“To be honest,” Ye Yu thought, “I detest pretentious fools above all else.” Whenever he encountered such people, he normally dealt with them mercifully but decisively. Yet this time he held back—for someone as cowardly as Bai Qingsong, hiding behind bluster, might yet have value.
Ye Yu turned to Zheng Nanxiu and asked softly, “Which one is your Zhu Xie Immortal Sword? I need to test them myself.”
Zheng Nanxiu set to examining each blade carefully. As the thirty-ninth generation disciple, she had never seen the Zhu Xie Immortal Sword in person—her knowledge came solely from sect annals. She therefore had to be certain. After a moment, her expression grew grave and she shook her head. Then, reluctantly, she asked, “Are all the Immortal Swords truly here?”
Bai Qingsong hurriedly looked to Ye Yu. “Brother, by heaven’s grace, every relic in Dongyao State is here. I haven’t hidden a single one—truly!”
Ye Yu considered for a moment, then said quietly, “You’re certain they all originated in Dongyao State?”
Zheng Nanxiu nodded. “The ancient records confirm it.”
Satisfied, Ye Yu pressed his advantage. “Very well. You’ve said the swords are here, and that after the last Celestial Counterattack all fallen immortals’ blades remained in this vault. I trust you—but perhaps you’ve forgotten some details. No matter; I’ll need to perform the Soul Search Technique on you to recall everything precisely. It’ll be quick. Is that agreeable?”
At those words, Bai Qingsong felt a cold dread. He shook his head vehemently—no soul search! Last time almost drove him mad; another might kill him.
“Brother, give me more time,” he stammered. “I’ll revisit the records and find it. The Zhu Xie Immortal Sword, correct? I’ll fetch it immediately!”
With that he knelt and bolted from the Cangtian Pavilion at top speed—kneeling did nothing to slow him down. Ye Yu chuckled.
Surveying the remaining artifacts, he nodded in approval at their quality. With a gesture, he stored them all in his spatial ring. “Since we’re in the Heavenly Realm, these relics rightfully belong to us. I’ll distribute them as gifts to the Immortal Consorts.” He turned to Zheng Nanxiu. “Is there one you favor? You may choose one or two.”
Zheng Nanxiu’s eyes widened. “Is that permitted?”
“Of course! These are Heavenly Realm treasures. Bringing them back restores rightful ownership. Please—pick whatever you like.”
Though flattered, Zheng Nanxiu declined. Her sole goal was the Zhu Xie Immortal Sword; the others held no interest.
Soon Bai Qingsong returned, breathless and kneeling, clutching a bamboo slip. “Brother, I’ve found it! The vault records state that thirteen thousand years ago a sword named Zhu Xie was here, but Demon Lord Ling Qiansha of Qintian State later took it. To reclaim it, we must go there!”
He looked ashen. The vault was empty—Dongyao State’s million-year legacy vanished! Good heavens! Ye Yu peered down.
“Why do you weep? Are you unwell?”
“No—I'm moved to tears that I could assist you!” Bai Qingsong insisted, though resentment churned within him. Ye Yu patted his shoulder. “Enough tears. Come with me to Qintian State; we’ll retrieve the Zhu Xie Immortal Sword.”
Bai Qingsong’s face froze. Embarrassed, he managed a nervous smile. “Brother, I—I cannot follow you to Qintian State. You are immortals; if I’m seen with you, I’ll lose all face.” That was partly true—and Qintian State, the largest region in the Demon Realm, was ruled by Demon Lord Ling Qiansha, a half-step Emperor at least. Danger lurked there, and Bai Qingsong preferred not to risk entanglement. Yet when he met Ye Yu’s amused gaze, he realized it was not a choice after all.
Half an hour later, Bai Qingsong arrived—again kneeling—before Qintian State’s demon palace, accompanied by a figure in black. He requested an audience with Demon Lord Ling Qiansha. Perhaps out of kinship among demon lords, Ling Qiansha granted the meeting without delay. He surveyed the black-robed man behind Bai Qingsong, then frowned.
“Demon Lord Bai,” he asked coldly, “to what do I owe this visit?”
Bai Qingsong feigned composure. “I come for one matter: thirteen thousand years ago, you took a sword called Zhu Xie. Now I wish to exchange for its return. Are you amenable?”
Ling Qiansha did not address Bai Qingsong but spoke to the black-robed companion. “It’s not a matter of convenience but of price.” He had seen through their disguise—no surprise for a half-step Emperor.
At that moment, Ye Yu swept ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ off his cloak, revealing his true form. Bai Qingsong knelt so hard his head nearly hit the ground, eyes wide in disbelief. “Brother—must you kill me? We agreed only to trade swords, not reveal identities! How have you undone me so swiftly?”
He gulped and muttered, “Am I even human... or truly a demon?”
