The Steward Demonic Emperor

Chapter 1042: Beseech the Devil

Proofreader: Papatonks

All eyes shot in his direction then agreed after a moment of reflection.

They all had first-hand experience of Zhuo Fan’s twisted and insidious mind. The Exalted Double Dragons could be said to take the cake, if there was a prize involved, “Zhuo Fan’s skill is unquestionable. He was well known in western lands back then, even laying the foundation of today’s Luo Alliance. It’s a good thing we can consult him on the four lands’ plight, and we might even make a comeback.”

“Uh, then we should forget our status and seek his counsel…”

“You can’t!”

Ling Yuntian agreed after a pause, with Murong Xue glaring at them in cloying righteous anger, “He’s an abomination, a herald of calamity. By no means can we hand over command of countless lives to him so he can do what he pleases. It will lead to unspeakable horrors!”

Ling Yuntian frowned and spoke solemnly, “Does miss Murong have a better idea for our current crisis?”

“I…”

Murong Xue could find no words.

Ling Yuntian sighed, “Miss Murong, forgive an old man’s crude words, but what man would care if the water is good or not when thirst has him in a tight grip? As the urgent matters stand, we need someone that can help us overcome this situation. We’re at a point when any idea, even rotten, would be better than nothing, regardless of consequences.

“Miss Murong, we’re open to any ideas you might have. But if you have none, I hope miss won’t be so adamant to refuse, thank you.” 

Ling Yuntian bowed with a cold face then addressed the rest, “Let’s go see what solution can the western lands’ best disciple provide.”

He led the way to the sect dungeon, his eyes gleaming with hope. Murong Xue was the only one left behind in defiance still.

“Xue’er, the bigger picture takes precedence. Stop only thinking of your biased principles!” Murong Lie patted her shoulder with a sigh.

Murong Xue was indignant, “I’m not biased. The guy’s mind is warped. Any plan will be twisted, uncaring for the dangers it might bright, or the damage. Just why does Sect Leader Ling insist on beseeching a devil?”

“In despair, man will take anything, be it from god or a devil.” Murong Lie sighed, patted her head and followed after them.

Their last hope was Zhuo Fan who beat Baili Jingwei at his own game. They gave little thought to the indignity and cruelty such a plan might involve…

Inside his cell, Zhuo Fan was enjoying his rare moment of bliss.

He was meticulous in combing the white hair of his wife, flowing before him like a silver waterfall.

Zhuo Fan smiled, filled with tenderness for the woman. He prompted Qiao’er for an answer, “What do you think of your dad’s combing this time?”

“Better.” Qiao’er giggled with a thumbs up.

Zhuo Fan nodded and said, “Of course, after three days of combing, I’ve got the hang of it, though even combing forever feels short. I just hope to give your mom the best combing I can before leaving. I wouldn’t want to leave in regret.”

“Dad, we’ll be getting back from the North Sea safely, don’t worry.” Qiao’er noticed his worry and soothed him. 

Zhuo Fan said, “Who can tell for certain? It’s best to plan ahead. It’s because of doing things without a plan last time that I hurt your mom leaving like that. I will think it through now and go without regret. So that if I don’t return, I’ll leave your mom cared for.” 

Zhuo Fan’s eyes moistened as he looked at Chu Qingcheng. Qiao’er shook her head, falling silent.

“You’re a true man, sir. I have seen many demonic cultivators, men that have gone far on the demonic path, betrayers and savages, but none like sir, so intoxicated with love, outdoing many great righteous cultivators too.”

The Four Snow Peak Elders were touched by his display of affection and sighed, “You look nothing like a demonic cultivator. When we heard of your past exploits then see you now, it’s like you’re a different person. Has sir relinquished the demonic path or have you reached a stage beyond our scope? We are simply bemused.”

Zhuo Fan sighed, “Who can say? Emotion is the bane of the demonic path, but in the words of my masters, a checkpoint in the demonic path. So I plunge in head-on, deeper and deeper. Even I have yet to realize just how far gone I am. I may just be walking a new demonic path. Though I’ve only passed the start of it, with no end in sight. Or maybe I’ve strayed from the path without even knowing it.” 

“Sir is of incredible bravery to walk an untraveled road and its dangers. We are in awe.” The elders bowed, “But taking a new path to its end is bound to bring monumental achievement. We would wish for nothing more than to witness your glory!” 

Zhuo Fan sighed, “The road ahead is obscured. I can’t even get my bearings, let alone think of glory. But this path I chose I will brace myself until the very end. To stay by her side and defeat my enemy, I need to keep going.” 

Zhuo Fan’s eyes shone with conviction and the four elders paid their respects again.

Bam!

The jail door opened and Ling Yuntian’s group entered with long faces.

The four elders glanced over with a frown, even annoyance, at the interference.

These three days, these exceptional experts had been watching Zhuo Fan and his deep insight in the demonic path. They had casual words exchanged, yet each were entwined with profound truths.

The elders had come to forget about their guard duty, resolved to expound on Dao and glean many truths and realizations for their souls.

Ling Yuntian’s arrival was most unwelcomed, carrying with him and his group the rot of the mortal world. The four were, understandably, most against it.  

Like how a child was having the sweetest dream getting shaken awake and smelled reality.

The four elders were the same. The righteous path overcomes the mortal world, and with the debates they held with Zhuo Fan, they felt they were above mundane and mortal desires. But to be plunged back down in the mortal mire gave a shock to their systems. 

As Sea Bright Sect’s venerables, they knew their Sect Leader had to have come with real reasons and welcomed him with respect instead of anger.

Ling Yuntian was too rushed to notice their change, bowing before Zhuo Fan, “Sir Zhuo, I have come today seeking counsel.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“It’s just about that time.” Zhuo Fan smiled, pausing his combing and regarding the agitated old men, “Central area’s Sword Sword Star Empire must’ve attacked.”

Ling Yuntian shook, “Sir, how do you know?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Sect Leader Ling’s hasty arrival could only mean real business. If not Heaven Sealing Sword, then it’s central area related. Not to mention you weren’t that distressed even when you lost Heaven Sealing Sword.”

Zhuo Fan smirked as he walked closer and sat on a chair a guard freed for him, “And lastly, the central area had to have taken such action that even Sect Leader Ling couldn’t cope with, ha-ha-ha…” 

Everyone’s hearts sank, yet their eyes gleamed brighter.

[Zhuo Fan lives up to his name, of incredible mind and foresight. That means he should have a counter for Baili Jingwei’s plan.]

They all looked eagerly at Zhuo Fan, like their savior. Shangguan Feixiong was even more excited, “Sect Leader Ling, didn’t I tell you he’s a deep thinker? Coming to him for help in this was the best idea. Don’t stand around, ask young master Zhuo for the solution.”