Like Dragon Palace, and the other palaces that made up Divine Beast Palace as a whole, Qilin Palace was beautiful and majestic to behold. Black, purple, and gold were the main colors on display, with touches of other colors. Crystal lamps placed at strategic locations illuminated the place with warm light. As befitting its name, images of qilins decorated much of Qilin Palace. Statues, paintings, wall carvings, etc. Each one was crafted in intricate detail. No two were alike either. Each qilin was unique.

  However, Qilin Palace was quieter and less lively than Dragon Palace. This was because its only occupant was Sect Leader Twinheart. He didn’t even have any servants with him. The sect leader lived in this grand and majestic place all by himself. That seemed lonely to me. Then again, he had his heart demon to keep him accompany, so I guess he wasn’t completely alone.

  When my companions and I left Dragon Palace, my mother sent me a telepathic message saying to head towards Qilin Palace’s main hall. We met Elliot on the way there. My mother must have talked to him as well. However, we didn’t see anyone else. Everyone was busy preparing for the Rising Heroes Tournament, which would start in just a few hours; resting, training, meditating, etc. Even so, with my uncle’s arrival, I expected there to be some kind of commotion. Instead, we found emptiness and silence.

  Qilin Palace’s main hall was a large building that stood two stories tall. A privacy barrier, created by an array carved into the building itself, surrounded it. I guessed that explained the lack of a commotion, at least in part. My companions and I passed through the privacy barrier with ease. The moment we did, we heard a man shouting.

  The man’s voice sounded familiar. I recognized it right away, even though I hadn’t heard it in about six years. It belonged to my uncle, Dominic Wind Dance. Hearing it again brought me back to the past, before Big Sis Astra rescued me from Mt. Wind Dance. I stopped in place and stood there, afraid to continue forward.

  Warmth engulfed me from three different sides, pulling me back to the present: Ellen on my right, Harlow on my left, and Willow from behind. None of them said a word, but they conveyed warmth and reassurance through telepathy. Their concern filled me with relief and joy, as well as embarrassment.

  I wasn’t a child anymore. I shouldn’t need to be comforted like this. Some cultivator I was. Ellen must have sensed my embarrassment through our connection, because she gave me a wicked grin, before pinching my cheek. I pulled away, before scowling at her. She gave me a triumphant smirk. This was her revenge for enjoying her embarrassment earlier.

  After I took a deep breath to regain my composure, my companions and I entered the main hall itself. The interior consisted of a large room that took up most of the building. Pillars ran the length of the room, each one depicting scenes with qilins. They led towards a raised dais with a throne atop it. A multitude of crystals lamps lit up the entire hall, leaving little darkness remaining

  Sect Leader Twinheart sat atop the throne with a calm and composed expression on his face. However, shadows pooled around his feet, moving about in an agitated fashion. They must have reflected Sect Leader Twinheart’s true state of mind.

  Standing before him, at the foot of the raised dais, were two groups of people. The group on his right consisted of my mother, Big Sis Sidra, and Grandmother Ava. While the first two made sense, seeing the latter caught me by surprise. Was she here because of Willow? I supposed so.

  Big Sis Sidra and Grandmother Ava wore serious expressions on their faces as they regarded the other group of people. My mother, on the other hand, looked calm and relaxed, as if she were enjoying a leisurely stroll through the woods. She even carried an open bottle of spirit wine in her hands, from which she took the occasional swig.

  The other group consisted of four men, two of which were in the Nascent Soul realm. There was Enduring Resolve, the captain of the Black Iron Guard who escorted the Dawn and Dusk Sect into North King City when we first arrived. He wore fearsome looking black armor, though he carried the helmet in his hands, leaving his head bare. This allowed me a good look at his face. He was middle-aged looking, with weatherbeaten skin, short black hair, and gray eyes.

  The other Nascent Soul cultivator was also a middle-aged looking man, though his skin was fairer. He wasn’t handsome, but he had a sharp and striking face. It left quite the impression. He had a toned build, long brown hair, and brown eyes. His aura felt sharp and full of fury. He wore the gray and white robes of the Thousand Blade Sect.

  As for the other two men, I was intimately familiar with both of them. The first one was a young-looking man with fair skin, long blond hair, and a handsome and delicate face. He also wore the gray and white uniform of the Thousand Blade Sect. It accentuated his lean build.

  Lucius Wind Dance, my cousin and one of the few members of Clan Wind Dance who I cared about.

  When I first saw him, I sucked in a breath. This was not how I imagined our reunion would go. I wanted to meet at a restaurant or a teahouse, some place where we could relax and catch up with one another without worry. Instead, we reunited after I just kidnapped his mother.

  The last man looked like an older version of Lucius. They both shared many of the same features, though this man looked a little less handsome. He was also taller, with a build more toned than lean. At the moment, this man was shouting, his face twisted with anger.

  Dominic Wind Dance, my uncle and the acting head of Clan Wind Dance.

  When my companions and I entered, everyone turned their eyes towards us. Sect Leader Twinheart’s brow furrowed for a brief moment, before resuming his calm and composed facade. Big Sis Sidra and Grandmother Ava flashed brief smiles at us. Meanwhile, my mother outright grinned, before taking another swig from her bottle of wine.

  Captain Enduring Resolve regarded us with a stony expression, while the other Nascent Soul cultivator frowned and glared at us. Lucius’ eyes widened with surprise for a brief moment, before his expression morphed into an icy mask. Hatred and disgust filled my uncle’s eyes when he caught sight of me. It was a familiar sight. I doubted he ever viewed me any other way.

  “You!” My uncle shouted, pointing a finger at me. “Where is my wife, you filthy demonspawn?”

  He marched towards me, looking ready to tear me apart with his bare hands. However, before he could take more than a few steps, my mothers aura slammed into him. My uncle staggered in place, his face turning pale, before throwing up a mouthful of blood.

  “That demonspawn is my son.” She said, giving him a malicious smile. “Insult him in my presence again, and I’ll rip out your golden core.”

  The man with the sharp and striking face released his own aura, using it to shield my uncle. The latter’s face regained some color and he gave the former a grateful look.

  “Thank you, Senior Brother Righteous Fury.” My uncle said.

  The man with the sharp and striking face, Senior Righteous Fury, nodded at my uncle before turning to glare at my mother.

  “Your reputation precedes you, Hall Master Nova.” He sneered. “You’re as brutish and vulgar as I’d heard. Attack one of my people again, and I’ll respond in kind. The Thousand Blade Sect protects its own.”

  My mother gave him a seductive look.

  “Don’t promise a woman a good time if you can’t deliver.” She said, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

  Senior Righteous Fury let out a disgusted sound and turned away from my mother. Despite the seriousness of the situation, it took a considerable amount of willpower not to burst out into laughter. My mother’s attitude helped dispel the nervousness I felt. As long as I had her backing, I had nothing to fear in this situation. Well, except for Sect Leader Twinheart.

  “Stop this.” Captain Enduring Resolve said, stepping between my mother and Senior Righteous Fury. “We’re here to resolve this situation, not escalate it.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart nodded.

  “Captain Enduring Resolve is correct.” He said. “Hall Master Nova, please restrain yourself.”

  My mother rolled her eyes.

  “Fine,” she said, “I’ll leave them alone as long as they behave themselves.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart nodded, before turning towards Senior Righteous Fury. His expression grew noticeably colder.

  “As for you, Peak Master Righteous Fury,” he said in a chilly tone, “Please refrain from threatening one of my people. Remember, you are guests here. Don’t step out of line.”

  Peak Master Righteous Fury? Oh, he was the peak master of Flowing Sword Peak, the peak of the Thousand Blade Sect that Clan Wind Dance joined. That was why he was here. I’d wondered about that.

  “Very well, Sect Leader Twinheart.” Peak Master Righteous Fury said.

  Despite his words, it was clear that he was unhappy about the situation.

  “Martial Nephew Darian,” Sect Leader Twinheart said, gesturing for me and my companions to come forward, “Come here.”

  I obeyed his command and walked towards the raised dais. My uncle, who still looked a little pale, glared at me the entire time. If looks could kill, I would be dead a thousand times over. I ignored him, which infuriated him even further. However, he held back from saying or doing anything.

  A part of me felt some petty satisfaction at that. After he suppressed me for so long, I enjoyed seeing him being suppressed in return. Even if I ended up imprisoned because of this whole affair, witnessing my uncle’s impotent rage would make it all worth it.

  After my companions and I reached the foot of the raised dais, we greeted Sect Leader Twinheart and saluted him. He made a dismissive gesture.

  “Given the current situation,” Sect Leader Twinheart said, “I think it’s best if we dispense with the formalities and get to the heart of the matter right away.” He gave me a significant look. “I’m sure you can figure out why I called you here.”

  I nodded.

  “Yes, Sect Leader Twinheart.” I said.

  “Good.” The sect leader gestured to the group from the Thousand Blade Sect. “I’ve heard about the incident from Peak Master Righteous Fury and Cultivator Dominic. However, they weren’t directly involved. You and your companions were. I want to hear about it from your own lips’.”

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  I nodded, before giving Sect Leader Twinheart an account of what happened. I kept out certain details, such as the elixir that I gave to Zayne and why I was in the House of Heavenly Pleasure in the first place, but I told him everything else. When I finished, Willow told her own version of the story. Ellen, Elliot, and Harlow gave Sect Leader Twinheart a brief summary, since their stories matched mine. When we all finished, my uncle pointed a finger at me.

  “See?” He shouted. “The demon-…” He paused and gave my mother a fearful look, before continuing. “Your disciple even admits it! He attacked my wife and kidnapped her! I demand that you punish him!”

  Sect Leader Twinheart narrowed his eyes at my uncle, before releasing a hint of his aura. Not a lot, but enough to let his displeasure known.

  “A mere Golden Core cultivator dares to make demands of me?” He asked. “The backing of the Thousand Blade Sect has made you bold, Cultivator Dominic.”

  My uncle’s expression faltered and he gave Sect Leader Twinheart a martial salute.

  “My apologies.” He said in a contrite tone. “Hearing that my wife was kidnapped by a disciple of your sect has made it difficult for me to keep my emotions in check. I ask for your understanding.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart regarded my uncle for a moment, before nodding.

  “Very well.” He said. “I accept your apology, Cultivator Dominic. Make sure it doesn’t happen again. As Captain Enduring Resolve said earlier, our goal here is to resolve this situation, not escalate it.”

  Peak Master Righteous Fury snorted.

  “What is there to resolve?” He asked. “Your disciple kidnapped my junior brother’s wife, and even admitted to it. Let us punish him and be done with this matter.”

  Captain Enduring Resolve nodded.

  “The rules are clear, Sect Leader Twinheart.” He said. “Violence between the disciples of the various clans and sects visiting North King City is forbidden. The solution here is simple. Release Cultivator Dominic’s kin, and let me take Cultivator Darian into custody.”

  If the Black Iron Guard took me into custody, I wouldn’t be able to participate in the Rising Heroes Tournament, even if they imprisoned me for just one day. The tournament began in a few hours, including registration. If I didn’t register, then I couldn’t participate. I needed to register in person too. No one else could do it for me.

  “Cultivator Lucille isn’t a disciple of the Thousand Blade Sect.” Big Sis Sidra said, stepping forward. “Nor is she a disciple of Clan Wind Dance. Given her cultivation base, she should be regarded as an elder, or at least a senior. Therefore, my brother didn’t break the rules and shouldn’t be punished.”

  I gaped at Big Sis Sidra in shock, my jaw hanging open. I wasn’t the only one either. Almost everyone here was surprised by the sheer audacity of her statement. If I had denied attacking and kidnapping Senior Lucille, that would be one thing. However, I outright admitted it.

  “The rules exist to prevent conflict from erupting between the clans and sects visiting North King City.” Captain Enduring Resolve said, narrowing his eyes at my eldest sister. “The Seven Great Northern Sects in particular. Your brother violated the spirit of the rules, if not the exact letter, when he attacked Cultivator Lucille.”

  Grandmother Ava stepped forward as well.

  “He only did so to prevent Cultivator Lucille from killing a building full of innocent people!” She said.

  “My wife would never do such a thing.” My uncle said, gesturing to me and my companions. “They probably came up with that story to try and justify their reprehensible actions.”

  Grandmother Ava’s nostrils flared.

  “Are you calling my granddaughter a liar?” She asked in a low voice.

  “Yes.” Peak Master Righteous Fury said without flinching. “It’s clear that you and your granddaughter are biased towards the Dawn and Dusk Sect.” He glanced at Willow. “In fact, given how close your granddaughter is to Cultivator Darian, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had feelings for him.”

  Well, he wasn’t wrong there.

  “There were other witnesses,” Grandmother Ava said, “Just ask anyone else who was at the House of Heavenly Pleasure. I’m sure they’ll tell you the truth.”

  Peak Master Righteous Fury let out a dismissive snort.

  “As if we can trust the words of those degenerate low-lifes.” He said. “However, I’m interested in hearing what Cultivator Lucille and Junior Zayne have to say about the incident. They were also directly involved. It’s only fair to hear their side of the story. Bring them out.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart frowned, but didn’t reject Peak Master Righteous Fury’s suggestion. In the latter’s defense, it would be fair to hear Senior Lucille and Zayne’s side of the story. However, I wasn’t interested in being fair. My goal here was to force my uncle into letting me marry Willow without violating the agreement between Clan Wind Dance and Clan Stone Pillar.

  Right now, my uncle relied on the Thousand Blade Sect’s backing. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it this far. Clan Wind Dance was a mid-sized clan at best, while the Dawn and Dusk Sect was one of the Seven Great Northern Sects. In terms of status, the two were far from equal. Without the Thousand Blade Sect’s backing, I would have a much easier time dealing with my uncle. And I knew the best way to go about it.

  “Sect Leader Twinheart,” I said, speaking up for the first time in a while, “There has been a grave misunderstanding.”

  My uncle threw me a venomous look.

  “What misunderstanding?” He snapped. “You admitted to attacking my wife and kidnapping her. Don’t try to retract your words now.”

  I gave him a cold look, before facing Sect Leader Twinheart once more.

  “I’m not trying to retract anything,” I said. “I just want to clarify one thing. This isn’t a conflict between disciples of the Dawn and Dusk Sect and the Thousand Blade Sect. This is an internal feud between members of Clan Wind Dance.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart arched an eyebrow, while Captain Enduring Resolve and Peak Master Righteous Fury frowned at me in confusion. My uncle, on the other hand, faltered before his expression turned unsightly.

  “What kind of nonsense are you spouting?” He shouted. “Are you claiming to be a Wind Dance? Anyone with eyes can tell that’s not true!”

  Sect Leader Twinheart ignored him and focused on me.

  “Is that true, Martial Nephew Darian?” He asked, giving me a meaningful look. “Are you claiming to be a member of Clan Wind Dance?”

  I nodded.

  “Yes.” I said. “My father is Connor Wind Dance, the true head of Clan Wind Dance.”

  “He’s lying!” My uncle shouted. “There is no way that my brother would ever sire a child with a demon.”

  Despite my uncle’s denial, I noticed the doubt and uncertainty in Captain Enduring Resolve and Peak Master Righteous Fury’s eyes. If this really was an internal feud between members of the same clan, then neither the Black Iron Guard nor the Thousand Blade Sect had the right to interfere.

  Yes, I caused some damage during my fight with Senior Lucille. However, it was all superficial and easily repaired. Besides, I already compensated Madame Janessa for the trouble I caused.

  “I, Darian Wind Dance,” I said, “Swear that I am a member of Clan Wind Dance and the son of Connor Wind Dance. If I am lying, may a heart demon form in my soul.”

  Everyone stared at me in shock after I finished swearing the heart demon oath.

  “Martial Nephew Darian,” Sect Leader Twinheart said, regarding me with a serious expression on his face. “Are you aware of the gravity of what you just did? Swearing a heart demon oath is a serious matter.”

  “Yes, Sect Leader.” I said. “Given the circumstances, I felt it was necessary in order to prove that I spoke the truth.” I turned to look at my uncle, who gaped at me with his mouth hanging open. “What now, Uncle? Are you willing to swear an oath that I am lying? That I am not your nephew?”

  My uncle glared at me and didn’t respond.

  “Junior Brother Dominic, is he speaking the truth?” Peak Master Righteous Fury asked, a dangerous edge to his voice. “Is Cultivator Darian your nephew? Is the Frenzied Fiend’s son the young master of Clan Wind Dance?”

  From his reaction, it was clear that my uncle hadn’t told him about me. How short-sighted.

  “Don’t tell me that you believe him, Senior Brother Righteous Fury?” My uncle asked. “He’s a demon. A filthy, lying demon.”

  Peak Master Righteous Fury clenched his jaw.

  “He swore a heart demon oath.” He said through gritted teeth. “Not even a demonic cultivator who specializes in dealing with heart demons would do so lightly.” He gestured to me. “Look at him. He’s fine. So, I’ll ask again. Is Cultivator Darian your nephew or not?”

  Realizing the gravity of the situation, my uncle started to panic. His eyes darted from side to side, like a trapped animal looking for a way to escape.

  “If he’s not the one lying,” my uncle said, sounding desperate, “Then perhaps someone lied to him. He might just think he’s my brother’s son.”

  I snorted. That argument sounded weak, even to me.

  “We could always find a neutral party to test whether or not we’re blood kin, Uncle.” I said.

  My uncle shot me a furious look. He looked ready to strangle me. However, he wouldn’t dare, not with several powerful experts backing me.

  “Answer my question, Dominic.” Peak Master Righteous Fury said, dropping all honorifics. “I won’t ask a third time.”

  He loomed over my uncle. The latter was taller, but Peak Master Righteous Fury’s cultivation base and his aura made him seem larger.

  “Father,” Lucius said in an even voice, speaking up for the first time since my companions and I entered the main hall, “Please. That’s enough. If you won’t tell them the truth, I will.”

  My uncle closed his eyes and seemed to deflate.

  “Yes.” He said in a defeated voice. “Darian is my nephew.”

  Peak Master Righteous Fury’s expression twisted with disgust.

  “I see.” He said in a cold voice. He turned towards the sect leader and gave him a martial salute. “I apologize for my part in this farce, Sect Leader Twinheart.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart shook his head.

  “No need for you to apologize, Peak Master Righteous Fury.” He said. “You’re not the one at fault here.”

  “Regardless, I shall send over some spirit tea as compensation for disturbing you.” The peak master said. “Now, if you don’t mind, I shall take my leave. I need to make some preparations.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart nodded his assent. With that, Peak Master Righteous Fury left the main hall. He ignored my uncle the entire time, as if no longer acknowledging the latter’s existence. My uncle deflated even further when he noticed this.

  “I shall take my leave as well, Sect Leader Twinheart.” Captain Enduring Resolve said. “My presence is no longer needed, since this is a conflict between members of the same clan and not two of the Seven Great Northern Sects.”

  With that, Captain Enduring Resolve turned to leave. However, as he walked out, I heard his voice in my head.

  ‘I know this may not mean much, considering I came here to arrest you,’ he said, ‘But I am grateful for what you did. You protected citizens of North King City, and for that you have my thanks. Come find me after the Rising Heroes Tournament. I have a gift for you.’

  That surprised me. I thought Captain Enduring Resolve hadn’t cared about the people in the House of Heavenly Pleasure, the ones that Senior Lucille had wanted to kill. It seemed I was wrong.

  “Well then,” Sect Leader Twinheart said after Captain Enduring Resolve left. “I believe my presence is no longer necessary. Why don’t you take this discussion somewhere else?”

  The sect leader’s shadow rose up and coalesced into his white-haired heart demon.

  “Aw,” the sect leader’s heart demon said in that horrid, grating voice of his, “Let them stay. All this drama is rather entertaining.”

  Sect Leader Twinheart gave his heart demon an annoyed look.

  “Quiet you.” He said, before banishing the heart demon.

  My mother took a swig from her spirit wine bottle.

  “You heard Sect Leader Twinheart,” she said, “Let us head back to my courtyard and continue this discussion there. We don’t want to impose on him any further.” She grinned. “After all, this is a family affair.”

  My uncle shivered in disgust when he heard this.

  “I’m not following you anywhere.” He snapped, still defiant even though his backer within the Thousand Blade Sect had just abandoned him.

  My mother snorted.

  “You will if you want to see your wife again.” She said. “Not that it matters to me. I need supplementary materials for a pill I’m refining, and she fulfills most of the requirements.”

  My uncle gave her a horrified look. Lucius’ icy mask cracked, and he looked at me, pleading with his eyes.

  “Mom,” I said in an exasperated tone, “Please don’t refine Senior Lucille into a pill. I need her alive.”

  “What?” She asked, giving me a baffled look. “He’s the one who’s being stubborn.”

  “Fine!” My uncle said, throwing his hands up. “I’ll go. Let’s get this over with.” He shook his head. “This night can’t possibly get any worse.”

  All of us gave Sect Leader Twinheart one last martial salute, before we all followed my mother to her courtyard in the Dragon Palace.

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  This chapter was edited by Radriel7