I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

The Penghu clan, Young Master Peng, Peng Zhang.

A villain who emerged during the mid-novel struggle for the title of Demon Emperor, the one who left the deepest impression on Ye Yong among his many subordinates was a fellow named Liu Xu, known for his exceptional stealth. During the time when the protagonist and Ye Qingwu were getting acquainted, Liu Xu had been dispatched by Peng Zhang to follow Ye Qingwu, discovering her interest in a certain human lad. As a fervent admirer of Ye Qingwu, Peng Zhang could not tolerate this and promptly ordered Liu Xu to eliminate Long Tian. Fortunately, aided by the protagonist’s halo and the help of the fallen immortal elder, Long Tian managed a thrilling counterattack.

With Liu Xu’s death, the conflict between Long Tian and Peng Zhang escalated to a breaking point.

In short, to describe Peng Zhang in a simple phrase: arrogant and self-important, with the means to back it up. The Penghu clan boasted a relatively pure bloodline of the Roc, making them quite esteemed among the demon aristocracy, their foundation solid. Even if he turned the imperial city upside down, the Great Zhou Dynasty would not dare to kill him; to do so would invite disaster upon themselves. One could say that the “peace treaty” somewhat restrained the demons from wreaking havoc in the human cities.

The moment Ye Yong guessed Peng Zhang’s identity, a chill ran down his spine. He could never have anticipated that a mid-novel antagonist from such a privileged background would suddenly appear in a human city. Had he suspected earlier, Ye Yong would never have purchased the Nine Directions Sun and Moon Demon Seeking Disk; with Peng Zhang’s temperament, he would surely have marked that grudge.

Fortunately, the Great Zhou Dynasty had not yet made it known that they received Ye Yong’s assistance, and there were few who were aware. A subtle hint to Zhou Suren should keep it under wraps.

Regrettably, while the incident that left Peng Zhang at a disadvantage could be concealed, the report of Ye Qingwu’s control over the Black Water Secret Realm, leading to its destruction, and the ensuing conflict with the Blood Flame Sect… those matters would likely be impossible to hide.

However, it was common knowledge that Ye Yong was a guest of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Peng Zhang did not immediately send Liu Xu to assassinate him; instead, he targeted the Fifth Elder of the Blood Flame Sect, indicating that he was temporarily unaware of the situation.

Currently, the matter of the Black Water Secret Realm was only circulating among humans; once the fervor passed, it would be seldom mentioned. So many days had already gone by, and the heat had cooled; now, discussions revolved around capturing demon cultivators alive, while Ye Qingwu had yet to inform her family of the realm’s destruction. As for inciting conflict with the Blood Flame Sect, only the parties involved were privy to that…

At this point, Ye Yong could only pray that when Peng Zhang captured high-ranking members of the Blood Flame Sect, he would kill them outright, without inquiring about their conflict with Ye Qingwu. Otherwise, with all these factors compounding… Ye Yong dared not think further.

“Is there something troubling you?” Qin Shidream noticed his fluctuating expression, her mind elsewhere, and gently inquired.

“No,” Ye Yong shook his head. Once the butterfly effect was set in motion, one event would lead to another, creating many unforeseen circumstances. Ye Qingwu was the heroine; he would inevitably encounter her, and conflict with Peng Zhang was unavoidable, though it had come too soon.

In any case, Ye Yong had resolved to carry defensive items with him at all times from now on, capable of withstanding three strikes from a late-stage transformation. At least he would have time to react, avoiding a sudden, inexplicable death.

“If you have worries, feel free to tell me. Perhaps I cannot help much, but two heads are better than one,” Qin Shidream would not press too hard, merely expressing her desire to share the burden with him.

“Thank you.”

The visitor was a high-ranking eunuch, who announced that the previously halted state banquet would proceed as scheduled, and it was now time for the guests to take their seats.

——

The state banquet of the Great Zhou Dynasty was of considerable grandeur, attended by many prominent figures. Ye Yong, as the rising star, drew attention the moment he stepped into the grand hall, sparking a flurry of whispers and speculation.

Qin Shiming walked beside him, equally under the spotlight, as young talents cast admiring glances her way.

With the main guest present, Zhou Suren did not wait for those still outside; he stood with a wine cup in hand, prompting all the guests to rise in unison.

Avoiding the topics of the Elder of the Blood Flame Sect’s death and the demon race, Zhou Suren focused instead on how Ye Wen had “captured” the demon cultivators. He delivered a brief speech filled with words meant to uplift the righteous, concluding with a toast that he downed in one go, marking the official start of the banquet.

Throughout the evening, many posed questions to Ye Yong, inquiring about how he achieved the Seven-Colored Foundation, what breathing techniques he practiced, his current cultivation level, and whether he had assistance during the capture of the demon cultivators, among a barrage of other queries.

Ye Yong skillfully deflected their inquiries, managing to respond without truly answering.

Seeing that he was an impenetrable wall, the curious turned their attention to Qin Shiming. Unlike Ye Yong, who would at least offer token responses, she either shook her head or pretended not to hear, remaining silent and frugal with her words, exuding an air of aloofness throughout.

After several failed attempts to engage her, the inquisitive souls lost interest and ceased their futile probing.

During the banquet, there was a segment for strongmen to compete, and some audacious young men sought to challenge Ye Yong, hoping to diminish the reputation of the “Heavenly Prodigy” and impress the fairy-like Qin. Yet, before Ye Yong could even decline, the sixteenth prince, Zhou Feifan, shot them a glare, causing the challengers to bow their heads like quails, too intimidated to act.

After a lively evening filled with the hollow flattery and insincerity of the banquet, Ye Yong felt only the weight of pretense. They were not friends, but rather players in a game of hierarchy, each with their own agendas. He had no expectations for such gatherings to be anything more than superficial. Having little interest in the political arena, Ye Yong was even less inclined to step into it now; he simply wished to focus on his cultivation and become the strongest passerby.

Once the banquet concluded, Ye Yong was summoned to the imperial study, where Zhou Suren presented several storage bags, stating that these were tokens of gratitude, along with the Nine Directions Sun and Moon Demon-Seeking Plate returned intact to his hands.

“I know that compared to the help you provided, these are nothing,” Zhou Suren continued, “so I have specially prepared a position for you…”

“Please, no!” Ye Yong blurted out, then added, “I believe I am not suited for the political realm; I would likely just occupy a position without merit. Your Majesty’s kindness is appreciated, but I must decline.”

It seemed that what one feared would indeed come to pass.

“Very well,” Zhou Suren conceded, not intending to press the matter, understanding that Ye Yong, like Ye Wen, wished to avoid entanglement in court politics.

“Regarding your assistance in rooting out the demon race…”

“Rest assured, I will ensure confidentiality for those in the know,” Zhou Suren replied, not a fool; he had anticipated this long before Ye Yong had even considered it.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ye Yong sighed in relief, feeling that the time he faced the scrutiny of Peng Zhang could be postponed a little longer.

It was clear that he was timid, but in Zhou Su Ren’s eyes, it had become Ye Yong’s humble display of not wanting to show off, making him even more satisfied: “I heard from Yun Qiu that you have very high talent, and you can go find her to discuss literature anytime. By the way, what do you think of Xiao Die?”

Ye Yong remembered that Xiao Die was the youngest princess, and now, hearing Zhou Su Ren’s tone, it was unlikely that he was going to marry her off.

75 Fully Filled

“Although I’ve only seen Princess Xiao Die once, I can sense that she’s a wise person. Why did Your Majesty suddenly bring her up?” It was a three-year-old matter, and Ye Yong didn’t dare to think wildly or make random guesses, so he could only pretend not to understand.

“That day, Princess Xiao Die saw you using music and painting to defeat the enemy, and she was very admiring and yearning. Simply put, she wants to learn from you.”

“I’m just a junior, how can I qualify to take on a disciple? If Princess Xiao Die truly has an interest and talent in this area, she can try participating in the Tian Luo Sect’s examination and join the Music and Painting Hall. At that time, as a senior, I’ll

Zhou Suren patted her shoulder, chuckling, “If you can’t become a disciple, there’s still a chance to be a junior sister. The key is that you must have the talent for it; talent alone isn’t enough—you must also put in the effort.”

“Hmm…” Zhou Xiaodie regained a flicker of spirit, lifting her head to blink her bright eyes at Zhou Suren. “Does Father know any masters who understand music and painting? I will study diligently, striving to join the Tianluo Sect as soon as possible.”

“Rest assured, I will arrange everything for you. But if you can’t learn it, don’t force it. In cultivation, each person has their own path suited to them; forcing it will only lead to the opposite of what you desire.”

“Understood.” Zhou Xiaodie gazed at the spot where Ye Yong’s figure had vanished, her small fists clenched slightly.