Chapter 1: Prolog
Chapter Text
Long ago, in a time when the world was still calm and peaceful, all living beings—both humans and demons—lived side by side without fear or hatred. The harmony between them created a perfect balance, like the rhythm of nature that never missed a beat. Humans relied on the power of demons to protect nature, while demons depended on human wisdom to maintain order.
But this beauty did not last forever.
The two most powerful dragon demons, Bing Yi and Ying Long, became embroiled in a fierce conflict that shook the world. No one knew for certain what triggered the battle, but their power caused the earth to crack, the sky to darken, and the seas to rage.
In his heart, Bing Yi realized that this battle had brought disaster upon all beings. With full awareness, he decided to end the destruction. Using the last of his strength, Bing Yi tried to take Ying Long into his illusionary realm—a place where they could fight without harming the real world.
However, the destruction had already occurred. Bing Yi could not bring Ying Long into the illusionary realm, only far away from the crowded places of life. Their battle split the world into two factions: the faction of demons who supported Ying Long and attacked humans to gain power, and the faction of humans who fought back and struggled to survive. Bloodshed became inevitable.
Amid the chaos, a god descended from the sky. With a single wave of his hand, he drove the demons into a remote place at the southern edge of the earth—Dahuang, a cursed land filled with exile and desolation.
The god stood above the clouds, his voice echoing like thunder. “From this day forward, all demons shall be confined to Dahuang. Whoever breaks the rules and escapes will face death or have their life shortened by a thousand years.”
The demons who witnessed the event could only tremble in silence. They cowered at the sight of the towering gate that now stood before them, the boundary between the human world and Dahuang.
Ying Long, upon hearing of the exile, was enraged. To him, the god’s actions were an insult to all demons. In fury, he led a rebellion, gathering what power remained to challenge the god. Bing Yi tried to stop him.
“Ying Long, stop this madness!” cried Bing Yi, his eyes filled with sorrow.
But Ying Long, consumed by hatred, did not listen. “Silence! If you won’t stand with me, then you are a traitor!”
Ying Long’s body became enveloped in red smoke, his aura growing more dangerous. Bing Yi drew upon his power, unleashing the Eternal Ice technique—his ultimate attack, capable of freezing anything.
Their battle shook the heavens and the earth. Trees around them fell, mountains exploded into dust, and the ground split open to reveal the magma beneath.
“Ying Long, come to your senses! You’ll only destroy everything!” shouted Bing Yi, his voice drowned by the roar of exploding energy.
But Ying Long no longer cared. His power continued to grow, his body increasingly resembling a true dragon, and the red aura thickened around him.
Seeing the worsening situation, the god descended once more. Calm but full of authority, he raised his hand and cast a spell that summoned a giant bell, trapping Ying Long inside.
“Bing Yi, step back!” the god commanded.
But Bing Yi stepped forward, pleading with a voice full of pain. “God, let me finish this. Do not take his life!”
The god shook his head, his voice firm. “Rules are rules. Ying Long has crossed the line. And you… you who kept him alive for too long, are not free from sin.”
A bright blue light emerged from the god’s palm, forming a long thread that wrapped around both Ying Long and Bing Yi. Neither could move—only gaze at each other.
“You both shall be sentenced to death in the name of the heavens,” the god declared without hesitation.
Bing Yi glanced at Ying Long, who now appeared weak, his consciousness nearly consumed by rage. He knew there was no escape, but he also knew this was not the end.
In a voice barely audible, Bing Yi whispered, “I hope our descendants won’t suffer the same fate.”
Bing Yi’s body began to turn into fragments of light that floated into the air. Ying Long could only look on with empty eyes before he too vanished under the god’s spell.
And the world returned to peace—but the scars left by that battle never truly disappeared.
Chapter Text
The sky was clear, and the lively voices of the villagers of Tianxia filled the midday air. People gathered in the village square, their faces etched with fear. In the middle of the crowd, a water demon rampaged, its body shifting into a tall figure with skin shimmering like the surface of a pond. In its hand, a small child cried in terror, limp and weak.
“Release the child, water demon!” A firm voice shattered the tension.
All eyes turned to a man standing tall before the crowd. His long black hair was neatly tied back, his face radiating authority. This was Zhuo Yichen, the most respected demon hunter in Tianxia, renowned for his courage and his deep-seated hatred toward demons.
The water demon sneered, its eyes narrowing in mockery. “Release him? And then you’ll kill me? I’m not that foolish, Master Zhuo.”
Zhuo Yichen stood unshaken. He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, a cold glint shone within. From his back, he drew a long silver sword that gleamed softly. Yunguang, the ancestral heirloom of the Bing Yi clan, famed as a demon-slaying weapon.
“This is my final warning. Release the child, or meet your death.”
But before Zhuo Yichen could act, a soft voice came from afar. “Shatter.”
An unseen force shot toward the water demon. Its body suddenly weakened, and the child it held was flung free. The villagers screamed in panic, but Zhuo Yichen swiftly caught the child and carried him to safety.
The water demon tried to resist, but its body slowly dissolved into a puddle, then evaporated without a trace. A faint red light appeared in the air, drifting toward someone hidden within the crowd.
Zhuo Yichen’s eyes narrowed sharply. He recognized that aura instantly. Without hesitation, he gave chase after the black-robed figure who was walking away at a leisurely pace. The crowd parted, allowing Zhuo Yichen to pass with sword in hand.
×××
The clear sky suddenly turned overcast as Zhuo Yichen entered the forest on the outskirts of the village. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind only heightened the tension. In his hand, Yunguang began to emit a soft blue glow—a sign of nearby demons.
Zhuo Yichen stopped, steadying his breath. “Come out. I know you’re here.”
A gentle laugh sounded behind him. “You’re sharp, Master Zhuo.”
Zhuo Yichen spun around, sword raised, ready to parry. The figure now stood before him, clad in a long black robe that brushed the ground. His long black hair flowed freely, and his eyes radiated warmth—oddly at odds with his mysterious aura.
“Zhu Yan…” Zhuo Yichen muttered, his eyes widening slightly.
Zhu Yan, a great demon from Dahuang whose name was spoken only in whispers of fear, now stood before him.
“A pleasure to meet you, Master Zhuo,” Zhu Yan said with a faint smile. “You’re even more frightening than the stories say, but I’m not here to fight.”
“Demons like you have no right to walk in the human world!” Zhuo Yichen declared, pointing Yunguang’s tip at Zhu Yan’s chest. “You’ve broken the laws of the two realms, and you will be destroyed.”
Zhu Yan’s smile widened. “Kill me? Do try.”
Zhuo Yichen stepped forward, his sword flashing as he thrust toward Zhu Yan’s chest. Black blood dripped from the wound, but instead of retreating, Zhu Yan stepped closer, pushing the blade deeper into his own body. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Zhuo Yichen saw something strange—not hatred, but calm.
“Bind,” Zhu Yan whispered.
Red energy poured from the wound, surging into Zhuo Yichen’s forehead. His body jolted, and he staggered back, clutching his head as searing pain tore through him.
“What have you done?!” Zhuo Yichen roared, struggling to resist.
“Calm yourself, Master Zhuo,” Zhu Yan’s voice remained soft. “This spell is merely insurance—to make sure you’ll listen. I did not come here to kill humans.”
“Lies! All demons bring nothing but ruin to the human world!” Zhuo Yichen tried to raise his sword, but the pain in his head only worsened.
“Ah, you’re stubborn.” Zhu Yan gave a faint smile and dusted off his robe. “This binding will prevent you from attacking me. If you try to harm me, you’ll hurt yourself first.”
Zhuo Yichen glared at Zhu Yan with blazing anger. “You think I’ll just let you go?”
Zhu Yan tilted his head slightly, as if in thought. “Of course not. You’re a stubborn man—but that’s what makes you interesting.” He clasped his hands behind his back and added with a playful tone, “Amituofo.”
Before Zhuo Yichen could respond, Zhu Yan dissolved into a red mist, leaving behind a faint scent of lotus flowers. Zhuo Yichen slammed his fist against a nearby tree, then pressed Yunguang’s blade to his own forehead. Blue light flared brightly, but the red energy binding remained unbroken.
Elsewhere, atop a rocky peak, a black-robed man sat upon a large boulder. His long hair swayed in the wind, and his eyes glowed with deep hatred.
“Foolish humans… want to destroy demons?” he muttered coldly. “They’re not even worthy to call themselves strong.”
He laughed quietly, though it sounded more like a roar filled with resentment. His red eyes burned in the darkness, reflecting a grudge nurtured for thousands of years.
×××
Zhu Yan strolled leisurely through the bustling market. The lively human crowd made the corners of his lips lift slightly. Occasionally, he smiled at passing children or busy merchants hawking their goods. But something stirred within him when he stopped at a small toy shop. There, he saw a wooden pinwheel that spun when touched by the wind.
His smile faded briefly, his thoughts drifting to someone who had once given him a similar toy in the past. He lifted his hand, almost touching it, but a loud cry behind him interrupted.
“Help! A demon!” the voice echoed, followed by panic. Merchants and shoppers scattered in all directions, leaving their goods strewn across the ground. In moments, the toy shop was deserted—save for Zhu Yan, who remained where he stood.
He showed no sign of fear. Instead, he continued walking as if nothing had happened. But then, he felt a chill stabbing at his back. His demonic instincts flared, and he slowly turned around.
There stood a strange man with slick skin and bulging, fishlike eyes. The creature was not entirely human—greenish scales glistened on its neck, and its long hands ended in sharp claws.
“Eel,” Zhu Yan hissed, clutching his chest from the jolt of surprise.
The creature ignored his taunt. Instead, it leapt forward with terrifying speed, claws aimed for Zhu Yan’s throat. But Zhu Yan was no stranger to danger. With agile precision, he leapt back and raised two fingers to his lips.
“Bind,” he whispered.
Thick red aura instantly enveloped the creature, trapping it like invisible ropes. It roared and thrashed in vain to break free. Zhu Yan stepped closer, his gaze cold as a moonless night.
But before he could act further, a long sword flew from another direction and pierced the demon’s chest. The creature let out one final roar before its body slowly burned into ash. Zhu Yan recognized the aura of that sword.
Yunguang.
His expression grew serious. He immediately ducked behind an overturned cart, peeking to confirm his suspicion. Sure enough, from the opposite direction came a man with long black hair, striding confidently.
Zhuo Yichen.
“An eel demon,” Zhuo Yichen murmured, pulling his sword from the demon’s remains.
The blue glow from Yunguang flared as he raised it high, signaling that the nearby danger had been eliminated. Zhu Yan narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation.
“Well, Master Zhuo really is a—”
“—really cool human!” a high-pitched voice suddenly chirped beside Zhu Yan. He nearly jumped in shock when a small child appeared at his side, gazing at Zhuo Yichen with awe.
“You—!” Zhu Yan hissed, clutching his chest again from the sudden fright.
The child giggled. “Sir, if it weren’t for Master Zhuo, that demon would’ve gotten you!” he said innocently.
Zhu Yan arched a brow. “Oh? Is he really that impressive?” he asked, half-mocking, though in truth he knew Zhuo Yichen was no ordinary man.
The child nodded enthusiastically and began chattering about how Zhuo Yichen was the great protector of the village. “He hunts demons without fear, and that sword of his—sir, that sword can defeat even the strongest demons!” he said with shining eyes.
Zhu Yan, however, wasn’t too interested in hearing the lengthy tale. He snorted, shook his head, and covered his ears with both hands. “That’s enough,” he said, turning away to leave.
The child remained where he was, watching Zhu Yan’s back as he walked away.
“I’m still better-looking,” Zhu Yan muttered.
Chapter Text
The evening sun slowly descended, bathing the village of Tianxia in a warm orange glow. In a quiet corner of the village, Zhu Yan lounged on a weathered wooden bench, a small jug of wine gripped in his hand. From time to time, he took a sip while observing the humans passing by. Tired faces, worn-out clothing, and calloused hands from hard labor seemed to be the village’s defining traits.
“Human life is truly pitiful,” he muttered with a half-mocking tone. “They don’t even have time for themselves. What’s so appealing about living like this?”
However, his thoughts didn’t linger long on his disdain for humans. The image of Zhuo Yichen haunted his mind once again. His arrival in the human world was not without purpose—he was searching for a descendant of Bing Yi, someone who, according to legend, possessed the ability to break the curse of immortality that had bound him for so long.
The legendary treasure, the Yunguang Sword, was now in Zhuo Yichen’s possession. That should have been the sign that the cold man was a descendant of Bing Yi. Yet, there was one thing that didn’t make sense to Zhu Yan. Weren’t all of Bing Yi’s descendants in the human world supposed to bear the Gong surname? He remembered the stories of their ancestors clearly, but the reality before him left him puzzled.
As he sank deeper into thought, the sound of light footsteps approached.
“Great demon?” A cheerful voice broke his reverie.
Zhu Yan looked up. In front of him stood a young man with long golden hair that gleamed under the sunlight. His smile was wide, as if his presence was a long-awaited blessing.
“Panda?” Zhu Yan asked flatly, trying to recall where he had seen that face before.
The young man chuckled. “Ying Lei,” he said, then sat down beside Zhu Yan without invitation.
Zhu Yan nodded slowly. Now he remembered—Ying Lei, grandson of the God of Mount Kunlun. Ying Lei was a half-demon, half-god. Because of the divine blood in his veins, he had the privilege of moving freely between the human and demon realms without following the laws of either world.
Zhu Yan regarded him with a neutral gaze. “What are you doing in the human world?”
Ying Lei shrugged casually. “Just wanted to take a look around. And you?”
“The same reason,” Zhu Yan replied briefly, raising an eyebrow.
Yet his sharp gaze did not leave Ying Lei. Zhu Yan knew well this man never acted without reason. He brought two fingers to his lips, ready to chant a spell to force Ying Lei to tell the truth—but Ying Lei swiftly caught his hand midair.
“Come on, don’t be so serious,” Ying Lei said with an unwavering smile. “If you want information, all you have to do is ask.”
Zhu Yan frowned, pulled his hand back, and leaned against the bench. “Do you have information on the descendants of Bing Yi?” he asked directly.
“You mean those with the Gong surname?” Ying Lei replied, his eyes lighting up as if enjoying the conversation.
Zhu Yan narrowed his eyes, the corners of his lips curling slightly. “You know something, don’t you?”
Ying Lei chuckled. “Of course. But you know, information like this doesn’t come free.”
“Don’t test my patience, Ying Lei. Just tell me,” Zhu Yan warned in a low tone, his aura turning cold.
Not wanting trouble, Ying Lei raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. The Gong family was wiped out about twenty years ago. They say their young master was the last heir. He bore a striking resemblance—in both looks and intellect—to his ancestor, Bing Yi. But… I’ve never seen him in person.”
Zhu Yan fell silent for a moment, digesting the information. If the Gong family truly had been destroyed, it explained much. But the fact that the Yunguang Sword was in Zhuo Yichen’s hands puzzled him even more.
“The Yunguang Sword is with Zhuo Yichen,” Zhu Yan muttered. “Is he truly of Bing Yi’s bloodline?”
Ying Lei nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s right. Zhuo Yichen is the last living descendant of Bing Yi. But… I doubt he’ll willingly help you break your curse.”
Zhu Yan snorted. Clearly, this half-demon knew why he had come to the human world. “I don’t care whether he wants to or not. What matters is, I’ve found him.”
Ying Lei tilted his head, his gaze curious. “You’re not planning anything dangerous, are you?”
Zhu Yan didn’t answer. Instead, he gave a faint smile, his eyes full of mystery.
×××
That evening, the Demon-Hunting Bureau was as quiet as ever. The gentle murmur of water from a small pond in the courtyard was the only sound in the air. Zhuo Yichen sat beneath a large tree, his gaze fixed on the Yunguang Sword lying on the small table before him. The light of dusk reflected off its surface, giving it an inescapable magical aura.
“Zhu Yan is a dangerous great demon. If he’s cursed you, you’ll be bound to him forever.”
The words of the bureau chief echoed in his mind. Zhuo Yichen knew the curse was little more than a warning—a pain that would paralyze his body whenever he tried to resist Zhu Yan. Yet, the chief’s words seemed to hold a deeper meaning.
“Bound forever,” he murmured to himself. He exhaled slowly, irritation creeping in at the situation beyond his control.
Suddenly, the tip of the Yunguang Sword shone with a bright blue light. Instinctively, Zhuo Yichen grabbed it and rose to his feet. He moved toward the front courtyard, where a chilling air was seeping into the night, cutting to the bone. He drew his sword, ready for whatever threat approached.
The wind howled, carrying the scent of damp leaves. Roots slithered toward him like hungry serpents. With a swift slash, he severed them, but it wasn’t enough to stop their advance. The roots gathered, forming a larger shape.
“Pagoda tree…” Zhuo Yichen murmured, recognizing the familiar energy.
He infused his sword with blue energy, preparing for a full strike. “Show yourself, demon!” he shouted, his voice echoing across the empty courtyard.
Suddenly, black energy shot toward him with incredible speed. Zhuo Yichen dodged, but one strike landed on his chest, making him cough up fresh blood. Pain surged through his body, but he forced himself to stay upright despite the throbbing in his head.
The black energy attacked again, stronger than before. Zhuo Yichen nearly staggered backward, but a firm hand caught his waist. He turned, startled to see Zhu Yan at his side. Zhu Yan raised two fingers to his lips, chanting calmly while his other hand steadied Zhuo Yichen.
“Zhu Yan!” Zhuo Yichen barked.
“You owe me your life,” Zhu Yan replied without glancing at him, his voice flat but certain.
“Shatter,” Zhu Yan whispered, and in an instant, the black energy was engulfed by his crimson aura. A small explosion followed, wind sweeping through the courtyard and scattering dry leaves. From within the swirling wind, a figure emerged—a man with long black hair and a piercing gaze, his black robes billowing like shadows merging with the night.
“Li Lun,” Zhu Yan said, never breaking his gaze.
Zhuo Yichen frowned, unfamiliar yet oddly aware of the name. “He’s a pagoda tree demon, isn’t he?” he asked, trying to recall the stories he’d heard.
Zhu Yan didn’t answer, his eyes locked on Li Lun.
Li Lun advanced with graceful steps, but his aura brimmed with menace. “Is the human you’re protecting this weak?” he asked, his eyes filled with scorn as they swept over Zhuo Yichen.
“Humans and demons are different beings—but Master Zhuo is an exception,” Zhu Yan replied coldly.
Li Lun chuckled, but the sound carried mockery. “Without the Yunguang Sword, he’s nothing but a frail human.” His eyes narrowed as he noticed a faint red glow on Zhuo Yichen’s forehead. His gaze sharpened with anger. “You even bound him? Just how special is this human to you?”
Black smoke seeped from Li Lun’s body, hurtling toward them. Zhuo Yichen raised his sword, blocking it with blue energy, while Zhu Yan unfurled a seemingly ordinary red umbrella that radiated powerful protective energy.
“Li Lun, enough!” Zhu Yan shouted, stepping forward to shield Zhuo Yichen. But Li Lun only laughed harder, releasing more black energy. One strike broke through their defenses, hitting Zhuo Yichen hard enough to make him stagger and cough blood again.
Zhu Yan acted swiftly, striking Li Lun and forcing the tree demon to retreat. The black smoke slowly dissipated. Zhu Yan stood in front of Zhuo Yichen, his body leaning forward protectively.
“What is it you really want, Li Lun?” Zhu Yan’s voice was low, almost a growl.
Li Lun’s expression was unreadable. “Why protect that human? He’s not worthy of your protection.”
“If you try to harm him again, you’ll make me your enemy,” Zhu Yan declared firmly. The sharpness in his eyes made Li Lun fall silent for a moment.
After a pause that felt endless, Li Lun smirked. “We’ll see if this human is truly worth it to you.” With those final words, he vanished into the lingering black mist.
Silence fell over the courtyard once more. Zhu Yan turned toward Zhuo Yichen, who was still catching his breath. Fresh blood stained the corner of his lips, but his gaze remained fierce.
“You really do cause trouble everywhere you go,” Zhuo Yichen said, trying to stand tall despite his weakened body.
Zhu Yan didn’t reply. He only smiled faintly at Zhuo Yichen.
Chapter Text
The night had grown late, and the Demon Apprehension Bureau felt even more silent. Darkness shrouded the grand hall, illuminated only by oil lamps hanging from the wooden pillars. Zhuo Yichen sat in the corner of the hall, his sharp gaze fixed on Zhu Yan, who stood before him. Since the two had entered the room, only silence had accompanied them. Several times Zhu Yan tried to start a conversation, but Zhuo Yichen always cut him off with a single curt command.
“Quiet,” he said firmly.
However, Zhu Yan was starting to lose patience. His eyes studied Zhuo Yichen, especially the dried blood around his mouth. The pain he himself felt within his own body made him restless. He raised two fingers, ready to recite a healing incantation. But before any sound could escape his lips, Zhuo Yichen opened his eyes and fixed him with a sharp stare.
“Don’t even think about casting a spell,” Zhuo Yichen said in a warning tone.
Zhu Yan let out a long sigh. “You intend to let that wound be? I can feel its pain as well.”
Zhuo Yichen frowned in disbelief. “Nonsense. I’m the one who’s injured, not you,” he muttered.
Zhu Yan stepped closer, trying to explain. “We are bound, Zhuo Yichen. The wounds you suffer, I feel them too.”
Zhu Yan snorted. “Why is this place so quiet? Is there no woman here who can tend to such a wound?” he asked sarcastically.
Zhuo Yichen chose to close his eyes, ignoring Zhu Yan’s presence. But Zhu Yan did not give up. He looked at Zhuo Yichen seriously.
“You owe me your life. In return, you must help me,” Zhu Yan finally said.
Zhuo Yichen slowly opened his eyes and looked at him coldly. “Once I’m healed, I’ll kill you.”
Zhu Yan gave a thin smile. “Kill me? That sword alone isn’t enough. If you want to kill me, you’ll have to help me first.”
“Why should I trust you?” Zhuo Yichen asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Instead of answering, Zhu Yan walked out of the hall. Zhuo Yichen watched his back suspiciously. Zhu Yan stopped in front of a withered tree in the bureau courtyard. He snapped off a small branch, then without hesitation stabbed it into his left hand. In an instant, black blood flowed from the wound.
“Zhu Yan!” Zhuo Yichen called out. Suddenly, the same pain flared in his own hand. He clutched it, grimacing. “What are you doing?!”
Zhu Yan glanced at him with a blank expression. The wound on his hand slowly closed, as if it had never existed. He returned to the hall and sat back down in his place.
“I told you, we are bound. I am an immortal demon. The Yunguang Sword cannot kill me. If you dare to try, you’ll be the one to die. The pain I feel will be returned to you—hundredfold.”
Zhuo Yichen fell silent. He gave a small laugh, as if mocking the absurdity of what he had just heard. “Why should I believe your words? Stupid monkey!” he said, turning his face away.
Zhu Yan’s eyes blinked several times. He swallowed, offended. “I am an ape, not a monkey!” he protested, but Zhuo Yichen ignored him.
Silence once again filled the room until the sound of small footsteps approached. A young boy ran inside, carrying a wooden bag on his back.
“Master Zhuo!” he called cheerfully.
Zhu Yan watched the boy closely. He recognized the face—this was the boy he had met during the eel demon incident. Apparently, the boy was one of Zhuo Yichen’s subordinates.
“Bai Jiu,” Zhuo Yichen called his name while looking at him.
“I’ll prepare the medicine prescription right away,” Bai Jiu replied without so much as glancing at Zhu Yan, as if his presence meant nothing.
Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow. “He’s a physician?” he asked in surprise.
Bai Jiu finally turned to Zhu Yan with a puzzled look. “Sir? Didn’t we meet earlier this afternoon? Why are you here?”
Zhu Yan smiled confidently. “I’ve been specially recruited as a member of the Demon Apprehension Bureau,” he said jokingly.
Zhuo Yichen glared at him. “Bai Jiu, prepare the medicine now,” he ordered firmly.
Bai Jiu nodded quickly and ran toward the medicine storage room. After the boy left, the room fell silent again. Zhu Yan looked at Zhuo Yichen with a serious expression.
“Why are you so stubborn, Zhuo Yichen? You know we are bound. Like it or not, you have to trust me,” Zhu Yan said.
“I do not trust demons,” Zhuo Yichen replied coldly.
Zhu Yan chuckled lightly, then leaned back in his chair. “In that case, just wait. Sooner or later, you’ll see that I’m not lying.”
Zhuo Yichen turned his face away, but his mind couldn’t stop turning over Zhu Yan’s words. His hand gripped the hilt of the Yunguang Sword lying on the table beside him. To Zhou Yichen, demons were enemies that had to be eradicated.
×××
Inside a large cave in Dahuang, the dim glow of natural crystals reflecting pale light lit the surroundings. Li Lun sat leaning against a large rock, his eyes blank as he stared at the stalactite-filled ceiling. The faint sound of dripping water into a small pool added to the quiet and mysterious atmosphere of the place.
In front of him stood another demon, dark aura radiating from his body. The demon looked uneasy but still maintained a respectful stance before Li Lun—one of the most feared demons in Dahuang.
“Destroying the Demon Apprehension Bureau is easy,” the demon said in a low voice. “But meddling with the descendants of Bing Yi? That’s difficult.”
Li Lun gave a soft snort, a mocking smile curling on his lips. “What’s so difficult about it?” he asked rhetorically. “He’s not even a pure descendant of Bing Yi. His sword technique is weak; he’s just lucky to possess the Yunguang Sword. That sword is far too noble for such lowly hands.”
The demon before him lowered his head, seemingly reluctant to respond directly. He stepped closer to a large rock in front of Li Lun and sat upon it. His gaze was empty, as if searching for answers deep within his mind.
“Zhu Yan’s curse…” Li Lun began, his voice calm yet heavy with pressure. “Do you know how to break it?”
The demon lifted his head slowly, speaking after a brief silence. “There is a way,” he finally said. “The blood of a Bing Yi descendant must be drunk by Zhu Yan. That’s the only way to break his curse of immortality.”
Hearing this, Li Lun laughed, his voice echoing within the empty cave. “So, in the end, Zhu Yan must kill that human himself?” he said, his tone laced with sarcasm. “How ironic. He who protects that human so fiercely will have to kill him with his own hands?”
Li Lun rose to his feet, stepping toward the demon still seated before him. “Go,” he ordered curtly. “I have no need for you tonight.”
The demon immediately stood, bowed respectfully, then vanished into the shadows. Li Lun leaned back against the large rock again, letting his mind fill with thoughts of Zhu Yan. He could clearly imagine the inner turmoil that would consume Zhu Yan—torn between fulfilling his desire and protecting the human who had now become his source of hope, Zhou Yichen.
“Ah, Zhu Yan…” Li Lun murmured with a thin smile. “You’ve always been my best entertainment.”
But Li Lun’s thoughts didn’t stop at Zhu Yan. He envisioned Zhou Yichen, the man he deemed weak yet stubbornly resolute. An idea formed in his mind, widening his smile. What would happen if Zhuo Yichen learned the truth? How would he react if he knew that he would be killed by Zhu Yan?
“I must witness this myself,” Li Lun said softly, as if speaking to himself. “The conflict between them will be an amusing game.”
Suddenly, fragments of the past flashed in his mind. Li Lun remembered his first meeting with Zhu Yan, when the two had still been allies. At that time, Zhu Yan was a demon full of hope, believing that humans and demons could coexist. But to Li Lun, such belief was nothing but foolishness.
“Zhu Yan,” Li Lun murmured again, this time with biting mockery. “You trusted humans too much. Now see what has become of you. Your curse is nothing more than the result of your own mistakes.”
A glint of light reflected off the cave wall. Li Lun’s eyes, glowing with ambition, fixed on the shimmer. To him, all of this was merely part of a grand game. Zhu Yan, Zhuo Yichen, and the Demon Apprehension Bureau were nothing more than pieces he would arrange to achieve his own goals.
Meanwhile, on the banks of a quiet river, a middle-aged man struggled to pull his boat toward a small dock. Since morning, not a single passenger had been willing to ride his boat. His calloused hands gripped the rope, hauling it in with the last of his strength. Once he made sure the boat was securely tied to the rotting wooden post, he sat at the river’s edge. His eyes gazed at the star-filled night sky, which could not soothe his troubled heart.
“Ah… if only I could dream of becoming a rich man in this village,” he muttered softly, his voice heavy and weary. He rubbed his tired, wrinkled face. “I wouldn’t have to work this late into the night… with nothing to show for it.”
The river’s flow, usually calming, suddenly felt strange. Small ripples formed on the surface, as if something were moving beneath it. The man squinted, watching the gentle waves slowly draw nearer to him.
“Eh? What’s that?” he whispered, a creeping unease rising within him.
He stood slowly, his body tensing. The water’s ripples continued to approach, and in that moment, he felt something foreign and threatening. From the middle of the river, a head emerged. Long, wet, black hair hung loose, covering part of a pale face. The face resembled that of a human, but as the body rose further, the man gasped. On the creature’s left arm, shimmering scales reflected the moonlight.
“Wh… who are you?” he asked, his voice trembling, his feet rooted to the spot.
The creature did not answer. It stared at him with large, cold, glimmering eyes that seemed to pierce straight into his heart. Slowly, it raised its left hand. Its fingers formed a circle like a monocle, which it placed in front of its own eye. Bright green light burst from its gaze, enveloping the unfortunate man’s body.
In an instant, the man felt his body freeze. His eyes widened before slowly closing. His body collapsed to the ground with a soft thud, motionless.
The creature smiled faintly, its slightly pointed teeth faintly visible in the moonlight. It looked at the man lying unconscious, then slowly slipped back into the water. Its form disappeared beneath the surface, leaving only small ripples that quickly faded.
Chapter Text
The morning sun began to hide behind the gray clouds. The wind blew stronger, creating a heavy atmosphere along the banks of the Tianjin River. Zhuo Yichen stood still, gazing at the calm flow of water. The task given by the Head of the Demon Hunting Bureau had brought him here—to solve a series of unsolved corpse discoveries. For nearly a month, rumors of these mysterious deaths had kept the villagers living in fear.
Behind him, Bai Jiu stood restlessly. The wind hitting his face made his expression grow even paler. Zhu Yan watched him with a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“A physician afraid of corpses? You must be joking,” Zhu Yan sneered, glancing at Bai Jiu from head to toe.
Bai Jiu scowled but did not respond. He merely lowered his head, unwilling to return the comment.
“Bai Jiu,” Zhuo Yichen’s cold voice broke the silence. “Examine the body of the last victim. Make sure there is no poison or sign of disease.”
Bai Jiu’s face instantly changed. “M-me?” he asked, pointing at himself.
“Yes, you,” Zhuo Yichen replied firmly without looking back.
Reluctantly, Bai Jiu walked toward a house near the river and approached the corpse lying in the corner of the room. The stench of death stung his nose, forcing him to hold his breath. Slowly, he began examining the body, though his fingers trembled slightly. Zhu Yan, who had been watching, held back a laugh as he folded his arms.
“What kind of physician are you,” Zhu Yan whispered softly, just loud enough for Bai Jiu to hear.
“Shut up!” Bai Jiu hissed irritably, trying to maintain his concentration.
Meanwhile, Zhuo Yichen stood tall, his sharp eyes fixed on the corpse as if searching for clues invisible to the ordinary eye.
“He’s not poisoned,” Bai Jiu finally spoke after a while. “There’s no disease or physical wound that I can find. His body… it’s empty, like only a shell without a soul.”
Zhuo Yichen nodded, then waved his hand. “Leave. I want to examine it more closely.”
Bai Jiu sighed in relief and quickly left the room. Zhu Yan also headed toward the door, but his hand was suddenly grabbed roughly by Zhuo Yichen. His collar was yanked, making him choke and nearly stumble.
“You must know something,” Zhuo Yichen said, his gaze sharp as a blade. “Demons can sense the presence of other demons. What are you hiding?”
Zhu Yan, still clutching his neck, smiled mockingly. “And if I do? What then? Do you want me to help you?”
“Help me find out what demon is responsible,” Zhuo Yichen ordered bluntly.
Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Oh? If I help you, will you let me join the Demon Hunting Bureau? And… take care of my business?”
Zhuo Yichen fell silent for a moment, staring at Zhu Yan suspiciously. In his heart, he wondered what this insane demon truly wanted. Why would a demon want to join the very organization that hunted them? And what kind of “help” would Zhu Yan demand?
“Fine,” Zhuo Yichen said at last. “If you can solve this case, I’ll grant your request.”
Zhu Yan grinned widely—a smile that made Zhuo Yichen all the more certain he was playing with fire. Without another word, Zhu Yan walked out, forcing Zhuo Yichen to follow.
“Fish demon,” Zhu Yan suddenly said, cutting off whatever Zhuo Yichen was about to say. “Ran Yi.”
Zhuo Yichen stopped in his tracks. The name stirred old memories. Ran Yi, the legendary fish demon known for creating illusions. Its scales were said to have the power to dispel nightmares, but few knew the truth behind its abilities. Zhuo Yichen had heard the tale as a child, but never thought he would face it himself.
“But Ran Yi isn’t known for killing humans,” Zhuo Yichen said, frowning. “It only traps them in illusions.”
“That’s the human story,” Zhu Yan replied with a mocking tone. “Ran Yi takes human souls to strengthen itself. Their consciousness is trapped in an illusionary world, leaving the body an empty shell.”
Zhuo Yichen thought for a moment. Zhu Yan’s explanation made sense. “So that’s why the corpses show no physical damage…” he murmured.
In the middle of their discussion, Bai Jiu appeared in the distance, running and panting. “I found something!” he exclaimed. “This tragedy started with a girl, the village chief’s daughter. She had a pet fish she always carried everywhere. The chief, thinking it wasn’t normal, threw the fish into the river so his daughter could socialize with other children.”
Zhuo Yichen sighed. “Like keeping a dog and carrying it everywhere,” he said softly.
“Or a monkey,” Bai Jiu added without thinking.
At the mention of “monkey,” Zhuo Yichen shot Zhu Yan a teasing look. Zhu Yan, sensing where this was going, snorted. “You’re calling me a monkey again, aren’t you?” he muttered sharply, just loud enough for Zhuo Yichen to hear.
Zhuo Yichen smiled faintly. “You said it, not me.”
Zhu Yan clenched his fists, resisting the urge to leap forward and bite Zhuo Yichen then and there. As a true monkey demon, he felt his pride was constantly being trampled by this human.
×××
Evening was approaching, the sunlight dimming behind the faint outline of distant mountains. The tavern where Zhuo Yichen and Zhu Yan sat was starting to fill with villagers coming to enjoy food and wine after a day’s work. Zhuo Yichen, with a probing gaze, kept glancing at Zhu Yan seated across from him.
Since morning, Zhu Yan had been insisting they stay away from the Tianjin River and remain in the tavern instead. This decision only made Zhuo Yichen more restless. His fingers tapped the wooden table in a slow rhythm, betraying his impatience.
“Must we really wait until night?” Zhuo Yichen finally asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. He glared at Zhu Yan, who looked relaxed, enjoying a banana he had just pulled from his cloth pouch.
Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow while chewing slowly, then gave a small smile. “Ran Yi likes to move at night. If you want to catch it, night is the best time. You want to attack now? Go ahead, but you’ll probably come back empty-handed,” he said calmly, pushing the banana peel to the side of the table.
Zhuo Yichen exhaled heavily. He knew Zhu Yan was right, but his serious, methodical nature made it hard to accept Zhu Yan’s laid-back attitude. He looked out the window, watching the sky grow darker.
Suddenly, the tip of the Yunguang Sword leaning against the table beside him emitted a faint blue glow. Zhuo Yichen straightened immediately, scanning the tavern with sharp eyes, alert to the possible presence of another demon. The tavern’s lively noise quieted slightly as several people noticed the sword’s glow.
“Yichen, what’s wrong?” Zhu Yan asked, still sounding casual, though his eyes also flicked toward the sword.
Before Zhuo Yichen could answer, a man suddenly appeared at their table carrying a plate of food. His face was bright, his smile wide, as if oblivious to the tension in the air.
“Well, well, Lord Zhuo is here too? What a rare sight!” the man said cheerfully.
Zhu Yan looked up and recognized him. He let out a short sigh before speaking, “Ying Lei, what are you doing here?” he asked lazily.
Ying Lei only widened his smile. “The great demon lord is here too? Feels like fate! But honestly, seeing you two sitting together like this is a little… chilling,” he said with a small laugh.
Zhuo Yichen eyed Ying Lei sharply. He didn’t like this sudden appearance. His hand moved toward the hilt of the Yunguang Sword.
“He’s a mountain god, Yichen,” Zhu Yan said, as if reading his mind. “Relax. He’s weird, but not dangerous.”
“A demon claiming to be a god,” Zhuo Yichen muttered, just loud enough for Ying Lei to hear.
“What do you mean ‘claiming’? I really am a mountain god! Lord Zhuo, can’t you see the divine aura radiating from me?” Ying Lei declared, standing tall and trying to strike a cool pose.
The only response he got was a simultaneous shake of the head from both Zhuo Yichen and Zhu Yan. Their synchronicity made Ying Lei sigh deeply before slumping into the seat across from them. He set his plate on the table and stared at the two with curiosity.
“So, what are you doing here? Sounds like you’re working on an interesting case,” he asked eagerly.
Zhu Yan answered before Zhuo Yichen could. “Oh, this case is top secret. If I talk, that Yunguang Sword might chop off my head,” he said, pointing dramatically at the sword beside Zhuo Yichen, then pretended to mime his head being cut off.
Ying Lei winced at the joke, even touching his own neck to make sure it was still there. Meanwhile, Zhuo Yichen sighed in frustration, glaring at Zhu Yan and Ying Lei, who seemed not to take the situation seriously. He grabbed his wine cup and downed it in one gulp.
“I don’t have time for your jokes. If you want to chat, do it elsewhere. I’m working,” Zhuo Yichen said coldly.
“Oh, of course,” Zhu Yan replied casually, though a faint smile still lingered on his face. He knew exactly how to test Zhuo Yichen’s patience.
Night slowly fell, the cold wind blowing in through the tavern’s open window. Ying Lei shivered slightly, though he tried to hide it under his cheerful demeanor. Zhu Yan stood and stretched, then looked at Zhuo Yichen with a serious expression for the first time all day.
“It’s time, Lord Zhuo,” he said simply.
Zhuo Yichen rose without a word, taking up the Yunguang Sword. Ying Lei, still seated, looked at them in confusion.
“Hey, where are you going?” he asked.
“To meet Ran Yi,” Zhu Yan replied shortly as he walked out of the tavern.
Ying Lei thought for a moment, then hurried after them. “In that case, I’m coming! How about I help? A mountain god as great as me will surely be useful, right?”
Zhuo Yichen stopped and gave Ying Lei a sharp look. “Come if you want, but don’t get in the way,” he said in a warning tone.
Ying Lei chuckled. “Relax, Lord Zhuo. I never get in anyone’s way. If you need help, I’ll be right here.”
Zhuo Yichen couldn’t quite refuse Ying Lei’s request. Even though he hated demons, he could somewhat sense each one’s aura. Maybe Ying Lei really could help.
The three of them walked toward the Tianjin River, the deepening night cloaking their steps. Zhuo Yichen felt the tension rising with each stride, while Zhu Yan seemed his usual—calm and full of secrets. Ying Lei, on the other hand, kept chattering about trivial things, trying to lighten the mood.
Zhuo Yichen could only hope all this preparation would not be in vain. Ran Yi was a cunning enemy, and he knew tonight would be a harsh trial for them all.
Chapter Text
That night, the Tianjin River seemed eerily quiet, quieter than usual. The only sounds were the wind, carrying the cool scent of the night water, and the faint murmur of the river's gurgling sound. Ying Lei stood with her arms crossed, her eyes gazing out at the still water, but her expression betrayed a look of dissatisfaction.
"This place used to be bustling," Ying Lei murmured, his voice deep but nostalgic. "People would rent boats to view the moon in the middle of the river. The Tianjin River was famous for its beautiful scenery. Now? Only the smell of blood remains."
Zhuo Yichen, who had been standing at attention, staring at the river, immediately turned his attention to Ying Lei. His eyes narrowed sharply. "The smell of blood?" he asked, his voice cold and cautious. "The victim Ran Yi had no physical wounds that would bleed. Whose blood do you smell?"
Ying Lei sniffed the air again, her brow furrowed. "I'm sure this smells like human blood. But... it's strange. If it's not Ran Yi's victim, whose blood could it be?" he muttered softly, mostly to herself.
Zhu Yan, who had been sitting casually on a large rock while playing with a small twig in his hand, finally stood up and approached them. "We don't need to worry about that smell now. Our focus tonight is to lure Ran Yi out. To do that, we need-"
Before Zhu Yan could finish speaking, the sound of rushing water suddenly rang out. When he turned around, Zhuo Yichen had already swung his sword towards the river, causing a huge wave of water to crash against the bank.
“What are you doing?” Zhu Yan exclaimed, half in shock. Ying Lei froze for a moment, him mouth wide open.
Zhuo Yichen stared at them with a blank expression, as if nothing had happened. "An attack is an attack," he replied casually. "If he doesn't come out, then he'll have to be forced out."
Ying Lei turned to Zhu Yan, then whispered softly, “If he wants to behead us one day, I’m sure he really will.”
“Shut up,” Zhu Yan muttered, but his voice sounded like he was saying yes.
The atmosphere suddenly turned tense as a rumbling sound came from the middle of the river. The previously calm waters began to stir, creating a growing vortex. Soon, the vortex spewed water upward, forming a small explosion that sent water flying like rain. Zhu Yan immediately stepped forward, standing between Zhuo Yichen and the explosion. He raised his hand and whispered an incantation, creating a protective shield before them.
“Where did he come from?” Ying Lei muttered, trying to understand what was happening.
Zhuo Yichen fixed his gaze on the whirlpool that was now beginning to form a figure. Long, flowing hair, sharp, silver-glowing eyes, and a chilling aura that sent shivers down his spine. It was her.
"Ran Yi," Zhu Yan murmured softly, almost like a sigh.
Zhuo Yichen stepped forward, the Yunguang sword in his hand gleaming with radiant blue light. However, he was stopped by Zhu Yan's warning voice, "Don't look directly into his eyes. It could be your end."
Despite his solemn warning, Zhuo Yichen didn't stop. He stood firm, staring at Ran Yi with unwavering courage. "Ran Yi!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the silent night. "Admit your guilt! You've killed a human without mercy. Stop before I force you!"
Ran Yi did not answer. He simply moved his hands, controlling the water in the river, turning it into a huge wave that charged straight towards them. Zhuo Yichen quickly raised his sword, cleaving the wave in half before the water hit the shore. With nimble movements, he jumped onto the water, dashing towards Ran Yi.
Attack after attack was launched by Zhuo Yichen. The Yunguang Sword danced in the air, emitting a blue glow that cut through the darkness of the night. However, Ran Yi was not afraid at all. With graceful but deadly movements, he dodged every one of Zhuo Yichen's attacks.
From the riverbank, Ying Lei watched warily. "The energy... is too great," he muttered, his voice laced with anxiety. He glanced at Zhu Yan beside his. "You feel it too, right? This energy isn't hers alone."
Zhu Yan nodded, his eyes narrowing sharply at Ran Yi. "He ate something. Or rather... someone," he replied in a low voice.
Above the water, Zhuo Yichen paused for a moment, standing firmly on his feet. He stroked the blade of the Yunguang Sword with two fingers, and the blue light surrounding the sword instantly grew brighter. With a single swing, he created his own whirlpool, countering the massive wave controlled by Ran Yi.
However, Ran Yi didn't remain silent. He raised both hands, and the surrounding water gathered, forming the figure of a giant, lifelike fish. The fish shot towards Zhuo Yichen at high speed, its massive jaws ready to swallow the demon hunter.
Zhuo Yichen leaped high, twisted his body in midair, and aimed his sword straight at the fish's head. The attack created a massive explosion that lit up the entire river. However, the impact sent Zhuo Yichen flying backward, crashing heavily onto the water's surface.
Zhu Yan moved quickly. He raised his hand, chanted another spell, and caught Zhuo Yichen's body before he completely sank. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Zhuo Yichen slowly got up, his breath coming in short gasps. His eyes were still fixed on Ran Yi.
"He's been possessed," Zhu Yan said in a low voice. His eyes shifted to Ying Lei, who was now standing with a horrified expression.
Ying Lei swallowed hard before finally saying, “Ran Yi eats humans. That’s why he has this much energy.”
Zhuo Yichen fell silent, his gaze turning serious. "Then, I'll have to end it here." He gripped his sword tighter, preparing for the next attack.
"If it's like this, let me deal with it," Zhu Yan said firmly.
Ying Lei nodded hesitantly. "Be careful," he said as he carried the injured Zhuo Yichen to shore. On the wet riverbank, Ying Lei anxiously watched the movement in the river, while Zhu Yan flew into the air.
Zhu Yan stared at Ran Yi standing in the middle of the river, his body shrouded in a thick black mist. He clenched his fist, brought it to his mouth, and called out, "Ran Yi?"
However, there was no response. The water around Ran Yi only surged even more wildly, creating a menacing whirlpool. In an instant, towering waves violently attacked Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan swiftly cast a protective spell, his body enveloped in a red light that deflected the water's attack.
Zhu Yan floated closer to Ran Yi. Their eyes met for a moment. Something was wrong, Zhu Yan thought. Ran Yi's eyes radiated darkness, far different from the one he had known before.
"Ran Yi, what happened to you? Wake up!" he called, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of the waves.
Zhu Yan wasted no time. With a swift movement, a red thread shot out from his body, shooting towards Ran Yi. The dense black mist surrounding Ran Yi fought back, trying to destroy the red thread. However, Zhu Yan was undeterred. With the incantation he had just cast, the red thread glowed even brighter. Bit by bit, the black mist surrounding Ran Yi began to erode.
Finally, the mist completely dissipated. The once-raging river waters calmed down. Ran Yi fell to her knees, her body trembling. Her breathing was heavy, as if she had just escaped from a nightmare.
Zhu Yan approached, checking on Ran Yi. "Ran Yi, are you okay?"
Ran Yi looked up, staring at Zhu Yan with eyes that had regained clarity.
Meanwhile, on land, Ying Lei sensed something was amiss. She glanced at Zhuo Yichen, who was sitting beside her. "Zhuo Yichen, are you okay?" she asked. However, there was no response. Ying Lei approached and was surprised to see Zhuo Yichen's eyes emitting a golden light.
“This is bad,” Ying Lei muttered, her breath catching. He turned around, trying to warn Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan, hearing Ying Lei's call, immediately took action. He created a red energy prison, enclosing Ran Yi to ensure no further interference from him. Then, he shot towards the mainland, approaching Zhuo Yichen.
“He has already entered Ran Yi’s dream,” Ying Lei said in a desperate tone.
Zhu Yan nodded solemnly. He raised two fingers and placed them on Zhuo Yichen's forehead. However, just as he tried to channel his energy to help, a dark force suddenly struck him. Zhu Yan was sent flying several steps back, his face filled with shock.
Ying Lei quickly turned her head toward the source of the energy. In the air, a silhouette appeared, standing proudly in the wind.
“Li Lun,” Zhu Yan murmured, his eyes narrowed with alarm.
Li Lun smiled slightly, a smile that radiated both satisfaction and danger. "Long time no see, Zhu Yan," he greeted lightly, as if this meeting was just a normal conversation.
Zhu Yan gritted his teeth. "You were the one who caused Ran Yi to be affected by the dark energy?"
Li Lun shook his head haughtily. "I'm just a spectator. Ran Yi himself ate humans, letting darkness take over him. That was his choice."
"Ran Yi never eats humans!"
Li Lun chuckled. "Revenge can change anyone, Zhu Yan. Even a demon as good as Ran Yi."
Li Lun's words left Zhu Yan speechless for a moment. He stared at Ran Yi, who was still trapped in the red energy cage, trying to comprehend the truth behind those words.
Li Lun turned to Zhuo Yichen, his gaze changing into something unreadable. "Zhu Yan, you know what you have to do if you want to break your curse, right? You have to drink all of that human's blood."
His words cut like a sharp knife. Zhu Yan clenched his fists tightly. Li Lun simply smiled smugly and disappeared in a gust of wind.
Silence fell upon them again. However, it didn't last long. Suddenly, Zhuo Yichen stood up. His golden eyes shone even brighter, and he stood with stiff movements, as if someone being controlled.
"Zhuo Yichen?" called Zhu Yan in a worried tone.
Without warning, Zhuo Yichen attacked Ying Lei. The energy punch hit Ying Lei's arm, knocking her down. Ying Lei groaned in pain, holding her bleeding arm.
"Zhuo Yichen, stop it!" Zhu Yan exclaimed, stepping forward to stop him.
However, Zhuo Yichen didn't respond. He stared blankly at Zhu Yan, his body surrounded by an increasingly dense dark aura.
“He’s still trapped in Ran Yi’s illusion,” Ying Lei said, him voice trailing off.
Zhu Yan clenched his fists, trying to calm his mind. He knew the only way to save Zhuo Yichen was to enter the illusion himself. However, the risks were enormous. If he failed, the two of them might never return.
Zhu Yan looked at Ying Lei firmly. "Protect Ran Yi. I will bring Zhuo Yichen back."
“Zhu Yan, it’s too dangerous!” Ying Lei exclaimed, trying to stop him.
However, Zhu Yan had already made up his mind. He raised two fingers again and placed them on Zhuo Yichen's forehead. This time, his red energy shone brightly, forming a shield around both of them.
"I will save you, Zhuo Yichen," she whispered before everything went black.
Chapter Text
Zhuo Yichen slowly opened his eyes, surrounded by sunlight gently filtering through the gaps between the trees. The cold, fresh air touched his skin, but a feeling of emptiness enveloped his chest. He turned his gaze, trying to understand where he was. Mount Xian... this place should only exist in his past memories.
“What happened? How did I end up here?” he thought, confused.
As he stood up and began to walk, a soft yet firm voice echoed from the distance. It was the voice of a man speaking, his tone as if calling out to him. Zhuo Yichen approached cautiously, his steps careful among the bushes.
“Zhuo Yichen!”
His steps halted. That voice... a voice he recognized all too well. His heart raced faster, his body suddenly feeling weak. That voice belonged to someone who should no longer be alive.
Slowly, he continued walking toward the source of the voice. Behind the trees, he saw the figure of a man dressed in pristine white robes with soft fur sleeves fluttering in the wind. A silver headband completed his majestic aura. The figure stood anxiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for something—or someone.
Zhuo Yichen froze. His chest felt tight. Tears began to flow down his cheeks.
“Zhuo Yixuan...” he whispered, barely audible.
The man turned his head, and their eyes met. Zhuo Yichen's eyes widened. The face belonged to Zhuo Yixuan, his older brother who had died long ago. A warm smile was etched on his brother's face.
“Little brother...” Zhuo Yixuan called out as he ran towards him.
Zhuo Yichen felt as though the entire world had come to a standstill. Time seemed to slow down as his body was tightly embraced by his older brother. A familiar scent touched his sense of smell, bringing back painful memories of the past.
“Why did you leave without saying goodbye to your older brother?” Zhuo Yixuan asked in a gentle tone, but there was a hint of protest in his voice.
“Zhuo Yixuan...” was all Zhuo Yichen could manage to say, his voice trembling.
Zhuo Yichen couldn't hold back his tears. How could his older brother, who had been killed ten years ago, be standing before him now?
“Why are you calling my name like that?” Zhuo Yixuan smiled slightly, his eyes filled with love.
“What are you doing here?” Zhuo Yichen asked, holding back his tears.
“I'm looking for you, of course. Didn't you say you wanted to learn swordplay? I haven't forgotten that promise.” Zhuo Yixuan held out his hand, inviting Zhuo Yichen to go home with him.
Zhuo Yichen looked at the outstretched hand, his heart filled with longing. Slowly, he raised his hand to accept it. However, suddenly his body was pushed backward by an unseen force.
“Zhuo Yichen!” Zhu Yan's voice echoed, shaking the air around him.
Instantly, Zhuo Yichen was thrown to the ground. He was stunned, his head throbbing. His gaze returned to Zhuo Yixuan, but his brother's smile began to fade. Zhuo Yixuan's body tensed, and suddenly a red energy pierced his abdomen.
“No!” Zhuo Yichen screamed, his eyes widening as he watched his brother cough up fresh blood. Zhuo Yixuan staggered, gazing at his younger brother with a sorrowful expression before his body collapsed to the ground.
From behind Zhuo Yixuan's body, Zhuo Yichen saw another figure emerge. His eyes flashed with anger as he recognized who it was.
“Zhu Yan! You... you're the one who killed my brother!” Zhuo Yichen shouted, his voice filled with anger and sorrow.
Zhu Yan stood calmly, a sarcastic smile on his face. “Zhuo Yixuan was just a weak human. What's the point of him living any longer?” Zhu Yan said coldly.
Anger burned in Zhuo Yichen's chest. With raw emotion, he drew his Yunguang sword and attacked Zhu Yan without hesitation. His sword flew forward, piercing Zhu Yan's chest with force. However, instead of fighting back or dodging, Zhu Yan remained smiling.
“Wake up...” Zhu Yan whispered softly.
Zhuo Yichen jolted awake. His eyes widened, his breath labored. The scenery around him had changed. Mount Xian had vanished, replaced by a riverbank glistening under the moonlight. Before him, Zhu Yan stood, gazing at him with a concerned expression.
“Master Zhuo?” Zhu Yan called out.
Zhuo Yichen looked around. Ying Lei stood not far from Ran Yi, busy keeping the demon confined within the red energy. This sight made Zhuo Yichen realize that everything he had experienced earlier was merely an illusion.
With a sharp gaze, Zhuo Yichen stared at Zhu Yan. However, he said nothing. Without a word, he flew toward Ran Yi.
Zhu Yan watched his departure with an expression that was difficult to read. “Very unexpected. Doesn't he want to know what really happened to him?” he muttered softly, then followed Zhuo Yichen to Ran Yi.
Ying Lei turned her head, looking at Zhu Yan with concern. “What did you see in the illusion?” she asked.
Zhu Yan sighed deeply. “Something even Zhuo Yichen himself isn't ready to face. We have to be careful, Ying Lei. Ran Yi's illusion doesn't just show dreams; it also reveals the deepest parts of a person's soul.”
Ying Lei nodded. “What should we do now?”
Zhu Yan looked toward Zhuo Yichen, who now stood before Ran Yi, attempting to speak with the spirit. “We wait. He must find his own answers.” Zhu Yan knew that the illusion might have left a deeper wound than he had anticipated.
Zhuo Yichen stared at Ran Yi with a sharp gaze, filled with suppressed anger. “Who did you sacrifice?” he asked, his voice cold yet echoing firmly in the air that began to feel heavy.
Ran Yi remained bowed, her body stiff as if unwilling to answer. But finally she looked up, gazing at Zhuo Yichen with a face full of regret. Zhu Yan, standing behind Zhuo Yichen, raised a finger to her lips, signaling them to remain vigilant. Ran Yi was renowned for her deadly illusion technique.
“Miss Qi,” Ran Yi replied softly, barely audible.
Zhuo Yichen was startled. The name seemed vaguely familiar. “Miss Qi?” he murmured, trying to recall the name. Miss Qi was the kind-hearted daughter of the village chief, someone who often helped the villagers.
“Did you kill her?” Zhuo Yichen asked sharply. “Wasn't she your master?” he said, recalling Bai Jiu's mention of the village chief's daughter who kept fish.
Ran Yi smiled faintly, but the smile was more like a mockery of himself. “Master?” he murmured, before sinking into painful memories of the past.
At that time, Ran Yi's body was severely injured after being caught in a fish trap. In his human form, he lay motionless by the riverbank, unable to escape. It was then that he met Miss Qi, a young girl sitting by the river, roasting fish over a small fire.
At first, Ran Yi tried to leave, but the girl's sharp gaze made it impossible for him to escape. “You're injured,” Miss Qi said briefly, then approached him. Before Ran Yi could refuse, the girl skillfully treated his wounds using the herbal medicine she had brought with her. Not content with that, she also handed him a piece of grilled fish that was already cooked.
“I don't need your help,” Ran Yi muttered coldly, but Miss Qi only smiled. The girl's demeanor was so calm, as if she knew that Ran Yi was no ordinary human.
Ten days passed, and bad news reached Ran Yi's ears. The village chief's daughter had fallen seriously ill. At first, he didn’t know that the girl was Miss Qi, until he saw her again at the market. Miss Qi bought a small fish, which she then cared for with great affection. Because his heart had already been captivated by the girl, Ran Yi did something unexpected. He swapped his body with the fish, transforming himself into Miss Qi’s pet fish.
Days passed, and Miss Qi treated the fish with such tenderness. As a fish, Ran Yi witnessed the girl sharing stories about all her sorrows. Sometimes, he used his abilities to give Miss Qi beautiful dreams while she slept.
However, that happiness did not last long. Miss Qi was suddenly forced to marry a wealthy man from a neighboring village. Her authoritarian father threatened to destroy everything Miss Qi loved if she refused, including throwing her pet fish into the river. In despair, Miss Qi cried every night by the river, telling Ran Yi all her sorrows.
Anger slowly burned in Ran Yi's heart. He began to absorb energy from the people who came to the river to ask for beautiful dreams. Eventually, he made a dark decision. He took Miss Qi's soul and ate her body to strengthen himself, determined to destroy the girl's family.
“In the end, you killed the woman you loved just because you didn't want to see her marry someone else,” Zhuo Yichen mocked, a sneer curling his lips.
Ran Yi glared sharply, anger blazing in his eyes. “Her soul still exists. I can restore her to human form!” he replied, his voice trembling with emotion.
Zhuo Yichen sneered. “Hiding her under an illusion isn't the right path. You've already consumed her body. If Miss Qi knew what you've done, she would surely hate you.”
Ran Yi fell silent. Those words felt like a knife piercing his heart. However, instead of feeling guilty, he smiled slyly and glanced at Zhu Yan.
“My illusion is a real memory. Don't you also know who killed your family, Zhuo Yichen? But you're still with him.”
Those words felt like thorns piercing Zhuo Yichen's heart. He glanced at Zhu Yan, who stood behind him with a blank expression, as if unaffected.
“This issue cannot be compared,” Zhuo Yichen stated firmly. He signaled Zhu Yan to dispel the energy spell trapping Ran Yi.
Zhu Yan nodded slowly, then moved his hands, causing the spell to fade away gradually. However, just as Zhuo Yichen stepped closer, a dark energy suddenly attacked Ran Yi. Black smoke enveloped his body, causing fresh blood to spurt from his mouth.
The air around them became chaotic. A strong wind blew, scattering leaves in all directions. From within the black smoke, a cold voice echoed.
“Weak.”
The voice made Zhuo Yichen's blood freeze. He recognized the voice clearly. From behind the smoke, Li Lun emerged, holding Ran Yi's neck with one hand.
“Li Lun, don't kill him!” Zhu Yan shouted, trying to stop Li Lun's cruel actions.
However, Li Lun only chuckled. He began to mercilessly absorb the energy from Ran Yi's body. When his energy was depleted, he threw Ran Yi's lifeless body toward Zhuo Yichen. Quickly, Zhuo Yichen caught Ran Yi's body, assisted by Ying Lei.
“Li Lun! Aren't we supposed to avoid attacking fellow demons?” Zhu Yan asked, her voice filled with anger.
Li Lun merely smiled cynically. He glared at Zhuo Yichen sharply but gave no response. In an instant, he vanished, shrouding his body in black smoke.
Ran Yi, with what little strength he had left, looked at Zhuo Yichen and Zhu Yan. “Li Lun... He's the one who brought Miss Qi's body here,” he said weakly. “I ate her body unconsciously, because of his influence. I just wanted to protect her... But I failed.”
Zhuo Yichen clenched his teeth. “Ran Yi, you...”
However, before he could continue, Ran Yi's body began to transform into golden shards of light. “Miss Qi... at least she is now in her dream world,” he whispered before disappearing completely.
The wind calmed down, leaving a suffocating silence. Zhu Yan stood motionless, staring at the spot where Ran Yi had disappeared. Zhuo Yichen's gaze turned cold, filled with frustration he couldn't express.
“This case is closed,” Zhuo Yichen finally said. His voice was cold, full of bitterness. “I'm going back to the bureau.” He walked away without looking back, followed by Ying Lei, who remained silent.
Zhu Yan remained standing in place, watching Zhuo Yichen's back grow increasingly distant. Since leaving the illusory world, he felt that Zhuo Yichen no longer wanted to look at him. He took a deep breath and followed their footsteps. The wind blew again, as if carrying fragments of memories that were slowly fading away.
Chapter Text
In a small pavilion on the outskirts of the city, Bai Jiu sat leisurely at the dining table, accompanied by two women, each with her own unique charm. The pavilion was lively with the sound of visitors chatting and the clinking of bowls. Lanterns cast a warm glow that illuminated the evening atmosphere.
One of the women at the table, Wen Xiao, radiated a graceful aura. She wore a pink outfit embroidered with beautiful cherry blossom patterns. Her smile was gentle, yet her eyes gleamed with curiosity. The other woman, Pei Shijing, looked entirely different. Dressed in dark male attire, she appeared more practical and battle-ready. A quiver of arrows was slung across her back, making her look like a fearless hunter.
Bai Jiu took a piece of meat from his bowl and chewed slowly, though his mind wandered. He recalled Zhuo Yichen’s fierce expression when returning from the Tianjin River.
“Yichen has already dealt with the demon Ran Yi; shouldn’t he be here having dinner with us?” Wen Xiao asked while pouring tea into her cup.
Bai Jiu shrugged as he sipped his water. “Sister Wen Xiao, when we returned earlier, Master Zhuo’s face was very unfriendly. It seemed something was bothering him.”
Wen Xiao carefully set her cup down. She glanced at Pei Shijing, who was busy slicing meat. “Master Zhuo is often like that. But this time, it’s different, isn’t it?”
Pei Shijing, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. “Master Zhuo has a demon by his side now.”
Bai Jiu nearly choked upon hearing that. “What? You mean Zhu Yan? Isn’t he just Master Zhuo’s new friend?”
“New friend?” Wen Xiao narrowed her eyes, trying to find meaning behind the words.
“Sister Wen Xiao, has Master Zhuo really accepted Zhu Yan as a member of the bureau? I heard he was accepted directly by Master Zhuo, without any procedure. Isn’t that strange?” said Bai Jiu.
Wen Xiao fell silent, trying to recall the details. “I don’t know much. But if there’s anything suspicious, Sister Pei would surely know, right?”
Pei Shijing looked up, her sharp gaze making the young man shiver slightly. “I don’t know anything,” she replied curtly.
Silence hung between them. Bai Jiu and Wen Xiao exchanged glances, trying to find answers in each other’s eyes, but all they found was confusion. Eventually, they resumed eating, though their curiosity still weighed heavily on their minds.
A sudden voice broke the mood.
“Pei Shijing!” a man called from the doorway.
All three of them turned at once. A man in the uniform of the demon-hunting bureau stood at the threshold. He brought an urgent message. “There’s a demon-hunting operation tonight. We need your help.”
Pei Shijing immediately stood without saying much. She grabbed her quiver and looked at her two companions. “I have to go. Don’t wait for me.”
Bai Jiu raised his hand, half-joking. “Be careful, Sister Pei. Don’t end up catching the wrong demon!”
Pei Shijing only snorted, then disappeared into the dark night.
After Pei Shijing’s departure, Bai Jiu and Wen Xiao resumed their meal. However, the atmosphere was no longer as warm as before. Bai Jiu glanced at Wen Xiao, who now seemed more serious.
“Sister Wen Xiao, what do you think is going on with Master Zhuo?” Bai Jiu asked in a low voice, as if afraid others might overhear.
Wen Xiao let out a long sigh. “I think this has something to do with Zhu Yan. That demon is not just an ordinary friend. He has an agenda we don’t yet know.”
Bai Jiu nodded slowly in agreement. “Master Zhuo usually doesn’t trust people easily, let alone demons. But this time, he accepted him right away.”
“Maybe there’s a reason we don’t know,” Wen Xiao said. She stared at the leftovers on her plate, deep in thought. “Or maybe Master Zhuo sees something in Zhu Yan that we don’t.”
Bai Jiu fell silent. He recalled how Zhu Yan seemed so at ease even in the midst of a bureau full of demon hunters. His wide smile, his calm demeanor—all of it felt unnatural to Bai Jiu. But he couldn’t deny that there was something intriguing about the demon.
“Sister Wen Xiao,” Bai Jiu broke the silence, “do you believe that one day Master Zhuo will fully trust Zhu Yan?”
Wen Xiao didn’t answer immediately. She sipped her tea slowly, then looked at Bai Jiu with eyes full of certainty. “If Zhu Yan can truly prove that he has no ill intentions, perhaps. But until that day comes, we will remain vigilant.”
Bai Jiu nodded, then gave a small smile. “I hope you’re right, Sister Wen Xiao. I just want Master Zhuo not to be hurt again. He’s already carried too much.”
Wen Xiao only smiled faintly, then patted Bai Jiu’s shoulder. “We all want the same thing.”
×××
Zhuo Yichen sat quietly in the garden of the demon-hunting bureau, gazing at the towering tree before him. The night air was so cold it seeped into his bones, yet his thoughts were more restless than his shivering body. The image of his elder brother, who appeared in Ran Yi’s illusion, kept replaying in his mind. Ran Yi had said that the demon who killed his brother was Zhu Yan. Even though he knew the illusion wasn’t entirely true, the seed of doubt had been planted.
Suddenly, the tip of the Yunguang sword emitted a faint blue glow. Without turning, Zhuo Yichen already knew who was coming. Light footsteps approached, accompanied by the sound of leisurely chewing.
“Master Zhuo? Can’t sleep?” Zhu Yan’s voice broke the silence. He came closer with a banana in hand, a gift from Ying Lei.
Zhuo Yichen didn’t answer. His eyes remained fixed on the tree in front of him, as if searching for answers among the leaves swaying in the night breeze. Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow, then casually sat beside him, continuing to eat his banana until it was gone. He studied the somber-looking Zhuo Yichen and gave a small smile.
“You want to collect on your promise, don’t you?” Zhuo Yichen finally spoke without turning.
“Exactly,” Zhu Yan replied, crushing the banana peel with his demon energy. “A promise must be kept.”
Silence fell. Zhuo Yichen took a deep breath, weighing something in his mind.
“I know,” he began, his voice heavy. “I know Ran Yi’s illusion was just an illusion. It wasn’t reality.”
Zhu Yan smiled faintly, gazing at the night sky. “Master Zhuo is wise. I’m glad to hear that.”
Zhuo Yichen finally turned slightly to face Zhu Yan directly. “You’ve been accepted into the demon-hunting bureau, as per our agreement. But now I want to know—what kind of help do you want from me?”
The question made Zhu Yan fall silent. He leaned back in the garden chair, looking once again at the starry sky. His usually playful smile turned into something harder to read.
“The help I’m asking for… I’ll tell you when the time comes. One day, when I release our bond,” he answered vaguely.
Zhuo Yichen looked at him suspiciously but didn’t press. He knew Zhu Yan was a mysterious figure, but for now, he chose to let it be. They fell back into the night’s silence. A gentle breeze carried the calming scent of damp earth.
“Is Master Zhuo always like this? Awake at night without ever sleeping?” Zhu Yan suddenly asked, breaking the stillness.
“I have to keep watch. If I sleep, danger could come without warning,” Zhuo Yichen replied flatly.
Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow, curious. “Does Master Zhuo doubt the strength of the bureau’s guards? Aren’t they reliable enough?”
Zhuo Yichen didn’t answer. He only turned his face back to the night sky, his eyes blank.
Seeing this, Zhu Yan smiled and confidently patted his chest. “Master Zhuo, don’t worry. I, Zhu Yan, the great demon of Dahuang, will protect Master Zhuo from all harm. You have nothing to fear!”
“Nonsense,” Zhuo Yichen muttered under his breath, loud enough for Zhu Yan to hear.
Zhu Yan chuckled, but his tone shifted to something more serious. “You guard this bureau so fiercely, even staying up every night. But who guards you? No one here cares as much as I do. If anyone dares to hurt you, I’m willing to risk my life.”
Those words made Zhuo Yichen feel disgusted. He turned sharply to glare at Zhu Yan.
“Don’t speak as if you’re some kind of hero,” he said coldly. “I’ll kill you the moment my promise to you is fulfilled.”
Zhu Yan wasn’t fazed. He simply chuckled and patted Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder. “Alright, Master Zhuo. In that case, it means you’re allowing me to protect you until that time comes, isn’t it?”
Zhuo Yichen snorted in irritation and rose from his seat. “I’m sick of hearing your nonsense.”
But before he could walk away, Zhu Yan suddenly said, “Master Zhuo, do you know why I insist on helping this bureau?”
Zhuo Yichen stopped in his tracks. He turned halfway, raising an eyebrow at Zhu Yan.
“Why?” he asked.
Zhu Yan stood, tossing the crushed banana peel into a trash bin. He approached Zhuo Yichen, looking him in the eye seriously for the first time that night.
“Because I once lost someone very important to me. Someone I allowed to be hurt because I was too selfish. If I can help this bureau, if I can protect someone, I feel… it’s like atoning for a mistake I can never erase.”
Zhuo Yichen was silent. He studied Zhu Yan’s face, searching for a lie behind those words, but found nothing except painful sincerity. He took a deep breath, holding back the words he wanted to say.
“Don’t use your past as an excuse to interfere in my life,” he finally said coldly before walking away from Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan only watched Zhuo Yichen’s back as he left, his smile returning. But this time, it was a smile full of sorrow. He knew their paths were different, but he wouldn’t back down. Not this time.
Chapter Text
That night, the Dahuang Forest was shrouded in a thick mist, like a gray blanket hanging between the towering trees that reached toward the sky. The cold air bit at the skin, carrying with it a dampness that made everything feel heavy and silent. The rustle of leaves swayed by the wind was the only rhythm in the stillness. But hurried footsteps broke the silence, accompanied by the sound of snapping twigs and crushed leaves growing closer.
Zhu Yan, who at the time was still a teenager, pushed through the dark forest, his breath quick and his face filled with worry. His simple white clothing was now stained with dirt, but he didn’t care. His sharp eyes searched for the figure that had been out of sight for far too long.
“Li Lun!” he called loudly, his voice echoing among the trees.
But there was no answer. Only the echo of his own voice came back to him, tightening the grip of anxiety on his heart. With hurried movements, Zhu Yan brushed aside the small branches that blocked his path. His heart pounded faster. He knew his stubborn friend had a bad habit of isolating himself when wounded, but on a cold night like this, he couldn’t let Li Lun be alone.
After what felt like an eternity, Zhu Yan finally saw a familiar figure. At the edge of a small lake whose surface reflected the faint moonlight, sat a man dressed entirely in white. His long black hair was neatly tied back, but his posture looked fragile. His shoulders were hunched, his knees pulled tightly to his chest, as if trying to shield himself from the freezing cold.
“Li Lun,” Zhu Yan called again, this time more softly.
Li Lun didn’t turn his head. Zhu Yan approached, his heart aching even more when he saw his friend’s body trembling violently. The cold night air was clearly unforgiving, and Li Lun’s body, though that of a demon, looked extremely weak.
“Li Lun,” he called once more, now kneeling in front of his friend. “What are you doing here?”
Li Lun remained silent, only lowering his head further, hiding his pale face. Without a second thought, Zhu Yan took off his thick cloak and draped it over Li Lun’s body. He adjusted the fabric carefully, making sure every part of his friend’s body was covered.
“You’re freezing,” Zhu Yan muttered, more to himself. Without waiting for permission, he pulled Li Lun into his arms, trying to give whatever warmth he could offer.
Li Lun’s chest rose and fell slowly, his breathing faint. After a while, he finally spoke, though in a voice barely audible. “Why are you here?”
“Because of you,” Zhu Yan replied firmly. “I’ve been looking for you for days. Why do you always distance yourself like this?”
Li Lun shook his head slowly. “I’m fine.”
“Don’t lie,” Zhu Yan said, his tone full of frustration. “Look at yourself. You can’t even keep your body warm. Stop tormenting yourself.”
Li Lun didn’t respond. He simply closed his eyes, trying to hide the weakness and pain he felt.
Zhu Yan let out a long sigh. “Come with me. It’s much warmer where I am. You can eat properly, rest, and recover.”
But as always, Li Lun only weakly shook his head. “I can’t, Zhu Yan.”
“You always say that. Why, Li Lun? What makes you keep refusing my help?” Zhu Yan looked into his friend’s eyes, searching for an answer.
“I don’t want to trouble you,” Li Lun finally replied, his voice hoarse.
“Trouble? Are you stupid?” Zhu Yan shot back, his voice laced with annoyance, though there was a trace of gentleness in it. “I’m here because I care about you. Do you think I’d let my friend freeze to death in this forest?”
Li Lun didn’t respond. His eyes closed again, and his body leaned slightly against Zhu Yan, though it was clear he was trying to hold back from relying too much on him.
Zhu Yan tightened his embrace, trying to transfer his body’s warmth into Li Lun’s. “If you won’t come with me, then I’ll stay here with you.”
“Don’t,” Li Lun whispered weakly. “You’ll get sick…”
“Quiet,” Zhu Yan cut in firmly. “I don’t care. I’m not leaving you alone.”
The night wind blew harder, carrying a cold that pierced to the bone. Still, Zhu Yan stayed. He knew if he left, Li Lun wouldn’t survive until morning.
Trying to lighten the mood, Zhu Yan spoke again. “Do you remember when we were little? You always hid behind me every time we got into trouble.”
Li Lun gave a faint smile, though his face remained pale. “You just liked to get into trouble too much.”
Zhu Yan chuckled softly. “Maybe. But I always fixed it, didn’t I?”
Li Lun didn’t answer, but the faint smile on his face was enough of a reply for Zhu Yan.
Moments passed in silence. Zhu Yan looked at the small lake in front of them, its water calm, reflecting the moon’s shadow. Memories of their past together flashed in his mind.
“I used to think you were invincible,” Zhu Yan said suddenly. “You always seemed so calm, so strong. But now…”
“I’m still strong,” Li Lun cut in, though his voice was weak.
“You are strong,” Zhu Yan replied gently. “But it’s okay to rely on someone else once in a while.”
Li Lun remained silent, but this time there was no rejection on his face. Zhu Yan took the chance to continue.
“You know, Li Lun, I don’t care how stubborn you are. I’ll always be here for you. You can reject me a thousand times, but I won’t give up.”
Li Lun’s eyes grew heavy. “Why do you care about me so much?”
“Because you’re my friend,” Zhu Yan answered without hesitation. “And because I know you’d do the same for me.”
That night, in the cold of the Dahuang Forest, the warmth of their friendship became the only shield against the harshness of the world around them. Although Li Lun remained silent, Zhu Yan knew his words had reached his friend’s heart. He only hoped that someday, Li Lun would open himself up and accept the help he had always offered without conditions.
FLASHBACK
Chapter Text
The morning began to break, replacing the thin mist that blanketed Tianxia Village. The bustle of the market started to be heard, echoing through the narrow alleys with various sounds: merchants calling to buyers, bargaining over prices, and the lively shouts of little children running around. The aroma of spices mixed with the scent of freshly baked bread, creating the distinctive atmosphere of a lively morning market.
Zhuo Yichen, Zhu Yan, and Wen Xiao walked amidst the crowd, their steps relaxed yet still drawing attention. Wen Xiao, with her friendly face and charming smile, made the villagers greet her with respect. She was the daughter of the Chief of the Demon Apprehension Bureau, a position that inspired both awe and admiration from the people. Even so, she remained humble, returning the greetings sincerely.
“You should have gone with Pei Shijing instead,” murmured Zhuo Yichen in a flat tone, though loud enough for Wen Xiao to hear.
Wen Xiao turned with a small smile. “You said yourself, Sister Pei hasn’t returned yet. Should I go alone?”
Zhu Yan chuckled beside her. “Relax, Master Zhuo. You seem to be enjoying this noble mission.”
Zhuo Yichen only snorted, making no effort to hide his displeasure. He thought this task was unimportant, but he had no choice. Even so, his gaze kept following Wen Xiao, ensuring the girl was safe in the busy market.
Wen Xiao walked toward a small wooden cart filled with toys. Her eyes sparkled as she picked up a neatly carved wooden doll, studying it closely. The elderly vendor selling it looked delighted, smiling broadly at his special potential customer.
Zhuo Yichen stood stiffly behind Wen Xiao, arms crossed, eyes alertly scanning the surroundings. He was like an unshakable fortress, yet his overly serious demeanor amused Zhu Yan.
“Master Zhuo,” called Zhu Yan with a mischievous smile, picking up a wooden pinwheel that spun slowly in the morning breeze. “I think this suits you. You’d look more relaxed if you held this.”
Zhuo Yichen turned with a sharp look. “I don’t need toys,” he replied coldly, his voice like a piercing winter wind.
Undeterred, Zhu Yan held the pinwheel higher. “Are you sure? The colors are so bright. It might make you look a little… more alive.”
Wen Xiao turned at the sound of their conversation, her lips curving into a small smile. She hadn’t expected Zhu Yan to be bold enough to tease Zhuo Yichen. Even though they had just met, Zhu Yan showed neither shyness nor hesitation toward him, and she liked that about him.
Zhuo Yichen took a deep breath, holding back his irritation. “If you have nothing important to say, it’s better to be quiet.”
Zhu Yan simply shrugged, putting on an innocent expression. But he wasn’t about to stop there. His eyes flicked toward Wen Xiao, and a mischievous idea crossed his mind.
“Miss Wen Xiao,” Zhu Yan called in a lively tone.
Wen Xiao turned, the wooden doll still in her hand. “Yes?”
“Master Zhuo here wants to buy you something. But he’s too shy to say it,” Zhu Yan said, wearing an obviously exaggerated serious face.
Wen Xiao chuckled softly, her gaze shifting to Zhuo Yichen, who instantly wore an unhappy expression. “Really, Master Zhuo? You want to buy something for me?” she teased.
“I didn’t say anything,” Zhuo Yichen replied firmly, his tone flat, though his ears seemed to turn slightly red.
“Oh, don’t be so modest, Master Zhuo,” Zhu Yan interrupted, holding back laughter. “Didn’t you say earlier you wanted to make Miss Wen Xiao’s day brighter?”
Zhuo Yichen shot Zhu Yan a sharp look, but Zhu Yan only stared back with a face full of innocence. Wen Xiao, meanwhile, seemed to be enjoying the situation.
“In that case,” Wen Xiao said, placing the wooden doll back down, “I want that pinwheel. The one you were holding, Zhu Yan.”
“Excellent choice!” Zhu Yan handed the pinwheel to the vendor with a broad smile. “Master Zhuo, you heard her. Come on, pay for this pinwheel for Miss Wen Xiao.”
Zhuo Yichen snorted quietly, but he reached into his pocket and paid without much fuss. After the transaction, he handed the pinwheel to Wen Xiao, who accepted it with a sweet smile.
“Thank you, Master Zhuo,” Wen Xiao said, her tone sincere but clearly teasing.
Zhuo Yichen simply nodded, restraining himself from saying anything further. He knew the more he responded, the more likely Zhu Yan would keep teasing him.
They continued their walk, passing through colorful stalls. Wen Xiao occasionally stopped to look at interesting items, while Zhu Yan kept finding ways to make Zhuo Yichen look awkward. But even though Zhuo Yichen tried hard to maintain his composure, there were small moments where he smiled faintly—quickly hiding it again.
“Wen Xiao,” Zhu Yan called suddenly, pointing toward a vendor selling sugar candies shaped like flowers. “Doesn’t that suit you perfectly? Sweet candy like this would match your personality.”
Wen Xiao laughed softly but stepped closer to take a look. Zhuo Yichen, already growing tired of all the small commotion, simply shook his head slowly.
“I thought you didn’t like sweet things,” Zhuo Yichen said, his voice low but audible.
Wen Xiao turned to him, her smile meaningful. “There’s nothing wrong with trying something new, right?”
Zhu Yan grinned, satisfied with the small chaos he had created. The three of them continued until they reached the end of the market, where a street musician played a flute with a beautiful melody. Wen Xiao stopped, captivated by the music. Zhuo Yichen and Zhu Yan also paused, though for different reasons.
“The music is beautiful, isn’t it?” Wen Xiao asked, watching the musician.
Zhu Yan nodded. “Very. It feels like the sound of wind carrying old memories.”
Zhuo Yichen stayed silent, but his eyes softened slightly at the melody. He said nothing, but the silence was enough to show he, too, was moved by the music.
Under the morning sunlight warming Tianxia Village, the three of them stood together, enjoying a simple yet precious moment. The market was once again filled with lively noise, but for them, the world felt peaceful for a while.
The flute’s music continued to flow, filling the morning air with a tender melody. Wen Xiao closed her eyes briefly, letting herself be carried away by the soul-stirring rhythm. Zhu Yan, usually full of jokes, was momentarily silent, entranced by the musician’s playing. Meanwhile, Zhuo Yichen stood tall, but there was something in his eyes—faint, almost invisible—that hinted the melody stirred a distant memory within him.
“This music feels like it’s telling an old story,” Wen Xiao murmured, opening her eyes and turning to Zhu Yan. “What do you think it’s telling?”
Zhu Yan gave a small smile, his expression turning serious. “Maybe about someone who lost something precious. You can feel it in the notes.”
Wen Xiao turned to Zhuo Yichen, waiting for his comment. But the man remained silent, his gaze fixed on the elderly musician. He seemed deep in thought until, finally, in a soft voice, he said, “This music… reminds me of my hometown.”
Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan both looked at him, surprised by the admission. Zhuo Yichen wasn’t the type to speak about his past, let alone something personal.
“Your hometown?” Wen Xiao asked gently, her voice full of curiosity.
Zhuo Yichen nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the musician. “When I was a child, there was someone who often played a melody like this. They said it was like the wind over open plains, carrying freedom.”
“Who were they?” Zhu Yan asked, his tone more serious now.
Zhuo Yichen didn’t answer right away. Instead, he took a deep breath, as if trying to control something difficult to express. “They were… someone who taught me there’s beauty in freedom, even though life often feels like a prison.”
Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao exchanged glances. There was a deep sadness in Zhuo Yichen’s voice, something they rarely heard from the man who was usually so stern and full of anger.
Wen Xiao smiled faintly, trying to lighten the mood. “The melody is beautiful. Maybe you should learn it someday, so you can remember your hometown more clearly.”
Zhuo Yichen turned to her, and for the first time, there was a faint smile on his face. A smile that quickly faded, but enough to let Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan know he appreciated the suggestion.
The old musician finished his song, and the people in the market gave enthusiastic applause. Wen Xiao approached him, taking a few silver coins from her pocket. “Your melody is very beautiful, Sir. Thank you for playing for us.”
The musician gave a weak smile, accepting the coins with trembling hands. “Thank you, Miss. Music is the only thing I have left now.”
Wen Xiao bowed respectfully, then returned to where Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen stood. But before she could say anything, a large man suddenly appeared in front of the old musician, kicking over the box where he kept his money.
“You again, old man! I told you not to get in my way!” the man shouted harshly, his voice breaking through the market’s noise.
Wen Xiao froze, immediately moving forward, but Zhuo Yichen stopped her with his hand. “Let me.”
Zhuo Yichen stepped forward calmly, his aura instantly changing. The surrounding villagers began to notice, whispers spreading as they recognized who he was.
“That’s enough,” Zhuo Yichen’s voice was low but sharp, like a sword being drawn. “You have no right to treat an old man like that.”
The big man turned, his face immediately paling when he saw who was speaking. “M-Master Zhuo! I didn’t know you were here!”
Zhuo Yichen approached, his eyes cold as ice. “You don’t need to know I’m here. What you need to know is that if I see you do something like this again, I won’t hesitate to lock you up with demons in the Bureau’s prison.”
The man immediately dropped to his knees, begging. “Forgive me, Master Zhuo! I won’t do it again!”
“Go,” Zhuo Yichen ordered curtly. Without a second thought, the man got up and fled in panic, leaving the old musician still sitting on the ground.
Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan approached Zhuo Yichen. Wen Xiao helped the old musician to his feet, while Zhu Yan patted Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder with a small grin. “Impressive, Master Zhuo. You managed to scare him without drawing your sword.”
“No need to exaggerate,” Zhuo Yichen replied, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
The old musician bowed deeply. “Thank you, Sir. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t helped me.”
Zhuo Yichen merely nodded, then turned to Wen Xiao. “We’ve been here long enough. Let’s go.”
Wen Xiao nodded, but before leaving, she handed the musician an extra coin. “I hope your day gets better, Sir.”
As the three of them left the market, the atmosphere became lighter. Zhu Yan, as usual, began teasing again. “Master Zhuo, I didn’t know you had a hidden hero side. You’ve impressed me.”
Zhuo Yichen gave him a sharp look. “Stop talking, Zhu Yan.”
Wen Xiao chuckled softly. “I think you should get used to Zhu Yan. He won’t stop until he’s satisfied.”
“I know,” Zhuo Yichen muttered, but there was a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
They continued walking out of the market, along cobblestone streets that were starting to fill with carts and traders going back and forth. The fresh morning air was gently warmed by sunlight filtering through thin clouds. As usual, Zhu Yan kept chattering about everything he had seen in the market, while Wen Xiao listened with a smile.
“How about we come back here another time?” Zhu Yan suggested, handing Wen Xiao the pinwheel he had bought earlier. “This market has so many interesting things. Maybe we could try Tianxia Village’s special dishes.”
Wen Xiao took the pinwheel, spinning it slowly. “Good idea. But I think you just want to eat for free, don’t you?”
Zhu Yan laughed lightly. “Of course! Isn’t that the best part of trips like this?”
Zhuo Yichen, walking ahead of them, suddenly stopped. He turned back, raising an eyebrow slightly. “If you want to explore more, make sure it’s not when I’m the one assigned to accompany you.”
Zhu Yan stepped closer, patting his shoulder casually. “Come on, Master Zhuo. You look like you’re enjoying this. Don’t pretend you don’t care.”
Wen Xiao joined in with a teasing tone. “Right. If you weren’t enjoying it, why did you help that old musician earlier?”
Zhuo Yichen snorted softly, his face turning serious again. “I just can’t stand seeing injustice. It has nothing to do with enjoying anything.”
Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan exchanged looks, then laughed softly. They knew well that beneath his cold demeanor, Zhuo Yichen had a sincere heart.
As they walked farther, the village scenery grew quieter. The cobblestones turned into dirt paths surrounded by green fields. A few children could be seen playing in the distance, chasing butterflies fluttering over wildflowers.
“You know,” Zhu Yan said suddenly, breaking the silence, “sometimes I envy them.” He gestured toward the children with his chin. “Being able to play without burdens. Their lives look so simple.”
Wen Xiao looked at him, her expression softening. “Everyone has their own burdens, Zhu Yan. Even those children might face difficulties we don’t know about.”
Zhu Yan gave a bitter smile, his eyes slightly clouded. “You’re right. But still, I wish I could feel as free as they do, even if just for a day.”
Zhuo Yichen, who usually stayed silent during such conversations, finally spoke. “Freedom isn’t something that comes easily. Sometimes, to get it, you have to lose something precious.”
Those words made Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan fall silent. There was something in his tone that made them realize Zhuo Yichen was speaking from personal experience.
“Zhuo Yichen,” Wen Xiao called gently, “have you ever lost something important?”
The man didn’t answer right away. He just stared far ahead, as if seeing something invisible to others. After a few seconds, he shook his head slowly. “It’s not important.”
Zhu Yan wanted to ask further, but Wen Xiao stopped him with a touch on his arm. She knew there were things that weren’t easy to talk about, and forcing it would only make things more awkward.
They continued their walk in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. But the mood didn’t last long, as the sound of children’s laughter in the fields caught their attention.
“Look at that!” Zhu Yan exclaimed, pointing at a group of children chasing a small goat leaping among them. “Looks like they need help catching that goat.”
Wen Xiao laughed softly. “Do you want to help them?”
“Why not? I’m great at this!” Zhu Yan replied enthusiastically, running toward the children without waiting for an answer.
Wen Xiao shook her head with a smile, then turned to Zhuo Yichen. “Shall we let him play for a bit?”
Zhuo Yichen sighed, but there was a faint glimmer in his eyes showing he didn’t really mind. “Let him be. Monkeys do like running around like that.”
They stood by the roadside, watching Zhu Yan now trying to help the children catch the goat. Laughter and cheers filled the air, creating a light and joyful atmosphere.
“You know,” Wen Xiao said suddenly, her voice low, “I like seeing moments like this. This world is full of chaos, but there are small moments that remind us not everything is bad.”
Zhuo Yichen looked at her, his expression hard to read. “Maybe. But moments like this don’t last long. Sooner or later, we return to reality.”
Wen Xiao turned to him, looking at him meaningfully. “That’s why we should enjoy them while we can, right? Even if just for a moment.”
Zhuo Yichen didn’t reply, but for a moment, his expression softened. He looked back at Zhu Yan, who was laughing with the children, and though he didn’t say it, perhaps a small part of him agreed with Wen Xiao.
Ari (Guest) on Chapter 1 Wed 13 Aug 2025 02:58PM UTC
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TinyTerrapin on Chapter 2 Sun 10 Aug 2025 06:20AM UTC
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TinyTerrapin on Chapter 3 Sun 10 Aug 2025 06:24AM UTC
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Ari (Guest) on Chapter 3 Wed 13 Aug 2025 03:06PM UTC
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Lala9 on Chapter 4 Sun 10 Aug 2025 01:58PM UTC
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