Chapter 152: Low-Tier Demon Race Member — I’ll Buy You a Drink Another Day

Clear Thought Sect, Main Hall.

Before a row of image-recording stones, a group of Venerable Elders watched the scenes unfolding on the display. For a moment, no one spoke.

These were the leading Venerable Elders from various sects: Shang Liu from Azure Profound Sect, Qin Yuan from Returning Immortal Sect, and Shen Minglu, the Sect Master of Clear Thought Sect.

Though none of them were physically present at the competition grounds, they all knew exactly what had just happened.

Shen Minglu stared at Lian Mu on the image-recording stone and said, “A pill that boosts strength… Ji Xiuyuan, does the Ji Clan have such a secret technique?”

Ji Xiuyuan was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Wen Yun. He replied calmly, “No.”

“These two kids, always bluffing,” Qin Yuan said with a helpless smile. “But I doubt many people actually believe that story.”

Shen Minglu smiled faintly. “You never know. Judging by how our disciples reacted, they might’ve bought it.”

“Sect Master, should I go and remind the disciples from each sect?” Ji Xiuyuan asked.

“No need,” Shen Minglu raised a hand. “Let the young ones stir up trouble on their own. As long as they don’t break the rules, it’s not our place to interfere.”

Qin Yuan: “…”

So as the Sect Master of Clear Thought Sect, he really doesn’t care? Even though it was his own disciples who got duped.

In the corner, Shang Liu, who had been quietly sipping tea, finally spoke. “Sect Master Shen, why the sudden interest in this year’s Immortal Sect Grand Competition? I remember one year, all three major sect leaders were invited to attend, but you wouldn’t come no matter how much we begged. I thought things like this were beneath your notice.”

Shen Minglu replied, “This year’s disciples are exceptionally talented—Heavenly Spiritual Roots abound. It’s been a long time since the Immortal Sects have seen such a grand occasion. Naturally, I had to come.”

Shang Liu gave a faint smile, seeing through it but saying nothing.

Qin Yuan glanced at the time and asked, “Why isn’t Chengyu here yet?”

“She should be arriving soon,” Ji Xiuyuan said. “She came from Azure Dragon East and passed through the Northern Desert, where she ran into a Beast Tide. Got a little too drunk and ended up fighting demonic beasts for a full day and night—delayed her a bit.”

“This time, Crimson Sky Sect is in charge of the Entry Trial. Who knows what they’ll come up with,” Shang Liu said. “They’ve always had a taste for the strange and unusual. The younger generation is in for a rough time.”

Just as he finished speaking, the door was kicked open.

“Shang Liu, I heard every word you just said.”

A woman in red strode in, a wine gourd hanging at her waist and a sword in hand. Blood still clung to the tip of her blade. Her cheeks were flushed, and she reeked of alcohol, but her steps were steady.

Mei Chengyu walked in, slapped her sword onto the table, and said to Shen Minglu, “Sect Master Shen, I got a little carried away on the road and killed a few demonic beasts. Consider it a service to your White Tiger West. No need to hold my tardiness against me, right?”

Shen Minglu smiled. “It’s only dusk—hardly late. Did Crimson Sky Sect only send you? We’ve got quite a few disciples here. One person might not be enough.”

“No need,” Mei Chengyu said. “I alone can handle all of them.”

Qin Yuan asked, “What form will the Entry Trial take this time?”

“No rush. Let me first sample the famed wine of White Tiger West.”

Mei Chengyu grabbed the wine gourd on the table and downed it in one gulp. She savored it for a moment, then said with disappointment, “Too weak. Boring.”

Shen Minglu said, “If you want something stronger, I’ve got plenty. I’ll let you drink to your heart’s content later. But first, let’s get to the main event.”

“You’re generous as always, Sect Master Shen.” Mei Chengyu chuckled. “This time, I won’t be personally overseeing the Entry Trial. We’re letting the demon creatures do the work.”

Shang Liu’s brows furrowed. “Demon creatures?”

Leaning lazily against the wall, Mei Chengyu slurred slightly, “A few years back, some disciples we sent to guard the Shifang Nether Soil discovered a peculiar type of demon creature. Born in the swamps of the Nether Soil, they look like sludge, can reshape themselves after being smashed apart, and mimic human movements. You could say they’re Low-Tier Demon Race Members.”

“But they’re brainless and easy to control. Our Sect Master brought a batch back from the Nether Soil, and after some training, we’ve fully mastered them.” She grinned. “Just in time for the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, Crimson Sky Sect decided to use these Low-Tier Demon Race Members as part of the trial. Let the disciples try something new.”

Qin Yuan asked, “Where are these Low-Tier Demon Race Members you speak of?”

Mei Chengyu patted the wine gourd on her waist. “Right here. I had to empty a whole gourd of good wine just to carry them. What a waste.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Shang Liu suddenly stood up, drew his sword, and slashed at her wine gourd. “Take your Crimson Sky Sect demon race filth and get out.”

Mei Chengyu sidestepped the strike and grabbed the sword on the table, raising an eyebrow. “Shang Liu, what the hell is your problem?”

Shang Liu’s brow was tightly knit. “Whose idea was this?”

“Mine, of course,” Mei Chengyu said. “I fought these demon race creatures in the Shifang Nether Soil and thought they were pretty interesting, so I suggested it to our Sect Master. Got a problem with that?”

Shang Liu snapped, “You crazy woman! How dare you bring demon race members into the Immortal Sect Grand Competition and expect the disciples to deal with them? What exactly are you plotting?”

Mei Chengyu raised an eyebrow. “Just a few low-tier demon race members—no need to blow a fuse. Or are you saying Azure Profound Sect disciples won’t be going to the Shifang Nether Soil to hunt demonic remnants anymore?”

Qin Yuan stepped in to explain, “Chengyu, you may not know, but the current chief sword cultivator of Azure Profound Sect isn’t ready to face demon race members. His sword bones are unstable—he can only spar with demonic beasts for now.”

“This Entry Trial must be postponed,” Shang Liu said sharply. “Go back and tell your Sect Master—if you can’t come up with a proper trial, then hand over the slot to another sect.”

Mei Chengyu retorted, “How would I know what’s going on with Azure Profound Sect’s chief sword cultivator? And besides, sacrificing the opportunity for all the other disciples just for the sake of one person—how is that fair?”

As she spoke, Mei Chengyu drew her sword. “Today, I am letting the demon race members in. Anyone who tries to stop me clearly doesn’t take Crimson Sky Sect seriously.”

Shen Minglu spoke slowly, “Enough. It’s a minor issue—no need to ruin the harmony between our sects. Since Crimson Sky Sect has already made their decision, it’s too late to change it now. These disciples will have to face demon race members eventually. Better they get some early experience. Shang Liu, if you’re that worried, I’ll accompany the trial myself.”

Shang Liu said nothing for a long moment, then turned and walked out.

Mei Chengyu clicked her tongue. “What, does Azure Profound Sect think everyone’s afraid of them?”

With that, she left, sword in hand, leaving the other two sects’ Venerable Elders in silence.

After a while, Ji Xiuyuan said calmly, “I’ve never seen Shang Liu lose his composure like that. As I recall, the chief sword cultivator of Azure Profound Sect isn’t even his disciple. For him to fall out with Crimson Sky Sect over this… Azure Profound Sect’s protectiveness of their own really lives up to its reputation.”

Qin Yuan said meaningfully, “Might be personal.”

…

…

At the Clear Thought Sect’s dueling grounds, the sun dipped low in the west.

Guan Huailin had taken quite a beating in his match with Gong Rumei. Ji Mingyue and Xu Xianxing had already taken him back to rest.

Bai Li Que had originally planned to stay with Lian Mu, but Bai Li Yu suddenly came over to pester him, so he had to make a quick escape.

Only Lian Mu and Wen Yun remained.

Lian Mu glanced toward the Azure Profound Sect’s dueling grounds. “I have something to take care of. Need to talk to someone from Azure Profound Sect.”

Wen Yun, who had just been about to challenge her, had to give up. “Fine. I’ll go beat up Shen Wuxie then. Haven’t fought him in a while—my hands are itching.”

Lian Mu chuckled. “Give him a few extra hits on my behalf.”

Wen Yun turned and headed toward the Clear Thought Sect side to challenge Shen Wuxie, while Lian Mu made her way toward the Azure Profound Sect’s dueling grounds.

As she expected, the moment she arrived, the Azure Profound Sect disciples all turned to look at her, their gazes cold and unfriendly.

Gu Qingyu stepped in front of her. “What do you want?”

Lian Mu smiled and pointed at his head. “You’ve got a bug in your hair.”

Gu Qingyu froze on the spot. Lian Mu took the chance to lean forward and call out to the young man meditating under the tree, “Team Leader Ying, can I have a word with you?”

Jiang Yuechen and Fengyun Yi exchanged a glance, eyes full of curiosity.

Ying You opened his eyes, saw her from afar, and walked over.

“Qingyu, it’s getting late. You all head back and rest,” Ying You said.

Gu Qingyu hesitated, then nervously patted his hair. Realizing he’d been tricked, he clenched his jaw but, respecting Ying You’s order, left with the others.

Soon, the vast Azure Profound Sect dueling grounds were empty save for Lian Mu and Ying You.

Lian Mu took out a spatial pouch embroidered with a crabapple blossom—the very one Ying You had given her along with the books.

“Sorry, I lost one of the books on the way back,” Lian Mu said. “If the Clear Thought Sect library pavilion asks about it, tell them to come to me. I’ll compensate them.”

The Feng Clan’s Secret Method had been torn to shreds by Feng Tianche—there wasn’t even a scrap left. There was no way to replace it.

Ying You accepted the pouch, still warm from her hand. He tucked it into his sleeve and said gently, “Those books aren’t from the Clear Thought Sect library pavilion. You don’t need to compensate anyone.”

“Then whose are they?” Lian Mu asked.

“They’re mine,” Ying You replied. “I have a Spirit Artifact that can store countless books. When I have free time, I pick a few to read. That book you lost—consider it a gift from me.”

Lian Mu raised a brow. “Team Leader Ying is so well-read—must be skilled in all sorts of areas?”

“Not really,” he said. “I’ve trained in the sword since I was young. I don’t understand much about alchemy or artifact forging. I just like collecting books. If you’re interested, you can borrow more from me anytime.”

“Thanks. Let’s call it even for what happened before,” Lian Mu said. “But I’ve always wondered—earlier, you said you wanted to get to know me. Why?”

Ying You lowered his gaze and said softly, “…Because your sword is unique.”

“So it’s my sword you’re interested in,” Lian Mu mused. “Well, you’ve got a good eye. It is special.”

After all, she forged it herself. Aside from the current color being a bit of an eyesore, Lian Mu was quite pleased with Wealth Bringer.

“I lost your book, so I should make it up to you. Since you like it, I’ll be generous and let you touch it.”

She drew her sword and held it out to him.

Seeing the sword gleam with a vivid green light, Ying You paused for a moment. His fingertips brushed against the blade, gliding gently along its length. “You’ve… taken good care of it.”

Lian Mu replied, “Of course. This is the only sword I’ve had my whole life.”

That was because no other sword dared come near her. In the end, she and Wealth Bringer had no choice but to rely on each other.

Ying You studied the sword for a long while, his fingers trailing down to the hilt. They stopped just beside Lian Mu’s hand. “May I take a look at your hilt?”

Lian Mu was just about to agree when a sharp voice rang out from above. “What are you doing?”

Lian Mu looked up—it was Shang Liu, a Venerable Elder of the Azure Profound Sect.

Ying You instantly withdrew his hand as if burned, his fingers curling slightly before he tucked them into his sleeve. Then he stepped back two paces, putting some distance between them.

“Venerable Elder Shang,” Ying You greeted first, bowing respectfully.

Shang Liu’s expression was stern. He cast a glance at Lian Mu, who met his gaze with perfect composure, showing no sign of guilt or embarrassment.

Shang Liu looked away and said to Ying You, “Come with me.”

“Yes, Venerable Elder,” Ying You replied.

He led her away. It was the first time Lian Mu had seen that Venerable Elder looking so displeased. Thinking back, she couldn’t recall having done anything inappropriate with Ying You.

“……”

Maybe the Venerable Elder just didn’t like her to begin with.

That seemed more likely the more she thought about it.

Lian Mu turned to leave, but just then, a figure in red descended from the sky.

“Young friend, have you seen an angry-looking sword cultivator pass by this way?” Mei Chengyu approached with a cheerful smile.

Lian Mu caught a whiff of alcohol on her and couldn’t help giving her a few curious glances. She didn’t recognize this person from memory.

Since the woman clearly wasn’t from her sect, Lian Mu simply pointed in the direction Shang Liu had gone. “That way.”

Mei Chengyu patted her on the head. “Thanks. I’ll buy you a drink sometime.”

With that, she mounted her sword and flew off.