Chapter 108: In the Fields

A man, a demon, and an immortal sat together at a table, enjoying their meal and engaging in lively conversation.

After the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, the monarch rose first with a smile and said, “I can’t stay any longer. I’m afraid if I eat more, lingering too long will aggravate an old injury. I must quickly use a spell to dispel it. You two enjoy your meal—I’ll be going now.”

Ye Sansi and the Immortal Peng also stood, intending to accompany the monarch, but he waved them off: “No need to trouble yourselves. You carry on eating.”

The two reluctantly saw the monarch off, then returned to their rooms and sat down. Immortal Peng chuckled, “Congratulations, Brother Sansi. To be appointed an elder of the Demon Realm at such a young age—clearly, the king holds you in high esteem. From now on, you must cultivate diligently; you are destined for greatness.”

Peng smiled again. “Brother Sansi, every move of the demon clans in this realm is under the king’s control. Had I not interrupted you earlier, if you had spoken wrongly, I fear the king might have blamed you. It’s hard-earned to be made an elder—you mustn’t squander it.”

“You mean, the spell you just cast was to prevent our conversation from being overheard? So the king wouldn’t notice?”

Peng nodded slowly, smiling. “Exactly. The spell conceals our speech and vision. The king sees only us eating and chatting. Brother Sansi, now you can speak freely without fear.”

“Peng, I…”

Ye Sansi’s words were cut off by Peng. “Brother Sansi, focus on your meal—it's already cooling.” With that, Peng waved his hand, and a golden light enveloped the stone chamber.

Ye Sansi was puzzled. “Peng, what do you mean? Why...?”

Peng laughed. “Brother Sansi, the king’s appointment stands firm; it cannot be revoked. You should rest easy in your role as elder. Didn’t you say once that after the demon army retreats, you would return to Tranquil Immortal Isle? Then this title will be more for convenience than duty. You live your life as you please; there’s no need to worry about the responsibilities of this position.”

Ye Sansi considered Peng’s words reasonable. For now, this was the best course. Indeed, it was quite convenient—if he encountered difficult problems or matters he couldn’t face alone, he could turn to the Demon Realm’s clans for help.

After they finished eating, Peng and Ye Sansi went outside for a walk to aid digestion. Along the way, they remained silent—their earlier conversation having exhausted all they wished to say.

Ye Sansi nodded and said, “Peng, you treat me well, and I am grateful, but the position of elder in the Demon Realm is so prestigious—I really feel unqualified. Moreover, I am not one of their kind. How can the great demons below me accept this? Won’t it cause gossip about the king?”

“Hahaha,” Peng laughed heartily. “Brother Sansi, don’t worry. If you don’t speak, and I don’t speak, and the king doesn’t speak, how would the clans even know your true identity? When the time comes, I will announce it myself in a mysterious way—no one will question it.”

“But…”

Ye Sansi thought that once the crisis in the Demon Realm was resolved, if time allowed, he would visit Mount Cloudwalk to see Uncle Tree and share with him the amusing and perilous events of the past month or so.

Looking up at the sky, Ye Sansi stopped and smiled. “Peng, the sun and moon above us—are they magical creations of the king?”

“Exactly. How did you know?” Peng replied.

This Demon Realm occupied a special place atop a mountain peak, amidst the clouds—cool air but fresh and invigorating. Ye Sansi took a deep breath, feeling the chill fill his body, deeply comforting.

---

Ye Sansi couldn’t help but think of his own Nameless Peak: how is Uncle Tree doing? It had been many days since he descended the mountain. Uncle Tree must be lonely up there; he must find time to visit.

Yet, while thinking this, he knew that here in the Demon Realm, the demon armies could attack at any moment. If he left now, it would be a betrayal of Peng, the king, and the innocent demons.

“Hahaha, Brother Sansi, rest assured. With your abilities, you will surely make steady progress. Look ahead…”

Peng stopped and pointed ahead. They had unknowingly arrived back at their dwelling. He continued, “Life is often like this—destinations arrive unawares. You just need to take one step at a time. Only by walking can you know the outcome, right?”

Ye Sansi appreciated Peng’s wisdom and gradually understood why, among countless demons, he alone had attained immortality in this vast realm.

“Things are different from the outside world. It’s getting late, night is near. Shall we head back?”

Peng nodded. Seeing the bright moon, he realized the time was indeed late and laughed, “Ha! We got so caught up in our walk we lost track of time. Brother Sansi, any plans for tomorrow?”

Ye Sansi thought for a moment. “I suppose I’ll train with the king on the Devouring Origin Technique. It’s profound and intricate, with many subtle moves that are difficult to grasp. Learning it will take time. It would be a pity to leave before mastering it.”

The wind howled through the night, but at dawn, Ye Sansi awoke early.

Thinking it was too soon to disturb the king, he decided to visit the Ten-Thousand Household Village in front of the palace, spending an hour there before paying respects and seeking instruction.

Ye Sansi stepped out of the stone chamber, summoned the Heavenly Fury, and soared toward the village, landing shortly after.

He smiled and bowed, saying, “Thank you, Brother Peng, for your guidance. Each conversation with you brings great insight. I won’t disappoint you—I will cultivate earnestly.”

After a brief chat, they parted ways.

Back in his room, Ye Sansi lay lazily on the stone bed, feeling utterly comfortable. The bed eased his fatigue; warmth gradually seeped into his body, dispelling the day’s weariness. Soon, he drifted into sleep.

---

A demon, swift as lightning, covered more than a hundred paces in a blink and stood before Ye Sansi. He looked closely—it was a girl, delicate and lovely, with clear, bright eyes and rosy lips, exuding innocence.

Ye Sansi was stunned. The demon’s cultivation seemed shallow, yet her stepping technique was profound—far surpassing the Flame Walk Feather Step. Hesitant, he greeted, “Hel-hello.”

“Hi! Who are you? I’ve never seen you before. What are you doing here? And why the silly smile?”

Before them lay a vegetable patch, neatly planted with radishes and greens, cultivated with care rivaling mortal farmers. Ye Sansi liked the greenery—it energized him. Strolling there in the morning brought endless vitality, a lesson taught by Uncle Tree.

Stretching and enjoying the fresh air, Ye Sansi mused aloud, “I wonder if these vegetables could grow on Nameless Peak. If so, I’d never worry about hunger. And those tea trees Peng mentioned—I’d like to cultivate them too…”

He chuckled aloud, then noticed someone watching him from afar. Just as he was about to leave, the girl stopped him.

---

Ye Sansi thought: I’m being too cautious. This is just a child. Her clear eyes hold no malice—no reason to suspect ill intent. It’s early; I might as well share some stories from Nameless Peak.

He sat cross-legged, and the girl did the same.

“Ahem,” Ye Sansi cleared his throat and began recounting his tales.

The girl peppered him with questions. Ye Sansi was unsure how to answer—he couldn’t say he was an elder in the Demon Realm; who would believe it? If he misspoke, they might think him a thief, embarrassing both himself and the king.

Smiling, he waved his hand. “My name is Ye Sansi. I’m just strolling here, breathing in this fresh air. As for the smile—it’s because I thought of something happy.”

“Happy? That sounds fun! Tell me, so I can be happy too.”

For an hour, Ye Sansi shared amusing stories from his peak: hunting wild boars, gathering immortal fruits, using clever tricks to trap prey. The girl listened intently, completely absorbed.

Rising, Ye Sansi said, “Little one, that’s enough for today. I have matters to attend to. If time permits, I’ll come find you in this field again.”

After walking several dozen steps away, the girl suddenly called out, “You promised to come find me! Don’t break your word!”

Ye Sansi turned, waving in reply.

---

“My home is far, far away—called Qingyang. I live atop a great mountain there. The peak is beautiful, with flowers, birds, and beasts. The place is vast, often shrouded in clouds blending with the sun—a truly wondrous sight…”

...

“Just over a month ago, I descended the mountain and discovered such a world below.”

Ye Sansi squinted and smiled. “It’s good the king has come to terms with it. Brother King, do you have time today to teach me the Devouring Origin Technique?”

Seeing the palace doors wide open, Sansi flew in and landed. The king was pacing inside, looking more spirited than the day before.

Ye Sansi grinned, “Brother King, what’s happened? Yesterday you looked listless, never leaving your throne. Today you seem full of energy.”

The king smiled upon seeing Ye Sansi. “Brother Sansi, having energy is a good thing, isn’t it? Yesterday I pondered and realized worrying changes nothing. What will come, will come. Better to face it calmly, resting before the battle.”

Ye Sansi flew over a hundred paces to ensure the girl couldn’t see him, then soared to the royal hall.

“Of course. Why else would I leave the palace doors wide open? Today I will teach you every move of the technique, and you will practice each one. If you don’t understand, I will correct you step by step. How does that sound?”

“Yes, Brother King.”