Chapter One (continued)

“You despicable villain, there will come a day when I will use my Cloud-Light sword to pierce your heart—” Zhuo Yichen raised his sword anew to point it at Zhao Yuanzhou.

“You mean like this?” Zhao Yuanzhou abruptly took a step forward and diligently, step by step, let the sword plunge into his heart.

Zhuo Yichen stared at Zhao Yuanzhou in disbelief, but what surprised him was not the sudden, drastic movement. What surprised him was…his Cloud-Light Sword had already penetrated deep into the demon’s heart, and yet he was not dead. 

It seemed Zhao Yuanzhou could read these thoughts. Mockingly, he said, “Wasn’t I just telling you? Looks like Mr. Zhuo simply didn’t listen. You cannot kill me. Is that even more painful?”

Situ Ming thought to himself, This demon really knew how to find a person’s heart. Commander Zhuo was forthright and honest; he couldn’t stand provocation like this. He didn’t dare allow these two people to continue talking and hastened forward to mediate between them. “Mr. Zhuo, consider the bigger picture. Let’s listen to what he plans to do.”

Zhuo Yichen sheathed his sword, turned his back, and didn’t speak another word. Since he couldn’t kill Zhu Yan, he already understood the demon’s purpose in going about things in such a roundabout way.

Zhao Yuanzhou restrained his demonic energy, then he casually lowered his fingers to his heart. With a flow of golden light, the blood vanished, the flesh healed, and his sliced clothing was like new.

“You presented a petition to the emperor requesting that the Demon Hunting Bureau be restored,” he said. “Although the prime minister does his utmost to vouch for you, the Chongwu Camp has become an obstacle. Emperor Xiang has not yet given his approval, so I’ve come today to give you a present.”

Situ Ming asked, “What present?”

Zhao Yuanzhou pointed at himself. “Me—the great demon Zhu Yan, arrested and brought to justice. You can take the credit and receive the reward. Mr. Zhuo, does this gift satisfy you?”

Zhuo Yichen gave a grunt of disapproval. “I’m still not satisfied.”

“No? Mr. Zhuo is so greedy. Then how can I satisfy you?” Zhao Yuanzhou said with an exaggerated pout.

Zhuo Yichen turned back to face him. The seething hatred was gone from his eyes. Instead, his expression was placid like a frozen lake. “Let’s talk again in a place that better suits you.”

Idioms in this section

从中作梗 (cóngzhōng-zuògěng) – hinder somebody from carrying out a plan; place obstacles in the way

暗无天日 (ànwútiānrì) – complete darkness, total absence of justice

老老实实 (lǎolǎo-shíshí) – honestly, conscientiously, in earnest