Chapter 52

I saved you once," Shen Qingqiu said, "and you've saved me once. We're even."

The 'saving you once' he referred to was when he'd stopped Gongyi Xiao from killing the snake-man. But Zhuzhi Lang shook his head. "It goes beyond that. If not for Immortal Master Shen, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to approach the Sun-Moon Dew Lotus for several more years. How can we call it even?"

Hearing this, Shen Qingqiu found it perfectly aligned with his own thoughts. "Good. Then let's make a deal. Can't you just extract both strains of this stuff from my blood? Does it really have to stay inside?"

It was like having a parasite in your body, and the proposed treatment was to introduce another parasite to fight it. How was that anything but worse!

Zhuzhi Lang replied, "This is the first time I've ever used the Heavenly Demon's blood. I've never heard of any method to dissolve it once introduced."

Fine. Blood entering the body, dissolving without a trace—separating it out again was indeed... impractical.

"Although it cannot be released," Zhuzhi Lang continued, "as long as my blood remains within Immortal Master Shen, that one's Heavenly Demon blood cannot take effect. Once in the demon realm, it will be useless for tracking and utterly incapable of tormenting you."

"Hold on," Shen Qingqiu cut in. "Wait. When did I ever say I was going to the demon realm?"

"You will be going soon," Zhuzhi Lang stated calmly.

Shen Qingqiu studied his expression. "This 'repayment' of yours... it wouldn't happen to involve taking me to the demon realm, would it?"

Was he joking? Go to the demon realm for what? Scarce resources, clashing customs, and he'd probably get sick from the water.

Besides, there was a more pressing concern. Earlier, driven to a fever pitch of panic by Luo Binghe's near-necrophiliac behavior, he'd let Liu Qingge take his original body away. Would Luo Binghe, in a fit of rage, decide to wipe out Cang Qiong Mountain Sect in one fell swoop?!

He needed to get back and warn his fellow sect members. Shen Qingqiu immediately threw off the covers, intending to make a run for it. The moment he moved, however, he felt something slick, sticky, and cool slide up his leg.

A jade-green snake slowly raised its head from within the bedding, its crimson forked tongue flickering towards Shen Qingqiu with a soft hiss.

The snake was about three fingers thick, at first glance resembling a bamboo viper from the human realm. Its eyes were grotesquely large, the pupils terrifyingly small in contrast. Shen Qingqiu wasn't afraid of such soft-bodied creatures. He watched it coldly, power gathering silently in his hand, ready to crush its vital spot by surprise. The green serpent suddenly arched its body back, jaws gaping wide.

Though merely a snake, it emitted a piercing shriek straight from a human throat. Simultaneously, like a grotesque flower blooming, countless dense green barbs erupted around its head, their tips glistening scarlet. The snake's body swelled to several times its size as if inflated.

What had been a small, almost cute ornamental snake a moment ago was now a full-blown monster. Demon realm varieties were truly savage. Shen Qingqiu immediately abandoned the idea of touching it directly.

Zhuzhi Lang finished pouring a cup of tea and placed it on the table. "Why is Immortal Master Shen so eager to leave before hearing me out?" he asked with apparent sincerity. "I genuinely wish to repay the grace of your sparing my life and your assistance in White Dew Forest."

Shen Qingqiu's lip twitched. "You call this 'repayment'? Threatening me with this thing on my bed if I refuse to go to the demon realm?"

Zhuzhi Lang smiled slightly. "Not just the bed."

Another snake, as thick as a thumb, slithered out from within Shen Qingqiu's robes.

This one had been coiled against his skin, warmed by his body heat, lying so still and comfortable that Shen Qingqiu had never detected its presence. Amidst a rising chorus of hisses, a stream of green snakes of varying sizes flowed from beneath the bed, covering the entire floor of the room.

After a long silence, Shen Qingqiu said, "Snake tribe?"

"My father is indeed of the Southern Border Snake Tribe," Zhuzhi Lang replied with composure.

No wonder he had that name.

Demons placed great importance on class and bloodline. Commoners or those of lowly demon blood were not permitted to use the honorific 'jun' after their names. Shen Qingqiu pondered; that character was a suffix representing status and rank, like an imperial name not to be trespassed upon.

Luo Binghe's slightly troubled ascent to power was partly due to the various demon lords' disdain for his human half. As for characters with names ending in 'lang', quite a few had been killed by Luo Binghe in the early stages of the demon realm arc. Therefore, Shen Qingqiu concluded that those bearing this suffix, if not from the slums, at least didn't come from particularly good backgrounds.

Zhuzhi Lang undoubtedly belonged to the Heavenly Demon bloodline, yet couldn't be called 'jun'. The problem definitely lay with the mixed-blood side.

The snake tribe lived communally in the demon realm's Southern Border. Strictly speaking, they were still demons, but their true form was that of giant serpents. They were born that way. With age and cultivation, an extremely small portion would gradually take human form, shedding their scales. Most, however, remained serpents for life.

"And your mother?" Shen Qingqiu asked.

"My mother is Tianlang-Jun's younger sister," Zhuzhi Lang answered.

Tianlang-Jun's sister was practically a demon realm princess. What on earth had she been thinking? Of all people, she had to go and have a child with a snake? That was... profoundly disturbing.

Shen Qingqiu endured the two snakes slowly rubbing against his thigh and abdomen. "So, you're Luo Binghe's cousin, then? ...I say, can't you stop them from crawling into my... clothes?"

"In terms of seniority alone, one could say that," Zhuzhi Lang conceded. "They seem quite fond of Immortal Master Shen. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do."

Like hell there's nothing you can do!

Shen Qingqiu held back his retort. "Why are you at Huan Hua Palace?"

"Originally, I came to attend to some official business," Zhuzhi Lang explained patiently. "I did not expect to see Immortal Master Shen here."

Shen Qingqiu's interest was piqued. "Official business? Would this business be related to Luo Binghe?"

An alliance for domination? A demonic falling-out? Or perhaps a #tearfulreunion, along-lost-family-hugging-and-crying#?

This time, Zhuzhi Lang only smiled without answering.

"Probably not such a touching, heartfelt business as a family reunion, I take it," Shen Qingqiu said.

"I am merely following my lord's instructions," Zhuzhi Lang replied smoothly.

"Is this body of yours shaped from the Sun-Moon Dew Lotus?" Shen Qingqiu pressed.

If he'd used it for himself, that was one thing. But if the Dew Lotus wasn't for his own use, then it was likely intended to fashion a new body for Tianlang-Jun. Crushed beneath a mountain, clinging to a thread of life all these years, his original shell was probably long destroyed. Once he slipped free of that prison, who knew what chaos he'd unleash first?

The butterfly effect was truly astounding. It seemed he'd released something formidable.

Receiving no response, Shen Qingqiu continued, "Taking me to the demon realm—is that also your lord's instruction?"

Any question involving Tianlang-Jun was met with polite silence, Zhuzhi Lang offering only a courteous smile. It was infuriating, especially because he remained so impeccably mannered. Seeing Shen Qingqiu's deflated expression, Zhuzhi Lang finally spoke again. "Please rest well, Immortal Master Shen. If you have any needs, state them, and I will certainly arrange it. We will depart for the borderlands by tomorrow at the latest."

"Do you have money?" Shen Qingqiu asked abruptly.

"I do."

"Can I use it?"

"Please, feel free."

"I want women."

Zhuzhi Lang froze.

Shen Qingqiu repeated, "Didn't you say to state any need and feel free? I want women."

This was Shen Qingqiu's first time in a brothel.

In the past, as the Peak Lord of Qing Jing Peak, he had maintained his dignity. Even when curiosity gnawed at him, he had steadfastly adhered to the rule of not entering such establishments. Now, ironically, he had the chance.

Zhuzhi Lang sat at the table, unmoving as a mountain. Shen Qingqiu was surrounded by a riot of silks and perfumed powder.

"What's that look for?" Shen Qingqiu asked.

Zhuzhi Lang averted his gaze. "It's just... slightly surprising. I didn't expect Immortal Master Shen to have an interest in such... places of fleeting beauty."

"You'll see what I'm interested in soon enough," Shen Qingqiu said.

Just then, a new songstress glided over, holding a pipa. She sat on a flower stool and began to sing in a lilting, drawn-out style.

Shen Qingqiu had been preoccupied with other matters, not paying attention to the music. But after hearing a couple of lines, he suddenly felt he'd caught two incredibly familiar names. "Young Lady," he called out, stopping her. "What is it you're singing?"

The woman answered in a coy voice, "This humble one is singing a newly popular ballad."

Shen Qingqiu felt a black line sweat down his face. "No, that's not it. I think I just heard you sing two names? Could you repeat that part?"

The pipa player lifted her sleeve to cover her mouth as she laughed. "What's wrong with it, sir? Have you never heard it? The protagonists of Chun Shan Hen are, of course, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe."

...

...

...

Since when had this been turned into a popular ballad?!

Zhuzhi Lang, who had refused all services and sat quietly to the side, betrayed himself by a slight trembling of his shoulders.

"Ahem... Could I ask," Shen Qingqiu managed, "what kind of story this... Spring Mountain Grudge is about?"

Several women beside him chirped up immediately. "Sir, you don't know? Chun Shan Hen tells of the tender, forbidden, and unspeakable passion between Shen Qingqiu and his beloved disciple, Luo Binghe..."

Shen Qingqiu listened from beginning to end in a petrified state.

To summarize: it was the story of a shameless master-disciple pair who, on some nameless mountain, spent all their time doing it instead of their duties, did it while descending the mountain to fight monsters, resolved misunderstandings by doing it, had one last go before death, and continued doing it after death...

The pipa player let out a soft sigh, her fingers strumming the strings. "In life, they failed to understand the feelings in each other's hearts. In death, to share a bed with the corpse... Such profound affection is unmatched in this world.

The women around him sighed and sniffled, some even moved to tears.

Shen Qingqiu buried his face deep in his hands.

Oh, for fuck's sake. This is literally just a pornographic ballad!

Who wrote this?!

What the hell is ‘Spring Mountain’?!

Is it Qing Jing Peak?!

Is it Cang Qiong Mountain?!

The Cang Qiong Mountain Sect would wipe out your entire family in a heartbeat, you know?!

Why did it seem like the entire world, not only spreading gossip to the farthest borders, but even the bawdy songs of the pleasure quarters had to feature them? As if he and Luo Binghe had been caught rolling in the sheets right in front of everyone!

Zhu Zhilang snorted a laugh, turning towards him. "Immortal Master Shen… is so interested in this… ballad?"

Shen Qingqiu fixed him with an icy stare. Zhu Zhilang hurriedly composed his expression, though the effort of holding back his amusement was visibly strenuous. He changed the subject. "Dawn has broken, Immortal Master Shen. It is time to depart."

Shen Qingqiu massaged his temples. "...Let's go, let's go."

Zhu Zhilang seemed to sigh in relief. Yet, just as he moved to stand, his body suddenly stiffened, frozen on the stool.

Noting his pallor, Shen Qingqiu smiled faintly. "What's wrong? Finally feeling unwell?"

He rose to his feet, giving his robes a sharp shake. The green snakes that had been clinging to him clattered to the floor in a tangle, rolling over to expose their pale yellow bellies.

The women in the hall shrieked. The pipa player flung her instrument aside with a clatter.

Zhu Zhilang braced a hand against his forehead, using the table to haul himself upright. He swayed unsteadily, his gaze locking onto Shen Qingqiu. He raised his right hand, a handful of small snakes slithering from his sleeve to coil weakly around his fingers, devoid of all menace.

"...Realgar," Zhu Zhilang whispered, his voice thin.

Unnoticed by all, the entire pleasure house had long been steeped in the scent of realgar wine.

Shen Qingqiu nodded. "Realgar wine. By the way, it was all purchased with your money."

Shear the wool from the sheep's own back. Seeking women had been a ruse; seeking helpers was the true goal. Helpers didn't need to soar through skies or tunnel through earth. The women of the house, having accepted their payment, had quietly bought up every drop of realgar wine in the town. They had boiled it, stewed it, steamed it all night long—enough to stupefy any snake tribe member.

Zhu Zhilang had been on guard, but his vigilance was aimed at Shen Qingqiu contacting other cultivators. He had never considered the women of the pleasure house. A fatal oversight.

Zhu Zhilang lifted his head. The whites of his eyes had turned a burnished gold, his pupils visibly elongating and sharpening. The bones of his face began to shift and contort.

Shen Qingqiu flung the door open, addressing the huddled, trembling women. "Leaving or not?"

They scrambled out in a panicked rush. As the pipa player, bringing up the rear, passed him, Shen Qingqiu slipped a pouch of silver into her waistband—compensation for her instrument. He slammed the door shut behind her and turned.

Where Zhu Zhilang had stood now coiled a massive serpent, its jade-green body thick enough for three men to encircle. Its head was enormous and triangular, with yellow, bell-like eyes and pupils narrowed to vicious slits. It seemed dazed, its slender neck struggling to support the heavy skull, which lolled drunkenly.

The realgar wine's effect was unexpectedly potent, forcing Zhu Zhilang to reveal his true form. This development gave Shen Qingqiu a fresh headache.

He picked up a forgotten folding fan nearby, flicking it open with a snap. The great serpent slithered towards him, coiling around him twice as if to entangle him. Shen Qingqiu leaped free with ease.

The serpent's body thrashed and knotted, crashing through the building's wall like a drunkard and tumbling into the street center. Passersby screamed and scattered. Shen Qingqiu leaped down after it. "Won't help you out here! The whole town reeks of the stuff!"

The giant serpent let out a piercing shriek, shaking its head and lashing its tail in the road. Determined to lead it away from the crowded streets, Shen Qingqiu vaulted onto its head. Whenever it veered off course or threatened to collide with pedestrians or buildings, he jabbed the fan against the side of its skull. Its scales were like armor, its passage along the ground a thunderous rumble. Shen Qingqiu often had to channel a significant surge of spiritual power into the fan to force a change in direction. Thus, he awkwardly piloted the creature, herding it in a rolling, stumbling path out of the town.

The women had done their work thoroughly for their pay. Who knew how much realgar wine they had boiled? The wind carried the pungent scent, spreading it far and wide.

Finally reaching the foot of a mountain, the odor continued to waft down the slopes in relentless waves. Overwhelmed by the smell and exhausted from being poked, prodded, and ridden, the great serpent could crawl no further.

Seeing they were safely distant from the town, Shen Qingqiu jumped down. The serpent lay listless, its head drooping, its body coiled into tortuous bends along the mountain path.

"While I have a certain interest in filling plot holes," Shen Qingqiu said, "I have no interest in emigrating to the demon realm. And currently, I have more pressing matters. Since you cannot neutralize the Heavenly Demon's blood, consider any debt of gratitude null and void. Farewell, Xizhilang!"

Fearing the wine's effects would fade and Zhu Zhilang would revert to human form to unleash another swarm of snakes, he took off at a sprint. In the next, slightly larger city, he found a very reliable chain store and rented a flying sword.

Yes, rented. Just like a carriage for hire, spiritual swords could be rented! And the price was remarkably fair and reasonable!

In short, using Zhu Zhilang's money once more, Shen Qingqiu clasped his hands briefly in thanks to this benevolent brother and shot towards the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect on his borrowed sword.

In less than half a day, a majestic, emerald-green immortal mountain appeared amidst the seas of cloud and rolling mist, its twelve peaks rising and falling in a staggered, sprawling range.

Long time no see. Cang Qiong Mountain.

Shen Qingqiu silently scratched out the words 'Spring Mountain' that had just popped into his head.