Chapter 70: Three Things

After Hongyun and Chai Xiaoyue were led away by one of the snow spirits to the guest hall, the Mountain-Crossing Demon King gazed at the teacup in his hand, his heart far from tranquil.

He heaved a deep sigh, set down the cup, and spoke in a voice that betrayed no hint of emotion, “You rascal, why are you still dawdling outside? Come in!”

“Heh, as expected, my royal father is both wise and astute—he spotted me at once.” Yue Sansi poked his head in cautiously, and after confirming that his father was not angry, swaggered in with a bold air.

Once he stood before his father, his earlier playfulness vanished, replaced by a look of respectful seriousness. “Father, if there is anything you wish of me, please speak plainly.”

“Your disposition these days shows some promise,” the Mountain-Crossing Demon King remarked, his gaze growing profound as he looked at his only son. “You ought to know by now the potential of an Eight-Armed Golden Ape of our age and cultivation. Though you are still young, and your bloodline is exceptionally pure, the time has come for you to choose your own path.”

Yue Sansi was momentarily taken aback. “Father, are you referring to the one I fought today...?”

“Not him, but that little one,” the king replied, glancing up at the beams overhead, wonder in his tone. “Though I may never hope to step beyond the realm of Metamorphosis or follow in that person’s footsteps, she can. Not only can she, but after my birthday celebration, you will accompany her and that man on a journey outside our borders. It will do you good to broaden your horizons.”

Could it be that frail little girl possesses such remarkable talent? And... am I truly allowed to leave the Half-Demon Kingdom?

Yue Sansi was incredulous. To him, that delicate girl had seemed utterly unremarkable. He had pleaded with his father for ages to be allowed beyond their lands, always to no avail. Who could have guessed that after a single battle today, he would be granted such freedom?

“I know what you’re thinking. Your being allowed to go has nothing to do with you; you still have a long way to go. Don’t underestimate the people of this world. Your father once paid no heed to your mother, and in the end, these eyes of mine could see no one else.”

There he goes again...

Yue Sansi saw the distant look in his father’s eyes, and though a twinge of jealousy pricked his heart, he too fell into a haze of distant, half-forgotten memories. There, he recalled the place that was once the warmest in his life.

...

In the guest room, Hongyun sat at the table, lost in thought, wondering if he had been too impulsive that day. Beside him, the presence of Chai Xiaoyue, who stood there in silence, left him at a loss.

Though his spirit had weathered countless tribulations, he had truly never encountered such a situation before.

Since that dreadful night, Chai Xiaoyue had become deeply fearful of loneliness and abandonment. Hearing the exchange between Hongyun and the Mountain-Crossing Demon King from within the room, her heart was seized with terror.

She fumbled her way over, tugged gently at Hongyun’s sleeve, and after a moment’s hesitation, her voice quavered with the threat of tears. “Uncle Yun, are you... are you going to leave me here, all alone...?”

Before Hongyun could respond, she hastily performed the technique he had taught her, her tone pleading. “Uncle Yun... please don’t leave Xiaoyue here all by herself...”

Her words stirred something in the consciousness of the body’s original soul, but Hongyun himself remained composed and rational, unmoved by sentiment.

“I know what you want right now, but you must understand—if you do not grow stronger, when I eventually leave this world, things will not be so simple.”

He reached out to pat her head, his voice softening as her emotions gradually calmed. “You must realize that in this world of the Precious Vase, you will one day have to rely on yourself. Only when your own strength is sufficient will you truly have a foundation.”

“Then if Xiaoyue cultivates to Uncle Yun’s level, will you come back and keep her company?”

Cultivate to my level?

Hongyun was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing. “When the time comes for me to depart, I will certainly tell you what my level is. If the day ever comes when you attain my realm, you will understand for yourself what it is you seek, and what you truly desire.”

Seeing her still bewildered after his explanation, he did not press the matter. Instead, his voice took on a note of helplessness, almost a sigh. “The Way...”

...

Three days later, before the treasury of the Mountain-Crossing Demon King.

Yue Sansi glanced at Hongyun beside him, his feelings in turmoil. He could not fathom why his father was bestowing such a generous gift upon this outsider. Though he had never lacked treasures himself, he had rarely had access to the things stored here.

As the seals on the door dissolved, a passage appeared, leading deep into the frozen earth. Man and demon entered together. The doors thundered shut behind them, and the ice and snow grew crystalline and clear.

Hongyun walked through the treasury, his eyes alight with surprise as he surveyed the surroundings. In truth, if he were given free rein, he would have liked to take everything, but reality was clear—he could choose only three items.

After three days’ stay, he finally met the somewhat reluctant Yue Sansi. The young man’s thoughts were written plainly on his face—his mind was not deep.

Yue Sansi had come only to inform Hongyun that his father permitted him to select three useful items as a guest’s welcome gift.

Hongyun was not shy. Once inside, he immediately unleashed his Calamity-Perceiving Sight. Having located what he needed, he did not linger in the outer chambers, but strode straight through three great doors before finally slowing his pace.

“Brother Yun, slow down,” Yue Sansi called, watching Hongyun advance deeper into the treasury, unable to hide his own curiosity—he too wanted to see what the man would choose.

After breaking through the seals on three doors, Hongyun’s eyes settled on an object displayed in the distance. Feeling the powerful aura emanating from it, he was quietly elated.

From the moment he entered the Half-Demon Kingdom, he had sensed something subtly calling to him. Now, standing before it, he was certain—this was it.

But what exactly was its purpose?

Hongyun did not hesitate to reach out and grasp the object, which resembled a coil of clockwork. Yet its true use eluded him.

He pondered over it for some time, but could not unravel its mystery.

Having secured the most important item, he felt no urgency. Instead, he slowed his steps, taking the time to browse all around.