Chapter Fourteen: Exorcising Demons

Zhou Weiqing also saw him. When their eyes met, a trace of coldness flickered in his gaze, along with a hint of mockery. Shen Qingyun, of course, noticed him as well, but he paid him no mind. Zhou Weiqing was just a minor figure—what trouble could he possibly stir up?

“Is everyone here?”

Suddenly, a voice brimming with authority resounded through the great hall. A plump man with the word “Steward” inscribed at his waist strode in, looking toward Fang Qiyang. “If you wish to catch up, save it for later. Right now, there are important matters to discuss!”

At the mention of important business, Fang Qiyang and his companions immediately adopted solemn expressions. The two Qiao sisters, however, looked bewildered, while only Shen Qingyun remained composed.

“You’ve all received the Black Summons, even some among you still at the Qi Refining stage,” the portly steward said. “So there’s no need for doubt—this black-tier mission is directly related to you!”

With a wave of his hand, ten jade slips flew into their hands. Fang Qiyang, upon receiving his, infused it with spiritual power. The two sisters, observing this, followed suit in earnest imitation.

After reading, some of the group’s expressions changed. The smile faded from Fang Qiyang’s face as he said gravely, “A demon disturbance in Yueyang City?”

“That’s right,” the steward nodded, speaking slowly. “Five days ago, to the north of Yueyang City, a mountain suddenly erupted with demonic energy. Many wild beasts were corrupted into demon beasts, their temperaments turning savage—they began preying on humans at will!”

“City Lord Fang Lü dispatched his elite guards multiple times to quell the threat, but in just three days, not a single one returned!”

“In the end, Fang Lü could only send an urgent plea for aid to our Cangyun Sect,” the steward said, sweeping his gaze over them. “Some of you hail from Yueyang City. So you’ve been summoned to return and defend your home, to do your part.”

“As for the rest, do not question the sect’s arrangements. The sect always acts with reason...”

Hearing this, Shen Qingyun’s brow twitched ever so slightly. It was clear this was a warning directed at him.

Within his own jade slip was not only information about the demon disturbance, but also a message from Elder Bai: “Since you are the protector of Qiao Xinran and Qiao Xinyu, you must ensure their safe return during this demon-cleansing mission.”

With this, his previous deception of her would be written off in one stroke...

Reading this, Shen Qingyun could only shake his head. Women, truly unfathomable!

The steward continued, “Since this is a demon-slaying mission, the task rank cannot be low. Upon your return, rewards will be distributed based on the footage recorded by the image crystals you each carry.”

He paused, then reassured them, “But with your strength, dealing with a few newly transformed demon beasts should be more than sufficient! So, it’s as if you’re being granted a home visit leave.”

Even so, some could not conceal their worries.

Qiao Xinyu tugged at Shen Qingyun’s robe and whispered, “Brother Qingyun, nothing bad will happen, right?”

Shen Qingyun smiled, rubbing her soft hair. “Don’t worry. With me here, nothing will go wrong.”

“Mhm, I trust you, Brother Qingyun!” Qiao Xinyu basked in his affectionate gesture.

This scene, however, was witnessed by another. Fang Qiyang, seeing it, felt a sudden surge of jealousy toward Shen Qingyun.

“Senior Brother Qiyang...”

By his side, a sweet voice sounded, and Fang Qiyang’s expression shifted, returning to his previously charming smile. “Junior Sister Qing, what is it?”

Wu Qing lowered her head, a blush blooming on her cheeks. “Senior Brother Qiyang, if we encounter danger, will you protect me?”

Fang Qiyang was momentarily taken aback, then replied with a gentle smile, “Of course.”

Wu Qing lifted her eyes, shy and delicate. “Really? You’re so kind, Senior Brother Fang!”

Fang Qiyang’s breath caught. Wu Qing’s bashful demeanor made his heart skip a beat. Coupled with her sweet voice, it left him itching with restlessness.

He glanced at the Qiao sisters, now chatting and laughing with Shen Qingyun, and could not help but compare them to Wu Qing. The difference was immediately apparent—Wu Qing hailed from a family of cultivators, while the sisters came from an ordinary merchant household. Gaining their favor would bring only wealth, nothing more.

But Wu Qing was different—a family of cultivators meant resources. On the path of cultivation, nothing was more precious than resources. Money was secondary; only resources could help one advance further.

With these thoughts, Fang Qiyang’s mind began to stir.

...

“To enable your swift departure and return, the Mission Hall has specially prepared a magical conveyance for you,” the steward announced, holding a toy-like miniature boat in his hands. “This is a flying vessel, capable of traversing ten thousand miles in a single day! To use it, simply infuse it with spiritual energy.”

“This demon-slaying task will be undertaken by the ten of you. You must all return safely!”

He handed the vessel to Fang Qiyang with a word of caution. “Among you, your cultivation is the highest. I hereby appoint you as captain—be sure to bring everyone back unharmed!”

Fang Qiyang nodded solemnly. “Understood.”

“Very well. Then allow me to wish you a triumphant return in advance!”

...

Aboard the vessel, the group gathered with Fang Qiyang at the center.

“Fellow disciples, though the demon disturbance in Yueyang City involves merely a handful of low-grade, newly transformed demon beasts, some among us lack experience or sufficient strength. Therefore, caution is vital,” Zhou Weiqing said with a smile as the vessel took off.

The inner sect disciples considered his words and agreed. “What do you suggest, Brother Zhou?”

Zhou Weiqing cast a glance at the silent Shen Qingyun and spoke slowly, “I believe the main combatants in this demon-cleansing should be the more advanced senior brothers and sisters. Naturally, the greatest rewards should go to you.”

“But there are always those who do nothing and still receive sect points. Isn’t that rather unfair?”

At this, Fang Qiyang spoke up as well. “Brother Zhou is right. One shouldn’t be rewarded for nothing.”

“While traveling abroad, vigilance is essential. If someone cannot contribute to the fight, they should help in other ways,” Fang Qiyang added calmly. “To keep us alert, let’s assign someone to stand guard for us.”

He paused, then continued, “Outside the vessel.”

As captain, Fang Qiyang’s words were quickly accepted by most. But who should be chosen?

Judging by their abilities, it was clear the Qiao sisters had the lowest cultivation. Yet they were inner sect disciples—either powerful or exceptionally talented. Clearly, they were the latter.

Thus, they could not be chosen; if they grew stronger in the future, they might bear a grudge.

Zhou Weiqing, though an outer sect disciple, was not lacking in cultivation.

After some thought, only one person fit the criteria.

All eyes turned in unison to Shen Qingyun, sitting quietly to the side.

“Junior Brother Shen, we must trouble you with this task,” Zhou Weiqing said with a face full of mockery.

The Qiao sisters frowned slightly. Even with their serene temperaments, they found the situation distasteful. Just as they were about to protest, Shen Qingyun suddenly stood up, smiling faintly. “That’s reasonable.”

As he walked to the door, he turned suddenly to Zhou Weiqing. “Tell me, Brother Zhou, how should I thank you?”

Zhou Weiqing was momentarily stunned, but by then, Shen Qingyun had already stepped outside.