BAAF Chapter 118

A gust of wind hit the window, making a “bang” sound.

 

Xu Xingchen opened his eyes; it was already midnight. He suddenly sat up, looking left and right. For the first time in many years, he had fallen asleep without burning calming incense, and he had fallen asleep while thinking about things.

 

Remembering that Shen Liuxiang said he would watch over him outside, Xu Xingchen hesitated for a moment, then released his divine consciousness, gradually expanding it outward. Scanning the corridor, he saw a red-clothed figure with his head resting to one side, nodding off like a pecking chicken.

 

Xu Xingchen paused, the corners of his lips curving slightly upward. Just as he was about to get up and call Shen Liuxiang back to his room, he saw a small black dragon lying in Shen Liuxiang’s palm.

 

Xu Xingchen’s face suddenly turned cold, and after a long while, he ground his teeth as if sucking blood.

 

He knew it would be like this. Let Shen Liuxiang stay outside in the cold wind all night; after all, Zhou Xuanlan would keep him warm!

 

Sensing his divine consciousness, Zhou Xuanlan raised his head, no longer pretending, directly transforming into human form and blatantly picking up Shen Liuxiang horizontally.

 

Seeing this, Xu Xingchen couldn’t stay calm and opened the door.

 

He looked at the black-robed figure, then at Shen Liuxiang being carried, his displeasure clearly written on his face. After thinking for a moment, he coldly snorted: “Aren’t you angry that you couldn’t take Elder Brother away? Unexpected, right? Elder Brother chose me.”

 

When Zhou Xuanlan had disappeared earlier, Xu Xingchen knew he would come looking for Shen Liuxiang, and expected this bad elder brother would, as always, carelessly run off with Zhou Xuanlan.

 

Though he anticipated the outcome, he couldn’t help feeling sad.

 

But when he discovered Shen Liuxiang hadn’t left, that he wanted to stay and accompany him, Xu Xingchen was overjoyed, like a child who had received candy and no longer needed to envy other children.

 

In Xu Xingchen’s eyes, Zhou Xuanlan was ‘the other child,’ and now that Shen Liuxiang had chosen him for once, Xu Xingchen couldn’t resist taunting the other to avenge past grievances-see, I’m more important than you now.

 

“I’m not childish like you,” Zhou Xuanlan curled his lips disdainfully.

 

Master was unwilling to leave with him, letting him depart alone, which he could completely understand, after all, Emperor Xingchen was family, family…

 

However, Master cared too much about them.

 

Zhou Xuanlan lowered his eyelids slightly, the arm around the slender waist involuntarily tightening.

 

Shen Liuxiang drowsily opened his eyes, saw the clean jawline, and muttered, “Hide quickly, don’t let Xingchen see you,” then rested his head on Zhou Xuanlan’s shoulder, found a comfortable position, and fell back asleep.

 

Xu Xingchen’s brow relaxed, his gaze softening somewhat. Shen Liuxiang didn’t want him to see Zhou Xuanlan, probably fearing it would upset him.

 

Xu Xingchen put his hands behind his back, increasingly refreshed: “Even in his sleep, Elder Brother is thinking of me.”

 

Zhou Xuanlan glanced at Xu Xingchen’s increasingly smug expression; if he had a tail, it would probably be raised to the sky.

 

Compared to the Emperor Xingchen he had defeated in his previous life, the current one was even more annoying, relying entirely on Master’s favoritism-for the sake of not stimulating this second brother, he had to hide secretly, otherwise he wouldn’t be allowed to stay…

 

Zhou Xuanlan restrained his temper, repeatedly telling himself that Emperor Xingchen was Master’s family and certainly couldn’t be abandoned. Moreover, Emperor Xingchen had helped him recover his memories and had always been planning for Shen Liuxiang’s sake, which barely suppressed his urge to forcibly take Shen Liuxiang away.

 

But now, this person was becoming increasingly presumptuous, flaunting his victory right in front of him.

 

Zhou Xuanlan’s thin lips curved slightly, suddenly saying with an icy tone: “As long as Second Brother is happy. Master told me, since you’re his younger brother, I should yield a bit.”

 

Xu Xingchen’s eyes widened, his face showing disbelief, and in his anger, he shouted in the night: “Who are you calling?! What are you saying?! Who is your ‘Second Brother’?! Let go of him!!!”

 

Zhou Xuanlan had already placed a sound-isolating spell on Shen Liuxiang and quickly left with him without looking back. Xu Xingchen slammed his palm against the doorframe, and with a boom, the door was knocked down by his rage.

 

As the sky gradually brightened, Shen Liuxiang opened his eyes, saw the handsome face close by, paused, and then realized what had happened.

 

Last night, after keeping watch for most of the night, about an hour before dawn, weariness had overcome him, and he had closed his eyes, unable to resist. In his half-dreaming state, Zhou Xuanlan had carried him back to the room.

 

He wondered if Xu Xingchen had slept well, and hoped he hadn’t secretly burned calming incense.

 

Shen Liuxiang rubbed his eyes, planning to check on him later, but now…

 

He blinked his phoenix eyes, thinking of Zhou Xuanlan who had become surprisingly agreeable after recovering his memories, even willing to transform into a small black dragon wrapped around his wrist.

 

Shen Liuxiang stared for a while, extended his slender neck, his face silently approaching, moving bit by bit toward the thin lips.

 

Zhou Xuanlan had one hand resting on the soft blanket, his fingertips gently rubbing it, the corners of his lips rising in an almost imperceptible curve of pleasure, silently waiting.

 

Time seemed extraordinarily long. Just as he finally felt Master’s light breath drawing near, the door “bang” opened.

 

“Elder Brother-”

 

Shen Liuxiang: “?!”

 

Zhou Xuanlan: “…”

 

Xu Xingchen stood at the doorway with a forced smile, not entering, just pushing the door open and waiting.

 

Shen Liuxiang emerged from the room, his left hand behind his back, coughing lightly: “What is it? What’s the matter?”

 

Xu Xingchen glanced at his left arm, then said: “Tomorrow, the eldest daughter of the Xu family, my and Xinglian’s cousin, is holding her union ceremony in the cultivation world. Later, you will come with me.”

 

Shen Liuxiang recalled meeting Xu Ziyue in Yanming City, who had bought the Three Lives Stone at Po Qiong Chamber, probably as a gift for his sister who was getting married: “I’ll go to the cultivation world, but not to the Xu family.”

 

He really had no good feelings toward the Xu family. Going to the cultivation world would be a good opportunity to return to Qinglin; he had heard his senior brother had been in seclusion for several years and had just emerged from his cave dwelling yesterday.

 

Xu Xingchen’s expression remained unchanged as he said: “Elder Brother should still go. There will be many people, it will be lively, and you might meet many familiar faces.”

 

As Shen Liuxiang hesitated, a small tail in his sleeve tapped his wrist.

 

-Go.

 

The Xu family was currently at the height of their influence. This time, the eldest daughter Xu Ziling was to become a Dao companion with someone, and the Xu family was making it extremely grand and impressive, broadly inviting friends from the Three Realms to attend the ceremony.

 

On the eve of the union, countless people had already arrived to offer congratulations, truly a sea of people.

 

The Xu family, being wealthy and powerful, had reserved the entire city to accommodate guests, taking care of food, drink, and entertainment, giving the impression of universal celebration. For a time, everyone had to praise the Xu family’s wealth and generosity.

 

As the day of the ceremony approached, at a famous tavern in Yingxue City, guests from all directions gathered, excitedly discussing this joyous event.

 

Someone said: “Such a grand occasion, when have we ever seen the like? Many renowned cultivators from the continent have come, and various forces have brought gifts, mostly to curry favor. It seems the Xu family is set to become the continent’s number one family soon!”

 

“Heh, aren’t they all coming for the Emperor? They want to use the Xu family’s influence to connect with the Imperial Palace.”

 

 

“Don’t be indignant. With Emperor Xingchen’s regard for the Xu family, the Xu family will certainly rise. Do you know that the Three Great Immortal Sects have also sent people to offer congratulations? In the cultivation world, what great face this is!”

 

“It’s not as if the Immortal Lord or Sword Venerable came in person. What’s there to boast about? Though if the Emperor himself came, I take back my words.”

 

The brocade-clothed cultivator who had just spoken immediately smiled smugly: “Then you’d better close your mouth. Emperor Xingchen arrived at the Xu family in the afternoon!”

 

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, saying it was worth the trip, and tomorrow would be lively.

 

The brocade-clothed cultivator smiled and said: “The Imperial Princess accompanied him, and there was another person. You definitely can’t guess who.”

 

The diners in the tavern urged him to tell them. The brocade-clothed cultivator covered his mouth, coughed, and said word by word: “The former Young Lord of the Imperial Palace, Qinglin Immortal Lord, Shen-Liu-Xiang.”

 

Someone dropped their chopsticks on the floor. The tavern fell silent for a moment before erupting into an even more heated wave of discussion.

 

***

 

Shen Liuxiang lowered his head and sneezed.

 

“I heard Elder Brother kept watch outside the door all night yesterday. Have you caught a cold?” Xu Xinglian turned her head, her almond eyes examining his handsome face.

 

Shen Liuxiang shook his head, muttering that someone must be talking about him.

 

The two walked to a quiet part of the forest.

 

Having arrived in the cultivation world, knowing Xu Xingchen would certainly not agree, Xu Xinglian had begged Shen Liuxiang to take her to see Lu Qingyun.

 

Without a second thought, Shen Liuxiang had openly taken her away right under Xu Xingchen’s nose, reassuring the somewhat worried Xu Xinglian along the way, “Your brother is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Don’t be afraid of him.”

 

Xu Xinglian nodded, smiling lightly: “With Elder Brother here, my brother doesn’t seem so unreasonable.”

 

“You’ll see in a couple of days, your brother still loves you the most.”

 

As he spoke, Shen Liuxiang touched his empty wrist. After coming to the cultivation world, Zhou Xuanlan had said he had urgent matters and left. Shen Liuxiang pondered, unable to figure out what urgent matters he might have.

 

The two walked out of the forest and looked up at the towering mountain.

 

Lu Qingyun had carved out a cave dwelling halfway up the mountain. When they arrived, they found a barrier at the entrance. This barrier didn’t stop Xu Xinglian, but apart from her, not even a stone could fly in.

 

Xu Xinglian frowned slightly, first entered the dwelling to take a look, then returned with a panicked expression: “Elder Brother, he seems to be about to break through.”

 

Shen Liuxiang understood; the barrier was to prevent others from disturbing him. Seeing it was getting late, he said: “Let’s come back another day. You and I…”

 

Shen Liuxiang had intended to ask Xu Xinglian to return with him, but seeing her worried expression, and considering that Xu Xingchen had sent people to protect her secretly, there was no need to worry about her safety. He changed his words: “Since the barrier doesn’t stop you, stay here to accompany him. Don’t leave the cave dwelling.”

 

Xu Xinglian nodded joyfully, the hairpin on her head flashing with bits of light, looking very beautiful.

 

Shen Liuxiang waved to her, then turned and left.

 

This place was picturesque, a quiet place suitable for living, but perhaps because it was too far from towns, there were few people.

 

Shen Liuxiang found a shortcut, and midway saw an orange tree by the road, with bright yellow oranges weighing down the branches, looking delicious and tempting.

 

Shen Liuxiang hurried over, just about to pick one to quench his thirst, when he suddenly noticed something in the grass beside the tree.

 

It was a doll, which at a rough glance looked like a small fire ball, somewhat familiar.

 

Shen Liuxiang bent down to pick it up, stunned for a moment.

 

The doll was only palm-sized, fluffy to the touch, with four feet on the ground and a pair of fiery red small wings on its back.

 

At this moment, the little demon beast was staring straight ahead with bright eyes, its mouth pulled to one side in a snarl, baring its teeth fiercely, its whiskers on both sides trembling in the wind, as if about to let out an “Aowu~” roar of a fierce beast.

 

Shen Liuxiang stared at the adorable doll in his hand. This was the little demon beast he had transformed into in Qilin City out of desperation, pretending to be a fire qilin.

 

At that time, someone had made it into a doll, which sold very well.

 

This doll looked somewhat aged, presumably made back then. Seeing it was unstained, its owner must have treasured it, yet for some reason, it had been dropped in this wilderness.

 

Shen Liuxiang blew away the broken leaves on the doll, pondering, and was about to put it back when a child’s voice came from behind.

 

“Give it back to me.”

 

Shen Liuxiang turned around to see a little boy dressed in coarse cloth, with two small buns on his head, looking up at him with bright black eyes, then at the doll.

 

Shen Liuxiang frowned slightly. The child’s face was unfamiliar, but there was a strange sense of déjà vu.

 

Shen Liuxiang looked around, not seeing any other adults, so he crouched down, returned the doll to the child, and asked: “Little one, why are you alone in this place? Where are your father and mother?”

 

The cloth-dressed child stared at him, then moved close to his ear and whispered: “I’ll tell you a secret, I’m not a person, I’m a demon. My mother is human.”

 

Shen Liuxiang was surprised; he was a half-demon.

 

The child continued: “Mother doesn’t let me say it. She tells me it’s dangerous if I do, that outside everyone would drive me away. Don’t tell her.”

 

Shen Liuxiang raised his hand to pat his head: “Alright, but if you go out now, people won’t drive you away.”

 

Now that relations between humans and demons had improved, plus the spread of the strange pills, what were once called mixed breeds could now walk on the streets of the demon realm without others knowing, and even if they did know, they wouldn’t feel the strong disgust of the past.

 

The child hugged the doll with both hands, half-believing: “Really? But I’m still afraid.”

 

Shen Liuxiang thought for a moment, then said: “Then wait a few more years before going out.”

 

“Why wait a few years? I-I might not be able to wait that long.”

 

Shen Liuxiang half-covered his face and said softly: “Let me tell you a secret. I have a powerful technique. When it’s complete, if humans and demons cooperate, both can win. Then you won’t be able to leave me, and I won’t be able to leave you, and there won’t be so much conflict between us.”

 

He winked at the child: “Then, little ones like you won’t be outcasts anymore. You’ll become like ordinary children.”

 

The cloth-dressed child’s eyes widened in surprise: “What technique? How is it done?!”

 

Shen Liuxiang stood up and picked a few oranges: “This is a technique I’ve been researching diligently for more than a decade.” This wasn’t wrong; unable to cultivate in the soul-gathering platform, he could only ponder techniques.

 

Child: “Why put in so much effort?”

 

Shen Liuxiang placed two oranges in his arms, feeling he had said too much and the child probably wouldn’t understand. Finally, he replied: “Because in the past, there were children like you who suffered too much when they were young, and even when they grew up, they couldn’t escape… There shouldn’t be any more like that.”

 

Having said this, Shen Liuxiang tossed an orange in his hand: “Is your home around here? I can take you back if you’d like.”

 

The child stood stunned for a long while, looking at him, opening his mouth then closing it, before finally curving his lips: “Sorry, thank you.”

 

With these words, he quickly ran off, hugging the oranges and the doll.

 

Perhaps it was an innate talent of demon beasts, but he ran extremely fast. Shen Liuxiang couldn’t catch up and could only helplessly shake his head as he watched the small figure rapidly disappear into the grass.

 

The child seemed more familiar with this place than he was, so there was no need to worry.

 

Shen Liuxiang turned and left, walking to the nearest town and using a teleportation array to return to Yingxue City, hurrying to the Xu family villa.

 

This villa was extremely spacious, a good place for enjoying the cool evening air and overlooking Yingxue City.

 

In the early evening, many people gathered there. At a glance, disciples from various sects were the most conspicuous, forming circles large and small, each occupying an area for casual conversation.

 

Shen Liuxiang had received a message from Xu Xingchen saying he was here, but after searching for a while without seeing him, he had just casually taken an orange from a fruit platter when he heard a commotion ahead.

 

Before Shen Liuxiang could get close, he heard two arguing voices.

 

“I’ve tolerated you for too long! Dare to say it again, and I’ll smash your head open!”

 

Shen Liuxiang felt he had heard this abusive language somewhere before. The other voice sounded weak and full of alcohol, the words floating unsteadily.

 

“Are you cr-crazy? I’m telling everyone a story, why are you butting in?!”

 

Shen Liuxiang squeezed through the crowd to see a person dressed as an immortal sect disciple, eyes wide with anger, spittle flying: “You’re making things up! The Immortal Lord clearly used this strategy to contain Qiongqi. How dare you slander the Immortal Lord, saying he used the Demon Refining Technique for selfish reasons! I’ll smash your head in!”

 

The drunk cultivator he had grabbed immediately became angry too, rolling up his sleeves and calling to the group of cultivators sitting around: “Still watching the show? Get up, all of you! A mere Daqian Sect disciple comes to my territory to teach me, Wang Zhenren, a lesson? Beat him up!”

 

This Wang Zhenren, while speaking, raised his large knife magical weapon, swinging it as he said: “Everyone knows this. You accuse me of making things up? You’re not Shen Liuxiang, so why are you getting so worked up? If you have the guts, let him come out and confront this true man face to face!”

 

The onlookers immediately began discussing.

 

“The Xu family territory forbids private duels.”

 

“Wang Zhenren is a guest elder of the Xu family, so they might show some consideration.”

 

“Then isn’t this Daqian Sect disciple in danger? This is Wang Zhenren, who’s half a step into the Soul Formation realm!”

 

Shen Liuxiang blinked, planning to rescue the person, when from a distance, a group of people in Daqian Sect attire approached, led by an elder with an anxious expression, hurrying over.

 

The Daqian Sect was now one of the three great immortal sects in the cultivation world. Seeing this, those present involuntarily made way.

 

“What’s happening? Who are they looking for?”

 

“Don’t know.”

 

As everyone was speculating, they saw the leading elder spot a figure and lead the disciples joyfully rushing over: “Sect Master! Sect Master!!”

 

The onlookers followed his gaze, all widening their eyes: “?!”

 

The figure who had easily dodged the large knife, hearing the call, turned pale, wishing he could plug their mouths: “Shut up! Shut up!!”

 

Ming Tan’s fingers trembled with anger.

 

Despite disguising himself so well, he had still been discovered by his disciples!

 

Hearing that Immortal Lord Shen had arrived, he had rushed from Daqian Sect with utmost urgency, wanting to secretly, quietly catch a glimpse. But alas, this small wish was now shattered!

 

“Are you trying to betray your master and destroy your ancestors?!” With this angry shout, Ming Tan resumed his original appearance, nearly gritting his teeth.

 

The sect elder and disciples paused, all shrinking their necks: “Please calm your anger, Sect Master.”

 

The onlookers drew in a cold breath, feeling a chill throughout their bodies.

 

Daqian Sect Master Ming Tan had founded the sect alone, and in just a few decades had led Daqian Sect to become one of the three great immortal sects, a legendary figure in the cultivation world, now appearing so openly before their eyes.

 

In front of Ming Tan, the previously drunk Wang Zhenren, as if doused with cold water, instantly sobered up.

 

Bang.

 

He knelt on the ground, remembering the rumored ruthless methods of the Daqian Sect Master, and humbly said: “So it’s Sect Master Ming. I was too drunk earlier. The Sect Master is right! I was just making things up. Only fools would believe those words!”

 

Ming Tan smiled coldly: “You know your mistake?”

 

Wang Zhenren nodded vigorously, and Ming Tan snorted, kicking him to the ground: “Good that you know your mistake. Let me tell you the correct story.”

 

Wang Zhenren struggled to get up, aware of the difference in cultivation levels, not daring to say a word of disagreement, nodding repeatedly.

 

Ming Tan sat cross-legged, then looked at the onlookers: “Gathering here is fate. Well then, I’ll tell you all the story of how this Sect Master attained enlightenment.”

 

Hearing this, everyone was excited-a great cultivator sharing his enlightenment experience was a rare opportunity. All listened attentively with eager faces. Only the Daqian Sect disciples mixed in the crowd reflexively began to yawn.

 

Ah, it’s the story of meeting Immortal Lord Shen in East Wilderness and being struck by his divine appearance again.

 

They could recite it backward by now.

 

Ming Tan sat in the center, recounting it like a family treasure.

 

Shen Liuxiang found a chair, sat at the very back, and listened with great interest.

 

He didn’t remember this part Ming Tan was describing, about saving a child during the beast tide, but from Ming Tan’s description, he sounded like a god.

 

Shen Liuxiang couldn’t help but laugh, and at that moment, a cool touch wrapped around his left wrist: “What is Master laughing at?”

 

Zhou Xuanlan had left in the afternoon and only just returned. Shen Liuxiang asked: “What were you doing?”

 

Zhou Xuanlan: “Master will know tomorrow.”

 

Shen Liuxiang narrowed his eyes slightly, about to speak when the small dragon on his wrist suddenly moved, poking out its head to sniff his palm. “Master, why is there the scent of another demon beast here?”

 

Shen Liuxiang was speechless, surprised that this could be detected: “I met a child and patted his head.”

 

“Was that child a half-demon?”

 

Shen Liuxiang: “You can even smell that?!”

 

Zhou Xuanlan’s tone suddenly deepened: “I’m guessing.”

 

Shen Liuxiang lowered his eyes to see the small black dragon withdrawing its head, wrapping around his wrist a bit tighter, as if suddenly unhappy.

 

Shen Liuxiang didn’t understand why. After thinking for a moment, he peeled an orange, picked up a segment, and pushed it through his sleeve opening. “What’s wrong? Have a bite. I just ate one of these oranges, it’s super sweet.”

 

After a while, Shen Liuxiang felt the orange segment move slightly, and a low voice came from his sleeve: “It’s sour.”

 

Shen Liuxiang: “?!”

 

He ate a segment himself: “It’s sweet though.”

 

Zhou Xuanlan was silent for a while: “Feed me another segment, perhaps then it will become sweet.”

 

Shen Liuxiang now caught the hint, raising an eyebrow as he extended another orange segment into his sleeve, muttering: “I can’t possibly avoid touching any demon beast except you in the future.”

 

He thought for a moment, then added: “It was just a child. You heard Ming Tan’s story-during the great beast tide in the demon realm, I even saved and held a child! You can’t possibly be jealous of even a little kid…”

 

Before he could finish, Shen Liuxiang’s fingertip was lightly bitten, and a deep voice filled with pleasure came from his sleeve.

 

“That child was me.”

 

“?!”

 

Shen Liuxiang dropped the orange and pulled the small dragon wrapped around his wrist out.

 

The small black dragon looked up at him, and Shen Liuxiang tapped its forehead, fiercely threatening: “Tell me the truth.”

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)