Chapter 858: Breaking into Hansheng Valley

Chapter 858: Breaking into Hansheng Valley

As I stepped into Zifeng Valley, I was surprised that these damn immortals didn’t ambush me. It was truly unexpected.

I even thought to myself, did this gang come here to scold me, calling me 【Demon Practitioner, so arrogant】? I felt like a great villain back by popular demand.

But now, that wasn’t happening. They weren’t attacking after all.

I wasn’t here to stir up trouble; I was just looking for Ruo’er. Since they weren’t making a move, I figured I might as well keep things low-key.

“Lin Nuo.”

At this moment, an immortal approached. Upon seeing him, I realized it was Zhao Zhou.

Zhao Zhou had some dealings with Su Lingjiang, Su Kexin’s father, so he wasn’t a bad guy, apart from being an immortal.

“What’s up?”

I coldly retorted, laced with a hint of provocation.

“Nothing much, it’s been a while since we last met. I didn’t expect you’d grace us with your presence at Zifeng Valley. I apologize for not giving you a proper welcome.”

Zhao Zhou was actually quite polite. Other immortals had gathered as well, but they weren’t brandishing any weapons, maintaining a rather harmonious atmosphere.

“Sure, it is strange that I even dared to come here at this point,” I quipped.

“We’ve heard some things about you at Xuanyun Sect.”

“So, you all plan to punish me severely?”

I chuckled, the inevitable had come. As long as these people held onto their so-called justice, they wouldn’t tolerate my existence as a demon, especially since I was stomping around in their territory.

“Not at all! Why would we do that? People can often be deceived by external appearances. Although the respected elders of Xuanyun Sect claim you betrayed the sect, only time will reveal the truth.”

“Should I take this as you believing in me?” I shot back.

“It’s no longer a matter of whether I believe you. Your sword; it seems to have changed. No, it should be your Phoenix Sword; I can still sense its aura.”

“Your eye for detail is surprisingly sharp.”

“Flattery doesn’t become me. To wield such magnificent swords is the mark of a chosen one. Swords have spirits, you chose your sword, and it chose you back. I merely believe in the sword.”

Zhao Zhou stroked his beard in a smile, seemingly understanding more than he let on about my hidden truths just from my sword. Yet, he wouldn’t pry further; there was no need.

I was speechless. This guy judged my character based solely on my sword? How reckless!

These immortals have really become old and muddled.

Fine, I wouldn’t quibble with the old fool too much. After all, them not attacking me was a blessing in disguise; I wasn’t here to stir the pot anyway.

“You’re here looking for Ruo’er, right?”

Zhao Zhou hit the nail on the head; this old guy wasn’t completely lost.

“What gave it away?”

“In Zifeng Valley, the one you’re most concerned about is Ruo’er. Every time you come, it’s to find her.”

“That does sound accurate. Where is she?”

“I’m afraid she’s gone to Hansheng Valley with Dong Xiyan and hasn’t returned yet,” Zhao Zhou replied.

“Hansheng Valley? That’s the one filled with a lot of beasts, right?”

“Yes… It’s more accurately referred to as the Immortal Beast Valley.”

“Same difference, just a different name. Is that the kind of place it is?”

“Correct. There are many immortal foxes there that resemble Ruo’er. Dong Xiyan thought it would be a good idea for her to meet them since she hasn’t encountered similar companions for a while.”

“What’s so special about that dingy place? Are you sure you’re not fooling me?”

“How could I deceive you? If you don’t believe me, you can look around Zifeng Valley and investigate for yourself.”

Zhao Zhou smiled as he stroked his beard. That old guy seemed to be playing mind games or something.

To be honest, if I were to search for Ruo’er in Zifeng Valley, it would be quite the challenge, likely impossible.

So, I had to go somewhere else.

“Alright, I take my leave.”

I summoned the Spirit Sword, which immediately soared to my feet.

I hopped on, channeling my energy, and took off into the sky, quickly leaving Zifeng Valley behind.

With my elegant and graceful demeanor, along with my azure-white sword, I wove through the clouds, giving off an ethereal vibe, like a legendary sword immortal.

As I flew through this realm of celestial aura and clouds, my sword left behind the magnificent shadow of a dragon and phoenix, painting a stunning silhouette against the white mist.

I looked every bit the savior of the common folk.

Watching me depart, Zhao Zhou continued stroking his beard, chuckling softly. How could such a spirited, elegant youth be one who betrays his sect and turns to dark paths?

To see a sword is to see its wielder; my sword and its soul had already revealed everything.

Though the demonic star had fallen and the world was in turmoil, someone would eventually come to restore balance.

I awaited with bated breath for this young man’s future exploits.

…

I flew swiftly, weaving through the clouds, feeling the wind whip sharply around me. Yet, my hair remained perfectly styled—after all, a happy wind man is not something ordinary folks could compare to; I could face the gale head-on.

In a flash, I ventured far, about a hundred thousand miles.

Then, I noticed those two rascals had popped out.

The dragon and phoenix darted about me, as if they were play-fighting, rather ferocious.

I was taken aback. I was flying quite well, and suddenly, these two decided to join the party. What the heck are you two doing?

Damn it, these two silly creatures.

What kind of trouble did I bring on myself, getting mixed up with these two?

“Can you both return to the sword already?”

I voiced my irritation, but they seemed oblivious, still hollering and flying around.

In my frustration, I realized I had been too lenient with them. I quickly raised my hand, summoning a massive black vortex.

This vortex was fierce enough to swallow them whole if they weren’t careful.

Upon seeing it, they freaked out and obediently retreated back into the sword.

Like a tamer scaring their beasts, sometimes a little intimidation is needed.

That did the trick.

These two, thinking they were tough—they really thought I was easy pickings?

But to be fair, in this celestial atmosphere, they seemed considerably more spirited, as if their strength had increased.

Could it be that this environment grants some kind of buff?

Grass Mud Horse, you two should be acting up in Demon Abyss Valley or something, not in this heavenly realm!

Reflecting on it, even though I had descended into darkness, becoming a Demon Ruler, these two little critters hadn’t been demonized at all.

Was something off with that?

I quickly made my way to Hansheng Valley, where the immortals and beasts soon noticed an outsider was approaching.

“Who goes there??”

At that moment, an immortal beast rider approached on an immortal eagle, obstructing my path.

I simply queried:

“Is Ruo’er here with you?”

They looked puzzled:

“Who is Ruo’er?”

“The little girl with the white fox, she came from Zifeng Valley.”

“White fox? Immortal fox? We do not welcome such creatures; they’ve all left. You should return.”

“Oh really?”

I sensed they were unwilling to let me in. Well then, let’s charge ahead.