Demon Estuary

Morning light filtered through the large windows of the Qinlin Sect's main hall. The towering stone pillars reflected a golden glow, making the entire room appear majestic and sacred. In the center of the hall sat a middle-aged man dressed in the sect's regalia and a robe embroidered with golden dragons: Tian Xuan, Sect Master of the Qinlin Sect.

He was enjoying a glass of wine, its steam slowly evaporating into the air. Before him knelt a disciple with his head bowed low, his face solemn yet vengeful beneath a smile.

Su Baijun.

"Leader Tian," he said in a low voice, as if conveying something extremely sacred, "This junior has come here... to ask for a favor."

Tian Xuan simply nodded slightly. His eyes remained calm, unaffected by his disciples' emotions. "Tell me," he replied in a firm yet authoritative tone.

Su Baijun swallowed. He knew it wasn't an easy request. But for the sake of his ambition and pride, he had to try.

"I... beg Leader Tian to persuade Qin Chang'er to marry me."

The request hung in the air.

Tian Xuan didn't answer immediately. He put down his wine cup and sighed lightly. "Your request... isn't easy," he finally said. His sharp gaze pierced Su Baijun's heart.

"I know," Su Baijun replied quickly. "But I ask for your help. If successful, I promise to give you something valuable—something that can even strengthen your cultivation."

But Tian Xuan stood slowly, uninterested in the reward. "I will help you... not for payment. But as the sect leader, I am obligated to ensure harmony between disciples. But please remember, I cannot force Qin Chang'er. The decision... is entirely in her hands."

Su Baijun gritted his teeth but hid it with a grateful smile. He stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Tian. I will await any answer. The important thing is... that Miss Qin is willing to marry me."

With slow but sure steps, Su Baijun left the hall.

As soon as he exited the large gate, his previously feigned composure turned sinister. The morning breeze ruffled his hair as he walked through the sect grounds.

"Just you wait, Lu Xian... Miss Qin will be mine," he murmured softly, yet venomously. "I will marry her... in front of you. And on that day, I want to see you cry—tears of suffering and betrayal."

His satisfied laughter echoed softly through every street he passed.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the sect, the atmosphere was much calmer and more focused. Inside the Qinlin Sect's main library, tall shelves filled with manuals of techniques, cultivation histories, and ancient scrolls filled the room.

Seated side by side at a long stone table, two disciples were busy leafing through scroll after scroll.

Lu Xian and Qin Chang'er.

Their gazes were focused, occasionally conversing with each other in low voices. They were searching for something crucial—a way out of the power that was slowly corrupting Lu Xian's body from within.

"Is it true… that the only way to dispel this demonic energy is with the power of a divine-level cultivator?" Lu Xian asked, pointing to the passage he was reading.

Qin Chang'er nodded slowly. "Or…" she said, unrolling another ancient scroll, "with the power of the dragon egg that guards the Demon Estuary, located at the eastern end of the Luo State."

Lu Xian paused.

That place… is no ordinary location.

"The journey there… could take a full day without rest, or two days with stops," Chang'er added.

She looked deeply at Lu Xian. "We must go there."

Lu Xian sighed. "It's a long journey, not to mention the risk of encountering dark cultivators or wild beasts around the estuary. It's not an easy journey."

Chang'er held his hand. "But this is for your recovery. I don't care how long it takes, how difficult it is. Your safety… is far more important."

Lu Xian's eyes softened slightly. But outside the library window, someone was eavesdropping on their conversation. The figure stood behind a stone pillar, blending into the shadows.

Su Baijun.

He clenched his fists, listening to their plan with a sour expression.

"So they're going to the Demon Estuary? To cure the demonic energy within Lu Xian? Hmph… I won't allow it."

His face darkened.

"I'd rather see Lu Xian become a demon forever… until he's eventually expelled from this sect as a cursed disciple."

He smirked. "And when that happens, I'll be the only one standing by Miss Qin's side."

---

Lu Xian and Qin Chang'er slowly exited the library, still discussing their plans.

Su Baijun immediately hid behind a large stone statue in the courtyard, holding his breath to avoid detection.

"Tomorrow we're going to the Demon Estuary," Qin Chang'er said.

"Of course. But... do we need permission from Leader Tian first?" Lu Xian asked.

"I'll convey it. Don't worry, I'll come up with a reason that won't arouse suspicion."

"But... what if he finds out that I have demonic energy in my body?"

"I'll fake an excuse. Maybe say you're looking for a rare herb or practicing a new technique," Chang'er replied calmly.

They continued walking along the path, passing through the sect garden. Sunlight fell through the gaps in the trees, illuminating their faces.

"Thank goodness... only the two of us know about this," Lu Xian said.

But from a distance, someone smiled slyly behind the stone statue.

Su Baijun.

"No, Lu Xian... it's not just the two of you. Because now... I'm the third person to know your secret."

His eyes glinted with evil intent.

"Prepare to become a demon... forever."