Chapter 25 : Shane of Men

The members of the Demon Division were all dressed in crimson robes with Mo Dao(a type of blade), their red clothing resembling flowing flames. The robes were embroidered with auspicious clouds and mythical beasts, making them easily identifiable.

Thus, when Qin Du and his entourage rode alongside a carriage toward the Chen family, they drew many curious glances along the way.

Soon, the news that the Demon Division had sent representatives to celebrate the old master of the Chen family’s birthday spread throughout Qingyu City.

The citizens of Qingyu City looked on with pride, feeling that the attention from the court was a sign of their importance and were very pleased.

As the old master’s birthday approached, the Chen family had kept their doors open for nearly half a month to welcome guests.

When the procession of people dressed in crimson robes appeared against the setting sun, the vigilant guards hurriedly turned and entered the estate to report.

Upon the arrival of the carriage, the head of the Chen family and their relatives came out to greet them.

“Greetings, Head of the Chen Family!”

Ji Buhan, along with the Ji family disciples, dismounted, and Qin Du and the others also showed respect by dismounting and paying their respects.

The head of the Chen family smiled widely with an expression of surprise. Looking at the carriage, he clasped his hands and said, “Young Master Ji and Master Jiang have come from afar. We apologize for not being able to offer a proper welcome and hope for your understanding.”

The Chen family’s relatives looked up at the carriage, their eyes flashing with curiosity.

If it were only the Ji family’s young master, the welcome might not have been so elaborate, but with the Commander of the Demon Division, Jiang Shiqiu, also present, representing the court, they had to be extra cautious and could not afford to be negligent.

Although Jiang Shiqiu also came from the Yunjing Jiang family, he was very different from the previous Commander, Jiang Chaoshan. If Jiang Chaoshan was known for his steady actions, Jiang Shiqiu was more mysterious and audacious in his methods.

Moreover, his strength was even more formidable and enigmatic.

The events at the Crescent Moon Villa had already reached various factions. While they were shocked by the hidden conspiracy behind the villa, the fact that Jiang Shiqiu single-handedly defeated the chaotic demons was even more astonishing.

This incident had left a deep impression on the public.

Jiang Shiqiu was extremely formidable and should not be provoked.

In contrast, Jiang Shiqiu’s decision to marry into the Ji family was not particularly noteworthy. After all, strong individuals often act with impunity, and there was no one who could control them.

Amidst the Chen family’s warm reception, a hand with distinct joints lifted the carriage curtain, and a man dressed in crimson silk stepped out with composure.

He did not acknowledge those present but instead turned to assist a woman in green clothing down from the carriage.

Due to the Chen family’s elaborate reception, the area around the Chen estate was very quiet, and passersby instinctively held their breath, keeping their distance and watching from afar.

The awe was not only due to the power of the Demon Division but also because of Jiang Shiqiu’s strikingly beautiful appearance.

The rumors about Jiang Shiqiu’s stunning looks were true, he was said to possess a beauty that rivaled demons. Seeing him in person confirmed these tales.

The crowd was momentarily stunned.

When the woman Jiang Shiqiu was assisting looked up, her exquisitely pale face revealed a hint of a smile. She spoke softly, “Head of the Chen Family, it has been a while. How have you been recently?”

As she spoke, she glanced at the Chen family members present

Seeing her gaze, the Chen family members felt an inexplicable tightness in their hearts, but when they realized that Shang Yunxiao and his spouse were not present, they let out a sigh of relief.

In the past, they wouldn’t have been so nervous.

The Ji family had suffered heavy losses in the battle twenty years ago and had been in decline since, no longer as strong as before. When facing the Ji family, the Chen family had no fear. Even when Shang Yunxiao defected from the Ji family and joined the Chen family, it was seen as merely adding an extra idle person.

However, with the Commander of the Demon Division marrying into the Ji family, the situation was different.

The Chen family head seemed unaware of his relatives’ thoughts, maintaining his smiling demeanor and speaking with added warmth “Thank you, Young Master Ji, for your concern. How is the old lady of the Ji family?”

Since the Ji and Chen families were closely related, the Chen family head now regarded Ji Yu as a junior.

Ji Yu responded warmly, “My grandmother is well, though she did have a recurrence of an old illness earlier this year.”

Demon Hunter rarely live without afflictions. Each battle with demons leaves some lingering effects, and even strong figures like the Ji family matriarch suffer from old ailments.

This is one reason why Demon hunter seldom have a peaceful end.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Chen family head did not forget to greet Jiang Shiqiu, the Commander of the Demon Division, with courtesy.

Ideally, the Chen family head should have greeted Jiang Shiqiu first. However, since he had not immediately reacted, it was Ji Yu who broke the silence and began the conversation.

However, the Chen family head noticed that neither Jiang Shiqiu nor the members of the Demon Division seemed to feel neglected.

Of course, they did not feel neglected.

During this period of time, they had already been tormented by Jiang Shiqiu and had lost their temper. They knew how unscrupulous and cheap their commander was in front of Young Master Ji, which was a disgrace to men.

As long as Young Master Ji was present, everything had to give way.

Was it a problem for the Chen family head to greet Young Master Ji first?

Not at all!

It wasn’t considered disrespectful. Their commander actually preferred everyone to act like this.

Facing the Chen family head, Jiang Shiqiu’s expression was quite cold, even showing some arrogant defiance.

The Chen family head didn’t mind and greeted them into the estate with a smile.

As they were about to enter, they heard the sound of horse hooves behind them. Turning around, they saw a group of Chen family disciples, led by Chen Qingzhe, returning.

“Uncle!”

Chen Qingzhe dismounted and walked towards the Chen family head with big strides.

The Chen family head, unaware of what had happened at the city gate, greeted him, “Qingzhe, you’re back. Young Master Ji and Master Jiang have just arrived. Go and pay your respects to them.”

He thought that no matter how much Chen Qingzhe might have misbehaved, he and Young Master Ji were after all blood siblings, and any old grievances could be resolved. Siblings should reconcile.

Unfortunately, while the Chen family head intended to mediate between the siblings, the parties involved did not cooperate.

Chen Qingzhe’s face was flushed with anger, and he remained silent, glaring at Jiang Shiqiu.

Ji Yu cast a detached glance at him, showing no intention of helping him out as a good sister.

Jiang Shiqiu was even more direct, frowning and saying, “Chen family head, is this your disciple? How can he be so rude?”

The Chen family head was taken aback, unsure of Jiang Shiqiu’s meaning.

Chen Qingzhe’s face turned red, and he glared at Jiang Shiqiu in anger. “Jiang Shiqiu, even if you are the Commander of the Demon Division, you cannot insult people like this!”

“Be quiet!” The Chen family head barked, quickly turning to Jiang Shiqiu and saying, “Master Jiang, please forgive him. Qingzhe is still young and might have misunderstood…”

“It’s not a misunderstanding!” Qin Du said with a smile, “Young Master Chen is quite imposing, blaming others upon meeting them. I wonder where he gets his confidence from? Did he perhaps also eradicate some troublesome demons to benefit the people?”

What right did he have to criticize the Demon Division without having contributed anything himself?

As he spoke, his tone became grim, and a killing intent emanated.

Chen Qingzhe’s face turned pale. Being still young, he showed a hint of fear.

The Chen family head also felt a chill.

Such intense killing intent!

He had heard that Qin Du was specially trained by the court, constantly dealing with demons and relishing hunting powerful ones. He had countless demons’ blood on his hands and exuded a murderous aura that even demons couldn’t endure.

Today’s scene confirmed these rumors.

Seeing the atmosphere becoming tense, the Chen family head broke into a cold sweat.

As the head of the Chen family, it had been a long time since anyone had treated him with such disrespect, especially on his own territory. Normally, he would have been displeased and would have had the rude guests expelled.

But today’s guests were not ones he could simply expel. Even if they questioned him directly and showed no respect, the Chen family could not just send them away.

The Chen family head composed himself and said, “Master Qin, is there a misunderstanding here?”

Qin Du sneered repeatedly, staring at Chen Qingzhe with a chilling gaze that seemed to slice through him like a knife.

Chen Qingzhe fell silent, his previous arrogance gone. Despite his natural talent and the favor of the Chen family matriarch, he could not withstand the pressure of a bloodthirsty maniac like Qin Du.

If not for his desire to save face, he would have collapsed to the ground in fear.

The Chen family head could see that Qin Du’s behavior was tacitly approved by Jiang Shiqiu. Anxious and at a loss, he eventually turned to the more approachable Ji Yu to apologize.

At this moment, he no longer cared about face or pride surviving this encounter was the priority.

Ji Yu’s gaze slowly moved over to the sweating Chen Qingzhe, and she said calmly, “There’s no need for such formality, Chen family head. Just make sure to properly educate your child in the future.”

The Chen family head forced a smile and said, “Young Master Ji is right. Qingzhe has indeed been spoiled.”

With the atmosphere finally easing, the Chen family head went along with the situation and quickly ushered them into the estate, instructing the steward to show them to the guest quarters.

A bit later, the Chen family head finally learned about the incident at the city gate.

The Chen family head looked at Chen Qingzhe, drenched in sweat, with a mixture of disbelief and concern. He couldn’t understand why Chen Qingzhe would dare provoke the commander of the Demon Division.

Jiang Shiqiu was not an easy person to deal with. Chen Qingzhe was probably still alive only because Ji Yu chose not to hold it against him.

At this moment, Chen Qingzhe was like a drenched rat, stripped of his usual elegance. He stood there in a daze, his face showing intense fear and frustration.

Seeing this, the Chen family head realized that Chen Qingzhe had not truly learned his lesson.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, the Chen family head said, “Qingzhe, the old master’s birthday is coming up in a few days. The house is very busy. If you have nothing else to do, go and keep the old master company.”

This was to prevent him from causing more trouble.

Chen Qingzhe was not stupid and could easily detect the disdain in his uncle’s voice. He responded angrily, “Uncle, it’s clearly their fault…”

“Be quiet!” the Chen family head cut him off sharply. “Who are ‘they’? One is your own sister, and the other is the commander of the Demon Division. How dare you be so unruly?”

Chen Qingzhe, still fuming, retorted with a face twisted in rage, “So what if she’s my sister? You know very well how she treated me back then! She nearly killed me! How can I regard such a vicious woman as my sister?”

The Chen family head coughed lightly and said, “She was young back then… Besides, you were at fault first.”

Hearing his uncle defend Ji Yu, Chen Qingzhe was infuriated to the point of wanting to kill. His eyes were bloodshot as he shouted, “She was young back then… And what about me? Was I not also young? I was even younger than her!”

The Chen family head, originally angry at Chen Qingzhe’s misdeeds, softened a bit upon seeing his distress.

“Qingzhe, there were other reasons for what happened back then. Don’t overthink it.”

He patted Chen Qingzhe on the back and said, “Alright, you must be tired from being out all day. Go back and rest.”

He then had someone escort Chen Qingzhe back.

The Chen family head, with a headache, left to deal with other matters. It seemed that every time these siblings met, it turned into a life-and-death struggle. He wondered when they would ever settle down.

—  

The Chen family’s guest quarters were large and situated on a mountain, offering a serene environment. Besides having servants, there were also automaton attendants to meet the guests’ needs.

The Chen residence was built by the sea. Opening the windows revealed the ocean view.

The sun had already dipped below the horizon, leaving only a few rays of twilight on the horizon.

In the dimming light, the sea’s azure waves rippled gently, with occasional glimpses of green-winged birds flying in from the depths of the sea to the Chen residence.

A green phoenix landed on a tree in the guest courtyard.

The sound of the green phoenix was pleasant to the ears. Hongxiao and Ji Buhuan found their spirits lifted and their bodies relaxed upon hearing it.

“These green phoenixes are truly adorable,” Hongxiao remarked as she observed the bird on the tree. “They can even slay demons and pacify the sea. No wonder the coastal people regard them as divine birds.”

Ji Buhuan nodded with a smile and looked out the window.

Outside the window was a sheer cliff several hundred feet high, with the turbulent sea crashing against the shore below.

The sea appeared dark and shadowy, as if something was hidden beneath its depths, making it hard to look at for long.

Inside the room, Ji Yu sat by the window, gazing at the ocean in the twilight.

The vast and profound ocean always instilled a certain fear, both of its dangers and the disasters it could bring.

The sea was never gentle or calm.

“Wife,” Jiang Shiqiu came over and took her hand, “Why are you sitting here in the breeze?”

Jiang Shiqiu had now learned how to care for a frail mortal, always concerned about her health.

Ji Yu turned to look at him, her eyes curving slightly with a smile. “It’s nothing. It’s already mid-April, the weather is warm, and a little breeze is fine. Besides, the view here is quite nice.”

Even so, she obediently let him close the window.

Jiang Shiqiu had warm water brought in and said, “Wife, I really disliked that boy from earlier. Couldn’t we have just killed him?”

He spoke lightly, as if casually squashing an ant, without any hint of malice, yet such carelessness was the most frightening.

Ji Yu’s expression became serious as she turned to him. “Jiang Shiqiu, don’t kill people.”

Jiang Shiqiu met her gaze, his long, elegant fingers gently curling a strand of her black hair as if in a private moment between husband and wife.

After a while, he suddenly smiled and said softly, “Alright, if you don’t want me to kill him, I won’t.”

His tenderness seemed to suggest that she was his entire world, with no resistance or rejection.

Ji Yu smiled and reached out to him, leaning closer.

His eyes, dark and glossy like cold jade in the desolate mountains, were filled with a smile that never truly reached them. They revealed the unique cruelty and malice of demons and monsters.

Under the intense scrutiny of those eyes, Ji Yu’s heart raced, but she did not shrink away.

Her cool, soft lips brushed against his, as light as a feather.

The man’s Adam’s apple moved a few times, and soon he turned the tables, his movements urgent and fierce, as if trying to devour her will and drag her into an unending abyss.

As the sky darkened, the room was lit with a horn lantern, its warm glow dispelling the surrounding darkness.

Ji Yu, dressed in sleeping clothes, prepared for bed.

Jiang Shiqiu was not there, he had been called away by the Demon Division, and she did not know the reason.

Hongxiao entered with medicine and said, “The disciples from the Xu and Pei families arrived two days ago, and people from the Bixin and the Demon Hunter Alliance have also arrived. There are quite a few people here for the old master’s birthday. It seems it’s going to be lively.”

Ji Yu replied, “This year marks the old master’s seventieth birthday. It should be lively.”

Seventy is a rare age in life, and even for a demon hunter master, it is significant.

Not to mention that the Chen family’s old master is the most powerful in the Chen family, his seventieth birthday is naturally a big event for them, and they want to celebrate it well.

Hongxiao nodded and smiled. “Young master, when our old lady turns seventy, we should celebrate her birthday grandly as well.”

The old lady was in her sixties, and in a few years, she would turn seventy.

Seeing the Chen family’s grand celebration, Hongxiao felt that the old lady should not be treated less. However, the old lady preferred peace and quiet and might not want a grand celebration. But if the young master insisted, she would likely be touched by the young master’s filial piety and not refuse.

Ji Yu smiled and nodded. Raised by her grandmother, she had a special bond with her.

If it was for her grandmother, a grand celebration was certainly appropriate.

After taking the medicine, Ji Yu’s body felt a bit weak, and she went to bed.

Hongxiao tucked her in and said, “We don’t know when Lord Jiang will be back. Young Master, you should rest first. I’ll stay here.”

Ji Yu responded with a murmur and asked, “Have Senior Brother Buhuan and the others settled down?”

“All settled, young master. Don’t worry,” Hongxiao said with a smile. “They are strong and healthy, they don’t need your concern.”

Ji Yu only smiled. Her concern wasn’t for them.

Earlier, they had not only lost face with the Chen family but also had a confrontation with Chen Qingzhe. The Chen family might not openly show their displeasure, but they could make life difficult in subtle ways.

As guests here, they could only endure any discomfort.

After Hongxiao left, the room fell silent.

Ji Yu lay in the fragrant bedding, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The constant roar of the sea seemed to echo in the quiet night, almost as if it would explode in her chest.

In truth, Ji Yu didn’t like the sound of the waves.

It reminded her of some unpleasant memories.