Chapter 12: The Blood Demon Attacks
Seeing Mu Wanqing so oblivious to the situation, a flicker of anger sparked in Bai Li Song’s heart. A single piece of calligraphy—a meager gift like this? I’ve already shown you enough respect by accepting it, and yet you insist I open it and look at it in front of everyone. Isn’t this just setting me up to be embarrassed, letting all know that on my birthday I received nothing but worthless rubbish? Outrageous!
“Haha, Sect Master, since Mu Wanqing claims it’s the work of a reclusive master, why not open it and have a look?” someone laughed, emphasizing “reclusive master” with biting sarcasm, so sharp even a fool could hear the mockery.
“Yes, Sect Master, there’s no harm in having a look,” another chimed in.
“Sect Master, let’s see just how lofty this so-called master’s calligraphy really is,” others from various sects joined in, their faces openly sneering.
Bai Li Song glanced at Mu Wanqing, whose face brimmed with anticipation, and wished he could slap the foolish girl—she truly had no grasp of the situation.
He exhaled deeply, forcing down his anger, glared at Mu Wanqing, and finally said, “Since it’s the work of a ‘reclusive master,’ it’s only right to appreciate it properly.”
He had already decided: no matter how worthless it was, he would heap praise upon it, just to avoid losing face.
He slowly unfolded the red paper and glanced at it. Suddenly, his aged body trembled violently—“Longevity!”
The character for “longevity” was written with powerful, vigorous strokes, yet each line was full and gentle, a perfect blend of strength and grace. The entire character radiated spirit, as if an elder leaning on a staff were presenting a tray of immortal peaches in blessing.
“What splendid calligraphy! What splendid calligraphy!” Bai Li Song’s breath quickened, his body trembling so intensely that even his hand holding the paper shook uncontrollably.
Extraordinary ink!
This was absolutely extraordinary ink!
“Haha, indeed, it’s remarkable calligraphy!”
“This skill puts the schoolmaster in my hometown to shame!”
The others hurriedly echoed, though in truth none had seen the writing, nor knew what was written on the red paper—they were merely making noise. While their words supported the act, inwardly they scoffed at Bai Li Song’s acting skills—his shock was so vivid, it was hard to tell if it was real or fake.
They had no idea that Bai Li Song was genuinely stunned, utterly shaken, his heart surging with turmoil.
His trembling hands clutched the red paper tightly, his clouded eyes fixed on the character for longevity, lost in overwhelming excitement.
All the gifts he had received today could not compare to this single character!
Suddenly, he felt the character move, swiftly transforming into a white-bearded elder with a cane, who approached, immortal aura coalescing into a giant longevity peach, presented before Bai Li Song.
He stood stupefied, reaching out to accept the peach. Just as his fingers touched it, the peach dissolved into immortal vapors, enveloping him.
Lifespan increased by fifty years.
Lifespan increased by a hundred years.
Lifespan increased by a hundred and fifty years...
Boom!
It was as if Bai Li Song had been struck by lightning—frozen, unable to move.
Madness! This character not only was extraordinary ink, but contained the essence of longevity.
In the blink of an eye, Bai Li Song felt his lifespan lengthen by a hundred and fifty years. Now, at over three hundred years old, he had gained nearly half again his life, and could clearly sense his bodily functions becoming much stronger.
No!
His lifespan was still increasing.
Lifespan increased by two hundred years.
Lifespan increased by two hundred and fifty years...
Still growing.
Lifespan increased by five hundred years.
Lifespan increased by five hundred and fifty years...
Still growing.
Lifespan increased by seven hundred years.
Lifespan increased by seven hundred and fifty years...
Lifespan increased by a thousand years!
Ah, ah, ah!
Bai Li Song was on the verge of madness—he could barely restrain himself from howling at the heavens. One character had granted him a thousand additional years.
It truly was the work of a reclusive master!
Compared to this character, the other precious gifts he had received today were nothing but filth!
Bai Li Song’s aged face flushed with excitement, his body trembling incessantly, and even his manner of speech changed, sounding like a beast’s roar: “Mu Wanqing, where is this reclusive master? Tell me at once—I must find him!”
The others, seeing Bai Li Song’s state, were instantly shocked, thinking he was in a rage.
Wasn’t he just pretending moments ago? How had he become furious so suddenly?
What strange character had Mu Wanqing given, to incite such wrath in the Sect Master? Judging by his demeanor, he seemed intent on seeking out this so-called reclusive master for retribution!
“Sect Master, please, do not be agitated. Today is your birthday, a day of joy. Whatever it is, let’s wait until after the celebration,” urged a senior member of the sect.
“Silence!” Bai Li Song had lost all control, his frenzy exposed as he shouted, “I want nothing now but for Mu Wanqing to take me to that master immediately!”
The senior’s body shook, and he hurriedly shut his mouth, daring not to speak further.
All present fell silent, like cicadas in winter, while casting sympathetic glances at Mu Wanqing.
Alas, the Sect Master’s fine birthday had become such a scene—he was so furious, today might well turn into Mu Wanqing’s death day.
Mu Wanqing too was at a loss, stunned by Bai Li Song’s reaction. She only knew it was a character for longevity, but had no idea what it truly contained.
Even if it were just an ordinary character, surely the Sect Master wouldn’t respond like this.
Why?
Mu Wanqing was utterly confused.
Just then...
“Hahahaha! It seems I’ve arrived at just the right moment!” A wild laugh echoed from the horizon. “Such a grand gathering, so festive—Bai Li Song, you old dog, is it your birthday today? Excellent! I’ll make your birthday your death day!”
At the sound of this laugh, all present were instantly enraged, turning hastily to look.
A shadow, like a great eagle, swept swiftly toward them from the sky.
“What insolent cur dares speak so disrespectfully and disturb our Sect Master’s birthday? I’ll slaughter you!” A senior member of Sky Cloud Sect shouted, drawing his sword and soaring upward to meet the shadow.
A hiss!
Blood sprayed!
With a single sword strike, the shadow slew the Sky Cloud Sect senior, whose body crashed to the ground.
“Ah!” The other seniors cried out in terror, their hearts filled with dread.
This intruder was terrifying.
The shadow landed—a tall, dark-clad middle-aged man, shrouded in waves of black deathly smoke. Blood still dripped from the long sword in his hand.
“Blood Fiend Tu Wuchang!” Bai Li Song cried out, his old body trembling, his face turning ashen, bitterness filling his heart.
Damn it! How had his birthday ended up with the Blood Fiend coming to cause trouble?