A mass of noise surrounded Fei Qianchi. The man was dressed in a white robe, his figure a bit cold. There was no longer a smile that lingered on his face. His gentleness seemed to have fade. The man had changed.
By his side, Zhu Longwang sat, his face much colder. Sitting side by side, it was easy to see that their appearances stood out from everyone.
Today, they had arrived at the prefecture. Fei Qianchi didn’t learn about what it was until they arrived. There was a meeting about the demonic cultivators. Fei Qianchi hadn’t known about this before. Although Zhu Longwang told him some information about this, he didn’t know much about this topic.
As they sat around the table, there were many figures sent from the other sects.
Fei Qianchi didn’t know any of them and he didn’t care to interact with them. He merely listened. Fei Qianchi would be required as a younger immortal among these people but his cultivation easily matched everyone else’s.
“The wave of demonic cultivators have spread. With the Lord of all Demonic Cultivators movement, it will easily result in the deaths of many. That man has lived for thousands of years now. His cultivation easily surpasses all of us. There have been many heroes who sacrificed their lives just to seal this demon. Now that he has awoken once more, no one knows what will happen.” A voice rung out from a man beginning to age. His hair was gray, along with a beard of white.
“The Lord of all Demonic Cultivators is too powerful. Many of our most powerful cultivators died just to seal him, yet he didn’t even stay sealed for a thousands years and has already awoken. Many of the most powerful cultivators from that generation died in exchange for sealing him. In our current generation, there are few who can seal him.” From the other side of the table, a woman began speaking. Her eyes were held in a harsh glare, her hair also beginning to whiten.
“Even if we do that, we are not sure about his location. Keep in mind, he is a cultivator who has lived far longer than anyone else.” There was a sigh coming from further upon the table.
Fei Qianchi looked up, staring at Su Fuwen. The man’s red eyes were held with a serious gaze, his normal light smile was a bit colder.
Fei Qianchi didn’t like the man. Something about him felt strange. It was this inner feeling, but Fei Qianchi didn’t quite understand himself.
“Don’t listen to them. They are fooling you.”
Fei Qianchi was a bit startled by this voice, but he recognized the smooth and sly voice. He was used to it now.
Fei Qianchi didn’t speak out loud, merely thinking in his head.
‘Why do you say so?’
“Because these righteous cultivators have done their fair share of committing atrocities. I once ruled the world, I know better than anyone. These righteous cultivators merely speak of justice but will easily turn their back on you.”
Hearing this, Fei Qianchi felt a small thud within him. He didn’t know why, but it was as if he felt the emotions from the man’s words. It reminded him of Baicheng. The man also said that he was betrayed.
‘What happened to you?’
“That is a story for another time. For now, I am merely here to help you. Don’t trust any of these people, not even Zhu Longwang. Those smiles hold daggers within them, those eyes hold hidden schemes. The enemy is always closer than you think.”
Fei Qianchi could visualize the man’s angry smile. His emotions were raw.
‘But, why can’t I trust Zhu Longwang?’
The man had continuously told Fei Qianchi to not trust Zhu Longwang. Fei Qianchi didn’t understand. Zhu Longwang was a good friend of his, a close friend. Although their relationship was now a bit strained, Fei Qianchi still confided with the man.
“He is lying to you.”
It was short, but it sparked a whole series of fire in Fei Qianchi’s heart. Lying? Fei Qianchi felt his mood sink. It seemed implausible, yet it also seemed true. The man was colder towards him now, their relationship grew apart. Fei Qianchi found it hard to stay with the man. He didn’t know how they got to this point, he didn’t know what to do.
“I have to leave first. Remember, the only person you can trust is yourself.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Fei Qianchi thought about this. The memories of his childhood struck at him. He knew that he was changing. Fei Qianchi knew that he was becoming more cold and indifferent. His interactions with everyone changed. It was only with Baicheng that Fei Qianchi found a bit of peace.
“For now, let’s not do anything. There is no news yet. If we are too hasty, it may bring more unfortunate situations.” From the front of the table, Su Fuwen suddenly spoke up. His light smile appeared different in Fei Qianchi’s eyes.
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But, Fei Qianchi felt himself doubting the man.
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As the meeting continued, Fei Qianchi could no longer keep up. The more he heard, the more these words grew twisted in his head.
“Demonic cultivators, such evil cultivation cannot be tolerated.” There was a sigh from a man’s mouth.
“The way of demonic cultivators are a path for those who have fallen, giving up on themselves. Although we, righteous cultivators may not be strong, we follow the right path. We have not fallen down the wrong path.”
Right and wrong, black and white, the more he listened, the more confused he became. Fei Qianchi was suddenly realizing something. The more these righteous cultivators spoke, the more twisted their words became.
But, the line between right and wrong, black and white, was unclear. Fei Qianchi’s face grew colder, a misty layer of ice in his eyes. He knew now. Righteous cultivators… in the end, they were also like demonic cultivators.
It was merely the path they chose that was different, the roads they walked were still the same. Seeking power and glory, both were the goals for these two different paths. It was only a matter of how others perceived them as.
Realizing this, Fei Qianchi felt a heavy stone set in his heart. Right and wrong… what was the truth? Suddenly, a seed of doubt appeared in his heart.
This was just like what the voice had told him. Right and wrong was merely what humans decided. These words had once been said to him. Even Baicheng had once brought it up. Under the long sleeves of his robe, his hands clenched tight. Were demonic cultivators merely another side to the righteous cultivators?
Fei Qianchi was getting a headache. The more he heard, the easier it was to see the hypocrisy slowly seeping out from these people.
“The demonic cultivators have unknown motives. As of now, it is best not to assume things that are unrelated, such as righteous and evil.” From the side, Zhu Longwang’s cold voice cut through the atmosphere.
Fei Qianchi glanced at the man’s cold eyes, the way his brows slightly furrowed. He didn’t shy away from the daggers of other people as they turned to him.
There was a sudden stuffy feeling in him, the merging thoughts of Baicheng flooded his head. It was there again. It hadn’t even been a few days and he was already yearning to be with the man.
Fei Qianchi looked around, his blue eyes were a bit cold, though they were unable to rival Zhu Longwang’s cold-piercing eyes. There were many different faces, most of which he didn’t recognize. Even so, it didn’t change what he thought of these people. Two-faced. The justification behind their actions made him suddenly think upon himself too. Had he ever done something like this?
“Qianchi?” From the side, Zhu Longwang’s voice was lower in the room.
Fei Qianchi looked up, catching his purple eyes. “Hmm?” He was careful, hoping that no one would catch his interactions with Zhu Longwang and single them out. With just this one day, Fei Qianchi was all too wary of these people.
“The Sect Leader keeps glancing over. Does he have something to say to you?” Zhu Longwang’s voice was a bit raspy as he kept his voice low.
Fei Qianchi followed Zhu Longwang’s line of sight. Through the countless people, he caught sight of Su Fuwen’s vibrant red eyes. Oddly, they reminded him of Baicheng’s. But unlike Baicheng’s eyes, Su Fuwen’s eyes were deep and unfathomable. The slight smile on his lips couldn’t change the aura he gave out.
As soon as Fei Qianchi met Su Fuwen’s line of sight, the man discreetly glanced elsewhere, resuming his speech.
Fei Qianchi had learnt even more things about Su Fuchen and Bai Suyu.
Su Fuchen was the former sect leader of Fushui Sect. He was known as a genius, rivaling the heroes from legends back. He rose to power at the age of 50 years old and took the seat as the sect leader when he had not even ascended into the immortal realm. Though he was not as strong as others, he was a genius to fear. He took good care of Fushui Sect and he later met Bai Suyu, the disciple of the greatest medicinal cultivator in Jianghu, Qu Wubian.
Bai Suyu was said to be a fair lady with a kind and gentle temperament. Her beauty could make birds sing, luring butterflies to surround her body. She was a talented healer, proficient in the art of herbs and healing.
Su Fuchen and Bai Suyu later got married, giving birth to a young boy.
Su Fuchen was said to be good friends with Zhu Weilong, Zhu Luishui and Zhu Longwang’s father.
The two were said to have grown up together by each other’s side. Even Zhu Weilong’s wife, Liao Hongyui, was Bai Suyu’s junior sister under Qu Wubian.
It was safe to say that Zhu Longwang would be rather close to Su Fuwen then.
Unfortunately, fifteen years after this, when Su Fuchen fell under demonic energy, Zhu Weilong also exhausted his power to subdue the man who was his friend. The two close friends fell in this war, two geniuses lost at once.
No one knew what happened to Bai Suyu and Liao Hongyui. It was said that Bai Suyu killed her and her son, who was already a teen by then. Liao Hongyui was said to have fallen under the sword of a demonic cultivator.
It was later that Su Fuwen stepped in and cleared the mess that was created, taking up the position that his late brother once had. It took a long time for peace to settle. Zhu Luishui retreated into a quiet seclusion and when he returned, Su Fuwen blessed him with the title, Lord of Suzhou.
From then on, Zhu Luishui lived, secluded in Taohua Peak, carefully advising his younger brother Zhu Longwang.
Fei Qianchi was honestly a bit shocked when he heard all of this from Baicheng. He always thought that the man was secluded from the world, but when he spoke of this, there was a light in his eyes that were unfathomable. Fei Qianchi didn’t know this part of the legendary war from back then, he only knew that Su Fuwen saved the world from the clutches of demonic hands.
Thinking back upon it, Fei Qianchi’s encounters with Zhu Luishui were also few in numbers. He could only tell that the man had a stern and emotionless face. He was not cold like Zhu Longwang, but there was a deep sorrow scattered upon his brows.
Honestly, Baicheng told Fei Qianchi a lot. Fei Qianchi was always scared of himself, scared of his youth catching up to him, his bloodied hands that shed the lives of many. Yet, Baicheng told him that those people deserved it. The man told him countless times that it was merely revenge, that Fei Qianchi was avenging him and his mother.
These words brought about a scary relief in him. Fei Qianchi sunk into them, all the while, his mind was also confused. For in that second, Baicheng’s eyes held a dark light within them, soon disappearing.
Baicheng was different. The man could be more playful and free, while other times, he was more silent and reserved, maybe even cold. When Fei Qianchi first brought this up, the man merely laughed and said that it was a normal occurrence. He said that it had something to with the way his eyes would flicker between red and blue at times. Fei Qianchi didn’t ask anymore after that.
Fei Qianchi brought up his hand, rubbing his temple.
“Let us put this meeting to an end. I know that each of us have our own personal matters that we need to tend to too.” Su Fuwen raised a hand, his red eyes glancing around the table. There was a light smile on his lips, even as his eyes glinted.
Hearing Su Fuwen’s words, noises of agreement echoed out.
The place chosen for this meeting was well-protected. It was not hidden nor secluded but it was layered with seals and arrays, protecting the place from any intruders.
As Fei Qianchi stood up, he wasn’t even able to push his chair away before Su Fuwen called for him. Everyone was already leaving, yet Su Fuwen called for him.
Fei Qianchi looked towards the man walking towards him. The man had very elegant features that were both soft and gentle, not as harsh and accentuated as Fei Qianchi’s features.
“Immortal Fei.” Su Fuwen called out as he walked towards them, holding his horsetail whisk in his arm. The man had a small smile on his lips that did not meet his eyes, even Fei Qianchi noticed this.
“Sect Leader,” Fei Qianchi greeted. Off to the side, Zhu Longwang furrowed his brows but also called out too.
“Sect Leader,” Zhu Longwang repeated after Fei Qianchi. His face was cold, his voice holding no emotions. The man’s purple eyes continued to glance between Fei Qianchi and Su Fuwen, as if he was contemplating.
Su Fuwen walked towards them, his steps gentle. The man obviously had no wrongs, yet, Fei Qianchi couldn’t help but keep his distance.
Even on the rare times that they met, Fei Qianchi was unable to shake the tingling feelings in his heart. Though centuries have passed, Fei Qianchi still avoided Su Fuwen if he could.
“Immortal Zhu, if you don’t mind, can I speak to Immortal Fei for a moment?” Su Fuwen asked, standing in front of the two.
Fei Qianchi’s expression didn’t change as he heard these words, but there was a deep thudding in his heart.
Fei Qianchi discreetly glanced at Zhu Longwang who furrowed his brows. The man glanced at him for a short second before he turned back to Su Fuwen.
“Of course, I will step away for a moment.” Zhu Longwang could only step out. No matter what, Su Fuwen was still the Sect Leader of Fushui Sect.
Hearing this reply, Su Fuwen’s smile widened. He carefully watched as Zhu Longwang looked towards Fei Qianchi, the man slowly stepping away. The doors closed with a heavy thud.
“Sect Leader, was there something you needed me for?” Fei Qianchi asked. There was a biting remark in his sentence that stunned him. Recently, he found it hard to control his feelings. The longer he spent away from Baicheng, the more his emotions spiraled from his control.
Su Fuwen seemingly didn’t noticed as he merely sat down, elegantly fixing his robe. “Please take a seat first, Immortal Fei.” He pointed down towards the chairs.
Fei Qianchi felt that something was off. But, as he couldn’t make himself appear too suspicious, he could only nod as he sat down. Blue eyes looking up, Fei Qianchi stared towards Su Fuwen, who was sitting down without a ripple in his expression. There was a tingle running down Fei Qianchi’s back. The longer he stared at Su Fuwen, it was as if there was an energy interfering with the flow of his Qi.
Fei Qianchi remained silent, waiting for Su Fuwen to speak up first.
“Immortal Fei, I heard that you’ve recently been acquainted with a young man.” Su Fuwen looked up, his red eyes glaring towards Fei Qianchi even as a smile remained on his lips.
Fei Qianchi felt a strong energy coming from Su Fuwen, pushing down on him. He gritted his teeth. No matter what, Su Fuwen was much stronger than him. Though they were both immortals, there was a large disparity between them.
“I have. I wonder how the Sect Leader was able to acquire such information?” Not cowering back, Fei Qianchi bit back. Though he was not as strong as Su Fuwen, he was not someone who could be easily bullied around. Baicheng taught him to have a backbone, to seek comfort in the other side of him that remained dormant.
Su Fuwen broke into a brighter smile. “There’s been a lot of rumors spreading around. I recently heard that you even have the intention to make that man your Dao Companion.”
Hearing this, Fei Qianchi thought about it. Although Baicheng and him were close, they hadn’t gone that far yet. The two hadn’t even had their first kiss. To mention Dao Companion was a far thought.
“No, we are merely in a close relationship at the moment. A Dao Companion is a serious matter. I haven’t thought about that yet.” Fei Qianchi didn’t hide his thoughts about this. He would have expected some rumors to have spread, thus, he wasn’t too surprised. Rather, he was more wary about what Su Fuwen was trying to pry out of him.
Su Fuwen blinked, his red pupils continued to remind Fei Qianchi of Baicheng.
“I see. Then you may leave first.” Su Fuwen didn’t continue, merely smiling as he dismissed Fei Qianchi.
Fei Qianchi didn’t stay any longer. He immediately stood up once Su Fuwen said this. He headed for the doors. As he stepped away from the hall, he heard Su Fuwen’s voice in a low whisper.
“Not yet. It isn’t the right time. Your side has not been finalized yet.”
Hearing this, Fei Qianchi furrowed his brows. Who was he speaking to? But, Fei Qianchi didn’t look back as he closed the doors.
For some reason, there was a seed of doubt appearing in his heart.
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I kind of like their history more than previous arcs.. 😙