Chapter 105: The Undying Ember

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Huai Yin hurriedly caught up with Sui Yu Ren, but she no longer wished to acknowledge him. After all, the response one waits for is not always love. If the injuries and the bump on her head were her own doing, then wanting to hide away alone was her own freedom. Since she belonged to no one, who was he to interfere with her actions?

Huai Yin simply regarded Sui Yu Ren’s behavior as that of a young lady’s temper flaring again. Thus, he did not step forward to comfort her. In his view, once anger reaches a certain point, one naturally comes to understand without needing persuasion.

Of course, his decision to follow her was not entirely due to unwillingness to let go. More so, he could not refuse Yi Qing Chen’s request. Besides, on the way back to the December Wind Pavilion, the wooden bird from the Su family had already returned.

Now that Liu Xin Zhai had fallen, the Goddess Hall was destroyed, and Su He was on the brink of life and death, some matters were too complex to explain in a letter with just a few words. It was better to take this opportunity to do a favor with the current, gaining Yi Qing Chen’s goodwill and a legitimate reason to leave.

This was naturally very advantageous for him. Although it deviated somewhat from his original plan, the outcome was still feasible. The only regret was missing the perfect chance to kill Zou Ji Ren to silence him, and even with Yun Xing Yu present, success would not come easily. Yet, he believed that with careful strategy, there would still be opportunities.

With Sui Yu Ren’s departure, the timing for dealing with Zou Ji Ren could be postponed. This resolved his awkward situation, giving him a smooth and justifiable exit. Even when Su He awakened, there would be nothing to reproach.

Thus, it would not hinder his future approach.

Meanwhile, after Yi Qing Chen saw the two off, she hurried back inside to discuss with Que Yun Zi and others. In about the time it takes for a cup of tea, Yun Xing Yu carried Zou Ji Ren, Que Yun Zi bore Su He, and together with Yi Qing Chen, they disappeared after closing the door.

As for Bu Feng Cat, he lingered in the Er Chong courtyard. Whether it was stealing a moment of leisure or the calm before a storm, no one could say.

In any case, these days were both warm and worrisome.

Earlier, together with Xing Yan Zong, a letter was sent to the Demon Realm’s Lord, informing him that the seven-layered Garuda Seal, sealed by the Demon Realm, was loosening and advising reinforcement on Eight Wind Island.

Unexpectedly, the Demon Realm’s Lord received the letter but remained unmoved.

When urged, he feigned entering seclusion again.

Seclusion, indeed. Everyone knew that Hu Xi He had been causing trouble lately.

As the illustrious Lord of the Demon Realm, indulging a few insignificant characters causing mischief at the doorstep — what intentions did he harbor? It was obvious.

They did not wish matters to escalate. Now that the enemy was at the gates, unity and cooperation should be the priority, not internal strife leading to collapse.

Thus, days of frustration were also days of comfort.

A father’s joy was something ordinary people could not comprehend. Despite being called crazy by several old bachelors who neither spoke nor listened, they could not understand the happiness of fatherhood.

Jealousy — pure jealousy.

Bu Feng lay beneath the dripping eaves, nestled in a rocking chair, half-closing his eyes while watching Wu Lei train in the courtyard under the blazing sun. The small boy said nothing but was stubborn.

Though his legs trembled like sifted chaff, he refused to beg for mercy.

By his side, Bai Lu Tong Zi watched with heartache and anxiety, unable to help but plead beneath the eaves: “Sect Leader, please let the young master rest a while. We are immortals, not warriors. Why imitate their horse stance? Besides, the young master has held the posture for nearly three hours.”

From dawn until now, dragged out of bed without even a drop of water to drink—the Third Prince, if he saw this, would surely be heartbroken.

Bu Feng, having procured a tattered palm leaf fan from somewhere, covered his face, peeking through the gaps at Bai Lu Tong Zi. “Little Egret, it is said that practicing martial skills without cultivating the inner art leads to emptiness in the end. Though we are immortals and know some spells, these are merely means of self-preservation, nothing extraordinary. In special situations, when magic is suppressed, a strong body and solid foundations help overcome difficulties. So never underestimate it, understand?”

Bai Lu Tong Zi nodded earnestly. Honestly, he had never thought of this before. Used to soaring heights, who remembered such basics?

He immediately bowed to Bu Feng. “Thank you, Sect Leader, for your teaching. Bai Zhi will stand with the young master.”

Bu Feng moved the fan away, smiling. “Go ahead. As long as one is willing to endure hardship, one will suffer fewer losses in the future.”

Just then, Ming Yi rushed in with a report, whispering in Bu Feng’s ear.

Bu Feng suddenly sat upright with a start, the broken fan dropping to the ground. He narrowed his eyes urgently. “Where are they now?”

“According to the schedule, they should be approaching the outskirts of Tian Feng Qi Lou.”

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“Watch Wu Lei and the others as they continue to practice. I will go to meet them myself.”

With that, his figure vanished into the rocking chair.

Ming Yi, seeing his master leave, felt some pity for the little junior brother. He stepped forward. “Junior Brother, since Master is gone, do you want to take a break?”

“Thank you, senior brother. Wu Lei… can continue.”

By the time he spoke, his teeth were already clenched and grinding like castor beans countless times.

“Very well, I’ll listen to you,” Ming Yi said, glancing at the scorching sun. He lifted his robe and tied it at his waist, then moved to Wu Lei’s right side.

“Senior Brother, what are you doing?” Wu Lei squinted, sweat stinging his eyes, blinking to endure.

“Keeping you company,” Ming Yi replied. “Master told me to watch over you all. As a senior brother, it’s only right to set an example.”

Bai Lu Tong Zi inserted a comment, smiling, “Senior Brother is the best.”

Wu Lei instantly blushed, lowering his head to digest the moment quietly.

Honestly, though the days since arriving were not short, he still had not fully adapted. The care and warmth of everyone made him both crave and fear. When touched, he would instinctively recoil.

Fortunately, no one blamed him. On the contrary, all were very tolerant.

That was why he never complained during practice. He couldn’t express himself or understand how to, only wanting to try his best and not disappoint everyone.

After about half an incense stick’s time, several streaks of light suddenly shot across the sky and into the Er Chong courtyard.

In an instant, Bu Feng helped Que Yun Zi carry Su He into a nearby wing room, Yun Xing Yu carried Zou Ji Ren quickly following, and Yi Qing Chen came after.

Ming Yi, seeing this, told Wu Lei to keep practicing, then called out to Yi Qing Chen, “Junior Sister Yi, what happened?”

Yi Qing Chen stopped and greeted Ming Yi politely. “Senior Brother Ming.”

“This is?”

“This matter is long and complicated; let me explain slowly.”

She recounted her descent from the mountain into the mortal realm, the chance encounter with Su He, Liu Xin Zhai, and the Goddess Hall’s events.

“I see. Then I will go with Junior Sister to take a look.”

“Hmm.”

Shortly after, the two arrived at their residence.

Bu Feng happened to look up and saw Ming Yi. “Disciple, help Senior Brother Yun carry this immortal friend to the adjacent wing room.”

“Yes.”

Ming Yi and Yun Xing Yu lifted the person on both sides and laid him down in the neighboring room.

Yun Xing Yu took out the pills prepared by Que Yun Zi, poured one into Zou Ji Ren’s mouth, pried his jaw open, placed it inside, then closed his mouth.

The entire procedure was done brusquely and swiftly.

Not even a drop of water was given, as if men had no need for such fuss.

Ming Yi coughed softly behind his sleeve to ease his discomfort. “Excuse me, Senior Brother Yun, who is this?”

It was no wonder he didn’t recognize him. Last time he delivered the letter, Zou Ji Ren’s master was still Lin Mao.

He wondered where that scoundrel had gone.

“Hm? Ask him when he wakes,” Yun Xing Yu said, finding a seat and motioning for Ming Yi to join.

“Oh? There’s more to the story?”

Ming Yi poured two cups of tea, handing one to Yun Xing Yu.

“Probably.”

To make someone willing to risk death, there must be reasons unknown to outsiders.

Seeing this, Ming Yi did not press further and raised his cup in a toast. “Plain tea and water. I hope Senior Brother Yun will not disdain it.”

Yun Xing Yu smiled knowingly. “Please.”

However, Bu Feng, in the next room, lacked such leisure and calm. Despite having weathered many storms, he nearly capsized.

Pressing on Su He’s pulse points, his brow furrowed ever deeper. “How could this be? Did you encounter an evil person?”

Que Yun Zi grabbed the water jug and took a large gulp, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “Tch tch tch, you old crow with a death wish. I want to live a few more years; don’t speak such ill omens.”

“Then who did you run into? Have you already alarmed those old monsters?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” she said, looking to the worried Yi Qing Chen. “Yi girl, you tell them.”

Bu Feng rose and invited them to sit. “Xiao Chen?”

Yi Qing Chen composed herself. “They were injured by a flying palm from the sky.”

“Do you know who struck?”

“No. It came suddenly. It didn’t seem like encouragement but rather an attempt to wipe everyone out at once.”

“What were its characteristics?” Bu Feng frowned. “Wipe all out? Who could that be?”

Yi Qing Chen carefully recalled. Everything happened so fast there was no time to focus on other details. She only remembered, “Judging by direction, it should be from the Demon Realm.”

“The Demon Realm?”

“Are you sure?”

Bu Feng and Que Yun Zi exchanged glances, both uneasy, unwilling to believe it.

“Yes, the palm strike was extremely fierce and incredibly fast. Brother Yun can attest to this.”

Que Yun Zi poked Bu Feng. “Hey, don’t you remember which person in the Demon Realm matches that style?”

Bu Feng rolled his eyes at Que Yun Zi, knowing full well. Among the Demon Realm’s ten demons, Jade Flood Dragon is known for his fierce power.

The problem is, he is one of the rare righteous figures in the Demon Realm, acting chivalrously and never killing wantonly.

Such a person does not fit the profile at all.

He turned again to Yi Qing Chen. “Xiao Chen, are you absolutely sure you didn’t see wrong?”

Yi Qing Chen hesitated briefly, then firmly replied, “My niece is certain.”

Bu Feng felt as if his head was about to explode.

Que Yun Zi raised an eyebrow. “Ah, never mind who did it. Saving people is the priority. With Fu Qing Feng absent, we have to find another way for Su He.”

“Speaking of which, what do you suggest?”

Bu Feng’s headache worsened at the mention.

Grumbling, he said, “Old fellow, you really know how to give me trouble.”

Yi Qing Chen looked up. “How so?”

Bu Feng snorted and straightened his robes. “There are ways, but success is nearly impossible.”

“Hey? How do you know without trying? Everything must be tried before concluding, right?” Que Yun Zi, stroking his sparse beard, looked around distractedly.

“Honestly, who came up with this bad idea?” Bu Feng pointed at Que Yun Zi, ready to strike.

Que Yun Zi jumped onto a chair, half crouching. “Honestly, it wasn’t me. At most, I was reminded and recalled a bit of the past.”

Yi Qing Chen’s worry deepened. “Senior Uncle?”

Bu Feng sighed sadly looking at her. According to fate, when the child was threatened by disaster at the Xing Lou, death was inevitable and unalterable.

Now, for some reason, the prediction could not be made, but one thing remained: the emotional barrier was hard to overcome.

“Senior Uncle?”

“If you want to save him, you must retrieve something.”

“What is it?”

“The Undying Ash.”

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