Chapter 31: Another Visit
“What do you think?” An Yue'er was at a loss for how to proceed, so she turned to Yu Qiushui beside her for advice.
Yu Qiushui swept her sleeve and pondered for a moment. “Since we were able to obtain this treasure, it is entirely thanks to Senior Zhu. Without her, we wouldn’t have had such an opportunity.”
“Why don’t we retrieve the Black Fire Divine Flame for Senior Zhu ourselves? Surely she will know what to do with it.”
Yu Qiushui’s words made perfect sense, and An Yue’er immediately nodded in agreement.
She took a step forward, reaching out to claim the Black Fire Divine Flame.
“Be careful, Divine Maiden! The Black Fire Divine Flame has been tainted by demonic energy far too severely. If you handle it directly, you may injure yourself!” someone promptly warned her.
An Yue’er smiled. “Thank you for your concern, but right now, the demonic energy shouldn’t dare to act rashly.”
At her words, everyone present turned to look at An Yue’er. Such audacious remarks, spoken so casually! But soon, the reason became clear: though the demonic energy was terrifying, An Yue’er still held the immortal’s painting in her hands. The demon could only cower in a corner, not daring to so much as breathe, let alone cause trouble.
“Let’s go!”
With the Black Fire Divine Flame secured, An Yue’er issued the command. The group quickly departed from the site.
...
Soon, they made their way directly out of the secret realm.
Originally, An Yue’er intended to deliver the Black Fire Divine Flame straight to Zhu Xiaoyuan’s residence, but concerns about being followed lingered. If Senior Zhu’s place of seclusion was disturbed or exposed, it would be most regrettable.
Thus, Yu Qiushui and the others suggested returning first to the Fire Moon Sect and waiting until all was safe before proceeding.
Meanwhile, news of the Supreme Yi Li Secret Realm in the Southern Ridge Mountains had spread throughout the entire Martial World.
Almost everyone now knew that Supreme Yi Li had become the Demon Sovereign, destroying countless lives. Not even the Holy Sanctuary nor its supreme experts could stand against him.
The entire Martial World was shaken.
That was the Holy Sanctuary, after all! Rumored to be founded by immortals themselves! They possessed all manner of supreme abilities, even the means to communicate directly with immortals. Yet even such a formidable force was powerless before the Demon Sovereign.
In the end, this terrifying Demon Sovereign was vanquished by nothing more than a small painting.
“Could it be that immortals still dwell here among us?”
“I think so! Isn’t it said that some earth-bound immortals remain hidden in the mortal world, continuing their cultivation?”
“Perhaps that one is such an immortal!”
“Yet, after all these years, we’ve never heard of anyone successfully ascending to the path of immortality…”
The more people discussed the matter, the more wondrous it seemed. An Yue’er and the Fire Moon Sect gradually became the focus of everyone’s attention.
At this moment, within the royal palace of the Anluan Kingdom.
A woman of breathtaking beauty wept bitterly, her tears falling like petals in the rain.
“Your Majesty, you must seek justice for Wenxuan and Fei’er! If not for that wretch An Yue’er, how could Wenxuan and Fei’er have died? Ugh, ugh, ugh~”
The Anluan Emperor, clad in imperial robes, sat upon his throne, his face clouded over with gloom.
The beautiful woman continued to sob and wail.
The emperor, deeply vexed, roared, “Silence!”
“What good will crying do now? You want me to move against An Yue’er? Do you realize she is backed by an immortal?!”
Stunned by the emperor’s outburst, the woman dared not utter another word.
The palace fell silent.
The emperor rubbed his brow and waved his hand. “Bring Princess Yue’er back to me at once. I will issue a decree naming her as my successor.” His demeanor was resolute.
Those few words struck the kneeling beauty like a bolt of lightning!
She stared at the emperor in despair and rage.
...
Unbeknownst to them, much time had passed.
Yu Qiushui finally confirmed that there were no followers lurking around the Fire Moon Sect. At last, she could relax.
In truth, Yu Qiushui needn’t have worried so much, for who would dare attempt to secretly track down the residence of an immortal? That would be courting death!
Yu Qiushui and her companions were frequent visitors; the villagers of the small mountain hamlet already knew them well.
Whenever they arrived, everyone knew they were seeking Zhu Xiaoyuan.
After exchanging greetings, they went straight to Zhu Xiaoyuan’s courtyard gate.
“Is Senior at home?” Leng Qianxue stepped forward and gently knocked.
“Come in,” Zhu Xiaoyuan’s voice called from within.
Leng Qianxue opened the gate, and the group entered.
Inside, beneath the peach tree, they found Zhu Xiaoyuan basking in the sun, cradling a small white cat—no, a small white tiger—contentedly.
Yu Qiushui was filled with myriad emotions; perhaps this was what it meant to be a true master.
“Yue’er has come today to thank Senior for the gift of your painting,” An Yue’er said, her face full of gratitude.
She stepped forward and presented the Black Fire Divine Flame together with the painting to Zhu Xiaoyuan.
Zhu Xiaoyuan smiled. “That painting was meant for you; no need to return it.”
“But this, however, is rather interesting.”
He took the Black Fire Divine Flame, which rested upon a piece of wood, feeling its weight in his hand.
“Perfect for fueling the fire!” Zhu Xiaoyuan remarked casually.
Yu Qiushui and the others couldn’t help but exchange awkward glances. This was Supreme Yi Li’s Dao artifact, and yet in Senior Zhu’s hands, it was reduced to nothing more than fuel for the fire…
They were astonished.
But then again, they shouldn’t have been too surprised—after all, even the cat food he prepared was cooked with Heavenly Profound Wood…
Holding the piece of wood, Zhu Xiaoyuan mused. Why had they brought him this log? Could it be they knew of his extraordinary skill at carving?
Zhu Xiaoyuan was confident: if he claimed second in carving, no one would dare claim first! His craftsmanship was absolutely flawless.
The wood seemed decent; perhaps if he carved some patterns into it, he could sell it for a bit of money.
Then another thought occurred to him: Leng Qianxue and the others were destitute, and An Yue’er looked so pitiful, as if she’d been bullied.
His mood shifted.
“Since you've brought me the wood and know that I have some skill, I’ll lend you a hand.”
With that, Zhu Xiaoyuan rose from his chair and entered the house.
Before long, he emerged holding a carving knife.
The knife looked quite special, its entire body black, with a golden glow shining along the blade’s edge.
This knife was a gift from the system, and for its sake, he had spent several months honing his carving technique.
Zhu Xiaoyuan picked a spot to sit, holding the piece of wood in one hand and the knife in the other, and began his craft.