Zhuang Tian had already come to terms with it. He didn't demand that his disciples study hard, but rather encouraged them to balance work and rest.

On the contrary, Hua Che and Chu Binghuan seemed to have changed overnight. Not only were they more energetic than anyone else, but they also urged others to work hard together, making everyone miserable.

Hua Che had set a new schedule, allowing only one hour of sleep and one meal a day, leaving Mu Rongsa and others exhausted and hungry.

"Wake up, everyone." Hua Che banged on the table to wake up Mu Rongsa, saying, "Either don't go, or if you do, take it seriously! It's okay if we get beaten up, but it's not acceptable to be looked down upon by others. And, it's okay if we lose, but we can't let others look down on our master, got it?"

Mu Rongsa couldn't miss out on the limelight, so he immediately became spirited, no longer feeling sleepy, and went off to practice with a sense of dominance.

Wen Yuan didn't have much fighting spirit; instead, he casually said, "Being laughed at and looked down upon, isn't that a common occurrence for us? Eighth Junior Brother, you've just entered the sect not long ago, so you're not used to it yet. You'll get used to it."

"I can't get used to it," Hua Che said. "The past is the past, and the present is the present. I want everyone to associate the Lingxiao Palace with only two words in the future: awe-inspiring."

Zhuang Xiao Er nodded, "Having ideals is a good thing."

"I used to think so too," Zhuang Xiao San said.

"Let's go to bed, Eighth Junior Brother," Zhuang Xiao Si said.

"Or maybe we should rely on Chu Tianyu," Zhuang Xiao Wu said. "Although he is the son of Yuntian Shuijing, when we go to the Martial Arts competition, we represent our sect. If Chu Tianyu performs well, he might even enter the top ten."

"Sorry," Hua Che interrupted, smiling brightly, "the top spot in the first class belongs to me, so I'll reluctantly leave the second class to Ice cube!"

Everyone: "..."

"Senior Brother, did Eighth Junior Brother mess up some music scores and make people go crazy?"

"Eighth Junior Brother is so pitiful!"

"Poor child, he has such good intentions. Alas, too bad he's a fool."

Hua Che ignored them and walked past them with a smile, looking at Mu Rongsa, who was excited in the distance. "Sa Sa, third place, do you have confidence?"

Mu Rongsa: "Get lost! If I'm going to do it, I'll be first!"

Seeing his determination, Hua Che was pleased and added, "We agreed on the top three, otherwise, you'll wash the dirty clothes of the entire sect."

This statement immediately gained support from everyone.

"Mu Junior Brother is mighty!"

"Mu Junior Brother, step up your game. I have a basket full of dirty clothes waiting for you, Senior Brother!"

"Ah, Mu Zhaoyao, I love you!"

Zhuang Tian in the distance couldn't help but shed tears.

Damn it, why are all my disciples so caring for each other!!!

*

As the weather warmed up and May approached, the once-every-four-years grand gathering of immortals began at the Shangqing Immortal Sect.

Cultivators from the Nine Provinces of the world gathered together to participate in the grand event, and the entire Kunlun Mountain was bustling with excitement.

After checking their appearances repeatedly to ensure they didn't disgrace their sect, Hua Che and his group followed Zhuang Tian and set off.

Even if one didn't take part in this kind of grand event, just experiencing the atmosphere was enough to make one's blood boil.

Although Hua Che had participated three times before, he was still amazed by the unprecedented grandeur of each scene. Whether flying in the sky or running on the ground, all were cultivators from all over the world. Everyone rushed to Kunlun Mountain, where they would inevitably encounter old acquaintances on the way, stop to chat, and render the atmosphere lively.

Mu Rongsa had been to the Shangqing Immortal Sect early on and didn't find it particularly exciting. He looked at Lin Yan, who had long been dumbfounded, and asked, "Did you bring those two eggs with you?"

It took Lin Yan a long time to come back to his senses. "Huh? Oh, yeah, I brought them."

"What exactly are those two things? Why haven't they hatched after so long?"

Lin Yan patted his pocket and said, "Eighth Senior Brother helped me find many books, but none of them resembled them."

At the foot of Kunlun Mountain, Zhuang Tian handed over the martial arts order and led his disciples into the mountain gate.

Roughly estimated, there were tens of thousands of cultivators participating in this Competition. How easy is it to stand out from a hundred thousand people and enter the top hundred? How difficult is it about entering the top ten from the top hundred? Not to mention the top three.

Wen Yuan felt a suffocating feeling and followed Zhuang Tian with his head down.

The disciples of the Shangqing Sect led everyone into the guest rooms to rest for a night before the formal competition tomorrow.

As for the content of the competition, Hua Che was quite experienced. There were three rounds in total. In the first round, all cultivators were trapped in a secret realm created by the Shangqing Elders, where everything was a strange and difficult-to-distinguish. Those who could successfully come out of the illusion would advance, this round eliminating seventy to eighty percent of the cultivators.

In the second round, cultivators had to wield their swords in the air, and the Shangqing Elders would release soul-capturing bats, soul-devouring birds, headless ghosts, and other monsters. The one who killed the most would win, with only the top two hundred advancing.

The third round was a one-on-one arena competition, with groupings drawn by lots until the first place was determined.

The process of this Martial arts competition was not a secret, and everyone knew about it.

Lin Yan was new and found everything fresh. However, he was actually quite shy and timid and didn't dare to wander around alone.

Seeing this, Hua Che took the initiative to take him around, and Lin Yan was delighted, nodding and running with Hua Che.

Not only did Lin Yan want to see, but Hua Che also wanted to take a look around.

It had been hundreds of years since he last came back, and walking around various places inevitably stirred up emotions.

In his previous life, he considered only four people to be closest to him: Nanny Jiang, Master Lu Mingfeng, Junior Brother Lu Yao, and... Chu Binghuan, who always ignored him.

Although it was a bit embarrassing, he stubbornly trusted him and followed him, deliberately trying to please him.

He had suffered quite a bit of cold treatment in return.

Nanny Jiang was far away in the mortal world, Master Lu was stern and solemn, and Chu Binghuan was as cold as frost and snow. In fact, the person who had the most contact with Hua Che was Lu Yao.

When they first met, Lu Yao got lost in Hangzhou and was targeted by two human traffickers. Thanks to Hua Che passing by, he saved him in time.

At that time, Lu Yao was probably around nine years old. He was picked up like a chicken by two big strong men. Besides crying, he couldn't do anything else. Hua Che, who was ten years old at the time, followed him all the way. After witnessing the human traffickers selling Lu Yao to a troupe, he directly pointed out the thatched hut, disrupted the whole troupe without a stable, and saved the person.

By the time Hua Che found Lu Yao in the chaos, he was already scared out of his wits and couldn't move.

Angry at his passivity, Hua Che slapped him, woke him up, and dragged him away.

Lu Yao thanked him profusely and said he would repay him if he had the chance.

Six years had passed in a flash. He joined the Shangqing Sect and became Lu Yao's junior brother. Half a month later, he became Lu Yao's senior brother.

Lu Yao was a somewhat cowardly person, especially weak. He had no opinion on anything and would do whatever others told him to do. Even if he had doubts, as long as he was scared by others' harsh words, he would immediately keep quiet and dare not say a word.

This indecisive nature was purely brought out by Lu Mingfeng's cruelty. While strict discipline was certainly good, the way Lu Mingfeng had systematically crushed Lu Yao's self-esteem since childhood was something Hua Che, as an outsider, couldn't stand.

Perhaps it was because he was one year older than Lu Yao, or perhaps it was because he was his senior brother and should have cared for and protected his younger brother.

Gradually, a protective instinct arose in Hua Che's heart. No matter what trouble Lu Yao got into, he would always be the first to step forward to bear it. Anyway, he had no face and was not afraid of embarrassment. Even if Master scolded and punished him, he would still confront him.

During the time at Mingyue Valley, he fell into the cold pool while trying to save Lu Yao, narrowly escaping death.

He didn't expect there to be poisonous insects in the cold pool. Bitten all over by those countless unnamed insects, Hua Che thought he was doomed. However, he unexpectedly survived with his strong willpower, using his true essence to force out the poison and then crushing those poisonous insects into pulp.

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. Since then, Hua Che had become immune to all poisons.

When he obtained the Gentle breeze Sword and was rescued by Chu Binghuan, the feeling of seeing daylight again was truly wonderful. Perhaps they all thought he was dead, so suddenly seeing a living person scared them quite a bit. Lu Yao, in particular, didn't say a word and just rushed over, crying so hard that it seemed as if the sun and moon had lost their radiance.

"Qingkong, I thought you wu-wu-w-w-w were - gone. I was so scared, afraid I'd never see you again wu-wu-w-w-w..." With every sob, he hiccupped, tears and mucus flowing, making it both pitiful and ridiculous.

Later, after the Martial Arts Competition, he became a prominent figure in the Shangqing Immortal Sect, a hot topic in the Nine Provinces, and the Shangqing disciples all praised his heroic performance during the conference.

"They are both taught by the Sect Master. One is his biological son, the other is adopted. How can there be such a big difference?"

"Who says there isn't! Our Sect Master is famous throughout the Nine Provinces, the number one in the Immortal Dao. But his son has mediocre talent, is weak and incompetent. I even doubt if he's really the Sect Master's biological son."

"Hahaha, the biological son is inferior to the outsider. If the Sect Master passes on the position to his disciple Hua Qingkong in the future, do you think Junior Brother Lu Yao will cry his nose off?"

Hua Che and Lu Yao were upstairs.

Before Lu Yao could react, Hua Che had already rushed downstairs and beat everyone up, making them cry and scream, never daring to gossip behind their backs again.

As a result, Hua Che violated the sect rules and was punished by Lu Mingfeng to kneel for seven days, copy a hundred volumes of books, and face the wall for a year.

Hua Che still remembered Lu Yao's expression at that time. It couldn't be described as aggrieved, nor could it be said to be awkward, nor was there any hint of anger. His calmness was intimidating, as if hearing those words wasn't anything new to him, and he naturally accepted them. He smiled at Hua Che and said, "It's okay, what they said is true. I'm not angry at all, really."

His response only made Hua Che feel more guilty.

"Lu Yao, please don't take those nonsense words to heart. My dream is to become the son-in-law of the Yuntian Shuijing Sect! I don't want to be the Sect Master! Actually, you..."

Lu Yao shook his head with a smile, "I know my talent is dull, not comparable to your extraordinary talent. But what can I do? Who can I blame for the aptitude given by heaven? Admitting one's own mediocrity is also a kind of courage. It doesn't matter. Even if I'm ordinary, so what? I still have you. I have a senior brother who is better than anyone else. Even if there's danger, you will protect me. I have nothing to worry about."

Hua Che had never thought that Lu Yao could have such an open-mind.

Who said Lu Yao wasn't like Lu Mingfeng? To tolerate all and have great magnanimity, wasn't this inheriting his father's character?

"Don't worry, Lu Yao. Your senior brother will always protect you."

*

"Eighth Senior Brother, Eighth Senior Brother." Lin Yan pulled Hua Che, who suddenly came back to his senses. He heard Lin Yan saying beside him, "Master Lu is here."

Hua Che was stunned for a moment. Walking slowly from the depths of the corridor was none other than Lu Yao.

"Qingkong." Lu Yao warmly greeted him, and Hua Che smiled faintly, bowing to the Shangqing Master.

In the distance, Chu Binghuan happened to pass by.

There were grass and flowers half-covered, and Chu Binghuan couldn't see clearly, but he could tell that those two were standing very close, seemingly having a pleasant conversation.

Chu Binghuan's face darkened.

He and Hua Che were childhood friends, but Hua Che and Lu Yao were also childhood friends. Moreover, those two had known each other much longer than he and Hua Che did.

Lu Yao was like a child who never grew up, overly reliant on Hua Che. And Hua Che was like a big brother, excessively caring for Lu Yao.

Initially, during their time in Shangqing, Hua Che received punishment ten times, and basically seven of those times were for Lu Yao.

They lived together in the Shangqing Pavilion, spent their days and nights together, practiced martial arts together, had meals together, went on missions to exterminate demons together, and even used swords from the same source.

To say that there was no jealousy would be false.

To say there was no discomfort, how could that be possible?

Chu Binghuan thought that his cultivation was profound, and he shouldn't have such feelings of jealousy. This was the behaviour of a petty person and should not appear on a gentleman. But he couldn't help it. Whenever he saw the two alone, he felt extremely uncomfortable!

Lu Yao might not understand this dullness, but Hua Che definitely had such intentions. After Hua Che became the Demon Lord, Chu Binghuan became even more suspicious.

Hua Che had imprisoned him in Fen Qing Palace, on one hand to force all to become Dao companions, and on the other hand to use him as a hostage to blackmail the Immortal Dao.

But kidnapping Lu Yao was of no use.

Or perhaps, Lu Yao held a special place in Hua Che's heart, and he didn't want to interfere or ruin it. He kept Lu Yao carefully guarded in his heart.

After all, Hua Che specifically ordered his Right Protector, Shang Yo, to monitor Lu Yao's every move, and he warned that if Lu Yao was in danger, he must be saved at all costs!

Hua Che was afraid of anything happening to Lu Yao, even if it was just a small stumble or bump, he was more nervous than anyone else.

He still remembered one day when he drank too much, ran to the bamboo tower, and made a fuss. He lay on the table with a sad expression and said, "Today is Nanny Jiang's death anniversary."

Chu Binghuan knew about the relationship between Nanny Jiang and Hua Che. Seeing his drunken appearance, he felt a little soft-hearted.

He was about to help Hua Che up, but Hua Che suddenly fought back. He didn't know where he got the rope from, and in just a few moves, he tied his hands to the bedpost. This set of actions flowed smoothly, indicating that he had practiced it behind the scenes countless times.

Chu Binghuan was almost driven mad. This bastard was truly pitiful, resorting to one trick after another. Today he acted strong, tomorrow he played the victim. He could even come up with lies like Nanny Jiang's death anniversary, utterly insane!

"I didn't lie to you. Today really is her Memorial Day. However, if she knew I finally got together with my beloved, she would surely be happy for me." The Demon Lord spoke as he pressed closer. "Don't be shy, we had an engagement three hundred years ago, it's a matter of heaven and earth. You're already bound, don't waste your effort, you can't escape from me..."

Chu Binghuan was thinking about how to break free when he suddenly saw Hua Che's complexion change drastically, pale as paper, followed by a spurt of blood.

Chu Binghuan was shocked. Before he could ask, he saw Hua Che anxiously calling his subordinates, shouting, "Quick, find Lu Yao! Order all factions of the Ten Directions Sect to go out and find him!"

The Ten Directions Sect, the Hundred Households Demon Mound, mobilizing the entire demon realm to find one person.

This... Wasn't it obvious!

"Hua Qingkong!" Chu Binghuan couldn't take it anymore, striding over and grabbing Hua Che's wrist, pulling him away.

Caught off guard while preparing to bid farewell to Lu Yao, Hua Che was suddenly dragged back to the lodging courtyard by Chu Binghuan, rudely pushed inside, and the door was closed behind them.

What was going on?

Hua Che rubbed his sore wrist. Not waiting for questions, Chu Binghuan erupted first: "Do you know your identity?"

"Huh?" Hua Che was puzzled. What identity? What does he mean?

Chu Binghuan scolded in a cold voice, "You are engaged to someone, how can you entangle yourself with others?"

"Entangle with others?" Hua Che was even more puzzled. "With whom? Lu Yao? What's going on?"

"I saw it with my own eyes, and you still want to deny it?" The jealousy from past and present erupted together, infuriating Chu Binghuan to the point of almost spitting fire.

Hua Che was dumbfounded, seeing through Chu Binghuan's emotions. Suddenly, he smiled. " Young Master Chu, could it be... drinking vinegar (NT: being jealous)?"

Chu Binghuan's face burned red.

Hua Che really shouldn't have used that expression.

This development was too terrifying!

Chu Binghuan's gaze sharpened, saying sternly, "As a person, you should keep your promises and be faithful. Since we have an engagement, don't mess around with others."

Hua Che had been avoiding him all along, and some things hadn't had a chance to be explained. Since the opportunity arose now, he might as well make things clear.

"Chu Binghuan, I did go to your house to break off the engagement. The mismatch between our families is one reason, and secondly, I've been used to being independent. I don't want to find a Dao companion, understand?"

Chu Binghuan said without blinking, "Disobeying an engagement set by elders is unfilial."

Hua Che also became serious, saying, "If we live unhappily, would forcing a marriage be filial? Your grandmother and my grandmother wouldn't be happy. There's no need to force things."

Chu Binghuan replied, "No need."

"What?"

Chu Binghuan stated firmly, "No need for unhappiness."

Hua Che chuckled, "Where does your confidence come from?"

Chu Binghuan remained silent, just gazing deeply at him.

His gentle and warm gaze, flawlessly landing on Hua Che's heart, made Hua Che feel a little panicked, almost shyly avoiding it.

"Moreover," Chu Binghuan deliberately paused, taking out a piece of paper from his pocket, "there's an elder's token on top, and below is a marriage certificate written by you. In the Mingyue Valley, we spent a night together, making all sorts of vows. Now you want to go back on your word?"

Hua Che almost spat blood. "What did you say!?"

"See for yourself."

Taking the paper, recognizing his own handwriting, Hua Che remembered the situation in the Mingyue Valley... he was delirious with fever, and memories from his past life were also causing chaos. Perhaps he really did swear to the heavens under certain circumstances, then shamelessly wrote the marriage certificate.

Hua Che didn't realize he had been tricked by Chu Binghuan; he thought it was all his own fault.

After all, Yun Miaojin, who held virtues and light, wouldn't resort to such sinister schemes!

Just as Hua Che was about to act, Chu Binghuan snatched it away. "Do you want to destroy the evidence?"

Hua Che was at a loss. "This... don't take it seriously..."

Seeing his expression, Chu Binghuan wanted to laugh a little, but he still kept a straight face, his gaze cold as frost. "The words have been spoken, and the writing is there. Now you say don't take it seriously?"

With the Martial Arts Competition approaching, and to avoid these matters affecting Hua Che's performance, Chu Binghuan didn't hold on to it. He put away the marriage certificate and said lightly, "If you don't rank in the top three, we'll get married immediately."

Hua Che jumped in shock. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"Fair enough, at least wait until you come of age." Chu Binghuan glanced at Hua Che lightly, a hint of a smile in his eyes, and with his long hair flowing, he left. "If love is true, it will endure through time, not just day and night."

Hua Che: "..."

Was this still the same ice block who was always focused on the Dao?

*

Until the next day when the Competition officially began, Hua Che's head was still throbbing.

He needed to find a way to steal the marriage certificate from Chu Binghuan and get back the jade pendant engraved with his name, so they could clear things up once and for all.

But this... was easier said than done.

Chu Binghuan's cultivation was on par with his, making it difficult to succeed.

As Hua Che was feeling frustrated, he heard a disciple from the Shang Qing Immortal Sect read announce, "Fengming Valley, Lord Mu Qiniang leads 378 disciples, enter the arena."

The Fengming disciples entered in a grand procession. Mu Rongsa slid behind Lin Yan, not daring to show his face.

Mu Qiniang greeted his peers first, then his gaze fell on his own son, his expression freezing, his eyes glaring. Luckily, he didn't reprimand Mu Rongsa in front of everyone, saving him some face.

Mu Rongsa breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

The Shang Qing disciple continued, "Yuntian Shuijing, Master Chu Changfeng leads 1,079 disciples, enter the arena."

Chu Binghuan instinctively noticed as Chu Changfeng  approached. He stepped forward steadily and greeted, "Uncle."

Then he glanced at Mei Cailian behind Chu Changfeng . "Mother."

Mei Cailian had a cold expression and didn't respond.

Chu Changfeng appeared much kinder, with a youthful and handsome appearance, seemingly in his early thirties, with an extraordinary demeanour.

Chu Changfeng helped Chu Binghuan up and smiled, saying a few intimate words.

Mei Cailian looked at the group from Lingxiao Palace with a sneer, casting a contemptuous gaze at Hua Che.

Hua Che felt the gaze and smiled politely, neither cold nor warm.

Mei Cailian thought she was being provoked and her mouth twitched.

"Yeyou Mansion, Master Xie Wantiang leads 923 disciples, enter the arena."

The cultivators from various sects, who were talking among themselves, suddenly quieted down and turned to look at the Yeyou Mansion group.

Compared to Yuntian Shuijing and Fengming Valley, Yeyou Mansion was always low-key in the cultivation world. Its master, Xie Wantiang, also kept a low profile, indifferent to worldly affairs, like a still lake, rarely appearing in public. He was rumoured to be gentle, wise, and calm, exhibiting the demeanour of a gentleman.

Many cultivators saw him for the first time and felt that his reputation was well-deserved. He wore a magnificent blue robe embroidered with delicate Western Begonia flowers embroidered with silver thread, exuding a refreshing aura.

Unlike other sects that predominantly recruited male disciples, Yeyou Mansion had many female disciples. The men were gentle and refined, while the women were charming and alluring. Standing there, they formed a picturesque scene, attracting attention wherever they went.

It was said in historical records that Lingxiao Palace was proud and noble, Yuntian Shuijing was clear and aloof, Fengming Valley was vigorous and unrestrained, and Yeyou Mansion was gentle and refined, perfectly describing the atmospheres of the four major sects.

Elder Qianyang was discussing matters with other elders in the distance, and the disciples from various sects entered the arena one after another. Many cultivators who were acquainted gathered together to catch up.

Zhuang Tian thought that Lingxiao Palace would be ignored, but he didn't expect someone to come and greet him.

It made sense though, as the news about Mingyue Valley spread quickly. Everyone knew that Lingxiao Palace had accepted outstanding disciples, and it was likely to turn its fortune around.

After meeting Chu Changfeng, Mu Qiniang dragged Mu Rongsa over to scold him. She bombarded him with a rapid fire of reprimands, saying, "You ungrateful brat! Your wings have grown hard! You went to Lingxiao Palace without telling your father. It's the New Year, and you didn't even think about coming home to visit. Do you still consider me your father? If you can't make something of yourself outside, don't call yourself my son!”

Cough cough, Mu Rongsa didn't hold back.

"Senior Zhuang, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please advise me." Xie Wantiang was humble and gentlemanly, not resorting to the usual empty flattery of "heard your great name." This gave Zhuang Tian a good impression.

Hua Che also had a good impression of him. Just as he was thinking about it, he was called out by Master Xie.

"Come here, Eighth!" Zhuang Tian couldn't wait to show off his disciple.

Hua Che had no choice but to step forward and make a formal bow. "Master Xie, I am Hua Che, also known as Hua Qingkong."

As soon as these words fell, they immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding cultivators.

"Is he Hua Che Qingkong?"

"The one who killed the left guardian disciple of the Fen Qing Palace?"

"I didn't expect him to be so young."

"He's still just a kid. This child is extraordinary and has unlimited potential."

Xie Wantiang looked at Hua Che, paused for a moment, and couldn't help but admire his appearance and modest demeanour. "I heard that this young friend is a music cultivator?"

Hua Che replied respectfully, "Yes."

"What instrument do you play?" Xie Wantiang asked with interest.

Hua Che lowered his eyes and replied, A bamboo flute."

Xie Wantiang smiled gently. "I play the seven-stringed guqin. Although our instruments are different, music knows no boundaries. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me, with the permission of Master Zhuang."

Zhuang Tian, always wanting the best for his disciple, was eager and pushed Hua Che forward. "Don't forget to thank the master."

Before long, the most respected figure in the immortal world appeared, and the bustling Shang Qing Stage became solemn. Everyone held their breath and looked towards Lu Mingfeng, who emerged from the Shang Qing Hall.

Hua Che's heart suddenly quickened.

Lu Mingfeng wore a dark blue brocade robe, with grey-white hair tied up high with a white jade hairpin. His imposing figure and heroic spirit were evident as he stood with his left hand behind his back and his right hand holding the Shang Qing Sword passed down by generations of masters, standing tall against the wind, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

It just so happened that Hua Che's current position was exactly the same as where he first saw Lu Mingfeng in his previous life.

As a young man just starting out, seeing the universally praised number one figure in the world, he was amazed by the brilliance and felt like he was seeing a celestial being.

At the past Ten Thousand Sects Martial Arts Competition, Lu Mingfeng challenged the world with his own life, and Hua Che engraved every word his master said into his soul.

Until those cherished words turned into venomous insects, gnawing holes in his soul.

Hua Che's heart ached, and he instinctively covered his chest.

"What's wrong?" Chu Binghuan asked gently.

Hua Che shook his head lightly, unwilling to look forward again.

After an impassioned opening speech that lasted half an hour, the illusion was finally ready as dusk approached. Hundreds of thousands of cultivators entered one after another.

With lights and shadows swirling before his eyes, Hua Che took several deep breaths, trying to calm his emotions.

Greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt—the five poisonous feelings. The illusion changed endlessly, but ultimately, it all came down to these five points. If one could rid themselves of these five poisons, they could transcend nature and ascend to immortality.

Hua Che still remembered his first time entering the Shang Qing illusion. It was when he had just gone to Shang Qing to apprentice himself, and it was the last test of the disciple assessment. The content of the illusion was simple: a group of charming and beautiful women surrounded him, flirting and seducing him.

Not to mention that Hua Che was not a lecherous person, but he had grown up in a place full of worldly pleasures, so he had long grown tired of such scenes. Therefore, he decisively cut through the chaos and was the first to leave the illusion.

The second time he entered the illusion was during the Ten Thousand Sects Martial Arts Competition.

He saw Hua Mei’er, and while he missed his mother, he also resented his father who had started but not finished things.

The third time he entered the illusion was also during the Ten Thousand Sects Martial Arts Competition.

He saw mountains of gold and silver, endless wealth, and the glory of being worshipped by countless people. Something claiming to be a god offered to fulfil one of his wishes.

The fourth time he entered the illusion was still during the Ten Thousand Sects Martial Arts Competition.

He saw Chu Binghuan.

The illusion was born from the mind, and Hua Che let go of his obsession with Chu Binghuan, so he was confident that he wouldn't see Chu Binghuan this time.

*

As Hua Che walked forward, his field of vision widened.

The light was dazzling, and his ears were filled with noisy voices. Countless hands pointed at him, their voices filled with indignation and anger.

Suddenly, a figure blocked his path. "My disciple, I know in my heart that he will never fall into the demonic path, nor will he consort with Yin Wuhui! Hua Che can distinguish between right and wrong clearly. I stake my life on it!"

Hua Che was stunned!

Had he returned to his past life?

No, it was an illusion!

Hua Che looked at Lu Mingfeng in astonishment, then looked at himself in disbelief. His entire body felt out of his control.

Just like in his memories, tears welled up in his eyes as he called out, "Master."

" Sect Leader Lu, don't be soft-hearted and protect this evildoer!" someone shouted.

Lu Mingfeng closed his eyes and said coldly, "I trust him."

With such protection, others couldn't say anything more.

Yin Wuhui laughed wildly from above. "What a display of filial piety and loyalty, it's sickening! Hua Che, are you really not going to follow your father?"

Just seeing Yin Wuhui's face made Hua Che nauseous. He heard himself say, "I am a disciple of Shang Qing and stand in opposition to the Fen Qing Palace!"

Yin Wuhui sneered, "Remember your words today. You are my son, standing with those hypocritical immortal cultivators. Don't regret it."

Yin Wuhui left, and cultivators from various sects also began to leave.

Hua Che tried to struggle, but he couldn't break free. He had to lead himself and kneel in front of Lu Mingfeng. "Master, I..."

"Get up." Lu Mingfeng gently helped him up.

Hua Che smirked inwardly.

The acting skills are really good, no wonder he fooled one disciple after another!

Yes, when everyone turned their backs on him, the master protected him.

A ruined reputation often doesn't need a reason; a tainted bloodline ruins everything.

Since then, his situation in Shang Qing Immortal Sect changed.

From the respected eldest senior brother, he became a plague that everyone avoided. No one dared to speak to him, fearing his potential outbreak of demonic nature. No one dared to provoke him, fearing he would report back to his father.

Isolated by the sect, feared by the elders, he became an outcast overnight.

The once glorious halo became a joke, the once praised words became extremely ironic.

Even Lu Yao noticed that he wasn't smiling as much.

"Qingkong," Lu Yao tried to comfort him.

"It's nothing," he pretended to be relaxed, leaning and blowing the cold night breeze, "just a bit disgusted."

Lu Yao: "Disgusted... with whom?"

"Myself," Hua Che said. "I'm disgusted with myself."

Lu Yao's eyes turned red as he said, "Don't be like this, you're good, why would you feel..."

"The demonic bloodline is really disgusting," Hua Che closed his eyes, self-mockery in his smile.

But it wasn't that bad yet.

At least there was a caring junior brother by his side, and a master who protected him. There was still Chu Binghuan in Yuntian Shuijing... although Chu Binghuan had been seriously injured recently and still hadn't woken up.

With a little bit of nostalgia, one wouldn't collapse.

Finally, Hua Che's first bit of nostalgia shattered.

He stumbled upon the master's secret and learned all the dirty deeds.

In the Shang Qing Pavilion, there was a secret room. Beneath it was a hidden passage leading to the Kunlun Peak, where there was a stone chamber. Hua Che accidentally stumbled into it.

Inside the stone chamber, there was a jade bed, a stone table, and a bookshelf.

The bookshelf didn't contain books but bottles of various sizes, sealed with talismans, seemingly containing something.

Hua Che was curious and opened one, his face changing drastically.

Inside were golden cores.

Where cultivators stored their true essence, the source of all their cultivation.

The golden cores, once unsealed from the talisman, dissipated in moments.

Hua Che looked at the shattered light in his hand, stunned.

He stiffly squatted down, looking at the ground with strange-coloured stains, black and penetrating, like dried blood, very thick, the accumulation of repeated soakings by more than one person's blood.

Hua Che guessed what it was, and he opened each and every bottle, releasing one golden core after another, leaving only fragments of jade bottles all over the ground.

The Shang Qing Pavilion, inhabited only by Lu Mingfeng, and his secret room led to this stone chamber. The truth of the matter was obvious.

As his talismans suddenly dissipated one by one, Lu Mingfeng would certainly notice. He arrived at the stone chamber in just a moment.

"Master, when I entered the Shang Qing Immortal Sect that year, I once saw the list of disciples under the Sect Leader in the Shang Qing Pavilion. Master, you have taken in a total of one hundred and thirty-two disciples in your life, one hundred and twenty-seven of whom have passed away, leaving only five."

Supporting himself on the blood-stained ground, Hua Che swayed as he stood up. "They were all dissected for their golden cores, their souls taken, and they died. It was said to be the revenge of the Fen Qing Palace, a warning from Yin Wuhui to the Immortal Dao's number one person. People lamented the master's hardships, so the master treated his disciples with all kinds of care and pity. He spared no spiritual pills or magical medicines for them, even the most precious spiritual artifacts, the master was willing to give, fearing his disciples would die unexpectedly."

Lu Mingfeng clenched his fists, his eyes full of killing intent.

"Master." Hua Che turned around, holding the last golden core that hadn't dissipated, forcing a smile, "Why do I feel like the aura of this golden core is a bit like Seventeenth Senior Brother's?"

Lu Mingfeng's expression froze. "What do you mean?"

"I want Master to say one thing," Hua Che said, "The true cause of death of those one hundred and twenty-seven disciples of yours."

Lu Mingfeng sneered, "Didn't you already guess?"

Hua Che felt chills all over his body. He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound more natural. "Well then, disciple speaks, master listens. If there's anything wrong, master can supplement."

Lu Mingfeng nodded in agreement.

"The master's talent may not be as extraordinary as the world believes. At least, with the master's own abilities, he couldn't have cultivated to the current level or attained the current status.”

Hua Che looked at the dissipating golden cores and continued solemnly, "With insufficient talent and a desire for quick success, competition in Shang Qing Sect is fierce. Under the master's seat, there are countless outstanding disciples. How can one stand out? In order to improve cultivation, demonic cultivators ingest the souls of others and devour their golden cores. The master gained inspiration from this."

"After you successfully ascended, in order to prevent the position of Shang Qing Sect Leader from falling into others' hands, you had to constantly improve your cultivation and maintain your status as the number one in the Immortal Dao. So, you were generous to your disciples, giving them all kinds of spiritual pills, divine medicines, and rare medicinal baths." Hua Che bitterly smiled, "Of course, you wouldn't hesitate, because in the end, all those things would belong to you. No matter how high the cultivation or how outstanding the disciples, in the end, they would all have their golden cores dissected for your use."

"Disciples are the soil, and golden cores are the fruits. Everything the master rewards is fertilizer. When the fruits ripen, it's time for the master to harvest."

Lu Mingfeng grinned darkly, "Truly the disciple I am proudest of."

Hua Che suppressed the nausea, clutching his aching heart, "I understand now why Master didn't accept Chu Binghuan as a disciple."

Lu Mingfeng: "Oh?"

Hua Che: "Chu Binghuan has a special identity, backed by Yuntian Shuijing. If the master killed him, it wouldn't be easy to blame it on Fen Qing Palace. Because Yuntian Shuijing would definitely investigate thoroughly, and they might even attack Fen Qing Palace for revenge. When faced with Yin Wuhui... it would be exposed."

Lu Mingfeng admitted, "That's correct."

Hua Che, suppressing the almost collapsing emotions, said hoarsely, "During the World Martial Arts Competition, you defended me in front of all the cultivators, was it also for my golden core? You 'cultivated' me for so many years, how could you bear to watch me being taken away by others?"

Lu Mingfeng never denied anything throughout. He reached out his right hand, slowly approaching Hua Che, "Although it's a bit premature, since you've found out, there's no way to delay the harvest."

Hua Che didn't ask in a hoarse voice why, nor did he kneel on the ground begging Lu Mingfeng to turn back.

He could kill over a hundred of his own disciples with his own hands. He was beyond redemption, impossible to persuade back, and impossible to forgive!

As for why ask... was it necessary?

What for? Of course, for power and reputation!

Hua Che bitterly smiled, "The Nine Provinces of the world are truly blind."

 

Translator: DarNan