CHAPTER 58: CHAPTER 57: MEDIUM-SIZED SECT

In the southwestern direction of the Human Domain, nestled among the boundless barren mountains and treacherous waters, lies a black stone mountain with gnarled peaks concealing a hidden paradise. If one were to disperse the deliberately arranged miasma and dark fog of this place, they would uncover a valley shrouded by a thick Formation tucked underneath. In the valley, many pavilions and stone houses are scattered about, each enveloped by an individual Formation, resembling a secluded Village at first glance. A narrow path winds through a secluded spot, with a small bridge and flowing water complementing the wooden houses.

Each pavilion and stone house is protected by a Formation, and on most days, the majority of the domiciles are closed. It is unclear whether their owners are away traveling or sequestered within, in closed-door cultivation.

It had been but three days since Wu Wang arrived here, yet he had already mostly figured out the arrangement of the Formations in this place. Here, the entire Sect is covered by a grand Formation, with cliff sides flanking the Village and layers upon layers of Formation traps at both ends. Their power is quite extraordinary, and the variety is endless.

To think about escaping, there really was a chance for success, but it would expose too many secrets that must be concealed, even to the point of using his ability to change form.

Whichever way he thinks about it, he feels duped, doesn’t he?

In an unassuming stone house surrounded by water, Wu Wang stood before a window, wearing a mask. He watched the few children who had not yet begun their cultivation frolicking and roughhousing in the outer layer. His fists, clenched behind his back, silently... relaxed.

To say that Mao Aowu, the Heavenly Immortal, tricked him, is somewhat unfair.

Three days ago, just as he and Brother Mao returned to the Mietian-Heiyu-Linfeng Great Demon Sect, Brother Mao had called out, "Which Elder is free? Hurry and pick me up! I can’t hold on much longer with these severe injuries!"

Then, the Heavenly Immortal turned his head and vomited blood profusely, almost causing Wu Wang to slip away on his own.

The entire valley burst into commotion. Hundreds of presences emerged rapidly, and several figures swiftly flew over, taking Mao Aowu from Wu Wang’s hands.

Mao Aowu, holding onto a black-robed Elder with truly white hair, said with shining eyes, "Technique Teaching Elder! You must take good care of my little brother. He’s my life-saving benefactor and my kindred spirit... COUGH, COUGH, my good brother. His name is Wu Wang, from the East Sea. Make sure he cultivates well here!"

The Elders immediately teared up.

One roared furiously, "Who did this? Who inflicted such injuries on Aowu?"

"Go in peace, Aowu! Your uncle will take good care of your brother, not letting him suffer the slightest grievance. We’ll match him with the most beautiful female Disciple and find him the best master to teach his Disciples!"

"Our ancestors have challenged the Mietian-Heiyu-Linfeng Great Demon Sect! The loss of such a talent is a great lament!"

"Aowu, have you decided who will inherit your treasures?"

"Why do you care about my treasures?" Mao Aowu’s eyes widened as he stood up straight and cursed, "Quick, take me back to my cave dwelling so I can heal! COUGH, COUGH! I still have half a life left! Also, help me settle my little brother. As for the beautiful female Disciple, that can be arranged."

The faces of the several Elders darkened. Had they not noticed Mao Aowu’s injuries were severe, they might have struck him down without a second thought.

Immediately, two Elders lifted Mao Aowu, one on each side, dragging him away like a corpse toward several cave dwellings carved into a distant cliffside.

As Mao Aowu was leaving, he winked at Wu Wang, gave a thumbs-up sullied with blood, and said, "My worthy brother! Make sure to get along well with your fellow Sect members... alright?"

Wu Wang nearly threw his shoe at him.

Reflecting on this, Wu Wang’s heart was a mixture of emotions.

He didn’t know what Mao Aowu had secretly told those Elders of the Great Demon Sect.

At that time, he had expressed to the Technique Teaching Elder responsible for receiving him that he had important matters to attend to and wished to leave. The Elder had initially agreed readily and even said, ’Thank you, young friend, for saving Elder Mao’s life. Please allow us to prepare some gifts, and we will send you off later. There are many fierce beasts and venomous insects in the wild mountains and treacherous waters outside. Allow me to arrange for one or two Disciples capable of flying to escort you to a prosperous and safe territory.’ He seemed very understanding.

But after a night passed, when the Technique Teaching Elder visited again, he did not mention sending him off anymore. Instead, he started discussing the glorious history of this Great Demon Sect with him.

Wu Wang knew then what was up.

It seemed he had fallen into a den of thieves...

Yesterday, when the Technique Teaching Elder came to deliver some clothes and Spirit Stones, Wu Wang once again expressed his desire to leave. The Elder’s face showed difficulty.

"Young friend, it’s not that we don’t agree, but right now Elder Mao has entered a life-or-death retreat. He told us to take good care of you. If you leave, it would be difficult for us to explain.

Although that guy is our junior, he is now of Heavenly Immortal cultivation and holds a position in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Here, aside from the Sect Master and the Grand Elder, his word carries the most weight.

Please, young friend, bear with us a little longer. We will certainly treat you very well."

With that said, the Technique Teaching Elder bid him farewell, leaving Wu Wang speechless.

What did this mean?

They neither forced him nor sent him away. Could it be that they wanted to first wear down his patience, let him get a feel for the Demonic Sect’s atmosphere here, then gradually win him over, making him cultivate here and become a part of this large family?

Wu Wang looked at the peaceful valley, then turned his gaze to the cave dwellings carved out of the mountain walls.

Well, I might as well cultivate.

Although for the sake of my own reputation, the prestige of the Bear Hug Clan, and the influence of my future father-in-law, it would be best if I could avoid joining the Demonic Sect.

But if they continued to treat me with courtesy here, there was no need for me to be too anxious.

Spiritual Energy is the energy of heaven and earth. It’s not as if the energy from the Immortal Sects is any more fragrant than that of the Demonic Sects. I’ll just practice my Yan Emperor Command.

Brother Ji, Fairy Ling, it might be better to just make a deal with you to help me find an Immortal Sect. Sigh.

***

At the same time, within Mao Aowu’s cave dwelling.

"How is it going?" Mao Aowu whispered to the Technique Teaching Elder, who had come to deliver medicine. His body was wrapped in hemp cloth, with only his eyes visible, his expression somewhat comical. "Is my brother still thinking of leaving?"

"You keep calling him brother, but he doesn’t even look up to our Demonic Sect!" The Elder sighed. "Our Mietian-Heiyu-Linfeng Great Demon Sect, after all, ranks within the top hundred of the Demon Path. We’re well-known within ten thousand miles and certainly don’t lack Disciples. Why must we insist on someone staying to cultivate with us?"

Mao Aowu smiled through the cloth covering his face. "Elder, do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"Of course, the truth."

"The truth is, I do want him to stay in the Sect so I can repay him in the future."

Mao Aowu muttered, "This man has a proud spirit and an extraordinary fate. As you know, Uncle, the current state of both the Immortal and Demonic paths is precarious. The Human Domain seems peaceful, but undercurrents lurk within. This guy’s cultivation is too weak, and without a fixed place, he could easily get into trouble. It’s better that I play the villain and have him stay here to cultivate for a while. At the very least, wait until he steps into the Nascent Soul Realm before letting him leave."

The Technique Teaching Elder shook his head. "Can you decide for others?"

"That’s why I’m asking you, Uncle, to think of a way," Mao Aowu chuckled and continued, "Besides, he has an exceptional talent. When I drank with him, I secretly examined his bones and discovered he’s a cultivation genius with no obstructions in his body. His physique is almost that of an Immortal Body, and his future accomplishments will start at True Immortal at the least."

"Oh?"

"What about the lie? Don’t you want to hear it?"

"What lie?"

Mao Aowu whispered, "I found out that this little brother has quite a fortune."

Muttering to himself, he recounted some details from when he had a drinking bet with Wu Wang, and the Technique Teaching Elder’s eyes suddenly gleamed brightly.

"This isn’t about whether he is rich or not!" The Technique Teaching Elder said righteously, "Even if our Sect is a bit poor, we have been upright in our practice of the Demon Path and stable in our cultivation over the years. Isn’t that satisfying enough? Everyone’s cultivation reaches the level of True Immortal and Heavenly Immortal. Is it not vulgar to talk of such things?"

Having said that, the Elder pondered for a moment, then said, "You focus on healing. I’ll think of a way to make him feel more favorably about us here."

Mao Aowu said, "If he is adamant about leaving, just let him go after half a year. Before he leaves, have him come to see me, and I will give him several treasures as thanks."

"This... SIGH. I haven’t done such things before, begging someone to stay in the Sect, really!" The Technique Teaching Elder shook his head and turned to walk away slowly.

「Three months later.」

***

Deep in the valley, where streams meandered, willows wept, and aquatic plants flourished, there lay a thatched hut not isolated by Formations. Inside, more than a dozen children sat cross-legged behind low tables, each sitting upright with a solemn expression, not daring to blink or even breathe heavily.

The old man teaching them reclined on a soft couch. The Elder wore a blood-red robe, his long hair as if dyed in fresh blood. His face was long and narrow with faint red eyeshadow, and weak, blood-colored light would occasionally flicker around him. He wore what he considered his gentlest smile, conducting the ’Grand Elder’s Enlightenment Class’.

But the children listening to the lecture couldn’t help but shudder every now and then.

The Elder in Blood Clothes gestured pompously and spoke with an affected intonation, slowly saying,

"Our story begins at the end of the ancient war of Gods, with the creation of humans by Nuwa.

At that time, our Human race had just begun to prosper. Fortunately, there were many sages of our race, such as Emperor Suiren and Emperor Fu Xi, who blazed trails and advanced with great effort, carving out the dwelling place for the Human race amidst the innumerable spirits of the Great Wilderness.

Since the demise of Pangu, those born with innate power, the holders of the laws, are the Innate Gods. Among them, the Dao of Creation of our race’s Holy Mother, Nuwa, is the most mysterious and endlessly creative.

However, after creating humans, Nuwa heavily exhausted her vital energy and has since resided in a secret place, never emerging. There are very few Innate Gods who can provide any care to the Human race. Only the Queen Mother of the West of Kunlun Mountain, the Water God Gonggong of the North, and a few other Innate Gods are relatively kind towards the Human race.

Our Human race struggles for survival in this world, shedding countless blood to establish this temporary abode. Yet, surrounded by danger, our existence hangs by a thread.

Therefore, our race’s sages and esteemed predecessors have set an ironclad rule.

You all prick up your ears and listen carefully!"

The children below shuddered and stared wide-eyed at the Grand Elder in front of them.

In the valley, it was rumored that every time the Grand Elder made a breakthrough in his cultivation, he would kill hundreds of people to celebrate with blood wine.

The Elder in Blood Clothes said in a deep voice, "These iron rules apply to all of the Human race in the Great Wilderness. UM, COUGH. Those belonging to the Human race must prioritize the protection of our own race. If foreign enemies invade the Human Domain, all levels of the Human race must join in the fight!"

As his words fell, the Elder in Blood Clothes swept his gaze over the dozen or so children, looking at their serious little faces. He picked up a wine jug beside him and took a small, enjoyable sip.

"Actually, this iron rule was set by the Fire Emperor Suiren himself.

No matter how intense the infighting among the Sects of the Human race, or how fierce the clan strife, as long as the four Zhongs at the border are struck, everyone must put down their weapons, stop their curse methods, and look for the assembly signal nearby.

You must etch these rules into your hearts!

We who practice Demonic Cultivation don’t get along with the Immortal cultivators, and fighting each other on normal days is beneficial for maintaining our Human race’s combat power. But without some disastrous hatred that merits extinction, one must not easily carry out the extermination of an entire Sect, cutting off the other’s line of Dao.

Cutting off one’s line of Dao would harm our Human race’s vitality and will surely invite punishment from our revered ancestors.

Have you all remembered?"

The children below replied in unison, "We remember."

"Good, you..."

"Grand Elder! Grand Elder!" Suddenly, an urgent cry came from outside the thatched hut. The Elder in Blood Clothes frowned slightly, glancing outside.

A figure dressed in black, with scars on his face, leaped down from the clouds. He rushed towards the thatched hut with an urgent look and began to call out before he even entered, "Grand Elder! This is something you must take care of! Our Mietian-Heiyu-Linfeng Great Demon Sect is about to fall apart!"

The Grand Elder frowned slightly, saying, "Speak slowly. Those hypocritical Immortal cultivators haven’t attacked us yet. Why the panic?"

The man with the scarred face spun around anxiously, saying urgently, "Ah, Grand Elder! Don’t you know what’s happening here? It’s chaos! Complete chaos! Ever since Elder Mao returned wounded with that guy Wu Wangzi, our Mietian-Heiyu-Linfeng Great Demon Sect has been thrown into chaos! Elder Miao was just now threatening to cripple her own cultivation and abandon the charm technique she has practiced for three thousand years!"

"Oh?" The Grand Elder frowned and said calmly, "I have just left my closed-door cultivation today to teach the valley’s children a lesson and have not paid attention to this matter. Why is Little Miao being so reckless? She is a natural-born charming immortal."

"It’s all because of that Wu Wangzi!" The man with the scarred face lowered his voice, glanced at the children who were eagerly looking at him, and with some irritation, waved his hand for them to leave.

As soon as there was no one left in the thatched hut, the man’s eyes flashed with two grey lights, and the hut was immediately enveloped in a grey mist.

The Grand Elder said with dissatisfaction, "What is the purpose of such a spectacle? Must I hide my presence even in the Sect’s territory?"

"Grand Elder! This matter must not be spread. It concerns our Sect’s reputation!"

"Reputation? PFFT! HA HA HA! HA HA HA HA!" The Grand Elder laughed, leaning forward and back, but a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes, causing the scar-faced man to subconsciously shrink his neck. "HMPH! We are a Demonic Sect, ranked seventy-sixth among the hundred great Demonic Sects of the Human Domain. Reputation? When did you learn to care for such superficial and pretentious matters?"

"This, well," the scar-faced man muttered softly, "Elder Miao seems to want to give up her charm technique to take an entirely different path of icy purity. If this were to get out, wouldn’t it become a joke among our peers? That’s what I meant."

The Grand Elder’s mouth twitched. "This would indeed damage our reputation somewhat. Why is Little Miao doing this?"

"It’s all because of that damn Wu Wangzi!"

"Start from the beginning."

"Yes!"

The man with the scarred face suddenly gritted his teeth in anger, his eyes full of raging fury.

"That day, Elder Mao brought back a young man from outside the valley, around twenty years of age by bone assessment, with a cultivation merely in the Condensation Establishment Realm. He had seemingly used some sort of precious natural treasure; his Divine Thought was quite strong..."

The scar-faced man briefly recounted the events from the day Wu Wang arrived, also mentioning Wu Wang’s repeated requests to leave.

The Grand Elder raised his hand slightly and said solemnly, "We value freedom of movement here. Those who wish to leave the Sect need only relinquish the teachings learned within the Sect. If he is a brother of Elder Mao, we must treat him with respect and not diminish the dignity of our one hundred great Demonic Sects. What happened next? How did it involve Little Miao?"

"It’s quite strange, now that I think about it. Wu Wang has an imposing appearance and a noble bone structure. My subordinates have tested him several times and confirmed that he’s merely a cultivator at the Condensation Establishment Realm who practices a Fire Element Cultivation Method—all fairly ordinary.

However, any of the Sect Elders who has had contact with him seems to fall under some bewitching spell.

It began with Elder Wang from the Technique Teaching Hall, who took some Sect classics and even demonstrated the power of the Heaven-Obliterating Heart Sutra for him.

Yet, who knows what happened later. They talked several times, and each time Elder Wang left Wu Wangzi’s abode with a dark expression on his face.

A few days later, Elder Wang resigned from his position at the Technique Teaching Hall and went into closed-door cultivation at the Treasure Pavilion.

Before he entered closed-door cultivation, Elder Wang made a point to instruct us to treat young friend Wu Wangzi with extra courtesy and make no difficulties for him, as if to form a good karmic bond.

The valley was in an uproar, and Wu Wang also caught the interest of Elder Miao.

But guess what?"

The scarred man clenched his fists, his nostrils flaring, his expression growing slightly fierce as he spoke, his voice trembling lightly. He was clearly beyond furious.

"Elder Miao spent a night alone with him and only left Wu Wang’s place in a huff the next afternoon. Immediately, she closed her door and engaged in cultivation.

It’s only been three months since she left seclusion, and suddenly Elder Miao proclaimed she wanted to abandon her Dark Desire Cultivation Technique!

Luckily, she was stopped by several other Elders."

"Oh?" The Grand Elder glanced at the scarred man’s face and snorted coldly. "Put away those thoughts of yours. Little Miao is a candidate for the next Sect Master. Her cultivation technique, indeed, devours people."

"Subordinate... subordinate is just concerned about Elder Miao, with no inappropriate thoughts."

"I think you’re just lusting after her body."

"Subordinate wouldn’t dare! Absolutely would not dare! I know full well her relationship to you! How could this subordinate not know!" The scarred man broke out in a cold sweat and added, "This subordinate knows his place. Thank you, Grand Elder, for the reminder."

"Hmm, as long as you know." The Grand Elder stood up, his blood-colored wide robe emphasizing his tall figure.

This Grand Elder, stroking a strand of his blood-colored hair, paced back and forth for a bit, then asked, "In your view, does this Wu Wangzi have any peculiarities?"

"Subordinate has been secretly watching him for three months but hasn’t noticed anything unusual," said the scarred man gravely. "His daily activities are mostly reading, meditating, reading, and meditating.

He has borrowed various general books from the Technique Teaching Hall and seems very interested in our Sect’s cultivation techniques, along with some books on artifact refinement and Formation methods.

Before Elder Miao spent the night with him, several Elders from the Technique Teaching Hall tried to probe him. After their encounters, these Elders each went into closed-door cultivation, saying they had gained some enlightenment.

After Elder Miao spent the night with him, the Sect Master personally gave an order, bidding us not to disturb the honored guest at Wu Wangzi’s residence."

"The Sect Master is aware of this as well?" The Grand Elder’s eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "What did the Sect Master say?"

"The Sect Master... has entered life-or-death seclusion." The scarred man’s mouth twitched slightly.

"Half a month ago, the Sect Master talked all night with Wu Wangzi, and the next day announced he would enter life-or-death seclusion. Now, when I look at that Wu Wangzi, it sends chills down my spine. He just has an air of strangeness about him!"

The Grand Elder calculated with his fingers, then released a ball of blood mist. Within the mist, a clear image appeared.

It was a spacious stone room where a young man, appearing to be in his early twenties, sat at a desk. An incense burner was placed before him, and he was writing something.

The youth’s face was square and handsome, with a high nose bridge and thin lips, giving him a look of integrity.

The Grand Elder couldn’t help but pace with his hands behind his back, his blood-red robe and bloody aura making his features seem chillingly cold.

Could Little Miao have a preference for such looks? He is indeed just a minor Condensation Establishment Realm cultivator. Although not far from Golden Core, Little Miao is, after all, at the True Immortal Realm...

HMM?

Because of conversations with this youth, several of my junior brothers from the Technique Teaching Hall have entered seclusion one after another.

Junior Brother Mao, with his straightforward nature, is one of the top experts in our Sect. He usually has high standards but still thinks highly of this young man.

Little Miao has a naturally alluring physique, is ranked among the hundred beauties of the Demon Path, and has met countless men, yet she remains indifferent to them all...

The Sect Master has been stuck at his bottleneck for over two thousand years, and now he suddenly enters life-or-death seclusion...

The Grand Elder looked up at the young man in the blood mist, a hint of fierceness flickering across his eyes.

"Let’s go. This Elder will meet this youth!"

"Um, shouldn’t you visit Elder Miao first?" the scarred man asked softly.

The Grand Elder indifferently replied, "Are you teaching me how to conduct my affairs?"

"Subordinate dares not!"

"Lead the way first. Later, call her over too. I want to see how she can throw such a tantrum! Abandon her cultivation and start anew? Can she dig out those beguiling bones of hers?"