Chapter 1, The Imprisoned Demon Lord

Bohyeo Jinghang, surprisingly serious, said: "It doesn't matter whether you believe it or not; after all, I have been here for decades and have gotten used to it."

Jiang Qingliu had nothing to say. The two individuals did not trust each other. After a stalemate, he finally reached a compromise: "I will find someone to prepare a medicine to restrain your internal energy. If you are willing, we can make a deal; if you are not willing, I will turn and leave."

When there was no one else in the room, Jiang Qingliu forcefully kicked the person clinging to his waist out: "Bo Ye Jingxing!"

His twenty-seven years have equaled the lifetime achievements of many. And now, he lies in bed, with only a twelve or thirteen-year-old swordsman by his side

Jiang Qingliu naturally hesitated: "How can I trust you?"

Bohyeo Jinghang still looks the same as he did a few days ago, so I am not surprised to see him like this: "Do not heed the words of the elderly, cough cough"

The dungeon was shrouded in silence all day long, and even the slightest sound was enough to startle him. He raised his head, and the chains binding his hands and feet clinked softly. Jiang Qingliu entered the cell, and a foul stench pervaded the air inside.

Jiang Qingliu looked at him with a face full of suspicion—has this old scoundrel really gone mad after being imprisoned for so many years

Jiang Qingliu, however, was experiencing some insomnia, and he did not know what Wan Chan was doing. He wanted to turn over, but his legs were pinned down by Bo Ye Jingxing. He gently pushed him, but unexpectedly, Bo Ye Jingxing, who had been sound asleep, suddenly jumped up. The intensity of his reaction startled Jiang Qingliu.

Bohaya Jingxing smiled deviously: "Of course, however, you have imprisoned me for thirty years. It would be rather inappropriate for you to ask me for help without offering anything in return, wouldn't it?"

The person bound by chains let out a cold snort, and Jiang Qingliu gave a slight gesture, prompting the nearby guard to retreat in understanding. He fixed his gaze on the disheveled long-haired individual, and finally took out a jade bottle, pouring out two blood-red pills. The chains rattled again as he grasped the bound person's chin, forcing the two pearl-like glossy pills into his mouth, then compelling him to swallow them.

Jiang Qingliu certainly did not believe it: "You have been cultivating the Five Suns Heart Sutra for so many years, yet you do not know the whereabouts of this sutra?"

Jiang Qingliu waved his hand to stop him: "The master of the merchant valley possesses exceptional medical skills. Since she has made this judgment, it must be the truth. There is no need to worry about her"

Bohong Jingxing completely disregarded his gaze and immediately burrowed into his bed, saying: "Why is it colder outside than inside?"

Jiang Qingliu furrowed his brows slightly, feeling a chill in his body, and began to cough again. He could only remind Bo Ye Jingxing: "Can you really heal my injuries?"

He wiped his tears and snot all over Jiang Qingliu's pants, leaving Jiang Qingliu in a state of both laughter and tears: "Bo Ye Jingxing, what are you going crazy about? Let go!"

After he jumped up, he looked around and seemed to find no danger, so he continued to lie down on his legs and fell asleep again. His sleeping posture was also with both hands placed together on top of his head, as if he were bound.

"Do not speak, just walk," he said, being supported by Chui Xue as they made their way to the dungeon. After all, he was still the lord of the manor; although the guards were somewhat surprised to see him, they did not dare to stop him. Upon reaching the outside of the cell, he dismissed everyone and entered alone.

He wanted to ask something, but did not know where to start. How could Haya Kiyokata be a woman? This is simply absurd!

Swallowing the third pill, the once-dominant figure in the martial world gazed vacantly. Jiang Qingliu crouched down in front of him, suddenly his gaze fixed, stopping at his chest. At that time, his clothes were already tattered, and his body was covered in dirt. ... Only his chest ... . ... Jiang Qingliu slowly extended his hand, touching that protruding mass.

Bai Ye Jinghang clung to his leg, refusing to let go, crying for most of the day. Suddenly, he stopped crying, poked his head out from under the blanket, looked around, and confirmed that no one was there before crawling out. At that moment, his hair was damp and sticking up, and he held a towel in his right hand, wiping it slowly and carefully, asking: "Have you thought it through?"

This result is not what the Jiang family desires. For a family that has stood in the martial world for a hundred years, it is extremely difficult to cultivate an heir. If Jiang Qingliu loses all his martial arts skills, what use is his life?

The greatest fear of martial artists is to deviate in their practice, leading to a state of obsession, which plunged the Jiang family into a cloud of sorrow.

His voice was hoarse, making it somewhat difficult to distinguish between male and female. Jiang Qingliu did not pause in his steps and said, "So what?"

Jiang Qingliu then lightly coughed and said, "State your conditions"

Jiang Qingliu could hardly believe his eyes: "You..." Having been imprisoned for thirty years, this person should now be at least around sixty years old. Why do they look so young?

The disheveled Bo Ye Jingxing hunched over, as if his spirit and flesh had already separated, completely devoid of sensation. Jiang Qingliu felt something was amiss; he drew the sword at his waist, instantly creating a flurry of sword flowers that shredded Bo Ye Jingxing's chest garment into powder. However, after the garment was torn apart, what lay before him left this well-informed leader of the martial arts alliance utterly dumbfounded.

Hurry and support him, anxious, she said: "Alliance Leader, you cannot get out of bed now..."

After discussions among the clan leader and the elders, the Jiang family concluded that there was no longer a need to keep a dangerous madman.

Later, Jiang Qingliu, like every successor of the Jiang family, became renowned for his chivalry throughout the land. At the age of twenty, he assisted his father, Jiang Linghe, in managing the affairs of the alliance, and by twenty-three, he was able to stand on his own. By the time of the Heroic Assembly at the age of twenty-five, it was almost a natural progression for him to succeed as the leader of the martial arts alliance.

Thirty years of confinement have gradually caused this once-feared demon, who made the heroes of the martial world tremble, to fade from the public's view. However, for thirty years, the Jiang family has not dared to show any signs of laxity in their supervision of him

To be honest, he was somewhat hesitant. Trusting the words of a madman, even if he was once a formidable one, is indeed too dangerous. However, Bo Ye Jingxing found the candlelight blinding—he had been locked in the dungeon for too long and was truly unaccustomed to the light. He picked up a fragrant bean from the table, and with one bean, he extinguished three candles. Then the bean hit the wall and accurately bounced back into his hand.

A year later, he officially ventured into the martial world, and within just one year, he gained widespread fame. In the second year, the master swordsmith Cang Qinzi specially forged a sword for him, named Zhan Ye. By the third year, he had already become a distinguished guest among various prestigious sects, a paragon of justice that instilled fear in all manner of demons and evildoers.

Jiang Qingliu would never take his words to heart: "You should worry about yourself instead."

The guard bowed and stepped back. The cell was dimly lit, and the surroundings were in a deplorable state; he could not discern what had happened.

Bohyeo Jinghang: "I need one year to clarify what exactly happened back then. The Five-Day Heart Sutra that you seek will certainly be found after I have unraveled the whole story."

He lifted the thin blanket with one hand: "That old scoundrel indeed has foresight, hurry up and help me up."

No one would doubt the diagnosis of Shang Xin, but even though the Jiang family promised a substantial reward, she only suggested rest and, to the best of her ability, could ensure Jiang Qingliu's life.

That evening, after the meeting, Jiang Yintian, the head of the Jiang family, confirmed the next heir, when astonishing news came from below—Boye Jingxing had escaped

Half a month later, he led a group to surround the evil sect of Yin-Yang Dao. During the confrontation with its leader, both sides suffered heavy losses. Jiang Qingliu, having gained fame as a youth, found few rivals. Although he was usually unaware of it, when he truly encountered a master, he realized that his internal energy was difficult to control. He forced himself to return to the Chenbi Villa, and the Jiang family urgently invited the divine physician Shang Xin from Tianxiang Valley to come for treatment. After examining his pulse, Shang Xin confirmed that his vital energy was stagnant, and his internal energy was in turmoil, indicating that he had already fallen into a state of demonic deviation. He forced himself to return to the Chenbi Villa, and the Jiang family urgently invited the divine physician Shang Xin from Tianxiang Valley to come for treatment. After examining his pulse, Shang Xin confirmed that his vital energy was stagnant, and his internal energy was in turmoil, indicating that he had already fallen into a state of demonic deviation

Jiang Qingliu stood before him, tall and graceful, like a jade tree in the wind: "Bo Ye Jingxing, by rights, I should address you as 'senior'. Today, I ask you for the last time, where exactly is the Five Luminaries Heart Sutra?"

Moreover, he is actually a woman. In the martial world, there are many individuals with keen insight, so how is it that not a single person has noticed? As he turned to leave, behind him, Bo Ye Jingxing suddenly spoke: "Young man, if my observation is correct, what you have practiced should be the Jiang family's Nine-Tenths Sword Technique, supplemented by the Remnant Elephant Divine Skill"

His lips trembled slightly, his attention could not be focused, and he was completely immersed in a state of disorientation. Jiang Qingliu simply poured out another grain, pried open his mouth, and fed it to him. He couldn't even clench his teeth tightly.

A moment of silence, Hakuya Yukikage licked his parched lips: "Alright"

Bai Ye Jinghang could only get up to dry his hair, which was glossy and black, cascading down to his waist. His features were a blend of firmness and softness, making it difficult to distinguish between male and female.

In front of him, Bo Ye Jingxing was also looking at him, his gaze sometimes clear and sometimes muddled. Jiang Qingliu then spoke: "Speak of the whereabouts of the Five Luminaries Heart Sutra. You can free yourself sooner this way; what is the point of holding on like this?"

As the night deepened, Jiang Qingliu leaned against the door, only able to see a faint shadow. After a while, Bo Yejing walked in from outside, wearing Jiang Qingliu's inner garment. His long hair hung wetly behind his head, and his skin, having been deprived of sunlight for many years, was pale and translucent.

Jiang Qingliu walked through the narrow passage and stopped in front of a small prison cell. The person inside had disheveled long hair, their hands bound by heavy chains, and their face was so dirty that their original features could not be discerned

He lay back down on the bed, and Cui Xue fed him the remaining water: "Alliance Leader, you rest for now, I will go to invite Lord Shang Gu."

Shang Xin candidly stated: "Tianxiang Valley has repeatedly received the benevolence of the Alliance Leader. If there truly is a method to consider, this humble girl would not hesitate to risk her life. However, the Alliance Leader's internal strength has advanced by leaps and bounds, and it is feared that he has now broken through the ninth level of the Remnant Image Divine Skill. Such profound internal strength leaves us with no means to contemplate. In my humble opinion, we can only focus on regulation."

Jiang Qingliu pondered for a moment and said, "You tell me what you want to investigate, and I will help you verify it"

He shifted his gaze down between the legs of Hayase Jingu, who immediately snorted coldly: "If I were you, I would first take care of myself"

Jiang Qingliu did not say much: "Do you truly have a way to assist me?"

When all the idle people had left, Jiang Qingliu took a couple of steps forward. He could not just engage in such an "open" conversation. After thinking for a moment, he took off his coat and awkwardly held it over her.

Thirty years ago, when this villain was rampaging through the martial world, he had not yet been born. The rumors in the martial world had long demonized this old fellow; however, in terms of Jiang Qingliu personally, he should not harbor much hatred towards this person. It was merely during the chaotic battle where the eight major sects of the martial world besieged this old thief that countless passionate heroes sacrificed their lives, among them was his grandfather, Jiang Shaosang.

Bai Ye Jinghang quickly finished gnawing on the chicken leg, and at this moment, he certainly could not let anyone bring hot water. The chill of March was quite intense, but he did not mind, as he washed himself by the lake outside Jiang Qingliu Courtyard

The dimly lit dungeon is filled with a musty and damp odor in the air

Cui Xue: "She told the book that the leader's martial arts cannot be restored, but with careful nurturing, the leader's life can still be preserved"

Jiang Qingliu nodded slightly, it has been thirty years, even the Jiang family no longer holds any hope

Jiang Qingliu coldly snorted: "Then you better hurry! You currently have no internal energy, and I can send you in at any time."

The patriarch Jiang Yintian convened everyone in the ancestral hall for an urgent meeting to discuss the next heir. When Jiang Qingliu woke up, he found himself alone. He felt as if all his meridians were being scorched by fierce flames, and even breathing was exceptionally difficult

Jiang Qingliu slowly approached him and asked: "Where is the Five Planet Heart Sutra?"

Jiang Qingliu conducted a covert investigation for half a month, yet all the records confirmed that Bo Ye Jingxing was undoubtedly a man. He was perplexed and had even visited the surviving martial artists after the last chaotic battle, but found no leads.

Jiang Qingliu waved his hand to stop him. The reason he took this child under his wing in the first place was precisely because of his young age and his lack of understanding of the Jiang family's circumstances

Bai Ye Jinghang indeed stopped smiling, and Jiang Qingliu leaned closer to him, also curious: "Are you a man or a woman?"

He was drying his hair when suddenly footsteps were heard outside. Jiang Qingliu's expression changed, and Bo Ye Jingxing rolled onto the bed and quickly burrowed under the covers. His body pressed entirely against Jiang Qingliu's, who deliberately bent his long legs slightly, causing the blanket to rise slightly, making the outlines of the two appear less exaggerated

Cui Xue was somewhat anxious: "But Alliance Leader, you..."

Bai Ye Jinghang lowered his head again, muttering something under his breath. Looking at his expression, he seemed somewhat out of sorts. Jiang Qingliu felt a bit suspicious; this person's character was said to be exceedingly arrogant. Perhaps he truly had no need to lie. He might even look down on the act of lying altogether.

Hahaha. Bo Ye Jingxing laughed heartily, seemingly unperturbed: "You Jiang family, do you dare to release me? Don't even mention releasing me; do you dare to let go of one of my hands?"

Jiang Qingliu thought to himself, indeed. At this moment, there was only one sword boy, Cuixue, in the entire courtyard. The child could be easily distracted, so he whispered, "Quickly change your clothes and hide well! If you are discovered, I cannot protect you."

Jiang Qingliu nodded slightly, saying no more, only indicating that she was tired. Everyone else left the room, and Dan Wanchan walked to the bedside, her eyes red. Jiang Qingliu's heart softened, and she gently held her hand: "You are tired too, go down and rest."

This person is utterly arrogant! Jiang Qingliu coldly snorted: "Bo Ye Jingxing, do not forget the deep-seated enmity between you and the Jiang family that cannot coexist! If I were to inform the clan leader about your identity as a woman, let us see how long you can remain so arrogant!"

Bai Ye Jinghang crawled out from under the blanket and said to him: "You can temporarily transfer your internal energy to me, storing it in my dantian. Then find someone to nurture my meridians, and when my internal injuries heal, you can take the internal energy back from my body"

Shang Xin took a few steps forward and once again checked Jiang Qingliu's pulse. Jiang Qingliu's wife, named Shan Wanchan, was quietly sobbing beside him. Great-grandmother Zhou reprimanded her softly for a few moments

At that time, Cui Xue was only twelve or thirteen years old, a truly innocent and carefree age, and did not understand what should be said and what should not be said: "Leader, you have been in a deep sleep for several days, and the clan leader is quite anxious, currently discussing the matter of the heir with the elders and clan heads."

The longstanding feud made him turn a blind eye to the thirty years of cruel torture and imprisonment inflicted upon this old scoundrel by the Jiang family. Yet, it was truly unexpected that he was a woman

The one who entered was the clan leader Jiang Yintian, followed by more than ten elders and the master of Tianxiang Valley, Shang Xin

Only then did Cui Xue remember to pour him some water: "Great-grandmother is in the Buddhist hall with the ladies, reciting scriptures and praying for blessings for Meng He and the book owner."

What is this

He hurriedly wanted to find Shang Xin, but Jiang Qingliu stopped him: "Where are the others?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Yintian turned to Jiang Qingliu, who understood the implication very well. The Jiang family's position in the martial world is unshakeable; the leader of the martial alliance cannot be a completely powerless person. He glanced at the people in the hall and said softly: "I am unable to take charge for the time being; I will leave all matters of the Jiang family to the clan leader and the elders."

"Summon the snow, summon the snow," he called out twice. His sword attendant rushed in from outside: "Alliance Leader, you are awake!"

Bohyeo Jinghang's throat made a slight sound; he could struggle, but he could not. For thirty years, he had relied on these two fat pills to survive each day. After the fat pills entered his abdomen, he began to relax completely, and his once bright and radiant eyes gradually lost their luster, becoming increasingly dazed.

He clicked his tongue impatiently and had no choice but to let his hair hang down outside the couch. Jiang Qingliu felt a weight on his leg, and when he looked again, he was astonished to find that this fellow had actually fallen asleep on his lap.

Jiang Qingliu felt a chill and decided to take the risk of trusting this madman once: "Come on, after all, I cannot just lie here like a useless person."

Jiang Qingliu raised his hand to signal that he need not say more: "You may leave first; I wish to be alone for a while"

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Yintian had already opened his mouth: "At this point, please clarify, Master Shang Gu. If this continues, what will happen to the Qingliu?"

What would happen if he truly lost all his martial arts skills

That turned out to be a pair of shapely breasts! Although they were soiled to the point that their original color could not be discerned, they were small and firm. Even with Jiang Qingliu's extraordinary composure, he could not help but stand up in surprise—was this slender figure a woman?

This message spread swiftly as if it had grown wings, reaching the Eight Great Sects. The seemingly calm martial world concealed turbulent waves beneath the surface

Jiang Qingliu parted his hair and said: "Dry your hair before coming up!"

At the martial arts tournament held after the age of fifteen, Jiang Qingliu defeated the top disciples of the Huashan, Emei, and Wudang sects, overcoming seven challenges in succession and achieving fame in a single battle

Jiang Qingliu only felt a burning sensation in the place where that person was pressed against him, and he remained motionless: "Master Shang Gu, how is my injury?"

At that time, Bo Ye Jingxing was indulging in a feast in Jiang Qingliu's room. A foul, sour odor made Jiang Qingliu frown. Finally, he could no longer hold back: "How many years has it been since you last ate? Can't you wash up first?"

In front of him, Bo Ye Jingxing's consciousness drifted, while Jiang Qingliu hesitated slightly. The purpose of this visit was very clear. As long as two more pills of the Longevity Elixir were administered, even someone as extraordinary as Bo Ye Jingxing would have no chance of survival.

Bohong Jingxing raised his head, and those eyes surprisingly regained their clarity: "I said I don't know, do you believe me?"

Bohyeo Kyeonghang: "I do not believe you"

This method is something Jiang Qingliu has never heard of, and he is naturally half-convinced. Bo Ye Jingxing, with his hair still damp, crawled over and said: "Do you believe it now? When your internal energy severely damages your meridians and the Yang fire attacks your heart, your temperament will surely change drastically. At that time, even I will be powerless to help you."

Bohong Jingxing chuckled and said, "Not possible"

After a moment of contemplation, he remarked: "Although this approach is theoretically feasible, each individual's meridians can only accommodate a limited amount of internal energy. The leader possesses exceptional martial arts skills, and in the vast realm of martial arts, there are likely very few who can bear the ninth level of the Residual Image Divine Skill's internal energy aside from himself. Moreover, internal energy has attributes of yin, yang, and the five elements; if it clashes with the opponent's power, it could result in casualties for both parties. Additionally, the internal energy of different sects varies greatly in terms of meridian pathways and acupoint techniques. The entry point of internal energy into which acupoint and the storage in which meridian must be precisely managed to avoid self-destruction. Every day, the direction and method of circulating energy through acupoints and meridians, as well as the exit point of the internal energy, must be meticulously calculated; even the slightest deviation could pose a grave danger to both individuals."

Jiang Qingliu coughed violently and asked, "Where is Madam?"

Bohyeo Jinghang curled up in the blanket, seemingly extremely afraid of the cold. However, just moments ago, he had been washing off the grime from his body in the icy lake water, indicating that he was so dirty that he could no longer tolerate it: "Who am I? Would I deceive a mere child like you."

As everyone was about to leave, Jiang Qingliu called out to Shang Xin: "I would also like to ask the master of Shang Valley, if the internal energy of the lower self were to be transferred to another person with exceptional martial skills, would it be more beneficial for the cultivation of the lower self's meridians?"

Jiang Yintian let out a sigh of relief and then nodded: "You should rest assured and recuperate, do not overthink."

Jiang Qingliu turned to the side, blocking the view of the execution guard behind him, and after a moment suddenly said: "You go out first, I have a few words to ask him"

Shang Xin let out a light sigh: "My meridians are injured, my martial arts have been completely lost, and I am as good as a useless person. I, Shang, am incompetent, and can only ensure the safety of the leader's life."

In the quilt, Bo Ye Jinghang tightly clung to his leg. Jiang Qingliu kicked him hard, and he unexpectedly began to cry: "Young Master Jiang wants to harm me! Master, save me! Junior Sister, save me! Tie Feng is coming to harm me!"

Still unwilling to speak? His voice was cold, and the guard beside him respectfully lowered his head: "Replying to the master of the estate, this old thief is very stubborn."

Cui Xue nodded: "The master of the merchant valley has been here for several days now, but she has also spoken so seriously that she frightened the lady to tears"

Jiang Qingliu: "Why?"

Jiang Qingliu secretly gathered his strength, feeling a sharp pain in his lower abdomen. A chill ran through his heart as he tried his best to endure the pain in his body: "Is the doctor the young lady Shangxin from Tianxiang Valley?"

Cui Xue anxiously went out, while Jiang Qingliu lay on the couch. He had practiced the Remnant Image Divine Skill to the ninth level, a realm that neither his ancestor Jiang Shaosang nor his father Jiang Linghe had ever reached in their lifetimes. However, as Bo Ye Jingxing had said, his meridians simply could not withstand such a rapid surge of internal energy.

This pill, also known as the Longevity Pill, has a name that sounds quite beautiful, and taking it makes one feel as if they are floating in the air. However, the side effects are also very evident; over the years, he has clearly become mentally confused.

Finally, he stood before Jiang Linghe, the then leader of the martial arts world, clad in a flowing white robe. Although he was only fifteen years old, his gaze was remarkably resolute, looking at Jiang Linghe not as a son would at his father, but more like one would regard a statue, a mountain ridge poised to leap.

For the first time in twenty-seven years, he contemplated this issue

Bohaya Jingxing nodded in approval and said, "I will take a nap, and tomorrow I will begin."

Jiang Qingliu let out a bitter smile: "It is quite serious."

Bohong Jingxing coldly snorted: "You possess extraordinary talent, but you are too eager for success, already showing signs of going astray. Just for the garment you presented to me today, I will give you a word of warning. If the day comes when my words prove true and I am still alive, you may come to find me."

Bohyeo Jinghang was still holding a chicken leg in his hand: "I haven't eaten for years, I should be asking you!"

Jiang Qingliu was not surprised: "What do you want? Ahem," he leaned against the pillar, coughing for a while, "Freedom?"

The Jiang family of Chenbi Mountain Villa, even if not part of the martial world, is certainly well-known. For nearly two hundred years, this family has held an unshakable position in the Jianghu. In recent years, six highly respected leaders of the martial arts community have emerged from the Jiang family. Like the successors of the Jiang family throughout the generations, Jiang Qingliu devoted himself to martial arts training before the age of fifteen, never stepping into the Jianghu.

Having said that, he burrowed into the quilt, and Jiang Qingliu forcefully kicked him awake: "Your hair is still wet, don't rub it against me!"

How serious is it