Volume One: Youths Meet in Humble Times Chapter Sixty-Six: Years After Parting, Old Friends Reunite

Today, Tianmen Town was destined to be more lively than ever before. Most of the townspeople had flocked to the docks to witness the excitement, and except for a handful who were tied down by work, the streets were nearly deserted.

To the east, south, and west, the quarters were inhabited by humans, while only the north was home to the demon clans and some demon cultivators. The demons and humans were naturally ill at ease with each other. Upon learning that the great forces of Dacheng would arrive in grand procession, the three demon kings immediately issued an order: no one was to leave the northern district without reason, lest some unnecessary conflict arise with the people from Dacheng, the Imperial Extreme Palace, the Li clan, or Great Sword Green Mountain.

There were not many demons in Tianmen Town; after all, it was human territory. While open violence was forbidden, trust between the races was thin. Thus, the demon clan would never send their most gifted here—only the three demon kings with their attendants and subordinates had been dispatched.

Among them was Phoenix Liuguang, whom Li Yu had met before—one of the three kings. The other two were Bai Tong, the White Tiger, and Mu Li, the Azure Lion.

At this moment, they were all gathered at Bai Tong’s residence, discussing the impending opening of Tianmen and how the demon clan should respond.

Bai Tong spoke first, “The humans approach in full force, surely well-prepared. Our demon forces are far away on another continent; our presence here, just the three of us, is the most that the passage will allow. Any more, and the passage itself may be damaged, tearing down the barrier between the two continents.”

Liuguang said nothing at first, but Mu Li pressed on, “Even so, are we truly to do nothing? Just sit and watch as they open Tianmen?”

Bai Tong, noting Liuguang’s silence, turned to her, “Liuguang, why do you say nothing?”

Liuguang smiled radiantly, then replied, “Have you forgotten why we were sent to Tianmen Town in the first place?”

She glanced at them, half-smiling, “We weren’t sent here to meddle in the opening of Tianmen. The ancestor told us to observe from afar, to understand what the humans are up to—Tianmen is not our concern.”

Her detached manner irked Mu Li, who couldn’t restrain his temper. “Perhaps the ancestor didn’t understand Tianmen, but we’ve been here for years; we know more than he ever did. If Tianmen opens and we could seize control, why should our demon clan remain subject to the humans? Or... are you still hung up on that Daoist? You met him that night, and now you’d sacrifice our interests for him?”

Liuguang’s eyes turned cold, her aura sharp as a blade. A bright flame flashed in her eyes, her hair instantly transforming into a crimson cascade. She replied icily, “Do you have a death wish?”

Though the three of them were all demon kings, and Bai Tong was nominally their leader, all knew that Liuguang was the strongest—she bore the ancient bloodline of a true phoenix, far superior to theirs. Were she not so disinclined to lead, she would have commanded them already.

Bai Tong hurried forward, “Liuguang, don’t be angry. You know Mu Li’s temper—he never watches his mouth.”

Liuguang, unwilling to embarrass Bai Tong, snorted coldly, “Mind your tongue next time. If you can’t, I’ll seal it myself.”

Mu Li was furious, wanting to retort, but Bai Tong’s fierce glare cowed him—one more outburst and he’d be skinned alive. So, he could only swallow his anger and sit back down.

Bai Tong smiled, “Liuguang, do you know something we don’t? If so, tell us—let us be prepared.”

These words were well-spoken, and thinking of what might soon unfold in Tianmen Town, Liuguang relented. “We should heed the ancestor—he’s lived longer than any of us, and sees much more clearly. Last time I met Lin, he told me Tianmen in this town is not as simple as we think. Even if it opens, many lives will be lost, and it may not be a blessing. He will act regarding Tianmen. Best we do not act rashly.”

Three great ships were bearing down upon Tianmen Town, their imposing presence filling all with dread. The townsfolk had long known outsiders would arrive this morning; Zhang Helun and his retinue were already at the docks waiting. Not just the people of Dacheng, but also the six great sects had stationed representatives there—after all, to them, Dacheng, the Imperial Extreme Palace, even the Tianshan Li clan, were lofty existences. Waiting in advance was the lower’s respect for the higher.

Besides these, other townsfolk—members of the five great families and a few idle residents—were also present. Those of status and position could wait in front, while those merely there for the spectacle could only watch from some secluded corner or from the now-dangerous coastline designated by the city lord.

Never before had the people of Dacheng, the Imperial Extreme Palace, the Tianshan Li clan, and Great Sword Green Mountain all come to Tianmen Town together. Originally, only the great figures were aware, but seeing so many prominent locals at the docks, the townsfolk all wondered what special day it was and followed along out of curiosity.

Soon, the entire port was packed with people, dense and layered.

A few, having caught wind of the news, arrived early to claim a good spot to watch. Li Yu and Zhou Ce were among them. Having no status in Tianmen Town, they couldn’t stand in the best places for the grandest view.

Shen Xun hadn’t wanted to come; he’d have preferred to spend the time reading or tidying the house. But Shen Tang was keen—having heard from Zhou Ce that important outsiders would arrive, her curiosity could not be contained. She arranged to meet Li Yu and Zhou Ce early, and Shen Xun, seeing everyone else going, relented.

“Brother, look! Those three ships are huge!” Shen Tang exclaimed, tugging at Shen Xun’s sleeve.

He looked askance, a little helpless. “Must you get so excited? They’re just ships.”

Shen Tang ignored him, her face bright with delight. “But we’ve never seen such grand, imposing vessels before.”

Zhou Ce laughed, “Let her be, Xun. It’s a rare sight. Uncle Zhang says there’s never been such an event here before.” He gazed at the central ship, a distant emotion in his eyes. “And they’re from Dacheng.”

Li Yu noticed a trace of sorrow in his tone, but saved his questions for later. From his master, he knew Great Sword Green Mountain would be sending people—perhaps Brother Lu would come. Not one for crowds, Li Yu had only come to see if he might glimpse Lu Ming.

As the ships drew closer, the first thing he saw was the Tianshan Li clan’s banner, its unique crest fluttering in the wind, slowly overlapping with the one in his memory. Seeing it again, his heart could not help but stir, his gaze growing deep, his aura unsettled.

Shen Xun, who had little interest in the spectacle, noticed first. Given Li Yu’s mastery of the Dragon God Technique, his spiritual energy naturally blended with his dragon spirit—any inner turmoil would cause his aura to ripple outward.

Sensing the change, Shen Xun followed Li Yu’s gaze, wondering if Li Yu had some connection to those on that ship.

“Little Fish, are you alright?” Shen Xun’s abruptness snapped Li Yu from his memories. He composed himself and smiled, “I’m fine—just thinking of the past.”

“Is it related to those on the ship?” Shen Xun asked, concerned.

“Yes, though it’s all in the past now,” Li Yu replied, his voice low.

Shen Xun had always suspected Li Yu came from a great family but had never asked. Seeing this, his guess was confirmed—something had led Li Yu to be adrift, until the Daoist Lin found him.

“If it’s past, don’t let it bind you. We must look ahead,” Shen Xun comforted him.

“I know.” Li Yu understood well enough—he’d thought he could remain calm at the sight of the Li clan, but now realized that it was never the events themselves, but the self of that time, that was hardest to let go.

Very soon, the three ships reached the docks.

Zhang Helun stood at the front, respectfully waiting for the visitors to disembark. Behind him were the city lord’s retinue, the five great families, and the six great sects. Others present were wandering cultivators, hoping to chance upon some opportunity.

As the ships docked, those onboard instantly sensed their cultivation suppressed. Previously, they’d only heard that Zhang Helun had brought out the Five Edicts of Tianmen, which might affect them, but only upon experiencing it did they truly understand what those edicts meant—a suppression of the very Dao.

Among all, the Li clan was the most delighted. They’d feared their power would be curbed, leaving them open to attack, but the edicts suppressed everyone else’s Dao, narrowing the gap. Though not leveling the field, it was enough for them to feel secure.

The people of Dacheng had anticipated Zhang Helun’s use of the edicts, so they weren’t surprised. They knew they could not interfere in the opening of Tianmen—this visit was simply to collect people and discuss the coming currency monopoly in Tianmen Town.

The matter of Tianmen would be left to the true powers to resolve.

As for those from Great Sword Green Mountain and the Imperial Extreme Palace, they were only somewhat intrigued, having only ever read about the Five Edicts in books, never having seen them in reality.

After adjusting and gauging their remaining cultivation, they put it aside.

The people of Dacheng disembarked first. Zhang Helun stepped forward and bowed, “It’s been a long time, Zhou Yu.”

Zhou Yu returned the bow with a smile, “Indeed, it has.”

They shared a glance, understanding passing silently between them. Afterward, Zhang Helun greeted the representatives of the Imperial Extreme Palace, the Li clan, and Great Sword Green Mountain. The five great families also came forward to exchange pleasantries.

Li Yu, among the crowd, spotted Lu Ming. Though he was too far to see his face clearly, the moment Lu Ming appeared, Li Yu recognized the noble bearing, the aura undimmed since seven years before.

Unconsciously, a smile of reunion appeared on Li Yu’s lips.

Lu Ming, stepping off the ship, saw the vast crowd at the docks. His gaze swept the throng, knowing that after seven years, Li Yu’s appearance might have changed, and uncertain whether he would be among those waiting.

The dense crowd concealed Li Yu well; unable to find him, Lu Ming resorted to his spiritual sense. Many among the crowd were cultivators, and as they sensed the sweep of a powerful consciousness near the Dao Realm, their brows furrowed in displeasure. Some considered striking back, but, recognizing the strength behind the probe, relented.

To use spiritual sense to search others was a breach of etiquette among cultivators. Lu Ming knew this, yet did it anyway.

At last, his spirit touched upon Li Yu, and seeing the youth’s gray eyes and features reminiscent of seven years before, he was certain—this was the boy he had always cared for.

Li Yu, too, felt the consciousness linger on him. Meeting Lu Ming’s gaze, he smiled; Lu Ming did the same, gratified at the sight of the now-taller youth.

How wonderful—it seemed he was doing well.