☆, Chapter 70 Mission Failure 1
Yue Qingyuan said, "In order to protect his master, Zhuzhilang was hit head-on by my master's Heavenly Tribulation Punishment Technique. He was cursed and half-reverted to his original form, becoming a creature that was neither human nor snake, and fled on the spot. Tianlangjun was suppressed under Bailu Mountain."
It turns out that the snake-man form of Bamboo Branch Man in Luzhi Cave was blasted into that state by a heavenly lightning strike from the previous Peak Master of Qiongding. Given his nature of being clear about grudges and vengeful... Before Shen Qingqiu could think any further, the system beeped and sent a notification:
[Mission issued! Please assist "Luo Binghe" in completing the Zhaohua Temple side quest. Objective: Increase positive value by at least 200 points!]
Positive value?
Oh! Shen Qingqiu suddenly realized, finally remembering the plot of Zhaohua Temple!
Here, we must mention Sakura's father, Kokō-kun.
This unfortunate demon noble, after being betrayed and having his territory stolen by his own treacherous daughter, wandered the southern border for a time, gathering a motley crew, hoping to rise again and avenge himself against Luo Binghe. But with the invincible protagonist's halo, he can forget about ever fulfilling either of these two beautiful wishes...
Jiuchong-jun's plans were repeatedly thwarted, naturally leaving him feeling frustrated. What could he do about this frustration?
Of course, you should take it out on someone else!
So, this "other person" was looking for Zhaohua Temple...
This behavior is strikingly similar to the scene where Sha Hualing stormed the summit. Both are examples of recklessness and suicidal acts. When Shen Yuan read the book, he remarked that they were indeed father and daughter, their peculiar thought processes were remarkably alike.
Because the Ninefold Lord sent a bunch of miscellaneous soldiers to disturb the people and monks near Zhaohua Temple, in the original work, the reason for the meeting at Zhaohua Temple was not to deal with Tianlang Lord, but to deal with this annoying and down-on-his-luck demon who was trying to make his presence known.
However, the purpose of the meeting is not important. What is important is that Zhaohua Temple is indeed a storyline that allows Luo Binghe to gain positive points.
The demons under Jiuchongjun infiltrated the crowd, waiting for an opportunity to attack, wanting to "teach these bald monks a lesson" (his original words). However, they were only able to launch their attack for a few seconds before Luo Binghe beautifully and domineeringly suppressed them. This unfolding of events naturally boosted his positive image to some extent. At least, it transformed him from "utterly wicked" to "both righteous and evil."
Shen Qingqiu remained calm, his eyes darting around, and sure enough, he spotted some "people" in the crowd whose expressions seemed a bit off.
Great, all the props are ready!
The three beautiful Taoist nuns were originally important characters in this story, and with the help of the harem, their efficiency in gaining positive points was naturally much higher. However, they have now become mere bystanders.
Conclusion: So they just added more of the female lead's scenes to my character, right? [Manual bye]
Wu Wang solemnly said, "In that dream, Tianlang Jun, relying on his recreated body, ravaged the human world, causing widespread suffering. This old monk believes that this is his demonstration against us, and also a prelude to his revenge in the battle of Bailu Mountain."
Someone said, "Since Tianlang Jun's original physical body has been destroyed, even if he wants revenge, he is not a threat, is he?"
Wu Wang said, "Tianlang Jun should not be underestimated. He is recognized within the Demon Clan as the most powerful heir of the Heavenly Demon Bloodline, unmatched in history. Moreover, besides his capable lieutenant Zhuzhilang, he also has a son."
The crowd began whispering among themselves: "Su Xiyan and him actually have a son?"
Who is it?
Some have a more unique focus, taking into account reproductive isolation: "Can humans and demons really have offspring?"
"They all look pretty much the same, so they should be able to get one."
Wu Wang said, "This person is very familiar to everyone. It is Luo Binghe, whom I just mentioned, who usurped the position in the Illusion Flower Palace!"
The moment these words were uttered, the whispers in the hall instantly escalated into a huge uproar.
Liu Qingge was also taken aback, and unusually spoke a few more words in public: "Luo Binghe is a descendant of Tianlang Jun?"
Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but secretly observe Luo Binghe.
At first, Luo Binghe listened with amusement, but the more he listened, the more serious he became. Now, his smile had completely vanished, and his face looked somewhat pale. Only his eyes shone with a chilling light, like icy thorns piercing his pupils.
Yue Qingyuan slowly stroked the hilt of the Xuan Su sword with his knuckles and said, "I met Su Xiyan once at the Immortal Alliance Conference a few years ago. Luo Binghe's appearance is seven-tenths similar to his mother's. I originally thought it was just a coincidence. After all, there are quite a few people in this world who look alike. But since he also has half of the Heavenly Demon bloodline, it can no longer be considered a coincidence."
An old Taoist priest from Tianyi Temple said with surprise and doubt: "The old palace master imprisoned Su Xiyan in Huanhua Palace. Upon investigation, it was discovered that she was pregnant. I remember that, but I also remember that the child was aborted."
...What the hell?!
Shen Qingqiu's scalp tingled.
What is this?
What is this?!
It sounds like I've heard something incredible!
The man from the Overbearing Sect interjected again: "This Su Xiyan seems to be very infatuated with Tianlang Jun, so how could she bear to abort the child in her womb?"
Wu Wang said, "Indeed, at first the old palace master tried both soft and hard tactics, but she still refused to obey orders. But what if she could only choose one of Tianlang Jun and Luo Binghe?"
#Husband or son, who should I choose?#
Shen Qingqiu never expected that there would be such a choice between saving the mother or the child.
Wu Wang said, "While Su Xiyan was imprisoned in the water dungeon, she learned that Tianlang Jun was about to be besieged and annihilated at Bailu Mountain. The old palace master told her that if she was willing to take the medicine, she could be released to meet Tianlang Jun. Su Xiyan then yielded and took the medicine voluntarily."
Luo Binghe remained expressionless, but his fingers twitched slightly a few times, seemingly unconsciously.
Near where the two stood, someone muttered, "Even if it was to inform Lord Tianlang, this woman is still......"
“One is an unborn child, and the other is my beloved. Weighing the two, of course, Tianlang Jun’s life is more important.”
The man from the Overlord Sect suddenly said, "Wait. So, Su Xiyan took the medicine, yet you still went to besiege Tianlang Jun?"
Suddenly, the hall fell silent.
The man, oblivious to the situation, continued, "I was just asking. But isn't this just deceiving a young girl?"
Although this guy is always being insensitive, there was one time when his insensitivity was actually somewhat reasonable.
It was Wuwang who broke the brief silence.
His white eyebrows stood on end, and he clasped his hands together, saying, "How can we keep a bastard child born from an affair with the demons? If we can get rid of this bastard, no means are too much! It's just a pity that the demon's life force is so strong that even after taking the medicine, it seems that he was unable to get rid of the fetus. Fortunately, Su Xiyan was ultimately unable to inform Tianlang Jun in time."
These words were spoken with great righteousness, and some people immediately clapped and cheered. Master Wuchen looked pained, put his hands together, and kept chanting the Buddha's name.
It wasn't that no one thought it was cruel, but after hearing Wu Wang's words and thinking about it again, the fetus in that womb was Luo Binghe, so what was there to sympathize with? So they also cheered and applauded.
Luo Binghe lowered his eyelashes, as if listening, or perhaps lost in thought. His features, which had been softening over the past few days, returned to their icy coldness.
The people in the main hall were gritting their teeth at his immortality and cheering for his imagined death, but he seemed not to hear a word they said.
Shen Qingqiu's ominous premonition grew stronger.
This place should have developed like this: the sect leaders seriously discussed how to deal with Tianlang Jun → suddenly a troublesome and provocative demon appeared → Luo Binghe fought the demon to gain positive points and favorability.
However, because a group of gossipers were chatting and dug up Luo Binghe's background, the focus was misplaced.
Looking at Luo Binghe, who remained silent, he began to regret his actions.
Perhaps, I shouldn't have accepted this mission from Zhaohua Temple.
Master Wuchen sighed, "Why say that? If it weren't for dire circumstances, what mother would willingly abort her own child? Su Shilu is missing, and the old palace master's love for his disciple remains undiminished. He has sent people to search tirelessly, but to no avail..."
Wu Wang rebuked, "Junior brother, do not be so merciful. You should understand how treacherous the demons are after being harmed to such an extent in Jinlan City. This father and son have been plotting for a long time, joining forces to make a comeback and attempt to annihilate us. Tolerating them is not benevolence, but merely womanly compassion, and the outcome will only be more tragic than in that dream!"
Although the monk Wuwang was highly skilled, he was too violent and, apart from being bald, possessed little Buddhist nature. He shouldn't have been carrying a staff; he should have been carrying a battle axe. Wuchen, on the other hand, while his skill was mediocre, was kind and peaceful, and more deserving of the title "Master." Even when reprimanded, he remained unfazed and didn't change his tone: "A premeditated alliance... that... is that really possible?"
While the two abbots of Zhaohua Temple were still arguing, Yue Qingyuan suddenly said, "Whether they join forces or not, one thing is certain: Luo Binghe is definitely not a benevolent person."
He raised his voice: "Qingqiu, aren't you coming out?"
Shen Qingqiu felt a chill run down his spine. After hesitating for a few seconds, he slowly stepped forward.
He felt like a primary school student being called out and criticized by the teacher in class. His skin stung a little, but fortunately, he was thick-skinned and remained calm. He bowed and said, "Senior Brother Sect Leader."
Now that they'd noticed him, the person beside him couldn't hide it any longer. Someone immediately exclaimed, "Luo Binghe! It's Luo Binghe!"
"It really is him! When did he sneak in?!"
"Shen Qingqiu is here too. He's really not dead?!"
"I personally witnessed Hua Yuecheng self-destruct back then..."
Most of the voices were shrill and menacing, as if they had seen a demon, but mixed in were a few soft, feminine voices—those of the three beautiful Daoist nuns from Tianyi Temple. The three women gripped each other's arms tightly, their faces flushed with an unnatural blush. Strangely, some of these blushes seemed to be directed at Shen Qingqiu…
Yue Qingyuan sat and looked at him, then asked calmly, "Have you been fooling around enough these past few days?"
Yue Qingyuan had never spoken to him so harshly before. The word "nonsense" was practically a beating. It seemed Liu Qingge had said quite a few bad things about him earlier.
Shen Qingqiu vowed that one day he would steal Cheng Luan and slice all the pork legs in the kitchens of the Twelve Peaks until they were glistening with oil and covered with the light of his sword.
Get back to the plot! Get back to the plot, okay?! Please, can't you focus on the demons who have infiltrated the temple?!
How can I possibly generate positive karma like this!
Just as he was about to make a move to draw attention to the unusual behavior of those disguised as disciples of various sects, the Staff of Unfettered Wanderer slammed down on the ground and sneered, "Luo Binghe, you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, which saves me trouble. Why don't you just say it directly, when does Lord Tianlang intend to put into practice what he did in his dream?"
Luo Binghe said coldly, "That's what he has to do. What does it have to do with me?"
A bystander scoffed, "You two are father and son, what business is it of yours?"
Luo Binghe said indifferently, "He is not my father."
Wu Wang said, "The evidence is irrefutable; there's no point in trying to argue."
Luo Binghe shook his head, seemingly fixated on something, and simply repeated, "He is not my father."
Wu Wang snorted, "Truly, a scourge lives on for a thousand years. If Su Xiyan had eliminated you back then, things would have been much cleaner!"
These words were undeniably malicious. Luo Binghe's breath seemed to catch in his throat for a moment, and a hint of bloodlust flashed in his eyes. Shen Qingqiu didn't have time to think further and grabbed his hand.
Liu Qingge stood behind Yue Qingyuan with his arms crossed, watching him reach for Luo Binghe in full view of everyone. A vein throbbed on his forehead: "Hey!"
When Liu Qingge gets angry and doesn't want to talk much, she'll just say "Hey," which has no threat whatsoever, and Shen Qingqiu completely ignores it. If Luo Binghe were to lose his temper in this situation, it wouldn't be fun at all. It's not just a matter of whether the positive value can be increased; the key is that the Zhaohua Temple instance is not easy to brute force!
Using spiritual power, with hundreds of people attacking him together, it would be difficult; using demonic energy, this is Zhaohua Temple, a place teeming with powerful experts, whose specialty is sealing demons. If he were to fight head-on, wouldn't his intelligence be reduced to the same level as the father and daughter with the ellipsis?
Luo Binghe coldly replied, "Who is Su Xiyan? My mother is just a washerwoman."
Shen Qingqiu said in a low voice, "Wu Wang's retelling is not entirely true. You know better than anyone what kind of person the old palace master is. The credibility of these two's embellished old stories is highly questionable. Forget about them all for now!"
He used the tone of an admonition to his disciple, trying to remain calm and objective. Luo Binghe grabbed one of his arms, as if seeking confirmation, or perhaps proving himself: "Master, Tianlang Jun is not my father. I don't need a father."
Shen Qingqiu didn't know what to say, so she could only hold his hand tightly, signaling him to calm down.
In the original novel, Luo Binghe's background was not revealed in such detail, so Shen Qingqiu could not judge how much of a blow this matter was to Luo Binghe, but it was probably not something that could be resolved with a few words of comfort and a few pats on the head.
All the faint hopes and fantasies that had long been held were ruthlessly shattered. Father and son were no longer fathers, not a word was spoken of, and no mercy was shown even in the sacred tomb. The mother made a clear choice. Though difficult, it was ultimately a choice.
Luo Binghe is not needed by his closest relatives.
Shen Qingqiu was so preoccupied with sighing that he forgot a major, unstated rule in "The Arrogant Immortal Demon Path".
This law was something he himself summarized:
Each time the protagonist suffers a setback and experiences the malice of the world, his level of descent into darkness increases, leading to a further decline in his self-destructive behavior...
Author's note: I'm taking my driving test (Part 2) tomorrow, so updates might be late again. Sorry.
"Completed" means this is the last paragraph of the rough outline (it really is very rough). There are still tens of thousands of words left to write. Originally, I planned to keep the main text under 300,000 words, but it seems I didn't manage that well… There will be an epilogue after the main text! O(∩_∩)O~
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