Chapter 32 : Two-in-one

As soon as Shang Yunxiao was swallowed by the blood sea, the monstrous fish tried to escape but was pierced through by suddenly appearing black threads, dissipating into a wisp of green smoke.

Many people who had witnessed Jiang Shiqiu’s actions at Yanyue Mountain Manor recognized these black threads.

With the shattering of the blood-red eye, the ominous blood light quickly receded, and the various monsters in the blood sea howled in frustration as they vanished.

Once the blood-red hue of the sea faded, the tide also began to recede.

The surging sea retreated rapidly, and the Chen family’s mansion, which had been submerged, finally emerged from the water.

Suddenly, light, fluttering flower petals began to drift through the night sky.

Before anyone could react, they found the bridge beneath their feet collapsing, the petals that had formed the bridge scattering into the sky. They were horrified, fearing they might fall into the sea and be reduced to a bloody mess. But suddenly, their bodies were gently enveloped by the swirling petals and lightly lowered to the ground where the sea had receded.

Ji Yu was held by Jiang Shiqiu and landed on a large boulder halfway up the mountain.

Numerous of petals danced in the air under the moonlit sky, like fluttering butterflies, dreamlike and ethereal.

She looked up, gazing at the night sky.

In the clear and endless night sky, a bright white moon hung high, its light falling on the earth, dispelling the evil spirit and corrupt energies that had infested the world, restoring purity.

It was the fifteenth day, the time when the moon was fullest.

Ji Yu’s bright pupils reflected the floating flowers under the moonlight, the fluttering petals circling and dancing around them, eventually flying towards the bright moon in the sky, eventually disappearing at the horizon.

It felt like a dream.

Everyone watched this scene in a daze.

In this magnificent, beautiful display of moonlit petals, the evil atmosphere was finally swept away, and the people who had just experienced a life-and-death battle felt as if they had returned to the mortal realm.

They were safe.

As the seawater receded, the Chen family mansion reappeared.

The night wind blowing from the sea brushed away the remaining dampness in the air, and soon many of the mountain rocks soaked by the sea became clean.

Only a scene of devastation remained.

As the people relaxed after the cleansing of the moonlit petals, a colorful fish demon suddenly appeared from nowhere, charging in with an overwhelming demonic aura.

“Ah—”

Cries of terror erupted, startling the demon hunters who had just relaxed.

Before they could react, the massive fish demon’s body suddenly shrank and, like a streak of light, vanished into a crystal bottle at Ji Yu’s waist.

In the next moment, the transparent crystal bottle contained a small fish swimming freely.

With its large head and bubble eyes, it was the fat-headed fish.

Ji Yu, somewhat surprised, picked up the crystal bottle and smiled, saying, “You’ve worked hard.”

The fat-headed fish shook its large head.

Everyone finally remembered that this fat-headed fish was a demonic pet of Ji Yu’s.

Earlier, it had fought other fish demons and saved many people, making it quite a hero.

Many people struggled to their feet, bowing to Ji Yu and Jiang Shiqiu, expressing their gratitude for their rescue.

If it hadn’t been for Jiang Shiqiu tonight, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

It could be said that Jiang Shiqiu’s final act of crushing the blood-red eye saved everyone present.

Jiang Shiqiu did not pay much attention to their gratitude. He supported Ji Yu, helping her sit on a flat rock on the mountain, and asked, “Wife, are you tired? Is anything uncomfortable?”

Ji Yu’s face was pale, and she softly replied, “I’m fine.”

It was impossible to say she wasn’t tired or in pain, but she was used to enduring, and it didn’t show on her face.

Jiang Shiqiu slightly squinted and was about to speak when he saw the Chen family patriarch approaching.

Ji Yu glanced over and noticed that the Chen family patriarch’s once jet-black hair was now mostly gray, and the few lines on his face had become numerous wrinkles, with his skin sagging, making him look like a man in his fifties or sixties, which was closer to his actual age.

With his current cultivation level, he was still unable to control the aging of his body, indicating that his injuries were extremely severe.

The injuries sustained by the Chen family patriarch were partly inflicted by the mermaid demons.

The mermid that appeared tonight had fully fallen, transforming into fierce and evil monsters that were neither demons nor ghosts. The emergence of the blood sea only heightened their ferocity. It was clear that the Chen family patriarch, under the siege of those blood-red mermaid, was inevitably injured.

Moreover, he had been severely wounded when he forcibly tried to probe Jiang Shiqiu’s identity, being struck by some terrifying force, compounding his injuries.

Perhaps this was the true cause of his severe wounds.

The Chen family patriarch respectfully bowed to Jiang Shiqiu, thanking him for his help tonight in getting them through this calamity.

Jiang Shiqiu coldly replied, “There’s no need for thanks. I did not act for your sake.”

Upon hearing this, the people present reflected on the earlier events and began to understand a bit.

If it weren’t for Shang Yunxiao’s target being Young Master Ji, Jiang Shiqiu might not have acted so decisively.

In retrospect, Jiang Shiqiu’s words made sense Shang Yunxiao had been so audacious as to set his sights on Jiang Shiqiu’s wife.

The Chen family patriarch’s eyelids twitched slightly.

He noted Jiang Shiqiu’s self-reference as “this lord.” What kind of situation and identity could lead him to refer to himself in such a manner?

Looking around at the others, his apprehension grew.

As the commander of the Demon Division, Jiang Shiqiu’s duty was to protect the human realm and ensure the safety of the people. However, his actions today had been more of a detached observer, and if it hadn’t involved Ji Yu, he might not have acted at all.

Yet, no one seemed to find anything odd or even ignored these strange aspects.

As if it was expected of him.

Ji Yu keenly noticed the change in the Chen family patriarch’s expression and quickly realized that his attempt to probe Jiang Shiqiu’s identity had caused the altered “memories” to develop cracks.

It seemed he had started to doubt.

However…

Ji Yu looked back at the ravaged Chen family mansion under the moonlight. After the battle, countless had died or been injured. This incident occurred in the Chen family, and with Shang Yunxiao being their son-in-law, coupled with the information Shang Yunxiao had previously revealed, it was enough to put the Chen family in a difficult position.

Not to mention, the court would hold them accountable, and the people of the world would not easily let them off.

Even if the Chen family patriarch had doubts, he would probably not have the energy to investigate further.

Of course, he also wouldn’t dare to.

An existence he could not even probe was not someone he could afford to offend, he had to pretend ignorance.

Jiang Shiqiu’s attitude was undeniably harsh, but given that he had saved everyone earlier, no one dared to speak against him.

Especially the Chen family disciples, who, seeing their patriarch treated with such disregard, initially felt a surge of anger. But then they recalled something, and that anger dissipated, leaving only confusion.

At this moment,

A flurry of horse hooves sounded.

Everyone turned to look, and saw demon hunters in crimson robes, wielding long sabers, riding towards them.

They were from the Demon Division. Leading them was Qin Du. His face was grim as he dismounted, holding a blood-stained long saber, and walked straight towards Jiang Shiqiu, asking, “Sir, are you alright?”

Seeing the blood on the long saber, it was clear that this group had also been through a fierce battle.

Many recalled the hurried departure from the city the previous day, and realized something.

It seems tonight’s events were indeed meticulously planned. First, the Demon Division was lured out of the city, then the Chen family mansion was sealed off, preventing anyone inside from seeking help and anyone outside from coming to their aid.

Without Jiang Shiqiu, everyone would likely have been trapped here and perished.

Jiang Shiqiu reassured them that he was fine and instructed them to assist the Chen family and handle the situation.

The court would inevitably demand an explanation for tonight’s events, and the Demon Division needed to investigate thoroughly before reporting to the court.

Leaving the Chen family matters to Qin Du and the others, Jiang Shiqiu, as the commander of the Demon Division, decided to step back and let them manage the aftermath.

“Wife, it’s still dark. Let’s rest at an inn in the city for the night.”

He looked at Ji Yu’s pale face with concern. Although she had seemed alright the past few days, tonight’s battle had clearly drained her, making her look exhausted and fragile.

He thought to himself that she needed to take better care of herself in the future.

Ji Yu murmured in agreement, not refusing.

Given the current chaos at the Chen family estate, even if it were tidied up now, it wouldn’t be fit for staying. It was better to rest at an inn in the city.

Before she could react, Jiang Shiqiu lifted her up.

Ji Yu: “…”

Ignoring what others might think, Jiang Shiqiu saw that Hongxiao had brought a horse over. He mounted the horse with Ji Yu in his arms and rode off.

Seeing this, the others did not linger and also left, intending to head to the city’s inns to rest. However, without horses, they had to rely on their own legs.

The horse that Hongxiao had brought was one that Qin Du and the others had ridden.

The Chen family mansion was flooded, and aside from the people who had been rescued, many animals inside had drowned. There were no horses or carriages available for transportation now.

Qingyu City was a large city with no curfew at night.

Today was the Chen family patriarch’s birthday, and the city was lively with lantern festivals and temple fairs, with many citizens out enjoying themselves.

When the Chen family mansion was in trouble, the sky was lit with blood-red light, frightening many citizens.

Soon, officials and soldiers were dispatched to evacuate the people from the streets, urging them to return home, secure their doors and windows, and stay indoors.

The bustling streets and alleys became empty and desolate.

Until the Chen family mansion was reopened, the streets were still brightly lit, but there were no citizens in sight, only patrolling soldiers.

When they saw people emerging from the Chen family mansion, the soldiers looked on warily but did not approach. Seeing the red-clad rider on horseback, they recognized them as members of the Demon Division and refrained from interfering.

The wind howled in their ears.

Ji Yu, sitting in Jiang Shiqiu’s arms, observed the unextinguished lights and some stalls that had not been put away, imagining the panic and confusion of the citizens at that moment.

Fortunately, The people in the city were safe and sound.

She couldn’t help but lean closer into Jiang Shiqiu’s embrace.

“Wife,” Jiang Shiqiu said softly, looking down, “Are you very cold?”

“It’s almost over,” he continued, “Just hold on a little longer.”

Ji Yu gently responded, not mentioning that she wasn’t actually cold.

Jiang Shiqiu chose a luxurious inn that was relatively close to the Chen family mansion.

The inn’s doors were tightly shut, and the inside was quiet, it was unclear whether the occupants were asleep or otherwise.

Jiang Shiqiu had no qualms about disturbing people in the middle of the night. He knocked loudly on the door, as if he were a bully showing up in the dead of night.

The innkeeper, terrified, dared not hesitate. Trembling, he opened the door and not only provided them with the best rooms but also thoughtfully arranged for hot water and food, doing his utmost to ensure the distinguished guests were comfortable.

“Very good!” Jiang Shiqiu rarely offered praise and generously tipped the innkeeper.

The innkeeper, seeing this well-dressed guest pay so generously, had no complaints at all. He was exceedingly attentive, sweet-talking, and wished he could stay and serve them personally.

Witnessing this, Ji Yu couldn’t help but smile with amusement.

She was indeed exhausted. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, she lay down on the warm and soft bedding, her consciousness growing somewhat hazy.

She struggled to stay awake, staring at the bed curtains, lost in thought.

“Wife, go to sleep,” Jiang Shiqiu said as he touched her forehead. Although she wasn’t feverish, the temperature was still too low, so he wrapped her tightly in the blankets, his eyes showing concern.

Seeing the worry on his face made Ji Yu want to laugh.

“Wife, what are you laughing at?” He asked, puzzled. She had been so serious a moment ago, and now she was smiling. Were women’s thoughts really this hard to guess?

Ji Yu gazed at him quietly, her dark hair cascading over the pillow, her eyes clear and bright, looking particularly lovely and sweet.

Even a demon who didn’t care about people’s appearances seemed to be enchanted at this moment.

Her lips curled slightly, her voice soft, almost a whisper, “Jiang Shiqiu, you’re becoming more and more like a human.”

Perhaps, she was the only one who could make this enigmatic demon show such concern.

Jiang Shiqiu snapped out of his thoughts, noting that his wife was indeed very beautiful, and nonchalantly replied, “Wife, I am human now!”

Since he was in the human world, he naturally strived to be human, to make himself appear human, so they would match well together when they stood side by side.

Ji Yu didn’t know his thoughts, only smiling. As she smiled, she sighed softly.

“Wife?” Jiang Shiqiu was confused again, wondering why she sighed suddenly.

Ji Yu was silent for a moment before asking, “Jiang Shiqiu, is Shang Yunxiao really dead?”

“He is dead!” Jiang Shiqiu said firmly, “But his soul should still be around.”

Ji Yu was not surprised by this. When a person dies and turns into a ghost, Shang Yunxiao, who relied on the power of that blood-red eye, would naturally have been struck back by it when Jiang Shiqiu crushed it.

As for his soul, Jiang Shiqiu clearly had no interest in it.

However, given Shang Yunxiao’s condition, even if his soul remained, it would be extremely weak and suffering.

In this world, death does not mean the end but rather the beginning.

With the sins Shang Yunxiao committed, the consequences and retribution would be even more terrifying.

Ji Yu wasn’t concerned about whether Shang Yunxiao was alive or dead, her main concern was what he had actually intended to do.

The events of tonight were clearly premeditated and meticulously planned by him.

It’s possible that he had been planning all this for a very long time.

But what was his goal?

In response to Ji Yu’s confusion, Jiang Shiqiu casually said, “If you want to know, you can ask the Chen family’s old master tomorrow.”

He wasn’t originally interested in Shang Yunxiao’s intentions but felt it was necessary to understand since the matter involved his wife.

Ji Yu thought he was right. The Chen family’s old master was clearly someone who knew a lot, so it was best to ask him.

Though still troubled, Ji Yu’s body couldn’t hold out much longer, and she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up, it was already bright daylight.

Jiang Shiqiu was not there, only Hongxiao was by her side.

Seeing her awake, Hongxiao carefully helped her sit up and anxiously asked, “Young Master, how are you feeling? Is there any discomfort?”

Ji Yu looked tired. Although she had slept, her condition had not improved.

This was not surprising. Last night, she had used the Devouring Flame Golden Pearl to kill the ghostly algae, which had overexerted her magic and harmed her body. It would take time to recover, and she needed to continue resting.

“Where is Jiang Shiqiu?”

Ji Yu asked.

Hongxiao, who was helping her with her morning routine, replied, “Lord Jiang was just here.”

Just then, Jiang Shiqiu walked in.

He approached and took over the task from Hongxiao, personally wringing out a cloth and using it to wipe her face.

Seeing this, Hongxiao smiled and left the room, heading off to prepare medicine for Ji Yu.

Ji Yu tilted her head back, feeling the warmth of the damp cloth on her face, which helped her wake up a bit.

She asked curiously, “What did Lord Qin want with you?”

Jiang Shiqiu casually responded, “He mentioned that the Demon Division has found quite a bit of information about last night’s events.” He wasn’t particularly interested in the details and hadn’t listened closely, leaving the matter to the Demon Division to handle.

If others acted this way, their subordinates would likely be dissatisfied, and there could even be attempts to seize power or undermine them.

For Jiang Shiqiu, though, there were no such concerns.

In the realm of demon hunters, strength is paramount, and the strong are revered. With absolute power, all schemes and conspiracies are insignificant.

Places like the Demon Division emphasize strength, where the capable rise to the top.

With Jiang Shiqiu’s level of power, he was strong enough that no one dared to question his decisions or his authority. Especially after he had demonstrated his formidable strength at the Chen family’s estate, everyone was likely too intimidated to oppose him.

Qin Du and others were no exception.

The more they followed this powerful figure, the more they were awed and intimidated by his strength, leaving them trembling and fearful. In such a situation, they wouldn’t dare to oppose him lightly.

Even if he cared only for beauty and not for power, his subordinates would diligently manage the affairs of the realm for him.

Qin Du’s role seemed more about outward intimidation.

He could intimidate demons and monsters as well as other forces and demon hunters with nefarious intentions.

Ji Yu noticed his indifference to the details and decided not to ask further.

When Hongxiao returned with the prepared medicine, Ji Yu inquired, “What about Brother Huan?”

“He’s still helping at the Chen family’s estate,” Hongxiao explained. “There were many injured last night and it’s difficult to move them. The Chen family has set up a courtyard to accommodate them. Most were injured by ghosts and need to have the residual yin energy expelled from their bodies to prevent further harm. Many demon hunters stayed behind to help with this, as the Chen family lost many of their own disciples last night and are short on manpower.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Yu said no more.

Still feeling weak and lacking energy, she had no plans to go out and decided to rest in the room.

When Jiang Shiqiu returned, he brought with him a bouquet of vibrant mountain flowers, arranged in a delicate woven bamboo basket that could be cradled in one’s arms.

Seeing the flower basket, the fat-headed fish in the glass jar swam around energetically, clearly interested in the flowers.

Ji Yu smiled. Previously, she would have thought of flowers as mere decoration, no matter how beautiful they were. After last night’s events, however, her perception had changed. She had never imagined that such delicate, fragile flowers could possess such great power.

Seeing the fat-headed fish enjoying the flowers, Ji Yu was thoughtful.

“Did you go out of the city again?” she asked with a smile.

Jiang Shiqiu nodded, arranging the flowers, and asked, “Do you like this flower basket?”

“It’s beautiful!” Ji Yu agreed, noticing how Jiang Shiqiu, holding the basket, seemed more charming than the flowers themselves. She smiled and added, “Why do you bring me flowers every day?”

Jiang Shiqiu looked at her and said, “Isn’t it said in some human stories that fresh flowers are given to beautiful people? In my eyes, you are the most unique beauty in the world, and only you are worthy of these flowers.”

If Ji Yu weren’t so steadfast, she might have been swayed by his sweet talk.

She blushed slightly, hesitating to say something but feeling embarrassed. Finally, she picked a few yellow and pink flowers and put them into a glass jar to feed the fat-headed fish.

It had helped a lot last night, so she wanted to reward it.

Seeing the fish happily eating the flowers, Ji Yu asked, “Why didn’t you take the opportunity to escape last night?”

The fat-headed fish continued eating, thinking to itself that it wouldn’t dare to escape. It feared that if it ran away, it would be crushed to death by the lord, just like the blood-red eyes. Besides, where would it find such pure and tasty spiritual flowers again?

Even if not for anything else, it would willingly stay as a pet to the demon hunter for the sake of these flowers.

The day passed quietly and comfortably.

Apart from the Demon Division personnel and Pei Yang, no one else had come to intrude.

In the evening, the Chen family’s patriarch, Chen Laotai, came to visit.

Accompanying him were the Chen family’s head and the siblings Chen Mu and Chen Shao.

The three of them looked exhausted, with dark circles under their eyes, indicating they hadn’t had any rest. Chen Laotai’s white hair was especially noticeable, the Chen family head was no longer the spirited person he was before, and Chen Mu’s eyes were swollen and he appeared dazed.

Hongxiao served them tea and, along with Ji Huan, stepped outside to stand guard.

Chen Laotaiye sat down and began by apologizing to Jiang Shiqiu.

“There’s no need for apologies,” Jiang Shiqiu said. “The court will decide the judgment. I don’t need to be involved or petitioned.”

Chen Laotai and the Chen family head looked as if he wanted to speak but hesitated, glancing at Ji Yu and refraining from saying more.

Chen Mu sat there in a daze, looking absent-minded.

Ji Yu took a sip of the bitter medicinal tea Hongxiao had prepared for her. The taste was unpleasant, but she was used to it from drinking it since childhood.

She got straight to the point and asked, “Chen Laotai, what is the situation with the container?”

Chen Laotaiye was not surprised by her question and said, “Do you know about demons and ghosts, Miaster Ji?”

“Demons and ghosts?” Ji Yu was taken aback but recalled reading about them in an ancient book in the Ji family’s library.

The legends spoke of demons and ghosts appearing in the world, causing the living to die and the dead to reappear, leading to great suffering and disaster. They were considered catastrophic for the world.

However, apart from these descriptions, there were no further records about what demons and ghosts really were or what their nature and purpose were.

Recalling the ancient texts, Ji Yu nodded and said, “I know a little about them.”

Chen Laotai did not inquire about how much she knew but solemnly explained, “Shang Yunxiao’s goal was to use the blood of demon hunters to perform a blood sacrifice to the demons and welcome their arrival into the world.”

Given the Chen family’s status, the seventy-year birthday celebration of Chen Laotai would attract demon hunters from all over to offer their congratulations.

With so many demon hunters gathering here, many of whom are elites from various forces and families, the magical power contained in their bloodlines is extremely potent. The strength found in the flesh and blood of these demon hunters is exactly what demons and evil entities crave.

If such a large number of demon hunters were to be used in a blood sacrifice, it is indeed possible that demons and ghosts could be summoned.

This news was truly shocking, causing Ji Yu’s heart to flutter slightly and her face to turn even paler.

Because the news was so staggering, she did not notice that the man sitting beside her had a rather subtle expression.

Ji Yu looked at the Chen family members opposite her. Chen Laotai appeared pale and dejected, the Chen family head wore an anxious expression, and Chen Mu looked grim. It was clear that the three of them had known about this news for a long time.

“Why?” she asked coldly. “What benefits would summoning demons and ghosts bring to him?”

Shang Yunxiao’s actions would make him a historical criminal.

Chen Laotaiye sighed and said, “This matter goes back thirty years.” Without waiting for her to ask, he continued, “You should also be aware of the massacre of the Shang family thirty years ago.”

Ji Yu responded with a faint “Hmm.”

After all, Shang Yunxiao was her biological father, and she was familiar with his background.