But I'm a proper river god, you know! - Chapter 86

“Run! Go to the front mountain and call for help!” An elderly man lying on the ground looked at Yuan Ji standing amidst the crowd and shouted hoarsely. “Quickly ask the Ancestral Master of Tianji Sect to come out of seclusion and save us!”

The magical tool in the hands of this demonic creature was even more sinister—it could actually ignore all defensive formations and tear through protective barriers with a mere swipe. He watched as several elders from other sects, all possessing considerable strength, lay among the fallen.

If even they couldn’t withstand it, what could this group of juniors possibly achieve? Only that Ancestral Master in seclusion within Tianji Sect might be able to save them.

“Hurry up and go!” The old man shouted at Yuan Ji again, his voice strained and desperate.

Xiao Liu, having lost consciousness, tilted his head and stared at the old man for a long moment. Although he couldn’t understand what the man was shouting, his animalistic sixth sense warned him it would be best to make this old man quiet down now.

He turned his head and roared. Immediately, Xiao Eight behind him pounced fiercely, thrusting the long knife in his hand straight toward the old man’s heart.

Fortunately, the old man still had enough strength to crawl half a step to the side. The knife missed by a few inches; a golden glint flashed as the protective magical artifact on his body blocked the fatal blow.

“Elder!” A disciple witnessing this immediately threw himself forward with all his might, shouting, “Demonic creature, how dare you act so recklessly!”

Unexpectedly, Xiao Eight paid no heed at all. He blinked his pitch-black eyes in confusion, then overlapped his hands and pressed down with force once more.

With a crisp crack, the defensive artifact on the person emitted a mournful cry before disintegrating.

Countless blue light points rose into the air, making Xiao Eight’s smiling face, framed by long hair, appear even more eerie and ghostly.

“Elder!”

A cry of despair was cut off halfway.

Everyone stared dumbfounded as a pair of slender, pale hands, as easily as plucking a leaf, pinched Xiao Eight’s neck and slowly lifted him up.

“I said, give it back to me.”

Those few lightly spoken words fell like massive boulders from the sky, leaving everyone dizzy and bewildered, their gaze blankly fixed on Yuan Ji.

They looked at the figure twisting and writhing in her grip like a crazed piece of seaweed, utterly different from the terrifying demonic creature of moments ago. Then they looked at her relaxed expression as she effortlessly dismantled the golden fragment from the tip of the fearsome long knife.

In unison, the crowd touched their burning chests, feeling the abnormal heartbeat beneath. They swallowed hard; in that instant, they seemed to understand why those villagers revered the River God so fervently.

“River God… Lord River God,” gasped the previously attacked old man, supported by others as he struggled up, his voice faint. “Thank you for your assistance, Lord River God. Otherwise, today we would have perished at the hands of these two demonic creatures.”

The several people behind him also had shining gazes, looking at Yuan Ji with considerable trust.

“These demonic creatures appeared suddenly. Who knows what the Demon Realm is plotting now?” one person said with deep concern. “We should quickly inform everyone to prepare their defenses.”

“Absolutely. And we don’t know how they got in. So many of us were powerless against just two of them. Thankfully, Lord River God saved our lives.”

“Wait—the special reward on the jade slip—”

It suddenly dawned on everyone that this reward was more precious than any other treasure.

After all, who didn’t have a lifelong rival?

A single act of protection was also a chance to survive.

Considering this, everyone’s breathing suddenly grew rapid, and the gazes they cast upon the jade slips in their hands grew fervent.

Just then, several Tianji Sect disciples hurried over. They bowed respectfully to the crowd and announced clearly, “Esteemed Seniors, these two demonic creatures infiltrated the back mountain during the Immortal Ascension Grand Ceremony. Our Ancestral Master sent us to apprehend them and confine them in the dungeon for investigation. We apologize for the fright you have suffered.”

“Please proceed to the front courtyard to rest. Tianji Sect has placed compensation gifts in each of your rooms. Our Ancestral Master takes this matter very seriously and has already activated a defensive formation around Tianji Sect. Please rest assured.”

Everyone looked up and indeed saw a curved formation enveloping the entire mountain range. No demon or monster could enter, and similarly, no one could leave.

“The Ancestral Master asks everyone to rest peacefully. The Immortal Ascension Grand Ceremony will officially begin tomorrow.”

Yuan Ji watched as two Tianji Sect disciples, expressionless, bound Xiao Six and Xiao Eight tightly with Immortal-Binding Ropes like zongzi dumplings. She had to admire their ironclad impartiality.

“Don’t they recognize that these two are their own disciples?”

System took a silent look at the two figures completely covered in black fur. “That should be rather hard to tell.”

Yuan Ji sighed quietly. If it was so obvious and they still couldn’t see it, these Tianji Sect disciples weren’t much. If it were him, he would definitely…

Yuan Ji paused, turning to look at the graceful figure leaning against the tree trunk.

Forget it. These people’s eyesight isn’t great anyway; no need to trouble them.

Yuan Ji felt the subtle, lingering gazes around her. With a casual glance, she could see someone with extremely bright eyes staring at her eagerly. She immediately felt stifled.

Somewhat disgusted.

“Thank you, Lord River God, for subduing the demonic creatures. We will take over from here,” a disciple said respectfully, bowing to Yuan Ji and gesturing to show her the way back.

Seemingly respectful, yet in reality, leaving no room for argument.

Yuan Ji pinched the fragment she had just obtained between two fingers, silently closing her hand around it. She gave a slight nod and walked in the direction indicated by the Tianji Sect disciple.

Sure enough, the two disciples visibly relaxed when she took the lead in departing.

Yuan Ji took in everything with a glance, then signaled to Xiang Yizhi with her eyes. The latter immediately rolled his eyes, clutched his stomach, and grabbed onto a young disciple beside him.

“Ouch, my stomach hurts. Lord River God, I’ll go ahead first.” After receiving Yuan Ji’s acknowledgment, he hurriedly pulled the young disciple along. “Good lad, lead the way.”

However, once the two left everyone’s sight, Xiang Yizhi instantly dropped the pained expression. He quickly knocked the young disciple unconscious and hid him away. Then, turning around, he headed straight for the back mountain cave with Guan Rou.

That cave definitely held secrets.

——-

Night fell. A pale moonlight spread over the unusually quiet Tianji Sect, cloaking it in an odd hue.

Qi Guan Shang listened as his subordinate, having taken possession of an orchid plant in the room, reported the findings of their investigations over the past few days. His face was dark as water, his expression grave.

He rested his hand on the Huanghuali wood desk, his fingertips rubbing against a small golden fragment. His crimson sleeve slid down, revealing half of a smooth arm where a black tattoo stirred restlessly.

“You’re saying those demonic creatures weren’t born as demons, but were refined into that state?”

“Did you find the medicinal ingredients for stabilizing the soul that I asked for?”

Seeing the subordinate reply that most had been found, and the remaining ingredients had leads and could be collected with a bit more time, with only the Soul-Calming Star-Moon Grass still completely elusive, Qi Guan Shang’s expression eased slightly.

Suddenly, he withdrew the golden fragment into his storage ring and, in the same motion, threw a cold needle toward a dark corner.

A figure in cyan robes swiftly dodged and immediately vanished into the vast night.

Qi Guan Shang rose slowly, watching the disappearing figure coldly. The aura around him instantly turned icy and oppressive. He lightly raised a finger, and the thorny vines on his arm instantly condensed into black mist, giving chase.

“Bang.”

A silver longsword blocked the fatal strike of the black mist. The wielder used the sword to brace himself on the ground, slowly coming to a stop.

The person slowly looked up. The pale moonlight cast deep shadows over his brow. “Long time no see.”

“It’s you.” Qi Guan Shang’s brows furrowed slightly, surprised that this person was him. “Xuan Changsheng.”

“Weren’t you going to find Xuan Chengren? Why are you here?”

That day, after the heavenly tribulation descended and everyone bid farewell to the River God Temple, Xuan Changsheng also took his leave, saying the tribulation had made him see through life and death. However, having not seen his grandfather for many years, he was deeply concerned and was now going to find Xuan Chengren.

He hadn’t expected this person to appear at Tianji Sect. And moreover…

Qi Guan Shang’s gaze swept over the man, the gravity on his face deepening. Moreover, his life force was continuously draining away—he wouldn’t live past three days.

“Respected One need not address me as such. ‘Long Life’ is but a delusion.” Xuan Changsheng tightened his grip on the longsword, a twisted smile spreading across his face. “Becoming stronger is my only goal.”

Xuan Changsheng gasped for breath, slowly taking a step to the left. Silver light spilled from beneath his feet. “Still, I must thank you, Lord, for that strike in the Demon Realm that day. It allowed me to glimpse a heavenly secret.”

“That River God is my only chance.”

“Today, let me present you with a grand gift.”

Xuan Changsheng’s smile widened further. He swiftly plunged his longsword into the ground, drawing the moonlight to focus upon it. Under the cold, silvery light, the formation revealed its complete shape.

The entire courtyard was already enveloped by the formation.

“Three Lives Demon-Slaying Formation.”

“Enjoy yourself, Lord.”

With that, he leisurely flew up and perched on a branch, resting his chin in his hand as he calmly watched Qi Guan Shang.

Qi Guan Shang looked at the coldly glowing Three Lives Demon-Slaying Formation and let out a derisive snort. He raised his hand and removed the mask from his face, revealing the demonic patterns on his skin. Under the stark moonlight, they looked even more captivating.

The bronze mask transformed in Qi Guan Shang’s hand into a longsword with red patterns, named “Devour the Moon.”

“You are quite confident. But why would you think this Three Lives Demon-Slaying Formation would work on me?”

Qi Guan Shang’s expression turned sharp. In the next instant, he appeared behind Xuan Changsheng, the longsword grazing his neck and leaving a trail of blood.

“How could you…? You’re not a demon?” Xuan Changsheng’s expression shifted, unable to suppress his shock, but he reacted swiftly, immediately dodging Qi Guan Shang’s next strike.

Qi Guan Shang didn’t answer. Black thorns spread from his chest, and he suddenly accelerated his movements.

The two chased and evaded each other. Powerful sword energy slashed toward Xuan Changsheng, who dared not step into the courtyard and could only dodge outside.

Seeing no hope of escape, Xuan Changsheng, clutching his bleeding arm, suddenly caught sight of the flickering candlelight in a nearby courtyard. He dispelled the magic concealing his aura, allowing demonic energy to pour out around him. Then, with a swing of his sword, he severed a giant tree nearby, causing a flock of forest birds to take flight in panic.

While their previous fight had been deadly, both had controlled their volume to avoid drawing attention. But now, Xuan Changsheng, wanting to escape, chose this method.

Xuan Changsheng gave a sinister laugh and swung his sword at Qi Guan Shang again. “Is the Lord perhaps afraid?”

Qi Guan Shang watched his unusual behavior of advancing instead of retreating, suspicion arising in his heart.

Just then, a cultivator disturbed by the flock of birds leaned out the window to see what was happening. He saw soaring demonic energy that seemed ready to devour heaven and earth together.

Instantly, his throat tightened, and he shouted with difficulty, “Demons! The Demon Race has attacked!”

“What! How dare the Demon Race!”

“Didn’t they say there’s a protective formation?”

“Kill them!”

A dark mass of people rushed over. Qi Guan Shang glanced sideways, a trace of annoyance flashing by. He quickly retracted Devour the Moon, transforming it back into a mask and covering his face to hide the demonic patterns.

“A good chance.” Xuan Changsheng thought to himself, quickly throwing a hidden weapon at Qi Guan Shang.

This was a divine artifact given by his master, coated with a potent poison. Even a cultivator at the Deity Transformation stage would perish immediately upon contact.

Watching as the hidden weapon drew closer and closer to Qi Guan Shang, Xuan Changsheng’s eyes widened slightly. He wanted to witness Qi Guan Shang’s agonized struggle firsthand.

However, a flash of white light appeared.

The divine artifact was enveloped by the white light and instantly dissolved into nothingness.

Xuan Changsheng’s smile froze on his face. He took two steps forward in disbelief. “H-how…? That was a divine artifact.”

Qi Guan Shang still didn’t answer. He looked back at the person approaching under the moonlight, his brow and eyes softening considerably.

But arriving before Yuan Ji was the crowd of cultivators brandishing their weapons.

They held long knives or carried mountain-splitting axes, glancing alternately at Qi Guan Shang on the left, who was leisurely straightening his sleeves, and at the stunned Xuan Changsheng on the right. For a moment, they fell silent.

Which one was the demon?

“Don’t doubt it, it must be the one on the right!” one person declared confidently, explaining in a low voice, “The one on the left is the River God’s male consort. I saw him this afternoon.”

“You’re right! Everyone, attack!”

As the words fell, multicolored spells rained down on Xuan Changsheng, who immediately felt a piercing pain in his chest.

“A bunch of fools.”

He cursed inwardly, his gaze toward Qi Guan Shang as if dipped in poison. Why did this person always have such good luck? Just because he was first?

Xuan Changsheng swallowed his frustration. He couldn’t bear to see this man so comfortable.

He halted his retreat, placed his longsword horizontally before his chest, and proclaimed loudly.

“You’ve all been deceived. He is the demon.”

Hearing this, the crowd didn’t pause their steps for a moment. “Demonic words meant to confuse! We won’t fall for it.”

Xuan Changsheng was so angry he almost spat blood. “You don’t know who he is, do you? He is the current Lord of the Demon Realm—Qi Guan Shang.”

“Don’t believe me?” He swung his longsword, sending sword energy straight at Qi Guan Shang, stirring the latter’s robes and revealing the ferocious thorns beneath. “Look at that Rotting Life Curse. Surely you recognize it.”

“Hahaha, you’ve been played by Qi Guan Shang, working for him. It would be a huge joke if this got out.”

The crowd turned in shock and suspicion. Indeed, from the sleeve’s opening, they could glimpse a cluster of thorn tattoos.

This was precisely the manifestation of the Rotting Life Curse.

Only the Lord of the Demon Realm was afflicted by this curse. While it devoured the host’s life force, it also fed back boundless power.

“The Lord of the Demon Realm?”

“Qi Guan Shang!”

“It really is him!”

The crowd’s expressions changed myriad times, from red to white, then from white to green.

Seeing the hesitant, conflicted looks on everyone’s faces, Xuan Changsheng felt a bit more pleasure. He glared viciously at Qi Guan Shang. “Now, what will you do?”

Xuan Changsheng quickly tore apart a teleportation formation and left, leaving behind a crowd of cultivators staring wide-eyed at each other.

They looked at each other, stealing glances at the composed Qi Guan Shang from the corners of their eyes, swallowing hard.

Now, what should they do?

“What should we do? Naturally, kill him! Allying with demons is a disgrace to our righteous path!” one person said hatefully, flicking his sleeve. A disciple beside him hurriedly pulled him and covered his mouth.

“But… but he’s that River God’s… She just saved the Elder. Wouldn’t it be wrong for us to kill him?”

Hearing this, there was another stretch of silence.

After a few breaths, someone clanged as they drew their longsword. “Maybe that performance this afternoon was an act put on by the River God and him together.”

“I thought it was strange! How come no one else could subdue those two demonic creatures, but that little girl pressed them down with one hand! Don’t you all find it odd?”

“This must be a show put on by the River God colluding with Qi Guan Shang!”

The person grew more and more agitated, full of righteous indignation as if he alone was awake among the drunken masses.

“Is that true?” several asked in shock and doubt.

“If so, then we…”

“We must definitely kill him, then kill that swindling River God to uphold the glory of our righteous path!”

The person spoke with righteous fervor, and the crowd echoed in agreement.

The next instant, a bolt of heavenly lightning descended from the sky.

“Boom!”

Electric light flashed, and the scent of something charred wafted through the air.

Yuan Ji approached slowly, seemingly puzzled.

“Who do you want to kill?”