SWNOVELXO Chapter 8:
Chapter 8:
“Hmph! It seems that after only a few days, not only have you become more shameless, but you’ve also grown quite a sharp tongue!”
The little demoness raised her delicate brows in anger, her jade-like foot lightly flicking the sword, once again pressing it against Zhou Tong’s neck.
“Do you think your sweet words will make me spare you?”
As Zhou Tong stared at her face, his thoughts drifted to the past.
In his previous life, Tang Qi had colluded with the celestial demons, intending to sacrifice countless lives to achieve his grand ambitions. Zhou Tong fought to protect everyone but was betrayed by several senior sisters. During the final battle, he was stabbed through the heart by Mo Liusu’s sword and died in despair.
Only this little demoness had stood by him until the very end, fighting alongside him until her tragic death.
Recalling this, Zhou Tong’s emotions surged.
Some fleeting connections could forge bonds strong enough to endure life and death, while centuries of loyalty could be repaid with cold betrayal. The disparity between people was greater than the gap between humans and beasts.
Returning to the present, Zhou Tong looked at the bright and captivating face before him and smiled genuinely. His smile left the little demoness momentarily stunned.
It had been so long since he had smiled from the heart like this.
“In the past life, you shared life and death with me. In this life, I will stand by you through storms and trials,” Zhou Tong silently vowed in his heart.
For some reason, Mo Liusu, who was observing from afar, felt a jolt in her heart upon seeing Zhou Tong’s smile. It was as if an electric current had coursed through her, leaving her both numb and in pain.
She had seen that smile before.
On the day Zhou Tong became her disciple, his young and innocent face had been filled with reverence and hope.
But now, Zhou Tong would never show her such a smile again. Instead, he gave all his warmth and gentleness to the little demoness.
“Why? Why must he smile like that only for her?”
Mo Liusu’s breathing became uneven. Forcing herself to suppress the memory of that youthful face, she adjusted her posture and coldly observed.
“What’s wrong with you? It’s as if you’ve become a completely different person,” the little demoness muttered, lowering her sword and carefully examining Zhou Tong.
The Zhou Tong she remembered had always been cautious and reserved. But now, he seemed as if he had weathered countless storms and had let go of everything.
“You shameless scoundrel! No matter how good your acting is, don’t think you can fool me. If you want to atone and earn my forgiveness, you must fulfill three conditions!”
You Cangyue’s gaze shifted away, her small hands nervously playing with her hair, though her tone remained resolute.
“I’m willing,” Zhou Tong answered without hesitation.
“I haven’t even said the conditions yet!”
“I’ll still agree.”
“Join the Joyous Harmony Sect!”
“Fine!”
“Help the Joyous Harmony Sect win the championship in the next Hundred Sect Tournament!”
“That is my wish as well!”
“And… help me with my cultivation!”
“It would be my honor!”
Their rapid exchange of words left everyone utterly stunned.
The reason? It was simply too shocking!
What kind of sect was the Joyous Harmony Sect? It had a terrible reputation, was on the brink of collapse, and was barely holding on. The conditions the little demoness proposed were clearly meant to make things difficult. Yet Zhou Tong agreed without hesitation.
Madness! Absolute madness!
A demoness and a genius abandoned by his sect, seemingly losing his sanity—they were truly a match made in chaos.
Even You Cangyue was taken aback by Zhou Tong’s decisiveness.
Within moments, her expression shifted through countless emotions—joy, confusion, doubt—before she abruptly turned away, standing with her back to Zhou Tong.
“Empty words mean nothing!”
“Then I’ll swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao!” Zhou Tong began raising his hand, but a cool, delicate hand quickly grabbed his wrist.
“That’s unnecessary. I’ll take you to see my master. If you dare deceive me again, I won’t let you off!”
Seemingly afraid he might change his mind, she transformed into a streak of light, whisking Zhou Tong away with her.
…
Mount Hongchen, Joyous Harmony Sect…
The Heavenly Dao’s projection followed Zhou Tong, illuminating their destination.
Contrary to expectations of grandeur, the scene revealed a dilapidated and desolate sect entrance.
Cold winds howled, mist lingered, and wild grass grew unchecked, making it appear more like an abandoned graveyard than a sect.
The onlookers were perplexed. Even if the Joyous Harmony Sect had fallen from grace, it shouldn’t have become such a ruin.
“Yue’er, you’re back?”
From a crumbling house, a graceful figure stepped out, instantly captivating countless onlookers.
This was Murong Ya, the sect master of the Joyous Harmony Sect and the fearsome “Demonic Empress” of decades past.
Simply standing there, she exuded a beauty that could eclipse the heavens. Even the brightest moon would pale in comparison. Next to her, even Mo Liusu would seem like a mere backdrop.
“My goodness, she’s breathtaking! How can such a beauty exist in this world?”
Someone exclaimed sharply before fainting on the spot.
Wasn’t the sect master of the Joyous Harmony Sect supposed to be an ugly, foul-smelling old crone?
Wasn’t she rumored to be a ravenous beast, infamous for her depravity?
This was nothing but a massive lie!
With her beauty alone, Murong Ya could bring countless men to their knees with a mere beckoning finger.
While ordinary people were utterly mesmerized, the leaders of major sects were relieved.
The rumors were true—this woman’s vitality had been severely depleted. Her time was running out, and once she was gone, the Joyous Harmony Sect would crumble with ease.
“Hahaha… hahahahaha!”
Mo Liusu let out an unrestrained laugh. “A broken sect and a ruined man—a perfect match! And they still dream of winning the Hundred Sect Tournament? What a joke!”
Hearing this, Zhou Tong furrowed his brows and met Mo Liusu’s gaze head-on.
“You find this funny? Then mark my words—we will take the championship!”
“Ridiculous! Look at your new master—she’s already on her last legs.”
As if on cue, a strange red flush appeared on Murong Ya’s face, causing Zhou Tong’s pupils to constrict.
This was clearly a sign of her injuries flaring up, combined with signs of inner demon interference. If left unchecked, it could prove fatal.
“Master, are you okay?” You Cangyue asked in panic.
“I’m… fine—”
Before she could finish, blood sprayed from her lips, and her body collapsed weakly.
“Master!”
“Don’t touch her!” Zhou Tong stopped You Cangyue and asked urgently, “Is there an alchemy furnace here?”
“There is!”
“Do you have Zhenmo Zhi, Wenxin Grass, Qinghun Flower…”
Zhou Tong listed a series of spiritual herbs, stunning many alchemy masters listening in.
“That’s the formula for a Seventh-Grade Bodhi Pill! Does this boy actually intend to refine one?”
“Yes, we have them. I’ll get them immediately!”
You Cangyue, finding her confidence restored, hurried off to gather the ingredients.
“Hmph! What a pretense! Even master alchemists struggle to refine Seventh-Grade pills. Do you think you can defy the heavens?”
“Then just watch,” Zhou Tong replied calmly, sitting cross-legged and ignoring Mo Liusu completely.