So it turns out I'm the demon!

Ten Thousand Swords Sect

Within the forbidden Sword Forest.

Once upon a time, this sacred land, brimming with sword intent, was filled with ten thousand swords, their cold light like a forest.

All the great masters of swordsmanship throughout history have comprehended the sword here.

Now it's completely bare.

The sword pits are still there, but the swords are gone.

Only at the highest point of the forbidden pavilion, a long sword still floated.

If you look closely, you'll see that dozens of runic chains are wrapped around its blade, extending from the depths of the attic and holding it in place. The sword had struggled just now and almost broke free of its restraints.

But in the end, the sword talisman pulled them back.

This sword was once worn by the Sword Fairy of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, and it is also the symbolic token of the sect leaders throughout the ages.

It is named "Tian Sui".

The term "Tian Sui" means "living as long as Heaven and enduring countless calamities without breaking."

The sect's most treasured artifact, which absorbed a wisp of the sword spirit of the sect's founder.

According to the sect's ironclad rules, this sword carries the highest secrets of the Myriad Swords Sect, and it will never be drawn lightly unless the sect faces annihilation. But what is causing the Myriad Swords Sect to be shaken and panicked at this moment is not just the strange phenomenon in the sword forest.

Instead, within the Divine Soul Pavilion, which enshrines the life souls of high-ranking individuals, the two life tablets representing Elder Zhu Wuxian and Vice Sect Master Yang Chihong exploded one after the other within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

The fact that both of the great cultivators had perished was like a hole falling from the sky for the Myriad Swords Sect.

Instantly, the entire clan was in an uproar and plunged into chaos.

The eldest elder's only son, Zhu Xuantong, was struck dumb as he witnessed his father's life tablet explode.

But after only a few moments of stunned silence, a glint suddenly flashed in his eyes.

He pushed aside the panicked disciples around him and ran wildly towards the courtyard where his father, Zhu Wuxian, usually lived in seclusion.

After entering the room, he turned a mechanism on the bookshelf.

He plunged headlong into a secret room.

In the center of the secret chamber, on a stone, sat a dark red memorial tablet. At this moment, the tablet was covered with cracks.

"Father!"

Zhu Xuantong's knees buckled, and he knelt on the ground, letting out a mournful cry.

The moment he knelt down, the red memorial tablet turned into a cloud of dust before his eyes.

The powder swirled and intertwined in mid-air, gradually coalescing into a phantom humanoid outline, its edges gleaming with a faint bloody light, like a fleeting shadow that could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

It vaguely resembled the appearance of the First Elder, Zhu Wuxian.

"Father!"

Zhu Xuantong crawled two steps on his knees, tears streaming down his face.

Zhu Wuxian looked down at her son and let out a long sigh:

"The path of the Great Dao is like climbing a ladder to heaven. My path as a father... has finally come to an end. Xuantong, do not grieve. For us cultivators, life is as fleeting as morning dew, and death as cold as frost."

Even if one dedicates their entire life to striving for destiny, there is no guarantee that one will one day fall into the mire and perish.

Zhu Xuantong wept uncontrollably, his shoulders trembling.

Zhu Wuxian looked at him with affection and continued:

"I originally intended to seize the fortune from Jiang Mu to help you perfect the 'Jade Emperor's Return to Truth Chapter' and pave the way for you to become a Venerable One."

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and all your efforts were in vain... From now on, you'll have to walk your own path.

Before I pass away, I'll give you one last chance.

There is a hidden compartment under the stone in front of you; take out what's inside.

Zhu Xuantong wiped away his tears, crawled on his knees to the stone, reached into the hidden compartment, and took out a wooden box.

Upon opening it, one found a blood-red pill about the size of a thumb inside.

"This is the 'Heaven-Seizing Creation Blood Pill,' which I, your father, have spent many years refining with the blood of more than a dozen high-level demons. It can help you gather the Sword Sect's fortune and reshape your foundation."

Zhu Wu Immortal Path,

"Take this and I will pass on a secret incantation to you. With the help of this medicine, you will be able to master all the sword techniques of my Ten Thousand Swords Sect without any further obstacles."

"Yes, Father."

Zhu Xuantong tilted his head back and swallowed the blood pill, then sat cross-legged on the ground.

Zhu Wuxian then spoke.

He recited an obscure incantation.

Zhu Xuantong closed his eyes and silently recited the words one by one.

As the incantation was activated, streaks of blood suddenly surged from Zhu Xuantong's body.

These blood vessels, like long red worms, emerged from his pores, danced in mid-air, and finally intertwined into a human-shaped outline in front of Zhu Xuantong.

The outline is becoming clearer and more solid.

There was a faint sense of flesh and blood filling it.

Zhu Xuantong's body, however, was withering away at a rate visible to the naked eye.

His flesh began to rot.

The body's vital energy and cultivation are being forcibly drained.

"Father... what happened..." Zhu Xuantong asked in anguish.

Zhu Wuxian stared at him coldly, the kindness in her eyes vanishing completely, replaced by a chilling coldness.

He said quietly:

"Xuantong, don't blame your father for being heartless. From the moment you were born, you were a precious artifact that I nurtured to cope with the great calamity of life and death. Why did I force you to cultivate the 'Jade Palace Gathering of Bliss and Return to Truth' from a young age? It was so that your physique could perfectly match my soul! The Great Dao of Star Positions is inherently man-eating."

Fathers and sons, brothers, teachers and students, sisters—all can only scheme against each other and even devour their own flesh and blood for a position.

Although I have lost my star position and my physical body is destroyed, the means to change my fate still remain. As long as I possess your body, and with your young flesh, I may well be able to make a comeback...

But before he could finish speaking, his voice abruptly stopped.

The flesh that was filling in the outlines of the blood vessels suddenly began to melt, like a block of ice being thrown into boiling water.

Zhu Wuxian stared wide-eyed in astonishment at her son, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground.

"Black Black Black"

Zhu Xuantong, who had been looking pained, suddenly let out a low laugh, his face now showing mockery and ruthlessness.

"Father, do you really think your child is a fool who can be manipulated by you?"

Do you really think I don't know what you're trying to do by forcing me to cultivate the "Jade Emperor's Rejuvenation Chapter"?

Zhu Xuantong cracked his neck, making a cracking sound.

"I have been waiting for this day for a long time."

From this day forward, the remaining essence of your soul and the entire legacy of the Great Elder will belong to me.

Rest assured, your son will never fail your expectations and will achieve the Great Dao!

Looking at her son's face, twisted by ambition, Zhu Wuxian seemed to understand something.

He suddenly laughed:

"So that's how it is. It was that kid Xuanyuan Wendao who secretly helped you and broke my scheme, right? I've been scheming all my life, but I underestimated this young man."

Zhu Xuantong did not deny it.

He stretched out his right hand, his five fingers forming a claw, and a devouring power erupted from his palm as he grabbed at the remnant soul in front of him.

The melting, crimson outline began to flow back into his palm.

It turned into blood vessels and burrowed into his skin.

Zhu Wuxian let out a painful groan, instinctively trying to struggle, but to no avail. He could only watch helplessly as his soul twisted and deformed, being sucked into Zhu Xuantong's body bit by bit.

Those who perform great repairs, even on their deathbeds, speak good words.

Once there's no way out and you're freed from the shackles of striving for fame and fortune, you see through many of your obsessions.

Looking at his son, who was even more ruthless than himself, he suddenly felt a great sense of relief and sighed:

"Xuantong, so be it. It's better to die by your hand than to let an outsider benefit. I can die in peace now."

Remember this: Xuanyuan Wendao is an extremely cunning man. If he can scheme against me today, he can scheme against you tomorrow. Don't trust anyone. If you have the chance, leave the Ten Thousand Swords Sect as soon as possible!

After saying that, he suddenly opened his mouth and spat out a vibrant green leaf.

The leaf embedded itself between Zhu Xuantong's eyebrows and disappeared.

"In my life, I've schemed through everything; I'm truly not a good father. This 'Blinding the Eyes with a Leaf' talisman is the last gift I can give you. If Xuanyuan Wendao tries to harm you in the future, it might save your life..."

Zhu Wuxian's figure gradually became transparent, and his voice grew increasingly ethereal as he sighed.

"After a lifetime of arduous cultivation and calculating all the secrets of heaven, what have you gained in the end?"

My dear wife, perhaps you were right back then: life is like rain, falling from the clouds to the mud in the blink of an eye.

Only by competing and seeing who is better can one know the coldness and warmth of this world, but in the end it's all for naught...

The sealed room fell silent once more.

Zhu Xuantong closed his eyes, feeling the surging new power within his body, and completely absorbed the last wisp of his father's soul.

He gazed at the empty secret room, a fleeting look of melancholy crossing his eyes.

But soon, this sense of loss was swallowed up by ambition and ruthlessness.

He clenched his fists, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips: "This Ten Thousand Swords Sect... will be mine sooner or later!"

The sword domain disappeared.

The starlight fell again.

Xuanyuan asked, his white robes fluttering, one hand behind his back, standing on a cloud.

After seeing the opportunity that belonged to the sword immortal disappear, he lost all interest in continuing to fight Bai Xiang to the death.

Why is this happening?

Xuanyuan asked, looking up at the vast starry sky that had once again revealed its true form, a look of confusion in his eyes.

If one thing goes smoothly, everything else will go smoothly as well.

Since he entered the Daoist path, he has possessed a body "blessed by Heaven".

When good fortune arrives, everything goes smoothly.

They have an extremely favorable constitution, as if God is constantly feeding them.

They can turn misfortune into good fortune and encounter treasures and opportunities, easily overcoming any obstacle.

Even before coming to Xiahe Town, he had consulted the oracle, and the divination indicated that the trip would be very auspicious and that he would surely reap great rewards.

But why did it end up like this?

Could it be that the path has come to an end?

Or has he finally fallen into a trap?

He conjured a starlight from his fingertip and placed it on his brow.

A touch of coolness seeps into the soul.

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his previously confused gaze had regained some clarity.

He looked at Bai Xiang, who still exuded an imposing aura, and suddenly smiled with relief:

"I see. It seems I really have fallen into a trance."

Even the virtuous and virtuous "harem" is trying to stop me, so what am I still stubbornly insisting on?

Gouchen, the master of killing, is ultimately too violent; too much of a good thing is easily broken… Wanting too much leads to holding onto nothing.” He looked at Mo Huaisu, then at Bai Xiang, and gave a slight bow: “I have offended you greatly this time. The opportunity has passed, and I cannot stay any longer. Farewell.” Xuanyuan Wendao rose into the air like a sword light.

Bai Xiang watched the departing streak of light, snorted coldly, and didn't stop him.

But he warned coldly:

"Xuanyuan Wendao, you'd better keep your mouth shut. If you dare to speak recklessly, I will surely send my wrath to the Myriad Swords Sect!"

Logically speaking, her confrontation with Xuanyuan Wendao should have been enough to alarm the Imperial Observatory, and might even have alerted that old monster hiding in the deep palace to come and investigate.

Unfortunately, the sheer power of the sword waterfall that had just flowed from the Myriad Swords Returning to the Origin was so immense that it acted as a natural insulating barrier, obscuring the fighting energy on their side and causing the celestial order to become disordered, making it impossible for the Imperial Observatory to investigate.

As long as Xuanyuan Wendao and Mo Huaisu keep their mouths shut, no one will know that she is here.

Bai Xiang turned to look at Mo Huaisu, who was pale-faced beside her.

The sect leader had expended too much energy lending out the temple earlier and was now somewhat weak.

Before Bai Xiang could speak, Mo Huaisu had already adjusted his whisk and said calmly, "This humble Taoist has no interest in these worldly matters. I only hope that Her Majesty the Empress will keep her promise."

Bai Xiang smiled and said:

"Sect Leader Mo, rest assured, I always keep my word."

She raised her jade-like arm and waved it gently.

The surrounding scenery suddenly changed, transforming into a vast and desolate world.

Everything in the world, from flowers and trees to black and white, is black and white.

In the sky, two enormous yin-yang koi, one black and one white, are swimming slowly along the trajectory of the yin-yang symbol, their tails touching.

This is Mo Huaisu's natal abode.

Within the temple, all dharma arises from the mind; it is the most secluded sacred place for those who cultivate the Tao.

Bai Xiang looked around and commented:

"It's too desolate. You're content with little, devoid of desire and lust. This is how your whole life will be. You may be able to hold onto this world, but it may not be able to bring you happiness and success."

Even if I use the virtue of the Earthly Branch of the "Harem" star to nurture your foundation and forcibly help you break through to a higher realm, if your inner conflicts remain unresolved, you will still fall into the same shackles in the future.

Mo Huaisu stood quietly between the black and white world, her long hair cascading down to her waist like an ink waterfall, a hint of bewilderment appearing on her exquisitely beautiful and aloof face.

"That's enough. I'll return this place to you."

Bai Xiang was too lazy to waste any more words. With a thought, she broke free from the black and white world.

However, just as Bai Xiang left...

The two yin-yang koi fish swimming slowly in the dojo suddenly paused, and a faint hint of vibrant color appeared.

The colors subtly convey the emotional traces that Bai Xiang left for a certain man in the mortal world.

Under normal circumstances, given Mo Huaisu's keen perception, such a subtle change would certainly not escape her notice.

But at this moment, she was frowning and pondering Bai Xiang's words, completely unaware that a color that did not belong to her had appeared between the scales of the two fish on the dome.

When she came back to her senses, she lightly waved her whisk, and the temple hall dissipated like smoke.

Bai Xiang was about to head towards Xiahe Town to check on the situation when she suddenly caught sight of a streak of light flying rapidly towards her in the distance.

Who else could it be but Jiang Mu?

Bai Xiang's heart skipped a beat. She quickly straightened her clothes, then swiftly concealed her aura, transforming her stunningly beautiful face, which she had regained during the fight, back into her former appearance.

The series of movements were fluid and seamless.

After doing all this, she quickly said to Mo Huaisu:

"Hey, just say you happened to be passing by and saved me, you hear me?"

Mo Huaisu gave her a strange look, and at the same time saw Jiang Mu rushing towards them.

"Baixiang!"

Upon seeing Bai Xiang's figure, Jiang Mu, who had grown demonic wings on his back, was overjoyed and quickly landed in front of the woman.

He was still holding Yuan Aqing, who was in a coma, in his arms.

"Ah Xiang, are you alright?"

Jiang Mu asked urgently, looking the woman over, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was unharmed.

Looking at the man's nervous expression, Bai Xiang felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

She shook her head, her slender, white fingers gesturing rapidly: "I'm fine. I'm so grateful to this senior for saving me. What happened to A-Qing?" The woman was very puzzled that Yuan A-Qing was in Jiang Mu's arms.

Using his divine sense to secretly probe, he discovered that Yuan Aqing's internal energy was disordered, realizing that something must have happened after he left, and he couldn't help but regret his rash behavior.

Jiang Mu said:

"It's a long story. This girl just encountered a stroke of luck, and I still don't fully understand what's going on."

He turned his gaze to the ethereal Mo Huaisu beside him and exclaimed in surprise, "Sect Leader Mo? What are you doing here? Could it be that you've also come to seize this opportunity?"

Mo Huaisu said calmly, "Just watching the show."

I don't believe you!

This woman looks like a cold, aloof ice sculpture; she doesn't look like the kind of person who likes to gossip and join in the fun at all.

They're probably here to steal the inheritance.

However, since this woman had just saved Bai Xiang, and considering she had helped him once before in the "Illusory Desire Realm" in Yancheng, Jiang Mu still held some goodwill towards this Dao Sect leader.

"The opportunity is gone, and the people from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect are dead. In short, too many messy things happened tonight, and it's hard to explain them all at once. Let's go back to the inn first."

Jiang Mu glanced at Mo Huaisu again and said,

"Sect Leader Mo, I, Jiang Mu, will remember what happened tonight. You saved my steward, and I owe you that favor. If you ever need any help in the future, just ask, and I, Jiang Mu, will never hesitate."

As he spoke, he prepared to take Bai Xiang away.

"I'll go with you," Mo Huaisu suddenly said.

Jiang Mu was taken aback, her expression turning strange.

What's up with this woman?

Could it be that he saw something about Ah Qing and was plotting something against her?

Just as Jiang Mu was about to politely decline, Bai Xiang used a famous sign language gesture:

"Perfect timing. I was just witnessing how formidable Sect Leader Mo's power was, and I was hoping to ask him about cultivation."

Jiang Mu was dissatisfied.

What kind of spiritual practice can't I learn?

What can you learn from a female Taoist priest who practices asceticism?

Don't try to become like a nun.

But since the young cook had spoken, he couldn't say anything more and could only mumble a "hmm".

Thank you.

Mo Huaisu nodded slightly.

For some reason, she felt that Jiang Mu was much more pleasing to the eye than before, and that she had a good liking for him.