Chapter Ninety-Five: The Alliance Leader

Demon Realm

After listening to Qingfu’s report, Zhao Hongzhuang slammed her hand on the table and stood up. “Go quickly to Liuxinzai and tell Lin Mao that the plan has changed. He must gather the last ten sacrifices within three days.

Also, tell him to keep a close eye on Baili Suhe. If nothing unexpected happens, she will act—perhaps as soon as tonight, or at the latest by tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Qingfu bowed and left.

Zhao Hongzhuang sat alone at her desk, lost in thought. Her original plan had been to use Lin Mao and his followers to restrain Suhe and then pin the crimes of the Divine Maiden Hall on him. As long as Suhe failed to find any conclusive evidence, suspicion would always hang over his head. With the likes of Xiao Laosi fanning the flames, once the fortnight deadline passed, she could have someone sent to his death without lifting a finger.

But no matter how meticulous her plans, there was always a flaw. When Red Widow had returned the wooden hairpin sword, Zhao had anticipated that Suhe and the others would inevitably split into two groups when they entered. So when the fireman sent his signal, she already had a countermeasure in mind: the inside was easy to enter, hard to escape, so Qingfu would lead a team to intercept and eliminate those guarding the perimeter.

Yet, fate is ever capricious—life is full of “surprises.” With the loss of the Duyin Bridge’s natural defense, all the secrets hidden in darkness would inevitably come to light. Knowing the character of the Three Demons, she had no doubt they would leave behind a grand “gift.”

In other words, this was by no means good news. But things had come to such a pass—words were useless now. The most important thing was to give the enemy no more chances.

Three days. Just three more days.

Then everything would be decided…

Qingfu descended to the Hundred Wonders Peak. This time, she did not take the secret path, but watched from the sidelines as Hu Xihe and Hua Zhongying’s groups clashed in round after round.

Although Yusu’er suffered many losses at Hu Xihe’s hands, against the other immortals her record was dazzling. Both sides took and gave blows, each suffering losses. Fortunately, the Demon Realm had lost only minor soldiers; the self-styled righteous immortals fared no better.

After observing for some time, Qingfu quietly slipped past Hu Xihe’s defenses. Hu Xihe himself was keen to use others as cannon fodder, hoping to wear down Hua Zhongying and Yusu’er so he could seize the opportunity.

Someone suggested, “Blindly attacking like this cannot go on. If we want a breakthrough, I say we should temporarily cease hostilities and secretly send word to some righteous allies to join our cause.”

No sooner had he spoken than a long-faced man said, “I think that won’t be easy. We need another plan.”

“Why?”

The long-faced man replied, “What we’re doing now is already despised by most. If we ask for help, wouldn’t that just prove we’re incapable of doing anything ourselves?”

“Well…”

Hu Xihe sat calmly in the center, troubled by repeated setbacks and waning morale. Seeing that they still harbored thoughts of vengeance, an idea flashed through his mind.

He soothed the group: “Ah, don’t talk like that. Each of you is a leader among immortals; how can we lose confidence in ourselves? Asking for help is simply facing our shortcomings head-on. Besides, it’s for the future of Desire Sea Heaven. If everyone stands aloof today, when the Demon Realm invades in force, where will righteousness be? Where will the heavenly way be?”

“So you’re saying we should go back and ask for reinforcements? Frankly, if you want to, go ahead—I won’t be embarrassed like that.” The long-faced man turned away, his expression full of disdain.

When they set out, Zhengnan had already doubted their prospects. Now they wanted to go back for help? And with the Seven Sects uninvolved, what waves could they possibly make? Didn’t they see that the Demon Realm had sent just two women and a handful of minions and already scattered them? If not for being in too deep, he’d have left already. He’d rather have listened to Zhengnan and waited in the sect for news. At least, as one of the Seven Sects, Poison Sect’s word carried weight.

Hu Xihe, having weathered many storms, was unfazed by such awkwardness. He smiled and said, “Friend Huang, don’t be hasty—please, let me finish.”

“Say what you have to say. Spare us the nonsense.” The long-faced man was a warrior-turned-immortal, blunt and direct.

He had no patience for Hu Xihe’s circuitous ways; after a few words, his brash spirit could not be contained.

“Friend Huang, why speak so harshly? Friend Hu means well for everyone—why not let him finish before you curse?”

“Exactly, we’re all here seeking justice. Speak plainly—no need for insults.”

“Hmph, I see some people talk big but have little skill. If you’re so capable, why not challenge one of those Demon women alone? Why act the hero here? Embarrassing…”

“Enough, say no more.”

The long-faced man sneered, “If I’m not capable, you go.”

“You…”

“All right, stop arguing.” Hu Xihe suddenly silenced them, standing up. “This mutual discord is a grave mistake. I say, rather than delay, let’s form a Demon-Slaying Alliance today and elect a leader. From now on, all decisions follow the leader’s command. Let’s unite as one—what do you think? Once the alliance is formed, any messages we send can be in its name. That should attract many worthy allies.”

His words won much approval. Even the long-faced man agreed, after a moment’s thought. “That’s fine, but what shall we call the alliance? And who will be leader?”

Hu Xihe considered, then pointed to the flagpole outside the tent: “This pole stands upright, symbolizing impartiality. Let’s call ourselves the Alliance of the Four Justices.”

“Good, I like the name. And the leader? How do we choose?”

“Yes, who?”

“I say Hu Xihe should be leader. He’s the strongest and the wisest—well suited.”

Someone voiced this, but the long-faced man immediately objected: “No way. It was his poor command that cost us so many friends. Make him leader again, and we’ll all end up drinking tea in the Underworld!”

“Then who do you suggest, Friend Huang? Yourself?” came an unfriendly voice from the crowd.

The long-faced man was honest: “Of course not. But if we’re choosing a leader, don’t do it carelessly—our lives are at stake. Pick the wrong man, and it’s like being born in the wrong family.”

Hu Xihe said, “How about this: I hear the ancients sought guidance from heaven. Let’s follow their example today.”

“How?” the long-faced man asked, contemptuous.

“Simple. We’ll hunt some wild game—three animals for sacrifice—set up an altar under the flagpole, take earth for the cauldron, and plant a sword in it. Each of us will offer incense and bow. If the sword moves, that’s heaven’s choice, and none may dispute it. Well?”

“Agreed.”

Soon, some returned with a gray hare, a wild pheasant, and a fat black fish. They prepared them and set them on the altar. Others filled the cauldron with earth; in no time, all was ready. The sword was inspected by all, then planted in the cauldron. Each one, in turn, offered incense and bowed.

Meanwhile, across the way, Hua Zhongying received a report from the demon soldiers and hid with Yusu’er behind a tree, peeking through the leaves.

Yusu’er frowned, “Sister, what are those fools doing?”

Hua Zhongying glanced at her, then at Hu Xihe’s group. “Keep watching and you’ll see.”

“True enough.” Yusu’er, getting no satisfaction, looked elsewhere. Ever since she’d been summoned by the demon prince alone, she’d noticed the others growing increasingly unfriendly toward her. She hardly needed to ask why.

After a while, Hu Xihe’s turn came. As he bent to bow before the sword, it leaped from the cauldron on its own.

The crowd stared in shock. Though many were unhappy, since this was heaven’s choice, as agreed, Hu Xihe was made leader.

Thus, a man with a somewhat tainted reputation became the leader of the so-called “righteous path.”

Seeing this, Hua Zhongying understood what had happened and returned to the small building with Yusu’er. She ordered their people to keep a close watch on Hu Xihe’s group and remain on guard against any moves from the other side.

Indeed, as soon as Hu Xihe took charge, he issued several orders as alliance leader. He sent envoys with letters to all the great sects, urging them to join in the demon-slaying campaign. He also sent people to spread rumors of the Demon Realm’s impending invasion throughout Desire Sea Heaven. The news caused widespread panic, compounded by earlier reports that Three Demons had escaped from Eight Winds Isle and infiltrated Desire Sea Heaven.

As a result, many immortals in Desire Sea Heaven became anxious and self-protective. This actually enabled them to recruit many new members, swelling their ranks from a ragtag band to a force of some size.

Many among them were recruited from the Soul Command Sect by Yin, and Hu Xihe’s Poison Sect contributed many more due to his influence. Their persuasive rhetoric won over even those who had previously objected.

But let’s set that aside for now. In a secluded spot, Hu Xihe secretly handed a brocade box to someone behind a large tree. “A small token of thanks—please accept it.”

The person behind the tree took the box and flattered him, “You are too kind, Leader. Heaven’s chosen, I’ve admired you for a long time—please look after me in the future.”

“Of course.” Hu Xihe’s lips curled in a sly smile.

Suddenly, a scream was heard behind the tree, then silence.

Hu Xihe walked around, picked up the box, and took the man’s sword and clothes. As for the body, it had already disappeared without a trace.

He then returned to the tent, teary-eyed, carrying the sword and clothes. “Friend Han… is gone.”

The crowd was shocked. The long-faced man leaped forward, pointing at Hu Xihe, “Murderer—pay with your life!”

“It was my failure not to arrive sooner. Friend Huang, if you must kill, I have no complaint.”

“Crocodile tears—who are you trying to fool?” The long-faced man drew his sword to kill Hu Xihe, but others held him back.

“Friend Huang, calm yourself. Let the leader explain before judging.”

“Yes, don’t act rashly. The alliance is formed—such violence would be a grave breach. Our great enemy is not yet vanquished; don’t let kin suffer while the foe rejoices.”

The long-faced man, still seething, said, “Speak, then.”

Hu Xihe handed the items to another, wiping his tears with his sleeve. “Everyone knows I am a poison cultivator. If I did this, it would be clear from the relics left by Friend Han. No matter how clever my methods, I could not deceive your keen eyes.”

With that, the others stepped forward to examine the items. “This… How could it be?”

They were all shocked. “Leader?”

“Alas, I know my humble abilities are unworthy. But heaven chose me, so I must bear the burden. Though I didn’t kill Friend Han, it surely happened because of me. If I weren’t leader, perhaps he’d still be alive.” He wiped his eyes, casting them down, seemingly by accident.

In an instant, the mood in the tent shifted ominously.

The long-faced man staggered back several steps. “It wasn’t me.”