Chapter 58

Western Sea.
As dusk deepened, a thick mist spread through the forest. Yun Menghan stood beneath a tree, looking around anxiously, occasionally rising on her toes to peer into the distance.
Suddenly, her eyes brightened. She quickly waved in a certain direction. "Young Master, I’m here!"
A lone figure emerged from the mist, parting the white fog as he walked. It was Ling Zhongyu. His expression wasn’t particularly pleasant, but upon seeing Yun Menghan, a fleeting softness crossed his face. "Meng’er."
Yun Menghan lifted the hem of her dress and ran straight into Ling Zhongyu’s arms. He caught her steadily. "It’s only been a few days—did you miss me already?"
Yun Menghan looked up, her gaze full of playful reproach as she glared at him. "Young Master!"
Ling Zhongyu wore a lazy smile—charming and unruly—but the mirth never quite reached his eyes. "Still calling me ‘Young Master’?"
Yun Menghan blushed. She quickly stole a glance at him, then lowered her head, hesitating before softly whispering, "...Zhongyu."
"Still not quite right." Ling Zhongyu chuckled. "Last time, what did I tell you to call me? I let you off the hook because you looked so pitiful, but I see that in just a few days, you've already forgotten."
Yun Menghan's face turned completely red when Ling Zhongyu brought up the past incident. "Zhongyu!"
"Hmm?"
Yun Menghan stammered before correcting herself, "Husband."
"That's more like it." Ling Zhongyu was finally satisfied. Yun Menghan's face was burning after saying those two words, and she shyly lowered her head, completely unaware that while Ling Zhongyu was whispering these sweet words to her, there was little real warmth in his eyes.
Immersed in her emotions, Yun Menghan asked bashfully, "Zhongyu, how is your injury?"
She still couldn't bring herself to directly call Ling Zhongyu "husband," so she quietly switched back when he wasn't paying attention. The Immortal Realm was conservative, and Yun Menghan had been raised with the proper etiquette of an orthodox immortal upbringing. Even though she and Ling Zhongyu had already shared a marital bond in private, she still felt too embarrassed to call an unmarried man her husband in public.
Yet in her heart, she had already completely accepted him as her husband and worried for him as such.
Since the Devourer Beast had disappeared, a whole month had passed. During this time, they had searched tirelessly, but the beast remained nowhere to be found. Even Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han had seemingly vanished without a trace.
Some suspected they had met their demise, but Yun Menghan was certain that wasn’t the case. The Second Young Master was probably just trapped somewhere. With his abilities, if anyone was in danger, it certainly wouldn’t be him.
As they continued their search, the once united immortal disciples had gradually fallen into disarray. Ten days ago, Ling Zhongyu had led a group into battle against the Demonic Clan. Though he had ultimately forced them to retreat, he himself had suffered severe injuries.
Ling Zhongyu’s gaze flickered slightly. "It’s nothing too serious. Though it hasn’t healed, I can still survive."
Yun Menghan immediately grew anxious. "That bad? Should I give you some more of my blood?"
"Absolutely not." Ling Zhongyu pressed down on her wrist, stopping her from hurting herself. "You already gave me blood just two days ago. Losing too much could harm your health."
"I'm fine," Yun Menghan insisted firmly. "Blood can be replenished. I’ve always had a strong healing ability, so this little injury is nothing."
Ling Zhongyu didn’t respond, neither agreeing nor refusing. Instead, he suddenly smirked. "Are you worried about me?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course, I’m worried about you!" Yun Menghan retorted, raising the dagger to cut her wrist again, only for Ling Zhongyu to stop her. "There’s no need. My wound isn’t something medicine can heal."
Yun Menghan was startled. "What do you mean?"
"Ten days ago, during the fight with the Demonic Clan, they exploited a moment of weakness and injected demonic energy into my body. It constantly corrodes my wounds, preventing them from healing. No amount of medicine will help unless the demonic energy is removed first."
Yun Menghan was deeply shaken. She had only known that Ling Zhongyu had taken a hit from the demons, but she had never expected the situation to be this severe. She racked her brain, desperately trying to think of a remedy that could dispel demonic energy.
Ling Zhongyu lowered his gaze, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
None of Yun Menghan’s suggestions would work—because his so-called "demonic energy" hadn’t actually come from the Demonic Clan. It had been born naturally within him.
On the day the Devourer Beast disappeared, Ling Zhongyu had already sensed that something was wrong—he had been set up. But once the arrow had been loosed, there was no turning back. He had already released the Demon-Binding Cords, so his only option was to follow through, cutting the opposing restraints and shifting all blame onto Ling Qingxiao.
After all, there was no evidence proving that he had deliberately let go. But Ling Qingxiao’s attack on him? That had happened under the eyes of countless witnesses.
Later, when Ling Zhongyu realized that demonic energy had begun surfacing within him, he had tried several times to expel it, all to no avail. Left with no choice, he had taken a gamble—deliberately engaging the Demonic Clan in battle and allowing them to land a hit on him.
This way, he could claim that the demonic energy in his body was the result of their attack.
But lies like this wouldn’t hold up forever. Once he returned, he would inevitably have to face the scrutiny of Star Lord Gu Xing, Star Lord Tianyu, and even the elder council of Zhongshan.
As Yun Menghan continued listing potential solutions, Ling Zhongyu grew irritated and cut her off. "Enough. You don’t know anything about this, so stop making random suggestions. I have my own plans."
Yun Menghan stuck out her tongue playfully. "Alright, alright. I know my knowledge is limited and that you’re far more experienced than I am. But I really am worried about you."
Right now, Ling Zhongyu had no desire to talk about the demonic energy any further. With an indifferent expression, he abruptly changed the subject. "And you? How have you been?"
Sensing his foul mood, Yun Menghan assumed it was because of his injuries. She didn’t take offense at his tone and instead spoke even more gently. "I’m doing well. I’ve been checking my cultivation, and I’ve noticed that my spiritual energy has become much more condensed than before. No wonder so many people choose dual cultivation—it’s much faster than meditating and cultivating alone."
Ling Zhongyu chuckled teasingly and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Then it seems we’ll have to cultivate together more often in the future."
Yun Menghan turned red with embarrassment and lightly swatted him. "You’re terrible. Can’t you say something more proper?"
Ling Zhongyu was just about to continue teasing her when suddenly, his expression darkened. The playfulness in his eyes vanished as swiftly as a receding tide, and in an instant, he returned to his usual composed self.
As if looking at a stranger, he said coldly, "I have something to take care of. You should head back first."
Yun Menghan was caught off guard. Just moments ago, they had been enjoying a tender moment, and now Ling Zhongyu had suddenly turned distant. She lifted her head, wanting to protest, but when she saw his expression, she swallowed her words. "Alright, then. I’ll go. Take care of yourself and get some rest."
She left feeling both hurt and dejected, a lingering sense of humiliation weighing on her.
Ling Zhongyu, however, had no intention of comforting her. The moment Yun Menghan disappeared from sight, his face turned ice-cold. "Since you’re already here, you might as well come out."
A shadow slowly emerged from the mist-covered forest—it was a high-ranking protector of the Demonic Clan. With a smirk, the man sneered, "That little beauty is quite devoted to you. And yet, you cast her aside so easily. How heartless."
Ling Zhongyu’s expression was grim. "My dealings with her are none of your concern. What are you doing here? Why were you eavesdropping?"
The demonic protector chuckled. "Oh, I was simply hoping to watch another live performance. The esteemed First Young Master’s stamina is quite impressive—an enviable sight. Too bad I missed out this time."
Ling Zhongyu was enraged by these words. Even though he was a man and societal expectations for chastity were lower, he still despised having his private affairs scrutinized—especially by the Demonic Clan, who kept bringing them up so shamelessly. His voice turned cold. "Why are you here? If you don’t speak now, don’t blame me for being ruthless."
The demonic protector chuckled. "Ruthless? And what exactly can you do to me? You can barely take care of yourself, yet you think you can threaten me? You’ve been using your injuries to mask the demonic energy in your body, but that trick only works on these young and inexperienced immortals. Once you return, Star Lord Gu Xing and Star Lord Tianyu will see through you at a glance. Instead of wasting time threatening me, you should start thinking about how you’re going to explain yourself when you leave this place."
Ling Zhongyu seethed with anger, but he had no choice but to hold back. Gritting his teeth, he demanded, "What did you do to my body? During the battle with the Devourer Beast, why did I suddenly lose control?"
"Don’t try to shift the blame onto others. Attacking your own sect and scheming against your brother—those were your own choices. No one forced your hand." The demonic protector sneered. "The esteemed First Young Master of Zhongshan is used to pinning his mistakes on others. Your younger brother might tolerate it, but we won’t be your scapegoats."
Ling Zhongyu’s face darkened further. "So you admit you did something to me?"
"And what if I do?" The demonic protector readily confessed. "The Demon Induction technique merely amplifies the deepest desires in one’s heart, pushing you to do what you long for the most. It doesn’t force you to betray anyone. Truth be told, when you cut the opposite rope that day and conveniently pinned everything on Ling Qingxiao, your movements were so smooth and practiced that even I, a demon, was momentarily impressed."
"So this was all your scheme after all," Ling Zhongyu said. "Was it when we met by the lake that you acted? You dare to set me up like this? Zhongshan and I will never let this go!"
The demonic protector remained unfazed. "You brought this upon yourself—don’t blame me." He smirked. "And do you still have the face to speak for Zhongshan? The demonic energy in your body is already forming. Once it’s discovered, forget about being Young Master—you’ll be branded a traitor and eliminated. Once you’re gone, Ling Qingxiao will rightfully take your place. You’ve spent so many years plotting and scheming, only to pave the way for someone else."
This was Ling Zhongyu’s deepest fear. Within Western Sea, the chaotic spiritual energy made it possible for him to disguise his condition, but once he left, there would be no escape. He had to deal with the demonic energy issue before returning.
Thinking of this, bitterness and rage surged within him. The heavens were truly unjust! He had cultivated tirelessly for a thousand years, given everything for Zhongshan—respectful as a son, diligent as a disciple, and utterly devoted as a Young Master. He had never done anything truly evil, yet fate was determined to drag him into the abyss. This time, he had been framed. He had been controlled by the Demon Induction technique, forced against his will. So why was he the one who had to bear the consequences?
And yet Ling Qingxiao—he did nothing, yet the heavens favored him.
With deep resentment in his heart, Ling Zhongyu asked, "I’ll ask you one last time—how do I remove the Demon Induction and break free from your control?"
The demonic protector smiled. "Simple. Cultivate as a demon. Once the demonic energy in your body grows strong enough, it will naturally devour the Demon Induction."
"Cultivate as a demon?" Ling Zhongyu frowned and immediately rejected the idea. "Impossible. I am an immortal—how could I cultivate as a demon?"
The demonic protector shrugged. "Then you’ll have to transfer it. Pass the Demon Induction onto someone else, and you’ll be free."
Ling Zhongyu’s face remained grim, saying nothing. The demonic protector took his silence as an opportunity and spoke leisurely, "And isn’t the perfect candidate right in front of you? That little lady just now—she has a natural spiritual constitution. No matter what injury or poison she suffers, she can recover. She’s practically a flawless furnace physique. If she isn’t used as a furnace, that would be a terrible waste."
Ling Zhongyu’s temper flared, and he bellowed, "Watch your mouth! What are you suggesting?"
"Oh, stop pretending. You can’t tell me the thought never crossed your mind," the demonic protector sneered. "Cultivation is about defying the heavens—every breakthrough comes at a cost. The further you advance, the stronger your inner demons become, and your spiritual energy will frequently become unstable. You so-called righteous immortals created practices like severing emotions and suppressing desires, but that only delays the problem—it doesn’t solve it. No one can truly erase emotions. The more you suppress them early on, the stronger your inner demons will be later.
"But we demons are different. We follow our instincts. If we want to kill, we kill. If we want pleasure, we indulge. Only by embracing desire can one truly understand the source of power."
Ling Zhongyu let out a scornful laugh. "Yes, and that’s exactly why demons never reach the highest realms. Immortals may struggle with bottlenecks in later stages, but demons cultivate quickly only to meet an inevitable fate—losing control over their own energy, going mad, and ultimately perishing. You can’t even preserve your own lives, so what makes you think you’re qualified to lecture me on cultivation?"
"But this time is different," the demonic protector said with a knowing smirk. He suddenly leaned in, whispering seductively, "That little beauty of yours—she’s the perfect cure. If you teach her dual cultivation techniques and slowly refine her into a furnace, she can purify your rampant energy while remaining unharmed. She’s the ideal vessel. With her by your side, you’ll be able to cultivate freely without fear of inner demons. Your path to power will be smooth as silk.
"I’m truly offering you a sincere opportunity here. If you join us, I’ll personally recommend you to the Demon Prince. With his support, the world will be yours for the taking. Why struggle in the immortal realm, desperately clinging to a Young Master’s position that was never meant to be yours?"
Ling Zhongyu, remembering his last encounter with this demon, immediately moved away. The demonic protector wasn’t bothered. He gave Ling Zhongyu a teasing look and added meaningfully, "Once it’s done, just let me have a taste."
Ling Zhongyu realized what he meant and flew into a rage. "Dream on! That will never happen! I am the First Young Master of Zhongshan, a talent praised across the immortal realm. No matter what happens, I will never stoop to your level!"
The demonic protector, annoyed by his repeated refusals, was about to retort when his expression suddenly froze. He seemed to receive some sort of message through his divine sense.
After listening in silence, his face changed drastically. His gaze flickered, and he cast an unreadable look at Ling Zhongyu.
Ling Zhongyu instinctively felt a sense of vigilance under such a gaze. He frowned and asked, “What do you mean by that?”
The Demon Clan’s Protector sneered. “As expected of brothers—you and he have been colluding all along. A diversion? Deliberately keeping me occupied for fun?”
Ling Zhongyu’s frown deepened. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
“Still pretending.” The Demon Clan’s Protector looked at him darkly. “I actually considered your best interests, yet you were scheming from the very start. You deliberately acted like you fell into my trap, keeping me here while he took the chance to escape with the Devourer Beast. Quite the strategy. It must have been tough for the esteemed Young Master to be a mere stepping stone on his brother’s path to fame.”
Ling Zhongyu had no idea what he was talking about, but from the words alone, he slowly pieced together a terrifying truth. “You’re saying...Ling Qingxiao has already taken the Devourer Beast?”
“Still putting on an act.” The Demon Clan’s Protector scoffed. “A month ago, he and his teammates left Western Sea with the Devourer Beast. Now, all four of them have already arrived at Sanqing Heaven.”
Ling Zhongyu’s expression completely changed. A month ago, when they besieged the Devourer Beast, Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han vanished before everyone’s eyes. Ling Zhongyu had thought Ling Qingxiao had gone missing and even searched for him in secret. But it turns out Ling Qingxiao hadn’t gone missing—he had successfully withdrawn?
Now that Ling Qingxiao was in the Celestial Palace, he was so close to those Star Lords. If Ling Qingxiao spoke of what had happened back then, and the Star Lords took his word at face value...this would be extremely disadvantageous for Ling Zhongyu.
At first, the Demon Clan’s Protector truly believed that Ling Qingxiao and Ling Zhongyu had been working together to set him up. But now, seeing Ling Zhongyu’s reaction, he slowly realized something was off. “You...didn’t know about this either?”
Ling Zhongyu didn’t need to answer—his face had already given everything away.
The Demon Clan’s Protector finally felt a little better. He laughed out loud, his figure flickering before slowly fading away. “A fine spectacle of fratricide. You hesitate, yet Ling Qingxiao has already begun plotting against you. I’ve said all I needed to say—take care of yourself.”
Ling Zhongyu knew that the Demon Clan’s Protector was deliberately twisting the truth to lure him into the demonic path. But for some reason, those words kept replaying in his mind.
Demonic cultivation advances quickly...Yun Menghan, a perfect furnace body…
Ling Zhongyu forcibly pushed these chaotic thoughts out of his mind. Just then, his gaze sharpened—on the grass beneath the tree, a book lay open.
That was exactly where the Demon Clan’s Protector had just been standing.
Ling Zhongyu walked over and picked it up.
The Ethereal Cloud Heart Sutra.
When Ling Zhongyu returned, he happened to overhear Su Yinyue arguing with her guard in a secluded spot.
“Miss, the Devourer Beast has yet to be found, and the Second Young Master is still missing. Right now, our priority should be finding them—why are we wasting time here?”
Su Yinyue’s voice rang out. “My cousin hasn’t fully recovered. He needs rest. We’ll wait here until he’s healed, then set out together.”
The guard strongly objected. “Miss, you mustn’t! You are the face of Linshan now—your every move represents Linshan. Everyone outside is searching for the Devourer Beast and the Second Young Master. As his cousin, if you hide away and turn a blind eye, what will people think of Linshan? The Young Master is injured, yes, but we can leave a few men to guard him while the rest of us continue the search.”
“But my cousin hasn’t recovered yet. If the Demon Clan attacks again, how will so few people hold them off?”
The guard’s voice was filled with frustration. “Miss, wake up! We’ve wasted a whole month! Before this, the Young Master insisted on hunting down the demons. We finally tracked them down, but he refused to wait for reinforcements and fought alone—now he’s injured. The Kunshan and Lishan families have already criticized us enough. And now, for the sake of the Young Master’s injury, are we supposed to abandon our true mission?”
“How dare you!” Su Yinyue furiously reprimanded him. “My cousin’s matters are important. Say no more—his word is as good as mine. If I hear any of you speaking ill of him again, you’ll be expelled from Linshan!”
Ling Zhongyu listened for a while, then silently withdrew.
Not long after he left, his communication talisman lit up.
A message from Star Lord Gu Xing: All disciples, regardless of location, are to evacuate Western Sea immediately.
The Devourer Beast has safely arrived at the Celestial Palace.

Celestial Palace.
The flying boat had been rushing through the skies for a month, only arriving at Sanqing Heaven last night. Star Lord Tianyu, considering their exhausting journey, had granted them a night’s rest before discussing the mission at dawn.
After drifting for an entire month, even the Celestial Palace’s flying boats weren’t completely stable when traveling at full speed. Luo Han finally had the best sleep she’d had in ages, waking up naturally for the first time in a while.
After getting up, she asked the attendants outside and learned that Ling Qingxiao had gone to meet with the high officials of the Tianxu Court early in the morning. Ye Zinan, being the heir of the Yunzhou royal family, had some old connections here. Now that he had arrived at Sanqing Heaven, he naturally had to pay visits.
That left only Luo Han and Zou Jibai—two idle people with nothing to do. Luo Han had no interest in mingling with Celestial Palace officials. She was still too weak and couldn’t afford to take risks. At a certain level of cultivation, masters could sense and resonate with the world itself. While ordinary immortals wouldn’t be able to tell that Luo Han was connected to the Heavenly Dao, the Celestial Emperor definitely could.
Luo Han figured that with her current status, she wouldn’t be anywhere near the Celestial Emperor, but...what if? Better to avoid trouble when possible.
Ling Qingxiao had probably considered this as well, which was why he didn’t bring her along to the Tianxu Court.
Luo Han suddenly realized she was free. Enjoying this rare moment of leisure, she was about to have lunch when Zou Jibai came looking for her, inviting her to take a walk at the Southern Heavenly Gate.
Luo Han found it odd. “Why go there?”
Zou Jibai hesitated for a moment, then said, “I want to take a photo.”
“…” Luo Han understood immediately. So, she was being dragged along to be the photographer?
Fifteen minutes later, Luo Han and Zou Jibai stood before the grand and ancient Southern Heavenly Gate. Zou Jibai struck various poses, flexing his muscles at different angles. Luo Han held the recording stone, occasionally instructing, “Turn your face a little to the left. Yes, just like that. Don’t smile—keep your expression cold, cold!”
When Ling Qingxiao and Star Lord Tianyu came out, they were met with quite a scene.
Star Lord Tianyu was momentarily speechless. He and Ling Qingxiao stood there for a while, yet the other two were so absorbed in taking photos that they didn’t even notice them. Star Lord Tianyu coughed loudly to signal their presence.
Luo Han turned at the sound and saw Star Lord Tianyu and Ling Qingxiao standing at the foot of the steps.
Today, Star Lord Tianyu had changed into his official robes, and Ling Qingxiao was also dressed formally. Though still in white, his garments were intricately patterned and of exquisite fabric. He was naturally handsome, and now, standing before the billowing winds at the Southern Heavenly Gate, he exuded an air of dignity and solemnity—far more noble than usual.
If one were to imagine him ascending the Celestial Throne years from now, this scene would likely be it.
Luo Han casually took a quick photo. Her movements were swift and subtle, and she stowed away the recording stone in an instant before walking toward Ling Qingxiao and Star Lord Tianyu with composure.
Star Lord Tianyu raised an eyebrow and shot Ling Qingxiao a glance. Ling Qingxiao remained utterly impassive, as if he hadn’t noticed anything at all. He simply asked Luo Han, “Why are you two here?”
Luo Han pointed at Zou Jibai. “He wanted a photo at the Southern Heavenly Gate, specifically with the inscription at the top, so he can show off to girls later.”
Zou Jibai, who had been admiring the recording stone, immediately protested upon hearing this. “That’s not true! I just wanted a keepsake.”
Luo Han couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. Instead, she turned to Ling Qingxiao. “How was it today? What did the Star Lords at Tianxu Court say?”
“The Star Lords are still deliberating,” Ling Qingxiao replied. “They have examined the Devourer Beast and are currently discussing a formation to extract the Demon-Sealing Stone without harming the beast.”
Ling Qingxiao had left earlier with both the Devourer Beast and the Demon-Sealing Stone, yet he made no mention of the latter now, and Luo Han didn’t ask. The Devourer Beast was their official mission and could be openly discussed, but the Demon-Sealing Stone was a classified matter. Likely, very few people even knew of its existence at this point.
Star Lord Tianyu spoke. “The Tianxu Court has already outlined a plan. As long as the Devourer Beast cooperates, retrieving the Demon-Sealing Stone won’t be difficult. In three or four days, they should have a definitive answer. In the meantime, you will be staying here in Sanqing Heaven. Once the matter of the stone is resolved, the Celestial Palace will arrange for your return.”
The group acknowledged his words. “Understood. Thank you, Star Lord Tianyu.”
Luo Han didn’t particularly care where she stayed. Besides, being accommodated in Sanqing Heaven—so long as it wasn’t as a prisoner—was an opportunity few would refuse.
Now, they only needed to wait for the Demon-Sealing Stone to be dealt with before returning to Zhongshan to handle the elixir exchange. With that certainty, Luo Han finally felt at ease. Everything was finally returning to order.