17 - A Place Between Worlds

Liu Xing Sheng felt a jolt of surprise at Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi's words. It was now clear that the man before him had known his identity all along.

He lowered the Daoli hat he wore, revealing striking golden eyes that locked onto the Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi.

With a calm voice, Liu Xing Sheng spoke, "You're right. The Hell Wolf Demon… is considered an enemy of this world. Even I don't understand what that creature was thinking, forming ties with a human… and somehow, I ended up as his 'son.'"

Liu Xing Sheng never hid his identity. Whenever someone asked about his origins, he would always answer truthfully, never once trying to hide the truth.

"I was born with the blood of both human and Hell Wolf Demon. I don't belong to humans, for the demon's blood flows within me. But I'm also not part of the demon beasts, who see my human half as weakness… as impurity. I have no place in the Demon Star Realm, nor in the Human World."

His golden gaze remained steady as he spoke, voice calm but resolute, "I've never hidden my identity from those who sought the truth. And I don't blame myself for how I was born."

"The Hell Wolf Demon may be the enemy of the world, a bringer of death—and I don't deny that. But I hope you are wise enough to understand this: not all sons inherit the sins of their fathers."

"Your name is Liu Xing Sheng, correct?" asked Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi.

Liu Xing Sheng nodded slightly.

"I've seen many humans in this world act more demonic than beasts," the patriarch said. "To me, what defines someone is not their blood, nor their origin… but their heart."

Liu Xing Sheng remained silent, his eyes meeting the patriarch's for a brief moment before lowering his gaze. The room fell into a heavy silence. Even Zhao Feng Ying—who had just entered with a tray of tea—paused and frowned, sensing the weight in the air.

What are they talking about? Zhao Feng Ying wondered. He stepped forward, just in time to hear the Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi speak again.

"This sect accepts disciples from many walks of life. You may meet those who dislike or doubt you… but as long as you've come to learn, Mount Xuandu Sect will welcome you."

Liu Xing Sheng blinked, caught off guard. "No… I did not come here to learn."

His voice remained calm. "I came only to escort Young Master Zhao Feng Ying back home. I have no intention of staying or becoming a disciple. There are other paths I must walk."

"What are you saying, Xing Sheng Dàgē?" Zhao Feng Ying set down the tray and sat beside him.

Looking at him earnestly, he pleaded, "You don't have anywhere you need to rush off to, do you? Stay here—with me. You could grow stronger… my Shizun would guide you."

"I'm sorry, Young Master Zhao, but I cannot," Liu Xing Sheng replied gently. "I have a dream… to travel across the Eastern Continent and help those in need. I can't stay in one place for long, nor can I bind myself to any single sect."

"But…" Zhao Feng Ying looked visibly disheartened, then turned toward the patriarch as if searching for support. "Shizun…"

"Young Master Liu Xing Sheng," Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi said calmly, "your goal is noble. But the world beyond these walls is dangerous. And from what I see, you've yet to properly grasp how to use Spiritual Energy."

"Spiritual Energy?" Liu Xing Sheng frowned, his reaction confirming the patriarch's suspicion.

"In this world, every person is born with a Spiritual Core—a radiant seed hidden deep within the soul," Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi explained. "Only those who awaken and master it are known as cultivators."

"Their strength comes not merely from skill, but from their ability to absorb and transform the energy of the world. Here at Mount Xuandu Sect, we call this essence the Elemental Core."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "There are many paths and stages in cultivation. But I must be honest with you—Young Master Liu Xing Sheng, you have not even truly set foot on the path of cultivation."

!!

Both Zhao Feng Ying and Liu Xing Sheng were stunned, struggling to conceal their shock.

"If you truly wish to help others," Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi continued, his voice heavy yet sincere, "then you must become strong—not only in technique, but in discipline, and in understanding the energy that flows within you."

He looked deep into Liu Xing Sheng's eyes. "I can sense that your Spiritual Core is whole. But you've never truly used it. The energy within you is scattered—untamed, unfocused… and your Core, though radiant, remains empty."

"Shizun, Xing Sheng Dàgē has never trained as a cultivator," Zhao Feng Ying quickly interjected. "He knows how to fight—and he amazes me—but he's never joined a sect. What you said… it might all be completely new to him."

Liu Xing Sheng didn't deny it. Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi's words felt foreign, distant. He had always kept away from cultivators, knowing only that they were powerful—and often dangerous. He avoided them when he could… unless they posed a threat to the innocent.

"Stay here for a few days, Young Master Liu Xing Sheng," the patriarch said gently. "Before you return to the world outside… to protect those you care about, you must first train your body. Your potential can be nurtured here."

Zhao Feng Ying smiled warmly. He took Liu's hand and said, "Shizun is right, Xing Sheng Dàgē. I'll be happy to train with you."

"..."

Liu Xing Sheng remained quiet, then after a deep breath, nodded faintly in agreement.

Zhao Feng Ying beamed. Without thinking, he hugged Liu Xing Sheng tightly, catching the white-robed youth off guard.

!

"Young Master Zhao Feng Ying—what are you doing?!"

"I'm just so happy! You'll stay! I'll make sure you feel at home here!"

"Alright, alright… but you didn't need to hug me. That startled me."

"Ah… sorry." Zhao Feng Ying let go, rubbing the back of his head with an embarrassed grin.

Patriarch Mo Jian Zhi chuckled softly. "Ying'er, take Young Master Liu Xing Sheng to your quarters."

"Yes, Shizun!"

"And Young Master Liu, enjoy your tea."

"Mn. Thank you."

Liu Xing Sheng spent some time talking with the patriarch, learning about Mount Xuandu Sect. From the conversation, he learned that the sect accepted disciples from diverse backgrounds—meaning not all would welcome him.

He already knew that. Rejection was nothing new to Liu Xing Sheng. Even those he had saved often turned fearful when they learned of his demonic lineage.

******