Shen Zhou became home to three infamous "Demonic Overlords," and every single one of them was my disciple.
After much deliberation, the juniors of the Kong Ling Sect summoned me to a meeting. In the politest terms, they expressed their hope—not that Kong Ling would produce another immortal—but simply that I refrain from taking on any more disciples in the future.
I agreed.
Returning to the lonely summit of Kong Ling Mountain, I was deeply struck by the pains of an empty nest.
With little to occupy my time, I began divining my own fate. What I discovered startled me—my first great calamity since attaining immortality was fast approaching. During that tribulation, my immortal energy would weaken significantly, leaving the seal over the source of malevolent energy on Kong Ling’s peak vulnerable. Someone would need to take my place to suppress it.
The purpose of raising disciples was precisely to prepare for such a day, but now that the day had come, none of my disciples were capable of stepping up.
After sighing in frustration for a long while, I reluctantly sought help from the juniors of the sect.
When I explained the situation to the white-bearded elders, they became even more anxious than I was, promptly mobilizing the entire sect to make preparations. Seeing their efforts, I felt a bit more at ease.
It was true—over the centuries, Kong Ling had grown and developed. Entrusting matters to the juniors, even those I hadn’t personally trained, brought a surprising sense of reassurance.
With my mind at ease, I stopped worrying about cultivation. After all, no amount of last-minute training could make up for the decades of energy I had spent over the years. Instead, I spent my days lying by the wine pool, drinking leisurely and basking in the sun, reminiscing about the glory of my youth.
On one sunny day, I was mildly tipsy, watching the willow branches by the wine pool sway like the elegant movements of a dancing maiden. A sudden gust of malevolent energy rippled through the air, rustling the willows.
My fingers unconsciously mimicked the willow's sway, but a voice tinged with mild irritation interrupted me.
“The calamity is near, and the Kong Ling Sect is in chaos preparing for it, yet Master is here relaxing so leisurely? You didn’t even notice your disciple arriving. With such lowered vigilance, what will you do when the tribulation comes?”
I turned to see Qian Gu standing beside me. His black robes cast a shadow over the sunlight, and his tone and expression were uncannily reminiscent of how he used to scold me for drinking too much.
“The sect is strictly guarding against any threats related to my tribulation, yet you managed to slip in unnoticed. It seems your cultivation has improved significantly,” I remarked. “What is it this time? Are you here to tease your master again? I’m not poisoned today, so you won’t gain any advantage.”
He paused for a moment before asking, “Can the calamity be overcome safely?”
I sighed. “After losing half my life to you little brats over the years, who knows if the heavenly lightning will strike me dead?”
Qian Gu fell silent.
Closing my eyes, I continued, “You’re heavily tainted with malevolent energy now. Your presence could agitate the seal on Kong Ling’s peak. If you still have any respect for me, do not return here again. I can hold the seal for now, but if anything goes wrong during the tribulation… neither you nor your junior disciples, who have already joined you, should ever come back to Kong Ling. Under no circumstances should you return to the summit.”
These were thoughts I hadn’t shared with anyone until now. But with some wine in me and Qian Gu standing before me, I felt that if I didn’t say them now, I’d never get the chance.
The truth was, my power had waned significantly over the years. If I perished in the tribulation, the seal over the malevolent energy would undoubtedly weaken. While the sect might be able to maintain the seal temporarily, an attack from demons would strengthen the malevolent energy, overwhelming Kong Ling’s ability to suppress it.
“There’s nothing else I ask of you,” I said softly. “I trust you still have your own sense of discretion.”
After a long silence, Qian Gu finally said, “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I chuckled. “Qian Gu, I taught you long ago that some things cannot be decided simply by your will.”
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