GB Chapter 45

This is a scheme laid out by the Heavenly Dao Alliance to eliminate the Ghost Domain, with Qian Ren, the Demonic Cult’s Great Protector, involved. In recent days, the Wanguishu Academy has become much livelier. Zhuge Qingtian knows they are discussing countermeasures, but he hasn’t inquired about the specifics.

Today, Qian Ren went out with his master. He wandered alone on the streets for a long time, unable to find the joy he felt when he first arrived. He could only sit on the seaside boardwalk, watching the river lanterns drift further away, thinking, the Ghost Domain, which is always in darkness, is ultimately a bit cold. He hopes that after this matter is resolved, he can leave soon. Although he cannot feel the temperature, he still prefers places with sunshine.

He knows what it means to reveal the secret of the Book of Heaven Without Words. Since He Huan and He Ku have come to the Ghost Domain, they won’t leave like this. Zhao Jicheng’s only trump card is the power of the Ghost Gods he obtained by using the Book of Heaven Without Words. Now that his trump card is revealed, he certainly won’t be a match for the Xuan Sect. He has cut off Zhao Jicheng’s last chance of survival.

These were people he had tried his best to protect when he was alive, but when it came to taking action, he didn’t hesitate much. Their Zhao imperial family is indeed born ruthless. Zhao Huai’an once thought he was an exception, but now it seems that his family affection has its limits.

Zhao Huai’an is a fierce ghost, and Zhuge Qingtian is a mourning ghost. As a Ghost God formed from the fusion of the two, Zhuge Qingtian has much easier control over his own Ghost Domain than other Ghost Gods. He lightly taps the sea surface with his toe, and the brilliant lights on the shore are vividly outlined in the sea with blood-ink. Painting with blood, this is his ability as a Ghost God. The paintings he creates become beautiful illusions that people are easily immersed in, just like Zhao Huai’an’s life, ultimately nothing more than self-deception.

The illusions of Ghost Gods can deceive passing ghosts, but they cannot stop cultivators who have transcended the tribulation. Along with the ripples of the water surface breaking, He Huan’s handsome face, once considered a great enemy by the Tian Shu Pavilion, is reflected before him. He lightly smiles at him and says, “Lord Zhao, how about we have a little chat about your younger brother?”

“Jicheng has ambition and boldness, but he has never been meticulous, so he always falls short at the critical moment. Does he think that it is just a coincidence that Ling Sui Daoren built the Tian Shi Mansion in Jiangdu, the closest to the Ghost Domain? Both Huanhun Island and Yindu are within the observation range of the Tian Shi Mansion. After hiding his identity for so many years, he finally revealed his flaws during the execution of his plan, drawing the attention of Ling Sui Daoren. It is indeed a pity.”

Zhuge Qingtian is not surprised that He Huan came to find him. With a few days to buffer, he is no longer nervous about being alone with this peer. When talking about Zhao Jicheng’s actions, his emotions are unexpectedly calm. He knows his younger brother’s problems well. At this moment, he analyzes everything truthfully.

“He’s always been like this. He always wants to conquer the world without doing the things in front of him well. Even if I hadn’t interfered, even if he had successfully obtained the power of the three Ghost Gods of the Ghost Domain, his final outcome would have been nothing more than being eliminated by the Heavenly Dao Alliance, who would then reap the benefits.”

Just as Zhao Huai’an predicted that He Huan was destined to be extraordinary, when the Tian Shu Pavilion chose to focus on scholarly pursuits and stay out of worldly affairs, He Huan knew that this new Lord of the Tian Shu Pavilion was not a simple character. Unlike the Demonic Path, the righteous sects pay great attention to reputation. There are few cultivators in the world who are as fully devoted to the Heavenly Dao as the Xuan Sect. People are ultimately governed by seven emotions and six desires. However, even if all the major sects inevitably have to act secretly, maintaining a righteous façade is where the sect leaders’ skills truly lie.

The strength of the Tian Shu Pavilion lies in the fact that when people in the martial world mention it, their first reaction is a group of scholars who write poems and paint. No one believes that this group of scholars, immersed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, would get involved in martial disputes. It’s even hard to imagine them fighting. However, it is precisely this sect that controls the hidden forces spanning both the righteous and demonic paths.

This is also why He Huan believes Zhuge Qingtian’s words. Only old rivals like them can sense the changes in the Tian Shu Pavilion. The Tian Shu Pavilion under Zhao Jicheng is full of vigor. While it is indeed troublesome, the enemy, who was originally like a giant serpent lurking in the shadows, has suddenly moved into the open. No matter how troublesome, they can still find ways to deal with it. However, it is precisely because he knows Zhao Huai’an is sufficiently patient that he worries whether his disciple can control this person.

Looking at the person in front of him, who calmly points out Zhao Jicheng’s mistakes one by one, He Huan is not deceived by his apparent calmness. He only says softly, “Even if you see everything clearly, you will still feel dejected because you foresaw his defeat.”

“After all, he is my own brother. It’s inevitable to feel a bit down when I see him being manipulated by a bunch of old geezers.”

Zhuge Qingtian understands what He Huan means. He can only choose one between Zhao Jicheng and Qian Ren. A younger brother who killed him when he was alive for power and a master who has always protected him even after learning his identity. Even with his eyes closed, he knows who he should choose. He is also a person who has honed his skills through battles in the martial world. He won’t be so naive as to think that Zhao Jicheng has a chance to turn back. Although he will feel dejected by the impermanence of the world, it will ultimately be just that.

Waving his hand, he erases all the paintings on the water. He looks up at He Huan, who is observing him, dispels all pretenses, and smiles faintly, just like he does in front of Qian Ren, “I have nothing but my master, so please let me stay by his side, Grandmaster.”

He Huan originally thought that this person would struggle for at least a moment, but who knew he would surrender with just one sentence. Thinking of how serious Qian Ren looked when talking to him, he ultimately lowered his eyes, concealing the past turmoil of the martial world. When he looked up again, his eyes held his usual light-hearted smile, “Good boy, tell Grandmaster who the God of Joy is, and I will repay you with your master’s preferences.”

He actually acknowledged him as his grand-disciple without any hesitation. How could this shameless fellow have taught a serious disciple like Qian Ren?

Having someone who was once a few years younger than him suddenly become an elder is still a bit uncomfortable for Zhuge Qingtian. However, he also understands that He Huan showing this attitude means he has acknowledged him. Although he doesn’t know what Qian Ren said to make this person agree, he still has to repay this trust. So, he answers truthfully, “The last emperor of Xiliang, my third royal uncle, Zhao Huanzhi.”

Yes, the new emperor of Xiliang who suddenly disappeared before his coronation is now the God of Joy. During his days of enduring humiliation in the Tian Shu Pavilion, Zhao Huai’an would draw portraits of the emperors of Xiliang whenever he felt distressed. Looking at the appearances of these elders in the paintings, he secretly imagined them protecting him, and then he could grit his teeth and get through each day. This is why he is so familiar with the portrait of the God of Joy.

The layout of the God of Joy’s palace is almost identical to the past Xiliang imperial palace. This third royal uncle probably hasn’t forgotten the past either. He remembers that in his childhood, the third royal uncle would take them out for outings every spring. That person, who always had a gentle smile, even taught him how to paint peach blossoms. The God of Joy never trusts any fierce ghosts. The only reason he would recognize Zhao Jicheng as his adopted son is because they really are family.

Jicheng, although it is many years late, that was the only elder who extended a helping hand to Zhao Huai’an. You actually betrayed him with my face. This time, I will never forgive you.

Not wanting to imagine how his third royal uncle must be feeling now, he finally makes up his mind and responds to this matter for the first time, “I will act with you. The younger brother that Zhao Huai’an raised, I will personally send him on his way.”

His eyes are very firm. He Huan knows that the person in front of him is not lying. Although he doesn’t know what grievances these two have, it is good as long as this person doesn’t cause any conflict with Qian Ren because of it. His goal has been achieved. Thinking that making his disciple’s beloved feel depressed is ultimately not good, he doesn’t bring up the matter anymore and only smiles slowly, “Actually, the God of Lamentation already told me his identity. I was just testing you earlier.”

Just a single sentence makes Zhuge Qingtian freeze. He has to admit that this devil is faster at changing faces. At this moment, he can only sigh, “Now I understand why there are so many bounties on you.”

He Huan is already well aware of the enthusiasm of his fellow martial artists. Hearing these words, he is not annoyed but instead chuckles, “I also understand why Qian Ren would like you.”

“Ah? Are you sure? I don’t even dare to be certain if he likes me?”

Based on Zhuge Qingtian’s understanding of He Huan, he never expected to hear a single sincere word from this fellow’s mouth. But he received such an unexpected surprise, and for a moment he didn’t dare to believe it. He looks at him suspiciously, afraid that this person is just making things up to tease him.

“He told me to treat this as his last gamble in this life. If even you cannot walk with him to the end, then he will no longer approach anyone and will continue on his solitary path until he is old.”

He Huan does like to tease others, but he is speaking very seriously at this moment. He recalls how Qian Ren looked when he said these words and cannot help but sigh that the child he picked up from overseas has finally grown into an adult with his own opinions. The worry he once held has finally subsided, and he only says to the person in front of him solemnly, “My disciple has been serious and stubborn since he was a child. Don’t let him down, little grand-disciple.”

He has said a lot to He Huan today, but only this one sentence makes Zhuge Qingtian’s heart tremble to the point where he cannot speak. He truly did not expect that man would think so highly of him. It turns out that the affection he has been longing for had already been obtained long ago, it’s just that the other person never expressed it in words.

While Zhuge Qingtian is visibly moved, He Huan, who was originally watching him with a smile, is suddenly patted on the shoulder. When he turns around, he sees He Ku’s face, which is identical to his, open his mouth with suspicion, “This old devil, can you tell me what you are doing?”

He deliberately kept He Ku away this time. He only glances at Qian Ren standing behind him and knows that his disciple must have brought him along. He can only sigh, “Do you have to immediately bring the junior master over to save people? I wouldn’t eat him.”

No one understands He Huan’s thoughts better than He Ku. However, he also knows that this person has always liked to play the villain. At this moment, seeing that Zhuge Qingtian’s expression is not strange, he thinks for a moment and still drags the person away. “Let’s go work on your important matters of the world. Who my disciple falls in love with is his own decision. Do you think he is still a child?”

All that needs to be said has been said, and He Huan has no intention of getting further entangled. So, he embraces his cultivation partner and whispers in his ear, “It’s just because you’ve been busy transcending the tribulation lately and haven’t been flirting with me. I can only vent my loneliness on the world.”

Unfortunately, the upright Sword Master has no intention of flirting with him in front of his disciple. He raises his eyebrow and uses righteous eyes to deflect the man’s amorous glances. He only says directly, “Please leave the world alone. The elders’ heads are nearly bald from looking at the protest letters from the various major sects every day.”

The only one in this world who can control the trouble-making He Huan is He Ku. Seeing that his over-caring master is finally gone, Qian Ren lets out a slight sigh of relief. He habitually reaches out to touch Zhuge Qingtian’s head, “What did he say to you?”

Although the man’s face does not show any expression, Zhuge Qingtian can understand the deep concern in his words. He reaches out to grasp his palm, looks up, and smiles, “Master’s preferences.”

“That old geezer who doesn’t respect his elders!”

Based on Qian Ren’s understanding of He Huan, that person is indeed very likely to do such a thing of selling out his disciple. However, since he did, he must have acknowledged Zhuge Qingtian’s existence.

Recalling He Huan’s expression when he left, Qian Ren finally puts down the worry in his heart. He does not talk about anything else and only tells Zhuge Qingtian the decision he has made, “After this matter is over, I will take you to the place where the Demon Lord fell to find underworld soil to reshape your body.”

Qian Ren had mentioned the Demon Lord’s creation of humans before. Zhuge Qingtian only thought it was a hope he was giving him. Now that he knows he was actually thinking about doing it, he understands what He Huan’s instructions mean. It turns out that every single word from this person is not to coax him. A disciple who is so serious, he would definitely be afraid of him being snatched away if it were him.

Although he is very moved, he is also a little afraid that this person will lower his guard because of him, so he can’t help but ask, “Aren’t you afraid that after I come back to life I will leave you? I am not a little kid who just entered the martial world.”

Qian Ren is also not the naive young man he once was. He has considered everything that He Huan worried about. But when he thinks about the way Zhuge Qingtian looks at him, he still wants to try to believe this person. He will let Zhuge Qingtian become his last love trial. If it succeeds, he will choose a different path to transcend the tribulation. If it fails, it will also help him firmly embark on the path of ruthless Dao.

Thinking of this, he only says lightly, “That’s also good. At least, it can completely sever my thoughts of being with someone, and it can also be considered a completion of the goal of this journey.”

He is really an idiot to expect sweet words from this person’s mouth.

Severely scolding himself for actually hoping to force this person’s true feelings out, Zhuge Qingtian has no way to deal with this cold master. He can only start making a scene as usual, “Are you really a demon? If you turn into one, then kiss me fiercely, so that I won’t be able to think about anything else other than you!”

A kiss? Just this level? This person seems unrestrained and bold, but in essence, he is still at the level of a pure righteous cultivator. However, since he has already been seen by his master, he will not let this person go.

His eyes flicker slightly. Qian Ren pats his disciple with a bit of sympathy, “The Demon Lord created humans with soil because only a body made of underworld soil would not be corrupted by demonic energy. Do you think I would let you live again for the sake of doing good?”

For some reason, he hears a hint of wickedness in these words. Zhuge Qingtian subconsciously recalls that ripped-up lewd painting. If it were a lifeless corpse, it wouldn’t matter what was done to it, but if it’s a living person then that would be… That, the things in the lewd painting should just be for fun, and no one would actually practice it, right?

Looking at the cold, unyielding man in front of him without any confidence, he hesitantly asks, “Then… how bad do you want to be?”

“Heh, what do you think?”

This is a reply that allows for infinite imagination. Zhuge Qingtian uses all his life’s intelligence to think for a moment and finally comes to one conclusion–Grandmaster, please come back soon! There’s someone here who needs your rich adult experience!

The author has something to say: He Huan: Come, Lord Zhao, call me grandmaster and let me hear it.

Zhuge Qingtian: Would you dare to agree if I call you father-in-law?

He Huan: Based on your figure, I think you should call me father.

Zhuge Qingtian: Hello, father.

He Ku: Hey hey, shouldn’t you seniors have some shame?

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