Chapter 96: The Gift to the Demon

As expected, Chi Mei glanced at Yi Fan and said, “About a hundred li from here lies a demon’s lair, home to hundreds of monsters. Among them is an old demon who has cultivated for a century—equivalent to a third-level ‘Divine Communion’ in our sect—a formidable foe. To eliminate these threats, I’ve asked my junior disciple, Zhou Zijian, to host a banquet here, inviting many fellow cultivators passing through to join in slaying the demons.”

He paused, then continued, “The lesser demons and vengeful spirits can be handled by the younger generation, but that old demon is fierce. I fear I may not be able to defeat it alone. I wonder if you, young friend, would join me in taking down this demon?”

Yi Fan’s mind stirred. Since Chi Mei dared to come alone and only invited juniors to assist, it meant he had some confidence and was not afraid of that old demon. Yet, he personally invited Yi Fan, likely as a favor to him.

What a clever man Chi Mei was—rough in appearance, yet shrewd inside.

With this thought, Yi Fan no longer declined. “Since Brother Chi Mei does not mind, I will lend you a hand in exterminating the evil demon.”

Chi Mei laughed heartily and raised his wine cup. “Excellent, then I thank you in advance.”

…

Night had deepened, and naturally, the temple could not accommodate so many overnight, so maids and servants brought out meditation mats, removed chairs, and arranged the mats on the floor for everyone to rest.

Yi Fan was granted a private room, attended by beautiful maidservants who brought him tea and water, and even when resting, a maid waited outside.

Around midnight, there was a knock on the door. When Yi Fan opened it, he saw Zhou Zijian, who bowed nervously. “Junior disciple Zijian greets Senior.”

One could hardly blame him—mistaking a great man for a mere mortal, he dared not show disrespect now.

Yi Fan nodded but said nothing, nor did he invite him in, merely staring at him.

Zhou Zijian smiled awkwardly, quickly produced a magical pouch from his waist. It bulged as though something alive stirred inside. Opening it, he emptied it onto the floor—a white rabbit tumbled out, then transformed into a beautiful young woman who knelt with her head bowed, silent.

Yi Fan frowned. “What is this?”

“Senior, this rabbit demon was caught by me by chance. She is very beautiful, with a supple figure, and most precious of all, a charming, melodious voice. If Senior likes, you may take her for your enjoyment,” Zhou Zijian hurriedly said.

…

Yi Fan chuckled, realizing Zhou Zijian thought him a cultivator fond of exotic beauties. Unwilling to argue, he waved his hand. “No need. You may leave now.”

With that, he closed the door and shook his head. Such people always mistake their own preferences for universal tastes. Though Zhou Zijian’s cultivation was respectable—indeed promising—it was unlikely he would advance much further.

Cultivators did not advocate cold-heartedness or forsaking desire entirely, but one must not become enslaved by it, lest it become an obstacle to progress.

But this matter was none of his concern; let Chi Mei worry over it.

From beneath the bed, a small white fox poked out its head, glanced outside to confirm no one watched, then jumped down and leapt onto Yi Fan’s shoulder, unwilling to move.

“Afraid now, aren’t you? Don’t run off again. The world is perilous—it’s not something a little fox like you can understand,” Yi Fan said with a light laugh, tapping its head.

…

Outside, Zhou Zijian stood awkwardly by the door, uncertain whether to leave or stay. He wanted to speak but dared not call out loudly. In the end, he gritted his teeth, gathered the young woman back into his pouch, and departed.

The next morning, after Yi Fan completed his morning practice, a maid brought breakfast. Once finished, a cheerful laugh sounded outside.

“Young friend, did you rest well last night?”

Yi Fan rose, exchanged polite greetings, then asked, “Brother Chi Mei, what are today’s plans?”

Chi Mei waved the maid away. “No time to waste, lest word leaks out. We’ll set off shortly, laying a net to capture and destroy the demon’s lair in one fell swoop.”

“That sounds perfect. I will follow your lead,” Yi Fan agreed naturally; he did not wish to delay any longer.

By mid-morning, everyone was ready. Keeping things simple, they left their luggage at the temple and prepared to depart.

Yi Fan held two talismans etched with the pattern of a galloping steed. He had recently exchanged a ‘Lesser Exorcism Talisman’ for these ‘Divine Travel Talismans’ from another Daoist. Placing them on his legs and forming hand seals, he could travel a hundred li a day—fast as a steed and with minimal energy consumption.

Chi Mei stood nearby, eyeing a nearby excited Daoist, then remarked thoughtfully, “Young friend, you are quite generous. One ‘Lesser Exorcism Talisman’ for two ‘Divine Travel Talismans.’ You may not realize, but your talisman could be exchanged for dozens of ‘Divine Travel Talismans,’ if not more.”

Yi Fan smiled indifferently. To him, the ‘Lesser Exorcism Talisman’ was not precious, but the ‘Divine Travel Talismans’ were invaluable. Though not offensive talismans, they suited a wanderer like him perfectly.

Besides, he had gained the secret manual for making ‘Divine Travel Talismans’ in the exchange—an ordinary yet useful technique.

Seeing Yi Fan silent, Chi Mei said no more, stepping forward and waving his hand. “Let’s depart. Stay together, don’t get separated.”

With that, he glanced back at Yi Fan, then leapt forward like a wild goose, quickly covering great distance. Other cultivators displayed their own travel techniques, talisman magic igniting as each showed extraordinary skill.

At this moment, the difference between sect cultivators and lone practitioners was clear—lone cultivators rarely possessed such deep resources.

Yi Fan thought little of it, applied the ‘Divine Travel Talismans’ to his legs, formed hand seals, and felt light as air. He surged forward like lightning, quickly covering a great distance.

…

Though the journey of more than a hundred li was neither short nor long, they rested briefly midway before continuing. By afternoon, they reached a mountaintop.

Chi Mei halted the group, pointing at the rolling mountain range ahead. “There lies the demon’s lair. The surrounding mountains are teeming with monsters. Be cautious and avoid rash actions. It’s best to work in teams to exterminate the demons—don’t risk your lives, or it won’t be my fault.”

With that, he called out, “Go! Yi Fan and I will cover you from behind.”

As the words fell, many cultivators immediately unleashed their skills and charged forward. Soon, sounds of battle shattered the mountain’s silence. The air thickened with demonic energy and a fierce ghostly aura.

After the others departed, Chi Mei pondered briefly and said, “Young friend, I am merely here to back up these juniors and eliminate this demon’s lair—assigned by our sect. If you have any requests, feel free to speak.”

“Brother Chi Mei, you are too polite,” Yi Fan replied, knowing Chi Mei was probing his background. He smiled bitterly—he was just a lone cultivator. Why would Chi Mei refuse to believe it?