Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan left Donglin Quarter. The Rain-Listening Sword beside Chen Changsheng shed its concealment, becoming visible as it followed at his side.

Zhong Zhengyuan looked stunned, surprised he hadn’t sensed the sword until now.

‘It hid so deeply…’

But he had no time to dwell on it. He chased after the Golden Light following Chen Changsheng.

The Golden Light led the pair into a mountain.

They passed a valley and immediately sensed wisps of Demonic Qi—dozens in number.

“Southwest,” Zhong Zhengyuan said.

Chen Changsheng gave a nod and headed directly toward the source of the Demonic Qi.

Zhong Zhengyuan followed close behind, saying: “Mr. Chen, if we come across powerful monsters later, you’ll have to protect me. Zhong may be excellent at divination, but I know nothing about vanquishing demons.”

Chen Changsheng paused in surprise. “You’ve practiced Cultivation for years. Haven’t you learned any Divine Abilities and Magic?”

Zhong Zhengyuan cleared his throat awkwardly. “Different paths, different strengths. Fighting simply isn’t my talent, alas.”

Chen Changsheng sighed with a rueful smile. “Fine. Hide behind me when trouble starts.”

“Many thanks, Mr. Chen,” Zhong Zhengyuan replied.

The guiding Golden Light dimmed. Shortly after, they spotted a manor house nestled deep within the valley. All the Demonic Qi was pouring from within it.

Hidden in the shadows, both men stared at the mansion with shock.

Chen Changsheng frowned. “Sheer cliffs surround all sides. It’s impossible for ordinary humans to reach. Likely these monsters have nested here for years.”

Zhong Zhengyuan muttered in disbelief: “They even built a manor in the human style? Pretending they belong?” He glanced at Chen Changsheng, noticing the Immortal Sword hovering nearby. Its cold gleam marked it as no ordinary blade.

“Charge straight in?” Zhong Zhengyuan asked.

Chen Changsheng scanned the manor. “Let’s observe first.”

Inside the valley manor, festivities were in full swing.

Monsters in human form, drinking fine wine, clinking cups cheerfully as if celebrating a victory.

“I told you those humans were fools! Truly, the Great King is brilliant! Amazing! Absolutely amazing!”

“Drink! Drink more!”

Wine flowed, swelling faces redder and redder with intoxication.

In the Main Hall sat a figure dressed in yellow robes, politely eating with chopsticks. His refined manner clashed sharply with the raucous demonic horde filling the courtyard.

Huang Shan was also present, head slightly bowed, distracted, something heavy clearly weighing on him.

“Nice acting today, Old Dog!” boomed a monster, raising a cup.

Huang Shan forced a smile, clinking his own cup. “I was mediocre. Without our Great King, we might have faced disaster tonight.”

He downed the wine in one gulp.

He held up the empty cup, a human gesture learned over time.

Another monster grinned and nudged him playfully. “Ho! Learned quite the tricks, Old Dog! You almost pass for human now.”

Huang Shan chuckled nervously. “Practice enough and anyone could do it.”

Suddenly, the yellow-robed figure feasting in the Main Hall spoke quietly. “Don’t drink too deeply tonight. Most of you still have journeys home later.”

😏😏😏Golden Novel translates the best Chinese web novels for you!😏😏😏

“Yes, Great King!”

“We toast the Great King!”

The Yellow-Robed Young Master smiled warmly. He raised his cup, saluting the dozens of different types of monsters in the courtyard and drinking with them. Dog demons, Ox Demons, Snake Demons, Rabbit demons – all monsters who had mastered Transformation (into human form). That such a motley crew of creatures gathered peacefully was indeed unusual.

From their hiding spot, Chen Changsheng pulled his gaze back.

“Those monsters eat quite well,” he commented, almost admiringly.

Zhong Zhengyuan blinked. “Mr. Chen… are you thinking of joining their feast?”

Chen Changsheng paused, then shrugged lightly. “An option.”

Before Zhong Zhengyuan could react, Chen Changsheng stood up and walked calmly towards the manor.

“Eh?” Zhong Zhengyuan stared. “What are you doing?”

Chen Changsheng didn’t turn back. Only two words floated quietly.

“Joining dinner.”

Zhong Zhengyuan almost chased after him, but hesitated and stayed hidden. Him, a mere fortuneteller? Better not interfere. He was simply baffled by Chen Changsheng’s thoughts.

Did he really intend to feast alongside monsters?

The Rain-Listening Sword followed silently as Chen Changsheng approached the manor gates.

Inside the Main Hall, the Yellow-Robed Young Master suddenly stiffened. He set down his chopsticks and looked directly towards the entrance.

Knock… knock… knock…

The sound of knocking echoed.

Instantly, the entire manor went silent.

“Huh?”

Monsters froze mid-action. Cups stayed half-raised; food paused mid-chew. Every eye fixed on the door.

Knock… knock… knock…

A second round of knocks.

This time, all the monsters frowned sharply.

Huang Shan jerked at the sound, as though stricken by sudden dread.

“Guests arrive,” pronounced the calm voice of the Yellow-Robed Young Master from his seat. He merely waved a hand. The heavy wooden gates to the manor groaned open on their own.

Creeeeak…

Outlined in the moonlight stood a figure in green robes. An Immortal Sword hung suspended beside him.

Chen Changsheng’s gaze met the seated Yellow-Robed Young Master directly.

“Mind if I join for a meal?” he asked.

The sight of this man and his suspended sword struck the gathered monsters like lightning.

Silence. Absolute, choking silence.

“RUN!!!”

One panicked demon screamed.

In seconds, chaos erupted.

Over twenty monsters scattered wildly, discarding human forms and reverting to grotesque animal shapes. Tables overturned with crashes; food splattered across the floor; countless wine cups shattered into jagged pieces.

Chen Changsheng raised his hand. The Rain-Listening Sword flew into his grasp.

“Channel the Magical Power! Words Become Reality!”

“SEAL!”

As his command left his lips, reality warped. Ripples of power surged, weaving themselves instantly into an invisible cage encapsulating the entire manor like some colossal golden bell jar. Every single monster attempting to bolt found themselves painfully repelled back into the courtyard.

Panic ensued. Cornered and terrified, the cowering creatures clustered miserably in the darker corners.

Only the Yellow-Robed Young Master kept his calm. He lifted his cup towards his unexpected visitor.

“Sit for a drink?” he offered calmly.

Chen Changsheng’s stare intensified, examining this demon. Something was wrong. He had used his Dharma Eye, yet he couldn’t peer past the illusion to see its true form beneath. Its Cultivation base must be profound. His lips suddenly curved into an answering smile.

“My very wish,” Chen Changsheng agreed readily.

He strode purposefully forward and seated himself right at the table in the Main Hall, opposite the yellow-robed monster.

Behind him, the courtyard plunged back into silent horror. The twenty monsters trembled wordlessly in the shadows.

The Yellow-Robed Young Master took the wine pot and poured for Chen Changsheng. His eyes flickered momentarily to the Rain-Listening Sword resting near Chen Changsheng.

“A fine sword.”

Chen Changsheng returned his gaze coolly. Frankly, he was perplexed now. He couldn’t discern what kind of trick this demon was up to.

——

PS: Insomnia’s troubling me severely lately, so my updates have slowed down. My apologies to all my reading friends. Persistent difficulty sleeping has been my problem for three or four years. I sincerely hope my young friends also take care! Avoid staying up too late yourselves. Stay at home less and go out more with friends. Keep your spirits up. Insomnia truly is a harsh tormentor.