Chapter 73: Inviting the Elder in the Purple Robe

Thus, Wolf Osmanthus led Escape Leopard back to the Purple Light Cave of Cockcrow Mountain to pay respects to his master, the Old Demon in the Purple Robe.

The Old Demon sat cross-legged, his body tightly wrapped in a large purple robe, only his long face and two arms visible. From his brow hung strands more than half a foot long; his eyes were half closed, his mouth pulled downward, and his beard, flecked with white, reached a foot in length. His left hand formed a mystical gesture, his right held a horsetail whisk, lending him an air of immortal dignity.

“Master, your disciple has been unfilial, so long without visiting you!” Escape Leopard knelt, bowing deeply in reverence.

“My child, rise,” the Old Demon said, opening his eyes just slightly to gaze at Escape Leopard. “You are the Left Chancellor of the Demon Kingdom, burdened with great responsibility. I suspect your return is not simply to see your master, is it?”

Escape Leopard pressed his palms together, nodding. “Just so, Master. I have met with trouble.” He recounted the water battle at Hongtong City and the nighttime assault at Juxiong Pass. At the painful parts, tears tumbled from his eyes.

“Master, you must avenge me!” He finished his tale and fell to his knees with a thud, knocking his head three times on the ground, pleading bitterly.

“Mmm…” The Old Demon listened, brows tightly furrowed, the muscles on his face twitching violently. After a long moment, he regained his composure.

“Ah!” he sighed deeply. “My child, let it go. Our Demon Kingdom is facing a great calamity, one beyond anyone’s power to avert. In my view, you would do better to abandon worldly affairs and stay here in the mountains to cultivate with me. Perhaps, one day, you may attain immortality, and your merits will be complete.”

“What? How can you say such things, Master? Are you still my teacher? I hardly recognize you!” Escape Leopard was stunned by his master’s words. He never imagined, after decades apart, his master would have changed so much.

In his memory, ever since the first day he followed his master to learn the arts, he had been taught to master many skills, and one day lead armies to conquer and expand the Demon Kingdom, achieving greatness.

Now, his master disregarded the Demon Kingdom, persuading him to retire to the mountains and practice demon magic!

“Master, you cannot abandon the Demon Kingdom! If Murong Yan and Leaf Maple lead the righteous army into our capital, the people of the Demon Kingdom will suffer!” Escape Leopard pleaded desperately, hoping his master would change his mind.

“My child, it is not that I refuse to help you, but our Demon Kingdom has slaughtered too many, inciting the wrath of both mortals and gods. Heaven itself will not aid us! If we persist, we may lose everything—our very lives. Why persist?”

The Old Demon spoke frankly.

“Why?! My fate is mine, not Heaven’s! If Heaven will not help me, I will fight Heaven! Why should the Grand Xia Kingdom attack us, and not we rule them? Their commoners and lowborn are meant to serve us! Only we can show them what it means to live, letting all things find their place, the fittest survive!”

Escape Leopard could not accept his master’s words, and retorted angrily.

“My child, do not be anxious. The world is meant for harmony. Our Demon Kingdom has oppressed Grand Xia’s people for too long, thus they rebel. Now, Murong Yan, Leaf Maple and their companions raise the banner of righteousness and counterattack, yet do not harm our people. Why should we interfere?”

Escape Leopard nearly doubted his own ears. These words did not match his master’s character at all.

He hurried to say, “Master, you are mistaken! What righteousness? Murong Yan and Leaf Maple are hypocrites and tricksters! They parade under the banner of justice while committing unspeakable deeds. When they were in Grand Xia, it was tolerable. Now they have entered our Demon Kingdom, harming millions!”

Escape Leopard tried every trick to persuade his master down the mountain to help repel the righteous army.

“Oh? Is that so?” The Old Demon looked at Escape Leopard, his face full of suspicion.

“If it is not true, I am willing to exhaust my demon powers and accept any punishment!” Seeing his master’s doubt, Escape Leopard hastened to swear.

“Enough, enough, let us not speak of this. Leopard, if you wish to stay and cultivate in the mountains, your master welcomes you. If you wish otherwise… Osmanthus, escort your brother down the mountain.”

The Old Demon would speak no more, summoning Wolf Osmanthus to send Escape Leopard away.

“Yes, Master!” Wolf Osmanthus replied.

He entered the cave, and seeing Escape Leopard about to protest, quickly blocked him. “Brother, let’s go. Master needs tranquility, please do not disturb him.”

Escape Leopard knew he could not persuade his master, and could only bow and take his leave.

Descending the mountain, Escape Leopard was thoroughly dejected. But Wolf Osmanthus was excited, reunited with his brother and curious about worldly affairs, pestering him with questions about the army.

Seeing Wolf Osmanthus’s interest in military matters, Escape Leopard had a sudden thought: Ah, my brother, after decades of cultivation under our master, surely has learned much. Why not lure him down the mountain to help me defeat Murong Yan and Leaf Maple, making him my ally?

With this in mind, he laughed, “Brother, these decades, what skills have you learned from Master?”

Wolf Osmanthus lifted his head proudly. “Well, don’t be jealous! My weapon is a bright silver spear, deadly in combat. For close quarters, I’ve mastered Mount Emei’s dagger, unbeatable in hand-to-hand fights. I can also disguise myself and sneak close to the enemy, striking when they least expect it.”

“Ah! Truly impressive, brother! Such transformations are rare among demons—perhaps you’ve nearly reached the realm of Thousand Variations?” Escape Leopard was delighted, flattering him.

“Heh heh… not quite! Master says to reach Thousand Variations, I must train for another hundred years.” Wolf Osmanthus, hearing praise from his brother, grew modest, scratching his head and chuckling.

“Such a pity…” Escape Leopard, seeing Wolf Osmanthus had taken the bait, laughed inwardly, but outwardly wore a look of regret, shaking his head.

Wolf Osmanthus immediately frowned. “Brother, what’s so pitiful?”

Escape Leopard hesitated, then said, “With all your skills, you have no place to use them. Isn’t that a shame?”

Wolf Osmanthus suddenly understood. “You’re right, but what can I do? If Master won’t leave the mountain, why would I?”

Escape Leopard shook his head. “Brother, you’re wrong. Master isn’t unwilling—he fears losing his reputation, diminishing his prestige! You’re different.”

Wolf Osmanthus’s eyes lit up. “Oh? How so, brother?”

Escape Leopard laughed. “You would be going as Master’s representative. If you win, it’s his glory. If you lose…” He hesitated, then assured, “Just don’t lose! Otherwise, Master’s face would be lost!”

Wolf Osmanthus nodded vigorously. “Naturally! How could I lose?”

Escape Leopard agreed. “Thus, you restore Master’s reputation, and no one will accuse him of bullying the weak.”

Wolf Osmanthus grew more pleased with every thought. He bowed. “Thank you for your guidance, brother. I shall return and request Master’s permission!”

He turned to leave, but Escape Leopard grabbed him firmly.

“Brother, why go back? Will Master let you leave? Are you foolish?”

“What should I do then?” Wolf Osmanthus scratched his head in confusion.

“In my view, take your weapon, mount your Winged Golden Tiger, and go down the mountain now. Defeat the righteous army, achieve great merit, and return to report. Then, Master cannot blame you!”

“Brother, isn’t that risky?” Wolf Osmanthus was startled, afraid to disobey his master.

“What risk? Master has always cherished and protected you—he won’t punish you for such a small thing!” Escape Leopard saw Wolf Osmanthus still hesitating, and tempted him. “Brother, let me tell you, there are many delicacies and beauties in the world below. If you defeat the righteous army and win glory, the Great Sage Golden Ape will reward you with rare foods and graceful beauties. Then, with fine food in your mouth and beauties in your arms, you will live as a true immortal!”

At the mention of “beauties,” Wolf Osmanthus’s eyes shone. “Brother, are there really many beauties below?”

Escape Leopard saw his reaction and thought: Success! But kept a calm face. “Would I lie to you? Go if you wish—it’s up to you.”

He quickened his pace, striding ahead.

“Brother, wait, I’ll go!” Wolf Osmanthus cried, hastening his steps.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

He caught up in three strides.

Escape Leopard, hearing the footsteps behind him, was delighted and turned. “Good, I’ll wait for you. Fetch your weapon and your Winged Golden Tiger, and we’ll go together.”

“Alright! Wait for me!” Wolf Osmanthus, overjoyed, asked Escape Leopard to wait while he sped off to retrieve his gear and mount.

Who can say how much turmoil, slaughter, and bloodshed would follow in the mortal world from this?