Chapter 70: Demon... He's Nothing But a Demon

"Why are you here?" Liuyue asked, unable to keep herself from glancing around the plain little house, her cold, austere face showing its usual indifference. In truth, she didn't need an answer; he could guess. This was surely a servant's quarters.

A servant? He found her identity quite satisfactory. If he spared just one more servant, it would be inconsequential, though his employer had demanded no survivors.

As Liuyue's mind wandered, Jin'er on the bed suddenly lunged at him, trying to snatch the sword from his hand. But with a casual sidestep, she missed, lost her balance, and tumbled from the bed, her forehead striking the floor hard.

Ignoring the pain, she struggled to rise, intent on fighting him, but her clumsy fists were less impressive than street performers to Liuyue's eyes.

After dodging twice, he finally grew impatient, grabbing her frail fist in his hand. "You're overestimating yourself." His voice was cold as ice.

"I'll kill you! You bastard!" Jin'er, her eyes red with tears, raged, but no matter how furious she was, she couldn't hurt him in the slightest, nor even free her hand from his grasp.

In that moment, she hated herself—hated her own helplessness, her uselessness, after more than two years.

Just then, Liuyue could no longer tolerate her frenzy. With a flick of his finger, Jin'er was immobilized where she stood.

"Let me go! What are you doing?! If you have the guts, kill me!" Jin'er shouted as Liuyue lifted her onto his shoulder and strode toward the door.

"Let me go! Bastard!" Jin'er screamed, struggling, her gaze desperately following Madam Lin's corpse as it receded, the pain in her heart intensifying.

"Madam! Madam!" Jin'er's cries of heartbreak echoed through the courtyard, but the surroundings remained eerily silent, the stillness unsettling. Gradually, Jin'er sensed something was wrong, stopped shouting, and looked around.

Under the dim, hazy moonlight, the doors of more than a dozen rooms stood open, darkness within, but the faint scent of blood hung in the air, fueling her dread.

She shivered, goosebumps rising. Trembling, she asked, "How many did you kill? Did you slaughter everyone in this courtyard?"

"You are the last in the Liu residence." Liuyue continued walking, his tone cold, tinged with annoyance.

He felt as if he'd awoken from a dream—he hadn't killed her, but was taking her away instead. Why, when facing her, did he always act out of character?

He never pitied the weak, nor left loose ends. Yet he made exceptions for her, just as he once inexplicably gave her food. Such irrationality unsettled him, left him frustrated, and a bit helpless.

His master once told him he'd have an adversary in his fate—could it be her? No, impossible. He didn't believe it. Even if it were true, it couldn't be this little girl. Yet...what was he doing now?

While Liuyue wrestled with his thoughts, Jin'er on his shoulder ceased her shouting and struggling. She stared, dazed, as the desolate, silent courtyard faded from view, watching the blood-soaked corpses along the way, her heart numbing in the cold.

The entire Liu residence? He had slaughtered everyone? The master, the lady, every maid, servant, guard, her own Madam Lin, and...Ying'er?

The silence was suffocating, broken only by his steady, calm footsteps. The scent of blood seemed suspended in the air, brushing Jin'er's nose, making her stomach churn.

A demon...he was a demon...Unable to bear it, Jin'er fainted.

When she awoke again, it was already midday.

Opening her eyes, she found herself lying on a bed. She turned her head—no one was in the room, but the sound of a waiter calling outside suggested she was in an inn.

"Hiss..." Jin'er tried to sit up, but pain in her head stopped her. She reached up and felt soft bandages.

She withdrew her hand, lay back, and stared blankly at the white canopy above. If not for the wound on her head, she might have thought all those horrors were just nightmares. She wished it had all been a dream, that she could live forever in the cold palace, accompanied by her mother and Madam Lin, content in that simple life.

But fate would not allow it.

She had vowed never to compromise with destiny, never to show weakness, no matter how it tormented her. With this thought, Jin'er forced herself to suppress her despair and grief, steeling herself to calmly consider her next steps.

Meanwhile, the streets and alleys throughout the prefecture were abuzz with whispers of a shocking event: the former richest man in the Wood Kingdom, Master Liu, and his entire family, had been wiped out overnight. Hundreds of branches nationwide had also suffered bloody attacks in a single night.

Such a coordinated operation, all carried out silently in the middle of the night—what immense power and meticulous planning must have been behind it? It could only be the work of someone who had provoked a ruthless figure in the martial world—or perhaps only the imperial court could wield such power.

But if it was the court, why would they act so mercilessly? Speculation arose that it might be linked to the restoration movement. Despite Wood Kingdom's loss of popular support, some loyalists continued their resistance in secret—a fact everyone tacitly acknowledged.

Thinking this way, it seemed less surprising. The general in this prefecture had recently been troubled by the restorationists, unable to sit at ease.

Though it was all speculation, no one dared claim certainty. Yet fear of the Jin Kingdom's court grew in everyone's hearts—which was exactly what Nangong Che and his associates hoped to see.

At that moment, in the general's mansion, Nangong Che was in good spirits, enjoying dessert while listening to reports of success from various regions.

"Excellent. You may go," Nangong Che said calmly.

"Yes!" The man obeyed and quickly withdrew.

"Your Highness, what about the remaining stragglers?" the general asked.

Nangong Che smiled, raising an eyebrow. "Just a few strays—times are tense, they wouldn't dare show themselves. If they're sensible, our Jin will tolerate them; if not, it's never too late to deal with them. With Liu's backing gone and so many agents in the businesses lost, I doubt they have strength to stir trouble. But you mustn't let your guard down—if you see any signs or resurgence, act swiftly to eradicate them!"

"Yes, I will do my utmost!"

Nangong Che nodded slightly, picked up a small pastry, and popped it in his mouth, his face showing satisfaction.

——————————

With a creak, the door opened and closed gently.

Jin'er turned to see Liuyue returning, carrying a tray of food.

She struggled to sit up, fixing him with a cold stare. "Why didn't you kill me?"

Liuyue placed the food on the table, not even glancing at her. "Get up and eat."

"I'm asking you a question!" Jin'er gritted her teeth, glaring at him furiously.

Liuyue slowly raised his eyes, coldly meeting hers. "Do you think you have the right to question me? If you want to die, there's a sword." With that, he placed his sword on the table with a loud clatter.

Jin'er trembled slightly, eyeing the blood-stained weapon with disgust, saying nothing.

Who said she wanted to die? She wanted to live! To survive and avenge Ying'er and Madam Lin!

Taking a deep breath, Jin'er got out of bed, sat at the table, picked up bowl and chopsticks, and ate voraciously, her delicate, pain-marked face set in unwavering resolve.

Health is the foundation of revolution, she thought. Her journey was still long.

When she finished eating, Jin'er wiped her mouth, turned to Liuyue, and said coolly, "Take me with you. Teach me martial arts. You owe me that."

Liuyue raised an eyebrow in surprise, turning to look at her—her face was cold, her eyes firm, serious, brooking no refusal.

When he didn't respond, Jin'er sneered, mocking, "What? Afraid I'll learn and take revenge? Are you scared of a little girl?" She emphasized the word "afraid."

Though he recognized her provocation, Liuyue, after staring at her for a while, finally said, "Fine."

At his answer, Jin'er's eyes flickered, and she felt a secret relief. She wouldn't make the same foolish mistake as last night—she would bide her time. She feared he'd refuse and leave her behind as before.

This demon had silently slaughtered everyone in the Liu residence; if he vanished, it could take her years to find him again—how could she avenge herself? Better to stay near him, learn his skills, and wait for the right moment.

She still had four antidotes. If she could kill him within two months, so much the better; if not, she could temporarily set aside revenge and seek out Mo Yan for protection. With this resolve, Jin'er clenched her fists, steeling herself.

Though she resented him for making her a poison slave while pursuing him, had they met differently—if he hadn't killed everyone in Liu's mansion and encountered her by chance on a street—she might have felt less hatred. After all, he had once been her lifeline in despair, and had saved her again.

But now he had killed Madam Lin and Ying'er—the two most important people in her life. How could she not seek revenge?

Lost in thought, Jin'er didn't realize her murderous intent had already been noticed by Liuyue.

Even knowing she couldn't succeed, he felt a vague discomfort.

She used to be a sweet, lovely girl—he still remembered that morning, when she ate the wild fruit he'd given her, smiling up at him, her dimples charming.

But now...such expressions didn't belong to her. He didn't want this antagonism.

Let it be, he thought. Let things run their course. Liuyue took a deep breath and rose to leave.

The door was half open when he paused, glanced back, and said, "We leave in half an hour." Then he left, closing the door softly behind him.

Jin'er sighed quietly, stood up, and noticed a set of pale pink clothes on the table.

She paused, looked down at herself—she wore only her underclothes from last night.

But she wasn't embarrassed; what ancient people considered underclothes, modern people saw as conservative outerwear.

Jin'er shrugged off such trivial thoughts, unfolded the new clothes, and put them on. After smoothing a few creases, she suddenly stopped.

Oh no—her medicine! Still under the pillow!

Annoyed, Jin'er hurried to the door, peered out, but Liuyue was nowhere to be seen. She could only return to wait.

About half an hour later, Liuyue returned.

"Help me retrieve something from my bed, under the pillow," Jin'er said as soon as he entered.

Liuyue looked at her coldly. "No. Whatever you need, I'll buy."

"No! I must have it!" Jin'er insisted.

Seeing her determination, Liuyue hesitated, then inexplicably relented.

Damn it—did he really owe her?

"Tonight, we'll fetch it. We'll leave tomorrow morning." He said gruffly, turning to go, slamming the door behind him.

Angry? Hmph, let him stew! Jin'er cursed silently, then lay down for a good sleep.

Since arriving in the prefecture half a year ago, she'd kept a tight schedule and lacked rest. Today, with her mood and head wounded, she decided to indulge herself.

Just one day—from tomorrow, she'd work even harder. Jin'er made her resolution as she drifted to sleep.

She dreamed—Madam Lin and Ying'er smiled and beckoned. She ran to them, but couldn't get closer, running endlessly in place, sweating in frustration.

Then the scene shifted—Madam Lin lay bloodied on the ground, Ying'er beside her, also covered in blood. Jin'er screamed, wept, and finally woke, panting, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Her head throbbed painfully from tension. She lay staring at the white canopy for half the afternoon.

Dinner was brought by a waiter, who cleared away the midday dishes. Liuyue didn't appear until late night.

Jin'er lay in bed for ages before finally succumbing to sleep.

Early next morning, she woke out of habit, washed up, and Liuyue finally appeared.

She nervously took the bundle he handed her—her needles and antidote were there. Relieved, she tucked them close to her chest. From now on, she would carry the antidote always.

Liuyue watched her anxious behavior, curious about the little porcelain vial. He knew it was medicine, but not whether for poison or something else.

"Where are we going?" Jin'er asked as they left the inn.

"Stop talking," Liuyue replied, not looking at her.

"You—" Jin'er fumed, unable to retort, forcing herself to calm down.

Liuyue went to buy a horse. Mounting it, he held out a hand for Jin'er.

She balked at the intimacy of sharing a horse, stubbornly unmoving.

Liuyue seemed to sense her reluctance, withdrew his hand, and with a flick of the whip, sped off.

"Hey!" Jin'er shouted, chasing after him in panic.

Damn him! Was he reneging?

Jin'er, anxious, ran desperately after him. Luckily, they were on a busy street and he wasn't riding fast; she managed to keep within a few meters of the horse's tail. Bystanders watched her like a spectacle, adding to her embarrassment.

"Stop, stop!" Jin'er panted, but he showed no sign of slowing.

She chased him all the way to the city gate.

Outside, she saw neither man nor horse, but then spotted him waiting by the wall.

Breathless, legs heavy as lead, Jin'er approached him, not daring to delay.

Liuyue still wore his icy expression, but Jin'er was sure she saw a hint of smug amusement in his eyes. Though she wanted to lash out, she restrained herself.

Revenge can wait ten years, a hero must bend and endure... Jin'er consoled herself, glaring at him, and offered her hand.

Liuyue grasped her hand and lifted her onto the horse in front of him.

Before she could adjust her seat, he whipped the horse onward.

"Ah!" Jin'er cried, instinctively clinging to him.

Liuyue stiffened, his chest tightening, Jin'er annoyed, adjusted herself, then merely grasped his collar, avoiding further contact.

Still, they were close, and with the horse's jolts, she was bounced against him again and again.

Jin'er was frustrated, wishing she had a dagger—to stab him right now!

Thus, she endured the awkwardness and discomfort, battered by the saddle and her own regrets. Riding was not as pleasant as she'd imagined.

In this state, she followed him over mountains and through valleys. Though unfamiliar with the land, after three days she learned from locals' conversations that they had arrived in Earth Kingdom, Wood Kingdom's neighbor.

If Jin Kingdom was now the strongest in the Five Spirits Continent, Earth Kingdom was not far behind, having taken a third of Wood Kingdom's territory.

"Where are you taking me?" Jin'er finally asked at dinner, "Are you from Earth Kingdom?"

Liuyue glanced at her coldly. "Almost. It's a place suitable for martial training." His only words in three days.

Jin'er raised her eyebrows and fell silent.

"Can you tell me why?" After a long pause, she asked again.

Liuyue looked at her, unsure what she meant.

"Liu residence," Jin'er said, feeling her chest tighten, barely able to speak.

Liuyue frowned, poured himself wine, and answered, "Paid to solve problems."

Jin'er was startled—she should have guessed he was a mercenary, hence his coldness and murderous aura.

"Who hired you? Why slaughter them all?" Jin'er asked urgently. If he was merely an assassin, the mastermind was even more culpable.

"Confidential." Those two words shattered her hope for revenge.

"Tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone you said it!" Jin'er insisted, suddenly embarrassed by her childishness.

Liuyue scoffed and ignored her.

"Hey! Don't you understand the pain of losing family? At least tell me who hurt them!" Jin'er grew agitated, raising her voice and drawing curious looks from nearby tables.

Liuyue drained his wine and refilled his cup. "Sorry, I have no family." So, he couldn't understand her pain.

Jin'er was stunned, unsure how to respond.

It seemed she could not get answers from him.

The waiter brought their food, and they ate in silence.

After four more days of travel, they finally reached their destination. But when Jin'er stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing at the snowy expanse, her heart sank.

"This is your 'suitable place for martial training'?" Jin'er wanted to kick him off the mountain.

She hated and feared cold, especially since the Silver Serpent poison afflicted her monthly with chilling agony. Now he brought her to a snow-covered mountain?

"Cold strengthens the will. Besides, if you keep training, you won't feel it," Liuyue said, walking ahead.

Jin'er rolled her eyes, wrapped herself tighter in her coat, and followed.

Fortunately, the snow was not deep, only covering her feet, so walking wasn't too hard. She resolved to avenge herself and leave this icy place as soon as possible.

They climbed a winding path, then took a side trail to a wooden cabin with a broad yard, its roof buried in snow.

Liuyue, a wanderer, kept residences in several countries—places to rest or retreat for a time. This Snow Haven was one of his favorites, where he stayed most often.

Jin'er followed him inside, finding the cabin simple but well-equipped. The only thing she disliked was the single bedroom—and, of course, the single bed.

She wasn't fool enough to expect a cold-blooded killer to give her the bed, and could already foresee herself bedding down on the floor through countless frigid nights.

As she despaired, Liuyue handed her a bundle of supplies bought in the town below. "Go put things away. You can make lunch now."

Jin'er glared at him, took the bundle, and stormed to the kitchen.

How could her fate be so bitter—living with her enemy, cooking and cleaning for him? Never mind, she would endure for revenge.

With this resolve, Jin'er started preparing lunch.

After much effort, she served the dishes. Before she could sit down, Liuyue produced a silver needle, testing each dish for poison.

Jin'er stared in disbelief.

He tested for poison? After all her hard work? And she'd just thought of poisoning him herself—mixing a few drops of her blood in his food would surely kill him, as even venomous snakes feared her blood. She planned to wait until after learning martial arts for a month or so. But he was so cautious, testing every dish!

Frustrated, Jin'er watched as Liuyue finally ate, savoring a piece of braised pork.

He seemed satisfied. Hmph! She would get her chance eventually.

——————————

After lunch and a half-hour's rest, Jin'er eagerly asked Liuyue to teach her martial arts.

They went outside, and Liuyue told her to sit.

"On the ground? It's all snow!" Jin'er protested.

"A disciple must obey the master!" Liuyue said sternly.

Jin'er pursed her lips and sat cross-legged, thinking, "Master? Dream on!"

"Focus—clear your mind," Liuyue instructed.

Jin'er took a deep breath and closed her eyes. How could she clear her mind with her enemy before her? Perhaps closing her eyes would help.

She tried to calm herself, and Liuyue began reciting the meditation. Jin'er concentrated on memorizing and understanding, soon forgetting the cold, the snow, and the biting wind.

The afternoon passed quickly. When she finally opened her eyes and tried to stand, her feet were numb with cold.

"Not bad—you have some talent. This meditation builds inner strength; practice it often. I'll teach you swordsmanship tonight. Go make dinner." With that, Liuyue went inside.

Jin'er rubbed her legs, glared at him, then limped to the kitchen.

At dinner, Liuyue again tested each dish before eating. Jin'er expected this, so she wasn't as angry as at lunch.

Afterwards, Liuyue taught her swordsmanship. When they finished, Jin'er was relegated to the floor. Disliking sharing a room, she packed up and moved to the kitchen.

She soon realized her decision was wise.

Happy, she spread her bedding, gathered firewood, and built a small fire nearby, filling the kitchen with warmth.

Content, Jin'er sat by her bed and practiced meditation.

When she was finally sleepy, she lay down and quickly fell asleep.

Days passed in this routine—training, eating, sleeping, training. In the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by.

Jin'er could feel herself progressing rapidly, which made her excited—and so excited she forgot about her poisoning.

That night, the sky was moonless, but the snow made it bright.

Liuyue was teaching her swordsmanship in the yard, correcting her posture, guiding her hands. Suddenly, Jin'er groaned, dropped her branch, and collapsed, clutching her chest, shivering.

"What's wrong?" Liuyue rushed forward, catching her trembling, ice-cold body.

Jin'er, pale, gasped for breath, struggling to reach for the porcelain vial in her chest.

Liuyue understood, gently moved her hand aside, reached into her chest, and retrieved the white porcelain vial.

"This one?" he asked urgently.

Jin'er weakly whispered yes, barely able to nod.

Liuyue quickly poured out a pill, slipped it into her mouth, and carried her to the kitchen, laying her on the bed, then hurried to build a fire.

When the fire was ready, he moved her closer. Her trembling soon subsided.

The medicine must have worked. Liuyue felt his tension ease.

He stayed quietly by her side. After a quarter of an hour, Jin'er gradually returned to normal, though still pale.

She struggled to sit up, warming her hands by the fire. Though the poison was suppressed, she still craved warmth, anything to ward off the cold.

"What happened?" Seeing her recover, Liuyue's expression relaxed, as if casually asking.

"Nothing—just a minor issue," Jin'er replied coldly. What happened? All thanks to him!

Liuyue frowned, but seeing her unwilling to explain, he didn't press her. He wasn't one to meddle anyway.

"Rest tonight. We'll train tomorrow." He got up and left.

When his figure disappeared at the door, Jin'er turned to look. After a long moment, she turned back, tears streaming down her face.

Why? Why didn't you bring me with you from the start? I so desperately sought you, chased you, but you were so heartless.

Night. Do you know? If not for you, I would never have suffered such unimaginable pain and torment. Never would I, after finally finding warmth, be thrown back into icy hell.

Her tears flooded down, her anguished, tear-stained face illuminated by the firelight, casting a shimmering, mysterious glow.

Next morning, Jin'er rose early, as if nothing had happened.

Liuyue had worried, but seeing her back to normal, he set it aside. He noticed she trained even harder.

If she kept improving at this rate, perhaps in ten years, he really would have a formidable opponent.