You, Are You an Evil Demon!

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

For the past seven days, there were no strange dreams, no disturbances from others, and no bizarre reappearances of light. Everything was as peaceful as if it had returned to the past.

However, You Su never let his guard down. He cultivated tirelessly during the day. Besides becoming proficient in swordsmanship, he also mastered over ten types of sorcery from the Selected Arts. Unfortunately, only a few were truly useful in combat.

At night, he continued to help his Junior Sister sense the flow of Mystic Qi. The first two nights ended with some awkwardness between them, but by the third day, they had grown accustomed to it.

The night they learned the third form, some points were too close to vital areas. You Su was extremely restrained to avoid making his Junior Sister feel embarrassed. However, Ji Lingruo took You Su's hand and brought it closer, murmuring, "Since this is official business, why be timid? If you don't act boldly, it makes this teaching seem impure."

Hearing this, and knowing Ji Lingruo's resolve, You Su no longer held back. Fortunately, the training was effective, and Ji Lingruo's sword forms finally began to show a hint of grace.

The young girl rejoiced in becoming stronger and arrived earlier and left later each night. Every time they finished, she would reluctantly say, "More, more," and You Su could only wearily support his aching waist as he sent her away.

Under this rigorous training, You Su's control over Mystic Qi also subtly improved. In terms of the Fire Ignition spell alone, he could now ignite flames with all ten fingers simultaneously. As he was excitedly marveling at the ten flames on his hands, he didn't expect the next page of the Selected Arts to reveal a Fire Palm technique.

These were the overt developments, but You Su had also made considerable efforts in secret.

He had scoured the evil texts but found little useful information.

The Evil Banishing Sect's main focus was on subduing and controlling Malevolent Spirits. The texts mentioned, in passing, secret sects that specialized in possessing and expelling spirits to gain power, but because they were too sinister, they were destroyed by the Divine Mountain hundreds of years ago.

The most useful piece of information was likely a formation described in the book that could conceal surrounding evil energy. You Su secretly set up this formation near the Sect Residence. Although it was rudimentary, when he injected Mystic Qi into the Evil Warding Token, there was no change in temperature.

You Su had also been researching the function of the Evil Warding Token, but apart from the information received that night, it was just an ordinary jade pendant with streaks of ink within its jade green hue in his hands. He tried to find anyone from the Evil Warding Department in the city, but all his efforts were in vain.

The Divine Mountain seemed to be his only hope.

Just as You Su was racking his brain, planning how to bring his Junior Sister and Mistress to Mount Henggao together, a turning point appeared.

A true visitor from the Divine Mountain had descended upon this remote little city.

Dawn was breaking.

The first rays of the morning sun spread across the land, casting a golden blanket over the uneven rooftops of the city. Through the faint mist drifting in the air, not a single soul could be seen on the streets and alleys of Chuyun City.

The usually crowded breakfast street was now eerily empty, with only the stalls remaining.

He wondered if his Junior Sister would believe him if he told her that the crispy pastry shop was indeed closed.

You Su shook his head and walked through the streets, feeling as if the city had become a ghost town today.

Who exactly was this distinguished guest that the City Lord's mansion was preparing to welcome?

To think that City Lord Liu would order all citizens to remain indoors until noon today and even send invitations to all cultivators above the Spirit Platform Realm in Chuyun City to welcome the guest. It seemed unlikely to be merely for show; otherwise, wouldn't it be better for the entire city to welcome them together?

You Su could only hope that the reason behind this was unrelated to him and that his already troubled life wouldn't be further complicated.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at the ancient and elegant City Lord's mansion.

You Su amplified his senses and found dozens of people standing in an orderly fashion in front of the mansion gates.

Led by City Lord Liu, seven elders of considerable status followed closely behind. Blacksmith Wang was among them. Further back were the middle-aged and younger generations.

You Su, in his simple white robes, quietly blended into the end of the line, standing as still as a pine tree. He thought no one had noticed him, but he couldn't escape the attention of those who were paying attention.

"Is that You Su from the Mandarin Sword Sect?"

"It's just the 'Broken Sword Sect,' why give it such a fancy name? Are you thinking of switching allegiances?"

"Then Master would skin me alive. Hey, I heard the sect leader of this Sword Sect ran off almost ten years ago, and the entire sect only has three people left. Is that true?"

"A Senior Brother who's all show and no substance, a Junior Sister who appeared out of nowhere, and a Mistress who never leaves her room. Do you think it's fake?"

"Does a sect like that even deserve to welcome such a distinguished guest?"

"How would I know? If you ask me, it's like a bat tied to a chicken – doesn't know what kind of bird it is."

As soon as he said this, several people around them chuckled. Although the two were speaking in low voices, everyone present was a cultivator with keen senses, so it wasn't difficult to catch their words.

You Su ignored them, inwardly mocking that most of their gossip was actually true, leaving him with no room to refute.

These whispers and jeers had been incessant since his arrogant and overbearing Master went on his travels, and You Su had long grown accustomed to them.

"Hui Ren, Hui Yuan, the distinguished guest is about to arrive, do not make a disturbance." A young man turned and sternly reprimanded the two who had been whispering earlier.

This young man was none other than Wu Cheng. Carefully observing the positions, he was subtly at the forefront of the younger generation.

He was clearly dressed up today, wearing understated yet luxurious brocade robes that complemented his exceptionally handsome features. Many young female cultivators were secretly looking at him, their eyes filled with fervent desire.

"Yes, Senior Brother Wu," the two replied respectfully, bowing. They dared not act presumptuously in front of Wu Cheng.

Wu Cheng's expression remained cold, and he turned back to gaze at the distant sky, awaiting the distinguished guest.

"Senior Sister, Senior Brother Wu from the Sky Guard Sect is so handsome!"

"Yes, Senior Brother Wu is someone who is destined for the Divine Mountain."

"But just looking at his face, You Su seems even more handsome."

"Hmm? It does seem so..."

"Two Junior Sisters, please be quiet." Wu Cheng turned with a faint smile and reminded them gently.

The two whispering female cultivators immediately blushed and nodded, feeling their hearts race a little faster.

Just then, the City Lord Liu, who was at the forefront, suddenly said:

"They're here!"

Everyone except You Su was drawn to his words and turned their gazes in the direction the old man was looking.

The previously bright sky suddenly grew a bit gloomy, and an unknown pressure grew closer and closer. The moment the pressure reached its peak, a patch of murky smoke suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the open space before the crowd. As the smoke dispersed, a tall, imposing middle-aged man gradually revealed himself.

So fast! everyone thought.

The middle-aged man had a stern face and wore a black robe. He swept his cold gaze over everyone, exuding an imposing aura without needing to show anger.

This person was none other than the honored guest that the cultivators of Chuyun City had been eagerly awaiting today—Gu Yao, one of the outer sect stewards of the Xuanxiao Sect.

On this continent of the Five Continents, a land of wondrous marvels and hidden dangers, the most crucial reason for humanity's continued existence was the protection of the Five Divine Mountains. The Xuanxiao Sect was the foremost sect of Mount Henggao and held immense influence among the immortal sects in the Central Yuan Continent and even across the entire Five Continents. In this world where the mortal and immortal realms were intertwined, the Xuanxiao Sect played a vital role in governing the mortal world.

Therefore, even an seemingly insignificant outer sect steward possessed an extraordinary status in the eyes of the people of Chuyun City, setting aside his unfathomable cultivation.

Even City Lord Liu was merely a relatively outstanding disciple of the Xuanxiao Sect in the past. It was due to his insufficient talent and his unwillingness to leave the Xuanxiao Sect that he was assigned to govern this remote city of Chuyun.

"Senior Brother Gu, it's been many years."

City Lord Liu, with his white eyebrows and beard, smiled and took the initiative to greet him, his words carrying a sense of the vast changes time had wrought. Yet, as he looked at Senior Immortal Gu's face, which had not yet shown many traces of time, a hint of envy flickered in his eyes.

Gu Yao did not respond to City Lord Liu's greeting. He looked at the crowd before him, his voice as stern as his demeanor:

"Are these all the cultivators in Chuyun City at the Spirit Platform Realm and above?"

The City Lord felt a pang of embarrassment. After a pause, he bowed slightly and replied, "Reporting to Senior Brother Gu, there are nine others currently in seclusion who will soon reach the Spirit Platform Realm."

"Junior Brother Liu has governed with merit," Gu Yao said, his stern expression loosening into a stiff and unpleasant smile.

City Lord Liu's weathered face grew even more awkward. He could only change the subject, saying, "Senior Brother Gu is too kind. This is all my duty. Senior Brother Gu must have had a tiring journey. My residence has already prepared spiritual wine and delicacies to welcome you. Perhaps Senior Brother..."

"No need. Those in cultivation do not concern themselves with such worldly courtesies. Junior Brother Liu, a place for me to rest will suffice."

City Lord Liu detected the veiled criticism in Gu Yao's words, his face paling further. He reluctantly agreed, "Senior Brother Gu is right. Senior Brother truly possesses the bearing of an immortal."

"I am Gu Yao, an outer sect steward of the Xuanxiao Sect. There is no need for you all to be curious or fearful of my arrival," Gu Yao said, ignoring City Lord Liu's flattery, and spoke loudly to the crowd, "I have come to Chuyun City to accomplish three matters!"

"First, to inspect suitable sects to be listed as subsidiary sects of the Xuanxiao Sect!"

"Second, to select talented disciples to study at the Xuanxiao Sect!"

Upon hearing Gu Yao's words, everyone gasped, their hearts burning with excitement.

They marveled at the esteemed status of the honored guest and were thrilled by the potential for their destinies to be rewritten.

Becoming a subsidiary sect of the Xuanxiao Sect was already a great honor, not to mention the immense resources the Xuanxiao Sect could casually bestow.

Furthermore, being able to study at the Xuanxiao Sect was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young cultivators from these remote cities. Even if their status there was not even that of a registered disciple, the knowledge they would gain would be substantial. Those who performed exceptionally well even had a chance to become formal disciples of the Xuanxiao Sect.

You Su listened, clenching his fists.

"I will stay in Chuyun City for a maximum of seven days. I hope none of you will disappoint me," Gu Yao's voice suddenly turned solemn. He continued, "And the third, and most important, purpose! Everyone line up and approach me one by one!"

With that, Gu Yao clasped his hands behind his back, standing like an upright iron ruler between heaven and earth.

Most of the young cultivators exchanged bewildered glances. City Lord Liu cleared his throat twice and gestured with his eyes to the elders beside him. The elders, understanding his intent, lined up behind the City Lord. Seeing this, the other cultivators followed suit, and You Su, as expected, ended up at the very end.

"Come here."

City Lord Liu stepped forward towards Gu Yao and then noticed that Gu Yao's eyes were now emitting a dazzling golden light, like twin suns, as if to expose all the ugliness and evil in the world.

City Lord Liu knew, of course, that this was a high-level secret technique of the Xuanxiao Sect—the Evil-Breaking Golden Eyes. It was far more profound than the sorcery he had used on You Su that day.

Its primary function was to detect malevolent spirits. Unlike conventional methods that relied on detecting evil energy, this eye technique worked by continuously provoking the evil thoughts of the person being observed, causing the malevolent spirits within them to resonate and reveal themselves.

This technique was said to be foolproof, but its cultivation threshold was extremely high, and very few within the Xuanxiao Sect could master it.

Even City Lord Liu, who had witnessed this eye technique before, couldn't help but lower his gaze when facing these golden eyes, daring not to meet their gaze. He felt that under the illumination of this golden light, all his past shameful deeds and impure thoughts were laid bare. He was not the City Lord of Chuyun City, but a sinner exposed naked under the sun.

"Junior Brother's cultivation has not been easy, and you have persevered to this day. It is admirable." This time, Gu Yao's praise seemed genuine.

"Senior Brother is too kind. Cultivators have their principles of what to do and what not to do. That is our duty," City Lord Liu said eloquently.

Gu Yao nodded slightly. City Lord Liu then wisely withdrew. The next person was also an elder with an immortal demeanor, his robes shimmering—this was Qi Daodong, the Sect Master of the Sky Guard Sect, and Wu Cheng's master.

"I have long heard of Senior Immortal Gu's great name. I am Qi Daodong, Sect Master of the Sky Guard Sect. I have long admired the Xuanxiao Sect..."

"You only need to step forward silently and then look directly into my eyes."

Qi Daodong was the second person within a hundred miles, besides the City Lord, to ever be addressed so condescendingly. Being so ruthlessly interrupted while trying to offer pleasantries, his proud old face dimmed slightly.

"Dao Dong apologizes for his rudeness."

Although Qi Daodong was advanced in years, his vital energy was still robust compared to the old City Lord. He still could not suppress the surging evil thoughts under the gaze of the golden eyes, but thankfully, the self-control of a cultivator allowed him to guard his true heart.

"Next."

With Qi Daodong's previous example, no one dared to speak further, and the ceremony proceeded quickly.

It's worth mentioning that when it was Wu Cheng's turn, Gu Yao finally slightly raised his eyelids, no longer speaking as sparingly as possible:

"Good aptitude, a piece of uncarved jade."

As the foremost sect on the continent, the Xuanxiao Sect produced heroes and countless prodigies. For the Immortal Master Gu to offer such an evaluation was already the highest praise.

Wu Cheng did not appear flattered. His composed demeanor, neither servile nor overbearing, earned him even more respect from the crowd. Qi Daodong's displeased expression also softened slightly.

As the ceremony neared its end, You Su silently walked up to Gu Yao.

You Su stood tall and upright, perfectly centered. Under the clear sky, his sharply defined face seemed to be haloed by a soft glow.

Gu Yao, with his extensive experience and countless encounters, had never before seen a young man exude such a unique aura. He stood quietly before you, yet made you feel like he was worlds away, not even belonging to the same realm.

In his surprise, Gu Yao inexplicably felt a strong urge to peel back the layers of this young man's disguise. He desperately wanted to know how much longer this aloof aura could be maintained.

But what shocked him even more was that under his Golden Eyes, which he had unconsciously unleashed with nearly eighty percent of his power, You Su still stood as straight as pine and bamboo. The boy's clear eyes even met his gaze without any avoidance.

Gu Yao couldn't believe it. Even City Lord Liu, who was half a step into the Feather Transformation Realm, could only temporarily evade his sharpness. Yet this youth, in the lower stage of the Spirit Platform Realm, seemed like a slender willow or a calm lake, silently dissolving all the sharpness and severity in his pupil technique.

Suddenly! A terrifying thought flashed through Gu Yao's mind! His entire presence changed drastically, his aggressive momentum making the very air feel thick and heavy.

The surrounding cultivators were bewildered, becoming tense in the face of this rapidly escalating sense of crisis.

"Did You Su offend the Immortal Master in some way?"

You Su's voice was clear and bright, his tone one of confusion. He could feel Gu Yao's hostility.

Gu Yao's Golden Eyes unleashed their full power, staring intently at the frowning youth before him, as if trying to see through him completely.

The scene fell into an eerie silence, with only the sound of the wind whistling through the crowd.

Then, the four words Gu Yao uttered in a deep voice struck like thunder from a clear sky, instantly changing everyone's expression!

"You, are an Evil Demon!"