Chapter 93: The Wistful Lament of Chu Ke Qing
At the forked road outside Chen Yan’s courtyard, Wang Chu Yi stood hesitantly, his face burning red with embarrassment. He struggled to find his words, his tongue tripping over itself, until after much effort, he finally managed to relay his tale.
It all began on the eve of the new year.
Just past the stroke of midnight, Chu Yi had pasted a New Year’s painting upon the rear gate of the abandoned temple.
A simple-hearted youth he might be, but he was by no means a fool. He understood much about the ways of the world, and his heart, though clumsy, was capable of deep emotion.
For many nights, he had thought it naught but a dream—yet the same dream came, again and again, with the same figures entwined in tender embrace, murmuring words of affection that lingered like whispered poetry.
By day, he could think of nothing else, longing for the figures in his dreams, imagining what it would be like if the dream became real—if those who knew his heart, who shared his warmth, could step beyond that veil of fantasy and exist in the waking world.
Who among men would not harbor such a desire?
Then—his dream became reality!
That fateful night, after he placed the New Year’s painting, he could not fully grasp his own emotions—unease, excitement, joy, and a nervous anticipation all tangled within him.
And then, as if bound by celestial fate, the two demon spirits arrived. No longer mere phantoms of his slumber, they stood before him in flesh and blood. That night, the three of them, together at last in the realm of mortals, completed what had once been confined to ephemeral dreams.
The intricate details need not be spoken.
To Chu Yi, it was as though he had won the grand prize of life’s greatest gamble. The heavens had smiled upon him, bestowing upon him a fate that seemed too good to be true.
But then—
With the rising sun came a cruel revelation.
The two demon spirits, their voices tinged with sorrow, told him that their time together was drawing to an end. They could only return twice more, and after that—their fated bond would be severed.
Chu Yi was stunned.
It was as if he had won a fortune beyond measure, only to be told that it was but a fleeting illusion—a mere trial, and now the time for indulgence had expired.
He could not accept it! The happiness he had yearned for, the dream that had turned real—how could it be taken away so soon?
The two demon spirits had deep affection for him, and he, in his innocent sincerity, was no less devoted to them. How could he bear to part with them?
The three of them clung to one another, weeping as if the heavens themselves lamented their plight.
After their sorrow ebbed, Huang Ling’er, the weasel spirit, explained their predicament.
It was not a matter of choice, but of nature itself. Demon spirits and mortals walked different paths. Their very essences were incompatible.
Short encounters could be endured, especially given Chu Yi’s unusual innate Yang-fire constitution, which made him more resilient to demonic qi than most. But in the long run, his mortal body would inevitably succumb to its corruption.
At best, he would be plagued by ceaseless illness; at worst, his life would be cut short.
They could not bear to be the cause of his demise.
Tears welled up in Chu Yi’s eyes. “Is there no way?” he pleaded.
Huang Ling’er hesitated, then spoke. “There is… but it is nearly impossible.”
Only if both she and Tu Cui Cui, the rabbit spirit, reached the legendary Heavenly Mortal Realm could they shed their demonic qi and stand beside him without harm.
But such a thing had never been heard of. Though the legends spoke of the Heavenly Mortal Realm, no demon spirit in all of history had ever achieved it.
Chen Yan, upon hearing this, made his own conclusions—these two demon spirits were not like Old Madam He, who had traversed from another realm. Rather, they were the descendants of those who had once fled from the Domain Realm, seeking refuge in this world. Just like Gui Geng, they were bound to this land.
Upon realizing this, the three of them wept once more.
But then, Tu Cui Cui, the rabbit spirit, lifted her tear-streaked face and murmured, “Perhaps… if we sought the help of that Eminent Master, he might have a way? He is unfathomably powerful, beyond even our master’s reckoning. And he is Chu Yi’s friend… he has shown us mercy before. Perhaps…”
And so, Chu Yi ran, not stopping until he fell to his knees before Chen Yan.
The Great Philanthropist let out a sigh, rubbing his temples as he stared at the foolish yet sincere youth before him.
This boy… could he possess the fate of a destined protagonist?
A simple-hearted village lad, ignorant of the world, blessed with a strange and extraordinary innate Yang-fire constitution.
A childhood filled with hardships.
A youth spent under the tutelage of an old monk in a mountain temple.
Encountering two stunning demon spirits, who not only showered him with love but even rewarded him with a chest of gold for his “assistance.”
And now, even that was not enough—they wished to remain by his side forever?
A fool’s fortune indeed!
What kind of absurd wish-fulfillment protagonist was this?
Chen Yan sighed, locking eyes with Chu Yi. “So… what you’re saying is, you don’t want them to leave. You wish to be with them, no matter the cost?”
“I… I took their bodies. I must take responsibility. I wish to marry them,” Chu Yi declared, his voice unwavering in its simple honesty.
Chen Yan rolled his eyes.
“Oh, come on…”
“I want to marry her—no, them!”
Listen to this nonsense! This is supposed to be human speech?!
Hmm… right, it’s not human speech, so naturally, you’re not trying to marry humans either, are you?!
So… does this mean I have to be the one to find a way to make it all work for you lot?!
A sudden flash of realization struck Chen Yan like a blade gleaming under moonlight.
Damn it all. So I’m not Fa Hai after all!
I’m the righteous swordsman, the one who ensures that Ning Cai Chen and Nie Xiao Qian find their destined path together—Yan Chi Xia!
Chen Yan stood silent, lost in thought. Seeing this, Wang Chu Yi grew anxious. Not being one for words, he could only fall to his knees once more, looking as if he was about to kowtow right then and there.
“Get up, get up!”
Chen Yan hastily pulled the lad to his feet, dusting off the dirt on his knees.
“If you’re asking whether there’s a way… well, it’s not that there isn’t one. But it’s a difficult path, filled with twists and turns. Do you have the resolve to see it through?”
Chu Yi’s eyes lit up like torches in the dark.
“Yes! Brother, tell me what to do! No matter how hard it is, I’ll do it!”
Chen Yan glanced at the time. It was just past ten-thirty, still some time before noon.
“Are they still in the temple up the mountain?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Take me there. My method isn’t something I can just tell you alone. It requires all three of you to sit down and discuss it. Only if all three of you agree can it be done.”
Chu Yi’s face broke into a wide grin, nodding rapidly. “Alright! Brother, as long as there’s a way, I—I’ll take you up the mountain! I—I’ll even grill some fish for you!”
Fish?
Wait… Little brother, have you forgotten you’re a monk now?
Forget it. Chen Yan sighed.
After all, this master and disciple pair were monks in name only.
Instead of returning home, Chen Yan followed Chu Yi up the mountain straight to the temple. The moment they stepped past the temple gates, two figures stood waiting in the courtyard.
The two female demons had already been waiting, poised like gentle ripples on a still lake. The moment Chen Yan entered with Chu Yi, they immediately knelt, their voices soft yet firm.
“Many thanks, Eminent Master…”
“Hold your thanks. I haven’t agreed to help yet.”
Chen Yan waved a hand dismissively and stepped aside, making it clear he wouldn’t accept their bows.
Now that he had a chance to properly observe them, he noticed both were dressed in monastic robes—likely Chu Yi’s clothing.
The taller one had a cold elegance about her, her brows sharp with a hint of defiance and pride. The shorter one, however, was more voluptuous, her round eyes brimming with mischief, her every glance carrying a trace of seductive charm.
Using his Heavenly Eye Qi-Observing Technique, he identified them instantly—the tall, aloof one was the weasel demon he had fought that night, and the shorter, curvier one… well, she was the rabbit spirit who had burrowed into his blankets.
Chen Yan quickly averted his gaze—no good could come from staring too long.
The memory of that night flashed through his mind, bringing a hint of awkwardness.
Clearing his throat, he exhaled and spoke slowly, “Chu Yi has explained your intentions to me. However, that was his account. I need to hear it from both of you directly.”
The two demons exchanged glances before Huang Ling’er, the weasel demon, stepped forward and spoke with solemnity.
“That night, my master and I were ignorant of our limits and offended the Eminent Master. It was only thanks to your mercy that we still draw breath today. My master and I—”
“Enough. No need for pleasantries.”
Chen Yan waved her off again. “I have a meal waiting at home, so let’s not waste time with courtesies. I’ll put it plainly: you two have no intent to harm Chu Yi. If you had, I wouldn’t have let you live. So don’t thank me—thank yourselves for not being the sort that preys on humans.”
Huang Ling’er nodded quickly. “Yes! Though we are demon cultivators, we have always lived in seclusion in these mountains, never once using our cultivation to harm humans.”
She glanced at Chu Yi, but the boy was too simple-minded to catch on and respond. Instead, her rabbit disciple, Tu Cui Cui, proving the more perceptive of the two, promptly invited him inside.
“The wind is strong out here. Eminent Master, please, let us speak inside.”
Chen Yan grinned. “Let’s talk in the main hall. It’s more spacious.”
He had no interest in stepping into Chu Yi’s monk quarters. That room was tiny, cramped, and lacked even a proper table—what, was he supposed to sit on the bed? Heaven knows what had transpired on that bed last night!
No, he definitely wasn’t going to sit there.
Inside the main hall, under the solemn gaze of the Buddha statue, the four stood in a quiet semicircle. Chen Yan turned, pointing at the two demons.
“Since we are all cultivators, I want you both to swear an oath before the Buddha. Speak your true intentions so I can be sure of where you stand.”
Neither demon hesitated. Moving to kneel before the great statue, Huang Ling’er raised her right hand, her voice steady and resolute.
“I, Huang Ling’er, swear upon the Heavenly Dao—in this life, I desire only to wed Wang Chu Yi and remain his wife till our hair turns white. I hold no ulterior motives. Should my heart waver even a fraction, let me perish in tribulation fire, my soul scattered and my existence erased!”
Beside her, Tu Cui Cui lifted her right hand in turn and echoed, “The Heavenly Dao bears witness! The words of my master are also my own! Should I harbor deceit, let me too be consumed by tribulation fire, turned to dust, my soul obliterated!”
Using his Heavenly Eye Qi-Observing Technique, Chen Yan scrutinized their oaths. Their life forces remained steady, unmarred by the turbulence of deceit.
They had even infused their words with primordial qi, harmonizing their vows with the will of heaven.
Chen Yan was still new to cultivation, his knowledge entirely gleaned from the Old Granny’s Manual. Much of the deeper intricacies were still beyond him. The exact workings of a Heavenly Dao Oath, its consequences, and the nature of divine retribution were mysteries he had yet to fully grasp.
The two demon spirits before him bore an air of solemnity, their gazes unwavering. Chen Yan could tell—they were sincere.
With that in mind, he nodded. “I won’t meddle in unnecessary matters. The feelings between you and my younger brother, Wang Chu Yi, are unpredictable. In this era, lovers drift apart, husbands and wives go their separate ways. I won’t stand in your way, no matter how things unfold in the future. But remember this—Chu Yi is my friend. Even if your hearts change one day, I will not interfere. However, should you ever dare to harm him, I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth, flay your hides, and reduce you to dust and ashes!”
Both demon women knelt at once, their voices firm. “We would never harbor such thoughts!”
“Good. Then let’s discuss the real matter.” Chen Yan sighed. “The will of the heavens is set. The paths of humans and demons are destined to diverge. A mortal cannot endure prolonged exposure to demon essence. You are fated to struggle against this separation.”
Huang Ling’er’s expression darkened. “If I could cultivate to the legendary Celestial Realm… But such a thing is far too distant, too illusory.”
Chen Yan shook his head. “You are a cultivator. You should know the truth—this world does not allow mortals to break through to the Celestial Realm. Even if, by some miracle, you could reach it, you are currently at the Return to Origin Realm, aren’t you? Beyond that is the Ascension Stage. And beyond that still—the Great Heavenly Tribulation!
“Even if you were a once-in-a-millennium prodigy, if you could survive the heavenly trial and defy the laws of this world to ascend to the Celestial Realm… Tell me, how many years would that take? Fifty? A hundred? By then, Chu Yi would have long turned to dust.”
Huang Ling’er lowered her head, her face bleak. “I know. Hoping for my ascension is an impossible dream. And then there’s my disciple, Tu Cui Cui—her talent is ordinary. Even after years of cultivation, she has only just reached the Entry Stage, barely forming a human shape.”
Chen Yan glanced at the two demon women, a knowing smirk appearing on his lips. “So you already had an idea, didn’t you? That’s why you had Chu Yi descend the mountain to seek my aid. You knew there was another path to take, but you didn’t dare ask me yourselves. You assumed that because of my bond with Chu Yi, I would soften if he pleaded on your behalf. Isn’t that right?”
Huang Ling’er bowed her head even lower, murmuring, “We would not dare deceive an Eminent Master. Indeed, my disciple and I harbored such hopes.”
Wang Chu Yi, who had been silent, suddenly looked bewildered. After a pause, realization dawned upon him. He turned to Huang Ling’er. “Wait, so what my brother is saying is… you’ve already thought of a solution?”
Chen Yan patted Chu Yi’s shoulder. “She knows the way. But she cannot accomplish it alone—she needs my help.”
“W-what is it?”
Chen Yan turned his gaze toward Huang Ling’er, waiting.
Huang Ling’er took a deep breath and spoke slowly. “If my disciple and I cannot break through to the Celestial Realm and erase our demon essence… then the only solution is to have Wang Chu Yi step onto the path of cultivation! As long as he can progress, even reaching the lowest level of the Entry Stage, he will be able to draw Primordial Qi into his body and refine his mortal flesh.
“With Primordial Qi nourishing his body at all times, he will possess a physique of the Dao. He would no longer need to fear the erosion of demon essence.”
Chen Yan nodded. “Precisely. That is the way forward. But you are demon cultivators—the methods you practice cannot be used by humans. And, unfortunately, you know nothing of human cultivation techniques. In this world, the heavens are ruthless, and the path of cultivation is treacherous. True cultivators are exceedingly rare, and the methods they guard are even rarer.
“It just so happens that I am a cultivator standing before you. So you set your sights on me, didn’t you?”
Huang Ling’er’s face tensed. “Master Chen, your insight is unmatched. My disciple and I did indeed entertain such thoughts. Human cultivation techniques are almost impossible to obtain. Even if we scoured the mortal world, even if we found a true cultivator, persuading them to part with their methods would be nearly impossible.
“Who among them does not guard their teachings like a priceless treasure? If we tried to take it by force, not only would we risk our lives against such an expert, but even if we succeeded, would they truly hand over their secrets?”
Chen Yan fell silent for a moment, then spoke at a measured pace. “The road of cultivation is arduous. Even if I were to teach Chu Yi, there’s no guarantee he possesses the aptitude for it. And even if he does, you of all people should know how difficult this path is. Talent alone is not enough—one must endure countless hardships before attaining even the lowest level.”
He turned toward Wang Chu Yi and then looked back at Huang Ling’er. “Very well. I will try teaching him. But we will set a time limit—one year. If he has talent, then within that year, he should be able to grasp something. If he fails to even step onto the path in that time, then you must abandon this idea.”
The two demon women rejoiced, immediately bowing low to the ground. “Master Chen, your willingness to guide him is already a great blessing to us! Even if it takes ten or twenty years, we would wait!”
“One year is enough to judge his aptitude,” Chen Yan said, shaking his head. “That is final. Now, rise.”
His gaze swept over the three of them, and he sighed. “Since the New Year is upon us, take these days to cherish your time together. Once the celebrations pass, I will leave—and Chu Yi will come with me. He will follow me in training for a year.
“During that time, you two will remain in the mountains and cultivate in peace. You are forbidden from causing trouble. After a year, whether Chu Yi succeeds or not, I will bring him back.
“By then, whether you remain together or part ways forever will depend on fate.”
The two demon women were overcome with emotion, their eyes glistening. Yet Wang Chu Yi still seemed somewhat lost, as though he only half understood. He hesitated before asking, “Brother… you mean, in a few days, I’ll be leaving with you?”
Chen Yan chuckled. “Do you wish to?”
Without hesitation, Chu Yi nodded. “Brother, whatever you ask of me, I will do. If it’s with you… I am willing. But… when will I be able to see them again?”
As he spoke, the foolish youth turned toward the two demon women, his eyes filled with longing.
Chen Yan let out a low snort. “Taking you with me is not to separate you from them but to forge you into someone worthy. If you master your skills well, the future will bring you back together. But if you fail… then fate will not be kind to your bonds.”
Wang Chu Yi’s body trembled. He clenched his fists and nodded fervently. “Brother! Even if I must risk my life, I will learn well!”
“Good. Foolish boy.” Chen Yan patted his shoulder. “Before we leave, cherish the time with your family.”
Having spoken, he turned to leave.
He had barely taken two steps before Chu Yi called out behind him, “Brother! Won’t you stay for dinner? I’ll make roasted fish for you!”
Chen Yan waved him off without looking back. “Spend the time with your family!”
Roasted fish? If I stayed, would it really be roasted fish I’d be eating? More like a mouthful of sentimental nonsense!
You think you’re the only one with a family of three? I have one waiting for me too!
Well… though, I suppose the setup is a bit unconventional.
Descending the mountain, Chen Yan’s mind was already making calculations. The manual left behind by Old Madam Zhang was out of the question—it was meant for him alone. Not that he was being selfish, but how could he simply hand over something bequeathed by a master to just anyone?
A technique bestowed by a true master must surely be of the highest order!
Besides, what exactly was Chu Yi to him?
Yes, they had grown up together in the same village, but from childhood to now, it had always been Chu Yi relying on him, never the other way around. They were not bound by brotherhood forged through life and death—at most, the sentiment of old friends.
Back then, it was only because of Old Madam Zhang’s teachings that he had shown kindness, never bullying Chu Yi, and occasionally stepping in when others did. But beyond that? Their connection was mostly built on sympathy rather than deep brotherhood.
Helping others was one thing, but he was no saint willing to bestow his master’s legacy to just anyone!
So then…
Should he seek out Little Madam Gu?
That wouldn’t work either.
The techniques of the Gu family were steeped in blood. Their cultivation was built upon battle, their path walked through the art of killing. Moreover, the Gu family was a powerhouse in the Domain Realm—how could their martial arts be treated as mere trinkets, to be gifted at will? Wishful thinking!
Fortunately, Chen Yan had another technique in mind.
As he strolled toward home, he pulled out his phone and made a call.
The line barely rang twice before a woman’s voice answered, gentle yet tinged with a nasal lilt, carrying a lazy allure. “Senior Chen Yan, this junior greets you with respect. I trust all is well during your return home for the festival?”
Chu Ke Qing’s tone was full of deference—after all, she had already called during the New Year’s Eve to extend her greetings.
Chen Yan pondered for a moment before chuckling. “Little Chu…”
“This junior is here. Please, command me as you will.”
“Hmm…” He paused before saying, “I have someone I’d like to recommend to your Cloud Sect. Just a simple registered disciple.”
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Chu Ke Qing’s immediate thought was: You, Senior Chen Yan, possess such immense skill—why don’t you teach them yourself?
Yet, despite her doubts, she didn’t hesitate even for a second. Instead, she responded in a delighted tone, “Anyone recommended by Senior must surely be an extraordinary talent! Why bother with a mere registered disciple? I’d be honored to take them as my direct disciple! Perhaps even… as a future successor to my position.”
“Ahem—” Chen Yan coughed twice, his tone turning awkward. “No need for all that! I don’t intend for them to bear great responsibilities in your sect. A simple registered disciple will do.”
Another pause.
Chen Yan could almost hear her unspoken questions through the silence.
He sighed and decided to be upfront. “To be honest, I do wish for this person to train. Naturally, as someone I know, teaching them myself would be the simplest path. But my school has strict rules—I cannot take disciples lightly. After much thought, I decided to entrust them to your Cloud Sect. Just as a registered disciple.”
Before Chu Ke Qing could respond, he added, “If you find this unsuitable, I will not insist. However, should you be willing to grant me this favor, I will owe you a debt. In the future, I shall offer my aid to the Cloud Sect once—no charge. What do you say?”
Silence lingered for a while before she sighed softly. There was an unexpected hint of grievance in her tone as she finally spoke, “Senior… is this how you see me?”
“Hmm?” Chen Yan frowned slightly in confusion.
Her voice, tinged with melancholy and that natural nasal softness, sounded almost as if she were whispering beside his ear. “Senior, you corrected our sect’s techniques, repairing countless flaws within them. That act alone is a favor as great as rebirth. Day and night, I ponder how I might repay you, yet you speak of favors and conditions?
“Do you truly see me as one so ungrateful?”
The air carried a trace of unspeakable sorrow, and that soft, lingering voice, almost a whisper, sent a strange shiver down Chen Yan’s spine.
He coughed lightly, quickly gathering himself. “Little Chu… you misunderstand. It’s just that martial techniques are the foundation of any sect, not something to be handed out lightly. I only wished to be considerate.”
“However important techniques may be, were they not perfected by your own hands, Senior? Without your guidance, my Cloud Sect’s arts would not be nearly as refined.” Chu Ke Qing let out a bitter chuckle, her voice now gentler. “I understand. Senior, if this is your wish, I shall not refuse. The one you recommend will be welcomed into my sect as a registered disciple—there will be no objections.”
“Good.” Chen Yan nodded in satisfaction. “Little Chu, then once I return to Jin Ling Prefecture in a few days, I’ll bring them to you. As for the favor I owe, I will honor it.”
Chu Ke Qing let out a small “hmm” before adding playfully, “I accept all your words, Senior… except for one thing.”
“Oh? Speak.”
“Previously, I told you—I would be honored to address you as my master in this lifetime. Yet to this day, you still call me ‘Little Chu,’ keeping such a distance between us. Even my late master called me ‘Ke Qing.’ So, Senior, from now on, call me ‘Ke Qing’ as well.”
“…”
Chen Yan held the phone in silence.
Why did this… feel like he was being flirted with?
Taking a deep breath, he finally relented, “Very well… Ke Qing.”
At the other end of the line, Chu Ke Qing instantly brightened, her laughter carrying a delightful warmth. “Mmm! Then I shall see you in Jin Ling Prefecture soon, Senior!”
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation