Chapter 47: Unable to Say Goodbye

Although he was somewhat at a loss, the sight of his enemy filled Zhang Jian with rage. Without hesitation, he commanded the people at his side, “Kill him!” The group hesitated slightly—this was the human world, after all. If they attracted the attention of the Bureau of Anomalous Affairs, it would be a disaster. They were not as bold as their ancestors, nor did they possess the ability to shift the battlefield into another spatial plane. Killing someone in the middle of an ancient human city was not something that could be done with strength alone.

Zhang Jian’s voice turned cold. “What? You won’t obey my orders?”

Suddenly, a massive boulder, silent as a mountain, dropped from the sky, crashing straight toward Zhang Jian. He was startled, unleashing a furious roar as he struck the enormous stone with all his might. At the same time, an artifact on his body burst forth with light. This protective artifact, granted by the old orca demon, could withstand attacks from Foundation Establishment-level opponents. Moreover, Zhang Jian himself was a grandmaster martial artist. Though he seldom revealed his strength, in his youth at the Northern Sea, he had been a rising star, defeating many prodigies of the demon race.

As the Jade Void Celestial Monument descended, Song Yue activated the Supreme Body Refining Sutra, shielding himself with defensive energy. In his hand, the Dragon-Patterned Immortal-Slaying Blade unleashed the Eight Desolations Path Scripture—a dazzling band of white light slashed directly at Zhang Jian!

The blade’s radiance struck the defensive layer created by Zhang Jian’s artifact, like a boulder smashing into water, sending fierce ripples outward. Cracks began to spider across the shield.

At the same time, the symbols on the colossal Jade Void Celestial Monument shimmered intensely! In the days since, Song Yue’s mastery of the Celestial Lord’s Spiritual Arts had grown considerably. Now, when he wielded the monument, he could resonate with the inscriptions upon it, drawing forth even greater power.

A sharp crack rang out—the sound of bones breaking echoed from Zhang Jian’s fist, the one capable of shattering stone. He cried out in agony.

Song Yue’s second blade strike followed instantly.

The people around Zhang Jian, thrown into panic, launched their attacks at Song Yue. Nearly all invoked water-based magic. One conjured a massive wave that surged toward Song Yue. Another formed an ice arrow, cold and deadly, shooting it forth with a chilling gleam. A third spat out a pearl; the moment it appeared, the air froze solid as it shot toward Song Yue.

Song Yue swept his blade in a wide arc—splitting the wave, shattering the ice arrow, and knocking the pearl aside. Yet the resulting shockwave forced blood from the corner of his mouth.

With a thunderous crash, the Jade Void Celestial Monument fell completely, smashing the Zhang family’s private club—along with Zhang Jian and several Northern Sea demons—deep into the earth!

Yet Song Yue knew they survived. The protective artifact on Zhang Jian was formidable, managing to withstand the crushing weight of the monument.

So, he struck again!

Controlling the Jade Void Celestial Monument, he lifted it from the ground and slammed it down once more.

This time, they died.

Song Yue coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body drenched in sweat. The water-based attacks from those Northern Sea demons had left him badly wounded. Forcing the Jade Void Celestial Monument to such a massive size and using it to consecutively strike martial grandmasters and Foundation Establishment cultivators had sapped his strength entirely.

Retracting the monument, he sat cross-legged on the ground, circulating the Supreme Body Refining Sutra. Spiritual energy from all around surged into him, nourishing his nearly depleted vitality.

The battle had lasted only an instant, but for Song Yue, it had nearly emptied him of strength. He could not even spare a thought for whether anyone would discover him.

Fortunately, the Zhang family’s martial academy was in a commercial district, and few people came here at this hour. Still, the successive crashes of the Jade Void Celestial Monument, which destroyed a third of the private club, could hardly go unnoticed.

As Song Yue regained a modicum of strength, more than a dozen figures quickly arrived. Surveying the devastated scene, shock was painted across every face. It looked as though a meteorite had struck. A third of the luxurious club had been demolished; since that part was the lounge, none of the service staff inside were hurt. Zhang Jian and several Northern Sea demons, however, had not been so lucky. Smashed beyond recognition, they were nearly flattened into the ground.

Some glanced at Song Yue, who stood empty-handed and dazed, as if in shock. There was only this young man at the scene—no one else.

Yet none of them could connect such a horrifying scene to the young man before them. Besides, where was the stone that had killed those people? It had vanished! Had it sprouted wings and flown away?

Song Yue had already stowed the Dragon-Patterned Immortal-Slaying Blade within the Jade Void Celestial Monument. As for the monument itself, it was now in his pocket; he still could not fuse it into his body. If any of these people searched him, they would find a pebble the size of a toothpick, likely still bearing traces of Zhang Jian and the demons’ blood...

But the unusual energy field here quickly drew their attention away. They simply could not believe a young man like this could have caused such devastation. In their eyes, he looked more like a bystander, frightened out of his wits.

The fluctuating energy in the vicinity alerted these seasoned operatives—clearly, a fierce battle was raging in another layer of space, right here.

One of them cast a spell, resonating with the spatial ripples, and succeeded in entering this alternate domain. What he saw stunned him—several familiar faces were locked in a deadly struggle with a giant orca!

Without hesitation, he attacked the great orca. Others soon joined him, all focusing their attacks on the beast.

The old orca demon, beside himself with rage, bellowed, “Are you people from the Bureau of Anomalous Affairs? You’re going too far! I’ll report all of you!” Roaring, he finally succumbed to the group assault, lashing his massive tail and fleeing swiftly into the void.

A torrent of blood rained down from above.

The old scholar shook his head with a sigh—his internal injuries were too severe, and with most of his power sealed away, there was little he could do against this demon. If not for the seal, a single word from him would have sufficed to annihilate such a foe.

His wife approached, her eyes filled with deep concern. She had always refused to let him intervene for this very reason—the more he acted, the worse his injuries became, and the tighter the seal.

As the spatial field faded, the group found themselves “back” in the human world. They stared, dumbfounded, at the crater and the ruined Zhang family club.

The leader of the newcomers walked to the old scholar, communicated with him briefly via spiritual sense, then waved his hand, instructing his subordinates to clean up the aftermath.

The old scholar glanced at the still-weak Song Yue and softly said to his wife, “Help him up. Let’s go.”

Song Yue was full of questions, but knowing this was not the place for answers, he followed along. With him went the old, crippled wolf—now reverted to his wizened, feeble form—and Sister Wang, who had lost her fluffy tail and ears, appearing once more as her elegant, human self.

Outside, a business van waited. The old scholar got in first, seating Song Yue in the front while he and his wife sat in the middle. The crippled old wolf and Sister Wang took the back.

The vehicle started immediately. Song Yue noticed they were headed toward his own home, but the driver—a fit, silent man in his early thirties—was a stranger.

Without a word, the man drove them all the way to Song Yue’s home. As they entered his villa complex, the security gate raised itself automatically. At his door, the driver saw them in, then left without a word.

Nervous, Song Yue entered the house with the others. He switched on the living room light and headed to the kitchen, intending to fetch something to drink.

The old scholar waved a weary hand. “No need for that. Just sit.”

Song Yue, like a student who had made a mistake and was trying to behave, sat dutifully. He glanced at Sister Wang, then at the crippled wolf, and occasionally made faces at his teacher’s wife, hoping she would break the silence.

Though she was worried, she could not help but giggle at Song Yue’s antics. “It’s all right. Don’t worry,” she reassured him.

“Master, are you all right?” Song Yue finally dared to ask.

The old scholar waved him off. “Just an old ailment—nothing serious.” But looking at his bloodless face, Song Yue doubted that was true.

At this moment, the crippled old wolf adjusted his glasses and forced a bitter smile. “Old Lu, you’ve really gotten me into trouble now! We’ve landed ourselves in a mess. That old orca won’t let this go once he returns to the Northern Sea.”

The old scholar’s pale face remained calm. “And what if he doesn’t let it go? I have scores to settle with them myself.”

He ignored the wolf’s laments and turned to Song Yue. “A man of value should not court unnecessary danger. What have I always taught you?”

Song Yue lowered his head. He could not argue. If his master had not forced him out of that world, he would have faced the old orca with his blade. In life, there are times when one can endure, but there are also moments when one must dare to draw the sword. If you cannot even protect your loved ones, what is the point of living?

“Remember, tonight you know nothing. You were just worried about us and came looking. As for Zhang Jian—and those Northern Sea riffraff...” The old scholar glanced at the crippled wolf.

The wolf looked alarmed. “It wasn’t me! I don’t have that kind of power! Don’t pin this on me, Old Lu!”

The old scholar smiled gently. “No, you do.”

The wolf nearly jumped up. “Old Lu, you scoundrel! It’s one thing to protect your own, but don’t make me the scapegoat!”

Sister Wang chimed in, “We’re all one big family, humans and demons...”

“Nonsense! If that’s the case, you take the fall!” The wolf was so angry he nearly showed his fangs.

Sister Wang replied calmly, “Fine, I can.”

The wolf deflated, sinking into the sofa. “This burden is too much for me.”

The old scholar considered for a moment. “What if you were made a special advisor to the Bureau of Anomalous Affairs?”

“Ha?” The wolf looked as if he had seen a ghost, pointing to himself with a bony finger. “Me?”

The old scholar nodded.

The wolf laughed bitterly. “Old Lu, you may be influential, but the Bureau isn’t your private domain. You can’t just decide these things. Sure, there are demons working there, but you know my history, and so do they. Would they really take me?”

“Not before, but now they might.”

Disbelief still written on his face, the wolf mulled it over, then gritted his teeth. “If you can really get me that status, I’ll take the blame. Why not?”

The old scholar said, “You won’t lose out. Zhang Jian was killed by the Northern Sea demons; you fought valiantly to protect the city and repelled the invaders, though you failed to save Zhang Jian.”

The wolf curled his lip. “When it comes to cunning, Old Lu, if you’re not number one, no one else dares claim the title.”

“Go home and wait for news. As of tomorrow, you’re a special advisor.” The old scholar waved his hand weakly.

The wolf did not argue further. He stood, gave Song Yue a look, and marveled, “Kid, you’re impressive!”

The old scholar added, “In time, he’ll also join the Bureau and be your colleague.”

The wolf grinned. “Good, I’ll look after him!” With that, his figure flickered and he vanished from the villa.

Now only Sister Wang, the old scholar, his wife, and Song Yue remained in the living room.

The scholar’s wife looked at Sister Wang with regret. “You’ve endured so much over the years. Hold on a little longer. Your master and I will be there soon.”

Sister Wang smiled, glancing at Song Yue, her voice gentle. “I watched him grow up—he’s like my own child. You are his teachers and will protect him, but I will too. We feel the same.”

The scholar’s wife sighed softly. “What will you do now?”

Sister Wang looked at the old scholar, hesitated, then said, “I’d like to stay a bit longer.”

The old scholar considered. “If they come for you, I’m afraid in my current state I won’t be able to protect you.”

Song Yue, puzzled, wondered: Wasn’t Sister Wang the caretaker his parents had found for him? Why did she seem so familiar with his master and his wife?

Sister Wang smiled. “Hiding forever isn’t a solution. Besides, don’t you think Song Yue has grown up enough to protect me now?” She looked at Song Yue, hope shining in her eyes. “Isn’t that so? You’ll protect me, won’t you?”

Song Yue nodded without hesitation. “Of course!”

Sister Wang beamed. “See? It’s just that simple.” Her eyes reddened. “I simply can’t bear to leave. Don’t worry, I’ll go tomorrow.”

“Why?” Song Yue couldn’t help but ask.

“I’m a fox spirit,” she replied, her eyes twinkling through the sadness. “I’m a fox demon, hunted and in hiding. Years ago, thanks to your master and his wife, I found refuge here. But now, I can’t hide anymore—my tail has shown.” She smiled. “But it’s all right. I’ll find another place to lay low.”

The scholar’s wife looked like she wanted to say more, but held back.

Sister Wang said, “Don’t worry about me. And...I’ll never hand it over. That object belongs to the fox clan. Even if I’m caught one day, they won’t kill me for it. I won’t let it fall into the wrong hands.” She stood. “I’d better go now, or it’ll be hard for you to explain later.”

Song Yue looked from the old scholar to his wife. Seeing neither object, he pleaded, “Sister Wang, must you go? Is it really that serious?”

She smiled gently. “It is, Xiao Yue. If I stay, you’ll be implicated. What I regret most is not being able to cook for you anymore. You’ll remember the taste of my dishes, won’t you?”

Song Yue’s nose stung. He wanted to ask what was really going on—how had everything changed overnight after years of peace? Deep down, he felt responsible.

Sister Wang, knowing his nature, smiled kindly. “Don’t blame yourself. If anyone bullies you, I’d avenge you at any cost. If I weren’t afraid of exposure, I’d have destroyed the Zhang family myself!” Though gentle, her words dripped with lethal intent.

She hugged Song Yue lightly. “We’ll meet again! Don’t be sad. Grow strong quickly. When you become a mighty martial sage, I’ll come back to you!” Without waiting for him to answer, she turned away, eyes shining with tears, and vanished before she could utter goodbye.

All this time, Song Yue had thought Sister Wang was just a martial arts expert who claimed to be forty-seven and a mother of three... Yet she was a fox demon of considerable power.

Song Yue’s worldview was utterly upended.

The old scholar took a deep breath and looked at Song Yue. “You’ve grown up. From now on, you must start thinking and acting like a true adult. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the local Bureau of Anomalous Affairs. With that status, others will find it far harder to harm you.”

His wife sighed. “That place is dangerous. I never wanted you involved, but now...perhaps it’s for the best. Treat it as a trial.”

Song Yue felt he hadn’t even had a chance to say a proper goodbye to Sister Wang. After ten years together, so many memories, and now such a sudden parting—he felt utterly dejected.

He looked at his teachers and said, “I’m confused. Master, Mistress, can you tell me...what is really going on?”