Chapter 43: The Beginning of Spiritual Infighting

On the ninth day, the morning breeze was slightly cool.

The seven-day Celebration Grand Ceremony had finally ended, and the once-boisterous Old Capital suddenly fell quiet, even its usual day-to-day liveliness gone.

Wang Sandong rarely woke up early today.

But today was Cui Jinnian’s wedding day, and since they were on good terms, he couldn’t just show up right at mealtime.

He also had to stop by the Zheng Clan to pick up the wedding gift from Zheng Xiao.

Just as he stepped out of the gate, he looked up and saw Wang Fa and Zheng Xiao standing outside, chatting.

Both of them turned to look at Wang Sandong at the same time.

“Oh, Grandpa, good morning.”

Wang Sandong greeted Wang Fa first, then looked at Zheng Xiao.

“I was just about to go find you.”

Zheng Xiao smiled and handed him a sword.

“It’s done, huh.”

Wang Sandong stated the obvious and immediately reached out to take it.

“Wow, it’s heavy.”

Wang Fa chuckled.

“You’re physically weak and have little strength, so of course it feels heavy.”

Stroking his white beard, he added, “A sword forged by the Nine Surnamed Kings—how fortunate for that second lad of the Cui family.”

Wang Sandong pulled the scabbard open and felt the chill from the blade.

Clicking his tongue, he said, “What a fine sword. I almost hate to part with it.”

It was naturally a joke.

Neither Wang Fa nor Zheng Xiao took it seriously.

Still, the two of them glanced at Wang Sandong, then exchanged a strange look.

Wang Sandong, looking down at the sword, didn’t notice their odd expressions.

He handed the sword to Wang Tong before looking up and asking, “Shall we go?”

“Let’s.”

Wang Fa said, then clasped his hands toward Zheng Xiao.

“You two go on ahead.”

Zheng Xiao returned the gesture and followed Wang Sandong into the carriage.

The carriage set off at a leisurely pace.

Curious, Wang Sandong asked Zheng Xiao, “What were you and my grandpa talking about?”

“Trivial matters.”

Zheng Xiao replied, then glanced at him and added, “I knew you woke up late, so I planned to wait at the gate. Your grandfather found out and came out to keep me company.”

Wang Sandong teased, “Since when does a grandfather come out to chat with his granddaughter-in-law?”

Zheng Xiao gave a tight-lipped smile, looked at Wang Sandong, and said with a laugh, “You look much better today.”

“Yeah?”

Wang Sandong laughed along, but inwardly he sighed. ‘

This extended menstrual cycle has finally ended completely, so it makes sense my complexion would improve. I was already weak to begin with, and having it last so many days with such heavy flow… if this keeps up, my body won’t be able to handle it.’

‘I need to go to the pharmacy later and get some medicine to regulate my body.’

‘At least I should try to reduce the number of days and the amount of blood loss.’

‘But ordinary herbs probably won’t work.’

‘Maybe I could try some combinations commonly used by Demonic Cultivators?’

‘Their Qi and blood circulation isn’t as strict as that of Spiritual Cultivators, so their medicine usage is much more bold…’

“But compared to an ordinary person, you still look a bit pale.”

Zheng Xiao’s words cut off Wang Sandong’s train of thought.

Wang Sandong snapped back to the present and replied offhandedly, “Deficiency in both Qi and blood—it’s normal to look pale. I’ll write a prescription later to regulate it.”

As he finished, he noticed the usual hint of worry between Zheng Xiao’s brows and suddenly remembered something.

He asked, “Is the Zither Emperor still in the Old Capital?”

Zheng Xiao shook her head, the worry in her brows turning into hatred, and said in a low voice, “Gone.”

‘Since the Zither Emperor has left, the case of Liu Seventh Miss’s murder is probably being dropped, right?’

Wang Sandong felt a bit relieved.

‘If there are no Emperors or Emperors in the Old Capital, as long as I don’t recklessly use Demonic Qi, no one should discover that I’m a Demonic Cultivator.’

After a brief pause, Wang Sandong couldn’t suppress his curiosity and asked in a seemingly casual tone, “Why did the Zither Emperor target the Zheng Clan?”

Many people had been asking this question recently.

Zheng Xiao wasn’t surprised that Wang Sandong asked. Without hesitation, she replied directly, “She wanted something from the Zheng Clan.”

Wang Sandong didn’t press further but speculated, “Something that would make the Zither Emperor go to such trouble, even kill for it… it must be extraordinary, right?”

When Zheng Xiao only nodded and said nothing, he knew she wouldn’t tell him what the Zither Emperor wanted.

He was curious, but then thought of Yuan Di, who was also very curious but knew when to hold back.

Compared to what the Zither Emperor wanted, Wang Sandong was more curious about whether Yuan Di had been turned into a eunuch as a child.

‘Probably not.’

‘Otherwise, her words last night, “I can satisfy you,” would have been nothing but boasting.’

‘Logically, that’s the case.’

‘But without solid evidence, I can’t shake the doubts.’

Wang Sandong also knew these doubts were meaningless.

Whether Yuan Di was male, female, or neither, it had nothing to do with him.

Yuan Di’s gender wouldn’t affect the lethality of her “Soul Severing Slash.”

And the only killing move he knew, “Soul Snatching,” seemed to be exactly countered by “Soul Severing Slash.”

‘In other words, if Yuan Di decides to kill me, I’ll have no means to resist.’

‘That moment will come sooner or later.’

‘They are the butcher’s knife, and I am the fish on the chopping block.’

‘I should eliminate Yuan Di as soon as possible—strike first!’

‘But I can’t let her, cornered like a desperate dog, drag me down with her.’

‘Can’t be too hasty mustn’t act recklessly.’

‘And yet, I’m afraid something unexpected might happen.’

‘What if she decides to kill me before my “Huitian” is fully mastered?’

‘I must be prepared.’

‘At least I need to have the strength to fight back.’

Thinking of this, Wang Sandong looked at Zheng Xiao sitting in the same carriage.

Zheng Xiao sat upright, her eyes slightly closed.

A corner of her mouth twitched, and she asked, “What?”

She hadn’t opened her eyes but sensed Wang Sandong’s gaze.

Wang Sandong laughed.

“Can’t I even look at my own wife?”

Zheng Xiao gave a wry smile.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t look.”

“By the way, didn’t you say you wanted to move in?”

Wang Sandong grinned.

“Let me be clear first—the whole having-children thing, I can’t help with that.”

He paused, then added, “And I’m used to sleeping alone.”

Zheng Xiao opened her eyes, glanced at Wang Sandong, let out a derisive laugh, and didn’t say anything, but her eyes held a trace of scrutiny.

Wang Sandong felt a little guilty under her gaze, then raised his voice.

“What are you laughing at? Are you coming or not?”

Zheng Xiao thought for a moment and replied, “We’ll see.”

Then she looked at Wang Sandong with a smile and said, “Young people’s thoughts are quite complicated too.”

“Are they? You’re mistaken. I’m an honest man. What thoughts could I have? I just don’t want to hold you back.”

Zheng Xiao pursed her lips in a smile, closed her eyes, and said nothing.

Wang Sandong also shut his mouth, mentally calculating the combat power of Zheng Xiao and Yuan Di.

‘The Nine Surnamed Kings are naturally no match for the Five Emperors.’

‘However, Yuan Di is no longer at her peak, so she definitely doesn’t have Nine Rank strength anymore.’

‘As for how many ranks she has left…’

‘Hard to say.’

‘Zheng Xiao is at Eight Rank. If she were to fight Yuan Di to the death, even if she couldn’t win, she certainly wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.’

‘Besides, the Old Capital is the domain of Spiritual Cultivators. Once two top experts start a battle, other Spiritual Cultivators are sure to come to help, so…’

‘If I can get Zheng Xiao to move into Anzhi Courtyard, it’s like having a powerful bodyguard.’

‘Yuan Di would never dare act rashly.’

‘And the Wang family still has Grandpa Wang Fa.’

‘Good.’

‘But…’

‘Relying on others is not as good as relying on yourself.’

‘Instead of entrusting my safety to others, it’s better to improve my own strength and protect myself.’

‘If I’m strong enough, even if “Soul Snatching” is countered by “Soul Severing Slash,” I can still use a sneak attack.’

‘If I’m lucky enough to kill Yuan Di… no more worries.’

The sound of firecrackers grew closer.

The Cui Mansion had arrived.

Zheng Xiao was the first to step out of the carriage.

After taking two steps forward, she suddenly remembered Wang Sandong, turned back, and extended her hand to him.

Wang Sandong hesitated for a moment, then took Zheng Xiao’s hand and got out of the carriage.

“My worthy nephew is here.”

The host—Cui Jinnian’s father—who was personally greeting guests at the door, said to Wang Sandong with a smile.

His gaze then fell on Zheng Xiao’s face.

“And this is my worthy nephew’s wife?”

“Good day, Uncle Cui.”

Wang Sandong quickly offered a greeting.

But Zheng Xiao only glanced at Cui’s father, nodded once, and neither bowed nor addressed him.

Cui’s father grumbled to himself, ‘That woman from the Zheng clan—so rude. And our Cui family even helped stop the Zither Emperor for their clan.’

But on the surface, he wasn’t annoyed and kept a smiling face.

He said to Wang Sandong, “Go on in quickly. Jinnian was just talking about you a moment ago.”

“Talking about me? Or looking forward to the gift I brought?”

Wang Sandong joked, then entered the mansion together with Zheng Xiao.

Inside the Cui Mansion, many guests had already arrived.

Although Wang Sandong wasn’t very sociable, he knew a few familiar faces.

He casually greeted them and went straight to find Cui Jinnian.

When they met, without any preamble, he handed over the wedding gift first.

Standing next to Cui Jinnian was Wang Yunteng, who had arrived early.

“Brother Teng, you’re here early.”

Wang Sandong smiled.

“Just got here too.”

Wang Yunteng replied, then bowed to Zheng Xiao.

Cui Jinnian, who had already learned of Zheng Xiao’s identity from Wang Yunteng, also bowed.

They just bowed, without speaking.

Because neither knew how to address Zheng Xiao.

Senior?

Or sister-in-law?

Neither seemed appropriate.

“We’re all family, no need for such formalities.”

Wang Sandong smiled.

“Go on, see if you like the gift.”

Cui Jinnian held the sword and smiled.

“I’m sure I will.”

It was a polite remark, but also his honest feeling—a sword forged by the Nine Surnamed King, Zheng the Butcher, using the Noble Spirit—even famous experts would love it, let alone a nobody like him.

Not because Zheng Xiao’s Artifact Forging skill was exceptionally high, but because a weapon forged by a king naturally carried an oppressive presence.

Moreover, the oppressive presence of the Noble Spirit was even stronger.

Swish!

The blade left the scabbard.

A flash of cold light appeared.

Cui Jinnian was momentarily stunned.

Wang Yunteng even took a step back, intimidated by the cold gleam.

The surrounding guests, who had been chatting and laughing noisily, suddenly fell silent.

Everyone looked over.

Those with discerning eyes immediately recognized the sword’s extraordinary nature.

Though the craftsmanship was only above average, the oppressive presence from the blade was absolutely rare.

“Not bad, right?”

Wang Sandong asked with a smile.

Cui Jinnian looked at Wang Sandong, his heart swirling with emotions.

His lips twitched twice, but the words of thanks never left his mouth.

He simply said, “Not bad.”

“Heh, glad you like it. Put it away.”

The blade slid back into the scabbard, and the chill vanished instantly.

Wang Yunteng let out a breath and praised, “A fine sword.”

Then he looked at Wang Sandong, puzzled.

“Third Brother, you were so close—why… why weren’t you affected?”

Wang Sandong was taken aback for a moment, then realized and said, “Ah… well… I was born without a Spiritual Root, so the oppressive presence of weapons doesn’t affect me.”

Wang Yunteng was half-convinced.

“Is that how it works?”

Zheng Xiao interjected, “She’s used to the feeling of oppression.”

She had been pondering this question since they left the Wang Mansion gate and had just figured it out.

“She’s too weak. She’s felt strong oppression since childhood.”

Wang Sandong glanced at Zheng Xiao and nodded.

“Correct. It’s like atmospheric pressure.”

Afraid of being questioned about “atmospheric pressure,” he quickly added, “Oh, Cui Er, where’s the bride? Let me take a look—how does she compare to mine?”

Cui Jinnian couldn’t help but laugh.

“I wouldn’t dare compare.”

Wang Sandong laughed along.

Seeing Wang Yunteng frown as if about to speak, he quickly interrupted, “Brother Teng, where’s my sister-in-law?”

It wasn’t that he was afraid of being questioned; he just didn’t want to explain.

Over the years, whenever he said something “strange,” he always had to explain.

He was tired of explaining.

“Over there, chatting with a group of women.”

Wang Yunteng replied.

“Let’s find a place to sit, shall we? Standing is too tiring.”

Over the years, Wang Sandong was always like this—if he could sit, he wouldn’t stand; if he could lie down, he wouldn’t sit—due to his weak constitution.

The tables and chairs for the banquet were already set up.

Wang Sandong found an empty table and sat down, complaining, “The chairs are too hard.”

Cui Jinnian laughed.

“Who has seats as soft as yours in Anzhi Courtyard?”

He waved at a servant, then sat down to keep them company.

“After today’s ceremony, I’ll set off for the New Capital tomorrow.”

“So soon?”

Wang Sandong said.

“I have to hold another ceremony there.”

Cui Jinnian said regretfully.

“It’s a pity your health won’t allow it—otherwise, I’d definitely have you come with me to the New Capital.”

As they were chatting, the crowd suddenly stirred.

The Lifetaking Swordsman had come out.

Everyone rushed to congratulate him.

The Lifetaking Swordsman responded briefly, then walked over to Zheng Xiao.

Zheng Xiao stood up, and the two exchanged bows.

The Lifetaking Swordsman said, “Please, join us inside.”

“No need.”

Zheng Xiao replied.

“It’s fine here.”

The Lifetaking Swordsman hesitated for a moment, then made a gesture of invitation, and sat down with Zheng Xiao.

The guests began to whisper among themselves.

Clearly, most people didn’t recognize Zheng Xiao and wondered who this young woman was.

The Lifetaking Swordsman looked at Wang Sandong and asked with a smile, “Child, how is your health?”

“Still okay. I shouldn’t die anytime soon.”

Wang Sandong replied.

“That’s good.”

The Lifetaking Swordsman said, studying Wang Sandong from head to toe, his smile complicated.

He had long heard the saying, “Third Young Master Wang outshines all the flowers,” and assumed it was an exaggeration.

Having seen him today, he realized the rumor was not unfounded.

In fact, sixteen years ago, the Lifetaking Swordsman had seen Wang Sandong as a baby.

A baby without a Spiritual Root who survived—such a rare thing naturally drew his curiosity.

Sixteen years later, he never imagined that baby, who had barely escaped death, would end up marrying the Righteous Butcher.

The Lifetaking Swordsman let out a breath and said to Wang Sandong, “You’re fortunate. There are those who seek but cannot obtain, yet you…”

He suddenly sensed Zheng Xiao’s sharp stare, his heart trembling, and quickly changed the subject.

“Where’s your grandfather? Why isn’t he here yet?”

“He should be coming soon.”

Wang Sandong replied.

Beside them, Cui Jinnian coughed dryly and said, “Um… you all chat. I’ll go greet the other guests.”

Before he even finished speaking, he had already turned around.

Sitting at the same table as his grandfather, the Lifetaking Swordsman, made him profoundly uncomfortable.

Wang Yunteng also wanted to leave, but his thoughts were a bit sluggish and he couldn’t think of a good excuse.

Just as he was about to force his way out, he heard Wang Sandong speak.

“Brother Teng, go fetch Sister-in-law and have her keep Zheng Xiao company.”

Wang Sandong smiled.

Wang Yunteng shot him a grateful look, stood up, and said, “I’ll go find her.”

After he hurried away, Zheng Xiao said, “You scared everyone away.”

The Lifetaking Swordsman was instantly mortified.

Even a dignified Nine Surnamed King didn’t fare better than an ordinary person when embarrassed.

He cleared his throat and made small talk.

“As for your wedding, according to Old Capital customs, if you want to make up for it with a proper ceremony, it’ll have to be three years from now, right?”

He glanced at Wang Sandong, as if wondering whether he would survive three years.

Zheng Xiao brushed it off.

“We’ll see.”

“Sigh, need it come to this?”

The Lifetaking Swordsman sighed.

“Wouldn’t it have been better to just give her what she wanted?”

Zheng Xiao’s eyes turned sharp again, and she said coldly, “You should go attend to your guests.”

The Lifetaking Swordsman grew even more embarrassed.

“Alright, alright, I won’t bring it up. Oh, that old rascal Wang Fa—why isn’t he here yet?”

He raised his voice on the last sentence.

“Are you that impatient to get beaten up?”

The voice arrived, and the person followed.

Wang Fa swept in like a gust of wind.

As he sat down, the surrounding breeze also settled.

The Lifetaking Swordsman waved his hand in front of his face, shooing away nonexistent dust, and said with disdain, “You could at least come without making such a ruckus.”

“Exactly.”

Wang Sandong silently agreed in his heart. Looking at these three king-level experts, he felt he should follow Cui Jinnian and Wang Yunteng’s example and find an excuse to leave.

Just as he was about to stand up, he heard Zheng Xiao speak.

“I will move into the Wang Mansion tomorrow.”

Wang Fa looked at Zheng Xiao, a trace of sorrow on his aged face.

He understood that Zheng Xiao moving into the Wang family was significant.

Perhaps after tomorrow, the peaceful days of the Wang family would come to an end.

Or perhaps they had already ended the day he got involved in the Zheng family’s affairs.

Letting out a soft sigh, Wang Fa said, “The Demon Sovereign’s words back then… unfortunately proved true.”

Before his “death,” the Demon Sovereign had spoken a sentence known only to a few.

Wang Sandong had happened to be “present.”

The Demon Sovereign said, “The day the Demonic Cultivators are destroyed will be the beginning of internal strife among the Spiritual Cultivators!”

The infighting had truly begun.

Wang Fa sighed again and looked at Wang Sandong, his eyes filled with a pang of heartache.

‘This child…’

‘Her Spiritual Root was taken away at birth.’

‘Not long ago, she risked her life to absorb the Demonic Qi that had been corroding her father, Wang Zhongyi.’

‘Now, she’s become a sacrificial pawn in the game of the powerful…’

‘Sigh… never mind.’

‘If what Zheng Xiao said earlier is true, and she’s really willing to leave an heir to Wang Sandong…’

‘That’s not necessarily a bad thing.’