Chapter 123: A Small Gathering of Friends

Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Sect
Jianzhang Palace

The Jianzhang Palace, serving as the bedchamber for successive Sect Masters of the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Sect, had long been adorned with such lavish extravagance that its symbolic significance far outweighed its practical use. Chu Hanyu, the current Sect Master, preferred tranquility, so the palace was usually as quiet as a deserted temple. Today, however, as he and Xing Qiluo strolled through the corridors, palace maids in elegant attire constantly passed by and bowed. Clearly, times had changed.

Xing Qiluo, unlike the cold and taciturn figure he presented to outsiders, was full of smiles, his cheeks even dimpling. He shook his head and remarked, "Tell me, didn't you end up taking him as your disciple after all?"

Chu Hanyu felt a surge of irritation at the sight of him. He still remembered how Xing Qiluo had been so frightened by his eight-year-old self that he had pressed against the wall. How could he be so cocky now? If it weren't for the fact that today was his birthday...

Chu Hanyu rolled his eyes, ignoring the comment, and asked, "Where is Wuji?"

Xing Qiluo’s smile remained as he replied, "I suspect he is already inside waiting for us."

Chu Hanyu was slightly surprised. It wasn't that he was shocked Yin Wuji had arrived without them noticing. While Yin Wuji’s signature move was breaking all laws through sheer force, it would be strange if he relied solely on that without honing other skills; it was only natural he had made progress.

However, Yin Wuji had built his power from scratch, unlike the two of them, who presided over sects with long histories and well-established systems. It was said that Yin Wuji still had to handle trivial matters personally, which was why he was always fashionably late to their small gatherings, offering the same line: "Apologies, I am late; I shall punish myself with three cups!" It always sounded sincere, though the script never changed. Why was he so early today?

Having been friends for so many years, Xing Qiluo understood his expression perfectly. His eyes crinkled further as he said, "Don't tell me you didn't think of it? He must be eager to see his precious daughter!"

Chu Hanyu realized the truth. Yin Wuji’s biological daughter, Yin Hongling, was indeed currently within the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Sect, under the care of his young disciple, Zhang Ning. Although Chu Hanyu had instructed his subordinates not to neglect the girl, he hadn't checked on her personally, which made him feel slightly guilty toward his old friend.

Just as they were about to step inside, Xing Qiluo and Chu Hanyu stopped simultaneously. They looked toward a pillar in the corridor, from which a child emerged slowly. Dressed in the dark, cloud-patterned robes of the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Sect, the boy looked like a miniature adult, though his eyes darted about with slight trepidation. He bowed and said, "Greetings, Master. Greetings, Demon Lord Mingyu."

Before Chu Hanyu could speak, Xing Qiluo’s eyes lit up. "This must be little Ning!" Without seeming to move, he appeared directly in front of Zhang Ning. "Exactly as I imagined—truly clever and adorable! ...Has Xiao Zun given you much trouble lately? If he does anything that displeases you, tell me, and I will thrash him for you!"

Zhang Ning, still caught in the awkwardness of being cornered by two powerhouses, was startled by this remark. Feeling both flattered and sympathetic toward Han Zun, he replied, "Thank you, Demon Lord Mingyu... Han and I are on very good terms."

"Really?" Xing Qiluo beamed. "That’s good. That brat... Xiao Ning, you are too shy. Just call me Uncle Xing or Senior Xing from now on." With that, he produced a bright red storage pouch from nowhere and thrust it into Zhang Ning's hand—clearly a gift for their first meeting.

Zhang Ning nearly choked on his own spit and blurted out, "Why is it bright red?!"

"Well," Xing Qiluo explained patiently, "I had prepared it for Xiao Zun, but I think it suits you better now... Xiao Zun is turning twelve soon, his zodiac year."

*He's only twelve...* Zhang Ning thought. *Even though some customs in the Azure World resemble those of ancient Earth, where one could marry at thirteen or fourteen, that is still too young... Wait!*

Zhang Ning suddenly realized, "Zodiac year?" He looked at his master, and Chu Hanyu, understanding the question, nodded. "The Azure World didn't originally have zodiac years; this trend was started by your Senior Brother. But I hear the twelve animals are somewhat different from those on Earth."

"Ah... Senior Brother is amazing..." Zhang Ning scratched his head, pushing aside the strange feeling he felt whenever he heard his late Senior Brother's name.

Seeing that the master and disciple seemed to be getting along, Xing Qiluo stopped talking, smiled, and walked into Jianzhang Palace, leaving Chu Hanyu to speak with his young disciple.

Chu Hanyu didn't say much to Zhang Ning, merely raising an eyebrow as he said, "Go back and read your books for now, shall you?" He then walked into the palace without questioning why Zhang Ning was there. Since Zhang Ning was his disciple, he was free to move about the sect; he could hardly keep the boy under lock and key.

Although Chu Hanyu dismissed him, Zhang Ning could not set his mind at ease. What had he seen on his way here? A parade of incomparable beauties, each more exquisite than the last, heading straight into his master's bedchamber! After inquiring, he had confirmed they were there to dance—and there were two hundred of them! Two hundred... Master, is your back alright? And how could you do such a thing?!

In Zhang Ning's heart, Chu Hanyu held such a high status that even goddesses were unworthy of him. Seeing these beauties on the verge of engaging in some tryst with his master made Zhang Ning feel as if his idol were being defiled. He felt a desperate urge to reach out and stop his master.

Naturally, he didn't do so, but as he watched Chu Hanyu walk toward his chambers, his eyes betrayed his thoughts completely.

Just before closing the palace doors, Chu Hanyu caught Zhang Ning’s expression and found it incredibly amusing.

This newly acquired disciple was truly a precocious one. He had merely summoned some dancers for entertainment, but judging by that look, where had the boy’s mind wandered? And even if he were to do something, as a disciple, Zhang Ning could hardly police his master’s bedchamber.

Chu Hanyu wasn't angry; instead, a spark of his long-suppressed, mischievous nature flickered to life. Before shutting the doors, he gave Zhang Ning a suggestive, knowing smile.

Zhang Ning had been standing there, dazed, having seen a cold, sharp-featured man already lounging on a soft couch inside, sipping wine. He had been hoping it was just a small gathering of friends and was about to calm down... but seeing Chu Hanyu’s "Mom and Dad are going to have adult time, children shouldn't watch" smile, he felt as if his heart had shattered.

No, Master, don't!