Chapter 30: The Demon’s Heir

The Kingdom of Jin, Northern Border City. This place is over one hundred miles away from a remote border town. As the largest city on the northern frontier of the Kingdom of Jin, it has a permanent population of more than seven hundred thousand. Numerous merchant caravans gather here, and many wandering cultivators and hunters come to spend their earnings, making it a bustling hub. There is even a designated landing area for magical ships!

During the descent, Qin Yue saw a bright light in the center of the city below. As they got closer, he could clearly see a multitude of "projection advertisements." The combination of this "high-tech" approach with ancient architecture carried a hint of gothic punk, creating a somewhat magical atmosphere. The streets, teeming with crowds, were lined with numerous shops and vendors, and hardly anyone paid attention to the descending magical ship, as if they were already accustomed to it.

Upon stepping out of the magical ship, Qin Yue spotted the magical ship of the Phoenix Manor nearby but did not see any other major sects, likely because they had all gone to Yandang Mountain. He thought to himself how impressive Feng Qianning was, easily diverting attention with a mere vague statement. She truly had the charm of a demoness, unlike Hu Jiuyan, whose identity as a disciple of the Tianluo Sect would likely not be believed even if exposed.

Hu Jiuyan quietly remarked, "The Phoenix Manor is a force of the Holy Land of Rejuvenation, and Rejuvenation is right here in the Kingdom of Jin."

Qin Yue nodded and boarded a carriage outside the "landing area" with Huo Qing and others. Hu Jiuyan was invited over by Tian Ying and Chen Xuan, while Qin Yue shared a carriage with the Huo brothers. The carriage sped along the flat bluestone road, and soon they arrived in the main urban area. The view from above was one thing, but being on the ground was a completely new experience, with the sounds of hawkers calling out for their goods coming from outside the carriage.

"Freshly steamed, hot meat buns, two coins each, three for five!"

"Candied hawthorn, three coins a skewer, if it's not sweet, you don't pay!"

"Sesame cakes!"

"Big tofu..."

"Garlic-crushing kitchen knives!"

"Fifty-year-old ginseng just picked from the Beast Valley, come if you know your stuff!"

Among the calls, there seemed to be some odd items mixed in. But it was all so delightful! After more than half a year in this world, Qin Yue finally felt the vibrant essence of life. The icy prison of the Abyss was one thing, and the desolate, lonely border town was another. Hearing about it from Hu Jiuyan was not comparable to witnessing it firsthand. If his clan could live in such a place, he couldn't imagine how excited they would be.

Of course, having been oppressed for generations, those completely isolated individuals might not share his level of yearning for the outside world. Huo Qing was looking for the top restaurant in Northern Border City, where the core disciples of the Lingyun Sect dined. According to Qin Yue's previous life experience, they were akin to executives of Fortune 50 companies, enjoying their meals here without any pressure.

Huo Tong smiled and said to Qin Yue, "We must have a good feast tonight, drink until we drop! After the meal, let them go shopping, and I'll take you to a good place..."

Hu Jiuyan glanced at Huo Tong but said nothing. As the captain of the Theft Control Bureau, she had dined with colleagues before. She was well aware of what those men would do when intoxicated.

Tian Ying added, "Qin Yue is innocent; don’t cause trouble!"

Huo Tong chuckled, "We're just going to listen to some tunes and watch a dance performance; it won't be anything chaotic!"

Everyone entered the private dining room, and Huo Qing generously ordered the signature dishes while also requesting two jars of fine wine. Once the food and drinks were served, he personally poured wine for everyone, then returned to his seat, raising his glass.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brother Qin and Captain Hu. To our friendship, I toast to you both!"

Huo Tong laughed, "We’re here to accompany you!"

Qin Yue also stood up, saying, "Today’s events were greatly helped by the kindness of a few friends. Thank you!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together. Tian Ying also stood up, saying, "Those days by the sea of the Beast Valley were the happiest days of my life. What surprised me even more was that Mr. Qin not only understands life but is also a great talent! I toast to you!"

Qin Yue waved his hand helplessly, saying, "I’m really not a disciple of Qingzhu Garden; it’s a misunderstanding, just a rumor. What truth can be found from the mouths of those demons?"

Tian Ying and the others smiled, not pressing the matter further. The wine in Northern Border City was strong but smooth, with a clear and mellow taste. After Huo Tong also stood to make a toast, the atmosphere became lively.

Hu Jiuyan asked, "What’s the deal with the ruins of the Dragon Palace in the North Sea?"

Huo Qing replied, "According to our sect's records, in ancient times, it wasn’t the human race that first rose to power, but the demon race. Among the strongest of the races was the dragon race, which once created a brilliant civilization during the mythological era. Later, for unknown reasons, they fell into decline, and true dragons faded from the world. Records regarding that era are quite vague, even in the ancient texts of the major sects, suggesting a long period of lost history."

"You all should know about the recent celestial phenomena surrounding the Zhaoyang Sect and the Ten Holy Lands, right?"

"A lot happened then, and some ancient ruins began to appear. First, there was the Dragon Palace in the North Sea, and now there’s Yandang Mountain in the west of the Kingdom of Jin. Whether this is real or not is uncertain, but such things are indeed happening now. Some say it’s a sign of the demons awakening, but it’s also an opportunity for all cultivators."

"According to the records, many lost ancient legacies are quite powerful, far beyond what we can compare to today."

"Otherwise, even if Feng Qianning stole the treasures of the two major demon kings, it wouldn’t attract so much attention from the major sects. Whether it’s the Wind-Setting Pearl or the Transformation Gourd, both are immensely helpful for exploring ancient ruins!"

Tian Ying said, "Indeed, look at Feng Qianning today; after mastering the Wind-Setting Pearl, she resembles a master of the Dao, appearing and disappearing without a trace."

Qin Yue asked, "Did Feng Qianning and the young prodigies of the demon race in the Beast Valley really gain significant rewards from the Dragon Palace in the North Sea?"

Huo Qing nodded, "It’s said they not only found dragon treasures and obtained dragon heritage, but Feng Qianning apparently also acquired a divine weapon!"

Hu Jiuyan inquired, "How did you all find out about this while in the Beast Valley?"

Huo Qing explained, "The Zhaoyang Sect had a magical ship attacked by Feng Qianning, suffering heavy casualties. They then sent another ship with their sect’s experts aboard, who saw someone appear on the icy plains. They followed secretly and discovered the ruins of the Dragon Palace deep within the icy plains. When they attempted to take action, they were targeted by Feng Qianning and the young prodigies of the Beast Valley demon race, sustaining serious injuries and escaping with the news."

Hu Jiuyan sighed in relief, secretly cursing their fate.

Tian Ying said, "It was the spread of this news that made everyone realize they had been taken in. I suspect there will be a wave of exploration soon; we should also head to Yandang Mountain tomorrow to try our luck."

At that moment, a slightly tipsy Huo Tong suddenly exclaimed, "I heard that a demon child is descending, and the gates of the Immortal Dao will open as well..."

"Don’t make wild claims!" Despite having drunk a lot, Huo Qing maintained his composure and shot an angry glare at his loquacious brother.

Huo Tong, feeling a bit tipsy, protested, "I didn’t say anything wrong; Brother Qin is no outsider."

Huo Qing cast an apologetic glance at Qin Yue, saying, "Such statements are mere hearsay."

Qin Yue smiled and nodded, "I understand."

The group continued to drink and revel, and by the end, Qin Yue began to feel somewhat intoxicated. Huo Tong insisted on taking Qin Yue to see something interesting but was dragged away by his brother. Qin Yue, supported by Hu Jiuyan, headed to a suite in a nearby inn.

The large inn in Northern Border City was strikingly similar to the hotel where Qin Yue had stayed in his previous life. To his surprise, there was even a "player" in the living room!

After activating it, the screen displayed a performance by a popular courtesan from the nearby brothel. The girl was exceptionally beautiful, with soft and curvy features, alluring eyes, and an enchanting voice. Qin Yue was greatly astonished, criticizing with focused eyes, realizing how skilled "ancient people" were!

Hu Jiuyan, feeling irritated, shut off the display and brought over a cup of warm water, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"

Qin Yue quietly activated his internal spiritual energy, causing the energy in his meridians to boil rapidly, neutralizing the alcohol in his blood. Soon, a strong scent of alcohol emanated from him, and his eyes became clear.

"I'm fine now."

Hu Jiuyan was somewhat speechless; this junior brother of hers was a puzzling character. On one hand, he seemed knowledgeable, yet on many matters, he was oblivious; on the other hand, his insights into certain things and his conduct always managed to surprise her.

If it were her colleagues in the Theft Control Bureau, with an opportunity to be alone in a room with a beautiful woman, they would never dream of using their energy to sober up.

She had already dealt with several colleagues who used alcohol as an excuse to act lewdly, and it had spread within the Theft Control Bureau that she was too fierce.

"What do you think about what they said tonight?" Hu Jiuyan, undeterred by the lingering scent of alcohol in the room, sat next to Qin Yue and asked quietly.

"What do you mean? The various legends brought by the celestial phenomena? Or the ruins beginning to appear in various places?" Qin Yue inquired.

"I don’t understand the phenomena, but what about the ruins? Do you want to explore them? Yandang Mountain is only a hundred miles from here," Hu Jiuyan asked.

"Aren't we from the Theft Control Bureau?" Qin Yue looked at her. "It wouldn’t be right to keep slacking off."

"The Theft Control Bureau is merely a cover identity. If you want to explore the ruins, I can assist you!" Hu Jiuyan said earnestly.

To participate or not?

Qin Yue fell into deep thought.

Seeing his expression, Hu Jiuyan continued, "There's no rush to decide. You’ve had quite a bit to drink tonight, and even if you use your energy to sober up, you’ll still be a bit fatigued. Get a good night’s sleep and we’ll discuss it tomorrow."

She didn’t linger and turned to leave, saying, "I’m staying next door; call me anytime if you need anything. By the way, the hot springs here are quite nice!"

After Hu Jiuyan left, Qin Yue entered the bathroom, undressed, and soaked in the warm water.

This inn was quite luxurious, with hot spring water drawn in as a major selling point, though it came at a steep price.

After soaking for a while, he scrubbed his arms vigorously, and a faint yellow residue came off, revealing skin as white as jade beneath.

With his continuous improvement in cultivation, his skin was becoming increasingly flawless, to the point where he found it hard to look at himself.

Fortunately, he had the juice of Lin Huang grass to conceal it; otherwise, he would never dare to step outside with his true "pretty boy" face.

He pondered his current situation and silently analyzed it. According to his master’s expectations, he had already exceeded them.

Having been in the human realm for just a few months, he not only successfully acquired an identity but also attained a powerful official status that many sought but could not attain.

Once he officially started working, with Hu Jiuyan as his "senior sister," regarding his background, couldn’t he fabricate it however he liked?

The spiritual stones and medicinal materials in his storage ring would not be lacking for resources for cultivation in the short term.

Few predecessors who emerged from the Abyss could have achieved such a position in such a short time.

However, one who does not plan for the future will inevitably face troubles; with this alone, if he wanted to bear the banner and topple the Zhaoyang Sect, he was still far from ready!

As he continued to interact with cultivators, his horizons gradually broadened. He realized there was a realm beyond "technique," known as the "Dao" realm.

It seemed that even though he was a young master and had friends from the Huo family, it was still not enough.

To change the fate of his clan, it was far from sufficient!

In fact, even he himself might not be secure. Now, he had a deeper understanding of the saying, "In the rivers and lakes, one is not free."

An unfounded identity as a "disciple of Qingzhu Garden" could bring him endless troubles.

—You have this ability; why not use it for me? If you truly won't lend it to me, then I will destroy you!

Feng Qianning's shocking sword strike, although not intended to take his life, served as a warning to him.

Thinking of his family in the Abyss, of the friends and clan members who cheered for ordinary living supplies, of the bronze giant rat that helped him fend off calamities, and the faded roulette rat icon, "A demon child descends," "The gates of the Immortal Dao open"…

All of these continually reminded him, intentionally or unintentionally — your soul comes from another realm, and your body is from the Abyss!

You, Qin Yue, could very well be that "demon child"!