Blinded by Love

In the Hall of Serenity.

Gu Qingfeng sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his face twisted in frustration. The entire Hall of Serenity was sealed off by formation barriers.

He had no intention of breaking through the formations, even though they couldn't possibly contain someone who had mastered the Heaven-Sealing Forbidden Technique like himself.

But what would he accomplish by leaving?

The Emperor Demon Sword was definitely out of reach now.

And he'd most likely just be captured again.

Wouldn't escaping just make him look more like he'd fallen to demonic influences?

The best strategy now was to stay in seclusion for a few days to dispel Dugu Wei's suspicions.

Damn it!

I was too impulsive! If I'd kept my cool back then, I might have gotten the Emperor Demon Sword!

Aaaaah!

My Emperor Demon Sword!

Now Dugu Wei definitely won't let me near that sword anytime soon. Can't fight him either. Looks like I'll have to rely on the Human Demons now.

Use the Human Demons to obtain the Emperor Demon Sword!

Gu Qingfeng made up his mind.

But right now, the immediate crisis takes priority. Those bastards from the Hell's Gate actually dared to mess with me? They're like an old man eating arsenic - tired of living.

It all comes down to strength. I'm still not strong enough.

At least the contact with the Emperor Demon Sword wasn't completely wasted. My Indestructible Sword Body has reached minor mastery and awakened a new ability.

[Sword Devouring]

Can enhance the Indestructible Sword Body's foundation by consuming divine swords.

This innate ability was perfect for Gu Qingfeng because he had nothing if not swords.

Thousands of divine swords of various grades.

It pained him to think about it, but to grow stronger and better position himself to obtain the Emperor Demon Sword, Gu Qingfeng gritted his teeth and decided to start eating.

With a wave of his hand, the Hall of Serenity was instantly filled with thousands of gleaming divine swords.

He casually picked one up, a flash of pain crossing his eyes, then activated his Indestructible Sword Body. The sword in his hand immediately began trembling violently, emitting mournful whines.

Then, the divine light on the sword seemed to be sucked away, flowing like water into Gu Qingfeng's body.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick...

The sword in Gu Qingfeng's hand turned to ashes.

His eyes shone with delight: "It really does enhance me! At this rate, I might reach major mastery of the Indestructible Sword Body without needing the Emperor Demon Sword."

But his joy quickly faded as his face fell: "Sigh... I wouldn't have to waste resources like this if I'd just gotten the Emperor Demon Sword. Could've taken the easy path. What a missed opportunity!"

After this moment of regret, Gu Qingfeng steeled himself and immersed in cultivation, swallowing his precious sword collection with a bleeding heart.

......

In a hidden location within the Sword Sect.

"Our chance has come! Gu Qingfeng has been infected by the Emperor Demon Sword's demonic energy and is showing signs of demonic corruption," Meng Yan said excitedly.

Currently, knowledge of Gu Qingfeng's "demonic corruption" was limited to the Sword Sect's leadership, as the Emperor's Heir was fundamental to the sect's foundation.

Ling Fei'er, however, didn't share Meng Yan's excitement. Instead, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes.

Meng Yan then produced a deep purple demon seed and handed it to Ling Fei'er.

"This is a special demon seed the Sword Demon prepared specifically for Gu Qingfeng. He's currently recuperating in the Hall of Serenity to purge the demonic influence. Take this opportunity to visit him and find a way to implant this seed in him.

With the foundation laid by the Emperor Demon Sword, we're certain to succeed this time." Meng Yan, oblivious to Ling Fei'er's unease, spoke enthusiastically.

Ling Fei'er quickly responded: "But haven't we failed to awaken Gu Qingfeng's kindness and virtue? Without that, the demon seed won't take effect. We shouldn't waste another one."

"Kindness and virtue?" Meng Yan snorted coldly. "Don't get me started on that! These past days, I've treated him to drinks daily, showered him with gifts, and what thanks do I get? Not a single return invitation!

Kindness and virtue? Gu Qingfeng has the conscience of a rabid dog! His heart's colder than the ten-thousand-year cold iron I use to forge swords - utterly unmelting!

As for waste, don't worry. Not only do we have the Emperor Demon Sword's groundwork, but this particular demon seed was specially crafted by the Sword Demon with tremendous effort - completely different from previous ones.

If previous seeds were like violent storms, this one is like spring rain nourishing silently.

It works like a parasite, gradually deepening its roots in Gu Qingfeng's psyche over time without triggering resistance. Outwardly, there'll be no signs. Within a month, it'll be firmly established.

When activated with the secret technique then, it'll shatter his mind completely, making Gu Qingfeng fully succumb to demonic ways. Until activation, not even a Heavenly Venerable could detect anything amiss."

Hearing how potent this demon seed was, Ling Fei'er grew increasingly anxious, silently clutching the seed in her hand.

Meng Yan finally noticed her hesitation and said sharply: "Ling Fei'er, why are you wavering?

Don't tell me you've fallen for Gu Qingfeng?"

Ling Fei'er panicked and denied immediately: "No! How could I possibly love him? I hate him!"

Meng Yan narrowed his eyes, cold light flashing within them: "Better not have. Remember, our lives as Human Demons are in the Sword Demon's hands. You know his methods well enough.

If you dare disobey, you'll beg for death before it comes!"

"I know," Ling Fei'er nodded silently.

"Good. Here's the token for the Hall of Serenity. With this, you can enter without alerting Dugu Wei."

......

Night fell.

Gu Qingfeng had already devoured dozens of divine swords, his heart aching as if stabbed by blades - it felt like losing a hundred million.

Yet he was about to lose billions more, because Ling Fei'er arrived.

Whoosh!

A graceful figure slipped into the Hall of Serenity.

"Uncle Gu, Fei'er came to see you. I heard you've been corrupted by demons, I was so worried... Mmm..."

Ling Fei'er's mouth was sealed.

After a long while, she finally managed: "You're terrible! What was that for?"

"Don't talk. I'm in a very... heated state right now!"

......

During their cultivation session, a deep purple demon seed suddenly appeared in Ling Fei'er's hands which were wrapped around him.

But she hesitated, conflict flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Gu Qingfeng immediately sensed something. Ever since obtaining the Indestructible Demon Soul from the Heart Demon, he'd gained the ability to manipulate emotions and desires, making him extremely sensitive to emotional fluctuations - and demonic energy.

So he clearly perceived the demon seed in Ling Fei'er's hand behind his back.

This pleased him - Ling Fei'er was such a good girl, never taking without giving.

But why was she hesitating?

Feeling her inner struggle, Gu Qingfeng was startled. Oh no, she's actually developed real feelings after all this time together.

He could perceive every emotion in her - admiration, fear, confusion, unease, inner conflict...

Don't do this!

Our pure relationship shouldn't be tainted by something as messy as love!

After another moment, Ling Fei'er seemed to finally make her decision and put the demon seed away, clearly having lost her head to love.