Chapter 17 - Li Lun's Return

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This is a very special B-Day chapter, as it's my birthday tomorrow. Therefore, I decided to skip some explanations and go straight to Li Lun's arrival, as many were expecting it. So, thanks for the support, here is this special chapter of Li Lun's first meeting with Yixuan and of course of another treat of our main couple.

Li Lun gazed at the crystal-clear lake that reflected the stars, giving it an ethereal and magical look. This lake was his favorite place in the demon world. It wasn't far from the gate, so it was the perfect place not only to admire its natural beauty, but also to communicate with Ao Yin, on the other side of the gate, and see how Zhu Yan was doing. That stubborn monkey, was going to be killed one day if he continued to deny them access to the human world, as the great demons grew increasingly greedy with each century, and soon, perhaps they would even join forces to try to take on the white ape anomaly, as if possessed by something evil.

He had sensed the change in their demeanor a few centuries ago. Back then, they were sealed by Ying Long's power of creation, but since Nuwa couldn't completely seal the world Ying Long created with his own sacrifice due to Cheng Huang's betrayal, his world still maintains a connection to the human world, and something emanating from there seems to be taking root in the demons on their side. Little by little, it made them hate humans more and more, to the point that another war could soon break out.

Therefore, every few centuries, he would cross the gate and fight Zhu Yan, returning defeated, to prove to the other great demons that Zhu Yan was still the strongest, with power too overwhelming to be harmed, let alone killed. He had to exert great effort each time, as he was second only to Zhu Yan, to prove that it was unwise to challenge him, since even if he had fought seriously against the stupid monkey, for Zhu Yan it was only a warming up. However, this external influence from the human world was making the great demons less fearful of him, and soon others would be able to challenge Zhu Yan as well, and perhaps in greater numbers.

After the war, many great demons were killed. Although their number was smaller, it was still a significant number if they decided to unite again for a common cause. The only things that had prevented it before was one, that Zhu Yan possessed more than one power, which meant dual blood and greater growth of Qi energy. His 34,000 years of cultivation as a white ape was equivalent to 68,000, with his additional cultivation as a white dragon and up to 102,000 when he was in his strongest form of the combinations of both. 

That was why he was so close to becoming a god, a very terrifying one with the same power of creation as Ying Long, and also with the blessing of Bing Yi and Nuwa, which was why he was born into the world, although not as a great demon, he became one when still consider as a baby monkey. Secondly, demons were typically territorial creatures who disliked working together, seeing others as a threat to their domain, which was one of the reasons the gods were destined to win the war and why Ying Long ended up sacrificing himself.

He was aware of all this, but there was nothing he could do but try to convince Zhu Yan that he would lose in the end, that he was forging his own destruction, that his stubbornness was futile, that they deserved to rule humans, that in many ways they were worse than demons, that Ying Long had been wrong to cage them, and that humans did not deserve salvation. He could only try to get him to abandon his beliefs, but nothing he tried had worked, even though he had tried hard to present himself as his worse enemy in the hopes of awakening something in him that would make him change his mind, if only for the sake of their former friendship, which he had to admit he missed.

It was because Zhu Yan was an anomaly that they became friends, as Li Lun never saw the little white monkey as a threat, and they got along well. They traveled together on their own journey after Ying Long suggested it, so that they could both gain experience and grow independently without anyone else's influence. They were the strongest of the great demons, so they feared nothing and traveled great distances, cultivated in remote places, helped other demons along their paths, and lived a carefree and happy life until the demons became more bloodthirsty, tainted, and then the war began.

He tried everything to try to get Zhu Yan to side with him, but he failed and even when they were sealed, he failed to convince him to help his own kind instead of those who were weaker than them. That was because, Zhu Yan always showed a kind of fascination for humans and when they approached a human town, he always stayed there for a few days or even weeks, which was the only time they parted, as he wanted nothing to do with humans, so he waited for Zhu Yan to finish exploring away from the town and that's when he stumbled upon Ao Yin, who was being chased by some humans who only saw demons as monsters and since she could shape-shift, they blamed her for everything bad that had happened to the town, even though she wasn't behind many of the things they accused her of.

He rescued her from them, as she wasn't very powerful, and her main power lay in shaping shapes to escape trouble, or occasionally, cause it. So, while he waited for Zhu Yan, he trained her to be able to defend herself once they left, though he always knew she followed them at her own pace and spent time with them when Zhu Yan wasn't around. Then, when the war broke out, she joined him, but during the day they were sealed, he used his transport leaves to go through the rift into the forest so she could blend in with the escaping demonic energy and merge with it. Nuwa and Bing Yi were busy fighting Cheng Huang and Zhu Yan in preventing the demons from crossing the gate, and as she was a lesser demon with no power other than shapeshifting, she was lucky enough to avoid him and remain in the forest.

Since then, she has been his eyes and ears, as they could still communicate through the leaves he used to teleport her and the ones he left around every time he went back. So now as he looked at the surface of the lake, with his leaves floating in circles on the water, he saw her familiar and beautiful face rippling slightly with the surface of the water.

"My Lord, are you all right after your fight with Zhu Yan?" She asked, and Li Lun greened at her.

"Despite his harsh words, Zhu Yan has always been a softie, so yes, I'm perfectly fine. You know our fights are just for show. He will never truly hurt me unless I make him really angry, which has never happened before and I have no reason to believe he will now." He said reassuringly.

"That may have been true before your fight, but perhaps not so much now. It's been three weeks, and to be honest, the changes in such a short time are considerable."

"Changes? What do you mean? What could possibly change with that stubborn monkey? He's so narrow-minded that he's stayed in that cursed tree for centuries, staring wistfully at the human cities, wanting to explore them, but never doing so. What a fool! It's as if he's the demon in the pagoda tree instead of me." Li Lun chuckled. 

"That's no longer the case, my Lord. A few weeks ago, he welcomed a group of demon hunters to his cultivation sanctuary and even built a mansion for them to stay there with him. He had erected a strong barrier so I couldn't get close, but I can see that the humans there are growing stronger. One of them, a blond young man, teleports to the Citadel to gather food every week, and his divine core is awakening, oozing even greater power into his meridians, amplifying his Qi energy. I assume it's the same with the others who inherit divine blood."

"What did you say?" Li Lun asked incredulously as he stood up from the soft sand on the shore.

"Human hunters are staying with him, and one man in particular looked quite similar to Bing Yi, a younger version of him, though still human, and Zhu Yan never left his side. Even when they occasionally went down to the forest, the great demon was never far from him, as if he were too precious to lose." That made something inside Li Lun snap, and anger surged through him, causing his demonic energy to seep out in waves, disturbing the surface of the water.

"My Lord... I can't see you clearly anymore..."

"No need, I'll be there right away. Get out of Zhu Yan's sight, and I'll find out what the hell is going on there before the other demons discover his stupidity. I will contact you after that."

"Yes, my Lord. I will eagerly await your arrival. It has been so long since we last met in person." She said sadly, and Li Lun had always been aware of her yearning, with her spending time in human villages, learning about the kind of love he could not reciprocate, as the only thing he learned from them through Zhu Yan was friendship and brotherhood.

Now was the time to return and tear that monkey from his long slumber once and for all, because if the other great demons found out he was collaborating with humans to hunt demons, they might be enraged and try to kill him in another war.

※※※※ Back to Zhu Yan's Mansion ※※※※

For Zhuo Yichen, waking up in the morning, going downstairs to have breakfast with the others, and meditating with the breathing technique Zhu Yan had taught them to cultivate their core had become routine. Then, the others would use one of the dimensional spheres the great demon had created as a training ground. Each sphere contained a hunting technique in different scenarios, and there were about twelve, each more difficult than the last. This kept his brother unit quite entertained, as they liked a challenge, and mastering one, let alone all twelve, was the greatest challenge of their lives.

For his unit, they would sit in the meditation room where the archive was located, as it turned out to be another dimension, showcasing Zhu Yan's almost infinite power of creation. Within the dimension, they could read and study the immense variety the archive offered. When it was their turn to awaken their core, they would sit in front of him, follow his instructions, and endure his work on the intricate seal of their core.

Since no human could withstand the full power of a god at once, they had to allow the divine energy to gradually change their bodies into something that could hold the power as it grew. The seal was made of several layers, if one had to give them a name, and each layer that was undone meant great pain for everyone, as their bodies slowly adapted to their own divine blood. Bai Jiu gave them a bowl of medicine from an ancient recipe he found in a scroll in the archive, which relieved the pain and illness that followed the breaking of the seal. When it became unbearable, they rested in their rooms.

That was why they now understood why Zhu Yan wanted to awaken their core power with just one of them per day, so that they would have time to recover before the next layer was undone, weakening them while strengthening them at the same time in a weird balance. On their days off, they went down to the forest to test themselves, not exactly to hunt demons as they have promise, but to harness their power, their enchanted vision and senses, their now deeper understanding of the demonic energy surrounding the forest, how it in turn awakened more demons, and how to identify the trees, plants, or animals that had begun to cultivate.

Despite the pain, it was becoming a valuable learning experience that had turned them into a family, sharing both the pain and the growth, making them closer and a certain demon even more attached to him. Every night, when it was Yichen and Yixuan's turn, Zhu Yan would use the excuse that his body became much colder with Bing Yi's icy energy to sneak into his bed and help his weaker body warm up. That shameless monkey always found an excuse to cuddle him at night, just like he was doing right now.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to get into my bed? You shameless monkey, you take advantage of me when I'm weakest. Why don't you offer your warmth to my brother? He must be freezing as much as me." Yichen asked as he leaned his head on Zhu Yan's shoulder.

"He will kill me if I try, so I can't do that." Zhu Yan protested, hugging him tighter.

"Should I kill you instead?"

"Why would you? I'm just doing you a favor out of the kindness of my heart. Isn't my heat spell so wonderful that even if you refuse it with your mouth, your body still craves for it?"

"Yeah, right... if I weren't so tired and the Cloud Light a bit more more obedient, I'd kick you out of my room forever." 

"Ah, don't blame, poor Cloud Light. Your sword isn't ordinary, it was made from the bones and blood of a demon god, so you should know it can cultivate and change shape. Haven't you noticed how it reacts to your mood lately? It burns brighter when you're angry and dims when you annoy with it."

"Wait! What?" Yichen moved painfully to get a better look at the sword, which glowed almost like a pulse, but Zhu Yan prevented him from doing more than lying back down on him.

"You really didn't notice, even after a few layers of awakening? Xiao Zhuo, you need to put more effort into your perception."

"So it can also take human form?" Yichen asked excitedly.

"Yes, though it might take a little longer for it to show up. The sword awakens along with its true master, which was originally Bing Yi, but after he was gone, it remains dormant in your family for generations until you were born and recognize you as its next master."

"Now that you mention that, why the sword recognize me as its master if Bing Yi, is still alive somewhere?"

"That's easy, as Bing Yi sealed himself from everything, so his connection with the sword was served and still is as you are it master whatever Bing Yi return or not."

"So have you seen its human form?"

"Yes."

"Is it like you, as you both share Ying Long's blood?"

"No. Cloud Light human form doesn't look like us, he likes a younger appearance, fresh and jovial."

"Then why haven't he change form?"

"He is shy, right Guang?" Zhu Yan asked as he turned his head to look at it over the table beside the bed and the sword once again pulsated, making Yichen smile.

"There is no need to be shy and helping me discipline a wicked monkey is not the same as trying to kill him. You should join forces with me, he too strong for me to deal with him on my own..."

"Xiao Zhuo, even Guang can tell you are lying to yourself. You actually like my affection for you more than you like to admit it."

"I don't."

"That's called denial."

"I'm not in love with you, shameless monkey."

"I never mention love, just affection..." Yichen went red and Zhu Yan smiled.

"You are blushing..."

"It's your heating spell."

"Then push me away..."

"I'm freezing, can't you feel me shuddering under the covers, by your side?"

"If it is the spell only, then why clinging to me? The spell may still work without me..." Yichen blushed further.

"As if you will give me that chance. Should we give it a try? Why not leaving the bed now? I'm not stooping you..."

"Alright, Xiao Zhuo, you win, let me cuddle you to keep you warm. Is not like I have try to do anything else than hug you."

"Which is why you still have your hands."

"So violent, Xiao Zhuo, you need to work with that side of you too..."

"Why? I only act like this with you, is not a fault in my personality, its yours..." At that Zhu Yan laughed.

"That's a fair argument. Alright, you win this round."

"Then will you let me sleep? I'm so tired, cold and in pain..."

"I'm here for you Xiao Zhuo... I can sooth your pain more than your little brother's medicine. Let me take your pain away."

"Ah, finally something we can agree on... I will appreciate that kind of help quite a lot."

"Then will you make me another bowl of pear soup, like you did after Ying Lei brought back all the ingredients?" Yichen smiled pleased to hear he wanted more.

"Did you really like it? It was to thank you for all your help. We have make great progress in our cultivation thanks to you. I'm not prideful enough to deny that fact."

"You are not prideful, just shy, like your sword..." Zhu Yan whisper as he placed a hand on Yichen's back and started soothing his pain, which felt like heaven, almost making Yichen moan in blissfulness.

However, as Yichen enjoyed the soothing sensation running through his body, a surge of intense power struck Zhu Yan's barrier, causing it to glow like the moon itself. Zhu Yan hurriedly got out of Yichen's bed.

"Stay here, Xiao Zhuo, you're safe inside this barrier."

"Wait! Is that Li Lun coming back?"

"Yes, but don't worry. I can handle him. Just stay inside, and no matter what happens, don't come out. You're not at your best, and you can't do anything againts him."

"But Yixuan..."

"Your brother will know what to do, and I promise I'll never let Li Lun hurt him. That would be going too far, and Li Lun doesn't want me to get angry or lose control. Stay inside the mansion." He said, sitting next to Yichen and placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Then he left his room.

As he hurried down the stairs, he ran into Zhuo Yixuan, who, he could tell, was also feeling the effects of the seal being undone one more layer. His usually calm face, tinged with tiredness, that made him feel a little guilty for focusing only on Yichen's discomfort and ignoring his older brother, who, although handle the strain a lot better than Yichen, was still in some pain and cold. judging for his white snow coat.

"Is it Li Lun? I felt the same energy from your last fight approaching, but it could also be another great demon." Yixuan said, and Zhu Yan was truly impressed that Yixuan could sense Li Lun's demonic energy better than he could. Yes, he was distracted by Yichen cuddled adorably in his arms, but he had never failed to sense his arrival before reaching the barrier.

"It is indeed Li Lun. As annoying as ever when he wants attention." Zhu Yan said, and Yixuan chuckled.

"Did he take you by surprise? Should I be worried about what is keeping you so distracted?" Yixuan asked as they both walked toward the door.

"Of course not, I was just helping him with the cold and pain..."

"Sure, everything counts, right?"

"Ah, what an understanding brother I've gained..." Yixuan smiled.

"I just ask that you take good care of him."

"Just like I'll take care of you. You don't have to come with me now, you know? If your fate is the same as Yichen's and mine, you will have your chance at your own pace. I know Li Lun wasn't serious in any of his previous attempts, but things are changing, and he's never gotten this close to the tree without me noticing."

"If it is in our destiny, why wait? Sooner or later, I will have to see him face to face, and we've all been waiting for this moment for three weeks now."

"Ah, your unit was betting like crazy. I wonder who will take home the prize. Will it be your first encounter a violent or peaceful one? Which are you hoping for?" Zhu Yan said as he opened the door for Yixuan.

"I dreamed we were staring at each other in a kind of trance, though I could only see his figure dressed in dark blue and black, not his face."

"Well, if it ends in a staring duel, I suppose your best friend Yiming will get the price, much to Cao Wei's dismay, since he bet double against a peaceful encounter, and your admirer, Mei Lin, will end up heartbroken when another great demon snatches her beloved away." Yixuan sighed.

"Isn't it a bit too soon to be considering such possibilities? It may be destined for him, but the gods have no control over Li Lun's fate."

"You're wrong about that. I was born from the blessing of three gods, Bing Yi, Ying Long, and Nuwa, and anyone destined to cross me will fall under the control of the god of fate. Not even Li Lun can escape that, so even if Li Lun tries to attack you on your first encounter, he will soon regret it." Zhu Yan explained and Yixuan had those words echoing in his mind as they finally reached the edge of the barrier and he finally got to see the great demon, Li Lun, that he had heard so much about and in the second they eyes met, the rest of the world disappeared for him.

Right there, a few meters away from him, beneath the pearly moonlight shining overhead, stood a tall, slender man, just like in his dream, with long black hair cascading down his back, dressed in dark blue and black. It was what he had expected, but as he gazed into the demon's face, he was captivated by the ethereal beauty he had only seen in his brother and Zhu Yan, but even more intense than theirs. Yes, there was much darkness in his aura, for he was a great demon at his core, but he carried himself with a pride and dignity that surprised him. The way he looked at him reflected neither hatred nor hostility, but only surprise, or even curiosity, and his face was the most beautiful he had seen yet. But his dark eyes were what attracted him most, for they seemed to see right through him, stripping him to his very soul. From the other side of the barrier, he could see that Li Lun was also deep in his trance. His eyes widened as he looked at him, and then he heard him murmur a name Yixuan was already getting used to.

"That's impossible... Bing Yi...?" Li Lun whispered. Although, unlike Yichen, he didn't even resemble the dragon god, his aura seemed to be the same and strong enough to paralyze the second-strongest great demon in history in place.

Yixuan's heart pounded in his chest as his golden aura unconsciously spread beyond the barrier and reached Li Lun, who closed his eyes to feel it, nostalgic for those better days, when he walked carefree and happy alongside his best friend and the most powerful gods in the human world. That aura he had grown so accustomed to feeling in the past, so strong yet so gentle, like the night breeze by a lake, sensing the fresh, clean scent of the springs, the energy of Bing Yi... the greeting of a god lost in a mortal body.

Ao Yin had told him about a human similar to Bing Yi, but this one, although physically unrelated to him, was so similar to how he felt, that for a moment he was at a loss for what to do. He respected the dragon god, but he also fought against him for the sake of his species, and this one obviously carried his blood with such nobility that he could do nothing but stare at him, covered in a white robe, making him also look like a descend god from the moon.

"Ah, Huang Yiming won after all... you are undoubtedly your ancestor, descendant, you even overwhelmed a great demon with just your calming aura." He heard Zhu Yan's whisper, and Yixuan felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. Although Li Lun may still attack him after his initial surprise, he was now certain they were destined. He felt it the very instant those dark eyes pierced him and he smiled.

Before he felt as if something was missing in his life, but now he found that piece that belonged in the middle of his puzzle and thinking about the way Wen Xiao had described their interaction, he found that she had interpreted it the wrong way. He was never meant to tame him, that was impossible from any angle he looked at it, he was only there to put Li Lun's pieces in place in the same way his very presence had made him feel complete. The rest... the rest was a gift, a very precious gift.

AN: Ah, here you have it! Their very first eye contact. I hope it didn't disappoint, as I know this was highly anticipated. Now happy birthday to me and thanks for reading this little story of mine. It's made with a lot of love, so until next time, please take care.