Chapter Nineteen: The Liu Family

Feng Zimo was the first to leap down from the carriage. Just a hundred meters ahead lay the territory of Immortal Peak. A three-meter stone pedestal stood there, bearing the prominent inscription: "Forbidden Land of Immortal Peak."

As we prepared to step across the boundary, a voice sounded at our ears—

“Who dares trespass upon the forbidden land of Immortal Peak?”

Everyone glanced around, but not a soul was in sight.

“Senior, we have come at the request of Elder Jiang Zhenfeng to pay our respects to the Emperor Ziwei,” Lin Weiyan spoke into the empty air.

A figure then emerged from the void, appearing to be no older than myself.

The youth cast a deliberate glance at me before saying, “Since my senior brother has sent you, follow me.”

With that, he drew his sword and formed a seal with his fingers.

It was a scene that could only be witnessed on television, and even then, created by computers: flying upon a sword.

We all stood upon the blade as it carved a brilliant arc through the air.

A few minutes later, we found ourselves within the grand hall of Immortal Peak.

“Master, I have brought them,” the youth addressed a handsome middle-aged man.

Though the man looked youthful, his hair was entirely white, and his eyes shone with an extraordinary spirit. Clad in a violet robe, he exuded an ethereal aura. Outside the hall, immortal mist swirled, and celestial cranes occasionally circled the sky.

The man nodded, indicating he understood.

“Emperor, Chu Yun…” Lin Weiyan began, but was interrupted.

“Very well, you all may leave,” the Emperor Ziwei commanded.

The youth led everyone to the guest rooms, leaving only myself with the Emperor in the hall.

The Emperor turned to me and asked, “Do you know of the Scarlet-Eyed Fiend?”

I did not speak, but nodded.

He continued, “Are you aware that he will turn you into a demon, bringing chaos to the world?”

“I’ve heard Elder Jiang mention it,” I replied.

At some point, I had come to believe Elder Jiang was not deceiving me. Perhaps it was because he died for my sake, or perhaps it was when the Scarlet-Eyed Fiend seized control of me. Now, thinking calmly, I realized it was the Lord of the Underworld who wished me harm.

But if he truly meant to harm me, it would have been easier simply not to save me at all.

These questions churned within, but no matter how I pondered, I could not unravel them.

…

The Emperor Ziwei remained expressionless, calm as a still pond.

“I can help you suppress the Scarlet-Eyed Fiend, but you must return every three years to reinforce the seal. Will you agree to this?”

“Weren’t you planning to enter seclusion for three hundred years?” I asked.

“Do not worry about that. I have my own methods,” the Emperor replied.

“All right,” I said.

He nodded. “Then let us begin.”

A golden light enveloped my body, rendering me immobile.

Suddenly, it felt as if something struck between my brows, as beams of golden light pierced through.

My body instinctively tried to resist, but was powerless to move.

The world in my vision transformed to a blood-red hue—I knew the Scarlet-Eyed Fiend was appearing.

He was resisting, struggling against the Emperor’s power.

My body had become merely a vessel for their two forces. If I could not withstand such might, I would surely perish.

“Ah… Ah…”

Beast-like howls escaped me, as if my body would explode.

“Relax. Do not let the Scarlet-Eyed Fiend control you. Hold on a little longer,” the Emperor urged.

He intensified the sealing spell, a streak of violet-gold light shooting into my brow.

After that, I remembered nothing…

When I awoke, only Lin Weiyan was beside me.

“You’re awake…” she said gently.

“How long was I asleep?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t like last time, when I was unconscious for eight or nine days.

“Three hours,” Lin Weiyan replied.

“And where are the others?” I looked around.

“Feng Zimo went to consult the Emperor on how to avoid heavenly tribulation. Liu Qingqing, meeting her ancestor for the first time, is so excited she doesn’t know what to do,” Lin Weiyan explained.

“Has the Emperor entered seclusion yet?” I asked.

Lin Weiyan calculated the time. “He should be in seclusion by now.”

Just as she finished speaking, Feng Zimo ran over, his face alight with excitement.

His exuberance made it clear the Emperor had taught him how to evade heavenly tribulation.

Seeing me awake, Feng Zimo said, “You’re up. By the way, the Emperor asked me to deliver a message.”

“What message?” I sat up.

“He said you must be cautious at all times. Never let your guard down,” Feng Zimo replied.

Rising from the guest room, Liu Qingqing approached.

We then discussed whether to return immediately or stay a few days to enjoy ourselves.

Since Liu Qingqing arrived here, she seemed transformed—more lively, no longer as reserved as before. Perhaps it was simply because she’d become comfortable with us. Given her age, a bit of vivacity was only natural; after all, she was still a young girl.

With Liu Qingqing’s enthusiastic persuasion, we unanimously decided to stay two more days.

…

Two days later, escorted by the youth, we once again experienced flying upon a sword.

Back in Immortal Valley, we prepared to bid farewell to Liu Qingqing.

Yet she insisted we visit her family home…

There was no helping it. She had aided us so greatly, and it was only right to honor her wish.

The Liu family held considerable prestige in Immortal Valley, counted among the Four Great Houses alongside the Chen, Zhang, and Zhao families.

Upon entering the Liu residence, Liu Qingqing led us on a tour.

I could not help but notice: with such holdings, Liu Qingqing was indeed a true heiress.

Eventually, Liu Qingqing brought us to the main hall, where a robust middle-aged man sat.

Seeing Liu Qingqing, he tensed, “My precious daughter, where did you run off to all night? You had your father worried sick.”

“I was out with friends, watching lanterns,” Liu Qingqing replied.

Only now did I realize that Liu Qingqing could fabricate a story to her father without hesitation.

Her father, meanwhile, had not the slightest doubt of her words.

“Father, these are my friends,” Liu Qingqing introduced.

Just then, a flustered steward rushed over and whispered something into her father’s ear.

His face changed slightly upon hearing it.

“My apologies, everyone. I must attend to some matters. Please excuse me!” With that, her father hurried out, the steward following.

Liu Qingqing pouted, “Annoying… he’s always been like this since I was little.”

While she was still sulking, a lady approached, supported by a maid.

From a distance, Liu Qingqing called out to her, “Mother… look at what father did…”

The lady coming toward us was none other than Liu Qingqing’s mother, who had cherished her since childhood.

It was as if holding her in the palm of her hand, afraid she might fall, or keeping her in her mouth, afraid she might melt.