Chapter 590 - The Conflict

The two sat quietly in a lakeside pavilion.

In front of them, the lake was clear and emerald green, with a few strands of aquatic plants floating near the shore.

“How do you reach the Eternal Lands you mentioned?” Xu Zimo asked Demon Thirteen casually, nibbling on some rare fruits laid out on the table.

“The Eternal Lands are a Particle World with a firm spatial barrier, you can’t just come and go at will,” Demon Thirteen replied, shaking his head. “Unless you encounter a void storm in the Void Valley, there’s a slight chance of being swept into it. Otherwise, you'd have to head to the Outer Heavens and find another way.”

“Have you heard of the Void Spirit Monkey?” Xu Zimo asked.

“Never,” Demon Thirteen shook his head again.

Failing to get any useful info, the two continued chatting idly. Suddenly, a gentle fragrance drifted in from afar.

They looked up and saw Qingmu Xuan, the Saintess of Ninelands Immortal Palace, descending the Ascending Cloud Steps and arriving on the second floor.

She settled gracefully into a pavilion next to Xu Zimo’s.

She was accompanied by two other women, one round-faced and friendly-looking, the other in striking red robes.

“Xuan, don’t take it so seriously. Maybe Nanmen Tianhong and the others were just joking,” said the round-faced woman, Ying Yuanyuan, trying to console her.

“If not for my master’s request, I wouldn’t have come,” Qingmu Xuan replied coldly. “These worldly men, how many can compare to our ancestor?”

“I mean, cultivation isn’t just about meditation. There’s wealth, companions, technique, and environment, you need all four. The path of the Dao is long. Don’t you think it’s better to walk it with someone? I think Nanmen Tianhong would be a fine Dao companion,” said the red-robed woman with a teasing smile.

Her makeup was heavy, her robe striking, her presence boldly seductive.

“Hong Rong, you really need to stop saying that. If you like him so much, you can go chase him yourself,” Qingmu Xuan replied indifferently, then turned back to enjoy the scenery.

“I would if he showed interest,” Hong Rong laughed behind her hand.

Time passed, and the second floor grew more crowded as more pavilions filled up.

Suddenly, a young man with a black sword on his back walked toward Xu Zimo’s pavilion.

It was Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword of Lunar Mountain, the same prodigy people had discussed outside Boundless Tower earlier.

His expression was calm as he entered the pavilion. But when he saw Hong Rong, his face lit up with a shy smile.

“Hong’er,” he said softly.

“Master Yue, what do you want?” Hong Rong’s expression turned cold immediately.

“Nothing much. I just heard you were here and came to see you,” Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword replied, sounding sincere.

“Well, if there’s nothing else, you should leave. Don’t interrupt my conversation with this young master,” she smiled sweetly, turning to Xu Zimo.

Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword’s expression darkened. He glanced at Xu Zimo and asked, “Do you like him?”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Hong Rong looked flustered, cheeks turning pink. She glanced at Xu Zimo and whispered, “I just felt a connection with him, that’s all. He hasn’t agreed yet.”

Then she turned and fled back to her pavilion, leaving Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword standing alone with a complicated look on his face.

“Huh? Did I just get confessed to?” Xu Zimo blinked, then chuckled.

“Seems like it,” Demon Thirteen nodded.

Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword stood in silence for a long time before sighing deeply.

He looked at Xu Zimo and said, “I hope you treat her well.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best,” Xu Zimo replied with a smile.

In the neighboring pavilion, Qingmu Xuan frowned slightly at the scene.

“Hong Rong, you’re playing with people again. Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword is truly devoted. If you never cared, why provoke him in the first place?”

“Isn’t it fun?” Hong Rong laughed. “Two men fighting over you, what woman wouldn’t enjoy that? Too bad Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword turned out to be a coward. So much for being a sword prodigy.”

She shook her head and added, “We women have beauty, what else are we supposed to use it for, if not to make men fall? I’m not a cold virgin like you, elder sister.”

…

Watching Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword’s defeated expression, Xu Zimo turned to Demon Thirteen.

“What are you waiting for? Since that red-dressed girl likes me so much, we can’t let her down, can we? It’s getting late, go find a room and invite the lady over. Tonight, I’ll talk to her about the meaning of life. Maybe recite some poems.”

“As you wish, young master,” Demon Thirteen nodded, then headed to the neighboring pavilion.

Although it was still evening outside, the inside of Boundless Tower was brightly lit.

Red lanterns hung around the pavilions.

A bright moon slowly emerged through the mist above, casting soft light below.

Peaceful music drifted through the air.

Demon Thirteen stepped into the pavilion and looked at Hong Rong.

“My young master invites you,” he said.

Hong Rong smiled smugly but shook her head.

“Tell your master I’m not feeling well today. Maybe another time.”

“That won’t do. My master gave the order, so I have to follow it. Better come with me,” Demon Thirteen replied.

“And if I refuse?” Hong Rong asked, eyes narrowing.

Demon Thirteen didn’t reply. Dark Infernal Force swirled around him as he reached out to grab her.

Hong Rong’s eyes sharpened. The red silk of her robe shimmered as dozens of spirit silk ribbons burst forth.

The ribbons twisted and wrapped together, trying to bind Demon Thirteen’s hand.

But with a flash of Samadhi Flame, Demon Thirteen’s hand ignited in black fire, instantly burning the silk ribbons to ash.

He struck out again with his palm.

Hong Rong finally panicked.

“Blazing Mountain Heaven Sword, help me!” she screamed.

Just as Demon Thirteen’s palm was about to strike, a sharp clang echoed nearby.

A sword draw rang through the air.

A flash of sword light, fast as lightning, slashed toward Demon Thirteen.