The thousands of blue stone steps of Liren Peak stretch upwards, and the two-person-high Boundary Spirit Tablet stands secluded and ancient, like an immortal living alone in the world.
The Boundary Spirit Tablet stands halfway up the mountain, its surrounding blue stones covered with spirit stones, continuously emanating vibrant spiritual energy.
The entire Liren Peak is shrouded in a layer of glass-like barrier, keeping outsiders at bay.
A man in a fiery red robe stands before the Boundary Spirit Monument, wielding a long sword.
Xue Manzhuang possessed striking beauty, his expression arrogant and conceited. His long, crimson hair, braided into a plait, cascaded over his shoulders, and a narrow, burning red mark adorned his brow.
He seemed to be engulfed in flames; his thin robes were disheveled and open, revealing a slender, muscular chest that was quite conspicuous.
Xue Manzhuang planted his long sword on the ground and, with a triumphant air, transmitted his voice: "Xue Manzhuang of the demon race! I've come to propose marriage!"
A black spirit butterfly landed on his shoulder, softly advising him: "Young Master, Shen Feng Xue has already reached the Great Ascension stage; few in the entire Three Realms and Nine Provinces can defeat him."
The implication was clear: you're still a ways off if you want to defeat him.
Xue Manzhuang, arrogant and blindly confident, declared: "That's perfect. I'll be the first to defeat Shen Fengxue, making him willingly follow me."
The spirit butterfly hesitated: "You said the same thing last time..."
Then, Shen Feng Xue mercilessly beat him, causing him to vomit several liters of blood, and it took two years to fully recover.
Xue Manzhuang ignored it, grabbing his longsword and swinging it twice. A flame suddenly erupted from the crimson blade, condensing into a phoenix ablaze, circling a few times in the air before shrieking and vanishing into thin air.
He licked his lips, the red mark between his brows seeming to burn.
The disciples of Zhibai Hall rushed towards the Boundary Spirit Tablet, while Shen Gurong walked at the rear, neither too close nor too far.
Mu Zhe preferred quiet and didn't want to join the crowd, but Yu Xinghe tugged at his sleeve, insisting on going to see. Unable to resist the noise, Mu Zhe had no choice but to follow.
Shen Gurong strolled leisurely behind the two little ones, popping a candied fruit into his mouth.
Mu Zhe glanced at it unintentionally, his brows suddenly furrowing.
His candied fruit…where did it come from?
Mu Zhe hesitated for a moment, a guess forming in his mind.
Shen Gurong: Mu Zhe, this candied fruit is quite delicious.
Mu Zhe: “…”
When did you steal it?!
Mu Zhe stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly lowered his eyes.
Yu Xinghe looked at him curiously: "What are you laughing at?"
Mu Zhe pursed his lips and shook his head: "Nothing—we agreed, just one look and then back."
Yu Xinghe nodded: "Mmm-hmm!"
Shen Gurong finished a candied fruit, waiting until the pit had lost its sweetness before arriving at the Boundary Spirit Tablet.
Looking into the distance, in front of the Boundary Spirit Tablet, a man who seemed to have become a spirit of fire stood there carrying a long sword, appearing to have been waiting for a long time.
Shen Gurong raised an eyebrow. Was this the man who had come to propose marriage?
There were no female cultivators on Liren Peak. This man's grand entrance to propose marriage was probably to marry a man.
Shen Gurong clicked his tongue twice, thinking to himself, 'You cultivators are truly open-minded. Even men marrying men have such a grand spectacle.'
Thinking this, Shen Gurong wondered who this man was proposing to. Was she more beautiful than a celestial being?
Shen Gurong, hands tucked into his wide sleeves, walked slowly over.
Li Suo was speaking to the man before the Boundary Spirit Tablet, his tone respectful: "Young Master Xue, please wait a moment. The Sect Leader will be here soon."
The demon race and Li Ren Peak have always been on good terms. The former Sect Leader of Li Ren Peak, Nan Yangjun, even took demon cultivator disciples.
This arrogant and domineering Xue Manzhuang is none other than the Demon Lord's son—the Phoenix.
Xue Manzhuang was spoiled from childhood, possessing a rebellious nature, lawless and arrogant, causing much trouble for the demon race both openly and secretly.
Decades ago, the Demon Lord brought him to Li Ren Peak to discuss important matters with Nan Yangjun. Xue Manzhuang immediately took a liking to the aloof and cold Shen Feng Xue.
Xue Manzhuang's original form was a phoenix; in human form, he possessed unparalleled beauty. From childhood, he believed himself to be the most beautiful person in the world. Even Sang Luofu, the top beauty on the Three Realms Beauty Ranking in Fenglu City, paled in comparison to a single hair on his head.
Until he met Shen Feng Xue…
That very day, he stormed before Nan Yangjun, the leader of Li Ren Peak, and directly demanded that Nan Yangjun bestow Shen Feng Xue upon him as a cultivation vessel.
A cultivation vessel is specifically used by cultivators to absorb yin and yang energy, and they are usually of low status.
He humiliated Shen Feng Xue so openly in front of Nan Yangjun, even Xi Guxing, who was always at odds with Shen Feng Xue, drew his sword in anger and nearly killed him.
When Nan Yangjun heard this, he coldly stared at Xue Manzhuang for a long time, then suddenly laughed.
Xue Manzhuang thought he had agreed, but before he could rejoice, Nan Yangjun struck him with a palm, causing him to vomit blood.
The Demon Lord, standing to the side, was speechless.
The Demon Lord had known Nan Yangjun for a hundred years and had never seen him so angry.
Xi Guxing was being held back by his two junior brothers, each grabbing one of his arms to prevent him from attacking Xue Manzhuang. Unable to break free, he could only leap into the air and kick, but even they couldn't hold him back. “You bastard! You stupid, filthy bug! You beast born of a soldier!”
The Demon Lord: “…”
The Demon Lord’s lips twitched.
Even as Xi Guxing flew into a rage, Shen Feng Xue stood by as if it were none of his business, his wide sleeves billowing, his eyes slightly lowered, his expression cold.
His expression remained unchanged throughout.
Xue Manzhuang, for some unknown reason, was completely captivated by Shen Feng Xue’s indifferent demeanor.
Covered in blood, he still shouted, “I want him! Father, I want him!”
The Demon Lord: “…”
Do you want to die on Liren Peak?!
Seeing Xue Manzhuang so infatuated with Shen Feng Xue, the Demon Lord was so angry he almost struck this rebellious son to death.
Since then, Xue Manzhuang would visit Liren Peak every so often to find Shen Feng Xue, though each time he was either beaten by Nan Yangjun or by Xi Guxing and his group.
Several times, Xue Manzhuang even resorted to drugging Shen Feng Xue, only to be beaten up by a combined attack from Xi Guxing and Shen Feng Xue, losing half his feathers and unable to continue his evil deeds for several years.
Xue Manzhuang only grew more determined with each setback.
He was truly willing to die for beauty.
Back then, a wooden sign stood beside the Boundary Spirit Tablet on Liren Peak, which read: "Xue Manzhuang and ghost cultivators are not allowed to enter."
Xi Guxing had also beaten this reckless phoenix. Upon hearing his name, Xue Manzhuang raised an eyebrow: "I don't want to see Xi Guxing; he's incredibly ugly."
In his eyes, everyone in the world except him and Shen Feng Xue was too ugly to bear.
Li Suo: "..."
Li Suo almost couldn't help but curse him in anger, but this person was of noble status, and Li Suo couldn't cause trouble for Li Ren Peak without permission. He could only continue gently, saying, "It's only natural for the sect leader to receive such a distinguished guest as the young master of the demon race has arrived."
Xue Manzhuang, always speaking his mind, completely lacked tact. He said, "If it's only natural, then Xi Guxing should have withdrawn the Boundary Spirit Tablet when I arrived, allowing me to go directly in to find Shen Feng Xue."
Li Suo chuckled dryly.
Just then, the usually arrogant Xue Manzhuang's eyes suddenly lit up. He quickly stepped forward and slammed his palm against the boundary spirit barrier, creating ripples with a loud "boom."
"Shen Feng Xue!"
Shen Gurong, who was about to step forward to watch the show, stopped abruptly, his face blank.
Huh? What? Me?
Xue Manzhuang saw Shen Gurong, his eyes filled with fanaticism, staring intently at him.
Shen Gurong: "???"
Shen Feng Xue, an acquaintance?
Xue Manzhuang: "Shen Feng Xue! Come out! Let's fight!"
Shen Gurong: "..."
Oh, he just came to fight me on the side.
Shen Gurong silently breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, 'I thought he was going to propose to me, what a scare!'
Xue Manzhuang laughed wildly and said again, "Fight me!"
Shen Gurong didn't want to fight him; he just wanted to see a man propose to another man.
He had only heard about homosexuality in storytelling; he had never witnessed it firsthand. This was truly an eye-opener.
Shen Gurong was expectant.
Shen Gurong waited.
But Xue Manzhuang seemed to have lost his mind, constantly challenging him to a fight.
Shen Gurong could only say, "Alright, I'll admit it first..."
Your proposal is more important.
He even uttered the word "lost" aloud when Xue Manzhuang declared, "This time, I will definitely defeat you and marry you honorably back to the demon race!"
Shen Gurong: "..."
Huh?
Marry whom?
Shen Gurong was stunned for a moment before realizing with horror that the man this fire spirit wanted to propose to was actually Shen Feng Xue!
Wasn't Shen Feng Xue the number one person in the Three Realms? How dare someone be so fearless as to make a move on him?! Weren't they afraid of being beaten to death?
Shen Gurong almost spat at him.
Wishful thinking!
This man is all flashy and gaudy; he's clearly not a respectable person. This Holy Lord is as beautiful as a fairy; I'd rather have him than let him have his way.
Shen Gurong's face darkened; he felt he needed to display his supreme authority: "Daydreaming."
Xue Manzhuang, gripping his long sword, ignored him and slashed at the barrier of Liren Peak.
A sharp, piercing sound rang out, and the towering flames transformed into a thousand-foot-long blade of fire, rising almost higher than a mountain peak, blotting out the sun, the flames fiercer than the blazing sun itself.
Shen Gurong's pupils contracted, thinking, 'Damn, so brutal? They've already started fighting?!'
Fortunately, the barrier around Liren Peak was strong enough; Xue Manzhuang's fierce attack didn't even manage to slice off a hair.
Shen Gurong finally relaxed.
After his attack, Xue Manzhuang's long hair flew wildly as he called out, "Shen Feng Xue, what are you doing hiding in that coward's shell? Come out and fight me!"
Shen Gurong's light-colored eyes reflected the raging flames. Hearing this, he slightly raised an eyebrow, his fingers instinctively snapping shut. A whooshing sound filled his ears, and a sharp, knife-like wind whipped his loose hair wildly.
When he came to his senses, he found himself holding a long, gleaming blue sword.
Shen Gurong glanced down, and the name of the sword suddenly flashed into his mind.
—Lin Xia Chun.
Shen Feng Xue's natal sword.
A blue light emanated from Lin Xia Chun. Whether it was the remnant of Shen Feng Xue's divine soul within the natal sword taking effect or not, Shen Gurong suddenly felt his body move.
Shen Gurong…
Shen Feng Xue's gaze was cold and sharp. His light, sweeping gaze swept across Xue Manzhuang, carrying the power of a thousand bolts of lightning, instantly dispersing the flames Xue Manzhuang had unleashed.
Shen Feng Xue stepped forward, sword in hand, slowly emerging from the protection of the Boundary Spirit Tablet. He looked at Xue Manzhuang expressionlessly, his thin lips parting slightly, radiating a terrifying Mahayana stage aura.
"Insolence."
The aura spread instantly. All the birds and beasts of Liren Peak scattered in panic. Even the disciples within the Liren Peak barrier felt a chill run down their spines; those with weaker cultivation collapsed to the ground.
After Xue Manzhuang's flames subsided, his fighting spirit intensified.
He gripped his blood-soaked longsword and suddenly let out a phoenix cry.
Shen Feng Xue, leaning against the barrier, stood a step away from the Spirit Boundary Tablet, his cold eyes lowered, and lightly swung his sword.
The sword, like a blade carrying a whirlwind, slashed down at Xue Manzhuang.
Xue Manzhuang's pupils contracted, and he slashed horizontally with his longsword.
In his last match with Shen Feng Xue, he had been defeated by this very move.
The icy sword intent nearly severed Xue Manzhuang's arm; if he hadn't been a phoenix, he would likely be dead.
The once clear sky was now obscured by dark clouds, and thunderclaps echoed in their ears.
Li Suo had already shielded the onlookers behind him, watching the two fighting outside the Spirit Boundary Tablet with worry.
Yu Xinghe gripped Li Suo's sleeve tightly. He had never witnessed such a spectacular scene and was quite frightened. He stammered, "Senior brother, will Master be alright?"
Li Suo glanced down at him, noticing tears welling in Yu Xinghe's eyes, and gently comforted him, "Don't worry, the Holy Lord won't take this person seriously."
Yu Xinghe finally relaxed and sobbed.
Mu Zhe frowned, watching his master's indifferent sword-wielding expression. A strange feeling welled up inside him, as if the cold-blooded, ruthless master who had tormented him had returned.
He tried to channel his spiritual energy, but after a long time, he found his dantian completely empty, not a single inch of spiritual energy in his meridians.
Shen Feng Xue was fighting Xue Manzhuang when, sensing something, he suddenly turned his head and gave Mu Zhe a cold look.
Mu Zhe's legs went weak under that chilling gaze, his face instantly turning pale, and he almost knelt down.
Shen Feng Xue saw the fear in his eyes, a fleeting look of bewilderment crossing his beautiful face, a hint of sorrow flashing in his eyes that he couldn't quite conceal.
He lowered his gaze slightly, turning his head away from Mu Zhe, his expression indifferent as he raised his sword, the sword intent surging towards Xue Manzhuang like a tidal wave.
This time he held nothing back. The battle-ready Xue Manzhuang took the blow directly, coughing up blood, staggering back several steps until he knelt on one knee, using his long sword to support his swaying body.
Shen Feng Xue coldly stared at Xue Manzhuang: "You weak and incompetent fool, did you really think I wouldn't dare kill you?"
Xue Manzhuang, perhaps used to being beaten, showed no pain even after coughing up blood. He stared intently at Shen Feng Xue, his eyes filled with burning desire.
Xue Manzhuang, completely oblivious to the meaning of death, declared, "Shen Feng Xue, one day, I will make you willingly submit to me!"
Xue Manzhuang's crimson eyes brazenly stared at Shen Fengxue's captivating face, his gaze slowly tracing down his cheeks and neck.
It was as if he were peeling away the layers of Shen Feng Xue's austere white robes with his gaze.
Shen Feng Xue: "..."
You're courting death!
Shen Fengxue's fingers tightened slightly, his instinct urge to raise his sword and kill this fearless brat, but seeing Mu Zhe's extreme fear of him beside him, his hand fell back.
Shen Feng Xue swung his longsword, and Lin Xia Chun transformed into fragments of light, merging into his body.
He closed his eyes slightly, and when he opened them again, his gaze had softened and become gentle.
Ah!
Mu Zhe, whose body was already weak from Shen Feng Xue's oppressive aura, was barely able to maintain his balance when his spiritual energy suddenly surged, and a joyful voice rang in his ears.
'Was that me just now? Was it me? Was it me?!'
Shen Gurong suppressed his excitement, thinking, 'How majestic! How majestic! I'm going to change my name to Shen Weifeng! Ah, ah, ah!'
Mu Zhe: "..."
Shen Gurong decided to call himself 'Shen Weifeng' for a whole day!
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