Chapter 84

Amidst the fragrance of chrysanthemums,

"Get in quickly!"

The veiled woman, slightly irritated by Moxiang's domineering attitude, asked in a challenging tone,

"Where are we going now?"

"Just get in."

Even though she had gotten into the carriage, the veiled woman continued to ask questions, perhaps not wanting to be intimidated by the other party.

"Look, isn't it at least polite to tell us such a simple thing?"

"Shut up. Before I gag you!"

Due to Moxiang's fierce glare, the veiled woman had no choice but to give up on trying to open a conversation. The atmosphere suggested that the next moment might bring a punch.

From then on, the two women did not speak to Moxiang again. Moxiang sat quietly with her eyes tightly closed and her arms crossed. The unnatural, suffocating atmosphere made the two women initially keep their distance, but when Mayingren could no longer bear it, she began to whisper to Xiaoxiao, who then joined in.

When Mayingren and Xiaoxiao arrived at the Shanxi Branch of the Demon Sect, they were surprised to find that there were no particularly skilled experts in sight. It didn't even seem like a typical Demon Sect. It was more like a group of delinquents who had been trained. There was no basic "aura" of a Demon Sect.

The gate guards recognized the four people on horseback in Moxiang's group and quickly opened the gate, bowing until the carriage passed.

Looking out the carriage window, the two women saw quite a few servants and guards moving around. However, they were the kind of people one might see in any ordinary sect, not the image of Demon Sect members they had imagined. They had expected something more sinister.

The carriage continued on and reached the second gate. The guards here seemed more skilled, with more disciplined movements. As they passed through, they vaguely sensed that there was an array set up around them, though they couldn't be sure. It felt like there was some kind of resistance, but the lack of even a subtle killing intent suggested it wasn't an array designed for killing. Nonetheless, they were certain an array had been set up.

When they reached the third gate, the two women could feel that this was indeed the Demon Sect. The guards at the third gate were truly exuding a strong demonic aura. The third gate closed immediately after Moxiang's group passed through. The two women got out of the carriage and followed Moxiang. There were few people around, but those they did see were all formidable experts.

"Is this the Shanxi Branch?"

In response to Mayingren's question, Moxiang did not answer but called out,

"Mahuo."

"Yes?"

"Take these children to their quarters."

Moxiang slowly walked towards the Hall of Ten Thousand Evils to meet with a military officer, while Mayingren and Xiaoxiao, feeling as if they had lost something by speaking, followed Mahuo to their quarters.

"Use this room and that one."

The rooms were quite nice. Though not large, they provided a sense of comfort and stability.

"A little later, I'll choose two attendants for you. You can assign them tasks. Have them bring meals from the dining hall to eat here. Don't worry about the people here; they won't bother you. And if you have any weapons, use them to protect yourselves in an emergency. Honestly, from the way the Deputy Sect Leader acts, it seems he doesn't care much about your lives."

"What do you mean? Not valuing the lives of hostages?"

"That's just how he is. Even if we fight Wu Ying Men, he won't care much. Hostages are only valuable when both sides are evenly matched. When there's a significant gap, they're not. If we can fight anytime, why value hostages? So, value your own life. Also, you're not allowed to go beyond that wall. If you do, you'll be responsible for any consequences."

"But that wall is still inside the Shanxi Branch."

"No, the Shanxi Branch refers to the area inside the wall. I've explained, so don't complain later. I'm busy now..."

Mayingren and Xiaoxiao quickly adapted to life here after a few days. No one harassed them, and everyone was quite friendly. As long as they stayed within the inner walls of the Shanxi Branch, they were given a lot of freedom.

There were also a few beautiful flower gardens where they could take walks, which helped to change their preconceived notions about the Demon Sect. Even demons, being human, seemed to have a taste for beauty.

One of the gardens was filled only with chrysanthemums, and they often saw Moxiang standing there, looking at the unblooming chrysanthemum field. Mahuo would often stand behind him, looking at his back with a warm expression...

"Who is this Mahuo to the Deputy Sect Leader?"

"From the atmosphere here, maybe a mistress? But from what I've heard, they're not married."

"That's right. Grandma said he's not married. But they seem quite well-matched. It's just that the military and the martial world don't usually mix..."

At this moment, a black-clad warrior rushed over and prostrated himself before Moxiang. After a brief conversation, Moxiang ran off with him. Mahuo hesitated for a moment, then looked around and saw Mayingren and Xiaoxiao talking in a corner. She approached them with a faint smile, though it seemed a bit sad.

"How is it? Are you getting used to it?"

"Yes."

"But from now on, don't hide and watch. Stand out in the open if you want to look. The Deputy Sect Leader really dislikes being observed secretly. I didn't notice, but he probably knew you were here and just pretended not to. You're not his subordinates, but if this keeps up, even you won't be safe."

"Got it, we'll be careful. What happened?"

"His daughter has returned."

"His daughter? Is the Deputy Sect Leader married?"

"No, she's an adopted daughter. She was imprisoned in the Demon Sect's dungeon but was released during recent negotiations."

"An adopted daughter of the Deputy Sect Leader must be a great expert."

Mahuo shook her head with a smile.

"Not really. She parted ways with the Deputy Sect Leader a long time ago. He didn't want her to enter the martial world, but she ended up becoming a martial artist. She's a disciple of Tian Ji Men in Luoyang. Her martial skills aren't that great..."

"Then why don't you go and meet her?"

Mahuo smiled bitterly.

"No, I thought about it but decided not to. It's been a long time since they've seen each other, and I shouldn't intrude. There's no reason for me to..."

"Welcome, young lady."

Despite Moxiang's brusque greeting, the woman stood confidently. Watching her try to remain composed in this atmosphere, Moxiang felt his mood improve, though he didn't show it.

From her high-quality clothing, it was clear that Zhang Yingjie had put effort into the packaging. However, her complexion was pale from her long imprisonment. Moxiang, who remembered her as a bright and plump young girl, felt a pang of sadness.

"Where are we?"

Xiaolian looked tired, and she was indeed exhausted from the long journey from the Demon Sect's headquarters. She had been suddenly taken from the dungeon, bathed, and dressed in fine clothes. Her confiscated weapons were also returned.

Though not stupid, she was initially terrified by the name "Demon Sect." When she learned that the Demon Sect, which had a non-aggression pact with Tian Ji Men, had kidnapped her, she felt a sense of despair. The Demon Sect was the strongest sect, so there was no hope of external help. They would use her and then kill her when she was no longer useful. The uncertainty of how she would be used was even more unsettling.

Now she was here, and the guards who had brought her had returned to the headquarters. The person she met was this one. He was young and had a strong gaze, and there was something familiar about him, though she couldn't place it. She thought it must be a mistake, as she didn't know any young people among the demons.

"This is the Shanxi Branch of the Heavenly Horse Demon Sect. You will stay here for a day and then be returned to Tian Ji Men. Show her to her quarters."

In Moxiang's brusque, businesslike tone, a subordinate quickly led her away. Moxiang watched her back, now in her mature years, and recalled her innocent and adorable past. Time had passed so quickly.

"Am I getting old? To become so sentimental..."

Moxiang thoroughly investigated Xiaolian as soon as she arrived, checking her body with his inner energy and ensuring her mind hadn't been compromised. This process took nearly an hour, and she was unaware of it as she slept.

Relieved that Zhang Yingjie hadn't done anything suspicious, Moxiang sighed and instructed his subordinates to return her to Tian Ji Men the next day. He had no intention of keeping her and didn't really care if she lived or died. He could only hope her death wouldn't be his fault.

"How did it go?"

"Deputy Sect Leader Moxiang returned the adopted daughter to Tian Ji Men the day after receiving her."

"Hmm, unexpected. I thought he would keep and protect her..."

Zhang Yingjie looked puzzled, and beside him, He Wu Xiang said,

"That shows how much he cares. He's deliberately keeping his distance to mislead enemies. They live in different worlds, so he can't openly protect her. When we interrogated her, she didn't even know Moxiang's name. This suggests he can only use her as a last resort and won't act rashly. The former Sect Leader used her too quickly and suffered a setback."

"Good, what about the Welcoming Demon Horse?"

"He left two hours ago with the Heavenly Horse Blood Sword Team."

"What about the information operation?"

"We're subtly spreading that the Shanxi Branch is the core force for the Demon Sect's dominance in the martial world. We've instructed Elder Ou Yang Yun of the Welcoming Demon Horse to claim the same whenever possible. The Heavenly Horse Blood Sword Team is now called the Shanxi Heavenly Horse Team, and all messages to them will be marked as coming from the Shanxi Branch. This should soon lead to a full-scale conflict between the righteous sects and the Shanxi Branch."

"Hehe, a good plan."

"Moxiang's use of the Heavenly Wolf Team against the righteous sects has been confirmed. The various wounds on the bodies indicate they were from the Heavenly Wolf Team. According to reports, he has also gathered some experts from other branches and recruited others. All evidence suggests he intends to fight the righteous sects as we planned."

"Good, well done. You can go now."

"Understood."

Moxiang stood there, watching the carriage carrying Xiaolian disappear from his sight. He shook his head, trying to snap out of his sentimental mood. Though he might never see her again and she was his beloved adopted daughter, from a demon's perspective, it was a waste of emotion.

Mahuo watched him walk slowly towards the chrysanthemum garden and followed at a distance. She could tell he was emotionally unstable after spending a long time with Moxiang. He hated being approached when he was like this, but he preferred her quiet presence to being alone. She continued to follow him.

Mahuo watched Moxiang, who stood silently staring at the chrysanthemum garden. She then took out a bottle from her robes. When Moxiang felt her tap him, he turned and saw the bottle. Without a word, he took it and started drinking. It was Qian Ri Zui, his favorite. Despite its name, it didn't make one drunk for a thousand days, but it was extremely potent, hence its name.

After finishing the last drop, Moxiang looked at Mahuo with a wistful expression.

"Any more?"

Mahuo, who understood Moxiang's feelings, put on a stern face and replied coldly,

"No. Stop being so dramatic and let's go. You saw your adopted daughter and know she's safe. Isn't that enough? You're old enough to stop worrying about her."

"That's true. She's already left the nest... but in this case, I left first, so I feel a bit regretful. Where's Lin Zhong?"

"He's in his quarters."

"Good, let's have a drink with him."

Mahuo watched Moxiang's lonely figure disappear, then took out another bottle and took a few sips. She coughed violently, as Qian Ri Zui was too strong for her, even with her better-than-average constitution. The strong alcohol smell and the lingering chrysanthemum fragrance made her shed a tear. Wiping her eyes, she muttered, unsure if she was talking to herself or to Moxiang,

"Idiot..."