Chapter 59: Reunion Part 3

Silence fell over the Exorcism Division; no one spoke. Xiao Kun sighed softly. “As a Liao Person bearing the Shenzhou Exorcism Department’s legacy, I failed to gain the Heart Lamp’s recognition. Truth be told, I had no right to lead this division. Thanks to everyone’s trust and shared lives, we’ve made it this far.”

Chaosheng started to speak but hesitated. Wu Yingzong placed a hand on his shoulder and gently shook his head, signaling silence.

“The current situation is extremely dire— a matter of life and death,” Xiao Kun continued. “Reflecting on battles from Chengdu to now, danger struck when Xiang Xian and I acted alone, without relying on you all. The rare victories and glimpses of dawn came when we united as one.”

Chaosheng smiled; he had been the first to aid the Exorcism Division, initially just him, Xiao Kun, Xiang Xian, and A Huang—three men and a bird.

“So today, I earnestly request,” Xiao Kun said seriously, “that you all join us in rebuilding the Exorcism Division. I need your strength. Facing King Mu is not something Xiang Xian and I can handle alone.”

At this, everyone understood.

Wu Yingzong spoke first: “It should have been this way.”

Xiang Xian said, “Old Wu has always stayed by my side these years, stationed here for coordination and support, rarely fighting outright.”

Wu Yingzong replied, “I always hoped to help Master, but my Cultivation Base is low. Joining battles rashly might cause trouble.”

Xiang Xian laughed. “Your Cultivation Base isn’t low. Before, I didn’t ask because the Demon King hadn’t truly appeared. Now it’s different.”

Wu Yingzong glanced at Chaosheng, who nodded. Wu Yingzong earnestly said, “I’m willing to join the Exorcism Division.”

Xiao Kun thought and said, “Initially, I really didn’t want to drag Chaosheng in—you were just touring the mortal world for fun.”

“Why!” Chaosheng said seriously. “I must contribute too. I want to save Lord Jumang!”

“Good,” Xiao Kun resolved. “Then I’ll rely on you from now on.”

“As for Brother Hulü,” Xiang Xian said to Hulü Guang, “we met in the Western Regions. On this journey, we’ve owed you and been cared for by you.”

“Of course I’m willing!” Hulü Guang earnestly said. “You’re my Master; I’m your slave!”

“Don’t say it like that.” Xiao Kun was truly embarrassed. Strictly speaking, as Xiang Xian said, from their first meeting, they had nearly killed Hulü Guang by mistake. Without Chaosheng’s masterful Spells, they wouldn’t even have known.

Afterward, as the Gaochang Chancellor had said, Hulü Guang truly “endured hardship without complaint, working tirelessly.” In battles, he rushed forward without orders, heedless of danger. Normally, he acted like a servant, always at Wu Yingzong’s beck and call.

When told to cultivate, Hulü Guang trained diligently, just to help. When he couldn’t wield the Heart Lamp, he was deeply frustrated. What complicated Xiao Kun’s feelings was that Hulü Guang seemed utterly unaware of the Heart Lamp’s importance, never arrogant upon its recognition, never thinking himself superior.

That was the Heart Lamp! On par with the Wisdom Sword, the orthodox legacy of history, where all Grand Demon-Exorcists were Heart Lamp Holders!

Even more baffling to Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian: Hulü Guang seemed the only one without personal goals. His reason for fighting was simple: formerly his master’s orders, now because his companions needed the Heart Lamp.

Hulü Guang earnestly said to Xiang Xian, “Master, whatever you command, I’ll do. As long as you need me.”

Hulü Guang’s words were too ambiguous, but paired with his sincere expression, they moved Xiang Xian inexplicably.

Xiang Xian began, “Back then…”

He had meant to say, “Back then, when we got the Slavery Deed, it was just a joke; I intended to free you.” Fortunately, he stopped and changed to: “Back then, Xiao Kun and I saw you and knew you’d be our good brother.”

“I understand.” Hulü Guang smiled. “I see you as both brother and Master.”

“Oh—” Baoyin watched Xiao Kun’s expression and suddenly noticed something.

Hearing this, Xiao Kun felt a twinge of jealousy, but he quickly told himself there was no other meaning. At first, they thought Hulü Guang might love Chaosheng, but observation disproved it. Later, he grew close to Mu Qingshan, yet without romantic ambiguity.

“What are you ‘oh’-ing about?” Xiao Kun asked Baoyin, who then fell silent.

Xiang Xian sorted out his emotions and said earnestly, “I hope that one day, you can also find a person or cause to devote your life to and become your true self. We will sincerely be happy for you, good brother.”

Hulü Guang nodded as if he half-understood.

These words were directed at Hulü Guang, but the implication subtly hinted at Wu Yingzong. Wu Yingzong’s handsome face immediately flushed red, and he dared not look at Chaosheng. For a moment, the hall was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.

“Too awkward, I can’t take it anymore.” Xiao Kun really couldn’t stand the mood and turned to Mu Qingshan. “As for you, Qingshan.”

“Mm,” Mu Qingshan said. “I know. Sure, I’m willing to join you.”

Mu Qingshan agreed quite readily, which surprised both Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun a little. But upon reflection, it made perfect sense.

Mu Qingshan said, “What Xiang Xian said earlier was right. Although the Black-Winged Great Peng carried out the clan massacre, the true mastermind behind it was Demon King Mu Tianzi. My family is gone, and I have nowhere to go. I’m willing to join you.”

Mu Qingshan fell into thought. He had one more reason he hadn’t voiced: if he didn’t join the Exorcism Division, he would be dragged back home to get married.

“As for A Huang.” Xiao Kun glanced at A Huang on Xiang Xian’s body.

Xiang Xian said sincerely, “A Huang already has an official position and joined even earlier than you.”

“What?” Xiao Kun thought he had misheard.