My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

The palm-sized bloodstain spread on the stone brick, resembling a red flower.

The deceased was a Taoist from Dragon and Tiger Mountain, a member of the Zhang family.

It was already midnight at the time. According to the first person who discovered the body, they heard a "thud," as if something heavy had fallen. Hesitating for a moment, they decided to go outside for a look and found the person lying on the ground, lifeless. Subsequently, in a panic, they woke up the other Daoists.

The corpse lay quietly in front, with only one wound on the forehead.

"Junior Brother, did you really see the person fall dead by the door?"

"Yes, one foot was still inside the threshold..."

"Are you suggesting that he twisted his ankle leaving the door and accidentally fell to his death?"

"..." The Daoist who discovered the body remained silent for a while, then could only nod.

Zhao Tong's face turned a bit blue. Who would believe someone died from a fall like that? Even if believed, how could he explain this to his master upon returning?

If the deceased were an ordinary disciple, it might have been overlooked. However, it was a prominent member, and worse, a Zhang family member.

Dragon and Tiger Mountain, esteemed as the Taoist Ancestral Court of the world, widely accepts Taoists from all over, yet the true lineage is solely passed down within the Zhang family in the sect, from the first generation Heavenly Master, True Monarch Xianyou Zhang Daoling onward. Within the sect exists roles of successor and lineage master, specifically the Heavenly Master's son and grandson.

Moreover, Zhengyi Dao differs from Quanzhen Sect; Quanzhen does not question origins when transmitting teachings, while Zhengyi inherently stresses "lineage transmission." The Heavenly Master position on Dragon and Tiger Mountain has only ever been passed within one family name over the 2000 years since its establishment, with no other surname holding the position.

Because of this, every member of the Zhang family enjoys an inexpressibly high status within the sect. Though equality and kindness are emphasized ordinarily, a clear disparity between the treatment of Zhang family members and others is evident in crucial situations.

Disciples like Zhao Tong, due to exceptional talent, are adopted and renamed, becoming the legitimate first disciple of the Heavenly Master, yet even this doesn't entitle him to the position of Heavenly Master.

"If this is how he died, then what about his soul? Is the soul still here?" Zhao Tong asked, "Here, divination might not work, let's turn over and check it personally."

Only then did a few Daoists around him suddenly think of this issue, prompting Jingming, a Daoist, to hurriedly approach the corpse, check pulses and acupuncture points, set talisman paper on fire, and light a stick of soul-guiding incense on the Heavenly Spirit Cover.

After a long while, Jingming spoke, "The soul... the soul is still here..."

Jingming was outstanding in the Jing lineage, most adept at summoning souls and guiding spirits; no one doubted his words.

Zhao Tong's tightly knitted brow relaxed slightly but was replaced by greater confusion. So it was truly a case of twisting his ankle and falling to death?

That would be unusually careless.

Dragon and Tiger Mountain was not a sect practicing Taoist and Martial Dual Cultivation. Although disciples within the sect learn swordsmanship, it is merely for use in the Sword Array, requiring grueling and prolonged horizontal training. Few in the sect delve into it, and most Taoists have bodies similar to ordinary people. Twisting an ankle and dying from a fall seems odd but plausible...

"Is there any way to save him?" someone asked.

Zhao Tong approached, crouched down, observed for a while. The forehead had already caved in, the skin underneath shattered, bones mixed into the brain.

"Even a Daluo Golden Immortal couldn't save him," he shook his head and said, "No need to make it a big deal, just explain briefly later, get a coffin ready, then carry him out."

Jingming

With the person dead, thoughts turned to what to do next, as dwelling on small matters would endanger greater ones. Setting foot here, Dragon and Tiger Mountain had already prepared for the worst possible scenario of complete destruction. The urgent task was still to find the Evil-Slaying Sword.

Thinking of this, Zhao Tong hesitated no longer, deciding to downplay the matter, not even needing to alarm those from the White Lotus Sect.

"Everyone stay alert, guard the night well, and don't let anyone wander," Zhao Tong instructed.

Once the few people received their orders, they tidied up the corpse and returned to the temple. Although the Daoists did not dismiss concerns about this ancient temple, they not only searched it thoroughly inside and out upon lodging here but also had night-watch and strict prohibitions in place.

This incident seemed more accidental than due to the meddling of demons.

Chen Yi felt the same.

Because he witnessed the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Taoist die.

He himself was in the side room at the time, while Donggong Ruoshu was resting. He had been keeping watch all day, inadvertently looking out the window when he heard a "thud."

At that time, he froze for a moment. Who would have thought that stepping on the threshold, twisting an ankle, and falling to the ground would suddenly cause someone to die?

This kind of incident was completely unexpected, at most one could say it was incredibly unlucky.

Furthermore, Chen Yi had examined the body earlier than anyone else; there was no monster, no supernatural phenomena, and certainly no gods or Buddhas; the death was as ordinary as possible.

"It's a bit noisy..." Donggong Ruoshu rubbed her eyes awake, then asked again: "Did something happen?"

"Nothing much, get some good rest."

"...Oh, aren't you sleeping?"

"I am keeping watch."

"You're keeping watch... then who is watching over me?"

These words were inexplicably cute, prompting Chen Yi to smile gently, saying, "I'm watching over you."

She moved her face closer, resting it on her hand, and coquettishly said, "Watch over me."

Her cheeks were incredibly warm, a slight blush spread through her soft skin.

Not long after, she fell into a deep sleep, Chen Yi stayed close for a while before slowly letting go, softly exhaling. Even though the Old Saintess repeatedly warned of the formidable presence inside, this petite girl's demeanor simply invited relaxation.

A little closeness wouldn't hurt.

Chen Yi shifted his gaze and continued his night watch.

......

Time ticked away.

In the latter half of the night.

Someone accidentally died again.

A sudden scream alarmed the entire ancient temple, another death occurred inside, shaking the temple, prompting several people to wield swords and rush out the door to see a Daoist was dead in a side room, as described by a few people keeping night watch in the same room, he suddenly died while dozing off amidst sleep.