Chapter Three: Emerging from Seclusion

Page (1/3)

Not far from the wooden cabin, Chi Yuan walked through the forest when suddenly more than ten wolves with emerald eyes leapt out. Chi Yuan retreated several paces. Wuya transformed into a beam of divine light and appeared in his hand, while the sword spirit materialized as a phantom, hovering by his side.

“These wolves are not ordinary beasts,” Chi Yuan remarked.

“They are demons.”

“Demons? How could there be demons? I’ve lived on this mountain for ten years and have never seen such wolves!”

“This place is rich in spiritual energy, naturally attracting demon clans. Usually, your adoptive father must have set up a formation to keep them away.”

As they spoke, two demon wolves lunged at Chi Yuan. Sensing danger, he drew his sword—a flash of cold light—and in an instant, both demons were cut down. Chi Yuan had practiced boxing since childhood and only ever wielded a sword for chopping wood, never in combat. Yet now, Wuya felt as nimble and responsive as his own arm, a benefit of the sword’s spirit. In the blink of an eye, more than ten demon wolves fell beneath his blade, and he felt not the slightest fatigue.

“You aren’t Wuya, so how should I address you?” he asked.

“My name?” The maiden paused slightly. “Call me Xiao Yuan.”

“Xiao Yuan…” Chi Yuan softly repeated the name.

“You little weakling, are we heading straight to the Far North?”

“No. We don’t even know the way to the Far North. My adoptive father once told me there’s a small town not far north from the foot of the mountain. We’ll stop there first and plan our next move.”

By the time they arrived at the town, night had already fallen, but the streets were aglow with lanterns and bustling with life.

Since ascending the mountain, Chi Yuan had never left it; all his daily necessities were purchased by Xuan Se, so this was his first true glimpse of the world’s liveliness.

“Wow, it’s so lively here!”

“Yes, but the priority is to find a place to stay. Once we’re settled, we can come out again.”

Chi Yuan wove through the crowd, observing as he walked, until he stopped before a tavern called Elegant Pavilion.

“This looks nice,” Chi Yuan said and stepped inside. The innkeeper approached with a smile.

“Will you be dining or lodging, sir?”

The tavern was decorated in a refreshing and elegant style; guests drank and chatted in the upstairs loft, while residents moved about the corridor. Chi Yuan placed a jade pendant on the counter. “An upper-class room, and prepare some wine and dishes.”

The innkeeper’s eyes sparkled. “Certainly, certainly!” He summoned a waiter to escort Chi Yuan upstairs. “Please rest for now, sir. I’ll settle the payment later.”

Upstairs, the waiter opened a carved wooden door. “Sir, please rest here. If you need anything, just call for me.”

“Very well.” Chi Yuan waved the waiter away, set down his pack, and sat at the table. He poured a cup of tea and drank it in one gulp.

Page (2/3)

Xiao Yuan emerged from the sword, scanned the room, and teased, “This little chamber is quite charming. You do know how to enjoy yourself.”

The furnishings were of silk and brocade, all tables, chairs, beds, and stools carved from sandalwood. A bronze incense burner sent up tendrils of fragrant smoke, giving the room a misty haze.

Chi Yuan sighed, resting his head on the table. “It’s still early, but I feel strangely sleepy…” His eyelids drooped, and he seemed about to doze off.

“With you like this, you still want to reach the Far North? The road is long!” Xiao Yuan pinched his cheek. “Hurry and—” A few wisps of incense drifted to her nose, and she suddenly halted. “Something’s wrong. Seal your nose and mouth quickly!” She extinguished the incense with her spiritual power. “That innkeeper must have acted out of greed. We must confront him!”

“Wait, someone’s outside!” Chi Yuan grabbed Xiao Yuan.

Chi Yuan approached the door and heard a rough voice outside: “Innkeeper, have you seen this woman?”

“No, sir. We’ve never had such a guest.”

“Think carefully. She’s the Holy Maiden of the Demon Sect. A few days ago, she stole the treasured map of Kongtong. My brothers and I chased her, but she escaped. If you see her, let us know. There will be great reward.”

“Big-bearded fellow, I’ve been sitting here a long time. Maybe your fat cheeks are blocking your vision?” came a voice.

“Demoness, you court death!”

Outside, the clatter of blades rang out. Chi Yuan was about to step out when the door suddenly swung open. A woman slipped inside and shut it behind her, forming a series of hand seals. A crimson lotus pattern appeared on the door, barring entry.

Chi Yuan was about to speak when pounding erupted on the door, clearly from those attempting to break the formation. The woman turned to Chi Yuan, saying, “Don’t be afraid, sir. I only need to take refuge here for a moment. I’ll protect you.” With that, she focused her energy, hands weaving more seals.

Soon, the door was blasted open. Six or seven men crowded the entrance, the leader a burly man with a bristling beard—the owner of the earlier voice. Seeing the woman, he laughed, “Demoness, hand over the map and perhaps you’ll be spared!”

The woman stopped her seals and looked at him with disdain. “I’ve heard Kongtong is a righteous sect, yet you act like thieves. Laughable. The ancient tomb never belonged to Kongtong, and I took the map from it myself. Why should I give it to you?”

The bearded man laughed. “Since the tomb appeared in Kongtong’s territory, it’s ours to manage. Besides, you’re a demon cultist; we only wish to prevent you from using the treasure for harm. What’s wrong with that?”

The woman’s face darkened. “If my spirit servants weren't destroyed in the tomb and I weren’t wounded, how could you petty scoundrels have chased me for half a month?”

The man grew furious, drawing a large blade to attack. Chi Yuan, who had watched quietly, now reached for Wuya.

Just as he was about to draw his sword, the woman produced a bell glowing faintly red.

The bearded man’s expression changed. “Soul Suppressing Bell?!” He tried to retreat, but at the sound of the bell, he froze, as did his companions.

Chi Yuan was puzzled. Xiao Yuan drifted from the sword and explained, “That’s a soul-stunning artifact. That’s why they lost consciousness. But magic treasures that manipulate souls are hard to control—often affecting friend and foe alike. Yet she wasn’t affected. This girl is no ordinary one.”

The woman withdrew the bell, her face pale. “After days of recovery, I can finally use the Soul Suppressing Bell.” She stepped forward, sneering, “You chased me for days. Let me teach you a lesson.”

Chi Yuan stepped forward. “Show mercy, miss. Please let them go.”

Page (3/3)

The woman turned, her smile radiant. “Who said I’d kill them? Just a little lesson.” She drew a brush from her jade pendant and began to paint on the immobilized men’s faces. Soon, their cheeks bore words and drawings like ‘stupid donkey’ and ‘fat pig.’

Finished, she put away the brush and turned to Chi Yuan. “They’ll wake in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Sir, gather your things and leave quickly, lest these unreasonable fellows trouble you.” She headed for the window, then turned back. “By the way, the sword spirit at your side is a rare treasure. You’d best keep it hidden. If you encounter other cultivators who can sense yin and yang, you’ll face many difficulties.”

“Thank you for the warning.”

“No need. Consider it payment for your wanting to help me.” With that, she slipped out the window.

After she left, Chi Yuan approached the immobilized men, performed several calming incantations, and their eyes cleared.

“The lady has gone. I’m going to rest now. Please leave,” he said, and turned toward the bed.

A bald man beside the bearded leader cursed, “I bet you’re that demoness’s lover. Prepare to die!” He leapt forward, blade swinging at Chi Yuan.

Chi Yuan arched his brow, sidestepped, and his fingers became a blur, tapping several points on the man’s body. The man staggered back.

“Do you still wish to fight?” Chi Yuan asked.

The men scowled, ready to attack, but the bearded leader held them back. He bowed. “We were in the wrong. Forgive us, young hero. We’ll take our leave.”

Chi Yuan turned away with disdain, offering no reply. The men smiled awkwardly and departed.

After they left, Xiao Yuan emerged again. “Those finger strikes—you used the Severing Veins Technique, didn't you? It’s hard to notice at first, but if untreated, the man will die in a few days. Such a vicious move—how did you learn it?”

“My adoptive father taught me. All techniques for dealing with enemies are meant to take lives. There’s no distinction between ‘vicious’ and ‘righteous’.”

“That makes sense, but you just urged the girl not to harm others—why then use the Severing Veins Technique on the bald one? This must be your first time killing, yet you’re so calm.”

“I thought they were only fighting over a treasure and had no intention of killing, so I asked her not to harm them. But when he tried to kill me, I had no reason to spare his life. My father taught me not to kill recklessly or harm wantonly, but if someone threatens me, I should kill them to prevent future trouble.”

Xiao Yuan was a little taken aback. “Teaching a child like this—your adoptive father is quite something…”

Just then, the innkeeper entered, seeing Chi Yuan unharmed. “Sir, that was a conflict between martial world folk. You almost got caught up in it. I’m truly sorry.”

“No matter. I’m going to rest. Please leave.”

“Yes, of course.” The innkeeper bowed and withdrew.