Chapter 99
Wei Jie pounded against the barrier, his fists bloody, his black eyes blazing with fury, a wolf glaring at the man who dared touch Xiao Xiao.
There wasn’t enough vinegar in the world for this level of jealousy.
But his rage wasn’t directed at the Dongyuan Emperor. It was directed at himself!
If he were strong enough, he would have shattered this pathetic barrier! He wouldn’t have to watch, helpless, as Xiao Xiao was humiliated!
His anger intensified, his demonic energy surging, coursing through his veins like the roots of a plant, reaching deep, then rising…
Xiao Xiao, knowing she was no match for a deity, didn’t resist. As the Dongyuan Emperor glared at Wei Jie, she said calmly, “Are you done? Can you release me now?”
He turned to her, a genuine smile finally touching his lips. “Do you… know who you are?”
She frowned, confused.
He didn’t release her, his hand caressing her cheek, as if touching a precious treasure. “You were the Wei Feng Divine Lady in your past life,” he said, his voice soft. “My destined partner…”
She couldn’t help but laugh.
She had heard such arrogant pronouncements before.
Qin Lingxiao, the self-proclaimed leader of the cultivation world, had also declared her his fiancée, bestowing upon her the “honor” of a future marriage.
Had the Dongyuan Emperor, possessing Qin Lingxiao’s body, also inherited his arrogance, his penchant for forcing women into marriage?
He wasn’t surprised by her reaction. He pulled her close, his voice soothing. “It’s alright if you don’t believe me. I’ll prove it to you. But this… relationship… with Wei Jie… it has to end. I won’t tolerate it. I won’t allow you to be with that… worthless mortal…”
Xiao Xiao finally met his gaze, her smile fading. “If you insist on making such claims,” she said, her voice sharp, “then I have some questions. Fine, let’s set aside whether I’m Wei Feng reincarnated. Tell me, why couldn’t she withstand her heavenly tribulation? She was a deity! And you, her supposed partner, where were you when she faced her punishment?”
His brow furrowed. “The tribulation arrived early. She was injured. I didn’t know…”
She cut him off. “Oh, what a coincidence! She was injured, the tribulation arrived early, and you were conveniently absent… Are you sure it was a tribulation, not a carefully planned assassination?”
He remained silent, his lips pressed together.
She pushed his hand away, her voice cold. “You call Wei Jie a worthless mortal? Then tell me, what were you doing while your beloved partner was trapped in the underworld, her soul suffering?”
His eyes narrowed, and he said, his voice laced with a hint of guilt, “I tried to rescue her. I attempted to enter the underworld, but that ancient Flame Emperor… he stopped me. That’s when I realized… he had designs on her…”
Xiao Xiao, tired of his lies, scoffed. “Your reputation precedes you. There are legends about you everywhere. Yu Ling’er told me about your… romances… with countless goddesses. After Wei Feng’s death, you were so heartbroken that you retreated to the Jade Pool to mourn. And then you consoled yourself with two of the Saint’s attendants, becoming the celestial realm’s version of the Ehuang and Nüying sisters, didn’t you?”
His brow furrowed further. Even in the celestial realm, there were rivalries, a struggle for power and influence. Deities often resorted to slander, spreading rumors about each other’s indiscretions.
Who had spread those tales, those long-forgotten flings he barely remembered?
But it didn’t matter. He had found Wei Feng. He would prove his devotion to her, show her that she was the only one he needed.
Seeing him struggle to come up with an excuse, Xiao Xiao knew her suspicions were correct.
That poor goddess… she had chosen the wrong man, a spoiled child of privilege, a love not blessed by the heavens.
If she truly was the Heavenly Emperor’s chosen daughter-in-law, would she have been punished so severely?
In those legends, unless it was a minor deity, a gatekeeper, who had committed a transgression, had any true god ever faced a heavenly tribulation for their own actions?
As long as they didn’t covet the Heavenly Emperor’s throne, or pursue his women, or disrespect the Queen Mother or the Saint… their existence was peaceful, their position secure.
But the Wei Feng Divine Lady, a renowned warrior, her achievements rivaling those of the Dongyuan Emperor and the ancient Flame Emperor… someone had clearly wanted her gone.
An early tribulation… it seemed more like a deliberate act, an assassination.
Xiao Xiao, having witnessed the harsh realities of life, knew that the Dongyuan Emperor was somehow involved in her death.
She glared at him, her voice laced with a chilling calm. “Compared to you, Wei Jie might not be a radiant god, but he’s a real man! When he thought I was trapped in the underworld, he shattered his own divine power core to save me. A worthless mortal like him… he’s worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. I’m not a fool. Why would I choose you over him? And even if I were Wei Feng, I doubt she would want anything to do with you. Save your sweet words for your own ears!”
Her words, sharp as blades, pierced his heart.
He was a master manipulator, but his greatest miscalculation had been underestimating her importance.
He grabbed her throat, his anger surging, but he couldn’t find words to refute her accusations.
The barrier blocked the sound, but his actions, his hand tightening around her neck… to those outside, it looked like he was trying to kill her!
Xiao Xiao, her words laced with venom, her gaze fixed on Tang Youshu and the others, continued her tirade.
Tang Youshu had mentioned a soft spot on the northern tip of the island, a possible weak point in the barrier. They might be able to dig their way out.
As she distracted the Dongyuan Emperor with her insults, Tang Youshu, having activated a Ground-Drilling Talisman, had burrowed into the soft earth.
They had noticed the island trembling slightly, like a ship, which explained why Yu Ling’er’s seasickness hadn’t completely subsided.
Tang Youshu had a theory – this island wasn’t a true island. It was a floating mass of earth, a “ship” created from Xirang soil.
That explained the legend of Zhangwei Mountain, its existence outside the realms of earth, sea, and sky.
The mountain was likely located on this artificial island.
Xiao Xiao hoped the layer of earth wasn’t too thick, that Tang Youshu could break through quickly. He, Wei Jie, and Yu Ling’er could escape through the tunnel.
As for her… she would distract the Dongyuan Emperor, giving them a chance to flee.
The sea might be rough, but beneath the surface, it was often calmer. If they could avoid the dangerous currents, they had a chance.
She was afraid, her throat constricted by his grip.
But she had a plan. Once they escaped, she would pretend to be Wei Feng, play along with his delusion, try to appease him.
But she was wrong. Tang Youshu wasn’t digging down. He was digging towards them, towards the other side of the barrier.
She saw him emerge from the ground, his face covered in dirt, and she wanted to scream.
Idiot! Why wasn’t he running? Was he trying to get himself killed?
The Dongyuan Emperor, sensing his presence, turned, his hand lashing out without hesitation.
But Tang Youshu, agile, managed to snatch the Zhulong statue from his sleeve.
However, he was no match for a deity. The Dongyuan Emperor’s attack, a blast of energy, sent him flying, scorching the earth where it landed.
Xiao Xiao, her heart pounding, cried out, “Master!”
She saw the blood spraying from his mouth, the severity of his injury.
She hadn’t called him “Master” since their separation. But in that moment, her concern overwhelming her, the word slipped out.
But the Dongyuan Emperor, distracted, his barrier momentarily weakened, was caught off guard. A figure, his face half-covered in black scales, a demonic aura radiating from him, shattered the barrier, his attack a force of destruction.
Xiao Xiao, still trapped, stared at the approaching figure, his eyes filled with a chilling rage…
He was like the Demon Lord from her dreams, a nightmare come to life, his fury a tangible force.
He… he had scales?
Before she could comprehend it, he lunged at the Dongyuan Emperor, a whirlwind of darkness, his attack even more powerful than the Heaven-Punishing Sword, leaving a deep furrow in the ground.
The Dongyuan Emperor, realizing the danger, shoved Xiao Xiao aside, raising his hand to block the attack.
But he had underestimated him! His barrier shattered, a searing pain shooting through his arm, a sickening crack echoing in the air.
His arm… it was broken! How was this possible? Wei Jie’s power… it had increased exponentially!
He didn’t have time to think. Wei Jie’s fists, imbued with demonic energy, rained down upon him.
His speed was blinding. He dodged the first few blows, but two punches landed on his ribs, followed by a barrage aimed at his face.
This wasn’t a battle between deities. It was a brutal brawl, fueled by rage, fists connecting with flesh, each blow a release.
Xiao Xiao, seizing the opportunity, rushed to Tang Youshu’s side, Yu Ling’er joining her, her arms wrapped around him, her voice filled with concern.
Xiao Xiao checked his pulse, her heart sinking. There was no trace of spiritual energy. He was like an ordinary mortal.
“What happened?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Where’s the demonic bead?”
Tang Youshu coughed up more blood, a weak smile touching his lips. “I… I returned it to its rightful owner… to Master… He now possesses the demonic energy of two lifetimes. Whether he can control it… it’s up to you… He’s… he’s dangerous… Don’t let him… become a monster…”
That explained Wei Jie’s sudden transformation, his increased power, his ability to overpower the Dongyuan Emperor. Tang Youshu had given him the demonic bead!
In their past life, Wei Jie’s descent into darkness had been a slow, agonizing process, a path paved with humiliation and pain, shaping him into a ruthless demon.
In this life, his demonic nature, triggered by Xiao Xiao, was still manageable, a flicker of humanity remaining.
But the combined demonic energy of two lifetimes… even Tang Youshu couldn’t predict the consequences.
No wonder the Dongyuan Emperor had been caught off guard, so easily overwhelmed.
But Tang Youshu, having returned the bead, having risked his life to distract the Dongyuan Emperor, allowing Wei Jie to save Xiao Xiao… he had put himself in danger.
Without the bead, his cultivation weakened, how could he withstand a deity’s attack?
His words, a final farewell, triggered a wave of grief in Yu Ling’er, her sobs mixed with fox cries.
Xiao Xiao, her face pale, her lips trembling, said, “Are you insane?! He told you to distract him, and you obeyed? Didn’t you realize you were walking into a death trap?!”
Tang Youshu, clutching his chest, chuckled weakly. “He didn’t tell me to do it… It was… my decision. I’m the one who brought you to this time. I wouldn’t let… let anyone harm you… I’m your master. I should have protected you… like a father… I’m sorry, Xiao Xiao. I failed you…”
He held out the Zhulong statue, stained with his blood. “Take it. It will take you back… I buried… two chests of silver in the back mountains of Lingshan… It’s all we have… When you return… you’ll at least have… enough money… to live comfortably… to be a true… carefree… Sect Master…”
He turned to Yu Ling’er, her face streaked with tears.
This silly girl… she had loved his master so deeply in their past life, her devotion unwavering, her sacrifices unnoticed by his master’s hardened heart. But he had seen it all.
His own feelings for her… they had changed, but she had never looked at him, her heart belonging to someone else. He could only bury his love deep within his heart.
And then, reborn through the demonic bead, returning to his own time, he had encountered her again. But she had fallen for Qin Lingxiao.
He had watched, a silent guardian, preventing her from repeating her past mistakes.
And even when she had finally moved on, her gaze turning towards him, he had pretended not to notice, refusing to reciprocate – he didn’t deserve her! He had seen his own future, his aged, wrinkled face, his limited potential.
He was destined to die. Even if he lived again, he would eventually become a frail old man!
Could he condemn her to a life of heartbreak, to watch him wither and die two hundred years later?
Love between a fox and a scholar… it never ended well.
He had needed all his strength to resist her kisses, her innocent, passionate advances.
His indifference had often brought tears to her eyes.
But he had been right. Looking at her now, her eyes red and swollen… he would make her cry one last time.
And then they would part ways, their debts settled. She would forget him, find a suitable partner, and achieve enlightenment.
He took her hand, his bloodstained lips gently brushing her fingers, pouring all his unspoken love into that one touch.
As he released her hand, his body stiffening, Yu Ling’er, her eyes wide with terror, clung to him, her voice choked with sobs. “No! Don’t leave me! You bastard!”
Xiao Xiao shoved her aside.
She channeled her energy, forcing the Fox Tribe’s spirit stone from her own body, pressing it against Tang Youshu’s abdomen. Yu Ling’er, understanding her intention, joined her, their combined power pushing the stone towards him.
“You stubborn old fool!” Xiao Xiao shouted, her voice laced with a desperate anger. “If you’re going to die, at least choose the right place! This island devours souls! If you die here, you’re doomed! Open your eyes! Fight!”
The spirit stone could only be absorbed by a place or a being with strong spiritual energy. If Tang Youshu died, their efforts would be futile.
This stone, a gift from Nüwa to the Fox Tribe… could it save his life?
But despite their efforts, the stone wouldn’t enter his body.
Xiao Xiao, desperate, was about to offer her own Golden Core when Yu Ling’er, transforming into her fox form, regurgitated her fox bead, forcing it into Tang Youshu’s mouth.
The bead disappeared the moment it touched his lips, and the spirit stone, under Xiao Xiao’s persistent pressure, finally sank into his abdomen.
Tang Youshu, who had been still moments ago, coughed up a mouthful of blood, his chest heaving, then sat up abruptly.
Xiao Xiao, exhausted, collapsed beside him.
He touched his body, his ribs, broken moments ago, now healed. He felt lighter, stronger, even more so than when he possessed the demonic bead.
He looked down at the spirit stone within him, then at the small, white fox, her once-proud three tails now reduced to a single, scraggly one, her fur dull and lifeless.
Without her fox bead, she had lost all her cultivation. She had sacrificed her power to save him!
His lips trembled, and he pulled her close, his sobs echoing through the air.
Xiao Xiao’s heart ached for them, but this wasn’t the time for sentimentality. She had to get them off this island.
As she had said, even if they died, they wouldn’t die on this cursed island, their souls and lifespans fueling the growth of those demonic embryos.
Meanwhile, Wei Jie’s battle against the Dongyuan Emperor had reached its conclusion.
The Dongyuan Emperor, for the second time in a thousand years, regretted his choice of vessel – why had he chosen Qin Lingxiao?!
He had successfully suppressed the original soul, taking control of the body. But certain ingrained reflexes remained.
When he possessed Ye Yi, he would stare at attractive women, indulge in Ye Yi’s favorite foods.
But Qin Lingxiao’s habits… they were infuriating!
Whenever Wei Jie struck him, he froze, his body stiffening, like a mouse paralyzed by a snake’s gaze!
He had forgotten that Qin Lingxiao had been Wei Jie’s disciple, that ingrained fear of his master…
The Dongyuan Emperor, who had forgotten what it felt like to be hit, was now experiencing it firsthand!
And after enduring blow after blow, he felt an urge to kneel, to prostrate himself before his master!
In a battle between equals, this was a fatal flaw! He kept getting distracted, trying to suppress his body’s instinctive reactions, while Wei Jie, fueled by his rage, grew stronger, his attacks relentless, splitting the Dongyuan Emperor’s lip.
The waves crashed against the island, its descent accelerating. A strange force pulled at them, preventing them from taking flight.
If they were swept away by the waves… who knew what awaited them? “If we continue fighting,” the Dongyuan Emperor said, his voice strained, “we’ll all die here!”
His words, however, lacked conviction, delivered with a bruised and swollen face.
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