Chapter Sixty-Nine: Conflict

Eight months later, after tirelessly working with laborers to refine third-grade pills, Zhou Qi finally managed to accumulate a considerable stockpile. Exchanging them for spirit stones, he had enough to support a lengthy period of seclusion. Zhou Qi hurried to the West Wind Pavilion Auction House and successfully traded for thirty million lower-grade spirit stones. Jiu’er, too, could use the spirit stones for cultivation, so Zhou Qi rented her a separate cave dwelling. The two of them began their respective closed-door training.

Upon reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, cultivators could abstain from food, as spiritual energy replenished the body’s daily needs. Zhou Qi’s goal for this retreat was the second layer of Foundation Establishment. Unexpectedly, this seclusion lasted three years. For three years, Zhou Qi ate and drank nothing, running the Xuantian True Art to refine the spirit stones. Only when his supply was nearly depleted did he finally break through to the second layer.

At this stage, the spiritual essence within his body was now the size of a fist, dramatically increasing the power and endurance of his techniques. Zhou Qi had grown to about one meter eighty, with fair skin, a tall and slender frame, and resolute eyes. Clad in white, his presence was ethereal and distinguished.

When Zhou Qi ended his seclusion, Jiu’er also emerged, having reached the peak of the second rank among demonic beasts—just a step away from the third. She now stood tall, every gesture exuding charm, her enchanting beauty impossible to ignore.

The moment Zhou Qi saw her, he was stunned. Everyone appreciates beauty, but if one cannot protect it, such beauty becomes a calamity.

Since Jiu’er had entrusted her life to him, Zhou Qi resolved to protect her at all costs.

He decided to take Jiu’er out for a stroll. Though Huangfu Xiu had once shown him around Suiye City, those were all places of ill repute; Zhou Qi had yet to truly experience the mundane world.

According to Jiu’er, she had grown up in a secret realm. The first time she sneaked out, she was immediately caught. She was filled with curiosity about the human world, though her impression of humanity was far from pleasant. In those people’s eyes, she was nothing more than a demonic beast, an object of beauty to be traded.

Zhou Qi listened quietly as Jiu’er recounted her experiences, a trace of disappointment and helplessness on her face. “I thought humans would be just like my family—kind and gentle. But it turns out, only you, brother, are like that.”

Zhou Qi said nothing. There was no way to argue; the human race had opposed the demons, fiends, and other races for hundreds of thousands of years. Anyone who fell into their enemy’s hands would fare poorly. If Jiu’er didn’t look like a little girl but a fearsome beast, Zhou Qi doubted even he could empathize with her. It was simply the love of beauty, nothing more.

Long ago, humans themselves had been enslaved by other races, reduced to food, their circumstances no better than the fate of others today.

He bought a skewer of candied fruit and handed it to Jiu’er. After tasting it, she declared it the most delicious thing she’d ever eaten. Her smile was so radiant that it left bystanders entranced. Still, no one dared cause trouble, for the Huangfu clan’s authority maintained public order.

Many cultivators who’d seen them at the auction house grew excited at the sight, spreading the word. Those who had waited outside the city for over three years were invigorated at the news—they’d finally reappeared. Any longer, and some would have stormed in by force.

Zhou Qi ignored the pointing fingers. As long as the Huangfu clan was uninterested, there was nothing others could do as long as he stayed put. He took Jiu’er to a restaurant. Although Foundation Establishment cultivators could abstain from food, Zhou Qi disagreed with forgoing pleasure. If he could enjoy a meal, he would. What was the point of a long life if even appetite could not be satisfied?

He ordered two side dishes and a pot of wine. The dishes were exquisite, and the wine was of spiritual quality—strong enough to intoxicate even cultivators and priced accordingly. Jiu’er tasted wine for the first time, her cheeks flushed adorably, making her even more alluring; even Zhou Qi found it hard to look away, let alone the other customers.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, a discordant voice interrupted.

“Fellow cultivator, are you willing to sell this demonic beast?”

Zhou Qi was momentarily stunned. Looking up, he saw a young man dressed in extravagant finery, clearly of Foundation Establishment cultivation. The youth had striking, seductive eyes and a handsome face, his lips curled in a frivolous grin. Though he addressed Zhou Qi, his gaze was fixed upon Jiu’er.

Jiu’er was at a loss, not daring to speak, looking pitifully at Zhou Qi.

“She is a person, not a commodity, and not for sale,” Zhou Qi replied coolly.

“Is that so? Whether human or beast, there’s always a price. Name your terms—I guarantee your satisfaction,” the young man sneered.

“I’ll say it again—she is my sister, not an object for trade. Watch your words,” Zhou Qi suppressed his anger and warned once more.

“Don’t be ungrateful. Do you know who I am?” Seeing Zhou Qi’s lack of deference, the young man grew angry.

“I don’t care who you are. No matter how high your status, it’s no excuse for bullying others.” Zhou Qi, enraged, rose to his feet. This person had provoked him again and again; even a clay statue has a temper. Principles were simple: vent when angry, avenge when wronged, and if outmatched, retreat—nothing more.

Seeing Zhou Qi stand, the young man drew a fan adorned with paintings of scantily clad women wielding bizarre weapons. Holding the fan and chanting, the women in the paintings seemed to come alive.

Zhou Qi dared not be careless and gripped his Immortal-Slaying Sword.

The young man uttered a single word—“Swift!”—and the painted women leapt from the fan, twelve in all, surrounding Zhou Qi and Jiu’er.

“Honored guests, could you do me the favor of not fighting in my establishment?” A staff member came forward, his cultivation barely at the fifth level of Qi Refinement.

“Why should I, Huangfu Man, give you face? This man is ignorant and disrespectful—he must be taught a lesson,” the young man declared, and the staff member backed away in fear.

Huangfu Man—a member of the Huangfu clan?

“If you’re from the Huangfu clan, I can overlook your rudeness. I am friends with Huangfu Xiu. If you apologize to my sister, I’ll pretend nothing happened,” Zhou Qi said. If this was Huangfu Xiu’s brother, he would have to tread carefully.

“Haha! You claim that good-for-nothing Huangfu Xiu is your friend? So what if he is? He can barely protect himself—how could he help you? Bow and beg for forgiveness, give me the girl, and I might let you leave unharmed.” Huangfu Man burst out laughing, as if he’d heard a joke.

“What? You say Huangfu Xiu has become a cripple? What happened?” Zhou Qi was shocked. It had only been a few years—how could something have happened to Huangfu Xiu?