A Demon's Path Chapter 70

Once the possibility of becoming food for the Demonic Clan came to mind, Ling Xiao loudly whined, "I have to deal with the Demonic Clan? No, I'm not going. I'm not. I only want to return to the Northern Jade Sect and get some rest!"

Ling Xiao purposely raised his voice so that everyone could hear him. He didn't believe these people could bear to let him die. Shen Nanfeng and Shen Xuan had to take the masses into consideration to some degree when making decisions, after all.

Sure enough, people started softly muttering amongst themselves. Even though they didn't clearly express their feelings in words, their doubtful gazes spoke volumes.

Shen Xuan noticed he started losing control of the situation. Trying to turn it back around, he assured, "Everyone, relax. I, Shen Xuan, shall also go to Seadragon City which is located at the very border of Demonic Pack Island. I guarantee Elder Ling Xiao's safety."

Ling Xiao rolled his eyes. You and your empty promises are disgusting. Disgusting! If I die, you'll give some lousy excuse before aptly slipping away. And there won't be a damned thing anyone can do about it!

But these Celestial Soul Masters had clearly fallen for his trap. Plus, even if they too bore the same opinion as Ling Xiao, they definitely wouldn't let their expressions betray their inner thoughts.

"With Valley Master Jr. personally seeing to Elder Ling's safety, there's nothing to worry about."

"That's right! Even though Seadragon City is located at the border of the Seven Grand Holy Lands, it's still located within the Celestial Soul Ward. It's impossible for high ranking demons to cross the ward."

The crowd gradually came to the consensus it was safe for Ling Xiao to travel to Seadragon City and fight against members of the Demonic Clan.

Ling Xiao countered their arguments in his mind, If the Celestial Soul Ward was really that useful, how did those two Elders from the Seven Devils Cult enter the Sunken Wind Valley without a problem? As for Valley Master Jr., so be it! I might have a chance to live if I'm allowed to stay home. But if I have to go along, I'll surely die!

"Elder Ling, Xuan'er will personally see to your safety. What else do you have to be worried about?" Shen Nanfeng asked.

You don't even know why your son is so proactive. You're really an idiot! Ling Xiao looked at Shen Nanfeng and wanted to laugh, but he couldn't no matter how he tried. He was forced into a corner. If he insisted on going home, he would be openly disrespecting his new boss. Fine, I'll go! Let's see who's plotting against who when the time comes! Ling Xiao made up his mind as he rubbed his nose. "Fine, but I have one condition."

Shen Nanfeng smiled like a benevolent senior. "Please, tell me what your request is."

Ling Xiao pondered momentarily before saying, "The others coming along must use the best equipment and medicine the Sunken Wind Valley has to offer. Valley Master has to provide the equipment. I'll give Elder Chen the list of medicines I need later."

Shen Nanfeng agreed without hesitation. "Of course. That's not a problem."

Ling Xiao let out a lengthy sigh. "I'm tired. Does the Sunken Wind Valley have a residence for this Elder? I want to rest. Oh right, Master, you should come with me and take a look at my new room!"

Cheng Qiantai felt a little embarrassed hearing Ling Xiao chatter on. After all, they were now on equal footing. He worried that Shen Nanfeng would feel uncomfortable with how Ling Xiao addressed him in public.

Cheng Qiantai was well aware of Shen Nanfeng's reputation. He was a petty man who sought revenge for the smallest of grievances. The only reason he behaved so friendly today was most likely for the sake of Ling Xiao's honour. Or to be more precise, for his ability to concoct medicine of the highest quality.

Li Yuanhuan and Cheng Yu didn't know Shen Nanfeng as well as Cheng Qiantai did, so they didn't bear any ill feelings toward him. They animatedly followed behind Ling Xiao. "Let's go! Let's see what an Elder's residence looks like. Hehe!"

The other sects that were still in the arena left following Ling Xiao's departure.

The five green ranked Elemental Celestial Soul Masters were in a bad mood after Ling Xiao called them all buffoons. It was no surprise they lodged heavy complaints to Shen Nanfeng. He chuckled and gave them each 10 of the Green Constituent Pills Ling Xiao concocted. Not surprisingly, that quickly silenced their grievances.

…

The Sunken Wind Valley's peak powerhouse Shen Mingfang resided in the Bright Moon Pavilion. Her name had travelled far and wide for 14 years to every corner of the Clear Sky Continent. Her value lay in frightening other sects from making a move against the Sunken Wind Valley. This was far more important than using her on the offensive.

The price Shen Mingfang had to pay for Shen Nanfeng's operative this time was her eyes. She silently sat on the white jade bed where she normally practised her skills on. She was now recuperating with her eyes closed. "Darkness. Just as I expected, everything is still shrouded in darkness," Shen Mingfang spoke her thoughts aloud, a lengthy sigh escaping her.

Where the Bright Moon Pavilion looked sumptuous from the outside, it was quite the opposite on the inside. It was so dark there, one couldn't even see their fingers. The door creaked open. Harsh rays of light shined into the room, but Shen Mingfang saw no difference.

Shen Nanfeng walked in. This was of course no surprise since no one else would dare to open the door to Shen Mingfang's house in such an unbridled manner. "Aunt, your eyes…" Shen Nanfeng spoke with annoyance and disgust painted on his face.

Even though Shen Mingfang couldn't see Shen Nanfeng's face, she could imagine the interesting expression he currently wore. "Nanfeng, are you not confident in me and you?" Shen Mingfang calmly asked.

"What can I do? Why am I still stuck at the blue rank? It's been so long! If our Sunken Wind Valley doesn't have a violet ranked powerhouse overseeing us, I reckon the Seven Grand Holy Lands will become six!"

Shen Mingfang had a mocking smile on her face. "That's why the old ones from the previous generation did this before they died, wasn't it? They went against the natural order of the world and forcibly increased my cultivation to the violet rank when I was only 15." Shen Mingfang paused momentarily before continuing, "But they didn't know that by doing so, they cut my life down to only 20 more years. If you still can't break through by then, what are we going to do? My fighting strength is clearly much weaker than it was before this accident."

A mischievously laugh escaped Shen Nanfeng. "Aunt, that boy is interesting. He almost died in the newcomers tournament when we rigged the ballots."

Shen Mingfang fell silent for a moment. She finally said, "You were the one who did it, not me. You know I'm only a tool. I am aware of that too. I wonder, does the boy know?"

Shen Nanfeng's mood took a turn for the better when he thought of Ling Xiao. "I put him on such a high pedestal this time. I reckon Glorious Star will send someone over soon to discuss business with us. And the Blue Moon District." Shen Nanfeng suddenly had a fierce look on his face. "They actually sent a spy over to assume the role of a pill cultivator. He almost wiped out my Sunken Wind Valley! I will help Ling Xiao grow. And when the time comes, we'll send that damned Blue Moon District to hell!"

"Nanfeng, there are two detrimental issues with your plan. The Bright Moon District has far more friends than we do. Celestial Soul Masters, Demonic Soul Masters, and the Demonic Clan, they're on good terms with all of them. Secondly, Ling Xiao is at the heart of the struggle. They'll try to kill him," Shen Mingfang faintly said.

Shen Nanfeng burst out into laughter. He looked like a mad man. "Aunt, how could it not cross my mind if it crossed yours? Relax. Even if I want him dead, someone will definitely protect him. It seems as though that person isn't concerned about anything, but he actually made Cheng Qiantai and I nurture Ling Xiao for so long on his behalf. Humph!"

Shen Mingfang sighed. She didn't know who Shen Nanfeng was talking about, but that didn't matter so long as Shen Nanfeng understood what she was trying to say.

Shen Nanfeng believed he saw through that unknown individual, whereas the mystery person thought he saw through Ling Xiao. He had his eyes closely trained on Ling Xiao, following his every step. However, they seemed to have forgotten that Ling Xiao and Ancestor Qi Mo had had the opportunity to interact before they arrived on the scene. Even Ancestor Qi Mo who forced Ling Xiao to take a poison oath couldn't completely control him. That was because of Ling Xiao's greatest secret, the one no one knew of, the peculiar token!

…

At this moment, Ling Xiao who was flourishing in the limelight lazily leaned back on a comfortable chair. His Master, Mistress, Senior Brother, and Senior Sister were all enjoying a fragrant tea. This tea was of high quality and very expensive. An ordinary family could cover their food expenses for a month with just a tiny sip of it.

Ling Xiao didn't feel the pain of drinking this tea in his wallet. That was because all the money spent on it came from the Sunken Wind Valley.

Looking around, Cheng Qiantai couldn't help but admire Ling Xiao's new residence. It was not only quiet and peaceful, but also simple and elegant. "This place is pretty good."

Ling Xiao chuckled. "If Master likes it, you should just move in and stay with me."

Cheng Qiantai clearly knew this was impossible, so he only gave his disciple a small smile. "Xiao'er, Master won't tell you what to do anymore. I only hope you're safe wherever you go."

Ling Xiao felt grateful. He earnestly nodded and said, "I will, Master. I'll gift these pills and Strength Soul techniques to Senior Sister. I hope she'll have reached the yellow rank by the time I return from Seadragon City."

Ling Xiao spread his hand across the table and 100 Orange Soul Pills and a yellow ranked soul stone appeared before their eyes. The Orange Soul Pills could increase one's rank from the orange to the yellow rank. The yellow soul stone contained 10 different Strength Soul techniques.

Cheng Yu looked at the items on the table and drew a blank. A look of astonishment flashed in her eyes. "Junior Brother Ling, you're actually giving me half of the prizes you won?"

Chapter end