The midnight hour had already passed, yet from within the Wang An Ju residence atop Huayang Mountain, intermittent sounds of “squeaking” could be heard as if there were mice rummaging through boxes.
Following the sound, one could vaguely see a faint light emanating from the kitchen in the backyard.
At this moment, He Heng sat cross-legged in front of a cabinet. Beside him, a small oil lamp illuminated the ground. He opened the storage cabinet slightly and pulled out several unopened bottles of aged wine. Muttering to himself, he said:
“Before leaving, I’ll drink all of your wine and drive you crazy.”
With that, he tore off the red seal from one of the bottles and indulged in a frenzy of drinking, tilting his head back.
The aged liquor had a robust strength, and as it touched his throat, a fiery sensation surged, causing He Heng to cough a few times.
During the painful drinking process, he lacked the poetic and elegant sentiments of ancient times, where people would sing praises to the wine and compose poems. He only felt the bitter alcohol causing a melancholic pain as it entered his throat.
A portion of the chilled liquid traced down his jawline, passing over the prominent Adam’s apple, ultimately flowing into the thorny pattern on his neck.
Just moments ago, following the method explained by the fox demon, He Heng returned the inner core to Yan Qing’an. With the absence of the counterpart’s inner core to balance it, the demonic energy within him was now revealed without restraint.
Currently, a thin layer of black mist enveloped his entire body. The red patterns between his eyebrows became more pronounced, resembling a dormant and long-forgotten dangerous creature that had been awakened.
On the way back earlier, Zhou Yue finally found a spell to make the wolf tail and ears on his body disappear. So, He Heng has now reverted to his human form, albeit exuding an ominous aura all over.
However, He Heng himself didn’t feel anything wrong with his entire being, except for the fact that many people might be scared away upon seeing him now. Other than that, he didn’t see any issues.
Moreover, scaring people away was probably for the best; he didn’t want to encounter anyone at the moment.
After nearly exhausting the aged wine from the hidden stash in the back kitchen of Yan Qing’an, He Heng lifted a half-empty bottle of liquor and staggered out.
In the simple and elegant courtyard, a bright moon hung high in the pitch-black night sky. The moon appeared large and round, seemingly within arm’s reach.
A breeze swept through the empty courtyard, adding a touch of chill to the air. The door attendants, who were on duty earlier, had already retired for the night. The spacious main hall looked particularly desolate.
He Heng walked to the main hall, picked up his already packed simple belongings, slung a long sword across his back, preparing to leave. However, his gaze inexplicably shifted towards another room.
In the end, he resignedly walked into Yan Qing’an’s bedroom.
He Heng gently pushed the bedroom door open a crack, slipping inside like a cat to ensure he wouldn’t disturb the person inside.
Yan Qing’an’s bedroom seemed much warmer than the courtyard outside. The room echoed with the even and gentle sounds of his breathing.
The person before him lay on the bed, sleeping on their side, hands beneath their head. He looked deeply asleep, with inky black hair cascading down. His delicate, rosy lips were slightly pursed, and his sleeping expression appeared incredibly obedient.
Just by glancing at him from a distance, He Heng’s heart inexplicably softened.
He recalled how it was the same in the previous two worlds. After falling asleep, Yan Qing’an was always well-behaved, sometimes snuggling in his arms and remaining still throughout the night.
On the other hand, He Heng was different. He could end up sleeping from the head to the foot of the bed, waking up disoriented, not knowing which way was which. Sometimes, he would unknowingly push his partner into a corner during sleep.
Because of this, Wen Liangyu would always complain to him about changing his domineering sleeping habits.
At times like these, He Heng would playfully hold him and nibble on his neck, stubbornly saying, “No.”
As he pushed the door to leave, his gaze lingered for a moment on Yan Qing’an’s serene sleeping face, carrying a hint of affection and reluctance.
But in the end, He Heng decisively turned away and left.
He thought,
If Master doesn’t have me, perhaps he will live a better life?
Maybe it won’t take long for him to break through the tenth level of the Nine Yang Sword Technique, fulfilling the lifelong dream of a cultivator.
By then, Yan Qing’an would no longer be bound by worldly emotions. He could live freely and do whatever he wished.
As for He Heng, there were still many matters in the Demon Realm awaiting his attention. Since, according to the prophecy of the Thousand-Faced Fox Demon, the unsealed demons would gather in the Demon Realm to revolt once again, it would be better to take the initiative. Instead of passively waiting for them to rebel, why not proactively strike? He could go directly to the Demon Realm before those monsters fully awakened and put an end to both the demons and their future Demon Lord.
With these thoughts in mind, He Heng stepped onto his longsword, slung his belongings over his back, and entered the vast night. He resembled a small boat leaving home, tossed about directionless in the vast sea.
Of course, this is a literal interpretation, as the strength of the aged wine He Heng had sneakily consumed earlier was hitting him all at once. He hadn’t flown for long on his sword before his figure started swaying like a worm in mid-air, drawing frequent sidelong glances from onlookers due to the extremely precarious posture.
Eventually, at a crossroads in the sky, he was stopped by a Taoist responsible for monitoring air traffic. This happened because he violated the 58th rule of sword flying – “driving under the influence” – which is essentially “flying under the influence”.
Considering that it was He Heng’s first offense and, of course, under the threat of his intimidating speech (which was the main reason), the Taoist only issued him a verbal warning and kindly helped him stop a passenger ship.
After the leisurely sailing through the intersection, He Heng, holding a barrel of aged wine, unsteadily stepped onto the ship, causing it to shake violently for a moment.
“Where are you headed, sir?”
The boatman looked at He Heng, who seemed intoxicated and wore a face of despair, thinking that this young man might be going through a heartbreak.
He Heng abruptly sat down on the boat, causing it to shake once again. He took a gulp of wine and said, “To the Yellow Springs!”
In their cultivation world, the Yellow Springs generally referred to the Nine Nether Yellow Springs located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. Currently, it was the lair of wandering or unsealed demons, shrouded in thick malevolent energy all year round, a place where daylight never touched. It was an area that ordinary people would never willingly venture into.
The boatman: “…”
The boatman immediately turned his efforts towards consolation, saying, “Sir, did you just go through a breakup or something? If it’s a breakup, you can find someone else. Why think so negatively?”
He Heng raised his hand to stop him, saying, “I’m not trying to die.”
“I’m looking for someone.”
He was going to root out the Demon Lord of those little demons, give them a severe lesson, and see if they dared to cause trouble again.
Hearing this, the boatman promptly closed his mouth, earnestly resumed rowing, and refrained from saying anything more about someone looking for others in the Yellow Springs.
In less than four or five hours, the small boat docked on the opposite side of a vast sea of amaryllis flowers. At the end of the flower sea hung a glaring signboard inscribed with the four large characters “Nine Nether Yellow Springs”.
As soon as the boatman set He Heng down, he vanished without a trace. Thus, He Heng, alone with his longsword, swayed through the sea of flowers.
Meanwhile, in the desolate Demon Realm palace, a fox demon covered in fur from head to toe slumped with boredom behind an empty counter.
A gust of autumn wind swept through, lifting a few fallen leaves from the ground. Unable to resist, the fox demon yawned and said, “I’m telling you, what’s there to look forward to these days? I said your plan to develop the tourism industry was unreliable. Who dares to come to the Nine Nether Yellow Springs for tourism in the cultivation world? They all think we’re man-eating monsters. They run away before they even get close.”
“With the economy so sluggish now, how long can this run-down place last? Look at us, we’re almost unable to make ends meet. Why don’t we pack up and leave earlier?”
At the words, a rabbit-eared demon adjusted the slightly crooked “Welcome to the Demon Realm” sign on the other demon’s head.
“Don’t be so hasty. Haven’t we posted notices everywhere saying that we’re recruiting a new Demon Lord? Maybe things will get better with a new Demon Lord?”
The little fox demon became even more disheartened at the mention.
“Other places recruit employees. When have you ever heard of recruiting a boss for yourself?! This life is really unbearable.”
At that moment, the doors of the great hall were pushed open with a resounding “clang!” A strong wind swept through the hall, and the two little demons looked toward the entrance in surprise.
A man, shrouded in black mist but remarkably handsome, entered with a longsword slung over his back. Recognizable markings adorned his forehead and neck.
Having spent a long time in the Demon Realm and those grotesque appearances, the two little demons were nervous to see someone so handsome for the first time. They didn’t know what to say.
As they watched He Heng stagger to the counter, he casually slammed the longsword onto the table. With a hand supporting his head, he drunkenly said, “I’ve come… come to find the Demon Lord.”
The rabbit demon didn’t catch what He Heng said afterward, but as soon as he heard the words “Demon Lord”, his eyes immediately gleamed with excitement.
“Are you here to apply for the position of Demon Lord?”
In this changing era, how could the Demon Realm lag behind the trends of the times? The immediate plan was undoubtedly to find a Demon Lord with a handsome appearance and suitable image to serve as the fashionable spokesperson for their Demon Realm.
So, the moment the rabbit demon laid eyes on He Heng, there were almost two beams of golden light shining from his eyes.
Feeling a gaze like a bright spotlight in the pitch-black night sky shining directly on him, He Heng immediately felt a breath-catching sensation. He didn’t even hear what the other had just said.
Facing the scrutinizing glances from the little demons, He Heng reached to cover his chest.
“What? Planning to fight?”
The fox demon directly interrupted him, “How tall are you?”
Hearing this, He Heng slowly formed a question mark. What did this demon mean? Asking about height in the context of a fight?
Was he supposed to be disqualified from seeking the Demon Lord if he wasn’t tall enough?
Was there height discrimination going on in the Demon Realm?
Nevertheless, he still answered, “188 centimeters.”
The fox demon’s two ears perked up upon hearing this, and he continued, “What about your weight, waist circumference, chest circumference, shoulder width, and leg length?”
He Heng: “..”
He thought this was bad. Was he encountering some kind of pervert?
“Why so many questions?”
Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, the rabbit demon pulled at the fox demon’s collar and whispered, “Look at him, the aura all over him, and he looks so handsome. Can you find another person who is as suitable as him to be our ambassador?”
With that, the fox demon ran directly in front of He Heng and said warmly, “No problem at all. Your qualifications are more than enough. Just come with us to try on clothes. Right this way.”
Hearing this, He Heng felt a bit puzzled, rubbing his nose.
Why did he have to bathe and change clothes before fighting the Demon Lord?
So devoutly?
Was this really the Demon Realm?
Although he was a bit confused, the effects of the wine from those few barrels were too strong. He Heng felt his head spinning, making it impossible to think. Instead, he simply walked with the little demon.
Navigating through a labyrinthine cellar, he arrived outside a particularly luxurious bedroom. The specifications were comparable to a presidential suite. In the center was a large bed upholstered in red velvet labeled “kg size”. The bathroom contained a tub the size of a small swimming pool, adorned with artistically inclined paintings on the walls.
The rabbit demon promptly picked up the extravagant gold-trimmed robe specially tailored for their future Demon Lord from the bed and respectfully handed it to He Heng.
“It will surely suit you. Please try it on quickly.” With that, he considerately closed the door for him.
He Heng, somewhat absent-minded, changed into the clothes. Then, pushing open the door, he looked at the various fluffy little demons gathered outside the hall. He first froze and then tugged at the V-shaped neckline of his robe, which was as open as a bathrobe.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit too revealing?”
To He Heng’s surprise, the rabbit demon repeatedly shook his head and said, “Revealing is good, revealing is good.”
What’s the current trend to attract attention from the outside world?
It must be a handsome guy who is half-revealing.
He Heng: “…”
While he was still in a daze, accompanied by the glaring flash of lights, a “click” sound echoed. A mouse demon who stood on its hind legs retrieved the photo it had just taken from the spirit mirror and handed it to He Heng.
“How about this promotional advertisement? Are you satisfied?”
He Heng lowered his head and saw a staged photo of himself wearing a deep V robe. Next to it was a caption that read, “Let’s warmly welcome the new Demon Lord of the Nine Underworlds!!!”
He immediately felt a buzzing sensation in his head.
After all this, it turned out he was the Demon Lord?!
However, He Heng thought about it. This might not be so bad. If he became the Demon Lord, these little demons would have to follow his lead and become law-abiding citizens, with no possibility of rebellion in the future.
Feeling good about this photo, the rabbit demon said, “Demon Lord, although our Nine Nether economy isn’t very prosperous right now, we are trying to develop the tourism industry. I wonder if you have any opinions or thoughts on this?”
Upon hearing this, He Heng lowered his head and looked at the various cat demons, rabbit demons, fox demons, and other fuzzy little demons with ears, tails, and fur all over. He revealed a calm and composed smile.
“Isn’t it simple? The opportunity is right in front of you, isn’t it?”
With that, he calmly smiled and tousled the big ears of the rabbit demon.
“Don’t you understand what people like these days?”
“From today onwards, don’t use the old-fashioned name ‘Demon Realm’ anymore! I’m willing to call this place ‘Furry Paradise’. Within a month, this place will become a five-star attraction in the cultivation world!”
Yan Qing’an had only slept for a night, and when he woke up the next day, He Heng, that towering figure, was nowhere to be found. Several jars of fine wine that Nie Zong had entrusted to him, which were as essential to Nie Zhong as life, were also gone.
As he sensed the abundant spiritual energy within him, he knew that He Heng must have returned the inner core to him.
However, at this moment, looking at the empty and desolate Wang An Ju, a sense of indescribable discomfort filled Yan Qing’an’s heart.
The illusion created by the fox demon had ended for quite some time, but the feelings of admiration for He Heng had never faded. As time passed, Yan Qing’an became increasingly certain that these emotions weren’t something the fox demon’s illusion could produce. If it hadn’t been a real experience, how could such a strong imprint be left on him?
After accepting the fact that He Heng had truly left, Yan Qing’an wandered aimlessly in the courtyard like a headless fly, trying to find the cryptic words He Heng had left for him.
He can’t just leave without saying a word, can he?
In the end, he found a letter from He Heng by the bookshelf in the main hall. On it were just two short lines:
“Master, I am a bad disciple.”
“Without me, you will surely master the Heartless Dao faster, won’t you?”
The handwriting looked crooked and twisted, like a worm crawling. It seemed he must have stolen some of Nie Zong’s wine to produce such ugly writing!
Staring at those two lines for a long time, after confirming that He Heng didn’t leave any other information, such as where he went, when he would come back, or why he left and whether he would return or not.
He stormed into the bedroom and retrieved the love letter he had spent three days secretly writing, hidden under the pillow.
In a fit of anger, Yan Qing’an tore both letters apart, then somewhat helplessly wiped away his tears.
Previously, when he indirectly asked others how to write a love letter without appearing awkward, those young disciples teased him, saying, “Does Senior Yan really need to write a love letter? Just say a few words, and that should be enough!”
However, as he looked at the scattered pieces of paper on the floor, he couldn’t help but think those words were all deceiving! He Heng had disappeared, and what was the point of “liking” anything?
But at that moment, there was a “ding!” sound from the spirit mirror on Yan Qing’an’s body. He instinctively thought someone had sent him a message, hastily taking the spirit mirror out from his sleeve.
Upon checking, he found that it was actually a boring junk advertisement. It had a very conspicuous headline:
“Nine Nether Yellow Springs welcomes the first handsome new Demon Lord, who may become the new ambassador for the Demon Realm.”
Normally, Yan Qing’an wouldn’t click on such a boring and attention-seeking ad. However, today, with his bad mood, he wanted to see what kind of handsome Demon Lord could save the terrible image of Nine Nether Yellow Springs.
But at the moment he clicked on the ad, Yan Qing’an felt his breath catch, as if he couldn’t breathe.
Because what greeted him was an image of He Heng, wearing a deep V, solemn black, gold-trimmed, luxurious, and domineering Demon Lord sleeping robe, lounging lazily on the Demon Lord’s throne. From his high and indifferent expression, there was no hint of sorrow.
Yan Qing’an immediately felt that his tears from earlier were shed in vain. Now, anger surged up in him.
This traitor, saying something about not affecting his cultivation of the Heartless Dao?
Clearly, he just found an excuse to leave and enjoy himself!
How could he easily let this scumbag go?
So, when Nie Zong finished a busy day of academic affairs and came to Wang An Ju, intending to ask Yan Qing’an for a jar of his divine muddle-headed wine—aptly named as even immortals would get happily befuddled after a sip—when he arrived, he found Wang An Ju empty, with no sign of a person anywhere.
In the end, he found a note left by Yan Qing’an in front of the empty cellar door, with hastily written lines:
“Master uncle, I am not a good disciple and couldn’t protect your treasure.”
“But now, I have something very important to do, so I can only leave the sect for a while. Don’t worry.”
“P.S.: Your wine was stolen by this person (accompanied by a cute cartoon image of He Heng with wolf tail and ears). So, if you happen to see him, please make sure to bring him back.”
Author’s note:
Nie Zong (pounding chest and stamping feet, addressing Yan Qing’an): You only lost love! I lost my lifeline!
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