A Perilous Alliance

Years passed, and Jun Qiguang turned 16. His body had grown taller, and his practice of the Shadow Veil cultivation manual was progressing smoothly—he had almost mastered it. This manual had a unique advantage: it allowed him to conceal his demonic cultivation entirely. No one would be able to discern his true power, as he could easily manipulate it to appear as though he were merely a Golden Core cultivator. Even a cultivator at the Immortal Ascension level would be deceived. Despite his advancements, Jun Qiguang remained cautious, ensuring that he revealed nothing that could betray his true nature.

Yao Huaijin was still the same as before, rarely showing up to give him pointers or ask about his progress. Yet, without realizing it, Jun Qiguang had grown accustomed to Yao Huaijin's presence in his life. The peaceful and harmonious life on Hefenghu Peak had become something he quietly enjoyed. He often wondered if, in his past life, he might have chosen a different path if things had been like this. Perhaps he wouldn't have embraced the bloodshed and chaos that came with demonic cultivation. But that wasn't the reality of his past, and even now, reborn, he didn't feel as though he had a choice. He wasn't meant to live a life like this.

The tranquillity of Hefenghu Peak was a stark contrast to the tumultuous past that haunted him. He found himself savouring these peaceful moments, knowing they were fleeting and that they couldn't change his true nature or destiny. He still harboured a deep-seated hatred for righteous cultivators and couldn't imagine himself becoming one. Yet, he valued the calmness of his current life.

Jun Qiguang remembered that the time for the opening of the Eclipse Realm was drawing near. In his past life, he had obtained his Blood Moon Sabre from this realm—a weapon that had accompanied him through countless battles and had become an extension of his own power. The Blood Moon Sabre had a history steeped in blood and darkness, a blade forged in the deepest pits of the Abyss, where the essence of a thousand fallen souls had been imbued into the steel. It was said that the sabre could consume the souls of its enemies, growing more powerful with each life it claimed. In this life, however, things were different, and Jun Qiguang couldn't be certain that the sabre would still be there. Nonetheless, he resolved to enter the realm and see for himself.

After giving it some thought, Jun Qiguang decided to seek out Yao Huaijin. He found Yao Huaijin in his residence, seated by a low table with a teapot before him. Yao Huaijin's long black hair, slightly loose and tied back with a white ribbon, cascaded over the back of his pristine white robes. His sharp facial features were highlighted by the soft light in the room, his expression composed as always. A book was in his hand, his slender fingers turning the pages with a quiet grace.

The room, though spacious, had just enough furnishings to feel lived in. A large bookshelf filled with books lined one wall. He seems to enjoy reading, Jun Qiguang thought to himself. He greeted Yao Huaijin courteously. Yao Huaijin nodded in response and told him to take a seat. Jun Qiguang sat down in front of Yao Huaijin, who didn't look up from his book as he asked, "Is there anything you need?"

"Master, this disciple heard that a realm is opening, and there are many spiritual artefacts within it that could help enhance one's cultivation. This disciple thought it would be a good opportunity to gain experience," Jun Qiguang replied respectfully.

Yao Huaijin did not immediately respond. After a moment, he closed his book and placed it on the table before looking straight into Jun Qiguang's eyes. He softly parted his lips to say, "That realm is at the border of the demonic territory. Going there alone with your cultivation level is the same as offering yourself as a sacrifice. Are you certain that you'll be able to come back alive?"

Jun Qiguang thought to himself that this might be the longest sentence Yao Huaijin had ever spoken to him. He wasn't worried about the demonic cultivators within the realm—after all, he was one of them, and if they tried anything, he was more than capable of teaching them a lesson. But he kept his expression respectful and answered in a calm tone, "I can try."

Yao Huaijin gazed at him for a long moment as if trying to see through his thoughts. Eventually, he lowered his head, and Jun Qiguang noticed that Yao Huaijin's brows were furrowed ever so slightly as if he were contemplating something. After a moment, Yao Huaijin raised his head again and spoke, "Very well. Then, I will accompany you."

Jun Qiguang never expected such a response. For the mighty Sword Sage to accompany him—it was indeed shocking. Yet, he did not let his thoughts show on his face. He thanked Yao Huaijin and left for his one residence. 

He wasn't displeased by the fact that Yao Huaijin would accompany him on this trip, nor by the potential difficulty of retrieving the Blood Moon Sabre under his watchful eye. On the contrary, he felt a twinge of anticipation. The Sword Sage, who normally seemed indifferent to his disciple, is willing to join him on such a perilous journey. That cold exterior is, after all, just a facade. Jun Qiguang let out an amused laugh.