As long as the Dao fire burns, the demon seed will be passed on forever.

　　Defying the heavens to cultivate, following the heavens to form the elixir.

　　This is the story of a boy once invaded by a demon seed, who grows up cultivating in a Daoist sect that sees demons as mortal enemies.

　　He has been labeled as “needs to be watched,” and his life’s path is destined to be different from others.

Volume One: Demon Invasion

Chapter One: The Boy’s Decision

　　Jack snapped the willow switch in his hand with force, took a deep breath of the warm, grassy scent, and made the most important decision of his life.

　　He had only lived for twelve years, far from understanding the full meaning of this decision, but everyone in Wildwood Town who knew him understood: this was a stubborn boy, like a young wolf just learning to use its limbs and teeth, who would charge to the edge of a cliff just to see what was there, even knowing the danger—no one could hold him back.

　　“I need your help.” Jack said earnestly, his dark eyes full of hope.

　　In front of him, four boys of about the same age squatted on the grass, looking up at Jack in confusion. A little farther away, several groups of livestock grazed lazily. They were all shepherd boys, and among them, a dozen or so horses were under Jack’s care.

　　“You want... to take Fangfang away?” Brian Smith, Jack’s best friend, with a kind, round face, didn’t seem fully supportive this time.

　　“Yeah. Not take—rescue. Fangfang will come with us willingly.” Jack corrected him firmly.

　　“Are you sure?” Brian Smith glanced at the other three, who were younger, and grew even less confident. “Did Fangfang tell you that herself?”

　　“No, you all know Mr. Carter doesn’t let me into the school.” Jack wouldn’t lie to his friends. “But it’s obvious, Fangfang couldn’t possibly...”

　　Brian Smith’s younger brother, Bruce Smith, chimed in, “Fangfang couldn’t possibly want to marry into the The Sullivan Family. She’s just waiting for someone to help her run away.”

　　“Exactly.” Jack snapped the willow switch again. “We act tonight. Two of us keep watch outside, three go into the school to find Fangfang. That’s all there is to it.”

　　The four shepherd boys looked at each other. Brian Smith pushed up his straw hat uneasily. “The The Sullivan Family is the richest family in town. More than half the cattle, horses, and sheep we herd belong to them. I think... I think maybe Fangfang isn’t unwilling to marry over there.”

　　A skinny, dark-skinned boy backed up Brian Smith’s view. “I heard Mr. Carter is especially happy to marry into the The Sullivan Family. He picked tomorrow as the lucky day himself.”

　　“Mr. Carter is a money-grubber. He sold Fangfang to the The Sullivan Family and got a lot of silver for it.” Bruce Smith said with disdain, gesturing as if holding a pile of treasure.

　　The last boy spoke up. “Mr. Carter isn’t really greedy. His family came from elsewhere and wants to settle in Wildwood Town, so he’s eager to marry into the The Sullivan Family.”

　　“Mr. Carter seems like a good person. He even gave me my name.” Brian Smith frowned, trying to recall his formal name.

　　Jack was getting anxious. He simply squatted down on the grass, meeting the four across from him at eye level, staring unblinkingly. “We’re not talking about Mr. Carter, we’re talking about Fangfang! She doesn’t want to—who would want to marry an idiot?”

　　The boys all shook their heads. Bruce Smith was more inclined to help Jack, and added, “Big Chad Sullivan is over twenty and can’t even feed himself. When he gets mad, he hits people.”

　　All the kids in Wildwood Town had met the Young Master Sullivan. They all looked up, recalling being chased by him. The skinny boy added, “Big Chad drools all day long. If Fangfang marries him, she’ll have to wipe his mouth every day.”

　　“So? Will you help?” Jack asked, feeling hopeful.

　　But he was disappointed. When it came to the crucial point, all four boys backed out. Even Bruce Smith, who had always supported him, lowered his head, suddenly more interested in the ants on the grass.

　　“Little Jack.” Brian Smith felt a little guilty. He’d never refused a friend’s request before, but this time was different. “You’re not... still thinking Fangfang is your wife, are you?”

　　Bruce Smith and the others lowered their heads, stifling laughter, snorting through their noses.

　　Jack’s face turned cold. He stuck the willow switch into the soft grass. “I keep my word.”

　　“Weren’t you just joking?” Brian Smith muttered, but seeing Jack’s stubborn look, he gave in. Though he was a year older, he always ended up following Jack. “Fine, I’ll help.”

　　“I’ll help too.” Bruce Smith immediately agreed.

　　The other two boys also nodded.

　　“Go home as usual. After dinner, we’ll meet on the bridge.” Jack felt a weight lift from his heart.

　　Discussing Jack’s simple plan, time flew by. By dusk, the five excited boys gathered their livestock and headed back to Wildwood Town together. No one suggested a more detailed plan, just as Jack had said: “It’s that simple.”

　　Leaving the woods, on the small bridge east of Wildwood Town, their enthusiasm met its first setback.

　　Eric sat on the bridge rail, having spent the whole afternoon bragging and horsing around with his friends, waiting for the first battle for power and status in his life: today, he would prove that he was the true leader of Wildwood Town’s boys aged ten to fifteen.