Chapter 89

Nearly sleepless, Tan Ning woke up to the hazy morning light.

In noble families, young ladies are expected to follow strict routines for waking up and resting. Since Tan Ning was adopted by the Yinshan family, she had always adhered to these rules. When her maidservants came in to attend to her, despite the dark circles under her eyes, Tan Ning didn’t linger in bed but obediently sat at the dressing table.

“…What happened last night?”

Tan Ning covered her mouth as she yawned, still half-asleep.

“Why did Da Huang keep barking outside Liuyu’s courtyard all night? Doesn’t she like Da Huang the most? Why didn’t she let it in?”

The maidservants exchanged glances, then quietly reminded Tan Ning:

“Miss, have you forgotten? Besides Miss Liuyu, there’s also… that demon, right next door.”

Tan Ning, who had been drowsily lowering her head, suddenly became alert.

Although Da Huang was just an ordinary dog, rescued from a dog meat vendor by her third uncle, it was fiercely protective of its owner. Last night, it had barked intermittently outside the courtyard until dawn—

Could it be that that demon and Liuyu had a conflict?!

The more Tan Ning thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

She didn’t bother with her usual elaborate hairstyle and let her maidservants simply tie her hair up, before heading straight to the secluded bamboo mountain house where the family elders resided.

The elders had just finished their morning training and were having breakfast when a servant came to inform them that Miss Ning requested to meet.

“How did the discussion go yesterday, uncles?”

Tan Ning’s face was serious as she fixed her intense gaze on them.

“Should we confront that demon, Mo Lin, directly, or should we deal with his subordinates first? I think starting with the subordinates might be easier. The few ghost generals from the Twelve Masked Gods don’t seem too clever.”

The seventh uncle had a patch of medicinal plaster from the demon Mo Lin on his forehead.

It was said that Mo Lin knew the seventh uncle suffered from a headache and had specifically arranged for the Ghost Doctor Bai Pingting and the head of the Xiangli family to collaborate on a treatment. The plaster had been on all night, and he had felt much better.

Hearing Tan Ning’s suggestion, he narrowed his eyes and slowly responded:

“Well, there’s no rush, we’ll plan carefully. It’s not that we won’t act, we just can’t rush into it… Why don’t you ask your fifth uncle?”

The fifth uncle was currently handling a lapis lazuli bracelet that Mo Lin had sent with his emissaries the previous day.

Although the Yinshan family wasn’t lacking in jewels, Jiuyou was known for its fine stones. The finest materials were rare even among the Yinshan family, and this bracelet was one of the most exquisite, difficult to refuse.

When Tan Ning met the fifth uncle’s gaze, he scratched his face awkwardly.

“This… given our current situation, you know how it is. That demon Mo Lin is at the height of his power, we must avoid his sharp edge for now. Let’s hold off, and maybe take action later…”

Tan Ning left the secluded bamboo house feeling heavy-hearted.

When she arrived at the main house and joined the Yinshan family for breakfast, she noticed the small bruise on Liuyu’s neck. Her emotions became even more complicated and hard to express.

Liuyu, unaware of Tan Ning’s thoughts, casually asked:

“Did you like the gift I sent yesterday?”

Mo Lin didn’t like Tan Ning, so his gift to her wasn’t as thoughtful. It was a box of unpolished rubies and emeralds, which she could use to craft either magical items or jewelry.

Tan Ning had actually quite liked it.

But as her gaze lingered on the bruise on Liuyu’s neck and the exposed part of her arm, her emotions churned. She couldn’t tell if she was angry or pleased.

“…Where is that demon Mo Lin?”

Yinshan Ze was about to say he had gone out for business when Liuyu answered:

“I don’t know. Where he’s going, who can control him?”

In fact, Mo Lin had left early in the morning with Fang Fucang and Yin Lanruo to buy a house in Xiandu Yujing, seeking a place for Ji Mo Gui to stay.

Thinking about how Mo Lin had specifically visited to say goodbye before leaving, Yinshan Ze looked at Liuyu and smiled helplessly.

Tan Ning, however, seemed to misinterpret his expression.

She hesitated before looking at Liuyu and said:

“If it doesn’t work out… you can stay in my courtyard.”

Liuyu replied with regret:

“I’d love to, but some people won’t allow it. What should I do?”

Tan Ning felt a lump in her chest. She couldn’t believe that the always strong-willed Liuyu would say such a helpless thing.

She was Yinshan Liuyu! When had she ever cared about what others allowed or not?

Even on the day of her wedding, as she looked toward the northern wilds of Jiuyou, she had said, “No matter how strong that demon Mo Lin is, I will never disgrace the reputation of the Da Chao human race.”

How could she submit to that demon?

Tan Ning was so angry that she could barely contain herself and was ready to pick up a knife to cut down that demon who had been bullying their Yinshan family.

…A country grows weak when its people are fragile; a clan weakens when its people are oppressed.

Tan Ning suddenly stood up.

Liuniang blinked and asked, “Aren’t you eating?”

“I’m going to practice!”

Seeing Tan Ning storm off, ignoring her decorum, Liuyu’s lips couldn’t help but curl up. Yinshan Ze tapped her head and said:

“Didn’t you say you didn’t dislike Tan Ning and wanted to reconcile with her?”

“Reconcile is reconcile but not telling her is for her own good.”

Liuyu slowly scooped a spoonful of meat soup and said slowly:

“Compared to the former Tan Ning, who only knew how to revolve around Jiufang Zhanghua and me, I prefer the Tan Ning from my memories—the one who stood by my side and fought with me when the Yinshan family faced a crisis.”

That Tan Ning had lost the appearance she once took pride in.

But she was now more radiant than ever.

Liuniang secretly glanced at Liuyu, pursing her lips, wondering what expression Tan Ning would have if she heard this.

After half a day, Mo Lin successfully secured a residence.

The house was located south of Yuheng Bridge, with the Heavenly Palace Market to the east and the Lingyong Academy just across the Yishui River. The location was excellent, though the price was quite steep.

More importantly, Mo Lin did not hide his identity, so news of the demon ghost Mo Lin purchasing a residence in Yujing quickly spread throughout the immortal capital.

“—It’s said that when the demon ghost Mo Lin signed the house contract, the owner casually complimented him, saying, ‘This house could serve as the private residence of the Lord of the Nine Nether in Yujing. It’s truly an honor,’ and guess what the demon ghost said?”

On the steps of the martial arts arena, Jiufang Shaogeng casually tossed a dried fruit into his mouth and said, “He said, ‘It’s not a private residence, it’s a gift for someone.’ Truly extravagant, that residence was originally owned by the Qin family and occupied half of the block. Who could he be buying it for?”

The red walls rose high, and the barrier was firm. Jiufang Zhanghua looked at the giant puppet standing on the high platform of the arena, and a sense of awe rose in his heart.

If there were no surprises, this should be the last evil spirit remaining in the world after the first year of the Chaoyue Era.

It was only when his father sent him to supervise the construction of the arena and specifically detain this puppet that Jiufang Zhanghua learned about how the Jiufang and Zhongli families had joined forces to refine the evil spirit into a puppet.

His palm pressed against the puppet’s cold golden armor.

It was said that this heavenly armor, ranked thirty-one, could not be fought even by the demon ghost Mo Lin, who had exerted all his strength.

…Such a powerful force.

Jiufang Zhanghua lowered his gaze and came to his senses, then answered Jiufang Shaogeng’s earlier question.

“Who do you think could make the demon ghost Mo Lin lower his status to form an alliance and has no residence in Yujing but is likely to arrive here soon?”

The boy, who had been lazily sitting with his legs stretched out on the steps, suddenly paused and sat up straight.

“Ji Mo Gui?”

Jiufang Zhanghua said in a low voice, “With the character of Shentu Xiang, he wouldn’t submit to the demon ghost. The one who could make him submit and ally with him must be a powerful family from the Great Chao. There are rumors in Yujing that the demon ghost’s army surrounded the city for two months without running out of supplies, and it’s said that the Ji Mo family is behind it.”

The news of Shentu Xiang joining the demon ghost Mo Lin in entering Yujing had already spread throughout the immortal capital.

But many people thought that Shentu Xiang had joined the demon ghost Mo Lin. However, after Jiufang Zhanghua’s words, Jiufang Shaogeng realized—Shentu Xiang had been guarding the borders for generations. Before the demon ghost, they fought against the barbarians from the Nine Nether, and after the demon ghost, their duty was to resist the demon ghost.

The Shentu family was known for their loyalty, and the people of the Great Chao knew it well.

Compared to joining the demon ghost, it was indeed more likely that Shentu Xiang would submit to Ji Mo Gui.

If that were the case…

The grain supply of the Xi family, the weaponry workshop of the Shentu family, and the market in the western region of the Yinshan family in the Yu Yuan area.

Plus the many immortal academies that had already been completed in Longduo City.

These were open to anyone, regardless of their background, only looking at their potential as cultivators. While it might be a bottomless pit in the short term, over time, as more talents emerged, these people would all be valuable to the Ji Mo family.

Grain, magical tools, resources, and cultivators—while each of these on its own might not be terrifying, who would dare to say that the Ji Mo family was still a second-tier family?

“Then where does she stand now?”

Jiufang Shaogeng couldn’t make sense of it.

“She was previously allied with the Zhongli family, and now she’s helping the demon ghost Mo Lin. What exactly does she want?”

“We need to figure out her position, and that’s why both families invited her to Yujing.”

Jiufang Zhanghua glanced coldly at his younger brother.

“Our home is already filled with crises, so Shaogeng, don’t go around spreading rumors about Liuyu.”

Suddenly being called out by his elder brother for his actions in the past few days, Jiufang Shaogeng didn’t feel embarrassed. He leaned on the steps, casually tossing another fruit into his mouth, and carelessly said:

“Crisis is good. Watching the old man be driven crazy by a little girl, don’t you find it satisfying, big brother?”

It was as though he had said it casually, but beneath his calm tone, there was a suppressed resentment from long ago.

Jiufang Zhanghua didn’t respond.

“As for Yinshan Liuyu…”

The boy threw another fruit into his mouth, a wicked smile in his eyes.

“I wasn’t lying when I said the demon ghost Mo Lin doesn’t like her. Once the Yinshan family is destroyed, she’ll be abandoned by that demon ghost. If big brother doesn’t mind, you could just take her as a concubine.”

Upon hearing such dismissive words, Jiufang Zhanghua furrowed his brow instinctively, his tone turning cold:

“Do you really think that if the demon ghost Mo Lin treats Liuyu badly, he would go and buy a residence for Ji Mo Gui? Who do you think he’s interested in?”

Jiufang Shaogeng’s expression changed instantly.

“It’s impossible!”

His gaze followed Jiufang Zhanghua as he turned and walked away, still in denial:

“It’s because he covets the grain supplies that Ji Mo Gui has! It definitely has nothing to do with her! He doesn’t even like Yinshan Liuyu, how could… it’s absolutely impossible!”

The demon ghost Mo Lin?

And Ji Mo Gui?

Doesn’t she have a demon ghost consort?

Could it be that she’s into that?

…What a taste!

Jiufang Shaogeng felt disdain in his heart, but alongside the disdain, there was an inexplicable sense of irritation.

He had said as much, but until the next day’s Lingyong entrance trials, that thought still lingered in his mind.

He looked out the window of the Baiyu Peacock carriage.

The Lingyong entrance trials were the grand event second only to the Dao Conference, and with New Year’s Eve approaching, not only Yujing, but many other great families from various places would also come, some to send their children to participate, and others simply to watch the excitement.

There were also many common people who could not cultivate but admired the noble children of the great families, often coming to witness such grand events.

The Jiufang family and the Zhongli family invited Ji Mo Gui to Yujing, using today’s grand event as an excuse.

When they arrived at Lingyong, the academy was already packed with people.

“… Have you heard?”

Groups of noble children gathered together, talking about the most popular topic in Yujing these days.

“That demon lord Mo Lin, who came to Yujing under the pretext of accompanying Yinshan Liuyu to visit her family, has been bossing around Yinshan Liuyu on Tian Shu Street, but after three days, he barely stayed at Yinshan’s residence. Instead, he was busying himself around the Ji Mo family’s head.”

“Even if he wants to win over Miss Ji Mo, sending subordinates to handle matters like the residence would suffice, but he personally took care of everything, selecting all the furniture and household items himself. Is this normal?”

“I really can’t believe it…”

The person clicked his tongue, with a look of disbelief.

“How could someone not cherish Yinshan Liuyu, but show favor to another woman? This is really…”

“Why couldn’t it be?”

Jiufang Shaogeng stepped up the stairs, responding disdainfully to the gazes of the Yujing nobility.

“What’s so great about Yinshan Liuyu? She only gets attention because of her face. She’s not even twenty. Ji Mo Gui comes from a humble family but has raised the status of the entire Ji Mo family with her own strength, and she broke through the Eighth Realm earlier than Yinshan Liuyu. If she had the chance to enter Lingyong, the top spot back then might not have gone to Yinshan Liuyu.”

The Ji Mo family’s rise was too recent, and the nobility in Yujing didn’t know much about Ji Mo Gui. After hearing Jiufang Shaogeng’s words, many people’s attention was piqued.

Knowing that Jiufang Shaogeng had a grudge with Yinshan Liuyu, someone teased him:

“Is she really that impressive? Shaogeng, I never see you praise anyone like this. Could it be you’re trying to save face by raising your rival’s status?”

Jiufang Shaogeng gave him a cold look.

“With your meager strength, Ji Mo Gui wouldn’t even need to lift a finger. Just releasing her momentum alone, and you wouldn’t even be able to draw your artifact.”

Others laughed: “Sounds like you admire her?”

“So what?”

Jiufang Shaogeng’s response surprised many of the surrounding noble families. They exchanged looks, and could sense the ambiguous tone in his words.

It seemed that Ji Mo Gui had managed to make the usually proud Jiufang Second Young Master take notice of her.

This Second Young Master even looked down on Yinshan Liuyu.

Today’s words from Jiufang Shaogeng were not only his personal opinion about Ji Mo Gui, but also had the backing of Jiufang Qian’s instructions.

It wasn’t just him; even the Zhongli family had received similar advice.

“I don’t care about any past grudges you have with Ji Mo Gui. Whether you had a falling out or fought to the death before, the situation is different now. The family head wants us to get along with Ji Mo Gui. Lingzhao, keep that foul temper in check, or no matter how many days are left before the wedding, if you could be replaced back then, you can be replaced now.”

Zhongli family’s eldest daughter, Yan Wu, spoke sternly to Zhongli Lingzhao.

Zhongli Lingzhao’s brows furrowed so tightly they nearly tied in a knot, but they quickly relaxed.

She would never let go of the position of Empress, and she had worked so hard for it. She could not let it be ruined by someone like Ji Mo Gui.

“… I understand.”

Zhongli Lingzhao slowly exhaled, then shot a sharp look at her older sister.

“But I don’t like the way you’re speaking to me. My future husband is the Emperor, while your husband is just a second-tier noble. Sister, don’t you think your attitude should be more respectful?”

Zhongli Yan Wu gently smoothed the expensive white feather robe on her sister’s body and smiled coldly.

“Emperor? Do you think the Emperor can surpass our Zhongli family? My contributions to the Zhongli family are no less than yours. Not only am I the family head’s daughter, but I’m also our grandmother’s favorite granddaughter. If you want me to respect you, I’m afraid you’re not worthy of it.”

Zhongli Yan Wu’s gaze shifted past her sister’s shoulder and looked behind.

“Keep your impotent anger in check. Ji Mo Gui has arrived.”

And… the young man with an enchanting appearance walking beside her.

The Demon Lord Mo Lin.

These two… were coming together!

The noise outside the gates of Lingyong Academy suddenly quieted down.

All eyes fell on the unfamiliar faces.

Today, the Demon Lord Mo Lin brought only four of the twelve Ghost Generals, and without the usual grandeur of his previous entrance, it allowed the noble families outside the academy to clearly see what these demon beings actually looked like.

The young man in blue, walking behind the Demon Lord, wore a curved sword at his waist. He looked about seventeen or eighteen years old, with sharp, cold features.

The small-statured girl beside him wore a sweet smile, not at all like a demon, but more like a cute and lively neighbor girl.

The red-haired demon behind her was more in line with people’s usual expectations of a demon, though it was only due to his wild aura and rebellious expression, not because he had any strange features.

The last person, a woman in white, had a gentle temperament, and her appearance was quiet and elegant. If she wasn’t walking with them, one might even believe she was a noblewoman from a prestigious family.

And leading these four demons was the young man himself—

In Dazhao, beauty was highly valued.

Even the most heinous criminals would receive some sympathy from the people if they had good looks.

The Demon Lord walking before them clearly had a face that could make everyone temporarily overlook his identity.

… It was as if he had walked out from the haunted woods, an otherworldly creature who bewitched the world.

What was strange, though, was that the girl walking beside him, whose appearance was ordinary, with only her pair of bright, beautiful eyes standing out, was not overshadowed by his aura and looks. Instead, her presence was impossible to ignore.

“Miss Ji Mo.”

Zhongli Yan Wu was the first to step forward. After introducing herself, she smiled at her.

“What’s going on with this couple?”

“Why does it feel like they’ve switched personalities?”

Liuyu glanced at her Fifth Uncle and then continued:

“Since we’ve finished talking about Father, I have something important to say.”

Nangong Jing calmly propped his chin and looked at her:

“Oh? Could it be that you’re pregnant?”

Liuyu, who had been perfectly composed, was caught off guard. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly raised her voice to deny it:

“Of course not! How could that be! Mother, you’re not the type to joke around! Don’t imitate Father!”

Nangong Jing didn’t get angry. She spoke in a gentle tone:

“Then what is it?”

Liuyu took a deep breath, looked around at everyone, and finally fixed her gaze on Mo Lin.

“It’s about the puppet general taken by the Jiufang family from the Zhongli family.”

Zhongli Lingzhao’s eyes were still fixed on Mo Lin.

Looking at him up close, the shock of his otherworldly appearance was even more striking. However, she then remembered how this Demon Lord, after seizing the three cities of the Shentu family, had killed no one indiscriminately, spared innocent civilians, and executed those who plundered the army on the spot.

Compared to his appearance, it seemed his decisiveness and methods were more worthy of admiration.

Especially the fact that he treated Yinshan Liuyu with no pretense, even humiliating her in public, making her the laughingstock of Yujing City. Every time Zhongli Lingzhao thought of this, she felt a sense of satisfaction.

Her gaze shifted to Ji Mo Gui.

However, being connected to Ji Mo Gui made Zhongli Lingzhao feel displeased.

Liuyu had been her long-time rival. With just a glance, Liuyu knew what she was thinking.

If she had known, she wouldn’t have let Mo Lin dress so flamboyantly.

Now Zhongli Lingzhao had her eye on him again.

Liuyu smiled, saying:

“Miss Lingzhao really wants me to guide you?”

Zhongli Lingzhao’s face was expressionless, her eyes cold:

“Of course. Miss Ji Mo’s talent is exceptional, and no one of the same age can compare. If Lingzhao can receive Miss Ji Mo’s guidance, it would be a great fortune.”

Liuyu shook her head, smiling:

“That doesn’t sound sincere. It’s a bit sarcastic. It seems Miss Lingzhao still holds a grudge against me.”

Zhongli Yanwu shot her a cold glance.

“How could that be?”

With Zhongli Lingzhao’s status, when had she ever needed to curry favor like this? She practically gritted her teeth as she forced a smile.

“It was just a matter of opposing stances at the time. It wasn’t that I personally held a grudge against Miss Ji Mo.”

Liuyu smiled, her eyes narrowing as she looked at her:

“So, you admit you were defeated by me and you’re okay with it?”

Seeing Zhongli Lingzhao’s face shatter in an instant, revealing her burning pride underneath, Mo Lin couldn’t help but glance at Liuyu.

How could bullying someone be so adorable?

“…Of course.”

“Of course, what does that mean?” Liuyu blinked, “You mean you’re not convinced?”

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhongli Lingzhao almost wished she could pounce on Liuyu and choke her to death.

But her elder sister’s gaze was upon her.

Not only could she not show any disregard for the larger picture, but she also had to force out a gracious smile and say:

“Of course, I’m convinced.”

Zhongli Yanwu couldn’t help but curl the corners of her lips.

She didn’t have a good opinion of her younger sister, who was always competitive and wanted to trample her whole family underfoot. Seeing her get a taste of defeat, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of satisfaction.

Zhongli Yanwu said:

“Since we’re turning swords into jade, why not join us? The Zhongli family has reserved a seat for Miss Ji Mo. It’s a good opportunity for you to see how the Yue Niang has progressed in recent times…”

“Then the position reserved by our Jiufang family is more forward.”

The voice of Jiufang Shaogeng cut her off, approaching from afar.

The moment Mo Lin heard this voice, his smile completely disappeared.

He looked up and saw the Jiufang siblings walking toward them.

“Just in time, Miss Ji Mo and the Nine Nether Lord have arrived. Today, the elders of the Jiufang family specially sent us three siblings to greet you. We wonder if you two will grace us with your presence?”

Jiufang Zhanghua smiled faintly, not showing any signs of the previous tension with Mo Lin on Tian Shu Street.

“Ji Mo Gui,” Jiufang Shaogeng asked with furrowed brows, “Why are you two together?”

Everyone present had this question, but no one dared to ask directly, like this second young master did.

Liuyu casually answered:

“We met by chance while getting off the carriage at Yudao, so we came in together. Is there a problem?”

Of course, there was a problem.

A big problem.

“Miaoyi,” Jiufang Shaogeng snapped at his younger sister, “What’s the problem?”

Miaoyi had already prepared herself, holding up a cardboard sign so high it almost touched Mo Lin’s face.

[Married men should be cautious when interacting with women. Chastity is a man’s most precious possession. If a man doesn’t respect himself, it’s like rotting vegetables. A man who betrays his wife should be put in a pig cage!!!]

The sign was quickly snatched away by Jiufang Zhanghua before Mo Lin could even see it.

“Little sister, that was rude.”

As if nothing had happened, the calm and composed Jiufang Zhanghua spoke.

“So, have the two of you decided which side to sit on?”

With a casual sentence, an invisible undercurrent began to swirl beneath the surface.

Everyone held their breath, their gazes focused on the two people, waiting for their decision, which could influence the future situation of Yujing City.

At the Xingchen Pavilion of the Academy.

The Academy’s Head, Ji Yu, who was watching the scene with Nangong Jing, waved his feather fan and spoke softly:

“In just one year, you’ve managed to stir up the situation in Yujing, the immortal capital. Your Yinshan family’s children really are remarkable.”

Nangong Jing stood with his hands behind his back, scanning the elder beside him.

“Just a small matter. But this elder’s descendant is truly impressive. People say that the mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole is behind. Who would have thought that the seemingly weak young cicada has the power of the Black Tortoise behind it?”

Mu Cangshui— or perhaps Mu Rong Cang—his aged face still showed a glimpse of the clarity from his youth.

“The power of the Black Tortoise? It’s just like that old man from the Jiufang family, hiding in the shadows, scheming. No matter how many plans he makes, he’ll be destroyed by sheer force in the end.”

His gaze slowly dropped as he looked toward the Central Zhou region, settling on Liuyu and Mo Lin.

Mu Rong Cang’s face softened, but his voice carried a gentle chill:

“Let these two children send that old man and child on their way.”