The Seventy-Ninth Day of Fatal Destiny

A gentle breeze began to stir within the walls of Fourth Middle School. The giant centipede’s enormous limbs were poised to strike, and just as its claws were about to pierce Fang You’s body, a sudden flash of golden light erupted from him. In the next instant, the soul of a divine general wielding a double-bladed trident manifested before Fang You.

“Brazen demon, how dare you commit murder in the presence of this Divine Lord, and even slay a practitioner of the Dao? What punishment do you deserve?” Yang Jian’s gaze was like a torch, his voice unwavering and righteous.

“Heavenly... Heavenly God... The Heavenly God has descended!” The massive centipede retreated in terror.

Yet Yang Jian raised his three-pointed, double-edged blade, as if ready to attack, but then spoke with a measured tone, “Considering the difficulty of your cultivation, I will spare your life today. Should you ever trouble the common folk on this land again, thunder from the heavens shall strike you down, leaving neither body nor soul!”

The centipede, overwhelmed with gratitude upon hearing Yang Jian’s words, prostrated itself, “Thank you, Divine Lord, for sparing me! Thank you!”

Without another word, the centipede fled, burrowing deep into its cavern.

“How could you let it escape?” Fang You protested, unwilling. “That demon is vicious—if left alive, it will surely bring calamity to many more!”

Yang Jian withdrew his blade, his expression troubled. “I am but a remnant soul, possessing only a fraction of my former strength. Battle consumes my soul power; once it is depleted, I too shall fade into nothingness.”

Fang You finally understood: Yang Jian was now only a lingering spirit. If he continued to fight, his soul would be exhausted, and he would be lost forever.

“I understand. Still, thank you, Second Lord, for your assistance.” Fang You expressed his gratitude. The appearance of Yang Jian had also caused the centipede’s venom within Fang You to dissipate swiftly.

“Borrowing your mortal form, it is my duty to protect you. A hundred years ago, we were friends; since the demon has retreated, should danger arise again, you may still call upon me.” With these words, Yang Jian returned to Fang You’s body.

Clutching the recovered soul of the young girl, Fang You hurried back to the village.

The villagers were anxiously awaiting his return, especially Elder Ye. Fang You explained that he was a disciple of Maoshan, capable of subduing demons, and that he had retrieved the girl’s soul and persuaded the cave deity to continue protecting the villagers.

Elder Ye was hesitant—not because he doubted Fang You’s abilities, but out of fear. If the cave deity could not be appeased and fled, it could bring disaster to the village.

From the distant hillside, Fang You appeared, holding an oil-paper umbrella and looking somewhat disheveled as he made his way back.

“Teacher has returned! How did it go? Teacher... what happened to you?” Elder Ye eyed Fang You’s scorched and tattered clothes with suspicion. Had he truly confronted the cave deity?

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“Where is the girl?” Fang You asked urgently.

“She’s here, Teacher, please!” The crowd quickly cleared a path. The girl sat in a chair, still wearing a vacant, foolish expression.

Fang You approached, opened the oil-paper umbrella, and used a charm to summon the soul. He ignited the charm and waved it three times before the girl. “Soul, return to the body; the spirit is whole—awaken!”

At Fang You’s booming command, the girl sprang to her feet in fright. “Why so loud? You nearly scared me to death!”

“Where am I? Why are so many people gathered around me?” She looked about, confused.

Her parents, seeing their daughter awake, embraced her in tears. “Our daughter has returned! If anything had happened to you, what would your mother do?”

“Mom, Dad, what’s wrong? What happened to me?” The girl was bewildered by everyone’s gaze.

Elder Ye, witnessing this miracle, tried to kneel in gratitude. “Teacher, you are truly a master! Our Gu school only knows how to cultivate gu insects; we have no power against such evil spirits. Fortunately, you passed through today—otherwise, this girl’s life would have been lost in vain!”

Fang You quickly stepped forward to help the elder up. “No need for formalities, Elder. Driving out evil and demons is the duty of a Maoshan practitioner.”

The villagers regarded Fang You as a celestial being, expressing their gratitude with reverence.

Fang You simply waved his hand. “I ask that you guide me to the main village.”

“Let my daughter Yue lead our benefactor!” Elder Ye called out to his daughter from afar. “Yue, come here and show our benefactor the way!”

A young woman adorned with many silver rings and possessing a delicate beauty approached. “Yes, Father!”

“Thank you, young lady. If you don’t mind, may we depart at once?” Fang You, increasingly worried for his uncle, hastened. He had heard that great upheaval was imminent.

“No problem at all! Just follow me,” Yue said with a smile, walking ahead. Fang You hurried after her.

As Fang You departed, the villagers smiled and whispered, “A hero emerges from youth. Nowadays, there are few with such abilities.”

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On the other side—

Fang You followed Yue out the back gate of the village.

“How far is it from here to the main village?” Fang You asked, walking behind her.

“About one to two days’ journey,” Yue replied cheerfully. “The seven villages of Miao territory each have elders with unique skills, and every village has its own specialty.”

“I am skilled at resolving gu spells. The life gu within me is a medicinal silkworm, used to detoxify and dispel gu. In times of danger, it can also harm enemies.” She glanced at Fang You. “Teacher, are you married?”

“No, I am not,” Fang You answered truthfully.

“If you aren’t, what do you think of me?” Yue spoke frankly. “I’ve witnessed your abilities. If you would marry me, we could stay here together, healing and protecting the villagers.”

Fang You immediately understood—Yue admired his skills and hoped to keep him in the village through marriage, all for the sake of the people.

But Fang You’s fate was cursed; his life was destined to bring misfortune to those closest to him. Moreover, he had resolved to spend his days vanquishing demons and practicing the Dao, never again entangled in worldly affairs.

For some reason, Fang You’s thoughts drifted to Zhang Shengnan, and a fleeting notion crossed his mind: “If I were an ordinary man, I could pursue Zhang Shengnan without hesitation, marry and raise a family as others do.”

But the thought vanished as quickly as it came.

“Teacher, why are you silent?”

“Oh, nothing—just lost in thought.”

“Oh!”

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