Midnight Bell 1

Leaving Anling and heading west for another seven or eight li, you will reach Youheng Mountain, the location of the Demonic Sect.

A hundred years ago, after the Xingfeng Rebellion, Grandmaster Xie Mowen led the remnants of the Demonic Cult away from the Central Plains and retreated to Youheng Mountain, where the Demonic Cult had a hundred years to recuperate.

At this time, there was still more than a month before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xie Mowen's plan was to first return to Youheng Mountain to handle the secular affairs of the sect and arrange for the sect members to go to Anling in batches before heading to Anling.

Xiao Congzhi naturally went up Youheng Mountain with him. His status was not as exaggerated as Xie Mowen's in Yidu. He was just a wandering knight-errant.

"Including the cooks and others, the Demonic Cult has a total of 672 members. Above them are the Left and Right Protectors and the Ten Elders, and below them are five departments on each side, each with its own duties." Xie Mowen stood at the foot of the mountain gate and gave Xiao Congzhi a general introduction.

Xiao Congzhi had not expected that the Demonic Sect had so many followers, guessing that it had been slowly developing in the area outside the Great Wall in recent years.

Xie Mowen saw through Xiao Congzhi's thoughts and explained, "Most of them are disciples and descendants of the sect members from a hundred years ago, as well as those who came here seeking refuge after being driven to desperation in the Central Plains."

"Will they all be moved to Anling at that time?"

"We only plan to relocate a portion around the Mid-Autumn Festival, and then gradually move on to the rest."

Xiao Congzhi felt that this arrangement was quite appropriate, after all, whether the Demonic Sect would bring panic to the Central Plains martial arts world again needed time to prove.

Xie Mowen: "We won't be staying at Youheng Mountain for too long, but I'm afraid I'll be very busy these next few days."

Xiao Congzhi nodded sympathetically, after all, Xie Mowen's position in the Demonic Sect was not as important as his position in the imperial court, and said, "Then I'll take a few days off."

Xie Mowen understood what Xiao Congzhi wanted to rest, and while massaging Xiao Congzhi's waist, he said, "It's alright, you can still come to satisfy His Majesty tonight."

Xiao Congzhi shook off Xie Mowen's hand, walked up a few steps, and turned back with a smile: "There's no need to go through all that trouble."

Xie Mowen followed Xiao Congzhi up the mountain and retorted, "It's not hard work at all. It's my honor to be able to relieve Your Majesty's worries."

As they continued their banter, the two reached the halfway point of the mountain and simultaneously noticed that someone was walking down the mountain.

"This internal energy must belong to the Right Protector of my Demonic Sect. During the time I am not in the Demonic Sect, he handles all the affairs of the sect, big and small."

Xiao Congzhi asked, "With the Right Protector in charge and the Left Protector absent, are you at ease?"

“The two of them grew up with me, so I can trust them.”

In a few words, the Right Protector appeared in their sight. The newcomer was tall and slender, with handsome features, a healthy wheat-colored complexion, and a sunny and vigorous appearance. He wore the black robe with red trim that was uniformly worn by the Demonic Sect.

Upon seeing Xiao Congzhi, the man was clearly taken aback before turning to bow to Xie Mowen.

"This is my good friend whom I met in the martial world, Xiao Congzhi." After saying that, Xie Mowen continued to Xiao Congzhi, "This is Xi Haojun, the Right Protector of my Demonic Sect. If you can't find me these days, go to him."

Upon hearing this, Xi Haojun's surprise deepened, but when his gaze fell on Xiao Congzhi, it vanished completely.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Xiao."

Xiao Congzhi nodded and politely replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

After exchanging greetings, Xi Haojun told Xie Mowen his purpose: "I figured you would arrive today, so I was waiting for you at the mountain gate."

"But what's going on in the church?"

Xi Haojun glanced at Xiao Congzhi out of the corner of his eye, seeing that the cult leader was so unreserved and unpretentious: "We can't come up with a plan to relocate the cult members."

Xie Mowen frowned slightly. With over six hundred people entering the Central Plains, the order and manner of their journeys were all matters of importance. He knew there would be problems, which is why he rushed back at this moment.

"Understood, I'll go to the council chamber in a bit."

With that, the three quickened their pace up the mountain.

Xi Haojun walked in front, while Xie Mowen accompanied Xiao Congzhi behind.

The atmosphere was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind. Xiao Congzhi had a question in his mind, so he silently moved closer, took Xie Mowen's hand, and began to write in his palm.

Why was he so surprised when he saw me?

"At this critical juncture, I shouldn't bring others up Youheng Mountain." Xie Mowen gestured in Xiao Congzhi's palm, mimicking the gesture.

Xiao Congzhi figured out the key point and winked at Xie Mowen, as if to say, "Did I cause any trouble by coming along?"

Xie Mowen smiled and shook Xiao Congzhi's hand, writing: "You are no stranger, it's alright."

A sly glint flashed in Xiao Congzhi's eyes as he wrote, "Then where will you arrange for me to stay?"

Xie Mowen then realized that he had forgotten to consider this matter. In his heart, Xiao Congzhi had always been his lover, but it was not appropriate to tell the followers this rashly. If he did, would he be unable to sleep in the same room with Xiao Congzhi?

Turning his head, Xie Mowen saw that Xiao Congzhi was still smiling. He was helpless. Xi Haojun was walking in front, and he dared not do anything.

Finally reaching the summit, they arrived at the Weiyang Palace, the residence of the Demonic Cult deep within Youheng Mountain.

Xi Haojun spoke first, asking about Xiao Congzhi's resettlement.

Xie Mowen sighed inwardly, but remained calm on the surface, saying, "Just prepare a place near my courtyard."

He turned to Xiao Congzhi and feigned politeness: "Everything in Weiyang Palace is simple and unadorned, Brother Xiao, please don't mind."

"Not at all, thank you for your courtesy, Master Xie." Xiao Congzhi was even more unabashed in his insincerity.

After entering Weiyang Palace, Xi Haojun summoned someone to entertain Xiao Congzhi, and then urged Xie Mowen to hurry to the council hall.

As for the look Xie Mowen gave Xiao Congzhi before leaving, based on Xiao Congzhi's understanding of Xie Mowen, that look was probably one of venting and complaining.

Pretentious.

Xiao Congzhi happily followed the followers that Xi Haojun had found. The followers were also very curious as to why the leader would bring martial arts figures from the Central Plains to Youheng Mountain at a time when the Demonic Sect was returning to the Central Plains.

However, the follower was of low status and dared not ask a single question throughout the entire process, relying solely on his darting eyes to express his curiosity.

He led Xiao Congzhi to a courtyard and said in a low voice, "This place is usually cleaned. I'll find someone to tidy it up again in a bit. Young hero, please take on more responsibility."

"It's alright."

The accommodation arranged by Xi Haojun was not large, but it was very clean and fully equipped. Xiao Congzhi strolled around like a cat surveying its territory. Afterwards, he put down his meager luggage, set out the tea set, brewed tea, and drank it with great contentment.

The tea was delivered by a taciturn and timid member of the church who jogged over.

Although the Demonic Sect has more than 600 members, they only encountered a few people along the way, and they were all in a hurry. It seems that the time for them to move to the Central Plains is approaching. Every cool breeze on Youheng Mountain is tense.

Xiao Congzhi stared at the floating tea leaves and sighed softly. Slowly... he put down his teacup, and before he knew it, a long time had passed, and the tea was almost completely cold.

Xiao Congzhi looked out the window as the moonlight gradually rose, and he wondered once again if his visit to Youheng Mountain at this juncture had caused any disturbance.

"Fine," Xiao Congzhi stood up. "It's better to bother them than to cause trouble for Xie Mowen in the capital." With that thought, Xiao Congzhi walked out of the courtyard and decided to explore the Demonic Sect's lair—Weiyang Palace.

Weiyang means endless. In previous dynasties, emperors used these two characters to name their imperial palaces. Now, however, the Demonic Sect has taken it and used it. I wonder who dared to do that.

While letting his mind wander aimlessly, Xiao Congzhi also wandered around aimlessly, hiding whenever he heard a noise, thus experiencing what it's like to be a thief.

When they reached a rockery, Xiao Congzhi heard Xie Mowen's voice. He paused, and using the rockery as cover, he peeked out towards the direction of the voice.

It was a small building, about seven or eight meters high, built in a very grand style, with six or seven people guarding it from the outside.

This must be the council hall, Xiao Congzhi thought.

Relying on his exceptional lightness skills, Xiao Congzhi bypassed the guards, quietly climbed onto the roof from the side, and then secretly moved a tile following the sound.

Bathed in the light shining from inside the council hall, Xiao Congzhi curled the corners of his lips, leaned over the eaves, and leisurely eavesdropped.

Besides Xie Mowen and Xi Haojun, there were ten other people in the hall, who should be the ten elders. Most of them looked young, except for two whose hair color indicated they were over fifty.

Although Xi Haojun looked anxious when he came to invite Xie Mowen, the atmosphere of the discussion was quite mild with Xie Mowen sitting at the head of the table. Xiao Congzhi felt that it was much better than when he was surrounded by a group of people chattering away during court sessions.

Xi Haojun: "So, shall we proceed with this plan for now?"

"Hmm." Xie Mowen didn't waste any more words, raised his hand to indicate that the topic could end, "I will go to Anling in three days."

"So eager?"

"I received news from the Left Protector that the Martial Alliance left Xiacheng the day before yesterday. I should go and oversee the various arrangements as soon as possible."

Xi Haojun nodded seriously, "Should we have A-Lan and the others come along again this time?"

“Isn’t that inappropriate?” The man who spoke, sitting opposite Xi Haojun, had a white beard and looked like a wise and sage. “This trip is not like the one in Xiacheng. Many arrangements are made here, and if one thing is done, it will affect the whole situation. A-Lan is still relatively inexperienced.”

"Oh? Does Elder Qingfeng mean to say that Xiaohua's branch is more experienced than yours?" The one who spoke aggressively and sarcastically was a young woman sitting next to Xi Haojun.

Elder Qingfeng lightly tapped the table, glancing at the person at the head of the table out of the corner of his eye, and quickly added, "I didn't say that!"

"Hey! They're arguing!" Xiao Congzhi became interested. He guessed that Xiaohua was a force under Qingfeng, and that A'lan was that woman's subordinate. He vaguely remembered that Xie Mowen had used A'lan when he was in Xiacheng.

As expected of a demonic sect, it's not a pure pool of water either.

But the conflict that Xiao Congzhi had expected did not escalate. Xie Mowen coughed lightly, and everyone fell silent. Elder Qingfeng, who had spoken first, secretly glanced at Xie Mowen's expression and even broke out in a cold sweat.

Xie Mowen was completely different when he was in the Demonic Sect compared to when he was traveling in the martial world. There was no longer a trace of a smile on his face. His eyes were very deep, with dark clouds pressing down on them, making them strange and profound. Every gesture he made concealed a fierce look. The pressure of a superior was overwhelming, making people dare not make any moves.

"No one needs to follow. I will go first in three days, and the rest of you will come according to the plan."

"What if something goes wrong if the sect leader goes alone?"

“No, I made a friend on this trip, and he will be traveling with me.” At this point, a barely perceptible smile finally appeared on Xie Mowen’s face. He subtly tilted his head and glanced towards the rooftop.

Xiao Congzhi: ... He didn't really expect to avoid being discovered.

"Speaking of which, I heard from the Right Protector that you brought someone with you today when you returned to Islam?"

"It's him."

"Master, I have spoken too much. At such a critical moment, you really shouldn't have brought outsiders into the mountains."

“Yes,” someone immediately chimed in. “They’re from the Central Plains, martial arts practitioners. It’s not that we don’t trust the leader’s judgment, but what if they’re spies planted by the Central Plains martial arts world?”

"The fact that the Left Protector was able to hide so perfectly within the Martial Alliance shows that the risks of having spies and undercover agents cannot be ignored."

"What are you saying? The cult leader brought them here personally, what problem could there be?"

"It's better to be safe than sorry. Our plan cannot be leaked in the slightest. What if this person is lying on the roof and overheard everything?"

“That’s right. There’s a shortage of manpower within the sect right now, and not many people are available for patrols and surveillance. If the sect leader had given us a day’s notice, we could have made some preparations.”

"Are you questioning the cult leader? If someone is eavesdropping on the roof, do you think the cult leader would be completely unaware?"

Xie Mowen: ...

Xiao Congzhi: ……

Now Xie Mowen can only pray that the roof of the council hall is sturdy enough, otherwise Xiao Congzhi will be unable to clear his name even if he jumps into the Chuan River, and his reputation will be ruined in the process.

"Crack..."

Unfortunately, what you fear most in this world comes to pass. Xiao Congzhi didn't even move, and suddenly more than a dozen tiles all fell down.

Everything happened in an instant, yet it felt incredibly long. By the time Xiao Congzhi reacted, his surprised handsome face had already been clearly seen by the dozen or so people below.

After a terrifying silence, Elder Qingfeng stammered, "This...this could be that martial arts figure?"

Xiao Congzhi immediately used his lightness skill to escape.

"Chase...chase?"

"Chase them!"

"teach...master"

Xie Mowen closed his eyes tightly, rubbed his forehead, and waved his hand weakly, "Chase."

Xi Haojun hesitated, and only after everyone had left did he tentatively ask, "Master, are we really going to pursue them?"

Xie Mowen felt a headache coming on: "Let's chase after them first." He mentally considered whether Xiao Congzhi's martial arts skills offered any hope of escaping Weiyang Palace…

Xi Haojun was still persistent and pressed on, "You really didn't sense this person's presence just now?"

Xie Mowen propped his head up with one hand and remained silent. His relationship with the left and right protectors of the Demonic Sect was different from that with others. They had grown up together since childhood and knew each other inside and out. The key was that when no one else was around, there was no superior-subordinate relationship between them.

Sure enough, Xi Haojun, who was usually respectful and courteous in public, walked up to Xie Mowen, bent down, and tried to discern Xie Mowen's expression.

Xie Mowen rolled his eyes in exasperation, reached out and shoved the person out, saying irritably, "You go too."

Xi Haojun smiled and asked with amusement, "What if we accidentally hurt someone if you don't give us a heads-up?"

Xie Mowen snorted coldly: "Although it won't be easy for him to escape, it won't be easy for you to hurt him either."

"You really won't tell?"

"..." Xie Mowen pursed his lips and lowered his voice, "Your sister-in-law."

"You're talking nonsense, I'm older than you!" Xi Haojun only realized what Xie Mowen meant after he finished cursing, and stared at him in horror with wide eyes.

Xie Mowen blinked innocently.

Xi Haojun gasped, turned and rushed outside, not forgetting to add, "How can you still sit there! Those are the ten elders of the Demonic Sect!"

When Xie Mowen saw Xiao Cong again in the dungeon, he had regained his composure. In front of several elders, he cleared his throat in a pretentious manner and asked in a deep voice, "What is your purpose?"

Xi Haojun, who was standing a few steps behind Xie Mowen, quickly raised his hand to cover his mouth when he heard this. He was afraid that he would burst out laughing.

And you even ask what the purpose is? Hahahaha, shouldn't you be grabbing him by the neck and asking who the mastermind is? When did Xie Mowen become so gentle? Hahahaha.

Regardless of Xi Haojun's inner turmoil, Xie Mowen also thought the question was a bit silly, but since the words were already out, it was up to Xiao Congzhi to perform.

Xiao Congzhi wiped away the two drops of blood that had seeped from the corner of his mouth and replied calmly, "If I said it was out of curiosity, would you believe me?"

"Nonsense!" Before Xie Mowen could say anything, an elder pointed at Xiao Congzhi and shouted, then turned to Xie Mowen, his voice filled with anguish, "Master, this man's movements are superb, his whereabouts are mysterious, and he has injured several people. He is absolutely not to be trusted!"

Hearing this, Xie Mowen wanted to facepalm again, but he managed to hold back. He turned slightly to look at Xi Haojun and coldly ordered, "I'm tired. I'll leave this to you."

Xi Haojun accepted the order with a straight face and respectfully saw everyone off.

After leaving the dungeon, the elders suggested discussing the plan again, but Xie Mowen declined. He walked a few steps forward and then circled back into the dungeon to find his troublesome emperor.

The two stared at each other through the iron gate. After a long while, Xie Mowen said with exasperation, "What were you doing on that roof?!"

Xiao Congzhi pouted, unconvinced: "I'm really curious, who could have predicted that the tile would be so flimsy!"

"That building is almost two hundred years old; it can't withstand being torn down!"

"..." Xiao Congzhi was speechless. He felt guilty no matter what, so he turned his head away and refused to look at Xie Mowen.

Xie Mowen was extremely helpless. He opened the cell door and walked to Xiao Congzhi's side.

Although the Demonic Sect's dungeon was neither cold nor infested with insects or rodents, the conditions were still harsh. The stone floor was covered with only a thin layer of thatch. Xie Mowen dared to say that even His Majesty, the supreme ruler, had never suffered such hardship.

"Are you injured?" Xie Mowen sat down, pulled Xiao Congzhi into his arms with one hand, and took his wrist to check his pulse with the other.

"No."

"Then where did this blood come from?" Xie Mowen asked, kissing Xiao Congzhi's lips.

"He was just pretending by biting his tongue." Xiao Congzhi pulled Xie Mowen's head away from his face. "I was worried about the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I didn't dare to really hurt your elders. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to escape. I had to pretend to be injured and captured."

Xie Mowen chuckled and kissed her again, saying softly, "Then let me see, don't stop me from kissing you."

Xiao Congzhi finally smiled and patted Xie Mowen's arm: "Stop fooling around, what can you do about this situation?"

"..." Helpless, Xie Mowen stumbled forward and crashed into Xiao Congzhi's arms, pretending to be dead.

“No…” Xiao Congzhi became anxious and tried to pull Xie Mowen away. “This is your territory. Can’t you come up with an excuse?”

Xie Mowen refused to look up, his muffled voice coming from Xiao Congzhi's arms: "The situation is tense right now, and the Demonic Sect is not simple either. This matter is really not simple."

"I have noticed that; the ten elders seem to have different thoughts?"

Xie Mowen nestled in Xiao Congzhi's arms and raised his head slightly, his beautiful eyes shining as he looked at Xiao Congzhi: "As expected of someone who is well-versed in this field."

“Elders like Elder Qingcheng seem to be less obedient to you.”

Xie Mowen nodded, got up from Xiao Congzhi's arms, and explained: "The Demonic Sect has a long history, so it is natural that the power left by the previous leader is not as easy to use as our own. However, the ten elders have no ulterior motives. It is just that this relocation to the Central Plains is of great importance. It is not just my business, but the Demonic Sect's century-long wish. I have a responsibility to ensure that there are no mistakes."

I can tell them that you are the one I've pledged my love to, and that you are someone I trust, but I cannot expect all six hundred members of the Demonic Sect to trust you based on a single, casual remark from me.

Xiao Congzhi understood. Putting himself in Xie Mowen's shoes, he could make the Shadow Clan die for his decision, but he couldn't let the common people take risks because of his choice. Xie Mowen was to the members of the Demonic Sect just as he was to the common people. He sighed softly, "I should be waiting for you in Anling."

"Never mind, I underestimated this matter."

"Then let's take it one step at a time. To be on the safe side, you shouldn't stay here any longer."

Xie Mowen did not respond. He was absolutely unwilling to let Xiao Congzhi spend the night alone in this harsh place.

Xiao Congzhi patted Xie Mowen's arm: "If people find out that you spent the night here, you will be accused of being seduced by me without knowing the consequences. This is not as bad as me neglecting state affairs because of my infatuation with beauty."

"It's alright," Xie Mowen explained hastily, "My position in the Demonic Sect is unshakeable, anyway..."

Xie Mowen's words were interrupted by Xiao Congzhi's kiss. Xiao Congzhi kissed Xie Mowen earnestly, and when he released him, he breathed warmly and coaxed, "Be good."

When it comes to important matters, Xie Mowen couldn't go against Xiao Congzhi's wishes, and in the end, he left reluctantly with a bitter face. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was in jail.