I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 249 - 244: Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor

"I’ve long heard of Brother Zhou’s great name. Now that we’ve met, I can see you’re a straightforward man," Lingdu Mountain said with a laugh.

"Elder Ling is the one whose might truly shakes the Small Thousand World. You’re too kind. And this must be Elder Kuigang, I presume."

Kuigang nodded without saying much, but the three of them clearly exchanged a look of mutual understanding.

Zhan Wushuang trembled. "Th-this... it’s a bit crowded here. I... I think I’ll find another spot."

At a table not far from him, the disciples of the Undying Evil Spirit Hall were all staring at him like he was some kind of freak. When it was just Lingdu Mountain, Zhan Wushuang had felt a sense of honor. But with the arrival of Kuigang, Yang Ying, and Zhou Feng—and especially after learning Wang Meng’s true identity—Zhan Wushuang was shaking.

"Brother Zhan, our meeting is fate. Your seat is right here, why move?"

Wang Meng said. Zhou Feng also smiled. "If he tells you to sit, you sit."

"You two really snuck out to have fun without me. That’s just not right."

"Old Zhou, you really make yourself at home, don’t you?" Wang Meng chuckled. He and Zhou Feng were used to shooting the breeze, but this also confirmed his status as an Elder.

Yang Ying gradually began to understand why Wang Meng was being so forceful. ’In a situation like this, backing down gets you nothing. You have to fight. Win or lose, you have to see the fight through.’

"Yanm Yuyue of the Heaven-Dominating Hall and Lin Jinghao of the Demon Heart Sect offer their congratulations on the Celestial Heart Ancestor’s longevity."

Two heavyweights had arrived together. It was clear that the Holy Hall’s visit had been a sudden one, and they had not come with good intentions. The smaller sects and factions could all sense something strange in the air.

Hearing Yanm Yuyue’s name, Wang Meng’s heart still skipped a beat. An image of the face that had once captivated him involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

’In terms of beauty, only Yanm Yuyue could compare with Yang Ying. But there were no real feelings involved; his initial attraction had been largely due to Moo Shan’s lingering affections. As the Godhood’s influence faded and Wang Meng’s own Spiritual Attribute fully recovered and blossomed, facing Yanm Yuyue now evoked a completely different state of mind.’

’Yanm Yuyue and Lin Jinghao?’

’What kind of pairing is this?’

The moment the two of them appeared, they immediately drew all eyes, making everyone forget the earlier commotion.

Yanm Yuyue was the first disciple of Jiny Tiannan, who was himself the first disciple of the Evil Lord. Furthermore, she had deep ties to the previous generation’s Sect Leader and was the foremost figure of the Heaven-Dominating Hall’s younger generation. Her status was anything but ordinary.

’Lin Jinghao?’

’It’s the first time I’ve ever heard that name. But to be able to represent the Demon Venerable, Jinn Qiushui, on an occasion like this, his status must be remarkable.’

It was just a shame that Yanm Yuyue had always refused to show her true face, yet she held the title of the Small Thousand World’s number one beauty. No one knew how that title came about, but having seen Yang Ying’s beauty, everyone couldn’t help but make a comparison in their minds. In unison, they craned their necks to get a look.

Instantly, everyone gasped.

Those who knew of Yanm Yuyue’s habit were even more dumbfounded. They were seeing a "brand new" Yanm Yuyue; she had taken off her mask.

The gazes on her were scorching, but Yanm Yuyue’s expression remained as placid as ever. The moment the first man saw her true face, her vow was broken. There was no longer any need to wear a mask.

Most importantly, Yanm Yuyue had decided to walk her own path. She did not want to repeat the tragedy of Ancestral Master Yanm Yun. ’The single word "love" is a wound, an obstacle!’

As for Lin Jinghao of the Demon Heart Sect... he held a Gilded Folding Fan and was quite handsome, but no matter how you looked at him, he seemed like an idle, rich young master, with no trace of a Demon Attribute about him.

’Have the two of them gotten together?’

’An alliance between the Demon Heart Sect and the Heaven-Dominating Hall?’

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat. ’They’d never heard of such a thing—it was too terrifying to contemplate.’

However, seeing that Yanm Yuyue seemed to be keeping her distance from Lin Jinghao, people thought they might have just run into each other by chance.

Yanm Yuyue’s gaze landed naturally on Wang Meng. Her expression didn’t change, but her eyes clearly sharpened, especially when she saw him holding Yang Ying’s hand.

Nevertheless, the two walked into the inner hall, causing another stir.

"This junior, Yanm Yuyue, respectfully greets Elder Yang on behalf of my master."

"Haha, the Evil Lord is too polite. Everyone in the Small Thousand World says that Yanm Yuyue of the Heaven-Dominating Hall is the realm’s number one beauty. Seeing you today, it’s clear your reputation is well-deserved. It reminds me of the elder Yanm Yun. The student has truly surpassed the master!"

Before Yanm Yun, even the Celestial Heart Ancestor was a junior. A large part of the rumors about Yanm Yuyue’s appearance stemmed from Yanm Yun herself.

Back in her day, Yanm Yun had charmed countless young heroes of the Small Thousand World.

’It seems this Yanm Yuyue is even a cut above.’

Yanm Yuyue gave a faint smile, while Lin Jinghao at her side also gave a suave salute.

"This junior, Lin Jinghao, greets Elder Yang."

The Celestial Heart Ancestor stroked his beard, quietly observing Lin Jinghao, as did everyone else. After a moment, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "Good! Heroes emerge from the young. The Demon Venerable has a keen eye!"

"Elder, you praise me too much. Jinghao is not yet considered a disciple of the Demon Heart Sect. The Demon Venerable has shown me undeserved favor, but Jinghao wishes to be a good person and isn’t too keen on becoming a Demon Cultivator."

Lin Jinghao said with a perfectly straight face.

At once, the crowd of powerful figures was left speechless. ’This... a good person? In the Demon Heart Sect?’

The Celestial Heart Ancestor was also stunned. Seeing the young man’s earnest expression, it really didn’t seem like he was joking.

Yanm Yuyue gave a slight curtsy. "Elder, I just ran into an old acquaintance in the courtyard. This junior will just have a seat added outside."

Lin Jinghao cupped his hands and followed her out. A grand banquet, thrown into disarray by a few young people who didn’t know their place, was starting to look like a farce. Yang Molong’s expression had already changed, while some of Celestial Heart Castle’s rivals looked on with schadenfreude. ’Go on,’ they thought, ’let’s see you challenge the Three Sects.’

The birthday banquet’s atmosphere had been completely changed by these few people, but the Celestial Heart Ancestor didn’t seem to mind at all.

As people outside were discussing the events, Yanm Yuyue suddenly walked out alone. She went to a table not far from Wang Meng’s, and with a single glance from her, a group of people immediately scattered, leaving the table empty.

Lin Jinghao followed her out. Just as he was about to sit, Yanm Yuyue shot him a look. "I like to be alone!"

Lin Jinghao rubbed his nose, smiled faintly, and went to a nearby table. "Brothers, might I squeeze in?"

The people at the table looked at each other, not daring to refuse. Lin Jinghao truly didn’t seem to mind the crowd. He cupped his hands to those on his left and right, sat down amongst them, and made himself comfortable.

Yanm Yuyue just stared at Wang Meng like that, making him feel the heat. The crowd’s gazes were starting to get a little strange.

Lingdu Mountain and Kuigang were old hands at this; they wouldn’t meddle in such affairs. But Zhou Feng, being the Big Mouth he was, just had to speak up. "Wang Meng, why is that Demoness staring at you? Don’t tell me there’s something between you two?"

Wang Meng, who was silently sipping his tea, nearly sprayed it everywhere. "Something my ass! What could possibly be going on between her and me?"

The surrounding disciples were certainly getting an eyeful. Yanm Yuyue and Yang Ying were a veritable visual feast. When they looked at Yanm Yuyue, they felt she was more beautiful, but when their gaze shifted to Yang Ying, they felt *she* was more beautiful. Looking at both at the same time made the world seem to spin.

"Huh, it seems the people from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect haven’t arrived yet?" Zhan Wushuang said suddenly. At once, everyone stared at him. Zhan Wushuang’s hand trembled. "D-did I say something wrong?"

"Heh heh, you’re not wrong. The Ten Thousand Demons Sect will definitely come. How could they not?" Zhou Feng said.

"It just depends on who they send, heh heh," Lingdu Mountain responded.

"Haha, this old man is late! Fellow Daoist Yang, my apologies, my apologies."

A loud laugh echoed from the heavens, and everyone in Celestial Heart Castle felt their minds sway and their spirits tremble.

The expressions of Lingdu Mountain and the others changed. "It’s the Soul Refining Old Ghost!"

"It is I, heh heh. There are still a few decent juniors here, I see."

A vast and powerful aura enveloped the entire venue.

The Celestial Heart Ancestor’s perpetually calm expression finally relaxed. "Fellow Daoist Lou, we were waiting for you."

The arrival of the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor, Lou Shidong, represented the Ten Thousand Demons Sect’s stance. The agreement was finally coming into effect.

The Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor was a renowned Loose Cultivator in the Small Thousand World, one who cultivated a rare Enchantment Technique. Although he was an Ancestral Master, even those at the Ancestor level had to show him some respect. After all, Enchantment Techniques were the most troublesome to deal with, and everyone preferred to give them a wide berth. Who would have thought that such a fearsome character—one that even ghosts would shun—had joined the Ten Thousand Demons Sect.

The Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor, Lou Shidong, landed in the courtyard. Wherever his gaze passed, members of every sect and school, regardless of their status, bowed their heads.

The Celestial Heart Ancestor had already stepped out to greet him. "Haha, Fellow Daoist Lou, your great presence graces us. Forgive me for not welcoming you from further away."

"Fellow Daoist Yang, you are too polite. We are all one family now; there’s no need for such formalities."

the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Only a handful of people were worthy of his attention.

Although Lou Shidong was a realm lower in cultivation, he was not much younger. The key was that strength determined status, so Yang Yingtian was also quite polite to him.

"You’ve arrived at the perfect time, Fellow Daoist. Please, come inside."

The Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor nodded. His gaze fell upon Yanm Yuyue, who let out a cold snort. Of course, Lou Shidong recognized who she was. ’Although I have some ideas,’ he thought, ’now is not the time. Jiny Tiannan is not someone to be trifled with.’

But what he hadn’t expected was to see another woman on the same level as Yanm Yuyue. He was quite surprised.

Yang Ying shuddered under the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor’s gaze. Zhou Feng snorted coldly and stood up. "Lou Shidong, watch yourself."

The Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor laughed heartily. "And who did I think it was? Elder Zhou! You manage the heavens and the earth, and now you want to manage things here too?"

"Fellow Daoist Yang, this woman is...?" Lou Shidong’s interest was intensely piqued. ’With the Ten Thousand Demons Sect backing me, there are few people in this world I can’t afford to offend. Yanm Yuyue is a special case, but unless this woman is from the direct line of the Demon Heart Sect, or a disciple of the Sword God, she really won’t be able to stop me.’

"She is a disciple of my Celestial Heart Castle." Yang Yingtian frowned slightly. Who in the Small Thousand World didn’t know of the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor’s particular tastes?

"I see. Good, very good." The Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor was even more pleased. "I say, Fellow Daoist Yang, let’s not waste any more time. This venerable one has come today with three matters to announce to everyone."

The people from the inner hall also walked out. There’s no such thing as a good banquet, no such thing as a good gathering. The main event had arrived.

’Although the Celestial Heart Ancestor felt that Lou Shidong was stealing his thunder as the host, it was actually convenient. If the Ten Thousand Demons Sect was willing to put in the effort, that was for the best.’

Meanwhile, Lingdu Mountain and the others wore grave expressions; they were clearly prepared for this.

"The first major announcement is that Celestial Heart Castle will join the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, becoming its first branch castle: the Ten Thousand Demon Celestial Heart Castle."

Every word from the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor seemed to strike directly at the hearts of everyone present. Regardless of their power level, none could resist it. There was even a strange charm that magnified within their hearts, making them feel an urge to kneel at the Soul Refining Ghost Ancestor’s feet.

Yang Ying was the most affected. The others all had solemn expressions, while some of the less powerful cultivators looked as if their souls were about to leave them.