Chapter 45

A folding fan.

A folding fan with a white silk surface, adorned with splashed-ink landscapes.

With a sharp flick, Shen Qingqiu snapped the fan open and began waving it before his chest, his long hair and beard fluttering together in the breeze.

The image wasn’t perfect—the prop clashed slightly with his current appearance—but it didn’t matter.

With a folding fan in hand, he had the ultimate tool for posturing.

Shen Qingqiu planted one foot on a mountain rock and demanded, “Speak. What is your true purpose in infiltrating the human realm?”

Cowering before him was a huddled mass of beings—no, not humans, but demons. Though from appearance alone, the two were nearly indistinguishable.

The one at the front trembled as he answered, “We… we usually just… steal little trinkets from the human realm to trade for stuff back home.”

The demon race had no unified currency, relying mostly on barter. If both parties fancied an item, a trade was made; if not, they walked away. Given the demon realm’s crude craftsmanship and questionable artistic taste, even an ordinary piece of embroidery was considered a fine work of art there. Thus, all manner of human trinkets were highly sought after. The least valuable items, by contrast, were the various magical crystals that littered the demon realm like common stones.

But just because they were commonplace in the demon realm didn’t mean they held no value in the human world!

Shen Qingqiu snapped the fan shut with a sharp crack, his expression stern. “This remote, desolate backwater—a godforsaken place where birds don’t shit and chickens don’t lay eggs—is already plagued by backward production, underdeveloped economy, and a happiness index far below average. For you to come here and take advantage of the situation is utterly unconscionable.”

The little demon was deeply confused.

If he recalled correctly, hadn’t this… esteemed personage also been in the middle of stealing… ah, no, borrowing clothes when they were caught?

And this very fan, now waving so vigorously, was also…

Shen Qingqiu thought to himself, I had no choice—I couldn’t very well keep wandering around like a savage in those rags dug up from the dirt, could I?

Still, the encounter had sparked an idea. If he could provide these small-time demons, who previously only dared petty theft, with a legitimate channel for trading goods, perhaps he could carve out a new path in this world of cultivation and monster-slaying—a path of farming and prospering.

Indulging in a brief, carefree fantasy, Shen Qingqiu decided that if he were to take on subordinates, he should first understand their customs. Adopting a kindly tone, he asked, “Do you eat rotten meat?”

The little demons shook their heads in unison. Just as Shen Qingqiu was about to sigh in relief, the leader spoke up with heartfelt emotion, “Me dad said, rotten meat’s only somethin’ rich families can afford…”

Shen Qingqiu cut him off. “Enough.”

This wasn’t a matter of economic status at all! After Luo Binghe rose to power in the demon realm, wasn’t he rich enough? Yet had anyone ever seen him develop a taste for such things!

After a pause, he changed the subject. “What’s your name?”

The first one answered, “Six Balls.”

Shen Qingqiu: “What does that mean?”

Six Balls explained, “‘Cause when I was born, me dad held me and said I weighed as much as six balls.”

Shen Qingqiu: “…”

What kind of balls? Shot puts or ping-pong balls?! This name was utterly meaningless.

The rest eagerly volunteered their own names, each one more unbearable than the last, yet they all seemed strangely proud of them.

Was this the pragmatic naming style common among the demon race’s lower classes?

Demons had no concept of family names. Their naming conventions were wildly imaginative and unrestrained. Those military commanders who had climbed from humble origins—like Elder Heavenly Hammer or Elder One-Armed—bore titles that were utterly nonsensical. However, those of noble birth, such as Mobei Jun, Sha Hualing, or Luo Binghe’s father, Tianlang Jun, had slightly more presentable names.

Shen Qingqiu suddenly thought, Thank goodness Luo Binghe wasn’t abandoned and picked up in the demon realm. If he’d been adopted by common demon folk, given this naming style, he might have ended up with a name that looked like his parents held a grudge against him.

What would they have called him?

Cover-Face?

No, no, there had to be something more earth-shattering. He recalled one of the original novel’s female characters shyly implying that Luo Binghe was exceptionally… gifted in that department. With a harem of three thousand, capable of performing night after night for centuries without decline, the title “Peerless Cucumber” would have suited him quite well. But since that was already taken, perhaps Luo Binghe could have been called… Heavenly Pillar?

Hahahaha, oh god, Luo Tianzhu! So gloriously absurd!

Shen Qingqiu chuckled to himself for a moment before suddenly slapping his own face.

Are you out of your mind?!

Making crude, vulgar jokes in your head about the great protagonist!

What was so funny? Get your target for sleazy humor straight!

The little demons watched as this esteemed personage laughed one moment and angrily slapped himself the next, utterly bewildered and not daring to make a sound. Suddenly, Shen Qingqiu’s laughter cut off. He pressed his fan against Six Balls’ shoulder, pulling him closer.

From the demon’s waist, Shen Qingqiu plucked a sword tassel. “Where did you get this?”

This was no ordinary sword tassel.

This was the tassel from Liu Mingyan’s sword, Watery Hue!

The token of affection between the male and female leads, understand? Back at Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, Shen Qingqiu had specifically noted it—its distinctiveness was unmistakable.

How could such an item end up in the hands of a minor border demon?

Six Balls stammered in panic, “This… this wasn’t stolen, it was found…”

Go find another one just like it on the street for me, why don’t you? Shen Qingqiu pressed, “Where did you find it?”

Six Balls said, “Well… these past few days, a big shot has been commandeering the road at night. They’d send subordinates to clear the way ahead of time. We got curious and hid by the roadside. Afterwards, we found this on the path.”

A big shot?

In the mouths of small demons, a “big shot” could only be a high-ranking figure from the demon realm.

Such individuals generally didn’t frequent border regions—it drew too much attention, and the local environment usually didn’t suit them. So which big shot could swagger about, commandeering roads, and carelessly drop an item belonging to Liu Mingyan?

The first possibility that sprang to Shen Qingqiu’s mind was, of course, a certain someone.

He asked, “This big shot you mentioned… was he a rather good-looking young man?”

After a moment’s thought, he decided not to insult his own conscience and amended, “Not just ‘rather good-looking,’ but exceptionally, extraordinarily handsome.”

Six Balls shook his head, then suddenly blushed.

Why are you blushing?!

Shen Qingqiu pressed for more details but got nothing useful. He pondered the matter.

It probably wasn’t Luo Binghe.

Luo Binghe had the Xin Mo Sword—a ridiculously overpowered cheat. With a single slash, he could tear a rift between realms. He could just carve an opening for himself and slip into the demon realm. He would never go to such lengths, painstakingly traveling to the border and dutifully following the smugglers’ routes.

That raised the question. A demon had passed through, yet left behind Liu Mingyan’s possession. Could Liu Mingyan have been captured?

He didn’t recall Liu Mingyan, the first female lead, receiving such treatment in the original story. What lowlife lackey would dare lay a hand on Luo Binghe’s wife?

Though the Liu siblings usually cultivated separately on their respective peaks, the original text mentioned they got along quite well. They just weren’t the clingy type, which made their sibling bond seem somewhat plain and mild. Still, whether as Liu Qingge’s sister or as Qi Qingqi’s beloved disciple, Liu Mingyan couldn’t be ignored. By now, the System (presumably) could (temporarily) no longer threaten him, nor could it impose restrictions or deduct Coolness Points.

Maybe I should go check it out?

Shen Qingqiu asked, “Where is the breach between the realms?”

At midnight, Shen Qingqiu lay concealed among the tree branches, erasing all traces of his presence as he peered down below.

After an indeterminate wait, the air in a certain spot suddenly twisted, visibly distorting.

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes lit up. Holding his breath, he watched as a young man in black robes dashed out.

They were far apart, but Shen Qingqiu’s vision was sharp. The youth appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen, his expression tense, with sharp, handsome features. This face looked strangely familiar to Shen Qingqiu—he was sure he’d seen it before, but he couldn’t remember where!

Suddenly, a crisp female voice, sweet yet chilling, echoed through the silent forest. “As expected of one from Bai Zhan Peak. Even bound by a hundred Immortal-Binding Cables, you still managed to defeat so many of my subordinates and flee this far. One truly cannot let their guard down for a moment!”

Hearing that voice, Shen Qingqiu immediately understood.

A beautiful demon of noble status, with subordinates—the kind that would make a little demon blush at the mere mention. It was Sha Hualing!

My apologies. This girl is one of the female leads, but she’s been absent for so long I’d almost forgotten about her!

If Liu Mingyan had fallen into her hands, the outcome was even more worrying. Having her face slashed would be considered light punishment.

No wonder the young man’s running posture had seemed off, his movements slightly sluggish. Shen Qingqiu had been focused on his face earlier; now, looking closer, he saw numerous fine silver threads coiled around his body. His robes confirmed he was indeed from Bai Zhan Peak, though Shen Qingqiu didn’t recall seeing such a young disciple there.

Knowing he couldn’t outrun his pursuers, the youth skidded to a halt, a fierce aura blazing between his brows. “If you want to fight, then fight!”

A flash of red silk, and Sha Hualing swayed into view, her waist undulating as she smiled sweetly. “I went to so much trouble to catch you. How could I bear to fight you? Come now, return with me, won’t you?”

The youth’s temper was explosive. He spat in contempt. Sha Hualing’s smile didn’t waver. “You refuse? While I wouldn’t damage your spiritual body, cutting off an arm or a leg shouldn’t hinder its usefulness.”

As she spoke, she reached out with her right hand to grab the youth. But before her fingers could touch him, an incredibly strange vibration shot through them.

Thinking the youth had landed a sneak attack, Sha Hualing yanked her hand back. Raising it, she saw that all five of her nails, painted a vivid crimson, had been neatly sliced off at the tips.

Though it was just her nails, and there was no pain, Sha Hualing felt a chill creep up her spine.

“Who’s there?!” she snapped.

If someone was lurking nearby, capable of slicing through her nails so effortlessly, then severing her neck would be just as easy.

Shen Qingqiu felt much better and quietly placed the now-bare twig back onto the branch.

He’d only meant to startle her. Besides, those nails were far too long—every time he saw them, he worried they’d snap off. It was deeply unsettling. And they often left Luo Binghe’s back shredded and bloody… Even if Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky enjoyed that sort of intense flavor, and even if Luo Binghe’s healing abilities were inhuman, that didn’t make it a healthy or wholesome habit, right? He was just doing a good deed, wasn’t he?!

A flash of killing intent ignited in Sha Hualing. Her crimson silks swirled, coalescing into a surge of frigid demonic energy that gathered around her claws before she lunged, aiming straight for the young man. Instead of being cowed, the scare had only pissed her off. Quite the character, Shen Qingqiu thought with a sigh. He leaped down from the treetops, landing squarely between them. With a single palm, he gathered his power and unleashed a forceful strike, meeting Sha Hualing head-on.

He knew this body was overflowing with spiritual power, but he hadn’t expected it to be this intense. Before their palms even connected, Sha Hualing was sent flying backward as if repelled by a powerful magnet, her already revealing garments tearing further in the process…

Though it was fan service, Shen Qingqiu strictly adhered to his principle of “never looking at fan service involving any woman with above-average looks in this world” and mentally pixelated the scene. Sha Hualing, for her part, was pragmatic. Last time she’d left with a threat, but now, quickly assessing the disparity in strength, she didn’t waste breath on parting words. She simply hit the ground, rolled into the shimmering, distorted air, and vanished.

Shen Qingqiu flipped his fan in his hand once, then infused it with spiritual power, transforming it into a blade. With a reverse sweep, he severed the dozens of Immortal-Binding Cords into fragments. The young man clasped his fists in a proper salute. “Many thanks for your aid, Senior!”

“Are you a disciple of Bai Zhan Peak?” Shen Qingqiu asked.

“I am.”

“Under whose tutelage?”

“My master is the Peak Lord of Bai Zhan, Liu Qingge.”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widened.

Liu Qingge never took disciples. On Bai Zhan Peak, most were his peers or disciples of his martial brothers. He himself had never shown interest in teaching. Though, to be fair, “teaching” on Bai Zhan Peak mostly meant beating someone up more frequently than others…

A flicker of doubt crossed Shen Qingqiu’s mind. “What’s your name?”

The young man answered brightly, “Yang Yixuan.”

I knew he looked familiar! I’ve seen him somewhere before!

He’d forgotten that five years had passed—enough time for a child to grow and change. Shen Qingqiu looked Yang Yixuan up and down, feeling a wave of emotion. So Liu Qingge really did take him as a disciple.

“Senior?” Yang Yixuan prompted.

“How has your master been… these past few years?” Shen Qingqiu asked.

Their last meeting had been in Hua Yue City, and Shen Qingqiu had, intentionally or not, screwed him over a bit. He felt he ought to check in on his junior brother’s well-being.

“He fights, and he loses,” Yang Yixuan stated.

Shen Qingqiu: “…”

The phrase “fights and loses” being associated with the Bai Zhan Peak Lord was truly worldview-shattering.

“Who’s he fighting? Luo Binghe?”

Yang Yixuan snorted. “Who else but that little beast?”

Shen Qingqiu’s expression twitched. Yang Yixuan was even younger than Luo Binghe, yet he was calling him “little beast” too. Who was he learning this from?

He didn’t know that within the entire Cang Qiong Mountain Sect nowadays, mentioning Luo Binghe invariably drew epithets like “little beast,” “demon spawn,” or “ungrateful wretch.” Using his actual name with a dismissive “that guy” was considered polite.

“Are you acquainted with my master, Senior?” Yang Yixuan asked curiously.

Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat. “That’s all in the past… I found her words earlier a bit strange. What did she mean by, ‘how could I bear to’?”

Yang Yixuan’s face flushed instantly.

“I wouldn’t have guessed,” Shen Qingqiu mused. “How did she capture you?”

“If that demoness hadn’t used underhanded tricks, first pretending to be a damsel in distress, then suddenly stripping… stripping… after I grew suspicious, I would never have fallen for it!” Yang Yixuan fumed.

Shen Qingqiu offered some advice. “Look at you. Is this how a disciple of Bai Zhan Peak should act? ‘Steering clear of women’ doesn’t mean ‘fearing women.’ What’s so scary about taking clothes off? What’s a young lady disrobing in front of you? When your master went to deal with those seductress demons, the entire cave was full of naked women!” Of course, he’d been there too at the time, and had privately wondered if Liu Qingge was asexual or had some physiological issue…

But back to the matter at hand. Sha Hualing hadn’t just captured Yang Yixuan; she’d likely taken Liu Mingyan as well. To so brazenly seize disciples of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect could only mean one thing.

Something was wrong with Luo Binghe.