Sealing Demons is relatively challenging.
Based on the same principle, the whole world has developed many methods for sealing Demons, each with its strengths and weaknesses. However, it's apparent that the difficulty of sealing correlates positively with the strength of the Demons. For a Great Demon like Xing Hui, although she might not have been known for her physical strength, the Jiang Family still took the opportunity to seal her when she was at her weakest at the end of an era.
The Jiang Family is one of the Heavenly Master Families created at great cost by the emperor—or rather, the entire nation. With an extraordinary status, they also had access to resources and a heritage far beyond other Heavenly Masters.
Their Sealing Skill might be the best. Or perhaps... the most advanced?
Fortunately, unsealing is not that difficult. Generally, in ancient China, Heavenly Masters unified against Demons. This meant they rarely guarded against their own people and shared a common 'spellcasting standard.' Most of the methods for unsealing Spells are the same, with a few exceptions.
The Spell that sealed Xing Hui was not one of these exceptions. Zhou Li guessed this was perhaps because the ancestors of the Jiang Family considered their descendants might be underprepared at the dawn of the new age.
Zhou Li fumbled for a moment and then successfully undid the seal.
A twisted figure squeezed out from the narrow mouth of the jar, taking on a half-insect, half-human form.
She was dressed in plain, ancient clothing, hunchbacked, with an appearance that showed no hint of gender and even seemed somewhat ugly. But it was said that in her youth, Lord Xing Hui was a very charming Demon. Many Demons traveled thousands of miles to associate with her. Even Great Demons from overseas came to listen to her play music and talk. Demons completely disregard appearances—except for the old demon.
"Lord Zhou Li," Xing Hui greeted him with a smile.
"Lord Xing Hui." Zhou Li nodded and bowed.
"It's only right." Zhou Li paused, glancing at Mr. Jiang, who was looking their way. "I apologize to you for what the ancestors of the Jiang Family did, but they are long dead..."
"Don't worry." Xing Hui discerned his meaning. "I have no intention of seeking revenge on their descendants. In fact, my loss wasn't great. I was already weak and nearing slumber when they sealed me, and you freed me shortly after I awoke, so I only lost a little time. Besides, during that period, I came to think that perhaps things weren't as straightforward as I'd believed."
"They probably knew my disposition and capabilities and deliberately chose me," Xing He said with a smile. "In many, many years to come, it's possible that their descendants will still remember the words they left behind. Or perhaps they will have long forgotten them, their progeny scattered to the winds, perhaps even having lost their family names. And as for this place..."
Xing Hui turned around, glancing at the ground beneath her feet. "It might have been long forgotten, and so their lineage would have been severed."
Zhou Li had a sudden realization. "So they sealed you here hoping that when you awoke, you would help them find their bloodline descendants and bring them back here."
"Such a foolish act."
"I think so too." Xing Hui smiled. "You are very much to my liking, Lord Zhou Li."
In that case, the Jiang Family ancestors' attempt to 'erase her consciousness' might not be true. It could be a lie told by Xing Hui, but that possibility is low; aside from the old demon, other Demons rarely lie. So, it might have been a misunderstanding or a scare tactic used by the Jiang Family ancestors against Xing Hui.
But some things still didn't quite add up. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩
Zhou Li pondered this. Perhaps the Jiang Family ancestors had a two-pronged plan. If they could erase her consciousness, that would be ideal; they would then simply order Xing Hui to search for their descendants upon awakening. If not, it didn't matter, since Xing Hui would still have to find their descendants to escape her bonds. The outcome would be the same, but erasing her consciousness offered a greater benefit.
Zhou Li only briefly entertained these thoughts before dismissing them, feeling that such reflections weren't conducive to his healthy growth. After all, if it were him, he definitely wouldn't have done things this way. Even if he simply wanted Xing Hui's help in locating descendants, he wouldn't resort to such an extreme method. He would likely find Xing Hui, befriend her, and somehow persuade her to agree to help. Most Demons are known for keeping their word. Of course, this method, compared to sealing Xing Hui, had a lower tolerance for error. But at worst, he could just seek help from a few more Demons, specifically choosing those with long lifespans and good reputations. Unless... the Six Imperial Families bore a heavy responsibility, and this 'heavy responsibility'... required minimizing the risk of secrets being leaked. He was thinking too much again.
Zhou Li shook his head.
At that moment, Xing Hui spoke to Zhou Li again, "I will fulfill our agreement. After I've done so, I will come find you. Therefore, I won't linger here. When we next meet, I shall surely join you for a night of wine and conversation."
"Thank you. Take care."
Zhou Li held great respect for this elder.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Huai Xu pulling a strange board from a box. This board was rather special, as it was the only item occupying a box by itself.
Perhaps it was her nature, but Xing Hui was indifferent to all these things and simply floated away.
"Look at them, they can all fly," Zhou Li said, walking towards Huai Xu.
"Can they zip around as fast as I can?" Huai Xu tapped the board, frowning. "This thing seems quite valuable."
"Is there some trick to it?"
"It took up a whole box by itself."
By itself... Zhou Li mused.
"Hey, it's just an expression!"
"Stop! No wheedling!"
"...There must be something wrong with your ears!" Huai Xu said, his face darkening. He tapped the board again, producing a dull thud—neither metallic nor wooden. "It has five weird-looking holes on it. What are they for?"
"It belongs to someone else," Zhou Li gestured for him to put it down.
Huai Xu let go, and the board clattered to the ground.
Zhou Li was speechless.
At this moment, Mr. Jiang approached, his demeanor even more deferential. "Master Zhou, is there any way you could help me move these items back? It's not very convenient for me here."
"Sure," Zhou Li said.
"Much appreciated," Mr. Jiang nodded.
"That'll be extra," Huai Xu muttered.
"If there are no other issues, we'll leave now. These items will be delivered to your home intact," Zhou Li said.
"I really can't thank you enough."
"What's the use of just saying thank you?" Huai Xu continued to mutter.
With that, Zhou Li and Mr. Jiang left the tomb, and the two large doors closed automatically behind them.
After asking Xiao Yuan to fill the hole back in and quickly setting up some easily discoverable camouflage, they drove back to Heroes Province.
The lights in the villa switched on, illuminating the living room.
The originally spacious living room was now crammed with all sorts of bizarre objects. Huai Xu had even moved in the two huge stone lions. Anyone seeing it would probably think Mr. Jiang was a collector with peculiar tastes. As a result, the living room became exceptionally crowded.
"These items are very precious," Zhou Li told Mr. Jiang. "You'll need to handle them with care."
"A few years ago, I bought a villa in the mountains; it's quite secluded and has a very hidden cellar. I can store these items there." It sounded as if Mr. Jiang already trusted Zhou Li deeply. He continued, "That place is very secretive, and the cellar is well hidden too. I'll find a trusted person to move them there when I have the time."
"Why would someone buy such a remote house?" Huai Xu asked.
"That's good." Zhou Li nodded, not dwelling on such trivialities, merely thinking that money indeed allowed one to do as they pleased. "Then we won't stay any longer. This matter should be resolved. Mr. Jiang, you can transfer the payment to us in a week. My phone number is the Alipay account. As for Lord Xing Hui, I will explain the situation to the Local Government and ask them to keep an eye out."
"We should get going."
"How about dinner then?"
"We don't want to impose."
"Alright then, Master Zhou, let me see you out."
But just as they reached the door, Zhou Li turned back and said, "This is far enough, Mr. Jiang. You need your time right now."
Hearing this, Mr. Jiang's expression grew complex. He indeed stood at the threshold of a new world.
Zhou Li and Huai Xu drove away. Huai Xu was driving.
He kept his eyes on the road while speaking to Zhou Li, "Wasn't this job one of the most troublesome we've ever done? Not counting Lin Zhong; that wasn't really a job."
"Not that troublesome, I'd say."
"True. When do you think we'll get the money? And how much? This Jiang fellow must be loaded, right? Compared to him, Old Zhou seems like just a small-time businessman."
No sooner had Zhou Li spoken than his phone rang. As expected, it was an Alipay notification for an incoming transfer.
Huai Xu guessed it instantly. "How much? How much?" he asked eagerly.
Zhou Li didn't say a word. He simply took a deep breath, put his phone down, and said, "I'm afraid it might affect your driving."
"I'm not telling you."
"Come on, don't keep me in suspense! I'm a partner! I have the... the right to know!"
"Oh, well, we can buy a villa now."
A sudden screech of brakes! The car's taillights painted the road ahead crimson.
Zhou Li steadied himself, then looked back at Xiao Yuan and Lao Hui in the back seat. Seeing they were alright, he said to Huai Xu, "If Brother Nan finds out you treated her beloved car so roughly, she'll deal with you."
Huai Xu wasn't bothered; he was too excited. "Tsk tsk, I bet part of that money is for your silence, and another part is to curry favor with you. So if he runs into trouble again in the future, he can ask for your help again... Tsk tsk, these capitalists are seriously wealthy!"
"When are we buying the villa?"
"Just calm down and drive."