On the day Shaoyang Zhenren arrived in Heishi City, the streets were empty, as if the entire city had been vacated.
Early in the morning, the demons emerged from their lairs and crowded at the city gates to catch a glimpse of the mysterious visitor.
Amid the roiling waves of the Mingming River, the silhouette of a massive black beast gradually became visible. The figure seated on the beast exuded an ethereal and refined aura, with white hair like snow and an otherworldly handsomeness.
Accompanying him were several others: Pu Tao from the Xiang Ling Sect and Nie Xinghong from the Yinfeng Sect. Since they were concerned that Shaoyang Zhenren might make private deals with the Demon Race, they had insisted on sending two pairs of eyes along. Pu Tao was young and not strong enough to make the Demon Race wary, while Nie Xinghong, who believed he had a good relationship with Zanxing, had shamelessly requested the opportunity from Fu Ronghua. As for the Chihua Sect, since Zanxing had no good feelings towards the entire sect, they were naturally refused without hesitation.
Hong Su also came along.
Since Zanxing left the Taiyan Sect, Hong Su had been kept in the Miaokong Hall under Xuan Lingzi’s protection. The once lively young girl had quickly become taciturn, showing little joy or smiles over the past two years. This time, Xuan Lingzi instructed Shaoyang Zhenren to bring Hong Su along to Heishi City, so that she could stay by Zanxing’s side in the future.
Zanxing and Gu Baiying’s group were at the city gate to welcome everyone. As soon as the dragon fish reached the shore and the people set foot on Heishi City’s land, Hong Su leaped into Zanxing’s arms like a blooming flower.
“Miss!” She cried out, “Hong Su thought she would never see you again in this lifetime!”
Zanxing gently patted her head. Hong Su had grown taller and thinner compared to two years ago. Her cheeks were no longer as round as before, and she had gained a touch of youthful elegance.
“Am I not here and well?” Zanxing said while wiping her tears. “From now on, you will live in my palace. It’s quite empty there, so it will be much livelier with you around.”
Hong Su wiped away her tears and looked at Zanxing with a smile. “Of course. No one can take care of the Miss as attentively as Hong Su!”
Zanxing smiled back. As she continued to smile, her gaze shifted to the people behind Hong Su.
Shaoyang Zhenren’s gaze fell on Zanxing, who noticed his attention. After a moment’s hesitation, she called out, “Master.”
Shaoyang Zhenren observed her quietly, remaining silent for a while.
Zanxing frowned slightly. To be honest, sometimes she couldn’t quite understand what Shaoyang Zhenren was thinking. On one hand, he had once shown cruelty, such as when he used the Ten Thousand Killing Formation to liquify her Golden Core during the Gu Feng Mountain incident. On the other hand, he had shown kindness, allowing Gu Baiying to secretly assist her, both openly and covertly.
Seeing Shaoyang Zhenren’s gaze, Gu Baiying stepped in front of Zanxing, saying, “Master.”
Pu Tao, who was nearby, noticed this and her expression dimmed slightly.
Nie Xinghong, who was still somewhat confused by the situation, was startled by the crowd of demons at the Heishi City gate. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “So many people! Heishi City is indeed as bustling as I imagined!”
The demons of Heishi City had mostly stayed within the city in recent years and rarely ventured out. Therefore, they had little opportunity to see visitors from outside. Now that guests from the immortal cultivation sects had arrived, all the demons in the city had gathered at the gate to watch the commotion, much like spectators at a circus. Occasionally, their comments reached the ears of the visitors.
“Is that from the sect? Tsk, so dull as always. Look at that woman’s dress. Even my family’s rag is more colorful!”
“And that man, the gems on his clothes are so small! They don’t even use gold thread. The immortal cultivation world must be getting poorer by the year!”
“That little girl is also pitiful. They say she’s the Young Princess’s maid, but she doesn’t even have many accessories. Such a pretty girl dressed so old-fashioned, it’s a waste of her looks. The sect really never tires of ruining people.”
The remarks floated over from various directions. Hong Su looked confused, Pu Tao’s face showed restraint, and Nie Xinghong’s posture of fanning himself became stiff. How were the gems on his clothes considered small? The gold thread was indeed elaborate,;he had even worn his most splendid outfit to represent the Yinfeng Sect with dignity. Yet, in the eyes of these demons, it seemed as though he was wearing rags.
Of course, not all the comments were negative. There were some that caught the eyes of the demons:
“Is that the former sect leader of the Young Princess? He looks much stronger than the others.”
“His hair color is nice, I like it.”
“The outfit is also acceptable. The gold and red look festive, much better than that dull white and gray. His taste is pretty good. It’s quite impressive for a sect leader.”
“Exactly. No wonder he could become a sect leader.”
Nie Xinghong sighed. He glanced at Shaoyang Zhenren’s snow-white hair and the deep red robe embroidered with golden patterns and began to doubt his own taste.
Perhaps this was what true elegance looked like?
Behind them, Xiao Shuang greeted the visitors with a smile, saying, “Esteemed guests, Her Majesty is waiting in the Yao Ming Hall. Please follow me.”
Xiao Shuang had arranged for the Yao Ming Hall to be thoroughly cleaned two days in advance. The crystal stones paving the entrance were polished to a shine, and large patches of Seven-Yin Vines grew outside the windows. A snow-white large cat lay on the silk carpet in front of the hall, and not far away was a golden basin filled with a generous amount of medicinal pills—food for the cat.
Even Nie Xinghong, who came from the affluent Yinfeng Sect, was taken aback by the opulence of Heishi City.
Upon entering the hall, they saw a black-robed woman reclining on the high seat. Her robe was adorned with exquisite crimson embroidery, and the dimly lit hall made her dark robe accentuate her striking beauty. She had a pair of captivating eyes that seemed to pull at one’s soul with just a glance.
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Shuang stepped forward and announced, “The sect members have arrived.”
Bu Jiang put down the round mirror she was holding, glanced at the newcomers, and smiled slightly, “Welcome, please have a seat.”
Everyone took their seats. Nie Xinghong from the Yinfeng Sect smiled slightly and said, “I’ve heard so much about the Demon Queen’s unmatched beauty and grace. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the reputation.”
Bu Jiang responded with a charming smile, “You have a sweet tongue, but compared to your sect leader, you still lack a bit of finesse.”
Nie Xinghong was taken aback, “Your Majesty knows our sect leader?”
“I met him once many years ago,” Bu Jiang sighed, “Speaking of which, there are many old acquaintances of mine in the immortal cultivation world. It’s surprising to see an old friend again today.” She looked at the white-haired man seated calmly and smiled with a hint of meaning, “Isn’t that right, Shaoyang Zhenren?”
Zanxing was surprised to learn that Shaoyang Zhenren and Bu Jiang were old acquaintances.
Shaoyang Zhenren remained silent, but Bu Jiang shook her head, speaking with some nostalgia, “It’s been years since we last met, and you’ve changed quite a bit, Zhenren.”