With the Blood Demon dead, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Su Xin turned and immediately asked, “Fellow Daoist Xu, this person’s form is indistinct and he does not seem human. Might I ask…”
Before he could finish, the white figure in front of him flickered, and his mind went completely blank for an instant.
Xu Ziqing was still wondering how to answer when he saw his friend flash in front of Su Xin and touch a finger lightly to the center of his brow. The white figure flickered once more and returned to the storage ring.
Su Xin frowned faintly. A trace of confusion appeared in his eyes. Then he glanced at Jiao Tu’s corpse and said, “The Blood Demon has been executed. At least this trip wasn’t wasted.”
Xu Ziqing understood at once. From the look of it, Su Xin had clearly forgotten Yun Lie’s existence. He smiled. “It was only because Fellow Daoist Su joined forces with me that we succeeded. Otherwise, it might have been difficult.”
Su Xin looked rather pleased with himself as well. “Fellow Daoist Xu’s cultivation is profound. I too must admit defeat.”
After exchanging a few words, Xu Ziqing walked over to the Dongli brothers. Seeing Dongli Xi staring blankly ahead, his tone softened. “Your Highness, the wicked demon has been eliminated. What happens afterward will still require you to decide.”
Dongli Xi slowly drew his gaze back. He closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he had once more become the composed, dignified Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Chenghuang. “Xi owes both Immortal Masters more than I can express. Please wait a little while. Xi will have a banquet prepared to properly receive you.”
Xu Ziqing shook his head inwardly and looked back at Su Xin. “Fellow Daoist Su, what do you think?”
Su Xin had been about to frown, but his eyes suddenly shifted. “Fine, I’ll give the Crown Prince some face. Fellow Daoist Xu, the situation was urgent just now, so we joined hands to slay the demon. Now we can actually sit down and talk and get to know one another.”
Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly. Su Xin was straightforward by nature. His temper was somewhat explosive, but he was not devious, so Xu Ziqing’s impression of him was not bad. Yet now Su Xin had deliberately restrained his temper, and Xu Ziqing had no idea what thought had entered his head. Whatever it was, it would probably be troublesome.
Still, such hospitality was difficult to refuse. Xu Ziqing could only nod. “In that case, Fellow Daoist Su, after you?”
Su Xin smiled brightly. “After you!”
Once Dongli Xi saw that the two had finished speaking, he instructed Dongli Zhao, “Zhao’er, take the two Immortal Masters somewhere to sit for a while. Once they are settled, come back and help me.”
Dongli Zhao was deeply worried about his elder brother’s serious wounds, but he understood the situation. “Yes. Zhao’er will go.” He led the two cultivators away, thinking only that if he moved quickly, he could return to help his brother sooner.
Xu Ziqing and Su Xin followed Dongli Zhao. Dongli Xi, meanwhile, slowly walked to Jiao Tu’s corpse and stared at him.
Only after a long while did he smile softly. “Big Brother Jiao, Xi will remember your devotion in his heart. Xi was foolish and never understood your feelings. Now that I finally know… what use is it?”
He stood there in a daze for a while before drawing a dagger from his waist. Beneath the towering green tree in the courtyard, he slowly dug into the soil, one stroke at a time. After an unknown length of time, he finally made a pit.
Then he rose and returned to Jiao Tu’s body. Jiao Tu’s death had been gruesome, but Dongli Xi showed no disgust. He bent down and lifted him. The movement tugged at the wound in his chest, causing pain sharp enough to gnaw at the heart, yet Dongli Xi seemed not to notice. He placed Jiao Tu’s body inside the pit, then covered it handful by handful with earth.
By the time the grave was filled, Dongli Zhao had returned. Seeing his imperial brother so lonely, he could not help worrying. “Big Brother, you…”
Dongli Xi said bleakly, “He suffered so much for my sake. I knew his nature perfectly well, yet I never doubted what I saw. Instead, I hated him and truly took him for a heartless traitor.”
Dongli Zhao immediately said, “It was all the wicked demonic cultivator’s doing. Big Brother was kept completely in the dark. How could any of this be your fault?”
Dongli Xi smiled faintly and shook his head. “However many reasons there were, I still failed him.”
Dongli Zhao fell silent for a moment. “Big Brother, General Jiao did it willingly. If his spirit is aware in the afterlife, he surely would not want to see you like this…”
Dongli Xi smiled. “Zhao’er, I understand what you’re saying.”
But understanding did not mean he could stop remembering.
In years past, he and Jiao Tu had been confidants and close friends. They had once believed that one would ascend the throne while the other defended the borders for him. Sovereign and subject, united in purpose, they would surely make the Kingdom of Chenghuang prosperous and strong, with the people living in peace and contentment.
Who could have expected that after this calamity, everything would remain while the people themselves were gone?
Dongli Zhao’s expression also dimmed.
He had suffered in the imperial prison, but he now understood that Jiao Tu had endured far worse while dealing with the wicked demonic cultivator in order to protect the brothers’ lives. The Kingdom of Chenghuang had been saved, yet Jiao Tu had not even been left with an intact corpse.
And worse… Dongli Zhao did not dare imagine whether General Jiao’s soul had truly survived.
Dongli Xi’s expression was calm as still water. He cut a branch from the tree, stripped away the bark, and fashioned it into an extremely simple grave marker. His tone was equally calm. “General Jiao clearly died for me, yet I cannot restore his true name. After failing the feelings he bore me, I must now damage his reputation as well. He was loyal to the end, yet history can only remember him as a treacherous rebel.”
The affairs of immortals and demons could not be explained to the people of the kingdom. As imperial princes, they could only conceal the truth.
Dongli Xi planted the marker into the earthen grave. On it he wrote only five characters: “Erected in tears by Dongli Xi.”
Dongli Xi said, “Zhao’er, take my command token and mobilize the Dongli clan’s deathsworn. Have every corpse in the Eastern Palace disposed of. As for what we announce to the outside…”
He closed his eyes. “Jiao Tu committed high treason, forcibly imprisoned the Crown Prince, and attempted to usurp the throne. But the Heavenly Dao is just. This man… has already been executed for his crimes.”
Dongli Zhao accepted the token and bowed. “…This younger brother obeys.”
* * *
Dongli Xi arranged a banquet for the two cultivators. Because affairs of state still demanded his attention and he needed to gather his people again, he did not accompany them. Dongli Zhao was young and left after coming to pay his respects. Su Xin disliked prolonged dealings with Southerners, so he was perfectly happy with this arrangement.
Only Su Xin and Xu Ziqing remained at the banquet.
Su Xin poured himself a cup of wine, touched it to his lips, and raised a brow. “Mortal wine is still mortal wine. It’s sharp enough, but there’s no spiritual energy, and the taste is lacking too.”
Xu Ziqing knew he was opening the conversation and smiled. “Naturally, the wines of the Upper Nine Continents are better.”
Su Xin was strikingly beautiful. He drained the cup in one swallow without any change in expression. “That’s true.” Then he set the cup down and came to the point. “Fellow Daoist Xu, we fought side by side, and I saw that your cultivation is profound. I still haven’t asked which sect or cultivation family you come from.” He thought for a moment and guessed, “Your surname is Xu. Could you be a disciple of the Xu family of Upper Qu Continent?”
Xu Ziqing paused, then shook his head. “I merely happen to be surnamed Xu. I have no connection to the Xu family of Upper Qu Continent.”
Seeing no unusual reaction on his face, Su Xin thought to himself and asked, “Fellow Daoist Xu, are you a rogue cultivator?”
Xu Ziqing smiled. “Indeed, I am unaffiliated. I usually cultivate while wandering through secluded mountains and wilderness. This time, I happened to encounter Zhao’er, which is how I became involved in all of this.”
Su Xin suddenly understood, though he then looked somewhat disapproving. “Fellow Daoist Xu, since you are someone beyond worldly affairs, you should not become so entangled with Southerners.”
Xu Ziqing knew Su Xin meant well and nodded. “That day, I saw Zhao’er, only a child, covered in wounds. I could hardly avoid feeling pity…”
Su Xin thought Xu Ziqing was perhaps too kindhearted, but it did not make him dislike the man. He raised his cup. “Just be more careful in the future. Never mind that for now. Since Fellow Daoist Xu also has no sect or clan, and since the two of us hit it off, why not come visit the Rogue Cultivator Alliance with me? Everyone there is a rogue cultivator. We watch out for one another, and we are no worse than the disciples of those great sects.”
Xu Ziqing had not expected an invitation and could not help hesitating. After a moment, he said, “To be frank, Fellow Daoist Su, I heard that the five great cultivation families, including the Xu and Tian families, have recently developed conflicts that may affect several continents. I had intended to remain in the Lower Nine Continents for a while and avoid the disturbance.”
Su Xin burst out laughing. “Fellow Daoist Xu, Fellow Daoist Xu, there’s something you don’t know. Those five great families may have deep foundations, but their trouble cannot reach the Rogue Cultivator Alliance.” He leaned closer, his beautiful eyes shining brightly. “Fellow Daoist Xu, do you know where the Rogue Cultivator Alliance is rooted?”
Xu Ziqing shook his head. “I’ll have to ask Fellow Daoist Su to enlighten me.”
Su Xin blinked, looking almost mischievous. “Upper Lu Continent.”
Xu Ziqing thought about it, then smiled as well.
Upper Lu Continent was exceptionally remote, separated by considerable distance from each of the other eight continents and almost independent from them. If turmoil broke out on Upper Qu Continent and the others, it truly would not reach that place.
Even so, Xu Ziqing still hesitated. If he went with Su Xin to the Rogue Cultivator Alliance, would he not be placing himself under new restrictions? He politely declined. “I am accustomed to freedom. I’m afraid I might not observe the proper rules…”
The moment Su Xin heard this, he understood. He waved a hand. “If someone as polite as you counts as not observing the rules, wouldn’t that make this young master a demon king of chaos? Forget that!” He continued bluntly, “If we rogue cultivators refuse even a little protection from the Rogue Cultivator Alliance and get killed for no reason, we would have only ourselves to blame. With Fellow Daoist Xu’s aptitude, people would treasure you wherever you went. I imagine you simply don’t want to be restrained, which is why you refused to join a sect or cultivation family. But the Rogue Cultivator Alliance is nothing like those famous sects and great clans.”
Seeing Su Xin grow animated, Xu Ziqing smiled gently. “How is it different?”
Su Xin said proudly, “Rogue cultivators who enter the Alliance are divided into two kinds. The first are affiliate members. If these rogue cultivators obtain resources that do not suit their own attributes, they can sell them to the Alliance in exchange for contribution points. The Alliance also has a Trading Hall where contribution points can be exchanged for whatever resources they need. Most members fall into this category. Normally, they do not have to perform duties for the Alliance. They only need to lend a hand if the Alliance encounters a major crisis.”
Xu Ziqing grew interested. “And the other kind?”
This time Su Xin’s expression turned serious. “The other kind are the Alliance’s core members. Their lives, fortunes, honor, and disgrace are all tied to the Rogue Cultivator Alliance. In that respect, they resemble members of the famous sects.”
“Most cultivators in this category are relatives, descendants, disciples, or others with very deep ties to Alliance members. Some have instead passed tests of loyalty to the Rogue Cultivator Alliance. These core cultivators can receive a monthly allotment from the Alliance, but the obligations placed upon them are also very different from those of affiliate members.”
Xu Ziqing looked thoughtful. “Fellow Daoist Su means I could become one of the first kind?”
Su Xin smiled. “Exactly. You would remain free to come and go while also gaining some protection. Isn’t that convenient?”
Xu Ziqing considered it silently and truly did find the arrangement very good.
Seeing that he was tempted, Su Xin added more fuel to the fire. “Fellow Daoist Xu, since we’ve already spoken this far, I don’t want to hide anything from you. I do have a selfish reason for inviting you to the Rogue Cultivator Alliance.”
Xu Ziqing’s heart tightened slightly. “Please tell me, Fellow Daoist Su.”
Su Xin said, “Fellow Daoist Xu has always lived freely, but I imagine you still know that these Upper Nine Continents where we live may sound impressive, yet they are only one among countless small worlds. Above them are nine thousand great worlds, places that truly make one yearn for them.”
Xu Ziqing’s expression became increasingly grave. Su Xin seemed about to tell him something extremely secret.
As expected, Su Xin continued, “But does Fellow Daoist Xu know that every ten years, the great sects of the Qingyun Great World recruit people from small worlds like ours as disciples?”
Xu Ziqing was profoundly startled.
So the great worlds and small worlds were not completely cut off from one another. Every ten years, cultivators at Foundation Establishment or above could pass through the Dragon Ascension Gate into the Qingyun Great World and be evaluated by its great sects. Anyone fortunate enough to be accepted would immediately rise in status, gaining immeasurable resources and spiritual energy as well as instruction from accomplished masters. It truly was like a fish leaping over the dragon gate, leaving their previous station as far below as earth beneath heaven.
However, the Dragon Ascension Gate lay in an extremely dangerous place that ordinary cultivators could scarcely reach. The gate itself was filled with astral winds. Without the protection of a sect, cultivation family, or other great power using treasures to escort them inside, most cultivators could not withstand the astral winds and would lose their lives. Even if they barely survived and entered the great world in miserable condition, the sects there might look down on them, leaving them to remain rogue cultivators even in the greater realm.
Only three years remained until the next ten-year opening. Su Xin had invited Xu Ziqing because at such a young age he had already reached the seventh layer of Qi Refinement, an astonishing rate of progress. The Rogue Cultivator Alliance likewise had cultivators with hopes of reaching Foundation Establishment, but some were too old and others had inferior aptitude. Taking everything together, not one of them surpassed Xu Ziqing.
Su Xin possessed exceptional talent himself, yet even he had no absolute confidence that he could reach Foundation Establishment within three years. Xu Ziqing had a few more advantages than he did. Su Xin therefore thought that if he himself succeeded, that would naturally be best. But if he failed while Xu Ziqing succeeded, then Xu Ziqing could bring him along.
The reason this was possible was another concession granted by the great world.
Any cultivator at Foundation Establishment or above could use one allotted place to bring another person through the Dragon Ascension Gate. However, the cultivator had to protect that person personally. If the companion died, no one else could be blamed.
As long as Xu Ziqing was willing to bring Su Xin, the Rogue Cultivator Alliance would naturally ensure Su Xin’s safety along the way.
Even if both Su Xin and Xu Ziqing successfully reached Foundation Establishment, the effort would not be wasted. Su Xin had merely given Xu Ziqing this information and introduced him to the Rogue Cultivator Alliance. If that allowed him to befriend Xu Ziqing and the two later traveled together to the great world, they would at least share some bond of goodwill. No matter how one looked at it, there were benefits and no harm.
After revealing these secrets, Su Xin’s eyes shone like flames, filled with ambition. “Fellow Daoist Xu need not worry either. If you fail to reach Foundation Establishment, I can give my place to you. Unless both of us have truly terrible luck, one way or another we will reach the great world. When that happens, heaven and earth will be vast, and the two of us can roam wherever we please!”
At this point, Xu Ziqing had to admit that Su Xin had completely persuaded him.
Back when he first wished to cultivate immortality in the Hundred Herbs Garden, it had been because heaven and earth were so vast and the world so immense. Now a road had appeared before him that seemed to reach straight to the heavens. Why should he not stake everything on it?
Cultivation! Cultivation!
He had long ago resolved to walk this strange and magnificent path. With such an extraordinary opportunity before him, even Xu Ziqing, whose state of mind was usually calm and unruffled, could not refuse such a tremendous temptation.
After taking a deep breath, Xu Ziqing opened his eyes, his gaze firm. “Fellow Daoist Su, I will go with you.”
* * *
The next day, outside the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace.
Dongli Xi wore a dark ceremonial robe and the Crown Prince’s crown, standing upright and dignified. Beside him, Dongli Zhao had largely recovered the bearing of an imperial prince. Though still young, his expression was resolute, already carrying an open and honorable air.
The brothers were both noble in bearing. Golden dragon qi rose from their bodies straight into the sky, radiating imposing majesty.
Su Xin did not want to spend much time talking with Southerners, so he had already moved ahead and waited for Xu Ziqing to bid the brothers farewell.
Xu Ziqing first looked at Dongli Zhao. “Zhao’er, once I leave, we will not meet again in this lifetime. You must support your imperial brother and help stabilize the realm.”
Tears filled Dongli Zhao’s eyes as he respectfully replied, “Yes, sir. Zhao’er understands.”
Xu Ziqing also felt reluctant to part. Dongli Zhao had suffered so much at such a young age that Xu Ziqing could not help feeling tender toward him. “As the emperor’s younger brother, you must share your imperial brother’s burdens, but you must also take good care of yourself. A sword can protect the body, but it can also kill. Brother Yun once said that if you swing your sword three thousand times every day, every stroke true and unwavering, you can keep your sword-heart upright and let no wicked influence invade.”
Dongli Zhao nodded vigorously. “Yes, Zhao’er understands! Zhao’er will remember sir’s instructions!”
Xu Ziqing smiled and lightly stroked the top of his head. Then he turned to Dongli Xi. “Your Highness, your mind is exceptionally sharp and your strategies surpass ordinary people. That is a strength. Yet precisely because of it, there is also a weakness. You think too much, and I fear…” He had wanted to say that it might shorten Dongli Xi’s lifespan, but instead spoke more gently. “I fear it may not be good for you.”
The bearing of an emperor was already faintly visible in Dongli Xi, but his words remained respectful. “Xi understands what sir means. The immortal path before you is long. Please take care of yourself. Xi will pray for you day and night and hope that every danger turns to fortune and that your journey remains peaceful and smooth.”
Xu Ziqing smiled faintly. “Your Highness’s kindness is more than I deserve.”
At this point, there was nothing more that needed to be said.
The Dongli brothers exchanged a glance, then both bowed deeply. “Sir, take care!”
Xu Ziqing looked carefully at the two of them one last time and sighed softly. “You two must take care as well. We do not know when we will meet again.”
With that, he turned and walked away, arriving lightly beside Su Xin.
Su Xin tossed out a magical artifact. In midair it transformed into a small boat, and he leapt aboard.
Xu Ziqing’s figure flickered, and he was already standing beside him.
A flying creature cried out overhead. Its hooked talons descended and settled upon Xu Ziqing’s shoulder.
The small boat then erupted in multicolored light, rose into the air, and vanished in an instant.
* * *
Grand General Jiao Tu of the Kingdom of Chenghuang rebelled and was ultimately executed by Crown Prince Dongli Xi.
That same year, the Crown Prince ascended the throne. He declared that the injuries Jiao Tu had inflicted on him had impaired his ability to produce heirs, and therefore he took no imperial harem and instead named his younger brother Dongli Zhao as Imperial Heir.
Dongli Xi reigned for ten years. He exhausted himself in affairs of state, enriching the kingdom and strengthening its military until the Kingdom of Chenghuang flourished and stood proudly above the surrounding nations.
Ten years later, with Dongli Xi’s life nearing its end, he passed the throne to Dongli Zhao from his sickbed.
The emperor’s sleeping chamber.
Dongli Xi lay upon the dragon bed, his hair entirely white and his body thin as a skeleton.
After years of exhausting himself over the affairs of the kingdom and carrying heavy thoughts in his heart, his blood essence had finally been depleted. His lamp had burned to its end.
Dongli Zhao sat beside the bed, holding his elder brother’s right hand. His eyes were red. “Imperial Brother.”
Dongli Xi smiled calmly. “Everyone dies eventually. Zhao’er, there is no need to behave like a weeping child.”
Dongli Zhao held back his tears and answered in a trembling voice, “Yes. Zhao’er understands.”
Dongli Xi said, “All the knowledge I have accumulated over these years has been passed to you, and you have never disappointed me. I am at ease leaving the Kingdom of Chenghuang in your hands.” His voice gradually weakened. “To continue Chenghuang’s imperial line, Zhao’er will inevitably need a broad harem. And the throne is lonely… Even so, I still hope you can find someone who truly cherishes you, someone who can ease that loneliness.”
“Do not become like me, only realizing after the loss that affection had long taken root. Deep feeling, shallow fate… leaving nothing but regret…”
Dongli Zhao choked out, “Yes.”
Then he felt the hand in his own suddenly loosen. Dongli Xi’s hand fell without strength.
“Imperial Brother!” he cried out.
Ceremonial music rose. Dongli Xi, ruler of the Kingdom of Chenghuang, had passed away.
Dongli Zhao succeeded to the throne, and the Kingdom of Chenghuang inaugurated a new reign era.
* * *
Aboard the spirit boat, Xu Ziqing sank his consciousness into the ring and murmured, “Brother Yun, last night I finally stained my hands with human blood. He was the Blood Demon, but he was also Jiao Tu.”
Yun Lie said, “If Jiao Tu did not die, the Blood Demon could not be destroyed.”
Xu Ziqing sighed. “Even so, my heart still cannot rest easy.”
Yun Lie was silent.
After a long while, Yun Lie said, “Jiao Tu’s soul still exists.”
Xu Ziqing smiled in relief. “Then… I can be at peace.”