Hua Che’s eyes were burning,  he felt a surge of emotion and a tightening in his chest. Unconsciously, he buried his face into Chu Binghuan's neck.

To outsiders, it looked like the two were whispering intimately, with Hua Che leaning on Chu Binghuan, who protected him with strong arms.

Zhuang Tian couldn't bear it any longer. "Ahem, the Demon Lord is still here, please be serious!"

"Just so!" Mu Rongsa chimed in cheerfully. " Hua Che is my brother; even if the Demon Lord wants someone, he has to ask me first!"

Yin Wuhui was annoyed. "Such hypocrisy, Hua Che. Do you really believe in these people who say one thing to your face and another behind your back?"

Hua Che suppressed his overflowing relief and, when he looked at Yin Wuhui, his gaze was sharp and cold, devoid of warmth. "If I don't believe them, do you expect me to believe you?"

Yin Wuhui's face changed dramatically, and a sinister, oppressive air emanated from him. "You're becoming more unbearable. You defy me, just like your mother. You ants dare to rebel. Damn you, damn you!"

Yin Wuhui's unpredictable temperament, combined with his bouts of insanity, made Hua Che instinctively look for Chu Binghuan’s protection, who also instinctively protected him.

Just when everyone thought Yin Wuhui was about to unleash a massacre, he turned into a ball of demonic mist, covering the sky and plunging everything into darkness.

Chu Binghuan held Hua Che' hand tightly, fearing he might lose him in this pitch-black environment. As the mist dissipated and the surroundings gradually cleared, Hua Che suddenly realized that Wen Yuan was gone!

Lin Yan exclaimed, "Senior Brother, Senior Brother has been taken!"

Zhuang Tian's face turned extremely grim. He immediately wanted to draw his sword and pursue, but Mu Qinian stopped him. "You going alone, what are the chances of success?"

Zhuang Tian was anxious. "My disciple has been taken; I must go..."

Mu Qinian interrupted sternly, "Let's first consider what's special about Wen Yuan. Yin Wuhui left, so why did he take him?"

Zhuang Tian's expression froze momentarily, a flicker of panic passing through his eyes. He hastily covered it up and nervously glanced at Xie Wanting, who seemed lost in thought.

Xie Wanting happened to look back at Zhuang Tian at that moment, her deep eyes reflecting emotions Zhuang Tian couldn't comprehend. Zhuang Tian had a vague suspicion about why Xie Wanting had invited Wen Yuan in the first place.

Zhuang Tian felt a moment of panic, but before he could speak, Xie Wanting said, "We must definitely save Wen Yuan, but relying solely on us few is not enough to confront the Fen Qing Palace."

Zhuang Tian hesitated for a moment and absentmindedly replied, "The war between immortals and demons is inevitable. Should we use this as an opportunity to advance our campaign against the demonic realm?"

This matter was of great importance, requiring discussion among the elders of various immortal sects to make a decision. However, convening the leaders of various sects and gathering all cultivators from around the world to march into the demon realm would take more than half a month at the fastest.

Could Wen Yuan afford to wait that long?

If Yin Wuhui wanted to kill him, wouldn't it be just a matter of lifting a finger?

Furthermore, was it realistic to alarm all major sects just to save a mere junior cultivator? Haven't there been few other cultivators captured by the Fen Qing Palace, and yet no sect leader has taken such drastic action?

Daoist Master Chi asked, "Headmaster Zhuang, what makes this disciple of yours so extraordinary?"

Hua Che preemptively spoke before Zhuang Tian could respond, "Perhaps Yin Wuhui simply caught the wrong person. He originally meant to capture me."

Everyone exchanged glances, and Daoist Master Chi couldn't retort because Hua Che' words made a lot of sense.

Zhuang Tian gathered his thoughts and clasped his fists towards everyone, "Wen Yuan is just an ordinary person, anonymous and insignificant. Issuing a command to all immortals to launch an attack into the demon realm just for him is too unrealistic. The war between immortals and demons is no trivial matter; countless lives will suffer during that time. Fellow daoists, since he is my disciple, Lingxiao Palace will spare no effort to rescue him. There's no need for you all to worry."

With Zhuang Tian's statement, everyone was left speechless.

They were all fellow cultivators, and ignoring one side's plight while sitting idly by was ultimately unacceptable. Moreover, many had previously approached Lingxiao Palace to show goodwill. Now that they needed help, backing away swiftly would tarnish their reputations.

But then again, what kind of place was the Fen Qing Palace? Once you entered, there was no guarantee of return.

To mobilize the power of sects to aid Lingxiao Palace, just for a good reputation, disregarding the life and death of disciples, any mishap would lead to severe consequences for the entire sect. By then, regret would be too late.

The crux of the matter lied in Wen Yuan's position—neither more nor less significant than a sesame seed. It was not worth going to war for him.

Zhuang Tian wasn't foolish; he naturally understood everyone's concerns. He said no more and called for Hua Che and Lin Yan to leave.

Chu Binghuan bowed politely to Mei Cailian and turned to leave.

"Binghuan!" Mei Cailian shouted loudly, "I tolerated your previous mischief, but this time, you must not fight with the Lingxiao Palace!"

Chu Binghuan remained composed and calmly replied, "Wen Yuan has been captured. Master and Hua Che are determined to go to the Fen Qing  Palace to retrieve him. Tianyu must go. Please take care, Mother, and ensure Yuntian Shuijing is not involved to avoid being implicated."

"Stop!" Mei Cailian couldn't contain her anger. She stepped forward and pulled Chu Binghuan aside, her voice low and hoarse, almost choked with emotion, "Have you gone mad? Have you lost your mind? Can't you see the current situation? Chu Changfeng is seriously injured in seclusion. The entire Yuntian Shuijing is yours. Why don't you take this opportunity to seize power? It's your father's legacy. Why should it remain under Chu Changfeng's control?"

Mei Cailian's face flushed with anger, "If you go to Lingxiao Palace, there's only one outcome—death. But if you stay in Yuntian Shuijing, in due time, the position of sect master will be yours. Why can't you understand? I've even sacrificed Shuiyu Ziyan to pave the way for you. Why don't you know how to climb up?"

Chu Binghuan replied coldly, "Has Uncle ever mistreated you?"

"What?" Mei Cailian was stunned.

"Mother, don't suspect a loyal person with a petty mind. Uncle has never been wary of us mother and son, nor is he greedy for power."

"Well! My petty mind, everywhere I think for you, but in return, I get accused of having a petty mind?" Mei Cailian felt a pang in her heart. She took a few deep breaths to steady herself, "Unjust grievances! I thought you were obedient, I thought you were compliant, and yet you repeatedly defy me! I didn't let you be with Hua Qingkong, you defied me. Now I won't let you go to your death, and you defy me again!"

Chu Binghuan subconsciously tried to support Mei Cailian, but she forcefully slapped his hand away.

Chu Binghuan's body stiffened, a bitter smile forming on his lips, "Mother, do you want a son who listens obediently, or a puppet who acts according to your wishes without saying 'no'?"

"What are you saying?" Mei Cailian asked.

"Haven't you done enough to harm me?" Chu Binghuan unconsciously uttered these words, filled with sorrow and reluctance, "You've made me suffer, and him even worse."

Mei Cailian stared at him in astonishment, unable to comprehend Chu Binghuan's words.

When had she harmed Chu Binghuan? Wasn't Chu Binghuan always doing as he pleased, never listening? No matter how she opposed it, didn't Chu Binghuan end up entangled with Hua Che?

Who had she harmed? She did want Hua Che to die, but in the end, hadn't she failed?

"Mother," Chu Binghuan's hoarse voice interrupted Mei Cailian's thoughts.

Chu Binghuan continued, "You never knew what I truly wanted."

*

Mu Rongsa knelt inside the pavilion, almost half an hour had passed. He watched as Mu Qinian paced around in circles, unable to bear it any longer, he asked softly, "Dad, aren't you going to hit me?"

Mu Qinian blew his mustache and glared, "Would hitting you make any difference? If I hit you, will you not go?"

"No, it won't. I still want to go," Mu Rongsa pouted. "It's not just anyone, it's my eldest senior brother who's been captured. How can I not go?"

"From the beginning, I opposed you going to Lingxiao Palace," Mu Qinian erupted whenever this was brought up. But upon realizing this might be the last time he sees his son, he couldn't bring himself to be angry anymore, feeling only heartache and discomfort.

Mu Qinian said, "You should stay at Fengming Valley and not go anywhere. If they succeed in rescuing someone, fine. But if something unexpected happens, you'll be perfectly positioned to inherit the leadership of Lingxiao Palace. Isn't this what you've been dreaming of? Dad promises you to replace Zhuang Tian's position."

Unexpectedly, Mu Rongsa became anxious, "What unexpected thing? Pah, pah, pah! My master has good fortune on his side and will definitely rescue my eldest senior brother. Even if they fall into a trap, isn't there still me, smart and resourceful, Master Young Master?"

Mu Qinian was so angry he almost spit blood. "Is your mind made up to go and die?"

"Dad," Mu Rongsa called pitifully, "Master and senior brothers are all implicated, should I hide behind? Is that reasonable? I, Mu Zhaoyao, am not a timid tortoise! Also, I want to be the leader of Lingxiao Palace. I want to perform well in front of Master and let him choose me as his successor. How can I follow your wishes, as if you want me to deceive my master and destroy my ancestors..."

"You little brat!" Mu Qinian couldn't contain his anger, punching Mu Rongsa on the head.

"Ouch!" Mu Rongsa exclaimed.

"Stop talking nonsense. What deceiving master and destroying ancestors? Keep talking nonsense, and I'll cut off your tongue!"

Mu Rongsa quickly covered his mouth and escaped behind a pillar, peeking out with a playful smile. "Dad, I'm going now!"

Mu Qinian stared blankly.

The troublemaker who always loved causing mischief, loved acting recklessly under his name, had unexpectedly grown up without his father's permission.

And so suddenly, too, without him, growing up in an instant.

*

Zhuang Tian didn't want his disciples to get involved.

Whether it was Hua Che or Lin Yan, or Chu Binghuan and Mu Rongsa.

He had Chu Binghuan return to Yuntian Shuijing and Mu Rongsa return to Fengming Valley, originally not wanting them to mix in troubled waters, also hoping that Mei Cailian and Mu Qinian could somehow stop these two children.

As a result... in less than a day, both of them returned to Lingxiao Palace.

That Hua Che was also out of line. Zhuang Tian thought Granny Jiang could move him with family affection, but the result was just the opposite—

Granny Jiang: "Your eldest senior brother was captured? Then hurry up and rescue him! Young Master, you don't need to say anything. This old servant will take care of herself, and there's also Xiao Shang here. Don't worry about me. Go quickly and return quickly, take care!"

Hua Che didn't mention that Wen Yuan was captured by the Demon Lord. Granny Jiang also didn't understand, so he didn't bother explaining.

In short, he returned all the way to Hangzhou, and before his butt had warmed the seat, Granny Jiang kicked him out.

Zhuang Tian: "......"

As for Lin Yan, he was just as outrageous!

The situation was more or less like Hua Che's. As soon as news spread that he was heading to the Demon Realm for battle, the entire village erupted in celebration with firecrackers and pig slaughter, saying it was to send off Lin Yan, allowing him to go gloriously, slay a thousand and eight hundred demon heads, and make a name for himself.

Not to mention Lin's father and mother, who not only didn't try to stop their son but encouraged him more enthusiastically than anyone else.

"Go, my son! A real man seeks his ambitions far and wide. Remember to be brave in battle, honour the family name!"

"Son, we believe in you. Do well!"

Lin Yan also returned to Lingxiao Palace as planned, bringing along local specialties.

Zhuang Tian: "......"

As for Zhuang Xia'er and the others, they were orphans Zhuang Tian had taken in. Wherever their master went, they followed without question, not needing any arrangements for their future.

Mu Rongsa: "Master, I'm ready. When are we setting off?"

Lin Yan: "Isn't sneaking in secretly better?"

Hua Che: "I'm familiar with that place. Should I draw a map?"

Chu Binghuan: "We can sneak in from here, straight to the water dungeon of Fen Qing Palace."

Zhuang Tian: "......"

Damn it!

How can my disciples be so thoughtful!

Zhuang Tian was in tears of emotion, deeply moved with snot and tears.

As Hua Che changed the candles on the candlestick, he proposed, "The most troublesome one will be Yin Wu hui. You all sneak in secretly, and I'll go directly to the front door to hold him back. How about that?"

Chu Binghuan immediately opposed without hesitation, "It's too dangerous."

Hua Che argued, "Where's the danger? Can he still kill me?"

Chu Binghuan glanced at him coldly, "He wanted to kill you back at the Yeyou Mansion."

Hua Che stubbornly defended himself, "He was just bluffing and pretending."

Chu Binghuan closed his eyes and said firmly, "I don't agree!"

Shaken by Chu Binghuan's stance, Hua Che sighed helplessly, "Ice Cube, can we focus on the task without getting into a fight?"

Chu Binghuan repeated expressionlessly, "I. Don't. Agree!"

Hua Che didn't argue further with him, instead throwing the mess to Zhuang Tian, reporting like a child, "Master, look at him!"

Zhuang Tian choked on his tea and awkwardly wiped it off his front, "Um..."

"As long as I don't argue with him, he won't have a fit, so he won't kill me," Hua Che said confidently. "A tiger doesn't eat its cubs. No one is more suitable than me. When the time comes, I'll use my lesser status to divert attention, making it easier for you all to get to the Fen Qing Palace."

Mu Rongsa praised happily, "Impressive, Hua Che ge!"

Lin Yan's eyes sparkled, "Being the Demon Lord's son is really great!"

Hua Che: "......"

Straight to the point. Although Chu Binghuan was unhappy.

Later that night, Chu Binghuan went to Huale Pavilion and handed a few bottles and jars to Hua Che. Inside were antidotes, blood coagulation pills, and elemental gathering pills, prepared for emergencies.

Hua Che didn't bother with false politeness, simply stashing the medicine in his sleeve space. Seeing Chu Binghuan hesitating, he asked, "Are you here to persuade me?"

Chu Binghuan looked up at him and shook his head slowly, "Your identity is most conducive to action. I understand."

Hua Che smiled knowingly, "Quick and decisive, rescue Wen Yuan and then leave without delay."

Chu Binghuan muttered to himself, "There are still two years."

"What?" Hua Che didn't catch on.

"By then, you and I will both have come of age," Chu Binghuan replied seriously.

Hua Che didn’t react: “Then what?”

Chu Binghuan put down the cup and said solemnly: “You should follow the orders of your elders and get married.”

Hua Che's hand froze, the cold fingertips regaining sensation only after a while. Subconsciously gripping the cooled cup, he said, "If it's just for the sake of ancestral wishes, it's really unnecessary."

Hua Che suddenly smiled again, casual and relaxed, even his expression exuding warmth and ease, "I've never been one to follow rules. Being together requires mutual understanding and willingness. Being bound together by a marriage contract against our will is meaningless."

Chu Binghuan subconsciously tried to explain, but Hua Che preempted him, saying leisurely, "You're a gentleman, respectful of your ancestors, naturally you wouldn't defy their wishes. Besides, I was the one who broke off the engagement back then. Why bother entangling yourself?"

Regarding this engagement, both of them maintained a vague and ambiguous stance. Chu Binghuan was radical while Hua Che was retreating, each refraining from making the first move to clarify things.

Now, with the window of opportunity so perfectly timed just before the expedition into the Demon Realm, some things needed to be said, or they might never get another chance.

The orange-red candlelight cast a warm and hazy glow on Chu Binghuan's face, accentuating the faint smile that played on his lips, making it appear even more gentle and tender, "I'm not forcing anything, nor is it related to our ancestors. I want to be your Dao companion of my own will."

With a thunderous crash in his mind, the relaxed smile on Hua Che's lips froze instantly.

Suddenly, Chu Binghuan stood up, circled around the low table, and half-knelt in front of Hua Che, who was seated. His handsome face gleamed like polished jade in the dim light.

"Hua Che, my heart wants you."

--

The author has something to say:

We're entering the final dungeon, and the countdown to completion begins!

 

Translator: DarNan