Chapter 70

Yue Qingyuan spoke, “Zhu Zhilang, in protecting his master, took the full brunt of my Shizun’s heavenly tribulation curse. The curse coiled around him, forcing him halfway back to his original form—neither fully human nor fully serpent. He fled in that state. Tianlang-jun, meanwhile, was suppressed beneath Bailu Mountain.”

So that serpent-man form Zhu Zhilang took in Lüzhi Cave was the result of being struck by a heavenly thunderbolt from the previous peak lord of Qiong Ding Peak. Given his nature of settling every grievance and repaying every slight… Before Shen Qingqiu could follow that thought, the System buzzed with a prompt:

【Mission issued! Please assist “Luo Binghe” in completing the Zhaohua Temple side quest. Objective: Increase positive points by no less than 200!】

Positive points?

Ah! Shen Qingqiu suddenly remembered exactly what plot the Zhaohua Temple arc contained.

This required mentioning Sha Hualing’s father, the Demon Lord Jiuchong.

After this unfortunate demonic noble lost his territory thanks to his own daughter’s betrayal, he wandered the southern borders for a time. Gathering a motley crew, he hoped to make a comeback and take revenge on Luo Binghe. But against the protagonist’s indestructible halo, he could forget about fulfilling either of those fine aspirations in this lifetime…

With his plans repeatedly thwarted, Jiuchong-jun was, of course, fuming. And what does one do when fuming?

Take it out on someone else!

And this “someone else” he chose was… Zhaohua Temple.

This move shared a striking similarity with Sha Hualing’s earlier assault on Qiong Ding Peak. Both displayed the same breathtaking audacity, the same eagerness to court death. When Shen Yuan read this part, he couldn’t help but ridicule: Like father, like daughter. Their uniquely bizarre thought processes were eerily identical.

Since Jiuchong-jun had sent a bunch of low-level demons to harass the monks and common folk around Zhaohua Temple, the original purpose of the temple’s gathering in the novel was not to deal with Tianlang-jun, but to handle this annoying, down-on-his-luck demon who was desperately seeking attention.

However, the purpose of the meeting wasn’t important. What mattered was that Zhaohua Temple was indeed a plot point for Luo Binghe to farm positive points.

Demons under Jiuchong-jun’s command had infiltrated the crowd, waiting for a chance to strike—to “show these bald donkeys what’s what” (direct quote). But mere seconds after they made their move, Luo Binghe would suppress them with a display of dazzling, domineering power. With such a development, he could naturally farm a decent number of positive points. At the very least, he could upgrade from “utterly evil” to “ambiguous morality.”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes shifted subtly, scanning the crowd. Sure enough, he spotted a few “people” whose expressions seemed a bit off.

Excellent. The props were all in place!

The three beautiful Daoist nuns were originally key characters in this segment. With the harem members coordinating from within, the efficiency of farming positive points would naturally be higher. But now, they had been reduced to mere spectators.

Conclusion: So they’ve dumped the female lead’s role onto me again, haven’t they? [Manual wave goodbye]

Wuwang spoke solemnly, “In that dream, Tianlang-jun, relying on his reconstructed body, wrought a bloodbath upon the human realm, leading to utter devastation. This humble monk believes this was both a show of force and a harbinger of his revenge for the battle at Bailu Mountain.”

Someone asked, “Since Tianlang-jun’s original body was destroyed, even if he seeks revenge, shouldn’t he be less of a threat?”

Wuwang said, “We must not underestimate Tianlang-jun. He is recognized within the demon race as the most powerful inheritor of the Heavenly Demon bloodline in generations, unparalleled by any before him. Moreover, besides having the capable subordinate Zhu Zhilang, he also has a son.”

The crowd immediately buzzed with whispers. “Su Xiyan actually had a son with him?”

“Who is it?”

Some focused on more peculiar aspects, considering biological barriers: “Can humans and demons really produce offspring?”

“They look quite similar; it should be possible.”

Wuwang declared, “This person is very familiar to all of you. It is none other than the Luo Binghe mentioned earlier—the one who has seized Huan Hua Palace!”

The moment these words were spoken, the hushed whispers in the hall swelled into a roaring wave of discussion.

Liu Qingge was also taken aback, unusually speaking a few more words in public. “Luo Binghe is Tianlang-jun’s descendant?”

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Luo Binghe.

At first, Luo Binghe had listened with a hint of mockery in his expression. But as the story went on, he grew increasingly serious. Now, all traces of a smile had vanished. His face looked somewhat pale, but his eyes shone with a piercing, icy light, like frozen spikes.

Yue Qingyuan’s fingers slowly stroked the hilt of Xuan Su. “I met Su Xiyan briefly at the Immortal Alliance Conference years ago. Luo Binghe bears a seventy percent resemblance to his mother. I originally thought it mere coincidence—after all, many people in this world share similar features. But since he also carries half the blood of the Heavenly Demon lineage, this can no longer be considered coincidence.”

An elderly Daoist from Tianyi Guan voiced his shock and doubt. “The old Palace Master imprisoned Su Xiyan within Huan Hua Palace. Upon investigation, it was discovered she was with child. I remember that. But I also remember… that child was aborted.”

…What the hell?!

Shen Qingqiu’s scalp prickled.

What was this.

What was this?!

He seemed to have stumbled upon something monumental!

The man from Baqi Zong interjected again. “From the sound of it, Su Xiyan was deeply infatuated with Tianlang-jun. How could she bear to abort their flesh and blood?”

Wuwang said, “Indeed, at first, despite the old Palace Master’s combination of coercion and persuasion, she refused to obey. But what if… she had to choose between Tianlang-jun and Luo Binghe?”

#Husband or son—which would you choose?#

Shen Qingqiu never imagined there could be such a “save the mother or the child” type of dilemma.

Wuwang continued, “While imprisoned in the water dungeon, Su Xiyan learned that Tianlang-jun was about to be surrounded and annihilated at Bailu Mountain. The old Palace Master told her that if she would take the medication, he would release her to go see Tianlang-jun. Su Xiyan relented and voluntarily took the medication.”

Luo Binghe’s face was expressionless, but his fingers twitched slightly, as if unconsciously.

Near where the two stood, someone muttered, “Even if it was to warn Tianlang-jun, this woman is rather…”

“An unborn child versus her beloved. Weighing the two, of course Tianlang-jun’s life was more important.”

The man from Baqi Zong suddenly said, “Wait. So you’re saying Su Xiyan took the medication, but you still went to besiege Tianlang-jun?”

Suddenly, the great hall fell deathly silent.

The man, oblivious, pressed on. “I’m just asking. But… isn’t that just deceiving a young girl?”

Although this brother always had terrible timing, for once his poorly-timed remark held some truth.

It was Wuwang who broke the brief silence.

His white eyebrows furrowed, and he pressed his palms together. “How could a bastard child conceived through illicit relations with a demon be allowed to live? To rid the world of such an abomination, no method is too extreme! It is only hateful that the demon’s vitality was so tenacious; even after taking the medication, it seems the fetus was not fully eliminated. Fortunately, Su Xiyan ultimately failed to deliver the warning to Tianlang-jun in time.”

This speech, delivered with righteous fervor, was met with loud cheers and applause from some present. Master Wuchen showed a pained expression, clasping his hands and chanting a Buddhist mantra.

Not everyone found this approach unduly cruel. But after hearing Wuwang’s words, and considering that the fetus in question was Luo Binghe… what was there to sympathize with? So they joined in the cheers and applause.

Luo Binghe lowered his eyelashes, appearing to listen, yet also seeming detached, his spirit adrift. The contours of his face, which had been softening over the past few days, had once again turned cold as carved ice.

The people in the Grand Hall were gnashing their teeth over his continued existence, cheering and celebrating the imagined prospect of his death. Yet he seemed not to hear a single word.

Shen Qingqiu’s sense of foreboding grew heavier.

This place was supposed to unfold like this: Sect Leaders seriously discuss how to deal with Tianlang-jun → Suddenly, disruptive, provoking demons appear → Luo Binghe single-handedly takes them on, farming positive points and goodwill.

But because a bunch of gossip-mongers had dug up Luo Binghe’s origins, the focus had shifted disastrously.

Looking at the silent Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu now felt a pang of regret.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have accepted the Zhaohua Temple mission.

Master Wuchen sighed. “Why must we speak so? If not forced by dire circumstances, what mother would willingly destroy her own child? After Lady Su drifted into the world, the old Palace Master, his love for his disciple undiminished, sent people to search tirelessly for her, yet she was never found…”

Wuwang rebuked him. “Junior Brother, do not be foolishly compassionate. After what was done to you at Jinlan City, you should understand how treacherous demons are. This father and son have long plotted together, joining forces to stage a comeback, attempting to destroy us all. To indulge them is not benevolence—it is mere foolish mercy. The outcome would be even more tragic than in that dream!”

This monk Wuwang, though highly cultivated, carried too much malice. He possessed little Buddhist nature, save for his lack of hair. He should wield a battle-axe, not a staff. In contrast, Wuchen, though his cultivation was average, was kind-hearted and peaceful, more deserving of the title “Master.” Even when reprimanded, his expression and words did not change. “That they plotted together… this is not necessarily true, is it?”

While the two abbots of Zhaohua Temple argued, Yue Qingyuan suddenly spoke. “Whether they are allied or not, one thing is certain. Luo Binghe is by no means a benevolent being.”

He raised his voice. “Qingqiu, are you not coming out?”

A chill ran down Shen Qingqiu’s spine. He dawdled for a few seconds before slowly stepping forward.

He felt like a primary school student being singled out for criticism by the teacher. His face felt slightly hot beneath the skin, but fortunately, his skin was thick. He maintained his composure, bowing respectfully. “Sect Leader Senior Brother.”

Since he had been noticed, the figure beside him could no longer remain hidden. Immediately, someone cried out in alarm. “Luo Binghe! It’s Luo Binghe!”

“It really is him! When did he sneak in?!”

“Shen Qingqiu is here too. So he really isn’t dead?!”

"I saw him self-destruct with my own eyes back in Flower Moon City..."

Most of the voices carried a tone of speaking about a vile demon, yet among them were a few soft, delicate female tones—the three beautiful Daoist nuns from Tianyi Temple. The three clutched each other's arms, their faces flushed with an unnatural redness. Strangely, some of that blush seemed directed at Shen Qingqiu...

Yue Qingyuan sat watching him, his tone mild. "Have you had enough of this mischief these past days?"

Yue Qingyuan had never spoken to him so sternly before. The word "mischief" was practically a slap in the face. It seemed Liu Qingge hadn't spared any criticism earlier.

Shen Qingqiu swore that one day he would steal Chengluan and use it to slice pork legs in every kitchen across the twelve peaks, until the blade gleamed with grease instead of sword-light.

Get back to the plot! Get back to the plot, please! Could you all focus on the demons who've infiltrated the temple?!

How was he supposed to raise his positive value like this!

He was just about to subtly draw attention to the anomalies among those disguised as miscellaneous sect disciples when the Wuwang Staff struck the ground with a sharp crack. Its wielder sneered, "Luo Binghe, since you've delivered yourself to our doorstep, you've saved us the trouble. Why not speak plainly—when does Tianlang-jun intend to act upon what he plotted in the dream realm?"

Luo Binghe replied coldly, "That is his affair. What has it to do with me?"

Someone in the crowd snorted. "You're father and son. What do you mean, what has it to do with you?"

Luo Binghe said indifferently, "He is not my father."

Wuwang said, "With ironclad proof before you, further denial is meaningless."

Luo Binghe shook his head, clinging stubbornly to something, and merely repeated, "He is not my father."

Wuwang scoffed. "Truly, calamities endure for a thousand years. If Su Xiyan had removed you back then, it would have been cleaner!"

The words were vicious. Luo Binghe's breath seemed to halt for an instant, a flicker of blood-red flashing deep in his eyes. Without thinking, Shen Qingqiu reached out and seized his hand.

Liu Qingge stood with arms crossed behind Yue Qingyuan. Watching Shen Qingqiu take Luo Binghe's hand in front of everyone, a vein throbbed on his forehead. "Hey!"

When Liu Qingge was angry but didn't want to waste words, he'd just say "Hey"—completely lacking in threat. Shen Qingqiu ignored him outright. If Luo Binghe lost control here, it wouldn't be a trivial matter. It wasn't just about whether his positive value could be raised; the key point was, the Zhaohua Temple dungeon wasn't meant to be fought head-on!

If he used spiritual power, hundreds of people here would gang up on him with their own spiritual power—that would be rough. If he used demonic energy, this was Zhaohua Temple, filled with experts in sealing barriers, masters at suppressing demons. Fighting head-on would mean his intelligence had sunk to the level of that ellipsis father-daughter pair.

Luo Binghe's voice was icy. "Who is Su Xiyan? My mother was just a laundry woman."

Shen Qingqiu lowered his voice. "Wuwang's account is incomplete and inaccurate. You know better than anyone what kind of person the old palace master was. The credibility of these embellished old tales from those two is highly questionable. Forget all of it for now!"

He used the tone of a master instructing a disciple, striving for calm objectivity. Luo Binghe gripped his arm, as if seeking confirmation, or proving a point to himself. "Shizun, Tianlang-jun is not my father. I have no need for a father."

Shen Qingqiu didn't know what to say. He could only tighten his grip on Luo Binghe's hand, signaling him to steady himself first.

In the original work, Luo Binghe's origins hadn't been revealed in such detail, so Shen Qingqiu couldn't gauge how devastating this revelation was for him. But it likely wasn't something a few words of comfort or a pat on the head could fix.

The faint hopes and illusions he'd secretly harbored for so long had been ruthlessly shattered. Father not a father, son not a son—never mentioned, and showing no mercy even in the Sacred Mausoleum. His mother had made a clear choice as well. Difficult as it was, it was still a choice.

Luo Binghe was unwanted by his own flesh and blood.

Shen Qingqiu was lost in somber reflection, having forgotten one of the unspoken, ironclad laws he himself had summarized from the original work:

Every time the protagonist suffered a blow, every time he tasted the world's malice, his descent into darkness would, in self-abandonment, climb to yet another level...