Chapter Nine: Double

The Grand Free Heaven Demon Sect

Late at night

Disciples active within the sect, upon seeing those two familiar figures, could not help but kneel down in ecstatic reverence. “Greetings, Revered One! Greetings, Lord Mingyu!”

“Mm.”

Seeing their own Revered One give a slight nod before walking away with Lord Mingyu, the disciples did not find it odd. They knew well that their sect and the Xuanming Palace had always shared close ties. But for their Revered One to appear after five years of seclusion—finally seeing him again—brought great comfort to their hearts.

Yet these disciples were of limited cultivation and not close to such exalted figures. They neither sensed the faint dip in the aura of Lord Wanxiang, nor found anything amiss in his slightly unusual attire.

At this moment, Chu Hanyu wore black robes embroidered with cloud patterns; the collar rose high enough to completely conceal his neck, and the sleeves not only covered his wrists but nearly half his hands as well. His hair, too, was left to fall in an unrestrained manner. Had one of his personal disciples been present, or if an exceptionally astute person observed closely, they might have immediately detected something awry. But who among the common crowd dared look directly at such a figure?

The Celestial Palace

The lamps cast a dim, shadowy light.

This somber illumination had persisted for quite some time; even the patrolling guards unconsciously lightened their steps when passing by.

Lord Wanxiang was undoubtedly the soul of the Grand Free Heaven Demon Sect. Yet the one within this chamber, in the absence of all other Revered Ones, had always shouldered every responsibility—from setting the grand strategies of the sect to confirming the most mundane affairs of ensuring the people ate their fill. Countless instances had proven his wisdom; he was, without doubt, the spiritual pillar of the sect.

“Your Highness, the Revered One has returned! Lord Mingyu is also here in our sect!”

Looking up from his documents was a youth of clear and handsome countenance, gentle in his brows and gaze, naturally exuding a trustworthy and approachable air, making one feel he would surely treat others with warmth.

He did not scold his subordinate for their enthusiasm.

“Master has finally emerged! Once I finish these matters, I can at last consult Master about the affairs of the sect.”

He entertained this pleasant thought, but before the time it takes to drink a cup of tea had passed, he was told that his Master and Lord Mingyu had made a circuit around the sect, apparently discussing something of import, and then returned together to the place where his Master had previously secluded himself. He was utterly dumbfounded.

What? Emerging from seclusion only to wander briefly before entering seclusion again? Master, have you abandoned our sect? But it was true that the two Revered Ones often conversed on the Dao...

“Your Highness,” his subordinate consoled, “at least before the Revered Ones entered seclusion, I asked how to handle the Fifth Prince’s share of resources, and the Revered One said, ‘Double it!’”

“...Well, at least that tells us Master’s attitude.”

In truth, Lord Wanxiang himself was entirely unaware of this matter.

Within the Seclusion Chamber

Lord Mingyu, Xing Qiluo, made certain all members of the Grand Free Heaven Demon Sect had withdrawn, feeling a growing sense of unease. He turned, frowning deeply at Chu Hanyu, who had already lost consciousness.

He knew forcing himself to this point was already Chu Hanyu’s limit. If someone were to remove his robes now, they would surely be shocked—the body beneath would be bloodied and filthy beyond belief! How could the utterly foul and corrupt Blackwater of Tonight be so easily resisted? Even immortals and gods, if careless, might fall to it. Who would have thought that such a substance existed in such quantity within the Netherworld? Who was to say that even these Revered Ones weren't frogs at the bottom of a well?

The pressing issue now was to contend with the Blackwater of Tonight. Making a round to reassure the people upon their return was already the best they could do for the greater good. Had they emerged from seclusion without a word or a single appearance before immediately returning to isolation, even the dullest would sense something was wrong. Yet, Chu Hanyu’s quarters had been fortified with countless formations, most conducive to his recovery. In such an uncertain contest, how could they not give their all?

In fact, the moment he entered the quiet chamber, Chu Hanyu had already fainted. When a subordinate arrived with questions, it was Xing Qiluo who responded. Xing Qiluo hardly understood what was being asked—something about a prince and cultivation resources—but recalling his old friend’s habitual protectiveness, he simply said “double it,” and thus dismissed them.

Who knew how long it would take Chu Hanyu to recover…

Above Beiqiong City

The Great-Bellied Ark sailed steadily and swiftly through the sky. Standing at such a lofty, broad vantage, those aboard could easily be swept up by an ambition to rule the world.

And on this ark, one of the unquestionable centers of attention was Zhang Ning!

Seated cross-legged in meditation atop the massive ram’s head at the prow, Zhang Ning’s eyes were closed. Anyone could see at a glance that he was cultivating. His status and position subtly overlapped, evoking the feeling of standing atop a hundred-foot tower, hand within reach of the stars. The sect’s members who watched him felt a silent awe and admiration.

Zhang Ning’s value as an object of attention was quietly on the rise, but he himself scarcely noticed, wholly absorbed in his contemplation practice. He found himself deeply interested in these wondrous arts; in a world fraught with obvious danger, possessing a profound technique was often more precious than anything else—one must always forge oneself into steel. What’s more, Zhang Ning had an inexplicable sense that this particular art was of vital importance to him.

Four hours later

Aboard the Great-Bellied Ark

Roughly five thousand meters above, a massive white bird circled in the sky. On the surface, it appeared unremarkable, but its eyes were piercing and intelligent, gliding about the ark in a wide orbit, its gaze almost human in its scrutiny.

This was none other than a member of the renowned Beast-Taming clan of Beiqiong City—the Controllers of Birds!

It turned out that news of Zhang Ning had spread. The entire Celestial Realm was seeking information about this Fifth Prince, and since this journey’s purpose was to recruit disciples for the Grand Free Heaven Demon Sect, unless there were special circumstances, Zhuge Yi would not have ordered the ark to conceal its whereabouts. However, for an artifact crafted by Lord Wanxiang Chu Hanyu, a grandmaster of formations, employing the Beast-Taming clan was nearly the only means to track it.

Zhang Ning had long felt as though he was being watched. Since his arrival in the Azure Heaven Realm, this sensation had been persistent and unmistakable.

Zhang Ning suspected his constitution had changed, for after spending just one night at the Fragrant Pavilion, he’d felt fully refreshed; later, when his senior brother’s subordinates all stared at him, he’d sensed it as well. Thus, feeling prickles on his back now, Zhang Ning chose to trust his instincts!

Opening his eyes for a quick scan, he immediately spotted the white bird. He did not think much of it, assuming it to be a spirit beast. He winked at the bird and smiled, then turned to those behind him and said, “Are you just going to let it run wild?”