Chapter 53: The Most Evil Deed

Ripples soon appeared in the northern sky, as if clouds were stirred away by some force. Within these ripples, several men in wide robes could be seen. The instant they appeared in the void, they were already before the mountain. Then, they descended from the high heavens, landing gently before the Demon Valley. Their energies washed outward.

“We greet you, Elder Mentors and Instructors…”

It was the White Xiang Academy teachers who arrived. They had received the report from the escapee Disciple and did not dare be careless. While other matters might not have warranted such attention, news of someone refining Human Elixir sent them rushing here.

Leading them was the Elder Mentor Zhong Yue. Behind him were Master Lan Shuang and four other Instructors.

A single Human Elixir cauldron had already drawn the attention of one Elder Mentor and five Instructors.

“No need for formalities. Were any of you hurt?”

Elder Mentor Zhong Yue and the others strode quickly forward upon reaching the valley entrance, his voice cold as he asked.

The Academy Disciples hurriedly answered, “No casualties! At most, minor wounds that will heal after rest!”

Master Lan Shuang cast a questioning glance toward Fang Cun, who subtly shook his hand no.

Old Elder Zhong Yue reached the cauldron. He looked at the evil vessel covered in strange witch-like patterns, then at the Human Elixir pulsing with unnatural life within. His face gradually darkened. The Instructors behind him also remained silent, their reactions making it clear they instantly recognized the Elixir inside. They knew the Disciples were right. This was indeed a Human Elixir!

“Unimaginable that after more than ten years, we witness such evil deeds again here…”

Old Elder Zhong Yue’s voice grew thick with anger as he spoke, “Who dares commit such an abomination? Who scorns the edicts of our Academy and the city government? Who dares carry out this terrifying thing in the lands of Willow Lake City?”

Everyone listened in absolute silence, not daring to utter a word.

Over a decade ago, Willow Lake City had faced similar horrors. Back then, the Former Head of White Xiang Academy, now the City Governor’s uncle, faced his impending death. Unwilling to accept it, he unleashed a tiger demon in the Southern Mountains. That creature stole people’s Innate Qi to refine a Demon Core.

While Qi Refiners hated demons for their ability to steal the innate energy essential for cultivation, there was always another side. Some secretly reared demons, allowing them to gather Innate Qi from victims to refine Demon Cores, which they then consumed to bolster their own power.

Demon Cores refined this way became rare treasures for Qi Refiners due to their purity—nearly equivalent to raw Innate Qi. The process, however, involved demonic energy and an extra step, reducing their potency. The benefit lay in concealment; they could be disguised, slipping past notice like a fake pearl replacing a real one.

The Former Academy Head allowed the Tiger Demon to rampage, using its power to harvest Innate Qi from citizens and refine it into Demon Cores for his own life extension. But that scheme was uncovered by the then-student of White Xiang Academy, the Little Immortal Master Fang Chi. Sword in hand, he confronted the Tiger Demon in the Southern Mountains, slew it, and uncovered the truth. Upon returning to the Academy, he publicly challenged the then-Academy Head, exposing the scandal to everyone…

The incident became a huge disgrace. White Xiang Academy’s reputation plummeted, becoming a laughingstock among the prefectures. Yet, who could have imagined that barely more than a decade later, another evil practitioner emerged, committing this atrocity of refining people into Human Elixir?

Worse, his cruelty surpassed the old scandal’s! Unleashing a tiger demon to steal Innate Qi and refine a Demon Core harmed a person’s foundation. But refining a Human Elixir consumed their very soul. Refining a Demon Core ruined a person’s current life. Refining a Human Elixir robbed them of their next life as well… If this became widely known, who could predict how other regions would view Willow Lake City and White Xiang Academy?

…

“I will report this evil deed to the Academy Head! We will investigate it to the end!”

Old Elder Zhong Yue bellowed in fury, sweeping his sleeve. An invisible force immediately enveloped the Alchemy Cauldron. The unseen energy expanded outward. Loud cracks followed, shattering even the Tiger Head Array Guardians surrounding the valley.

As if drained by the act, Elder Zhong Yue visibly calmed. He turned his gaze to the Disciples.

“This time, you used the disappearance of the Elm Coin Town residents to trace the evidence of Human Elixir refinement. That merits great praise!”

Upon hearing this, the Academy Disciples instinctively straightened, pride surging through them.

Immediately, Academy Elders and Instructors meticulously examined the details around the valley. Afterwards, they sealed the entire area. They took the Human Elixir, the crucial evidence, and prepared to return to the Academy with the Disciples. During this time, Elder Zhong Yue and the Instructors questioned the students multiple times about the events. Facing a matter this grave, everyone detailed the truth without holding back.

“The bandits conveniently attacked and broke the array for you?”

Old Elder Zhong Yue frowned slightly upon hearing this and glanced at Fang Cun.

After a moment of thought, however, he shook his head, ultimately dismissing the idea’s likelihood. He let it pass.

He said, “You have truly earned exceptional merit on this mission. The Academy will reward you shortly. Additionally, recognizing your efforts battling demons, enduring the Demonic Array’s strain, we grant you three days of rest. Focus on recovering your strength. As for the Human Elixir matter, fear not. The Academy and the City Governor will pursue it relentlessly! The perpetrators will be brought to justice!”

The Disciples responded with a unified shout. Morale lifted, banishing the gloom that lingered after their struggle in the Demonic Array.

At this point, a middle-aged man dressed like a scholar—evidently a Secretary from under the City Governor, who had just arrived from Willow Lake City—smiled and addressed the students. “Young masters, your discovery is laudable and admirable! However, a strict order follows: you must keep the discovery of the Human Elixir traces absolutely secret. Do not leak half a word of it, even to your closest family!”

“What?”

The Disciples looked puzzled. Didn’t their success tracing a Human Elixir plot from mere disappearances earn them glory? Why silence them now?

“To avoid alerting the guilty!”

The Secretary offered no further explanation, merely answering with a smile.

Some Disciples seemed to understand and nodded. Others grinned knowingly at their peers. Still others remained quiet.

Fang Cun, staying meekly within the group, grasped the logic well. Barely over ten years had passed since the scandal involving the tiger demon in the Southern Mountains. Now another Human Elixir case surfaces? How would that affect White Xiang Academy and Willow Lake City’s reputation? Should it provoke the Nine Immortals Sect into investigation, would things remain easy for the Academy Head and the City Governor?

“You may now return to your homes or dormitories. The Academy will summon you if needed.”

With these instructions, the Instructors prepared to dismiss the Disciples.

As the group began to disperse, Fang Cun stepped forward to inform the Academy: while in the mountains, he had accidentally captured a Little Fox Girl. He intended to take her home for care. The Instructors, familiar with the popular trends among noble houses in Zhaoge and knowing the Qi Refiner custom that those who captured demons kept them—whether raising or killing them—saw no issue.

However, catching a brief glimpse of the Little Fox Girl sheltering shyly behind Fang Cun’s leg, they couldn’t help but marvel inwardly: This Second Young Master Fang is truly capable. He finds such beauty even in desolate mountains…

Relieved by the Academy’s permission, Fang Cun cheerfully prepared to take the little Fox Demon back to his residence.

“You intend to keep the little Fox Girl at home?”

Walking slowly on the road, Meng Zhixue slowed her pace to walk beside Fang Cun, asking softly. The recent experiences seemed to have dampened her spirits; her mood felt low.

Fang Cun smiled back, “Something against it?”

Meng Zhixue stayed silent briefly before asking softly, “Second Young Master Fang, what do you think about this Human Elixir matter?”

Fang Cun chuckled lightly, “This matter lies with the Elder Mentor and Instructors. What concern is it of ours?”

“Sigh…”

Meng Zhixue sighed faintly, seeming to hold back words. Turning to him suddenly, she said, “Second Young Master Fang, during this mountain chase, we acted hot-headedly, led by the nose. Your clear thinking truly helped us all. I… I won’t hide it. Before you joined the Academy, our Nanshan Alliance held high hopes for you. Inviting you into the mountains this time to confront the demon… well, actually…”

“I understand.”

Fang Cun cut her off softly with a smile. “Given my past reputation, you wished to see my true nature – if I deserved joining the Nanshan Alliance. But you needn’t worry, Fairy Meng. While I respect the Nanshan Alliance’s existence and was drawn to it, this venture showed me how inadequate my skills remain. I won’t join and burden your group.”

He paused slightly, then added, “As for everything that happened in the mountains… honestly, I dislike the spotlight.”

“Oh…”

Meng Zhixue obviously froze for a moment. Gradually, understanding seemed to dawn, bringing a touch of regret to her face. She nodded softly. “I understand…” She quickened her steps, walking ahead, then suddenly turned back. Glancing at the Little Fox Girl nestled in Fang Cun’s arms, she spoke gently, “Fox Demons usually live in groups. Take care, Second Young Master Fang, bringing her back.”

“Sigh…”

Watching her retreating figure, Fang Cun sighed, tightening his hold on the Little Fox Girl. “You must remember, never grow as wooden as her.”

“Mmm…” Surprisingly, the Little Fox Girl whimpered a tiny sound of agreement.