Volume One: The Journey of the Useless, Fiery Demon-Slaying Chapter Forty-Five: Good or Evil, The Dust Settles

At that moment, Yang Chengzi remembered that Chen San’s soul had already been eroded by the Illusion Fiend. He gently stroked Chang Yu’s head, took out a Ninefold Revival Pill from his robe, and walked over to Chen San.

“I was planning to bluff you, didn’t expect I’d actually have to use it. You’re a lucky brat,” he muttered as he placed the pill into Chen San’s mouth. Not long after, Chen San swallowed it on his own.

Chang Yu squatted beside Chen San, looking at him with concern. “Don’t be like this, okay? If it comes to it, I’ll let you knock me on the head too, but who plays dead over a single knock? You scared me so much I almost cried.”

Yang Chengzi shook his head at Chang Yu. Not far away stood a large tree, so he called everyone over to rest in its shade. A young man helped Yang Chengzi carry Chen San over. Though Yang Chengzi could have carried Chen San himself, he worried that with the pill just swallowed, a rough carry might make him vomit it up, wasting such a precious elixir. So, two of them carried Chen San gently.

They sheltered from the blazing sun beneath the tree. The heat was unbearable, and their water supply was nearly depleted. During daylight, they couldn’t use the Pathfinding Talisman and had to search for water themselves. Chang Yu insisted on coming along; Yang Chengzi, unable to refuse, let her join.

To the north, there was nothing but mountains and rocks, not a single tree in sight, so it was clear there would be no water in that direction. The only hope was south.

“Let’s go. There’s definitely no water up north. The south still has some trees and woods—should be water nearby. If we can fill these bamboo tubes, that will suffice.”

Chang Yu blinked at Yang Chengzi. “Will Chen San be alright? He looks frightening.”

Yang Chengzi, carrying five or six bamboo tubes in one hand and the Shangqing Sword in the other, replied with a smile, “He should be fine. Once the pill takes effect, he’ll probably wake up within half an hour.”

“But after that… Will that thing inside him take over again?” Chang Yu trailed off.

Yang Chengzi understood her worry. “He’s not in danger for the time being. There’s a ghost spirit and a three-tailed spirit fox inside him now, helping suppress the Illusion Fiend. I’ve set up a Heaven and Earth Grand Formation on his body, replenishing the spirit energy of the ghost and the spirit fox. That incident won’t happen again. It’s just…”

He paused, frowning. Chang Yu noticed and pressed him, “Just what?”

Yang Chengzi sighed, “With the gathering of spiritual energy around him, he’s too conspicuous in the eyes of evildoers. I fear we might run into more trouble on this journey.”

Chang Yu, though sharp-tongued, was soft-hearted. Hearing that Chen San might still be in danger, she grew anxious and huffed, “More villains! Why do they always have to meddle? These unseen things are scary enough. If only the gods would open their eyes and strike them dead. They’re never up to any good anyway.”

“I wish the heavens would strike them too, save others from suffering. But it’s not so easy. There are plenty who commit murder and arson—how many have you seen struck dead by lightning?”

Chang Yu pouted, “Isn’t there such a thing as divine retribution?”

Yang Chengzi shook his head, “Of course there is, but it’s not something you or I can control. Murder and arson are grievous crimes in our eyes, but the heavens won’t necessarily unleash retribution for every evil deed.”

“Then what crimes deserve divine punishment?”

Yang Chengzi, seeing her pout, smiled, “Never commit even the smallest evil. Those who’ve done wicked deeds know it in their hearts. Karma and retribution—some debts can’t be settled with a mere lightning strike.”

“And if they can’t be settled? Isn’t that letting them off easy?”

“Have you ever heard the saying—‘Heaven spares no one’?”

Chang Yu nodded, “I think I’ve read that in a book.”

“There are six paths of reincarnation, eighteen layers of hell, and the Eight Cold Hells we know nothing about. Those are all prepared for them after death. No one escapes. Death isn’t the end—only the body is released from the soul’s control. For the soul, that’s the real beginning. The punishment and karmic retribution they owe cannot be escaped. That’s why one mustn’t do evil.”

Chang Yu looked at Yang Chengzi’s profile, curiosity in her gaze. “Have you ever done anything bad?”

Yang Chengzi shook his head. “I don’t kill, I don’t eat meat. I focus on cultivating the Dao, following my master to guard the land and protect the common people. I never did anything bad.”

She pressed further, “And in the future? Will you ever do something bad?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. The world is vast and unpredictable. I have a junior brother, over twenty years my senior. He was kind, skilled in Daoist arts, spent his life fighting evil and upholding justice. But after one last demon-hunting trip, he never returned. We searched for news and learned that, on his last journey, he fell in love with a woman who was later harmed by villains. In vengeance, he slaughtered her entire enemy clan—thirteen people—and then killed himself at her grave.”

Chang Yu was stunned. “He did it for revenge. Does that count as doing something bad?”

Yang Chengzi smiled wryly. “Whether it’s demons or human criminals, bloodshed is never a good thing. What’s more, he killed an entire family of thirteen for one person. I’m afraid…”

Chang Yu fell silent. Thirteen lives could not be exchanged for one, no matter how precious.

They walked on. Soon Yang Chengzi felt a cool breeze ahead. Beside a small grove was a large, crystal-clear pool.

Yang Chengzi looked at the pool and asked, “Want to bathe? The water’s so clear. After this, chances are slim we’ll find another pool.”

Chang Yu’s face instantly flushed red. She fiddled with her fingers, unsure where to put her hands.

Yang Chengzi realized his slip and quickly explained, “Sorry, I’m used to being around men and forgot there’s a lady here.”

Chang Yu, still blushing, softly asked, “Are you going to bathe then?”

“I’ll fill the water tubes first, then wash up a bit. It’s so hot—some cool water will feel refreshing.”

His words made her heart race. She lowered her head, staring at his shoes, uncertain what to do, looking every bit a bashful young lady.

Yang Chengzi squatted, filling the bamboo tubes. He placed his belongings on the bank. Chang Yu, seeing him take out his things and set them down, shyly turned away, preparing to undress.

Suddenly, a splash. Chang Yu frowned in confusion—how had he undressed so quickly? She turned to see Yang Chengzi had only put his things aside and jumped, fully clothed, into the water.

Embarrassed, she asked, “You bathe with your clothes on?”

Washing his face, Yang Chengzi replied, “Are you planning to bathe naked?”

Chang Yu wrinkled her brows, muttering, “You really are a blockhead. Hmph, I smell wonderful—no way am I bathing in a pond. If I did, I’d be letting you take advantage for nothing.”

Yang Chengzi laughed, “Haven’t I already seen everything?”

At this, Chang Yu recalled how, when he’d rescued her, she’d been completely unclothed, and she stomped her feet in embarrassment.

Yang Chengzi soon emerged from the pool, soaked but cooling off. By the time they returned to the tree, his clothes had nearly dried in the summer heat.

Back under the tree, Chen San had awakened. He was as irksome as ever, teasing Chang Yu when she returned with a red face.

Chang Yu wanted to knock him on the head again, but recalling what had just happened, she simply pouted and scolded, “You’re lucky to be alive. I won’t argue with you this time, but if you ever scare me like that again, I’ll kick you to death.” She made a kicking motion and nearly lost her balance.

Chen San laughed heartily at her clumsy attempt.

Yang Chengzi set down the bamboo tubes and squatted beside Chen San. “You’ve got a tough life, kid. How did the Ninefold Revival Pill taste?”

Chen San glared, “You gave me one? I didn’t taste anything.”

Yang Chengzi chuckled, “That’s normal. No one can taste the pill. Anyone who gets one is usually pulled back from death’s door. If you’re alive, that’s good enough—forget about the taste.”

Suddenly, Chen San realized. “What… what happened to me?”

“Don’t you remember?”

Chen San scratched his head, looking serious. “I just remember feeling anxious, my head heavy, my feet light, as if I was floating away. Then nothing.”

Yang Chengzi patted his shoulder. “I didn’t want to tell you, but since you’re asking, I can’t keep it from you.”

“What are you hiding from me?” Chen San’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“A few hours ago, I sealed the Illusion Fiend inside your body. Your three souls are suppressing it. Just now, they nearly failed, which is why you were in that state.”

Chen San gasped, recoiling in shock. “You—you sealed the Illusion Fiend inside me?”

Yang Chengzi nodded. “Yes. We had no choice. You were the only suitable vessel—the only one strong enough to contain it. You’re at the Divine Soul level, your soul much stronger than normal people’s—so it was the best option.”

Still incredulous, Chen San repeated, “You didn’t seal it somewhere else? You put it in me? That thousand-year-old monster?”

Yang Chengzi nodded solemnly. “I underestimated the fiend. I thought you’d make it to Chen Family Town, where my master and the elders could destroy it together. I didn’t expect it to erode your soul in just a few hours.”

Chen San sucked in a breath, grabbing Yang Chengzi’s hand. “Am I… am I going to die? I haven’t even married yet!”

“You will.”

Both Chen San and Chang Yu stared at him, mouths agape. Chen San nearly fainted at the answer.

Yang Chengzi pulled him back. “You won’t die at the hands of the fiend. At worst, we’ll let it out. But when your lifespan ends, you’ll die all the same.”

Chen San slapped his hand away. “If I don’t die from the fiend, I’ll be scared to death by you. Can’t you talk properly? If I were forty or fifty, I’d drop dead on the spot from what you just said—you wouldn’t even have to arrange my funeral, just recite some prayers and be done.”

He stood up, brushing off his clothes.

Yang Chengzi asked, “You don’t resent me for sealing the fiend in you?”

Chen San put on a brave face, “It’s fine. It’s just a fiend.”

“I underestimated you. But it’s not just the fiend.”

Chen San froze, grabbing Yang Chengzi’s arm nervously. “What else is in my body?”

“That one wasn’t my doing—it went in on its own,” Yang Chengzi said lightly.

Chen San’s legs began to tremble. “What is it?”

Yang Chengzi smiled knowingly. “Do you remember that little fox with no clothes?”

Chen San’s eyes lit up with delight.

“It and Wan’er are both helping your three souls suppress the fiend. Plus, I’ve set up the Heaven and Earth Grand Formation on you. There shouldn’t be any more incidents.”

Upon hearing it was the naked little fox, Chen San’s nose started bleeding again. Chang Yu looked at him in utter disdain, wishing she could kick him.

Chen San wiped his nose with his hand and smeared it on his clothes. Chang Yu, unable to stand it, covered her face and turned away in disgust.

Knowing the little fox was there, Chen San was overjoyed—it meant he might see her again. Even on the road, he’d sometimes break into a foolish grin at the thought.

Had Chang Yu been a burly man, she’d have kicked him for sure. She couldn’t bear to see Chen San act so shamelessly.

Though Chen San’s soul had been eroded by the fiend, he was fortunate that Yang Chengzi still had a Ninefold Revival Pill. After taking it, he largely recovered, feeling nothing unusual except for the ancient coin embedded in his chest. It didn’t hurt, but it itched terribly, and Chen San couldn’t help scratching. Yang Chengzi knew the coin couldn’t be removed and let him be.

Chang Yu followed Yang Chengzi, glancing at his back, her thoughts lingering on his junior brother’s fate. Though Yang Chengzi had spoken of it lightly, she sensed the helplessness in his eyes. She couldn’t help but worry that one day he too might lose his reason.

Within Chen San’s consciousness, Chen Wan’er and the Three-Tailed Spirit Fox were helping his three souls suppress the thousand-year Illusion Fiend. The fiend’s demonic energy constantly tried to erode his soul, but the Heaven and Earth Grand Formation set by Yang Chengzi continuously channeled spiritual energy into him. Chen Wan’er used this energy to envelop his three souls completely, shielding them from corruption, while the spirit fox’s three tails firmly bound the souls to the soul base, preventing any demonic influence from getting through. For now, escape was impossible.

At this moment, Chen San was like a treasure emitting surges of spiritual energy. Practitioners and dark sorcerers alike sensed him as a rare and precious object. None would suspect it was a living person radiating such energy; to those with experience in the martial world, he must be carrying some extraordinary artifact, perhaps even a sect’s sacred relic.

Cultivators, with their restrained desires, had no ill intent, but those lurking dark sorcerers, like moths to a flame, began to pursue him in small groups.

Yang Chengzi knew this would happen when he set the formation, but he had no other choice. Step by step, he’d been forced into this situation. Sealing the fiend inside Chen San was an act of desperation. Without the constant influx of spiritual energy to sustain Wan’er and the fox, the fiend would have broken free within a day.

Yang Chengzi had never encountered anything like this before; he could only take things one step at a time. Fortunately, Chen San wasn’t one to hold grudges, sparing him much trouble—or so Yang Chengzi thought. In truth, Chen San was simply foolish. There’s an old saying: “Once the wound is healed, the pain is forgotten.” For Chen San, he didn’t even need to be healed; the tiniest benefit was enough to make him forget the pain. Having eaten the Maoshan Ninefold Revival Pill and now with a naked little fox in his consciousness, he had no time to fuss with Yang Chengzi.

The monk Suichang still lay on his recliner—he’d probably be carried all the way back to Chen Family Town, given the sword wound on his leg.

The group pressed on toward Jingyao Village as if nothing had happened. Chen San’s ordeal had delayed them for a whole hour. Without the fiend, they’d likely have reached the village by now, but as it was, they still had a day’s journey ahead. Dusk settled in, and with no other options, they would be spending the night in the wilderness once more.

Why was there such a long stretch between Wucheng and Jingyao Village with no settlements in between? It was all due to Wucheng’s thriving river transport, which made building towns along the route unnecessary. The area was strategically important, yet plagued by bandits and war, threatening the goods shipped along the river.

Wucheng was home to many merchants but lacked laborers, making the construction of new towns nearly impossible. The Fu family village had stood there for over a hundred years, predating Wucheng itself; common folk wouldn’t settle in such a troubled place.

For two days and hundreds of miles, not a single village or town lay along their path—only a desolate road connecting Wucheng and Jingyao Village. At night, the bright moon hung high, casting its glow. Gazing up, apart from the abundance of grass, the vast, boundless sky was a rare sight.

Yang Chengzi, seasoned from many journeys, began collecting dead branches before nightfall. The group gathered enough for two large bundles. With so many people, one campfire wasn’t enough, not even to roast several wild rabbits and chickens. So, they started two fires instead.