The revelation that Fear Heavenly King of the Soldier Master sect had once been a member of the Five Elements Alliance was no less shocking than learning that Morality Points was essentially a karma-based item. But once the shock subsided, the trainees met the dean's claim with doubt and disbelief.
As everyone knew, the orthodox and evil factions were like fire and water. As the official authority, the Five Elements Alliance was the exemplar of the orthodox faction and had always held zero tolerance for evil classes.
How could Fear Heavenly King of the Soldier Master sect, a premier figure in an evil organization, possibly have been a member of the Five Elements Alliance?
“Dean, don't talk out of your ass. You weren't there at afternoon tea—did you secretly hide in your office drinking?” Brother Red Chicken had never been one to mince words, and he genuinely suspected the dean had snuck off to drink counterfeit booze.
How else could he utter such an absurd, ridiculous joke?
Facing the trainees' skeptical gazes, the elderly dean sighed. “It has been many years, and I've forgotten which class the two of them belonged to. But Fear truly was a member of the Five Elements Alliance. He was originally a Scout, not a Bewitching Demon.”
“Fear Heavenly King was a Scout?!” Yuan Ting let out a sharp screech, his face contorting with excitement like a tabloid paparazzi who had just photographed a top heartthrob checking into a hotel with a fifty-year-old cougar.
Fear Heavenly King was a Scout... The trainees' minds buzzed.
Frowning, Zhao Chenghuang said in a deep voice, “Impossible. Grand Elder Crimson Sun Punishment Officer fought Fear Heavenly King in the past. I can confirm that Fear is a Bewitching Demon.”
Zhang Yuanqing also found it inconceivable and hard to accept, yet for some unexplainable reason, his mind drifted back to the clothing store and Fear Heavenly King's eyes, which had seemed capable of seeing right through a person's soul.
Back then, Fear Heavenly King hadn't appeared to use any items, yet he had seen that Zhang Yuanqing wasn't lying.
That indeed aligned with a Scout's Insight.
Of course, Zhang Yuanqing couldn't be certain whether an item had been used or not. Just because he hadn't noticed one didn't mean it wasn't there.
Reminiscing about the past, the dean sighed with emotion. “He became a Bewitching Demon later on. I only learned about it many years afterward. Quite a few people within the Five Elements Alliance know about Fear Heavenly King's past. Once you leave the realm, you can ask your family elders and superior elders about it.”
Hearing this, no matter how hard it was to swallow, everyone couldn't help believing it a little more.
“How did he turn into a Bewitching Demon? How could a Scout become a Bewitching Demon?” Yuan Ting, forever at the forefront of gossip, pressed on repeatedly. “There must be some deeply moving, thrilling tale of blood and tears behind it, right? A history of corruption! Dean, please, you must tell me! I swear on my life I won't tell a soul!”
An orthodox class turning into an evil one was completely unheard of.
The trainees stared at the dean, their urgency and curiosity on full display.
Dean Li Yanxi gave a slight shake of his head. “I am just as curious about how Fear turned into a Bewitching Demon. If any of you ever find out, make sure to come to Qinfeng Academy and tell me. As for whether he had some tragic tale of corruption, I know even less.”
“You don't know? If you don't know, why did you bring it up?!” Yuan Ting clutched his head in agony, looking like a junkie going through withdrawal.
Orthodox turning evil... Hiss, it isn't impossible. Back during the killing trial, the old crone peered at the supreme entity in the unseen void through the blood pool boss. I only caught a fleeting glimpse, yet I felt myself transforming into a Bewitching Demon...
Zhang Yuanqing recalled those terrifying eyes.
If—if Fear Heavenly King had a similar encounter, then his transition from Scout to Bewitching Demon made complete sense.
However, given Fear's level back then, he shouldn't have possessed the qualifications or ability to glimpse that entity in the killing trial.
Even the old crone had used the blood pool boss as a medium, combined with her supreme status, being inside the spirit realm, and the Night Walker's Spirit Devouring—a convergence of numerous factors—to catch a glimpse of that presence.
Dean Li Yanxi was just about to move on from the topic when his gaze swept across the trainees and caught Yuanshi Tianzun's face, deep in silent contemplation. The dean paused.
There was no surprise in Yuanshi Tianzun's expression—only intense focus. His eyes held strong certainty mixed with a faint puzzlement. Could it be... Li Yanxi's voice suddenly rose: “Yuanshi Tianzun, do you know something?”
Huh? What does the dean mean?!
The seated trainees were momentarily stunned, failing to catch on.
Uh, the dean is a Scout. Did he notice my expression just now? Zhang Yuanqing pulled his thoughts back and looked calmly at the dean.
Seeing his expression, the dean's emotions surged. “You actually know?! Do you know why Fear Heavenly King became a Bewitching Demon... No, what you know is the secret of orthodox classes turning into evil classes!”
Yuanshi Tianzun knows? He even knows about something so completely unprecedented?
The classroom erupted into an uproar.
“Yes, Dean. I know a way to turn orthodox classes—and even the other two evil classes—into Bewitching Demons. Of course, that's not something I can do, nor is it something even a demigod could accomplish,” Zhang Yuanqing said.
“If you don't mind, could you share it with everyone?” the dean asked, holding back his excitement.
Every trainee's head whipped toward Yuanshi Tianzun, the curiosity and longing that had just cooled down surging back in full force.
“Oh, that won't do!” Zhang Yuanqing refused flatly. “The secrets involved are not something Saints ought to know. Not even Dominators.”
His words were like a bucket of icy water dumped over everyone's heads.
Yuan Ting grabbed Zhang Yuanqing's arm in a death grip. “Tell me, tell me, please! As long as you tell me the truth, I'll pay whatever price you want!”
Would you even betray the Taiyi Sect?... Zhang Yuanqing grumbled inwardly and shook his head coldly.
Li Yanxi sighed with regret. “Never mind. This matter is too far beyond us, and time is limited. Let us return to the lecture. Next, we will discuss the internal structures of the major organizations...”
“Yuanshi Tianzun, you can't do this to me!”
Yuan Ting's agonizing wails echoed through the classroom.
***
At seven in the evening, the day's classes concluded.
Under Zhang Yuanqing's subtle guidance, Brother Red Chicken proposed hosting a barbecue gathering by Jiaoren Lake that night, which received the full backing of the cafeteria chefs.
“After the barbecue, have a bowl of fresh-boiled congee—it's pure heaven! Anyone who doesn't come is a loser!” That was how Brother Red Chicken invited everyone.
With a free dinner on the table, it was free food, so why not? The trainees agreed one after another.
That was how training camp gatherings worked: one treated today, another treated tomorrow, and there was never a shortage of hosts.
Three chefs and a group of assistants got busy, quickly setting up grills along the bank, running electrical cords, wheeling over ingredients, and firing up charcoal. Soon, the aroma of grilled meat drifted across the lakeshore.
Night fell, cloaking Jiaoren Lake in pitch black.
Bright lights lined the shore as the trainees sat around tables, enjoying the cool breeze drifting off the water, feasting on fish and shrimp, singing and dancing.
Xie Lingzhou of the Xie family, feeling tipsy after a few drinks, broke into song. True to a Musician's reputation, his singing effortlessly stirred the trainees' emotions, drawing a round of cheers and applause.
“I'm so envious. If only I were a Musician,” Sanyang Kaitaitai lamented. He looked toward another round table a dozen meters away, where Yuanshi Tianzun had his left arm wrapped around the sweet, lovely Niulanshan Little Fairy and his right arm around the mature, alluring Peony Fairy.
One fed him grilled fish; the other fed him wine.
Beside the table, Teacher Song Man rested her chin in her hands, watching with a dazed, flirtatious giggle.
Other female Saints from the official faction continually egged him on to drink, chiming, “Lord Tianzun is so amazing!” and “Lord Tianzun, have another bottle!”
“They look like they want to get Yuanshi Tianzun hammered and take turns violating him! Damn it, what a bunch of female perverts!” Sanyang Kaitaitai slammed the table in fury, then suddenly broke into loud bawling. “They could come at me! I wouldn't resist at all!”
“You wouldn't resist, but you'd run away,” his friend Ren Junzi consoled him. “Accept your fate. You've already seen therapists, and I've introduced plenty of girls to you, yet you just can't do it. Take a good, hard look at yourself.”
Sanyang Kaitaitai stared blankly at him. “Does stabbing me twice bring you joy?”
“I'm merely stating facts. Of course, the truth hurts most.” The swordsman Ren Junzi sighed and said, “How about I invite Yuanshi Tianzun over? He looks like a seasoned veteran of romance. Maybe he can give you some advice.”
The eyes of the Saints around the table lit up.
“Brother, I'm counting on you.” Sanyang Kaitaitai looked as if he had spotted a ray of dawn.
Soon enough, Yuanshi Tianzun was brought over.
“Tianzun, he wants to be as exceptional as you. Teach him a few moves,” Ren Junzi said with a smile, glancing toward Peony Fairy and the other women.
Zhang Yuanqing felt quite pleased with himself, feeling worshiped like a life guru.
He looked at Sanyang Kaitaitai. The Mountain God's features were typically honest and dull—single eyelids, plain facial features, and somewhat thick lips.
“Chasing girls is far too simple. I'll teach you two tricks,” Zhang Yuanqing held forth smoothly. “First, pick your target, then make her feel uniquely favored and pampered, as if she outshines every other woman in the room.
“Second, learn to date down. Choose women whose family background, wealth, and abilities are inferior to your own. Never chase a goddess, or you'll only end up as a simp.”
“Makes sense, makes total sense...” Ren Junzi and the others nodded repeatedly.
Zhang Yuanqing chugged his wine, chewed on a skewer, and boasted shamelessly, “You all know Gongzi, right? He often comes to me for dating advice. Said a single conversation with me was worth ten years of study!”
“But that's not my problem,” Sanyang Kaitaitai sighed, opening up about his psychological condition. “The moment I talk to a woman, I start trembling, like I'm having an allergic reaction—not to mention touching one. The therapist said it stems from growing up with virtually zero female interaction, combined with extreme low self-esteem. Over time, it just became like this.”
Ah, what do you do in a case like this? My mentors never taught me that... Zhang Yuanqing found it tricky, but then a spark of inspiration hit him. “This isn't hard. The side effect of certain items is stimulating desire.”
“He tried that. Then, given the choice between a pretty girl and his own two hands, he chose the latter.”
“Hahaha!” The entire table erupted into laughter, the air filling with mirth.
Having a partner lying in bed, yet choosing to retreat to the bathroom to take care of business himself? This guy is something else... Zhang Yuanqing laughed, but as he laughed, he suddenly remembered he seemed to have done the exact same thing, and his smile vanished instantly.
“Ahem!” Clearing his throat, he said, “An item's side effect is only one part of the process. You also need the right partner. I know a girl from the Desire class. Later, I'll have her introduce some women from the Association of God of Beauty. With an item's side effect plus the seduction of Desire, you'll definitely pull it off.”
Sanyang Kaitaitai thought about it and found it feasible. Overjoyed, he thanked him repeatedly, his tone full of admiration: “Lord Tianzun, young as you are, ten of me couldn't hope to match your experience in this field.”
Zhang Yuanqing waved modestly. “Oh, it's not that exaggerated. I'm just like you—a virgin.”
“???”
Sanyang Kaitaitai froze.
In his eyes, Zhang Yuanqing saw something vanish. It was basic trust between human beings.
***
Supported by Tianxia Guihuo, Zhang Yuanqing stumbled drunkenly back to the dormitory.
Tianxia Guihuo opened the door to Room 404 and said flatly, “Stop pretending. Your fans didn't follow you.”
Zhang Yuanqing opened his eyes, let out a breath of relief, and joked, “That was close. They all wanted to jump my bones.”
Tianxia Guihuo eyed him up and down. “You surprise me. Given the personality you project, you didn't strike me as someone who would guard their virtue. Still, leading an upright personal life is no bad thing. Those who crave lust rarely achieve great things.”
Do I look like some promiscuous rake? Just because I'm the Demon Lord's successor doesn't make me the Demon Lord... Leaning against the doorframe, Zhang Yuanqing said, “You should make friends with that Brother Red Chicken. He belongs to Elder Jiangbao, the head of the Du Branch, practically like an adopted son. Elder Jiangbao holds immense status within the Scarlet Fire Gang.”
Tianxia Guihuo furrowed his brow. “In fact, I'm thinking of leaving the Scarlet Fire Gang and joining the White Tiger Guards.”
“Why?” Zhang Yuanqing asked in surprise.
Tianxia Guihuo said gravely, “The higher-ups of the Scarlet Fire Gang want to grind away my reason and dismantle my intellect. They believe a calm Fire Master is an aberration with limited prospects. In truth, my ‘Enrager’ skill is indeed weaker than that of a normal Fire Demon.”
“In truth, I'm curious how you even got a Fire Master character card,” Zhang Yuanqing remarked.
“Fire is not merely wrath and impulse. A calm wildfire can burn everything under heaven just the same.” Leaving behind those words, Tianxia Guihuo walked straight toward the far end of the corridor.
Talk about big talk. Once combat class starts, I'll egg Brother Red Chicken into picking a fight with you... Zhang Yuanqing stepped into the room and shut the door.
“I have returned. Today, the village schoolmaster imparted great knowledge upon me.”
“Speak normally.”
“I was just taking into account that the Commandery Princess is an ancient person.”
“Yet what you spoke wasn't ancient speech either.”
“Looking down on me? I'm a top student from Songhai University. If you don't believe me, let me give you a verse.” Zhang Yuanqing sat on the bedside, gazing at the stunningly gorgeous commandery princess. He sank his breath into his dantian and concentrated power at the tip of his tongue:
“Dost thou seek thy mother's demise?”
Commandery Princess Yinyao knocked him flat onto the bed with a single punch.
“Princess, Princess! Let's talk things out peacefully...”
After clowning around in the room for a while, Zhang Yuanqing pacified Commandery Princess Yinyao and recounted the knowledge he had learned in class today.
Once the princess had processed the information, Zhang Yuanqing said, “Tomorrow there are only two classes: Artifact Refining and Pill Refining. I plan to make our move while the trainees are in class. You will enter the stone door to explore, which will give me a perfect alibi.”
Commandery Princess Yinyao gave a slight shake of her head. “Among the Star Officers who entered the academy, you are the only one who brought a yin corpse.”
Zhang Yuanqing chuckled. “I observed the lake tonight. Ever since someone infiltrated Jiaoren Lake last night, the caretakers have begun patrolling the water's surface, academy teachers are taking turns patrolling the shores, and birds are circling in the sky.”
“And so?”
“So under such layers of surveillance, an ordinary yin corpse could never sneak into Jiaoren Lake undetected, because yin corpses don't retain the skills they had in life. But you're different. You're no different from a Night Walker or a Star Officer, and nobody knows how special you are,” Zhang Yuanqing said with absolute confidence.
Commandery Princess Yinyao considered it and nodded. “Very well. Tomorrow, you may take control of my body to enter the lake. There may be danger beyond the stone door, so you must prepare thoroughly.”
How novel—this tsundere princess is actually worried about me... Zhang Yuanqing smiled. “Don't worry. The moment danger appears, I'll exit your body and leave you to handle it.”
“...”
Zhang Yuanqing flopped onto the bed. “I'm going to rest a bit. If I look like I'm in agony in a moment, don't worry.”
He intended to trigger his old affliction to recall the trainees' behavior tonight.
He had nudged Brother Red Chicken into proposing the barbecue gathering by the lake with two goals in mind. First, a large gathering of students by the lake was bound to draw the teachers' attention and heighten patrol security.
Second, if the armored figure harbored designs on the stone door, they would surely seize the opportunity to observe as well.
At the barbecue party, whoever paid the closest attention to the lake was most likely to be the armored person.
He hadn't brought any little blue pills with him into the spirit realm this time, but that didn't matter. With his soul's current resilience, he no longer needed them.
Chapter 427