Pure Passerby

In a dim place, a human silhouette condensed, like a newborn infant, bewildered by everything in the outside world.

"Who am I, where am I... My name is..."

RUMBLE!!

A black rift tore open, and a demonic claw descended from the sky, grasping the newly born demonic shadow.

Outside the void, a pair of red eyes slowly opened, gazing at the demonic shadow in its hand, and slowly said, "This is not the world you should have come to. One of me is enough."

With that, the demonic hand dissolved the surrounding space and cast the newborn demonic shadow into it.

"Go, go to the Kyushu human realm. While you have the chance to return at birth, find Lu Bei, grind him to dust, extinguish his soul, and sever the shackles that bind you and me!"

"Remember..."

"Lu Nan is the name I've taken. You cannot use it anymore."

The fractured space closed and stabilized. The scarlet eyes shut, as if nothing had happened.

In the world of Kyushu, in a mountain range far from Langyu County, peaks stood tall, and seas of clouds bowed below, flowing like white curtains.

A white-robed monk sat cross-legged on a perilous peak. His face was refined and handsome, with lotus-like red markings on his brows. The golden wheel of the great sun emerged from the sea of clouds, its brilliance shining upon him, as if bestowing countless spiritual energies, exuding an indescribable sanctity.

Just then, a black shadow materialized from nothingness and seeped into the monk's body through his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, settling in his spiritual platform and defiling his golden body.

"Eh, it's an Outer-Realm Sky Demon?"

The monk closed his eyes and frowned. "I heard that Outer-Realm Sky Demons only descended in ancient times and have since become legends. To suddenly appear today... is it a warning that the world is about to fall into chaos and demonic evil will arise, or has my own state of mind become too disturbed, attracting this demon?"

A moment later, black mist enveloped the monk's entire body. He exhaled, raised his hand, and formed the Demon Subduing Seal. The golden wheel behind him appeared, instantly dispelling the black mist.

The momentum continued, causing the sea of clouds to ripple and spread out in all directions. The strange mountains and peaks hidden within the clouds unfolded like a painted scroll, startling birds and beasts, and adding a touch of white egrets to the painting.

"A mere little demon dares to disturb my tranquility. Very well, my mind has indeed been somewhat unsettled lately. I shall use you to cultivate." The monk clasped his hands together and softly recited scriptures.

Behind him, the demonic shadow, while disintegrating, reformed and pounced into his body once more.

"Squeak squeak squeak!"

At the Feather Transformation Sect on Sanqing Peak, four little foxes were chasing butterflies and catching birds in the backyard, occasionally tumbling into a playful heap.

When one is happy, their spirits soar. Lu Bei pushed open the door with a smile and said to Hu Jiao beside him, "When I leave the mountain in the future, you must activate the great formation, but don't attack and harm innocent passersby, understand?"

Hu Jiao nodded. She climbed onto Lu Bei's shoulder along his pant leg, her lively, azure eyes looking towards the stone steps leading down the mountain. She yearned for the outside world and wanted Lu Bei to take her with him.

Since entering the Feather Transformation Sect, Hu Jiao's wariness had significantly decreased under the influence of sweet talk and favors. She was no longer as cautious and timid as she was in the wild, and she was exceptionally close to Lu Bei.

"No, I have to go see a demoness today. She's a snake. For a little fox like you, she'd gobble you up in one bite, awoo, and swallow you whole," Lu Bei teased. He grabbed Hu Jiao by the scruff of her neck and placed her by the door.

Lu Bei had woken up early, or rather, he hadn't slept. The night before, he had accompanied Lin Yu on a night fishing trip. Last night, he had taken a Three-Revolutions Origin Nurturing Pill. Ever since he started cultivating immortality, his back didn't ache, his legs didn't hurt, and he could climb Sanqing Peak in one go. He felt more energetic than ever.

Leaving the Feather Transformation Sect, Lu Bei headed straight for the Emei Sect on Four Scenery Peaks. He was going to do business, to discuss the expansion of shops, the renovation of the underground palace, and the construction of sheds by the deep pool with Ding Lei.

Having had a pleasant cooperation once before, Lu Bei was very impressed with the artisans of the Emei Sect. When it came to construction projects, they were the first ones he thought of.

As for the kind words Ding Lei had spoken to Lin Yu on his behalf, Lu Bei didn't mention them at all, nor did he express any gratitude.

Being handsome, friendly to neighbors, and maintaining personal integrity... all these were true descriptions, so there was nothing to thank him for.

Ding Lei had initially thought Lu Bei was coming to catch geese. To his surprise, Lu Bei was there for business. He waved his hand at the disciples behind him, telling them not to rush to bring out the geese, and then offered tea to Lu Bei to discuss matters in detail.

After reaching an agreement, Lu Bei left a deposit and departed. Ding Lei then had someone retrieve the blueprints and, following the previous plan, tailored several new proposals for the Feather Transformation Sect.

Meanwhile, Lu Bei, after leaving Nine Bamboo Mountain, arrived at the nearest Langyu County. After strolling through several streets in the city, he followed the secret signals on the walls and trees to find She Xuan's hiding place.

It was a pawnshop, located at the bustling intersection of a busy street and alley, frequented by merchants and wealthy families, making it very lively.

Lu Bei stopped and noticed the tailor shop next door. He silently sized it up and then strode into the pawnshop.

"Esteemed guest, what would you like to pawn?"

An old man cupped his hands and stepped forward, squinting as he scanned Lu Bei from head to toe. He silently calculated Lu Bei's worth and said with a smile, "If you wish to purchase some items for amusement, please follow this old servant to the private room on the second floor. You can enjoy tea while I explain in detail."

If it were a young girl, I'd listen to your detailed explanation.

Lu Bei mentally criticized the pawnshop for its poor business sense. If it were me, I'd definitely...

Getting sidetracked. He raised his hand in return and said, "Shopkeeper, I have an appointment with a friend here. She's a bit older, and I usually call her Snake Aunt. Do you know her?"

"So you are the owner's guest. Please wait a moment, this old servant will inform her immediately." The shopkeeper didn't know who the older Snake Aunt was, but he did know that there was a female owner with the surname She.

Owner?!

Lu Bei looked speechlessly at the shopkeeper as he left, thinking, Impossible. Given my experience, it's fine for an aunt like She Xuan, who is outwardly cold but inwardly charming, to be the owner, but the location should never be a pawnshop. Yunshui Tower would be more appropriate.

It's a pity I couldn't call She Xuan for a session at Yunshui Tower, maybe a foot massage or something.

Soon, the shopkeeper returned and invited Lu Bei to the third floor, guiding him towards the innermost room.

[You have been poisoned. After deducting defense and poison immunity, your health remains unchanged.]

As he raised his hand to push the door open, Lu Bei received a system notification. He curled his lips in disdain at the vengeful woman. At her age, she still doesn't know how to dote on a handsome young man. She's so petty, she must be single.

May you be single for the rest of your life!

Lu Bei silently sent his blessing, put on an innocent smile, walked around a landscape ink painting screen, and went straight into She Xuan's private chamber.

A moment later, Lu Bei walked out, puzzled. "Huh? She's not in the bedroom? I thought there'd be a scene where she'd undress and furiously reject me... Was I overthinking it?"

Beside the bed, a long couch was placed with a tea table. She Xuan, dressed in a green robe, leaned back in a semi-reclined position, her exquisite curves drawing the eye. If one ignored the golden-scaled little snake she was playing with in her hand, she would undoubtedly attract many admirers.

Hearing Lu Bei's shamelessly bold words, She Xuan inwardly thought, It's the same old Lu Bei. She couldn't be bothered with the sword-seller. She tapped the head of the golden-scaled little snake with her fingertip, teasing it as it flicked its tongue.

"Snake Aunt, it's been a while. You're still as charming as ever. At first glance, you look like a young girl." Lu Bei sat on the long couch. Seeing that She Xuan was ignoring him, he poured himself some tea and drank it.

[You have been poisoned. After deducting poison resistance, HP remains unchanged.]

Lu Bei: "..."

Honestly, speaking as a neutral observer, this woman is poison.

"Snake Aunt, I didn't expect you to have businesses in Langyu County. I didn't misjudge you; you really are a rich woman."

"Snake Aunt, did you recently acquire this pawnshop, or have you owned it for a long time? If you've owned it for a long time, I have one on the mountain too. We'd be neighbors!"

"Snake Aunt, can I touch this little snakey?"

"Snake Aunt, say something!"

"Call me Sister She," She Xuan said, unable to stand it any longer.

"Alright, if you insist..."

Lu Bei shrugged and looked at the golden snake. "Snake Aunt, can I touch this Sister Snake?"

She Xuan: "..."

I forgot to schedule this chapter. My mistake