The space before the Nine Yin Saintess shimmered with a subtle distortion. Then, as if the darkness itself had condensed into human form, a shadowy figure materialized out of thin air. Cloaked in an ever-shifting fog of black mist, this person's face and body were obscured beyond recognition—an unnatural blur of menace and mystery.
He hadn't walked in, nor had he leapt down from the sky. It was as if he had always been there, hiding just beyond the boundary of reality. Despite the crowd present, no one saw how he arrived.
This defied all logic.
Uncle Li's Phantom Demon Hand could create the illusion of instantaneous movement, even making it seem like he was bending space. But trained eyes—like that of Du Gongfu—could still catch glimpses of his trajectory. Yet this shadow's appearance… it was as if space itself were his servant, a door he could step through at will.
"Ximen Wudi is here," Qiao Wei said suddenly, his tone growing strange. His gaze at the black figure was complex—tinged with anger, hatred, and a subtle undercurrent of fear.
Uncle Li's expression grew grave, and his hands began to tremble.
Qin Da Shao furrowed his brow and murmured, "Even this devil's come now? When did Dingzhou become a gathering ground for the leaders of the demonic path?"
"Absurd!" Third Young Master muttered to himself, baffled. "That's clearly a teleportation spell or magic portal from a fantasy novel!"
As if hearing him, the shadowy figure turned slightly toward Third Young Master. Yet, cloaked as he was in swirling mist, the glance went unnoticed.
Upon his arrival, the Nine Yin Saintess and her followers fell to their knees, bowing deeply.
"All hail the Supreme One! Wise and mighty, a beacon of martial and literary brilliance, the unifier of the martial world! Supreme One, may your divine power reign eternal! May you enjoy immortal blessings and a life as long as the heavens!"
Ximen Wudi replied with a voice that grated like stone grinding against stone—raw and unnatural. "Rise."
The Saintess, still bowing, said, "We are unworthy, Supreme One. We failed the task you entrusted to us and even caused you to appear in person. Please, punish us accordingly."
"It's not your fault," Ximen Wudi said. "The Celestial Sword Saint has already stepped onto the path of the Heaven Sword. When that blade is drawn, all others pale. You simply lacked the strength to confront him. You are forgiven. Rise."
"Thank you for your boundless grace, Supreme One! Wise and mighty, benevolent and just, magnanimous beyond compare! We shall repay your favor with our lives!"
Third Young Master yawned audibly. "Well, that's the end of tonight's performance, isn't it? Can we wrap this up now? If they keep tossing around four-character praise phrases like that, the sun will be up before we sleep. Dammit, late nights are terrible for the skin."
Tu Hong joined in, waving his hand. "Yeah, time to clear out! Their parents showed up to take them home. The fight's canceled, folks! Let's go bathe and call it a night!"
Everyone looked at the two of them like they'd lost their minds. Qin Da Shao turned away, pretending not to know them. Clearly, he was furious at their lack of composure.
Ximen Wudi smiled faintly. "Leaving already, Third Young Master? I've only just arrived. That doesn't seem very respectful."
Third Young Master straightened. "Senior Ximen Wudi, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course," Ximen Wudi replied warmly. "Ask anything, and I will answer truthfully."
"Why didn't you name yourself Dongfang Bubai—Eastern Invincible? Imagine your followers shouting: 'The sun rises in the east—only I remain undefeated!' That's way more majestic than 'Ximen Wudi.' Sounds... tacky. Think about it."
Ximen Wudi mulled it over. "Hmm… Dongfang Bubai does sound more impressive than Ximen Wudi. Yes… I like it."
He turned to his followers. "From now on, I shall be known as Dongfang Bubai. When you see me, you will greet me with: 'The sun rises in the east—only I remain undefeated!'"
The demonic followers responded in unison: "As the Supreme commands! The sun rises in the east—only you remain undefeated! Supreme Eastern Invincible!"
Ximen—now Dongfang Bubai—bowed to Third Young Master. "Thank you for the name, Third Young Master. Indeed, 'Invincible' sounds far more commanding than 'Undefeated,' and 'Eastern' evokes rising power. Your insight is remarkable."
Watching the solemn expressions of the cultists and hearing Ximen's self-satisfied praise, Third Young Master couldn't hold back any longer. He burst out laughing, doubled over with mirth.
Qiao Wei blinked. "What's so funny, Third Young Master? Care to share with the rest of us?"
Still laughing, Third Young Master gasped, "Dongfang Bubai… that's the name I gave a eunuch in a smut novel I wrote—cut off his own ahem to seduce the world's most beautiful man, all to master the Sunflower Manual! A human peacock with no balls! HAHAHA!"
Qiao Wei was stunned—then howled with laughter.
Uncle Li, Tu Hong, Tie Jian, Tie Xuanxuan, and even the usually reserved Qin Da Shao chuckled. Du Xiaoyan and Li Xiaoye tried to stifle giggles. Even the Three Great Killers cracked grins.
Among the demonic crowd, expressions turned… complicated.
The Nine Yin Saintess's veil couldn't hide the twinkle in her eyes. The remaining masked Guardians trembled—either with laughter or rage, no one could tell. The half-naked Four Enslaved Beauties and the Twelve Bewitching Maidens lowered their heads to hide their twitching shoulders.
Ximen Wudi—now Dongfang Bubai—remained perfectly still.
After the laughter died down, he spoke calmly, "Third Young Master, your tongue is as sharp as they say. I heard you once made Xiao Shanhe of the Blossom Pavilion vomit blood. Now I see the legend is real."
Third Young Master, wiping away tears, wheezed, "Hey… why aren't you calling yourself Eastern Invincible anymore?"
Ximen shrugged. "You're young, just having some fun. If my name brought you joy, I don't mind. But enough jokes—let's talk business."
At that, Third Young Master sobered. Anyone who could take such ridicule without blinking was dangerous. He suddenly regretted accepting Qiao Wei and Uncle Li's invitation to join the deadly game of empire-building. If this was just one enemy, how many more foxes and serpents waited in the wings?
He shot a resentful glare at Qiao Wei and Uncle Li. It was so piercing, both men shivered.
"Why the look?" Qiao Wei thought. "Does he think I'm trying to seduce him?"
"Crap…" Uncle Li thought. "Did he… fall for old men?"
"Business?" Third Young Master muttered. "What business do we have?"
Ximen Wudi answered, "First, Qin Da Shao killed one of my Four Guardians. I'd like an explanation. Second, Qiao Qitian and Li Guding betrayed our sect ten years ago. I want them returned to face judgment."
Qin Da Shao said coldly, "I killed him. What explanation do you want?"
Third Young Master shrugged. "Never heard of those names. Qiao Wei? Uncle Li? Introduce yourselves."
Qiao Wei bowed. "Just a humble driver."
Uncle Li said solemnly, "I'm just the bodyguard."
"There, see? No traitors here." Third Young Master beamed shamelessly.
Ximen Wudi nodded. "Third Young Master, your shamelessness is… impressive. But the solution is simple. If the Xiaoyao Manor agrees to join forces with us, I'll forget both debts. No need for bloodshed."
Qin Da Shao sneered. "Join forces? With you?"
"If we unite," Ximen said calmly, "we can control both the righteous and demonic sects. Together, we could rule not just the martial world, but the entire Daqin Empire."
"You mean overthrow the Daqin Empire," Qin Da Shao spat. "Build your own demonic empire?"
Ximen replied smoothly, "Those are your words, not mine. I would never dare speak such treason."
Qin Da Shao's sneer deepened. "Join forces with you? You must be out of your damn mind."
Ximen Wudi sighed. "Such hostility. Very well. Since you refuse, then I must ask Third Young Master…"
To be continued…