Chapter 232: Meeting in the Town, Recognizing Heroes Under the Night Sky

At this moment, Ye Luobaihua and Lan Ren behind Liu Yi and Su Shaobo had no choice but to step back, creating distance between themselves and the two. The violent hurricane made it impossible for them to open their eyes, while the powerful spiritual energy emanating from them prevented them from approaching any closer. Even more terrifying were their summoning abilities and the entities surrounding their bodies, which forced them to retreat.

Lei Jun looked at the two figures above and said, “These two are not human. They can be considered representatives of another world. But… with their current levels of cultivation, it seems difficult for them to achieve anything in the Netherworld or the Divine Realm.”

Yu Chenxing narrowed her eyes and asked, “Brother Lei Jun, do you mean their cultivation isn’t high enough? They represent two worlds—which worlds are those?”

Lei Jun replied, “Liu Yi should have belonged to the Human Realm, but ten years ago he suddenly turned to the path of darkness. Though he hasn’t become a true demon, he now represents the Demon Realm. His cultivation level is higher than that of several monarchs, but compared to the King of the Netherworld or Pangu, it’s impossible.”

“As for that other person, if I’m not mistaken, he must be the Nine Nether Demon God of the Ghost Clan—also known as the Asura Realm mentioned by the Great Sage. The Asura Realm is well-defined and widely recognized as superior to the Demon Realm. But… things seem strange today. The Nine Nether Demon God is known for his heartlessness and lack of compassion—why would he save Lan Ying?”

Qī Yuè glanced at Lei Jun and replied, “That person isn’t the Nine Nether Demon God anymore. He already told us who he is. Why do you still associate him with that title? You guys are even more heartless!”

Upon hearing this, Yu Chenxing quickly said, “We can’t say that. Although she’s from our clan, she’s still her, and I’m me. Do I want to help her and commit more crimes? Besides… if I help Lan Ying, our enemy will be that fool Liu Yi. I really don’t know what some people are thinking.”

Qī Yuè looked up and replied, “Those are two different things.”

Yu Chenxing glanced at Qī Yuè, stayed silent for a moment, then looked up again.

At that moment, Liu Yi’s eyes glowed red, and the five-colored divine dragon above his head kept circling, occasionally letting out roars. Across from him, Su Shaobo also appeared ferocious, his green eyes seeming to come from the depths of hell. Countless undead spirits surrounded him, absorbing and releasing green poisonous mists from time to time.

Liu Yi swung his long sword diagonally, staring at Su Shaobo and saying coldly, “This man deserves to die today. Whether you’re human or demon, if you stand in my way, don’t blame me for being merciless.” With that, he instinctively turned his sword with his right hand.

Su Shaobo shook his head and said, “I also want to tell you that no matter what your current cultivation level is—whether you win or lose—as long as I, Su Shaobo, am still here, you won’t be able to harm her in the slightest.”

The sound abruptly stopped. Below, all the onlookers immediately slowed their breathing. They knew a great battle was about to begin, and they feared their breathing might alert those above. Just as everyone was waiting anxiously, something unexpected happened. Lan Bian, standing behind Su Shaobo, turned pale, crossed her arms over her shoulders, and her frail body trembled uncontrollably.

No one knew what had happened, but everyone understood that no one would dare attack this woman, as the area around those two was off-limits. But why? With a thud, Lan Bian collapsed, unable to stay standing.

Without even looking, Su Shaobo moved swiftly and supported her. Everything around them vanished in an instant. Looking at Lan Bian, who was still trembling, Su Shaobo didn’t overthink it. With a few quick movements, he disappeared into the dark night, as if nothing had happened. In the distance, a voice said, “We will meet again.”

Hearing that voice, Liu Yi slowly sheathed his sword. As his vital energy dissipated, the colorful divine dragons and the demonic aura around him also vanished quickly. Liu Yi understood why Lan Bian had collapsed. The first sword strike had summoned an ice dragon to coat the blade. As it sliced through Lan Bian’s mask, the cold aura entered her body, causing her current state. But what surprised him even more was the speed.

Su Shaobo’s actions clearly weren’t those of the Nine Nether Demon God. So where was the Nine Nether Demon God? Moreover, when Su Shaobo left, Liu Yi could sense that his speed wasn’t slower than ever. He thought to himself, “Could it be… Su Shaobo has become the Nine Nether Demon God?”

Seeing Liu Yi return to normal, Ye Luo Baihua stepped forward and asked anxiously, “Are you okay?” Her eyes held an indescribable concern. She knew Liu Yi’s vital energy could drive him to madness at any moment, especially after witnessing such intense killing intent earlier, so she was even more worried now.

Liu Yi smiled and shook his head. “I’m fine.”

Ye Luo Baihua continued, “You’ve said before that your time is running out. So in the future, draw your sword less and don’t misuse your vital energy. That way, at least your time will stretch a bit longer.”

Hearing her words, Liu Yi suddenly remembered why he had drawn his sword. Lan Bian had come to kill him for the sake of her brother. He didn’t blame her. But when he heard that the talented youth had died at her hands, he went mad and couldn’t control himself from wanting to kill her. Now, reflecting on it, he felt even more sorrow. Shaking his head helplessly, he said, “There are some things you don’t understand.”

Perhaps even Liu Yi himself didn’t know why he had wanted to kill Lan Bian so much. Sometimes, anger can bury reason, but other times, things can’t be resolved calmly. Not wanting to think further, Liu Yi said, “Alright, let’s go down and rest. We still need to ascend the Rotation Peak tomorrow.” With that, he turned and moved lightly, his body spiraling down like a black feather under the night sky.

Ye Luobaihua didn’t say much either. With a gentle movement, she also slowly descended. At this moment, Liu Yi’s heart was filled with distress. Hearing that the talented one had died at the hands of Lan Ren, he began to question what kind of creatures humans really are—selfish, greedy. Do they still have any kindness left? They would kill the truth and a sister who once treated them like an elder sister just for their own brother. Is it the devil that’s terrifying, or are humans even more so? On the silent road, only Liu Yi’s lonely figure remained. Everyone was afraid of getting involved in these troubles and quickly returned to their respective places, as if nothing had happened that night.

Just as Liu Yi was troubled, under the moonlight, three figures appeared in front of him. Liu Yi slowly raised his head. In the silver-white gloom, he saw that Qi Yue was right in front of him. For a moment, he seemed to forget everything else. Liu Yi blurted out, “Qi Yue?”

There were three people standing in front of him: Qi Yue, Yu Chenxing, and Lei Jun. Under the cold moonlight, their faces appeared extremely clear. As soon as Qi Yue saw him, she hurried forward and asked, “Are you okay?”

Liu Yi quickly shook his head and said, “I’m fine. I finally found you. I haven’t had any news from you for so long. Now that I see you’re okay, I feel much better.”

Hearing Liu Yi’s words, Qi Yue smiled and nodded. At that moment, Yu Chenxing behind Qi Yue cleared his throat and said, “Hey, is there something wrong with your eyes? Lei Jun brother and I are here too. Why do you only see Qi Yue? That’s so rude. I’m the one who saved Qi Yue. You should at least thank me.”

Liu Yi turned away his calm gaze, his eyes turning icy, and his tone even colder. Looking at Yu Chenxing, he said word by word, “I’ve never had any goodwill toward the people of the Lan family. Even if you hadn’t saved Qi Yue, someone else would have. If you stay quiet, I can pretend I didn’t see you and let you go. But if you keep talking nonsense, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

Hearing Liu Yi’s words, Lei Jun didn’t show any reaction, as if what Liu Yi said had nothing to do with him. But Yu Chenxing became furious and snapped, “What kind of person are you? I tried to help Qi Yue out of kindness, yet you treat me like this. Can’t you tell right from wrong?”

Liu Yi didn’t say anything either. He just watched Yu Chenxing’s ridiculous expression, as if he were a child trying to justify himself. At that moment, Qi Yue said, “Scholar, although they are from the Lan family, they’re not the kind we’ve met before. We’ve relied on their care these days. How about we go eat something and discuss those two stones at the same time?”

Liu Yi looked at Qi Yue. Knowing she had said that, he realized the two annoying people in front of him must know more about these matters. Although he didn’t like others helping, what could he do in this situation? He didn’t have much time left. The sooner, the better. Even if he didn’t like it, there was no choice but to save time if he wanted to break the curse of the Other Side Flower.

Liu Yi nodded, then introduced July to Ye Luobaihua by saying, “This is my lifesaver. Her name is… Anan, that will do.” After that, Liu Yi introduced July to Ye Luobaihua as well. Ye Luobaihua already had a good impression of July, and she was very happy to see her; the two quickly became familiar with each other.

At that moment, Yu Chenxing, who was behind July, seemed to be talking to herself, “Anan, Anan… What a weird name. It sounds so familiar when spoken out loud…”

Liu Yi glanced at the troublemaker girl but didn’t say much. He continued, “If you two have time, why don’t you eat together?” Not knowing what else to say, he simply offered polite words.

Upon hearing this, Yu Chenxing quickly shook her head and said, “Eating together? That’s scary… Just now someone told us to leave, and now they want us to eat together. I think they might use swords on us.”

Liu Yi had already found Yu Chenxing to be very troublesome when Ye Luobaihua was choosing a spouse. Seeing her mischievous behavior now, he didn’t want to say much more and turned to walk toward the restaurant…

Soon, the five of them returned to the restaurant and chose a larger table. Of course, in the corner next to the table, there was also a ridiculous monkey. Although it was late, the staff took good care of them for the sake of the money. In no time, a table full of delicious dishes was served, and special attention was given to the monkey as well—some fruits were brought for it. But the monkey not only ate fruits but also drank alcohol, so more wine was served.

For a while, the entire restaurant was unusually quiet. Although the five of them were sitting together, no one spoke. Liu Yi glanced at the others, poured himself a glass of wine, and took a gentle sip. He knew that if he didn’t speak first, the night might remain quiet.

Putting down his glass, Liu Yi asked directly, “Are you here to look for those two stones as well?”

Yu Chenxing was the first to reply, “Obviously. Those are rare treasures in the world. Who wouldn’t want them? And you’re asking us? Aren’t you here to find those two stones too?”

Before Liu Yi could answer, Ye Luobaihua spoke up, “We’re here to find July. Young Master Liu has been very worried about her safety. We went to Leiri Xinggong, hoping to find Lord Lei to get news about July. Later, we learned that Lord Lei wasn’t in the palace, so we followed the directions given by the people there and came here.”

July didn’t say anything. She just picked up her glass and took a sip of wine. Meanwhile, Yu Chenxing, unfazed, glanced at Ye Luobaihua, sized her up, and slowly said, “What a beautiful person. Hey… Young Master Liu, why are your words so affectionate? You say you’re here to find July, but you didn’t even know she’d be here. Clearly, you’re here for those two stones.”

Lord Lei, who had remained silent until then, spoke up and shook his head. “How can Sister Xing be so stupid? If everyone in the world wants those two stones, then we’re also part of the world. As long as they come here, they’ll naturally find July.”

After hearing this, Yu Chenxing stopped for a moment, took a sip of her wine, thought for a while, and suddenly said to herself, “How come I didn’t think of that?”

At this moment, Liu Yi put down his cup and continued, “I came here to find July, but I also came for those two stones. I didn’t know they were here at first; it was only after meeting a mysterious person that I learned about them. I didn’t plan to get them at first, but now I must have them.”

Yu Chenxing looked at Liu Yi and then said to the person beside the table, “Look, look, he’s telling the truth now. How can anyone not be greedy? Who wouldn’t want those treasures? But… your tone is way too arrogant. You insist on getting them as if we’re nothing.”

July put down her cup and shook her head, saying, “You don’t understand. The scholar wants those two stones not for some purpose, but for other uses. Of course, it’s not out of greed for treasures.” July and Liu Yi had once gone to the ends of the earth together, so she naturally knew about those nine tears. When she heard about those two stones, she was extremely excited too.

Yu Chenxing continued, “Enough, July. I know you care about him, but mistakes are mistakes. Everyone is insatiable. Who would give up such treasures? Please find a better reason to explain for him next time.”

Liu Yi set down his wine cup and fixed his gaze on Yu Chenxing’s face, then said, “Are we that familiar? Why do I need to explain so much to you? Even if I want those two stones, so what? If I’m greedy, do I still need a reason?”

At that moment, Lei Jun spoke up, “Actually, many things don’t need explaining. As long as one understands in their heart and acts on it, right and wrong lie in one’s own heart. I read your story in the Emperor’s palace when I was young. Later, I don’t know why, that Golden Book disappeared. But… don’t underestimate the Six-Star Palace created by the King of the Underworld. Without the Golden Book, we still have the seers.”

Liu Yi understood very well that the Golden Book Lei Jun was referring to was ‘Love Cursed by the Gods’. Even he didn’t know where that book had gone now. But at this moment, he became curious. Taking a sip of wine, he asked, “What do you want to say?”

Lei Jun fiddled with his wine cup and smiled, saying, “Actually, even without seers, just through speculation and legends, one should be able to figure out something. You are originally a true demon, a demon rejected by Pangu. Your story with the Heavenly Maiden can only end in tragedy. At some point, I knew you went to the ends of the earth and that you endured great suffering to free the Heavenly Maiden from the cycle of reincarnation. But… I still want to ask—have you ever asked yourself if this is worth it?”

Liu Yi slammed his wine cup down and said, “Shut up! No one needs to judge my relationship with the Heavenly Maiden. If I can’t break this curse in my third life, then the Heavenly Maiden will forever suffer under the cycle of reincarnation. You won’t understand.”

Lei Jun looked at Liu Yi and didn’t say much. For a while, the entire tavern fell silent. Even the most stubborn Yu Chenxing stopped talking. But soon, Lei Jun broke the silence and said, “Alright, I won’t judge what you do. Since you’re willing to do it, as an outsider, why should I keep talking? But have you ever thought that those nine tears might have been arranged by someone else? Maybe you’re just being led by others right now?”

Liu Yi naturally understood the meaning behind Lei Jun’s words. This idea had already become clear to him when he met Ye Luobaihua, but could he stop it? Liu Yi glanced at Lei Jun, shook his head, and said, “I might know, or I might not. Whether this is a test for me or some kind of trick by others, I have no choice. You wouldn’t understand.”

Lei Jun shook his head and said, “No, I understand. You must have heard quite a bit from others about my reputation in the Netherworld—cold-hearted, obsessed with martial arts, and so on. Moreover, I never left the Lei Rishi Star Palace for ten years. I think you’ll be very surprised if I tell you why.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Chenxing quickly asked, “Ah! Brother Lei Jun, so you weren’t practicing the sword during those ten years? Then what were you doing?”

Lei Jun looked at Yu Chenxing, shook his head, and said, “Ten years practicing the sword? If I had spent ten years on that, I probably would have taken the position of Emperor. During those ten years, my greatest concern was the seer. The names that appeared most often were Liu Yi, the Wolf King, July… It seemed like all the stories were happening right around me. Of course, I also learned a lot here.”

Hearing this, Yu Chenxing’s eyes widened even more, and the others also showed surprise. Even Liu Yi became curious. Lei Jun continued, “I’m a failure. My life is like a blank sheet—without any records. The joys and sorrows of life have nothing to do with me. So, being able to see your experiences is the greatest fortune for me. Of course, I also really want to stand on the arena with you and compete directly. That’s why I appeared at that matchmaking competition last time.”

Liu Yi took a sip of wine and casually asked, “So what does that have to do with anything?”

Lei Jun followed up on his earlier question, “I just don’t understand. Why don’t you resist when others treat you as a pawn?”

Liu Yi shook his head and said, “I’ve already said it—you wouldn’t understand. There’s not that much fairness in this world. Many things are just sad and helpless. Fate can be changed, but the predetermined path leaves me with no choice. Even if I’m a pawn, I must keep going, because I know… to love those I love.”