The Demon Lord and I: Frenemies - chapter 33

Chapter 33

Qiandu Island. Along a tranquil lakeside, tall green grass grew in abundance. Through the gaps between the stalks, one could faintly make out an imposing villa not far away. This building stood by the water’s edge, and on the broad bridge servants occasionally passed, carrying freshly picked, emerald-green Spiritual Herbs in their hands.

Inside the villa, someone had just finished reading the Sect Leader’s letter and was now roaring hysterically.

“Utter nonsense! Complete rubbish! Saying she’s interested in me-what a bunch of nonsense!” Lu Hewei’s face was red with anger, and he nearly tore the letter to pieces, snapping, “She’s always flirting with Fei Wanghuai, and she dares to say such crap? Does she really think I’m that easy to bully, and even wants to come plant Spiritual Herbs right over my head!”

The messenger had brought two letters-one was the Sect Leader’s letter to the island, the other was a private note from Chu Zaishuang. In her letter, Chu Zaishuang was filled with affectionate undertones, subtly expressing goodwill, never once mentioning the Spiritual Herbs of Qiandu Island; every line showed concern for Lu Hewei.

But he just felt something was off about her-a weasel paying respects to a chicken was surely up to no good.

By the second-floor railing, a kind-eyed, middle-aged Male Cultivator showed no reaction. He looked cultured and genteel, gazing at the flourishing Herb Field where water met sky, toying with two walnuts in his hand. He didn’t turn to look at his furious son, instead saying leisurely, “Hewei, at least Zaishuang is your childhood friend. Don’t judge a gentleman with a petty mind.”

“Me, judging a gentleman with a petty mind? She’s nothing like Chu Bingxiao-she’s a petty villain through and through!” Lu Hewei jabbed at the name on the Sect Leader’s letter, indignant. “Father, that farm girl came along with her, obviously greedy for our Spiritual Herbs. The two of them are birds of a feather, deliberately using the Sect Leader to pressure us and coming here just to spite me! There’s no way we can let them on the island, or how am I supposed to get by!?”

Lu Hengzhou turned at this, his voice slow and deliberate. “Deliberately using the Sect Leader to pressure us?”

“That’s right! Isn’t Chu Zaishuang just relying on her great parents? She was always especially arrogant back in the Lecture Hall, almost lawless…”

“Fool-” Lu Hengzhou bellowed, spiritual energy erupting as he shattered the teacups on the table. “How did I end up with such a fool for a son!”

The atmosphere grew icy. Lu Hewei’s torrent of complaints stopped instantly. Facing his father’s stormy face, his own went pale with fear, and he dropped to his knees at once. “Father, Father, I was wrong…”

From childhood, he’d known his father’s moods were unpredictable. When in a good mood, he would praise him lavishly and say that Qiandu Island would one day be his. But in a bad mood, he’d beat and scold him at the slightest provocation, treating him like mud under his feet, grinding him into the ground.

Sure enough, even though Lu Hewei knelt quickly, he still took a heavy blow to the chest and was sent flying, his mouth instantly filling with a metallic tang. The Protective Artifact at his waist flashed, forming a shield of spiritual energy, but it was instantly shattered by the Eight Leaves master’s kick.

Lu Hengzhou kicked him over, his chest heaving violently, seemingly still not appeased. The refined middle-aged Male Cultivator now seemed like a fiend. He suddenly lifted his foot, stepped on Lu Hewei’s shoulder as if to crush an ant, and repeated, “Deliberately using the Sect Leader to pressure us? The Sect Leader, pressure me?”

“Wrong, wrong, your son knows he was wrong-” Lu Hewei’s voice cracked with tears, sprawled wretchedly on the floor, tasting what it was like to be on the brink of death under his father’s foot.

“How did I end up with a son like you, how did I end up with such a fool? You can’t even get first place in cultivation in the Lecture Hall, you lose at alchemy to Nong Lijia, the farm girl-just getting hurt by a Spirit Beast, and you cower at home like a weakling!” Lu Hengzhou pressed down harder with his foot, shouting harshly, “Useless! Worthless! What’s the point of keeping you-”

Lu Hewei whimpered in pain, “Father!!”

Just then, someone came up to the second floor and called out, “Island Lord.”

Lu Hengzhou’s expression instantly calmed. He slowly withdrew his foot, returning to his refined demeanor. Hearing the groans by his feet, he said mildly, “Leave.”

“Yes…”

Lu Hewei staggered to his feet, not daring even to sob. He hugged his shoulders, flustered, and hurried away, not lingering for a second longer. He scrambled down the stairs and, looking back, saw his father talking with the newcomer. He couldn’t help but lower his head to glance at the deep green jade pendant at his waist.

It was a birthday gift from his father, a Protective Artifact he had sought out specifically out of concern for his son’s safety. He’d bragged about it for ages in the Lecture Hall, carrying an innate sense of pride-that was his confidence, coming from Qiandu Island.

But the shield of the jade pendant had just been shattered without mercy, and he, too, had been cast aside like a worn-out shoe by his own father.

The middle-aged Male Cultivator stood with hands clasped behind his back on the second floor, not even sparing him a glance.

“Island Lord, Young Master is a cultivator after all. No matter what, you shouldn’t crush his bones. If something goes wrong, it’s you who’ll suffer most in the end.”

“Look at Su Tingyun’s son, then look at my useless boy-he can’t even keep his composure. I don’t even know what he’s thinking.” Lu Hengzhou said, “And he has the nerve to talk about someone else having good parents? Does he know how much effort I spent to join the Qionglian Twelve Islands, and for whom!”

“Young Master is still young and naturally doesn’t understand your efforts.”

“If we hadn’t joined the Qionglian Twelve Islands, we’d be stuck with just Qiandu Island. But now the other islands are within reach. Letting people come in to pick a couple of Spiritual Herbs, and he yells like that? If he can’t tolerate even this, what can I expect from him?” He grew angrier as he spoke. “Some people are just lucky-you toss them up a mountain and out comes a Chu Bingxiao, not like all the painstaking effort I’ve spent.”

“Chu Bingxiao is just Four Leaves in cultivation. You needn’t worry. When our Divine Elixir is finished, the Young Master will advance rapidly.”

Lu Hengzhou’s brow twitched, and only then did he rein in his anger, lowering his voice, “How’s the clean-up going? After all the trouble this time, there’s no way Chu Chenyue isn’t aware-she’s probably looking everywhere for a handle against us.”

“The village incident is resolved, but Shi Yalie can’t stay any longer. He’s been getting more violent recently, even ignoring orders. I’m afraid he’s of no use now.”

“He’s just a Beast Cultivator-losing control is only a matter of time. Just replace him.” Lu Hengzhou drew a Jade Flute from his sleeve and handed it over. “He hasn’t even reached Six Leaves. If he dies, he doesn’t even have a Minor Paradise. Isn’t it all the easier?”

The man accepted the Jade Flute with a bow. “As you command.”

Lu Hengzhou turned his gaze toward the Herb Field beyond the railing and sneered, “Hmph, so they want to investigate my island? Let them in and investigate, then. It’s not like I’m refining pills on Qiandu Island anyway. I’d like to see what Chu Chenyue can find!”
*

Qiandu Island was interlaced with rivers, where small boats often glided to and fro.

Chu Zaishuang and her companions entered the island with the help of a letter from the Sect Leader. Before arriving, they had prepared Storage Artifacts; now they were taking a boat toward the buildings within the island. Occasionally, they caught glimpses of cultivators standing on gourds, soaring through the sky.

Reeds rippled, Herb Fields spread in patches, and the rich scent of grass filled the air. Aquatic Spiritual Herbs grew on both sides of the boat. Chu Bingxiao controlled the boat with spiritual energy, allowing it to glide forward without anyone rowing, drifting leisurely closer to their destination.

“So this is Wandering Zero Flower? I’ve only ever read about it in books, but there’s so much of it here,” Su Hongli leaned over the bow, pointing at the blue flowers on the water. “It’s the Spiritual Herb I told you about last time.”

Chu Zaishuang replied in a relaxed tone, “No hurry. We’ll come back to pick them later and scoop them all up.”

“It seems like it’s peak season for Spiritual Herbs.” Qin Huan sat at the bow, glancing around before focusing on the cultivators in the sky. She couldn’t shake the feeling they were being followed. “Are those Lu Family servants?”

Chu Bingxiao said, “Even if they let us on the island, they won’t let us wander around at will. I expect they’ll hold us up with some pleasantries. You two follow them to pick Spiritual Herbs. When the time comes, we’ll split up.”

Su Hongli looked puzzled. “Senior Brother Chu, what are you and Senior Sister planning to do?”

She’d only intended to follow Chu Zaishuang onto the island to gather herbs, but it was obvious Chu Bingxiao and Qin Huan had other goals. Something felt off.

Chu Bingxiao replied, “Don’t worry, just a small matter.”

“All right, let the Four Leaves Cultivators get busy. These aren’t things us Three Leaves Cultivators need to think about!” Chu Zaishuang pinched her friend’s braid, comforting her. “We just need to eat, drink, and have fun without causing trouble.”

Su Hongli hesitated. “But…”

Qin Huan pressed her lips together in a smile. “My little sister’s right. Go have your fun-the bigger the commotion, the better. That way I’ll have a chance to slip away for a bit.”

Before long, the group reached the shore. As soon as they got off the boat, they saw Lu Hengzhou (Island Lord Lu) and his entourage approaching.

Lu Hengzhou and Lu Hewei were surrounded by countless servants, hurrying over to welcome the cultivators arriving on the island.

Lu Hengzhou smiled warmly. “Bingxiao, Zaishuang, it’s been so long. Hewei just mentioned you to me not long ago.”

“Island Lord Lu, sorry to trouble you,” Chu Bingxiao replied succinctly, then turned to Hewei. “Hewei, it’s been a while.”

“Aren’t you going to greet Bingxiao? You’ve been convalescing on the island and haven’t thanked him for last time.”

Lu Hewei looked like an eggplant beaten by frost. Only then did he lower his head and greet, “Senior Brother Chu.”

Lu Hengzhou looked at Chu Zaishuang, speaking kindly, “Zaishuang, you haven’t shown your face in ages. Why haven’t you come to see Uncle Lu? I still remember when you were a child, always clinging to the Spiritual Herbs in my hand, saying you wanted to visit Qiandu Island. But later, you forgot all about it.”

Chu Zaishuang’s bright apricot eyes flickered. She pretended to be shy, her voice timid: “I was young and didn’t understand. I didn’t know Qiandu Island wasn’t open to visitors, or that you couldn’t just pick the island’s Spiritual Herbs…”

Seeing her affected manner, Lu Hewei clenched his fists, turning his gaze away.

“Oh, if you want to come, just come! Others can’t pick them, but you certainly can. In a bit, let Hewei show you around!” Island Lord Lu decided. “Right now the Spiritual Herbs are in full bloom – the island is beautiful. Go and take a look.”

“Hewei, go find a boat. Entertain Zaishuang well.”

“…Yes.”

Lu Hengzhou walked to Chu Bingxiao’s side and led him toward the building. “Bingxiao, come sit upstairs with me. I heard you’ve advanced again lately?”

Chu Bingxiao could only agree and followed Lu Hengzhou upstairs.

Through all these pleasantries, Island Lord Lu only spoke to the siblings, completely ignoring Qin Huan and Su Hongli, as if they were merely attendants trailing behind.

But Su Hongli was already mentally prepared and kept her gaze on her toes the whole time. Qin Huan just clicked her tongue quietly, inwardly sighing that Island Lord Lu, though only at Eight Leaves, put on more airs than the Nine Leaves Su Sect Leader.

Once his father left, Lu Hewei’s face fell and he said irritably, “Let’s go. The boat’s over there.”

Seeing Lu Hengzhou depart, Chu Zaishuang’s own demeanor flipped like a page, grumbling, “Little Lu, what kind of attitude is that? This isn’t how you’re supposed to treat guests.”

“Attitude? What kind of attitude do you want from me?” Lu Hewei was about to flare up, but then remembered his father’s admonition. He instinctively covered his shoulder, swallowing his anger. “Fine, let’s go. Get ready to board.”

Chu Zaishuang had expected him to explode, but today he managed to hold it in, as if someone had warned him in advance. Noticing him touching his shoulder, she grew curious. “Strange.”

Xiao Shi: [What’s wrong?]

“Was his shoulder hurt by the Wind Howl Giant Beast back then? Hasn’t it healed after all this time?” Chu Zaishuang was taken aback. “Even if my brother and I have special constitutions and heal faster than most, it’s been months – he shouldn’t still be injured.”

Her own palm, once pierced by a Sleeve Arrow, had healed completely, not even a scar left.

[Why do you care? If he got himself killed, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Every time he overestimates himself, your brother has to clean up his mess.]

Not far away, servants had already prepared a pleasure boat at the water’s edge. The refined little vessel could only carry four, but Lu Family servant boats flanked both sides, keeping a close watch on Lu Hewei and the others.

After boarding, Qin Huan chose a window seat at the stern, casting sidelong glances at the cultivators tailing them. Leaving would not be easy.

The four of them weren’t close, so after sitting down, silence fell.

Delicacies made with sweet dew and Spiritual Herbs were set out inside the boat. The pastries were especially exquisite, their subtle aroma bearing the essence of Spiritual Herbs – clearly not the work of ordinary hands. The verdant cakes were pressed with floral patterns and delicately stacked. One bite melted in the mouth, producing the effect of a Heart-Clearing Pill.

Chu Zaishuang was the most at ease, casually picking up a cake and eating it before distributing the small plates. “Try some. Don’t just sit there – let’s eat together.”

Only then did Su Hongli and Qin Huan help themselves to the pastries.

“Little Lu, pour everyone some tea, will you? Don’t you have any sense?”

Lu Hewei scowled. “I have to pour tea for you?”

“Who else? Your family has so many servants, but there’s only the four of us on this boat. You’re not going to make the guests do it themselves, are you?”

Lu Hewei knew she never said anything nice, and had deliberately chosen a boat that couldn’t carry servants so no one would see him embarrassed. Reluctantly, he poured the tea and shoved it over, causing the liquid to ripple in the cups.
Clearly, they both looked at each other with mutual dislike, yet still had to force a smile and endure. Anyone would be seething with rage.

But Chu Zaishuang paid no mind to his ashen face, and asked kindly, “Hong Li, what kind of Spiritual Herb did you want? Let’s go pick it now.”

“I…” Su Hongli saw Lu Hewei gritting his teeth in anger, and her tone became hesitant, unsure if she should speak.

“Can’t remember?” Chu Zaishuang said, “No worries, then let’s just pick the most expensive ones first. Which Spiritual Herb on this island sells for the highest price? Don’t be shy, just pick as you please.”

“That’s enough, this isn’t your home,” Lu Hewei shot Su Hongli a sidelong glance, looking down on her. “Not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry is qualified to pick herbs on Qiandu Island!”

The thought of the Lu Family’s painstaking efforts being handed over to a farmer’s daughter made him feel stifled and uncomfortable everywhere.

“Uncle Lu just said, others can’t pick, but I can,” Chu Zaishuang said loudly. “Why do you care if I’m a little cat or dog? Just take us to the Herb Field. It’s already generous enough that I didn’t ask you to help pick.”

“…”

How could there be such a shameless person in the world, taking other people’s polite words as the truth!

Su Hongli said, “Actually, I want some Spiritual Herbs that can’t be found outside.”

“Alright, alright, it’s all up to you. Why don’t we just sail around the island? If you see anything you want, just point it out. Senior Sister, do you have any objections?” Chu Zaishuang saw Qin Huan shake her head and decided, “Let’s see what’s on the island first, then decide what to pick. Otherwise, the Storage Bag might get filled up too soon.”

Lu Hewei was incredulous. “You actually brought a Storage Bag?”

Picking is one thing, but taking them away is another.

Chu Zaishuang patted her waist and suddenly realized, “Oh, actually, there’s no need to bring one. Qiandu Island must have Storage Artifacts too. We can just use the ones on the island, no need to worry about filling them up.”

“???”

All the way, Lu Hewei was fuming. Chu Zaishuang sat between Su Hongli and Qin Huan like a carefree playboy, lounging lazily against the chair as if she had no bones in her body, looking utterly at ease.

She would sometimes play with Su Hongli’s braid, sometimes lean on Qin Huan’s shoulder, and from time to time, with a grand gesture, bestow the Spiritual Herbs outside the window to the two of them. She looked extravagant, enjoying the company of beauties. It was as if Qiandu Island was her own, this place her private Herb Field for the two Female Cultivators, while Young Master Lu Hewei was just there to serve tea and pour water.

“Look at what you wrote to get on the island, then look at how you act now. Isn’t it inappropriate?” Lu Hewei couldn’t take it anymore. He took out the letter and flicked it so it rustled. “Just to covet my family’s Herb Field, you actually dared to write such words!”

The letter was full of coy, affected phrases typical of a young lady. He didn’t know where she copied such sappy lines from-probably just to annoy him. It almost made him spit out last night’s Elixir.

“Oh, see through it but don’t say it. That way, we can keep going. The letter was for the elders; everyone knows the truth. I don’t covet your family’s Herb Field, nor do I have anything else to covet, do I?” Chu Zaishuang looked him up and down with difficulty. “Mainly, your cultivation isn’t high, and your looks are just average. There’s really nothing about you worth coveting.”

“You-what-did-you-say!?”

“Alright, don’t make a fuss. You’re not losing out by following me. Otherwise, why would Uncle Lu be so eager?” Chu Zaishuang waved her hand, calm and collected. “You’ll get what you deserve. As for other matters, don’t meddle too much. Aren’t you always boasting about being from a prestigious family? Why are you so petty and narrow-minded? As a Male Cultivator, you should be more dignified and steady.”

Lu Hewei questioned, “Not losing out by following you? I’ll get what I deserve?”

“That’s right. Just manage the Herb Field well in the future. As for whom I give Spiritual Herbs to, it’s best you don’t ask too much. Don’t whine about it.” She lifted her chin slightly. “My mother is the Sect Leader of the Lotus Flower Sect, and my father is a cultivator of Nine Leaves. With my status, it’s normal for me to have some fun. You should be more understanding. For a Female Cultivator of my background, isn’t it only natural to have three, four, five, six, or seven companions around?”

“Don’t be so petty. Just focus on cultivating the Herb Field on Qiandu Island. As for which Male Cultivator or Female Cultivator I give rare Spiritual Herbs to, it doesn’t matter. Just hand them over. When I’m tired of playing, I’ll come back. If you can just endure it, a lifetime will pass in no time. Cultivators don’t live that long anyway!”

“You think I can endure you?” Lu Hewei gritted his teeth, veins bulging with anger. He had long forgotten his father’s instructions and, in a fit of rage, lunged at her. “I should have beaten you into submission back in the Lecture Hall!”

Su Hongli quickly stood up, trying to stop Lu Hewei. “Be careful!”

Qin Huan was about to make a move but was held back. She turned around in confusion, only to see Chu Zaishuang dart off, sprinting quickly toward the stern of the boat, her rapid footsteps making the boat rock violently.

Lu Hewei ignored the other two and immediately leapt up to chase her, refusing to let her go.

There were other boats on the water. The people on board saw a man and a woman facing off at the stern and cried out in alarm, “Young Master, you mustn’t fight on the boat!”

Lu Hewei emerged from the cabin, now furious beyond reason, ignoring the others’ advice. He was determined to catch Chu Zaishuang.

But she was no longer the same as before, now at the Three Leaves Late Stage, her movements agile as she darted up and down at the stern, even taunting him, “Really? Your cultivation is so much higher than mine, and this is all you’ve got?”

Lu Hewei leapt and threw a punch, shouting angrily, “Today, Fei Wanghuai isn’t here to save you!”

With a powerful stomp, the boat rocked, even affecting the two inside. Su Hongli and Qin Huan clung to the boat, startled and uncertain.

Chu Zaishuang silently recited an incantation, and as Lu Hewei jumped, she struck the boat as well!

Rippling Water Technique!

With a loud splash, water sprayed everywhere, and the delicate little boat capsized completely, startling the surrounding boats into drawing closer.

“Young Master! Young Master!” Others approached through the rippling green waves. “Someone fell into the water! Help!”

Beneath the surface, Qin Huan held her breath. Seeing that Chu Zaishuang and Su Hongli were unharmed, she skillfully swam away toward an empty spot, taking advantage of the chaos.