The River's Lie

"You're the city lord. I'll need your cooperation for this demon hunt."

Chen Jinshu addressed the city lord plainly.

"What kind of cooperation does senior require from me?" The city lord's heart sank at her words—was she asking him to walk into danger ahead of her? But gritting his teeth, he still gave his assent.

"The townsfolk refer to the snake demon as the 'River Dragon' and hold it in reverence. As the city lord, you've never explained the truth to them all these years. If I were to strike it down suddenly, wouldn't that stir up the people's wrath?"

Though she had already reached Foundation Establishment and could survive long periods of fasting, if the townspeople turned on her en masse, it would be hard to act without killing them.

"It's not that I didn't want to explain," the city lord said helplessly. "If they knew a man-eating demon lived in the river, they'd live in fear every day. I was only thinking of their peace of mind."

Chen Jinshu understood his reasoning—it was about helping the people live more peacefully. But some truths can't stay buried forever. It was only a matter of time.

"Fine. Then have a notice sent out. Tell everyone to stay inside during the extermination. I'll set up a formation outside the city to conceal the battle. If anything unexpected happens, your job will be to calm the people."

"Understood! I'll make the announcement. When will you act, Senior?"

"Noon. Tomorrow."

The snake demon feared dry heat and disliked being away from water too long. Noon would be the perfect time to strike.

The Next Day at Noon

Chen Jinshu left the city lord's manor and made her way toward Qingling River. The streets were eerily empty. The townsfolk had all retreated indoors, locking windows and doors. The city lord had spread word the day before: a demon beast might attack, but a cultivator would be arriving to slay it. Everyone was to stay inside for their own safety.

It wasn't a lie. The snake demon in the Qingling River posed a genuine threat. It might rampage during the battle.

Upon reaching the city outskirts, Chen Jinshu quickly set up a defensive and concealing formation. Her jade formation disc spun swiftly in her hand. In an instant, a massive golden barrier enveloped the entire city of Yulian.

Thick white mist then began to climb up its surface, blotting out the blue sky above. Those who disobeyed orders and tried to peek outside screamed in terror at the veiled sky.

"The demon's attacking the city!"

"Run for your lives!"

Those who had stayed inside panicked at the shouting but refrained from opening their doors. If there truly was a demon out there, stepping outside would mean death. Inside offered at least a sliver of hope.

"Everyone return indoors! The immortal has already engaged the demon outside!" The city lord's voice boomed, quelling some of the unrest.

Meanwhile, Chen Jinshu arrived at the riverbank of Qingling. The water's surface was calm—eerily so. She couldn't sense the demon at all. But the quieter it is, the more dangerous it tends to be.

"Xiao Yin, keep watch for anything suspicious."

She released Xiao Yin and gave the order. She didn't know whether the snake demon was a naturally born spirit beast or one raised by someone. She had to stay alert in case something unexpected happened.

"Blazing Fire Array!"

Her hands formed rapid seals, and a ring of flames took shape before her, a strange circular symbol. Under her control, the fire circle floated out across the river. As she channeled more spiritual energy, the temperature climbed. The dark river lit up with a crimson glow.

Yet, she controlled the heat to a tolerable level, mindful of the aquatic life. Though she wouldn't kill them, prolonged exposure would still be uncomfortable.

"Hm? Where's the snake demon?"

She activated her eye technique to scan the river, but saw no sign of any water snake—it was just an ordinary river. Dead fish floated belly-up on the surface.

"Falling Plum Blossoms Sword!"

Her eyes dimmed slightly. With a flick, her Azure Frost Sword flew from her hand and transformed into numerous swords above the water.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The long swords plunged deep into the river. But even the lowest strikes pierced nothing. No trace of the demon.

"It left the river? Did it sense I was coming and flee early?"

"Master! The snake demon is swimming toward the mountains!"

Xiao Yin's voice rang out. In a flash, Chen Jinshu vanished in a burst of red light. She reappeared at the river outlet near Yulian Mountain Range. There, a massive black shadow moved through the water—trying to escape.

"Running? Not a chance!"

She untied the golden ribbon fastened to her hair bun and hurled it forward. The ribbon shot out, extending and coiling tightly around the demon's tail. Gripping the ribbon with both hands, she yanked the serpent back with force.

"Such strength!"

The snake's pull was immense. Had her body not recently strengthened, she might not have held on.

"Xiao Yin—go! Strike its weak point!"

While keeping hold, she sent her Azure Frost Sword lunging toward the mountain exit. Xiao Yin transformed into a shadow and dove toward the demon's vital spot.

Clang!

The bird let out a cry. When it reappeared, the demon's weak point was bleeding profusely. Still, the spirit sword had only pierced a few inches—it wasn't as effective as hoped.

Rumble!

Yulian Mountain began to tremble under the snake's thrashing body.It looked ready to collapse at any moment.

Crash!

Massive boulders rained down, splashing into the river and striking the serpent's body.

"We finish this now!"

Chen Jinshu pulled hard on the golden ribbon, dragging the snake back. There was no time for finesse. Music techniques wouldn't help. She needed raw force.

"Spring Thunder Technique!"

From her palm, a purple thunderball with green arcs crackled and grew—eventually larger than her own head. She hurled it toward the serpent.

BOOM!

A massive splash erupted. Purple lightning danced across the water's surface with a sizzling sound. Countless spirit fish jumped out, stunned. The snake demon shuddered violently. Blood spilled from its wounds in thick rivulets...