They Are Archenemies, But They Have A Child - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Disagreement

Yun Qingwu looked at Leng Lici, his tone softening: “I want to tell you that since you are the Lord of the Demon Realm, the scope of your decisions will never be limited to just the Demon Realm and Mount You Su. You should think thrice.”

Leng Lici sneered: “Yes, you gods have boundless love, but this is Mount You Su. The Sovereign’s theory should be reserved for those who need to hear it.”

Seeing Leng Lici impervious to reason, Yun Qingwu couldn’t help but feel angry: “Forcing other demon clans to offer you treasures—how is that different from a bandit?”

“What if I am a bandit?”

Leng Lici’s eyes held ridicule: “Do you think I reached this point by building goodwill?”

“I—”

Yun Qingwu was momentarily speechless. Having personally experienced Meng Huang’s life, he could no longer stand on a moral high ground to judge the right or wrong of others’ lives, but he also refused, and was unable, to watch Leng Lici stain his hands with more innocent blood.

“You have your own way of survival, and I have no right to comment.”

Yun Qingwu took a deep breath, trying to keep his tone gentle: “But I hope you understand that even the weak have the right to live.”

Leng Lici’s eyelashes trembled, and his lips were tightly pressed.

After a moment, he let out a soft laugh: “Is that so?”

“What are you laughing at?” Yun Qingwu frowned.

Leng Lici walked toward the courtyard gate: “It seems this Lord is unfortunate to accept the Sovereign’s kind intentions today.”

Yun Qingwu tightened his grip on the shovel handle, his heart feeling sullen.

Just as Leng Lici was about to walk out the courtyard gate, a commotion erupted from the direction of the prison.

“Commander! Commander! I can’t let you in!”

“I must go in today! Get out of the way if you don’t want to get hurt!”

Following a tussle, there was a crashing sound as someone was slammed against a door.

Leng Lici’s eyes turned cold. He headed towards the source of the noise. The guards blocking the way, upon seeing Leng Lici, looked as though they had seen a savior and immediately rushed forward: “Your Honor, the Commander, he—”

When You Sumei saw Leng Lici, his anger only increased, not diminishing in the slightest: “I must rescue the Director today!”

Leng Lici scoffed. A black shadow flashed, and in the blink of an eye, he had already grabbed You Sumei by the throat, lifted him up, and then tossed him aside.

You Sumei stabilized his body in mid-air, attempting to counterattack, but Leng Lici didn’t give him the chance. The bone sword, blazing with true fire, was already wrapped around him the second before he landed.

“Aah—!”

You Sumei tried to suppress it, but a scream of agony still involuntarily escaped.

You Sumei’s subordinates, who had intended to step forward to help, were both angered and intimidated by the sight. No one dared to take another step forward.

The scream was too gruesome. Xiao Dao, lying in Leng Lici’s arms, pouted in discomfort, subconsciously burying herself deeper into Leng Lici’s embrace.

Yun Qingwu had followed Leng Lici to this spot from the start. Seeing the scene, he instinctively frowned and wanted to take Xiao Dao back.

“Leng Lici! You are nothing but a bandit who stole the Clan Leader position! Do you think you can always command obedience?” You Sumei gasped out, panting.

“Director You Suqian is the legitimate leader, the choice of the masses! You imprison him here because you’re afraid?!”

The word “bandit” entered Leng Lici’s ears again. He pressed down the corner of his eye, finding it particularly grating.

Yun Qingwu paused, his frown deepening.

Leng Lici twisted his wrist. The flames on the bone sword all turned into sharp spikes, tightly binding the defiant prey. The sword body rotated and vigorously constricted.

All the pent-up frustration from moments ago was now fully vented.

Crimson blood seeped from the gaps. The person who had been speaking so audaciously could now only gasp for air.

Just as You Sumei was about to lose consciousness, Leng Lici withdrew the bone sword, walked to the person lying on the ground, and looked down disdainfully: “I will give you a chance. If you successfully take You Suqian out of the prison, I will agree to revoke the confinement order.”

The hostility in You Sumei’s eyes did not fade, accompanied by a hint of confusion.

But Leng Lici said no more. He looked at the waiting minor demon and commanded: “Lock him up with You Suqian.”

“Yes!”

The matter settled, and the crowd dispersed.

The resentment in Yun Qingwu’s heart was largely scattered by You Sumei’s identical choice of words. Although he still could not agree with Leng Lici’s forced tribute policy, he also regretted using the term “bandit” to describe Leng Lici.

“He acts this way, so why would you still agree to his request? And if you agreed, why the detour and complication?”

Yun Qingwu walked up to Leng Lici, his tone puzzled.

Leng Lici recalled his bone sword, his eyes showing interest: “Don’t you think it’s more interesting this way?”

He looked at Yun Qingwu: “Conquest is far more interesting than immediate killing, isn’t that so?”

Yun Qingwu moved his lips, wanting to say something, but in the end, he merely took Xiao Dao back.

He didn’t have much authority to speak on certain matters. He, too, had once enjoyed such moments of torture, and besides…

He didn’t want to start another argument with Leng Lici today.

“Go back and eat?”

Leng Lici remained silent, staring at Yun Qingwu’s calm blue eyes.

After a moment, he looked away, and just as he was about to agree, he saw You Suke hiding under the shade of a tree.

So, he changed his mind: “This Lord has matters to attend to today. Tomorrow.”

Yun Qingwu looked at Leng Lici’s expression but saw no hint of anything amiss. He hesitated: “Are you… still angry?”

“No!”

Leng Lici flatly denied it, then glanced at Yun Qingwu’s expression and added: “I said tomorrow, then tomorrow it is.”

Yun Qingwu nodded: “Alright, then tomorrow.”

The two parted ways on the spot. Leng Lici watched Yun Qingwu enter the small courtyard, then motioned for You Suke to follow him into the palace.

You Suke waved her hand, and the two people standing behind her revealed themselves.

Two young men with vastly different temperaments walked forward and respectfully bowed to Leng Lici. The man with the gentler, scholarly demeanor showed restrained grief in his expression.

“Your Honor, this is the Young Lord of the Deer Clan, Lu You.”

Leng Lici looked at the two. He was not unfamiliar with the other person. Every year, the Deer Clan’s tribute was paid by this snake demon named Qing Yuan.

Lu You stepped forward, kneeling on both knees, presenting a wooden box with both hands:

“Your Honor, this is the Ancient Town Lamp. I am willing to offer it to you, hoping Your Honor can avenge my clan’s shame.”

Qing Yuan also knelt down: “Your Honor, those contemptible Immortals went too far! To seize the Ancient Town Lamp, they did not hesitate to… to…”

Qing Yuan’s voice trembled. He looked at the reddened eyes of the person beside him and continued: “To wipe out the entire Deer Clan.”

He bowed his forehead to the ground: “Please, you must seek justice for Lu You!”

Leng Lici stroked the silver chain on his right index finger: “Are you intending to use this Ancient Town Lamp as a bargaining chip with this Lord?”

“No. Whether Your Honor agrees or not, I will offer this lamp to you.”

Lu You’s eyes were red, and his expression was resolute. He looked straight at Leng Lici on the high seat: “I will absolutely not let it fall into the hands of the God Clan.”

Leng Lici crooked his hand slightly forward, and the wooden box containing the Ancient Town Lamp flew into his palm. He carefully examined the Ancient Town Lamp; it was indeed identical to the one he had previously possessed.

He looked back at Lu You: “Good. This Lord will avenge you. How do you wish to proceed?”

Lu You clenched his fingers: “I want the Incense Division Clan to pay with their lives.”

…

“Sovereign, the Celestial Emperor commands you to return to the Heavenly Realm immediately.”

After parting with Leng Lici, Yun Qingwu returned to the small courtyard with Xiao Dao, but immediately upon entering the house, he received a transmission from Hong Yuan.

Yun Qingwu glanced at the deeply sleeping Xiao Dao, a wave of disappointment washing over him.

It seemed this meal was destined not to be eaten.

He turned and walked towards the Li Palace, intending to hand Xiao Dao over to Leng Lici, but the main gate of the Li Palace was tightly closed.

He pondered for a moment, then could only hand Xiao Dao over to the female demon who had been previously responsible for her care before returning to the Heavenly Realm.

…

Inside the Li Palace, Lu You and Qing Yuan had already been settled. Only You Suke remained in the hall.

You Suke clenched her hands, looking at the ground: “This old woman has fulfilled her promise and brought the person. I hope Your Honor can keep your promise and release my son.”

Leng Lici placed the Ancient Town Lamp aside and looked at You Suke indifferently: “That was under the previous rules. You Suqian stirred up trouble by inciting You Sumei. Should he not face punishment for that?”

You Suke bit her lower lip. When You Sumei caused trouble earlier today, she knew the previous plan would likely fail. She secretly cursed her son for being so impatient!

Despite this, she still sought another opportunity: “Your Honor, today’s incident was Sumei’s fault, but he was protective of his friend. I hope you can consider this old woman’s efforts in retrieving the Ancient Town Lamp and give Qian’er another chance.”

“I have said that as long as You Sumei manages to get You Suqian out of prison using his own ability, this Lord will let bygones be bygones.”

Leng Lici stood up, took the Ancient Town Lamp from the table, and, unwilling to speak further with You Suke, walked straight into the inner chambers.

You Suke’s face was grim. She straightened her posture, flicked her sleeve, and left the Li Palace.

…

Heavenly Realm, Clear Palace chambers.

The Celestial Emperor sat on the exalted seat, with the Scarlet Flame God Lord standing beside him.

Yun Qingwu walked into the chamber, looked at his father, and first bowed to the Celestial Emperor: “Grandfather God.”

The Celestial Emperor nodded. Only then did Yun Qingwu look at his father: “Father God.”

His last return coincided with his father being away on business. He felt it had been some time since he had seen his father. He wondered if it was his imagination, but his father seemed much more weary.

Yun Chuan nodded, his gaze gentle: “My son, have you been tired lately?”

“No, Father God,” Yun Qingwu replied with a faint smile in his eyes.

“Qingwu, what did you gain from your trip to the mortal realm this time?” the Celestial Emperor asked.

The smile in Yun Qingwu’s eyes lessened. He forcibly suppressed the guilt in his heart, his tone steady: “This time, your grandson focused on touring the mortal realm. Since the Ancient Town Lamp was destroyed, the anti-god fervor has receded. Grandfather God need not worry anymore.”

“Is that so?”

The Celestial Emperor tapped his index finger, looking at Yun Qingwu: “Qingwu, do you know that another Ancient Town Lamp has recently fallen into the Demon Realm?”

Yun Qingwu looked surprised: “Another one? But…”

The Celestial Emperor stopped beating around the bush, recounted the source of the lamp, and then said: “As you know, if this lamp is taken by someone with malicious intent again, it will inevitably cause chaos in the mortal realm. So, Grandfather God hopes you can handle this matter.”

Yun Qingwu’s thoughts raced. He had a bad feeling.

“Your Father God has tracked this lamp, and it is currently on Mount You Su. Go retrieve the lamp or destroy it completely,” the Celestial Emperor’s next sentence confirmed his premonition.

Mount You Su. All the fragmented memories concerning Leng Lici connected. Yun Qingwu knew that the Ancient Town Lamp was most likely already in Leng Lici’s hands.

The stifling feeling that had hung in his heart for the past two days finally descended.

Yun Qingwu realized that the short-lived harmony between him and Leng Lici was likely about to end.

The Celestial Emperor waved Yun Qingwu over: “Qingwu, come here.”

Yun Qingwu suppressed his emotions and stepped forward.

The Celestial Emperor held Yun Qingwu’s hand and said warmly: “This matter concerns the stability of the God Clan. If you handle this perfectly, it will give you more credibility when you take the throne.”

“Yes, Grandfather God,” Yun Qingwu replied.

The Celestial Emperor patted Yun Qingwu’s hand: “We and the Celestial Mother’s lineage govern the Celestial and Mortal Realms together, but you must know that there is no constant stability. Some things you must fight for yourself.”

Yun Qingwu looked up at the Celestial Emperor, noting that Grandfather God seemed to have aged a little more.

This meant his Grandfather God was one step closer to his demise.

He felt a sense of melancholy, and replied steadily: “I understand, Grandfather God.”

…

A few days later, Yun Qingwu returned to Mount You Su. Thanks to his prior familiarity, he was even able to enter the Mount You Su territory openly through the main gate this time.

He planned to talk to Leng Lici first at the Li Palace, but Leng Lici was not there.

So, Yun Qingwu could only return to the small courtyard where he had stayed before, only to see the person he was looking for sitting on the rocking chair in the courtyard, with Xiao Dao sleeping on his lap.

Yun Qingwu slowed his steps, standing at the courtyard gate and watching the scene. He suddenly felt as if his heart was being squeezed tightly, aching and taut.

“It seems this Lord has given the Sovereign too much freedom, allowing you to come and go as you please.”

Leng Lici’s cold, severe voice echoed from the courtyard.

Yun Qingwu sighed lightly and walked into the courtyard: “I just went back to deal with some business. I went to look for you, but you were seeing a guest.”

Leng Lici opened his eyes, and his sullen expression softened slightly: “The meal, are we still having it?”

“I’ll make it.”

Yun Qingwu walked to the kitchen and found the ingredients were exactly as he had left them. He had cast a freezing spell before leaving, so everything was still fresh.

After the meal was ready, he carried the dishes into the house. Leng Lici was already seated at the table.

He handed a spoon to Leng Lici and chose his words carefully: “I noticed Mount You Su is much quieter today. Have those visiting demon clans left?”

Leng Lici scooped a bowl of soup with the spoon, stirring it in the bowl: “Is that what you wanted to ask?”

Yun Qingwu steadied his mind and said gravely: “What do you mean?”

“You already know about the other Ancient Town Lamp, don’t you?” Leng Lici was tired of beating around the bush.

Seeing Yun Qingwu’s tacit admission, he frankly confessed: “That Ancient Town Lamp is indeed in this Lord’s hands right now.”

Yun Qingwu unexpectedly looked up at Leng Lici, surprised by his directness, but then realized this was typical of Leng Lici’s style.

“Must you continue your anti-god plan?” Yun Qingwu decided to ask directly.

“Why not?” Leng Lici looked straight into Yun Qingwu’s eyes.

Yun Qingwu tightened his grip on his chopsticks, his voice strained: “I can understand you wanting to increase your cultivation, but why must it be this way? Countless innocent souls have died unjustly due to your interference in the mortal realm. Regardless of anything else, they are innocent.”

Leng Lici was unmoved. He took a sip of the chicken soup; it was the familiar taste.

After a moment, he said carelessly: “This Lord has said that this world is one where the strong prey on the weak, and this is my way of survival.”

“Besides, I am not the one making the wishes. I fulfill their wishes, and they give me incense. Is this not a fair transaction?”

Leng Lici looked at Yun Qingwu.

“Even so, you shouldn’t accept every request and aid in evil deeds!” Yun Qingwu was a little angry.

“Yun Qingwu, do not impose the hypocritical standards of the God Clan on me. In this Lord’s eyes, every person’s wish has the equal right to be fulfilled.”

Leng Lici’s voice hardened.

“That is clearly sophistry!”

Yun Qingwu felt anger bubbling inside him, yet he didn’t know how else to persuade him.

He took several deep breaths, looking away, feeling a sudden sense of powerlessness.

Seeing Yun Qingwu’s reaction, Leng Lici stopped talking as well, and the atmosphere became tense.

“Ah ah wuu—” Xiao Dao, who had been quiet, started fussing, and her little mouth looked about to pout again.

Yun Qingwu put down his chopsticks, stood up, and sullenly picked up Xiao Dao to comfort her.

Leng Lici also put down his chopsticks, watching the father and child. When he saw Yun Qingwu walk around the room with Xiao Dao, he spoke again: “How about we compete with our own abilities?”

Yun Qingwu stopped, looking at Leng Lici, waiting for him to continue.

“This Lord will not give you the Ancient Town Lamp, and this Lord will not stop the plan. However, this Lord permits you to use your own methods to stop it. Whether you can achieve the results you want depends on your own capability.”

Leng Lici finished the chicken soup in his bowl, put down his utensils, and walked toward the door.

“Fine, then let’s compete with our own abilities,” Yun Qingwu said, looking at Leng Lici’s back.

Leng Lici had offered a possibility to a problem that seemed only solvable through conflict, which eased the huge stone in Yun Qingwu’s heart somewhat.

Nevertheless, finding the Ancient Town Lamp in the vast Mount You Su would be no easy feat.

Yun Qingwu sat down to gather his thoughts. He had been on Mount You Su this entire time. If the Ancient Town Lamp was delivered to Leng Lici during this period, the most likely time would be during the recent demon tribute period.

Perhaps he could use this as a starting point.

…

Inside the Li Palace, Leng Lici was toying with a round glass ball, tossing it up and catching it.

“If Yun Qingwu really finds the Ancient Town Lamp and destroys it or takes it away, what are you planning to do?” the bone sword couldn’t help but ask. It knew Leng Lici had a fondness for this so-called “fair competition,” but there was only one Ancient Town Lamp. It was hard not to worry that this game might go awry.

Leng Lici caught the glass ball, then tossed it to the ground. A lamp identical to the Ancient Town Lamp appeared on the floor. He extended his palm, and the “Ancient Town Lamp” on the ground flew into his hand.

“I won’t lose,” Leng Lici stated, lifting his chin, his expression arrogant.

…

The next day.

A bird demon with five-colored feathers sticking out of his head, dressed in a green robe, appeared on Mount You Su. He held a diamond-encrusted wooden box in his hands, pacing anxiously at the Mount You Su entrance.

When he saw the guarding demon approach, he immediately rushed over: “Hello, hello. I am the envoy of the Parrot Clan, here to deliver this year’s tribute to the Demon Lord. I ran into some trouble on the road, so I’m a bit late.”

The guard scrutinized the parrot demon but couldn’t spot anything amiss. He nodded: “Wait here. I’ll call our Director.”

The bird demon nodded, relieved inside. He knew he had passed the first test.

This bird demon was the temporary new identity Yun Qingwu had found for himself.

He was one of the countless demons he had killed in the past. At the time, he had preserved the demon core of this bird demon, and now, thanks to this core, he could completely mask his aura with that of the demon’s.

“You’re here to offer tribute?” Not long after, Hong Sui appeared at the gate. She looked Yun Qingwu up and down but couldn’t discern anything out of the ordinary.

Yun Qingwu mimicked Hong Yuan’s avian habit, tilted his head, and offered the wooden box: “Yes, I was delayed on the road and missed the scheduled time.”

Hong Sui waved her hand, and the lid of the wooden box swish opened. She looked at the contents of the box, and even though she had seen many treasures, she was somewhat astonished.

Inside the box was the Wind-Fire Fan, famous but rarely seen. Rumor had it that the fan could change the season within a ten-mile radius in a short time. Although the effect lasted only briefly, it could play a crucial role at specific moments.

Hong Sui’s eyes, as she looked at Yun Qingwu, showed a little more interest: “This is a rare item. How did you acquire it?”

“My Clan Leader entrusted it to me. I am just a messenger; I don’t have that kind of ability,” Yun Qingwu said, bowing his head in feigned shame.

Hong Sui nodded, temporarily easing her suspicion. She took the wooden box and gestured for Yun Qingwu to enter the mountain: “Since you’re here, we will treat our guests well.”

Yun Qingwu waved both hands: “No need, no need. This trip has taken too long. I need to rush back to report, or the Clan Leader will worry.”

Hong Sui nodded, not insisting: “Then I wish you a safe journey.”

After watching Yun Qingwu leave, Hong Sui turned and entered the gate. She took the Wind-Fire Fan out of the box and carefully examined it, ensuring there was no trickery before heading toward the treasure storage vault.

Once Hong Sui was far away, Yun Qingwu reverted to his original appearance and re-entered Mount You Su as himself.

He had left his aura on the Wind-Fire Fan, which would allow him to locate where the tribute items were stored.

Late at night, Yun Qingwu successfully sneaked into the vault as planned. Despite his preparation, he was momentarily blinded by the array of magical artifacts stored there.

It was called a vault, but it was actually a three-story, four-chamber space, filled with dazzling items from top to bottom.

Looking around, he could even spot several rare ancient artifacts.

This person is truly…

He thought of the magical artifact Leng Lici had asked him to make for him.

He was amazed by the man’s intense obsession with such items.

But then he remembered the reason for Leng Lici’s obsession, and a faint, slightly bitter feeling arose in his heart.

Yun Qingwu quietly sighed, collecting his thoughts, and began to carefully search the massive treasury. Soon, he found what he was looking for—the scent left by the Ancient Town Lamp.

He knew that given Leng Lici’s caution, an item like the Ancient Town Lamp would be stored separately. Therefore, he hadn’t hoped to find the actual lamp here.

However, if the Ancient Town Lamp was delivered to Mount You Su during that period, it must have come into contact with the other accompanying items, leaving a scent.

He could follow this scent to find the lamp’s true storage location.

Having achieved his goal, Yun Qingwu quietly slipped out of the vault, but noticed a figure passing by, partially obscured by the trees. He searched his memory for a moment and recalled that this person seemed to be You Suke, the mother of You Suqian, the main character in the prison gate disturbance.

He immediately had a suspicion, made a mental note of the matter, and returned to his small courtyard.

With this verbal agreement, Yun Qingwu continued to invite Leng Lici to his small courtyard for meals in the following days. Although Leng Lici was reluctant in words, he usually appeared around mealtime.

On this day, Leng Lici noticed that Yun Qingwu was unconsciously frowning and speaking much less, and a hint of smugness appeared in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow: “It seems the Sovereign hasn’t made much progress these past few days.”

Yun Qingwu looked up at Leng Lici, his deep blue eyes flickering. Over the past few days, he had followed the scent, searching every place on Mount You Su where he sensed it, and successfully obtained ten Ancient Town Lamps.

All of them, of course, were fake.