The Demon Lord and I: Frenemies - Chapter 13

The ghostly blue candle flame extinguished, and another dreamless night passed.

Fei Wanghuai sat in meditation by the bedside, Bone Elder’s words echoing in his ears as he tried to calm his mind through cultivation. Suddenly, the image of a black-and-white chessboard surged into his thoughts-the very game in which he had suffered a crushing defeat at her hands, now replaying over and over, disturbing his focus.

No matter how he tried to deduce the moves, he could not reverse the loss. Her style was free and unpredictable, impossible to grasp.

Outside, rain began to fall, drumming against the wooden carved windows like an urgent musical performance. The sound was a chaotic, intricate melody, like pearls of all sizes falling onto a jade plate.

This crackling rain was just like her way of playing chess-no one knew where it came from, only that it fell from the sky.

*

Lotus Peak Mountain saw frequent summer rains, with clouds and mist swirling and rain pouring down at random. In the early morning, lotus leaves in the pond were covered with dewdrops, and even the air became moist, saturated with the fresh scent of grass and trees.

Inside the Lecture Hall, swords and medicinal pills were already neatly arranged on the desks, waiting for the white-robed disciples to gather. It was still early, and the room was sparsely populated; even Chu Bingxiao had not yet appeared.

Fei Wanghuai, troubled by last night’s thoughts, arrived early at the Lecture Hall, only to find someone already seated. He was taken aback. “You actually came here on your own?”

The sun must be rising in the west-Chu Zaishuang, for once, didn’t need to be dragged in, but showed up by herself. She wore her Cloud Water Robe and seemed well-rested, her expression lively as she replied calmly, “You promised not to stop me from cultivating, so there’s no need for me to run away.”

Fei Wanghuai’s brow twitched. “But there are no Osmanthus Buns today.”

He had planned to fetch some later, but she had unexpectedly arrived earlier than him, breaking all precedent.

“That’s fine. We’re going down the mountain soon anyway-there’ll be plenty of chances then.”

Fei Wanghuai was momentarily stunned. He glanced at the swords and pills on the desk, then at the energetic Chu Zaishuang, raising an eyebrow. “You’re coming down the mountain with us?”

“Of course.”

Today was the final lesson in the Lecture Hall. Chu Bingxiao would lead the new disciples down the mountain to complete a simple sect mission.

As the most renowned sect among the Qionglian Twelve Islands, the Lotus Flower Sect was the pillar supporting many islands. Hundreds of years ago, the Flower Mirror shattered, bringing devastation and suffering. Su Tingyun and Chu Chenyue met on the desolate Lotus Peak Mountain, and together with their friends, embarked on a journey to find the fragments of the Flower Mirror. They finally pieced together the remaining shards and used their own cultivation to form an array, reestablishing the Qionglian Twelve Islands.

The Flower Mirror was the source of all beings’ power. Its broken fragments turned into Chaos, capable of devouring all things. Without the Sect Leader couple’s array, the Qionglian Twelve Islands would not exist; outside the islands was nothing but chaotic energy, where neither plants nor beasts could survive-they would be crushed instantly.

It is said that in distant lands, there are new worlds within the Chaos, and those who set up arrays there are revered as Royal Family or even deities. But Su Tingyun and Chu Chenyue did not support this. They rebuilt the Lotus Flower Sect, created the Mortal Dust Marsh for mortals, and proposed selecting twelve Island Lords to jointly manage the affairs of the Qionglian Twelve Islands, resulting in the current harmonious situation.

The Island Lord of the Mortal Dust Marsh is usually an ordinary person without cultivation. Since their island is mostly inhabited by mortals, they are often powerless against invading Spirit Beasts and thus submit missions to the Lotus Flower Sect.

The sect assigns disciples to handle these tasks, rewarding them accordingly, and the materials obtained from slaying Spirit Beasts are not confiscated. For disciples of the Lotus Flower Sect, this is a valuable training opportunity and the first real combat experience for new initiates.

Of course, real combat is for those who are prepared-not for someone like her, who can barely hold a sword steady.

Hearing her confident reply, Fei Wanghuai couldn’t help but laugh. “You can barely lift a real sword, and you want to come down the mountain with us?”

Within the sect, they practiced with wooden swords, but missions outside required real swords. Her sword tip was always unsteady-she might even cut herself.

Chu Zaishuang blinked. “Then I just won’t bring a sword. What’s the big deal?”

Fei Wanghuai questioned, “If you don’t have a sword and encounter a Spirit Beast, how will you fight back?”

“I’ll just wait for you all to charge ahead, and when you’re done, I’ll sneak out,” she replied cleverly. “Besides, there are so many disciples in the Lecture Hall. If we really run into a Spirit Beast, I might not even get a chance to fight.”

“…”

Well, well, your attitude is just to watch the excitement-you have no intention of making an effort at all!

Fei Wanghuai reasonably suspected she just wanted to go down the mountain. She had always liked mingling with mortals. He scrutinized her for a long moment, his brows knitting slightly, then suddenly said, “Stand up.”

“Why?” Chu Zaishuang looked puzzled, but obediently stood, muttering, “So petty-just because I argued with you, you’re making me stand as punishment?”

His slender fingers grasped the loose Red Cord at her waist, and with little effort, he pulled her over as if tugging on a weightless kite.

He lowered his head, his thick black lashes trembling, a trace of cold light glinting from the sapphire at his neck. As he drew near, a faint scent like wind and pine enveloped the space between them.

“Heh, you didn’t just argue once-you argued twice. Do you think I can’t count?” Fei Wanghuai scoffed, tying her belt as he teased, “You never tie it yourself, always waiting for me to do it?”

He had just been bothered by her attire. The Cloud Water Robe was supposed to be neat and pure white, but on her, it always looked out of place. Her waist was slender-whether due to clumsy tying or lack of strength, the Red Cord always drooped, which inexplicably annoyed him.
Her eyes were innocent as she retorted confidently, “Yes, I knew. So why are you asking?”

“…”

The two ends of the Red Cord suddenly tightened, cinching her waist.

Chu Zaishuang was yanked forward, her eyes widening in protest: “You’re pulling so hard, it’s like we have some deep-seated grudge, as if you can’t wait to strangle me.”

Fei Wanghuai, hearing this, recalled Bone Elder’s words and smiled slyly, countering, “That’s right. Can’t I hate you?”

Why shouldn’t he hate her? Why should he let go?

“Of course you can,” Chu Zaishuang saw the hidden edge in his smile and quickly softened her tone, not knowing why he was being so sarcastic, and gave in perfunctorily, “Hate me, hate me, as long as you’re happy.”

He was probably still upset about losing at chess, holding a grudge to this day.

He found her words rather curious: “You’re quite magnanimous. Most people wouldn’t react this way to being hated.”

“What’s the big deal? Hate lasts longer than love. You still have me in your heart, that’s why you hate me so much.”

“???”

It had to be said, Bone Elder had tried all night to persuade him in vain, but Chu Zaishuang broke his defenses with a single sentence.

All the frustration Fei Wanghuai had been bottling up was instantly dispelled by her words, and he no longer dared to harbor any resentment toward her. If he kept brooding, it would only prove her right-that he couldn’t forget her.

Seeing him stuck in his own thoughts, Chu Zaishuang spun around smugly, laughing, “Still dare to hate me? Still dare to hate me?”

“…”

She was probably messing with his head on purpose, just like her trash talk during chess.

A moment later, the new disciples gathered. Chu Bingxiao stood at the front, explaining the details in advance: “On the table are Swords and Heart-Clearing Pills. The Heart-Clearing Pills can replenish spiritual energy. This trip will require several days away from the mountain, with many inconveniences along the way. Everyone must take good care of their Sword and pills.”

“Yes.”

The crowd responded in unison.

“After leaving the mountain, you will be wearing the Cloud Water Robe, marking you as disciples of the Lotus Flower Sect. You must always remember the Sect Precepts and never do anything to disgrace the sect,” Chu Bingxiao said. “You are still entry-level disciples. The respect others show you comes more from this robe than your own abilities.”

“Investigate principle and exhaust nature, reach heaven and enter spirit, speak and act with caution, discipline oneself and keep a clear heart. If one day you take off the Cloud Water Robe and can still live up to these sixteen words, then you will be true disciples of the Lotus Flower Sect, just like the countless Immortal Venerables who once wore this robe.”

Chu Bingxiao’s tone was calm, but his words rang out with conviction. His solemn expression and concise speech stirred ripples in the hearts of the disciples, raising waves of emotion.

For a moment, the disciples in white straightened their backs, sharing a sense of honor. This glory dated back to the founding of the Qionglian Twelve Islands, to the generations of youths in Cloud Water Robes who had guarded this pure land through the ages.

From the dawn of Chaos, from the desolation of all beings, they had carved out a path to survival.

Their gazes were resolute, blood surging with passion, as they declared firmly, “Yes!”

Chu Bingxiao looked around at the confident youths and nodded, “Good. Now, take up your swords and follow me down the mountain. This mission isn’t too difficult; it’s on a small island near the Mortal Dust Marsh. We’ll travel there using the sect’s formation.”

Only after reaching the Five Leaves cultivation level could a cultivator fly on their sword; before that, formations were commonly used for travel.

*

In the Lecture Hall, the disciples were full of spirit, eager for action. But after descending the mountain, they trudged through the forest, as wilted as frostbitten eggplants.

The sky was gloomy, shrouded in mist. The rain-soaked path was muddy and treacherous, each step sinking deep, as if a Mud Beast were gnawing at their shoes.

The group had started out neat and excited, but now the formation was scattered, straggling through unfamiliar woods. White-marked tree trunks lined the path, seemingly pointing the way, though no one knew who had made them.

Li Jingjie, a cultivator, was sweating on his forehead and couldn’t help tugging at his collar: “What is this place? It’s suffocating!”

Fei Wanghuai replied, “There’s no abundant spiritual energy here like on Lotus Peak Mountain. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable.”

Lotus Peak Mountain was the ideal place for cultivation, even equipped with energy-gathering formations-naturally, it was nothing like the wilderness.

When the disciples had left the mountain, they dreamed of slaying Spirit Beasts and upholding justice. Now, after a day slogging through mud, complaints were inevitable.

“This isn’t what I imagined. I thought we’d be sent to a Minor Paradise to hunt for treasure!”

“Ha, keep dreaming. That’s for official disciples, not us.”

“This place is so desolate-are there really people attacked by Spirit Beasts? There aren’t even any mortals living here.”

The exhausting journey dampened their spirits and scattered their morale.

Chu Bingxiao led at the front, urging those behind to keep up, but some disciples still lagged, listless. He looked up at the swirling dark clouds, frowning, “We’re running out of time.”

He had hoped to reach the town on schedule, but some disciples, spoiled by comfort, dragged their feet after leaving the mountain. Only hardship would teach them a lesson.

Su Hongli, born in the wild, was used to this and occasionally glanced at the people nearby. A few steps away, Chu Zaishuang walked lightly, humming a tune, darting off now and then to pick flowers and grass, only to be pulled back by Fei Wanghuai at her side.
She had never thanked her, and somehow it had been delayed until now.

Since the incident at the Lecture Hall, Su Hongli’s situation had improved considerably. Lu Hewei and the others no longer dared to cause trouble, allowing her to focus on cultivating her techniques. She wanted to thank Chu Zaishuang for stepping forward, but the other girl was always elusive, or else inseparable from Fei Wanghuai, making it impossible to find an opportunity.

Or perhaps now was the time?

Su Hongli walked over slowly, but unexpectedly, a sudden gale arose.

[Ooh, the wind is picking up.] Xiao Shi sensed something and spoke up cheerfully.

“Ooh, it’s coming.” Chu Zaishuang raised her arms, eyed the markings on the tree trunks, and said leisurely, “Get ready to run.”

Fei Wanghuai heard her speak. He was puzzled, but suddenly sensed killing intent and quickly looked toward the thicket. With a flurry of flapping, countless black shadows burst from the leaves, like a terrifying swarm of stinging bees. After a brief pause in the air, they howled and dove straight at them!

A violent wind arose, wild beasts roared, and the air was filled with coarse sand and stones. The descending black cloud instantly triggered screams of terror within the group!

“Wind Howl Beasts! It’s a flock of Wind Howl Beasts!” Li Jingjie saw the sharp-clawed monstrous birds and the gathering dark clouds, exclaiming, “No-not just one flock, there are several!”

Wind Howl Beasts were not powerful Spirit Beasts, but their overwhelming numbers and sharp talons could still tear cultivators’ flesh to ribbons.

Someone swung a sword in confusion, the clear clang of metal ringing out, but it was unclear what was struck. In an instant, the furious flock pecked at him, leaving him flustered and forced to shield his face with his arms.

The birds were far more disciplined than the group of people, breaking through the cultivators’ formation in moments.

Chu Bingxiao shouted, “Everyone, come to me!”

His words were like a calming pill; the previously hesitant group immediately moved quickly, fleeing forward at speed.

Fei Wanghuai’s eyes flashed coldly. He surged forward with Cloud Step, cleaving a path through the birds with his sword. The blade, thin as a cicada’s wing, hummed with the spiritual energy of the Four Leaves Initial Stage, forcing the Wind Howl Beasts to retreat and not dare approach.

“Let’s go…” He was about to call for Chu Zaishuang, but when he turned to look, she was already nowhere to be seen.

Amidst the chaos, Chu Zaishuang moved as lightly as a swallow, darting left and right, covering three steps in two, treating the Wind Howl Beasts as if they were nothing, and in a flash, she had dashed far ahead.

Fei Wanghuai: “…” She truly meant what she said-when encountering Spirit Beasts, she simply ran, waiting for the others to charge ahead!

The strangest thing was, Chu Zaishuang carried no Sword, and though she repeatedly seemed about to collide head-on with the black flock, she always managed to dodge at the last moment, never once entangled by the Wind Howl Beasts. She ran forward along the forest edge in a rhythmic pattern, miraculously making it through without a scratch, never once attacked.

Lu Hewei was fending off the Wind Howl Beasts with his sword. Seeing her pass by, he snapped, “Why aren’t they attacking her?!”

Could it be these birds only bullied the weak, or did they recognize her parents’ status?

“It’s the markings.” Fei Wanghuai observed her route, glanced at the white marks on the tree trunks, and realized, “The white markings along the way are the safe path.”

The birds attacked in a set pattern, like rigorously trained soldiers, obeying orders without question. Mortals lived here, but without cultivation, they couldn’t resist the Wind Howl Beasts, so they had found a safe route and marked it on the trees for those who came after.

As cultivators, their first instinct was to fight. But she had imitated the mortals and passed through unharmed.

Fei Wanghuai immediately sheathed his sword and followed Chu Zaishuang.

“We should follow too!” Li Jingjie called to Su Hongli, waving her over.

Before long, the new disciples finally broke through the flock. They gathered around Chu Bingxiao, all exhausted and disheveled. Fortunately, the Cloud Water Robes were sturdy, and Chu Zaishuang’s method had worked. Aside from being covered in feathers and having a few claw marks on their robes, no one was seriously hurt.

Lu Hewei’s feet were caked in mud, so heavy he could barely lift his legs. Looking at the neat and tidy Chu siblings, he complained, “Senior Brother Chu, you’re being too biased. If you had a way through, you should have told us in advance. Why did you only tell her?”

Chu Zaishuang’s cultivation was low and she carried no Sword, yet Chu Bingxiao had let her pass through the flock, so he must have known she had a safe way.

The others looked at Chu Bingxiao, suspecting favoritism as well.

“What way?” Chu Bingxiao spun his sword in a flourish and sheathed it casually, looking genuinely puzzled.

Lu Hewei: “The markings on the tree trunks!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Didn’t I teach you all swordsmanship? Didn’t you fight your way through?” Chu Bingxiao had just been slashing at the birds, never looking at the trees, and said expressionlessly, “Wind Howl Beasts aren’t that formidable. Do you really need another method?”

Everyone: “…”

Goodness, they almost forgot that Senior Brother Chu was always strict, wishing everyone could be like Fei Wanghuai. If they had his swordsmanship, they could indeed just fight their way through!

Lu Hewei, suddenly insulted, looked shocked: “How is that possible? Then just now, she…” Did she figure it out herself?

“I have no cultivation, but I have a brain.” Chu Zaishuang looked troubled, her tone soft but cutting, “The worst is having neither cultivation nor brains-then you’re really done for.”

Lu Hewei: “…”