… although Shi Hao hadn’t seen many hearts.

He had killed before, but who would bother examining a dead person’s heart?

Chapter 126: Shi Hao’s Apology

Memories of past humiliations and scoldings, from childhood to adulthood, flooded Fang Yu’s mind, amplified by the nightmare.

In the darkness, he recalled the strange circumstances surrounding his father’s death, the subtle interactions between his mother and “Uncle Zheng.”

He woke up with a start, his body covered in cold sweat, his eyes burning with rage. His hands clenched, yet they felt empty, as if grasping for something he couldn’t reach.

For as long as he could remember, he had lived under his mother’s tyranny, cowardly and submissive, never daring to defy her.

But now, in his dream, all the memories he had tried to suppress, all the pain and humiliation he had endured, surged to the surface, erupting with a force he had never felt before.

He felt every drop of blood in his body boiling.

He saw his future, an endless cycle of abuse and humiliation, trapped in darkness, with no escape.

He stumbled to the table and grabbed a sword.

He drew the blade, its sharp edge gleaming in the moonlight.

He laughed, a crazed, hysterical laugh.

He spun around the room, the world around him twisting and distorting.

What was the point of living like this?

He stumbled out of the room, through the courtyard, over a wall.

He pressed his ear against the wall, listening.

The voice that had tormented him for so long was now a series of moans and gasps.

He had always believed he was at fault, that her constant scolding and berating were for his own good… just like she always said.

He huddled in a corner, clutching the sword tightly.

In the shadows above, a small figure watched him, its black eyes gleaming with a sinister light.

---

Shi Hao finally managed to wipe the rouge from Du Yuejiao’s face.

“You’re so childish,” he said, exasperated.

Xu Xiaoyan snorted, “She captured me! I was just getting even!”

Shi Hao asked, “How did she capture you?”

Xu Xiaoyan said, “That damned Emerald Beauty! I was resting in the forest when I suddenly fell asleep. I dreamt someone was approaching, but I couldn’t wake up. She captured me before I could even use the Void Traversing Brick.”

As the carriage moved through the city streets, they saw several houses on fire, smoke billowing into the sky, people crying.

Xu Xiaoyan muttered, “It’s always the common people who suffer.”

Shi Hao nodded silently… It was a sad truth.

At daybreak, they left the city and reached a hidden manor deep in the mountains.

Xuan Feng Huanzhi, Yue Yaotai, and Sha Lingshan were waiting for them.

Shi Hao carried Du Yuejiao out of the carriage… Since discovering him with Xu Xiaoyan, she had been tormented by a mixture of jealousy, shame, and the lingering effects of the demonic trial, her exhaustion evident.

“Young Master!” the three leaders bowed.

Xu Xiaoyan, trailing behind him, grinned, enjoying her reflected glory.

Shi Hao looked around, “Where are we?”

Sha Lingshan straightened up, her small fan fluttering, and smiled, “This is the Azure Shu Manor, a property of our Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion. Please rest here, Young Master.”

Xuan Feng Huanzhi said, “We have obtained the blood of an Undying Child, Young Master.”

Shi Hao nodded. If they hadn’t succeeded, they wouldn’t be here.

Sha Lingshan led them into the manor, a secluded estate with elegant pavilions, rock gardens, and colorful flowers blooming everywhere.

Four watchtowers, disguised as gazebos, stood at the corners of the estate. Sha Lingshan explained the manor’s layout and its various traps and defenses.

Shi Hao chose a pavilion and settled in. Xu Xiaoyan stayed with him.

Soon, Dragon Girl of the Black Lotus Realm and Huan Tingting of the Moon Lotus Pavilion arrived with several maidservants to attend to them.

Shi Hao wasn’t sure of their intentions, but he guessed that since this was the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion’s territory, the other two factions likely insisted on having their own people present, ensuring he wasn’t being influenced or manipulated.

Dragon Girl, much younger than Snake Charmer, was short and petite, dressed in red, her hair in two buns, looking like a simple village girl, even shorter than Xu Xiaoyan, but her status within the Black Lotus Realm seemed higher than Snake Charmer’s.

Shi Hao asked Dragon Girl to prepare an alchemy furnace and charcoal. She didn’t understand why he, a demonic cultivator, needed an alchemy furnace, but she obeyed without question.

He gave Huan Tingting a list of ingredients, instructing her to gather them personally, ensuring their accuracy… Besides the four main ingredients, the sixth-rank Immortal Formula also required several supplementary herbs.

Fortunately, these were common and easily obtainable, as long as he had the money.

He carried Du Yuejiao upstairs, laid her on the bed, and lay down beside her. When she woke up and saw him, she instinctively tried to hit him, but he held her close.

She bit his shoulder in frustration, but her bite was gentle, leaving no mark.

Shi Hao chuckled, “Still angry?”

She bit her lip, “Let me go!”

She examined her internal state and exclaimed in surprise, “What have you done to me? And where are we?”

Shi Hao said, “This is Evil Lotus Sect territory.”

Du Yuejiao asked, alarmed, “A demonic sect?”

Shi Hao said, “Indeed. And you now possess a demonic foundation. If you return to the Chongxian Sect and accidentally use your demonic energy, the consequences could be severe.”

Du Yuejiao’s face paled, “A demonic foundation? How… how is that possible…?” She wanted to say that dual cultivation was impossible.

But then she remembered that it was precisely because of his dual cultivation that she hadn’t realized he was both her captor and her rescuer.

She turned away from him, tears silently streaming down her face.

Shi Hao put his arm around her and began to comfort her. He wasn’t worried. If a girl let you comfort her, even while angry, it meant she still cared. He wasn’t afraid of her anger, but of her indifference.

“How could you do that to me?” she whispered, her voice filled with grievance.

Shi Hao said, “You weren’t very nice to me either. You accused me without proof on Red Mountain, and you gave me trouble when I was just trying to buy some ingredients. How could you treat me like that? I liked you.”

The girl said angrily, “You’re blaming me? You carved marks on my leg! You… you… what are you doing?!”

Shi Hao pulled back the covers and, ignoring her struggles, untied her robe.

The marks he had carved were gone. After all, the Chongxian Sect had plenty of healing salves and elixirs.

He gently kissed the places where she had been injured, his voice soft, “Let me apologize. Isn’t that enough?” He continued kissing her, tracing the paths of his earlier cruelty with tenderness.

She resisted halfheartedly, “Don’t… don’t touch me… you… you bastard, is that all you know how to do… no… not there… don’t…”

His apology, however, seemed to have softened her anger.

“You bastard,” she mumbled, playfully hitting his chest.

A gust of wind, and a small voice called out from the table beside the bed, “Young Master.”

The girl emerged from under the covers, her shoulders bare. She saw the doll sitting on the table, a wooden box beside it.

The beautiful doll said, “I have the ingredient you requested, Young Master.”

Shi Hao, holding the girl close, said, “Take it to the alchemy room. I’ll be there soon.”

“Yes, Young Master,” the doll said, picking up the wooden box with its small hands and flying out the window.

Du Yuejiao, in his arms, looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity, “Why does it call you ‘Young Master’?”

Shi Hao said, “Because I’m the true inheritor of the Evil Lotus Sect.” He explained the situation.

Du Yuejiao, listening to his explanation, was stunned. She touched her chest, where her middle dantian was located, and whispered, “Dual cultivation… is that really possible? Is that what I am now?”

Shi Hao also touched her chest, and she blushed, trying to push his hand away, but he held it there. He said, “Dual cultivation is possible. It’s just that no one has discovered it, or dared to try it, before.

“The key is balance, like the yin and yang of a taiji symbol, constantly interacting and supporting each other. In fact, dual cultivation can be much faster than ordinary methods, although advancement is also more difficult, requiring both demonic rituals and Daoist elixirs, doubling the resources needed.”

Du Yuejiao sighed in relief, “So, the Emerald Beauty wanted to turn me into a demonic cultivator. And you… you were trying to save me?”

She looked at him, then muttered, “If I become a demon, I’ll kill you first.”

Shi Hao shook his head, “If you pass the demonic trial, you won’t care about me anymore. Not just me, but even your master. Your bond with her will be severed.”

The mention of her master made Du Yuejiao anxious, “I’ve been missing for so many days. Master must be worried.” She hugged him tightly, her head resting on his chest, “It’s all your fault!”