After Marrying the Disabled Demon Lord as a Substitute, I Ran Away with His Child - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Zuo Siqiu felt conflicted hearing Xuan Mo’s words.

In the original novel, Xuan Mo eventually fell for the female lead. He even said something about how only a person as pure as the female lead could purify his “ugly soul.” Zuo Siqiu couldn’t deny that back when she was just a reader, immersing herself in the female lead’s perspective felt quite satisfying. But now, looking on as a cold observer, she only felt that Xuan Mo was truly blind and self-contradictory; he couldn’t even see through the female lead’s “white lotus” and “green tea” persona.

Zuo Siqiu felt a sense of frustrated disappointment and a hint of bitterness.

Xuan Mo’s expression tightened as he once again refused to see Bi Zhian.

Bi Zhian could never have imagined that she would travel to the Xuanyun Sect with gifts only to be denied an audience with Xuan Mo. She smiled at the Xuanyun Sect disciple and said, “I am here on the orders of the Sect Leader to apologize to your Sect Leader for the matter of the substitute marriage.”

The Xuanyun Sect disciple had heard of Bi Zhian’s great reputation before. When they initially thought Bi Zhian might become the Sect Leader’s wife, the entire cult had looked forward to her arrival, hoping someone could warm the Sect Leader’s heart and at least encourage him to leave his cave dwelling more often.

But this person hadn’t married; instead, a substitute was shoved onto them.

However, this turned out to be the fate shared between the Sect Leader and the current Madam. Although the person who married wasn’t the one they originally expected, the result was exactly what they had hoped for. The Sect Leader now frequently left his cave dwelling because of the Madam, and he seemed much more “human” lately.

Thinking of this, the disciple’s lips curled into a blatant sneer. “Oh? This is the first time I’ve heard someone call us ‘your noble sect’ to my face. Doesn’t everyone usually call us the ‘Demon Cult’?”

A flash of embarrassment crossed Bi Zhian’s face. “Not at all. The term ‘Demon Cult’ is far too impolite. Please, go report again and say that I have come in person.”

The disciple rolled his eyes. “You aren’t the Sect Leader’s wife, so what if you’ve come in person? In our Xuanyun Sect, only the Madam can give orders to the Sect Leader.”

Bi Zhian had never been treated like this before—this person was actually mocking her and rolling his eyes at her. Yet, she was supposed to have been the original Sect Leader’s wife. Unable to see Xuan Mo, Bi Zhian could only leave in dejection.

It seemed that since that “mistaken marriage,” her life was no longer as happy and smooth as before. Could this be a trial set by the heavens on her path to immortality to temper her character? The feeling was truly stifling. She looked at the road ahead, gradually regaining her confidence. She was Bi Zhian; how could she be defeated?

…

On the way from the Xuanyun Sect to the Bixia Sect, one passes through Feixian City. Bi Zhian went to the “Black Shop” (underground market) to consign some spirit pills.

After she arrived, the shopkeeper accepted her pills but told her, “Perfected One, your previous spirit pills haven’t sold out yet. Since you’ve brought more today, we probably won’t be short on stock for over three months. We are truly happy; as shopkeepers, our biggest fear is running out of stock.”

Though it sounded like a compliment, Bi Zhian heard the subtext: her pills weren’t that popular, and there was no need to restock so frequently. Previously, her and her Senior Brother’s pills were the best-sellers.

Bi Zhian maintained her poise as a cultivator, offering a spring-like smile as she thanked the shopkeeper. Just then, two cultivators rushed into the shop. “Shopkeeper! I heard Zuo the True Cultivator’s pills were restocked today! Quick, give me thirty top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills!”

The other said, “I want Grade 2 Qi-Returning Pills. Zuo Siqiu’s Grade 2 pills are no worse than Grade 3 pills made by some other cultivators.”

The shopkeeper laughed. “Oh, it’s not that I don’t want to do business, but True Cultivator Siqiu’s pills are in high demand. Right now, it’s all pre-order and queueing. If you two want to buy, you’ll have to pay a deposit and get in line.”

Watching these two scramble to pay spirit stones for a reservation, Bi Zhian was dazed. Now, people would rather wait for Zuo Siqiu’s pills than buy hers?

After making their reservations, the two turned and saw Bi Zhian, immediately bowing to her. “Perfected One Zhian.”

Bi Zhian forced a thin smile. “It seems my little Junior Sister’s pills are quite popular. I’ll have to urge her not to be lazy.”

The two men, who used to buy Bi Zhian’s pills, felt a bit guilty for ordering someone else’s right in front of her. Hearing her words, they relaxed and laughed, “Well, it is a hassle for you, Perfected One. But when it comes to spirit pills, the Bixia Sect’s products are the best.”

“Exactly. Since I started cultivating, I’ve always bought Bixia Sect pills. What would the cultivation world do without the Bixia Sect?”

Bi Zhian smiled faintly and bid them farewell. She thought she would stop hearing Zuo Siqiu’s name, but to her surprise, many people on the street were discussing Zuo Siqiu’s pills.

“Did you manage to get Siqiu’s gardenia-scented pills? I heard there were only a few dozen; people almost started a fight at the Black Shop.”

“I didn’t get them, but I was lucky enough to catch a scent. It was truly immersive.”

“Right! Before, I just thought spirit pills having a different scent was no big deal. Who knew that different scents could have different additional effects? From now on, I’m only buying her pills!”

“Are you talking about the pills refined by True Cultivator Siqiu? I bought her ‘White Lotus’ Foundation Establishment Pill before. If not for that pill, I might not have successfully crossed my tribulation.”

“Oh? Tell us the details.”

“The pill was originally intended for my Junior Sister after all, a sweet-scented pill isn’t something us men usually like. But in an emergency, I took the wrong pill. After swallowing two, I felt a lotus pattern form in my Dantian, accompanied by a faint fragrance. My heart, which was originally frantic and agitated because of the tribulation, instantly calmed down—like a summer lotus blooming in prosperity, swaying in the gale but never falling.”

“So this pill also has the effect of a Heart-Calming Pill?”

“Yes, and it’s much better than taking a Heart-Calming Pill and a regular Foundation Establishment Pill separately. Why else do you think everyone is queueing up for her pills?”

“It’s just a shame her cultivation isn’t high. I’m already at the Golden Core stage; I wonder when I’ll be able to get pills suitable for my level.”

Cultivators above the Foundation Establishment stage sighed, hoping Zuo Siqiu’s cultivation would soar so they could buy her pills sooner. But to Bi Zhian’s ears, these words were incredibly grating. Changing a pill formula was such a dangerous thing—why did Zuo Siqiu dare to change them, and change so many? What was even more unbelievable was that her modifications were successful.

How was she, the “most talented female cultivator in the world,” supposed to look at herself now? Her mind was filled with Zuo Siqiu, and she could no longer hear anything else; even the gaze in her eyes darkened.

…

During this time, those who had received the Image Recording Stones finally decided to seek help from their families or sects.

The Sect Leader of the Hehuan Sect was shocked. “What did you say? Sect Leader Bimu of the Bixia Sect kidnapped our disciples to use as cauldrons?”

The Hehuan Elder was filled with indignation. “Sect Leader, if we allow Immortal Bimu to act so recklessly, what will happen if he sets his sights on other disciples later? So many in the cultivation world look down on us, wishing to treat our entire sect as a cauldron for the world. How can we let him slaughter us like fish on a block?”

The Sect Leader was silent for a moment. “But eighty to ninety percent of the Hehuan Sect’s spirit pills come from the Bixia Sect.”

The Elder’s lips trembled. What was to be done?

Finally, the Sect Leader said, “We must plan this carefully and not act rashly. We will first contact other alchemy sects. We cannot let the supply of pills to the Hehuan Sect be cut off because of this.”

The Elder’s eyes lit up. “Sect Leader!”

The Sect Leader said, “You are right. Our Hehuan Sect is different from other sects. If we do not resist, how can we stand in the cultivation world in the future?”

The Elder gripped the Image Recording Stone. Disciples, please wait a little longer. Persevere for a bit more. Your Master will definitely come to save you.

However, how many sects were there like the Hehuan Sect? Other sect leaders or family heads remained silent for a long time after seeing the stones.

The Dean of the Shadowless Sect had watched the footage of his Dao companion being used as a cauldron multiple times. Each time, the images left incurable, deep-seated scars on him. He was in so much pain he couldn’t breathe, and anger threatened to consume him. “I beg the Sect Leader to send people with me to rescue my companion!”

But the Shadowless Sect Leader said, “I know you are angry, but that is Immortal Bimu. How could he do such a thing?”

The Dean raised the stone. “The images in here explain everything! He is a beast in human clothing!”

The Sect Leader frowned and shook his head. “But have you considered that you are about to face your tribulation? If you make an enemy of Immortal Bimu, where will you find the pills needed for the tribulation?”

The Dean immediately shouted, “Even if I am struck dead by lightning during the tribulation, I am not willing to let my companion live such a wretched life! She must be waiting for me to save her. I cannot abandon her.”

The Sect Leader added, “Then have you thought of the others in the sect? Where will their spirit pills come from?”

The Dean froze. He hadn’t thought that the Sect Leader would ask this without any hesitation or doubt. He had been pondering this problem for days; the cultivation world was vast, and even without Bixia Sect pills, others existed. He was willing to give his all for the sect in the future.

But the Sect Leader’s words… He took a deep breath, his gaze both desperate and resolute. “In that case, Sect Leader, I shall leave the Shadowless Sect today. I cannot abandon my companion, nor can I disregard the others in the sect. I hope you understand.”

The Sect Leader sighed. “If you need other resources, the sect can provide them.”

But it wasn’t just the Dean; most people in sects and families were the same. Even the original male lead, Long Xiaotian, was rejected by his own father and left the Long family in despair for the second time.

Long Xiaotian arrived at a tea house in Feixian City. He drank spirit tea, the air around him extremely heavy. Behind him, a table of cultivators was discussing something that could shock the entire cultivation world.

“Do you know Zuo Siqiu has defected from the Bixia Sect?”

“You mean the recent ‘Talent Stream’ alchemist, Zuo Siqiu? Why did she defect? I only heard she married into the Demon Cult for Bi Zhian’s dowry.”

“That’s old news! Besides, that was fake news. It wasn’t that Zuo Siqiu wanted to marry; she was drugged by her Second Senior Brother and sent as a substitute. But I heard she’s living in harmony with the Demon Cult Leader now, which is quite a surprise.”

“Is that why she defected?”

“No, the reason is much more shocking. She said her Master kidnapped her sister to be a cauldron. She wants to break ties with her Master and demands he return her sister.”

“How is that possible? How could Immortal Bimu be such a person? He is the number one alchemist in the world.”

Indeed, how was it possible? His Master was the number one alchemist. Yet, it was truly happening.

Long Xiaotian lowered his eyes in thought. It turned out Master had kidnapped not only his sister but also his Little Junior Sister’s elder sister. Zuo Siqiu’s actions shocked him. He had thought her to be a timid person, yet for her sister, she dared to defect from the sect and expose her Master’s evil deeds to the public without fear of gossip.

Long Xiaotian recalled his return home that day. When he had resolved to tell his parents about his sister, he was prepared to defect from his sect. He never imagined his father would say: “Are you sure about this? Do you know how many spirit pills the Long family needs every year? Your mother is about to face her tribulation and needs Immortal Bimu’s pills. You cannot speak such nonsense.”

Long Xiaotian’s eyes were bloodshot. “Father, how could I lie? If I didn’t have evidence, why would I tell you? Am I not suffering more than you? That man is my Master! He is the father of my Third Junior Sister!”

He saw the struggle in his father’s eyes, but after the struggle came compromise. “Xiaotian, you aren’t the family head; you don’t know my difficulties. Do you know how many people in the clan need Bixia Sect pills?”

Long Xiaotian stepped back. “Father, I can also refine pills.”

His father shook his head. “You are only at the Golden Core stage. The pills you refine can only be used by the juniors of the clan.”

This was the same concern for other sects and families. They didn’t lack low-level pills; they lacked the high-level pills refined by Immortal Bimu. They didn’t want to gamble their pill resources for the sake of one “insignificant” person.

What Long Xiaotian didn’t know was that Zuo Siqiu and Yan Jiaojiao were hiding in a private room in the tea house, arranging the disciples of the Xuanxin Pavilion. Zuo Siqiu had even given these disciples a nickname: “The Water Army” (Internet shills/trolls).

Zuo Siqiu said, “Disperse throughout Feixian City and bring up the matter of the previous Demon Venerable again. You must make everyone realize that the existence of someone like Bimu will not only lead to the miserable death of those ‘cauldrons’ but also threaten everyone else. Anyone in the cultivation world could be the next cauldron.”

Yan Jiaojiao added, “Madam is right. Isn’t that so, Venerable One?”

Xuan Mo, who hadn’t come down the mountain in a long time, sat to the side, expressionless like a mannequin. Only when Yan Jiaojiao spoke did he glance at Zuo Siqiu.

The Water Army left, leaving only Zuo Siqiu, Xuan Mo, Yan Jiaojiao, and Blood Demon in the room. Blood Demon still felt the method was improper. He frowned and said, “Madam, do you know that several families and sects have already sent people to Bimu? Some have even declared they will select more suitable disciples to send to him in the future. Aside from the Hehuan Sect, not a single sect is gathering forces to denounce him.”

Zuo Siqiu refused to believe there was no turning point. “If no one in the cultivation world is willing to stand up, then this world is finished.” She then smiled at Blood Demon. “I know you worry about me and don’t want me to publicize this recklessly because you fear Bimu will target me. My cultivation is low; if I face him, I have no chance of winning. I also know you are all willing to help me, and the Venerable One said he could save my sister, but I can’t rely on others for everything. However, I will remember your kindness.”

Blood Demon, a fanged giant of a man, felt his ears turn red unconsciously after receiving a “good person card” from a girl for the first time.

Xuan Mo pushed his aura against Blood Demon. “If you’re so worried, go outside and keep watch. Don’t be an eyesore here.” Yan Jiaojiao giggled.

At that moment, Long Xiaotian didn’t notice two people sitting near him starting to discuss the most talked-about event in Feixian City. They first mentioned hearing about whose wife, daughter, or disciple had been taken by Immortal Bimu to be a cauldron. Then they mentioned how most sects and families were unwilling to pursue it, since Bimu only took “insignificant” people.

Hearing this, he stood up, hateful and lost, not knowing where to go. But just then, he heard someone say: “Do you remember? The previous Demon Venerable started by grabbing ‘insignificant’ people to eat alive. Later, as his strength grew, he no longer cared for those who were ‘insignificant’.”

“Exactly. Right now, Immortal Bimu doesn’t dare kidnap us, but who knows if he’ll become more and more rampant in the future?”

Long Xiaotian narrowed his eyes, sensing that things weren’t that simple. Because the person continued: “I wonder if it will fall on our heads eventually.”

His companion replied, “Indeed. It’s not just female cultivators who can be cauldrons. I heard Immortal Bimu is also looking for people to turn into puppets.”

“If you put it that way, I want to join the group formed by Zuo Siqiu and the Hehuan Sect. Immortal Bimu’s actions are already demonic; how can we let him run wild!”

“Let’s go together then. If those sects and families don’t care, we cannot betray the original intention of our cultivation.”