Chapter 47: All Black

Shen Qingqiu was heartbroken.

The reason he was so terrified was not because he had just escaped from Luo Binghe's clutches, but because, in that instant, he seemed to hear a familiar voice.

A voice with a stereotypical, mechanical quality, like Google Translate.

Holy crap!

What happened to the promise that the replaced hardware wouldn't carry viruses?!

What happened to the promise to turn over a new leaf, to live a life of boundless freedom and adventure?!

Shen Qingqiu, like a thief burying his head in the sand, covered his ears and sped from the Demon Realm into the Human Realm, racing all the way from the desolate mountains back to the border. The sound kept echoing in his mind, as if it had taken root in his nerves.

[...Activate...Activate...Soul Binding...]

[...Repair...Contact customer service...]

Because it was a soul bond, it was reactivated after meeting Luo Binghe, right?

Because the body has been replaced, there is a problem with the connection. You need to contact customer service for repair, right?

The male lead is truly his destined nemesis!

Shen Qingqiu cursed all the way, but thankfully the system, aside from half-deadly repeating those few keywords, at least didn't manage to utter complete sentences. Only then did he slow down and slowly walk back to town.

The border town seemed more lively during the day than at night. It wasn't exactly bustling, but the streets were neither wide nor narrow, and there were just the right number of pedestrians. Once all the shops were open, it could be considered quite prosperous.

Beside the teahouse, with its banners fluttering, a young couple, swords in hand, walked over and asked, "Why haven't you returned to the Azure Sky Mountain Sect yet?"

Liu Mingyan gave him a slight bow. Yang Yixuan hurriedly said, "Don't send any disciples back. Now that we see that Senior is out of danger, we can rest assured."

Shen Qingqiu entered the teahouse with them and found a table to sit at. Someone nearby, who had been chatting idly, glanced at him and exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, it's...it's..."

Shen Qingqiu turned around and saw the few disciples he had saved that night when he crawled out of the ground. The first one who saw him stammered and couldn't speak, so Lu Liu quickly said, "So it's Master Jueshi...!"

He said two words after “peerless,” but they sounded extremely indistinct, as if they were mumbled under his tongue. The others quickly followed suit, saying, “So it’s peerless… senior!”

Shen Qingqiu nodded to them, determined to find a higher rank. There was no time to lose!

Yang Yixuan asked blankly, "Senior, is your surname Huang? Huanghua? Guanghua?"

Shen Qingqiu coughed twice and mumbled, "Well... that's it."

This is the first time in all these years that he's felt a little ashamed. He straightened up slightly and said, "Last night, disciples from all the sects saw me in the Crimson Cloud Cave. Although it's impossible to hide it now, if others ask me, you should say as little as possible. If you can keep quiet about it, that would be best."

Yang Yixuan asked, "Why? Senior, aren't you familiar with my master?"

"Uh, we are quite familiar..."

Shen Qingqiu was at a loss for words when the conversation at the next table continued. Someone, spitting out sunflower seed shells, said, "Sixth Brother, why don't you continue? What's the other explanation?"

Lu Liudao said, "Speaking of this other explanation, that's much more interesting. This theory seems to have originated from insiders, and it involves Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu..."

Upon hearing those two names, Shen Qingqiu's heart skipped a beat. He involuntarily straightened his back, pricked up his ears to listen, and slowed the fan he was waving. The two from the Cangqiong Mountain Sect also couldn't help but glance at him.

Lu Liu took a sip of tea and said, "Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu are master and disciple, right? Luo Binghe comes from a poor family and has suffered a lot of hardships since childhood. After joining the Cangqiong Mountain Sect, he was not appreciated for a period of time and was suppressed and bullied by his fellow disciples. Fortunately, Shen Qingqiu treated him very kindly."

He spoke with a swaying head and dramatic intonation, holding a pear wood in his hand, making him no different from a storyteller. Shen Qingqiu nodded secretly: That's right, before kicking Luo Binghe down, he considered himself to have a pretty good conscience towards him.

Yang Yixuan snorted and said, "What's the use of being close to him?"

Some people asked in surprise, "Doesn't this contradict the rumors that Shen Qingqiu abused his disciples?"

Lu Liudao: "You're surprised by this? What about the later part that says the master and disciple spend every day together and develop feelings for each other? What are you going to do then?"

The three people at the table had already taken a sip of tea when they heard this, and Shen Qingqiu and Yang Yixuan both spat it out. Although Liu Mingyan didn't spit it out, her hand trembled, and her teacup tilted, spilling tea all over the table.

Gasps of surprise rose and fell from the table: "There's such a saying?!"

Lu Liudao: "That's right. However, strictly speaking, it was Luo Binghe who harbored wicked thoughts towards Shen Qingqiu and it was wishful thinking on his part."

Wishful thinking? Wishful thinking?!

"Who is Shen Qingqiu? He's the peak master of Qingjing Peak. What's the path of Qingjing Peak? They're known for their purity of heart and few desires, focusing solely on the cultivation of the Absorption Classic. Luo Binghe couldn't have him, which is why his love turned to hatred!"

Shen Qingqiu's forehead and the back of his hands bulged with veins.

Yang Yixuan exclaimed in shock, "Because...because of love turning into hatred?"

Lu Liu continued, "In that case, it's very easy to explain. The matter of the Immortal Alliance Conference must be like this:"

"Luo Binghe fought as the top disciple of Qingjing Peak and achieved remarkable results, which gave him confidence. Just then, the demons went out of control and the barrier sealed the mountain. Shen Qingqiu went into Juedi Valley to provide support. Luo Binghe was momentarily blinded by greed and took the opportunity to express his feelings to his master."

Shen Qingqiu clutched his forehead in anguish.

Why is it that I always feel like this person is right about nine out of ten things they say, but the last one just sounds so strange?

And it was this one sentence that made the whole paragraph feel strange!

Lu Liu solemnly replied, "Shen Qingqiu is of high moral character and will naturally refuse with a firm refusal."

Shen Qingqiu was moved. He never expected that the phrase "self-disciplined and clean-living" would still be used to describe him today.

Immediately afterwards, the plot took a sharp turn, and Lu Liu excitedly said, "Who knew that after being rejected, Luo Binghe, in despair, harbored evil intentions and became so heartless and rebellious that he tried to force Shen Qingqiu to submit to him!"

Shen Qingqiu ran her fingers through her messy hair and buried her head deeply.

Yang Yixuan was speechless; the boy had just had the door to a new world opened to him and was still reeling from the shock. Liu Mingyan let out a soft "Ah."

She said, "I see."

Oh, I see! What do you mean?!?!

Which "this" is it?!?!

Don't think that just because you're the female lead I won't criticize you!

Before they knew it, Lu Liu's table had been filled with a crowd of onlookers eager to hear the gossip. Sunflower seeds and stools were scattered all over the floor, and everyone was completely engrossed. Then, they all exclaimed in unison, "What a beast!"

"They're worse than animals!"

The sighs, however, were filled with immense satisfaction.

Brother, are you the captain of the border patrol squad or the captain of the gossip squad?!

Lu Liu slammed his teacup down as if striking a gavel.

"Shen Qingqiu refused to yield! In the battle between master and disciple, the master was still the better one. Luo Binghe was defeated and left in dejection."

"Although the relationship had been strained, Shen Qingqiu still couldn't bear to ruin his beloved disciple's reputation. He didn't want to say it outright, so he just used the excuse that Luo Binghe had died at the hands of the demons."

"So, this is the truth behind Luo Binghe's disappearance for several years after the Immortal Alliance Conference, his survival but his refusal to return to the Cangqiong Mountain Sect."

"It's not that he doesn't want to see him, it's that he's too ashamed to face his master!"

What an intense plot!

Who are these two rapists and the innocent, saintly woman?!

The key issue is that he didn't even manage to force himself on her, which is incredibly frustrating. How could this possibly be Luo Binghe! If he wanted to force himself on someone, they would obediently open their legs, okay?!

Lu Liudao: "After his heartbreak at the Immortal Alliance Conference, Luo Binghe had another extraordinary encounter, mastered unparalleled martial arts, and even gained the favor of the Palace Master of the Illusion Flower Palace. However, he was still not giving up on Shen Qingqiu and made a comeback, which led to the upheaval in Jinlan City."

"Didn't the Cangqiong Mountain Sect insist that Luo Binghe was a demon? I don't think it's entirely unfounded. They probably discovered some clues that he colluded with the demons and slandered Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu is high and mighty, and Luo Binghe is beneath his notice, so he wants to bring Shen Qingqiu down and strip him of his arrogance!"

...Shen Qingqiu didn't know what she had given up, but in short, she suddenly felt a sense of ease, and didn't want to hear or care about anything anymore.

He said to the other two people in a friendly manner, "Let's order."

Lu Liu turned around and said, "Peerless... Sir, this table is on my tab."

Then turn back and continue to feel heartbroken.

"Luo Binghe tried every possible means to imprison Shen Qingqiu in the water dungeon of the Illusion Flower Palace. What kind of place is the Illusion Flower Palace? He had long since turned his hand to control it and brought it into his possession. It was said that he was temporarily detaining Shen Qingqiu to await the joint trial of the four sects, but it was no different from throwing a lamb to the wolves. During the days he was imprisoned in the water dungeon, Shen Qingqiu was bound by the Immortal Binding Rope and lost all his spiritual power. Who knows what this traitorous disciple did to him?!"

The crowd, varying in their opinions, clicked their tongues in disapproval: "Truly a traitor—"

"Raising a tiger will only bring trouble."

Shen Qingqiu tossed the menu aside: "How about we go somewhere else?"

Lu Liudao said, "Shen Qingqiu, unable to bear the humiliation, risked his life to escape, only to be intercepted in Huayue City by Luo Binghe's wanted poster. He had no choice but to ask the Hundred Battles Peak Master for help. The entire Cangqiong Mountain Sect was of one mind, and Liu Qingge naturally agreed."

"Luo Binghe was narrow-minded and extremely jealous. He fought Liu Qingge fiercely and was about to kill her. Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to self-destruct on the spot... and from then on..."

He didn't continue, leaving a meaningful blank, which drew sighs from everyone.

Finally, Lu Liucai concluded: "This is another explanation that is more widely circulated in private. Although it sounds extremely absurd, simply nonsense, many of its details are verifiable. Gentlemen, remember, unofficial history is the true history."

The details are completely unreliable!!!

Official history my ass!!!

Go to hell, go to hell!

Even if I'm miserable and don't have any girls, I'm not so low as to have to be gay!

Seeing that Yang and Liu were still in a daze, Shen Qingqiu scolded, "Eat quickly, and go back as soon as you're done!"

If I stay here a little longer, who knows what kind of impact my worldview, values, and outlook on life will have on me!

Escorting the two away from the border region, Shen Qingqiu chose a direction opposite to theirs.

As the moon rose high in the sky, his ears, with exceptional sensitivity, caught a faint, ghostly bell sound.

Shen Qingqiu said without turning his head, "You really are a persistent ghost."

Having her whereabouts exposed, Sha Hualing decided not to hide any longer and walked out openly, her red veil draped over her arm, and said with a smile, "You are so attentive to those two people. What is your connection with the Cangqiong Mountain Sect?"

Shen Qingqiu turned around, shook his finger, and said, "I won't fight you, and you shouldn't even think about messing with me."

Given Sahara's current abilities, she can't possibly make a move on him.

Sha Hualing smiled strangely: "Trying to escape now? Too late."

Shen Qingqiu was just about to give her a little scare when he suddenly felt a jolt.

A familiar yet terrifying sensation spread from my lower abdomen, as if a centipede were crawling through my heart, liver, lungs, and abdomen.

Shen Qingqiu's legs went weak for a moment, but he still managed to stand firm.

He gritted his teeth and said, "...When did you give me the food?"

Sha Hualing said flippantly, "Was the food and wine in town good today? I'm glad you ate it. If you had thought you were too high up and refused to eat, I would have had a real headache."

Damn, I was too careless!

She circled around Shen Qingqiu, beaming with pride: "Do you know what's inside your body right now? This isn't just any ordinary poison."

...Nonsense! I know it better than you. I've eaten the Heavenly Demon Blood twice, twice!

Generally, it's a case of dying every time you eat it. Whoever wins the lottery more times than me!

Apart from the original owner, no one else can control the blood of the Heavenly Demon, and at this moment the blood worms are all stirring inside his body, which can only mean one thing.

Sha Hualing suddenly bowed to Shen Qingqiu's side and said, "Having received your blood, I have not failed in my duty and have captured this person."

Shen Qingqiu turned around stiffly.

A black, lightning-like rift was cleaved through the air, and it is slowly closing.

A tall, slender figure stood behind him. When Shen Qingqiu turned around, he came face to face with him.

Luo Binghe looked down at him from his high position without any expression, but when Shen Qingqiu was illuminated by his two cold gazes, he felt that no matter how much he tried to hide it, he would be exposed, let alone just having an extra layer of beard.

Shen Qingqiu swallowed hard.

In the past, Luo Binghe was like the warm sun shining on the first snow. Even in Jinlan City and the Water Prison, there was still a trace of humanity. But this young man, whether in his face or his expression, was like a snow-covered glacier frozen for thousands of years, reaching the core of the earth, making people tremble with fear.

Luo Binghe... has completely changed.

He remained silent for a long while.

At first, Luo Binghe's expression showed confusion for a moment, which made his face look slightly softer. This softness quickly vanished.

Luo Binghe's pupils contracted sharply, and a red line appeared on his forehead.

Without him even moving his sleeve, Sha Hualing was suddenly suspended in mid-air, as if an invisible hand was grabbing her by the neck, and she coughed painfully.

At the same time, the drop of Heavenly Demon Blood in Shen Qingqiu's internal organs frantically split into countless strands, drilling in and out, and cold sweat soaked his back.

Luo Binghe said lightly, "You've got some nerve."

Although his tone was soft, anyone could sense the rage lurking beneath it.

"Quite bold?" Are you referring to him, or to Sahara Rin?

Luo Binghe didn't seem to recognize him.

Although this face still resembles Shen Qingqiu, it also bears a resemblance to Shen Yuan. With Luo Binghe's keen observation skills, he could easily discern the subtle differences even through a beard. It seems they mistook him for someone who looks similar.

But it's also terrible if you don't recognize someone!

My period cramps are so bad I can't stop!

For some reason, Luo Binghe suddenly became furious. While struggling, she stared at Shen Qingqiu with teary eyes for a while, and then suddenly showed an expression as if she had seen a ghost.

She cried out in alarm, "...This subordinate knew nothing of this matter; it was all a coincidence! Your Majesty, please spare my life! This time, I truly did not do it!"

Shen Qingqiu was baffled by the current situation. How did Sha Hualing end up like this? She should have been one of the most favored female characters in the harem.

Saharei, however, was inwardly groaning.

Because she has a criminal record.

Since being taken under Luo Binghe's wing, she had seen him spending his days staring at a corpse, seemingly for no apparent reason. Yet, in his self-righteous cleverness, he found someone in the human realm who bore a five-tenths resemblance to Shen Qingqiu, and with a few minor modifications, achieved a perfect resemblance—a masterpiece of craftsmanship. She presented this replica to Luo Binghe.

As a result, not only did she fail to win Luo Binghe's favor, but she also enraged him, nearly causing him to slaughter the entire Crimson Cloud Cave.

Sha Hualing will never forget, and never wants to see Luo Binghe's expression again.

Unexpectedly, this person bore an 80% resemblance to the dead man.

This undoubtedly violated Luo Binghe's biggest taboo!

Author's Note: Thank you to Li Ye, Unreliable Pig, Shadow, Balai, A Liang, Huayang Contractor, Night Love, Foodie 0730, Ximen Chicken Wings 3, Tomorrow's Final Exam, orli, Xi, BBingray, Chestnut Fried Rice, Ling Qianbai, Bao Mibai, Bi'an Jun, Fuwang, Guo Xiaoyuan, Love Talent but No Talent, and Hui Nantian Gn's Landmine!

Yes, Luo Binghe has turned dark.

Why do I have to manually review comments all the time lately?