Chapter 19: The Young Lord of Zhaoyang

Seeing that Feng Qianning was unharmed, Qin Yue felt a weight lift from his heart.

He despised owing favors.

He had considered Feng Qianning’s motives for helping him; perhaps she recognized the unique complexion of someone from the Frozen Abyss, and her curiosity was piqued by anyone capable of escaping such a place. Embracing the adage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, not only had she spared his life, but she had also warned him and instructed her followers to look after him.

Whatever her reasons, the favor was real and undeniable.

So when he ventured into the mountains, part of him hoped that if they crossed paths, he could do something within his power to repay her kindness.

As for whether anything more had transpired between them that night, that was a question for the future, once safety was assured. Now that she was safe, he preferred not to get further involved.

In fact, lingering close might only cause trouble.

Both had good intentions—stay out of it, leave quickly—yet they hadn’t gone far before a group of grumbling, rough-looking independent cultivators appeared, clearly hunters by trade.

“Damn it! If I’d known this was a trap, I’d never have been tempted by that hundred taels of silver!”

“We’ve been played. Madame Xingyao really pulled a fast one on us!”

“Hey, don’t blame her. She’s just the middlewoman. You think she can control what the demon kings do?”

“Don’t make excuses for her. Plenty of people say Madame Xingyao isn’t some legendary beauty—her face was burned beyond recognition!”

“Pretty or not, you’re not getting her into your bed.”

“She’s fair in business, and generous. Don’t badmouth her…”

Qin Yue and Hu Jiuyan exchanged baffled glances, not understanding what had happened. Before they could ask, someone recognized them.

“Constable Hu, you got caught up in this mess too?”

Hu Jiuyan, now going by the alias Hu Yan, had been in the northern lands for some time, and many in the martial world knew and respected her, having no quarrel.

She looked puzzled. “What happened?”

The man gave a wry smile. “Don’t even ask. None of us can get out for three months. The two great demon kings have set up a barrier outside, declaring that if you take their silver, you’d better do the job—even if you have to fake it until they find Feng Qianning.”

Someone else lamented, “If I’d known, I’d have taken the money and stayed out of the mountains like the others!”

Qin Yue was surprised. “We can’t get out?”

“No, kiddo, you’re stuck here. If you’re scared, just stay close for the next three months and hide.”

“Actually, it might not be so bad. You could use this time to find some rare medicines.”

In truth, few truly wanted to find Feng Qianning; no matter how great the reward, you had to live to enjoy it. The two demon kings, Xuan Cang and Cinderclaw, must have realized this and simply cut off everyone’s retreat. Those who wanted to leave couldn’t, so now they had to tough it out in Beast Valley.

As someone just said—greed is universal, and with Beast Valley open for free for three months, who could resist exploring a little deeper?

So they cursed aloud, but their bodies betrayed their real intentions as they pressed onward.

This area had been combed countless times, but since there was no exit, why not search further inside? Who knew what they might find?

This group had barely moved on when more would-be opportunists were turned back.

“What now?” Hu Jiuyan was at a loss.

Her orders had been to watch over and protect Qin Yue, and give him as much experience as possible.

She had just managed to contact the Saintess, reporting her mission and asking if she could offer any assistance. Instead, she’d received a scolding and was urged to leave immediately, as a high-level conflict was about to break out in Beast Valley.

Now, sealed inside with no way out… would they really have to spend the next three months in this vast wilderness?

The thought gave her a headache. She had some experience in the martial world—after all, she’d been around a few years—but wilderness survival was definitely not her forte.

“What choice do we have? Stick to the edges, find a quiet place to cultivate. If an opportunity for gain presents itself, take it; if not, just hide and stay away from trouble.”

Qin Yue pulled out a map, pinpointed their location, and pointed east. “Let’s head to the coast!”

On the map, the immense mountain range connecting the human kingdoms and the thousand-mile glacier looked like a dragon’s spine stretching northward from the Divine Continent, flanked by endless seas.

There were no demon king lairs marked, but Qin Yue figured it was best to find a safe hiding place by the shore and settle in. Three months of roughing it in the wild wasn’t an option.

Hu Jiuyan felt her “junior brother” seemed quite knowledgeable, and his confidence was oddly reassuring.

They set out for the coast, encountering far more people along the way than they had seen in the small towns.

Hu Jiuyan regretted bringing Qin Yue.

Qin Yue, however, was unconcerned. “We’re here now—might as well make the best of it. As long as we keep away from the big shots, there’s nothing to fear from the rest.”

Remembering Qin Yue’s remarkable stealth, Hu Jiuyan smiled, guessing that their elder’s special attention to this youth was because of his talent.

The area was vast. They trekked through the forest for three days before reaching the eastern coast.

From a high vantage point, they gazed out over the deep blue sea. In the distance, an immense, invisible energy dome loomed, like an overturned cauldron covering the region. It shimmered with waves of heat, glowing with mysterious runes.

Qin Yue couldn’t help but think: anyone able to erect such a vast barrier, yet still got robbed at home…

Hu Jiuyan, lost in thought, murmured, “Such divine power is truly enviable.”

Instead of immediately seeking shelter, they sat side by side on a reef, feet dangling over clear water where fish and shrimp darted below.

“How beautiful!” Hu Jiuyan exclaimed. “I’ve always heard tales of the northern sea’s beauty, but this is my first time seeing it!”

Qin Yue glanced at her, the breeze catching a lock of her hair and revealing a delicate, exquisite profile.

Sensing his gaze, her cheeks flushed slightly. “Have you ever seen such a beautiful place before?”

He shook his head. “Never. I’ve always been focused on training—never had the heart to appreciate it.”

So he had the heart to now? Hu Jiuyan’s imagination ran wild, and she felt a little giddy.

Though young, Qin Yue displayed true masculine resolve in crucial moments—especially when he’d said, “I want to listen now!” It had made her heart skip a beat.

And after that, he’d demonstrated skills that had stunned her—moving like a phantom, nearly wiping out Chang Jun’s gang in a blink. She could never have managed such a feat.

It wasn’t just women who admired strength; everyone did. Who could respect or fall for the weak?

“There’s a cliff over there. I’ll dig us a couple of caves, then catch some seafood.”

Qin Yue pointed nearby. He was now quite practiced at this kind of thing.

“What should I do?” Hu Jiuyan asked.

“Gather some dry wood, and find a few flat stones—I’ll treat you to stone-grilled seafood…”

“Alright!”

It felt oddly domestic, as if she were living with a younger brother. Hu Jiuyan cheerfully set to work.

…

Deep within Beast Valley.

A magic vessel descended, and several figures emerged.

At their head was a man just past thirty, dressed in blue robes, his hair tied in a topknot, a handsome face carved with worry.

With him were two elders, a woman of twenty-seven or eight, a girl in her mid-teens, and a young man just over twenty.

The young man frowned at the pervasive demonic aura, complaining, “This place stinks of demons. Uncle, do we really need to handle this ourselves? Isn’t this a feud between Tianluo Sect and Beast Valley? Why drag us in? How are we supposed to find anyone in these endless mountains?”

He seemed of high status, but the blue-robed man answered seriously.

“On the day of the celestial anomaly, the demon dragon imprisoned beneath the Clearwind Tower in Shangzhang Sanctuary broke its bonds and fled; the Fire of Fate in the Sword Soul Pavilion of Yanfeng Sanctuary nearly went out; the spiritual veins of Lingyun Sect in Zhuoyong Sanctuary suddenly vanished…”

His voice was grave. “They say calamities descend from the heavens, but outsiders know nothing of the truth. After years of silence, Luotian Sect has suddenly produced a saintess, Feng Qianning. It’s only natural people are making connections. Our sect stands at the pinnacle of the world, dedicated to slaying demons and upholding justice—that is our founding principle.”

The young man laughed. “Perhaps you’re overthinking, Uncle. I hear those two hapless demon kings simply left their lairs unattended, giving her an easy chance. She’s just a lawless witch desperate to make a name for herself.”

Tang Qingxuan, the woman in her late twenties, glanced at him. “Ling Chen, don’t underestimate anyone. Even if the demon kings were away, their lairs aren’t so easily breached. Uncle Xuanxiao is right. These events are extraordinary when seen together; we mustn’t take them lightly.”

An elder chuckled to soothe him. “Don’t be impatient, Ling Chen. The Calming Pearl and Transformation Gourd are both top-tier artifacts. If we obtain them, it will be a great fortune! Besides, this is a rare chance for you to hone your skills.”

Ling Chen scoffed at the idea of gaining experience, but he was somewhat interested in the artifacts. “But how are we supposed to find anyone?”

Another elder spoke up. “No need to worry, young master. Have you forgotten my specialty?”

Ling Chen looked at him. “I know you’re skilled in geomancy, but can you really find where someone’s hiding?”

The elder replied confidently, “I can’t track people, but the auras of those two treasures are not something a mere Tianluo witch can conceal!”

At this, Ling Chen finally brightened. “If you can do that, why didn’t you say so sooner? What are we waiting for?”

The elder glanced around. “Not yet. The moment we entered, countless demon beasts began watching us. We must wait.”

Ling Chen asked, “Wait for what?”

The elder replied, “Wait for chaos in Beast Valley! In the meantime, young master, you can hone your skills and show them what you’re made of.”

A smile spread across Ling Chen’s face. That was more to his liking.

It was all in the delivery—who said it, and how.

…

Broken Spine Gorge, Everlasting Peak.

In a vast cavern, a burly, bearded man nearly ten feet tall was drinking—none other than the demon king Cinderclaw.

In human form, he looked fierce and exuded sheer dominance.

Suddenly, a jet-black crow flew in, settled on a stone bench, and spoke, “My lord, the young master Ling Chen of Zhaoyang Sect has entered our territory.”

“Ling Chen? The so-called greatest prodigy of Zhaoyang Sect?” Cinderclaw tore into a huge venison shank.

“Yes, that’s him. Rumor has it he started training at five, drew in spiritual energy in three days, mastered qi in half a month, and glimpsed the void at thirteen. He’s now the youngest Microcosmic Power in all Zhaoyang Sect!”

Cinderclaw chewed noisily, his eyes flashing with disdain. “Sounds exaggerated. Humans love spinning these mystical tales—’sons and daughters of the heavens’ are just inexperienced brats.”

The crow replied, “Still, my lord, humans are resourceful. We can’t count on ordinary adventurers, but those from Zhaoyang Sect might really find that thieving witch!”

Cinderclaw narrowed his eyes. “Keep close watch on them. If they do find her, report to me immediately.”

He snorted, “Coveting my Transformation Gourd? They’re not worthy! Unless that old fox Ling Jinsong comes himself.”

The crow cackled, “That one fancies himself the world’s greatest sect master. Always so aloof—if he got cornered and beaten up in Beast Valley, wouldn’t that be a spectacle?”

“Hahaha! Stupid bird! There aren’t many in this world who could gang up on him,” Cinderclaw roared with laughter, then, half-smiling, muttered, “Yes, it’s a pity he won’t come himself…”