Regarding the Blood Curse left by the Chixiao Monarch in the past, everyone knew of it.
Some said it was fake, others said it was real; opinions varied, and whether it was truly real or fake, no one knew for sure.
Even the Chixiao people themselves were half-convinced, half-doubting. As Heishui had said, they all thought it was just the Chixiao Monarch deliberately trying to scare the Nine Heavens, after all, swearing a Heavenly Oath and coagulating a Blood Curse—such matters were too bizarre. Especially the descriptions of blood miasma filling the heavens, endless dragon-elephants roaring in fury, judging heaven and earth—that seemed rather exaggerated.
Even Old Mei, who was well-versed in unorthodox methods, dared not claim to absolutely believe it.
It was only today, hearing Gu Qingfeng mention it personally, that they realized the Blood Curse wasn’t the Monarch trying to scare the Nine Heavens; it truly existed. They finally understood that back then, for their safety, the Monarch had not only shouldered all the blame but also used the Blood Curse to protect them for countless generations.
Thinking of this, the hearts of Heishui, Hei Fo, and the other Chixiao people felt as if a jar of mixed flavors had been overturned—immensely complicated. They felt even more ashamed before their Monarch.
“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about the past anymore. And don’t spend your days thinking about stirring up trouble in the future. Those who want to cultivate, cultivate honestly. Those who don’t, spend time amusing your wives, teasing your grandchildren—isn’t living a carefree, leisurely life wonderful? What’s the point of stirring up trouble!”
Gu Qingfeng chastised the crowd, waving his hand to signal them to get up and continue drinking. He added, “As for the Immortal Dynasty, don’t trouble yourselves over it. Before, when I wasn’t here, there was the Blood Curse shrouding this world. You might not have sensed it, but the mighty ones of the Nine Heavens would certainly have detected the existence of the Blood Curse. Even if I lent them three extra guts, they wouldn’t dare slaughter you all indiscriminately.”
He poured himself a cup of wine, drank it in one go, and continued, “Moreover, I’ve returned now. You just live your own lives. Forget about the Immortal Dynasty, forget about the Nine Heavens, forget about the Immortal Dao, the Heavenly Dao, the Three Thousand Great Daos—even if it’s the Old Man Heaven or Old Man Earth, if they dare lay a single finger on you, I’ll slaughter them all the same.”
Gu Qingfeng’s words could not be described as anything less than arrogant, nor anything less than overbearing, nor anything less than insane.
But.
No matter how arrogant, overbearing, or insane the words were, as long as they came from Gu Qingfeng, Hei Fo, Heishui, and the other Chixiao people believed them without a shred of doubt at this moment.
Why?
No reason.
Because Gu Qingfeng was the Chixiao Monarch. That was all.
“May I ask what plans Your Majesty has upon your return this time?”
Old Mei posed the question.
“Plans…” Gu Qingfeng raised his cup and clinked it with Old Mei’s, rubbing his chin. “Nothing specific for now. I came back this time mainly to see how my brothers are doing. As long as you’re living well, I’ll be at ease. As for other matters… we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
“Your Majesty, rest assured. Most of our brothers from the former Chixiao Sect have gone into seclusion. Those stationed at the Crimson-Letter Sect branch halls also rarely involve themselves in worldly affairs. There aren’t many like Zhou Tai who secretly colluded with the Immortal Dynasty. However…” As he spoke, Old Mei seemed to hesitate.
“However what?”
Hei Fo asked, “Old Mei, are you referring to that matter concerning Zixiao?”
Old Mei nodded, his expression turning serious.
Gu Qingfeng asked, puzzled, “Zixiao? What Zixiao?”
“Your Majesty, haven’t you heard the name Zixiao during your travels?”
Gu Qingfeng thought for a moment; the name Zixiao was unfamiliar to him. He had never heard of it.
“This Zixiao is currently an absolutely influential figure in the Divine Land and even this entire world, ranked among the Nine Great Prodigies of the Present Age. People call him the Zixiao King.”
“One of the Nine Great Prodigies of the Present Age? The Zixiao King?”
Gu Qingfeng raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “The name is quite distinctive. But what does this have to do with me?”
For some reason, when mentioning this Zixiao King, even the usually boisterous Heishui became serious. “Right now, many Crimson-Letter Sect branch halls follow the lead of this Zixiao King, especially those in the Divine Land. Almost all of them obey his commands. Although the Zixiao King doesn’t proclaim himself as the master of the Crimson-Letter Sect, everyone already regards him as such.”
Old Mei also nodded and said, “Elders like Danyang in the Divine Land have also tacitly acknowledged his status, and they intend to groom him to become the master of the Crimson-Letter Sect, leading all branch halls.”
Gu Qingfeng still didn’t quite understand. “That sounds fine. Since Danyang and the others have taken a liking to him, he must be decent, right?”
“That Zixiao King possesses unparalleled innate endowments, unrivaled in the world. He holds edicts from the Human Dao, Immortal Dao, and Heavenly Dao. When the Heavenly Mandate descended, he also obtained a Great Mandate. He attained enlightenment and became an Immortal after just nine short years of cultivation. He is truly extraordinary.”
“Indeed impressive. What about his character?”
Old Mei replied, “Contemporary scholars use this phrase to describe him: ‘A gentleman peerless in the world, as flawless as jade.’ His character is also remarkably noble—gentle, refined, modest, and courteous. Not only does he show great respect to us old folks, but he also takes good care of the disciples in the branch halls. Over the years, he has accomplished many great things for the Crimson-Letter Sect—refining elixirs, enlightening spirit veins… he often holds public lectures to guide those lost. Whenever conflicts arise between the Crimson-Letter Sect and other sects, he steps in to mediate and protect our interests.”
“Is that so?”
Gu Qingfeng drank his wine and said, “Possessing unparalleled endowments, being a modest gentleman, accomplishing many great deeds for the Crimson-Letter Sect, respecting you all, taking good care of the branch disciples, and most importantly, receiving recognition from Danyang and the others… If such a person were to take over the Crimson-Letter Sect, it would indeed be excellent.”
He paused, then added, “Why are you suddenly bringing up such a person in front of me? What is it? Are you dissatisfied with him?”
Hei Fo shook his head. Heishui also shook his head. Old Mei shook his head as well. They had all met that Zixiao King. They had no dissatisfaction; on the contrary, they were quite satisfied. You couldn’t find a single fault even if you tried.
“Since you’re not dissatisfied, then what do you mean?”
Seeing that no one else spoke, Heishui said, “Your Majesty, if you weren’t here before, it would be one thing. But you’re back now! You are the true master of our Crimson-Letter Sect!”
“I say, Er Gou, did you not hear a single word of what I just said?”
“Your Majesty, I know you no longer wish to fight and kill… but… ultimately, you are our Monarch! With you here, how could we let some random Zixiao proclaim himself king and dominate? He even wants to be the master of our Crimson-Letter Sect? The audacity!”
“The Chixiao Sect is the Chixiao Sect. The Crimson-Letter Sect is the Crimson-Letter Sect. I buried the Chixiao Sect long ago. I might have been the master of the Chixiao Sect back then, but I am absolutely not the master of the Crimson-Letter Sect. And the same goes for all of you—stop calling yourselves ‘Chixiao people’ all day long. That’s ancient history. The Primordial Era ended long ago. One cannot live in the past forever.”
“I’ll say it again: those who want to cultivate, cultivate honestly. Those who don’t, enjoy the warmth of your wives, children, and your heated kang. If you’re truly bored out of your minds, find some deserted place and do whatever you please.”