Chapter 105.2: Human-Demon Path

Chapter 105.2: Human-Demon Path

"

Aaah

! An inner demon is born!"

"Run! It's an inner demon!"

"We shouldn't have come to watch, now we're doomed!"

"Stay calm! Stay calm!!!!"

The canary's face turned pale as she gripped Qi Yuan's hand tightly. "Run!"

Qi Yuan's expression hardened. "Demon spawn?"

These creatures seemed almost identical to the little demon spawns he'd been slaying for ages. In fact, they were the same kind. Qi Yuan could say with certainty that no one in this world understood demons better than he did.

Giving the canary a reassuring glance, he held her and conjured a sword. "Die."

The three monsters sensed his presence and roared, charging at him.

A foul stench filled the air, followed by a flash of crimson light.

Slicing through lightning-fast arcs, the blood-red sword light cleaved through all three monsters. Soon, they were shredded to nothingness, dissolving into mist.

The onlookers froze mid-run, turning back to stare at Qi Yuan as if he were a god.

Stars sparkled in the canary's eyes.

So handsome...

"Blood Drop! You're incredible! You killed three inner demons in one blow!"

Her childhood companion was actually this strong?!

"It's nothing," Qi Yuan said lightly. "But tell me, why did they suddenly turn into that?"

The canary quickly explained, "When they argue, they get agitated. Once emotions run wild, the inner demon devours them from within, taking control and attacking anything alive!"

She glanced at the torn remnants of clothes on the ground, eyes filled with faint regret.

Qi Yuan was astonished. "When emotions flare... the demon breaks out of the body?"

If that were true, how did anyone here even survive this long? Then again, it made sense.

The creatures of Nine Plate Mountain were gentle by nature, rarely fighting. Perhaps, it was precisely because of this. Then, something clicked in his mind.

Emotions could flare from more than anger. Joy, grief, love—any intense feeling could trigger it. If such an outbreak happened out of nowhere, it would be catastrophic.

"It seems this is a time before the North South Pact," he murmured.

The world would be far too unhinged otherwise. Anyone could turn into a monster at any time.

The canary's sorrow faded quickly. She was clearly used to keeping her emotions in check to survive here.

"Blood Drop, since you're so strong, will you help me with something?" she asked sweetly.

Qi Yuan suddenly had a bad feeling. "What is it?"

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" she asked, haughtily twirling her golden skirt.

Qi Yuan flattered, "Beautiful. Incredibly beautiful. Truly one of a kind."

The canary rolled her eyes. She could tell he was being sarcastic but she let it slide. After all, she required his help.

"This year's Eighteen Mountains' Beauty Rankings just came out! That white fox, Shang Yanran, was named number one. Why?! I'm clearly the real number one beauty!"

Qi Yuan said at once, "Calm down."

He didn't want the canary he was holding to suddenly turn into a demon.

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

She smiled sweetly. "You can fly, right? Take me around the Eighteen Mountains! I'll shout to everyone that I am the number one beauty!"

Qi Yuan sighed. "Canary, your competitiveness is out of control."

"It's not competition, it's justice restored!"

"I must say, your face is thicker than mine."

"How so?"

"Don't you think the people that see us flying around like that will assume we're lunatics? That's just dumb."

Qi Yuan wanted to refuse. He preferred keeping his dignified image as a lone, aloof swordsman, and not some air-shouting maniac.

"Dearest brother Blood Drop..." the canary whined, clutching his arm.

Qi Yuan instantly surrendered. "Alright, alright, alright! I'll go!"

After all, who could resist a girl calling him dearest brother?

***

That night, Qi Yuan sat once more at his usual spot. Today, he had flown with the canary across all eighteen mountains. He had literally become a megaphone in the sky, announcing that "Lady Canary" was the most beautiful woman among the Eighteen Mountains.

Anyone who dared object was promptly beaten into agreement. Now, Qi Yuan just wanted to disappear from public view forever.

The canary, on the other hand, was beyond pleased. She was positively glowing with pride. She even wanted an encore.

The canary asked expectantly, "Blood Drop, you saw Shang Yanran, right? Don't you think she's uglier than me?"

Qi Yuan recalled Shang Yanran's appearance. Truthfully, the canary was indeed more beautiful. Still, looking at her smug, day-to-day face, he suddenly understood why Shang Yanran was ranked first.

Qi Yuan asked, "Do you want the truth or a lie?"

The canary threw him a glare. "...The lie."

"She's prettier."

The canary's eyes welled with tears. "Admit it, both the truth and the lie are her, aren't they?!"

"The truth is you."

"You're lying! You say one thing and mean another!"

"I never lie."

"You just did!"

***

Twenty years later...

Qi Yuan sat upright on a green stone. His Human-Demon Path had reached an utterly terrifying 999,999.

He gazed up at the Myriad Phenomena Gate, deep in thought. "Inner demons are born of heaven and earth, nurtured by one's own nature, following like a shadow. Tempted by power, disturbed by emotion, ensnared by greed. Such are the roots of sin."

Qi Yuan spoke softly at first, then louder, his voice resounding through Nine Plate Mountain like thunder—like a dragon's roar.

"If one seeks me through form or sound, that is the path of heresy. See not the sun or moon, seek not immortals or demons, man shall conquer the demon within."

His voice rolled across the mountains. Fragrant air spread and peace washed over the land.

Every spirit and demon who heard him froze where they stood, eyes filled with wonder and revelation. Some even fell to their knees as if receiving divine enlightenment.

"Who is preaching this law?"

"Which sage speaks?"

"It's coming from Nine Plate Mountain. Quick!"

"What a wondrous doctrine, it must concern the inner demon!"

Spirits and humans alike trembled in awe. They journeyed toward Nine Plate Mountain to hear him.

Qi Yuan sat unmoving. By the end of the day, he was divine in bearing, lotus blossoms spilling from his mouth as he spoke. Flowers bloomed across the mountain, birds sang in chorus, auspicious clouds gathered overhead. Beasts, spirits, and even powerful human cultivators all sat below in silence—listening, enlightened, enraptured.

They wept, pondered, and awakened as one, utterly lost in Qi Yuan's sermon. Nine Plate Mountain flourished in peace and light. Every living being looked up at Qi Yuan with reverence.

Only the canary stood a few meters away. She tilted her head, watching him not with awe, but sincere, proud delight.