Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

The Aura-Concealing Robe could obscure one’s features, leaving only faint shadows across the face. For those in the criminal world, this was nothing unusual. The actual powerful cultivators didn’t rely on sight to recognize people. Instead, they relied on the flow of qi.

This was precisely why Huo Tianya could sense that Chu Liang was different from the Violet Gold Marquess he had encountered before.

Huo Tianya had seen the Violet Gold Marquess when the Violet Gold Marquess and the White Silver King were fighting Immortal Jiuyi. He hid somewhere and observed from afar.

That was the time when Violet Gold Marquess had appeared in his true form. Huo Tianya was certain that he had seen the real Violet Gold Marquess that day, which was why he could confidently denounce Chu Liang as a fake.

Upon hearing Huo Tianya's words, Wang Xuanling tensed instantly. He had his mind on the Demon-Slaying Sword, ready to strike at any moment.

His thoughts raced. Although Immortal Yuan Lu was a powerful eighth-realm cultivator, the clone before him was only at the seventh realm—strong, but not terrifying. The one he truly feared was Huo Tianya, whose power far surpassed that of the clone.

Even so, Wang Xuanling believed that with the Demon-Slaying Sword in his grasp, he could fend off any enemy that crossed his path.

The Sea Master though...

The Sea Master didn't look like a human. He seemed more like a sea demon in human form. The lack of demonic qi could mean two things—either he hadn’t unleashed any divine abilities, or his cultivation vastly exceeded Wang Xuanling’s.

Even though the Demon-Slaying Sword was highly effective against demons, it couldn’t make up for the difference in their cultivation. Facing three foes alone, death seemed inevitable.

He might have a chance to escape if he focused solely on fleeing, but how could he leave Chu Liang behind?

Chu Liang was the hope of the Mount Shu Sect.

In an instant, Wang Xuanling made up his mind. If the demons attacked, he would see to it that Chu Liang escaped with the Demon-Slaying Sword. He would sacrifice himself to hold them back. The sword had been missing for years, and now that it was found, it must not be lost again.

It’s a pity I haven’t found Ziyang yet… My disciple, there’s still so much I haven’t had the chance to tell you…

Just as Wang Xuanling was contemplating his final words, Chu Liang suddenly chuckled nonchalantly. "Haha."

Hmm?

Upon hearing that calm chuckle, Wang Xuanling's eyes flickered with light. Might there be a way out?

Wang Xuanling knew all too well just how extraordinary Chu Liang had always been.

Could he truly have a way to turn things around even now? Wang Xuanling wondered.

Without hesitation, Chu Liang pulled off his mask, revealing his face.

Fuck! He's just going to give up?

Wang Xuanling’s grip tightened around the Demon-Slaying Sword, intending to make the first move... but Chu Liang laughed again.

Chu Liang said, "Have any of you seen this face before?"

"Chu Liang?" Huo Tianya asked, his voice filled with doubt.

Huo Tianya had indeed encountered Chu Liang before. After all, as the Champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, Chu Liang had drawn the attention of the entire cultivation world. It was no surprise that someone from the Celestial Charm Sect remembered him clearly.

"Yes, it is Chu Liang indeed," Chu Liang replied with a calm smile. "Since you recognize me, Mr. Huo, why haven’t you made a move yet?"

At this, Huo Tianya was left speechless, momentarily stumped by the question.

After studying Chu Liang closely, Huo Tianya let out a soft chuckle and shook his head with certainty. "You're not him."

"Oh?" Chu Liang asked. "You sound pretty confident, Mr. Huo."

"If you were truly a righteous disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, would you dare walk openly into this pavilion? Wouldn’t the esteemed Senior Xuan Yinzi recognize you at once?" Huo Tianya took a step back and sat down, smiling confidently. "Besides, the whole world knows Chu Liang has been missing for six years and suddenly appeared again. There must be a reason behind his disappearance and sudden return."

"Mr. Huo, you are indeed sharp." Chu Liang shot him an approving look. "That day at Fengya Mountain in the Northern Regions, the Whale-Riding Immortal struck me down with a single blow, leaving me on the brink of death. Soon after, this little Mount Shu thief found me and tried to kill me. Fortunately, I specialize in Soul Techniques and managed to hide a fragment of my soul within him. When he was severely injured, I seized the chance to take over his body. For the past six years, I have remained hidden, quietly nursing my wounds."

"Indeed," Immortal Yuan Lu added, "both the Violet Gold Marquess and Chu Liang have both disappeared for six years."

Huo Tianya’s gaze shifted. "Then with the Violet Gold Marquess now in Chu Liang's body, does this mean he will be able to infiltrate the Mount Shu Sect?"

"Haha!" Chu Liang laughed. "Mr. Huo, your foresight is commendable. That is precisely my plan. This little rascal was well-regarded within Mount Shu. If I return to Mount Shu being Chu Liang, I can easily gain access to the secrets known only to the sect’s higher-ups."

"If you pretend to be Chu Liang, you must be careful of his teacher," Huo Tianya warned. "Di Nufeng of the Mount Shu Sect is a ruthless monster who is ten times more ferocious than any of us. If she discovers this, you will be in grave danger."

The Celestial Charm Sect had suffered many defeats at Di Nufeng’s hands, and the lingering fear was evident.

Hearing this, even the ever-silent Wang Xuanling couldn’t help but nod in agreement. "Indeed!"

…

The commotion subsided, and Chu Liang pulled his hood back on, concealing his face.

Old Wang silently gave Chu Liang a thumbs-up in his heart. After six years, this kid had become much better at making nonsense up.

If Ziyang had even a fraction of his cunning, I wouldn’t have to worry about his lifelong commitment every day.

"Let’s get back to the point," said the Sea Master. "The creatures emerging at the South Sea are part of an operation led by Mr. Huo, myself, and the aquatic clans from the Ruins of Return. The goal isn’t to invade the land. That doesn’t matter. What matters is drawing the attention of the Divine Nine and the Terrestrial Ten here, forcing them to waste their energy."

"The land of the Yu Dynasty is burning on all sides now. They won’t last much longer," Huo Tianya said.

"But without a legendary artifact, we can never change our fate," Immortal Yuan Lu replied.

"A legendary artifact, huh…" Huo Tianya chuckled.

Just as he was about to say more, a demonic monster with a shrimp head entered and reported, "Sea Master, the divine envoy of the demons from the Far West have arrived."

"Oh?" The Sea Master glanced outside. "They arrived very quickly."

Huo Tianya whispered, "The matters we’re discussing with the demons from the Far West are not for others to hear."

The Sea Master turned to Wang Xuanling and Immortal Yuan Lu. "Since we’ve already met, I ask that the two of you lead your people to a private chamber and rest for a while. Once I’ve finalized the plan with the divine envoy of the demons from the Far West, we can reconvene and discuss it together."

"I didn’t expect the demons of the South Sea to have ties with the demons from the Far West. We’ll wait in the meantime," said Immortal Yuan Lu as he stood up.

"That works as well," Wang Xuanling agreed, rising to leave.

The shrimp soldier and crab general led them to the third floor of the pavilion. The second floor had no rooms, but the third floor featured a ring of private chambers. Chu Liang, Wang Xuanling, Immortal Yuan Lu, and several diabolical cultivators from the West Sea Diabolical Forces were placed in rooms next to each other.

As Chu Liang stepped out, he glanced down and spotted a familiar figure—a black-robed individual wearing a strange bronze mask.

Since the first time Chu Liang saw the mask typically worn by the divine envoys of demons, Chu Liang had learned more about it. This was a mask blessed by the Demon God that could only be given by the temple. Only the most devout follower of the Demon God could wear this mask and anyone who was unworthy of it would be exposed instantly.

Yet, he had worn it several times before and was never recognized. He wasn’t quite sure why.

Chu Liang even wondered if the silly little Tuntun he raised might actually be the Demon God and maybe that was why he shared such a bond with Tuntun.

But when he first wore the mask, Tuntun hadn’t even appeared yet.

In any case, he couldn’t quite figure out the reason.

Upon entering the private chamber, Wang Xuanling said, "The first floor of this pavilion is empty, and the second floor has no partitions. If Ziyang is trapped here, he is likely in one of the private chambers on the third floor."

"Shall we take a look?" Chu Liang asked.

"This entire building has been refined, which means it’s essentially an enchanted tool," Wang Xuanling said with a furrowed brow. "If the rooms are locked, we can’t pass through the walls with any divine techniques and stealth methods. If I use the Demon-Slaying Sword to cut through, it might create a path for us, but it will inevitably make noise and alert those outside."

"I have a way," Chu Liang said with a grin.

Again? Wang Xuanling’s eyes widened in astonishment as he thought, How does this kid have a solution for everything?

Chu Liang gently took the still-sleeping Tuntun out, cradling it in his hands, and softly coaxed, "It’s time to eat."

The little creature perked up immediately and sat up straight.

"That’s…" Wang Xuanling’s pupils contracted. "A Heaven-Devouring Bug! This is a demonic creature that must be exterminated on sight!"

Chu Liang quickly covered Tuntun’s ears. "Why would you say that in front of the child?"

"Once this creature matures, it will wreak havoc. The chaos brought by the Demon God will repeat itself," Wang Xuanling said. "How dare you raise one in secret?"

"I’m not raising one in secret," Chu Liang said. "Didn’t I just take it out right in front of you?"

Wang Xuanling was stunned. "You…"

"Senior Uncle, don’t worry," Chu Liang reassured him. "Tuntun has been with me for years. I’ve never fed her anything with spiritual energy and I only let her act in difficult situations. She’s saved me several times by now. I can’t betray her after all she’s done for me. As long as she’s willing to do good, even a Heaven-Devouring Bug can walk the right path. Besides, how else are we going to save Senior Brother Ziyang?"

Chu Liang’s words left Wang Xuanling speechless. After a long pause, he finally flicked his sleeve and said, "Fine. But you must watch over her carefully. If this demonic beast grows into an existence that will cause calamity, even a thousand deaths won’t atone for your sin."

"I understand," Chu Liang replied.

By then, Tuntun had already chewed a large hole through the wall. The room next door was empty, its furnishings identical to theirs.

The reason Chu Liang dared to let Tuntun chew so recklessly was that he figured the pavilion was guarded too strictly for many guests to enter. As long as they avoided the side of the wall where Immortal Yuan Lu stayed, they were unlikely to run into any of the Sea Master’s allies.

Tuntun chewed through another wall, revealing a figure inside the next chamber.

But it wasn’t human.

It was a massive toad, pitch-black like ink, standing as tall as a person. It lay in deep slumber, bound by a talismanic spell beneath it. With every breath, dark bubbles swelled and popped across its skin.

The two paid little attention to it and pressed on.

Finally, after opening yet another private chamber, they found a figure seated with eyes closed.

It was Xu Ziyang!

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