Long Aotian’S Villain Taoist Companion Chapter 2

“Knock, knock, knock!”

“Senior Brother Shen, are you there?”

Shen Ciqiu awoke to the sound of knocking, opening his eyes to the familiar rafters, frozen and unable to move.

…Hadn’t he died? Why was he waking up in his own room?

A bewildered mist gathered in his beautiful phoenix eyes. He slowly raised a hand to press against his chest.

“Thump, thump…”

In his chest cavity, a warm, intact heart was beating in an orderly rhythm.

And his Immortal Bone was still there, ample Spiritual Power enveloping his Golden Core… Wait, Golden Core?

Shen Ciqiu sat up abruptly.

He was a heaven-blessed genius; he had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage at twenty. Reaching the late Golden Core stage was something he had done at eighteen.

Shen Ciqiu flexed his fingers, sensing the Spiritual Power, filled with doubt and surprise.

“Senior Brother Shen?”

The disciple outside didn’t dare rush him but was clearly growing anxious. Just as he was about to look elsewhere for him, the door creaked open with a sudden swing.

Shen Ciqiu stood there, tall and graceful, right behind the door.

The disciple immediately let out a sigh of relief and cupped his hands in greeting: “Senior Brother, the Sect Master and the Elders have summoned you to the Qiongyu Grand Hall to discuss your marriage alliance with another sect.”

Marriage alliance, marriage alliance… He had truly returned to the age of eighteen.

It was on this very day that the sect finalized his betrothal to Wen Lan. Shen Ciqiu didn’t understand romance, but he treated this betrothal and Wen Lan as a responsibility. He would never betray those around him. He thought that once married, with a lifetime ahead, he would eventually learn what love was.

He tried his best, in his own way, to be good to Wen Lan.

But what did Wen Lan give him in return?

Wearing the token of their betrothal, she engaged in secret dalliances with his junior martial brother, making it known to everyone, turning him into a laughingstock.

Wen Lan.

Shen Ciqiu had just woken up, and the surging hatred from when he closed his eyes still lingered in his Sea of Consciousness. In his dazed state, he failed to control it, and a terrifying killing intent erupted from his body. The Spirit Sword at his waist hummed, and centered on him, the biting chill of his Ice Spirit Root suddenly exploded outwards!

The disciple delivering the message felt a blast of cold wind hit his face. In an instant, the cold shot up from his feet to his forehead. His cultivation was low, and he couldn’t withstand it at all. His legs gave out, and he knelt down, completely unaware of what had happened, trembling in fear: “Shen… Senior Brother Shen!”

That shout snapped Shen Ciqiu back to reality. His long, dark eyelashes trembled, his figure swayed, and he looked at the disciple collapsed on the ground and the courtyard instantly covered in frost. His eyes, filled with towering hatred, were momentarily vacant before gradually calming down.

He seemed to have finally grasped the current time and place. The thin frost in the courtyard dissipated. Shen Ciqiu helped the disciple to his feet and said softly, “…Apologies.”

The disciple shivered uncontrollably: “I-It’s alright…”

Shen Ciqiu remained silent, gave him a warming talisman, and only then did the disciple finally recover.

The disciple was overwhelmed by the favor and couldn’t help but secretly glance at Shen Ciqiu a few more times.

Rumor had it that Senior Brother Shen was aloof, cold as frost, and treated others as nothing, but every time he came to deliver a message, he never caused any trouble. It was much easier than delivering messages for some arrogant inner disciples.

Senior Brother Shen is supremely talented and so handsome; what kind of fiancée would be worthy of him?

Shen Ciqiu would not trouble an innocent junior disciple: “I know. I will go shortly.”

The disciple acknowledged and retreated. Shen Ciqiu surveyed his courtyard and touched his sword.

He had been reborn. Heaven had taken pity on him, granting him such a great opportunity.

Reborn once, he couldn’t understand how he was inferior to Mu Zichen, but fortunately, he didn’t need to understand.

Those who hurt him, harmed him, and forced him to his death—he would deal with them one by one.

Junior martial brother Mu Zichen, second junior martial brother Yu Kui, Dingjian Sect’s Young Master Wen Lan, and his Master, Xuanyang Zun.

Mu Zichen coveted his Immortal Bone and Exquisite Heart, sowing discord in their relationship. He was at fault, but the other three who believed him were equally at fault; none of them would escape.

Don’t tell him that certain things haven’t happened yet in this life, so he should try to salvage them… Are these heartless people worth salvaging? He had already paid with his life; they must pay the same price to suffice.

Xuanyang Zun was the most troublesome; he was already at the Golden Immortal realm.

In the Cultivation World, the cultivation realms from low to high were: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Integration, Mahayana, True Immortal, Golden Immortal.

Except for the Qi Refining stage, which had thirteen layers, all other realms were divided into early, middle, late stages, and Perfection.

Golden Immortal was the highest major realm. Xuanyang Zun was currently in the early Golden Immortal stage, but his strength was comparable to someone in the middle stage, not to be underestimated among the six Golden Immortals in the world today.

Although Shen Ciqiu wanted revenge immediately, regrettably, a Golden Core facing a Golden Immortal was simply throwing his life away.

He needed to cultivate, cultivate, and cultivate more. A Golden Immortal? He would kill him sooner or later to show him.

Xuanyang Zun’s cultivation was too high; he would probably have to be dealt with last.

Junior martial brother Mu Zichen would enter the sect in a month. Rumor had it he had no background and no fixed abode, so he couldn’t be killed in advance; Shen Ciqiu would have to wait for his entry.

Wen Lan and Yu Kui held high statuses, making killing them in the sect too risky. It would be best to wait for an opportunity when they went out and act where no one could see.

Shen Ciqiu calmly finalized his revenge plan, finally suppressing the surging killing intent.

He would meet Xuanyang Zun soon, so he absolutely could not reveal any killing intent and seek his own death. He still needed to use the Jade Immortal Sect’s resources to continue cultivating. In the past, he wasn’t good at acting; now, playing along with them for a while was fine.

Shen Ciqiu suppressed the hostility all over his body and flew his sword towards the Qiongyu Grand Hall.

The Jade Immortal Sect was one of the four major human sects in the Cultivation World, boasting a Mountain-Guarding True Immortal, making its prestige immense. When Shen Ciqiu arrived, he paid respects in order to the Sect Master Xuanyang Zun on the high seat and the Elders below, then quietly sat down at the lowest position with his eyes lowered.

After taking his seat, beneath his moon-white Dharma Robe, his fingers were clenched tightly. Although he had prepared himself on the way, the moment he saw Xuanyang Zun, he almost lost control.

The Immortal Bone that was gouged out, the heart that was shredded—all the pain surged back in an instant.

Shen Ciqiu repeatedly clenched his palm, silently reciting the Heart Calming Sutra, barely managing to endure it.

Shen Ciqiu slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, listening with his head bowed as the Elders discussed his marriage.

“Major sects from several sides have sent Betrothal Letters. The marriage of the Jade Immortal Sect’s Eldest Senior Brother should be carefully considered.”

“Indeed, it concerns the future of the sect; it cannot be treated lightly.”

Wen Lan had to be killed, had to be approached, but Shen Ciqiu absolutely did not want him going out under the guise of his fiancé, attracting gossip for him—the thought alone was disgusting. At this moment, Shen Ciqiu bowed and spoke: “Master… Master, Elders, this disciple focuses solely on secluded cultivation. Isn’t it too early to discuss marriage now?”

Great Elder: “That’s not quite right. An engagement can make sects closer, facilitate interactions, and give you a backing. A’Ci, you have always been sensible; you should understand.”

Shen Ciqiu sneered coldly in his heart. He sensed Xuanyang Zun’s gaze on him, realizing that even if he objected today, he would still be bound by the betrothal. He then feigned obedience and sat back down: “Yes.”

Xuanyang Zun’s gaze shifted away, and the discussion continued among the others.

“Even the Demon Clan sent a Betrothal Letter. Our A’Ci truly has a widespread reputation.”

Great Elder: “Although humans, demons, and monsters are currently maintaining a superficial peace, humans and demons fought too fiercely a hundred years ago; it’s not suitable to become deeply involved with them.”

The others nodded. Second Elder was straightforward, slamming the table with a bang: “This candidate from the Monster Race is clearly here to cause trouble. The Demon Emperor has a good scheme; his son is crippled, yet he wants to use him to the fullest, sending out this useless Seventh Prince for a marriage alliance. Does he think he’s worthy?”

The Seventh Prince? Shen Ciqiu’s heart stirred.

The Monster Race’s Seventh Prince, Xie Ling, was once a well-known genius, his aptitude comparable to Shen Ciqiu’s. However, not long ago, this prodigy became a widely known cripple.

Xie Ling’s cultivation plummeted overnight, barely leaving him at the second layer of Qi Refining. Even the Demon Emperor tried every means, but he couldn’t cure him.

The Demon Emperor was promiscuous, with numerous offspring; whoever stood out gained favor. Since Xie Ling was crippled and beyond saving, and had his engagement publicly broken off, the Demon Emperor stopped caring.

Sending out a crippled prince for a marriage alliance was purely trying his luck. If it didn’t work, it didn’t matter; if it succeeded, it would benefit the Monster Race.

But only Shen Ciqiu knew that in less than a year, this crippled prince would not only recover his cultivation but would even re-enter the public eye with an even more astonishing talent, stirring up huge waves in the Cultivation World, his name everywhere.

Xie Ling’s talent was unparalleled, and he was intelligent. Such a person—perhaps Shen Ciqiu could strike a deal with him.

Great Elder pondered: “I think Wen Lan of the Dingjian Sect is still the most suitable. Their ages are also similar… A’Ci, what do you think?”

Asking Shen Ciqiu was merely a formality.

They expected Shen Ciqiu to say, “I will abide by the decisions of the elders.” But unexpectedly, Shen Ciqiu said, “This disciple believes that perhaps the Seventh Prince is the most suitable candidate.”

At these words, the hall fell silent.

Even Xuanyang Zun frowned slightly. His eldest disciple was truly different today. He had always listened to arrangements calmly; was it because his own marriage was involved that he had more to consider?

Second Elder exclaimed: “Heavens, what are you thinking, child? Xie Ling is a cripple now, and I heard his engagement was just broken off. Why would you want such a despised failure!”

Shen Ciqiu’s mind raced. Considering the sect’s interests, he seemed genuinely concerned for them: “Although Xie Ling is crippled, his maternal clan is the Peacock Clan. The Demon Emperor sending him out for a marriage alliance suggests he hasn’t truly abandoned him.”

The Peacock Clan was a major demon clan. If they wanted to continue competing for power within the Monster Race, they wouldn’t casually give up on a prince carrying their bloodline. If the Jade Immortal Sect accepted Xie Ling, they could bypass the Demon Emperor and directly establish a relationship with the Peacock Clan.

But this was still not as beneficial as the assistance from the Dingjian Sect.

Great Elder weighed the options: “It’s still not appropriate. I think the Dingjian Sect is better.”

They finally stopped being hypocritical about the individuals and started speaking frankly about the underlying pros and cons.

Shen Ciqiu lowered his head. “The Dingjian Sect and the Jade Immortal Sect already have a good relationship. If this marriage alliance doesn’t work out, it can be attributed to the disciple being willful and young and ignorant. It won’t cause the Dingjian Sect to lose face, nor will it affect the relationship between the two sects. However, we haven’t had a chance to interact deeply with the Monster Race before; this opportunity is very rare.”

He spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, analyzing the situation clearly, truly persuading everyone.

Xuanyang Zun looked at his eldest disciple, who had spoken more than usual today. After scrutinizing him for a moment, he slowly said, “But that doesn’t mean you should be wronged into an engagement with a cripple.”

The other Elders exchanged glances, but this time they didn’t immediately agree with the Sect Master’s words.

Shen Ciqiu clenched his hands tightly, thinking that compared to having his Immortal Bone gouged out and his heart crushed, what was being allied with a cripple? Never mind an engagement, he could marry him without batting an eye.

Seeing his long silence, Xuanyang Zun asked in a deep voice, “Or perhaps you have met Xie Ling, or heard something?”

He hadn’t met him, but he had heard of him. If he said Xie Ling would shine brilliantly in a year, would they believe him?

Shen Ciqiu lowered the hand he used for bowing and slowly raised his head.

“By chance, I saw him from afar. He was graceful and exceptionally handsome.” Everyone looked at Shen Ciqiu’s face, which was worthy of being called the most beautiful in the Cultivation World, as he spoke with conviction, “This disciple likes his face.”

Xuanyang Zun and the Elders: “…”

Just for a face!?

Meanwhile, in the Dingjian Sect, Wen Lan was amusing a yellow oriole by the window.

His friend was drinking tea with him: “The Jade Immortal Sect will probably finalize Shen Ciqiu’s marriage today. Aren’t you anxious?”

Wen Lan was determined to win, showing no sign of anxiety, looking at the bird in the golden cage: “Publicly, the Jade Immortal Sect will definitely choose me. Privately…”

His friend teased: “Shen Ciqiu will definitely choose you?”

Wen Lan’s smile deepened. He used a wooden spoon to give the oriole some birdseed, and the pretty bird happily pecked at it: “I’ve been visiting the Jade Immortal Sect frequently these past two years; I’ve long been close to Shen Ciqiu. I remember the first time I saw him, I was showing off a fine Spirit Sword. Since Shen Ciqiu is best at swords and curses, he couldn’t help but look at the sword a few times. So, I met him privately and challenged him to a duel.”

Wen Lan recalled Shen Ciqiu’s elegant demeanor—a fleeting glimpse that was unforgettable.

“I lost, and I gave him the sword as a result. He was very surprised, and his expression when he was stunned…” Wen Lan savored the memory, “Shen Ciqiu is indeed cold and boring, but he is truly beautiful. I am happy about this marriage alliance myself.”

His friend laughed heartily: “Then I wish you an early success in winning the beauty!”

As they were speaking, footsteps hurried outside.

“Young… Young Master…”

The disciple stammered, his expression troubled. Wen Lan suddenly felt a sense of foreboding when he saw his expression.

“What is it?”

The disciple lowered his head: “The Jade Immortal Sect just announced that their Eldest Disciple, Shen Ciqiu, will be betrothed to the Monster Race’s Seventh Prince, Xie Ling.”

With a “crack,” the wooden spoon fell to the ground.

Wen Lan stood up abruptly: “What did you say!?”

Following the sound of the spoon hitting the floor, the room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The disciple delivering the message bowed his head deeply, not daring to utter a sound. His friend also looked awkward, unsure how to respond.

Wen Lan’s face cycled through shades of green and white. The words he had spoken with such confidence just moments ago now felt like a slap across his face, stinging him unexpectedly.

He took several deep breaths before slowly saying, “…You all can leave now. I need some time alone.”

His friend and the disciple quickly got up and left.

With no outsiders present, Wen Lan could no longer suppress his raging anger. Gone was the composure of a gentleman. His knuckles cracked as he clenched them. He looked up and saw the bird still pecking in the golden cage, instantly finding it an eyesore. Annoyed, he waved his hand and smashed the birdcage!

The bird immediately flapped its wings in panic, crying out miserably, feathers flying everywhere.

Fortunately, the cage was sturdy enough, and the bird wasn’t injured, but it immediately tucked its wings in and trembled inside the cage.

Wen Lan couldn’t figure it out. He knew exactly which parties had submitted marriage proposals to the Jade Immortal Sect. The Demon Clan’s Young Master, who was the most likely competitor, would never be chosen by the Jade Immortal Sect Elders due to his Demon Clan background. He was determined to have Shen Ciqiu as his Dao Companion.

But Xie Ling, that crippled Xie Ling from the Monster Race?

Had the entire Jade Immortal Sect gone mad!?

A sinister light flashed in Wen Lan’s eyes. No, he had to go to the Jade Immortal Sect himself.