Hua Che glanced at Yin Wuhui with satisfaction curling his lips: "If anything happens to them, I'll go and die."

Yin Wuhui was stunned: "What?"

Hua Che continued nonchalantly: "In the afterlife, I will tell my mother that Demon Lord Yin Wuhui, cold-blooded and heartless, forced his own son to death. Such scum, no wonder my mother rejected him."

Yin Wuhui glared angrily: "How dare you threaten me!"

Hua Che chuckled: "If you can threaten me, why can't I threaten you? If you don't want your descendants to end here, you better protect them well. If anything happens to anyone from Yuntian Shuijing, Drunken Mansion, or Lingxiao Palace, I will immediately go and die!"

Yin Wuhui couldn't contain his rage: "You!"

Hua Che knew Yin Wuhui was emotionally unstable and had a cleanliness complex. He had set his sights on Hua Xijin, firmly believing in her throughout his life and never touching another woman because he found it disgusting and dirty.

Therefore, he had only Hua Che as his child, and there would never be any other offspring.

Hua Che turned and left. The Left and Right Guardians at the palace gates didn't know whether to stop him or not, so they had to lower their heads and call out hesitantly: "Young Master!"

Hua Che's sharp gaze fell on the Right Guardian, Shang Wangliang, a cunning idea forming: "Since the Right Guardian has so much free time, why don't you squat at the 'Old Jiang Noodle Shop' in Hangzhou? Even demons and evil spirits will tremble at the mention of your name. With you there, I can rest assured, and so will the Demon Lord."

"What?" Shang Wangliang's mouth fell open in disbelief as he looked at Yin Wuhui. "This..."

Yin Wuhui ground his teeth in frustration.

Hua Che left the Demon Realm and returned to Hangzhou after a journey of seven days. Granny Jiang wiped her tears anxiously. Hua Che comforted her and mentioned that his junior fellow apprentice had come looking for him, but he had forgotten to leave a note due to rushing.

Granny Jiang exclaimed worriedly, "Really, if Young Master had been a little later, this old servant would have gone to Yuntian Shuijing to find Master Chu for help."

Xiao Pang recalled the expression on Hua Che's face at that time, fearing he had done something wrong, and asked nervously, "Friend Hua, who exactly was that person?"

"It's nothing," Hua Che said lightly with a smile, brushing it off. "I just gained a bodyguard for free. How refreshing!"

That evening, when Hua Che went out to sweep snow, the Right Guardian arrived as promised.

Whether out of obedience to Yin Wuhui's orders or simply out of fear of Hua Che's authority, Shang Wangliang had come. He wore all black with a long robe and a huge hood that covered his pale face. Standing under the moonlight, he looked eerie and terrifying.

"Since you're here, help me sweep the snow!" Hua Che tossed the broom to him without hesitation. Shang Wangliang didn't say a word and dutifully started sweeping the snow.

"Tomorrow, the noodle shop opens. Don't forget to help out, clearing tables and serving guests," Hua Che continued casually.

Shang Wangliang: "..."

The prestigious Right Guardian of the Fen Qing Palace, feared far and wide, was now reluctantly working as a waiter in a noodle shop?

Unfortunately, under the command of the Young Master, what could Shang Wangliang do!

Poor Shang Wangliang had to sweep snow, chop firewood, fetch water, and serve those stupid and insignificant mortals, even having to serve them tea and water, and endure their yelling and scolding.

Several times, Shang Wangliang couldn't help but want to go on a killing spree, but a fierce glare from Hua Che at the counter stopped him in his tracks.

Damn it, the Guardian must endure!

When the time came, Hua Che gave some instructions and left. Finally free from living under the shadow of the Young Master, Shang Wangliang was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. But just then, a troublemaker showed up at the noodle shop, acting like a big shot, demanding this and that, complaining about the noodles one moment, and the soup being too salty the next.

Shang Wangliang couldn't take it anymore. Just as he was about to try making wine by fermenting the troublemaker's eyeballs, GrannyJiang came out in time to defuse the situation, apologizing to the troublemaker and patiently comforting Shang Wangliang.

"Xiao Shang, there are all kinds of people in this world, good and bad. Don't get upset over trivial matters."

Damn it, the Guardian must endure!

From being unwilling and clumsy at first, to reluctantly managing things, and eventually becoming accustomed to the routine of a commoner's life from dawn to dusk, Shang Wangliang suddenly realized that he had actually become adept at making noodles!

About three months later, a group of ruffians arrived at the shop, probably outsiders who didn't know that this noodle shop had a celestial patron. They swaggered in, ordered extravagantly, piled the table high with all sorts of delicacies, ate and drank heartily, and then refused to pay.

These shameless freeloaders were obviously seasoned in the ways of the world. Seeing Shang Wangliang in his coarse hemp clothes, thin and sallow, they mistook him for a lowly servant born in the mud. Using his greasy hands, the leader slapped Shang Wangliang's face arrogantly and shouted in a domineering manner.

To this, Shang Wangliang responded with just two words: "Hehe."

The Young Master had said, when dealing with evil people, there was no need to show mercy; just avoid taking lives.

The Guardian had endured humiliation and bore the burden. Three months of itching to shed blood and shaking hands, suddenly you guys appear!!!

The neighbours didn't know what had happened, but they knew that that evening, this group of ruffians knelt outside the Old Jiang Noodle Shop, naked and bloody, begging for forgiveness with their heads split open and crying their hearts out.

From the night before yesterday to early the next morning, the whole West Lake shoreline was abuzz with gossip.

Granny Jiang, who had been at her wits' end the night before because of the troublemakers, now saw them in such a miserable state. Her anger dissipated, and she pulled Shang Wangliang aside, smiling sincerely as she said, "Xiao Shang, thank you!"

As for Shang Wangliang's expression at that moment, Granny Jiang didn't pay much attention. All she knew was that afterwards, this waiter Shang began calling her "Old Granny Jiang" instead of just " Old woman."

*

On the 13th day of the first lunar month, Hua Che went to Yeyou Mansion and met Chu Binghuan and Mu Rongsa.

Mu Rongsa's complexion didn't look good. Hua Che inquired and found out it was about Lu Yao's matter.

Chu Binghuan said, "A few days ago, the cultivators from Fengming Valley saw Lu Yao near the edge of the Demon Realm. Although it was just a residual image, it was definitely him."

" Mu Rongsa, stupid Mu Rongsa, hey..." Mu Rongsa looked disheartened.

Ignoring him, Hua Che asked Chu Binghuan, "Is he planning to seek refuge at Fen Qing Palace?"

Chu Binghuan replied, "He's only seen wandering around the outskirts of the Demon Realm. It's uncertain whom he's aligned with."

Hua Che regretted a bit. If only he had asked Yin Wuhui that night on New Year's Eve, the madman wouldn't have missed any movement in the Demon Realm.

Chu Binghuan noticed Hua Che's unusual expression but hesitated for a moment and chose not to ask.

*

For this trip to Yeyou Mansion for birthday wishes, Chu Binghuan represented Yuntian Shuijing although was accompanying Zhuang Tian, because Chu Changfeng was seriously injured and in seclusion. Mu Rongsa, after arriving at Yeyou Mansion, would act with Mu Qinan, representing Fengming Valley.

Accompanying Zhuang Tian were only Hua Che, Lin Yan, and Wen Yuan.

They gathered at Yeming Mountain. It happened that Xiao Pang, who was responsible for welcoming guests from all over Kyushu, warmly welcomed Hua Che and the others into the mountain gate, arranged their accommodations, and awaited the noon banquet.

Yeyou Mansion was not as magnificent as the Shangqing Immortal Sect, but everything here had its own unique flavour, like an estate hidden among the mountain forests and mist.

With layered green peaks and the colour of water and sky, pavilions, towers, terraces, and halls were everywhere, full of poetic and picturesque beauty.

For the sect master's birthday, everywhere was decorated with lights and festoons, bustling with excitement.

"Our sect master is turning three hundred years old, so naturally, we must celebrate grandly," said Xie Wanting's eldest disciple, Tao Ranli, who had sparred with Hua Che during the Martial Arts Tournament. He cultivated the Seven-stringed Guqin.

On the eve of the banquet, guests from all directions began to arrive one after another, presenting lavish gifts to Xie Wanting.

Tao Ranli checked each gift against the list meticulously.

After Zhuang Tian confirmed that there were no omissions in the gifts, he led his disciples inside. It was Wen Yuan's responsibility to present the gift to Tao Ranli: "The Lingxiao Palace presents two millennium Blood Ginseng plants. Consuming them can increase cultivation by a hundred years and even revive the dead."

This gift proved to be substantial, catching Hua Che by surprise with its generosity towards Xie Wanting.

After presenting the gifts and taking their seats, Hua Che couldn't help but ask a question.

Zhuang Tian chuckled, "Oh, it's nothing. Master Xie didn't hesitate to guide you during the Martial Arts Tournament. As his mentor, I'm just sending a little gift to express my gratitude. What's wrong with that?"

Hua Che felt a warmth in his heart.

Elders from various sects continued to arrive, such as the head of Chiyao Sect and the Sword Master of Wuji.

Mu Qinan arrived a bit late. After presenting a generous gift, he became annoyed at his indulged son's attitude. He reluctantly restrained himself due to the occasion and the setting.

On the table, one after another, exquisite dishes and fine wines were served, all specialties of Yeyou Mansion. Especially the wine named "Night Fragrance," it had a rich aroma and a lingering aftertaste.

Hua Che took a sip and miraculously found it particularly to his liking. Just as he was about to take another sip, a shadow fell over him from behind. He instinctively turned around and saw it was Xie Wanting.

Hua Che hurriedly said, "Master Xie, congratulations on your birthday."

Xie Wanting lightly supported him up and smiled gently, "Young Hua, you displayed exceptional courage and skill at the Martial Arts Tournament, emerging victorious among your peers. Truly remarkable."

Hua Che replied modestly, "Thank you, Master Xie, for your guidance in the art of music."

Xie Wanting said, "I merely offered a few pointers. Young Hua's innate talent in music is unparalleled. Even I am humbled by your mastery. Given time, you will surely become the foremost music cultivator in the Immortal Path."

"You flatter me, Master Xie," Hua Che bowed humbly.

Xie Wanting was a man of cautious words and actions. His lavish praise indicated he had high expectations. Zhuang Tian, as his mentor, couldn't have been more delighted.

Meeting Xie Wanting's gaze, Hua Che inexplicably felt his heart skip a beat, accelerating abruptly. This sudden sensation left him somewhat flustered.

Xie Wanting asked, "Your spiritual instrument..."

"Are you referring to Hanxue?"

Xie Wanting seemed momentarily puzzled, "The Purple Bamboo Flute is named Hanxue?"

Hua Che nodded.

Xie Wanting's gaze became introspective, making it difficult to discern his thoughts. After an unknown period of silence, Xie Wanting said, "Young friend, are you from Hangzhou?"

"Yes."

Xie Wanting parted his lips as if about to say something, then closed them again.

His obvious hesitance to speak further deepened Hua Che's confusion. Just then, Tao Ranli called from outside, "Yuntian Shuijing presents its gift."

Chu Binghuan hurried over, and Mei Cailian entered the room with graceful steps, barely casting a glance at her son without saying a word.

Chu Binghuan received the gift from his junior disciple and handed it to Tao Ranli.

According to the list, Tao Ranli announced, "Yuntian Shuijing presents its gift:  Shuiyu Ziyan Konghou." (NT: Shuiyu Ziyan: Water Jade Purple Mist. Konghou: ancient plucked string instrument, similar to a small harp)

Xie Wanting, who had been absorbed in something, was suddenly shaken. He hurriedly walked over and said to Mei Cailian, "Madam, this gift is too precious. I dare not accept it."

The legendary "Immortal Instrument," Water Jade Purple Mist, was said to evoke magical scenes and celestial music when played. It could make the sky change colour and the seas weep.

It was said that a music cultivator in their prime playing the Water Jade Purple Mist could cause miraculous phenomena, turning day into night and reversing the flow of time.

Of course, this was only legend, impossible to verify. However, this item was indeed extremely precious and invaluable, a treasure of Yuntian Shuijing, and also the dowry Mei Cailian brought when she married into Yuntian Shuijing.

Presenting such a gift, Mei Cailian also had a plan in mind. Originally intending to have Chu Binghuan join Shangqing and become a disciple of Lu Mingfeng, now it seemed fortunate that Chu Binghuan had not gone. With Shangqing Sect no longer a viable option, if she wanted to solidify Chu Binghuan's influence, she could only please the master of Yeyou Mansion.

Master Xie Wanting was a man of integrity and trustworthiness. If he could become Chu Binghuan's support in the future, that would be excellent.

"Since ancient times, a heroic sword deserves the finest hero, and a superior musical instrument naturally belongs to the foremost music cultivator," Mei Cailian said with a smile. "Using everything to its fullest is always better than letting it gather dust in my room."

Before Xie Wanting could politely decline, Mei Cailian instructed Chu Binghuan to unveil the red cloth.

Immediately, everyone was shocked. Chu Binghuan's pupils suddenly contracted!

Under the red cloth was not the Water Jade Purple Mist but a head with eyes wide open, still dripping blood!

It was the head of Xiao Pang!

 

Translator: DarNan