Chapter 169: 事了居云山

The two attacks on the true demon were not merely to inflict injury; they also left an indelible mark. All three understood that this imprint would be difficult to erase quickly. Often, the affected party might believe they have fully recovered, but a residue would remain, typically unerasable for over a century.

This ensured that the true demon was now desperately fleeing beyond Dazhen's borders, daring not to stop. After all, the Old Dragon and Ji Yuan had not sworn an oath, making it an unequal treaty. While a true immortal's word could be trusted, a true dragon's changing nature was unpredictable.

"Father, Uncle Ji, do you think this demon will go back on his word and return to Dazhen to cause mischief?"

Although Dragon Son Ying Feng had little interest in Dazhen's prosperity or decline, he certainly did not appreciate a true demon causing trouble within his homeland.

The Old Dragon looked at Ji Yuan, who was resting with closed eyes, and spoke cryptically.

"At least until he completely eradicates the effects of the marks your Uncle Ji and I placed on him, he wouldn't dare to harbor any designs on Dazhen. Even if he manages to completely erase our influence himself, should he return to Dazhen, he would still go to great lengths to avoid me and your Uncle Ji. Once we discover his presence again, combined with the impact of the blood oath, merely seeing us would be akin to him losing ninety percent of his power. Should he engage in combat, the power of the oath would be simultaneously triggered, ensuring his demise."

Hearing this, Ji Yuan opened his eyes, looked at the Dragon Son, and smiled.

"Even you, he wouldn't dare to encounter. While true demons are notoriously capricious, the three of us were witnesses when he swore the oath."

The demonic blood oath was simple: the demon was forbidden from entering Dazhen or interfering with it in any way. At the level of true demons and true dragons, there were no textual loopholes or word games like those Ji Yuan had encountered in his previous life's agreements. All oaths aligned with the fundamental Dao of one's heart. While demons were known for their deceit and manipulation, their trickery depended on who they were dealing with. This particular oath, having been coerced, was not to be taken lightly.

Thus, the Dragon Son still harbored some doubts, but Ji Yuan, who could sense the spiritual energies of heaven and earth, and the Old Dragon, with his extensive knowledge and powerful cultivation, were both at ease.

While the two dragons and one human within the Huang residence had settled into comfort, the local deities, spirits, and indeed the Huang family outside were overcome with anxiety.

The Dharma idol of Changchuan Prefecture's City God stood three zhang tall, its gaze fixed on the recently tumultuous sky. Dark clouds now loomed, accompanied by flashes of lightning and rolls of thunder, still conveying the oppressive feeling of an impending storm.

"Earth God, do you think the immortal can suppress that malevolent creature? Are they truly just having tea inside?"

A judge once again questioned the Earth God, as he was the only one who had witnessed the actual situation several times.

The Earth God, for his part, was quite confident.

"It will definitely be fine. Although my cultivation is shallow, I can sense that the malevolent creature's aura is at a disadvantage. Besides, isn't there a true dragon present as well!"

"Dragons' natures are unpredictable; it's hard to say..."

The imposing judge was about to point out that dragons were, after all, a type of demon, but considering their proximity and the fact that it was a true dragon, he dared not say anything further.

"What do you suppose that malevolent creature actually is?"

"It's certainly no ordinary demon or evil spirit; otherwise, would the immortal need to go to such lengths?" "Precisely. Even standing here, we couldn't detect anything unusual within the Huang residence."

"A moment ago, it seemed like demonic energy, yet it also felt distinct." "Yes, it did bear some resemblance."

"What was that brief skirmish just now?" "I'm not sure. It didn't seem like they were fighting with full force."

"All we can do is wait for the outcome."

As they were discussing, a figure dressed in a Taoist robe emerged from the Huang residence. The person wore no Taoist crown, and in the gentle drizzle, nothing extraordinary was discernible about him.

Yet, all the spirits and deities instantly perked up upon seeing the Taoist. Through the Earth God, the assembled divine beings naturally knew who he was and bowed in salute.

"Greetings, Immortal!" "Our respects to the Immortal!"...

Facing a being that could almost certainly be considered a legendary true immortal, even the Grand City God of Changchuan Prefecture dared not neglect his manners.

The arriving figure was indeed Ji Yuan. The underworld spirits and deities had likely been in turmoil due to today's events, so it was basic courtesy for him to come out and offer his thanks. As for the Old Dragon, he was too disinclined to meet these spirits, so he had already flown away.

Seeing the spirits and deities salute, Ji Yuan promptly cupped his hands in return.

"Please, everyone, there's no need for such formality. This matter was urgent, and it is thanks to all your assistance that it was properly resolved. Here are two registers of personal details; please, both underworld authorities, keep them safe!"

As Ji Yuan spoke, he sent forth two underworld registers, which flew into the hands of the two underworld judges.

The City God of Changchuan Prefecture glanced towards the Huang residence, then cautiously inquired.

"Immortal, what of the Dragon Lord of Tongtian River and the entity that was inside?"

Ji Yuan pointed skyward.

"The Dragon Lord, busy with his rain duties, has already departed. As for the entity that originally occupied Chu Mingcai's body, it was a true demon. He has been compelled to swear a Demonic Blood Oath never to enter Dazhen again, and after sustaining injuries from an attack by the Dragon Lord and me, he has fled from Dazhen."

A true demon!

All who heard were startled inwardly, yet also felt a sense of relief. No one wished to encounter such a strange and perilous evil creature.

"This matter is now concluded. Earth God, please trouble yourself to escort the Huang family back home. Chu Mingcai's body remains within the Huang residence; I shall not involve myself in its aftermath. I trust that you all will handle it appropriately."

The spirits and deities present would not dare to trouble a true immortal with such mundane matters.

"Please rest assured, Immortal. I will arrange for the elders of the Chu family, who still possess an afterlife lifespan within Changchuan Prefecture's underworld, to send dreams to their living family members. This way, the Chu family will understand that their son was harmed by a demon and will not hold a grudge against the Huang family."

With this assurance from the City God of Changchuan Prefecture, many concerns were naturally alleviated. By then, even if the Huang and Chu families had further disputes, it would be a private affair among mortals.

"My thanks to the City God, and to all of you. I shall take my leave now!"

Ji Yuan bowed again, then gave a slight double nod to the Earth God. Only then did mist rise beneath his feet, and he ascended, slowly at first then swiftly, vanishing into the dark clouds in the sky.

A short while later, no heavy rain fell, and the dark clouds in the sky completely dispersed.

For the Huang family, this day was naturally filled with trepidation, but for the spirits and deities, especially the Earth God, it was even more thrilling and terrifying.

Mortals only knew of the dangers posed by evil spirits, not the intricate details. For spirits and deities, however, true immortals, true dragons, and true demons were all legendary, almost mythical beings. To encounter three such entities at once today, and for them to nearly engage in combat in Dongle County, would have caused a cataclysmic upheaval. To say it was extremely fortunate would be an understatement.

At Cloud Mountain, within the Cloud Mountain Temple on Misty Peak, Ji Yuan, the Old Dragon, and the Dragon Son returned together.

Just as they arrived at the temple entrance, Qi Wen, who was about to go out to collect firewood, spotted the trio and immediately cried out in excitement.

"Mr. Ji! Master, Mr. Ji is back! Mr. Ji is back!"

"What? Mr. Ji is back!"

Taoist Qingsong also rushed out from inside, looking at the three of them with surprise and joy.

Ji Yuan, dressed in his Taoist robe, appeared neither fatter nor thinner. The elderly man and the younger man beside him, both in brocade robes, looked hale and hearty, certainly not like evil spirits.

"Oh, so this is Taoist Qingsong, the one who dares to boast that his culinary skills rival the celestial ambrosia of an immortal palace?"

The Dragon Son teased Taoist Qingsong, then, as if by magic, produced a half-human-tall bighead carp from his side.

"This is a large, fresh bighead carp from Tongtian River! I'm eager to see what earthly delicacy you can prepare!"

"Such a huge fish! Can I lift it?"

Qi Wen's eyes widened, and he approached curiously. The Dragon Son then handed him the fish.

The moment the fish was in Qi Wen's hands, the bighead carp, which had just been as motionless as if dead, suddenly began to flop and thrash, making Qi Wen sway precariously and almost lose his grip. He no longer cared about dirtying his clothes and quickly clutched it tightly.

"This fish is alive? How did you carry it up the mountain? It's so heavy! Master, this fish must weigh over forty pounds!"

As Qi Wen spoke, the large fish continued to flop in his arms, creating a comical sight. Truth be told, an ordinary man would have been unable to hold onto it by now.

"Oh, don't just stand outside, please come in, quickly, quickly! With this large fish, I'll definitely prepare a splendid meal tonight!"

As Qi Xuan called out, Ji Yuan gestured an invitation to the Old Dragon, and then the group entered the Taoist temple together.

After a brief introduction and serving tea in front of the main hall, Taoist Qingsong found an opportune moment to invite Ji Yuan into the kitchen. He glanced at the two individuals in brocade robes sitting there: the elder was resting with closed eyes, while the younger was chatting with Qi Wen.

Qi Xuan quietly asked Ji Yuan.

"Mr. Ji, those two figures perplex me; they aren't mortals, are they?"

"Heh, your old habit is acting up again, isn't it? A little reverence and a lot of treating them normally will suffice."

Ji Yuan chuckled dismissively, saying nothing further as he departed. By now, he truly felt no sense of distance from the Ying family.

In the kitchen, the master and apprentice busied themselves preparing the large fish. Meanwhile, by the small table placed outside the main hall of the temple, Ji Yuan and the Old Dragon discussed the day's events and the rumors surrounding the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

"Originally, I dismissed the matter of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion as a joke, never imagining it would even attract a true demon. However, he was quite unlucky, as he happened to encounter Mr. Ji."

"This is hardly a laughing matter. I only hope there aren't too many meddlers. Old Mr. Ying, you also need to take action. After all, Dazhen is where you and I reside."

The Old Dragon sampled the temple's inferior tea, finding it somewhat unpalatable.

"Naturally. Speaking of which, those individuals at Yuhuai Mountain, while not particularly effective, their reaction was far too sluggish."

The Old Dragon's remark also reminded Ji Yuan that although Dazhen was located in a remote corner, the southern tip of Yunzhou in the Eastern Lands, it wasn't the only place with a true dragon. Yuhuai Mountain was also a place to consider.

'I wonder what position Qiu Feng holds at Yuhuai Mountain, and whether the Wei family members have ascended the mountain yet...'

Among the miscellaneous books Ji Yuan currently possessed, most were authored by immortals or cultivators. While they described the famous mountains and grand vistas of immortal abodes, they were extremely secretive about internal affairs, so he remained unaware of the specific situation within these immortal dwellings.

At this thought, Ji Yuan, employing the precise divination techniques he had recently learned from books borrowed from Taoist Qingsong, took out the Wei family jade pendant to sense its spiritual energy and performed a quick calculation.

Similar to some of Ji Yuan's previously acquired unique abilities, his first attempt at this divination was also an unconventional approach, yet it yielded good results. A certain realization dawned upon him: he understood that the Wei family's matter was not yet fully resolved, and there was a vague temporal opportunity approximately three years in the future.