I Reborn on the Night I Divorced the Sword Deity, My Childhood Friend - Chapter 34

The room was deathly silent.

After an unknown amount of time, under the trembling gaze of Shen Siyuan, who was pale and too terrified to speak, Yuan Muzhou stood up silently, his face masked in frost.

At this moment, he cast an extremely cold glance at Shen Siyuan and said in a heavy voice, “I will resolve the matter of the Soul Lamp. From today onward, you shall stay here at the Sword Sect.”

Having said this, Yuan Muzhou turned and walked away with a flick of his sleeves, leaving Shen Siyuan in a state of extreme shock and disbelief.

Shen Siyuan watched Yuan Muzhou’s departing back, which was inexplicably heavy and grim. Doubts filled his mind, and he instinctively wanted to chase after him, but he feared provoking Yuan Muzhou’s ire further.

Did Yuan Muzhou believe me? Why did he believe me so easily? Yet, his expression did not look like the pained concern he usually showed for me.

Shen Siyuan’s mind was a mess of confusion. He could not understand why Yuan Muzhou’s behavior was so abnormal. However, he had managed to stay. At the very least, Yuan Muzhou likely would not treat him the way Shen Du did.

Shen Siyuan remained silent for a long while. Although a lingering sense of unease remained in his heart, he eventually breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

After Yuan Muzhou left Lingyun Peak, he learned of Yun Suyi’s current location from the outer disciples who were cleaning the grounds and headed straight for her.

As fate would have it, when Yuan Muzhou found the water pavilion where Yun Suyi was staying, she was sitting along the covered corridor chatting with female cultivators from other sects and various Sect Masters’ wives.

They happened to be talking about Shen Junyu.

Yuan Muzhou stopped his pace without making a sound.

“Fellow Daoist Yun, news came from the Demon Realm two days ago saying that your eldest son, Shen Junyu, was actually a spy sent to the Human Race by the Demon Sovereign long ago. No wonder he previously seized the treasure caves of so many of our sects in the secret realm. It turns out he was possessed. How truly pitiful.”

Yun Suyi’s expression was awkward as she offered a vague response.

Another female cultivator spoke up with disdain, “Can’t Sect Master Shen calculate and divine? Could he not even tell that his own son had been possessed by a demon cultivator? I suspect the Young Sect Master was likely turned to the other side himself. Monopolizing secret realm treasures and colluding with the Demon Sovereign is a very profitable trade, after all.”

“If that is the case, the Yuheng Sect might not be clean either. Fellow Daoist Yun, it wasn’t easy for you to make this trip; you must give us a proper explanation. Do you actually know why your son committed those deeds?”

Listening to the mockery of these female cultivators, Yun Suyi became even more convinced of what Shen Du had previously said—that Shen Junyu possessed the fate of a “Malefic Lone Star” who brought ruin to his kin. She gritted her teeth and said firmly, “I said before, his fate is that of a Malefic Lone Star. It was only because my husband is merciful and kind that he could not bear to abandon him. The Yuheng Sect has long since severed ties with him. Everything he does has nothing to do with us.”

“Nonsense.”

Yuan Muzhou’s cold voice suddenly rang out, and the noisy pavilion instantly fell silent.

The female cultivators hurriedly stood up.

Yuan Muzhou stepped out from behind the corridor near the pavilion. “The petty people of the Demon Race have always loved to fabricate rumors and cause trouble. For you fellow Daoists to slander and discuss my fiancé so basely without verification, is it not somewhat inappropriate? I ask that you mind your words.”

Suddenly, someone in the crowd whispered, “He really is a romantic, protecting him even now.”

Yuan Muzhou said flatly, “What did you say?”

This time, the large pavilion fell into total silence.

Yuan Muzhou stopped bothering with them and looked directly at Yun Suyi, whose expression was subtle and strange. “Aunt Yun, I have seen Siyuan. May we speak privately?”

Yun Suyi had already felt something was wrong when she saw Yuan Muzhou defending Shen Junyu so fiercely, but hearing him mention Shen Siyuan now made her heart tremble.

She immediately took the initiative and said, “Very well, let us speak privately.”

Leaving the pavilion, the two found a side hall. Yuan Muzhou remained silent for a moment before cutting straight to the point. “I have decided to keep Siyuan at the Sword Sect. However, there is one thing I must settle first.”

Initially, Yun Suyi thought Yuan Muzhou was going to “return” Shen Siyuan, and she had already planned countless excuses and arguments in her mind. She never expected him to be willing to keep him, and she was stunned for a moment.

“Aunt?” Yuan Muzhou asked.

Yun Suyi snapped back to reality and immediately showed visible joy. “Good! It is good as long as you are willing to keep Yuan’er!”

Yuan Muzhou watched her quietly, his eyes showing no ripple of emotion.

Yun Suyi suddenly realized she was being overly happy and quickly composed herself. She raised a hand to wipe her eyes and said with reddened eyes, “You do not know how Yuan’er has been thinking of you every day at home. He has cried for you more times than I can count. He truly loves you.”

“Aunt, please let me finish speaking first.”

Being interrupted did not make Yun Suyi angry at all. She hurriedly said, “You just said you had something to settle. What is it?”

Yuan Muzhou said, “Siyuan left some of his old, commonly used belongings at the Yuheng Sect and asked me to retrieve them for him. I wish to travel back to the Yuheng Sect with you.”

Yun Suyi’s pupils shrank involuntarily, and she hesitated. “I can pack those things myself when I return.”

“Does Aunt not trust me?” Yuan Muzhou met her gaze with a sharp look.

Already feeling guilty, Yun Suyi’s heart skipped a beat. After thinking it over, she eventually compromised. Since Yuan Muzhou wanted to return with her without taking Shen Siyuan, there shouldn’t be any problems. Being too evasive would only make her look suspicious.

She nodded and said, “It is wonderful that you have such a heart. I have no reason to refuse.”

“Understood,” Yuan Muzhou replied.

Since the round trip between the Yuheng Sect and the Sword Sect took only a day, and Yun Suyi wanted to resolve this matter quickly to be rid of the burden that was Shen Siyuan, she departed with Yuan Muzhou shortly after.

As they boarded the feathered ship, Yuan Muzhou stood at the bow and suddenly asked, “Aunt Yun, why do I not see Uncle Shen?”

Yun Suyi’s heart jumped again, but she quickly said with a sigh, “Because of the mistakes Junyu made previously, your Uncle Shen has been busy apologizing to the sects whose treasure caves were taken. He has also spent a great deal of time searching for spiritual medicine for Yuan’er. He is truly exhausted. It is hard to watch.”

“Now that you are willing to take Yuan’er to your side, I must thank you for sharing so much of your Uncle Shen’s burden.”

Yuan Muzhou stopped speaking.

Yun Suyi had said these words thinking she could gain some sympathy from Yuan Muzhou to strengthen their bond later, but to her surprise, Yuan Muzhou only remained silent. His narrow phoenix eyes seemed to grow even colder.

Yun Suyi had no idea what she had said wrong. After thinking it over, she assumed Yuan Muzhou was simply in a bad mood. She gave a forced smile, said a few words, and returned to the cabin.

Yuan Muzhou was left alone, standing at the bow for a long time, his expression grim and obscure.

The Demon Realm, Bathing Phoenix Mountain

The Heaven-Peering Demon Lord had successfully advanced to the Void Refinement stage. Those who previously had complaints about Meng Xingyan “winning the beauty” now only had words of genuine admiration and were rushing to offer their congratulations.

With the Demon Sovereign pushing things from behind, the wedding date was quickly set. It was scheduled for ten days after the martial arts marriage competition. The Cloud-Dream Demon Lord personally came forward to invite the various Demon Lords and Marquises to stay and drink her wedding wine before leaving.

These Demon Lords and Marquises knew that the Cloud-Dream Demon Lord was attempting to recruit and build her influence. Previously, they might not have been willing to accept the favor, but now, they were eager to go.

For a time, Bathing Phoenix Mountain was decorated with lanterns and streamers, becoming extremely lively.

The palaces of the Cloud-Dream and Heaven-Peering Demon Lords saw a constant stream of visitors. Only the Nine Abysses Demon Lord had been absent, having gone to the mountain peak to enter secluded cultivation at the Demon Sovereign’s invitation following the night of Heaven-Peering’s advancement.

With the master away, naturally, no one visited his palace.

In the absence of the Nine Abysses Demon Lord, Shen Junyu was happy for the peace and quiet. However, Wen Su also chose this time to enter seclusion, claiming he was going to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Shen Junyu guessed that Wen Su was afraid of being left behind after seeing his own advancement. Although he wanted to say he would never do such a thing, it was good that Wen Su was motivated to improve. Thus, in the end, he did not try to persuade him otherwise.

Still, staying in such a vast palace alone was indeed quite boring.

Since it was still early and Shen Junyu was not someone who could leave things unsettled, he moved a small sandalwood table from the side hall to the outer veranda. He began to draw star maps, deducing the connection between the three prophecy words given to him by the Heaven-Peering Demon Lord that day.

Although there was sunlight in Bathing Phoenix Mountain, the overall atmosphere at the peak was still leaning toward cold. Fortunately, it was noon; the sun dispelled the chill, white mist steamed, and red maple leaves swirled around. They were brushed onto the veranda by a gentle breeze, creating an extremely elegant atmosphere.

Shen Junyu would deduce for a while and then admire the red maples across the mountain for a while. He found it quite pleasant and did not feel tired.

Suddenly, a paper crane shimmering with faint spiritual light flew over quietly and landed on the star map he was deducing.

Upon seeing this paper crane, Shen Junyu immediately picked it up. This was something he had asked Meng Xingyan to do two days ago—to help him find out the recent situation of several major sects in the Human Race.

Meng Xingyan took it as a professional habit of being a spy and didn’t think much of it, helping him look into it.

Shen Junyu unfolded the paper crane and read it carefully from beginning to end.

After finishing, only one thought remained in his mind: This was the best opportunity to return to the Human Race.

The Sword Sect’s Sword Competition Assembly had already begun. Shen Du always liked to cultivate social connections, so he would certainly be moving between the Sword Sect and other sects. Yun Suyi would definitely be following Shen Du. There were likely very few experts left within the Yuheng Sect.

Furthermore, that was his old home. It would be very easy to come and go as he pleased.

Coincidentally, Wen Su and the Nine Abysses Demon Lord were in seclusion here in the Demon Realm, and the other Demon Lords and Marquises were busy congratulating the Cloud-Dream Demon Lord. They likely wouldn’t bother to pay attention to a small fry like him.

If he went quietly and returned as quickly as possible, he would likely still be back in time for the Cloud-Dream Demon Lord’s wedding.

Thinking this, the idea in Shen Junyu’s mind became completely firm. However, he did not plan to go recklessly.

After a moment of consideration, Shen Junyu took up his pen and wrote three letters in sequence.

One was for Wen Su. He attached the Houtian cultivation treasure that the Nine Abysses Demon Lord had given him, telling Wen Su that the Nine Abysses Demon Lord had sent him on an errand and that he would return in ten days, so Wen Su should not worry.

One was written to the Nine Abysses Demon Lord, saying he had matters to attend to and was returning home to visit relatives. He promised to return in ten days and said if he did not, he would allow the Nine Abysses Demon Lord to punish him as he saw fit.

The last one was a reply to Meng Xingyan. He asked Meng Xingyan to bring him the Demon Soul weapons that had been promised as his share of the bets with the demon cultivators as soon as possible, claiming he needed them for his recent cultivation and to be as quick as possible.

After the letters were written, Shen Junyu first handed the letter for the Nine Abysses Demon Lord to Manager Wen. Although Manager Wen was somewhat confused, he still accepted it.

Half a day later, Meng Xingyan, who had received the letter, personally delivered a storage ring filled with Demon Soul weapons.

Upon seeing Shen Junyu, he couldn’t help but apologize, “I’m sorry, Brother Wen. I actually remembered this matter all along, but these past two days have been so busy that I kept putting it off and forgot.”

Shen Junyu shook his head. “It is no matter. It is already very good that the Young Marquis remembered.”

Meng Xingyan couldn’t help but smile. “Brother Wen is generous. You must come and drink your fill at the wedding in a few days.”

Shen Junyu smiled. “I certainly will.”

In the short time Meng Xingyan stood there, his communication jade plate lit up several times. Ultimately, he could delay no longer and bid his farewell.

After Meng Xingyan left, Shen Junyu watched his demon energy disappear completely into the horizon before slowly turning to return to the room.

Next, he took the last letter for Wen Su and placed it on the table.

When he had left the first two letters, Shen Junyu had been very decisive. But as he left this letter, he lowered his eyes and quietly gazed at the moonlight shining through the window lattice onto the envelope. A faint trace of reluctance surged in his heart.

Although he never intended to let Wen Su take this risk with him, he still felt reluctant now that they were about to be apart.

Ironically, Wen Su had been in seclusion these past few days anyway, and they hadn’t seen each other. Yet, the thought of traveling far made him feel a lingering attachment.

Shen Junyu couldn’t explain what this reluctance was, but it wasn’t overly painful. Perhaps it was because his heart was certain that they would meet again and that the future would be better.

Consequently, Shen Junyu only stood quietly in the room for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn before decisively turning away and leaving under the moonlight.

He was going to completely sever the karma of his past; from then on, there would be no more regrets or lingering attachments.

At the foot of Bathing Phoenix Mountain, the river surged, and a white jade boat sped across it.

At the bow, a figure in white stood against the wind, using demon energy to rapidly drive the white jade boat toward the human territory. The moonlight drenched the water, creating ripples of silver light.

Shen Junyu did not look left or right, focusing intently on driving the boat.

In just one hour, the white jade boat left the territory of Bathing Phoenix Mountain.

Feeling that the boat had left the range of the mountain’s restrictive formations, Shen Junyu breathed a discreet sigh of relief. After a moment’s thought, he took out a piece of white paper and cut it into the shape of a small person.

Then, he closed his eyes and summoned his Nascent Soul, attaching it to the paper man to drive the white jade boat. He himself went inside the boat to meditate and rest.

Time passed quietly.

After an unknown amount of time, the meditating Shen Junyu suddenly felt an extremely subtle sense of something being wrong.

He instinctively opened his eyes and was about to get up to check the situation. At that very moment, his beautiful glaze-colored pupils shrank violently.

His Nascent Soul! It had been caught!

How was that possible?!

Although he was only a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, his divine soul was extremely powerful, comparable to a Soul Transformation stage cultivator. Even if an ordinary Void Refinement expert arrived, he shouldn’t be completely unaware.

How did the intruder do it?

But his Nascent Soul had already been hijacked. No matter how unbelievable it felt, Shen Junyu could only draw his sword and rush out immediately.

However, the moment he lifted the boat’s curtain, the scene before him plunged him into an extremely bizarre silence.

Dressed in magnificent blue-gold robes, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord was standing leisurely at the bow, his flawlessly beautiful features completely calm.

And the Nascent Soul paper man that Shen Junyu thought had been “caught” was currently standing perfectly fine on the Nine Abysses Demon Lord’s long, broad palm, walking back and forth and even jumping around quite happily.

It seemed as though the Nascent Soul was completely unaware of any danger.

A Nascent Soul acts primarily on instinct. This meant that Shen Junyu’s Nascent Soul did not perceive the Nine Abysses Demon Lord as a threat.

Shen Junyu: “…”

However, now was not the time to overthink things.

Shen Junyu remained still for a moment, deciding to pretend he hadn’t seen the little paper-man version of his soul. He stepped forward, preparing to offer a formal greeting.

Unexpectedly, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord spoke indifferently: “Go.”

The moment he spoke, the little Nascent Soul in his palm actually obeyed, flying back and merging directly into the space between Shen Junyu’s eyebrows.

Shen Junyu fell into silence once again.

But at this moment, Shen Junyu could sense that the Nine Abysses Demon Lord had not come to pick a fight. Furthermore, since he had left a letter for Manager Wen, he couldn’t exactly be accused of a private escape. After a moment’s deliberation, he stepped forward and bowed.

“To what do I owe the honor of the Demon Lord seeking out this subordinate?”

Nine Abysses replied, “Weren’t you going back to your old home to visit relatives? I happen to have nothing to do these next two days, so I’ll go take a look as well.”

Shen Junyu: “?”

After a long pause, Shen Junyu asked, “Does the Demon Lord know where my old home is?”

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord suddenly raised an eyebrow. “The Yuheng Sect, is it not?”

Shen Junyu lapsed into a silent stillness.

Ignoring Shen Junyu’s expression, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord walked straight past him, lifted the curtain, and entered the boat’s cabin.

As they brushed past each other, he said, “The Sovereign went to great lengths to turn you to our side; I must keep an eye on you to ensure you don’t go back just to leak information. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Shen Junyu’s eyes flickered, and he finally turned to look back.

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord was already sitting on the prayer mat Shen Junyu had occupied moments ago. He rested his chin on one hand, lowering his eyes to toy with the censer of Jiangzhen incense that Shen Junyu had previously lit.

Shen Junyu watched him quietly.

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord didn’t look up, continuing to tend to the incense.

Eventually, Shen Junyu reached a state of calm acceptance.

Regardless of the Demon Lord’s motives, his resolve to cultivate the path of the Demon was firm, and he had no intention of betraying Nine Abysses. If that were the case, what was there to fear?

With that thought, Shen Junyu walked over, took out another prayer mat, and sat down opposite the Demon Lord.

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord finally looked up at him.

Shen Junyu met the Demon Lord’s gaze but discreetly looked away.

He began to meditate.

Seeing this, a trace of slight irritation finally appeared on the Nine Abysses Demon Lord’s otherwise “indifferent” face.

In the end, however, the Demon Lord did not disturb him. After a moment of thought, he also began to meditate.

A rare sense of tranquility filled the cabin.

With the unexpected company of the Nine Abysses Demon Lord on this trip, Shen Junyu’s mood was perhaps less carefree than before, but he gained two unforeseen benefits.

The first benefit was that during his free time, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord would actually help drive the White Jade Boat, drastically reducing the travel time.

The second benefit was that the Demon Lord took the initiative to guide him in his Demon arts. Moreover, he seemed to have a thorough understanding of the techniques Shen Junyu practiced. Over the past two days, Shen Junyu’s cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, and his insights deepened significantly.

Although Shen Junyu remained wary of the Nine Abysses Demon Lord, he was a man who believed in repaying kindness and avenging grievances.

Finally, at noon on this day, after the Demon Lord had guided him for the third time, Shen Junyu couldn’t help but look at him.

After a moment of silence, he said, “Having received the Demon Lord’s guidance over these past two days, Wen Yu has benefited greatly. If there is any area where the Demon Lord requires the use of Wen Yu’s stellar divination arts, please do not hesitate to speak.”

Upon hearing this, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord’s expression remained indifferent, as if he didn’t care.

But suddenly, he seemed to remember something. He rested his hand against his chin and looked at Shen Junyu with interest.

“Very well. Do you know how to read a natal chart? Check mine, and calculate when I shall undergo ascension.”

Hearing this, Shen Junyu knew the Demon Lord was merely acting on a whim rather than a serious desire for a reading.

However, since the request had been made, he would not refuse. He said, “I ask that the Demon Lord share his birth date and time.”

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord had no intention of hiding it and spoke eight characters without a second thought.

After hearing them, Shen Junyu couldn’t help but be astonished—he hadn’t expected the Demon Lord to be so young. No wonder his actions were so arrogant and unbridled.

To reach such a realm at such a young age was something even Yuan Muzhou in his previous life could not match. His pride was entirely justified.

His disdain for old men like the Heavenly Desolation Demon Lord was also entirely reasonable.

Thinking this, and before he had even performed the detailed calculations, Shen Junyu said with genuine sincerity, “For the Demon Lord to achieve such greatness at such an age, you are truly a talent favored by heaven.”

Nine Abysses: “?”

Then, the corners of the Demon Lord’s lips curled up very slowly, though he remarked, “Glib-tongued.”

Shen Junyu stopped speaking.

He had come to understand the Demon Lord’s temperament and knew he wasn’t truly angry. Without waiting for further comment, he began to meticulously calculate the Demon Lord’s natal chart.

However, as he delved deeper, Shen Junyu’s expression gradually became strange and solemn.

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord had been watching the changes in Shen Junyu’s face all along. Seeing this, he said indifferently, “If you calculate something bad, feel free to speak. I do not fear such hollow things.”

After a long while, Shen Junyu snapped out of his trance. He cast a silent, complex look at the Nine Abysses Demon Lord and spoke with a conflicted expression.

“This year… the Demon Lord’s Red Phoenix Star has moved.”

Nine Abysses: “?”

The Demon Lord’s expression immediately turned cold. “I asked you to calculate when I would ascend; why are you calculating my marriage prospects?”

But after saying this, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord seemed to realize something. His brow twitched slightly, and he asked, “Speak. Why would you calculate my marriage for no reason?”

Shen Junyu didn’t sense the Demon Lord’s subtle shift in mood at all. He pondered for a moment to organize his words before saying:

“Because the Demon Lord’s marriage and his opportunity for ascension are intertwined—inseparable. They share the same glory and the same ruin—”

“That is why Wen Yu felt compelled to mention it.”

The atmosphere in the White Jade Boat fell instantly silent.

After an unknown amount of time, just as Shen Junyu thought the Demon Lord was about to lose his temper, Nine Abysses finally spoke with a tone that was impossible to read.

“Since that is the case, calculate for me: where is this ‘marriage prospect’ currently located, and what do they look like?”

After a brief silence.

Shen Junyu said, “Please wait a moment, Demon Lord.”

He then took out a box of white jade slips and began to perform a divination using the yarrow stalk method.

After calculating for a long time, Shen Junyu’s slender, handsome brows furrowed slightly.

He really didn’t want to know this kind of secret.

But the omens were too clear to ignore. He also could not lie to the one seeking the divination.

Therefore, after a long hesitation, he tried his best to use an extremely calm and indifferent tone:

“The omens say… as to who this person is, the Demon Lord already knows in his heart. Why bother asking the divination?”

Another bout of deathly silence followed.

Listening to the sound of the river water lapping against the hull of the boat, Shen Junyu deeply regretted his rash suggestion to the Demon Lord today.

To know too many secrets was often a shortcut to a short life.

Suddenly—

“Perform one last divination for me.”

Shen Junyu looked up in surprise.

He met the Nine Abysses Demon Lord’s blue-gold eyes, which were now incredibly calm yet profoundly deep, holding a rare sense of utter seriousness.

Shen Junyu’s heart stirred slightly.

He then asked, “What else does the Demon Lord wish to calculate?”

The Nine Abysses Demon Lord gazed quietly at Shen Junyu’s fair and warm face and said, “Calculate this: If I do my utmost… what are the chances of this marriage succeeding?”

Shen Junyu was surprised once again, he hadn’t realized the Nine Abysses Demon Lord was such a romantic. Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.

However, he quickly suppressed his surprise and took up the white jade slips once more to perform the calculation.

This time, the result allowed Shen Junyu to breathe a small sigh of relief.

He looked up at the Demon Lord and gave a faint smile. “Congratulations, Demon Lord.”

Seeing the smile on Shen Junyu’s face, the Nine Abysses Demon Lord raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It is a rare omen of the ‘Union of Heaven and Earth Mandarin Ducks’.”

“Though there may be obstacles, it is destined to be a successful and blessed match.”

After a long silence, the Demon Lord’s eyelid twitched, and the corner of his mouth curled up uncontrollably into a faint smile. “Oh.”