Chapter 104: Despising Me ≠ Rejecting Me

As He Yimo stepped onto the high stage under the gaze of the crowd, his confidence wavered slightly. After all, Chen Jianxin and Gu Wanglan had both died by his hand—yet here he was, accepting an award. The irony was almost suffocating.

But just before he took the stage, Mo Yuyan had silently taken his hand. Turning back, He Yimo saw her give a subtle nod and a faint smile. It was as if she’d infused him with courage.

He took a deep breath, strode up the steps, and stood tall before the silver-haired, sharp-eyed man opposite him. He recognized this figure instantly: Mudao Sheng, the Sect Master of Wuji Sect, Mu Yanran’s father, and Mo Yuyan’s master.

Though Mudao Sheng held great status, he rarely appeared in the original story’s plot. His role was largely ceremonial—the saying went, “Sect Masters flow like water, Elders are like iron pillars.” He couldn’t control the veteran Elders beneath him, nor override the authority of higher-ranking Immortal Masters.

In truth, the only thing He Yimo admired about Mudao Sheng was his longevity. Even in the late game, he remained unharmed and of sound mind—a rare feat in Fallen Immortal, where characters like Mo Yuyan, Mu Yanran, and Jiang Jinyou either died or went mad. In a way, surviving unscathed was a skill in itself.

—

At the Ceremony Platform

“He Yimo,” Mudao Sheng began, his voice resonating. “This morning, I received the reports regarding the Mountain God Temple and Snow Village incidents.

“You performed admirably. Though Chen Jianxin’s death is regrettable, you exposed Gu Wanglan’s corruption, rescued Senior Sister Mo amid crisis, and fought alongside her to defeat him…”

His gaze shifted below, locking onto the white-robed immortal in the crowd.

A faint smile touched Mudao Sheng’s lips as he patted He Yimo’s shoulder. “Moreover, Senior Sister Mo tells me that since arriving at Wuji Sect, you’ve shed your former habits and excelled on Soot-Stained Peak. You have not disappointed her expectations…”

“This master is truly gratified!”

But as he mentioned Mo Yuyan, his grip on He Yimo’s shoulder tightened abruptly.

“Hiss—!”

A searing pain shot through He Yimo’s shoulder. He feared it might crack under the pressure.

Could it be that Mudao Sheng noticed Mo Yuyan’s subtle gesture before the stage? Was this his warning?

But Mudao Sheng was Mu Yanran’s father—did he meddle in others’ private lives too?

He Yimo gritted his teeth, enduring the ache while maintaining a calm facade, his eyes locked on Mudao Sheng.

After a long silence, Mudao Sheng finally released him, beaming with satisfaction. “Hahaha…

“Yimo, there’s no need to be so formal. Your great-grandfather and I are old friends! In the chaotic era, we shared trousers! Hahaha!”

Though Mudao Sheng spoke with nostalgic fervor, He Yimo found it hard to keep a straight face.

Why this sudden familiarity?

If He Yimo weren’t a reborn soul, he might have been charmed. But as it was, he knew too well—in the original story, Chen Jianxin killed him, yet Mudao Sheng did nothing. To protect the “Child of Prophecy,” he even incited Wuji Sect to feud with the He family. Now that Chen Jianxin was dead, he cozyed up to He Yimo.

“Enough, enough. I know youngsters don’t care for old tales,” Mudao Sheng chuckled. “He Yimo, your performance here will be reported to your clan. I believe your uncles and cousins will be impressed!”

Seeing He Yimo’s reserved nature, Mudao Sheng stopped the small talk, giving his shoulder another encouraging pat before stepping back.

He Yimo didn’t mind—it was Mudao Sheng’s signature move: brief remarks then exit stage left.

However, compared to the harmless Sect Master, He Yimo’s attention was now fixed on the woman Mudao Sheng had called “Qiuya”—an Imperial Alliance official.

The Imperial Alliance was the official organization under the Great Xia Dynasty, unifying righteous cultivators. Unlike the fragmented sects, the Alliance embodied central authority—uniforms resembling “imperial military attire,” standardized mission rewards, and direct oversight of regional powers. Its branches existed in every major sect and city, diluting the influence of individual factions while enforcing imperial will.

The Alliance’s representative at Wuji Sect? Shangguan Qiuya, the very woman Mudao Sheng had just named.

“Shangguan Qiuya…” He Yimo’s eyes darkened. “In my past life, I never got to see your defeat CG. This time, when I outrank you, you’ll regret this!”

He burned with resentment toward Shangguan Qiuya. Regardless of whether he played as a righteous or evil cultivator, she tormented him in the mid-game.

– As a righteous protagonist: Jiang Jinyou’s meddling would cast suspicion on him, leading to interrogation.
– As an evil protagonist: Capture meant torture and a lifetime in prison.

Worst of all, even if he became strong as a righteous protagonist, her official status made retaliation impossible. A simple “apology” would nullify his grievances. You’re the protagonist—can you take revenge on a government official?

And for evil protagonists? Fallen Immortal didn’t even offer a defeat CG to vent his frustration!

No wonder Shangguan Qiuya ranked second only to Jiang Jinyou in his hatred.

—

The Confrontation

As Shangguan Qiuya ascended the stage, her cold, proud dragon-like eyes fixed on He Yimo beneath her gold-rimmed spectacles.

“He Yimo,” she stated icily. “For exposing Gu Wanglan, the Imperial Alliance bestows upon you this Medal of Honor.”

From her robes, she produced an ornate medal. According to Alliance protocol, she pressed her left hand to her right chest and bowed slightly. Then, with a light leap, she fastened the medal around He Yimo’s neck.

He Yimo was about to consider an acceptance speech when Shangguan Qiuya leaned in, her voice a near whisper:

“He Yimo, after the ceremony, you will come with me for questioning.

“Though the Sect Master has closed the case on the Mountain God Temple incident, I find Gu Wanglan and Chen Jianxin’s deaths suspicious. Based on testimonies and timelines, you cannot be entirely cleared.”

She finished securing the medal, clapped her hands, and stood before him, arms crossed.

As a high-ranking official of the Great Xia, Shangguan Qiuya carried an undeniable presence—her posture ramrod straight, red-tinted eyeshadow accentuating her narrowed golden vertical pupils.

Damn it…

Even after being reborn, she won’t let me go?

He Yimo maintained a surprised expression, but inwardly, he seethed.

This is fate!

He’d avoided Jiang Jinyou, only to be caught by her during the Gu Wanglan/Chen Jianxin incident. Now, Shangguan Qiuya might be his second “destiny.”

“Officer Shangguan, do you suspect me?” He Yimo finally asked, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Hmph.” Shangguan Qiuya didn’t answer, her eyes still locked on him with unreadable intensity.

Instead, she smiled faintly and began to applaud.

In this formal setting, their exchange remained silent to the crowd below. As her hands met, a wave of applause erupted from the disciples.

Bathed in the envious gazes of the younger generation, He Yimo turned and bowed to the audience.

“I thank all who investigated in Snow Village. Through your tireless efforts, we traced the Nine-Colored Deer to Wuji Sect’s back mountains, uncovering Gu Wanglan’s plot!”

His concise words deflected praise to the disciples. The crowd cheered louder, their admiration for He Yimo intensifying.

“Brother He is righteous!”
“Brother He is righteous!”

As one disciple started the chant, others joined in. Even inner-disciples unfamiliar with He Yimo nodded in approval.

Amid the chorus of praise, Shangguan Qiuya stared at He Yimo, speechless at his charisma.

But just as she lost herself in thought, He Yimo suddenly turned his head, startling her.

“Officer Shangguan, look…” He gestured toward the disciples below.

A knowing smirk touched his lips. “The people’s eyes are the clearest!”

“?!”

Shangguan Qiuya’s face paled. She bit her lip, her defensive glare unwavering. Yet, years of investigating cults made her sense an unexpected pressure radiating from him.

If my suspicions are correct… she thought, this smile alone would rank among the most cult-like expressions I’ve ever encountered.

“Frankly, your smile resembles a cultist’s,” she retorted coolly, meeting his gaze.

With her left hand, she hooked the thumb of her right, pulling off a black rubber glove with a sharp snap.

Without another word, she descended the stage, leaving He Yimo with a gaze of cold judgment.

“He Yimo, do not disgrace the He family’s name.
“Tonight, at the Mountain God Temple. I’ll be waiting.”

***

Grand Tutor’s Mansion, Evening

The Great Tutor’s Mansion buzzed with activity. In a side hall, a dignified young woman with azure hair sat elegantly in the guest of honor seat. Opposite her, Luan Xinyao slouched over the table, pouting into her hands. Her golden phoenix eyes practically screamed resentment.

“I told you this engagement was annulled years ago!” Luan Xinyao snapped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Your own family rushed to retract the betrothal after learning my nephew was a ‘cultivation waste’! Your elders sighed with relief!”

Mudao Sheng, seated above, cleared his throat. “Luan Xinyao, watch your words.”

“Is what this old woman said true, Uncle He?” Liu Ruying’s eyes widened in disbelief. She glanced at He Chen, who remained silent, her expression crumbling into despair.

“But for ten years, my parents never mentioned this… They must have assumed you despised my nephew… Don’t worry, Ruying. I understand.” He Chen sighed, sipping his tea.

He thought the drama was over—until Ruying’s next words made him spit out his tea.

“Despising me doesn’t mean I’m unwilling!”

“?”

Luan Xinyao: ???

—