So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 101 Discussing the Dao with Luo Xue! (Second update, 5500 words)

The following afternoon.

Yan Fenghuo suddenly came to our door, bringing news.

The secret letters seized from the Han residence have been deciphered by the experts within the department.

The results were shocking.

That alluring and charming Madam Han was actually in cahoots with the rebels in Yancheng.

Through Yan Fenghuo's account, Jiang Mu learned the details.

Madam Han's original name was Shui Yanhua. In her early years, she was a disciple of the Heavenly Blade Sect. Later, she left the sect, changed her name, and married Han Chenghu.

During this time, she became involved with the prefect and was recognized as his god-sister.

I thought she was tired of the conflicts in the martial arts world and had decided to stay home to be a wife and mother. I never expected that she had secretly joined the Red Umbrella Sect.

The Red Umbrella Cult is a demonic cult officially designated by the Daqing Dynasty.

This sect operates in secrecy, with followers from all walks of life. They are most adept at bewitching people and have repeatedly instigated civil unrest in various places.

Madam Han was a spy planted by the Red Umbrella Sect in Huzhou City.

In fact, the Red Umbrella Sect was secretly involved in the last large-scale invasion of Huzhou City by the Mist Demons.

This force is virtually omnipresent.

Hearing this, Jiang Mu felt heavy-hearted.

His biggest worry was that Madam Han was connected to the Mist Demon lineage. Now it seemed that even if she wasn't directly subordinate to them, they were still allies who colluded with each other.

Fortunately, no incriminating evidence directly related to him was found in the other party's residence.

It seems that he, the "mole," and Madam Han were completely innocent in their professional dealings; their only connection was probably limited to their intimate encounters in bed.

The prefect is probably not having a good time.

Thinking with your lower body is like this.

"Master Jiang, you have done another great service this time."

Yan Fenghu grinned and said, "The Red Umbrella Sect is a major threat to the imperial court. Your uncovering of this secret network has eliminated a significant hidden danger for Huzhou City. You will certainly be rewarded for this achievement."

Then, he changed the subject, lowering his voice, and said, "But, Hall Master Jiang, if I may ask, you—didn't you have any particular involvement with that Madam Han before?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback, then shook his head frankly, his face full of righteous indignation: "How could that be! Hall Master Yan, do you think I'm that kind of person?"

Yan Fenghuo gave him a meaningful look, but didn't expose him, only saying, "That's good. Cases involving the Demonic Sect's treason are not entirely under the jurisdiction of our Demon Slaying Division; the Inner Guard will definitely get involved."

Those bastards, relying on being His Majesty's personal guards, act extremely arrogantly. They often arrest people without evidence, preferring to kill the innocent rather than let the guilty go free; they're very troublesome. If you get involved with them, you're bound to get into trouble.

Jiang Mu heard Xu Fu mention the inner guards.

It was roughly equivalent to the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the previous life, wielding immense power.

However, the Demon Slayer Division holds a superior position, so there's no need to be overly afraid. Even if some romantic escapades are uncovered, as long as they don't involve matters of principle, the worst that can happen is a few words of criticism about their conduct.

"There's one more thing."

Yan Fenghuo's expression turned serious. "I just received news that the Commander has drawn up a list of those who will go to Yan City to assist in the extermination of the demons. If nothing unexpected happens, we'll both be on the list. However, we don't yet know which area we'll be assigned to."

Jiang Mu's eyes lit up.

Are we finally going on a mission?

Ever since the battle at Black Wind Valley, his mana pool has been like a bottomless pit, impossible to fill. Staying in the city is comfortable, but where will he find so many demons to slay?

You can't expect to run into Mrs. Han like this every day.

but----

The thought of leaving behind the gentle and lovely cook and the charming and lively doctor made Jiang Mu feel inexplicably empty.

"Enough! A true man's ambition should be like the Yangtze River flowing eastward to the sea; how can he linger in a land of gentle comforts?"

Jiang Mu secretly cheered herself up.

To become stronger, and to survive in this shitty world, women must temporarily step aside!

For the next few days, Jiang Mu focused on her cultivation at home.

This time, he devoted himself to cultivating the "Mysterious Gang True Explanation" given to him by Ling Ye, with his main body and the demonic shadow all activated, working day and night without rest.

-

Hard work pays off.

Three days later, "The True Explanation of the Mysterious Gang" finally broke through its bottleneck and reached a minor level of mastery.

Jiang Mu circulated his cultivation technique, and a thin film of light golden qi immediately appeared around his body, flowing continuously.

He picked up a brick and smashed it against his arm.

"Bang!"

The blue bricks shattered with a crack.

His arm skin was only slightly red, without even a white mark.

"good."

Jiang Mu nodded in satisfaction, "Now, if I were to encounter those first or second-tier demons again, and just stand there and let them gnaw on me, I could probably break their teeth."

That afternoon.

Ran Qingshan finally sent someone to summon him.

Jiang Mu thought it was a transfer order to Yancheng, and excitedly ran to the office.

As soon as they entered the signing room, Ran Qingshan said, "Little Jiang, the garrison commander wants to see you."

Jiang Mu was stunned.

Garrison Commander?

Why would such a powerful figure, who stands atop the clouds and is rarely seen, suddenly think of meeting such a lowly hall master?

But then I thought about it again. I've been slaying demons and quelling monster rebellions lately, so it's only natural that I'd attract the attention of a big shot.

After all, gold will always shine.

Ran Qingshan didn't give him much time to think about it, and stood up, saying, "Let's go, I'll take you there."

Jiang Mu had no choice but to follow.

On the way, he couldn't help but inquire out of curiosity, "Sir, the garrison commander suddenly saw me. Does he want to assign me some special mission?"

"have no idea."

Ran Qingshan shook his head. "You'll know when you get there. Relax, don't be nervous, it should just be a routine inquiry."

I'm not nervous at all.

Jiang Mu was mainly reminded of an old incident.

On his first day after transmigrating, he gave the middle finger to the image of the Buddha in the sky and cursed, "Beast."

Could that big shot be here to settle scores later?

But upon closer reflection, it seems unlikely.

How could a top expert at the twelfth realm be so narrow-minded? He has probably long forgotten about that trivial matter.

"grown ups,"

Jiang Mu tentatively asked, "When I meet the General later, is there anything I should be careful about?"

Ran Qingshan pondered for a moment, then said earnestly, "Try to say as many nice things as possible. The general has a rather cold personality."

The look in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Mu was tinged with pity.

If this kid really holds a grudge against General Shangguan, his future path might be a bit difficult.

Kind words?

Jiang Mu understood instantly.

It seems that this garrison commander is a superior who enjoys flattery.

That makes things easier.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Ran Qingshan did not take him to the underground palace where Shangguan Luoxue usually secluded herself.

Instead, they arrived at an ancient temple called "Luochen".

The temple is built against the mountain, surrounded by ancient pines and cypresses, with faint chanting of Buddhist scriptures and the scent of incense mixed with a sense of vicissitude and antiquity.

Step into the spacious Mahavira Hall.

Jiang Mu then saw a purple figure standing quietly in front of the majestic Buddha statue with its back to the temple gate.

The lighting inside the main hall was rather dim.

Only the ever-burning lamp in front of the Buddha statue flickered with an orange glow.

-

The woman was tall and graceful, surrounded by a faint purple aura that swirled like snowflakes, making her features slightly hazy, yet adding to her mystery and otherworldly charm.

Although her true face was not clearly visible, even just her back view revealed her unparalleled beauty.

"My lord, Jiang Mu has arrived."

Ran Qingshan stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands in greeting.

Jiang Mu stepped forward, took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and announced loudly, "Jiang Mu, the Eighth Hall Master of the Demon Slaying Division of Huzhou City, pays respects to General!"

"My admiration for the General is as boundless as the surging river, as unstoppable as the overflowing Yellow River! The General's divine might is unparalleled, and his benevolence extends to all people. He is truly a role model for us all, and a pillar of Daqing."

Looking at Jiang Mu, who was showering him with compliments, Zai Qingshan stared blankly, his lips twitching slightly.

I asked you to say nice things, not to be a storyteller!

That's such an over-the-top way to put it, are you tired of living?

"All that glitters is not gold; rotten cotton is inside."

A clear, melodious female voice rang out, drowning out Jiang Mu's incessant chatter.

Jiang Mu was taken aback, her brows furrowing slightly.

no----

Why are you cursing me as soon as we meet?

Do you have no manners at all?

Zai Qingshan closed his eyes and sighed helplessly. Well, his flattery backfired, and his impression score dropped to negative points.

Jiang Mu remained silent for a moment.

He raised his head, a smile of reverence returning to his face, his tone still sincere: "To see a hundred paces ahead yet not one's own eyelashes—so it turns out you're practicing blind meditation." No wonder you doubt the authenticity of gold and jade, and mock the emptiness of precious branches.

Even a clay figure has a temper, let alone Jiang Mu, who has always been someone who responds better to gentleness than force.

Since you've been so impolite, don't blame me for being uncivilized.

Ran Qingshan was stunned.

Hey you big idiot Jiang, what are you doing?!

Are you implying to your face that General Shangguan is blind and short-sighted?

Are you out of your mind?!

Shangguan Luoxue was also slightly taken aback.

What she just said was actually directed at the magnificent, radiant Buddha statue in front of her.

She has always disliked these Buddhist temples that are overly decorated and merely superficial religious symbols, so she subconsciously made a comment.

Unexpectedly, the two people in front of him misunderstood that he was commenting on Jiang Mu.

Given her personality, she wouldn't bother explaining such trivial matters.

On the contrary, Jiang Mu's sarcastic and witty "retaliation" was quite interesting to her.

Over the years, no one has dared to be so presumptuous in front of her.

Aside from his master, this kid is the first one.

"Sharp-tongued and quick-witted."

Shangguan Luoxue spoke calmly, her voice still cold, "The path of cultivation prioritizes cultivating the mind and refining one's nature, manifesting outwardly but originating from within."

Your aura is fleeting, your divine light scattered, like a pearl covered in dust, a precious cauldron stained with grime. Even if you possess some talent, it is nothing more than a beautiful exterior concealing a hollow interior; your foundation is weak, where is your path to enlightenment?

Jiang Mu smiled.

You want to debate with me?

I'm a modern person who has gone through nine years of compulsory education and been exposed to internet trolls!

He stood with his hands behind his back, calmly saying, "The way of Tao is to follow nature, and the key is to grasp its true meaning, rather than being bound by its form and appearance."

The lord, seeing only my unconventional aura, concluded that my foundation was weak. How could he know that this was not the state of "great whiteness appears as disgrace, great generosity has no corners"?

"Is great whiteness like disgrace, and great generosity without boundaries?"

Upon hearing these eight words, Shangguan Luoxue's beautiful eyes lit up with a strange light.

She never expected that such a seemingly frivolous young man could utter such profound and philosophical words.

Even Ran Qingshan was taken aback and began to re-examine Jiang Mu.

"What a wonderful saying, 'Great whiteness appears as disgrace, great generosity has no corners.'"

Shangguan Luoxue took a step forward, the purple snow around her swirling even more rapidly, her aura imposing, yet her figure remained hazy. "However, the Dao follows nature, but it also requires a foundation to support it. How can boundless water become rivers? How can a tree without roots reach the sky?"

You talk about the boundless metaphysics, but ignore the small steps you take.

Isn't this just a delusional person spouting nonsense and deceiving themselves?

Jiang Mu's smile deepened, his eyes clear: "My lord is too attached to appearances."

2

Am I attached to appearances?

Shangguan Luoxue sneered inwardly.

Her mind was clear and she rarely showed any signs of spirituality, so how could a mere cultivator at the third realm possibly see through her?

Jiang Mu slowly said, "Even a small step can lead to a thousand miles, and it will eventually leave its mark. Rivers do not discriminate against small streams, and that is how they achieve their power."

If one focuses solely on the ground beneath one's feet and obsessively calculates every minute detail within one's body, one will turn living water into a stagnant pool and refine one's spiritual roots into stubborn rocks.

My breath is fleeting, like a spring breeze sweeping across the fields, unrestrained and unconventional.

The divine light scattered, like starlight scattering across the river, omnipresent.

To use tangible, fixed objects like "precious tripods" and "bright pearls" as metaphors is a sign of a low level of understanding; how can one possibly grasp the true meaning of nature in such a context?

"Clever words and a flattering expression!"

At this moment, Shangguan Luoxue's competitive spirit was completely ignited.

As a dignified garrison commander and a master cultivator of the twelfth realm, if she were to be outdone in a discussion of Dao by a mere youth of the third realm, how could she save face?

Shangguan Luoxue raised her eyebrows: "The road ahead is long and arduous, relying on the perseverance of water dripping through stone and the determination to pass on the torch!"

You disregard the foundation and indulge in empty talk; how are you any different from building a tower on sand or picking flowers in a mirror?

"I fear that the day you speak so arrogantly will be the day your foundation crumbles!"

"You're wrong again, sir."

Jiang Mu shook her head, a hint of regret showing on her face, as if she were looking at a child who had gone astray, with the unwavering determination of "dripping water wears away a stone, and the torch is passed on, passing on the spirit of fire."

You keep talking about "merit" and "will," yet you view spiritual practice as a grueling journey, like carrying a mountain on your back, each step arduous and difficult. How burdensome it is!

If the Daoist path is so arduous, how can one speak of "freedom and ease"?

I think you, sir—

"That is the one who tightly clutches the pearl in their hand, fearing it will be tarnished and its brilliance suffocated!"

"you"

Shangguan Luoxue's breath hitched.

The chill emanating from her body suddenly intensified, and her originally flawless Ice Heart Dao Realm was subtly rippled by these few questions.

Ran Qingshan was stunned by what he saw, and sweat was breaking out on his back.

My God!

Has my master always been this brave?

This is going to cause a huge upheaval!

Shangguan Luoxue's chest heaved slightly, and a hint of annoyance appeared in her light purple eyes.

She possessed exceptional talent and unwavering resolve from a young age, and was always praised for her ethereal beauty and exquisite Daoist heart.

When have I ever been so bluntly told about my mental state?

It seems more like a veiled criticism of her narrow-mindedness and her self-imposed limitations.

An unprecedented sense of embarrassment and annoyance, mixed with a secret stirring of emotion, quietly rose within her.

She suppressed her emotions, her beautiful face hardening with frost, and said coldly, "Absurd! All cultivation practices in this world have rules and regulations—"

"rule?"

Jiang Mu's gaze was clear as he interrupted her again, "Heavenly rain does not nourish rootless grass, and the Great Way also guides those with affinity. The true Great Way is that moment of sudden enlightenment and harmony, not the rules of following a map."

"My lord, are you cultivating the Tao, or—that 'path of rules' trampled beyond recognition by countless predecessors?"

"boom!"

Shangguan Luoxue felt as if a thunderclap had exploded in her mind, leaving her buzzing.

My mindset has become somewhat unbalanced!

She tried to calm herself down.

But he found that his once clear and bright Dao heart was now covered with a layer of restless dust that he could not shake off.

This made her extremely uncomfortable.

"With your temperament, even if you were to occasionally glimpse the profound mysteries of the Dao in the light of day, it would be nothing more than a castle on the sand, crumbling in an instant!"

In an attempt to save face, the woman spoke with increasing haste, "The 'rotten rags' I spoke of are precisely your arrogant heart, so base yet so presumptuous in its pronouncements about the ways of heaven!"

Good guy.

The fairy was completely overwhelmed.

So you're starting to resort to personal attacks now, huh?

Seeing this, Jiang Mu was too lazy to argue with her anymore.

Trying to reason with a woman is an extremely foolish thing to do, especially with a woman who has lost her guard.

So he spread his hands and immediately resorted to the universal excuse: "Oh yes, yes, sir, you're absolutely right."

This seemingly innocuous rebuff nearly choked Shangguan Luoxue to the point of choking.

She realized that she had lost her composure and that her words had been inappropriate.

Seeing the other person's smug "I won't stoop to your level" attitude, she became even angrier and wished she could slap them.

The original purpose of bringing this kid here was to inquire about Beitang Batian.

At this moment, I was so angry that I lost all interest in the game.

"Ran Qingshan!"

Shangguan Luoxue coldly ordered, "Have him rewrite the entire report about the Han family's affairs, from beginning to end, down to the smallest detail, and submit it again! There must be no omissions!"

With that, the woman flicked her sleeve.

Purple snow danced wildly inside the palace.

Amidst the chaotic interplay of light and shadow, that graceful figure vanished into thin air.

"Hehe, they ran away because they couldn't win the argument."

Jiang Mu curled her lip, inwardly expressing her disdain.

Ran Qingshan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said with a wry smile, "Little Jiang, you're too straightforward. That's the garrison commander, can't you just go along with her a little?"

Jiang Mu shrugged, looking indifferent: "Whatever. First impressions are the most important. Since she was prejudiced against me from the beginning, whatever I do is wrong."

If that's the case, why wrong yourself?

Anyway, I can't be bothered to see her again; let's just keep to ourselves.

"Don't worry, I will never see you again!"

A cold, angry voice suddenly drifted from the sky.

Jiang Mu:

He was stunned.

OK OK.

A dignified garrison commander, actually engaging in eavesdropping?

Real shrimp head!

Shangguan Luoxue returned to the desolate underground palace, the pent-up frustration in her chest still lingering.

She walked to the Spirit Spring Pool beside the Jade Terrace.

Looking at his own slightly rippling reflection in the water, he suddenly raised his hand and slapped the surface of the pool from a distance!

"boom!"

The calm pool water suddenly burst open, splashing water several meters high and soaking the jade bricks along the edge of the pool.

A few drops of cool water splashed onto her cheek.

After venting her anger, she quickly calmed down.

What followed was deep regret and self-doubt.

"How could I have been so easily swayed by that kid's few words, even losing my composure in public and uttering such vile words?"

"Could it be that my Dao heart is so fragile?"

"Or is it that his serious injuries haven't healed, and even his Dao foundation has become so fragile?"

Looking back on the exchange, I clearly had many points that I could have used to refute and suppress the other party's arguments, so why was I unable to organize an effective counterattack in time?

Instead, they were led by the nose by the other party, and eventually lost control of their emotions?

Shangguan Luoxue couldn't understand it.

For a moment, she even had the urge to go back and "argue" with that guy to get to the bottom of things.

But the thought was quickly suppressed by a deeper sense of reason.

Why would a dignified garrison commander be arguing with a mere hall master?

What kind of behavior is this!

"The heart of the Dao is clouded—the heart of the Dao is clouded—"

She sighed, trying to console herself, "It must be because of my serious injuries that I couldn't maintain a clear mind, which is why I'm so easily disturbed by external things and lose control of my emotions."

But one thing is certain—

She really didn't want to see that kid again.

So annoying!

It makes me upset just thinking about it.

Of course, given her status, anyone she doesn't want to see will never appear before her again in this lifetime, unless she chooses to.

She's not human if she sees that kid again!

Shangguan Luoxue slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, forcing herself to calm her emotions, and sat cross-legged on the cold jade platform.

A chilling aura permeated her body, gradually restoring her restless mind to its former icy clarity.

Right now, there are more important things waiting for her.

The "Purple Mansion Cantong Qi" within her body is almost at the seventh level.

At that time, the "Purple Mansion Divine Realm" can be activated to forcibly expose that fellow who has also successfully cultivated but has been hiding his true identity.

Let's pull them into the realm of gods and find out what's going on.

"I wonder what kind of person they are —"

Thinking of this, Shangguan Luoxue's irritation gradually dissipated, replaced by a faint sense of anticipation.

hope----

He's a decent-looking guy.