My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Stirring Up Winds and Clouds in Jiangnan Dao (10,000 Characters Update, Please Subscribe)

“Drink!”

Han Wenxin’s face was completely flushed as he raised his glass to An Jing, “Today, we’re not going home unless we’re drunk.”

At this moment, the fear in his heart had long since vanished.

“No more drinking for me, I still have to see patients this afternoon…”

An Jing glanced at the sky outside the window and shook his head repeatedly.

It was still broad daylight, and they were drinking like there was no tomorrow. How could this be proper?

“Indeed, we can’t drink anymore.”

Li Fuzhou nodded gently beside them.

Getting An Jing drunk could lead to serious consequences.

“What a buzzkill….”

Han Wenxin pouted, but he knew that An Jing had to consult at the clinic in the afternoon, and he was a busy man now.

“Just right, I could use a little rest myself,” Zhou Xianming stretched lazily, thinking to himself that he would go to the brothel with Third Master later that night.

Having just returned from Lijiang City, he had gone straight to listening to music and drinking. After a few strong drinks, he indeed felt a bit tired.

“Then let’s go.”

Han Wenxin put down his glass and got ready to walk towards the curtain.

Seeing this, An Jing quickly called out, “Brother Han, why are you in such a hurry? You haven’t paid yet.”

“Am I paying?”

Han Wenxin was momentarily stunned, then shook his purse, “The monthly salary isn’t out yet; where would I get the money?”

Once he finished speaking, everyone present was taken aback.

“What do you mean by that?”

Zhou Xianming widened his eyes, “Constable Han, you said let’s drink, but you don’t have any money?”

“I said let’s drink, but I didn’t say I was treating,” Han Wenxin looked desperate and said, “Weren’t you the one who returned from an autumn examination and said you’d treat us to a meal?”

Zhou Xianming raised his eyebrows and whispered, “Me? I’ve used up all my travel money. How could I have money to drink?”

That he could make it back from Lijiang City was already quite an achievement.

Seeing this, An Jing suddenly had a bad feeling, and subconsciously looked towards Li Fuzhou.

Old man, you’ve extorted so much silver from me; surely it wouldn’t matter if you pitched in some today?

“Son-in-law, you’re not thinking about making me pay, are you?”

Li Fuzhou saw An Jing’s look and responded.

An Jing took a deep breath and said, “Third Master, how about you pay first, and I’ll pay you back when I get home.”

Li Fuzhou raised his glass, took a sip, and leisurely said, “Son-in-law, I didn’t bring a single copper coin with me when I came out.”

Damn it!

An Jing felt his heart sink upon hearing this.

“Brother An.” “Doctor An.”

Han Wenxin and Zhou Xianming were also desperate, turning their gazes towards An Jing.

“What’s the use of looking at me, I didn’t bring any money either.”

An Jing spread his hands.

Ever since getting married, all his silver came through proper channels and most of it had been extorted by Li Fuzhou. How could he have any left?

Hearing An Jing say this, the three looked at each other, all dumbfounded and staring.

Listening to music and drinking, the four of them had not brought any money……

“You… you guys aren’t thinking of dining and dashing, are you?”

The madam ready to collect the bill at the door exclaimed in shock.

“How could that be.”

Han Wenxin immediately stood up and insisted, “I’m Han Wenxin, the constable of Yu State City. Just put this meal and music on my tab, and I’ll come to pay you tomorrow.”

The madam glanced at Han Wenxin, then quickly said, “I know you’re Constable Han, but here at Qing Fang, we don’t extend credit. We operate on thin margins, small capital, suffering through heat and cold, and we can only rest after midnight….”

As she spoke, the madam extended her sleeve, seemingly wiping away a tear from her eye.

“Don’t worry, ma’am, we won’t leave without paying you.”

An Jing, seeing this, immediately felt a headache coming on and couldn’t help but speak out.

Zhou Xianming said to the side, “Yes, just relax; this constable Han, if you don’t give him face, he is….”

An Jing quickly interrupted Zhou Xianming, “Ahem… Mr. Zhou.”

This matter isn’t very honorable, so let’s not mention my name anymore.

“Brother An, what should we do now?”

Han Wenxin’s drunkenness suddenly sobered up, and he said hesitantly, “How about we let my younger sister bring some silver over? After all, we’ve been drinking legitimate wine….”

Li Fuzhou’s expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Han Wenxin and said, “When the Sect Hierarch arrives, I think this young doctor should be fine, but the two of you will probably have to spend the New Year in bed.”

An Jing glanced at Han Wenxin, then turned to look at Third Master and said, “Third Master, why don’t you go back and fetch it? We’ll wait here for now.”

Letting Li Fuzhou go back to fetch it seems to be the best solution, although Zhao Qingmei might find out.

Li Fuzhou nodded, “Alright then.”

With the approval of the Madam, the three of them stayed on the boat, while Li Fuzhou disembarked to fetch the silver.

“We’ll continue drinking.”

Seeing this, Han Wenxin breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, “We can’t let this wine go to waste.”

“Doctor An, you seem preoccupied?”

Zhou Xianming glanced at An Jing and asked.

An Jing smiled and said, “What worries could I have, Mr. Zhou? You jest.”

“Brother An is just afraid that if my younger sister finds out he went out drinking, she won’t let him into bed tonight,”

Han Wenxin curled his lips and said, “According to me, you haven’t been fooling around anyway, it’s just some drink, why be afraid? If in the future my wife dares to stop me from coming to bed… huh… I will ensure she can’t get out of bed.”

An Jing glanced at Han Wenxin, then shook his head.

Not allowed to bed?

Is this punishment? This is clearly a reward for goodness’ sake….

…..

Jishi Hall.

The weather is crisp and the breeze is gentle.

An Jing, carrying a medicine box, walked with Li Fuzhou in the marketplace.

“What did your wife say?” An Jing broke the silence and asked.

“The miss asked how much you drank and if anything was wrong, she didn’t ask much else and directly gave me the silver,” Li Fuzhou replied.

An Jing nodded; since this outing for drinks and music was intended as a courtesy for Mr. Zhou after all, Zhao Qingmei would likely not be angry.

Li Fuzhou nonchalantly asked, “Previously aboard the boat, young master seemed curious about matters of the Demon Sect, may I ask why is that?”

This young doctor seems to have some interest in our Demon Sect.

“It’s nothing.”

An Jing smiled and then said, “Mr. Zhou, when telling stories, always mentions how formidable and imposing the Demon Sect is; it naturally aroused a bit of curiosity in me.”

Li Fuzhou chuckled and said, “It seems the young master isn’t very resistant to the Demon Sect.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The fact of Zhao Qingmei becoming the Sect Hierarch hasn’t been spread yet, but sooner or later this young doctor will inevitably learn of Zhao Qingmei’s identity; if he cannot accept the Demon Sect, it would lead to many troubles in the future.

For now, it seems he harbors quite a favorable impression of the Demon Sect, which could be beneficial.

An Jing raised his eyebrows, looked around, and whispered, “People always say members of the Demon Sect are wicked, cruel, and bloodthirsty, labeling them as scum of Jianghu, but from my point of view, these are merely words of others; seeing is believing.”

“Are there no good people within the Demon Sect?”

Upon hearing this, Li Fuzhou could not help but give An Jing a few more glances.

The reputation of the Demon Sect has always been terrible, further smeared by the Yan Kingdom Court and other Jianghu forces like the Zhenyi Sect, making the Demon Sect notoriously infamous across the Great Yan Martial World, generally causing dread at its mere mention, as seen from Han Wenxin’s reaction; rarely does someone like An Jing exist who ‘sees through the facts’.

“Young master, are you really inclined towards the Demon Sect?” Li Fuzhou’s skepticism flickered in his eyes.

“You mustn’t speak so carelessly.”

An Jing thought to himself how clever this was, but he lowered his voice and said, “The Demon Sect is too far removed from us common folk; if given the chance, I would indeed like to learn more about this ancient sect.”

Seeing Li Fuzhou’s expression, An Jing knew that his friendly signal towards the Demon Sect had been received and perhaps he was now contemplating whether to recruit him into the Demon Sect.

“Young master, you’re right.”

Li Fuzhou pondered for a long moment, then slowly said, “But your idea is very dangerous, it’s best to mention it less to others.”

Unknowingly, the two had arrived at the front of Jishi Hall; Li Fuzhou finished speaking and headed straight towards the back hall, presumably to go read as usual.

An Jing, puzzled, watched Li Fuzhou’s retreating figure, but his mind was trying to figure out what Li Fuzhou’s words really meant.

Was the old fellow still doubting him, or rather, did the old fellow look down on his medical skills and not want to recruit him?

Just then, a white figure hopped over to An Jing’s feet.

It was a plump rabbit.

“Where did this rabbit come from?”

An Jing couldn’t help but ask curiously.

Tan Yun came out holding a small rabbit and smiled, “Son-in-law, this was sent by Zhang Kaifu from the west of the city. Last month, you prescribed medicine for his daughter-in-law, and this month she became pregnant right away. He said he wants to thank you specially.”

“His daughter-in-law is pregnant, why thank me?”

An Jing muttered, “And why would he send a rabbit? Be careful not to suffocate it.”

Stupid son-in-law!

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun’s face blushed slightly, then she put down the rabbit, “Son-in-law, such a fat rabbit is of course for eating.”

“How can you eat such a cute rabbit?”

An Jing squatted down and touched the hopping rabbit, “Think about it, if its mother couldn’t find it, how heartbroken she would be.”

Could it be that Tan Yun didn’t know his birthdate?!

This rabbit definitely can’t be eaten, not only can it not be eaten, it must also be nourished.”

“It’s okay, their whole family was sent here.”

Tan Yun innocently said, “Son-in-law, I’ll help you gather the medicine chest. You go wash your hands, Miss said we’re going to eat soon.”

“I’ll do it myself.”

An Jing sidestepped to avoid Tan Yun’s hand.

Having said that, he quickly headed toward the back hall.

“Could there be some treasure in that small medicine chest?”

Tan Yun suspiciously watched An Jing’s retreating figure, every time he went out, An Jing would take that small medicine chest and he never let her see it.

“Could the son-in-law have a secret? No way, I must find a time to see what treasures are hidden inside the son-in-law’s medicine chest.”

…….

At the dinner table.

After An Jing had washed up, he felt truly refreshed.

If it weren’t for testing that old fellow Li Fuzhou, how nice it would be to eat at home, to have beauty as company, listening to Han Wenxin bragging until his ears developed calluses.

Next time, no, there won’t be a next time.

“Madam, you’ve really worked hard.”

Looking at the table full of delicious dishes and the beauty beside him, An Jing was instantly filled with a comforting sense of happiness.

“Husband, eat more.”

Zhao Qingmei gave a bright smile, a hint of slyness in her eyes.

“Third Master said he drank too much and won’t eat tonight, let us eat first.”

Tan Yun walked in, with a look of seeking approval, “Son-in-law, Miss and I have been cooking all afternoon.”

“What did you make? Tell me first.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing instantly felt nervous.

Tan Yun’s cooking, is that even edible? Even Little Black wouldn’t touch it.

“What do you mean, son-in-law?”

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun puffed her cheeks, her mouth puckering up.

“Don’t worry, she didn’t cook, you can eat with ease.”

Zhao Qingmei’s smile deepened, then she picked up a piece of red meat and placed it in An Jing’s bowl, “Husband, try the dish I made, is it delicious?”

“Even if I don’t eat it I know, the dish made by madam is definitely delicious, unparalleled in the world, even the cooks in the Capital’s Imperial Kitchen can’t compare.”

An Jing first praised, then took a bite of the red meat, “Hmm… tender and tasty, the skin and meat are perfectly chewy, this meat doesn’t seem like chicken, nor like duck, but the taste is really good…”

“I’m glad you like it.” Zhao Qingmei also picked up a piece with her chopsticks.

“Son-in-law, guess what this is?” Tan Yun blinked and said.

“What is this?” An Jing was about to continue eating, but Tan Yun’s words aroused his curiosity.

Tan Yun chuckled, “This is actually rabbit meat.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing paused with his chopstick in hand, then looked toward Zhao Qingmei.

Others might not know his birthdate, but Zhao Qingmei knew it very well.

Zhao Qingmei blinked innocently and said, “This rabbit is really tough; it jumped into the pot and drowned itself.”

A rabbit jumping into a pot by itself!?

An Jing stared at Zhao Qingmei’s innocent expression, dazed for a moment, before finally asking, “Then who skinned this rabbit?”

“Me. With one cut, the skin of this little rabbit just came off.”

Tan Yun pointed with her chopsticks at herself, “Back in the mansion, I was quite familiar with the kitchen staff. Killing a rabbit is no big deal…”

“Son-in-law, you better eat quickly. This rabbit has been fattened up all autumn; if you don’t eat it, I’ll finish it all.”

An Jing silently looked at the rabbit meat in his bowl, then picked it up and began to chew vigorously.

Today, he was going to eat three big bowls, placing the rabbit meat as close to his heart as possible.

……

The night was like water, and the cold began to rise.

Inside the bedroom, the candlelight was weak and the atmosphere soft and misty.

“Husband, it’s getting a bit chilly. Why don’t you come to bed to rest early?”

Zhao Qingmei said with a smile as she lay out the bedding.

“Isn’t it a bit too early to rest now?” An Jing patted his stomach, thinking of Han Wenxin’s words, “By the way, madam, there’s a question I’ve wanted to ask you.”

“Ask away if you have something to ask.” Zhao Qingmei walked to the window, closed the support, and then slowly shut the window.

An Jing curiously asked, “Madam, what did the old woman tell you that made you agree to marry me right away?”

Although his appearance was decent, and he was known as a reputable doctor, Zhao Qingmei was a lady of high birth, extremely beautiful, and gentle in character, the dream wife of all men. Logically speaking, it seemed he was somewhat beyond his reach. He had never thought much about this, but now that he did, it felt somewhat strange.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingmei paused in her movements.

Her identity as a person from the Demon Sect; he was just an ordinary doctor. She wondered if he would feel deceived when he found out who she really was. Moreover, if her identity were truly exposed, he would no doubt be hunted down by the Great Yan Martial World, trapped, and doomed…

“Madam, what’s wrong?” An Jing, seeing Zhao Qingmei was silent, couldn’t help but ask curiously.

“Because I fell in love with you,”

Zhao Qingmei turned around, a sweet smile curling at her lips, “Some people, it’s not about their talents, but rather how soon they arrive in your life.”

To come well is not as good as to come early?

An Jing thought to himself: Could it be that when Zhao Qingmei arrived here alone and helpless, he had helped her?

“Brother~!”

While he was contemplating, Zhao Qingmei suddenly pounced and brought him down onto the bed.

“Loving you is important, getting on top of you is even more important.”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes sparkled with affection as she gazed at An Jing pinned underneath her, a playful smile playing on her lips, but inwardly she thought: No matter what happens in the future, brother, I will definitely protect you.

An Jing laughed upon hearing this.

A great man stands between heaven and earth; how can he be suppressed by others for long?

In an instant, he flipped over, pinning Zhao Qingmei beneath him, his hands stretching to her waist.

“Tell me, who taught you this?”

“Brother, do you know what it means to be self-taught?”

Zhao Qingmei’s cheeks turned red, her hands tightly gripping An Jing’s arms.

“That rabbit during the daytime, did it really jump into the pot itself?”

“Brother, you’re so silly; how could a rabbit jump into the pot by itself?”

“I knew it.”

“This is your punishment for drinking flower wine. I can’t stand to see you drinking flower wine, nor seeing you cozying up with other women.”

“Hehe… No worries, aren’t there still two big ‘white rabbits’?”

……

Jiangnan Dao, Lijiang City, Daoist Mansion’s main hall.

At this moment, inside the main hall, a long-faced, broad-foreheaded middle-aged man sat at the upper seat.

This person was none other than Chu Nanying, the Daoist Master of Jiangnan Dao.

As one of Great Yan’s nine Daos, Jiangnan Dao had always been famously prosperous. Not only was the climate favorable, conducive to agriculture, but its developed waterways made business and trading extremely convenient, and the influx of a large population further stimulated the growth of Jiangnan Dao.

The convergence of the right time, place, and people was why Jiangnan Dao developed so rapidly.

This led to a congregation of influential families within Jiangnan Dao, creating a complex landscape of power. It was not ordinary for Daoist Master Chu Nanying to have presided over Jiangnan Dao for nine years, which spoke volumes about his capabilities.

In the guest seat below, Xi Jikui held a tea cup, taking a gentle sip.

“Brother Chu, for what matter have you summoned me this time?”

Chu Nanying glanced at Xi Jikui and then said in a deep voice, “Brother Xi, do you really have a full grasp on this matter?”

He was somewhat uneasy about it.

Upon hearing this, Xi Jikui couldn’t help but laugh, “It’s reminiscent of the past when Brother Chu alone rode south to pacify the chaotic Jiangnan Dao with such grace. Why are you so hesitant now when it comes to the Demon Sect?”

In the fourth year of Xingping, Jiangnan Dao had experienced floods and a plague, which left everything in ruin. At that time, the local bandits colluded with the Lijiang City militia, committing arson, murder, and lootings—there was no evil they did not partake in, angering both heaven and people, making life unbearable for the people of Jiangnan Dao, turning it into a literal hell on earth.

It was during this time that Chu Nanying took his office. Originally a scholar, he entered Jiangnan alone on horseback. With the help of several major families at the time, he quickly took control of the situation, not only killing the bandits but also regaining control of the militia. His fame resonated through temples and Jianghu of Jiangnan Dao. Later, under his vigorous and meticulous governance, Jiangnan Dao gradually regained vitality.

One could say that Chu Nanying was indeed a distinguished figure in his own right.

“Li Fuzhou is no simple man,” Chu Nanying said somberly.

Xi Jikui had come to seek him out a while ago, wanting to join hands with him to contend with the Demon Sect. If this plan were successful, they could even assassinate Li Fuzhou.

Who was Li Fuzhou? He was the master of the Human Sect of the Demon Sect, the confidant of the Sect Hierarch Jiang Shang, and a man highly regarded by the Great Yan Emperor. If they could kill him, it would completely make their names known throughout the world, and even advance their careers. He would then be able to leave Jiangnan Dao and return to Yujing City.

At first, he thought Xi Jikui was insane for wanting to kill Li Fuzhou, but after being persuaded by Xi Jikui, he began to waver and prepared to go back and think it over.

But just yesterday, after meeting with Liu Qingshan, he felt that the risks involved were simply too great.

Although Xi Jikui was more daring than cautious, very powerful, ferocious, and extremely brave—he had even dared to confront Zhao Tianyi in the Royal Court and would not have been demoted otherwise.

Who was Zhao Tianyi? He was previously a disciple of Lv Guoyong, who later entered the palace becoming the chief eunuch, the most trusted confidant of the current Emperor, appointed at the court specifically to balance Lv Guoyong, a figure both feared and hated by the Confucian scholars.

In the Royal Court, Zhao Tianyi and Lv Guoyong were figures above ten thousand others, but Xi Jikui had even dared to confront such characters, indicating how bold he was.

However, he was not without intelligence; he knew that his father was the deputy governor of the Xuanyi Guard, and unless he made some grave mistake, Zhao Tianyi would definitely not kill him.

Having acquired a thread of nature’s spiritual energy, Li Fuzhou’s recovery from his injuries meant that his strength was definitely more terrifying. Could Xi Jikui be his match?

“Li Fuzhou is no simple man, which is exactly why we should kill him,” Xi Jikui narrowed his eyes, “If Li Fuzhou were an insignificant figure, would he be worth all the elaborate schemes and great battles?”

“Brother Chu, Li Fuzhou was severely injured. He was struck in the heart meridian by my father’s ‘Annihilating Army Qi.’ It’s already a miracle he survived. Even with the recovery from nature’s spiritual energy, it would take at least three months.”

If Li Fuzhou’s injuries had not fully recovered, then indeed there was an opportunity.

Chu Nanying furrowed his brows, “What if Li Fuzhou doesn’t take the bait?”

“It’s impossible for him not to take the bait,” Xi Jikui laughed. “As the master promoted by Jiang Shang to lead the Human Sect, the gratitude he owes to Jiang Shang is greater than the heavens. If there’s even a trace from Jiang Shang, he will without a doubt investigate it.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Nanying could not help but be inwardly shaken, “Is Jiang Shang really dead?”

“Almost certainly,” Xi Jikui’s eyes were deep.

Where Jiang Shang last appeared was known by hardly anyone, but Xi Jikui was well aware.

Three years ago, Jiang Shang went to the Zhenyi Sect to battle Xiao Qianqiu. Xi Jikui was visiting a friend in the Zhenyi Sect at the time and personally witnessed this earth-shattering battle. The fight, though seemingly silent, was full of intricacies. Ultimately, the Sect Hierarch Jiang Shang was defeated by Xiao Qianqiu, severely wounded and fled, after which he completely disappeared from the world.

He clearly remembered that when Jiang Shang fled, not only was he spitting blood, but his Heavenly Demon Order also fell and was picked up by Xiao Qianqiu.

Jiang Shang was the first to escape under Xiao Qianqiu’s hand.

This fight was highly secretive, known only to a few masters of the Zhenyi Sect, and to Xi Jikui and his father.

“All right, then I shall follow Brother Xi’s guidance,” Chu Nanying was a very decisive person, and, hearing this, he finally made up his mind.

Xi Jikui smiled and said, “Once we have assassinated Li Fuzhou, I will surely have my father speak for Brother Chu. With the support of your backers, returning to Yujing City will not be a difficult matter.”

Returning to Yujing City?

Upon hearing this, Chu Nanying’s heart was aflame.

Although to others, he was a significant regional official, far from the reach of the Emperor, he was well aware that the real power center of the Great Yan lay within Yujing City.

……

The Dongluo Desert.

In the desert winds and at the border of the city walls amid rain and snow,

as the ferocious wind of the desert struck, sands flew everywhere, turning the sky dark,

a round setting sun clung to the sandy ridges, making the vast land seem dim, exuding a deep red like blood, turning the boundless desert waves into a sleeping sea of sand.

As the sun went down, the temperature of the desert also plummeted. The cold breeze made one feel bone-chilling.

By the distant Gobi, stood an inn where a roaring flag fluttered in the wind, bearing the boldly written words “New Moon Inn.”

Amid the endless wind and sand, the world seemed vast and vague. On the rooftop of that inn stood a figure.

The man, dressed in a black outfit, had a sculptured handsome face with pale skin and a trace of a faint smile which invariably made one’s mind tranquil.

He stood beneath the vast expanse, admiring a distant landscape of yellow sand, as if it contained a scenery that captured the heart.

At that moment, his hair and the hem of his robe wildly danced with the wind, indescribably carefree and unrestrained.

“Sect Master Jiang, it’s getting dark,”

Just then, a crisp voice rang out.

A woman emerged from the inn, her voice gentle and melodious, her demeanor charming, coupled with bright eyes and white teeth, and fair skin—truly a rare beauty.

The person standing atop the inn was none other than Jiang Renyi, the current Sect Master of the Earth Sect of the Demon Sect.

“I know,”

Jiang Renyi replied, gazing into the distance.

“What are you looking at?”

“The scenery.”

“The scenery!?”

The woman raised her eyebrows, also following Jiang Renyi’s gaze with a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Jiang Renyi’s eyes were deep like an ancient well, profound and lightless, he said, “I am looking at how vast and turbulent these rivers and mountains are, capable of embracing the vast Jianghu.”

“You want to see how big the Jianghu in Sect Master Jiang’s heart is.”

The woman stepped out, with a hint of valor appearing between her brows.

Jiang Renyi glanced at the enchantingly beautiful woman and said indifferently, “Yu Qiurong, my Jianghu is too vast, capable of containing the entire world.”

Yu Qiurong, one of the four seats of the Demon Sect, the Vermilion Bird Seat.

Hearing Jiang Renyi’s words, Yu Qiurong thought to herself that his Jianghu was swallowing the world, yet the world could not contain this Jianghu. His words, though sounding like they swallowed rivers and mountains, revealed Jiang Renyi’s wild ambitions.

“Sect Master Jiang truly has an imposing spirit, I greatly admire it,”

Yu Qiurong’s smile slightly receded as she sighed, “Honestly, I really don’t understand why Qingmei would make such a choice. It seems I don’t know her well enough.”

She truly couldn’t understand; Zhao Qingmei had recently gone to Great Yan and had married an ordinary doctor.

She and Zhao Qingmei had lived together for nearly ten years, as close as sisters, inseparable, but this time she really couldn’t comprehend Zhao Qingmei’s choice, she couldn’t even accept it.

Zhao Qingmei was the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, the future and hope of the sect, yet she married an ordinary man, taking on his burdens.

This man might very likely become the only weakness in Zhao Qingmei’s life.

“Maybe no one but she herself can understand,” Jiang Renyi frowned, a rare occurrence, “I always thought my junior sister looked down on every man in this world, but it turned out she favored an ordinary person. Now, I am even more curious about that little doctor; what kind of man is he.”

Yu Qiurong glanced at Jiang Renyi, “I advise you better not do anything foolish.”

She knew Zhao Qingmei’s temperament well; if Jiang Renyi really killed that doctor, Zhao Qingmei would definitely sever ties with Jiang Renyi completely, which would be a bolt from the blue for the Demon Sect.

“Foolish acts?”

Jiang Renyi’s eyes flashed with a trace of cold disdain that vanished quickly, “Do you think I would send someone to kill that ordinary doctor? You’re really underestimating me, Jiang Renyi. If he were one of the few skilled masters in the world, I would indeed be willing to test the Qian and Kun in the palm of my hand with him.”

Yu Qiurong nodded slightly, letting out a breath of relief internally; she was really afraid Jiang Renyi could not restrain himself from killing the doctor, which would complicate matters.

Yu Qiurong slowly said, “Maybe Qingmei is being muddleheaded for the moment, or perhaps she wants to experience a different life. After some time, she might come to understand.”

“But I can’t wait that long,” Jiang Renyi said expressionlessly, looking toward the distant sandstorms.

Dongluo Pass was adjacent to many forces, among them, the closest was the royal court of Houjin.

If asked to choose the most dangerous power in the world today, Jiang Renyi would undoubtedly pick Houjin.

The entire great plains had historically never been unified, but several decades ago, they were completely united by the royal court of Houjin, establishing the Houjin Dynasty.

Over the years, as Great Yan and Zhao Country continually waged wars against each other, draining each other’s resources—while certainly not devastating losses, it was definitely not their zenith. Meanwhile, the Houjin Dynasty had recuperated for several decades.

Under the reign of that ambitious ruler in Houjin, who not only imitated the beneficial policies of Great Yan and Zhao Country but also proactively engaged in trade, the national strength developed over these decades was indeed no less flourishing than Great Yan.

At this moment, Houjin seemed like a tiger descending the mountain, and the first bite it might take was very likely to be Dongluo Pass, the nexus that connected commercial routes across the world.

How could a mere Dongluo Pass resist the overwhelming momentum of the Houjin royal court?

“So am I,”

After a long silence, Yu Qiurong then asked, “Actually, I’ve always wanted to ask Sect Master Jiang something.”

“Ask,” Jiang Renyi said indifferently.

“Back when we were vying for the position of Sect Hierarch, why did you give up?” Yu Qiurong asked bluntly.

Previously, when the last Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, Jiang Shang, had disappeared for over two years, the Demon Sect was headless and in chaos, in this situation, the Demon Sect held an election for the new Sect Hierarch.

At that time, the most skilled among the younger generation boiled down to Zhao Qingmei and Jiang Renyi. One was Jiang Shang’s son, the other his disciple—both were generally considered fit for the position of Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect.

But at that time, when facing Zhao Qingmei, Jiang Renyi chose to give up.

In the eyes of ordinary people, Jiang Renyi cared for Zhao Qingmei’s feelings, so he did not want to confront her, but Yu Qiurong knew very well that Jiang Renyi was not that kind of person.

His Jianghu was vast, and love was but a part of it.

Jiang Renyi chuckled lightly upon hearing Yu Qiurong’s words, “Actually, there’s no harm in telling you. Do you know that I once had a match with Third Master?”

Jiang Renyi once battled with the leader of the Demon Sect, Li Fuzhou, which was something widely known among the experts of the Demon Sect. However, few people knew the outcome of their duel.

“I know,” Yu Qiurong nodded.

“At that time, I lost,” Jiang Renyi said indifferently. “Third Master wasn’t even injured, his cultivation is at the Half-step Master level, and I couldn’t break his Heavenly Demon Qi.”

Yu Qiurong wasn’t very surprised to hear this; after all, Jiang Renyi was only in his thirties. It was not surprising that he lost to a prodigy like Li Fuzhou.

It’s known that currently, there are quite a few Half-step Master experts in Jianghu, but very few actually have the chance to reach the Grandmaster Realm, and Li Fuzhou is recognized as a hopeful in Jianghu.

Losing to Li Fuzhou is not a disgrace.

Jiang Renyi said somberly, “Actually, what you don’t know is that my junior sister also challenged Third Master.”

“What!?”

Yu Qiurong’s brows furrowed upon hearing this.

Zhao Qingmei challenged Li Fuzhou, and she didn’t know about it?

Jiang Renyi spoke slowly, “Third Master lost to my junior sister in just half a move.”

Whoosh!

This statement immediately stirred up a storm in Yu Qiurong’s heart.

Zhao Qingmei’s strength was actually enough to defeat Li Fuzhou? To think that Li Fuzhou was a Half-step Master, yet she managed to defeat him.

What terrifying strength!

Moreover, Zhao Qingmei was only in her twenties, so young, and her achievements now surpassed even Xiao Qianqiu, whose fame shook the Great Yan Martial World; this was utterly astonishing.

Could it be the Sealing Demon Well beneath the Sealing Demon Platform?

Yu Qiurong thought of something, feeling a slight shock in her heart.

Beneath the Sealing Demon Platform, countless experts of the Demon Sect gathered, and the Sealing Demon Well was the most mysterious of them all. To date, only Zhao Qingmei, Jiang Renyi, the leader of the Heavenly Sect, Li Fuzhou, and others had entered, while even the Four Great Sect Leaders had no chance to do so.

“When I first heard this news, I too was greatly shocked.”

Jiang Renyi squinted his eyes, “At that time, I was thinking, no one should touch my junior sister, and even if it’s by force, I must keep her by my side.”

Yu Qiurong fell silent, and it seemed both had things on their minds, as neither spoke again.

Gradually, the wind began to rise, and the sand filled the air, vast and endless, as if burying the inn itself.

…….

Time passed, and three days had gone by since Zhou Xianming’s arrival.

Jishi Hall.

Little Heizi was lying on the ground, continuously gnawing on a rabbit bone, savoring it deliciously while his little tail wagged ceaselessly.

Not one of the three little fat rabbits that were delivered lived to leave Jishi Hall.

An Jing also ate until his stomach bulged, continually burping, having had his fill of rabbit meat these few days.

“It’s getting late; it’s time to close up,” An Jing said, looking at the sky, preparing to shut the wooden board.

“Brother An, Brother An!”

Just then, a hurried voice came.

An Jing followed the voice and saw Han Wenxin, with several constables, hurrying over.

“Brother Han, what happened?” An Jing was somewhat puzzled upon seeing this.

If Han Wenxin was looking for him to drink, he definitely wouldn’t have brought these constables.

“There’s been an incident, a big one,” Han Wenxin said with a grim face. “Do you remember the hunters from Baima Town?”

“I remember, wasn’t that just three days ago?” An Jing’s heart skipped a beat, as he had felt there was something unusual about it. Could it really be a catastrophe now?

Han Wenxin took a deep breath and said, “The hunters from Baima Town have all contracted the plague, and now the whole town is sealed off. Li Mazi, who delivered to Chen Er, has already died, and Constable Qin is also infected, but is sealed in the town. The new Magistrate told me to burn down Baima Town…”

Burn down Baima Town!

Upon hearing this, An Jing was shocked.

It was as if he was taken back ten years, when the officials of Yu State City had chosen to burn in the face of plague, and at that time, he could only watch as ordinary people perished in the fire, powerless to help.

In Great Yan, where medical techniques are lagging, the only choice against such an epidemic is to lock down and burn to prevent further spread.

‘Better to kill by mistake than let go,’ this is the current method and measure against epidemic disease.

Although there might be healthy civilians in the town, they couldn’t be allowed out.

“Brother An!”

Han Wenxin looked at An Jing, wanting to say something but hesitated.

“Let’s go and check it out together.”

An Jing said in a deep voice.

With his current cultivation and having condensed a Half-step Golden Bone, ordinary epidemics simply could not invade his body.

Han Wenxin nodded and said no more.

An Jing turned and walked towards Jishi Hall.

“Husband, who is outside? It sounds like that young Han Wenxin?”

Zhao Qingmei was playing shadow puppets with Tan Yun when she saw An Jing enter and could not help but ask.

“It is him. I am now going out to see a patient, and I might not return tonight. You should rest early,” An Jing nodded, then picked up the medicine chest from behind the cabinet.

Baima Town was not far from Yu State City, but it still was a few dozen miles away, making it impossible to return tonight.

“Husband, then please be careful,”

Zhao Qingmei naturally heard the conversation outside and did not stop An Jing.

“Alright, don’t worry, what disease cannot be easily handled by my medical skills?”

An Jing chuckled lightly, then carried the small medicine chest and left.

“Miss, it won’t be dangerous, right?”

Tan Yun also expressed concern, “Should I follow and protect my master?”

Since ancient times, epidemics had been a terribly fearsome thing.

“No need.”

Zhao Qingmei shook her head and slowly said, “Shui Zhongyue’s cultivation is at the Peak of the Second Grade; his presence there will be enough.”

“Alright.”

Tan Yun heard this and nodded. Shui Zhongyue’s cultivation was rare in Jianghu and sufficient to protect the master.

….

Under the moonlight.

A few fast horses galloped on the official road of Yu State City, kicking up a cloud of dust.

It was An Jing, Han Wenxin, and a group of constables.

As he drove the galloping horse, An Jing asked, “Brother Han, how many have died now?”

“Seven, but the number infected is a lot more…. Drive!” Han Wenxin said, suddenly pulling on the reins, causing the horse underneath him to lift its head and then halt abruptly.

“What happened?” An Jing saw Han Wenxin suddenly stop and did the same.

“Brother An, perhaps you should go back.”

Han Wenxin said sternly.

The plague, according to historical records, was seldom cured, and countless doctors who became infected ended up buried by the disease.

Han Wenxin suddenly regretted it. He should have followed the Magistrate’s orders to either burn down Baima Town or spend a large amount of money to hire some daredevil doctors to fight a desperate battle.

It should not have been An Jing, a young man with a promising future, that he sought.

But when the incident happened, An Jing was the first person he thought of.

“You can’t undo what’s been done. Let’s go.”

An Jing said indifferently, “I bear profound Inner Strength. This epidemic is simply not a concern for me.”

“Brother An, are you really sure?” Han Wenxin raised an eyebrow.

Clearly, he took An Jing’s serious words as a jest. If An Jing was truly a master of Inner Strength, then wouldn’t he be stationed in the Yujing Capital as the Emperor of Great Yan?

Some people pretend to be ordinary their entire lives, and in the end, they really become ordinary people.

“When did you become such a worrywart?” An Jing feigned impatience.

“If you die, my sister might become a widow.”

Han Wenxin half-jokingly, half-seriously said, “You have not even left an heir…”

“Giddy up!”

An Jing ignored Han Wenxin further and spurred his horse towards Baima Town.

Han Wenxin saw this and couldn’t help but chuckle, then suddenly shouted.

“Brother An, wait for me.”