Fairy, you call this repaying a debt of gratitude?

The next day, near dawn, Shen Wei was awakened by a noise.

When he woke up, he found that Wen Yutang was nowhere to be seen.

He slowly stood up. The girl's faint fragrance had been tantalizing him all night, and the Evil Dragon's Fiend had also made him somewhat distracted in the middle of the night, which is why he got up a little late.

He looked up and saw an unexpected person standing in the middle of the street—Master Chengxuan.

At this moment, he was standing directly in front of the altar with his eyes slightly closed, chanting incantations.

The altar was set up in an open space in the town, a high platform of bluestone with a plain lotus pattern.

A white jade Buddha statue is placed in the center, with a bronze incense burner emitting wisps of smoke. Scripture pillars stand on the left and right, and lotus lamps burn eternally in the four corners.

Willow branches, a vase, a wooden fish, and a bronze chime are arranged in order, radiating a gentle Buddhist light.

The sound Shen Wei heard when he was awakened was the chanting of Buddhist scriptures coming from this altar.

This practice serves both to cleanse demonic energy with Buddhist teachings and to bring peace and salvation to the souls of the unjustly deceased.

Many surviving people surrounded the altar, all with solemn expressions. Some clasped their hands together and prayed silently, while others still had sorrow in their eyes as they listened quietly to the chanting.

After a long while, Chengxuan slowly opened his eyes and began to reassure everyone:

"Dear benefactors, the calamity has passed. May the departed rest in peace and the living find peace. I have already performed the rituals for the unjustly deceased; there is no need for excessive fear."

He had some doubts in his mind: Did Master Chengxuan come on his own, or was he specially invited by someone?

He found Wen Yutang in the crowd, squeezed through the crowd, and came to Wen Yutang's side.

"Master Shen, you're awake. I didn't wake you because you were sleeping so soundly."

Shen Wei nodded, then lowered his voice and asked, "Did you summon Master Chengxuan?"

No.

Wen Yutang gently shook her head and explained softly,

"When I got up this morning, I saw Master Chengxuan arrive on his own, accompanied only by a young novice monk. This altar was built by that young novice monk himself."

Shen Wei felt something was strange. A few days ago, they agreed not to help, but now that the person was almost dead, what did it mean that they came to perform a ritual to help them pass on?

After about half an incense stick's time, the young novice monk beside Chengxuan stepped forward and said in a clear voice:

"Esteemed benefactors, Master Chengxuan has completed his ritual. Please disperse and do not disturb his rest."

Most of the onlookers dispersed in response, but a few lingered, pleading with Master Chengxuan.

Among them was an elderly woman, around fifty or sixty years old, who, with tears in her eyes, grabbed Chengxuan's sleeve, her voice choked with emotion:

"Master Chengxuan, please save my son! Yesterday he was clawed by those ruthless demonic cultivators, and now black energy is emanating from his back. He's in excruciating pain. Please help me, is there any way to save his life...?"

Behind the old woman stood a tall young man, but at this moment his face was pale and his body was weak. Large beads of sweat seeped from his forehead due to the severe pain and slid down his cheeks.

Just as the old woman said, although the wound on his back had been carefully bandaged with gauze, a wisp of black smoke that could penetrate the gauze was still seeping out.

In fact, demonic energy, like spiritual energy, cannot be seen with the naked eye and requires the use of divine sense. However, this black energy does not seem to be ordinary demonic energy, as it can be seen with the naked eye.

Master Chengxuan did not drive him away. His gaze fell on the wound on the young man's back. He slowly raised his right hand and gently placed it on the wound through the gauze.

The next second, a faint golden light emanated from his palm, and the gentle Buddhist light seeped through the gauze and slowly entered the young man's body.

This action lasted for a long time, and Shen Wei clearly saw that Cheng Xuan's tightly closed eyes furrowed slightly, and a trace of imperceptible solemnity flashed across his expression.

Seeing Chengxuan's solemn expression, Shen Wei thought to himself: Could it be that this black energy is not just ordinary demonic energy?

Chengxuan eventually healed the young man. When he withdrew his hand, the black aura on the young man's back had completely faded away and was no longer emanating from him. His complexion had also improved slightly, and his breathing had become much more stable.

The old woman kowtowed repeatedly to express her gratitude, then helped the young man slowly away. As she passed by Shen Wei, she also thanked him.

Those who came forward for help were also civilians injured by demonic cultivators, their bodies still bearing eerie black energy. Chengxuan treated them one by one, his expression always gentle and focused, without the slightest impatience.

Shen Wei and Wen Yutang observed quietly from the side, without disturbing or saying anything, simply watching Chengxuan treat the patient.

After a long while, until the last person who had asked for help left satisfied, Chengxuan Buddhist monk turned around and his gaze swept across the empty space, landing precisely on Shen Wei.

He slowly stepped forward, a rare smile appearing on his lips. "I heard from Miss Wen and her disciples that you were the one who saved this town?"

"I'm just doing what I can."

Chengxuan could tell that these words seemed to have another meaning, but he just smiled slightly and said, "I am the same as you, doing what I can."

Although Shen Wei doesn't think the saying "with great power comes great responsibility" applies everywhere.

In his view, Chengxuan was so resolute a few days ago, but now he's just putting on a show. He has no right to say such things.

However, given that he had indeed saved several lives, he did not express his dissatisfaction.

Chengxuan didn't hold a grudge against Shen Wei's words, but simply asked:

"Young hero, did you see the black aura behind that young man just now?"

"Are you referring to the demonic energy emanating from that person's back?"

"Regarding demonic energy, I believe you, young hero, can distinguish it better than I can."

Isn't that demonic energy visible to the naked eye? How can he claim to be able to distinguish it more clearly?

Shen Wei felt that Chengxuan seemed to be referring to something else as well.

But he couldn't be foolish enough to let Chengxuan spell things out more clearly, so he had no choice but to continue along with his topic.

"That demonic energy was indeed extraordinary; it could be seen with the naked eye."

Chengxuan nodded slightly after hearing this, but when Shen Wei turned his head, he saw Wen Yutang looking at him curiously.

"Is my cultivation level too low? Why do I have to use my divine sense to see?"

Oops!

Shen Wei's heart sank. He had been careless and forgotten that he was different from others. The evil dragon resided in his body, and his perception of demonic energy was a hundred times more acute than that of ordinary cultivators.

But this was the first time I had ever seen demonic energy that could be seen with the naked eye, which is why I was momentarily careless.

So, is he testing me?

Based on the solemnity Chengxuan showed during his diagnosis and the pointed remark he made, he vaguely sensed that Chengxuan had probably figured something out but hadn't said anything.

Chengxuan continued speaking,

"That black aura was indeed not ordinary demonic energy, but a kind of demonic energy that was generated as a catalyst."

Seeing that Chengxuan did not ask why he could see the demonic energy with his naked eye, Shen Wei's doubts not only did not lessen, but became even more profound.

But Chengxuan's next sentence only deepened his doubts, so he immediately pressed for an answer:

"What is meant by demonic energy generated as a catalyst?"

"These demonic cultivators are all used as medicinal ingredients to refine demonic pills."

Chengxuan explained calmly, "The cultivation methods they learned are different from those of ordinary demonic cultivators, so their demonic energy is more refined and pure."

"A demonic core?!"

Wen Yutang exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, the Demon Core."

Chengxuan answered calmly.

A medicinal catalyst? A magic pill?

Shen Wei did not immediately press for answers. At this moment, he was deep in thought. Cheng Xuan's words seemed to connect the information he had gathered over the past few days.

He was also able to answer some questions that had previously puzzled him.

He had previously believed that the Fuyou Sect's decision to allow these demonic cultivators to run rampant in their subordinate cities was a grave mistake that would damage the sect's foundation.

In retrospect, this was simply to accelerate the advancement of those demonic cultivators' cultivation levels so that the demonic pills they refined would be more effective.

This also answers his previous question—why the Jade Dew Sect didn't attack Qingyun City sooner.

It should be understood that most high-level cultivators are affiliated with sects, and these cities are mostly areas where independent cultivators operate. Disciples of various sects only pass through these places to resupply when carrying out missions.

The cultivation level of independent cultivators is always low, and they are the fastest to run away if danger strikes.

There weren't many Golden Core cultivators in the city lord's mansion; only the city lord, Liu Huan, was a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Without the help of the Fuyou Sect, the Jade Dew Sect's resources should have made taking over Qingyun City a piece of cake.

The Jade Dew Sect must understand the principle that delays lead to unforeseen changes, yet they are deliberately taking huge risks to prolong the process, probably waiting for the demonic core to be formed.

However, this argument still has flaws.

If that's the case, they could take Qingyun City first, severing the central connection between Cangying Continent and Zhongzhou. At that time, the entire Cangying Continent would become their medicine garden to manipulate at will, and refining demon pills would be much smoother.

But they didn't do that. Are they worried about something?

Perhaps it was because of this concern that they were eager to complete the demon core first, only in this way could they have the confidence to face the person who made them hesitant.

Could the person with concerns be Qin Yunshang?

Over the years, he has learned far too little about Qin Yunshang.

Qin Yunshang's father was a second-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue of the Great Zhou Dynasty, in charge of the surveying and mining of spiritual veins throughout the land. Qin Yunshang may have relied on her father's power to wield considerable influence in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

But these speculations could only be answered when he asked Qin Yunshang in person.

Besides that, there was another point that made Shen Wei quite suspicious.

The Master Chengxuan before me seemed to know a lot of inside information, and might even have some understanding of the secrets hidden deep in his heart, since the probing just now didn't seem like a casual act.

What puzzled Shen Wei even more was that Chengxuan seemed to be intentionally guiding him to think about the Demon Core. Otherwise, why would he tell him about these secrets in such detail?

But he could never voice these questions.

Since Chengxuan is willing to reveal these things, let's continue asking and explore more of the truth.

"What exactly is that demonic pill? What are its effects?"

"I have no way of knowing that."

Chengxuan shook his head slightly, his tone solemn.

"The Demonic Sect is determined to succeed this time, and they have invested so much. The effects of this Demonic Pill are probably far beyond our imagination."

Just then, Fang Qi, whom they had rescued the day before, slowly walked over, bowed to the three of them, and looked anxious:

"Master Shen, Miss Wen, I have something important to tell you."

"Today I made contact with my fellow disciples in the other four towns, and it seems that those members of the demonic sect... have retreated."

"really?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Wen Yutang's eyes, and she quickly asked, "The retreat of the Demonic Sect means that the people of the other four towns may be able to catch their breath."

"really."

"My fellow disciples have sent word that all the demonic cultivators have withdrawn, and the four towns are temporarily safe."

But Shen Wei was not reassured upon hearing this.

"Does that mean... that demonic pill, whose effects are unknown, has already been refined?"

If that's the case, the Jade Dew Sect will likely launch an offensive against Qingyun City within the next few days, possibly after that meeting... or perhaps not even before that meeting takes place.

"What demonic pill?" Fang Qi was completely bewildered, his face full of doubt, clearly having never heard of such a thing before.

"It's nothing." Shen Wei came back to his senses, waved his hand dismissively, and refused to explain further.

This matter has far-reaching implications, and it's not a good thing for Fang Qi and the others to know too much.

"Now that the Demonic Sect has withdrawn its troops, Fang Qi, you should immediately organize and begin the reconstruction work. For any important matters, please go to the Wen residence in the city and inform Miss Wen."

Although Fang Qi had some doubts, he could tell that Shen Wei and Wen Yutang seemed to have more important matters to attend to, so he didn't press further and simply nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I'll go and arrange for my disciples to help the people rebuild their homes."

After Fang Qi left, Shen Wei turned to look at Wen Yutang, his tone grave:

"We must return to the city now. This matter is of great importance, and we must discuss countermeasures as soon as possible."

Seeing his reaction, Wen Yutang realized the seriousness of the situation and quickly nodded, "Okay, let's set off immediately."

She turned to look at Chengxuan and asked softly:

"Master Chengxuan, would you like to return to the city with us?"

"No, thank you." Chengxuan shook his head gently. "I heard that the other four towns were also attacked by demons, resulting in heavy casualties. I must go there to perform rites for those who died unjustly and to treat the injured."

Seeing this, Shen Wei and Wen Yutang did not stop them. They rode their swords and quickly headed towards Qingyun City.

Just like when they came, the return journey wasn't far. The two traveled on their swords, the towns and fields beneath their feet flashing by, and in no time at all, they arrived at Qingyun City and landed steadily in front of the Wen family mansion.

The two had just stepped into the mansion when they happened to run into Wen Xuantong.

Seeing Wen Yutang and Shen Wei walking side by side, their expressions intimate, and recalling that Wen Yutang hadn't returned home all night yesterday—although Wen Yutang had mentioned to him yesterday that she was going to aid Ningyuan Town—seeing the two of them coming and going together still stirred up an inexplicable anger within him.

"This must be Young Master Shen. He's managed to keep my Yutang away all night. He's truly a promising young man."

He spoke arrogantly, emphasizing the last four words.

Shen Wei could easily hear the sarcastic tone in her words, but he had no intention of arguing with her.

Before he could even speak, Wen Yutang stepped in to defend him, not to be outdone.

"Father, yesterday, Master Shen and I went to aid Ningyuan Town. It was attacked by demonic cultivators, and countless people were killed or injured. It was Master Shen who intervened and saved the surviving people and our Qingze Sect disciples!"

"Is that so?" Wen Xuantong raised an eyebrow, his tone still carrying dissatisfaction, but he didn't mock him too much. "Then I was just being petty and judging you by my own standards."

Just then, whether they heard the noise or just happened to be walking this way, Qin Yunshang appeared in front of the three of them.

Today she wore a moon-white long dress, her figure was slender and her eyes were delicate and beautiful.

Upon seeing this, Wen Xuantong quickly bowed to him in a gentle voice.

Compared to Qin Yunshang, Wen Xuantong was naturally older, and given his arrogant personality, he was surprisingly respectful to Qin Yunshang.

It seems that over the years, his timid little sister Qin, who used to follow him around shyly, has become quite formidable.

Qin Yunshang did not respond to Wen Xuantong's greeting; her gaze passed over him and landed directly on Shen Wei.

Only when she reached his side did she slowly reveal a smile. This smile was like a plum blossom quietly blooming after the snow melts, extremely moving.

"I admire Young Master Shen for upholding justice and saving the people."

Qin Yunshang's voice was soft yet clear.

"Would you mind if I came inside to talk? I have something important to discuss with you."

Wen Xuantong stood aside and saw that Qin Yunshang valued Shen Wei so much, and even took the initiative to invite him into the house to talk. His face instantly turned ashen.

However, due to Qin Yunshang's status, he dared not utter a single complaint and could only keep it bottled up inside.