Bai Yujiang’s voice seemed to remind everyone.
“That’s right, Young Hero Lu, hurry up! Otherwise, that demoness will really escape!”
Lu Chengsha stood rooted to the spot, as if his feet had grown roots.
“Is Young Hero Lu also injured and unable to move?”
“How could that be? This is Young Hero Lu!”
“Then…”
Most of them were heavily injured, and even if they chased after her, they might not be a match for the demoness from the Demon Sect. They could only pin their hopes on Lu Chengsha.
The disciples of Baiya Peak, who had just regained consciousness, were hurriedly untying Bai Yujiang from the pillar.
Bai Yujiang seemed to be completely drained of strength. As soon as the rope loosened, he almost slid to the ground, but fortunately, someone nearby quickly caught him. He awkwardly pushed the person away and slowly stood up, leaning against a stone wall.
“He won’t chase after her,” Bai Yujiang said in a cold tone.
As soon as he said this, everyone sensed something was wrong. Whether it was Bai Yujiang’s attitude towards Lu Chengsha or Lu Chengsha’s reaction, both were extremely odd.
Although Bai Yujiang was always proud, he usually spoke with elegance and never rudely. But now, he seemed to be filled with resentment.
Given his disheveled appearance, coupled with the unconscious and withered disciples around him who looked like they had been drained dry, it wasn’t hard to guess what might have happened to him. However, due to his status, no one dared to bring it up.
Bai Yujiang glanced once more into the depths of the room, his body staggering, almost falling again, his eyes finally flashing with deep regret and pain.
Their Baiya Peak had entered this Maze Valley town before Tingjian Manor, but they had underestimated this place. After several confrontations, they still fell into the hands of that young demoness. She treated him as a precious catch—how laughable that Bai Yujiang had initially thought she was just a young girl.
He had always been gentle and polite to women, regardless of their appearance, especially if they were beautiful.
That girl had giggled and said, “You are much more sensible than that Lu Chengsha. Your name is Bai Yujiang, right? Can I call you Bai Lang?”
Thinking he could negotiate with her, Bai Yujiang had smiled and said, “Of course you can.”
He thought she was just like the demoness entangled with Lu Chengsha.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the girl had laughed and said, “So, Bai Lang, you’ve seen her before. Who is more beautiful, her or me?”
Bai Yujiang could only praise her.
The girl laughed so hard her body shook with mirth. She immediately leaned in to kiss him. Bai Yujiang, caught off guard by her boldness, was startled. Though many women had admired him, he had never lingered in such matters. Even the boldest women in the martial world wouldn’t kiss a man upon their first meeting.
Unprepared, he was kissed senseless. The girl even grabbed his hand and placed it on her body.
Bai Yujiang was horrified and wanted her to show some restraint.
The girl, however, laughed heartily and said, “You already think I’m a demoness from the Demon Sect, so why talk about restraint? I enjoy these things.” She stroked his face, seemingly entranced. “Especially with a handsome young man like you.”
Bai Yujiang couldn’t help but think of the demoness entangled with Lu Chengsha. Could she be the same?
The girl immediately laughed and said, “Yes, she is probably having a great time with Young Hero Lu right now. So, Bai Lang… why don’t we also enjoy ourselves?” She lit a red candle and coaxed him, “Just think of it as a dream. Right now, it’s our wedding night.”
Despite his efforts to resist, Bai Yujiang was ultimately overpowered. During the process, he realized something was wrong. She was too skilled, far beyond what a girl her age should be. But he couldn’t resist her. She took advantage of him again and again.
When he finally regained his senses, Bai Yujiang was horrified to find that most of his internal energy and martial arts skills had vanished. “What’s going on? Who are you really?”
“You are just too delicious. I imagine Lu Chengsha is no different…” The girl, satisfied and looking lazy, said, “Who am I? I’m a demoness from the Demon Sect. Isn’t this exactly what a demoness should do?”
When he tried to resist again, he was humiliated even more, and she hung him on a pillar.
Then, Bai Yujiang saw the other disciples who had also been drained by her, realizing he was just one of many. The girl even had several male attendants named by numbers. They looked at him with the same disdain and slight pity as they would at prey caught on a snowy mountain—Bai Yujiang wished he could die from shame and anger.
This wasn’t just any girl; she was a true demoness!
She still touched his cheek, laughing sweetly, “Don’t blame me, Bai Lang. I really like you. Look, I didn’t make you like them… I even plan to let you watch a good show.”
Bai Yujiang soon found out what that show was. He saw Lu Chengsha.
He initially thought Lu Chengsha’s fate would be the same as his, but Lu Chengsha’s martial skills hadn’t diminished at all. The demoness who had been with him initially was now helping him, and the two of them were indeed a loving couple.
The demoness often glanced at him, saying things like, “There are so many excellent men in this world… why not find more to enjoy? Life is short, enjoy it while you can, don’t you agree?” Bai Yujiang remained silent, feeling even more humiliated.
What Bai Yujiang heard next made him even more indignant—why should Lu Chengsha be so fortunate? He colluded with a demoness and still won her true heart, while he, unwilling, had lost his martial skills and was humiliated by this demoness.
Finally, the demoness seemed to have had enough fun. She dispelled the attacks on Lu Chengsha, lifted the demoness’s veil, and leisurely slipped away through a hidden passage. Before leaving, she kissed his cheek and said, “Bai Lang, I hate to leave you. Handsome young men like you are rare. I really wanted to keep you as my attendant, but I must go… until we meet again.”
Bai Yujiang was seething with anger, hating himself for his carelessness and hating her for her cruelty.
The demoness had exceptional martial skills, and no one present was her match. Even if they chased her, they couldn’t do anything to her. This hatred now shifted towards Lu Chengsha.
Lu Chengsha didn’t say a word in defense. He simply sheathed his sword, still exuding a murderous aura, and no one dared to approach him.
Bai Yujiang was so weak that his internal energy was almost completely depleted. He had been one of the most talented among the younger generation, but now it would take him who knows how long to regain his skills, if ever. His voice dripped with malice, “Aren’t you going to explain? I heard everything just now.”
Lu Chengsha turned and walked out.
The others were bewildered, not knowing what had just happened.
“Wasn’t it Young Hero Lu who saved us?”
“Didn’t he know that was a demoness from the Demon Sect? How could he possibly be involved with her?”
“Young Hero Bai, is there some misunderstanding?”
Bai Yujiang sneered, “What misunderstanding? He came in with that demoness, and she knew the demoness here. I don’t think he cares about the Demon Sect at all. Is this how Tingjian Manor hates the Demon Sect with a passion?”
His laughter was full of ridicule, “Lu Chengsha, what a fine Lu Chengsha.”
For a moment, everyone was stunned and started saying, “Young Hero Bai, you can’t say such things lightly!”
“Young Hero Lu, explain yourself! How could you be involved with that demoness?”
“Yes, say something!”
The disciples didn’t want to believe it, as it contradicted their previous impressions. But Lu Chengsha remained silent, and seeing him still full of strength while letting the demoness escape, doubts began to grow in their hearts.
—
After Hua Yan came out, it didn’t take long to find her subordinates. They didn’t know what had happened, only that they encountered a small group of righteous sect disciples, fought them, and then retreated.
“Holy Maiden, are you alright? It seems the mist has thinned a bit.”
Hua Yan waved her hand, feeling irritated. “It’s nothing, let’s go.”
She suspected that Yin Xiangsi had had her fill and was ready to leave. Hua Yan wanted to cause her trouble again but feared it might involve Lu Chengsha further.
With so many disciples of the righteous sects around, the thinning mist posed a problem for them.
There was nothing she could do now.
In fact, she shouldn’t have come here at all. If she hadn’t, he wouldn’t have been implicated.
In the Misty Valley Town, the fog was thick but windless. It wasn’t until she exited that she felt a bone-chilling wind hit her face. She didn’t use her internal energy to ward off the cold, and it stung her cheeks. A disciple in green handed her a cloak at the right moment. Hua Yan glanced at it and pushed it away. “No need. Let’s return to the sect.”
With that, she mounted her horse, embracing the cold, and tightened her grip on the reins.
Hua Yan suddenly realized that becoming stronger was useless. The barrier between them wasn’t something that could be overcome by mere strength.
—
Soon, news spread that Lu Chengsha had successfully broken through Misty Valley Town and rescued the disciples. He was already highly renowned among the young disciples, and now, no one could rival him. On the other hand, Baiya Peak’s young master Bai Yujiang seemed to have been severely injured by the Demon Sect. Usually traveling most of the year, Bai Yujiang suddenly went into seclusion for cultivation, breaking the hearts of many young maidens in the martial world.
Lu Chengsha returned to Tingjian Manor.
Hua Yan disguised herself and inquired for information. She was relieved to find no rumors of Lu Chengsha colluding with a demoness from the Demon Sect.
But Lu Chengsha had returned and did not come down the mountain again.
Xie Yingxian had informants in Tingjian Manor, but they were only outer sect disciples with mediocre martial skills, unable to gather much information.
Hua Yan carried with her a communication gu that corresponded with the gu king, Xiao Hei, given to Lu Chengsha, but she never received a response. Over a month passed, and Tingjian Manor’s vigilance did not relax for a moment.
She even asked Xie Yingxian, “What are the chances of successfully breaking into Tingjian Manor’s gate?”
Xie Yingxian replied, “If you’re not afraid of death, go ahead.”
Hua Yan had to give up.
During this period, their Zhengyi Sect had a few minor conflicts with the righteous sects. Xie Yingxian sent Qi Xiusi to handle them, and Hua Yan volunteered to go along.
One time, one of their branch halls was raided. Qi Xiusi led a team to take revenge. The battle was fierce, with blades flashing and swords clashing, neither side holding back. Hua Yan felt somewhat disoriented watching it, as in the midst of battle, it was impossible to tell who was righteous and who was evil. As Xie Yingxian had said, it was simply “kill or be killed.”
When they encountered members of the righteous sects, the reaction was always the same—kill on sight.
The hatred was ingrained in their very bones, needing no justification. It was a deeply entrenched belief, hard to change.
Even though she was merely standing aside, doing nothing, a righteous sect disciple charged at her, shouting “Demoness, taste my sword!” Hua Yan easily deflected the attack with her sword, but she felt an inexplicable bitterness.
Another time, they intercepted a convoy from Dangshan Sect. Much like how Tingjian Manor sold weapons, Dangshan Sect’s main business was running an escort agency, transporting goods for others. Initially, Hua Yan felt a bit embarrassed about robbing them, but upon learning that the escort belonged to Yufeng Hall, she immediately joined in.
The escort leader was a familiar face, the now-recovered Dangshan disciple Chu Jun.
Seeing him felt almost like a lifetime ago. The last time she saw him was during the sect war when he was poisoned, and she delivered medicine, only to be misunderstood as trying to harm him on Lu Chengsha’s orders, leading to a conflict.
Chu Jun clearly recognized her, a vicious smile curling on his lips. “So, you did have ill intentions back then.”
Hua Yan, unwilling to take the blame, immediately retorted, “I did not! I was just kindly delivering medicine, and you misunderstood!”
Chu Jun didn’t believe her at all. “Why would a demoness need to pretend?”
Hua Yan replied, “Precisely because I don’t need to pretend now, I won’t admit to something I didn’t do. I didn’t harm anyone during the sect battle. I was only looking for Lu Chengsha!”
Chu Jun, with his dark face and long, trembling hair, laughed wildly, almost arrogantly. “Do you believe that? Demoness, there’s no need for more words. Prepare to die!”
With that, he brandished his demon-subduing saber and slashed at Hua Yan.
Qi Xiusi intended to intervene, but Hua Yan drew her sword and angrily shouted, “Don’t interfere, I’ll handle this!”
Her anger was evident, and she showed no mercy. These days, to distract herself from missing Lu Chengsha, she had done nothing but practice her swordsmanship. Without a goal or any thoughts, she felt hollow.
As Hua Yan thrust her sword, Chu Jun was slightly taken aback.
During the sect war, he had grabbed her wrist, and at that time, she had no internal strength and barely any martial skills. Chu Jun, always arrogant, considered only Lu Chengsha as his equal. But now, he found it difficult to match her. Her swordsmanship was unrecognizable, characterized by a brutal and ruthless efficiency that sent chills down his spine.
Hua Yan’s mind was clear and empty as she fought purely on instinct. She continued to hold a grudge as she said, “Back during the martial competition, you lost and then ambushed, didn’t you?”
Chu Jun: “…?”
Hua Yan, even angrier, said, “You dare to forget? After losing the martial competition, you ambushed Lu Chengsha, didn’t you?”
Chu Jun was almost dazed. “What does that have to do with you?”
Hua Yan’s eyes blazed with anger, and her swordplay became faster and fiercer. “Of course it matters. Lu Chengsha… he…” She paused and then said, “He is mine!”
Chu Jun sneered. “You demoness, your possessiveness is too strong. Do you still think you haven’t harmed Lu Chengsha enough and want to trample on him some more?”
Hua Yan was shocked. “What did you say?”
Chu Jun suddenly fell silent.
Hua Yan pressed her attack, her strikes becoming even more urgent. “Speak up!”
Chu Jun, now finding himself unexpectedly pressured, could hardly believe it. They had been evenly matched moments ago, but now she seemed to have the upper hand. This was unbelievable. He struggled to fend off her attacks and couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of demonic skill have you practiced?”
Hua Yan’s voice was cold and sinister. “If you don’t talk, I’ll really kill you.”
Losing to Lu Chengsha was one thing, but being suppressed by a young girl was utterly humiliating. Chu Jun retorted coldly, “If you want to know, just go to Tingjian Manor and see for yourself.”
Hua Yan felt an urge to stab him right then and there. She replied coldly, “Chu Lao’er, if I could go, would I be asking you?”
Chu Jun’s face twisted at the mention of that nickname, finding this demoness truly detestable.
In the end, Hua Yan couldn’t get any useful information from Chu Jun. Even robbing Yufeng Hall’s convoy of precious herbs, imagining Yu Ye’s reaction, didn’t bring her any joy.
She still had no news of Lu Chengsha.
Hua Yan no longer dreamed of being killed by Lu Chengsha. Instead, she frequently dreamed of him covered in blood, with numerous wounds, disheveled, looking at her with a complex and sorrowful expression.
She wanted to approach him, to heal him.
But he kept stepping back, refusing to let her near.
Hua Yan desperately called out his name, asking him what was wrong. Lu Chengsha shook his head at her and stepped back to the edge of a cliff. Finally, he smiled at her before falling into the abyss, his body disappearing into the void.
Hua Yan woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and terrified.
Just as she was about to lose patience and actually go to Tingjian Manor to find him, she finally heard Lu Chengsha’s voice through the small communication gu.
His voice was soft and somewhat fuzzy, but she could make out his words—
“I want to see you.”
Hua Yan’s nose tingled with emotion, and she replayed those five words in her mind repeatedly. When she came to her senses, she realized her cheeks were cold, and tears had already flowed down to her chin.
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, trying hard to make her voice sound normal as she replied.
“Alright, when and where shall we meet?”