PID Chapter 91

Next up, we have our Benefactor Pixi!
Thank you for the kofi!
(i feel like novel is about to be over XD)

(3/5)

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With external threats still unresolved, internal strife had already erupted.

 

Nearby, someone asked another person: “What happened?”

 

The other shook their head. “When I arrived, they were already fighting—I don’t know why.”

 

While others speculated or questioned what had occurred, Xiao Mo immediately focused on Chu Jinglan and anxiously looked him over from head to toe: “Are you hurt?”

 

Chu Jinglan turned his gaze toward Xiao Mo. The killing intent in his eyes faded instantly—his sharp aura was directed only at enemies and never at Xiao Mo.

 

Through voice transmission, Chu Jinglan reassured him: “I’m fine.”

 

The blood on his Daybreak dripped cleanly away, but Chu Jinglan didn’t sheathe it just yet. The fight with the demon had caused significant commotion—it wasn’t surprising that others had been drawn over. After all, two palace halls had been destroyed in the battle, and no effort had been made to conceal it with barriers or wards.

 

Some people hadn’t stayed within the City Lord’s manor—whether due to distrust or undisclosed personal tasks. One person, speaking with a cautious tone, addressed Chu Jinglan: “What exactly happened that made you kill him?”

 

Chu Jinglan, still holding his sword, replied calmly: “He tried to kill me, so I killed him.”

 

The others exchanged uncertain glances. Some remained skeptical, while others, recalling the feathered demon’s identity as a member of the demon race, grew increasingly uneasy and began thinking quickly.

 

Those who doubted weren’t ready to believe so easily. “You expect us to take your word for it?”

 

Meanwhile, someone else speculated aloud: “Could he have been a demon trying to stir up conflict between humans and demons?”

 

Yue Ming stepped forward to stand beside Chu Jinglan. “He’s not someone who kills indiscriminately. Besides, let’s be honest—if any of you were planning something shady, wouldn’t you pick a place without witnesses? Who would blatantly kill someone in front of everyone and leave such obvious evidence?”

 

Jun Bushu chimed in: “I agree.” Turning to Chu Jinglan, he asked, “Did this person leave any messages before dying? Is there any way to figure out why he tried to kill you?”

 

Chu Jinglan shook his head. “I don’t know.”

 

Yue Ming crouched down to examine the corpse’s storage device but found it damaged and unusable—no clues about the demon’s identity could be retrieved. “Did he use some kind of strange assassination technique? He must’ve known we have sect-provided protective seals. Even as a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, he wouldn’t stand a chance against you. If he wasn’t confident, wouldn’t that mean he was throwing his life away?”

 

Chu Jinglan gestured toward the collapsed building nearby. The wooden beams bore dark scorch marks. “His weapon was poisoned—it destroyed several artifacts. All his moves were assassination techniques.”

 

Xiao Mo thought of Fenxiu and frowned deeply. It was likely that Fenxiu had arranged for more than one demon in the tower. His expression darkened as he said grimly: “Could it be that this person was willing to sacrifice his life just to break your protective seal?”

 

Chu Jinglan’s thoughts stirred at Xiao Mo’s words, and he repeated them aloud for the others. Upon hearing this, their expressions changed as well: sacrificing one’s life solely to break a protective seal was clearly the act of a death warrior—someone willing to die for a greater cause.

 

Someone muttered uneasily: “A demon sacrificing himself just to pave the way for someone else…”

 

Could the demons in the tower be specifically targeting human cultivators?

 

And judging by the situation, it seemed they were focusing on prodigies—the most talented among them…

 

One person instinctively took a step back. Regardless of the exact circumstances, it seemed like staying farther away from these prodigies might actually be safer.

 

After all, those demons hadn’t attacked them yet, had they?

 

Still, encountering demons within the tower meant everyone needed to be extra cautious.

 

And speaking of demons—who didn’t know that Chu Jinglan’s Dao companion was also a demon?

 

Many people began connecting dots in their minds, their thoughts converging on similar conclusions. An Immortal Alliance disciple finally voiced what many were thinking: “Where is your Dao companion? Why hasn’t he shown up?”

 

Chu Jinglan immediately understood the implication behind this question and replied coldly: “He has important matters to attend to.”

 

Both Yue Ming and Jun Bushu knew that Xiao Mo was likely using his secret method to gather information. In any case, this group wasn’t united—they each had their own agendas—so there was no need to explain everything.

 

Yue Ming added sharply: “We haven’t questioned everything you’ve done, so stop prying into other people’s business. Let’s be honest here—none of us are truly on the same side anyway. You’re only asking because you’re worried about ending up like that demon over there.”

 

“And by the way,” Yue Ming continued with a pointed look at the group, “some of you arrived first when they were fighting, didn’t you? Did any of you intervene?”

 

After parting ways with Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, Yue Ming prepared the resource list and found a good spot outside the City Lord’s manor to practice his swordsmanship. He became so engrossed in his training that by the time he noticed the commotion, he wasn’t among the first to arrive at the scene.

 

The few people who had arrived first were immediately silenced—they had indeed witnessed Chu Jinglan kill the feathered demon.

 

At this point, anyone trying to muddy the waters had no more excuses.

 

However, the feathered demon’s death planted a seed of unease in everyone’s minds, further intensifying the already turbulent undercurrents within this disjointed group. Those who hadn’t intervened earlier took a step back and asked, “Fine. So how is your progress in gathering information?”

 

Since Xiao Mo was only at Golden Core stage, they didn’t think he would be involved in such tasks.

 

Jun Bushu slowly pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve and said, “First hand over your resources—then we’ll talk about anything else.”

 

As soon as the list was revealed, everyone’s attention shifted. For them, losing resources was far more concerning than someone else’s life. Upon seeing what was listed, someone immediately protested: “Why should we? You’re supposed to complete the task anyway—it’s just convenient for you! Why should we give up so much?”

 

Yue Ming retorted sharply: “Then send your own people instead! Stop whining!”

 

As he spoke, he shot a meaningful glance at Chu Jinglan. Understanding Yue Ming’s signal, Chu Jinglan quietly retreated to the edge of the crowd and released Qiuqiu to burn the feathered demon’s corpse before silently leaving.

 

The destroyed palace wasn’t the City Lord’s bedroom. After the feathered demon’s failed assassination attempt, Chu Jinglan and he had fought outside. When Chu Jinglan returned to the bedroom, Xiao Mo used spiritual energy to fully manifest himself.

 

“Good thing Yue Ming and Jun Bushu are quick-witted,” Xiao Mo said seriously. “Are you really unharmed?”

 

Chu Jinglan replied calmly: “Mm.” He added, “The protective seal wasn’t broken either.”

 

Xiao Mo’s expression grew grave. “The feathered demon sacrificed his life trying to break your protective seal—that means there are definitely more demons in this tower who’ve been ordered to kill you. And there’s worse news.”

 

“Hidden City has a Divided Spirit cultivator—it’s Fenxiu.”

 

With tasks and a three-city war as bait, Fenxiu could easily join forces with Hidden City’s cultivators to surround and kill Chu Jinglan—and it would even seem justified.

 

“We need to talk to Lie Ying,” Xiao Mo said firmly. “We can’t let Hidden City profit as an opportunist.”

 

But Fenxiu was at peak Divided Spirit stage; even if Qin City and Jiang City joined forces, their combined cultivators wouldn’t be enough to defeat him.

 

“He hasn’t fully recovered,” Chu Jinglan noted. “Sect Master injured him most severely in his left abdomen.”

 

Xiao Mo frowned. “We don’t know how much he has recovered yet… And Su Baimo is currently dual-cultivating with him to help heal his injuries.”

 

Chu Jinglan paused briefly but showed no surprise or shock at this revelation. The mandarin duck furnace physique used in dual cultivation required physical union for effectiveness—it wasn’t like other techniques that merely exchanged spiritual energy.

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t care about who Su Baimo was dual-cultivating with. What mattered was the looming battle—a fight he could risk everything for but absolutely couldn’t afford to lose his life over.

 

Even if he lost miserably, even if it brought shame—he couldn’t die.

 

He hadn’t avenged his family yet; there were still things left undone. Moreover, his life wasn’t just his own anymore.

 

If Chu Jinglan were to die, Xiao Mo would also dissipate. Compared to his own death, Chu Jinglan found the latter utterly unacceptable.

 

Chu Jinglan parted his lips to speak: “We—”

 

“Report—!”

 

The voice of a messenger rang out loudly, cutting through the air like a bell before the person even arrived. The sound penetrated the doors of the bedroom, interrupting Chu Jinglan’s words. He raised his hand and opened the door. Despite not being a cultivator, the steward moved with remarkable speed and reached the doorway in mere moments.

 

The steward presented a booklet and said urgently: “Emergency report—Hidden City’s City Lord has been replaced. Troops are being mobilized rapidly and may attack sooner than three days!”

 

Xiao Mo quickly grabbed the document and saw that Hidden City’s City Lord’s name had already changed to the alias Fenxiu had given Su Baimo: A-Luo.

 

Fenxiu had likely used his Divided Spirit-level cultivation to force someone to step down—or perhaps he had simply killed them and taken their place.

 

Given Fenxiu’s usual behavior, it wouldn’t be surprising if he decided to play along for a while only to flip the table and kill everyone when he got bored.

 

Rapid troop mobilization left no room for Chu Jinglan to catch his breath or escape without completing his task. Fenxiu was clearly tightening the pressure, making it clear that he could pursue them relentlessly.

 

Xiao Mo’s expression darkened.

 

“Tell those people outside to stop arguing,” Xiao Mo said firmly. “We need to inform Jiang City immediately—otherwise, it’ll be too late.”

 

Rather than letting Hidden City exploit their infighting and have its strongest cultivator easily defeat everyone, it was better for Qin City and Jiang City to join forces.

 

Chu Jinglan immediately said: “I’ll go. You stay here and explain the situation to the others.”

 

There was no time to waste. The division of tasks was clear, and Xiao Mo didn’t hesitate: “Alright.”

 

As soon as Chu Jinglan stepped out of the door, he rode the wind straight toward Jiang City. Meanwhile, Xiao Mo headed toward the crowd still arguing over scouting duties. Once he explained the situation, their bickering ceased instantly.

 

Some hesitated briefly before deciding to abandon their tasks altogether and leave immediately.

 

Although they wanted to test their luck and see if they could reach the ninth floor, facing a peak Divided Spirit cultivator blocking their path made success seem far too unlikely—and they lacked the courage for such a gamble.

 

Five people left in one go.

 

“Chu Jinglan has already gone to Jiang City,” Xiao Mo said. “We don’t know if he’ll succeed in negotiating or how many cultivators will remain there afterward. Are you sure you’re staying?”

 

One person gritted their teeth and replied: “I’ve come this far—if I can make it to the ninth floor, I’ll be a hero in the Wang family. I won’t have to worry about anything in my future endeavors. As long as there’s even a sliver of hope, I’ll try!”

 

Another spoke cautiously: “I’ll wait for Chu Jinglan to return and see how much combat strength we can gather before deciding.”

 

Everyone had their own choices—it was inevitable.

 

The group stopped arguing and moved together to the main hall of the City Lord’s manor, waiting for Chu Jinglan to bring back news.

 

Xiao Mo, however, didn’t join them right away. He told them he’d catch up later.

 

Returning to the bedroom and shutting the door behind him, Xiao Mo took out his flute from his waist and began gently rubbing it in his palm.

 

When Chu Jinglan brushed past him on his way out earlier, Xiao Mo had felt an inexplicable sense of unease—a strange and ominous premonition.

 

He was genuinely worried for Chu Jinglan. Even though Chu Jinglan wouldn’t die before completing his inner demon tribulation, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t suffer severe injuries or come close to death. Being alive but gravely injured was still alive—but Xiao Mo absolutely didn’t want such a scenario to occur.

 

Chu Jinglan had already endured too much pain from past injuries.

 

“System.”

 

“I’m here, Host.”

 

Xiao Mo: “Exchange my cultivation level to peak Divided Spirit stage.”

 

His memories had mostly returned, and he had all the critical information he needed. Breaking through to Divided Spirit stage in one go shouldn’t pose any issues now.

 

If an unexpected situation arose later, having greater strength would give him more ability to handle it.

 

“The panel is open, values selected. Please confirm or cancel.”

 

Xiao Mo didn’t hesitate. “Confirm.”

 

The moment the [Confirm] button was pressed, an overwhelming surge of energy erupted within Xiao Mo. His aura became vast and boundless, surging with immense power.

 

The demonic energy around him boiled instantly, lifting his body into the air in jubilant celebration. Within his sea of consciousness, the fog walls churned and surged toward him, creating a silent yet grand spectacle of revelry.

 

Xiao Mo’s pupils turned a brilliant crimson, glowing with an otherworldly beauty. His consciousness seemed to traverse the universe, passing through countless stars and vast, awe-inspiring scenes before settling on the smallest details of grass and trees. He saw stars bursting into life and tiny sprouts emerging from the earth. Even the gentle trembling of tender leaves in the breeze was vividly clear in his mind.

 

To observe all things below, to gaze upon the heavens above, to focus one’s spirit and gather one’s breath—this was Divided Spirit.

 

The demonic energy coiled around his body, weaving across his pale skin like a song of reverence and celebration. The strange yet beautiful demonic aura seemed to sing praises for him, willingly submitting to his strength and bending to his will.

 

The demonic energy rejoiced, but the inner demon suffered.

 

Xiao Mo’s crimson eyes filled with pain as he clutched his head tightly.

 

Though he now held all the critical information he needed, regaining all his memories meant reliving every single day of his past life from the moment he could remember. An overwhelming flood of images crashed through him like a tidal wave, shaking his spiritual consciousness to its core. The East Clear Pearl in his chest spun rapidly, releasing a steady stream of warmth that stabilized his mind.

 

He saw himself walking out of a broken orphanage. He saw himself bidding farewell to his kind-hearted grandmother as she passed away. He saw seventeen-year-old Chu Jinglan—and he saw Chu Jinglan lying in his arms at the end, covered in blood.

 

Chu Jinglan had spoken then. He had said—

 

“Xiao Mo… don’t apologize… I’ve never regretted meeting you.”

 

Xiao Mo’s red eyes glistened as if they were about to bleed. It was only the warmth of the East Clear Pearl that anchored his turbulent thoughts. After a long while, Xiao Mo slowly lowered his hands and lifted his gaze, quietly sensing the connection between his inner demon form and his true self.

 

Chu Jinglan… thank you. Meeting you has been one of my rarest blessings.

 

Xiao Mo gathered all the demonic energy around him and absorbed it back into his body without a sound.

 

The storm of emotions in his eyes subsided completely, leaving only a deep stillness behind. His pupils returned to their pitch-black hue but appeared even more profound—just one glance could captivate anyone’s soul.

 

Speaking of blessings, Xiao Mo lowered his gaze slightly and looked at the spirit pet pouch at his waist.

 

Inside was a Fortune Spirit Butterfly egg that should have hatched by now—but there was still no movement. Following Chu Jinglan’s instructions, Xiao Mo had already imprinted his aura onto the egg. Yet it stubbornly refused to break its shell. Trying to borrow some luck from this little creature is proving harder than I thought, Xiao Mo mused wryly.

 

If you’re planning to wait until after the inner demon tribulation to hatch, Xiao Mo lightly tapped the Fortune Spirit Butterfly egg with his finger: When the time comes, make sure to give all your blessings to Chu Jinglan. May his life be smooth and peaceful.

 

Compared to me, just bless him.

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter