In a forest somewhere in the southern land, where clouds wreathed the peaks of rolling hills, atop one of the taller mountains, people were being driven by monsters to construct buildings.
Above the clouds, Ling Feng gazed at everything below, while Zhen, leaning on her umbrella, also fixed her gaze downwards.
"Ling, why are the demons and humans in this world like sworn enemies? Always fighting." Zhen asked, her voice laced with confusion.
Having been in this world for some time, she had come to understand many things about it. On the continent of Teyvat, demons and humans did not harbor the same animosity and engage in such constant conflict.
"That..."
"Actually, I don't quite understand either. Perhaps it's because 'those not of our kind harbor different intentions'," Ling Feng replied after a moment of thought, his tone uncertain. "However... this situation will change in the future. At the very least, it won't be as it is now, with humans and demons harboring mutual hatred."
Hearing this, Zhen's beautiful eyes widened in further confusion. She questioned, "But according to Rongrong, the fox demons of Tu Shan have a profession called the Red Thread Immortal, who manages the reincarnation and reunions of love between humans and demons."
"And the prerequisite for reincarnation and reunion is that humans and demons must truly fall in love."
"Demons have long lives, and they live on, waiting for the reincarnation of their beloved to rekindle their past-life connection... It's amazing... and also somewhat difficult to comprehend."
"Simply put, there are still demons and humans who not only become friends but even fall in love. So why..."
As if knowing what Zhen was about to say, Ling Feng answered her question preemptively. "There are exceptions to every rule."
"Currently, humans and demons are not fully familiar with each other. Most humans now consider demons to be evil, unaware that demons, like humans, can be both good and bad. A small minority, after experiencing certain events or by nature, believe that demons have their own distinctions between good and evil. Such people are few in number now."
Zhen nodded, a look of realization dawning on her face.
"Speaking of which, can people from Teyvat and demons marry and have children?"
"That... probably can, though I'm not entirely sure myself." Seeing Zhen's uncertain answer, Ling Feng smiled and shook his head.
"Alright, let's save people first."
"As for this poisonous mist barrier, we'll leave it for whoever comes next." A faint smile curved Ling Feng's lips. His gaze seemed to pierce through everything, settling on the 'gentle and sweet' little萝莉 spewing fire within the cave. He offered a moment of silent sympathy for the two unfortunate demons who had been blown out of the cave by the flames.
Alright, sympathy over. Ling Feng took Zhen's slender hand, and in an instant, their figures vanished from the clouds.
About half an incense stick later, two figures, a man and a woman, dashed from afar, riding their respective magical artifacts. The man was tall and handsome, clad in a white robe, wearing a smiley-faced mask, and riding a long sword, much like a sword immortal. The woman was tall and graceful, with hair as black as ink and skin like jade. An imprint of divine fire adorned her forehead. She wore a yellow skirt inside and a green robe over it, her feet resting on a bamboo flute, her posture light and elegant. They were none other than the arriving Mr. Jian (Wang Quan Ba Ye) and Dong Fang Huai Zhu.
"This is where they built the Star Gazing Tower. The prison is below too... Wait! Someone's here before us?" Wang Quan Ba Ye's words, uttered from behind his mask, trailed off as he saw something, his face clearly etched with surprise.
Dong Fang Huai Zhu paused at his words and looked down. Below, a pack of weasel demons lay 'strewn across the battlefield.' They weren't dead, but they looked as though they'd been beaten so badly they couldn't get up.
"Young lady, remember our agreement of three conditions. If a fight breaks out later, do not stray more than ten paces from me." Even though his dramatic entrance had been interrupted, he still intended to maintain his imposing demeanor.
"As long as you don't turn your face towards me, it's fine."
*Poof!*
Wang Quan Ba Ye felt as though a knife had been plunged into his heart. He suddenly felt his mask wasn't so cute anymore.
"However, the poisonous barrier below is still active. How will you get down?" Wang Quan Ba Ye's lips curved upwards slightly. It was time for his grand display, or rather, to break the barrier. With a tap of his toe on the hilt of his sword, it rose into the air, and he grasped it firmly. "I, naturally, have my own methods." In an instant, a golden sword light, carrying the formidable aura of the Wang Quan sword, cleaved through the clouds. A sword that breaks the clouds. It was a display of utmost grandeur.
At the construction site of the Star Gazing Tower, Du Fuzi and Du Niangzi eyed the man in the green shirt before them with vigilance.
"Who exactly are you? Why hide yourself behind a mask." Their poisonous attacks were completely ineffective against this person wearing a fox mask. A master, undoubtedly a master.
"Me? Just a passing traveler. I'm here only to delay time."
"Your true opponents have arrived. I won't stay any longer." Ling Feng felt the arrival of Wang Quan's sword energy and had no intention of lingering. As his words fell, he vanished in an instant.
"?" Du Fuzi and Du Niangzi stared at the empty ground, bewildered and lost. So, what exactly was this person here for?
*Swish!* Before the two could ponder further, a golden sword energy slashed towards them. However, being great demon kings, they reacted swiftly and dodged. They watched as another white-robed man, also wearing a mask and wielding a long sword, landed. Who the hell was this? Was wearing masks a trend now? And... couldn't you choose a different mask? It's so ugly!
...
Beneath a towering tree, the people who had been rescued were gathered.
"Thank you, heroine, for saving us."
"No need. It was just a small effort. Besides, I was only responsible for bringing you out; someone else rescued you." Zhen, wearing a bamboo hat and a light veil to conceal her face, smiled softly. While she couldn't fight, she wasn't entirely without combat ability; she could easily use lightning to break through the prison.
"We naturally know that. It was that young hero in green who dealt with the nearby monsters. But since you are traveling with him, we must thank you as well."
"Hmph, I also took action," Dong Fang Qin Lan huffed, crossing her arms and pouting, muttering her displeasure softly.
"Alright, Qin Lan." Beside her, the elegant beauty Dong Fang Huai Zhu withdrew her gaze from Zhen, her eyes flowing as she gently patted Dong Fang Qin Lan's head and said softly. After thanking the rescued people, the three women did not dare to linger, and they left in a throng. Zhen and Dong Fang Huai Zhu, as if by telepathy, simultaneously flew into the air – to wait for someone.
...
At the Star Gazing Tower, after Wang Quan Ba Ye had dealt with Du Fuzi and Du Niangzi, he was about to leave when he noticed someone leaning against a stone wall. The other person was also wearing a mask, and Wang Quan Ba Ye couldn't help but size him up.
"Your Excellency... are you waiting for me?" Ling Feng nodded slightly and walked towards Wang Quan Ba Ye, bowing in greeting.
"I am but a humble traveler. I have long heard of the renowned Mr. Jian of the Masked Group, and today I wish to witness your swordsmanship."
"You were the one who defeated those monsters just now."
"Indeed."
"If that is the case, then make your move... Traveler." Wang Quan Ba Ye stood with his sword drawn. Anyone who dared to venture here alone would not be weak, and he relished sparring with strong opponents.
"Then... Mr. Jian, I shall make my move." Ling Feng's eyes narrowed. From the Sword Nurturing Gourd, a trace of red light shot out. Ling Feng held Feng Ji and unleashed a sword strike, a crimson sword energy charging towards Wang Quan Ba Ye. It was a pure sword energy strike, intended to gauge Wang Quan Ba Ye's current strength. Time flowed differently, and Wang Quan Ba Ye's age might even be greater than his now.
"A master." The moment Ling Feng attacked, Wang Quan Ba Ye could roughly gauge if his opponent was a master. Without hesitation, he returned a sword strike. The two sword energies collided, stirring up a gust of dust around them.
*Swish!* The two figures moved simultaneously, their long swords hacking out continuously, engaging in a fierce exchange.
"Clang clang clang!!!" The area was instantly filled with soaring sword energy and dazzling sword light, becoming a forbidden zone. The unfinished Star Gazing Tower was even cleaved in two by a single sword strike.
A few minutes later, the two stopped their actions. Wang Quan Ba Ye, sword held behind him, bowed respectfully to Ling Feng and laughed heartily. "Your swordsmanship is exquisite, no less than mine. In a contest of spiritual power, you are also not inferior. I am truly delighted to have sparred with you today."
"How about a pot of wine?"
"If it is acceptable, I can partake a little."
"This artifact is called the Sword Nurturing Gourd. It can nurture swords and also brew wine. Try it." Ling Feng took the Sword Nurturing Gourd from his waist and tossed it to Wang Quan Ba Ye. Wang Quan Ba Ye caught it, unceremoniously opened the stopper, and took a gulp. His eyes immediately lit up, and he exclaimed, "Good wine, good wine! Not only is the taste mellow, but the wine also contains spiritual energy and can replenish lost spiritual power."
"Would you permit me to have another cup or two?" Ling Feng smiled and gestured for him to proceed.
"Brother, you are truly generous." Wang Quan Ba Ye was overjoyed. He raised the Sword Nurturing Gourd and drank some more, then wiped his mouth and tossed the gourd back to Ling Feng. Ling Feng took it, also took a sip, and rehung the gourd at his waist.
"Your strength is formidable. I wonder if you would be interested in joining my Masked Group."
"We have seen the world within the circle, and our Masked Group's goal is to venture beyond the circle, to see the scenery outside."
"To uncover the masks of this world." Wang Quan Ba Ye proactively extended the invitation. Through their previous exchange, he knew that his opponent was not only young but also extremely powerful.
"Hmm, can I be an guest elder?" Ling Feng nodded. He also wanted to see the world outside the circle, or rather, he wanted to know what happened to the few people back then. As for creatures from beyond the circle, who were skilled in spiritual attacks? Although he was in the Golden Core stage, he had consumed heavenly treasures like the Heavenly Soul Yuan Fruit, which increased spiritual power, making his divine soul stronger than that of an ordinary Nascent Soul stage cultivator. Moreover, the Star Spirit Art cultivation technique allowed him to absorb the power of the stars to temper his divine soul, which had long been extraordinary. Creatures from beyond the circle were not to be feared.
"Hahaha, of course, you can. This is the location of our stronghold, and this is a thousand-mile sound transmission talisman. In a while, all members of the Masked Group will gather there. I will notify you in advance..." Wang Quan Ba Ye suddenly paused. He didn't know how to address the other party.
"Mr. Jian is likely your alias. If so, my alias can be Traveler."
"Alright, I will notify you in advance, brother."
"Okay, someone is waiting for me, so I will take my leave now." Ling Feng leaped lightly, his sword transforming into a streak of light as he rapidly departed.
"Wait for me, we're going the same way!" Wang Quan Ba Ye quickly spurred his sword to chase after Ling Feng.
Beneath the towering tree, several people had been waiting for a long time. They saw two streaks of sword light tear through the sky and arrive in an instant.
"The young lady is still here." Wang Quan Ba Ye was slightly surprised to see Dong Fang Huai Zhu, not expecting her to actually be waiting for him.
"By the way, this is..." Dong Fang Huai Zhu's beautiful eyes fell on Ling Feng. The veiled woman beside him should be waiting for him. Well, that fox mask was much better looking than Wang Quan Ba Ye's mask. Wang Quan Ba Ye suddenly felt a wave of malice emanating from his back, which vanished in an instant. He muttered strangely.
"Oh, this is my friend... Young lady, are you waiting for me?"
"I am here for two matters. Firstly, to return your sword sheath, and secondly, to eliminate evil." Before her words fell, Dong Fang Huai Zhu formed a sword finger with her left hand, and a flame ignited at her fingertip. At the same time, a circle of scorching flames erupted around the towering tree. A wisp of purple smoke rose as it was burned away. Ling Feng watched all this calmly, showing a hint of interest in the Pure Yang Flame of the Demon Exterminating Divine Fire at Dong Fang Huai Zhu's fingertip. The grade of this Demon Exterminating Divine Fire was similar to his five-star earthly fire, but it specifically countered demons, and its power was slightly inferior to earthly fire.
As the two discussed, a tornado of purple poisonous mist swept towards them. Immediately, Wang Quan Ba Ye and Dong Fang Huai Zhu attacked simultaneously. Sword energy accompanied by divine fire directly revealed its original form. A little girl descended from high in the sky, and was then caught by a panda. Oh, a national treasure! To think, this was the first time he had seen one. Ling Feng was quite interested. He had a general idea of the identities of these two. It was the Southern Princess Huan Dou Luo Lan and her protector, Elder Panda.
Following this, Dong Fang Qin Lan and Huan Dou Luo Lan, two little girls, engaged in a verbal spat. In short, a children's quarrel. However, Dong Fang Qin Lan's venomous tongue was far superior to Huan Dou Luo Lan's, to the point where Huan Dou Luo Lan was almost driven mad.
But... Ling Feng's gaze swept towards a certain direction, a smile gracing his lips. They have arrived.
"Filthy language, utterly nonsensical." Huan Dou Qing Tian, walking slowly, stomped his foot, and poisonous gas spread for miles. Where the poisonous gas passed, everything was eroded, and lush grass turned into barren earth.
"Aren't you coming up?!" Ling Feng reminded the three people standing under the giant tree. The three were startled and quickly flew up, but they were still a step too slow. Xi Men Chui Sha's two feet had already been poisoned, and the toxic gas spread rapidly through his blood. Dong Fang Huai Zhu reacted swiftly, and the Demon Exterminating Divine Fire burned him, causing Xi Men Chui Sha to cry out in pain. Although his legs were crippled, it was better than being dead. As for the towering tree they had been under, it was instantly eroded into a withered branch by the poisonous gas, demonstrating its potent toxicity.
"Such demonic power. In this realm, it belongs to only one person: the Southern Demonic Emperor, Southern Land's Huan Dou Qing Tian."