Chapter 161: The Demon God’s Scheme – Loving the One Who Should Not Be Loved

They say love is tolerance—loving her flaws, loving everything about her. They say love is a feeling, bringing both happiness and sorrow. They also say love is longing. Niulang told Zhinü to be brave, saying, “Look at the Lion Star, accompanied by the North Star…”

Su Shao, who had never experienced love, imagined where Lan Ying was and what he was doing, while enduring the complaints of the Nine Nether Demon God: “If you really want to have a future, be honest and stop daydreaming.”

Finally, Su Shao focused his mind. They were now perched atop a courtyard wall, secretly observing what went on inside. It was a very spacious courtyard. Anyone who had been to the Glorious Villa knew it was the most luxurious courtyard, reserved for the leaders of major sects. There was also an evening pavilion in the courtyard, used for banquets and other events, adding to its unique charm. Though they were rough people, showing off a bit of elegance now and then wasn’t bad.

Su Shao’s hiding spot was likely the best in the courtyard. In front of the wall stood a thick tree large enough for three people to embrace, its dense branches and leaves perfectly concealing his position. With the Nine Nether Demon God’s cultivation level, even someone as skilled as Lan Ying would find it hard to detect him in such a hidden place.

Looking into the pavilion, nine people stood on each side, holding long knives—though not as large as Lan Ying’s, but rather slender. They were clad in full iron armor, including sealed helmets. These were Lan Ying’s Eighteen Nether Guards. This time, he had used a formation to transport them here, aiming to intimidate both the righteous and demonic factions.

In the middle of the pavilion stood a long table laden with sumptuous food, clearly separating the righteous and demonic factions…

On the left sat Qiong Ba from the righteous faction and Tie Xiao, the top disciple of the Human Realm’s Cold Sword Sect. They had no followers, indicating they had rushed here in great haste. The others, due to their lower cultivation levels, were still lagging behind, continuing their journey.

On the demonic side, there were three people: Ao Tian, along with a man and a woman—Tian Long and Huo Feng from the Heavenly Dragon Altar. This showed that these two guardian beasts of the Heavenly Dragon Altar were indeed powerful. However, since they usually communicated through glances, it was difficult for others to understand how Tian Long and Huo Feng interacted.

According to the Wolf King, Tian Long was also planning to unify the three realms. Because the other guardian beasts refused to agree, they faced Tian Long’s rejection and pursuit. But now, Tian Long had joined the Dark Alliance, leveraging Ao Tian’s strength—revealing their cunning tactics.

Ultimately, everyone wanted to become the ruler of the three realms. While competing in strength, they were also competing to see who was more scheming…

At that moment, a young man dressed like a scholar entered the pavilion. He appeared to be in his twenties, with an intellectual appearance—broad eyebrows, piercing eyes, and a high nose bridge. He was quite handsome, but the smile on his face gave off an impression of deep scheming and an eerily sinister demeanor. Smiling, he said, “I’m sorry for making you wait. Please forgive me, leaders.” With that, he sat down in the middle seat, still smiling.

This is the best spot—exactly where the leaders of the righteous and demonic paths should sit. That’s why Lan Ying had already informed the guardians of how to arrange the seating for their leaders. After all, Ao Tian was a shrewd old fox. As soon as he entered, he realized these eighteen guardians were by no means ordinary; each of them could rival the guardian-level figures in his own sect. He felt even more wary of this newly risen Tianji Xinggong. Just by looking at these subordinates, he knew this Emperor was a formidable opponent. Yet his focus was more on the righteous path. Now that he had reached the 12th level of “Lan Erfei Qing,” even without the help of Tian Long or Huo Feng, he could handle Qiong Ba and Tie Xiao without difficulty. He just hadn’t found the right opportunity yet…

Ao Tian smiled and replied politely, “The Emperor is too kind. It’s embarrassing to be treated to such sumptuous food and drinks…”

Hearing this, Qiong Ba on the other side said to Lan Ying, “I came here after receiving your invitation, but I never expected to see someone I didn’t want to see.”

Lan Ying smiled and said, “Honored heroes, today is the day I founded Tianji Xinggong. I never thought I’d be able to invite representatives from both the righteous and demonic paths. I’m truly fortunate. Come, let’s raise a toast to celebrate today.”

Ao Tian cheerfully picked up his cup, but Qiong Ba looked down on Lan Ying. He hadn’t come to celebrate the founding of Tianji Xinggong; he was here for Ao Tian. If he could get rid of this demonic sect, then the title of the greatest sect in the world would belong to his Divine Sect, and he, Qiong Ba, would become a legend in the martial world…

Qiong Ba glanced at Ao Tian, picked up his cup, and the others did the same. Lan Ying revealed a sinister smile and said, “Thank you all for coming.” Then he downed the wine in his cup.

Ao Tian and the others also drank their wine. Qiong Ba took a sip but casually said, “I think the Emperor didn’t invite us to a feast without a purpose. Knowing full well that the righteous and demonic paths cannot coexist, why send an invitation?”

Although Ao Tian had spoken casually, those words suddenly reminded him of something. Qiong Ba might seem unstrategic, but he was the leader of the righteous path. After all, no leader is an ordinary person. It seemed Qiong Ba was reminding him of something—this Emperor surely knew about the relationship between the righteous and demonic paths. Was he inviting them just to congratulate him on founding his sect? Did he have other motives?

Hearing Qiong Ba’s words, Ao Tian had to be more cautious around this mysterious young man…

Lan Ying didn’t respond immediately after hearing Qiong Ba’s words. Instead, he leisurely picked up a piece of braised pork, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. As he ate, he said, “Mm, this pork is delicious. Don’t you all want to try it?”

Qiong Ba merely grunted, poured himself a cup of wine, and drank it. Ao Tian, on the other hand, picked up a piece of meat, ate it, and said while chewing, “Brother Qiong, this meat is indeed delicious. Don’t you want to share it?”

Qiong Ba smiled and said, “I’m sorry, Brother Ao Tian. Seeing certain people I don’t want to see makes me feel nauseous. I can’t eat. I think… you should eat it by yourself.”

Aotian’s expression changed abruptly, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled, saying, “Brother Qiong is right. There are indeed some annoying people who shouldn’t exist. If those annoying people disappear, then all this meat will belong to me.” Clearly, Aotian’s metaphor was very explicit. Tie Xiao remained silent, but his expression showed some anger. Needless to say, even Tie Xiao could understand what he meant. Qiong Ba, an experienced veteran, understood even better—Aotian was comparing those pieces of meat to the three realms, intending to claim them all for himself and eliminate all those who followed the righteous path. Qiong Ba slammed the table and stood up, saying, “Aotian, don’t go too far. Don’t think just because you have an extra person with you today that I’m afraid of you…” But Aotian didn’t stand up. While picking up some meat, he said, “Brother Qiong, you’re overreacting. Do you really think I’m that kind of person?” After saying that, he turned his gaze coldly and added, “Even if no one helps me, I can easily take care of you two.” Tie Xiao could no longer hold back. He picked up his wine cup and said, “From what you say, it seems the sect leader’s cultivation has improved again. Then let Tie offer you a toast…” Aotian stood up, picked up his wine cup, and said, “Thank you.” Then, the two wine cups collided swiftly without making a sound, and not a single drop of wine spilled. Yet, after colliding, the cups didn’t separate but remained tightly pressed together. Anyone who noticed could tell this wasn’t just a simple toast—the power within those cups was enough to crush anyone into pieces… Aotian’s body gradually emitted a faint green light, which was the characteristic of the “Lanelfina Qing” cultivation technique. Meanwhile, Tie Xiao’s arms began to tremble, clearly showing that his vital energy could no longer withstand Aotian’s pressure, leaving him on the verge of collapse. Su Shao, who had been lying against the wall, couldn’t help but say, “This Aotian seems really powerful.” JiuyouDemon God -> Demon God replied, “Of course. In the past, Aotian relied only on his influence and tactics. But now, he has the right to speak based on his own cultivation. He has mastered all twelve levels of the demonic art.” Su Shao asked, “Is that demonic art that powerful?” JiuyouDemon God -> Demon God answered, “Yes, it’s quite powerful. But even without his excellent sword, I wouldn’t fear it.” Su Shao then asked, “So what kind of sword counts as an excellent sword?” Just as JiuyouDemon God -> Demon God was about to answer, he realized something was wrong and changed the subject, saying, “Be careful. Don’t move. Someone is coming.” As soon as JiuyouDemon God -> Demon God spoke, a blue shadow descended from above toward Su Shao’s hiding place in the darkness… The wall wasn’t very wide, allowing one to lie diagonally across it, but Su Shao’s spot was the best for hiding. So, if anyone wanted to eavesdrop, they would definitely choose Su Shao’s position. And that blue shadow also chose this spot. Perhaps the person didn’t expect anyone to be eavesdropping, so they moved very quickly. JiuyouDemon God -> Demon God seemed to have noticed this surprise long ago, but he didn’t react at all. Instead, he warned Su Shao, saying, “Behind you.”

Su Shao turned his head abruptly and saw that blue figure rushing toward him. Instinctively, he stretched out his arms to stop her, but in his haste, he ended up embracing her. Due to the force involved, neither of them could stay balanced and fell straight down toward the ground below. With a thud, they landed under a tree. Although the person on Su Shao’s body was a skilled fighter, she hadn’t expected such an incident to happen suddenly. Since their fall wasn’t very slow, the moment they hit the ground, Su Shao felt something warm and soft covering his mouth…

With the light from the pavilion, Su Shao could clearly see that it was Lan Bian, the girl with blue eyes, who was on his body. At that moment, their lips were pressed tightly together, and that warm sensation came from there…

In that instant, Su Shao felt as if his heart had stopped beating. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Lan Bian. Her deep blue eyes also stared at him in shock. It seemed as though time had stopped between them; they even forgot they were kissing…

Just as they were still in shock, the two guards nearest to the pavilion shouted loudly, “Who’s there?”

Without saying a word, Su Shao wrapped his left arm around Lan Bian’s waist and quickly raised ‘You Yan’ with his right hand, soaring into the air and swiftly leaving the area above the luxurious mansion. Everything seemed to go smoothly—though only the Nine Nether Demon God knew why.

Under the night sky, surrounded by stars and the moon, with the wind blowing beside him, Su Shao gradually distanced himself from the two guards thanks to the speed of ‘You Yan’. Holding Lan Bian, he felt warmth beside him…

Just then, Lan Bian suddenly pulled out the dagger behind her and slashed at Su Shao’s throat… With such great cultivation as the Nine Nether Demon God possessed, how could he allow Lan Bian to kill Su Shao? But it seemed the Nine Nether Demon God was deliberately doing something—he made Su Shao dodge the fatal blow, yet due to an improper dodge, a wound appeared on his shoulder. Su Shao felt intense pain instantly and released his grip on Lan Bian.

Su Shao’s blood began to flow, but seeing Lan Bian falling rapidly from the air, he shouted loudly at the Nine Nether Demon God, “Go save her!”

The Nine Nether Demon God didn’t respond. He changed direction and descended at the fastest speed, catching Lan Bian again. After spinning twice, they slowly landed on the ground—a forest surrounded by open space.

As soon as they landed, Lan Bian used her right hand to swing the dagger and slash again. Su Shao stepped back quickly and shouted, “Hey, are you crazy? I saved you!”

Lan Bian’s expression was now extremely ugly. If looks could kill, those blue eyes could have killed Su Shao hundreds of times. Holding the dagger, she snapped angrily, “You damned guy! Why are you always here? No one needs your help. From now on, stay away from me. I never want to see you again!”

Su Shao was puzzled and stammered, “But, we… just now…”

Hearing this, Lan Ren became even angrier. Stomping her foot, she said, “Shut up! Nothing happened just now—nothing at all. Forget everything that happened today. If you dare tell anyone, I swear I’ll never let you go, even in death.” With that, she turned and left, ignoring whatever Su Shao had to say.

Su Shao watched Lan Ren fade into the distance and shook his head…

At that moment, the Nine Nether Demon God controlled his right hand, blocking the acupoints on his shoulder to stop blood flow, while saying, “Do you know why she hates you so much?”

Su Shao shook his head. “Damn it, if I knew, I wouldn’t be standing here.”

The Nine Nether Demon God continued, “Because she’s already fallen in love with someone else. And you? You’ll never be able to enter her heart.”

Su Shao quickly asked, “Who is it?”

The Nine Nether Demon God replied, “Li Ling.”

Su Shao was stunned. He remembered the moment he fell from the wall of the pavilion—the feeling of that kiss, one he might never forget in this life or the next.

The Nine Nether Demon God added, “Li Ling holds a high status in the Three Realms and is also highly skilled in martial arts. No wonder others like her. But you? You have nothing—no status, no power. You’re just an unknown boy, a ruffian young master. Who would like you? If you stay like this, you’ll always be a loser.”

Su Shao felt confused. He wasn’t sure if the Nine Nether Demon God was right. Yes, he couldn’t compare to Li Ling. He was just an unknown boy, seen as a scoundrel or thug by others—a person with nothing, an ordinary person. Perhaps such a person would never be liked by anyone.

Su Shao felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness and despair. He was just an ordinary person. Why had he gotten involved in this struggle? Why had he fallen in love with a girl he shouldn’t? His frustration made him shout loudly, “What should I do?”

The Nine Nether Demon God laughed loudly. “Haha! What you need to do is simple. Follow my orders. I’ll give you everything—power, status—so you can become someone above others and win her love.”

Su Shao said, “Okay, I’ll do whatever you say.”

The Nine Nether Demon God neither laughed nor spoke, because he no longer needed to compete with him for control of the body. His will had already been completely destroyed. Now, Su Shao’s soul was just a third party, while he—the Nine Nether Demon God—had taken possession of this body. His blood-red eyes stared at the deep blue night sky, and a smile appeared on his lips. Once, he could easily destroy the world, but due to a wrong prophecy, he lost that power. Yet that didn’t mean his end. Now, he had returned to the Three Realms…

Also a demon, Liu Yi’s path was one full of hardships. His transformation into a demon was entirely due to fate, the arrangement of destiny. But “demon” was just a title; his heart remained kind.

Under this night sky, Su Shao finally abandoned his kindness, embracing the role of a demon god, descending into darkness. And this demon was a heart demon—a vile heart demon, turned into one by greed for power, desire, ambition, and unattainable love, beginning to take revenge on the Three Realms.

Blue Shadow said that Lan Ying was in the pavilion. The two guards replied, “Your Majesty, those two were too fast just now. I had to wait for my magic to catch up.” Blue Shadow waved his hand, signaling them to leave. Watching Ao Tian and Tie Xiao competing in true energy on the table, he suddenly had an idea: if possible, why not wait until they were both defeated today before gathering the remaining energy?

At this moment, the green light around Ao Tian grew stronger, while Tie Xiao was already sweating profusely, with a white light emanating from his body. Clearly, the outcome of this battle would be decided in just a short while.

As Blue Shadow watched leisurely, the Fire Phoenix beside Ao Tian spoke up, “If this continues, Your Majesty will surely enjoy the show. It’s likely that You Majesty will be the one to end it.”

Ao Tian, who was focusing on his internal energy, seemed to think of something. His internal energy suddenly surged, then he retracted it abruptly, drinking the wine in his cup in one gulp. He said, “Madam Phoenix is truly clever…” While praising the Fire Phoenix, Ao Tian glanced at Blue Shadow and thought to himself, “What a close call! How could I be so impulsive as to forget this mysterious person?”

Tie Xiao seemed to notice something as well. Wiping his sweat, he sat back down. But Qiong Ba was shocked—Tie Xiao’s cultivation level was roughly on par with his own, yet after just a brief clash of true energy with Ao Tian, it was clear that Ao Tian’s cultivation had improved significantly.

Blue Shadow looked at the Fire Phoenix and thought to himself, “One must be cautious of the Heavenly Dragon Altar. The quieter someone is, the more terrifying they are.” Then, Blue Shadow smiled and said, “Haha, I’m sorry, all leaders. My abilities aren’t enough to interfere. As you compete, even if I wanted to stop you, I’d be powerless.”

Ao Tian then smiled and said, “Your Majesty is too modest. Come, let Ao Tian offer you a drink…”