The Demon Lord and I: Frenemies - Chapter 22

Fei Wanghuai arrived so suddenly that Xiao Shi, busy entangling with Chu Zaishuang, actually forgot to give any warning.

“No…” Chu Zaishuang still had a book pressed under her palm. She turned sideways to cover it up, stammering, “I’m not cultivating, they’re just idle books, for study!”

After finishing his contact with Bone Elder, Fei Wanghuai came out to check on Chu Zaishuang, only to catch sight of her flipping through ancient texts from afar. The style of the books seemed to be from the Library Pavilion, which naturally startled him. Suspecting she was secretly cultivating, he hurried over, intending to catch her in the act.

“Is that so?” He could tell she was guilty. Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, he swiftly pulled out a book from the side and said leisurely, “Then teach me. I’ll study too.”

Chu Zaishuang glanced at the book and realized it happened to be related to Mei. Startled, she instantly gripped the book, trying to yank it back, her ears turning red as blood. “It’s all useless stuff, you wouldn’t want to learn it.”

The two of them held onto the same book, suddenly playing tug-of-war in midair, each pulling in their own direction.

It was rare for Fei Wanghuai to see her so forceful. The smile faded from his face, and he said unhappily, “I once taught you techniques, but you won’t even let me have a book, won’t teach me, won’t let me see. Isn’t that unfair?”

Chu Zaishuang’s face was flushed, and she broke down, “How am I supposed to teach this!?”

With a hard tug, the book was almost back in her hands, but was pulled back by him, his expression displeased. For a moment, both of them were tense, secretly exerting force, neither willing to let go.

“Let go.”

“You let go first.”

Chu Zaishuang usually didn’t argue with him, but today she was truly cornered. Looking at the jade-like fingers on the book, she threatened recklessly, “Let go, or I’ll bite you!”

Fei Wanghuai still treated her like dough, thinking he could knead her at will, and mocked, “Go ahead and try biting…”

The next second, a warm breath covered the back of his hand, and a real, hard bite forced him to withdraw his hand abruptly. The pages slid past his fingertips, tickling slightly, and when he looked down, the book had already vanished.

He had never encountered such a tactic before, both exasperated and amused. “You actually bit me?”

What kind of cultivator escapes like this? She’s not some Spirit Beast on the run!

“What else?” Chu Zaishuang snatched the book back, hugged the stack, and slipped away, raising her voice, “Did you really think I was joking? This is a life-and-death situation!”

She and he weren’t just fighting to win or lose-this was a real battle for survival. If the contents about Mei in the book were exposed, it would all be over.

“A life-and-death situation?” Fei Wanghuai’s eyes darkened slightly. He took off the Silver Fan at his waist, pointing the tip at her back. “Then don’t blame me for bullying the weak.”

Clear water coalesced, looping around her wrist, lifting the hand holding the book. The Rippling Water Technique was wielded with practiced ease; a water column snatched the book directly, carrying it toward Fei Wanghuai.

He stood unmoving, using his technique to seize the book effortlessly. Casually flipping open a page, he said with a half-smile, “Someone who doesn’t cultivate, yet wants to fight me for her life?”

“Don’t-”

Chu Zaishuang turned and rushed back, but she was still a step too late.

Fei Wanghuai held his prize, glancing casually at the contents. As soon as he caught sight of two or three lines, he quickly snapped the book shut. The smile froze on his lips, then his mouth pressed into a thin line, his dark, glossy eyes flickering. From his neck to his ears, he flushed as if on fire, glancing at her, words stuck in his throat.

He had thought she was still a child, never expecting that children of the Immortal Sect matured so early. This wasn’t the cultivation manual he imagined, but holding it felt even more awkward, making him blush from head to toe.

The two of them fell into silence, standing motionless.

After a moment, seeing her cheeks flushed, Fei Wanghuai also felt inexplicably awkward and said tactfully, “You know, reading this kind of book… is a bit early…”

He hadn’t seen the sections about Mei, but just a quick glance at the suggestive words made him hurriedly close the book.

Meeting his subtle gaze, Chu Zaishuang’s pent-up emotions finally erupted. She snapped, “Are you sick? Are you sick!”

“I told you not to look, told you I wasn’t cultivating, but you just had to come and snatch it, suspicious all day long!” She had never been so embarrassed; now she felt both wronged and ashamed, and actually poured out her heart, “You pretend to be a good person all day, saying I have no conscience. Look at your own words and actions-do you have any respect, any equality? Always putting on a fake smile, standing above others and oppressing them!”

Though he had risked his life to save her, that didn’t mean her view of him had changed. One thing had nothing to do with the other. She owed him a debt, but she was also clear about the deep-rooted things in his nature.

He was always doubting her, then blaming her for not trusting him-a classic case of blaming the victim!

Fei Wanghuai was scolded so thoroughly, yet for once he didn’t lose his temper. He replied good-naturedly, “Yes, yes, you’re right.”

This was truly a case of being too clever for his own good. If he hadn’t suspected her of secretly cultivating, he wouldn’t have ended up in such an awkward and agonizing situation.
The atmosphere between them grew tense and awkward due to the farce. Chu Zaishuang let out a sob, then fell to her knees, like an ostrich trying to escape reality, and cried sorrowfully, “Just kill me. I can’t explain myself anymore. I never want to see you again…”

There was no use explaining now; the more she tried, the worse it would get. The book had come from her hands, and any excuse sounded feeble.

Hearing her despairing wail, Fei Wanghuai tried to salvage the situation, forcing himself to remain calm. “It’s all just trivial matters. There’s no need for you to make such a fuss.”

If she really started avoiding him, that would be a disaster. He absolutely couldn’t let this ruin things between them.

“Trivial matters?”

“Yes, it’s all…” Fei Wanghuai chose his words carefully, feeling a bit awkward himself, but pressed on, “It’s just human nature. You should look at it with a normal mindset. It’s only because people are bound by propriety that they’re too embarrassed to talk about it.”

He racked his brains to help her save face, hoping to turn a big issue into a small one, and a small one into nothing, so they could quickly move on from this.

Hearing his steady tone, and thinking of the deeds of the Mei in the book, Chu Zaishuang gradually calmed down. She finally looked up at him, and mused, “True, none of us are as thick-skinned as you.”

The Mei would absorb people’s essence under the moonlight. He had half Mei blood; to him, this was probably nothing, just child’s play.

Fei Wanghuai: “?”

He assumed she was still embarrassed and quickly changed the subject with a gentle cough. “Alright, let’s talk about something serious. I came here to ask you-which peak do you plan to cultivate on?”

“Senior Brother Chu just came to me, saying he had contacted a renowned teacher whose techniques are compatible with mine. Once I finish learning about it, I plan to go there. I wanted to ask about your plans.”

This was Su Tingyun’s arrangement, and Chu Zaishuang had heard about it long ago. Because Fei Wanghuai had Charm Clan blood, it wasn’t suitable for him to stay under an Elder with many disciples, as it would risk exposing his identity and bringing disaster. It was better for him to cultivate on a secluded mountain peak.

While Fei Wanghuai was unconscious, Su Tingyun had assigned this matter to Chu Bingxiao, letting him act as the intermediary.

Chu Zaishuang met his dark eyes. “I…”

He noticed her hesitation and felt somewhat relieved, probing, “You still don’t want to cultivate?”

If anyone else had asked, Chu Zaishuang would have habitually agreed, eager to loudly declare herself useless. But now, seeing the white silk bandages under his outer robe, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

His sudden return had put her on the defensive. Sacrificing her own life was nothing to fear, but sacrificing someone else’s life was an unforgivable sin.

That was why she hadn’t let him come back with her, never expecting he would return on his own to save her.

Chu Zaishuang lowered her eyes, not answering directly, and said softly, “I’ll probably follow my father. He’s always been rather lenient.”

Fei Wanghuai nodded in understanding. That made sense-even if she wanted to escape cultivation, the Sect Leader and his wife would still keep an eye on her. He actually hoped she would stay the same, but that didn’t seem realistic now. Fortunately, his plan was still on track.

He smiled. “Alright, Lone Star Mountain and Tingyun Lake aren’t far apart. We can still play chess together from time to time.”

And he could keep a close watch on her cultivation progress.

Chu Zaishuang nodded.

*

Because of the unexpected incident during the Lecture Hall task, this group of new disciples didn’t have time for a proper farewell and hurriedly went their separate ways. After all, some had been seriously injured in the town, while others were unharmed and stayed behind to help with the aftermath. Everyone parted ways for different reasons, and upon returning, they would go to different teachers, with no chance to gather again.

Fei Wanghuai went to Lone Star Mountain, Su Hongli to Thousand-Gold Peak, and Li Jingjie to Dragon Tiger Peak. They agreed to find time to meet up after the apprenticeship ceremonies were over.

Tingyun Lake was shrouded in mist, its waters rippling gently.

Amidst verdant pine forests was a clear lake, sparkling under the sunlight. In an instant, thick white fog covered the lake, vast clouds swirling and spreading, engulfing the green woods and tranquil lake as if swallowing the world.

Within the mist, the silhouette of a male cultivator could be glimpsed. He wore a sword without a sheath at his waist and stood by the lake as if waiting for someone.

Moments later, the grass rustled, and someone emerged from the pine forest.

“Shuang’er, you’ve finally come. I thought you would never be willing to cultivate.” Su Tingyun turned around, smiling at his daughter who had arrived late. “After all, the other disciples have all left, and only you were nowhere to be seen.”

“It’s not that I’m unwilling. I just don’t understand why I should cultivate.” Chu Zaishuang lowered her head. “But maybe many things don’t need a reason, and we shouldn’t always ask why.”

Just as he said-there is no why.

So she still came.

Su Tingyun thought for a moment, then said warmly, “Since you’ve come to Tingyun Lake, I’ll take it that you’re here as a disciple. Setting aside our relationship as father and daughter, we will also be master and disciple. It’s only natural for a master to answer his disciple’s questions, so you can speak your doubts.”

“I just don’t understand-what exactly are we cultivating? Ordinary people fight among themselves, and after becoming cultivators, we fight with other cultivators in the sect. Even if we become the strongest in the Qionglian Twelve Islands, we still have to fight with other powerful cultivators outside the islands. When will such days ever end?”
She blinked, confused, and said, “Or perhaps, there was never meant to be an end.”

Just like the way of chess, the weak pieces are meant to be taken; all are merely pawns manipulated by the will of heaven.

Su Tingyun was silent for a moment. He beckoned her over, inviting her to come closer, and said kindly, “Shuang’er, do you know why, despite my profound cultivation, I have so few disciples, and many have even left for other places?”

Everyone knew that Su Tingyun was one of the top three experts of the Immortal Sect, possessing the cultivation of Nine Leaves Mid Stage. Many disciples sought him out as their master. However, few could persist under his tutelage for long, mainly because he rarely taught spells, and his swordsmanship emphasized talent, making it unsuitable for most cultivators.

Chu Zaishuang admitted honestly, “Mother said you only know how to fight and aren’t good at teaching.”

After all, being a teacher and cultivating oneself are two different things; higher cultivation doesn’t necessarily make one a better teacher.

Su Tingyun: “?”

He exclaimed in surprise, “When did your mother ever say that? How come I’ve never heard her say it?”

“When my brother wanted to become your disciple, and then he decided to go to Wangyue Marsh instead. But I didn’t really care,” Chu Zaishuang said. “A desperate remedy for a desperate case, right? I never planned to become that powerful-just enough is fine.”

“???”

“That’s their biased misunderstanding. In fact, what I’m best at is the Twin Sword Technique, which is about breaking all things with the sword. Studying too many spells only interferes with true comprehension.” Su Tingyun hurriedly defended himself, then encouraged her, “Shuang’er, I’ve always known that you have more talent than Xiao’er. Perhaps you’re even more suited to my path.”

“Father, there’s no need to start talking nonsense just to save face,” Chu Zaishuang comforted him gently. “I’m well aware of how slow my cultivation is, and you should also recognize your own teaching abilities.”

They were a pair of useless father and daughter; there was no need to stubbornly deny it or praise each other needlessly.

“No, I’m serious. Xiao’er is indeed outstanding, but he’s not suited to practice my swordsmanship.” Su Tingyun gritted his teeth and said, “Since it’s the Twin Sword Technique, do you know why I only have one sword and have never drawn the other?”

Chu Zaishuang was taken aback. She lowered her head, glanced at the sword, and answered honestly, “I don’t know.”

It was said that Su Tingyun’s mastery of the twin swords was unparalleled, but she had only ever seen “Youwo” and never the other longsword.

He casually drew the cold blade. The sword, without a scabbard, hummed in his hand without wind. Its ice-like edge could cut through hair, exuding a chilling murderous intent.

“Youwo” was usually a blunt sword, but only in Su Tingyun’s hand could it be sharpened, becoming a deadly weapon that could cut jade and stone.

“Because the world can only see this one, but not the other longsword.” Su Tingyun held the sword in his right hand, then opened his left palm, gesturing for her to look. “Shuang’er, watch closely. There’s another sword here.”

Chu Zaishuang stared at her father’s empty palm, bewildered. “Is this the legendary sword that only clever people can see?”

His left hand was clearly empty, palm facing upward, not at all as if holding a sword.

“That’s right. Only clever people can see it. Its name is ‘Wuwo.'”

As he finished speaking, Su Tingyun gently raised his left arm. His movement was smooth and light, like touching the surface of a lake. Suddenly, the waters of Tingyun Lake splashed in all directions, ten thousand feet of emerald waves stirred inexplicably, as if a cold sword had cleaved the lake from above, turning the mist into a sudden downpour!

Pitter-patter, raindrops fell, waves crashed back into Tingyun Lake, sending moist air rushing toward them, leaving traces of coolness on their cheeks.

Chu Zaishuang was stunned by the scene. Now surrounded by mist, she turned back in astonishment.

This was not a spell, nor a formation. Something truly sharp had split the lake, yet his left hand was clearly empty.

Seeing her surprise, Su Tingyun calmly lowered his left arm and explained, “The right hand holds the Youwo Sword, the left hand the Wuwo Sword. Unfortunately, the world only knows ‘Youwo’ and cannot perceive ‘Wuwo,’ so their minds are filled with distractions, and they end up troubled. The Youwo Sword is entering the world; the Wuwo Sword is transcending it. Only when the twin swords are united can one break through all things.”

Chu Zaishuang stared intently at his withdrawn left hand, which was still empty. For a moment, she seemed to understand and yet not. Vaguely, something mysterious stirred in her chest, like a tender green sprout breaking through the earth. She, too, slowly clenched her left hand, subconsciously wanting to grasp the invisible sword.

“Shuang’er, most people first have ‘Youwo’ and then ‘Wuwo,’ but you have done the opposite, cultivating the Wuwo Sword first.” His eyes were full of warmth as he said gently, “So you are not slow in cultivation, but have already overcome the hardest obstacle. You are a gifted child.”