Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1499 - 935: Guide_2
Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
A woman able to endure immense suffering and cruelty could remain by a man’s side for seventy-five years, driven solely by the desire for family vengeance.
To achieve this goal, she subjected herself to his every whim, debasing herself by becoming intimate with various men.
Despite possessing the clear capability to end Bai Yuanduo, she deliberately refrained from doing so.
Instead, she opted for a method that was both brutally effective and subtly gentle, ensuring her target would be ostracized and plunged into eternal despair.
Such an individual, remaining in proximity, presented a considerable and unpredictable danger.
Therefore, he found it necessary to take the risk of offending a Golden Immortal to assist Baili An in neutralizing this potential threat.
Confronted by Qingzhi’s lethal intent, Ting Yan let out a soft chuckle. She raised her eyebrows, fixing her gaze on Qingzhi as she spoke:
"I genuinely fail to comprehend what power could inspire such unwavering devotion in a cold-blooded individual like yourself, to the point of disregarding your own life.
Ah... I recall you mentioning 'One Drop of Blood' moments ago?
I have heard of it; it's a rapidly growing force within the Demon Alliance in recent years, isn't it? It strikes me as peculiar, for your aura suggests you are certainly not a demon."
Qingzhi responded, "A person on the verge of death, yet still preoccupied with speculation."
Ting Yan, finding the exchange disheartening, inquired, "What is your name?"
Qingzhi smirked, retorting, "Do you mistake me for the likes of Bai Yuanduo, blinded by infatuation?"
Ting Yan continued, "Your intention to kill me stems from the concern that, upon my recovery, I might pose a threat to 'One Drop of Blood.'
However, you seem to overlook my demonic nature. Should I sincerely join 'One Drop of Blood,'
I would cease to be your adversary; in fact, I could become your secondary weapon."
Her slender, elegant fingers lightly caressed his blade, causing a flow of blood to trace down her wrist, staining her sleeves crimson.
"After all, sometimes, a blade that brings death need not be excessively sharp or cold, must it?"
Qingzhi regarded her with a detached expression, posing the question, "Why do you entertain such naive notions?"
She had already revealed a heart as venomous as a scorpion's, a cruelty bordering on the perverse, convincing him she was far from being benevolent.
Surrendering oneself before an enemy's blade was indeed a naive act.
After a brief contemplation, Ting Yan declared, "Perhaps I have simply grown weary of life."
Could it be that she was merely tired of living?
Originally, she could have claimed the position of White Sun Cave Master, a Golden Immortal, and stepped directly onto the immortal path.
Yet, she chose to immerse herself in the mortal realm, engaging in the perilous game of love like a moth drawn to a flame, squandering seventy-five years beside Bai Yuanduo.
She dabbled in dark arts, manipulated minds, displaying such cunning intelligence – how could she not have realized she was treading a treacherous path?
She never truly intended to follow a righteous path, instead relying on Bai Yang’s favor, recklessly gambling with her own existence.
Even at this very moment, she appeared to hold her own life in low regard.
Qingzhi offered no further reply. He raised his cold blade, slicing her brow. A droplet of fresh blood emerged, and he then cut his own wrist. Simultaneously, a Blood Pearl materialized.
The two Blood Pearls, one from a human and one from a demon, hovered weightlessly in the air before gradually merging and vanishing.
Ting Yan inquired, "What is the significance of this?"
Qingzhi explained, "Within 'One Drop of Blood,' there exists an unwritten protocol.
Should a newcomer wish to join 'One Drop of Blood,' they require a sponsor to facilitate their entry.
Effective immediately, with this blood pact, I shall serve as your sponsor."
Ting Yan gazed at him, astonished, seemingly unable to reconcile the fact that such a cold and ruthless individual would so readily accept her words.
Moments prior, his murderous intent had been palpable and undeniable.
Ting Yan emitted a laugh, "Are you not concerned that I might betray you one day, inflicting harm upon you as I did to Bai Yuanduo?"
Qingzhi replied, "A blunted blade that poses no threat is merely a waste of effort.
However, a blade that is dangerously sharp, when properly wielded, can strike down countless enemies."
His initial intent was to eliminate her due to the threat she posed to 'One Drop of Blood.'
His decision to spare her was based on her potential to generate equivalent value for 'One Drop of Blood.'
"Furthermore..." Qingzhi extended a hand towards Ting Yan, who sat dishevelled on the ground, a faint smile gracing his lips.
His normally slender, downward-sloping eyes, which usually held a chilling frost, seemed to shed their icy veneer with this smile, revealing hints of refined features.
"I find it unbelievable that any fairy would wish to depart once they have joined 'One Drop of Blood.'"
Ting Yan placed her hand in his, accepting his gentle assistance to her feet. Gazing at his smiling countenance, she asked, "Do you truly possess such unwavering confidence?"
"It is not a matter of my confidence, but rather the undeniable need for an organization like 'One Drop of Blood' among demon cultivators in this inherently unjust world."
The smile on Qingzhi's face faded swiftly, leaving the demon fox, Ting Yan, with a measure of disappointment.
"After all, here it is truly possible for humans and demons to coexist peacefully, until you genuinely grow accustomed to entrusting your life and death to your companions.
You will then understand the true meaning of life, and at that moment... you won’t undervalue your own existence as you do now."
Surprisingly, someone so cold-blooded could articulate such alluring concepts. Ting Yan scoffed internally, filled with disdain. No matter how pleasant his words were, it was simply because he had recognized her utility. The ’One Drop of Blood’ Demon Alliance had only been established for a few short years. Compared to established sects with deep foundations and history, it couldn’t measure up. Their sole reliance was on the unrealistic so-called ‘faith’ and brainwashing tactics.
Though it sounded noble as a Demon Alliance, Ting Yan doubted the scale of One Drop of Blood could be substantial. Immortal Venerable Zhu Zhan wielded authority like the heavens, imposing his laws and order. She didn’t believe many demons who cherished freedom would risk angering the Heavenly God to form such an unapproved faction.
Oh well, it was just a life salvaged. She might as well play along with him for the time being.
... ...
Shu Ci was meticulously calculating in her mind but never anticipated that Ying Ji and her entourage would find them so quickly. She watched as the near-dead flesh in her hands showed signs of life. Before she could even savor the initial taste, the Empress of Central Netherworld discovered her son and approached her.
Despite Shu Ci’s arrogance, she dared not underestimate the Empress of Central Netherworld. In her seven-tail form, with her demonic power fully concealed, it might deceive others, but it would be difficult to fool Ying Ji. Thus, she refrained from revealing herself, choosing instead to sharpen her claws grudgingly in the secluded courtyard, unwillingly observing the mother and son’s reunion from a distance.
As expected of an empress’s grand occasion, the procession moved with grandeur, luxuriously appointed with a scented carriage, a clearly organized display. The young man was treated as if he might shatter upon the slightest touch, carefully assisted into the carriage. The horsewhip cracked, and the carriage slowly departed, leaving only a swirl of melancholic dust on the street.
Shu Ci slumped her shoulders, gazing longingly from afar. Driven by an unrelenting spirit, she transformed into a small fox, darting swiftly, following the scent of ‘flesh,’ trailing far behind. While she wasn’t a match for the Empress of Central Netherworld at present, she wouldn’t be surprised if circumstances allowed that piece of meat to end up back in her possession. A fox travels a thousand miles for sustenance, and the lesson lies in persistence.
Inside the carriage, Li Jiujiu observed Baili An’s pale face, seemingly with much to convey to him. However, hindered by the presence of such a significant figure as Ying Ji, she felt extremely restrained, unsure of how to conduct herself. She could only recall the days she could freely tease the beautiful corpse demon. Now, separated by a disparity in status, he inexplicably felt out of reach, past events seeming like dreams from a distant memory.
On the table rested a bowl of fresh bloody sustenance, prepared by Ying Ji, perhaps due to the severe injuries inflicted by the Golden Immortal. After Baili An consumed the bowl, his complexion regained some vitality but remained pale. While Li Jiujiu was lost in her thoughts, a sweet fragrance wafted to her nose. She raised her head to see a golden lotus pastry presented before her.
Her gaze shifted slightly to meet Baili An’s gentle brows and eyes. He smiled at her, saying, "I remember you mentioning you enjoy eating lotus pastries, and it happens that the cook at Anle Workshop is skilled in making them. So, yesterday, I ordered a plate and had someone taste it; they said it was quite good. Miss Jiujiu, please give it a try."
Facing those clear black eyes, Li Jiujiu’s nose inexplicably stung, and a flood of grievances overwhelmed her. Pouting, she threw herself directly into his embrace, forgetting Ying Ji’s presence, and burst into tears.
(ps: With a strong will to survive, North North states there is no intention of introducing a secondary couple here. Qingzhi appeared previously and is an important supporting character. Ting Yan and Qingzhi will not develop any romantic relationship later. Although his scenes may be few, he holds significance.)