Chapter 106
The bronze mirror reflected the faces of Ji Wuqi, her Senior Brother, and Jiang Nanmu, her Second Senior Sister, two hundred years in the future.
They were peering into the mirror, their expressions curious, their heads close together.
Seeing Xiao Xiao’s face, they jumped back, Ji Wuqi nearly dropping the mirror.
Jiang Nanmu grabbed it, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and relief. “Xiao Xiao! Where… where have you been? How did you get into this mirror?”
Xiao Xiao had vanished after that confrontation with Qin Lingxiao of the Sword Sect. A flash of white light, and she was gone.
The remaining three members of the Lingshan Talisman Sect had been beaten by the Sword Sect disciples. And the Sword Sect’s leader… he had collapsed, unconscious.
“Did Ling Zhishan give you any trouble?” Xiao Xiao asked, her voice laced with concern. Ling Zhishan, with her clingy personality, could be quite a nuisance.
But her question was met with confusion. “Ling Zhishan? There’s no one by that name in the Sword Sect.”
Xiao Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief. Ling Zhishan was a prominent figure in the Sword Sect, two hundred years later, her reputation well-established. Jiang Nanmu had told her all about her. How could they not know her?
“Second Senior Sister, she’s the Sword Sect leader’s junior sister! The leader of the Two Instruments Palace! She attacked me! That’s why I disappeared!”
Jiang Nanmu frowned, her voice laced with concern. “Xiao Xiao, what are you talking about? The Sword Sect only has male disciples! There are no women! And the Two Instruments Palace… I’ve never heard of it!”
Xiao Xiao, looking past them, saw their surroundings – the main hall of the Lingshan Talisman Sect.
They were holding the Feng Shui mirror that would hang in that hall, two hundred years later.
It was like the two gourds in the Phoenix Sanctuary. They were holding the same mirror, but in different timelines.
Xiao Xiao, her lips pressed together, couldn’t be sure if they were real.
But their claim of not knowing Ling Zhishan, of not knowing the Two Instruments Palace… if they were telling the truth, then it meant… she was talking to her Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister from two hundred years in the future, but that future… it was different now.
One action, one change, could have ripple effects. Her arrival, two hundred years ago… it had altered the future.
Ling Zhishan, in this timeline, hadn’t become Wei Jie’s disciple, hadn’t learned from him. Xiao Xiao’s presence had changed everything.
Qin Lingxiao had no junior sister named Ling Zhishan. And her Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister… they wouldn’t know this insignificant figure.
The realization sent a wave of unease through her. Her actions… what had she done to the future?
She couldn’t bear to think about it. “Is… is the Lingshan Talisman Sect still… the Lingshan Talisman Sect?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “Who is our founder?”
Her Senior Brother, his temper still fiery, perhaps finding her question foolish, snapped, “Stop rambling! Get back here! Have you lost your memory? Our founder is the Demon Lord Wei Jie! His infamy is widespread! His master, the Demon Saint, aided him in his evil deeds! They’re both enemies of the heavens! Why are you even mentioning them?!”
Xiao Xiao was stunned. The Demon Saint… was he referring to her?
A pained groan echoed through the hall.
She saw her fellow disciple, Ayi, leading a group of injured refugees into the hall. Their wounds were severe. He was calling for Ji Wuqi and Jiang Nanmu to help them.
“What happened?” Xiao Xiao asked, her voice laced with concern. “Why are there so many refugees?”
Her Senior Brother, exasperated, his eyes wide, said, “Is that really Cui Xiao Xiao? Why doesn’t she know anything? That demon, Wei Jie, he helped the Demon Saint awaken an army of three thousand demons! And then they vanished! Those demons, biding their time, finally broke free from their island prison three months ago! They’re rampaging across the land, burning, pillaging, even aiding the Northern barbarians in their invasion! The world is in chaos! Why are there refugees?! It’s obvious! Are you going to abandon the sect, like your disgraceful ancestors?!”
He saw Wei Jie standing beside Xiao Xiao, and both he and Jiang Nanmu stared, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Jiang Nanmu, recovering first, said hesitantly, “Xiao Xiao, who is that man? He looks… familiar… Is he… is he… Heavens! He looks exactly like the Demon Lord Wei Jie in Master’s painting…”
The mirror flickered, the connection severed, the image fading, only Xiao Xiao’s reflection remaining.
“Who was that loudmouth?” Wei Jie asked, his brow furrowed.
He was referring to Ji Wuqi.
She told him about her future descendants, Ji Wuqi and Jiang Nanmu.
This mirror… it was somehow connected to the future, revealing a glimpse of a world she had unknowingly altered…
“This mirror… it’s unsettling,” Wei Jie said, his arm around her shoulders. “Perhaps it was a trick, a spell cast by that old monk. Don’t take it seriously.”
He tossed the mirror into the stream.
Xiao Xiao stared at the ripples, her mind racing. “But… if we stay here, in this secluded valley, ignoring the outside world… even if that vision was false, it could become reality, couldn’t it?”
If they chose to hide, to live a peaceful, carefree life… the events unfolding in that mirror… they could become their future.
She finally understood the old monk’s cryptic words, his gesture towards the island, his claim of unfinished matters.
The Great Qi dynasty’s stolen fortune… it would end in such a tragic way.
Two hundred years later, the demons, aided by someone, would break free from their island prison.
And their rage, their hatred for the heavens, would be unleashed upon the innocent, plunging the world into chaos.
If her Senior Brother’s words were true, then the Great Qi dynasty was doomed. But the blame wouldn’t fall upon the Dongyuan Emperor, the one who had stolen their fortune.
It would fall upon her and Wei Jie, the ones who had awakened the demons. And upon Wei Feng, the one who had preserved their lifeline.
The more she thought about it, the more horrified she became. The heavens… they had orchestrated everything, manipulating events, placing the blame upon her and Wei Jie.
The suffering of those refugees, those innocent people… it would be her fault.
And Wei Jie, who should have ascended to the heavens after completing his seven trials… he would still be branded a demon, his name cursed for centuries…
She looked at the two gourds, their hair intertwined – a life of peace, of blissful ignorance… it wasn’t for her.
She stood, retrieving the mirror from the stream, then turned to Wei Jie. “You know… if we stay here, that vision… it will become reality, won’t it?”
He leaned against a boulder, his lips pressed together, his silence a confirmation. He understood.
She knelt before him, her hand reaching out, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. “I… I wanted to protect you, to share your burdens. But I never intended to bring suffering upon the world… The old monk said our fates are… unusual. Perhaps we can defy the heavens. We’re not evil. To choose personal happiness over the well-being of others… wouldn’t that make us no different from the Dongyuan Emperor?”
He looked at her, his brow furrowed, then pulled her close, his arms tightening around her, his face buried in her hair. “I’m not the ancient Flame Emperor,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “I don’t care about saving the world. I only care about you. If you don’t want to stay here… then I’ll go with you. Wherever you go, I’ll follow…”
He never said no to her, his actions always a testament to his devotion.
Their decision made, they left the Valley of Eternity.
Tang Youshu had returned from the market, his basket filled with supplies. He followed Wei Jie’s instructions, entering the valley with Yu Ling’er.
The valley’s beauty, its tranquility, captivated even the weakened fox. She peeked out of the basket, then, with a struggle, jumped to the ground.
She seemed pleased, but seeing the remnants of the destroyed hut, she whimpered, her voice filled with disapproval.
Tang Youshu, oblivious, translated for her. “She wants to know… what happened to the hut? Is it habitable?”
Cui Xiao Xiao blushed, remembering their… enthusiasm.
Wei Jie glared at his disciple, finding his question… untimely.
And that little fox… sniffing the straw… it was annoying.
He tossed a red fruit at her, hoping to distract her, then said, “You’re the one staying here. You fix it. I’ve provided the materials. Take your time…”
Tang Youshu, finally noticing Xiao Xiao’s flushed cheeks, her disheveled appearance, the fact that she was wearing Wei Jie’s robe… he understood. His master and his beloved disciple… they had clearly been practicing the arts of the Harmony Sect…
He averted his gaze, feeling a wave of awkwardness.
“And when you choose your disciples,” Wei Jie said, his gaze fixed on Tang Youshu, “avoid those who are loud and disrespectful. Skill is irrelevant. Humility is essential.”
He had watched Ji Wuqi yelling at Xiao Xiao, his behavior disrespectful, lacking any deference towards his sect leader.
To think that Xiao Xiao, two hundred years later, had to endure such disrespect…
He had to guide his disciple, ensure his future students were worthy.
Tang Youshu, although confused, diligently recorded his master’s instructions in his notebook.
And then, Wei Jie, taking Xiao Xiao’s hand, led her out of the Valley of Eternity.
The five phoenixes, taking flight, circled above them, their cries echoing through the air, as if reluctant to let her go.
She looked up at them, understanding now their initial hostility.
After all, she wasn’t a true phoenix. She was a demon, her soul a vessel for their former master’s essence.
But the remnants of Wei Feng’s soul within her… it drew them to her. They were attached to her, their loyalty unwavering, a testament to their love for their lost mistress.
But she wasn’t Wei Feng. That selfless goddess, who had sacrificed herself for her people… she was gone.
She owed her a debt, a debt she couldn’t repay. That was another reason why she had to leave this valley, to help those demons.
She wouldn’t allow Wei Feng’s good intentions to become the catalyst for the world’s destruction. She wouldn’t allow her legacy to be tarnished.
She wouldn’t allow Wei Feng and Wei Jie, good people, to be vilified by the Dongyuan Emperor, their names cursed for centuries.
But beyond that… she didn’t feel any grand sense of destiny.
She just wanted to find a way to help those demons, to prevent Madam Fu’s hatred from spreading, to ensure they wouldn’t repeat the events she had witnessed in the mirror.
As for the fate of the world, the rise and fall of empires… it was beyond her control.
She had her own people to protect. She couldn’t be as selfless as Wei Feng. She could only take it one step at a time.
They emerged from the valley as the sun began to set. Although they had spent a significant amount of time inside, only an hour had passed in the outside world.
A day in the heavens, a year on earth…
The journey back to the main buildings was long. Wei Jie knelt, offering her a piggyback ride.
“What are you doing?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “I can walk.”
He turned to her, his expression serious. “You were complaining about soreness… Walking will only make it worse. Let me carry you.”
She blinked, realizing his meaning, her cheeks flushing red.
“Why are you saying it like that?!” she exclaimed, punching him lightly. “Is it that demonic bead? You’re becoming a pervert!”
His brow furrowed. “Was it always inappropriate… when it was with you?”
Both beads stemmed from his demonic nature. Although they had developed their own personalities while separated from him, upon returning, they simply merged with his original essence, amplifying certain aspects of his personality, but they wouldn’t be as chatty as they had been within her.
But the thought of that demonic bead flirting with her… it ignited a wave of jealousy. He wanted to extract it again, to crush it.
“That damned bead,” he muttered, his voice laced with a quiet anger. “A ball of energy daring to flirt with a woman… I should have destroyed it!”
But his words, his tone sounded familiar…
It was the demonic bead’s voice! She had always found it annoying, but now, hearing it from Wei Jie… it was almost endearing.
But that bead was a reflection of his darkest self. His jealousy was amusing.
But she knew how to handle him.
Before he could attempt to extract the bead again, she hopped onto his back, her arms wrapped around his neck. “No one will bully me anymore,” she said, her voice soothing. “Let’s go back. My bed is big and soft. Would you like to… meditate with me tonight? Under the moonlight?”
Her suggestion, especially after their recent activities was tempting.
He carried her swiftly, his steps light, his destination – her room.
The moon tonight was beautiful, its light perfect for… appreciating her beauty, her hair spread across the pillows…
He felt a warmth in his core, a desire to be alone with her, to lose himself in her…
Her laughter, as he carried her, was a sweet melody. She told him to slow down, but he couldn’t. He reached her room, closing the door behind them, their world shrinking, the moonlight fading, their shadows merging…
But even after their passionate interlude, there were matters to attend to.
They had to find a safe haven for the foxes. And they had to return to that island.
Tang Youshu’s damaged meridians had been healed by the spirit stone.
And in this life, the stone hadn’t been destroyed along with Yu Ling’er’s soul.
Xiao Xiao believed that Guishi Cliff, now Lingshan Mountain, its back mountains a secluded paradise, was the perfect place for the foxes.
Tang Youshu, after settling Yu Ling’er in, ensuring she and the five phoenixes could coexist peacefully, emerged from the Valley of Eternity.
He agreed with Xiao Xiao.
The spirit stone had to be returned. Its prolonged absence would harm the Fox Tribe. They were a peaceful people, content with a simple life.
They had followed Xiao Xiao out of gratitude, out of loyalty. But now… they were facing a powerful enemy, the Dongyuan Emperor and his allies. They couldn’t ask them to sacrifice any more.
As Xiao Xiao removed the spirit stone from Tang Youshu’s body, placing it in a mountain spring, the water, infused with its energy, flowed freely.
Several young foxes, their tails wagging, rushed towards the spring, lapping at the water.
Their fur, dull moments ago, regained its luster. Perhaps, in time, they would have more playful, mischievous girls like Yu Ling’er.
But Tang Youshu wasn’t comforted. Yu Ling’er was different. She had lost her core. Even the spirit stone’s energy couldn’t restore it.
The Valley of Eternity, although peaceful, was too quiet. She was a social creature. To live there, alone… even with an extended lifespan, would it bring her happiness?
But for now, he had to focus on the task at hand, helping his master and Xiao Xiao deal with the threat posed by that island.
He shuddered, hearing Xiao Xiao’s theory, her suspicion that the Dongyuan Emperor might be manipulating the demons.
Their next trip to the island wouldn’t be as rushed. Grandmother Wei had provided them with ample funds, and she had even sent some of the Wei family’s most skilled warriors to accompany them.
Although they couldn’t stray too far from Qilao Mountain, she knew her grandson was facing a powerful deity. She had to help him.
But they had to return within a certain timeframe. Otherwise, they too would suffer the same fate as her, their meridians shrinking, their bodies transforming into dwarves.
As they prepared to set sail, Xiao Xiao, visiting the nearby town for supplies, noticed a newly built temple, its incense smoke thick, a crowd gathered before it. A new statue had been enshrined.
She saw the statue, its three-pronged beard familiar, the markings on its forehead… they were identical to Wei Jie’s!
She pushed her way through the crowd and gasped.
It was a statue of the ancient Flame Emperor, the ruler of the underworld. The temple’s caretaker, his voice booming, was describing the deity’s divine intervention, his power over the demons that had emerged from the earth.
With this powerful deity protecting them, they no longer feared the sea!
It seemed the coastal villages had been plagued by strange occurrences, whispers of demonic activity. The villagers, desperate, had sought protection from this deity, his reputation as a demon slayer well-established.
The temple was filled with worshippers, their prayers fervent, their offerings plentiful.
Wei Jie, upon hearing Xiao Xiao’s description, decided to witness his own deification.
Such devotion, such offerings… it was the foundation of a deity’s power, a source of pride.
But he wasn’t impressed. He observed the crowd, his expression impassive, then, as he listened to their prayers, his brow furrowed.
A middle-aged woman, kneeling before the statue, her voice filled with desperation, was pleading for his help. Her husband… he wasn’t performing well at night. They couldn’t conceive a son. She begged the ancient Flame Emperor to possess her husband, to restore his virility, to ensure the continuation of their family line.
Wei Jie couldn’t take it anymore.
So this… this was what it meant to be a deity? To be summoned by mortals, their prayers fueled by a few measly coins?
Tang Youshu’s Revitalizing Pills were worth more than this!
He flicked his wrist, and the statue, its surface cracking, crumbled, a pile of clay.
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