Chapter 160: Shaking Evil and Good, The Hero’s Call to Heroes

Some things aren’t that complicated. Yet in today’s society and lifestyle, complicated people have made simple things complex—like love. Perhaps it’s just a glance, a promise, a fleeting encounter, but a lifetime of love. Yet the hardships of life and realistic people turn this love into something complex, tortuous, and sorrowful…

“Alright, are you all bullying me? Speak up…” Lan Ren shouted impatiently at Lan Ying, her willful personality showing unconsciously.

Lan Ying smiled and nodded. “Okay, okay. I really can’t believe you. I think there’s no braver or more stubborn girl in the world. I wonder if you’ll ever get married. I’m really worried about you, sister.”

Lan Ren didn’t answer. She glanced at Li Ling and said, “Ling, you speak.”

Li Ling nodded. “Actually, Miss Tianjiao is just targeting people’s hearts. Since the Good and Evil factions have long wanted to fight but lacked a good reason, this time we can ask your brother to give them one. The hero’s call will naturally be sent to the leaders of both factions. If it were just an ordinary call, they wouldn’t pay attention…”

“But the Evil Faction’s Ao Tian has extreme ambitions. He’ll surely use this hero’s call to scheme and take advantage of this opportunity to attack the Good Faction. Of course, the Good Faction isn’t stupid either. They’ll probably use this chance to resolve the long-standing issues between the two factions.”

Lan Ren nodded. “Oh, I see. Brother arranges a simple gathering, and then between the Good and Evil factions, we guess against each other—the Good Faction thinks it’s the Evil Faction’s scheme, and the Evil Faction thinks it’s the Good Faction’s. We use their competitive nature to show the strength of Tianji Xinggong, right?”

Lan Ying nodded and laughed. “It seems my little sister isn’t that stupid after all. Haha.”

Lan Ren snapped, “Ling is better. Brother bullies me without even telling me!”

Lan Ying smiled. “You girl, why do you defend others so quickly? Forget about your brother.”

Lan Ren blurted out those words. By the time she realized her mistake, it was too late to take them back. Her face turned red. “Alright, Brother, go handle your matters. We’re going to rest.”

With that, she left the hall without looking back, heading in another direction, clearly in a hurry—probably due to the embarrassment.

Although Li Ling had practiced swordsmanship for a hundred years, his mind remained that of a youth. He also felt awkward and said, “I’ll take my leave too. Waiting for good news from the Emperor tomorrow.”

Lan Ying smiled and nodded. As Miss Tianjiao left, he began drafting the hero’s call…

…

The night was quiet. The sky was deep blue, cloudless, with only bright stars and a waning moon. In the gentle breeze, the sound of bells could be heard occasionally—so clear, yet evoking longing…

Miss Tianjiao’s figure remained small, lonely, and delicate, yet revealing an irreparable wound. She seemed perfect yet lacking something. Ever since she learned the story of the Nirvana Man and the Heavenly Maiden, her heart no longer belonged to her. She didn’t know if she had fallen in love with the character in the story…

She once tried to stand in front of Liu Yi, but she couldn’t sense anything wrong. Yet, whenever she recalled that story, she felt a stir—a blend of happiness and loneliness. She knew she had fallen in love with a non-existent person, the one in the story, not the real Liu Yi.

In the wind, the bells rang again. A person in black clothes with white hair appeared before her. Those eyes, filled with sorrow and weariness, made her realize her own happiness. She knew this was the love in her heart—the person from the story, someone who didn’t exist but gave her a sense of reality.

The lover’s bells, the tokens of the celestial maiden and the Nian person, were now in Tianjiao’s hands, yet they brought her such an illusory happiness. She didn’t know what her future would hold. Perhaps Pangu would awaken, while she would forever remain dust. She was a girl without a fate, a girl who shouldn’t have existed, forced to endure endless pain just because of Pangu’s longing.

But who could understand her? Who knew her? Even the person she loved was non-existent. So why was she still in this world? Pangu might be a god, but he too had selfish desires. Thus, Tianjiao became a victim, someone unable to control her own future. She could only rely on Lan Ren. She could feel the affection between people, and she was satisfied…

At that moment, a voice came through, saying, “Sister Tianjiao, it’s so late and you’re still awake. Are you worried about something?” It was Lan Ren’s voice. After spending so much time together, Tianjiao only heard Lan Ren’s voice. Though she wasn’t a good girl, she was a good sister.

Tianjiao put away the purple bell, wiped away the tears from her eyes, and turned to look at Lan Ren. “Aunt Lan, aren’t you awake either?”

Lan Ren smiled. “Little girl, are you missing your lover?”

Tianjiao forced a smile. “How could I have the right? I don’t know when I might disappear.”

Lan Ren said, “Enough, Sister Tianjiao. Don’t overthink it. As long as we’re alive, we should be happy, right? Why bring so much helplessness to ourselves?”

Tianjiao smiled. “Yes, I really want to be happy too. But life is full of helplessness and complexity. My path has no end, yet it feels like I’ve already reached it. You won’t understand the pain in my heart.”

Lan Ren laughed. “We’re both girls. Don’t underestimate me. Tell me, who are you thinking about?”

Tianjiao looked at Lan Ren’s amused expression. “I’m not thinking about anyone. I’m just looking at the stars here. They’re so beautiful. I’m afraid I won’t be able to see them again in the future.”

Lan Ren replied, “You can’t fool me. I know you’re thinking about the person in the story. Have you fallen in love with the Nian person from the story?”

Tianjiao paused for a moment before answering, “Maybe. I don’t know how to describe his love. Perhaps there are many things besides love in life, but in his eyes, he abandoned life to pursue his love wholeheartedly. For him… I think I feel more moved than anything else.”

Lan Ren looked at Tianjiao and suddenly frowned, saying, “You’re fine. At least you can tell the difference between being moved, loving, or liking someone. As for me, I’m such a fool—my feelings for Li Ling are so confused, yet I still like her. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m feeling. It’s all so messy.”
Tianjiao smiled back and said to Lan Ren, “Sister Lan, you’re probably not that confused. If I’m not wrong, you’re afraid of giving your heart only to receive nothing in return, afraid that Li Ling won’t accept you, right?”
Lan Ren looked at Tianjiao and said, “Sister Tianjiao is so observant. Maybe so. You know me—I’m really selfish. I’m also afraid, that’s why I can’t sleep.”
Tianjiao turned away. The stars above were clearer from this height. She said softly, “Haven’t we read stories in books? Why can’t you be like the goddesses in those stories?”
Lan Ren also climbed onto the railing and said, “I can’t do that. I know my personality. I’m not that great. I just want my own life.”
Tianjiao paused, then turned around and said, “Once you fall in love… don’t be afraid. Show your courage. No matter how hard it is, there will always be an end. No matter how many tears there are, you must dry them. Love without setbacks is incomplete. Go ahead—I support you.”
Lan Ren looked at Tianjiao and suddenly smiled too, saying, “Thank you! With your support, Sister Tianjiao, I’m not afraid…”
Although the two girls had only met recently, they were closer than sisters. They always encouraged each other, understood each other, and helped one another. But… could their sisterly bond withstand the trials of the human heart?
“Report: Your Majesty, the challenge letters have been sent out,” said aghost guard in gray armor with a closed helmet, updating Lan Ying on the progress of the mission.
Lan Ying nodded and said, “Good. You may retire.”
Theghost guard replied, “Yes.” With a slight turn, he disappeared from the hall.
Lan Ying stood up, nodded, and smiled inwardly, “On the fifteenth of this month, you’ll all see how powerful this emperor is. The three realms… haha, I’ll enslave everyone…”
Crazy whispers from Lan Ying could be heard in the palace, gradually fading away…
It seemed that the three realms weren’t just a chaotic mix of good and evil. Lan Ying’s Tianji Xinggong also wanted to get involved, and Su Shao, who had already been persuaded by the Nine Nether Demons, would join the Ghost Clan. In the blink of an eye, the balance of power in the world was reshaped.
…
This was the Death Forest, just two kilometers away from Tianji Xinggong, and also a forbidden area in Lotus Town. Now, it had become Su Shao’s home—more precisely, the territory of the Ghost Clan.
It was a very spacious room, but it was dark inside. A little light filtered in from outside, but it couldn’t dispel the darkness. Torn tables and chairs were placed on either side, and old paintings were covered in thick layers of spider webs. At the front, sitting on a stone chair, was Su Shao. But his eyes were blood red, and his arms were black—clearly, the Nine Nether Demons were controlling his body.
Su Shao sat motionless on the stone chair, while the Nine Nether Demons seemed to be waiting for something…

At that moment, a wind sound came from within the quiet ruined house, carrying a mournful and pitiful tone. As the wind sound faded, a black disc gradually appeared on the ground, with light flowing within it. As the light moved, a black shadow slowly rose from beneath the black disc. This black shadow was none other than the chief patriarch of the ghost clan—the Death God.

Jiuyoumagic god sat up abruptly and asked, “Is there any movement?”

The Death God knelt down and replied, “Your Majesty, through the ‘Biling Youchi,’ we learned that the emperor of the netherworld has officially moved the Tianji Xinggong out of the netherworld. This palace is located just four li away from us.”

Jiuyoumagic god nodded and said, “Don’t worry. The ghost clan’s secrecy is such that no one can find us. Continue.”

The Death God continued, “Additionally, last night, the emperor of the netherworld issued a challenge to both the righteous forces of the human world and the dark magic forces. On the fifteenth day of the month, he will hold a banquet at Fuhua Villa. On the surface, it seems to be an invitation to both sides for the construction of the Tianji Xinggong, but the true purpose is easy to guess.”

Jiuyoumagic god nodded and said, “There are two reasons. First, he might want to use this opportunity to establish his authority over both sides and curb their wars. Second, if I were that emperor, I would never easily move the strongest palace in the netherworld just to control the righteous and dark forces… The real goal is probably to seize control of the three realms.”

The Death God added, “Your analysis makes perfect sense. What should we do next?”

Jiuyoumagic god replied, “Watch the show! I’ll attend this banquet to see what tricks that emperor has in store.”

The Death God asked, “Your Majesty, we can get information through the ‘Biling Youchi’—why do you still want to go in person?”

Jiuyoumagic god said, “Of course, there’s another reason. It’s also to better control this body. Besides, I want to know what they’re thinking. Direct contact is far better than information obtained indirectly.”

The Death God nodded and said, “Should I go with the guardians?”

Jiuyoumagic god shook his head and said, “No need. You stay here. With this kid’s body, it’s more convenient. If you go, it might only cause trouble.”

The Death God nodded and said, “Understood.” With that, he slowly sank back into the black disc. As he disappeared, the black disc gradually vanished, and the house returned to silence, with only those red eyes still glowing.

Jiuyoumagic god laughed heartily and said, “Pangu, the divine realm… Hmph! By the time you wake up, the three realms will already be under my feet. Wait for my greeting.”

As his laughter echoed, a glimmer of dawn appeared in the east, but it was blocked by dark clouds, leaving little light to reach the house. At that moment, Su Shao stretched and cursed, “Damn it, old guy! What did you do with my body last night? Ugh, why am I so tired?” As he moved his body around, he continued to complain about Jiuyoumagic god.

Jiuyoumagic god said, “You didn’t sleep well, did you? The fifteenth of this month, which is tomorrow, we’ll head to Fuhua Villa.”

Su Shao carefully repeated the words of the Nine Nether Demon God. Fuhua Villa? Fuhua Villa? Why does it feel so familiar? It seems like I’ve heard of it somewhere before.
The Nine Nether Demon God continued, “Fuhua Villa is the villa not far from Fengdu Ghost City. It’s also the place where battles are held among the three realms.”
Su Shao was shocked and said, “Oh, I remember now. I was there last time. Damn, there wasn’t a soul there. Then I left and went to that Fengdu Ghost City. Who would’ve thought I’d run into you, old fellow?”
The Nine Nether Demon God replied, “Don’t you want to go? See what kind of people are heroes, what kind are warlords, and also see that blue-eyed girl you miss.”
The first two sentences didn’t stir much in Su Shao. Warlords, heroes—those are just titles given by people. But the mention of the blue-eyed girl gave him a strange feeling. The sense of drifting among flowers in the snow was still faint, but every time the Nine Nether Demon God mentioned her, Su Shao felt that longing grow stronger, and he couldn’t help but think of her…
The Nine Nether Demon God said, “Enough thinking. Let’s go now. If we’re not quick, we might miss the gathering at Fuhua Villa. I don’t know why this Emperor is in such a hurry. It should take three days to get there, yet he insists on holding it tomorrow. His way of doing things is truly baffling. Ah… he has the ‘Light Transmission Array.’ I forgot about that. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to send messages to the righteous and demonic realms so quickly.”
Su Shao focused his mind and asked, “What were you babbling about just now? Some kind of array? Is it fast? Is it faster than a flying sword?”
The Nine Nether Demon God had no way to explain this clueless guy, so he simply activated the ‘Mysterious Rock,’ rushed out of the room, and flew into the air, saying, “Yes, it’s faster than a flying sword.”
Su Shao couldn’t help but exclaim, “It seems you’re not the strongest after all. There are those faster than you.”
The Nine Nether Demon God seemed offended and snapped, “I am the strongest! My sword is the strongest! It’s just that… his is a magic weapon, not part of the path of swordsmen.”
Su Shao sneered, “Stop acting all big and mighty. Your sword is the strongest? I thought I heard your kids say that the Cold Sword is the greatest sword of all.”
The Nine Nether Demon God seemed truly angry, but he couldn’t do anything about this rogue young master. Although he could control this body, enduring Su Shao’s verbal torment every day was far worse than being sealed away for ten thousand years. If given another choice, I wonder if he’d still crave freedom and randomly invade other people’s bodies…
Gradually, things calmed down. The Nine Nether Demon God stopped talking, and Su Shao also relaxed completely. He enjoyed the warm sunlight high in the sky, the speed on his flying sword, soaring through the clouds, leaping in the wind. Perhaps this was truly who he was—a man who pursued life.
But fate really does like to play tricks. It merged a demon god of ten thousand evils with an innocent boy. In that moment, the boy’s fate changed once again…

He didn’t know how long he had flown or how many mountains he had crossed. But this time, Su Shao wasn’t tired—perhaps because of the Nine Nether Demon God, or maybe due to his own mood. For soon, he would be able to see that girl with blue eyes again.
The wind stopped, the clouds calmed. When love arrives, no one knows; when it leaves, it stirs the clouds. Amidst all those arguments, Su Shao felt nothing. But after leaving, he suddenly realized how cute the girl was and felt an urge to see her again. In the air, he felt no fatigue, and the twinkling stars around him seemed to tell him that happiness was ahead…
The journey, which should have taken three days, was completed in just two days thanks to the Nine Nether Demon God’s swift swordsmanship, and they arrived at the Floating Splendor Villa…
By now, the stars were shining brightly, the full moon hung in the sky, and a gentle breeze brought coolness. The golden month of September seemed unaware of the bloodshed and chaos in the martial world.
After landing at the Floating Splendor Villa, they stopped in one of the rooms to avoid the people from the righteous and demonic factions. The Nine Nether Demon God said, “Go inside. We’ve already spent two days. If I’m not mistaken, the people from both factions still haven’t arrived… Yes, this Emperor is indeed clever.”
While searching for a path, Su Shao asked curiously, “What do you mean? How is he clever?”
The Nine Nether Demon God replied, “At first, I thought the two days were because he needed to use the ‘Light Transmission Array.’ It turns out this was just the first test from both the righteous and demonic factions. In two days, only the demonic sects and the righteous sects like the Cold Sword Sect could arrive. Others, due to the longer distance, would surely arrive on the third day or later.”
Su Shao asked, “So what?”
The Nine Nether Demon God continued, “Do you think the people from the demonic sects, the righteous sects, and the Cold Sword Sect are fools? Even the fastest would take three days, yet this blue-haired man arrived in just two days. This shows that his cultivation level is far above theirs.”
Su Shao nodded and said, “Mm, what you say makes some sense. Then will he hold the banquet early?”
Suddenly, the Nine Nether Demon God said, “Wait, it’s right here…” He looked up at the wall.
Su Shao said, “You go ahead. I’ll just watch. I can’t fly.” With that, he let go of his consciousness and handed control over to the Nine Nether Demon God…