Morning Glow
In the early morning, Yunhua Mountain is filled with a spiritual atmosphere and the clear chirping of birds.
Unlike its usual quiet state, the banks of the Spirit Spring were now filled with a vibrant atmosphere. Yun Shu had already woken up, but he did not get up. He lay on his side, letting his master, Yun Hua, comb his long, white hair that covered the grass, just as he had done when he was a child.
Yunhua always loved to braid his two disciples' hair himself, and even now, with his mind clouded and eyes vacant, he hadn't changed. The destructive demonic power was perfectly contained, leaving only a faint, warm demonic breath that soothed Yunshu's skin, giving her a peculiar sense of comfort. He seemed unusually fond of the feel of fox fur, his ten fingers kneading Yunshu's large ears, pressing them down and then lifting them up again, playing with them with great pleasure.
"Master," Yun Shu chuckled, her ears twitching as she felt tickled, "If you keep combing, Qiuqiu's shed fox fur will bury you."
Yun Hua's mischievous fingers paused, and a trace of confusion and helplessness flashed across her muddled eyes. She immediately withdrew her hand and looked at Yun Shu cautiously as if she had done something wrong.
Wait, that's not what he meant!
Yun Shu quickly stuffed her ears into her master's hands, and wrapped the tip of her tail around her master's arm: "Qiuqiu is just joking. Master combed it so nicely... want to rub here again?"
Yunhua then relaxed, grabbing Yunshu's ears and tail with both hands, sinking into the soft fox fur, and quietly stopped moving.
Laughter came from not far away. It was Yunhe, who had finished her morning exercise and was now carrying a cup of tea. In the morning light, her usually aloof and detached face even showed a hint of tenderness.
Setting down her teacup, she relaxed for once, propping her chin on her hand, and asked, "Master, are you in a good mood today?"
The creature buried in the fox fur poked its head out, took the tea, took a sip, and then said dejectedly, "...It's not wine."
It then sank back into the sea of fox fur, as if it were sulking with someone.
"You just woke up, you're not allowed to drink alcohol." Yunhe solemnly picked up several tails and "fished" for Yunhua in the fluffy sea of fur. "Master, come out quickly... Qiuqiu's tail fur is all tangled."
Upon hearing this, Yun Shu turned her head and saw that her soft fox fur had indeed been braided into several small braids, and her master was holding onto the braids tightly, trying to integrate them into one large braid.
Master... this hobby really hasn't changed at all. Yun Shu shook her head helplessly, raised her hand to stop her senior sister, saying that if it was tied in knots, she could just use magic to untie it, and that it was more important for Master to have fun.
"You really are... you've forgotten when you were little, bound hand and foot by your own tail, rolling around in Wangyue Pavilion whimpering?" Yunhe gave his silly junior brother a light tap on the forehead, but didn't bother Yunhua anymore. Instead, he picked up a bowl of calming soup and went to the pile of tails to coax his master to take his medicine. "Master, how about you come out and drink this first? Once your condition is more stable, Qiuqiu and I will go dig up the thousand-year-old wine under the pear tree and drink to our hearts' content?"
Yun Shu's expression was strange: "The one in front of the mountain?"
"right."
"But that doesn't belong to my second nephew..."
"It's alright, what's mine is mine too. I'll give him a few new medicines later, which will be an equal exchange."
The Second Elder, who was far away in the alchemy room, sneezed for no reason and thought he had caught a cold.
The Demon Realm, the Demon Lord's Bedchamber.
Before Mo Yiheng, the auxiliary medicinal plants planted in the jade basin were growing vigorously, while the "divine" Ember Leaf Orchid beside him was also in its best condition under the nourishment of the demonic flames. After returning to her position as the chief pharmacist in the Demon Realm, Wu Ying had already begun preparing medicines, waiting only for Yun He's order to begin refining the golden elixir that could rebuild Yun Shu's fragile meridians.
"Your Majesty, a report has arrived that the trail of the 'Faceless Man' has gone cold in the Western Regions." Night Asura appeared silently, presenting the latest secret report. "However, judging from the traces of his cultivation technique, the place where he last appeared coincides with the heart of 'Jinran Mountain,' where Immortal Venerable Yunhe and Physician Wuying went. It seems that the 'Faceless Man' is the black shadow that Wuying saw. However... we have very few informants in the Western Regions, and we still do not know his background."
"Mount Ember?"
"Yes. And according to the Jade Guanyin's soul-capturing technique, during the last meeting between the physician and 'Faceless,' he said: 'The most perfect vessel is about to mature.'"
The container… Mo Yiheng’s fingertips unconsciously tapped the throne, his unease growing. He had initially thought the cult’s purpose was to avenge his disciple Liu Qing, but now it seemed that was not the case. The imperial capital of the mortal realm, the demonic abyss, the forbidden land of Yunhua, the Zhu Ming region of the Western Regions… This group’s footprints seemed to be spread across the four seas, laying down some kind of grand network.
Based on what we know so far, all of this points most directly to...
A corner of the throne shattered, and he suddenly stood up, the image of Yun Shu's gentle and pure eyes immediately appearing in his mind.
Soon, this great demon will pass its final tribulation... and after passing the tribulation, Yun Shu will become a wandering immortal mountain god, on par with the Mountain Lord... No, not necessarily. Legend has it that the power of immortals and gods is closely linked to their fiefdoms, and according to Wu Ying, the Mountain Lord's strength in those desolate snowfields is already unfathomable... Yun Shu, who lives near the most prosperous human capital, is originally a member of the immortal mountain Yun Hua, possesses millions of fox spirit temples, and is worshipped by countless people—if he were to become an immortal...
Combined with that cult's method of stealing one's destiny and cultivation...
His suspicions grew clearer. He stood up, flicked his sleeve, and put the Ash Leaf Orchid and the other auxiliary medicines into his sleeve. He ordered in a deep voice, "Send more people from the Western Regions. Do not let any clue slip by. In addition... send people to keep an eye on the Imperial City, Yunhua Immortal Mountain, and Demon Abyss. Make sure to prevent those cult members from infiltrating again."
Night Demon responded calmly to the remaining doubts: "Your Majesty, now that Yunhua has allied with us, there should be no major obstacles at either the Immortal Mountain or the Demon Abyss. However, the location of the Human Emperor... Forgive my bluntness, but Murong Jin is not someone that Yu Guanyin and I can defeat."
Although he has lost Yun Shu forever and is currently only able to prolong his life and govern the world with rare treasures, Murong Jin's foundation of living for a thousand years is still intact. He also has the aura of a true dragon and the protection of the dragon veins and people of the world. If he makes any rash moves, the human and demon races may have to start a war before the truth is found out.
Clearly, Mo Yiheng had also considered this point, which was disadvantageous to the Demon Clan. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Is there any information about Murong Jin's whereabouts recently?"
"According to reports, the Emperor will personally visit Dongling in two days and stay for five days to observe the progress of the Dongling water conservancy construction project."
"Yes. I... will go see him in person." Mo Yiheng suppressed his disgust and added, "Also, prepare gifts immediately. I will be heading to Yunhua Mountain this afternoon."
He went not as a disciple apologizing, but in the name of the Lord of the Demon Realm to pay a visit to Sect Leader Yunhua and discuss joint defense matters. As for the meeting with the Human Supreme Murong Jin... Hmph, to ensure his master's safety and the peace of all realms, he, as the Demon Lord, could temporarily set aside old grudges and wait for the right time to have a fair and square contest with this true dragon emperor.
"Yes." Night Asura disappeared again.
Mo Yiheng remained silent for a while before turning around and heading to the inner bathhouse. He took his most heroic and handsome Demon Lord robe and some fragrant herbs, determined to present his most perfect self to his newly enlightened master, Yun Shu.
His reasons for going up the mountain were grand and respectable, but only he knew that it was nothing more than an unspeakable fear and an uncontrollable anticipation that drove him to personally confirm Yun Shu's safety.
Seeing the Demon Lord's grand procession, Yunhua's side did not obstruct it. On the contrary, the Grand Elder himself came to the mountain gate to greet him, and his attitude was more conciliatory than last time.
He presented the carefully selected, spiritually beneficial treasures of the demonic realm as gifts, his manners impeccable and his words sincere, leaving no room for criticism. He and the sect leader, Yunhe, discussed matters in the hall for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, and thus established preliminary agreements for strengthening information exchange and joint border defense.
The process went more smoothly than expected. Yunhe even praised him more. Before parting, he specifically asked Wuying how things were at the Medicine Platform and whether she had understood the properties of the rare medicine she brought back. The Immortal Venerable and the Demon Venerable had a very pleasant conversation.
As the sun began to set, he took his leave and wandered around, where he "bumped into" Yun Shu, who was sunbathing with Yun Hua by the herb garden.
Under the glow of the setting sun, the White Fox Immortal Lord patiently guided his master, Yunhua, to recall the herbs. He tilted his head slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips, as if enveloped in a soft halo. His eyes and brows carried a hint of compassion, making him seem otherworldly and sacred.
Mo Yiheng's steps froze on the spot, as if someone's hand had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart, making him forget even how to breathe.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, Yun Shu looked at him against the light, a hint of surprise appearing in her glassy eyes: "Heng'er? You've finished discussing things with your senior sister?"
"...Ah!" Realizing his loss of composure, Mo Yiheng quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully. "Disciple greets Grandmaster and Master. Disciple has already discussed the joint defense arrangements with Uncle Master."
He glanced up slightly, intending to check if the other person was alright, but the moment his eyes met Yun Shu's, he was once again stunned by her beauty. It wasn't until Yun Shu frowned in surprise and reached out to check why her disciple was in a daze that he snapped back to reality, softly apologized, and looked away, his ears turning red.
Yunhua merely glanced at him indifferently, offering no comment. Although the power of the demon god still fluctuated slightly due to dissatisfaction, it did not react as intensely as it had upon their first meeting. This Ancestor Yunhua simply held onto Yun Shu's sleeve, then returned his attention to the spiritual herb in his hand, as if tacitly acquiescing to the existence of that "fly."
"You've worked hard." Yun Shu nodded with satisfaction, and gently bent down to arrange his dark hair. "I see you look tired. Is it because you've been working too hard lately? I know the affairs of the Demon Realm are complicated, but you still need to take care of yourself and not ruin your health."
A simple word of concern brought Mo Yiheng to tears. As Yun Shu pinned the rose hairpin to his head, he hurriedly lowered his eyelashes to hide the turbulent emotions within, and whispered, "Thank you for your concern, Master. This disciple is not tired."
He craved this warmth, yet dared not linger—if Yun Shu saw the feelings in his eyes, would they no longer be able to be master and disciple? Just as he was about to take his leave, he saw Yun Shu suddenly reach out, gently brush his shoulder, and pluck a pale pink petal from his hair.
The cool fingertips brushed against his neck unintentionally, sending a shiver of tingling pleasure through his body. He froze, his ears turning bright red, as if heat was rising from the top of his head.
"These fallen flowers are quite mischievous, secretly wanting to go to the Demon Realm for training with someone." Yun Shu was completely unaware, simply blowing the petals away and laughing, "Alright. Heng'er, hurry back, don't let it interfere with important matters."
"...Yes." Mo Yiheng's voice was hoarse, and his bow was almost hasty. He finally managed to turn around with his hands and feet in a clumsy manner, but it was as if he was fleeing in panic. He was really quite embarrassed.
If he stayed any longer, he feared he would lose control of his burning passion and abduct Yun Shu back to the Demon Realm, so that he could see her alone.
Watching her disciple's awkward back, Yun Shu was puzzled. She blinked in confusion, wondering, "Why is this child acting so strangely today?"
Yunhe, who had appeared out of nowhere and was sitting quietly pounding medicine under the eaves behind Yunhua, said leisurely, "Perhaps the affairs of the Demon Realm are too heavy and have made him stupid."
"Is that so..." Yun Shu frowned, worryingly thinking, "Then next time we meet, I'll have to ask you, Senior Sister, to take his pulse and prescribe some calming and brain-nourishing tonics."
Yunhe paused in pounding the medicine, but finally couldn't help but let out a meaningful sigh.
Silly fox.
A thousand miles away, on a riverbank less than a hundred miles from the eastern ridge.
The emperor's carriage suddenly stopped, and the accompanying guards drew their swords and cautiously approached the dried-up riverbed.
"What happened?" Murong Jin, who had been resting with his eyes closed, was startled awake and asked in a deep voice.
“Your Majesty,” Ling Zhao, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, replied with his sword in hand, “Just now, a poisonous insect about the length of an arm swam out of the silt in the riverbed here. It has now been killed.”
...Poisonous insects? Murong Jin instantly snapped back to reality—ever since he personally killed Liu Qing, he had been paranoid about such creatures.
He dismounted, his robe billowing, and, surrounded by his attendants, walked to the middle of the river. He then asked, "Any other discoveries?"
"Your Majesty, this insect carries demonic energy. We do not know if it is the work of people from the Demon Realm. Moreover, according to the report from the Water Conservancy Bureau, the river here was still flooded five days ago, which is quite different from what we see today."
Five days of drought... Even the worst drought wouldn't end like this. Moreover, both banks of the river are fertile fields; if the people have no water, another famine is likely.
"Leave one team here to thoroughly investigate the cause," Murong Jin said calmly. "The rest of you, come with me to Dongling to see how the river dredging is progressing."
The river here cannot be restored in a day. The Dongling Tianhe River is the largest trading waterway in the area. If a poor harvest is inevitable, then the only way to ensure the well-being of the people is to transport grain down the Tianhe River. If the river here cannot be restored, then water must be drawn from the Tianhe River or elsewhere to solve the people's water shortage problem.
On the imperial carriage, Murong Jin rubbed his temples, searching for a solution, but he couldn't help but worry about the demonic energy within the poisonous insect.
Demonic energy... Could it be the Demon Lord's revenge? No, that guy shouldn't be that naive...
He couldn't help but think of Yun Shu again, and of the demonic poison Liu Qing had inflicted on her body. Instantly, he had some guesses in his mind.
Murong Jin turned his head to look at the immortal mountain, and then looked towards the more distant Western Regions.
Could it be...?
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