GB Chapter 44

The Xuanmen fairy was the second-generation leader of the Xuanmen Orthodox Sect. After learning the truth about being tricked into killing Fang Suihan, she went into seclusion at Falling Immortal Lake and never set foot in the mortal world again. From her own experiences, she realized that although cultivators were strong, they could not govern a country. She devoted herself to cultivation, ascended to the Immortal Realm, and obtained the Book of Heaven Without Words, which she gave to the then-Emperor of Xiliang.

After that, the fairy lost her cultivation and died of old age due to interfering in the mortal realm. The imperial court also gained power to rival the pugilistic world, and the Xuanmen Orthodox Sect was established as the state religion, a practice that has never been changed even after many dynasties.

There is no power in this world that comes from nowhere. The true function of the Book of Heaven Without Words is to borrow the power of celestial beasts for mortal emperors.

Because the power does not belong to them, emperors, though powerful, have the same lifespan as ordinary people. When an emperor dies, this cultivation power is returned to the celestial beast along with the merit he accumulated in his life as a reward. If the emperor is a ruler who has performed extraordinary feats, the celestial beast may also choose to ascend him to accompany them for a long time. It can be said that this is another path of ascension through merit.

The condition for all of this to happen is that the emperor must gain the recognition of the celestial beast. Although the former King Liang obtained the Book of Heaven Without Words, he caused too much war and resentment. No celestial beast was willing to take the risk of signing a contract with a rebel, so this royal treasure became a useless piece of paper.

Before his death, King Liang placed his hopes on his eldest son, Zhao Huai’an. However, after the Xuanmen Sect intervened, the Zhao family was no longer able to enter the palace to offer sacrifices to heaven. Zhao Huai’an could only roam the pugilistic world with the Book of Heaven Without Words.

To communicate with a celestial beast, one must return to the palace and perform a sacrificial ceremony. He did not believe that Zhao Jicheng, in his current state as a vengeful ghost, could gain the recognition of a celestial beast. However, the contract of the Book of Heaven Without Words is only limited to non-human races. And ghost gods are also among the non-human races.

“His appearance beside the Welcoming Joy God is definitely not a coincidence. I’m afraid the Welcoming Joy God has already been tricked into signing a contract. Moreover, there is no limit to the number of contracts one can make with the Book of Heaven Without Words. In the past, there was an emperor of Xiliang who was blessed by both a dragon and a phoenix. Given Jicheng’s personality, he will definitely not let go of the Bereavement God and the Ghost Goddess. Lüling knows the location of the Ghost Goddess, which is probably why he has been trapped by him and hasn’t appeared yet.”

The usage of the Book of Heaven Without Words is crucial for the royal family. In the past, Zhao Huai’an had endured various hardships without revealing anything. He didn’t know how or where Zhao Jicheng learned of this, but he understood that if he continued to conceal it, this journey would be extremely dangerous. Without needing to weigh the pros and cons, he told Qian Ren everything.

The usage of the Book of Heaven Without Words is the most secretive matter in the pugilistic world. Qian Ren didn’t expect him to reveal everything to his son. Just as he was thinking about how to respond, a rather frivolous voice suddenly interrupted, “So that’s how it is. I was wondering how the Welcoming Joy God, who used to treat Fang Suihan like an immortal, suddenly changed her tune.”

Upon hearing this voice, Zhuge Qingtian froze, looking nervous as if he had just met his parents for the first time and didn’t know what to say. Qian Ren frowned at the red-clad man outside the window, “Is it fun for two Transcending Tribulation cultivators to eavesdrop outside the window?”

There were no living supplies in the Ghost Domain. Qian Ren had noticed that Zhuge Qingtian had been in a coma for two days without waking up. Out of concern, he immediately sent a flying sword letter to his master for help. The handsome man leaning lazily by the window at this moment was none other than the wanted demon lord, He Huan.

No one knew Qian Ren’s cold personality better than He Huan. This disciple, who usually kept to himself, had actually sent a letter asking him how to coax someone. Yesterday, upon receiving the letter, this demon was so shocked that he broke his flying sword and hurried to the Ghost Domain.

Now seeing that he was not only fine but also had a beauty in his arms, he was relieved. He returned to his usual teasing manner and said, “There’s nothing I can do. You suddenly sent a flying sword letter, and I thought my disciple had been possessed. Who knew it was just a case of lovesickness? You’ve reached this age, huh…”

Qian Ren had long been accustomed to his master’s frivolous nature. Glancing at the candied hawthorn he hadn’t finished, he knew he had fallen into a trap in his urgency. He immediately said coldly, “I didn’t ask you to buy candied hawthorn.”

“Oh, I bought it to tease you. Who knew you’d actually eat it?”

He Huan frankly admitted his mischievous nature and glanced at the young man being protected by his disciple. He knew that to make Qian Ren so anxious that he couldn’t even see through such an obvious joke, this person held a very important place in his heart.

However, Zhao Huai’an’s mind was deep. Qian Ren was the only person in the world who could find the Demon Lord’s relics. It couldn’t be ruled out that the other party was deliberately getting close for the sake of the Underworld Soil…

Who was He Huan? In the past, all those who underestimated him because of his frivolous appearance had been tricked to the point of not knowing their own mothers. Although on the surface he didn’t show any flaws, his mind instantly made at least ten guesses about the hidden possibilities behind their encounter. However, before he could open his mouth to probe, a white shadow floated out of his body, “You talk too much. A few copper coins for candied hawthorn in exchange for a cultivation partner, it’s a good deal!”

This white shadow was none other than the Sword Lord He Ku. Since he had successfully transcended the tribulation some time ago, he could now manifest independently. After being glared at by him, He Huan knew that he was being told not to ruin the mood, so he could only agree, “It’s candied hawthorn personally delivered by a Transcending Tribulation cultivator who traveled thousands of miles. There isn’t a second skewer like it in the world.”

“What’s the harm in making a trip for the sake of your disciple’s lifelong happiness? If no one takes care of him, wouldn’t you be the one worrying about losing your hair in the end?”

With one sentence, he choked the Great Demon He until he took out a mirror to check his hairline. Only then did He Ku contentedly withdraw his gaze and wave friendly at Zhuge Qingtian, who was looking at them with the corner of his eyes.

Seeing that he was still hesitant and seemed unsure how to greet them, He Ku just smiled and didn’t bother him further. He then closed the window, leaving only one sentence, “This matter is not trivial. We’ll go find the Bereavement God and won’t disturb your emotional exchange. Qian Ren, if you like someone, you have to be gentle!”

“Those two talking nonsense are my master. They often say things that others don’t understand. You don’t have to pay them any mind.”

He Huan’s concern for Qian Ren wasn’t unexpected, after all, Zhao Jicheng, wearing Zhao Huai’an’s face, had caused them a lot of trouble. However, he was willing to believe everything Zhuge Qingtian said. He was pondering how to convince his master, but his words were still gentle, “The white one is the Junior Master. He’s more kind. If you’re bored, you can talk to him.”

Zhuge Qingtian had heard Qian Ren mention that He Huan and his Nascent Soul had become cultivation partners. Now that he had actually seen them, he, as an old-timer, couldn’t help but be shocked. He was amazed at how He Ku, with the same face, could be so upright and approachable, while also guessing that He Huan was still observing him, which made him feel a little uneasy.

He had predicted long ago that He Huan was not someone to be trifled with. He had never been an enemy of the Joy Palace except for the unauthorized actions of Yu Qing. Later, he also intended to sell Yu Qing to gain favor with both sides. He shouldn’t be regarded with hostility, right?

But all of this hadn’t been implemented yet. What if the other party held him responsible for Yu Qing’s actions? And so far, everything was just his side of the story. Would someone as shrewd as He Huan really believe him?

After a little analysis, he felt that he was in danger of being asked how much money it would take for him to leave his disciple. Zhuge Qingtian couldn’t help but frown again.

He wasn’t afraid of testing each other, but he had no experience in how to make his beloved’s elders like him. Now he could only grab Qian Ren’s collar in panic, “What do I do? I suddenly have this sense of panic like I’ve seduced you and been discovered by your parents. If He Huan finds out that I tease you every day, will he beat me to death?”

Now you’re scared? I thought you were enjoying teasing me every day.

Qian Ren had thought that he would be much more composed after regaining his memories. He was still hesitating whether they could still interact as they used to. Now it seemed like there was no difference, although he was a little happy. He still said calmly, “Don’t worry, you’re already dead.”

Zhuge Qingtian had never encountered this situation since birth. While worrying secretly, he saw a hint of a smile in his eyes. He immediately buried himself in the man’s arms and complained, “Don’t act like it’s none of your business. Teach me how to not get beaten to death by the Grand Master! You’re my master!”

Hearing this, Qian Ren’s eyes moved. Caressing the young man’s hair, he finally asked the question he had held back for so long, “Even if you remember everything, are you still willing to call me master?”

He was no longer the lonely country boy from Zhu Jiaji. Now he had regained his power as a ghost god. So, would he still regard Qian Ren, who was much younger than him, as his master?

Understanding what he was asking, Zhuge Qingtian’s eyelashes fluttered. He only asked, “If I call you wife, would you agree?”

He didn’t expect him to answer like this at this time. Qian Ren only glanced at him, “You really are a cut-sleeve.”

“I am. I realized it when the elders sent four gorgeous beauties and I didn’t have the slightest desire. However, three of the four beauties were from the Joy Palace, and the other one was a hired assassin. The Grand Master is really paying too much attention to me, this kid.”

Without hesitation, he admitted the habits he had tried so hard to hide in the past. Zhuge Qingtian found that shedding his past identity wasn’t so bad.

Zhao Huai’an, who bore the future of the Zhao family, wouldn’t dare indulge himself like this in the past. He clearly didn’t like women, but he didn’t even dare to look for someone he liked. He could only maintain his youthful appearance, secretly hoping that someone would pursue him.

In the end, even the most romantic demon cultivator was scared off by his identity as the Tian Shu Pavilion’s Grand Seat, and no one dared to flirt with him.

So, he was this bold now definitely because he had been holding back too long while alive, right…

Recalling his past experiences, he felt depressed. Knowing that he couldn’t let his mood suppress and trigger the Ghost Domain, he could only hug the person beside him and sigh, “Since you wanted to insert spies by my side, why didn’t you let me come? Anyway, if I were to die, I’d rather it be from teasing the Joy Palace’s Great Protector.”

How much did the people of Tian Shu Pavilion like him when he was young? Was he this dangerous when he was a kid?

Although this could be considered a special honor of having the Tian Shu Pavilion’s Grand Seat infatuated with him, Qian Ren had only one thing to say, “Why is it that even after you found your brain, I still want to beat you up?”

Seeing him like this again after a long time, Zhuge Qingtian suddenly felt at ease. No longer thinking about anything else, he wrapped his arms around the man’s neck and said softly, “Many people in this world have taught me lessons. I learned from them how to survive in the pugilistic world. But only you taught me how to protect myself. Based on that alone, you will always be my true master.”

Yes, identity, age, and cultivation were not important. When he was reduced to his initial state of helplessness, when he had nothing and could do nothing, it was this man who appeared before him and led him step by step to regain his strength. It was also this person who woke him up from his nightmare.

As long as he remembered this, that was enough.

Author’s Note:

He Huan: My disciple’s love interest is actually a small account of the leader of an opposing faction. No, I need to investigate his background!

Zhuge Qingtian: I’ve already left that camp! Really!

He Ku: Isn’t it enough as long as he likes him? Does dating have to be this big of a deal?

Qian Ren: Junior Master, you are indeed more kind.

He Huan: Stop acting like you’re about to put a green hat on your master!