Chapter 26: Whether in Gochulim or Here (1)

The air in the Grand Hall was boiling like a pot of boiling water. Although no one dared to murmur in the presence of the divine, the malevolent aura emanating from the hall was enough to reveal their moods.

Excitement, confusion, awe, anger, and bewilderment—indeed, it was a cauldron of shock.

Especially the disciples were more affected.

Xuliang received the highest praise, even more than Jushuyun. The Sect Leader had never called any of his disciples, let alone any of his subordinates, excellent.

Ertianshang waved his hand.

"I will conclude the Grand Hall meeting here. The third one, follow me."

With that, he stood up and walked down the left corridor.

Everyone knelt, for they could not stand to watch the Sect Leader leave.

Only one person.

Xuliang alone followed Ertianshang, walking steadily behind him.

Seeing Xuliang being treated with such respect, Hongweimin's eyelids trembled uncontrollably.

Swoosh.

He subtly lifted his head to see Xuliang's back.

"...That guy."

His physique was incomparably imposing.

He seemed taller by a few inches, and his bones appeared much more robust than before. It was impossible to think that this was the body that had once been afflicted by demonic possession.

"How on earth?"

How did he survive in Gochulim? Could it be that his master had been watching over him?

And how did he cultivate such an overwhelming malevolent aura?

As Hongweimin, lost in confusion, bit his lip.

Swoosh.

Xuliang turned his head and looked at Hongweimin.

"...!!"

Startled, Hongweimin involuntarily bowed his head.

Seeing this, the corners of Xuliang's mouth curled up meaningfully.

After Ertianshang and Xuliang disappeared down the corridor, Wudan called out loudly.

"Please leave the hall, officials."

Murmurs.

Only then did the subordinates begin to rise one by one.

"To think that the budget needs to be re-evaluated; the Governor must be tired."

"No, I might be, but the Divine General's Office will be busy."

"Of course, it's a necessary task. Still, the Chief General is absent today. Do you know why?"

"I don't know. He's always so busy."

"Hehe."

"It's not because of the Pashunze. I heard that the northern bandits have started an interesting business recently. I think it's because of that."

"I've never seen a so-called righteous faction that isn't insane. They probably just try to incite meaningless agitation. In any case, the Chief General must be having a hard time."

The leaders engaged in various conversations based on the meeting's content, as if the bewildering scene from a moment ago had been erased from their minds.

After scanning the leaders, Guanping turned his gaze to Hongweimin, Jushuyun, and Caiyemin.

"It's been a long time since we've gathered like this."

The coldness in his voice was palpable.

It wasn't that he was particularly cruel; it was just that the martial arts he had mastered made the atmosphere seem especially cold.

Hongweimin and Jushuyun slightly bowed their heads.

Guanping asked Caiyemin.

"Is the youngest one well?"

"Yes, Brother."

"Is he not ill? His complexion is very poor."

Caiyemin said in a tired voice.

"I'm sorry. I will take my leave first."

"...Alright."

The small figure leaving the Grand Hall with quick steps looked very pitiful.

Wudan approached Jushuyun.

"Princess, please follow me. I will guide you to the archives."

Jushuyun bowed to Guanping.

"Then I will take my leave."

"Alright."

Thus, only Guanping and Hongweimin remained.

Guanping shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Even as senior and junior brothers, we should occasionally gather for a cup of tea."

"...Indeed."

"Let's meet soon. I will also return now."

"Please be careful."

Guanping left the Grand Hall.

Hongweimin, who had been following at a distance, stopped his steps, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

His eyes wavered as he looked at the corridor.

'Xuliang.'

He thought Xuliang would surely die from demonic possession, but the stubborn guy managed to survive.

Even though he thought Xuliang's life as a martial artist was over, not only did he survive for eight months in Gochulim, but he also returned as a completely different person.

Hongweimin recalled Xuliang's eyes.

In the transparent gaze, an indescribable ferocity and intense death aura alternated, creating a bizarre and terrifying sight.

'...'

Hongweimin's face hardened.

Xuliang had grown stronger. How much stronger, he didn't know, but at the very least, he was no weaker than before.

But the real issue wasn't that. The problem was what the guy would do now that he had recovered.

Before falling into demonic possession, Xuliang was a greedy person who sought to expand his power. He lacked the ability to devise intricate strategies or flexibly lead situations, but surprisingly, quite a few people followed him.

Now, seeing him receive such high praise from the master in front of everyone, those who had turned their backs on him might regain interest.

A certain resolve settled on Hongweimin's face as he left the Grand Hall.

'Indeed, he can't be left alone.'

He wondered how much Xuliang had grown after returning from the dead. He even thought Xuliang might have returned weaker than when he went in.

But that wasn't the case.

Once again, Xuliang had defied his expectations.

'I can't mess with him half-heartedly. I need to start over from the beginning.'

* * *

Xuliang looked around with a calm gaze.

'Another pavilion?'

Behind the Grand Hall was a small artificial pond and a modest pavilion.

Though small, it was elegant and charming, hardly fitting for the continent's worst evil, the Sect Leader.

As if he had been informed in advance, a small table with drinks was set up in the pavilion.

"Come up."

Ah, okay.

Xuliang climbed up to the pavilion.

Swoosh.

Ertianshang picked up the dragon robe draped over his shoulder and threw it over the pavilion railing.

It was clearly a masterpiece crafted by a skilled artisan. To throw it like laundry was truly not the act of an ordinary person.

"Sit down."

Of course.

Xuliang sat opposite Ertianshang.

He sat confidently without kneeling. It might have seemed arrogant, but Ertianshang said nothing.

Xuliang snorted inwardly.

Of course, he should. It was this man who threw his newly freed disciple into a dangerous place. Moreover, Xuliang's strength was due to his own efforts, not this man's.

I won't back down today.

"Take it."

Xuliang's eyes gleamed with greed as he looked at the cup raised politely.

How long has it been since I had a drink?

Drip, drip, drip.

The clear liquid poured slowly.

Not a single drop splashed outside the cup. It was so slow that it made him yawn.

Still, he pours it so artistically.

After filling Xuliang's cup, Ertianshang filled his own and raised it.

"Let's have a drink."

"Yes."

Clink!

The cups collided, producing a clear sound.

Xuliang drained his cup in one go.

'Wow!'

It's so good.

A sweet aroma filled his nostrils. His mouth felt dry at first, but then it became refreshing. The saliva gushing out proved the value of this drink.

After eight months, even cheap white wine would be welcome, but this was the finest wine in the world. He felt as if he might faint from the bliss.

"Would you like another drink?"

Without a word, Xuliang extended his cup. The speed at which he did so was so fast that it seemed like a master of quick sword techniques.

Ertianshang filled his cup, still pouring at a leisurely pace, which was frustrating.

Xuliang, who had intended to drink it all at once, hesitated and then extended his cup.

But Ertianshang drank without clinking cups. Xuliang, feeling embarrassed, cleared his throat and drank.

"You haven't learned the Dragon Technique."

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Xuliang tilted his head.

Dragon Technique? What's that?

Ertianshang, refilling the cup, continued.

"You've mixed something with the True Demon Technique."

"…!"

"Is it a Buddhist martial art?"

Xuliang's face stiffened instantly.

'How did he know?'

Shit, how did he know? No matter how strong he is, he shouldn't be able to see it at a glance.

'Well...'

Biyowang could smell the scent of the Nine Sects' martial arts from the Dark Shadow Technique. Given that Ertianshang is incomparably stronger and has mastered demon techniques, it would be even harder for him not to notice.

Still, what should I do?

'He can't be angry, right? No, can he? Is there a reason to be angry?'

There is a reason to be angry.

He didn't learn the martial arts his master painstakingly taught him but instead mastered a technique he created on his own. Even if it's not a major offense, it's enough to make one feel disappointed.

The problem is that this man might go beyond disappointment and become furious.

'Shit! I should have considered this situation!'

Xuliang rolled his eyes. He needed to find a way to explain it convincingly.

At that moment, Ertianshang spoke.

"Excellent."

...What?

"Creating a higher-level martial art than the Ten Great Demon Techniques is not easy."

Not just not easy, it's incredibly difficult, right? I was just lucky...

"Ah, yes. I used my brain a bit."

"So, the Buddhist martial art was what you found?"

"..."

"Was it necessary?"

Xuliang hurriedly spoke.

"I tried various things, but the Buddhist martial art was the best. To become stronger."

"Is that so."

"Yes, it definitely improved."

"You didn't think much about it."

"..."

"The True Demon Technique, though less powerful and with fewer cultivation levels, is the best foundation in our sect. If you had thought more, you wouldn't have needed to mix in a Buddhist martial art."

Ertianshang raised his cup.

"You've planted a flower garden where a tree should be planted."

...Just one, sir.

Excellent? So, it's fine? Why are you so upset?

"Since I've seen your achievement, it's enough. You may return now."

Xuliang inwardly gritted his teeth.

'Damn, why did he call me if this is all he's going to do?'

He poured two cups of wine, talked about martial arts and creation, and only said empty words. If this was all he wanted, why not send a letter?

Especially, there's not even a word about the hardships I endured in that dangerous place. I knew he was stern, but he's really heartless.

'Still, it's a relief.'

When he mentioned the Buddhist martial art, my heart sank. If he had asked where I got it from, what would I have said?

'Ugh.'

It's better this way. If I had kept stammering, he might have asked. I should leave quickly.

"I will take my leave now."

"Take this wine with you."

"Excuse me?"

Ertianshang tapped the wine bottle with his finger.

"It's a reward for doing well. Take it."

A reward for drinking? If you're going to give it, why not a new one?

Of course, Xuliang couldn't voice this terrifying question and instead took the bottle with a happy expression and quickly left.

Xuliang didn't know what kind of wine it was.

He also didn't know that it had been a long time since Ertianshang had such a long conversation with anyone other than Wudan.

After Xuliang left, Ertianshang also stood up.

He stood in the pavilion, gazing at the artificial pond.

"Buddhist martial arts...?"

Ertianshang's eyes deepened.

"Since you don't know the difficulties of the Ultimate Demon Technique, was it just a coincidence?"

Or was it instinct?

A smile appeared on Ertianshang's lips as he pondered.

"It doesn't matter."

He hadn't expected the third one to bring such interest to his mundane and indifferent life.

Would the audacious third one be able to bring a ray of blue to his hardened heart next time?

Whistling wind carried a chill.

The cold wind that excited people could become a cold wind or a bloody wind, depending on what happens.

"It will be an interesting winter."