Chu Hanjin wanted to warn Yue Lin, but before he could, the dog had already locked its eyes on him. As soon as it moved, the Yin Dog lunged toward him.

Chu Hanjin sidestepped to avoid it, drawing his sword, ready to fight, but the Yin Dog leapt past him, its four legs racing towards the house.

From its retreating figure, Chu Hanjin understood its target.

Yue Lin.

Yue Lin, sitting on a wooden bench by the wall, was holding QQ in his arms. His side profile, nose, and chin were peaceful as he slept.

The ferocity of the beast brought an ominous wind, rousing Yue Lin from his slumber as he opened his eyes.

Besides the leaping Yin Dog, a flash of white followed closely behind. Chu Hanjin grabbed the necklace around the Yin Dog’s neck, forcefully yanking it backward, flipping the massive creature to the ground, his hand gripping its throat.

His hair was blown up by the wind, and as it fell, his white boot pressed down on the Yin Dog’s head, causing blood to seep out.

“The Yin-Yang Sect’s pursuers are coming,” Chu Hanjin said. “This dog is a hunting dog raised by Lord Bao Yang. It’s excellent at tracking human blood. If it smells even a drop, it can track someone within a hundred miles.”

He pressed his boot down a little more, though it didn’t look heavy, it immobilized the Yin Dog, rendering it temporarily powerless.

“We need to go.” He urged.

Yue Lin’s expression darkened slightly as he nodded.

He hadn’t expected the pursuers to have come so far.

They quickly grabbed the still-sleeping QQ and hurried out of the ruined temple. As they ran into the woods, a shadow in black suddenly descended, blocking their path. The figure, holding a white crane by its reins, stood in their way.

It was a member of the Yin-Yang Sect, and leading them was none other than Lord Bao Yang.

Seeing him, Chu Hanjin wasn’t particularly alarmed, one hand resting on his sword as he stared him down.

Lord Bao Yang’s soft face smiled, his long sleeves flowing elegantly, “Lord Yue Zhao, please come back.”

Chu Hanjin asked, “Are you going to stop me?”

Lord Bao Yang looked troubled, “Well… On a personal level, we were classmates at the refuge back then, and I’ve been quite close with your senior brother over the years. But on a professional level, the Six Great Sects are determined to capture the demon, not to stop you, but to stop him. I really don’t know what good could come from letting him go, Lord Yue Zhao…” He said earnestly, “You should consider the Six Sects’ position.”

“So, you’re saying you won’t let me go?” Chu Hanjin replied bluntly.

Not expecting him to reject his subtle persuasion so directly, Lord Bao Yang nodded, “I can’t.”

Chu Hanjin didn’t waste time: “The reasons I gave for taking him away were clear enough at the time. He isn’t the murderer and shouldn’t face execution. If I fight you now, it’s not out of enmity, but the longer we delay, the more reinforcements from the Six Sects will arrive. I hope you understand.”

With that, Chu Hanjin drew his sword, “Forgive me.”

This was a graceful gesture, inviting the other to spar, without feints or deceit. It was an honorable move, the first lesson in etiquette from their early days of martial arts training.

Chu Hanjin executed the move with clean precision, exuding the elegance of a gentleman, but his sword intent was firm and uncompromising. Lord Bao Yang, thinking of something, laughed, “Senior Brother Mu was right, Lord Yue Zhao truly is pure and untainted, not touched by filth, but also unaware of hardship.”

His words, though seemingly complimentary, carried no real admiration. He sidestepped the attack and said, “Go ahead.”

Chu Hanjin remained still, “What do you mean?”

“You already committed a crime by abducting a suspect in front of everyone at Mist Ridge. If you also attack a sect member, you’ll add another crime to your name. I have no intention of adding more to your burden.” Lord Bao Yang sheathed his sword, “Leave, and I’ll pretend I never saw you.”

He backed off a step, but Chu Hanjin remained where he stood.

Chu Hanjin had never been very social, and even though Lord Bao Yang was close with Yuanshan Sect, most of the time he was just visiting Mu Lianchun to play with cranes and birds. They had only exchanged nods in passing.

However, Chu Hanjin knew Lord Bao Yang to be an upright and free-spirited person, not someone with ulterior motives. If he said he would let him go, there wouldn’t be any traps.

Chu Hanjin sincerely said, “Thank you.”

Lord Bao Yang replied, “No need to thank me, thank your senior brother.”

It seemed Mu Lianchun had instructed him to secretly let Chu Hanjin go.

The mention of “senior brother” made Chu Hanjin frown, a knife-like feeling twisting in his chest, stirring a complex emotion.

Mu Lianchun had never been favored by Xing Jiangxin, and now, with the trouble Chu Hanjin had caused, Yuanshan Sect would likely become even more of a target, their position more precarious than ever.

But Chu Hanjin had chosen this path, and there was no turning back.

He looked up at Lord Bao Yang and said, “Please reassure my senior brother. We will soon find the real culprit.”

Lord Bao Yang hummed in acknowledgment, then asked, “Forgive me for asking, but have you found any leads?”

Chu Hanjin glanced at Yue Lin.

Yue Lin met his gaze with his dark eyes, silent, then turned his head away.

Chu Hanjin understood his meaning and looked back at Lord Bao Yang, “You’ve shown me kindness by letting me go, but I can’t share that information right now.”

Lord Bao Yang didn’t appear disappointed, simply nodded, “If there really is another culprit, I will make sure to clear your name one day.”

He bid him farewell with a “Take care.”

“Thank you.”

Chu Hanjin took Yue Lin with him as they left the forest.

Walking at the foot of the mountain, with the vast skies and endless earth before them, the fog of Mist Ridge disappeared behind them, signaling they had left the treacherous, man-eating land.

But their newly formed family stood there, unsure of where to run next.

Yue Lin asked, “Where do we go now?”

Chu Hanjin replied, “The Demon Realm?”

“Yes,” Yue Lin coughed, “but…”

He looked at Chu Hanjin with bright eyes, “Aren’t you afraid?”

Chu Hanjin tucked his clothes into his sleeves and shoes, tying his hair high in a neat, short style, and glanced at him, “Bai Gu knows you’re alive, and he’s sent a tracking curse to Song Shu. I’m sure they’ve set up traps, waiting for us to fall into them. The situation is dangerous, but being afraid won’t help.”

Yue Lin nodded, “Now neither the righteous nor the demonic paths welcome us.”

Just out of the tiger’s mouth, and straight into the wolf’s den.

He set QQ down on the grass, letting him walk on his own.

As QQ waddled around, Yue Lin looked up and met Chu Hanjin’s sharp, ink-black eyes.

Chu Hanjin stared at him without blinking, his voice cool, “Are you afraid?”

Yue Lin didn’t understand why he was asking, “Hmm?”

Chu Hanjin continued to look directly at him, almost piercing through to his soul, “Don’t be afraid.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was calm and clear.

“I’ll always be with you.”

Yue Lin’s heart trembled.

•

In his mind, he heard the sounds of battle and war.

But before that, there was the sound of soft silk and bamboo music. Under the azure sky, three figures lay on the rooftop tiles, their legs spread wide, completely relaxed.

Yue Lin raised a wine flask, “Let’s drink until we drop tonight!”

Bai Gu’s soft voice chimed in, “Ninth Brother, I won’t drink. It makes my chest tight. You shouldn’t drink either…”

“Get lost, stop being such a wimp!” Liang Shan pushed him aside, clinking bottles with Yue Lin with a crisp sound, “I’ll drink with you! Ah Yue, drink as much as you want today!”

Yue Lin, lips still stinging from a fight, winced as the alcohol burned his wounds, but grinned, “Good wine!”

“Damn it, beating up those arrogant dogs today felt amazing,” Liang Shan kneaded Yue Lin’s shoulders, “Ah Yue, you’re awesome! I couldn’t beat him, but you did!”

Bai Gu held a bottle of medicine for treating wounds but remained silent with a smile.

Liang Shan, laughing and joking, kept pestering Yue Lin, pouring him more drinks.

Yue Lin’s eyes reflected the blue sky and white clouds as he muttered, “One day, I’ll crush them all.”

…

Then, it was the day of victory.

A captive spat in Liang Shan’s face.

“What are you? Just a worthless dog by Yue Lin’s side.”

Liang Shan’s face turned pale, enraged, and he beheaded the man in one swift strike.

Yue Lin, after inspecting the captured weapons, walked over and asked in surprise, “Why are you so mad? He’s just talking nonsense. I never thought of you that way; you’re my best brother.”

Liang Shan glanced at him with a strange expression.

Yue Lin asked, “Are you really angry?”

Liang Shan shook his head, saying nothing, then turned and walked away.

…

After that, Liang Shan seemed to make new friends, spending his days drinking with women, talking about which beauties were the most attractive, and barely spoke with him.

Bai Gu grew more interested in handling political affairs, always busy.

Yue Lin spent his time in the alchemy room, sifting through materials.

One day, Liang Shan stumbled into the room, covered in blood, his face full of fear, “Ah Yue… I killed the wrong person! I killed the wrong person!”

“I was drunk, and I heard that little prince cursing you, cursing you, and I… I couldn’t hold back… I killed him… Now that old king has stormed into my manor demanding my life, threatening to raise an army for another war… What do I do? I’ve only just started to enjoy a few good days… Ah Yue, please save me… Save me, and save the Demon Realm that has just found peace…”

Yue Lin was furious, “Why did you kill again?”

Liang Shan had grown increasingly arrogant, killing anyone who displeased him without hesitation.

Liang Shan knelt, cold sweat pouring down his face.

“I was wrong… I was wrong… But I killed for your reputation… If I didn’t kill, how would they fear you…”

His voice was low, with a strange, rising tone.

“Please save me, save me, Ah Yue…”

Yue Lin frowned deeply.

Finally, he spoke, “Then say it was on my orders.”

Later, they stood in the palace, surrounded by accusations.

“You just promised peace, and now you start a war again!”

“We can’t afford to lose any more lives! The king’s actions are reckless, killing left and right! After all the deaths in the last battle, how many more demons will die?”

“The barbarian king is slaughtering at the border, demanding Liang Shan’s head as payment. The war was just over, and now it’s starting again. When will the demons ever get a chance to rest and fight the righteous path?”

“The king’s actions are even more brutal and unrestrained than the former king!”

Yue Lin stood in the great hall, surrounded by blame, remaining silent for a long time.

Finally, he spoke.

“I, Yue Lin, have killed, but I’ve always targeted the right people. I only kill the former king’s old guard, not innocent civilians. Now, so many have died because of me. I’ll go and take the punishment until their resentment is gone.”

He bound his own hands, apologized to the barbarian king, and left without looking back at the two who bid him farewell.

Liang Shan’s gaze flickered as he lowered his head.

Bai Gu’s face showed concern, “Ninth Brother, take care.”

Yue Lin’s voice was low, “Once they’ve calmed down, come and get me.”

“Alright.”

The answer was firm.

…

In the blink of an eye, he was in a dark prison.

His hands were bound by demon-suppressing chains, and two iron hooks pierced through his kneecaps, exposing the cold, white bones, forcing him to kneel. His head hung low, his body reeking of congealed blood.

Hearing footsteps, Yue Lin lifted his head and forced a smile, “You’re here?”

In spotless green robes, Bai Gu crouched down to check his wounds, his voice soft, “Ninth Brother.”

“Is my punishment over? Take me out… My legs are broken…” Yue Lin spoke haltingly, “My ribs are broken too, my spine is crushed… But… My hands are still fine…”

As he finished speaking, Bai Gu grabbed his wrist, and with a squeeze, the sound of bones being crushed filled the air.

Crack, crack—

Yue Lin’s voice stopped as he raised his head, his eyes bloodshot.

“Ninth Brother, you’re seriously injured. That barbarian king, even after your father wiped out most of his people, managed to survive. His strength really is something.”

“But tsk tsk tsk, it’s mainly because you feel guilty, isn’t it? You didn’t resist.” Bai Gu looked deeply into his eyes, “Ninth Brother, does it hurt?”

Yue Lin felt his whole body go cold.

Bai Gu grasped his other wrist, “Ninth Brother, you’re no better than a cripple now. Where’s the grandeur from when you forced Third Sister to kneel at Tian Dang, or when you beheaded our father at Guangwu Hall, or slaughtered the demons at Bei Xi Mountain? Ah, bad luck comes when a person starts trusting others.”

Crack—

He shattered Yue Lin’s remaining wrist.

“Liang Shan is your blood brother, and you gave him the power to kill. He’s disgusting, having groveled for over ten years, and now that he has your support, he’s arrogant, causing trouble everywhere…”

“He’s very jealous of you, you know. He wishes he could ruin your reputation.”

“He kills, but no one hates him. They all hate you because you’re the one who stands out. All the people he’s killed, they blame you.”

“Ninth Brother, I’m jealous of you too.”

“Born just as lowly as me, yet you have unparalleled talent, a strong body, carefree and unruly. You never had to endure humiliation or bow down to anyone, and no one could ever hurt you.”

Bai Gu coughed lightly, wiping his lips with a white cloth, “Why is that?”

Blood trickled from Yue Lin’s mouth, “Why is that…”

Bai Gu looked at him quietly, “Why, Ninth Brother? I want to be like you too, born with exceptional talent, towering above everyone else, never compromising my conscience or pleasing anyone.”

Yue Lin lowered his head, biting his tongue until it bled, “You… hate me too?”

Bai Gu’s eyes were shadowed.

“Yes, I hate you.”

“Ninth Brother. Your reputation is beyond repair. Rest in peace.”

Bai Gu’s eyes were gentle, “After you die, I’ll take good care of your throne.”

“And for you, this is the best ending.”

“Because everyone hates people like you, who burst into the world so suddenly.”

…

When the blade cut away his bones, the pain nearly made his skin shrink, inch by inch, every bone slowly stripped from his body. As he awaited the last drop of blood to flow out, all he heard were the voices of condemnation.

“Brutal and cruel, reaping the consequences of his sins!” said someone who had killed countless people as well.

“I was blind to follow you back then. From now on, we are severed, one in the underworld, one in the living!” Liang Shan hurriedly distanced himself.

“Ninth Brother killed countless people. His sins are deserved. I sympathize, but I cannot speak for him.” Bai Gu’s stance was firm.

“What did the little prince do wrong? Just married, and you had to kill him!”

“…”

Yue Lin looked at the familiar faces of the former guards in the crowd.

His vision gradually darkened.

Buried halfway in yellow soil, the coffin was about to be nailed shut. Liang Shan placed his hands over Yue Lin’s cold, pale eyelids, speaking in a thin, biting voice, “Ah Yue…”

“Did Bai Gu tell you everything?”

“I killed the little prince because he insulted me again, called me your dog. He admired you but looked down on me.”

“Ah Yue, I respect you, but I also hate you.”

“You had nothing, just like me, but you were blessed with talent that everyone envies. No matter how hard I tried, I could never catch up to you. I could only follow far behind, like they said, your dog.”

“If only you were gone.”

“You take your sins and die.”

“Then I’ll enjoy the life you left behind.”

He closed Yue Lin’s eyelids.

“Thank you, but never again.”

Darkness engulfed the world.

That darkness lasted a long time.

For a while, Yue Lin thought it would be best if he never saw the light again.

But his laughable and envied talent began to take effect once more. As Liang Shan barged into his alchemy room, Yue Lin had perfected the resurrection spell for regenerating flesh and bones.

In the coffin, day after day, Yue Lin could feel the suppression of external talismans. Every line of red ink cursed him to never reincarnate, to suppress his soul and body, commanding him not to wake, not to wake, not to wake.

Yet, he was waking.

Through this torturous ordeal, with his shattered inner core, his bones and muscles slowly reconnected and healed, but the talismans and coffin slowed the process to an excruciating pace.

He lay there for over ten years.

Over those years, recalling everything, Yue Lin realized he had no regrets, even in death.

Despised since childhood, in the end, not a single person had ever told him, “I’m willing to stay with you.”

In this world, there was only endless betrayal, use, greed, and calculation.

But now, a gentle breeze blew, and the sunlight at the foot of the mountain was warm.

Without hesitation, Chu Hanjin told him,

“I’ll always be with you.”