Chapter 126: Egoism

He Songning, a renowned sword cultivator of the December Sect. Though not as famous as Wanghua-jun, Zora, Vane, Turi Qi, Yiling Ke, Song Zhihuai... and so on.

However, his strength was not low; his style was simply low-key.

Among those who entered the sect in the same year, He Songning was the most outstanding sword cultivator of his generation, having received countless praises.

Such a favored child of heaven was capable in everything. On the second day after He Songning disguised himself and entered the lower levels of the Immortal-Slaying Pavilion, he received a very high evaluation.

the supervisor said with a strange expression: "Your talent for being a servant is surprisingly high."

He Songning, disguised as an ordinary man, maintained his smile: "..."

A sword cultivator from the premier sect is still the strongest even among a pile of demonic servants.

He didn't know if

that

Zora was

his

Zora. Though he had suspicions, they were just speculations. He simply discarded his complicated thoughts and went to seek the truth himself.

Demonic Qi in the Demon Realm was decreasing, and great demonic cultivators were as rare as rain in a desert, but he couldn't be sure if there were some threatening ones in the shadows. He Songning didn't want to expose his identity and purpose; if the Master really was Zora, wouldn't he be putting her in the spotlight?

—What if Junior Sister Zora just wanted to live comfortably in the Demon Realm and hadn't done anything heinous? That would be pushing her away.

He decided to take this opportunity to infiltrate the Pavilion. The treatment for servants varied; he chose to compete for the higher level. The higher the pay, the greater the danger—in other words, the closer to the Master.

...Most importantly, aside from this, he seemingly had nothing else to do.

And... he heard that Vane was as clever as a demon; surely he could easily solve the seal on the passage...

Not to mention Junior Sister Zora, who had also proactively entered the Demon Realm.

Thus, the ordinary man calling himself "Du He," a man with nowhere to go after his family was destroyed, arrived at the recruitment office. Within a short time, he passed through all the tests with his abilities. He was first in the line, and the old servants teaching the rules were full of praise.

Finally, after a dozen days, the supervisor appeared again.

"Tomorrow, the Master is going to the Northern Realm for an appointment. Some new servants are needed."

The opportunity had come.

He Songning’s spirit was lifted.

Everyone present had low cultivation. He boldly used his spiritual sense to scan the surroundings while remaining motionless at the front. He looked straight ahead but noticed the strange expressions of the people behind him—seeming to be both expectant and fearful.

What was going on?

Perhaps a natural fear of the Master?

The longer the silence, the colder the supervisor’s expression became.

He knew these people had guessed that the Northern Demon Lord’s invitation was ill-intentioned. If the Master’s strength held up, it would be fine; if not, they would all be buried with her.

But so what? Do you think feeding you in the Demon Realm is an act of kindness? This group had voluntarily chosen this position instead of other inconspicuous roles in the Pavilion, yet they didn't even dare to risk their lives. Then leave early; who wants to keep you?

This kind of power buys your life; take it or leave it.

Seeing the terrified expressions of these people, the supervisor glanced at the list with an indifferent expression, thinking they were another group of wastes to be dismissed.

Just then, a person took a step forward: "Lord Supervisor, please leave it to me."

The supervisor was slightly surprised. He looked up and saw it was the man who had been performing prominently lately—unremarkable in appearance, but very hardworking.

Was he sincere, or did he not know the specific danger?

The supervisor said with a smile: "Do you know that this trip carries the honor of sacrificing yourself for the Master?"

"..."

The words are quite fawning; the Master isn't even here.

Wanting to laugh, He Songning luckily was in disguise and kept his face stiff: "This subordinate knows."

The supervisor put away the list with satisfaction.

One kept.

The Northern Realm.

A land either barren or fertile surrounded a floating island in the center.

The island was like a heavy black cloud suspended in the sky. The base of the land was irregularly undulating, exposed to the eyes of the commoners below, yet not even a grain of fertile soil would fall.

Only by flying as high as the island could one see that the small land was covered with magnificent palaces, extremely luxurious. The gilded palace roofs almost coexisted with the clouds. In this land of harsh mountains and foul waters, it actually looked like a fairyland from the cultivation world, as if inside were not a Demon Lord, but an ethereal cultivator.

Music and dance filled the air, and there were pools of wine and forests of meat.

The Demon Lord, Yuan Wuzhu, sat in the high seat. A charming woman leaned against his leg, pouring wine for him.

"How is it."

In contrast to the beautiful and lively dance in the hall, the people on both sides were silent, without a trace of a banquet atmosphere.

A man walked in, covered in sweat. He unrolled an unknown number of letters and spoke tremulously: "...The Master said... she... she will arrive in half an hour."

After the man stepped forward, respectfully placed the letter on the Demon Lord's table, and retreated, the hall maintained a deathly silence.

Yuan Wuzhu lowered his eyes slightly. The food on the table was already cold. Beside it lay the letters the new Master had sent every so often.

She was already a full two hours late; she simply did not value this banquet at all.

A trace of a smile spilled from Yuan Wuzhu’s lips. Demonic Qi filled the hall, terrifying to behold. By the sheer force of the pressure alone, several people let out muffled groans, suppressing the blood in their mouths.

Everyone knew.

That Master...

—Was undoubtedly dead.

Zora’s group really hadn't been late on purpose.

She had no concept of insulting the other party with such behavior; it was purely due to an accident during the journey.

"Master, these are the new servants," the supervisor said, bowing low.

Beside him, five servants stood uneasily, trying their best to remain steady.

It is well known that when a person's cultivation is much higher than the other party's, all disguises vanish.

The five new servants stood in a row.

Zora: "..."

She rubbed her eyes and looked again.

Two demonic cultivators, two ordinary people, and one cultivator.

Four strangers, and one who looked familiar.

Zora stared at the person in the middle: "..."

So familiar, this looks like someone from the December Sect?

Zora recalled.

Vane had also not expected to meet someone from the cultivation world here. His gaze slowly scanned the face disguised as a common man.

It looked like this person's surprise was about to jump out of his eyes.

I remember he’s called He Songning?

The moment he left the cultivation world, Vane would no longer call any old acquaintance "Senior Brother" in his heart. He divided them naturally, as if tearing away a veil to expose everything; a barrier always existed between him and the cultivation world.

The youth who had escaped from the suppression of the immortal realm scanned the five people with an indifferent face. From the outside, no one knew who he was focused on; they assumed he was identifying loyal servants for the Master. Like the most useful hound, his sharp gaze, mixed with a chilling pressure, swept across them slowly.

He Songning’s mind was a mess.

What? This is Junior Sister Zora, right? She hasn't changed...

Even sitting in the Master’s seat, the girl’s pure aura remained unchanged. The pressure of the spiritual power she unconsciously radiated was endurable for He Songning, so he naturally felt no oppression. He couldn't help but feel joy—could it really be—

Then, in the next second, he saw Vane beside her, who had integrated into the Demon Realm with exceptional smoothness. His dark pupils were deep and unfathomable, no different from a demonic cultivator accustomed to slaughter.

He Songning: "..."

He was sweating all over.

Is the defection real? In any case, I cannot truly trust him.

He couldn't see the cultivation of the two. The spiritual power he sent out was like a drop of water into the sea, without a single echo.

Clearly, they were much higher than him.

...

Though in disguise, the subtle expressions on the face could not be controlled. Vane stepped forward, took the supervisor's book, and unrolled it once. It recorded the actions and abilities of the five over the past dozen days, along with their oral histories.

...I see, entered involuntarily?

No scent of blood, no trace of falling into the demonic path. His clothes were still the style common to those in the December Sect, and his accessories were immortal tools. Aside from the disguise, he had none of the things a cultivator would need to prepare to infiltrate demonic circles.

Surprised? Seems it's for him.

Currently, He Songning showed no obvious hostile emotion toward Zora.

Still a sliver of trust in her?

All factors pointed to one thing—He Songning did not have the ability to leave the passage. The cultivation world might send people to find him; the timing was undecided.

Vane felt slightly steadied. After checking the book and passing it through his hands, he lowered his eyes and brow, handing it to the girl.

Zora didn't take it. She looked at He Songning.

Weaker than her, nothing to fear.

So she pointed at him: "Just him. The rest, leave."

The supervisor bowed slightly: "Yes."

The others retreated. Zora stared at the person before her and asked strangely: "Why are you here?"

He Songning was slightly stunned. He instinctively glanced at Vane.

This was an unconscious act of vigilance and defense.

The youth gave him a gentle smile. The sharpness surrounding him vanished in an instant, as if it were an illusion and had never existed.

He Songning chose his words: "...Master Zhi, I."

As he spoke, he gave Vane an incredibly suggestive, lingering, and hesitant glance.

Vane showed no offense at being guarded against. In fact, when he was looked at, his smile deepened.

Zora was waiting patiently: "Mhm."

Wait for a few breaths; nothing happened.

"...Master Zhi, I indeed have something to say."

He Songning glanced at Vane again, staying longer this time.

Zora was a bit confused by this repetitive nonsense, but answered patiently: "Mhm."

He Songning choked: "...Master Zhi, I have something very important to say to you, but—"

He looked directly at Vane, turning his whole face toward him, his gaze intense.

Zora said nothing, waiting for his "but."

"..."

"..."

Vane:

Smile.

The atmosphere was somewhat silent.

He Songning was silent for a moment, his tone flat: "Master Zhi, I wish to speak with you alone."

"?"

Though confused, Zora waved her hand nonchalantly: "You, go out."

Vane submissively bowed slightly: "Yes."

A smile remained on his lips, like a spring breeze. As he passed He Songning, his high ponytail swayed slightly with his steps, his back straight. He had the same elegance as the spear-wielding youth at the peak of his fame in the cultivation world.

The door closed.

He Songning steadied himself, his expression solemn: "Junior Sister Zora... why are you in the Immortal-Slaying Pavilion? Has something happened?"

Zora looked at him: "The former Master tried to kill me, so I killed him. I naturally inherited his things."

He Songning’s tense face finally relaxed: "...I see."

Silent for a moment, he let out a laugh.

"I was truly afraid Junior Sister had gone astray and become a Demon Lord. That would surely involve much suffering."

Zora peeled an orange segment, her voice like stagnant water: "So what."

"...What?"

"I said, so what."

Zora looked at him. He Songning finally realized that the Junior Sister he spoke of had eyes of clear amber; rather than the warmth of kindness, they held a true purity. A purity so complete she only cared for her own feelings, as if the good and evil of the world made no difference to her.

The standards of worldly judgment he cared about, she did not.

The suffering he imagined a good person would endure while doing evil did not apply to her, because she had never been a "good person."

He Songning’s expression gradually calmed. He met her gaze.

"...Junior Sister, everyone thinks you entered the Demon Realm to capture Vane. Perhaps some even think you will battle demonic cultivators here and become a beacon. I know you didn't become the Master entirely by choice, but if those cultivation sects found out... I cannot imagine what they would say."

Zora squinted at his serious face.

What did this have to do with what she wanted to do?

Would it hinder her goal? Seemingly not.

Zora: "Your words are strange."

He Songning: "..."

Zora seriously picked at the wording he used just now: "These are all inconsequential matters. They cannot be called 'important'."

...Not important? But, a cultivator should be primarily good, not seeking to uphold justice everywhere, but at least having requirements for oneself.

He Songning suddenly perceived the unique sincerity revealed in her words and was left speechless for a time.

She was losing patience: "In short, you didn't come to kill me, and there is no one following you who wants to harm me."

He Songning came to his senses and paused: "Of course."

"I understand."

This was what she considered "important."

Zora nodded with satisfaction, as if having completed a task. She stood up and walked straight toward the door.

As if his throat were blocked, He Songning spoke up abruptly just as she was about to walk out: "...Then may I know what Junior Sister plans to do in the Demon Realm next?"

"What do I want to do?"

He wanted to know exactly which side she was on. Everyone has good and evil; there are good and bad people, people who are both, and those who change their nature. Everyone has a ruler in their heart, a line used to measure themselves.

Zora: "Whatever I want to do."

She thought about recent events: "Mhm... right now I’m going to attend a banquet."

But am I late?

Zora thought silently as she opened the door and saw the anxious supervisor.

...Does she not understand the hidden meaning of the question at all?

He Songning was somewhat helpless.

But he did understand a little.

Junior Sister Zora was entirely an egoist—a sincere person who only cared for her own feelings. If something was a threat, kill it. If it was beneficial, keep it.

She would not change her nature for anyone, nor would she accept anyone's judgment. For things she didn't care about, she wouldn't spare a single glance.

...No wonder Senior Sister Yiling called her a blockhead every day.

It was merely that she didn't care about the external things others cared about, so her thoughts appeared different from others. Put this way, one might think Zora was opposed to "good," yet she wasn't one of those truly selfish, ambitious, and underhanded people. And the Pavilion indeed was no longer committing as many evils as before.

He analyzed this calmly.

Junior Sister Zora was very honest.

Yet despite her honesty, he was somewhat unable to grasp what she would do in the Demon Realm.

He Songning stayed in place for a moment before walking out. The supervisor and the other four had already escorted the Master away. Vane was waiting outside, watching Zora’s receding back. Only when she vanished did he turn around and say to the waiting He Songning: "Let's go."

He Songning remembered his disguise as a servant and gave a soft affirmation. He walked half a step behind Vane.

Suddenly, Vane spoke, his tone ordinary: "How are things in the cultivation world?"

He Songning knew he wasn't asking about the state of the world. He said hesitantly: "Senior Sister Turi resolved those matters. Now, Junior Sister Zora is still the same sword cultivator as always in the cultivation world."

"Is that so."

"...The facts regarding Junior Sister Zora are different from the rumors, aren't they?"

"Oh? Which ones do you mean?" Vane smiled easily. "The countless sect missions completed are real. The thousands of lives saved are real. The removal of the corrupt elders is real. Resolving the Demonic Seed is real. Helping fellow disciples kill enemies is real. Making the Pavilion stop killing and looting is real. What part is false?"

The youth tilted his head, his dark eyes curving, yet revealing an endless chill.

"Judge the deeds, not the heart. Zora is incredibly serious about everything she does. She has no heart to harm others, nor does she have any special traits of kindness. If you want her to not do evil, then simply make sure the 'good' side does not do evil to her."

"What you should do is restrain yourselves, not her. How about it? Isn't it simple?"

He Songning was silent for a long time before letting out a long breath: "...I understand."

"I am truly ashamed... I never truly understood Junior Sister, and even took it upon myself to speculate."

"No need for that," Vane said dismissively. "She doesn't care about you, so how you view her is unimportant."

He Songning: "..."

I can see that.

He Songning: "But you seem to care a lot about the things she doesn't care about."

Vane’s expression was normal: "Naturally. Just because Zora doesn't care doesn't mean the praise she deserves can be ignored."

He revealed a smile and said: "And it can never be slandered at will."