Despite their progressive views, Xue Mu knew that what they considered normal was a serious philosophical exploration of the martial path—it didn’t mean they tolerated crude, vulgar talk.
They routinely used seduction to manipulate others simply because they had been forced into hiding for a thousand years, making it a survival mechanism that eventually became a habit.
In reality, they did not condone reckless, unbridled indulgence.
This was exactly why they could put on a fiercely flirtatious performance yet strictly emphasize that they should only toy with others’ emotions while never falling into the trap themselves.
Unfortunately, such an ideology was incredibly prone to degradation.
More often than not, they genuinely required their disciples to sacrifice their bodies to secure information or influence; they couldn’t exactly maintain a sect full of pure, unsullied saints.
Reflecting on how smoothly and decisively Menglan had offered herself, and how entirely unbothered Xue Qingqiu had been by it, Xue Mu realized that after a thousand years, the vast majority of their disciples had likely grown accustomed to the practice.
At this stage, many of them probably behaved no differently from the Joyous Union Sect…
In fact, even the core inner circle had likely become somewhat warped.
Xue Mu was certain that if he had actually wanted to play with a couple of those captured Orthodox girls earlier, Yue Xiaochan would have handed them over without a second thought.
Such behavior was already quite a far cry from their highbrow, cosmic martial manifesto.
They were steadily descending further into demonhood.
He suddenly understood why they no longer accepted male disciples.
In a sect environment like this, the presence of men would inevitably lead to rampant, widespread promiscuity.
It would be entirely normal for those in high positions to sleep with hundreds or thousands of disciples, turning the entire place into a chaotic, smoke-filled den and ruining countless excellent prodigies who were meant to practice their core techniques.
Whatever massive upheaval happened in their history was likely tied to this exact issue.
The male disciples were subsequently purged, but since they technically still needed to investigate the secrets of yin and yang, they didn’t explicitly write a rule banning men from the sect; it was simply left to the discretion of the reigning Sect Master.
Being the Sect Master was clearly no easy task.
Regardless, structural degradation was one thing, but their core “Way” resonated deeply with Xue Mu’s tastes.
It felt remarkably modern.
In fact, looking at it from another angle, if “Orthodox and Demonic” were defined strictly by whether mainstream society approved of your line of work, then his career in the modern idol-manufacturing industry back home was similarly looked down upon by mainstream society.
In other words, he had been part of a demonic path in his previous world as well.
The modern deviant had crossed paths with an alternate-world fiend.
Their mental wavelengths aligned perfectly time and again; no wonder he was growing closer and closer to them.
Beside him, Xue Qingqiu suddenly burst into laughter.
It wasn’t her previous faint or ironic smile, but a genuinely joyous expression.
“Given your intellect, it’s impossible for you not to see the societal divide here, yet you feel absolutely no conflict about it…
This only proves that deep down, you genuinely believe our path is normal.
No wonder you always get along so well with the people of my sect.
If I had crossed paths with you all those years ago, I might have truly broken tradition and granted you entry into our inner gates.” Xue Mu let out a warm laugh as well.
“Exactly.
So, it goes back to what I said before—if you are fiends, then I am a demon, a match made in heaven.
Let’s not claim my words carry some sinister, hidden agenda anymore, alright?” Xue Qingqiu replied with a brilliant grin, “You are my younger brother.
You’ve been a demon since the moment we met.” In this exact moment, she found Xue Mu more agreeable than ever before.
A man who completely validated her life’s philosophy was truly a once-in-a-millennium find; she hadn’t even been sure someone like that could exist, yet here he was.
For someone like her, who was painstakingly climbing the perilous peaks of martial comprehension, finding someone who validated her “Way” was a profound, soul-level gratification.
It was far more potent than any shallow sweet talk.
This time, when she called him her younger brother, it carried genuine sincerity, completely free of her prior strategic calculations.
It was just a pity he was so weak.
Otherwise…
well, forget it.
“Alright, alright…” Xue Mu really didn’t want to keep going in circles with her over the sibling dynamic.
He laughed, “Now I know certain topics are officially on the table.
For instance…
when exactly is Big Sister going to teach me those dual-cultivation techniques?” Xue Qingqiu broke into an amused laugh.
This absolute bastard truly knew how to give him an inch and take a mile.
The moment she declared that discussing such things was perfectly normal, he immediately redirected the topic toward her.
Far from being offended, she replied with complete ease, “Once we find a way to purge the toxins from your body and establish your martial foundation, if you wish to learn dual-cultivation, Big Sister will naturally teach you.” Xue Mu felt his heart turn completely to mush, marveling at how formidable this enchantress truly was.
His question had intentionally carried a double meaning, harboring a subtle flirtation.
Xue Qingqiu’s response was equally ambiguous.
“Big Sister will teach you”—did that imply pure, theoretical instruction on paper, or a much more hands-on lesson?
This kind of casual, accidental bedroom banter was what truly stirred a man’s heart and left him craving more.
It genuinely made Xue Mu feel as though he were locked in a witty, flirtatious verbal sparring match with a mature, sophisticated modern businesswoman back home over drinks.
Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from the shadows ahead.
“Utterly shameless.” Xue Mu snapped his head up.
After weaving through countless streets and alleys, they had arrived at the absolute dead end of a deep lane, terminated by a somewhat dilapidated, small building.
Xiahou Di stood right by the entrance, casting a thoroughly disdainful glare down her nose at the pair.
Xue Qingqiu replied languidly, “The Six Gates governs everything under the heavens, yet you still want to police how I speak with my younger brother?” Evidently, given Xue Qingqiu’s terrifying cultivation level, it was fundamentally impossible for her not to notice that Xiahou Di was already standing nearby, eavesdropping on their approach.
Yet, she had still casually chosen to maintain that exact flirtatious, double-entendre banter with her “brother.” Her chaotic, seductive nature was on full display.
As expected, Xue Mu thought.
That stern, imposing persona of a supreme Sect Master is completely an act for her underlings.
This lawless, teasing behavior is her true nature out in the martial world…
Xiahou Di was clearly in no mood to waste her breath on their banter.
She turned on her heel with a sharp twist, leaving them with nothing but the dramatic flurry of her scarlet cape as she commanded, “Get in.” Xue Qingqiu guided Xue Mu inside, noting indifferently, “This is her personal estate.
Looking at how dilapidated this place is, I can’t tell if this incorruptible facade of hers is a carefully crafted act or the genuine article.” Xue Mu mused, “Since she’s someone driven by core convictions, I imagine it’s the real deal?” “Not necessarily.
Nobody actually lives on pure ideals,” Xue Qingqiu sneered, stepping forcefully into the main hall.
Without waiting for Xiahou Di’s invitation, she arrogantly claimed a seat for herself, and Xue Mu promptly sat down right beside her.
Xiahou Di took her place at the head of the hall.
Forgoing even a basic gesture of hospitality like offering tea, she stated coldly, “Sect Master Xue, didn’t you declare earlier that you refuse to believe I speak for the entire Divine Constabulary?
Why bother sending a missive to arrange a midnight meeting?
What is left for us to discuss?” Xue Qingqiu sneered, preparing to fire back, but Xue Mu offered a subtle, reassuring shake of his head.
Xue Qingqiu froze for a fraction of a second, forcing a biting insult right back down her throat.
She merely let out a sharp huff, closed her eyes, and lapsed into absolute silence.
Before arriving tonight, they had agreed to let Xue Mu handle the negotiations with Xiahou Di entirely.
Xue Qingqiu had accepted the arrangement; after all, given the explosive friction between her and Xiahou Di over the past two days, they would have likely started tearing the building down within three sentences, rendering any negotiation an absolute impossibility.
Still, if she hadn’t developed such an overwhelming sense of respect and goodwill toward Xue Mu earlier, she would have never yielded the floor to him so easily and decisively.
Seeing a single gesture from Xue Mu effortlessly shut Xue Qingqiu up sent a violent jolt of shock through Xiahou Di’s mind.
Her lips thinned, and she temporarily found herself completely at a loss for words.
Even if you sat the leaders of all The Eight Orthodox Sects in this room together, they couldn’t dream of commanding that kind of compliance from her…
From the looks of it, this so-called “younger brother” wielded an influence over Xue Qingqiu that far outperformed any of their initial intelligence.
His strategic value needed to be massively overestimated going forward.
Xue Mu cupped his hands toward Xiahou Di, offering a calm smile.
“Regardless of whatever bad blood exists between us, my elder sister and I are guests tonight.
Chief Constable Xiahou’s hospitality leaves a lot to be desired.” Xiahou Di went silent for a moment before finally commanding toward the back, “Bring tea.” An elderly servant quickly arrived bearing a tray.
Xue Qingqiu kept her eyes closed, ignoring the gesture entirely, but Xue Mu inclined his head politely to thank the old man before taking a gentle sip.
The flavor was a far cry from the exquisite brew he had enjoyed at Xue Qingqiu’s quarters…
It seemed the daily life of a Chief Constable of The Six Gates—essentially the equivalent of a modern Minister of Public Security—was remarkably less comfortable than that of the Star-Moon Sect, despite the latter’s massive financial losses.
Seeing Xue Mu actually go out of his way to thank an ordinary servant caused another flash of surprise to cross Xiahou Di’s eyes.
Once he set his cup down, she spoke.
“Can you finally enlighten me as to why you two have graced my home tonight?” Xue Mu smiled, his expression thoroughly calm.
“I wish to conduct a transaction with Chief Constable Xiahou.” Xiahou Di replied indifferently, “If your intent is to propose a trade to secure Yinye’s release, save your breath.
There is nothing to negotiate.” Xue Qingqiu’s eyes snapped wide open, a lethal, razor-sharp focus radiating from her gaze.
Xue Mu had been closely tracking her reactions the entire time.
Seeing the warning signs, he swiftly reached over and caught her sleeve.
Xue Qingqiu glared down at him, her eyes practically yelling, Do you honestly think I lack the discipline to see the bigger picture?
Xue Mu simply stared back at her in absolute silence until she let out another sharp huff and closed her eyes once more.
Xiahou Di found the silent exchange thoroughly fascinating.
The dynamic between these two “siblings” was incredibly entertaining.
She had never once imagined Xue Qingqiu possessed such a side; it was as if she had stepped right out of the rigid, blood-drenched labels traditionally assigned to a demonic sect master.
She looked human—fully grounded in reality.