Chapter 29: Hunting in the Demon Realm

After killing the Han family’s envoy, Bu Xiwei knew it wouldn’t be long before they realized what had happened—but there was still a time lag.

So she stuck to her original plan: to stay near Yu Xiu a little longer before bidding him farewell.

Due to previous incidents, Bu Xiwei had been forced to part from Yu Xiu earlier than expected. But even now, her current recovery—from a frenzied, near-death state—would take at least a month. Coincidentally, the journey from the Five Elements Sect to the Ghost Gate Forest at the edge of the immortal realm took about the same amount of time.

The only reason Han Boya had found her here today was likely because of the traces left behind by the death of that Han family cultivator.

Thus, Bu Xiwei wasn’t particularly surprised to encounter a senior Han family member—most likely the family head himself—upon her return to the demonic realm.

From the thick concentration of Ghost Gate Forest’s death aura clinging to Han Boya, she could tell he hadn’t arrived much earlier than she had. He’d likely been hiding in the shadows, quietly observing, trying to assess her condition—whether she was alive or dead, how much she had recovered—waiting for the perfect moment.

Until Bu Xiwei forced him out.

Han Boya gave a bitter smile, realizing that whatever direction he had hoped this conversation would go, it was no longer possible. Resigned, he could only follow Bu Xiwei’s lead.

“This Han has absolutely no intention of harming you,” he said smoothly.

He wanted to possess Bu Xiwei, not kill her.

Letting a beauty like the Demon Lord die would be far too wasteful.

But Han Boya’s rare attempt at honesty was, in Bu Xiwei’s ears, nothing but empty noise.

She rolled her eyes and sneered with open ridicule.

Pretending not to notice, Han Boya pressed on. “Han Ziyi brought about his own death by daring to harm you. That was his own foolish mistake. This Han offers you an apology on behalf of the Han family.”

Just one line, and the family head brushed aside the death of the envoy.

Clean. Detached. Unapologetic.

To them, sacrificing a Golden Core cultivator was far from worth making an enemy of the Demon Lord.

Besides, Han Ziyi had uncovered a matter of such importance yet failed to report it. That, in the Han family’s eyes, was an even greater offense.

It was only now that Bu Xiwei finally learned the name of the Han family cultivator she’d killed.

She heard it, then promptly forgot it. Such a trivial matter wasn’t worth remembering.

Han Boya, seeing no further use in preamble, finally revealed the true purpose of his solo visit.

“This Han truly cannot bear to see you remain under the oppression and control of the Youluo Sect and Hehuan Palace. The Han family is ready to stand with you—to bring those two arrogant factions to their knees.”

Without waiting for her reply, he continued swiftly:

“This Han understands—you probably think the Han family is no better than the Youluo Sect or Hehuan Palace. That we too have controlled and suppressed you.”

“But this time—this Han comes with the true sincerity of the entire Han family. Please—”

Han Boya suddenly fell silent.

Because before he could even present the so-called “sincerity” he had prepared, Bu Xiwei had already taken out three talisman papers.

Without hesitation, she used the tiny bit of spiritual energy she had just recovered to ignite all three at once.

Han Boya: “…?!”

His pupils contracted sharply.

His already pale face turned completely bloodless.

He recognized them instantly—communication talismans.

They were the talismans used to contact the Sect Master of the Seven Souls Sect, the leader of the Youluo Sect, and the master of the Hehuan Palace.

To monitor Bu Xiwei more closely, the four major factions had exchanged direct communication talismans with her long ago. The moment they were ignited, the faction leaders would be alerted.

Even if Bu Xiwei said nothing, those three would mobilize their intelligence networks immediately and quickly assess the situation.

While deeper details might be concealed, the fact that Bu Xiwei had left the Seven Souls Sect alone—and that only the Han family had this knowledge—was damning enough. It would be impossible to cover up.

The Han family had clearly engaged in secret dealings with the Demon Lord behind the backs of the other three factions.

And that alone was more than enough reason for those three factions to seize the opportunity to bring the Han family to account.

All desire in Han Boya’s eyes vanished, leaving only naked disbelief.

Didn’t the Demon Lord want to escape the demonic realm in secret? Why would she suddenly expose herself like this?

Bu Xiwei calmly watched the burning talismans in her hand, then smiled—a dazzling, dangerous smile.

“No matter how far I’ve fallen,” she said, eyes locked on Han Boya, her smile growing wild and unhinged,

“I would never stoop so low as to cooperate with vermin like your Han family.”

“I’d rather sit back and enjoy the four of you factions backstabbing, plotting, and tearing each other apart like dogs. Hahahahahaha!”

The three communication talismans flared and successfully connected.

Bu Xiwei didn’t bother waiting to see who answered, or what would be said.

Instead, she poured in more spiritual energy and incinerated all three talismans down to ash.

With a lazy flick of her fingers, she scattered the ashes into the wind.

“You lot,” Bu Xiwei sneered, voice sharp as a blade, “a pack of scattered rabble, constantly suspicious, forever second-guessing—terrified that anyone might discover this Demon Lord is the one holding your leashes.”

“You can’t even touch me, let alone stop yourselves!”

Her smile widened, cruel and bright.

“Because you’re just that pathetic.”

“None of you dares to hand power to anyone else. Scheme all you want—in the end, you’ll just devour one another!”

“Hahahahahahahaha!”

Ash-gray fragments of the talismans spiraled down like snow as Bu Xiwei laughed, her entire body trembling with unrestrained mirth.

She laughed until she swayed.

Laughed until tears sparkled in her lashes.

Laughed until the madness in her heart spilled out in glorious abandon.

A brazen provocation, executed in broad daylight.

So obvious. So crude.

And so devastatingly effective.

In the entire demonic realm, only Bu Xiwei had the gall to pull such a move.

She stirred the waters with delight—the messier, the better.

Let none of them have peace. Let none escape the mire. Let the hounds turn on each other.

Han Boya stood rooted to the spot, staring at the demon lord who laughed like a lunatic, like a goddess of chaos.

And, for the first time, he felt a chill that pierced bone and soul.

His late father, the previous head of the Han family, had once warned him:

“Never provoke that lunatic Bu Xiwei.”

At the time, Han Boya had scoffed. He’d been humiliated by her repeatedly, mocked to his face—how much worse could it get?

Now he knew.

Now he understood.

You don’t provoke Bu Xiwei.

Ever.

Five Elements Sect – Daiqiao Peak

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

The day had arrived. Yuxiu was scheduled to depart with Huangfu Hanrui, He Xiuran, and the Zuo brothers to explore the location marked on the mysterious treasure map.

In those two months, Yuxiu remained at the Five Elements Sect, declining all missions. She dedicated herself fully to harmonizing with her new spirit sword, Silver Sand.

For a sword cultivator, the sword was not just a weapon—it was soul, breath, and battle companion. Even as a temporary replacement for Peize, Silver Sand received the utmost respect from her.

Perhaps moved by her sincerity, Silver Sand responded in kind. Bit by bit, their bond deepened into quiet understanding.

When the day of departure arrived, Yuxiu left Daiqiao Peak beneath Xingzan’s worried gaze. Sword light under her feet, she flew toward Jinlü Peak.

Her companions were already waiting.

With five people total, Yuxiu’s small spirit boat wouldn’t do. Instead, they rode aboard a luxurious spirit vessel—courtesy of the Zuo twins.

Golden from stem to stern, the vessel was grand and elegant, very much in the Jinlü Peak style. It could hold dozens, perhaps even a hundred disciples with ease.

Huangfu Hanrui and He Xiuran were already on board. Spotting her, Hanrui waved excitedly from the deck.

“Senior Sister Yuxiu! Over here!”

Yuxiu landed lightly and returned their greetings before entering the main cabin.

Inside, the twin brothers Zuo Chi and Zuo Cheng were piloting the vessel.

Though similar in appearance, their personalities were day and night—distinguished easily by their grooming and attire.

Zuo Chi, the elder, wore his golden robe loose and his short hair even looser. There was an easy swagger to him—unrestrained and bold.

Zuo Cheng, the younger, had his long hair bound with a crown, every fold of his robe immaculately arranged. Elegant and polished, he carried himself like nobility.

The pair were famously handsome. Their charm was certified by countless players in the Five Elements Immortal Domain forums—and they turned toward Yuxiu with warm, impeccable smiles.

“Miss Yuxiu, long time no see,” Zuo Cheng greeted pleasantly. “I hope you’ve been well.”

They were a year older and had joined the sect earlier, so they addressed her by name instead of calling her “Senior Sister.”

They had recently returned from a temporary exchange at Xiaoyou Sect. Between that and Yuxiu’s time in seclusion, this was their first meeting in some time.

Zuo Chi, ever direct, asked with a hint of concern, “Miss Yuxiu, I heard there was… an incident with your sword, Peize? Have you found a suitable replacement yet?”

News of Yuxiu visiting Cangling Peak’s Sword Pavilion wasn’t exactly a secret. Anyone who’d been paying attention could guess what had happened.

Zuo Chi, also a sword cultivator, immediately offered, “I’ve got a few spare swords in my pouch. If any of them suit you, feel free to take one!”

Not to be outdone, He Xiuran chimed in, “I’ve got some too, Senior Sister—want to pick through mine?”

Behind them, Huangfu Hanrui looked betrayed.

Why hadn’t she thought of asking her dad for extra swords?!

She was so frustrated she could scream—what a missed opportunity!

The Zuo brothers and He Xiuran were Jinlü Peak disciples—the wealthiest division in the sect. Their spare swords were likely priceless treasures.

Yuxiu only smiled. “Thank you all. I’ve already found one that suits me.”

Her composed reply reassured the others.

Yuxiu was reliable as always.

The spirit vessel soared into the sky, swiftly heading toward the area He Xiuran and Huangfu Hanrui had previously scouted.

The destination was far from the sect, and even with the vessel’s speed, it would take half a month to reach it.

Thrilled to share the journey with Yuxiu, Huangfu Hanrui eagerly recounted their earlier exploration.
That trip had been uneventful but time-consuming. Though initially excited, Hanrui soon grew bored due to her impatience.

He Xiuran had also found it dull, but being the more dependable one, remained patient and completed the mission without complaint.

During the voyage, Hanrui excitedly showed Yuxiu her recent progress in pill-crafting, earning praise and a few helpful tips.

When Yuxiu reached Foundation Establishment at just twelve years old—shocking the entire sect—Hanrui’s master, an elder of Jinlü Peak, had lamented that Yuxiu would’ve made a great pill cultivator, had she not chosen the sword.

Similar praise had come from elders of the talisman and formation arts—Yuxiu was a prodigy who could excel in any path.

Hanrui knew Yuxiu wasn’t formally a pill cultivator, but her knowledge in the field ran deep.

To a true master, Yuxiu’s insights might seem minor—but to a young, low-level pill cultivator like Hanrui, her advice was invaluable.

He Xiuran also took the chance to showcase his swordsmanship to Yuxiu and Zuo Chi, receiving guidance and improving noticeably.

Half a month passed in a flash. They finally arrived at a remote region in the northwest of the Immortal Realm—the Hundred Thousand Peaks.

The name was apt. Towering mountains surrounded them, with what looked like hundreds of thousands of jagged peaks.

The terrain was complex, matching the chaotic lines on the treasure map. He Xiuran and Hanrui had previously spent nearly a month searching the area, returning only shortly after Zuo Chi and Zuo Cheng had returned to the sect.

Seeing the daunting mountain range again, He Xiuran sighed, guiding Zuo Chi, who was piloting the vessel.

Eventually, they landed in a nondescript mountain valley.

The mountains and river here were unremarkable—remote and desolate, with nothing that stood out at first glance.

Zuo Cheng turned to He Xiuran. “Are you sure this is the place?”

He sounded skeptical—only He Xiuran and Hanrui had scouted this area, and he knew their capabilities well.

Before He Xiuran could respond, Hanrui huffed indignantly.

“I knew Zuo Cheng wouldn’t trust us!”

Snatching the map from him, she strode forward. “It’s definitely here! I verified it myself!”

She pointed at a huge boulder near the riverbank. “Just move this rock, and the entrance will be revealed!”

Yuxiu raised her hand, sending a golden surge of spiritual power to shift the rock aside.

Beneath it lay a strange arrangement of scattered stones and soil—barely noticeable at a glance.

To an ordinary cultivator, it would’ve looked like a natural pattern—but the five elite disciples instantly knew better.

This was what He Xiuran and Hanrui had discovered before returning to the sect.

Yuxiu stepped forward to break the formation.

Among them, Hanrui was a pill cultivator, Zuo Cheng specialized in talismans, and the other three were sword cultivators.

They could handle most situations with ease.

Yuxiu herself had talent in formations, pill, and talisman arts—nothing could easily trouble her.

Formations often involved talismanic elements, so Zuo Cheng stepped forward to assist.

In no time, the two of them dispelled the formation, revealing a pitch-black tunnel.

As the strongest, Yuxiu took the lead, followed by He Xiuran, with Hanrui in the middle. Zuo Chi and Zuo Cheng brought up the rear.