Chapter Thirty: Crimson Oath

Wang Qingping fixed his gaze on the translucent panel floating in the air. As people passed by him in the hall, some cast curious glances his way, while others paused with an expression of sudden realization, stopping to watch for a while.

Such monkey-like treatment was not something Wang Qingping usually received, but here, in the newly rebuilt Fragrant Pavilion of the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect, the images he watched never lagged, so he had no choice but to endure it. Ignoring the odd looks, he waited expectantly for the livestream to start.

Originally, Wang Qingping was a ruthless cultivator in the traditional sense, coming to Myriad Umbrellas Demonic City as a pilgrim. Normally, his path would be filled with conflict, double-crosses, and the pursuit of his own fortuitous encounters. However, after spending some time in Myriad Umbrellas Demonic City—even once meeting the Fifth Prince—his perspective gradually changed.

The city offered a dizzying array of pleasures, a wide variety of cultivation resources, and a lively atmosphere of martial arts exchange. This academic, upward-looking city, where people strove for progress rather than undermining each other, began to win Wang Qingping’s favor.

He decided to stay a while longer, and during this period, he stumbled upon something truly fascinating: livestreaming.

It began when the city distributed a new set of communication tools to many martial artists, free of charge. They resembled traditional message jades, but the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect called them the “Little Freedom Client.”

It was said that with Little Freedom, one could communicate in real time and watch short videos others posted. This delighted Wang Qingping, who promptly received a set.

What amazed him most was that a few days ago, after watching a video posted by a martial artist specializing in body refinement, he suddenly achieved an epiphany! Since then, Wang Qingping had become enamored with a feature on Little Freedom called “N Station.” He eagerly explored its functions and discovered that it allowed real-time video communication. This alone made it priceless!

Once again, Wang Qingping found himself in awe of the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect’s philosophies.

In the past, when the sect spent vast sums to develop formation-based public transportation, most people thought they’d lost their minds—wasting money and neglecting their “proper” duties as a demonic sect. But once public transit flourished, the city’s tax revenue doubled year after year, people lived in unparalleled prosperity, and the sect’s martial artists grew ever more outstanding.

Now, with Little Freedom dominating the communications world, the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect had truly become a trailblazer of the age! Their overwhelming strength ensured their innovations could not be stolen. When the sect set a new era in motion, all others could do was follow, hoping to earn a share of the profits.

Wang Qingping especially loved the newly released livestream function.

Today, he was waiting for Fairy Jingjing’s livestream. Fairy Jingjing was a disciple of Mercy Heart Villa, a well-known second-tier sect nearby, famous for being composed almost entirely of female cultivators.

Mercy Heart Villa wasn’t the type to marry off disciples for alliances, and its admission standards were high. In recent years, they had even produced a major talent: Fairy Liuli, Qian Ziyao, ranked thirty-fifth on the Human Rankings!

Born with golden pupils, her eyes could see through all evil illusions and unleash spiritual attacks—a sharpness unmatched, making her an idol for many young female cultivators, more popular even than many male geniuses.

Of course, expecting her to host a livestream was too much, but someone had recently gifted Fairy Jingjing a fortune in premium spirit stones, hoping she’d persuade her junior sister Qian Ziyao to make an appearance. Fairy Jingjing had happily agreed.

It was certain that many, like Wang Qingping, were now eagerly awaiting a glimpse of this ranked prodigy.

It’s starting, it’s starting!

Wang Qingping silently chanted in his heart. Since he’d chosen the external display mode, many gathered around to watch, which made him feel amused and conflicted. Normally, martial artists respected personal space—gathering like this would be a provocation. But now, it was a sign of camaraderie and shared interests. Who could have foreseen this before Little Freedom appeared?

“With flowers carved in my hands, the blade’s edge weaves a painting, the famed Tower of Merit, a certain family by the bridge—”

Accompanied by beautiful, unfamiliar music, the livestream began. A young woman in red gauze sat gracefully, playing and singing. Now and then, her movements revealed a slender, snow-white wrist, like frozen moonlight. Her pupils glimmered faintly with gold, her aura unmatched—she was none other than Fairy Liuli, Qian Ziyao, ranked thirty-fifth on the Human Rankings!

Wang Qingping was struck by her beauty. He had always pictured Qian Ziyao as a plain-looking but powerful heroine. Of course, he didn’t think plain-faced women lacked charm; on the contrary, strength defined beauty for him. Yet, seeing the golden-eyed fairy as a true beauty made him like her even more.

What felt odd to Wang Qingping was that she was singing in Chinese! As expected of a ranked powerhouse—she had mastered such a difficult language!

The streaming chat was now alive with commentary.

“Can someone tell me what language this is? Is it Chinese? It’s my first time hearing a Chinese song, I’m not sure.”

“The song is beautiful, there’s a story in it.”

“It’s the story, not just the melody, that draws people in.”

“Qian Ziyao is actually a beauty?!”

“So lovely.”

“Is this a Chinese song? Did Grand Freedom Demonic Sect grant permission?”

“A Human Rankings expert—amazing!”

“I don’t understand the words, but it sounds great.”

“What, do you need permission from the sect to sing like this? They broadcast in Chinese—are others not allowed to use it?”

“You’re treading on dangerous thoughts there.”

“The rhythm is so strong.”

‘With flowers carved in my hands, the blade’s edge weaves a painting, the famed Tower of Merit…’

“Wow, there’s a translation? Are you from the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect, or just a scholar?”

“What language is this song in? Is it Chinese?”

“They already said, it’s Chinese.”

“They can’t see our earlier messages, these comments scroll by.”

“Why did Little Freedom recommend this song to me? Can anyone share the lyrics? If not, it’s fine.”

“Can it be downloaded?”

“Wow, you’re all focused on the song, but the singer is so pretty!”

“Right? But you might not know, her sect’s most beautiful is actually Fairy Jingjing, who’s usually the host—Qian Ziyao is just a guest today!”

“Most beautiful? What does that matter? Ranking thirty-fifth on the Human Rankings is a rare feat in any sect!”

“Can livestreams not be downloaded?”

“No, after the stream ends, you can’t watch it again, but you can record your screen.”

“Wow, this song is from the Grand Freedom Demonic Sect—I shouldn’t be so obsessed with it.”

“Look, a righteous cultivator has appeared!”

“Don’t be so narrow-minded! Plenty of righteous cultivators watch streams too. The sect's cities don’t restrict entry, and devices are given out regardless of your cultivation method. Many come just for information and pick up Little Freedom on purpose.”

“Are you still here, cutie? I found a way to download the song—the host just posted it, I think.”

As everyone was still enjoying Qian Ziyao’s song, she seemed to receive a message, apologized to the audience, and then actually turned and left.

The chat filled with disappointment.

“Is the fairy leaving already? I wanted to hear more!”

“Fairy, please keep singing!”

“I still don’t know what this song is about…”

“How arrogant, walking off in the middle of a stream!”

“Shame on you! A person of her status is surely busy—she’s the top of Mercy Heart Villa’s younger generation!”

At that moment, her senior, Fairy Jingjing, arrived to save the day. Leading a group of fellow female disciples, all dressed similarly to Qian Ziyao, she began to dance.

The chat instantly filled with “Fairy Jingjing, I love you!” and “Finally! Fairy, you’re beautiful today!”

Though their outfits were alike, Fairy Jingjing’s lively, expressive features and cheerful hosting style quickly won everyone over. Compared to the reserved Liuli Fairy, this fairy was far more charismatic, and the chat exploded with gifts and conversation.

Only then did Wang Qingping realize that, moments ago, everyone had been too awed by the presence of a ranked powerhouse to even offer gifts!

Watching the stream, Wang Qingping sighed in amazement—it truly was beautiful! A group of lovely girls dancing was a feast for the eyes, especially as their graceful movements revealed flashes of smooth, milk-white legs. Judging from the barrage of on-screen comments, everyone was thinking the same thing.

“Some viewers asked why I don’t sweat—heehee, because I’m a beautiful girl! Girls don’t sweat stink! I wouldn’t lie to you, and if I did, you’d all be puppies!”

However, Wang Qingping wasn’t the only one still curious about where the Liuli Fairy had gone.

At that moment, the previously aloof fairy appeared again, following a young boy at a respectful distance, as if guiding him on a tour. As they passed her fellow dancing disciples, she softly explained things to the child, her manner not just equal but even a bit humble—leaving everyone deeply curious about the boy’s identity.