The Demon Lord Wants a Vacation - Chapter 16: Demanding Fairness

“Stealing his spiritual root would be the more expedient choice,” Duanmu Wuqiu remarked. “For all we know, Mu Qianli may have already seized Mu Ge’s body.”

Casting a sidelong glance at the still-naive Song Gui, Duanmu Wuqiu silently congratulated himself—this Lord truly understands the ways of the world. He looked toward Luo Xianyun, waiting expectantly for praise.

But Luo Xianyun was in no mood for such things. His thoughts drifted to the countless battles he had once fought shoulder-to-shoulder with Mu Qianli. He simply could not reconcile those memories with the vile implications they now faced.

“All of this is, as of now, mere rumor,” Luo Xianyun said firmly. “I must go to Qingtian Sect and confront Mu Qianli myself. I will not draw conclusions without irrefutable evidence.”

Sensing the opportunity, Duanmu Wuqiu gave a casual nod. “This Lord was already considering questioning Mu Ge about his collusion with demonic cultivators in destroying my valley.”

There was much that didn’t add up.

Even if Mu Qianli had indeed stolen Mu Ge’s spiritual root—or even his entire body—what did that have to do with Duanmu Wuqiu?

Why had Mu Ge summoned vengeful spirits and activated the Earthly Fiend Soul-Devouring Array?

At the very least, Duanmu Wuqiu now had a legitimate reason to accompany Luo Xianyun to Qingtian Sect.

Learning of his intention, Luo Xianyun immediately made a request. “Daoist Duanmu, I understand your desire for justice—anyone in your shoes would act the same. I do not wish to restrain you, but once we arrive, would you allow me to speak first before you take action?”

These words struck Duanmu Wuqiu like the sweetest music.

Luo Xianyun doesn’t want me to lift a finger! He wants to speak on my behalf! Duanmu Wuqiu felt utterly elated.

In all his life, no one had ever told him, “Let me handle this for you.”

Meanwhile, the Savior System reported cheerfully: [Goodwill has risen to 85. The rate of increase now exceeds initial system projections for this route.]

Luo Xianyun remained unaware of the reason for Duanmu Wuqiu’s sudden goodwill, but he accepted it as a favorable sign.

“You are indeed a man of great reason, Daoist Duanmu,” he said. “Allow me to thank you in advance.”

Duanmu Wuqiu inclined his head. “Make sure your explanation to Qingtian Sect is comprehensive, so this Lord isn’t forced to act.”

“Of course.” With Duanmu Wuqiu appeased, Luo Xianyun let out a breath of relief.

Since both his elder and the Demonic Lord were now planning to go to Qingtian Sect, Song Gui, junior to one and subordinate to the other, promptly drew out a blank jade slip. He recorded evidence: the still-fading spiritual stones, the purification of the ghosts, and the projection of Mu Ge—everything needed to present a clear case to Qingtian Sect.

Duanmu Wuqiu was quite satisfied with Song Gui’s initiative.

As the Demonic Sovereign, he was inclined toward laziness.

Were it up to him, he would never have bothered gathering evidence—he would have simply stormed Qingtian Sect and demanded Mu Ge. If they complied, fine. If not, he’d raze his way through and seize what he wanted.

In either case, it would’ve meant a hard and tiresome battle.

But with Luo Xianyun and Song Gui taking the lead, he could afford to remain in the background while they managed the troublesome negotiations.

Originally, Duanmu Wuqiu had intended for Luo Xianyun to help him dismantle the Destruction System, but after spending a short time together, he found that Luo Xianyun’s presence elevated his plans beyond anything he had envisioned.

What could he possibly offer Beichen Sect in exchange for Luo Xianyun?

Duanmu Wuqiu fell into contemplation.

No treasure in his vast collection could compare. None were worthy to be set alongside Luo Xianyun.

If he were the Sect Master of Beichen Sect, he wouldn’t part with Luo Xianyun for anything—not even if someone plucked the moon from the sky and offered it in trade.

Only this Lord himself might be of comparable value, he mused. But if I were sent to Beichen Sect and Luo Xianyun came to Taoyuan Sect, wouldn’t we be separated again?

He furrowed his brow, troubled by the thought.

Luo Xianyun, unaware of what was weighing on Duanmu Wuqiu’s mind, assumed he was suppressing his rage toward Qingtian Sect. He was deeply touched and a little anxious.

After some thought, he said to Song Gui, “Prepare another jade slip for Beichen Sect. The Sect Master should be informed in advance.

“If Qingtian Sect fails to give a satisfactory explanation, request that the Sect Master coordinate with Frostflower Palace, Zhenyan Temple, Sixiang Manor, Tianshou Sect, and other righteous sects to formally question Qingtian Sect’s ties to the demonic path.”

“Understood,” Song Gui replied.

As Song Gui began crafting the message, Duanmu Wuqiu reclined on his lounge chair, idly stroking Wangcai’s head. He alternated his gaze between Luo Xianyun and Song Gui, his expression somber, as if weighed by serious thought.

Luo Xianyun, catching sight of this expression, replayed the recent events in his mind and grew uneasy.

Song Gui is still undercover in the demonic path. Why did I give him orders right in front of Duanmu Wuqiu?

He had just exposed Song Gui’s identity outright.

And he had brought up Tianshou Sect again, which surely reminded Duanmu Wuqiu to go kill He Jinglun.

He knocked himself on the forehead in frustration.

Normally cautious to a fault, Luo Xianyun was shocked at how easily he let things slip in Duanmu Wuqiu’s presence.

It wasn’t that Duanmu Wuqiu was especially perceptive, but somehow, Luo Xianyun simply dropped his guard around him.

The Savior System chimed in: [This is a common phenomenon. Most people relax around a ten-year-old.]

Luo Xianyun found this particular “reassurance” difficult to accept.

Trying to salvage the situation, he asked, “What’s troubling you, Daoist Duanmu?”

Duanmu Wuqiu narrowed his eyes and uttered just two words. “Song Gui…”

Then fell silent.

No, this Lord already used Song Gui as a bargaining chip for Luo Xianyun’s help, he thought. He can’t be traded again. Besides, the value between them is incomparable. Song Gui isn’t even close.

Hearing his name spoken in such a heavy tone, Luo Xianyun’s heart sank. There’s no hiding the truth anymore.

“Daoist Duanmu,” he said solemnly, “you already know, don’t you?”

Duanmu Wuqiu blinked in confusion. Know what? What is this Lord supposed to know?

Still, as the Demonic Sovereign, he could never admit ignorance. With great seriousness, he nodded. “Naturally.”

Unable to maintain eye contact, he turned and gave Song Gui a cold, cryptic stare.

Luo Xianyun, seeing the “intimidating” look, grew even more certain.

“Daoist Duanmu,” he said, “it’s true that Song Gui is a covert agent from Beichen Sect. But throughout all his years in the demonic path, he’s never once harmed you. Just now, he even discovered the approaching danger and helped break the array, saving the valley. Could you… allow him to live?”

“…Mm… mm?” Duanmu Wuqiu had already agreed reflexively, and only now realized what Luo Xianyun had said.

Wait—Song Gui isn’t a traitor to Beichen Sect?

Seeing how readily he agreed, Luo Xianyun beamed. “Such magnanimity, Daoist Duanmu! In the future, should you have any requests, as long as they do not contravene morality, I shall spare no effort to fulfill them.”

Turning to Song Gui with joy, he added, “Song Gui, Daoist Duanmu has chosen to pardon your true identity. Seek a suitable opportunity to return to Beichen Sect.”

Song Gui, who had just completed his task, was first stunned, then overjoyed by Luo Xianyun’s words. Looking toward Duanmu Wuqiu and confirming that the Sovereign bore him no ill will, he dropped to one knee in reverence. “Many thanks, my Lord, shishu!”

Luo Xianyun lifted him up with both hands and, in place of Beichen Sect’s elders, patted his shoulder. “You’ve endured a great deal over the years.”

The words unlocked a floodgate of repressed emotion. Song Gui, always a bit soft-hearted, could no longer hold back. Now that the long-standing pressure had been released, tears streamed down his face.

“Shishu, it wasn’t that bad, wahhhh…” Leaning against Luo Xianyun, Song Gui burst into sobs.

“There, there,” Luo Xianyun soothed, patting his back. “What matters is that you’ve returned safely.” A faint mist formed at the corners of his own eyes.

Duanmu Wuqiu, observing the scene: …

Everything had progressed too rapidly.

He didn’t quite understand how events had spiraled this way—Luo Xianyun had abruptly revealed Song Gui was a spy, Song Gui had immediately started crying, and now Luo Xianyun was hugging him?

Watching the two, Duanmu Wuqiu, caught between isolation and envy, reflexively scooped up Wangcai and gently patted its back in imitation.

This was Wangcai’s first time being held since finding an owner, and the little creature was ecstatic. It rested its head tentatively on Duanmu Wuqiu’s shoulder. When Duanmu Wuqiu didn’t push it away, it joyfully nestled into his neck.

Thus formed an odd tableau: Luo Xianyun cradling Song Gui, and Duanmu Wuqiu embracing Wangcai.

The ever-hungry fish in the pond stared without blinking, bearing silent witness with their round, unblinking eyes.

After some time, Song Gui finally let go of Luo Xianyun and awkwardly said, “Shishu, your disciple lost his composure.”

“Enduring so many years in silence already shows remarkable fortitude,” Luo Xianyun said gently. “It is no shame to release a little sorrow.”

He let Song Gui go and turned to express his thanks to Duanmu Wuqiu—only to see the Sovereign clutching Wangcai, listlessly patting it like an abandoned soul.

Luo Xianyun smiled. “It seems you’re rather fond of Wangcai. Daoist Duanmu truly is warmhearted.”

“This Lord does not like Wangcai,” Duanmu Wuqiu said coldly. “This Lord is heartless. He harbors no affection for people or beasts.”

To prove his statement, he released Wangcai without so much as a second glance, allowing it to curl up at his feet, utterly abandoned.

Luo Xianyun had no intention of exposing the act. Smiling knowingly, he shifted the topic. “Daoist Duanmu, I will now set up two arrays. The first will conceal the valley’s existence. Once imbued with your spiritual power, no cultivator below the Mahayana stage will be able to find it. Even Mahayana cultivators will need time to unravel it, giving you sufficient warning to return in time.

“The second will link your pond to an external lake, permitting only non-spiritual lifeforms under a foot in size to pass through, so your smaller fish can enjoy a wider habitat.

“Ordinarily, I wouldn’t dare trouble you with such things, but I fear my power alone is inadequate. I must ask for your assistance.”

Hearing this, Duanmu Wuqiu felt a rare sense of fulfillment. No matter what, he must secure Luo Xianyun for himself—immediately, without delay!

But what could he possibly offer in exchange?

Fortunately, the situation with Song Gui had sparked an ingenious idea.

Clearing his throat, Duanmu Wuqiu said with solemn gravity, “Song Gui may be spared, but Beichen Sect still played me for a fool. That cannot be left unaddressed.”

Understanding his grievance, Luo Xianyun replied earnestly, “So long as your request does not involve killing Song Gui, destroying Beichen Sect, or violating any ethical principle, I will do my utmost to comply.”

“This Lord is not unreasonable,” Duanmu Wuqiu replied coolly. “He merely seeks balance.

“Since Beichen Sect planted a spy in Taoyuan Sect, it’s only fair for Taoyuan Sect to do the same.

“This Lord has decided to infiltrate Beichen Sect personally—by joining your Lingdu Peak. Only thus will justice be served.”

With this, he wouldn’t need to exchange any treasures to obtain Luo Xianyun, and he could ensure their continued companionship for the foreseeable future.

In Duanmu Wuqiu’s mind, his little abacus clicked away with deep satisfaction.

—

Author’s Note:

Luo Xianyun: I naturally welcome Daoist Duanmu’s noble decision to forsake darkness and pursue righteousness.

Savior System: Duanmu Wuqiu is moving into your residence.

Luo Xianyun: …