A life of idleness in the world of demons

Chapter 76, Section 75: The Emperor's Blood Edict Hidden in the Belt, Three Villages and Five Powerful Spirits Beyond the Heavens (8.1K words - Large Chapter, Please Subscribe)
General Qin has finished warming up.

Ning Xuan suddenly said, "I won't fight."

General Qin stopped and replied, "Oh?"

Ning Xuan said, "After you left, I did take care of your family. I even called your wife Aunt Zhao properly."

As for your trusted guards, they were all destined to die. You spared them without intending to let them live, so you can't blame me.

"And as for Xuezhi, wasn't she in such a hurry to send Aunt Zhao and your Qin family to the Western Regions just to deliver them to you?"

He is not stupid.

Qin Shanjun is from the previous era.

Despite his youth and strength, he is over 100 years old.

He can't beat him.

Qin Shanjun laughed and said, "Don't make wild guesses or waste time talking. Today, this fight is inevitable."

Upon hearing this, Ning Xuan immediately understood. This was "investigating spies and verifying identities." Without an identity, they wouldn't really talk to you. However, he still asked curiously, feigning ignorance, "Oh?"

Qin Shanjun said, "There will be an explanation after the fight is over."

Ning Xuan put away his golden body and set the two women down. He glanced at them again and found that Lu Xuezhi was fine, but Xiao Jie's breathing was becoming more and more rapid and her chest was heaving.

He frowned.

Suddenly, he heard a "ding".

A milky white bottle flew through the air from a distance.

It was thrown by Qin Shanjun.

He grabbed it.

Qin Shanjun said, "Being dizzy but not dead, asleep but not awake, is due to toad poison. The dosage of toad poison this time should have been formulated according to your constitution; of course, a young girl like her couldn't withstand it. This is the antidote."

Ning Xuan didn't waste any words. He directly uncorked the bottle, took out a pill, and put it into Xiao Jie's mouth.

The medicine worked very quickly; in just a few breaths, Xiaojie looked much better.

He reached out his hand again.

Qin Shanjun clicked his tongue, but still grabbed another bottle and threw it out.

Ning Xuan gave it to Lu Xuezhi.

Qin Shanjun asked, "Is it ready?"

Ning Xuan said, "Wait a little longer."

Qin Shanjun frowned and asked, "The antidote has already been given, what are you waiting for?"

Ning Xuan said, "We'll fight them after they wake up."

He would definitely lose if he fought Qin Shanjun. What if there were other women lurking nearby who could abduct the two women during the fight?
Qin Shanjun was taken aback. He looked Ning Xuan up and down and thought to himself: In the past, when they were at odds, the demons tried to take his life three times, but he always managed to escape. Now it seems that it was not just luck. This boy is really cautious.

He was truly patient, or rather, patient with the young man before him. He leaped onto the sand ridge beside him and said, "Qin, wait."

A short while later, Lu Xuezhi slowly woke up. As soon as she woke up, she quickly rolled over and sprang up like lightning. Her eyes swept around warily like a ferocious beast. When she saw Ning Xuan beside her and Qin Shanjun standing on the sand dune not far away, she relaxed slightly and asked in astonishment, "What's going on?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Xuan knew that what had just happened was not part of the foolish woman's plan.

This is not surprising.

You and someone else made a plan, and you followed plan one, but the other person secretly followed plan two.

Clearly, the woman had been tricked.

He said that even naivety has its limits.

In retrospect, although the woman was foolish, she was still salvageable.

Ning Xuan coldly said, "Miss Lu, isn't it you who colluded with outsiders to drug me, Xiao Jie, and even yourself, and then have a group of camel riders tie you up and take you to some unknown place?"

Lu Xuezhi was stunned upon hearing this, her face turned cold and then pale. She lowered her head, then suddenly turned and left.

Ning Xuan said, "Stop."

Lu Xuezhi stopped.

Ning Xuan asked, "Where to?"

Lu Xuezhi said angrily, "I'll go ask him! He clearly said in the letter that he would only make you and Xiaojie weak and unable to sense anything, so that he could blindfold you and lead you into the village. Otherwise, it would be bad if you memorized the route."

He also forbade me from telling you in advance, fearing that you might be prepared and something unexpected might happen.

These are the village rules, and they cannot be disobeyed.

However, to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, I insisted on taking the antidote in advance, because I had received the inheritance, and he agreed.

I think that with me there, I can react even if something unexpected happens, and that's the rule, so I agreed to cooperate.

Because I brought you here, I actually wanted to show you real ancient martial arts, and also to help Sister Jie recognize her ancestors, so naturally I have to abide by their rules.

If I had known it would turn out this way, I certainly wouldn't have done it this way. I... I'm so sorry. It was my arrogance and stubbornness that almost led us all into a hopeless situation where our fates were beyond our control.

I'm sorry, my husband.

She spoke at length.

She never talks this much.

"Who is he?"

“It’s my master. It shouldn’t be like this. My master shouldn’t lie to me.”

Ning Xuan said coldly, "Miss Lu, how many things are you still hiding from me?"

Lu Xuezhi stared at him blankly, a faint glimmer of tears in her eyes.

Qin Shanjun, who had landed not far away, coughed and interrupted in a deep voice, "Alright, Ning Xuan, he's awake now, it's our turn to fight."

Ning Xuan glanced coldly at Lu Xuezhi and said, "Keep an eye on Xiao Jie first."

Lu Xuezhi, who used to be completely obedient to him, now acted like a child who had done something wrong. She hurriedly said "Oh" and then obediently helped Xiao Jie to the side of the sand dune. At the same time, she secretly gave Qin Shanjun a wink from afar, shook her head, and glared at him fiercely, meaning "Don't use too much force."

She could already smell the blood all around her and see the bits of flesh and bones covered in yellow sand; she had a rough idea of ​​what had happened.

She felt increasingly fearful.

Why did she lose her mind and fall into a trap set by someone else?
But why would that person set such a trap?
Amidst the wind and sand, dusk has passed, and the sky is filled with countless stars.

Two figures stood in the sandstorm.

Ning Xuan had no intention of holding back when facing General Qin. Of course, he didn't think he could win either. He just wanted to see how far his apparent strength was from the level of the previous generation.

He revealed his golden form, holding a Ruyi scepter in his hand, and suddenly a piercing buzzing sound filled the air, sharp as the chirping of swallows.

The chirping grew louder, then a rustling din arose, like a flock of swallows returning from afar.

Whoosh.

Ning Xuan loosened his grip.

Let that "petal" move with the wind, sometimes by ten feet, sometimes by a hundred feet.
Swallow Tide.

The three forces combined, then scattered into hundreds and thousands of fragments, becoming especially dense at a hundred feet. In the next instant, it rapidly expanded to a thousand feet, like a knife that suddenly grew longer, and with a series of booming explosions, it reached Qin Shanjun's throat.

However.
A strange sound suddenly rang out.

Thump! Thump! Thump! !
It sounded like the harsh, strange noise of a vibrating string being violently pulled.

With this strange sound, Ning Xuan's thousand-foot-long flying knife "danced," losing its aim and scattering in all directions.

Qin Shanjun watched calmly.

The next instant.
Whoosh!
He vanished from his spot and almost simultaneously appeared abruptly in front of Ning Xuan's golden body, placing his hand on its surface.

His hands were the size of palm-leaf fans, but his strength was not fierce; rather, it was quiet and soft.

So quiet that there was not a sound, so soft that its golden body remained completely still.

But Ning Xuan, inside the golden body, felt a strange tremor.

Ning Xuan felt as if his soul was about to leave his body.

On the other side, Qin Shanjun was also stunned. He sensed the terrifying divine soul power within the young man in front of him. His attack had failed to expel the divine soul from his body, and he couldn't help but say, "Good lad."

After saying this, he suddenly stepped back.

Ning Xuan was given a moment to recover, but he did not make a move. The opponent's strength was too strange. Just those two moves reminded him of the "using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds" and "hitting a cow across a mountain" techniques from the martial arts novels he had read in his previous life.

He was thinking about how to retaliate when Qin Shanjun disappeared again.

He immediately sheathed his sword.

The hundreds of scattered blade fragments instantly turned back and surged towards him from all directions.

But Qin Shanjun was too fast.

He suddenly disappeared and then suddenly reappeared, appearing behind his golden body, and then struck down with another palm.

boom!
This time.

Ning Xuan suddenly felt his soul leave his body.

This is a strange force, not brute force, but a peculiar skill.

Qin Shanjun struck him with a palm, causing his soul to leave his body.

After Qin Shanjun struck once, he did not make another move. Instead, he took a deep breath with a solemn expression, and a burst of scorching air rose into the air, completely engulfing Ning Xuan's soul.

Ning Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, but did not summon the [Netherworld Ghost] Heavenly Demon Talisman. Before summoning it, he was dominated by the human soul, since he was the one who devoured Tian Youzi, not the other way around. After summoning it, the [Netherworld Ghost] would be complete, and the two would collude, rising in power. At that time, the ghost would be dominant.

At this moment, he is naturally a human soul, not a ghost.

Before the scorching heat even arrived, a comfortable sensation came over me.

When it was time to experience it, Ning Xuan felt even more comfortable.

The next instant, his soul returned to his body, but the scorching heat did not dissipate. It gradually spread and permeated his body, making him feel completely relaxed.

He glanced at the panel, and in just a few breaths, his physique actually changed from "11.5" to "12".

"Thank you." Ning Xuan clasped his hands in thanks.

Qin Shanjun's expression softened considerably. He waved his hand and said strangely, "Now I'm really considering taking you as my son-in-law."

After saying that, he turned to look at Lu Xuezhi not far away and said, "Junior sister, no problem."

Ning Xuan's expression shifted slightly, but he showed no surprise.

He had long suspected that Lu Xuezhi and Qin Shanjun were related; now he was simply filling in "fellow disciples" in the relationship section.

Lu Xuezhi looked up somewhat embarrassedly, then lowered her head again after meeting Ning Xuan's gaze, explaining incoherently, "I... I've always believed you, but my sect insisted on investigating. Well... it's a very important matter, so we had to investigate. My sect said that those ghosts would use people to make clothes, and if you're not a ghost, then this test will only benefit you."

She made a mistake before, and now it seems she's made another one.

She looked around helplessly, glancing at the yellow sand, then at the still unconscious Xiao Jie, but avoiding Ning Xuan's gaze. Suddenly, she puffed out her chest, coughed softly, cleared her throat, and said, "General Ning Xuan of Anyuan, receive the imperial decree!"

After saying that, she lightly pinched her belt with her fingers.

The belt made a crisp cracking sound.

There was actually a hidden compartment inside.

No wonder she never took off her clothes when bathing, and even when washing clothes she carefully controlled the water level, without touching the belt.

Lu Xuezhi pulled out a piece of yellow silk from her belt and then unfolded it.

Qin Shanjun stepped forward and knelt on one knee.

Ning Xuan also knelt down.

Lu Xuezhi's pretty face turned solemn, and she read aloud:

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

I, with my meager virtue, inherited the throne and have been diligent and attentive day and night, concerned only with the safety of the nation and the suffering of the people. However, treacherous officials hold sway, and the moon is afflicted by evil spirits. The sorcerers of the Zixia Temple, masquerading as immortals, are in reality demons and monsters, entrenched within the palace walls, bewitching the people and wreaking havoc on the court. I am now controlled by these traitors and imprisoned, unable to issue a public edict to the world. Therefore, I entrust this secret letter, written in blood, to loyal and virtuous officials.

General Ning Xuan of Anyuan is renowned for his loyalty and bravery, a fact I have long known. Now, with the nation in peril and evil influences shrouding the sky, you must swiftly prepare your troops, secretly unite righteous men, and await the opportune moment. Your wife, Lady Lu Xuezhi, is a woman of exceptional talent and wisdom; she will assist you in your great undertaking. Remember, patience and forbearance are essential; do not act rashly. When the time is ripe, we will sweep away the evil influences in one fell swoop and restore peace to our land!

This edict is sworn in blood, and Heaven and Earth bear witness. If I unfortunately perish at the hands of treacherous officials, you must prioritize the well-being of the nation and its people, punish the wicked and uphold justice, and not fail my trust!

Admire this. "

After reading it aloud, Lu Xuezhi presented the imperial edict to Ning Xuan.

Ning Xuan accepted the imperial edict with both hands. Upon looking at the large seal, he saw rolling dragon energy gathered on it, and he could vaguely feel the divine might above it.

The words written on the imperial edict contained a faint hint of blood.

This is actually a blood-sealing edict.

This world is truly a grand stage, where one act ends and another begins. On and off stage, good people and bad people, enemies and friends, good cop and bad cop, can all turn around in an instant. Truth and falsehood are intertwined, and who can see through it all?

Who would have thought that General Qin, whom the emperor so deeply hated and who colluded with demons, was actually a loyal minister?

This water is too deep.

The deeper the water, the more he wanted to be a scoundrel.

That being said, His Majesty has already given him a blood edict, so surely he can't refuse to give the Ning family's promising students a special favor during next year's imperial examinations, can he?

It's stable now.

His Majesty has placed his trust in him, so he should offer some emotional value in return.

Thinking of the benefits he could gain, Ning Xuan took a deep breath, bowed to the east, and cried out, "Your Majesty, it is my incompetence, it is my incompetence!!!"

Seeing him like this, Lu Xuezhi was overjoyed and hurriedly stepped forward to pull him up, saying, "Husband, from now on we are truly like-minded."

Ning Xuan wiped away the "large pearl" he had squeezed out with all his might, and continued to cry, "As subjects, we toil for our sovereign's worries, and we die for our sovereign's humiliation. We would rather die than allow this heretic to dishonor our sovereign to this extent! Your Majesty!!"

Seeing how many tears he was shedding, Lu Xuezhi was surprised to find that her husband was so loyal, and she felt sad and started crying as well.

Qin Shanjun's expression was cold on one side, his fists clenched, clearly indicating that he too was thinking of some humiliation.

for a long time
Ning Xuan let out a long sigh of relief. The tears she had just squeezed out were enough.

Lu Xuezhi wiped away her tears with her sleeve, and when she looked at Ning Xuan again, her expression had softened.

"My lord, let's live a good life together from now on and serve the king together. I promise that I will never hide anything from you again."

After saying that, she felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders.

She had always harbored resentment towards Ning Xuan, which was why she wasn't very close to him.

At this moment, she suddenly remembered something, turned her head to look at Qin Shanjun, and asked, "Senior brother, you're already at the fourth rank, and it seems there was an accident when you fought with my husband just now?"

Qin Shanjun glanced at Ning Xuan and met Ning Xuan's expression.

Ning Xuan remained silent.

Qin Shanjun smiled and said, "Even horses can stumble, and people can make mistakes. Heroes can emerge from among the young."

After saying that, he looked at Ning Xuan and said, "General Ning, welcome to the Five Poisons Sect."

The next day
Qin Shanjun led Ning Xuan and the two women into the Five Poisons Sect.

Ning Xuan tried to silently memorize the entrance, but it was difficult to remember because the entrance might just be a point in the desert. However, the wind and sand in the desert are unpredictable, and it is impossible to remember a single point.

Therefore, he could only use the previous oasis as a reference point and hastily determined a location in his mind: northwest, half a day's journey away.

Why is it a single point?

Ning Xuan had never seen anything like this before.

Just moments before stepping onto this spot, it was still a desert, but the scene suddenly shifted, transforming into a strange land of mountains and rivers.

Thanks to his experience from his previous life, he was able to roughly understand this situation as something like a "secret realm" or a "small world".

at this time
A breeze carrying moisture wafted through the arched bridge made of blue bricks. Nearby stood houses with black tiles and white walls. The winding river was as clear as crystal, flowing into a swamp where many houseboats were moored.

Turning around again, there was a long, towering mountain range behind me.

There are many stilted houses on the mountain, and you can vaguely see people carrying bamboo baskets walking around.

Qin Shanjun said, "This is a fragment of the heaven that remains from the heyday of our sect."

Lu Xuezhi looked around curiously; she had clearly never been here before.

"What fragmented heaven?"

Qin Shanjun pondered for a moment and said, "It's like a world collapsed and shattered into many fragments. One of those fragments fell here and overlapped with our world."

Lu Xuezhi exclaimed in horror, "Besides the world of incense offerings, are there other worlds? And can worlds also collapse?"

Qin Shanjun shook his head and said, "I don't know either. This is recorded in the ancient books that are still preserved in the sect."

After saying that, he continued, "You must be careful. This place was originally used by sect disciples for training. Although we are hiding here now, we are still unable to kill all the demonic beasts in it."

The village chiefs thought coexisting with the demonic beasts was a good thing. First, demonic beast meat was delicious and highly nutritious; second, martial artists couldn't grow strong in a peaceful place. Just as fine steel needs to be forged in fierce fire and hammered with iron hammers, danger is the cradle of the strong.

As he spoke, he pointed to the swamp, the mountain, and the water, saying, "These three places are unusual; they are all very deep and hide great demonic beasts."

Ning Xuan glanced around and asked with some curiosity, "Could it be that only my Five Poisons Sect remains of the former sects?"

Qin Shanjun said, "No, besides the Five Poisons Sect, there must be many other sects, and there may even be two Five Poisons Sects."

However, the various sects do not communicate with each other, and even if they encounter each other outside, no one will bother to investigate the other's lair. This is a major taboo.

Otherwise, the evil spirits of Zixia Temple would have long since run rampant and become completely unrestrained.

But now, even though they have tried their best to infiltrate and have uprooted one sect, they cannot pull out the radish and bring out the mud, nor can they find other sects.

Moreover, our sect is not independent. For example, our Five Poisons Sect supported many bandits and small tribes in the Western Regions and helped them establish their own kingdoms. Our control over them is like the control that the Purple Cloud Temple has over the imperial court.

However, there are advantages and disadvantages.

The disarray within sects is precisely this drawback.

Take our Five Poisons Sect for example. The Five Poisons Sect is now divided into three factions, each representing a village, and each village has a village chief.

He raised his hand and pointed to the black-tiled, white-walled houses around the arched bridge, saying, "This is the radical faction. They reject all external assistance and believe that martial artists must rely on themselves. As long as they are strong enough, they can protect this world."

Then he pointed to the boathouse in the swamp in the distance and said, “That’s where we live. We belong to the moderate faction. We believe that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. We might as well use the demons that have invaded from the world of incense and let them fight with Zixia Temple. We can first unite with the demons to destroy Zixia Temple, and then drive the demons out of the world.”

Immediately, he frowned, then turned to point to the distant mountains and said, “Those are the surrender faction, but they don’t admit it themselves. They say they are the migration faction. They think that since this world is controlled by evil spirits, why not simply migrate to that world with Buddhist and Taoist temples and live in a new world? After all, Buddhism and Taoism sound better than ghosts.”

After saying that, Qin Shanjun paused for a moment, then said coldly, "All the way here, I've been thinking about where things went wrong. After thinking it over and over, there's only one answer. Someone not only hid your letter, Junior Sister, but also altered Master's letter, and then impersonated Master to communicate with you."

All people and letters from outsiders would first stop in the outer village.

Wai-cun is a place very close to here.

People and objects are only brought into the inner village after being vetted in the outer village.

All letters sent from the inner village to the outside will also go to the outer village and be processed.

Clearly, someone deliberately intercepted the junior sister's letter and the master's letter, and then interfered and played tricks.

That's why you were poisoned in the Oasis.

The reason I was able to get here is because I've been keeping track of your situation lately, so I've been traveling to other villages frequently. That's how I unexpectedly learned of your arrival and was able to get here in time.

However, General Ning remained vigilant.

Even if Qin doesn't arrive, you will be fine.

As for why we intercepted your letter?

Qin believes it's because you are different from the people who live here.

Most of the people living here are not allowed to leave, and even if they do leave, it is done under orders, and the screening process is very strict.

I only returned here after losing my position as a general. Once I'm here, it will be difficult to go back.

But you are different from everyone else. You have come, and you will return to the dynasty. You are both generals, and a young general couple at that, with boundless futures. Having you as one of our own is of great value.

Qin believed that only two people in the Five Poisons Sect were capable of doing such a thing.

Only one person remains who has the motivation to do it.

His gaze was fixed intently on the stilted house deep in the mountains.

He didn't say.

But everyone knew he was referring to that "village chief who had surrendered".

Those who wanted to surrender and relocate naturally needed to "win the favor of friendly nations."

Where does AIA operate?
Of course, it's the imperial dynasty.

The two young generals of the two dynasties were naturally very important to him.

Qin Shanjun said in a deep voice, "You are no match for that old man. I will avenge you for the humiliation you suffered. Just stay here for a while, learn what you need to learn, and then return home. I will personally escort you back. Let's see who dares to make a move then."

He had a very good impression of the two young men in front of him.

It wasn't just because he valued their potential, but also because he had a good relationship with both of them.

Ning Xuan suddenly asked, "General Qin, you are a fourth-rank official. How do you rank in the Five Poisons Sect?"

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Shanjun waved his hand and frowned, saying, "Junior sister calls me senior brother, and you are my junior sister's husband. What do you call me?"

Ning Xuan smiled and said, "Brother Qin."

Qin Shanjun laughed heartily, then patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, my strength is barely enough to be considered a deputy village chief in the Five Poisons Sect. I can't chop off that old man's hand, but he'll have to hand over the person who intercepted the letter and give me an explanation. After all, he's in the wrong."

Alright, now come with me to Qin's home to rest for a while. Tomorrow morning, we'll go see the village chief.

On the swamp, the houseboat rises high above the water, surrounded by a faint medicinal fragrance that repels even mosquitoes.

The boathouses are connected by simple wooden planks, just like the streets in an ordinary town.

The houseboats here are quite large; although they can't compare to mansions on land, they are still quite spacious.

As soon as Ning Xuan boarded the ship, he saw a familiar face.

Madam Zhao smiled as she looked at him from the bow of the boat.

Ning Xuan called out, "Sister Zhao."

Madam Zhao had already learned from Qin Shanjun that the form of address was appropriate, so she glanced at the girls dressed as fisherwomen behind her and said, "Why aren't you calling him Uncle Ning?"

Qin Yi'er glanced at the boy who had once made her grit her teeth, and then saw the girl in the white coat behind him who had infuriated her. Reluctantly, she called out, "Uncle Ning."

Qin Jin'er looked at the young man who had almost become her husband with curiosity and called out, "Uncle Ning."

The other women from the Qin family also called out.

Madam Zhao then looked seriously at Lu Xuezhi on the other side, gave a graceful bow, and said, "I misunderstood Miss Lu that day, and I am truly ashamed when I later learned the truth. Please accept my bow."

Lu Xuezhi hurriedly stepped forward to help her up, saying, "Sister-in-law, there's no need to be so polite."

Madam Zhao asked, "Miss Lu saw us off in such a hurry, did she cause any trouble?"

Lu Xuezhi shook her head and said, "No."

Ning Xuan scoffed inwardly. Still not? Your partner's been calling you stupid behind your back, and you still haven't done it?
Madam Zhao took a plaid apron from the side, tied it on, and said, "Young Master Ning, Miss Lu, my master Qin said you might be coming." Then she left in a hurry.

Although his explanation was vague, I quickly tidied the room after hearing it; the bedding and pillows were all new, delivered from another village. "Come and see!"

Ning Xuan and the two women went with Madam Zhao to take a look.

Madam Zhao, however, prepared two rooms.

Lu Xuezhi thought of how she had wronged Ning Xuan before and wanted to serve him well, do things she had never done before to make him happy. So she gritted her teeth and said, "Sister-in-law, let's share a room."

Madam Zhao paused for a moment, glanced at Ning Xuan, and smiled, "Alright."

That night
"Miss Lu, you..."

"Uh huh"

After a long while, as if emerging from the bottom of the water, Lu Xuezhi looked up at him fiercely, glared at him, and said, "Can't you move?"

Xiao Jie's giggling laughter came from the side.

The night is getting darker.

Gradually, the stainless steel cot and warm blankets calmed down from the frenzy.

Ning Xuan embraced the two women, and they slept under the same blanket in the boathouse in the winter swamp.

The way the meat is pressed together gives the feeling of flames burning.

Previously, even when they shared a quilt, they would sleep on opposite sides. Now, perhaps out of remorse, or because Ning Xuan had passed the test and shown such loyalty and patriotism when receiving the blood edict, Lu Xuezhi devoted herself to him wholeheartedly.

It was only after the "Flying Eagle Tower" incident that Ning Xuan truly won over Xiao Jie.

So, after the "blood edict" incident, Ning Xuan truly entered Lu Xuezhi's heart.

“My husband, I was young then, but I wanted to be a general. I fought with other children with wooden swords. When I lost, I ran away and got angry.”

Then, at that time, I met my master.

My master was a disheveled wandering Taoist priest. He asked me to fetch him some wine, but I naturally refused. So…

Lu Xuezhi murmured softly as she began to recount her past.

She felt the man's closeness behind her, which made her a little uncomfortable, but she was trying to get used to it.

As the story unfolded, the house gradually quieted down.
The next day, Ning Xuan, Lu Xuezhi, and Xiao Jie met their "master".

The "slovenly" wandering Taoist priest that Lu Xuezhi had mentioned last night was now a white-haired, youthful-looking man, wearing a wide robe with red cloud patterns on a black background. He sat quietly with his head down on a futon, looking somewhat drowsy.

He only looked up when he heard the noise.

After a brief greeting.

The wandering Taoist spoke up: "Some people call me Master, some call me Village Chief, some call me Senior, but my real name is Lan Yu. I don't even remember if this is my real name. I have lived for 180 years and will live a long life."

Before Lu Xuezhi could say anything, Elder Lanyu raised his hand to interrupt her, then tilted his head back slightly, his eyes filled with reminiscence, and said, "When the sect was at its peak, I was just the most useless outer disciple of the Five Poisons Sect. Now it is my turn to inherit the sect. It is truly a cruel twist of fate."

His old eyes held a smile. "You must be very curious as to why I dared to take the risk of luring people in from the outside. Am I not afraid that you will learn kung fu and then betray me?"

Before anyone could answer, the old man Lan Yu replied, “I am not afraid, because anyone who knows the truth about Zixia Temple, anyone who knows that those evil spirits use people as clothing, cannot be associated with them. Either kill them or become their clothing; there is never a third option.”

Immediately afterward, Elder Lanyu recounted the truth about Zixia Temple to the three of them.

These all match Ning Xuan's impression.

He's right. No martial artist, or anyone else, can coexist with a Yin Ghost Cultivator.

After a moment, the old man Lan Yu seemed to be a little tired. He raised his hand and took out five jade slips from the void.

The jade slips were labeled with the following images: snake, scorpion, centipede, spider, and toad.

The old man Lan Yu said, "The five poisons recorded in this jade slip are not the recipes for poisons, but five kinds of poisonous energy. The five poisonous energy seem to be independent, but they are closely related. Only those with extraordinary talent can link them together."

Having said that, his expression softened, and he looked at Lu Xuezhi, saying, "Little Lu has already combined the snake and scorpion forces. Although she is not yet proficient in the scorpion force, she can already use it in actual combat. Little Lu is only eighteen now, and her future is promising."

Lu Xuezhi said, "This disciple will definitely work hard."

The old man Lan Yu said, "Choose one to cultivate first. Touch the jade slip with your hand, and you will be able to sense its general contents and know its cultivation direction. Once you have determined it, calm down and absorb it. These ancient artifacts of the sect will naturally send the inheritance within to your mind, which is extremely convenient."

Ning Xuan tried them one by one.

Snakes are agile, scorpions are venomous, centipedes have a hundred legs, spiders weave webs, and toads are ethereal.

The short, sharp kicks that Lu Xuezhi had used to send him flying time and again were the "scorpion," while the long, flexible legs that she used to control the water flow around her body were the "snake."
However, choosing one out of five is still a bit of a dilemma.

Suddenly, a thought entered Ning Xuan's mind.

He remembered.

This looks like a fragment of an outer world, doesn't it?
None of them are native to this area, are they?
Those are the monsters.

Does this mean that Lu Xuezhi, Qin Shanjun, and even this old man Lanyu can be considered as Heavenly Demons?

Ning Xuan's heart started racing.

(End of this chapter)