After Saving the Immortal Sect, I Became a Heartthrob - Chapter 28

Luoxizhou, Tianlin Sect.

Shen Mu and Elder He Runzhi of Wen Dao Peak arrived here together. The moment they landed, they were respectfully welcomed into the sect by the patrolling disciples.

The Tianlin Sect bordered the Xiaoming Great Swamp and was situated on the east side of Mount Muyin.

Unlike the magnificent and exquisite architecture of the Qingxuan Sword Sect, what greeted them upon entering the sect was a mysterious black iron tower standing in the center, rising like a pillar supporting the heavens.

The surrounding halls were arranged in an arc around it, contrasting with the brown soil to create an aesthetic of wild, rugged beauty.

“I have never been to the Tianlin Sect before. I heard that this place is vastly different from the Central Plains; having seen it now, I know that what people say is true,” Elder He noted, stroking his beard.

Shen Mu scanned his surroundings. He silently released his spiritual power to probe the area, only to be cut off by an invisible formation.

Elder He, sensing his movement, swept a glance at the guide disciple in front of them and transmitted his voice to Shen Mu: “The Tianlin Sect has been monitoring the Demon race for hundreds of years and is heavily guarded. There should be countless mechanical traps and formations, both in the open and hidden.”

Shen Mu replied via voice transmission: “Caution is paramount; there is nothing amiss here. If it truly lacked traps and magical formations, it would be a case of ‘too late to regret’ should something go wrong.”

“Does this mean the Sword Venerable has some suspicions regarding the Dream Demon’s escape?”

“The Dream Demon, one of the Five Great Demons, has escaped; the Tianlin Sect cannot escape the blame for dereliction of duty in monitoring. But what I care about is another matter even if the Dream Demon was hidden deep within an illusion, over these past hundred years, has the Tianlin Sect truly not noticed a single thing?”

Hearing this, He Runzhi narrowed his eyes, stroking his beard in silence.

Both were silent for a moment before He Runzhi transmitted: “Could what you say, Sword Venerable, imply a suspicion that someone within the Tianlin Sect is colluding with the Demon race?”

“Merely a suspicion. The fact that the Tianlin Sect invited us here today is likely to prevent us from settling on that conclusion.”

Shen Mu’s expression remained indifferent.

During their conversation, they had arrived at the main hall of the Tianlin Sect. A middle-aged man with a powerful build and a heroic countenance sat there. Beside him, standing left and right, were two young men with fair, gaunt faces who looked identical to each other.

This was the Sect Master of the Tianlin Sect, Sima Huai, along with his twin brothers, Elder Left and Elder Right.

Upon seeing the arrival of Shen Mu and He Runzhi, Sima Huai rose to greet them.

“It is a great honor to have the Zhuoguang Sword Venerable and Elder He come from so far away.”

He Runzhi smiled: “Sect Master Sima, no need for formalities.”

Shen Mu said: “Formalities can be dispensed with. Sect Master Sima, we are here for the matter of the Dream Demon.”

Shen Mu went straight to the point without even a single pleasantry, yet Sect Master Sima showed no displeasure. Instead, he invited them to be seated and spoke frankly: “The Sword Venerable is right. This is indeed the Tianlin Sect’s negligence, and I have been investigating it recently.”

His gaze shifted, and he turned to the twins beside him: “Left, you explain.”

The young elder on the left bowed slightly, his expression stern as he began: “You may not know, but in order to monitor the movements of the Five Great Demons, the Tianlin Sect has established Five Halls, and each hall has an Elder of the Nascent Soul stage or above.”

“The Third Hall, which monitors the Dream Demon, is headed by the Sect Master’s sister, Elder Hua Yi. Only now have we discovered that Elder Hua has long been suffering from a stubborn ailment, forcing herself to endure the illness for many years.”

Shen Mu’s brow furrowed slightly.

Elder He also said: “I remember that the Fairy Hua Yi was profound in her cultivation and particularly adept in the art of controlling beasts; how could she have fallen seriously ill?”

Sima Huai lowered his eyes as he heard this, his gaze dim.

The Elder Left replied: “Apologies, this matter involves our sect’s secrets and cannot be fully disclosed. But Elder Hua’s ailment is a heartache. She didn’t interact much with people normally, appearing perfectly normal, but now that we have investigated, we discovered her condition had long since become incurable.”

At this point, the silent Elder Right spoke up: “Elder Hua was taken advantage of by the Dream Demon, who fabricated a false illusion that she became so drowned in that she couldn’t pull herself out, which is why her dereliction of duty went unnoticed.”

Sima Huai said: “Ever since I changed my surname following my foster father, Xiao Yi had grown distant from me. That I did not know her heartache could not be healed is the fault of this elder brother.”

The powerful man lowered his head; despite his youthful appearance, he displayed an undisguisable weariness.

He Runzhi and Shen Mu exchanged a look, and after a moment, He Runzhi spoke to console him: “The Tianlin Sect bears heavy responsibilities and numerous affairs; Sect Master Sima, you have been traveling and toiling; do not blame yourself.”

Sima Huai’s expression did not brighten at these words; he shook his head: “Elder He, no need to give me such an out; a mistake is a mistake.”

He stood up, gazing toward the Five Halls outside the main hall.

“I have already had Xiao Yi lay down her heavy burdens to focus on recuperating. In the future, the Third Hall will be taken over by other elders.”

For a time, everyone in the hall remained silent.

“The fortunate thing is that the Dream Demon has been eliminated; the Qingxuan Sword Sect’s disciples are indeed well-deserved of their reputation.”

Sima Huai turned to Shen Mu: “I heard it was the efforts of the Zhuoguang Sword Venerable’s head disciple, Lan Jue, and his second disciple, Gu Congxing. Truly, heroes emerge from the youth.”

Shen Mu met Sima Huai’s gaze with his ice-blue eyes, his expression as calm as a frozen well.

“Their actions were indeed commendable.”

Just then, a pair of distinct footsteps approached from outside the hall, followed by a clear, melodious laugh: “My incompetent younger brother can actually be praised by two great cultivators.”

The crowd looked toward the sound, seeing a slender figure stepping forward. He wore a dark purple ribbon in his hair, held a snow-white folding fan, had clear and distant brows, and his lips were slightly raised truly the picture of a dashing and elegant young gentleman.

The face, which resembled Gu Congxing’s by five parts, was filled with a relaxed smile.

He met Shen Mu and the surprised He Runzhi, saying: “What a coincidence, Zhuoguang Sword Venerable and Elder He are also here.”

“Oh, Eldest Young Master Gu, you have arrived.” Sima Huai nodded to him and explained to Shen Mu and his companion: “Apart from you two, I have also invited someone from the Gu clan to discuss countermeasures.”

Gu Mingting was guided to his seat, picked up his teacup, and took a sip, appearing entirely at ease.

“I have already explained the matter of Elder Hua in the letters Sect Master Sima sent previously. Truly heartbreaking.” His gaze darkened as he spoke.

But before Sect Master Sima could respond, he continued: “However, since the matter has been investigated and countermeasures are in place, I believe we need not obsess over the Dream Demon… it would be better to look to the future.”

He Runzhi pondered for a moment: “Does Eldest Young Master Gu mean the Immortal Sect Grand Competition?”

“Precisely.”

Sima Huai said: “The Immortal Sect Grand Competition gathers all the wise and gathers all the pride of the heavens; its importance goes without saying. But the conference is heavily guarded, and there have been no mishaps in previous years.”

His gaze shifted, his tone turning heavy: “Is Eldest Young Master Gu worried that the Demon race will cause trouble?”

The twin elders’ gazes showed displeasure.

Gu Mingting looked at them, remaining leisurely and content, taking another slow sip of his tea.

“After all, among the Five Great Demons, the Plague Demon has long been executed, and now the Dream Demon has also been wiped out. The other three great demons… even if the Nether Lord who sits in command is a discerning one, it’s hard to guarantee that the other two don’t have ideas, isn’t that so?”

He Runzhi nodded, stroking his beard: “That is a reasonable point.”

Sima Huai sat back down and asked Gu Mingting: “Eldest Young Master Gu, are you not afraid that the Demon race will cause chaos?”

Upon hearing this, Gu Mingting’s smile broadened.

He waved his fan, speaking slowly: “The Demon race doesn’t have the good fortune of the Demon race’s allies, having a leader who understands the big picture. Every day, their minds are filled with nothing but how to charge out of the Fushen Forest and kill without leaving a single soul.”

“If they weren’t causing chaos, that would be even more concerning, wouldn’t it?”

He said this lightly, but the expressions of the others became even graver.

He Runzhi narrowed his eyes: “I originally thought that since the Demon Flood Dragon, son of the Demon Lord, was captured by the Sword Venerable, they would be a bit more restrained.”

Shen Mu lifted his eyes and said to Gu Mingting: “The Demon Flood Dragon was not killed, but held as a hostage.”

“Correct. Ever since the Demon Flood Dragon was captured, they have indeed been a bit more restrained, but the Immortal Sect Grand Competition is a matter of great importance; it’s hard to guarantee they won’t use the ‘sound of the east to attack the west’.”

Gu Mingting shook his folding fan, his expression becoming solemn.

“Therefore, I would like to request the Zhuoguang Sword Venerable to remain at the Qingxuan Sword Sect during the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, to prevent the Demon race from forcibly snatching the Demon Flood Dragon.”

Once these words were out, the three from the Tianlin Sect were startled. Shen Mu exchanged a look with He Runzhi, lowering his eyes in contemplation.

A moment later, Shen Mu said calmly: “I will consider this matter.”

Seeing that Sima Huai and Gu Mingting had nothing further to say, Shen Mu glanced around and stood up to take his leave.

He Runzhi followed his lead, saying to the crowd: “Since the discussion is finished, we will no longer disturb you.”

Sima Huai naturally stood up to see them off. By the time he returned to the main hall, he found Gu Mingting still seated where he was, smiling at him.

“Why, are you letting the Sword Venerable and Elder He go to investigate Fairy Hua Yi’s condition?”

Sima Huai sighed lightly.

“Seeing is believing. If this is the only way they will believe what I say, then so be it.”

Gu Mingting waved his folding fan, smiling without a word.

Sima Huai looked at him in silence for a moment, then raised an eyebrow: “Eldest Young Master Gu, are you not leaving yet?”

“Why is Sect Master Sima in such a hurry to show a guest the door?”

Gu Mingting stood up, shielding his face with his fan, a brilliant light surging in his eyes.

“The reason I came this time is to propose a good marriage alliance.”

At the intersection of the Xiaoming Great Swamp and Mount Muyin, a youth stained with blood ran frantically through the forest.

Surrounded by towering trees, the dense branches and leaves shielded the sky so tightly that only a cold, gloomy shade remained.

“Ah!”

He tripped over a tree root, looking back in terror.

Behind him, a demon beast two heads tall approached, its sharp fangs still stained with the flesh and blood of the previous cultivator.

“Help! Help me!!”

The youth roared for help, but received only empty echoes.

His heart went cold.

The demon beast let out a strange shriek, as if mocking him. It approached leisurely, enjoying the youth’s despair, and opened its bloody maw.

Right at this moment, an arrow broke through the air!

Swish!

The arrow, carrying the light of fire, pierced the beast’s heart in one go!

In an instant, raging flames engulfed the beast. It writhed and twisted, letting out shrill cries until it was finally reduced to a pile of charcoal.

The youth stared in disbelief at the sudden change, only realizing he had escaped death when the flames subsided.

He slowly looked up and saw a crimson figure leap down from a branch nearby; the gold-patterned red robes billowed in the air, like fire from the heavens descending to the human realm.

Burning away the boundless gloom.

“…S-Senior Brother Si?”

Si Junjian, holding a long bow, walked over slowly. His phoenix eyes were slightly raised, a red mole centered on his brow, his face as delicate as an intricate painting—a little more would be demonic, a little less would lack charm.

A magnificent peony face, awe-inspiring and untouchable.

His expression was cold and arrogant; he tossed a healing pill to that disciple and continued forward with his bow on his back.

The demon qi in the Dongyin Forest was ominous; it was the training ground for the Tianlin Sect disciples. However, everyone had to act according to their ability and was forbidden from rashly entering the depths of the forest.

Otherwise, they would end up like that disciple and his companions—paying with their lives for their recklessness.

He released his spiritual power to sense his surroundings and paused.

Behind an ancient tree in front of him, a small demon beast shaped like a white rabbit emerged. Its body was pure white and fuzzy, jumping up and down as it inched closer to Si Junjian.

Si Junjian stared at it without moving.

The demon beast’s green eyes blinked, seemingly full of curiosity, as it rubbed against his side.

Yet in a split second, an accident occurred.

The white rabbit demon opened its mouth, but instead of flat rabbit teeth, it had three rows of sharp fangs mixed with the minced flesh of cultivators!

Its mouth seemed to split open, instantly expanding to the size of a human head!

Snap!

Si Junjian was not in the slightest bit startled. In an instant, he grasped an arrow point and thrust it down fiercely!

The demon beast never expected Si Junjian to be prepared, taking the heavy blow head-on and letting out a shrill roar.

It retreated rapidly, no longer hiding its demon qi, as its Foundation Establishment cultivation surged to the late stage of the Golden Core realm!

Its rabbit-like skin was torn open from the middle, revealing a hideous ghost hand that grew into its ugly, original form.

However, Si Junjian did not give it a chance to breathe while it transformed; he had already nocked three spiritual arrows, aiming in the direction of the beast—

Clang!!

As his fingers released, the three spiritual arrows carried scorching flames, striking directly at the beast’s body!

“Roar”

Burned by the raging flames, it roared and rushed toward Si Junjian!

Though it could not manifest into human form, it possessed intelligence. Looking at the cultivator using the bow and arrow before it, it had only one thought close the distance!

Close combat! Don’t give this damned human a chance to shoot arrows!

Then, as it neared Si Junjian, it saw a mocking sneer in Si Junjian’s eyes.

Alarm bells rang in its heart. Just as it tried to retreat, it felt its heart pierced through.

“Roar!!”

Si Junjian gave a cold snort, pulling his long sword from the beast’s heart.

The spiritual sword in his hand was sharp beyond compare, with a crimson-gold sword radiance shimmering on its body; one glance was enough to tell it was no ordinary item.

What was even more astonishing was that the spiritual sword actually sucked the blood on its own; in the blink of an eye, the blood-stained blade returned to pristine cleanliness.

Si Junjian stared at the struggling, dying beast, his voice cold and hard: “Disguising yourself as a low-level monster to infiltrate the forest periphery and enticing nearly ten disciples to their deaths, your sins are worthy of the Sword of Punishing Evil being unsheathed.”

“Die!”

He delivered the finishing blow without hesitation, thoroughly slaughtering the demon beast.

Si Junjian sheathed the Sword of Punishing Evil and turned to walk out.

The return path was the same as the path he had come. He gazed at the bloodstains on the ground, his eyes lingering for a moment before he quickly averted his gaze.

“Tiaotiao,” he called out very softly.

“Awoo—”

A demon beast like a silver wolf manifested instantly. It shone with silver light, its long tail wagging as it stood before Si Junjian with its head held high.

Si Junjian patted its furry head, the two of them pressing their foreheads together.

He didn’t know why, but from the first sight of this demon beast, he had felt boundless familiarity and closeness.

At just one glance, he knew this was his companion beast, Tiaotiao.

This stemmed from the bond in his blood and the resonance in his soul.

“I have already avenged our junior brothers and sisters; for the path ahead, you lead us back.”

“Awoo”

Si Junjian mounted Tiaotiao, and the silver wolf demon beast increased its size again, galloping away as it stepped through the branches.

Upon leaving the Dongyin Forest, Si Junjian saw Master, along with someone unexpected.

Gu Mingting.

Si Junjian performed a spell to remove the smell of blood from his body, leaped off the back of the silver wolf, and saluted the two.

“Master, Eldest Young Master Gu.”

Gu Mingting studied the youth before him, his gaze full of approval.

“To kill a late-stage Golden Core demon beast just after forming your own Golden Core; truly, the younger generation is to be feared.”

“Eldest Young Master Gu is too kind.”

Gu Mingting waved his fan again, observing his appearance and demeanor from head to toe, and said softly: “Hmm… truly as I expected, the more I look, the more satisfied I am.”

Si Junjian: “?”

He furrowed his brows slightly, looking toward his Master, only to see him also examining him closely with a thoughtful look.

“…Eldest Young Master Gu, what do you mean by this?”

Gu Mingting snapped his folding fan shut with a clack, and like a conjuring trick, produced a piece of hard red paper from his sleeve, handing it to Si Junjian.

“Little Si, I remember you came to play at the Gu clan when you were young and said my younger brother was very cute, right?”

“That is true. But that was a matter of more than ten years ago…” Besides, he had only caught a distant glimpse back then; the silver-robed youth hadn’t even met his gaze.

But before Si Junjian could finish, Gu Mingting continued: “Hey, that is truly wonderful! A match made in heaven, a match made in heaven!”

He shoved the red paper into Si Junjian’s hand, beaming: “Congratulations, Little Si, you are going to have a beautiful and sweet-tempered daoist partner!”

Si Junjian: ???

He opened the red paper subconsciously, and what met his eyes were three large characters: Marriage Contract.

Si Junjian’s hands trembled; he nearly set the red paper ablaze.

There were two lines of fine print on the red paper, one of which was his own name.

And the other was three characters gleaming in gold—

Gu Congxing.