I Reborn on the Night I Divorced the Sword Deity, My Childhood Friend - Chapter 29

Wen Su said nothing. He simply stared at the ring in silence for a long time before looking up to ask a single question. “Can only one person enter this magic treasure at a time?”

Shen Junyu noticed a slight abnormality in his heart as he looked into Wen Su’s deep, black eyes.

However, he quickly explained, “Not necessarily. This treasure can accommodate up to three people at once. I simply thought that cultivation is generally best done without distractions, so I wanted you to go in alone first to experience the benefits. After all, you are a natural-born demon cultivator, so it should be easier for you to sense the advantages within than it is for me.”

As Shen Junyu spoke, his voice was patient and gentle. Upon hearing this, Wen Su was momentarily at a loss for words. Had anyone else said this, he would only have suspected they had sinister intentions—perhaps trying to lure him into the treasure to kill him, or at the very least, using him as a scout to test the way.

But when Shen Junyu spoke these words, he did not doubt his sincerity in the slightest.

After a brief pause, Wen Su said, “I have never been inside either. It would be better if the two of us go together. Besides, I have never been afraid of being disturbed during my cultivation.”

Since Wen Su had put it that way, Shen Junyu had no reason to refuse. With a faint smile, he said, “Alright then. Brother Wen, please stand closer.”

Wen Su followed his instructions and stepped nearer.

Shen Junyu reached out and lightly grasped Wen Su’s wrist again. He lowered his eyes and began to chant an incantation. A crimson light slowly blossomed in his palm, and the complex spiritual patterns on the ring began to glow.

The decorations in the room moved despite the lack of wind. Wen Su did not close his eyes. He looked down at Shen Junyu’s flawless, white face, which appeared almost translucent under the red light emitted by the ring. His long eyelashes trembled slightly in the breeze, exuding a quiet, gentle warmth that was strangely captivating.

Wen Su watched him intently until the light from the ring reached its peak. In an instant, both of their figures were completely pulled into the ring.

The Interior: An Ancient Abode

When the two opened their eyes again, they were met with a realm of transcendent beauty. There were flowing springs, waterfalls, spiritual ponds, and bamboo cottages. Birds chirped and fish swam in the water, while immortal cranes wandered slowly past a nearby flower garden.

The spiritual energy there was so dense that it had condensed into a white mist, swirling through the picturesque scenery and making the place look like a celestial paradise.

Seeing this, Shen Junyu couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. “It is said that when the Primordial Gods and Demons of ancient times reached the Creation Level, their spiritual abodes could become small worlds of their own. Seeing this today, it truly lives up to its reputation.”

Wen Su reminded him at the opportune moment, “This house is somewhat special. Let us go inside and take a look first.”

“Alright,” Shen Junyu replied.

The two stepped into the elegant bamboo cottage. The windows were hung with curtains made of kudzu cloth, and the interior furnishings were simple and rustic: a bamboo bed, a low couch, a wardrobe, a desk, and two wooden chests containing daily necessities.

The most prominent feature, however, was a painting hanging on the central wall. It depicted a middle-aged scholar in green robes. His features were ordinary, but his temperament was extraordinarily refined and unrestrained.

Shen Junyu’s heart stirred upon seeing this portrait. One of his main goals in trying so hard to connect with the Nine-Abysses Demon Sovereign was this very opportunity. Ancient records stated that some Primordial Gods and Demons liked to hide a sliver of their divine sense within their spiritual abodes. If one could converse with it, they would surely gain benefits.

However, if one attempted to strike a bargain with it, it was easy to fall into a state beyond redemption. He wanted to ask this divine sense how he could change his current predicament.

Beside him, Wen Su raised an eyebrow at the painting and said, “This should be the person in the painting. If you speak to him, you might gain something.”

Shen Junyu remained quiet for a moment before silently shaking his head. “It is fine. I do not have anything I wish to ask right now.”

Wen Su looked at him for a while, his gaze shifting, before he suddenly said, “By the way, I remember seeing a spiritual pond outside. I will go check it out first. I did not have time to soak in the spiritual springs back in the Secret Realm, so I must make the most of it this time.”

Without waiting for Shen Junyu to show any surprise, Wen Su turned and left the bamboo cottage, heading straight for the distant spiritual pond.

Shen Junyu snapped out of his thoughts and hurried to the door. He watched Wen Su’s tall, black-clad back as he walked away without looking back. His heart skipped a beat, and he smiled to himself.

He did not chase after him. Instead, he turned back to the painting, closed his eyes, and attempted to inject his spiritual sense into it.

Seeking the Way Within the Painting

The light flickered, and within three breaths, Shen Junyu was pulled into the painting. The scenery inside was far less elegant than the abode; it was merely an empty, vast expanse of white.

A figure in green robes sat in the center of the thick white mist, his eyes lowered and his expression serene. After observing the figure for a moment, Shen Junyu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Junior Wen Yu greets Senior.”

The man in green slowly opened his eyes. He looked Shen Junyu up and down and smiled. “You are quite a polite one. Since fate has brought you here, speak. What is your question? I can answer one for you. As for any more, it depends on whether you can pay the price.”

The man’s directness suited Shen Junyu’s temperament. After a moment of thought, Shen Junyu did not hide anything and asked, “I wish to ask Senior: if a demon cultivator who was originally a monster cultivator cannot transform their Golden Core, resulting in a stagnant cultivation realm, how can this be resolved?”

The man in green studied him for a moment. “You are not a monster cultivator, are you?”

“My question has already been asked,” Shen Junyu replied.

The man smiled and did not press further. He simply said, “This question is somewhat foolish. No matter what one cultivates, the ultimate goal is to become stronger. As long as one can take a step further, why fret over whether one is cultivating as a demon or a monster? I presume the person found a better cultivation method as a demon and intended to switch? But from what you say, this person has tried many times and failed to find the way. In that case, it would be better to advance to the Nascent Soul stage first before attempting the transformation. Otherwise, any further delay will only result in a cultivation that is neither one thing nor the other. What do you think?”

These words were an instant revelation to Shen Junyu. He immediately cupped his hands respectfully. “Thank you for your guidance, Senior. I understand.”

Having said that, he had no intention of staying longer. He turned to leave the realm within the painting when suddenly, the man spoke again.

“Compared to the issue of monster or demon cultivation, there is an even more important problem regarding your body. Do you not wish to know the answer to that?”

Shen Junyu’s footsteps paused slightly. The man in green smiled behind him.

To the man’s surprise, although Shen Junyu stopped, he did not turn around. After a moment of silence, he said calmly, “I cannot afford the price for a second question. Furthermore, curiosity sometimes kills the cat.”

With his back still turned, he cupped his hands, closed his eyes, and transformed into a light to leave the painting. As he departed, he thought he heard a faint sigh behind him, but it did not stop him for a single second. Having been an expert in divination for many years, he knew better than anyone that everything in this world comes with a price.

Therefore, he was never casually curious.

Breakthrough in the Spiritual Pond

Now that he had found the solution to his greatest predicament, Shen Junyu did not hesitate. He left the bamboo cottage and headed for the spiritual pond to find Wen Su.

His cultivation was already at the bottleneck of the late Golden Core stage; he was only a hair’s breadth away from a breakthrough. Since this spiritual pond could assist his cultivation, he decided to break through tonight.

Steam rose from the pond, and white mist filled the air. Shen Junyu walked to the edge and glanced at the water. His gaze suddenly froze.

Wen Su, stripped down to only his thin undergarments, sat in the center of the pond with his eyes closed. His firm upper body was exposed, and his waterfall-like black hair fell over his pale shoulders. Black and red demonic energy surged around him. As a light breeze blew, his trailing hair brushed against the water, creating ripple after ripple.

Though Wen Su’s features were currently plain and ordinary, the way he sat there exuded a strange sense of dignified beauty.

Shen Junyu watched him silently for a moment and smiled. Deciding not to disturb him, he removed his outer robes and stored them in his storage ring. Wearing only his snow-white shirt and trousers, he entered the pond. He chose a spot as far from Wen Su as possible to avoid disturbing him and began his advancement.

His movements into the water were very light, but the slow ripples still alerted Wen Su in the center of the pond.

Wen Su opened his eyes without a sound and looked toward the edge of the pond. He saw Shen Junyu sitting there, half-submerged in the water, with several heavenly treasures floating around him to replenish his spiritual energy.

Wen Su’s eyes flickered, and he was about to speak when the strange halo appearing around Shen Junyu made him snap his mouth shut.

Shen Junyu is actually advancing to the Nascent Soul stage? Now?

Wen Su’s expression immediately became grave. He did not know what Shen Junyu had discussed with the person in the painting or why he was in such a hurry to advance the moment he came out. He suddenly felt a twinge of regret for pointing him toward the painting earlier. He had thought Shen Junyu was a very calculating person who wouldn’t be easily coaxed or deceived. Moreover, he had met the man in the painting himself and knew he wasn’t a fraud.

However, since Shen Junyu had already begun the process, Wen Su could not stop him. After a brief hesitation, he rose silently from the water and transformed into a red light, landing right beside Shen Junyu to act as his protector.

By this time, Shen Junyu had entered a state of inner contemplation and was oblivious to the outside world. This was not recklessness; it was because he was already on the verge of breaking through and felt confident in this advancement. More importantly, he trusted Wen Su. In a place like the Demon Realm, choosing to advance here was actually the safest option.

Wen Su, who had been very tense, soon realized how smoothly Shen Junyu’s breakthrough was progressing.

However, he noticed something else. Why is Shen Junyu breaking through to an Orthodox Human cultivation realm?

The expression on Wen Su’s face became very strange. But because of this, he finally realized why Shen Junyu had chosen to advance at this time and place. If he were to break through to a human cultivation realm anywhere else in the Demon Realm, it would cause a massive uproar. Even if a Demon Sovereign were present, they might not be able to protect him.

But this place was hidden and safe. Most importantly, he was here. Shen Junyu trusted him, which was why he was so open about advancing here.

At that thought, a faint smile appeared on Wen Su’s brow.

At that moment, the spiritual light on Shen Junyu’s body became increasingly intense. Countless rays of light surrounded him, and sweat containing impurities began to pour from his skin. As the sweat washed away, his already flawless white skin became even more translucent and lustrous, like fine jade.

Even the disguise on his face began to gradually dissolve due to the intensity of the advancement.

Revealing his original appearance, Shen Junyu’s face was as clear as polished jade—elegant and refined.

A breeze swept through, causing his long, feathery eyelashes to tremble slightly, casting faint shadows upon his translucent skin, which was now beaded with a thin layer of sweat. His thin, slightly pursed lips were the color of watery rouge, moist and glistening; they lent a touch of mortal allure to a face that was otherwise breath-takingly ethereal.

Wen Su watched him, momentarily entranced.

Inside Shen Junyu’s sea of consciousness:

Thousands of strands of black-gold demonic energy galloped and swirled. At the very center sat a small figure in white, radiating a faint spiritual glow as it continuously absorbed essence. It was a perfect, miniature replica of Shen Junyu, though its facial features had not yet formed.

The Nascent Soul had just been conceived, and its state was unstable, requiring a massive intake of spiritual energy. Sensing his divine intent, the heavenly treasures floating on the water’s surface outside automatically took flight. They transformed into spiritual mist and poured into his body to stabilize his core.

Finally, a flash of golden light shot into the featureless face of the small white figure. In an instant, his aura surged, and elegant, transcendent features quietly emerged amidst the golden radiance.

The Nascent Soul was complete!

At that exact moment, the black-gold demonic energy that had been swirling around grew agitated. Like a rainbow, it lunged forward, frantically flooding into the small figure’s body. The miniature Shen Junyu remained composed, accepting the influx with calm grace.

Strangely, the demonic energy encountered no resistance this time; even the mark on Shen Junyu’s chest remained perfectly still.

Shen Junyu was never one to overthink past omens. Seeing that his Nascent Soul could successfully harmonize with demonic power, his mind grew even more tranquil as he focused entirely on the transformation.

Eventually, as the last wisp of energy integrated, the white-clad figure transformed into a small, black-gold entity wearing magnificent robes. His elegant temperament shifted into one of grandeur and solemnity. However, the very edge of his black-gold hem remained a faint, stubborn white.

The miniature entity frowned slightly, looking down at that sliver of white. A look of confusion flashed in his glazed, crystalline pupils, which were circled by black-gold patterns. He lifted the hem to inspect it closely, but even after a long time, he could find no flaw or cause.

Just as the black-gold figure hesitated, raising his fingers to conjure a blade of demonic energy to sever the white hem, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. The voice held three parts anxiety and seven parts deep concern.

With a shift of intent, the small figure turned into light and flew straight out of the sea of consciousness.

Back at the spiritual pond, Wen Su saw that Shen Junyu had successfully formed his Nascent Soul, allowing his heart to finally settle. However, he waited and waited, but Shen Junyu did not open his eyes.

Anxiety eventually took hold. Not daring to touch him physically, Wen Su activated the voice-transmission array between them and began calling Shen Junyu’s name.

On the third call, Shen Junyu’s eyelashes fluttered. He slowly opened his eyes just as a black-gold light flew out from his forehead, heading straight for Wen Su.

Wen Su was startled. But a second later, he recognized the face of the black-gold miniature. After a brief pause, he smiled faintly and stood his ground.

The miniature Shen Junyu flew in front of him, circling him a few times with an expression of joyful concern. Knowing this was Shen Junyu’s Nascent Soul, Wen Su couldn’t help but stare at the tiny thing, whose temperament was so starkly different from the original body.

After a moment’s thought, he tentatively reached out his hand.

The black-gold figure landed in his palm, looking up at him with a faint smile. Their eyes met. Wen Su’s heart skipped a beat. Unable to help himself, he acted on a sudden, inexplicable whim and lightly poked the small figure’s soft, fair cheek with his fingertip.

The miniature Shen Junyu: “…”

The next second, the tiny figure shot Wen Su a silent glare, stamped his foot, and vanished back into Shen Junyu’s forehead as a streak of light.

Wen Su was stunned. Just as he turned to see where the little thing had gone, he met Shen Junyu’s clear, helpless gaze.

Silence reigned for a moment before Wen Su apologized sincerely. “Forgive my presumption. It is just… your Nascent Soul is truly adorable. I couldn’t resist the urge to tease it.”

Shen Junyu chuckled, not taking any offense. He rose slowly from the water. “Next time you form your Nascent Soul, Brother Wen, you must let me tease it as well. How about that?”

Wen Su’s heart trembled. He knew Shen Junyu was joking, but he found himself wanting to say “yes.” However, as he looked back, his gaze fell upon Shen Junyu’s soaked form.

The white fabric of his shirt and trousers was extremely thin. Now drenched, it clung to his skin, making his silhouette almost visible. But Wen Su had no lewd thoughts; his attention was caught by a deep red pattern faintly visible through the thin cloth, just below Shen Junyu’s collarbone on the left side of his chest.

The mark sat right over his heart, tucked against the edge of his damp, half-open lapel. The winding crimson stood out sharply against his snow-white skin, looking strangely ambiguous and eerie.

That pattern…

Wen Su felt a flicker of recognition, as if he had seen it somewhere before, but he couldn’t be certain.

As he frowned, his thoughts churning, Shen Junyu inconspicuously raised his hand to cover the mark. He explained calmly, “It is a spiritual seal to aid my cultivation. I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you, Brother Wen.”

With a flick of his finger, the moisture on Shen Junyu’s body evaporated instantly. His clothes returned to a dry state, hiding the scenery beneath. Wen Su snapped back to reality. Though suspicious, he chose not to pry since Shen Junyu had given an explanation.

After returning to the shore and changing, Shen Junyu regained his usual cold, transcendent demeanor. Wen Su also changed, though his gaze frequently drifted to Shen Junyu’s face, which had become even more breathtakingly radiant after the breakthrough.

Sensing the gaze, Shen Junyu looked back in surprise. “Brother Wen, what is it? Is there something on my face?”

Wen Su remained silent for a breath before looking away as if nothing was wrong. “It is nothing. You simply seem to have become even more handsome after your advancement.”

Shen Junyu blinked, then smiled faintly. “With each advancement, another layer of impurities leaves the body. It is natural for one’s appearance to become more pleasing to the eye. Once you advance, Brother Wen—”

He paused mid-sentence. Wen Su’s heart gave a leap.

Shen Junyu looked up at him, his eyes soft and clear. “I wonder if I will be fortunate enough to see your true face then.”

A heavy silence followed.

Wen Su spoke in a peculiar tone. “I am not as good-looking as you. There is nothing worth seeing.”

Shen Junyu considered this, then said seriously, “Your eyes are so beautiful, Brother Wen. I doubt the rest of your face could be that bad.”

Wen Su’s brow furrowed, and his lips thinned. For the first time, he felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles in someone’s presence. After a long silence, he changed the subject. “Will you continue practicing, or shall we leave?”

Seeing that Wen Su didn’t want to talk about it, Shen Junyu let it drop. “Let’s head out.”

That night, Shen Junyu clearly felt Wen Su avoiding him. Usually, Wen Su enjoyed long conversations late into the night, but tonight he extinguished the lamp and went to sleep early.

The cause of it all was Wen Su’s true appearance. To be honest, Shen Junyu didn’t believe Wen Su could be ugly; he was tall and slender, had beautiful eyes, and a lean face. Even if his features were unattractive, they wouldn’t be monstrous.

Unless… he suffered an accident in the past that left him disfigured?

The thought made Shen Junyu’s heart ache slightly. He almost sat up to ask, but he restrained himself.

Forget it. I won’t guess. No matter what, Wen Su was his best friend. Nothing would change that. Why rub salt in his wounds?

With his mind set, Shen Junyu relaxed. He didn’t even worry about Wen Su seeing the mark on his chest and soon fell asleep. Subconsciously, he never believed Wen Su would ever harm him.

In the depths of the palace:

Nine-Abysses Demon Sovereign sat silently before a massive quicksilver mirror, his expression unreadable. The mirror reflected a face so beautiful it was almost demonic. After staring for a moment, his eyes darkened, and he smashed the mirror with a single palm strike.

With a sharp crash, the mirror collapsed into a pile of shimmering shards. Ignoring the wreckage, he stood up and began to stride toward the side hall.

After two steps, he jerked to a halt, trapped in a state of hesitation.

No, the timing isn’t right. From beginning to end, the person Shen Junyu trusted was “Wen Su,” not him. If he appeared abruptly now, he might ruin everything. But if he continued the deception, he didn’t know when a better opportunity would arise.

Finally, Nine-Abysses stood still and slowly closed his green-gold eyes, feeling a sense of powerlessness.

Suddenly, a voice spoke.

“It is the middle of the night. Why are you taking your anger out on a mirror? Did it bite you?”

The voice was warm, cultured, and refined. Nine-Abysses stiffened. He immediately composed himself, turned, and cupped his hands. “Brother.”

From the shadows behind the curtains, a figure stepped out. He wore the simplest of white scholar’s robes. He appeared to be a gentle, ordinary middle-aged man. However, with every step he took, he left no shadow behind him.

He glanced at Nine-Abysses and smiled. “I heard you took in an extraordinary little Military Counselor. I was curious, so I came to have a look.”

Nine-Abysses: “…”

He had known that Shen Junyu’s showy performance would draw attention. He just hadn’t expected it to alert this “Great Buddha” so quickly.