My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

Chen Yi turned sideways, blocking in front of Donggong Ruoshu.

The man who claimed to be the Hidden Crown Prince merely smiled faintly and glanced to the side.

His subtle movements and gaze were easy to interpret; rather than targeting Donggong Ruoshu, he seemed to have stumbled upon something interesting, chuckling knowingly and remaining detached from the situation.

Even so, Chen Yi's vigilance did not relent, instead intensifying a bit. They had explored this space beneath the tower for several days, yet it was their first encounter with an entity capable of communication and possessing intelligence. Observing the words and actions of the Hidden Crown Prince, one couldn't discern how long he had stayed beneath this tower.

Ten years, a hundred years, or... nearly two thousand years?

Chen Yi's gaze subtly withdrew, inadvertently scanning Qing Yuan, whose master seemed pensive, possibly having anticipated the appearance of the Hidden Crown Prince.

He hadn't delved further into thought when Zhao Tong stepped forward, lowering the Magic Sword, and said, "Are you... the Sword Spirit of the Evil-Slaying Sword?"

The Sword Spirit of the Evil-Slaying Sword?

As these words were spoken, everyone paused, and the Daoists from Dragon and Tiger Mountain reacted with expressions changing instantly; what was more prevalent than excitement was unexpected bewilderment, as the incident was too sudden. Moreover... Zhao Tong, as the first disciple of the Heavenly Master, had never mentioned the existence of the Hidden Crown Prince.

Chen Yi, on the other hand, remained indifferent; after all, he wasn't here for the Evil-Slaying Sword. The Hidden Crown Prince within, in proper opposition to the Holy Emperor outside, such titles being relative, would be abnormal if they didn't have some connection.

The wind was calm around, and the eight corpses of Dragon and Tiger ancestors silently stood in formation, seemingly awaiting orders from the Hidden Crown Prince, while the Dragon Tiger Mountain people had complex and subtle expressions, unable to discern the situation, opting temporarily for silence.

After circling this group of people for a long time, the Hidden Crown Prince finally looked back at Zhao Tong,

"Sword Spirit... are you referring to me? Who told you that?" His face appeared younger than Zhao Tong's, yet he inquired with the tone of an elder.

Zhao Tong answered complacently, "It was by Master Huaqian."

"I don't recognize him; it seems this person didn't exist when I left," the Hidden Crown Prince paused, then spoke slowly, "Though not entirely wrong."

After a few casual exchanges, the previously tense atmosphere slightly eased, even though the Dragon Tiger Mountain people still harbored vigilance, but they lowered hostilities slightly. The White Lotus Sect folks appeared bewildered, so they too dropped some hostility.

If communication is possible, then everything can be communicated; there's no need to fight to the death.

At this moment, a somewhat discordant voice sounded,

"You call yourself the Hidden Crown Prince... while outside there is a Holy Emperor."

The Hidden Crown Prince turned his head, his gaze slightly sharp.

"So, does that mean you're his... son?"

......

The familiar voice, also familiar in its mockery—who else would it be making such remarks?

Qing Yuan lowered his gaze slightly, silently shaking his head at this rebellious disciple's character; most people would approach cautiously out of suspicion, observing proper etiquette completely, but this rebellious disciple was different, responding with mockery alone to expose flaws and vulnerabilities in others. He always acted this way; when suspicious, there's little respect to be had.

Once, she asked him why he knew not of benevolence toward others and adapting to the dust.

He boldly replied: Since there's mutual distrust, why bother scheming with hidden knives? Better to unsheathe early.

Reflecting sometimes, the response resonated with her, their temperaments somewhat alike, yet she still reprimanded him thoroughly; lacking strength and brashly revealing edges yields harm, thus not indulging his individuality.

The Hidden Crown Prince looked back to see Chen Yi walking forward with a smile, Zhao Tong frowned, reaching out to stop him, but was brushed aside by Chen Yi's hand, hidden force within, causing the Dragon Tiger Mountain first disciple to retreat several steps, almost staggering.

The Hidden Crown Prince glanced sideways, the gaze moving to the approaching martial artist, sleeves crossed with a casual salute,

then smiled.

Smiling greeted with smiling.

Yet the relationship between them didn't seem as intense as their expressions suggested.

The Daoists hurriedly supported Zhao Tong, and the previously relaxed atmosphere instantly tensed again. They watched Chen Yi warily, fearing disturbances, knowing the Hidden Crown Prince was the Sword Spirit of the Evil-Slaying Sword, Chen Yi accompanying and protecting him. If they clashed, distinguishing friend from foe would be nearly impossible, unsure whom to support.

Qing Yuan saw this scene whole, not caring much; she understood Chen Yi; as long as no one blocked his way, regardless of tension, peace prevailed eventually.

Those who understand me, call my heart worrisome; those who do not, wonder what I desire, much like the "First Lady," displaying a tense face.

Taichua Goddess, being young, could be forgiven ignorance of etiquette; considering her as Chen Yi's woman, many maneuvers observed by Qing Yuan remained unexposed, letting her continue, lest she be indulged, unaware of limits...

Yin Weiyin observed worriedly, not knowing why, as a chill crept upon her neck.

She instinctively turned back quickly, starting a bit... the one-armed man wasn't there either, wondering what was happening with her.

Turning back again to look, there, Chen Yi and the Hidden Crown Prince, after confronting for a moment, suddenly eased.

"You know of the Holy Emperor, from their courtesy?"

Seeing him nod, the Hidden Crown Prince slowly spoke:

"Seems we're not the same kind."

"Never were."

The Hidden Crown Prince glanced to the side, asking, "You're not here for the Evil-Slaying Sword?"

Without turning back, Chen Yi simply pointed backward with his thumb, "They are."

"Then surely, you must continue deeper." Saying this, the Hidden Crown Prince glanced at Donggong Ruoshu.