Chapter 281: Mind and Body Divided, What Agony

Gou’er was lost. After choosing this path, he could no longer decide where to go, because he was not the person he used to be.

The battles within oneself are often the most painful and agonizing of all.

Tu Hu presided over Demon Realm. Seeing its current decline, he made the decision to select a new Demon King by merit and strength.

This also aimed to strengthen his own control over Demon Realm.

After the incident with Toad Demon King, caution was necessary. Moreover, Chen Changsheng had cleared many obstacles for him earlier, so things now proceeded much more smoothly.

After several days, the Thirty-Six Caves became lively.

The day arrived for the grand contest in Demon Realm.

All those above the Sixth Realm gathered in the Thirty-Six Caves, eager to compete.

Far in the valley, Chen Changsheng was listening to Qing Tianyou play his music.

Chen Changsheng asked, “Demon Realm is choosing a new Mountain Lord. Aren’t you going to try?”

Qing Tianyou shook his head. “Not interested. Compared to that, I much prefer the life you lead now. More peaceful.”

Chen Changsheng chuckled upon hearing this. “This is called having no ambition; you shouldn’t learn from me.”

Qing Tianyou laughed. “Who dares to say you’re without ambition?”

Chen Changsheng tucked his hands behind his head. “People often say with greater ability comes more responsibility. That someone with unmatched power will inevitably come into the spotlight. But I alone prefer nestling on my mountain, tending my temple. Sipping tea and wine, visiting old friends. That’s nice enough for me.”

Qing Tianyou thought for a moment. “Is this what they call the ‘human touch’?”

Chen Changsheng considered this. “I suppose that counts.”

The fighting in the Thirty-Six Caves was fierce and intense.

In the shadows beneath a nearby tree, a figure in a wooden carved mask stood with folded arms. Dappled light filtering through the mask revealed eyes streaked with exhaustion and blood.

A crimson blood bead hovered above his open palm.

He hesitated, trembling. He stretched out his hand.

His wrist bore dozens of overlapping scars. Over and over again, who knew how many times he had endured this.

The young man gritted his teeth and fused that blood bead into his own flesh.

An instant later, a ragged scream tore from his throat.

The aura of an Eighth-Realm Great Demon erupted from him. Its power felt nearly visible, a crushing wave washing outward…

…

That very day, chaos erupted in Demon Realm.

It was said an Eighth-Realm Great Demon emerged. Within mere moments, he ripped apart over a dozen Sixth and Seventh-Realm Great Demons. Only when the Mountain Lord himself intervened was he stopped.

And this Eighth-Realm Great Demon became the first Demon King since the re-establishment of the Thirty-Six Caves’ Mountain Lordship.

…

When Chen Changsheng saw Gou’er again,

he had already become Peak Lord of Second Peak in Demon Realm.

But beneath that Faceless Mask, he could no longer resemble a human.

So much so, that Gou’er was unwilling to ever remove it again.

Seeing the thick demonic aura clinging to him, Chen Changsheng asked, “In your estimation, how long can you last?”

Gou’er opened his mouth, then said, “Perhaps… only three to five years.”

Chen Changsheng looked at him. “That is probably the best outcome.”

Gou’er lowered his head. Yes… three to five years would be a reprieve. Maybe he wouldn’t even hold on that long.

“Before I go completely mad… I will return to Divine Domain.”

“What if you can’t go back?”

Gou’er paused. Thinking it over, he gave this answer:

“…I don’t know.”

Chen Changsheng said, “I thought you might wreak havoc.”

Gou’er looked at Chen Changsheng. Why… were his eyes stinging so?

“Do you think, Mr. Chen… that all I can do now, all I am fit for… is killing? Killing demons? Killing people?…”

Gou’er’s arm trembled. Beneath the mask, his eyes were filled with pain and shame.

Chen Changsheng offered a gentle smile. “Being able to tell yourself apart… that would be for the best.” He pushed a cup of tea forward.

Gou’er silently took the cup and drained it in one gulp.

After the tea, he gradually grew calmer.

Gou’er exhaled deeply. The uncontrollable stench of blood within him seemed to slowly recede.

“Thank you, sir.”

With that, Gou’er rose and turned to leave.

This time, he paused and looked back, adding quietly:

“…Mr. Chen?”

Chen Changsheng lifted his head to look at him.

Gou’er said, “From the very beginning… I never intended to kill anyone. Or any demon. The only time… the only time was when I was almost eaten alive by a Snake Demon. I acted then because I had no choice. I didn’t… I didn’t…”

The eyes gazing at Chen Changsheng through the mask were red-rimmed, wet. But he couldn’t find the words to continue.

Gou’er said nothing more. He turned and walked away.

He never returned to that place again.

The Wooden Carved Mask became part of his face, fused to it. It could no longer be removed.

Watching his retreating figure, Chen Changsheng sighed softly. He shook his head and remained silent.

When Qing Tianyou saw Gou’er this time, the crease between his brows deepened.

“The stench of blood on him is thick,” Qing Tianyou remarked. “He’s been killing many demons lately.”

Chen Changsheng spoke up. “When I first knew him, he was someone who couldn’t bear to see suffering. Who had never harbored the urge to kill. He is still that person to this day.”

“But…”

Qing Tianyou paused. Suddenly, he understood. He turned to look at Chen Changsheng, asking, “He feels the same… about demons?”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “In his eyes, humans and demons… they carry the same weight.”

Qing Tianyou’s fingers tensed. He lifted his gaze to the young man walking away from the valley.

“Mind and body divided…”

Qing Tianyou murmured to himself, “Were it me… I would have lost my sanity long ago.”

Chen Changsheng waved a dismissive hand. “Fate touches each differently. It was his choice.”

He shifted the topic. “By the way, I need to make a trip to Divine Domain soon.”

“Why?” Qing Tianyou asked.

Chen Changsheng glanced at the Wine Gourd on his hip. “There’s a tavern keeper there. Her Demon-bile Wine is brewed unlike any other. I need to replenish my supply.”

Qing Tianyou studied him. “Exiting might be difficult recently. Many demons are garrisoned beyond our borders.”

“Nothing binds Chen Changsheng,” he said simply.

Qing Tianyou stared, then laughed softly. “True. For you, all mountains are the same shade of green. There’s nowhere you cannot go.”

Given the tension in Demon Realm, Qing Tianyou decided against joining him. Once Chen Changsheng departed, he rarely stayed in the valley. Most days, he transformed into an Azure Eagle, soaring high above.

Qing Tianyou hardly ever stayed still for long. The only times he paused… the only anchor… was when Chen Changsheng was there.

…

A flash pierced the air as an Immortal Sword left Demon Realm’s defensive zone. In the blink of an eye, it entered Divine Domain.

This cemetery hadn’t changed a bit since he’d left. Death Qi hung thick and heavy.

The Tavern wasn’t busy. Because of the chaos in Demon Realm, most folks were garrisoned along the Fortress Wall.

Du A’niang idled in her tavern, napping. Perhaps she hoped someone would stroll in to bicker with her.

“Tap… tap…”

Footsteps startled Du A’niang awake.

Seeing the visitor, she gasped and sat bolt upright.

“You?! You there—”

Chen Changsheng set his Gourd down on the counter. “Can I trouble you to fill this? Put it on my tab.”