I Reborn on the Night I Divorced the Sword Deity, My Childhood Friend - Chapter 30

 

Seeing that Nine-Abysses Demon Sovereign remained silent, the scholar in white smiled once more. “I have no intention of reprimanding you. Please, sit.”

 

Nine-Abysses paused for a breath before replying, “As you wish.”

 

The two sat across from each other. Nine-Abysses summoned a white jade puppet to pour tea for them both. Once the puppet withdrew, the scholar took a slow sip of the fragrant tea, set the cup down, and looked at Nine-Abysses with a genial expression.

 

“I am pleased that you took the initiative to align yourself with Fifth Brother. I do not suspect you of harboring rebellious thoughts like Heaven-Desolation, nor do I feel any suspicion toward you. At the very least, you two share my vision for the Demon Realm. Since that throne must eventually change hands, why should I not leave it to my own people? Would you not agree?”

 

Hearing the scholar speak so bluntly, Nine-Abysses felt his heart skip a beat. After a momentary flash of surprise, he relaxed. It was better for the scholar to believe he was eyeing the throne than to have that scrutiny fall upon Shen Junyu.

 

Deciding to play along with the misunderstanding, Nine-Abysses shifted the topic. “Brother speaks with reason. However, Fifth Brother only joined forces with me for the sake of his only son, not because he truly wishes to vie for the heights. He is accustomed to self-preservation, and it is difficult to force him otherwise.”

 

“He seeks self-preservation now because his strength is insufficient; he can only bide his time,” the scholar countered. “If he truly sought nothing more than safety, why would he have risked his life to attempt the breakthrough to the Void-Refining stage twice?”

 

Nine-Abysses fell into a thoughtful silence. He could not delve deeper into the affairs of Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign because the implications were too vast, and he did not wish to involve others unnecessarily.

 

The scholar had practically watched Nine-Abysses grow up. He understood his solitary nature and the way he disliked speaking behind others’ backs or owing favors. His eyes flickered with a subtle light as he changed the subject. With a gentle flick of his sleeve, a storage ring appeared on the table.

 

“Brother, what is this?” Nine-Abysses asked.

 

The scholar’s expression remained mild. “Inside are several fragmented star maps of ancient spiritual arrays. They are designed to assist a cultivator in breaking through major realms. I heard the little Military Counselor you recruited has some talent in the arts of star divination and spiritual arrays. Give these fragments to him. If he can complete the deductions, it will be Fifth Brother’s good fortune. Even if he cannot, it will serve to broaden his horizons.”

 

Nine-Abysses felt a stir of interest, yet he hesitated. He knew the scholar would not deceive him, but if these items were so vital, why had he not given them to Heaven-Pupil directly? Why give them to him now?

 

Reading his hesitation, the scholar raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like such a stingy person? I have, of course, given them to him already. Since he has likely failed to deduce them, giving them to you now is no great matter.”

 

Nine-Abysses started, then felt a wave of shame. “It was my fault for presuming to speculate on your intentions, Brother.”

 

Seeing him in this state, a trace of mischievous light flashed in the scholar’s calm eyes. “We are demon cultivators; there is nothing wrong with a bit of speculation. Perhaps I am simply lying to you.”

 

Nine-Abysses remained silent. He shot a quiet look at the scholar before sweeping the storage ring into his sleeve. The atmosphere between them lightened significantly.

 

After a long silence, Nine-Abysses’ expression turned somber. He asked in a low, serious voice, “Brother, how is the matter you have been preparing for?”

 

The scholar stilled for a second, then smiled. “It will be within a year.”

 

Nine-Abysses was visibly shaken. “So soon?” He hesitated. “Is it perhaps too fast?”

 

The scholar shook his head, his face serene. “Though I may appear young, I have been stagnant at this realm for nearly a hundred years. To sail against the current is to either move forward or fall back. I feel that if I do not make my move now, my chances will only grow slimmer.”

 

Nine-Abysses asked no more. After a long pause, he simply said, “Then I shall congratulate you in advance on your grand success, Brother.”

 

The scholar chuckled. “And here you are, looking so impatient. Are you sure you do not want that throne?”

 

Nine-Abysses could only sigh. After a moment, he added, “Brother, you did not come here just to see me, did you? Regarding Eighth Sister and Fifth Brother?”

 

“Are you driving me away?” the scholar interrupted.

 

Nine-Abysses felt utterly helpless. Finally, he looked up and asked, “And if I said I was?”

 

The scholar stood up. Soon after, he rose as if nothing had happened. “Since you are driving me away, I shall go.”

 

Before his voice had even faded, the light and shadows flickered. Within an instant, the space before the white jade table was empty, leaving only a half-finished cup of tea that was still swirling with rising steam. Nine-Abysses stared at the empty seat for a long time, his expression heavy with thought.

 

The White Line and the Omen

 

It was the hour of the Ox. Inside the pitch-black side hall, the faint moonlight through the window frames was blurred and dim. Shen Junyu had slept for a while but could not find rest. Finally, he sat up in bed, closed his eyes, and began an inner meditation.

 

The black-gold miniature entity was also meditating within his sea of consciousness. As Shen Junyu’s awareness returned, the entity stood up and dusted off its sleeves. He then lifted the hem of his robe to inspect the faint white line still clinging to it.

 

He attempted to inject demonic energy into the white thread, but the energy merely rolled around the edges, unable to penetrate it in the slightest. Shen Junyu frowned. He raised his fingers and manifested a sharp blade of sword intent, slashing downward.

 

The hem fell and dissipated into black smoke. Seeing this, the miniature figure breathed a sigh of relief, only to see the severed hem restore itself instantly. The white line remained.

 

Shen Junyu paused. He tried several more times, but the white line always returned. He eventually stopped because the robe was tied to his cultivation level. Though each slash did not cost much, he could not afford to waste energy so fruitlessly.

 

What exactly was this white line?

 

Unable to find an answer, Shen Junyu withdrew his consciousness. He formed hand seals and began to calculate a solution. He had tried once before in the spiritual abode, but the result had been vague and unhelpful. If the white line was related to the Mark, which belonged to the higher Heavenly Dao, his current star divination skills would be useless.

 

However, since a calculation was possible, it was not just a problem with the Mark. After switching through three different methods, he finally arrived at a meaningful result. The question he divined was whether there was a way to resolve this white line.

 

The answer was: “An immortal points the way; it is right before your eyes.”

 

Though the answer did not satisfy him, it gave him a clear sense of hope. Since there was a noble person to assist him, he would simply wait for the opportunity rather than force it. Moreover, the greatest threat of the Mark’s backlash against his cultivation had been resolved. He was only at the early Nascent Soul stage; the road ahead was long, and a steady pace was best.

 

An Unexpected Companion

 

The next morning, before dawn, Shen Junyu was summoned by the Nine-Abysses Demon Sovereign. He had intended to apologize to Wen Su for the unpleasantness regarding his true face the night before, but the summons came too early. He had to apply a hasty disguise and leave.

 

Previously, Nine-Abysses had always worn ornate black robes. Today, he had changed into a deep green silk gown. His hair spilled down like a waterfall, and he wore wooden clogs on his bare feet. His collar was slightly open, revealing a portion of his pale, firm chest. He looked so indolent and casual that Shen Junyu found himself unsure of where to look.

 

Furthermore, Shen Junyu knew his current disguise was rushed, so he simply kept his eyes downcast. “Sovereign, why have you summoned me?”

 

Nine-Abysses looked at him and said, “Sit.”

 

Shen Junyu complied. Nine-Abysses placed the storage ring on the jade table. “There are several fragmented ancient star maps inside. They assist a cultivator in breaking through major realms. Take them and see if you can complete them.”

 

Shen Junyu immediately understood. “Does the Sovereign wish to help Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign advance?”

 

Nine-Abysses gave him a flat look. Shen Junyu took the hint and nodded. “I will do my best. If I cannot complete them, I will certainly not speak of this to anyone, nor will I damage your reputation, Sovereign.”

 

Nine-Abysses’ brow furrowed. “I have not said a word, yet you are already making wild guesses?”

 

Shen Junyu was speechless. “It is my fault. I will not presume to speculate again.”

 

“Very well,” Nine-Abysses grunted.

 

Shen Junyu sensed that the Sovereign was in a lazy and distracted state. His own mind was on Wen Su; if Wen Su woke up and did not see him, he would likely worry.

 

“If the Sovereign has no other matters, I shall take my leave and begin studying the maps,” Shen Junyu said, cupping his hands.

 

Nine-Abysses finally looked at him, his expression seemingly displeased. “I see you are quite unwilling to spend time with me. Every time we speak, you look for an excuse to leave after two sentences. Why is that?”

 

Shen Junyu’s heart jumped. “I have no such intention!”

 

Nine-Abysses rested his chin on his hand, watching him intently. “Is that so?”

 

Shen Junyu truly felt the meaning of the phrase that companying a ruler is like companying a tiger. Even though he felt the Sovereign was being unreasonable, he had to explain patiently, “I simply thought you were busy with important affairs and feared disturbing you, Sovereign. It is not that I am unwilling to stay.”

 

“Oh? Is that right?” Nine-Abysses raised an eyebrow.

 

Shen Junyu sighed inwardly. “Every word is true. There is no falsehood.”

 

A nearly imperceptible smile flashed in Nine-Abysses’ narrow, green-gold eyes. “Since you say you want to study the star maps, what place is better than here? Stay and study them today. I happen to be practicing as well; you can keep me company.”

 

Shen Junyu was confused. However, as a subordinate, he could not say much even if he found the behavior bizarre. He had no choice but to agree.

 

To his relief, after saying this, Nine-Abysses truly did not trouble him further. He rose and went to a high platform to begin his own meditation. Shen Junyu felt that the Sovereign might still not fully trust him and was using this chance to observe him closely.

 

But Shen Junyu was upright in character. Aside from his false identity, he had hidden nothing from the Sovereign. After a moment of thought, he took out the star maps and began to focus entirely on deciphering them. He was completely unaware that from the high platform, Nine-Abysses could see every inch of him from head to toe.

 

The Backlash

 

Shen Junyu was always exceptionally serious when it came to business. Initially, he focused on the maps to distract himself from the Sovereign’s presence, but he soon became captivated by their ingenuity.

 

As he read, he could not help but feel a sense of wonder. He had always thought the mathematical and divinatory traditions of the Yuheng Sect were profound enough, but there was always a higher heaven. Compared to these fragments, even the top-tier inheritances of his sect seemed somewhat lackluster.

 

Unfortunately, they were fragments. This only piqued his desire to decipher them. He focused his mind, circulating time-based secret techniques to inject his spiritual sense into the maps. However, since these were inheritances from the upper realms, they possessed protective mechanisms. Some missing parts appeared to have been erased intentionally, concealing laws of backlash and attack. Several times, Shen Junyu was struck by these laws, but he was quick enough to evade them.

 

Finally, as he reached a critical juncture, he encountered the same problem he had faced during his duel with Meng Xingyan. There was a spiritual array that, if deciphered, required the decoder to endure an unavoidable law of backlash. Clearly, this was a trap set by whoever created the maps to prevent anyone from solving them. Shen Junyu stared at this trap for a long time, unable to find another way around it. He fell into a silent impasse.

 

Suddenly, a powerful yet gentle wave of demonic energy descended from above, instantly washing away the anxiety and heat in his heart. Startled, Shen Junyu opened his eyes and looked directly into Nine-Abysses’ beautiful green-gold eyes, which held a trace of concern.

 

After a brief silence, Shen Junyu whispered, “Sovereign?”

Nine-Abysses Demon Sovereign’s eyelid flickered, and he looked away with practiced nonchalance. “I was afraid you would succumb to a cultivation deviation, so I came to check on you.”

Shen Junyu was momentarily speechless, but he soon shook his head. “It is not a deviation. I have simply reached a critical juncture and cannot seem to take the next step.”

 

Nine-Abysses remained quiet for a moment before saying flatly, “There is no need to force it. I did not place much expectation on you to begin with.”

 

Shen Junyu: “?”

 

“If you could decipher a remnant map of this grade in just two or three hours,” Nine-Abysses continued, “then people like Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign would have no reason to live.”

 

Shen Junyu smiled faintly. “The Sovereign is right. I will act within my capabilities.”

 

Nine-Abysses added, “If you cannot decipher this one, switch to another. Look through all of them. As long as you gain some insight or progress, it will not be a loss.”

 

Upon hearing these words, Shen Junyu went still. In a flash of inspiration, he realized something, and a surge of wild joy welled up in his heart.

 

“Correct,” he murmured in a low voice. “If all the maps are brought together, there must be an additional harvest…”

 

Without waiting for Nine-Abysses to say more, he took out all the remnant maps and laid them out together. He did not stop there; after a moment of consideration, he took brush and ink from his storage ring and began to draft a new star map.

 

These were the star maps from the Yuheng Sect used to assist in breakthroughs.

 

Nine-Abysses could not understand the star maps, but seeing Shen Junyu’s solemn and focused expression, he remained silent. He stood to the side, quietly observing Shen Junyu’s gentle profile, his gaze fixed unblinkingly on the immense brilliance now radiating from Shen Junyu’s glazed eyes.

 

More than ten star maps were layered atop one another. Vaguely, they began to overlap, revealing an entirely new star map.

 

Seeing this, the light in Shen Junyu’s eyes grew even brighter. He finally cast aside the brush and formed hand seals. Black-gold demonic energy seeped from his fair fingertips as he began to trace a new star map in the air using spiritual energy.

 

This small star map was clearly possessed of immense power. Just as the outer rings were drawn, it triggered a riot of spiritual energy, causing sparks of electricity to crackle around Shen Junyu.

 

The further he drew, the more difficult it became. The resulting spiritual storm grew larger until, gradually, small thunderclouds began to gather above the palace. If a miniature version of the star array held such power, the full-scale version was unimaginable.

 

Nine-Abysses looked up at the gathering thunderclouds, his brow furrowing slightly as a look of somber vigilance flashed in his eyes. He did not stop Shen Junyu, however; he simply stood by his side, watching him continue the drawing.

 

Finally, the miniature star map reached the final stroke.

 

At that moment, Shen Junyu’s demonic energy seemed exhausted. His pale fingertips trembled, unable to land that last stroke. In truth, it was the resistance from the star map itself. A star map that borrowed the power of heaven and earth would naturally be rejected by the Primal Laws; thus, the further it progressed, the greater the resistance.

 

Fine beads of sweat began to break out on Shen Junyu’s smooth forehead. Suddenly, a long, slender, and bony hand reached out from above and gently grasped his own.

 

A demonic energy as vast as the ocean surged in at that moment. The final stroke fell effortlessly.

 

Instantly, the star map solidified, erupting in a magnificent radiance!

 

At that exact second, the lightning gathered above the star map struck downward with a roar.

 

Shen Junyu was startled. He immediately cried out, “Sovereign, watch out!”

 

Before his voice had even faded, he was swept into a pair of long, powerful arms. They flashed several yards away in an instant, the deep green silk sleeves fluttering and carrying with them a faint, rich fragrance of a hundred flowers.

 

For a moment, Shen Junyu felt a slight daze.

 

The lightning struck the white jade table where the star map had been laid out, shattering it into dust instantly. After what felt like a long time, Shen Junyu finally recovered his senses, and the arm around his waist was quietly withdrawn.

 

Following a brief silence, Shen Junyu composed himself and bowed to Nine-Abysses. “Thank you for your assistance just now, Sovereign.”

 

In truth, Shen Junyu had drawn countless star maps and encountered lightning tribulations many times. Even if Nine-Abysses had not acted, he could have dodged it. He had called out a warning only because he feared the Sovereign might be struck and take his anger out on him. He had not expected Nine-Abysses to be so “warm-hearted” as to personally pull him out of harm’s way.

 

Nine-Abysses looked at him quietly, the light in his green-gold pupils deep and unreadable.

 

After a long pause, he finally spoke. “If you continue to act so recklessly, I shall have to consider dismissing you from your post.”

 

Shen Junyu’s heart stirred. He knew Nine-Abysses’ bark was worse than his bite. He did not argue that he could have escaped on his own, merely saying, “I have learned my lesson. It will not happen again.”

 

Nine-Abysses’ lips moved as if to speak, but the voice of Manager Wen came from outside the door. “Sovereign, Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign and Young Marquis Meng are outside requesting an audience. They say they have urgent business with you.”

 

Nine-Abysses’ brow twitched. He shot a cold glance at Shen Junyu. “This is the result of your star map’s commotion.”

 

Facing this “accountability,” Shen Junyu remained calm. He said softly and unhurriedly, “Is this not a good thing? Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign has delivered himself to the door, saving you the trouble of inviting him.”

 

Nine-Abysses: “…”

 

Unable to vent his frustration on Shen Junyu, he could only summon the father and son inside.

 

The Bargain for a Favor

 

As soon as Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign and Meng Xingyan entered the hall, they saw the miniature star map hovering in the air. Both of their expressions changed.

 

Heaven-Pupil, being more composed, instantly masked his shock. He smiled and looked at Nine-Abysses. “Ninth Brother truly has great fortune. To have such a genius under your command… I am impressed.”

 

Nine-Abysses remained expressionless, ignoring the flattery. “Did Fifth Brother come for this star map, or for the spiritual arrays on Nephew Meng?”

 

Heaven-Pupil’s expression stiffened for a moment. “What if I wish to ask for both?”

 

Nine-Abysses smiled faintly. “Then I am afraid my little Military Counselor’s strength is insufficient.”

 

Shen Junyu: “?”

 

But he quickly realized Nine-Abysses was likely trying to raise the price, so he stood silently.

 

Heaven-Pupil thought the same. After a moment of consideration, he said, “If Ninth Brother is willing to accommodate me, I am willing to open my Spiritual Eye for you once.”

 

Nine-Abysses gave a small sneer. “I have nothing I wish to see.”

 

Heaven-Pupil: “…”

 

The atmosphere fell into a subtle silence. At that moment, Shen Junyu realized something and looked at Heaven-Pupil. He recalled the divination from the previous night: An immortal points the way; it is right before your eyes.

 

His heart gave a sudden thud. He quickly performed a silent calculation in his mind. Same question, same result.

 

Shen Junyu understood completely. Without further hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed to Nine-Abysses. “Sovereign, please forgive my boldness. If you do not need this favor from Heaven-Pupil Demon Sovereign, may I request it for myself?”

 

The atmosphere instantly became extremely delicate. Heaven-Pupil’s expression turned peculiar, and he smiled faintly. “This young friend is a heaven-sent talent; it is worth opening my Spiritual Eye for you once.”

 

A trace of hidden anger appeared in Nine-Abysses’ eyes as he looked at Shen Junyu. Shen Junyu said nothing, maintaining his bowing posture.

 

After a long silence, Nine-Abysses stared at him and asked in a low voice, “If I do not allow it, would you go behind my back to make a private deal with Fifth Brother?”

 

Shen Junyu paused for a second and immediately replied, “I would not dare. If the Sovereign does not permit it, I will not act recklessly.”

 

Nine-Abysses frowned and fell silent again. To an outsider, this looked like a master and servant performing a play to drive up the price. Just as Heaven-Pupil was about to offer even more generous terms, Nine-Abysses said coldly, “Fine. Since you are willing, I am too lazy to force you.”

 

Both Heaven-Pupil and Shen Junyu were surprised. They had not expected him to let the matter go so easily. With the Sovereign’s consent, the weight on Heaven-Pupil’s heart was lifted. He smoothed things over smoothly. “The star map is not urgent, but my son has another round of matches in two days. It would be best to rearrange those three spiritual arrays.”

 

Nine-Abysses looked at Shen Junyu. “Can you draw the patterns for those three arrays so that Fifth Brother can apply them himself?”

 

Heaven-Pupil was surprised. “That would be ideal, of course. But is Young Friend Wen willing?”

 

Nine-Abysses frowned, realizing this, but he did not retract his words. To his surprise, Shen Junyu was very willing. Those three arrays relied on clever design rather than raw power; they required high precision from the caster. Given to Heaven-Pupil, he could likely replicate them, but others would fail even if they understood the theory. This saved Shen Junyu trouble and earned him an extra favor.

 

“It is no problem,” Shen Junyu said. “These three arrays are not secret; they simply involve many intricate connections. I can draw them for the Sovereign tonight.”

 

Heaven-Pupil nodded. “That is excellent. However, regarding the favor for you…”

 

“There is no hurry,” Shen Junyu said unhurriedly. “Once the Sovereign has successfully advanced his realm, I will come to collect it.”

 

Heaven-Pupil laughed. “You are truly generous. It is settled then.” He looked to Meng Xingyan, who promptly presented a lavish gift. Nine-Abysses had Shen Junyu accept it.

 

Satisfied, the father and son took their leave.

 

The Hidden Mark

 

Once they were gone, Shen Junyu prepared to bring the gifts to Nine-Abysses. Suddenly, the Sovereign said coldly, “Come here.”

 

Shen Junyu approached with the gifts in hand.

 

“Look up,” Nine-Abysses commanded.

 

Shen Junyu was startled but complied. Their eyes met. Nine-Abysses suddenly raised his hand and pressed his index finger against the space between Shen Junyu’s brows. In an instant, a green-gold pattern resembling a peacock feather appeared on his forehead before sinking inward and vanishing.

 

Shen Junyu felt a cool demonic energy enter his mind. His heart sank, but he could not dodge; he stood his ground. Strangely, he felt no malice from the Sovereign. As Nine-Abysses withdrew his hand, a rich, ethereal fragrance wafted from his sleeves. Smelling it, Shen Junyu once again felt a tiny prickle of familiarity.

 

As he fell into thought, he heard Nine-Abysses say, “You are not an honest person; you have too many little schemes. I am leaving a mark on you. If you ever think of betraying your master, you had better be careful.”

 

Shen Junyu was stunned. He looked up at Nine-Abysses, who raised an eyebrow, his gaze deep. “What, do you regret entering my service?”

 

Shen Junyu sighed inwardly, certain now that the Sovereign meant no real harm. He did not argue, simply lowering his eyes. “I would not dare. Both the thunder and the dew are the kindness of the ruler.”

 

Nine-Abysses’ eyelid twitched at those words. After a long pause, he said flatly, “As long as you know. Take these things and leave.”

 

Shen Junyu bowed and withdrew with the gifts. Nine-Abysses turned his back to Shen Junyu and looked toward the distant high platform, his expression unreadable.

 

After leaving the inner hall, Shen Junyu put away the gifts and went straight to the side hall. To his surprise, Wen Su was not there.

 

A trace of doubt rose in his heart. Just as he was about to use the array pattern in his palm to sense Wen Su’s location, he felt a slight coolness at the back of his neck, near the hairline. He instinctively reached back but felt nothing. The sensation vanished instantly.

 

Thinking it was just the wind, he dismissed it. He did not see that a wisp of green-gold demonic energy had just wandered from his collar to his pale collarbone, quietly slipping into the left side of his robes.