So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 112 Luo Xue's Mental State Collapses

"Damn it!!"

It was accompanied by a loud "crash".

The water in the cold pool shot up into the sky like a silver dragon, bursting into countless splashes.

"What is he doing?!"

Shangguan Luoxue stood up from the cold jade, her graceful body trembling violently with shock and anger, unusually losing her usual coolness and composure. The reason she lost her composure was because...

She's actually lost control of her own Daoist abode!?

Just now, she sensed that Jiang Mu had successfully activated the [Stream Water]. Although she was somewhat surprised by his speed, she thought that his comprehension was decent and that he had reached his limit by this point.

So she didn't pay much attention, cut off the connection, and continued to immerse herself in cultivation.

But who would have thought that when Jiang Mu broke through the Great Dao Barrier, she realized something was wrong.

She tried to stop it, but was horrified to discover that...

I don't have the necessary permissions!?

It was like being locked out of your own home, forced to watch helplessly through the window as that "robber" ran rampant inside. This guy had actually broken through the barrier with brute force.

Not only did he acquire the [Tai Su Tian Gang Blood River True Brightness] supernatural power she had nurtured, but he also went straight in and began to modify her Dao Foundation Artifact [Thirty-Three Heavenly Palace]!

How did this guy manage to do that?

Am I dreaming?!

Shangguan Luoxue's mind went blank; she had never expected such an absurd and outrageous outcome.

According to her original plan,

After discussing the Dao with Jiang Mu, she successfully repaired her Dao foundation and restored her peak cultivation level.

Then one can pursue a higher star position.

At that time, Jiang Mu would be nothing more than a passerby with whom she had a brief encounter, and from then on, they would walk their own paths and have nothing to do with each other.

And now...

My Dao foundation is gone?

No, it's not gone.

After all, the Daoist Cave was connected to her origin, and that deep-seated connection in her bloodline remained, continuously nourishing her with the true essence of the Great Dao. But... the ownership was gone.

In other words, from this day forward, her grotto-heaven Dao Mansion has become Jiang Mu's exclusive territory, which he can freely enter and exit.

Her avenue took on his shape.

To put it more bluntly:

She went from being a landlord to a tenant living under someone else's roof.

Jiang Mu, that scoundrel, transformed himself into a landlord holding the property deed.

The cuckoo has taken over the magpie's nest!

Especially since the other party didn't spend a single penny!

Shangguan Luoxue's mentality completely collapsed, and she was utterly defenseless.

What devastated her even more was that her Dao Foundation Artifact was actually bound to her body to some extent.

Jiang Mu's transformation of the Dao Mansion was tantamount to transforming her...

In short, it must be stopped!

"stop!"

"Stop it right now!"

Shangguan Luoxue frantically formed hand seals, attempting to regain control.

But there was no response.

She even wanted to forcibly pull Jiang Mu into the Purple Mansion Divine Realm and rebuke him to his face, but she couldn't do it.

The woman could only watch helplessly as that bastard reveled in the pleasure of transforming her Daoist temple.

Do whatever you want!

Within the Taoist government.

Jiang Mu's transformation was smooth and successful.

It's as if it was meant to be this way.

Guided by the "Cold Moon Ice Heart Technique," he quickly transformed the Dao Foundation Artifact, named "Thirty-Three Heavens Palace," to perfectly match himself, leaving no gaps of disharmony.

It was practically tailor-made for him.

During this period, perhaps due to excessive mental exertion, inner demons would occasionally arise, causing bizarre and fantastical hallucinations to occur.

He even vaguely saw Ling Ye appear out of nowhere.

I brought him a big watermelon to quench his thirst.

Jiang Mu, whose mouth was dry, didn't stand on ceremony and took two bites.

Strangely, I didn't get any watermelon juice when I bit into it; instead, it gave me a very strange feeling.

Fortunately, there is the "Cold Moon Ice Heart Manual".

With a calm mind, the inner demons and illusions that had arisen quickly dissipated.

"I hope Lady Peach Blossom won't be angry?"

As Jiang Mu diligently "decorated" the new house, she muttered to herself,

"I had no other choice. After all, this is the only way to comprehend the Great Dao. I believe that someone as magnanimous as her will understand." After a long time, the modification was finally completed.

The Daoist auras that had initially been hostile towards him now embraced him warmly, pulsating joyfully, as if seeing a family member.

Jiang Mu could also clearly perceive the profound truth of the Great Dao contained here.

[Cultivate a spirit as pure as snow after a storm, illuminating the emptiness of mountains and rivers.]

[True purity lies in the absence of coming and going. True tranquility lies in the absence of increase and decrease. True greatness lies in the absence of increase and decrease.]

These few words of profound meaning fully express the supreme state of Tao: clarity, transcendence, and tranquility without action.

This clearly demonstrates the purity and loftiness of its owner's Daoist heart.

"Good, we finally succeeded."

Jiang Mu was satisfied. "Next, I just need to wait for Lady Peach Blossom to fulfill her promise and give me the orthodox star position."

He no longer lingered and left the territory that now belonged to him.

The side room of the post station.

Jiang Mu slowly opened her eyes, her consciousness returning.

I found myself lying in bed, covered with a thin blanket.

Ling Ye was sitting on a chair beside the bed, his hands supporting his chin, his cool eyes fixed intently on him. Seeing Jiang Mu wake up, a look of surprise flashed in Ling Ye's eyes, and he quickly leaned down, asking with concern:

"Xiao Jiang, you're awake? How are you feeling? Is anything bothering you?"

Jiang Mu blinked, adjusted her eyes to the light, and sat up, supporting herself on her arms.

He felt weak and his star power was greatly depleted.

But his mind was unusually clear.

Especially the space between the eyebrows, which is cool and serene.

"I'm fine, Sister Ling."

Jiang Mu shook her head, looked at Ling Ye, and her face showed apology and embarrassment.

"Well... I was a bit reckless when I was trying to save you. I had no choice but to hold you in that situation... Please don't mind." Ling Ye's pretty face flushed slightly.

She tried to maintain her usual aloof demeanor, turning her face away, her voice sounding somewhat unnatural:

"I'm the one who should apologize. If it weren't for helping me, you wouldn't have been affected by the Jade Cicada's chilling energy and put in danger. I should thank you." "What is the Jade Cicada's chilling energy?" Jiang Mu asked curiously.

Ling Ye explained:

"The hidden danger in my body is a remnant left over from when I failed to prove my star status back then, and I forcibly stabilized my soul with a [Cold Jade Cicada]."

"Once the Jade Cicada's chill takes effect, it must be suppressed with star power at all times, otherwise it will backfire. Last night, you... I don't know what method you used, but you actually helped me absorb nearly half of the Jade Cicada's chill."

"Now the cold energy in my body has been greatly reduced, and the attacks will not be as frequent and severe in the future. Moreover, my cultivation is no longer suppressed, and has even improved considerably."

Perhaps, I will have another chance to try and obtain a new star position.

"Xiao Jiang, thank you so much."

The woman's face was full of gratitude, her gaze gentle.

"Only half was absorbed?"

Jiang Mu subconsciously looked inward at herself.

Sure enough, a slowly rotating vortex of cold air was found in the dantian area.

He tentatively asked:

"Sister Ling, how about I try again and see if I can absorb all the remaining cold air for you? That way, it'll be a permanent solution."

Ling Ye quickly shook his head, blushing.

"No need. I just tried it myself. That [Frosty Jade Cicada] has already merged with my soul essence. As long as it remains, the cold energy will continue to grow and cannot be completely absorbed."

However, the situation is much better now. At least I can free up my time to cultivate and break through, and I'm no longer tormented by it. If everything goes smoothly, I should be able to attain a new star level within the next year or two.

"Congratulations, Sister Ling!" Jiang Mu was genuinely happy for her.

Ling Ye gave a soft "Mmm," her beautiful eyes fixed on Jiang Mu. After hesitating for a moment, she asked:

"Little Jiang, how did you do that? How were you able to absorb the Jade Cicada's chilling energy? Moreover, when you were unconscious just now, the star power in your body was being consumed extremely rapidly, as if you were fighting against something..."

Jiang Mu's eyes flickered, and he chuckled awkwardly.

"Well... I'm not too sure either, maybe it's because of my special constitution. You know, I'm a genius."

He probably already guessed the reason.

It must be that the chilling aura of the Daoist mansion in the dream and the chilling aura of the Jade Cicada in reality intertwined, producing a strange reaction that formed a vortex capable of devouring and transforming.

But this is too mysterious.

Moreover, he couldn't go into details about the "Lady Peach Blossom's" connection.

Although Ling Ye still had doubts, he didn't want to delve into them further.

Everyone has their own secrets, and as long as the outcome is good, that's enough.

She looked up at the window; the sky was already beginning to lighten.

"It's almost dawn, you should go back quickly, lest someone see you."

Jiang Mu knew that this was not a place to stay for long, so she stood up, straightened her clothes, and said, "Then, Sister Ling, I'll be going now."

"Um."

Ling Ye nodded.

Jiang Mu sneaked out of the house like a thief.

After the other person left, Ling Ye sat alone in the chair, lost in thought.

After a while, she lowered her head and gently pulled open her clothes.

With the faint light filtering in from the window, two rows of shallow teeth marks could be clearly seen somewhere below the collarbone.

Ling Ye bit her lower lip and clenched her fists:

"That brat... he really didn't do it on purpose?"

The team set off again early the next morning.

The time for parting has come.

The morning breeze was cool, lifting the veil of night.

She stood quietly by the roadside, leading her white horse, watching Jiang Mu, who was all ready to go.

"I'm leaving."

Ling Ye's voice was soft, tinged with melancholy.

Jiang Mu felt a pang of reluctance, but she smiled nonchalantly and said, "Have a safe trip, Sister Ling. Be careful on the road. We'll meet again." "Okay."

Ling Ye responded softly, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Those eyes, which were usually as cold and aloof as frost, now seemed like melted autumn water, carrying a hint of unspoken tenderness.

"Little Jiang."

She suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"Next time we meet... I'll be different."

"no the same?"

Jiang Mu was a little confused. "How is it different? Have you gained weight or lost weight?"

Ling Ye didn't explain, but just glared at him irritably before mounting his horse.

"drive!"

She spurred the horse, and the white horse neighed and galloped away.

Watching the black figure gradually disappear into the distance, Jiang Mu felt empty inside, and wondered about the other person's last words.

Has it become different?

We can't keep upgrading the watermelon, can we?

Women always like to create riddles that are hard to understand.

After Ling Ye left, Jiang Mu and his group continued their journey towards Yan City.

Along the way, patrol teams kept sending out falcons to deliver the latest intelligence jade slips to Tian Wenjing.

Tian Wenjing kept frowning as he looked at the intelligence reports being handed to him.

As evening approached, with no village or shop in sight, the group had no choice but to spend the night in a relatively open clearing in the woods.

The group ate dry rations and huddled around several campfires for warmth.

Tian Wenjing gathered the four hall masters, including Jiang Mu, around the campfire and said solemnly:

"We just received the latest intelligence from the headquarters. About twenty people from a branch of the Yancheng Demon Slayer Division have gone missing while carrying out a clearing mission in the Bailu Peak area."

The commander ordered all Demon Slayer personnel in the vicinity to be on the lookout.

We're not too far from White Deer Peak right now, so I plan to send two halls over to investigate.

He glanced at the four of them: "Who among you is willing to go?"

Yan Fenghuo immediately stuffed the half-eaten dry rations into his pack, wiped his mouth, and said, "I'll go!"

Jiang Mu, however, thought more practically and asked:

"Deputy Commander, are there many demons on White Deer Peak? Will they interfere with our main mission to Yan City?"

After the ordeal at the Dao Mansion last night, his demonic energy reserves have been completely drained, leaving not a single drop of demonic energy.

He urgently needs to slay demons to "recharge".

Tian Wenjing glanced at him and explained:

"The missing branch in Yancheng was ordered to wipe out a suspected demon's lair on Bailu Peak. So, there are definitely demons there. As for the delay... no."

The demonic threat within Yancheng City has been initially brought under control; the main threat lies in the surrounding mountains and forests. Your trip to Bailu Peak can be seen as a preemptive measure to eliminate this external threat.

"Then I'll go too."

Upon hearing that there was a demon, Jiang Mu immediately expressed his opinion.

Tian Wenjing nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Xu Fu:

"Jiang Mu, Xu Fu, you two go to the hall. Xu Fu is experienced and steady. Jiang Mu, you are stronger and quicker to react. The two of you working together and supporting each other is the most suitable."

Yan Fenghuo, who was standing to the side, opened his mouth, still wanting to try.

But seeing Tian Wenjing's gaze sweep over, he had no choice but to shut his mouth in embarrassment.

He really didn't want to be with Wenhe, that coward.

Tian Wenjing took out a somewhat rough map from his pocket and handed it to Jiang Mu:

"You only have three days. If you find them, bring them back to Yancheng safely. You'll be rewarded handsomely."

If you can't find it, don't force it. Regardless of the outcome, head directly to Yancheng in three days to rejoin the main force.

He solemnly instructed:

"Remember, safety first! If you encounter a powerful demon that is difficult to defeat, do not be reckless; retreat if necessary."

However, based on the intelligence gathered by the patrol team in the early stages, there are at most fifth-tier demonic creatures lurking around White Deer Peak. With the combined strength of your two halls, and if you handle things carefully, you should be able to manage."

"clear!"

Jiang Mu and Xu Fu responded in unison.

After resting until midnight and replenishing their energy, Jiang Mu and Xu Fu led their respective brothers out of the camp and sped towards White Deer Peak. They arrived at the foot of White Deer Peak just before dawn.

At this moment, the morning mist is thick, enveloping the entire mountain peak, and visibility is extremely low.

The surroundings were completely silent, exuding a deep and eerie atmosphere.

Using the faint morning light, Jiang Mu took out a map, looked at it, and pointed to a dilapidated temple hidden in the mist not far away, saying:

"Master Xu, it will be more efficient for us to split up here."

You take your men and search up the mountain via the path on the east side. I'll take my men and search up the mountain via the path on the west side.

One day later, whether or not anything has been found, return to the mountain god temple to reunite. How about that?

Xu Fu looked at the surrounding mist with some worry:

"The situation in these mountains is unknown. Wouldn't it be too dangerous to split up? What if we encounter an ambush..."

Jiang Mu glanced at him, a half-smile on her face, and asked, "Are you worried about your safety, or about mine?"

Xu Fu choked, remembering this man's previous formidable record, and immediately fell silent.

That makes sense. This guy dares to solo even five hundred demon soldiers, so why would he be afraid of this little White Deer Peak?

"Alright, you're skilled and daring, that's good. Let's proceed according to plan, split up, and be extremely careful."

Xu Fu stopped arguing, waved to his men, and headed towards the eastern forest.

After they had gone some distance, Jiang Mu stretched his limbs and instructed the Zhang brothers beside him:

"Captain, Xiao Kui, search north from that fork in the road ahead, and pay attention to the markers along the way."

Zhang Dashao was taken aback: "Master, aren't you coming with us?"

Jiang Mu nodded: "Yes, this way the search area is larger and more efficient. Remember, safety first. If anything seems amiss, send a signal immediately, or retreat towards the mountain god temple."

Actually, he had other plans.

He wanted to use himself as bait to pull a "fishing" stunt.

After breaking through the fourth realm, Jiang Mu discovered that the realm of the Demon Shadow could be disguised according to his own will.

It can maintain the four realms consistent with the original body.

You can also voluntarily lower yourself to the third realm.

Once the Demon Shadow is downgraded, as long as he doesn't actively unleash his power, the aura that outsiders sense will be limited to that level.

If there really are monsters in these mountains, they would definitely jump out and feast on this lone little Karami from the Third Realm.

Pretending to be weak while actually being strong is incredibly satisfying.

Seeing that his master was determined, Zhang Dachi could no longer persuade him.

Knowing Jiang Mu's abilities, he led his younger brother toward the fork in the road.

Watching the two brothers walk away, Jiang Mu synchronized his cultivation with that of the First Demon Shadow, suppressing it to the early stage of the Third Realm.

Then, carrying his knife, he swaggered into the mist-shrouded mountains and forests.