It was bright and sunny out, on the day of our departure from East Mesa City. Despite this, I felt a bit melancholic. While the time we spent here had been short, it had been meaningful for me. A part of me wished to stay and explore the city further. I had just scratched the surface. There was plenty more to see and do here. However, the rest of me wanted to return home posthaste. If nothing else, I needed to see a healer for my internal injury.

  I thought Ellen would feel some sadness about leaving East Mesa City. After all, she had lived here for five years. To my surprise, that wasn’t the case. To her, it had just been a place she stayed. It had never been home. In her words, home was wherever I was. I felt both embarrassed and pleased when I heard this.

  The disciples of the Dawn and Dusk Sect who lived here were another matter. They all liked Ellen, especially the men, and wished that she would stay. So much so that they regarded me with resentment for taking her away. However, my status and the strength of my companions kept them from trying anything.

  A large group gathered to see us off. Most of them consisted of Ellen’s admirers, who gave me dirty looks. The rest were the friends we had made here. Cultivator Rexanne, Cultivator Albin, Brother Ross, and so on. We exchanged farewells and promised to see each other again, if fate willed it.

  “Ready?” Branch Head Xavier asked.

  My companions and I nodded. When we made plans to leave East Mesa City, Branch Head Xavier offered to escort us to the teleportation array courtyard on the Seventh Terrace. While the Dawn and Dusk Sect and the Ancient Blood Sect had come to an agreement, my companions and I were still at risk. Branch Head Xavier thought it was better to be safe than sorry and decided to keep an eye on us until we left East Mesa City.

  The Dawn and Dusk Sect felt the same way, which was why they also sent a few cultivators to escort us back to the sect. That was one of the reasons why we hadn’t left right away. We were waiting for our escorts to arrive. They would meet us at the teleportation array courtyard today, before bringing us back to the Dawn and Dusk Sect.

  My companions and I, with the addition of Branch Head Xavier, walked towards the Seventh Terrace. We could have flown, but I insisted on walking to lengthen the journey. As we headed to the Seventh Terrace, I made a mental note of all the places I wanted to visit the next time I was here. I paid particular attention to the restaurants. This amused my companions, Ellen and Willow in particular.

  However, partway through our journey, we encountered a group from the Thousand Blade Sect. This group consisted of Branch Head Elroy, as well as Cultivator Vivian and her two companions: Cultivator Azure Blade and the young man who I held hostage back in the Violet Desert hidden realm.

  Our two groups noticed each other at the same time. Right away, the tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Most of the Thousand Blade Sect disciples regarded us with hostility, and we felt the same way about them. Cultivator Azure Blade and the young man, in particular, glared at me with hatred in their eyes. The only exception was Cultivator Vivian, who maintained a composed expression.

  “Cultivator Xavier,” Branch Head Elroy said, his eyes narrowed, “What an unpleasant surprise.”

  “I could say the same, Cultivator Elroy.” Branch Head Xavier said. “May I ask what are you doing here?”

  Branch Head Elroy snorted.

  “I walk where I please, Cultivator Xavier.” He said. “I don’t need your permission to go anywhere.”

  Branch Head Xavier’s nostrils flared at this and he clenched his jaw. However, a moment later, he took a deep breath and regarded Branch Head Elroy with derision.

  “Just stay out of our way.” He said.

  Branch Head Elroy sneered, but didn’t respond. Instead, he glanced over at me. When he did, I felt killing intent emanate from him. It was so strong that I couldn’t breathe. It was clear that Branch Head Elroy wanted me dead, and it wasn’t difficult to guess why.

  By this point, news that I was a divine demon had spread to the entirety of East Mesa City. After what happened, it was impossible to keep it a secret. While I was weak now, I would become a threat in the future. Eliminating me now could save the Thousand Blade Sect a lot of trouble in the future.

  “I suggest you keep your gaze to yourself, Cultivator Elroy.” Branch Head Xavier growled, his aura flaring out.

  In response, Branch Head Elroy turned his gaze away from me and glared at Branch Head Xavier. I could breathe again. However, the tension in the air grew even thicker and it seemed that a fight was inevitable. However, just before one broke out, Branch Head Elroy stiffened. He glanced at Cultivator Vivian, before he nodded and walked off without another word. A moment later the other Thousand Blade Sect disciples followed him. I met Cultivator Vivian’s gaze to find her smirking at me.

  My intuition told me that she was the reason why Branch Head Elroy backed down. Otherwise, we might have fought with the Thousand Blade Sect disciples. That led me to wonder about her identity. If she could make the head of a branch office back down, one in the Golden Core realm at that, then she must have been someone important in the Thousand Blade Sect.

  After a moment, I shook my head and put those thoughts aside for now. Cultivator Vivian’s identity wasn’t important right now. I could worry about it later.

  Our group resumed heading towards the teleportation array courtyard on the Seventh Terrace. To our dismay, it became apparent that the Thousand Blade Sect disciples were also going in the same direction. Rather than risk another confrontation, we decided to just ignore them. They ignored us in return.

  When our group reached the teleportation array courtyard, we stood off to the side and waited for our escorts to arrive. The Thousand Blade Sect disciples also stood off to the side and waited.

  The teleportation array courtyard was a bustling place. There were about half a dozen arrays, each one situated atop a circular stone platform. Each teleportation array was linked to another city within a certain distance of East Mesa City. This allowed cultivators to travel to and from East Mesa City without having to wait too long.

  The other cultivators in the area wore concerned expressions on their faces, especially the ones operating the teleportation arrays. Everyone knew that the Dawn and Dusk Sect and the Thousand Blade Sect were on bad terms. It was clear that they feared that something would happen.

  However, their fears were unfounded. Our two groups continued to ignore one another. Well, except for Cultivator Vivian. She kept glancing at me for some reason. My wives noticed this.

  ‘Darian,’ Ellen said to me through telepathy, an edge to her voice, ‘Did something happen between you and that woman over there? She keeps looking at you.’

  Ellen gave me a smile that sent chills down my spine, while Willow narrowed her eyes. I swallowed.

  ‘Nothing in particular.’ I said, speaking to both of them through telepathy. I adopted a pacifying tone, hoping to assuage their anger and jealousy. ‘We fought each other in the Violet Desert hidden realm. That’s all. In fact, Cultivator Vivian and her companions were the ones who attacked Brother Ross and his friends.’

  To my dismay, Ellen and Willow’s expression grew even harsher at this.

  ‘Oh, I see.’ Willow said. ‘So she’s the one at fault for your internal injury.’

  My two wives shared a look with one another.

  ‘Indeed, Sister Willow.’ Ellen said. ‘We should pay her back for that.’ She smiled. ‘With interest.’

  I looked between the two of them, a foreboding feeling rose up in my heart.

  ‘Well, I’m the one who used the Living Candle technique.’ I said. ‘So, if anyone is at fault, I am.’

  Ellen and Willow glared at me.

  ‘Are you defending her?’ Ellen demanded.

  ‘I knew there was something going on between you two!’ Willow said.

  My spirits sank even further and I realized that I would’ve been better off keeping my mouth shut. Thankfully, two teleportation arrays lit up and two groups arrived at the same time, distracting everyone and saving me from having to answer Ellen’s question. However, I tensed when I saw the new arrivals.

  One group consisted of three Golden Core cultivators wearing the white and gray uniforms of the Thousand Blade Sect, while the other group were three Golden Core cultivators from the Dawn and Dusk Sect. My second eldest sister, Big Sis Estelle, led the latter. One of her companions belonged to Crimson Fiend Hall, while the other was a disciple of Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

  When they arrived, the two groups glanced around and noticed each other at the same time. They both started, before their expressions turned unsightly. Fearing another confrontation, I acted before anything could happen.

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  “Big Sis Estelle!” I called out in a joyful tone.

  “Senior Brother Relentless Blade!” Cultivator Vivian called out at the same time.

  Big Sis Estelle, who was sneering at the newly arrived Thousand Blade Sect disciples, glanced at me but otherwise didn’t react. Meanwhile, the leader of said newly arrived Thousand Blade Sect disciples, Cultivator Relentless Blade I presumed, didn’t even acknowledge Cultivator Vivian’s greeting and kept his attention on my second eldest sister. Damn it. At this rate, a fight would break out.

  Without any other option, I cast aside my dignity and rushed over to Big Sis Estelle to pull her into a tight hug. My ears burned with embarrassment over the blatant and childish public display of affection, but it was all to avoid an unnecessary confrontation with the Thousand Blade Sect. My pride was a small price to pay. At least, that was what I told myself over and over again.

  Silence reigned over the teleportation array. With each passing second, I grew more and more embarrassed. However, it was difficult to get off when riding a tiger, so I closed my eyes and hugged Big Sis Estelle even tighter. To my relief, the silence ended a moment later.

  “Aw!” Big Sis Estelle said. “Did my little brother miss me?”

  She returned the embrace and pulled me into a crushing hug. That wasn’t an exaggeration. My bones creaked and I couldn’t breathe. It felt like she would turn my internal organs to mush.

  “I knew I was your favorite!” Big Sis Estelle said.

  She squeezed me even tighter. At this point, I felt like I was in more danger from my sister than my internal injury.

  ‘Big Sis Estelle!’ I said to her through telepathy. ‘I can’t breathe! You’re killing me!’

  “Oh.” Big Sis Estelle said out loud, before letting go of me.

  The moment she let go, I hunched over and fell into a coughing fit as I tried to suck enough air into my lungs. Big Sis Estelle scratched the back of her head, a sheepish expression on her face.

  “Sorry about that, Little Demon.” She said. “I was so excited to see you again that I forgot to hold back my strength.”

  I tried to tell her that it was fine, but I fell into another coughing fit when I breathed in. While this went on, I glanced at the Thousand Blade Sect disciples with my spirit sense. Almost all of them wore baffled expressions on their faces, except for Cultivator Vivian and Cultivator Relentless Blade. The former appeared amused, while the latter looked wary.

  My companions wore varied expressions on their faces. Branch Head Xavier looked shocked, Cultivator Isabel just shook her head in exasperation, and Elliot remained composed. Ellen and Willow both looked concerned. Meanwhile, Big Sis Estelle’s companions stared at her disbelief, as if they had seen a rare beast from legend.

  As for the other cultivators in the teleportation array courtyard, I ignored them altogether. Otherwise, I would lose all courage and never leave my house ever again.

  When I recovered from my coughing fit, I gave Branch Head Xavier a mental poke with my spirit sense to snap him out of his shock. He shook his head and approached us, still a little dazed.

  “Greetings, Elder Estelle.” he said, giving my sister and her companions a martial salute. “I am Branch Head Xavier.”

  Big Sis Estelle turned away from me and faced Branch Head Xavier. The moment she did, her expression changed. The kind elder sister that I knew became someone else; someone colder and harsher. She snapped her fingers and a sound-proof barrier sprang into existence around our group, cutting us off from the rest of the world.

  “So you’re the one who let my little brother get hurt.” Big Sis Estelle said in a cold voice.

  Branch Head Xavier stiffened at her words. The temperature around us seemed to freeze. Unease crawled up my spine. This was a side of my sister that I had never seen before. Rather, I only caught glimpses of it. It was as if she were a different person altogether.

  “I… have no excuses, Elder Estelle.” Branch Head Xavier said, a slight tremble to his voice. “It was my duty to protect the disciples under my care, and I failed. If it hadn’t been for Cultivator Black Sand’s timely intervention, we would have all perished.”

  Big Sis Estelle took a step towards Branch Head Xavier and he flinched. While they were both in the same large realm, Big Sis Estelle was at peak Golden Core while Branch Head Xavier was only at early Golden Core. There was a massive gap in power between them. In fact, out of everyone in the teleportation array courtyard, and maybe even all of East Mesa City, Cultivator Relentless Blade was the only one who could match my second eldest sister.

  “Hmm,” Big Sis Estelle mused, “I wonder how I should punish you.” A cruel smile stretched across her face. “As you said, you failed in your duty and endangered my little brother’s life. Losing a limb or two should be adequate compensation.”

  I decided to intervene. Otherwise, Big Sis Estelle might actually punish Branch Head Xavier, which he didn’t deserve.

  “Big Sis.” I said, putting a hand on her arm.

  The other Dawn and Dusk Sect disciples sucked in a breath. Big Sis Estelle’s companions, in particular, wore fearful expressions on their faces. My second eldest sister turned towards me and met her gaze. I saw a storm of fury roiling in her eyes. It was as if I were looking at rage incarnate. A moment later, the storm disappeared as if it had never been there at all. However, I knew what I saw.

  I realized then that I didn’t know my second eldest sister as much as I thought I did. In fact, that applied to all of my sisters. Part of it was because we hadn’t spent all that much time together. All in all, I had only lived with them for about five years now; six, if I counted the year I spent with Big Sis Astra. Compared to the centuries that they’ve lived, five or six years wasn’t much time at all.

  Another part was that there were facets of my sisters that they kept hidden from me for one reason or another. Maybe they wanted to wait until I grew older and more experienced, or maybe they wanted to avoid conflict with me. We were all demonic cultivators. However, my principles differed from theirs. There were lines that I would never cross. Refining another person into a pill was one such line. My sisters had no such compunction.

  In the future, this might cause a conflict between me and them. No, I knew it would. It was just a matter of when, and to what degree. However, that was a problem for later. Right now, I had more urgent concerns.

  “Yes, Little Demon?” Big Sis Estelle asked with her usual cheerful expression. Well, her usual when dealing with me. I don’t know what she was like when I wasn’t around.

  “Branch Head Xavier isn’t at fault for what happened.” I said, speaking in a calm tone. “In fact, he performed his duties admirably. He protected me and the other disciples against overwhelming odds. Without him, we would have died for certain. He could have run away by himself and left us to our fates. Instead, he held his ground long enough for help to arrive. You should be commending Branch Head Xavier for his actions, not punishing him.”

  Big Sis Estelle’s cheerfulness melted away and the storm I saw in her eyes earlier returned. Instead of the second eldest sister that I knew, I faced a demon of rage and blood lust. I faced a true asura. A part of me wanted to step back and turn away from her. However, I held my ground.

  “Is that so?” Big Sis Estelle asked, before giving me a patronizing smile. “You’re too soft-hearted, Little Demon. You should have never been put in that situation in the first place.” She nodded towards Branch Head Xavier. “If I don’t punish him, he won’t learn his lesson.”

  As my second eldest sister spoke, she released some of her aura. It felt as if the weight of the world pressed down on me. However, there was a gentleness to Big Sis Estelle’s aura. It felt as if I were facing a natural disaster that was trying to suppress me while also making an effort to avoid hurting me. Even then, it took all of my willpower to maintain my composure.

  “Branch Head Xavier wasn’t the one who put me in that situation,” I said. “It was the Ancient Blood Sect. If anyone is to blame, it’s them.” I paused. “Or rather, Cultivator Blood Leaf. He’s the one who attacked us.”

  Big Sis Estelle stared at me for several long seconds. Her aura continued to press down on me the entire time. If anything, it grew even more oppressive. Despite this, I met her gaze and refrained from flinching. Of course, the only reason why I could do this was because I knew that Big Sis Estelle wouldn’t hurt me. If it had been anyone else, I doubted I would have had the courage to stand up to a peak Golden Core cultivator like this.

  After what felt like hours, Big Sis Estelle retracted her aura and the pressure on me disappeared.

  “You’re right,” she said, “They’re the ones I should punish.” She looked thoughtful. “I should find this Cultivator Blood Leaf and exterminate his entire family. Up to nine generations should be enough.”

  I didn’t know if this was better or worse, but at least Big Sis Estelle wasn’t focused on Branch Head Xavier anymore. Considering the circumstances, that was the best outcome that I could hope for. I caught Branch Head Xavier’s eye. He gave me a grateful look.

  “Aw, look at you, Little Demon.” Big Sis Estelle said, ruffling my hair. “Standing up to your big sis and acting all grown up.”

  Her boisterous and cheerful demeanor returned. With that, the tension in the air dissipated and everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. My second eldest sister’s companions stared at me with what looked like awe and respect in their eyes. I wasn’t sure why.

  “Stop that,” I grumbled, knocking her hand away, “I’m not a child.”

  Big Sis Estelle grinned at me.

  “You saying that just proves that you are, in fact, still a child.” She said.

  I rolled my eyes at her.

  “Can we leave now?” I asked. “I want to go home.”

  “Alright, alright.” Big Sis Estelle said. “If everyone is ready, we can go now.”

  My companions all nodded and said yes. Big Sis Estelle dispelled her sound-proof barrier.

  “Here,” She said, tossing a mid-grade spirit stone to the cultivator in charge of the nearest teleportation array. “This should be enough to cover the fee for all of us.”

  The cultivator caught the mid-grade spirit stone, and an ingratiating smile spread across his face.

  “Yes, fellow cultivator.” He said. “The teleportation array will be ready again in a few minutes.”

  Big Sis Estelle looked at Branch Head Xavier and tossed a bottle of pills at him.

  “Consider this my apology for my actions earlier, Branch Head Xavier,” she said, “As well as a token of gratitude for keeping my little brother safe. I know that the sect already rewarded you for your actions during the incident with the Ancient Blood Sect, but I wanted to thank you myself.”

  Branch Head Xavier caught the bottle of pills. When he looked inside, his expression lit up with joy. He put the bottle of pills inside his storage ring, before giving Big Sis Estelle another martial salute.

  “Thank you, Elder Estelle.” He said.

  She dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

  “You may go now,” She said.

  With that, Branch Head Xavier left the teleportation array courtyard. While we waited for our teleportation array to finish getting ready, I glanced over at the Thousand Blade Sect disciples. It appeared that they had finished with their own discussion and were getting ready to leave as well. In fact, their teleportation array was ready before ours.

  They all stepped atop the platform and the array lit up. Just before they disappeared, Cultivator Vivian looked in my direction and winked at me. Thankfully, neither Ellen nor Willow noticed this. However, Big Sis Estelle had. When it was our turn to teleport out of East Mesa City, she sent me a telepathic message.

  ‘When did you get acquainted with Peak Master Sky Splitter’s daughter, Little Demon?’ she asked.

  Before I could answer, the teleportation array activated and we disappeared from East Mesa City.

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  This chapter was edited by Radriel7