Duan Chongque’s eyes showed no surprise as he gazed at Gu Yunkai, filled with a hint of arrogance and amusement.
Considering Gu Yunkai’s pride, being imprisoned in the Demonic Realm like this, he wondered if he could endure it.
Duan Chongque knew Gu Yunkai well. Gu Yunkai possessed an almost cruel and calculated decisiveness. Perhaps it was because the blood of demons flowed in his veins, making conquest and plunder his nature. However, Gu Yunkai was different. He was like the timeless snow lotus on the Tianshan Mountains—cold and aloof on the surface but unwavering in his pursuit of enlightenment. Some had even predicted that within the entire Purple Cloud Realm, Gu Yunkai might be the one with the best chance of attaining true Dao enlightenment.
In the Great Demon War, when the various immortal sects suffered heavy losses, Gu Yunkai, after that battle, secluded himself for a hundred years. Originally, the name “Lu Ran” disappeared after the battle in the Demonic Realm. However, no one knew that the disciple of the prestigious Peak Master of the Cloud Crane, the Sword Prodigy, had become the feared Demon Sovereign.
Although some cultivators had turned to the path of demons before, Lu Ran was different.
He possessed a natural demonic body, coupled with an incredible stroke of luck and a great destiny. With these factors, his cultivation speed was astonishing, truly breathtaking.
On that day, in the alchemical pool, five golden buds blossomed overnight, and the unprecedented Ninth Heavenly Thunder Tribulation raged like a frenzy in the Demonic Realm. This terrifying power almost shattered the entire demon world. The Demonic Realm was filled with heaps of corpses, and the realm was in chaos. The landscape was dominated by blood and a crimson sun, creating a stunning yet desolate scene.
At that time, Duan Chongque knew that Lu Ran was favored by the heavens, blessed with unparalleled luck and destiny that others could only envy. However, by going against the natural order and choosing to cultivate as a demon, he was destined to face this unwarranted calamity. This thunder tribulation seemed to be a warning from the heavens.
It was during this thunder tribulation that Duan Chongque discovered that there was a powerful seal in Lu Ran’s body left by a Great Cultivator of the Mahayana stage. This seal was extremely profound, using one’s own essence as a magical tool to suppress the cultivation of the recipient. It could halt the progress of the person’s cultivation, and in some cases, it might be impossible for them to make any advancement throughout their entire life. However, everything had its strengths and weaknesses. This technique was considered a ruinous path in the world of cultivation, not sanctioned by the heavenly Dao. Originally, it could effectively suppress Lu Ran’s cultivation, but Lu Ran was an exception. His demonic bloodline was inherited from an ancient heavenly demon and was vastly different from ordinary demons. This seal might work well against typical demons, but given Lu Ran’s current level of cultivation, breaking through the seal was only a matter of time…
And over the past hundred years, no one understood better than Duan Chongque just how deep Lu Ran’s hatred for his master ran. Or rather, he had a vague sense of something unspeakable hidden beneath the surface—an emotion that went beyond simple hatred, infused with a complex mix of feelings.
Duan Chongque scrutinized Gu Yunkai, his eyes seemingly bottomless under the flickering candlelight in the hall. “Since the Battle of the Demon Realm, Master Gu secluded himself for a full century. The rumors outside claim it’s because Master Gu grieved excessively over the loss of his beloved disciple. But who would have guessed that it was Master Gu himself who cast his direct disciple into the Demon Realm.”
“If the various sects of the Immortal Sect were to find out that the renowned Peak Master of the Cloud Crane is nothing more than a hypocritical and ruthless individual, who even personally raised a demonic menace to be exterminated by all, I wonder what they would think?” Duan Chongque’s eyes gleamed with a faint smile.
Gu Yunkai’s eyelashes twitched, but he remained silent.
Duan Chongque took another step forward and continued, “Master Gu, perhaps your seclusion is just a façade…”
His tone was very casual, with a slight pause before he continued, “It’s probably due to the backlash of the demonic energy, forcing him to seclude himself to suppress it…”
Gu Yunkai, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, finally opened his eyes and looked at Duan Chongque.
Duan Chongque noticed his reaction, and the smile in his eyes deepened. “Master Gu, you’ve long known about the ancient demonic bloodline in your disciple’s body. But whether it’s overestimating your abilities or being too naive, trying to suppress it with your own strength was a foolish endeavor. Now, it seems you’re reaping what you sowed.”
“The sensation of this backlash from the demonic energy must be quite unpleasant, I presume. Master Gu, do you truly intend to continue like this?” After hearing his words, Gu Yunkai remained calm and asked, “Are you here just to say these things?”
“Of course not,” Duan Chongque replied, his gaze slightly darkening. “I’m here to ask Master Gu if he really intends to sit idly by.”
Gu Yunkai’s brows furrowed slightly.
Duan Chongque smirked ever so slightly and continued, “Master Gu, do you think that your indecision and arrogance back then can be paid off by the entire Purple Cloud Realm? Or perhaps you believe that our Demon Sovereign still holds sentimental feelings for you and for the Floating Light Sect?”
Gu Yunkai’s reaction was subtle, almost imperceptible, and he briefly paused. He tightly pursed his thin lips, and his gaze displayed a rare hint of hesitation.
His facial features were undeniably handsome, and the sharpness of his brows lent an air of dignity and solemnity to his appearance. Without saying a word, even a mere furrowing of his brows conveyed an extraordinary charisma.
Duan Chongque continued to observe Gu Yunkai’s reactions and spoke with a steady gaze, “Moreover, everything that Lu Ran is doing now is purely driven by his personal grievances…”
“Do you not desire to change your current situation, Master Gu? Are you willing to let your own disciple commit such unforgivable acts against morality and righteousness?”
Upon hearing this, Gu Yunkai asked, “What is it that Master Duan wants to convey? Please, be direct.”
Duan Chongque’s eyes revealed a mocking smile as he said, “I can help you escape your current predicament, but I need a favor from Master Gu. I believe you wouldn’t want the entire Floating Light Sect to be endangered simply due to the grievances between the two of you…”
*
[Host, are you really planning to conspire with Duan Chongque, the main antagonist, against the protagonist?]
[Why do you call it a conspiracy? It’s all for his own good. This demonic energy sounds really dangerous. Look at how a well-behaved kid has become so irritable.]
[Aren’t you afraid things might go too far? He’s a genuine antagonist. Just now, he clearly wanted you to help him get rid of Lu Ran. But your task this time is to whitewash, not to join forces with cannon fodder antagonists against the protagonist…]
[I understand that, but only by disappointing him a bit more, or rather, thoroughly disappointing him, will the upcoming turning point be especially moving.]
Afterward, Duan Chongque left the main hall. Perhaps his image as the unyielding high-mountain flower had deeply resonated with people, or maybe he knew well that Gu Yunkai had no other way out at the moment.
As the night fell, the Demon Realm became lively, as it was known for its unique customs. Demon cultivators, regardless of gender, were all bold and uninhibited, especially at night.
Ye Lingsha had just returned to report her completion of the mission to exterminate the Shangyue Sect. As soon as she arrived, she saw Lu Ran sitting atop the main hall.
The main hall of the Demon Palace was dimly lit and filled with a strong scent of alcohol. Lu Ran wore only a casually draped black robe, with an open collar, and his face was pale. His pupils were as black as deep pools, giving him an exceptionally lonely appearance. The entire hall was chilling, making it feel like a frozen cave.
Ye Lingsha’s eyes were filled with deep admiration, and she stared at Lu Ran for several seconds, momentarily lost in awe. She then approached him and bowed, saying, “Lord, I am fortunate to have returned safely.”
Lu Ran, his usual cold demeanor seemingly softened, asked in a gentle tone, “Shangyue Sect?”
Seeing that he appeared different from his usual icy self, Ye Lingsha’s heart leaped with joy. She replied, “Yes, as one of the affiliated sects of the Floating Light Sect, the Shangyue Sect’s downfall will indeed greatly weaken the Floating Light Sect and serve as a deterrent to the major immortal sects.”
“In addition, I have made another discovery. At the rift between the Demon Realm and the Human Realm in Chiyun City, we found disciples of the Floating Light Sect and Fu Qingzhou, the first disciple under Gu Yunkai of the Cloud Crane Peak. They might not come with good intentions.”
The major peaks of the Floating Light Sect are known for their indifference to worldly conflicts. The fact that even the first disciple of the Cloud Crane Peak, Fu Qingzhou, came here confirmed her suspicion. The man she had seen that day was indeed the peak master of the Cloud Crane Peak, Gu Yunkai.
This realization had a significant impact on Ye Lingsha. She couldn’t help but acknowledge that their Demon Sovereign was ruthless, and even she found his cruelty towards the orthodox immortal sects extreme. While she harbored deep resentment against those orthodox sects, seeking revenge and humiliation against Gu Yunkai solely for that reason seemed forced. Moreover, the Demon Sovereign’s attitude towards that man was intriguing.
The Demon Sovereign, known for his impassivity, would always leave his chamber with a furious expression. However, his current demeanor, though equally emotionless or even cold, inexplicably exuded a sense of frozen millennia.
Perhaps, their Lord had an untold and unknown history with the Peak Master of the Cloud Crane Peak.
After hearing the report, Lu Ran only slightly curled his lips. Ye Lingsha couldn’t be sure, but she felt the pressure around him had somehow become even lower after she finished speaking. His eyes flickered with crimson, and the sword in his hand emitted a ringing sound, as if trembling uncontrollably.
“The first disciple of Cloud Crane Peak?” His tone remained light and gentle, but there was an undeniable chill beneath his words.
Seeing his reaction, Ye Lingsha became even more certain of her speculation. Their Demon Sovereign indeed had an intricate and unspeakable history with the Cloud Crane Peak and Gu Yunkai. She hadn’t replied yet, but she observed Lu Ran’s expression suddenly darken.
“You said that Fu Qingzhou is the first disciple of the Cloud Crane Peak?”
He appeared indifferent, as if he were not looking at her, but at something entirely insignificant.
Ye Lingsha was nearly frightened to the point of collapsing to her knees by his gaze. However, before she could even figure out where she had gone wrong, Lu Ran’s gaze shifted away from her. He stood up from his seat, casually tore open a rift in space with a wave of his hand, and stepped into it.
At the end of the rift was the sleeping chamber of the Demon Palace. As soon as Lu Ran entered through the door, he saw Gu Yunkai standing by the window with his hands behind his back. The gentle moonlight seeped through the thin window curtains, creating a sense of déjà vu for Lu Ran. It was as if he were still at Cloud Crane Peak, and he felt a strange sensation of time rewinding.
Sensing something, Gu Yunkai turned to look back, only to find Lu Ran leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his eyes pitch black, staring directly at him.
Being stared at from behind by someone with such cold and piercing eyes was quite unsettling. Gu Yunkai stood in place without speaking, but then Lu Ran suddenly spoke, “Master.”
As soon as Lu Ran spoke, Gu Yunkai noticed that his current demeanor was somewhat different from usual. Even his tone had changed, lacking the usual sarcastic edge, making it more pleasant to listen to.
After a prolonged silence, it was Lu Ran who eventually broke the silence. He spoke softly, “Master, it seems like you haven’t been going out these days.”
Gu Yunkai had no intention of responding to that statement. How could he go out with so many guards at the door, especially in his current weakened state?
Gu Yunkai pondered for a moment but didn’t answer. Instead, he said, “I also have questions for you.”
Lu Ran’s expression was not as icy as usual, and there was a hint of concern in his eyes. He nodded slightly and stood up straight, saying softly, “Master, please go ahead.”
Gu Yunkai looked at him and asked, “Is your demonic aura completely beyond your control now?”
Lu Ran’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent, just watching Gu Yunkai without speaking.
Gu Yunkai continued, “If this continues, you’ll only dig yourself deeper, and there will be no turning back. Do you really want to be an enemy of the entire sect?”
Lu Ran stared at him intently and interrupted, “Is Master saying this out of concern for me, or out of concern that I might do something to the Floating Light Sect?”
Gu Yunkai looked at him with a complex expression.
Lu Ran didn’t seem to have any intention of waiting for his answer. He raised an eyebrow, his voice low and with a hint of a cold, enigmatic smile, “So, Master’s suggestion is for me to stop now?”
“But if I lose my current strength, would Master still be as willing as before to personally eliminate me without hesitation?” Lu Ran took a step forward, standing in front of Gu Yunkai, his gaze deep and his expression unusually dark in the dim candlelight. “The rules of this world are set by the strong. If I’m not strong enough, how could I have Master standing here, talking to me now?”
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