Category: Mistaken Era

Chapter 78p1

Tang Youshu looked around before gazing at the lit rooms on the second floor of the inn.

Through the window lattices, he seemed to still see Yu Ling’er’s silhouette. Earlier, Yu Ling’er had briefly mentioned something about running out of money. Unfortunately, before Tang Youshu could give her more, Cui Xiaoxiao had pulled her upstairs.

Feeling his now empty money pouch, Tang Youshu let out a long sigh.

After just a few days, why did Ling’er’s face look so thin? The money pouch he had given her must have been insufficient. Girls were still growing, the amount he gave really was too little.

With Master regaining his divine nature, it seemed he wouldn’t be asking the Wei Family for money anymore. It looked like Tang Youshu would have to find opportunities to sell some invigorating romance talismans to continue supporting them!

As for Yu Ling’er and Cui Xiaoxiao returning to their inn room, Yu Ling’er worriedly touched Cui Xiaoxiao’s cheek, asking if she wanted her to go to the kitchen and make a sobering egg and vinegar soup?

Cui Xiaoxiao smiled and told Yu Ling’er not to worry about her, to just go rest herself.

It wasn’t the wine that intoxicated people, but the people themselves. Most infamous drunkards through the ages merely used drunkenness as an excuse for foolishness.

She too was truly drunk, about seventy percent. Her inability to walk earlier was real, but not to the point of allowing herself to be taken advantage of.

In fact, Cui Xiaoxiao had sensed someone tailing her long ago. She had even indulged in the wishful thinking that it might be Wei Jie, unable to let her go and following her.

Ever since time-traveling to two hundred years ago, Wei Jie had never proactively separated from her. There always seemed to be an inexplicable bond between them.

But tonight, when Qin Lingxiao appeared, Cui Xiaoxiao’s hopes were dashed. It turned out her tail was merely Qin Lingxiao.

With the five phoenix spirits possessing her, Cui Xiaoxiao’s senses were sharper. So halfway through drinking with Qin Lingxiao, she vaguely sensed another presence secretly observing them.

Cui Xiaoxiao deliberately pretended to be more intoxicated to see if she could lure out the snake. But she never expected the brazen Qin Lingxiao to actually try and take advantage of her feigned drunkenness!

Even if Wei Jie and the others hadn’t intervened, once Cui Xiaoxiao regained a bit of her wits, she wouldn’t have allowed Qin Lingxiao to succeed.

But when Wei Jie appeared before Cui Xiaoxiao’s eyes at that moment, she was truly dazed, feeling like her obedient disciple Jie’er had returned!

However, facts proved that some people’s appearances only increased one’s displeasure. The elation of one moment was matched by the devastation of the next.

Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t even be bothered to ask why Wei Jie and Tang Youshu had appeared here.

It seemed the delicacies of Luoyi City still weren’t enough, for she would have to leave again. It was just that Qin Lingxiao had fled too swiftly with his grease-skating technique! Otherwise, Cui Xiaoxiao had wanted to discuss finding a way to quickly return to two hundred years later.

This was how Yu Ling’er returned to her own room while Cui Xiaoxiao prepared to rest as well.

But just as she laid down on the mat, her peripheral vision caught a dark figure by the window…

How did this person enter? Why hadn’t she detected them at all?

Cui Xiaoxiao sat up abruptly, but the dark silhouette had already spoken in a cold voice, “At such an excellent hour for cultivation, you’re actually lying down to sleep! Didn’t your master ever tell you that meditating at night is most beneficial for immortal cultivation?”

Recognizing the familiar voice, Cui Xiaoxiao helplessly smoothed her disheveled hair and said, “The late Lord Tang ‘died’ too early to teach me anything. But I should have taught you some etiquette – you need to knock before entering a lady’s bedchamber. If she doesn’t let you in, you can’t just barge in randomly!”

Wei Jie fell silent, for he clearly remembered Cui Xiaoxiao reminding him countless times not to enter her room without knocking.

But most of the time, he hadn’t listened, always unexpectedly pushing open Cui Xiaoxiao’s window and poking his head in with a smile, calling out “Master”…

Thinking of this, Wei Jie’s forehead tightened again, the flame pattern seemingly reminding him that those irrelevant past memories need not be dwelled upon further.

However, Cui Xiaoxiao’s unrestrained indulgence in drinking with Qin Lingxiao on the roof tonight could not be so easily ignored.

If she were truly his master, then Cui Xiaoxiao’s self-indulgence and disrespect would be none of his business as a disciple.

But according to Tang Youshu, Cui Xiaoxiao was actually his grand-disciple!

Since she was his junior, how could he watch her wallow in such dejection and disgrace the sect?

Thinking this, seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s unteachable manner, he took a few steps forward and yanked her off the mat, “You have time to admire the moon and drink with men, but no effort for focused cultivation? Cui Xiaoxiao, you were never like this before!”

Wei Jie gripped her wrist tightly, and Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t break free, only giving an awkward smile, “People change. You used to treat me differently too!”

For now, she had simply lost the motivation to move forward, only wanting to find a place to eat, drink, and sleep, tending to her wounds.

Since Wei Jie had already awakened his divine nature and severed worldly desires, it was good progress for him. But why did he have to disturb her, a mere mortal?

Wei Jie now felt he had transcended romantic affairs, but guiding his grand-disciple’s self-improvement did not conflict with his divine nature.

Master Wei insisted persistently, even rolling up Cui Xiaoxiao’s sleeves again.

Cui Xiaoxiao’s entire arm was now covered in dense golden scales, showing how her dejected mood these past few days had deepened her demonic transformation.

This matched his expectations – the demon bead’s demonic nature required a corresponding level of spiritual cultivation to suppress.

Moreover, Cui Xiaoxiao had also been previously possessed by the five phoenixes, further complicating matters. If she continued to slack off, her life could be in jeopardy.

Thinking of this, Wei Jie glared at Cui Xiaoxiao’s disobedience, his gaze growing even colder.

Wei Jie even thought: if she remained so stubborn, he might as well ignore her. After all, her predetermined fate was the ill-fated “Ten Injuries” destiny, so if she truly became demonized, it wouldn’t be surprising.

As Wei Jie coldly contemplated this, a sudden pang gripped his chest.

It felt like an aftereffect of the time he shed blood and tears for this woman in the Phoenix Secret Realm.

These past few days, whenever matters related to her came to mind, his chest would tighten painfully, as if someone was chiseling at it with a wooden mallet.

Although he had no intention of wasting time on romantic affairs, he constantly wondered if she was resisting the demonic nature unharmed.

So he had taken the pretext of investigating Prince Can’s whereabouts to leave the mountain and check on her condition.

But this woman turned out to be even worse than he expected!

Wei Jie was almost resentful towards Tang Youshu – if they needed someone with the “Ten Injuries” fate to reactivate the deity statue, couldn’t they have found someone less troublesome?

Cui Xiaoxiao felt she had experienced enough heartache for one night.

Of course she cherished her own life. Even without Wei Jie’s warning, after wallowing in dejection for a few days, she would eventually regain her spirit and start increasing her spiritual power.

After all, others cultivated immortality, while she cultivated inner energy for self-preservation.

But it seemed Wei Jie was being an even more unruly disciple than his nominal title!

If he advised her as an old friend, they could still manage cordial civilities.

But this Wei fellow had to put on airs as a Patriarch, coming to lecture her – this brat was asking for it!

At this point, Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t be bothered arguing with him. She suddenly attacked, slapping out a palm strike towards Wei Jie’s chest.

Wei Jie instinctively retreated, backing out of the room in a few steps.

Immediately after, Cui Xiaoxiao’s door slammed shut in his face.

A cold feminine voice came from inside, “It’s late, so I ask the Venerable Wei and your disciple to promptly leave! From the moment I departed Lingshan, I am no longer a Talisman Sect disciple. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself over my affairs!”

Wei Jie detested this woman’s stubbornness: what was she trying to do? Defect from the sect without her master’s permission?

So he said coldly, “You’re quite capable. Without your master’s approval, let’s see which sect dares accept you!”

The girl inside seemed provoked by his words, angrily shouting through the door, “I’ve always been capable, no need to join another sect! Let me tell you, I’m going to start my own mountain and establish a new sect! Starting tomorrow, I’ll found a sect… the Carefree Joyous Unity Sect!”

Wei Jie clearly didn’t expect Cui Xiaoxiao to actually intend to establish a Joyous Unity Sect!

Her defiant declaration left his violet eyes flickering with a reddish tinge from sheer rage.

If not for the blue flame on his forehead stabilizing Wei Jie’s divine soul, allowing him to regain his chill, he might have taken some action.

This woman was utterly unbeneficial to immortal cultivation. If he continued arguing, Wei Jie feared he might not be able to control his turbulent anger.

In the next moment, too lazy to further entangle with the unruly girl, he vanished down the silent hallway, radiating icy coldness.

However, after Wei Jie left, the doors of several guest rooms on this floor opened.

It turned out to be those disciples Cui Xiaoxiao had previously driven away from taking oaths, including the persistent Ling Zhanshan!

A disciple from Wonderful Immortal Mountain said with concern, “Little Sister, I think we should reconsider! This Cui Xiaoxiao actually intends to establish a Joyous Unity Sect… We brothers don’t really care, and if we must join, we can endure being debauched once as a heavy price to pay. But you, as a esteemed young lady, how could you accept joining such a licentious sect?”

Hearing her senior Brother’s inappropriate reassurance, Ling Zhanshan glared with her almond-shaped eyes, “Have you all gone mad? Can’t you see Wei Jie’s current cultivation is far beyond Cui Xiaoxiao’s? Would I forsake pledging to a true master to follow this demoness instead? What are you all thinking?!”

Saying this, she led the others to check out of the inn.

In fact, apart from Qin Lingxiao, over a dozen disciples still insisted on taking oaths under Cui Xiaoxiao after she left Lingshan.

After barely surviving the hellish trial at Guistone Cliff, how could they accept such efforts being in vain?

But they never expected that following her here would lead to the shocking news of Cui Xiaoxiao officially abandoning the Talisman Sect to practice the Joyous Unity Sect instead!

Suddenly, it all made sense! No wonder Cui Xiaoxiao had poisoned them before – it was to test if their essence and vigor were sufficient for intensive dual cultivation!

Some disciples left with Ling Zhanshan’s group, but most decided to stay.

P2

The impact sobered Cui Xiaoxiao somewhat as she let out a pained “Aiyo!” but also clearing much of the drunken haze.

On the other side, Qin Lingxiao had just recovered from the shock of Wei Jie’s current power and demeanor so closely resembling the former Demon Lord. Seeing Wei Jie treat Cui Xiaoxiao so roughly, his eyes widened again in disbelief.

However, what happened next caused Qin Lingxiao a flicker of dark delight.

Previously, he had only overheard fragments, thinking Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie had merely quarreled, which was why the inelegant Wei Jie couldn’t coax Cui Xiaoxiao and she angrily left.

But today, he realized Wei Jie’s inability to placate others was the least of his problems – he would simply grow old alone!

With the way he treated Cui Xiaoxiao, how could she possibly forgive him?

Indeed, after being unceremoniously dumped and somewhat sobered, Cui Xiaoxiao slowly looked around at the surrounding people. She massaged her head but didn’t even look at Wei Jie, only getting up and pulling Yu Ling’er along as she said, “It’s late, let’s go back and rest.”

At this moment, Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t spare Wei Jie a single glance, not even asking why he had appeared in Luoyi City. She simply pulled Yu Ling’er, heading towards the inn rooms.

But Yu Ling’er was still holding onto Qin Lingxiao’s hand.

For a moment, Qin Lingxiao automatically followed the two girls into the inn.

Such an absurd scene would be unacceptable even to cultivators of the Joyous Unity Sect!

Tang Youshu saw Yu Ling’er still clutching Qin Lingxiao and was about to speak up when Wei Jie’s qi sword lashed out at Qin Lingxiao again.

This time, Wei Jie didn’t bother concealing his killing intent. Qin Lingxiao could only release Yu Ling’er’s hand and leap away with all his effort to narrowly evade to the side.

Unfortunately, the inn’s bluestone courtyard wall could not withstand a Demon Lord’s full-force qi sword, immediately crumbling with a thunderous boom.

“Wei Jie, have you gone mad? Daring to publicly attack like this in the city?” Qin Lingxiao exclaimed angrily, seeing Wei Jie unleash such heavy force.

Wei Jie gave him a cold sidelong glance, as if looking at an insect to be crushed underfoot, “A wretched thing that slaughtered his master and ancestors, you don’t even deserve to live under this heaven and earth.”

These words caused Qin Lingxiao’s eyes to widen again in disbelief as he stared at Wei Jie.

What did he mean? Could it be… he had also regained his memories from his previous life?

Although he never admitted it, Qin Lingxiao knew full well how he had seized that one-in-a-million chance to slay Wei Jie in the original timeline.

That previous success was purely by a fortuitous convergence of luck.

Since returning to two hundred years ago, whenever Qin Lingxiao clashed verbally or physically with Wei Jie, he had always arrogantly assumed his current two-hundred-year head start gave him at least an equal chance against this era’s Wei Jie.

But he had never imagined that if the former peerless Demon Lord Master truly returned, it would be such a hellish scenario! This seemingly impossible day had arrived without any warning!

Qin Lingxiao’s body reacted instinctively before his mind, four qi swords erupting as he leapt upon them, grease-skating away into the distance in the blink of an eye.

Even Yu Ling’er was dumbstruck watching this scene of a rat fleeing a tiger as Qin Lingxiao escaped at full speed, almost leaving his shoes behind.

She was used to Qin Lingxiao’s arrogant provocations whenever facing Wei Jie.

But this sight of open terror and desperate flight was utterly unfamiliar to her.

Wei Jie again fixed that insect-eyed glare on Cui Xiaoxiao, saying coldly, “And you could actually drink with such a thing. You really don’t have any standards!”

Cui Xiaoxiao had by now adapted to her former beloved disciple’s aloof immortal demeanor and poisonous barbs.

Seemingly not understanding his mockery, she simply smiled faintly, “I never discriminate when drinking. When it comes to men, I simply enjoy admiring youthful, handsome appearances worth appreciating. In that regard, the Young Pavilion Lord is far younger than you! If I could accept even you before, why wouldn’t he be acceptable?”

Unfortunately, the Young Pavilion Lord had already fled with his grease-skating technique, so Cui Xiaoxiao’s praising words never reached his ears, otherwise it would truly be worth downing three big cups to celebrate!

Even with his divine nature unveiled, able to perceive the emptiness of worldly romances, Wei Jie was still utterly blindsided by Cui Xiaoxiao’s shamelessness!

She had nearly been violated by Qin Lingxiao yet showed no remorse or regret, able to shamelessly declare her standards for toying with men!

Wei Jie’s violet eyes seemed to bleed for an instant, but the flickering blue flame on his forehead allowed him to suppress the sudden nameless rage and indescribable emotion.

In the end, he clenched and unclenched his fists a few times, still glaring at the unrepentant Cui Xiaoxiao as he rebuked Tang Youshu instead, “Are you dead? Your disciple acts so shamelessly and you, as her master, don’t know what to do?”

The corner of Tang Youshu’s mouth twitched – he really didn’t want to bring up being Cui Xiaoxiao’s master now! Currently, this girl looked at him like he was her enemy.

Tang Youshu had first deceived and used his innocent disciple, then personally drove apart a loving pair of lovebirds. Now watching that formerly affectionate couple view each other with hostility, if he tried to lecture from a master’s stance, he would need a face thicker than city walls!

So hearing Wei Jie’s words, Tang Youshu could only sigh deeply and awkwardly wave at Cui Xiaoxiao and Yu Ling’er, “Well… it’s late, the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Classic’ states that neither lying in late nor staying up too late is the root of all illnesses. As ladies, you should get enough rest, or your complexions will suffer…”

Wei Jie narrowed his eyes as he shot Tang Youshu, his disciple of two lifetimes, an icy glare – had this fool cultivated his brain into emptiness?

He wanted Tang Youshu to rectify the Talisman Sect’s affairs, yet this idiot was worried about the disciples’ complexions?

However, Cui Xiaoxiao let out an amused laugh before addressing the uninvited pair, “In that case, you two should also get some rest. But before leaving, please compensate our innkeeper for repairing this damaged wall – it won’t be cheap!”

At this moment, the surrounding residents had also been awoken by the thunderous collapse and came out wrapped in their robes to investigate.

However, by the time they reached the broken wall, Cui Xiaoxiao had already slipped away with Yu Ling’er.

After Tang Youshu apologetically promised the innkeeper compensation, when he turned around, he found his master Wei Jie had also vanished without a trace.

Chapter 77 p1

Hearing Cui Xiaoxiao’s words, Qin Lingxiao couldn’t help but lower his gaze towards her.

At this moment, Cui Xiaoxiao was hugging her own knees, her face slightly turned, her cheeks flushed red from the alcohol.

Qin Lingxiao’s thoughts stirred as he leaned down to support her. But when he extended his hand, he ended up caressing Cui Xiaoxiao’s tender cheek – the soft, smooth sensation made him reluctant to withdraw.

His elongated fingers curved hesitantly, lingering on the closed-eyed girl’s cheeks and neck.

Gradually, he cradled Cui Xiaoxiao against his shoulder, lowering his head towards the wine-scented, full lips of the young lady…

Yet at this moment, not far from the inn’s rooftop, a man stood in the dim shadows of a pavilion, his eyes flashing with coldness as he watched the intimate scene of the drunken pair on the roof.

Tang Youshu had accompanied his master here for half the night.

Although it was deep into the night, their sharp eyesight could clearly see what was happening on the rooftop, even without hearing the sounds.

The two of them had come to Luoyi City to investigate Prince Can’s whereabouts.

If it were the previous Wei Jie, his top priority would have been indulging in food, drinks and pleasures with his beloved disciple. As for that rat Prince Can hiding away, as long as he didn’t show his face and cause trouble, he would be an irrelevant character.

But now that Wei Jie’s divine nature had been restored, nothing was more important than cultivating immortality. After reading Tang Youshu’s secret book and hearing about his ultimate fate in the original timeline, he immediately judged that Prince Can, who had usurped his divine position, could not be allowed to remain!

However, Prince Can had faked his death, so his current identity and hiding place were unknown.

So after staying at Guistone Cliff for two days, Wei Jie brought Tang Youshu back to Luoyi City, hoping to find some clues in the place where Prince Can had lived for decades.

Unexpectedly, upon entering the city, they saw Cui Xiaoxiao and the others.

After arriving in the city, the two girls indulged in endless food and drinks. Wei Jie and Tang Youshu couldn’t help but pay attention to them.

Since Prince Can had always wished ill upon Cui Xiaoxiao, they made for excellent bait, so Wei Jie secretly observed them with Tang Youshu to see if anyone would try to approach.

However, after a day of following them, all they saw was the girls wandering through various food stalls across Luoyi City.

Wei Jie coldly watched the two idle girls roaming the streets, unable to fathom why his former self would bother taking on such a lazy disciple as Cui Xiaoxiao just to kill time.

Even if it was a casual acceptance at first out of boredom, there were surely better choices in this world.

Tang Youshu carefully observed his master’s cold expression, seeing no signs of rekindled feelings, which slightly put his mind at ease.

Ever since Cui Xiaoxiao left the mountain, Wei Jie’s mood had been foul almost daily. Not that he took it out on Tang Youshu, but he would silently sit in meditation atop the peak, gazing vacantly into the distant void with an air of displeasure towards all worldly matters.

Tang Youshu had asked if there was anything Wei Jie couldn’t let go of.

But Wei Jie had looked at him like an idiot, countering, “What is there for me to be unable to let go of?”

After such a suffocating, unanswerable conversation, the master and disciple could only remain in dry silence.

At this point, even Tang Youshu started missing the days when Cui Xiaoxiao, Yu Ling’er and the others were around.

But considering the tribulations his master was about to face, Tang Youshu still felt he had done no wrong in dispersing that pair of lovebirds.

In the original timeline, after the tribulation of the Phoenix Valley’s immolation, Wei Jie returned from the Phoenix Secret Realm with a body tempered into impenetrable black scales.

He also brought back a little crow at that time. The usually cold and aloof master had a better temperament during those days after gaining the crow’s companionship, occasionally even personally feeding it pine nuts and hazelnuts.

Back then, due to his infamous reputation and icy disposition, relations with the main Wei Family had become strained.

The elderly Wei Family Matriarch seemed unwilling to let her grandson fall so far, so she secretly met with Wei Jie. However, at this meeting, Wei Jie fell into a mysterious trap that catalyzed his demonic nature, leading him to violently attack the Matriarch.

When Wei Jie’s demonic nature erupted, even ghosts and spirits dared not approach. It was only when Wei Jie was about to personally slay the Matriarch, completely possessed by his demonic side, that the little crow surprisingly revealed its true form as a black phoenix, blocking his lethal strike and awakening him.

It was only then that Tang Youshu realized the little crow Master had brought back was actually such an auspicious creature!

Unfortunately, the phoenix was critically injured from shielding him and on the verge of death. According to reason, the little phoenix should have undergone rebirth by fire, but as an inauspicious black phoenix without divine blessings, it could not be reborn.

Tang Youshu still remembered how expressionless Master looked while cradling that tiny phoenix…

Later, Master buried the little phoenix somewhere, but Tang Youshu didn’t know the location.

It was only after Master disappeared for a long time and returned that he began the process of refining and separating his demonic nature, as if determined to fully sever his dark self. This was also when Qin Lingxiao ambushed him…

Although everything had changed in this lifetime, Tang Youshu boldly speculated that the coming tribulations would likely still involve some form of inner demonic nature.

However, that black phoenix came from the timeless Phoenix Secret Realm. After its death, there would be no reincarnation, so it could no longer shield his master from calamity this time.

Cui Xiaoxiao had now completely taken over Wei Jie’s karmic destiny. If the hidden enemy still sought to catalyze her demonic nature, she would inevitably have to kill her most beloved.

If Wei Jie was still together with Cui Xiaoxiao, Tang Youshu dared not imagine the scenario of Cui Xiaoxiao’s demonic nature erupting and killing Wei Jie.

So Tang Youshu had to disperse the pair of lovebirds before that destiny arrived, removing each other’s vulnerabilities…

However, he never expected the twists of fate to reunite these two people who were never meant to meet again in Luoyi City!

As for Wei Jie, the more he watched Cui Xiaoxiao’s lack of ambition, the more displeased he became.

Look at her, it was late at night when absorbing the spiritual energies of heaven and earth was most effective. If she cultivated in meditation, her progress would surely be doubled!

But what was she doing? She had actually climbed onto the roof to drink wine while exposing herself to the winds!

Wei Jie originally didn’t want to pay attention, but for some reason, watching her solitary figure on the roof, raising a cup to invite the brilliant moon, caused a vague restlessness in his heart.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave either, only coldly observing the slender silhouette, his mind wandering as he thought that she had indeed aided him. According to Tang Youshu, she was actually his grand-disciple.

Since she was his grand-disciple, how could he watch her indulge in such idleness? Once he settled matters with Prince Can, he should bring this unfilial disciple back and properly guide her cultivation…

As he contemplated this, just as he was about to leave, he saw Qin Lingxiao appear, and Cui Xiaoxiao casually invited that traitorous fellow to join her in drinking without any qualms.

The Demon Lord, who had already turned to depart, completely turned back around at this sight.

Tang Youshu, most familiar with his master, saw the flickering flames in Wei Jie’s icy gaze fixed on Qin Lingxiao and quickly advised, “Master, we are currently investigating Prince Can in secret, it would be unwise to reveal ourselves. Qin Lingxiao’s betrayal and annihilation of our ancestors will inevitably face your thunderous punishment. But for now, it’s best we remain calm and still…”

Tang Youshu’s counsel was reasonable, and Wei Jie knew it made sense, yet he continued staring fixedly at the drinking pair on the roof.

But who could have expected that girl Cui Xiaoxiao, usually so whimsical and mischievous, would actually get drunk in the presence of that despicable Qin Lingxiao?

Did her brain belong as a drunken dish for Wei Jie to devour as well?

And sure enough, Qin Lingxiao lived up to his promiscuous reputation, taking advantage of the girl’s addled state to make his lecherous advance…

Seeing this scene, Tang Youshu was also angered, for Cui Xiaoxiao was his closed-door disciple after all. As Cui Xiaoxiao’s master-uncle, Qin Lingxiao was utterly shameless!

Just as Tang Youshu prepared to throw a concealed weapon to stop Qin Lingxiao from violating Cui Xiaoxiao, his usually composed master had already swiftly shot forth like an arrow, heading straight for the pair on the roof.

Qin Lingxiao had already caught a whiff of the maiden’s wine-tinged lips when, just as he was about to press against Cui Xiaoxiao’s mouth, he sensed an incoming fierce surge of inner energy.

This inner energy was like a sharp sword carrying endless coldness, an oppressive force that left one gasping for air – in his life, Qin Lingxiao had only experienced such energy from one person.

His amorous thoughts instantly dispersed as he swiftly evaded to the side.

When Qin Lingxiao looked closely, the attacker was indeed Wei Jie!

He knew Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie had broken off, so it seemed this Wei fellow had taken the regret medicine and come crawling back to Cui Xiaoxiao.

Thinking this, he let out a cold laugh, “I was sharing moonlit drinks with your master by mutual consent. Why do you suddenly intervene? Or do you wish to claim mastery over your own master?”

In the past, Wei Jie would have been angered like a petulant youth by such words, retorting coldly before arguing further.

But for some reason today, Qin Lingxiao felt this man seemed to have undergone an indescribable transformation. The piercing chill in his gaze was like being immersed in the Oblivion River waters of the underworld, bone-chillingly cold.

Moreover, he fixed Qin Lingxiao with a gaze of utter disdain, too lazy to waste words. It was only after Qin Lingxiao’s provocative taunt that Wei Jie’s black sleeves swept out, unleashing a gale-force of inner energy. The manifested qi shield no longer resembled its previous spiked form, but rather a ferocious tiger baring fangs amidst draconic roars as it crashed towards Qin Lingxiao in a raging storm.

Such an aura… in his over two hundred years of life, Qin Lingxiao had only witnessed it from one person…

This oppressive inner energy struck without room for evasion, forcing Qin Lingxiao to brace himself and receive the attack head-on.

Although Qin Lingxiao’s cultivation had improved rapidly lately, he had only expected to be on par with a Wei Jie at the initial Pill Core stage.

But he never imagined that in just a few short days, Wei Jie’s progress had reached an inhuman pace.

The result of this clash was Qin Lingxiao’s pristine white robes, befitting an exiled immortal, being shredded into fluttering shreds by Wei Jie’s draconic tiger force. He was sent hurtling backwards uncontrollably, falling from the tall building only to cough up a mouthful of fresh blood midair!

Unable to muster his inner energy, his skull was surely about to shatter like an egg upon hitting the ground.

At this critical juncture of life and death, a white fox leapt out from the inn, instantly transforming into her human form as she pounced towards Qin Lingxiao.

Yu Ling’er had actually been awake the whole time, unable to sleep soundly seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s forced smiles.

After being immersed in the mortal world, Yu Ling’er was no longer the naive little fox from Mount Tuyun, having gained some understanding of human affairs.

So she had kept her fox ears perked, listening to Cui Xiaoxiao drinking alone on the roof.

She had originally planned to go chase Qin Lingxiao away when he arrived. But hearing Cui Xiaoxiao invite him to drink, she held back.

Although Qin Lingxiao could be petty at times, his appearance was quite impressive. Yu Ling’er felt among all the men she had seen, only Wei Jie surpassed his handsomeness.

If Cui Xiaoxiao wanted to indulge in some yang supplement to heal her heartache, this vigorous and well-endowed Young Pavilion Lord was not a bad option.

But she never expected Cui Xiaoxiao’s path to healing to encounter such an obstacle. Just as she was about to switch to a new partner, the old one suddenly appeared from who-knows-where and sent Qin Lingxiao plummeting down!

Yu Ling’er had always clearly distinguished friend from foe. Although Qin Lingxiao was no longer an object of her affections, he had still saved her life, truly a benefactor she owed.

Now seeing Qin Lingxiao about to meet a fatal end, Yu Ling’er naturally had to act.

Qin Lingxiao had been staggered by Wei Jie’s inner energy attack, his body scattered like falling leaves. It was only thanks to Yu Ling’er’s qi deflection that he was sent spinning horizontally to crash against a nearby wall instead, finally stabilizing his form.

However, Qin Lingxiao’s earlier attack had also sent the muddle-drunk Cui Xiaoxiao rolling and tumbling down from the roof.

Just as Yu Ling’er rescued her benefactor Qin Lingxiao, she looked up to see Cui Xiaoxiao also falling.

Panicking, she flashed forward with lightfoot steps, but was still a bit too late to catch her.

However, at this critical moment, a black blur flashed by, its long arm sweeping out to cradle the falling girl.

As he channeled his spiritual energy to gently descend with the girl in his arms, Cui Xiaoxiao happened to open her dazed, drunken eyes and sweetly smiled at the handsome man who had appeared in her dreams countless times, “Smelly Jie, why did you only come halfway through the wine? Did you spot a prettier beauty elsewhere to admire instead?”

When Cui Xiaoxiao smiled, her squinted eyes crinkled luminously, their radiance enough to dispel the deepest gloom.

But the man who would usually return her smile did not, only staring at her with an unnaturally cold expression.

Seeing his seeming anger, Cui Xiaoxiao smiled as she reached out, her slender arms encircling his neck as she lightly tapped his nose with a finger, “Why the long face, like a grumpy prawn? Who bullied you? Come, let me avenge you!”

Such actions towards her disciple Jie’er used to be perfectly ordinary, with everyone in the Talisman Sect aware that when deeply drunk, the unruly Sect Patriarch would tease her senior disciple.

But for the Demon Lord Wei Jie, such casual intimacy was akin to knocking on the gates of the Underworld King’s palace.

The closely following Tang Youshu saw Cui Xiaoxiao escalate further, pinching Wei Jie’s cheeks in an attempt to coax a smile from him, and couldn’t help but gasp in fear.

She… she was simply courting death, wasn’t she?

Sure enough, in the next moment, Wei Jie loosened his grip, letting the girl in his arms crash heavily to the ground.

P2

As for Cui Xiaoxiao, not long after leaving the mountain, she saw a pack of foxes appearing behind her.

Leading them was the tearful Yu Ling’er.

The last time Cui Xiaoxiao saw her this utterly devastated was when the old Fox King had passed away. But back then, Tang Youshu had comforted her, so Yu Ling’er hadn’t had a chance to wail in front of Cui Xiaoxiao.

Once Yu Ling’er transformed to her human form and chokingly recounted how Tang Youshu had given her money to drive her away, Cui Xiaoxiao let out a long sigh.

Even if Tang Youshu hadn’t driven Yu Ling’er off, the two of them would likely have struggled to have a good outcome.

If humans and demons were separated by towering mountains, then immortals and demons were divided by an unbridgeable celestial chasm.

Considering Tang Youshu already had over two hundred years of cultivation foundation, plus the demon bead by his side, in this return to two hundred years ago, after assisting his master in regaining divinity, he would likely also achieve immortality himself.

With master and disciple both wholeheartedly pursuing immortality, how could they let romantic entanglements occupy their hearts? A demon like Yu Ling’er would be someone they could easily discard!

However, Cui Xiaoxiao was still touched that Yu Ling’er had fallen out with Tang Youshu over her, reaching out to stroke the little fox’s protruding ears.

She had thought Yu Ling’er always prioritized men above all else, never expecting that at this critical juncture, the little fox would actually place their sisterly bond first!

Such deep friendship moved Cui Xiaoxiao tremendously.

Hearing Cui Xiaoxiao’s praise, Yu Ling’er only drooped her ears dejectedly, expressing regret that she had actually messed things up herself.

Now she really wanted to shamelessly go back to the mountain and make up with Tang Youshu.

Yu Ling’er even asked Cui Xiaoxiao if she wanted to be shameless companions and return together.

Cui Xiaoxiao could only roll her eyes helplessly, dusting off her clothes before continuing forward without looking back.

Yu Ling’er hurried to catch up, asking, “Xiaoxiao, where are you going? Lingshan is your own sect, are you really going to let Wei Jie have it so easily?”

Cui Xiaoxiao waved her small bundle nonchalantly, “It’s not giving it away for free, just returning it to its rightful owner… I don’t have anywhere specific to go. I just want to return to Luoyi City first and eat some delicacies. We left too hastily last time, leaving me with too many lingering cravings and regrets. How about it, want to treat me this time? Once you spend all that money, you’ll have an excuse to go back and ask Lord Tang for more.”

Her words were meant as a joke, but Yu Ling’er’s eyes lit up, finding the idea sensible. She eagerly pulled Cui Xiaoxiao towards Luoyi City.

Since time-traveling to two hundred years ago, Cui Xiaoxiao had mostly been surrounded by crisis after crisis, sometimes traveling day and night.

Now free of all her disciples, unencumbered and idle, wandering and enjoying herself with Yu Ling’er felt like a rare leisure she had never experienced.

As for the other fox tribesmen, they transformed into their beast forms to secretly protect the two girls in the forest.

So this abrupt departure from Lingshan didn’t seem so bad after all.

It was just that when traveling, Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t dwell on idle thoughts. But once they settled down, all sorts of random musings would inevitably arise.

For example, when Cui Xiaoxiao wanted to change clothes and opened her bundle, she discovered the hairpin Wei Jie had bought her tucked inside her clothes.

Cui Xiaoxiao treasured the precious hairpin, not daring to wear it, so she had carefully wrapped it within her clothes in the bundle.

Now seeing the hairpin accidentally fall onto the grass,

Back then, he would smile radiantly as he watched Cui Xiaoxiao twirl in her beautiful dresses, saying he would buy her even more exquisite outfits in the future, befitting the future leader of the Joyous Unity Sect.

Recalling those saccharine sweet memories, Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh.

But before her laughter could fully blossom like spring flowers, it was dampened by the tears rolling down her cheeks.

Yu Ling’er came bouncing back after picking a bunch of wild berries. Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s furtive tears, she instinctively slowed her steps and sat down beside her.

Noticing the hairpin in Cui Xiaoxiao’s hands, Yu Ling’er suddenly understood, “Xiaoxiao, you’re missing Wei Jie again, aren’t you? Why don’t we just stop being stubborn and go back!”

Cui Xiaoxiao shook her head, putting the hairpin back into her bundle and taking a deep breath.

How could she explain to Yu Ling’er that the Wei Jie she longed for had vanished the moment he was possessed by the spirit stone?

If she went back, she would be as despicable as Qin Lingxiao, a sinner obstructing a deity’s destiny.

But fortunately, there was no void that couldn’t be filled by delicious food and wine.

When the two gluttonous girls returned to Luoyi City for the third time, the sight of the street foods immediately reinvigorated them.

Using the money from Tang Youshu, the two girls ate while taking boxes to go, soon carrying several oily paper packages.

Night had fallen, and not wanting to camp in the wilderness again, the two booked a room at the same inn they previously stayed.

Yu Ling’er had wanted to share Cui Xiaoxiao’s room since she didn’t need a bed and could just curl up on the cushions.

But Cui Xiaoxiao firmly refused, so they had to get two separate rooms, with Cui Xiaoxiao taking the one she stayed in last time.

When the serene moonlight spilled through the window lattices, Cui Xiaoxiao, lying on the comfortable mat, still couldn’t fall asleep. She grabbed a string of small wine jars and cups, along with some preserved meat snacks, and climbed onto the roof.

The moonlight was brilliant, the perfect time for moonlit revelry.

Cui Xiaoxiao took two sips, her ears seeming to catch a man’s laughter saying, “What a beautiful moonlight, perfect for admiring beauty. At least this fine evening is not wasted!”

The moonlight and wine flavors were impeccable, yet there was no beautiful woman to admire under the moon. Only she toasted her own shadow as a third companion, bitterly savoring memories with each shallow sip…

Just as she was about to drink another cup, a large hand gripped her wrist.

Cui Xiaoxiao’s heart tightened as she abruptly looked up to see a tall figure in white robes standing behind her. Her slightly drunken self couldn’t help but exclaim, “Why did you take so long? I’ve been waiting forever!”

The newcomer was momentarily entranced by her coy smile and said in a deep voice, “You… have been waiting for me?”

Cui Xiaoxiao had intended to say yes, waiting to admire his rare beauty under the moonlight.

But the man’s voice was completely different from the carefree, debonair tones in her memory.

She lowered her wine cup and squinted to get a better look, only to realize the one standing before her was… Qin Lingxiao!

Now observing him, she saw only that arrogant, oppressive demeanor, almost as if seeing his equally insufferable master through Qin Lingxiao.

As soon as she recognized Qin Lingxiao, Cui Xiaoxiao immediately withdrew the hand he had gripped and stood up unsteadily, taking a step back as she asked, “What are you doing here too?”

Qin Lingxiao had been momentarily captivated by Cui Xiaoxiao’s smile, but seeing her guarded expression and retreating step, his voice turned icy, “Otherwise? Who did you think it would be?”

Cui Xiaoxiao was taken aback by his question and laughed at herself derisively.

Yes, did she really think that person would join her for moonlit drinking on such an alluring night?

Thinking this, she extended the wine jar to Qin Lingxiao, “Since you’re here, have a drink!”

Cui Xiaoxiao’s unselfconscious, carefree manner was something Qin Lingxiao had never witnessed in other female cultivators.

She seemed to never take grudges or romantic entanglements to heart, her inexplicable nonchalance unconsciously drawing people in.

Earlier, seeing her solitary figure drinking wine under the moonlight, Qin Lingxiao had felt unsettled. Now receiving her invitation, he was almost overwhelmed, taking the wine jar to sit beside Cui Xiaoxiao.

But before he could speak, Cui Xiaoxiao mercilessly cut him off, “Shut up, don’t say or ask anything. I just want someone to drink with me right now!”

Hearing this, Qin Lingxiao’s face flushed with anger – the former leader of the number one sword sect was not to be treated like some drinking companion by a mere girl!

Yet seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s unshed tears, he held his tongue and silently poured her wine.

After Cui Xiaoxiao had driven him away from Lingshan that day, he had not actually left.

When Cui Xiaoxiao departed the mountain with Yu Ling’er, he had followed discreetly behind them.

During this time, Qin Lingxiao had never slacked in his cultivation.

With Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao’s presence, the Young Pavilion Lord’s sense of crisis remained acute. Through such arduous practice, his lightbody technique had made incredible progress.

Since he was also Wei Jie’s discipline, he was able to approach them closely while concealing his aura, going unnoticed.

He had also overheard Cui Xiaoxiao and Yu Ling’er’s tearful accounts.

Although unclear on why Wei Jie had suddenly turned against her, it was clear Cui Xiaoxiao had broken off from Wei Jie and been driven from Lingshan.

Hearing this, Qin Lingxiao’s heart leapt with joy – if Cui Xiaoxiao recognized Wei Jie’s sinister, icy nature and was no longer infatuated with him, that would be for the best!

So when Cui Xiaoxiao came to Luoyi City, Qin Lingxiao followed and revealed himself to join her in drinking.

Cui Xiaoxiao was drinking Wei Jie’s favorite Luoyi vintage, the flavor rich and potent.

Before Qin Lingxiao’s arrival, she had already downed two small jars. After he accompanied her for another jar, the alcohol started to take effect and her eyes could no longer stay open.

Resting her head on her knees, she said softly, “Hey, I can’t walk anymore. Help me back to my room.”

Chapter 76

This warm sensation gave rise to endless reveries.

Cui Xiaoxiao hoped Wei Jie would intertwine his fingers with hers as usual, swinging their joined hands while flashing his white canine teeth and teasing, “I was just pretending to act aloof to irk you. Were you scared…?”

But this time, before she could even grasp his hand firmly, his powerful arm violently brushed her aside.

Wei Jie finally turned to look at her directly, his tone chillingly indifferent, “Tang Youshu has informed me of your origins. You have endured tribulations on my behalf until now, which was arduous. But there’s no need for you to continue acting as my substitute. Your master will arrange a suitable disposition for you going forward…”

Cui Xiaoxiao gripped her empty palm and laughed bitterly, “A disposition? So you master and disciple think you’ve used me enough and can simply discard me like worn shoes, leaving me by the wayside?”

Wei Jie paused, for after hearing Tang Youshu’s account, he realized the first thought that had flashed through his mind in his previous life’s arrangements was: How could he have taken advantage of and deceived Xiaoxiao like this?

Of course, such an unconscionable thought was fleeting. Wei Jie truly felt his former self, so swayed by a mere girl, was utterly useless.

Those undertaking great deeds should not be bound by trivial matters. Being consumed by romantic entanglements would only lead to shortsightedness and pettiness.

No wonder even Tang Youshu couldn’t stand it and devised a way to sever those emotional ties for him.

Yet Wei Jie was clearly indebted to this girl. Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s seemingly swollen, tearful eyes, he fell silent for a long while before saying, “You should be clear that I am your Patriarch’s master! How should I treat you? Must I coddle you like a child every day? Since you have walked the path of immortal cultivation, you should understand your ultimate goal! If you wish to engage in romance, you can leave and establish your own Sect to indulge your desires! Don’t waste time fishing for wood at Ghost Stone Cliff. But if you are determined to cultivate immortality, then diligently practice under me. Your Master Tang Youshu will help you ascend swiftly!”

The first half of his words were like how Cui Xiaoxiao used to scold Wei Jie angrily. But what was that nonsense in the second half? Was that supposed to be a reward for her?

Thinking about it, Wei Jie used to have such a good temperament, able to continue doting on her even after hearing such dismissive words.

Cui Xiaoxiao knew about karmic cycles, but she never expected this cycle to manifest between her and Wei Jie so swiftly.

Wei Jie hadn’t lost his memories – he clearly remembered everything about their past.

But now his heart seemed to only harbor resentment towards Cui Xiaoxiao, completely devoid of any romantic affections.

Tang Youshu also gently advised from the side, “Xiaoxiao, why insist on this… Master’s destiny was never meant to include romantic entanglements. You should listen to him and focus on cultivating your own immortal path…”

Cui Xiaoxiao laughed at herself bitterly. So he had no romantic destiny!

Did that mean she, born into the wrong era, was now an existence that shouldn’t be before Wei Jie’s eyes?

But she wouldn’t give these deceitful master and disciple the satisfaction!

Cui Xiaoxiao, being an ordinary mortal, only strove for immortal cultivation in order to not disappoint her teacher Tang Youshu’s guidance.

If following her true nature, she would rather live a carefree life in the mortal realm, akin to an immortal’s existence, than share eternity with heaven and earth.

This master and disciple pair had thoroughly used her, and the cheap compensation Wei Jie offered was cultivating under him.

If she really accepted, Cui Xiaoxiao would look down on herself. They could find some other fool to try and appease with such charity scraps.

Life was short and bitter, why should she torture herself daily seeing his icy countenance?

In that case, it was better for their green hills and rivers to never cross paths again.

But before parting, there were still some words she needed to say to a person she couldn’t let go.

Thinking of this, Cui Xiaoxiao reached out to touch Wei Jie’s face. Wei Jie squinted with distaste and immediately moved to brush her hand away.

However, Cui Xiaoxiao glared at him with an equally icy gaze and said coldly, “The tribulations I endured on your behalf are enough for you to be reborn several lifetimes. Until you ascend and glorify your ancestors, I am akin to the parents of your rebirth! If you have even a shred of conscience, you will endure this for now! I only wish to bid farewell to the past Wei Jie, it has nothing to do with you, Demon Lord. So keep your mouth shut and don’t interfere!”

Such an outrageous, domineering manner of embracing a man, yet speaking with such justifiable confidence, could indeed cow even deities and demons!

For a moment, Wei Jie was taken aback, only glaring frigidly as the petite girl gently caressed his face.

Seeing he didn’t avoid her, Cui Xiaoxiao finally leaned her face contentedly against his embrace.

This embrace still carried her familiar scent, but the steady heartbeat she felt through his clothes no longer danced in tune with hers…

If she had known this embrace would also become a luxury, Cui Xiaoxiao wouldn’t have repeatedly pushed away that mischievous man flashing his canine teeth with his unrestrained, bright laughter…

Thinking of this, she ignored Wei Jie’s resistance and tightly hugged his rigid waist.

Burying her face in his embrace and closing her eyes, Cui Xiaoxiao said softly, “Jie’er, I’m leaving. Although I knew there would be a day we would part, I never imagined it would come so swiftly… I wasn’t a good master, always scolding you and never teaching you any skills. I hope that when you occasionally think of me in the future, you’ll remember me fondly. After all, we still shared a master-disciple bond, didn’t we? Once you regain your divine status, your temperament will likely be far crustier than before. But whether human or deity, one still needs friends. If all affections are severed, what’s the point of becoming an immortal? From now on, leave a path for yourself and others, don’t narrow your road. Among your many former disciples, the only truly capable one was Lord Tang… Treat him well, don’t be so quick to physically discipline. Even the best disciples will become rebellious like Qin Lingxiao if beaten too much… Alright, I won’t say more. From here, you and I shall part ways. I hope… we never cross paths again in this lifetime!”

As she said these words, Cui Xiaoxiao smiled, but her voice choked with sobs as tears like broken pearl strands rolled down her cheeks, dampening the front of Wei Jie’s robe.

The dampened area felt like scalding hot water, suddenly causing an unbearable tightness in Wei Jie’s chest!

Just as Wei Jie could no longer endure and wanted to forcefully push away the clinging girl, Cui Xiaoxiao suddenly released her grip first. Swinging her long ponytail, she raised her arms in a grand gesture, turning to stride away down the mountain without looking back.

She left with such nonchalance, only carrying her usual bundle, not even taking the Heaven-Smiting(Defiance) Sword.

It seemed she had truly let go, completely severing all ties with Wei Jie.

Tang Youshu had listened to Cui Xiaoxiao’s words, especially her advice for Wei Jie not to casually beat his disciples, leaving an unpleasant feeling in his heart.

Cui Xiaoxiao must have seen his swollen cheek when emerging from the study and guessed the Demon Lord Wei Jie had lashed out at him, hence the reminder.

Although this girl had been a street hustler, always lying with an unwavering expression, she possessed a rare open-mindedness among ordinary mortals.

At this moment, Tang Youshu felt ashamed, feeling that Cui Xiaoxiao’s magnanimity was truly the bearing of a great master…

Yu Ling’er watched tearfully as Cui Xiaoxiao bid farewell to Wei Jie.

Although unclear on the details, she could roughly see that Tang Youshu and Wei Jie had ganged up to bully Cui Xiaoxiao, actually driving the mountain’s leader away from Lingshan!

Yu Ling’er was well aware it had always been that lecherous Wei Jie pursuing Cui Xiaoxiao.

Now that Wei Jie had seduced Cui Xiaoxiao, he was using some bullshit excuse about immortal cultivation forbidding desires to dump her?

Bullshit! When had their Sect ever been so restrained?

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao leave without even her sword, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help but worry. She tugged on Tang Youshu’s sleeve and said, “Why didn’t you stop Xiaoxiao and persuade Wei Jie further? Is a little argument really reason enough for them to separate?”

Tang Youshu looked at Ling’er with mixed feelings and said softly, “They were never fated to be together. Xiaoxiao’s departure is better for everyone.”

Hearing this, Yu Ling’er’s face flushed red with anger. She could only threaten Tang Youshu, “If you’re not going to stop Xiaoxiao, then I’m leaving too!”

Ling’er was used to Tang Youshu’s usual obedient compliance with her wishes.

Tang Youshu had always been gentle and obliging, not wanting to anger her!

She thought using this killer move would surely make Tang Youshu hurry to stop Cui Xiaoxiao.

But to her surprise, this lifeless scholar actually pondered for a moment before nodding and taking out a money pouch, handing it to Yu Ling’er.

Yu Ling’er was dumbfounded, unable to help asking what this was for.

Yet Tang Youshu calmly stated as if it were natural, “If you’re leaving the mountain, you’ll definitely need money to spend. This pouch has broken silver and banknotes. Use it frugally and pay attention to negotiate prices. It should be enough for a period of time.”

Yu Ling’er’s foxy, coquettish eyes were about to pop out. She had only meant to threaten Tang Youshu, not actually leave.

But the usually meek scholar was now so steadfast, unhesitatingly handing her a money pouch as sendoff!

For a moment, the fox’s shrill cries echoed through the valleys, “Tang Youshu! How dare you treat me like this! Is this because I took the initiative to kiss you in the woods the other day, so you’re looking down on me now?”

The fox tribesmen hidden in the forests heard this and all perked up their fox ears – Oh my, their fox princess had truly grown up and learned to use her charm! They had completely missed this precious moment of maturation!

Although Tang Youshu possessed the wisdom of two hundred years, facing this unconventional and unrestrained little vixen still gave him a headache.

In desperation, he hurriedly took off his jade pendants and handed them over too, massaging his temples as he gazed at the crying Yu Ling’er. Finally, he could only sigh softly, “Your taste in men is problematic. You should choose someone more steadfast next time…”

Only he knew that Yu Ling’er truly didn’t know how to choose men.

Whether it was her infatuation with the indifferent Wei Jie in her past life, or her current feelings for Qin Lingxiao and himself in this life, none of them were good matches.

His and Master’s fates were still undecided. If Yu Ling’er remained at Guistone(Ghost Stone) Cliff, he feared she might tragically repeat her past life’s demise. So it might not be bad for Yu Ling’er to leave now.

But to Yu Ling’er, it seemed Tang Youshu really was kicking her out!

She had thought Tang Youshu was different from other fickle men, yet he too was a wicked bully towards women!

At this point, Yu Ling’er didn’t need to feel sad for Cui Xiaoxiao anymore as her own heart shattered completely. Sobbing loudly, she could no longer maintain her human form and fled down the mountain, swishing her snowy white tail behind her.

Chapter 75

The Demon Lord Wei Jie’s past actions were simply to try and change his own fate, to defy Heaven and ultimately transcend his demonic nature.

In Tang Youshu’s view, having witnessed his master’s tragic death, what were trivial romantic entanglements compared to changing that previous calamity?

Hearing this, Cui Xiaoxiao looked disbelievingly between Wei Jie and her former master Tang Youshu.

At this moment, Cui Xiaoxiao seemed to realize: Tang Youshu must have coldly observed for a long time, feeling that her dalliance with the legendary Demon Lord was simply unseemly.

He might as well take this opportunity to tear apart this ill-fated relationship that should never have occurred…

Wei Jie could no longer listen – all those male bastards deserved to be chopped like kindling and burned alive.

And the first one who should be burned was this treacherous disciple Tang Youshu.

This disciple had acted so sneakily, and now he was trying to blame everything on Wei Jie!

Wei Jie gripped Tang Youshu’s throat again, coldly saying, “Just what nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean I arranged this? What did I arrange? Xiaoxiao, don’t listen to his tricks trying to drive a wedge between us. This little brat’s insinuations are truly clumsy beyond belief!”

This time, he truly held nothing back with his grip!

Tang Youshu must be harboring malicious intentions, surely sent by that Prince Can!

Tang Youshu seemed to sense Wei Jie’s killing intent. At this moment of life and death, he suddenly waved his hand as if plucking something from thin air, producing a blue gemstone.

Cui Xiaoxiao recognized this as the spirit stone stolen from the mountain cave!

As the spirit stone rose into the air, both Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie had a foreboding feeling.

Wei Jie didn’t even care about Tang Youshu, immediately rushing over to embrace Cui Xiaoxiao to protect her from the spirit stone.

The flame pattern on the spirit stone glowed an alluring light, bathing the entire room in a hazy blue radiance.

In the next instant, as if recognizing its master, it flashed and shot straight towards Wei Jie’s forehead.

Although Wei Jie raised a qi shield to block it, his efforts were in vain as the blue gemstone pierced through and struck his forehead.

The next moment, the gemstone vanished, but the same flame pattern that had been carved on it now appeared on Wei Jie’s previously smooth forehead – in the cave, Cui Xiaoxiao had seen the ancient Flame Emperor with an identical mark.

After being possessed by the spirit stone, Wei Jie’s body suddenly collapsed backwards. Cui Xiaoxiao quickly supported him and laid him down on a mat, calling out to him a few times, but he remained unconscious.

Cui Xiaoxiao’s heart burned with anxiety. She finally drew her sword and pointed it at her former master’s neck, “Master! What did you do to him?”

Tang Youshu nursed his bruised throat from Wei Jie’s grip and eyed the Heaven-Smiting Sword pointed at him. After a ragged cough, he said, “Nothing, the artifact has simply returned to its original master. This spirit stone contains the remnants of the ancient deity Flame Emperor’s divine power. Although only half remains, it is still formidable. In this life, you took Wei Jie’s place in undergoing his tribulations, but his current cultivation would be difficult to withstand the coming trials. All my efforts were merely to increase Master’s chances… Xiaoxiao, you’ve been to the back mountain cave and know the legends of the Flame Emperor. Yet the Demon Lord Wei Jie is that reincarnated deity who was supposed to undergo those tribulations and regain his divinity. You two were never destined to meet and know… let alone love each other!”

Cui Xiaoxiao did not withdraw her Heaven-Smiting Sword, only asking sternly, “If he is truly a deity, then why was he slain by Qin Lingxiao in the original timeline and unable to regain his divine position?”

Tang Youshu’s expression turned resentful as he recalled the past, “Because someone didn’t want him to return to divinity and laid a trap, arranging for his divine position to be usurped, completely altering Master’s destiny!”

Cui Xiaoxiao realized that in the previous life, it must have been the cunning Prince Can who ultimately became an immortal after usurping Wei Jie’s divinity.

But for such a heaven-defying act, without someone’s covert support, how could the Prince Can have altered the fates of Heaven itself with just his own abilities? Just who was secretly supporting the Prince Can and guiding him down this path?

At this moment, Tang Youshu continued, “Originally, when the Flame Emperor fell into the mortal realm for his reincarnation, he had to undergo seven major tribulations to regain his divinity and return to rule over the spirits of the underworld. But when Master experienced the sixth tribulation and was about to regain his divine status, he was ambushed by Qin Lingxiao. I only later inadvertently discovered this conspiracy – his divine position had also been usurped by that despicable Prince Can. In this new life, if I cannot assist Master in quickly regaining immortality, what meaning would there be?”

Cui Xiaoxiao looked into Tang Youshu’s eyes and, she didn’t know why, but chose to believe his words.

She slowly withdrew her sword, then crouched down and placed her fingers under Wei Jie’s nose. His breathing was steady, but the intervals were growing longer, a sign of his increasing cultivation.

It seemed Tang Youshu hadn’t lied – this spirit stone did greatly benefit one’s cultivation.

For some reason, Tang Youshu kept looking at Cui Xiaoxiao with pity, saying softly, “This spirit stone contains the Flame Emperor’s divine power. Back then, it was only when breaking through the sixth tribulation that Master found the method to unlock the formation in the back mountain and discovered this spirit stone. But he found it too late. Although he managed to purge the demonic nature from his body in time, it gave that bastard Qin Lingxiao an opportunity… Now that I’ve helped Master obtain the spirit stone early, even if I bear deep sins and end up in hell, I’ll have no regrets!”

Perhaps it was Tang Youshu’s ever calm demeanor and convincing reasons, but Cui Xiaoxiao felt any further accusations would be pointless.

She lowered her eyes to the still unconscious Wei Jie and said softly, “What will happen to him now that you’ve given him this spirit stone?”

Tang Youshu averted his eyes with some shame and remained silent for a moment before saying, “To become a deity, one must extinguish all desires and emotions. If he is possessed by this divine power, he will inevitably take on the original deity’s nature. The Flame Emperor governed the deities of the underworld. Although Master will still retain memories of you, he will likely gain great enlightenment and be unable to indulge in human loves and desires… Before Master ascends to immortality, I cannot send you back to two hundred years later, or else it will greatly disrupt your karmic destiny. So… do you want to leave Lingshan for now and go somewhere else to cultivate in seclusion?”

Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh, “If he still remembers me, how could we possibly cut ties so abruptly? The matters between him and me, do they need your decision?”

Tang Youshu watched as Cui Xiaoxiao smiled, but her face suddenly turned pale, clearly believing his words.

A flicker of pity flashed in his eyes, but in the end he still steeled his heart and said, “Originally, I didn’t want to force an early separation between you two either, but a brief pain is better than a long-lasting one… You were never meant to walk the same path. For the rest of your lives, you won’t be together!”

Cui Xiaoxiao’s hands trembled with anger, but she still couldn’t bear to be rude to her former master.

She finally sheathed her sword and lifted Wei Jie up, intending to take him away from Tang Youshu.

She was well aware of the vast obstacles between herself and Wei Jie. But whether their relationship worked out was a decision for the two of them alone. Lord Tang had no business interfering!

Tang Youshu clearly guessed Cui Xiaoxiao would blame him and let out a faint sigh.

Over these past few days, every interaction between Master Wei Jie and this young lady had been witnessed by him. The tenderness Master displayed was something Tang Youshu had never seen before, leaving him startled yet filled with regret.

If possible, he didn’t want to play the role of separating these lovebirds either.

But after his master’s death, he had secretly infiltrated the Prince Can Manor of the Regent King in the capital and saw those fragmentary pages, clearly understanding that the Flame Emperor’s destiny, whether as a deity or human, did not include any worldly romantic connections.

So this relationship between Master and Cui Xiaoxiao, who was born into the wrong era, was destined to be nothing more than an ill-fated dalliance!

If that was the case, it was better to cut it off cleanly while their bond was still shallow.

Unfortunately, Cui Xiaoxiao was still unaware of the spirit stone’s power and stubbornly insisted on supporting Wei Jie.

At this moment, the man lying on the mat suddenly opened his eyes and slowly sat up.

Cui Xiaoxiao carefully studied his face. Apart from the added flame mark on his forehead, Wei Jie’s appearance was unchanged, yet he seemed like a completely different person.

The current Wei Jie had a profound gaze and chilly countenance, devoid of his former lazy nonchalance. Instead, he resembled that cold and stern Demon Lord who rarely smiled from her dreams.

Now, his eyes held endless iciness when looking at Cui Xiaoxiao, lacking any of their former warmth.

When Cui Xiaoxiao reached out to support him, he coldly waved his sleeve, forcefully brushing her aside.

The spirit stone’s power was not to be underestimated – his inner energy had surged tremendously in that instant!

Caught off guard by this forceful shove, Cui Xiaoxiao lost her balance and her head struck the corner of a nearby table, causing her to tear up from the pain.

Though the Talisman Sect was small, everyone used to dote on Cui Xiaoxiao like a precious treasure.

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao accidentally injure herself so badly, even Tang Youshu was slightly moved and went to support his beloved disciple.

The newly awakened Wei Jie reacted faster than his mind, reaching out his arm as if to embrace the tearful girl. But as his long arm extended, the flame mark on his forehead flickered with light.

Indulging emotions and desires was a great taboo in immortal cultivation. Especially for one who formerly governed the spirits of the underworld, his heart could not contain a shred of worldly attachment.

When Wei Jie merged with the spirit stone containing the Flame Emperor’s power, it was as if he had a profound enlightenment, completely understanding the path to immortality.

He would instinctively avoid emotional entanglements, his reaction naturally suppressing any lingering human sentiments, as if his heart had been sealed off from joy and sorrow.

So while Wei Jie retained memories of his past with Cui Xiaoxiao, they seemed shrouded by a heavy veil, visible yet lacking any sense of true tenderness, like a bystander observing someone else’s affairs.

The intimate affections he had once craved day and night now seemed utterly trivial in an instant…

Now, seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s tears, Wei Jie even felt a strange irritation. He closed his eyes like a monk in meditation, no longer looking at Cui Xiaoxiao.

Cui Xiaoxiao pushed away the supporting Tang Youshu and slowly sat up, nursing her head. Since meeting Wei Jie, she had never seen such a cold and ruthless side of him.

She slowly turned to Tang Youshu and said word-by-word, “Why does it seem like he doesn’t recognize me anymore? Did you erase his memories?”

Tang Youshu let out a silent sigh and said calmly, “He simply won’t indulge in human desires anymore. Didn’t you expect there would eventually be a day when you would part ways? This day has merely come sooner… you should have been prepared.”

At this moment, the man who had awakened with a cold expression finally spoke in a chilly voice, “Cui Xiaoxiao, you go out first. I still have matters to discuss with Tang Youshu.”

This uttering of her full name sounded unnatural, for since they had known each other, Wei Jie rarely addressed Cui Xiaoxiao so formally.

When pleased, he would affectionately call her Xiaoxiao. When displeased and moody, he might disrespectfully say “Master”.

But this polite and distant use of her full name seemed to be the first time coming from his lips.

Cui Xiaoxiao suspected Tang Youshu was controlling him, so she tentatively asked, “Wei Jie, do you truly know who I am and what’s happening now?”

Wei Jie said coldly, “You’re just my nominal master who has taken the Patriarch’s title without teaching me anything, right? What does it matter if I don’t remember someone like you?”

At another time, faced with such a vicious and merciless taunt, Cui Xiaoxiao might have guiltily applauded her disciple.

But now, Cui Xiaoxiao felt she was only hearing Wei Jie’s true feelings – after having his emotional desires sealed, she was truly worthless in his eyes…

Perhaps not wanting to see the pitiful sight of the tearful young lady, Wei Jie waved his hand again, forcefully pushing Cui Xiaoxiao out of the study and slamming the door shut.

With only Wei Jie and Tang Youshu remaining inside, Tang Youshu’s face was suddenly struck by a vicious slap, splitting his lip and causing blood to spill from his mouth.

Wei Jie was aware that Tang Youshu’s earlier actions seemed to assist in increasing his cultivation without malice. After disciplining Tang Youshu with that slap while showing a slight trace of restraint, he said coldly as if suppressing his earlier irritation at seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s tears, “Explain to me exactly what is going on, or don’t blame me for being unable to tolerate you!”

The Flame Emperor governed the deities that suppressed demons and carried an aura of killing intent to subdue evil spirits. His nature was solitary and callous.

In Wei Jie’s original destiny, after undergoing numerous tribulations, he was supposed to have transformed into this ruthless existence.

Unfortunately, in this lifetime he had been cavorting with Cui Xiaoxiao, indulging in food, drinks and romantic dalliances, his nature drifting ever further from divinity.

So although he struck his master with that vicious slap, tears of gratitude welled up in Tang Youshu’s eyes. At this moment, he truly felt he had returned to his youthful days studying under his master’s strict guidance and scolding.

However, explaining everything from the beginning would be far too lengthy.

Thinking of this, he took out a thick, tattered old book from his robes and handed it to Wei Jie.

Wei Jie narrowed his eyes at the familiar cover – wasn’t this the book Cui Xiaoxiao frequently read in secret, never allowing others to touch?

It turned out the parcel Cui Xiaoxiao had lost was actually picked up by Tang Youshu.

Originally, Tang Youshu had left behind this secret book to guide Wei Jie in avoiding the pitfalls of his predetermined fate. But Cui Xiaoxiao ended up utilizing it thoroughly, taking Wei Jie’s place on that fated path.

Now with this book recording Wei Jie’s original life, Tang Youshu could finally reveal the truth that he and Cui Xiaoxiao had traveled back from two hundred years in the future.

Only by informing Master of his original destiny could Tang Youshu prepare him to face the unknown coming tribulations and overcome the hidden enemies lurking in the dark.

He didn’t speak of it before because with Wei Jie’s lingering emotional attachments, the truth would have only created unnecessary obstacles.

But now that Wei Jie had regained his divine nature as the Flame Emperor and seemed to have distanced himself from Cui Xiaoxiao, Tang Youshu dared to reveal this book that divulged the secrets of heaven.

Even if it risked violating the heavenly rules, he was determined to support Master Wei Jie in ascending to his divine position!

Wei Jie took the book Tang Youshu handed him, staring at it for a while before finally flipping it open to the first page…

As for Cui Xiaoxiao being pushed out of the study, Yu Ling’er was anxiously waiting outside the door.

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao stumble out, Yu Ling’er hurried over to support her and asked urgently, “What’s going on with your Talisman Sect today? How can you randomly interrogate people like this? What mistake did Lord Tang make for Wei Jie to treat him that way… Ai ya, what happened to your head? You’re bleeding!”

It turned out when Cui Xiaoxiao bumped against the table earlier, she had scraped her scalp and it was now bleeding.

Yu Ling’er was startled and quickly pulled Cui Xiaoxiao back to her room, first applying medicine to the wound.

But when she asked again what had happened, Cui Xiaoxiao remained silent, only hugging the little fox’s neck as she sobbed bitterly.

Earlier in the study, she had been brought to the verge of wailing grief several times by that damned master-disciple duo, but had persevered.

Her beliefs shattered, the mischievous disciple she doted on revealed as the mastermind manipulating her all along! And before the devastated Cui Xiaoxiao could even confront this great deceiver, that Wei fellow suddenly turned cold as ice, acting like an aloof immortal.

In her life, the only other time Cui Xiaoxiao had cried so hopelessly was when her mother sold her as a child.

Although unaware of what made Cui Xiaoxiao cry, Yu Ling’er had always seen her as strong, easygoing, and optimistic by nature.

No matter trapped in the mirror realm of Luoyi City or facing any danger, Cui Xiaoxiao was always calm and composed, their pillar of strength. She was like a warm sun, her presence comforting everyone around her.

Oh heavens, what immense grievance had this Cui Xiaoxiao suffered to make her weep so utterly devastated in this moment?

Foxes were naturally emotional creatures. Triggered by Cui Xiaoxiao’s tears, Yu Ling’er also couldn’t help but burst into tears, hugging her tightly as she whimpered and stroked her head, “It’s okay, just let it all out. No matter who bullied you, I won’t forgive them! Even if it was Lord Tang… Lord Tang is not allowed to bully you!”

After crying for a while, when Cui Xiaoxiao lifted her head and saw the little fox’s pitiful snotty-nosed appearance, her tears somehow more wretched than the true victim’s, she couldn’t help but break into laughter again. She then held up a mirror to Yu Ling’er.

Caught off guard by her own disheveled appearance, Yu Ling’er let out a shrill fox cry before hurriedly grabbing Cui Xiaoxiao’s sleeve to wipe her nose. Cui Xiaoxiao tried to pull her sleeve back, but the little fox refused to let go.

After their shared outpouring of grief, the two ladies finally managed to somewhat compose themselves.

Cui Xiaoxiao took a deep breath. She did have the ill-fated “Ten Injuries” destiny, so she might as well calmly face the myriad sufferings of the world that she was destined for.

As for Wei Jie, some things could not simply begin or be forgotten just because he said so!

Others might treat her as a chess piece, but she could not devalue herself so cheaply. Even if their relationship ended up an illusion, she had to demand an explanation from that deceitful master-disciple pair!

That day, Wei Jie and Tang Youshu conversed in private within the study for a long time. When Cui Xiaoxiao finally calmed down and approached the study door, she happened to catch them as they were leaving.

This time, even Yu Ling’er following behind Cui Xiaoxiao sensed the complete change in the tall man’s demeanor.

The lazy, carefree smile that used to grace Wei Jie’s face had vanished completely, replaced by an icy, emotionless expression.

Seeing his cold visage, Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but feel pensive: No wonder people said Qin Lingxiao had that arrogant, aloof immortal air – he was simply emulating his Master Wei Jie.

It seemed to cultivate immortality, one had to adopt such a sourpuss, walking dead demeanor…

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t know what she was still hoping for when Wei Jie strode past without sparing her a glance. She suddenly grabbed his large hand, tightly grasping it as their fingers intertwined.

His palm was still warm, the sensation of holding his hand the same thrilling feeling as every time their fingers entwined before.

Chapter 73 

Yu Ling’er reacted the fastest, immediately running to the nearby pond, scooping some water with a large lotus leaf, and splashing it onto Wei Jie’s face.

When the chilly water hit Wei Jie’s face, his body froze for a moment and the redness in his eyes faded slightly.

Cui Xiaoxiao saw this and realized her guess was correct – Wei Jie was not truly possessed, but had been affected by some kind of aphrodisiac powder!

She directly sheathed the Heaven-Smiting(Defying the Heavens) Sword and actively pounced towards Wei Jie.

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao leap at him, Wei Jie didn’t dodge, instead extending his long arms to catch her.

Cui Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to embrace him tightly, locking her arms around his sturdy waist. At the same time, she chanted a water spell, summoning the pond water to rise up like a snake and coil around the two of them, lifting them into the air before dropping them straight into the pond.

After entering the pond water, Cui Xiaoxiao opened her eyes with effort and looked at the Wei Jie she was clinging to.

Surrounded by the chilly pond, the redness finally left Wei Jie’s eyes. However, the drawback of depleting his inner energy while injured also became apparent.

Now that his senses had returned, he didn’t even have the strength to swim in the water, relying entirely on Cui Xiaoxiao to support him.

Seeing that Wei Jie had just regained consciousness and seemed unable to catch his breath, Cui Xiaoxiao urgently sealed her lips over his to share her inner energy.

Amidst the rippling waves, their loose robes drifted and their long hair intertwined like swaying aquatic plants. Strings of bubbles like white pearls occasionally emerged from their tightly pressed lips. The tall man took the lead, tightly embracing the girl, like a black and white fish pair frolicking in the water…

Before they knew it, their fingers were intertwined as they swam through the depths of the pond, stirring up layers of ripples…

At this moment, Qin Lingxiao rushed to the edge of the pond and saw the rising bubbles and stirring ripples, his heart pounding anxiously.

He wanted to dive in to investigate, but as a renowned sword cultivator, he couldn’t swim, so he was unable to enter the water for now.

Fortunately, the two didn’t stay underwater for too long. When Cui Xiaoxiao realized Wei Jie had fully regained his senses, she chanted another water spell, coiling the water around them both to bring them back to shore.

By now, the consequences of Wei Jie’s reckless use of inner energy were fully apparent – despite Cui Xiaoxiao’s support, he could not even stand up.

Qin Lingxiao seized the opportunity to draw his qi sword again, intending to attack Wei Jie, but Cui Xiaoxiao waved her long sleeve to deflect his sword, angrily saying, “Can’t you see he was the victim of a sneak attack that caused him to lose his senses? Would you kill an innocent?”

However, Qin Lingxiao remained convinced of his previous suspicion and said angrily, “The demon bead is possessing Wei Jie! Even if this isn’t demonic possession, how can we be sure it won’t happen again? You should know best what atrocities Wei Jie will commit when his demonic nature erupts!”

Wei Jie slowly raised his head upon hearing this. He did not appear weak now, only coldly asking, “Oh? So you know what I’m like when demonically possessed?”

Qin Lingxiao froze, for of course he could not admit knowing the details.

In his past life, Wei Jie did suffer tremendous injustice, but Qin Lingxiao believed that after Wei Jie’s human nature was crushed by numerous blows, the demonic nature that erupted was terribly real!

Back then, even if his own father Qin Hezhen had made some mistakes, it did not warrant slaughtering the other disciples. Yet Wei Jie annihilated all four major sects in a rage, leaving no other survivors besides Qin Lingxiao and Ling Zhanshan.

Even at the risk of Cui Xiaoxiao’s resentment, Qin Lingxiao had to take preventive measures. He needed to strike Wei Jie’s Spiritual Platform while the demon bead had just possessed him, severing the root of the problem!

Of course, the deeper reason was that his father was still waiting for the life-prolonging effects of the wrathful demon bead. Qin Lingxiao had come to retrieve it.

If Wei Jie didn’t die, how could his father be saved?

Seeing Qin Lingxiao glaring but saying nothing, Wei Jie let out a cold snort and leaned weakly against Cui Xiaoxiao’s embrace.

No one knew better than him how comfortable Cui Xiaoxiao’s soft bosom was to lean on…

At this moment, Cui Xiaoxiao only felt distressed. As she wiped the water from Wei Jie’s cheeks, she insisted firmly, “You’re mistaken, the demon bead is really not on him!”

Qin Lingxiao felt she was making excuses for Wei Jie and said coldly, “If not on him, then where is it?”

Cui Xiaoxiao said slowly, “Whoever ambushed Wei Jie… that’s the one possessed by the demon bead…”

At this moment, Wei Jie also seemed to have caught his breath. Covering his chest, he recounted in a low voice what happened before the ambush, “A black-robed masked man secretly went to the back mountain. I discovered him and followed his trail here. We fought, but he suddenly threw some powder at me, causing me to lose my senses somehow and fall under his technique…”

Hearing this, Cui Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, then slowly turned her head to look at the footprints leading towards the mountain cave, sighing regretfully, “Damn! We may have been tricked!”

Earlier, when following the footprints into the cave, she had been puzzled – why did the footprints only linger outside while there were none inside?

It turned out there was a sealed formation like the one in the Phoenix Secret Valley at the cave entrance, preventing anyone from casually entering except the resident bats and insects.

However, the five phoenix seals on her body just happened to be the key to unlocking the seal, so she had unknowingly done the mysterious person’s work of opening the cave lock!

Realizing this, she had a few fox tribesmen look after the fallen Wei Jie before re-entering the cave herself.

When Cui Xiaoxiao rushed into the cave this time, she found it seemed much dimmer than before, and the blue gemstone embedded in the phoenix statue at the top of the stone pillar had disappeared, leaving only an empty socket!

Cui Xiaoxiao’s suspicions were correct – although discovered by Wei Jie, that mysterious person had turned the situation around with a small ploy to steal what he really wanted!

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t know what that blue gemstone was, but if the demon bead-possessed person had carefully planned to obtain it, it must be extremely important.

At this moment, there were more shocked cries from outside the cave. It turned out Wei Jie’s injuries were too severe and he had coughed up a large amount of blood!

It was clear that using his inner energy recklessly despite his injuries had caused further damage.

Seeing this, a look of delight appeared on Qin Lingxiao’s face. If Wei Jie’s Spiritual Platform was damaged beyond repair, he would be reduced to an ordinary person. Such an outcome might be even more satisfying than killing Wei Jie!

On the other hand, Tang Youshu’s eyes were red from panic, tears flowing as he wanted to rush back to the mountain to retrieve the hemostatic medicine he usually prepared for his master.

But if it was truly a severe depletion of inner energy, could a few handfuls of medicinal herbs really help?

Cui Xiaoxiao regretted her own lax cultivation, lamenting that at such a critical moment, she couldn’t even produce a Pill Core to save Wei Jie’s life.

Wei Jie forcibly suppressed the gushing blood flow and said to Cui Xiaoxiao, “First… find a secluded place for me. I need you to stabilize my meridians. No one can disturb us during that time… Let’s go to that cave over there.”

Cui Xiaoxiao knew she needed to quickly treat Wei Jie’s injuries. That cave would work, since it was where Master Tang Youshu would later lead them all into seclusion two hundred years from now.

Wei Jie was probably avoiding Qin Lingxiao as well as the new disciples on the mountain, so apart from two fox tribesmen guarding the entrance, no one else was allowed near.

According to Master Tang Youshu, this place gathered the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, making it ideal for building one’s foundation.

Cui Xiaoxiao had never treated anyone’s injuries before. When the two of them sat facing each other on the round boulder in the center of the cave, she didn’t know how to proceed in channeling her energy to heal him.

When she asked Wei Jie nervously, he leaned weakly against her and said faintly, “Just hold me for a bit first, let me stabilize my inner energy…”

So Cui Xiaoxiao obediently rested her chin on Wei Jie’s broad shoulder, allowing him to embrace her.

At this point of life and death, as long as he didn’t go too far, she could let him hold her for as long as needed.

However, this man who should have been frail took some… rather unrestrained liberties with his hands.

Cui Xiaoxiao suppressed her urge again and again until finally snatching back her loosened sash. Looking at him with seductive eyes, she said in a low voice, “This… is this some intimate healing technique from the Joyous Unity Sect? Where exactly is your blood flowing to?”

Wei Jie’s voice was now fading, showing no trace of the dexterity from before when undoing her sash, “You know I was affected by an aphrodisiac. Even after being immersed in water, some of the effects haven’t worn off yet… Perhaps if you help me fully dispel it, my qi depletion will be cured.”

Cui Xiaoxiao squinted at him, then suddenly pinched his cheeks and peered into his mouth – apart from a row of white teeth, his tongue bore fresh bite marks and traces of blood.

Just as she suspected, this Wei fellow had deliberately bitten his own tongue to cough up that frightening mouthful of blood!

Seeing through his trick, Cui Xiaoxiao was so angered she nearly condensed a water blade to chop him, “Were you trying to scare me to death? Don’t you know how worried I was, thinking you were really going to die! Or… was your ambush faked too?”

Wei Jie smiled and grasped her flailing fists, then showed her the bruise on the back of his head, “A bump this big, how could I have hit myself?… But the one who ambushed me earlier was really strange!”

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t understand, “What was so strange about it?”

Wei Jie narrowed his purple eyes and said softly, “It was like encountering a doppelganger in the Illusion Mirror City of Luoyi. That person’s build was clearly shorter than me, yet his techniques and moves were exactly the same as mine, as if from the same lineage…”

Hearing this, Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but furrow her brow.

Wei Jie’s skills incorporated the strengths of various schools with his own adaptations and refinements. Perhaps many techniques in the world were similar to his, but aside from the illusory doppelganger in the Mirror City, who else could perfectly mimic him?

As Cui Xiaoxiao sank into contemplation, Wei Jie stood up and squinted at the murals, also pausing when he saw the one depicting the Phoenix Tree from the Secret Realm.

However, what he really wanted to say wasn’t about those murals. The reason he had faked coughing up blood was to get this private moment with Cui Xiaoxiao, the only time he could voice his innermost doubts.

It was just that… what he wanted to say might not be something Cui Xiaoxiao wanted to hear…

Thinking of this, he looked at Cui Xiaoxiao, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke, “Xiaoxiao, don’t you find someone rather strange?”

…

While the two conversed intimately in the cave, the people at the front mountain had been anxiously waiting.

Fortunately, their seclusion didn’t last too long. As the sky brightened, they emerged from the cave.

Yu Ling’er and Tang Youshu had been waiting at the entrance early on.

Qin Lingxiao had also stayed, wanting to see the extent of Wei Jie’s injuries now that the Talisman Sect’s disciples had gathered at the back mountain.

To Qin Lingxiao’s disappointment, Wei Jie’s condition seemed much improved – at the very least, he could walk out of the cave on his own.

Instead, it was Cui Xiaoxiao who appeared to have fallen seriously ill, her complexion slightly haggard. It seemed she had expended tremendous spiritual energy in treating Wei Jie’s injuries.

When they emerged from the cave, Cui Xiaoxiao’s eyes were reddened, perhaps from crying over her worries for Wei Jie until they became swollen.

Now, changes were afoot at the front mountain.

After this night, those disciples who had been vomiting and suffering diarrhea had recovered.

However, some of the disciples had quietly left the mountain once their bodies recovered, without a word.

After all, with the entire group of disciples falling violently ill after a single meal, it certainly seemed someone had poisoned the food. Most suspiciously, apart from Tang Youshu, including Cui Xiaoxiao, none of the Talisman Sect members showed any symptoms.

Some of the more perceptive individuals couldn’t help but become suspicious, feeling that Cui Xiaoxiao’s actions were too sinister! If she didn’t want to accept them, she could have just chased them away directly. Why resort to such underhanded means as laxatives?

No wonder the elders of the four major sects called her a demon – her thoughts and actions were truly devious and vicious!

When Cui Xiaoxiao heard from Tang Youshu about the departing disciples, she only absentmindedly nodded her head.

The Talisman Sect allowed freedom of coming and going. Since they hadn’t formally taken oaths as disciples, if they didn’t want to stay, they could just leave.

Cui Xiaoxiao knew that after leaving, these disciples would likely spread more rumors outside defaming her reputation, pushing her further towards being labeled as an evil demonic sect leader.

However, having taken on Wei Jie’s predetermined fate, it was inevitable that she would bear the title of Demon Lord and be slandered by others. Moreover, she did cause them to suffer diarrhea, so these insults weren’t exactly undeserved.

It was just a pity that enduring such slander still didn’t reveal who was possessed by the demon bead.

Therefore, Cui Xiaoxiao issued another order to depart, telling Qin Lingxiao, “Since none of these new disciples are possessed, I won’t keep you here any longer either. Please go elsewhere to continue your search.”

Of course, Qin Lingxiao was unwilling to leave. For some reason, he had a feeling the demon bead was still somewhere on Guistone Cliff.

Moreover, in the original timeline two hundred years ago, he had never entered that sealed cave in the back mountain before.

He clearly remembered that even Wei Jie had never gone into that formation-sealed cave.

Later, Wei Jie had even designated the back mountain as a forbidden area, and there was never any incident of someone breaking in to steal anything from the cave.

Yet in this lifetime, Cui Xiaoxiao had effortlessly broken through the cave’s formation, an unprecedented event compared to his past life…

Thinking of this, Qin Lingxiao was even more reluctant to leave. He felt that by staying, he could better assist Cui Xiaoxiao in dealing with any upcoming accidents.

However, Cui Xiaoxiao wasn’t consulting with him. After politely asking him to leave, she realized Qin Lingxiao didn’t seem to understand her meaning, so she could only bluntly say, “You’ve stayed here long enough. Please leave, or else Wei Jie may not be too pleased!”

Hearing this, Qin Lingxiao felt as if he had swallowed a fly. Just imagining Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie alone together in that cave overnight left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Sometimes, he really wished he could immediately find the Flaming Underworld Deity statue and return to when he first met Cui Xiaoxiao. He would definitely not act so arrogant and leave such a poor impression in the young lady’s heart…

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao’s weary appearance, Qin Lingxiao decided not to argue with her further. He also needed to return to Soaring Cloud Pavilion to check on his father, and find another way to search for the demon bead.

After driving away Qin Lingxiao, Cui Xiaoxiao was equally blunt in “advising” the other disciples who came to take oaths to leave as well.

The excuse was readily available – just eating a single meal caused them to violently vomit and suffer diarrhea, clearly showing their shallow foundations were unsuitable for inheriting the Talisman Sect’s legacy.

Failing to take them as disciples, these people immediately started cursing and scolding, bringing up Cui Xiaoxiao’s past demonic possession once more.

It seemed that when attempting to join, they didn’t care about Cui Xiaoxiao’s past as a demoness. But after failing, they immediately became righteous warriors again, hurling insults without fear of her demonic nature erupting.

Tang Youshu felt sorry for his master, while Wei Jie found it puzzling. After leaving the cave, he slept without waking, seemingly recovering his injuries through dreaming.

Now with everyone else gone from the mountain, cooking duties naturally fell back to Tang Youshu.

After asking Cui Xiaoxiao if she wanted beef soup, Tang Youshu cooked a pot and brought a small stone bowl to her study.

When he entered with the stone bowl, Cui Xiaoxiao was flipping through the cultivation legends she had borrowed from him, searching for any clues about the black phoenix and Flame Emperor.

However, she didn’t seem to be making much progress, with books scattered all over the floor.

Tang Youshu set down the beef soup and squatted to pick up the books Cui Xiaoxiao had thrown around, stacking them neatly.

Cui Xiaoxiao slouched over the table, lacking any patriarchal dignity as she dejectedly asked, “They’ve all left?”

Tang Youshu knew she was referring to the prospective disciples, so he hurriedly replied, “Most of them have gone. However, that Miss Ling Zhanshan insists on staying and seems determined to linger on the mountain. Seeing that you and Master appeared to have depleted your inner energies and not yet recovered, I didn’t mention it to you. She’ll probably leave once she gets bored of waiting around.”

Cui Xiaoxiao paid no mind to such trifling matters. She simply took the soup Tang Youshu poured for her, blew on it to cool it down, and drank a big mouthful.

But after the soup entered her mouth, Cui Xiaoxiao frowned tightly, swallowing it with difficulty before saying softly, “Lord Tang, this beef soup is bitter again…”

Tang Youshu was puzzled, “Bitter? It shouldn’t be. Ling’er had a bowl in the kitchen and said it tasted great!”

Cui Xiaoxiao scooped another bowl and handed it to him, “Here, don’t believe me? Try it yourself.”

Tang Youshu took the bowl suspiciously and drank a sip, immediately furrowing his brow as well – amidst the fresh taste of the beef soup was indeed an indescribable bitter flavor. It seemed Yu Ling’er had actually learned to flatter and lie, able to drink an entire bitter bowl while praising its taste…

Tang Youshu was used to his own cooking, so he apologized, “Ancestor, I’ve failed again. Should I make you another pot?”

Cui Xiaoxiao shook her head lazily, thinking for a moment before drawing the flame pattern from the gemstone in the cave onto a piece of paper. She asked, “You’ve read the most cultivation legends. Have you ever seen this pattern before?”

Tang Youshu studied it carefully for a while before shaking his head, “I’ve never seen it before. But… isn’t this the pattern from that missing gemstone in the cave?”

Cui Xiaoxiao nodded slowly, “I checked the local records of Guistone Cliff again. Apparently there’s a reason why it’s called Guistone Cliff. Legend says there’s a spirit stone within the mountain, an ancient divine artifact that can communicate with ghosts and spirits, which is why this place is named Guistone Cliff. Could that stolen gemstone be the legendary spirit stone?”

Tang Youshu replied, “Your conjecture makes sense, Ancestor. It’s quite possible.”

Cui Xiaoxiao poured herself a cup of tea to wash away the bitterness in her mouth, downing it in one gulp before drinking several more cups, looking more like guzzling fine wine than drinking tea.

Seeing the teapot was almost empty, Tang Youshu picked it up to go refill it with hot water from the kitchen.

However, Cui Xiaoxiao firmly pressed his hand down, her large eyes seeming to reminisce about the past as she looked through Tang Youshu towards someone in the distant unknown.

She said calmly, “Since we first met, time has passed without me realizing how long it’s been. But I still clearly remember the circumstances of our first encounter.”

Tang Youshu froze slightly before withdrawing his hand from under Cui Xiaoxiao’s and smiling faintly, “I also remember meeting you and Master. If not for you both, I would have died in the jaws of that Corpse-Eating Beast.”

Cui Xiaoxiao sighed, “Actually, on that day when you were rescued from the Corpse-Eating Beast, you had two choices before you – take me or Wei Jie as your master. I was Wei Jie’s master, and my performance that day was quite impressive. I treated you better too, yet you wholeheartedly chose to follow that cold and indifferent Wei Jie as your master…”

Tang Youshu seemed not to have expected his Ancestor to bring up such old history now, so he hastily apologized, “If possible, I would have taken you both as masters. But you looked so young then, Ancestor… I felt it would be improper to follow a lady master, please forgive your grandDisciple’s disrespect…”

Cui Xiaoxiao nodded again, seeming lost in her memories, “Later, as we traveled, why did we end up going to the Fox Tribe’s Mount Tuyun? Ah yes, I originally wanted to go to Soaring Cloud Pavilion to have Qin Lingxiao remove the shackles binding Wei Jie and me. Since I wasn’t good with maps, you were the guide who led us all the way to Mount Tuyun…”

Tang Youshu lowered his head in embarrassment and said softly, “It was my foolishness that nearly harmed you and Master…”

Cui Xiaoxiao gave a self-deprecating laugh, “How was it harmful? If we hadn’t gone to Mount Tuyun, how could Wei Jie and I have accidentally drunk the Celestial Spring water and greatly increased our cultivation bases? Speaking of that, it reminds me of the events in Luoyi City. At that time, not wanting to make trouble, I decided to leave the city with all of you. But you slipped up in front of your master and mentioned Prince Can’s invitation to his birthday banquet. So Wei Jie secretly went ahead to attend, staying behind to eventually expose Prince Can’s misdeeds.”

Chapter 72 

It seemed that the demon bead had not been absorbed by these new disciples after all!

Could it be that the damaged divination talisman showed an error and failed?

However, seeing Qin Lingxiao’s pale and sickly appearance from vomiting, Cui Xiaoxiao felt sorry for him. While deep in thought, she casually handed Qin Lingxiao a cup of tea.

Qin Lingxiao took the fragrant tea from Cui Xiaoxiao and drank a few sips, finally managing to suppress his nausea.

He looked at the little girl lost in thought, her head slightly lowered, long eyelashes flickering, appearing much calmer than the mischievous little girl he knew.

Qin Lingxiao stared at her and finally said in a low voice, “Now that you’ve played a trick on me, we’re even. You won’t hold my previous revealing of you being a witch against me, will you?”

Xiaoxiao came back to her senses, blinking, only then understanding that Qin Lingxiao was referring to him exposing her as a witch in front of others before.

It seemed Qin Lingxiao knew she was deliberately troubling him just now, yet he still accepted it.

But Xiaoxiao didn’t consider herself and Qin Lingxiao to be on the same path, so what was there to forgive or not forgive?

Thinking of this, Xiaoxiao changed the subject, “Since using chilling objects didn’t detect the person possessed by the demon bead, could the divination talisman have made a mistake? Maybe the demon bead isn’t with these people at all?”

Qin Lingxiao had also considered this possibility and immediately said, “Impossible, this divination talisman is an ancient sacred object, the most accurate for probing demonic auras. If it wasn’t because you and another demon bead were too close, interacting with each other, it wouldn’t have shattered on its own! Moreover…not everyone present at that time was tested!”

Hearing Qin Lingxiao’s meaningful words, Cui Xiaoxiao slowly raised her head and stared at him wide-eyed.

Because he was right, on that day among the people at the foot of the mountain, apart from the new disciples taking oaths, there were also a few others.

It was Wei Jie, Tang Youshu and the others who went down the mountain to purchase supplies!

Counting the fox tribe man accompanying them, there were four people in total.

And at tonight’s yin banquet, apart from Tang Youshu accidentally eating a few bites after angering Yu Ling’er, the other three didn’t eat anything either.

Thinking of this, Cui Xiaoxiao’s heart sank like a rock.

The other two fox tribe men could be easily tested.

But Wei Jie, being a descendant of the Wei Family, was originally not afraid of chilling foods, so using the fish and shrimp from the Oblivion River couldn’t detect if he was possessed by the demon bead!

Moreover, she had already told him that another demon bead was hidden among the people on the mountain. If Wei Jie had taken precautions, how could she do anything about it?

Cui Xiaoxiao clearly knew that compared to others, Wei Jie’s constitution was actually more suitable for demonic possession.

Especially since that wrathful demon bead, like the greed bead, was refined from Wei Jie’s body, so if that demon bead possessed Wei Jie’s body, it would be returning to its original form, the consequences of which were unimaginable!

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t know if the other demon bead would be as talkative as the greed bead, revealing to Wei Jie the fate that should not be divulged in the original timeline.

If Wei Jie knew his original destiny, no matter what he did, the change in events would lead to consequences that even the Heavenly Dao might not be able to control.

Thinking of this, Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but pace around, and the more she thought about Wei Jie’s recent cold and strange behavior, the more uneasy she became!

If Wei Jie really became possessed, with his temperament, his demonic nature would develop rapidly, wouldn’t all her previous efforts be in vain?

Cui Xiaoxiao became anxious and had no heart to talk more with Qin Lingxiao.

Afterwards, she also tested the two fox tribe men with fish and meat, and after finding that they also reacted, her heart sank further!

This meant that among those present that day, there was only one person who did not pass the trial… Cui Xiaoxiao dared not think further.

Because after this Reveling Feast, all the new disciples of the Talisman Sect had fallen and could not get up.

This way, the mountain had regained some of its former tranquility.

After the banquet ended, Cui Xiaoxiao thought about it and decided to question Wei Jie to find out the truth.

She had never suspected him before, and if he was really possessed by the demon bead, he would definitely show signs of the snake and qilin.

At worst, she could make an excuse to change his clothes or something, and take a good look at his front, back, top and bottom…

But Wei Jie seemed to have disappeared. Cui Xiaoxiao couldn’t find him in the residences, so she could only search along the corridors.

When she reached the small path behind the residences, she happened to meet Tang Youshu emerging from the bushes, holding his stomach.

The outhouses on Lingshan were too crowded tonight, and Tang Youshu hadn’t been able to secure a spot several times in a row, so he had to violate the Patriarch’s new sect rules and sneak into the woods.

Unexpectedly, he ran into Cui Xiaoxiao, so he quickly apologized to the Patriarch and begged for her forgiveness.

Cui Xiaoxiao’s new sect rules were not meant to punish Lord Tang, and she was in a hurry to find Wei Jie, so she quickly interrupted Tang Youshu’s nervous apologies and asked, “Did you see your master just now?”

Tang Youshu pointed towards the small path leading to the back mountain, “Master seemed to have gone towards the back mountain.”

Hearing this, Cui Xiaoxiao hurried towards the back mountain. Tang Youshu saw that it was too dark, so he quickly took a lantern from a lamp post by the road and followed the Patriarch.

When Cui Xiaoxiao reached the cave in the back mountain where she and Master Tang Youshu used to practice, she immediately saw Wei Jie lying on the ground with his eyes closed.

Cui Xiaoxiao recognized Wei Jie at a glance and hurriedly ran over, calling out anxiously, “Wei Jie! What’s wrong with you?”

There were obvious signs of impact on the back of Wei Jie’s head, indicating that someone had taken advantage of his current inability to use true qi and lowered alertness to launch a sneak attack on him.

No matter how loudly Cui Xiaoxiao called out to him, he didn’t open his eyes, but fortunately his breathing was steady, so he seemed to have just passed out.

On the damp and cool ground at night, the back of Wei Jie’s clothes was completely soaked. At this moment, Tang Youshu arrived panting with the lantern.

Cui Xiaoxiao asked Tang Youshu to help carry Wei Jie onto a nearby large rock, then used her own robe as a pillow to prop up his head.

Whoever was capable of ambushing Wei Jie was not to be underestimated. They didn’t kill Wei Jie, only knocked him unconscious, but what was their intention?

After confirming that his master was not seriously injured, Tang Youshu took the lantern and searched around for the culprit.

At this moment, by the light of the lantern, Cui Xiaoxiao saw a clear trail of footprints leading from where Wei Jie had been lying towards the dark cave.

Could the one who attacked Wei Jie be hiding in the cave?

After making sure Wei Jie’s breathing was steady and he wasn’t in serious danger, Cui Xiaoxiao took the lantern from Tang Youshu’s hand and cautiously approached the cave.

However, before reaching the cave entrance, Cui Xiaoxiao clearly felt a faint resistance, as if there was some kind of spell formation at the entrance.

This was the cave where Tang Youshu would go into seclusion two hundred years later, and Cui Xiaoxiao had also entered the cave with him to cultivate in seclusion, but there was no such formation at the entrance back then!

With a thought, she chanted a spell with one hand, directing the nearby water towards the cave entrance. Under the water’s effect, an orderly invisible net-like formation appeared.

Although bats and insects could still enter and exit the cave, larger beings would be blocked by this net formation.

The last time they stayed outside this back mountain cave, Yu Ling’er was afraid of bats, so they never went inside and didn’t discover this hidden formation at the entrance.

The footprints lingered around here, so could the person who ambushed Wei Jie be hiding inside?

Thinking of this, Cui Xiaoxiao became cautious. She let Tang Youshu watch over Wei Jie while she tried to use her true qi to break through the formation.

However, after two strikes, the five phoenix seals on her neck suddenly grew hot, and at the same time, colorful needle-like rays of light shot out. The formation sealing the cave entrance reacted as if recognizing its master and immediately dispersed.

Cui Xiaoxiao frowned slightly, then ignited the flame in her palm to light the way as she slowly entered the cave.

Unlike the orderly state after renovations two hundred years later, this cave was full of stalactites and stalagmites everywhere.

In the center was a three-zhang-tall stone pillar, carved with a phoenix at the top, and a mysterious colorful gemstone embedded in the phoenix’s forehead.

Illuminated by the flame in Cui Xiaoxiao’s palm, the gemstone reflected a mysterious glow, lighting up the entire cave.

The phoenix had its wings spread as if about to take flight, but its talons were grasping a giant python also seemingly poised to soar. Its cold, sidelong gaze made one hesitant to approach.

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t dare look too closely, only wanting to first confirm if there were any suspicious persons in the cave.

However, after searching the entire cave, there were no other footprints, so the mysterious person must not have been able to get past the previous formation.

At this moment, Cui Xiaoxiao finally looked at the walls of the cave…

Cui Xiaoxiao clearly remembered that in the cave two hundred years later, the walls were covered in many colorful murals, depicting not only scenes of her teacher Wei Jie’s conquests and expansions, as well as Tang Youshu’s solitary adventures, but also legends of many ancient deities.

Those murals had varying depths of color and different styles. Many were painted by her teacher when he was bored during seclusion, but some were said to date back to ancient times.

Illuminating the damp cave walls with the lantern light, there were still many faded and mottled murals in this cave.

However, these murals lacked the later additions by Tang Youshu praising the glorious deeds of the Demon Lord Wei Jie. Only the legends of the ancient deities remained.

Without Tang Youshu’s later additions glorifying her teacher, these original less prominent ancient legends stood out.

However, what caught Cui Xiaoxiao’s attention the most was a mural depicting a Phoenix Tree and phoenixes. Because that Phoenix Tree… was exactly the same as the one she saw in the Phoenix Secret Realm!

Cui Xiaoxiao studied it intently, and on the branches of the tree were also five colorful phoenixes, but above the treetop, there was an even larger phoenix circling.

That phoenix was completely black, and she didn’t know what pigment was used to color it, but under the lantern light, it seemed to be flickering with flecks of gold.

After watching for a while, Cui Xiaoxiao moved to another mural, which also depicted a black phoenix, but this time circling in the sky, as if spreading its wings and calling out.

Facing the black phoenix was a majestic-looking man.

The man wore a black robe, with a strange flame pattern on his forehead, standing in the clouds, holding a sword in one hand, his back radiating brilliant light – clearly the appearance of a celestial deity.

However, this deity was pointing his sword at the black phoenix, as if about to strike it down!

Tang Youshu, seeing that Cui Xiaoxiao had not come out for a while, also entered the cave. Walking up to her, he glanced at the murals and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “This…isn’t this the legend of the ancient Flame Emperor battling the Evil Phoenix?”

Cui Xiaoxiao turned her head in astonishment, “The Flame Emperor?”

She had also heard of this great name from antiquity. The Flame Emperor governed the ghosts and demons of the world and was the lord of the Qiongshan Underworld, ruling over the reincarnation of souls in the six realms and maintaining the balance of the three realms.

Why would such an ancient deity draw his sword against the phoenix? Could it be that he also considered the black phoenix ominous?

Tang Youshu had devoted his life to studying medical books and pharmacology, spending the rest of his time on legends of deities, spirits, feng shui and other esoteric studies.

Hearing Cui Xiaoxiao’s question, he recounted the legends he had read.

Apparently, the Flame Emperor had once fought with another deity in order to save the collapsing underworld.

The two deities disagreed and ended up battling fiercely, with an intensity rivaling the clash between Gongong and Zhurong that shook heaven and earth.

The Flame Emperor and the other deity were both severely injured and lost their divine statuses. To evade his enemy, the Flame Emperor had to transform into a giant black python and hide beneath a lotus pond.

Unexpectedly, his enemy devised a cunning plan and released an evil phoenix to search, which immediately found the Flame Emperor’s hiding place and used its talons to drag him out from under the lotus leaves.

However, when battling the black phoenix, the Flame Emperor revealed his human form, and his handsome and innocent appearance actually deterred the evil phoenix, allowing him to escape unscathed.

The evil phoenix was then punished by the deity and had its soul sealed in the Valley of Eternity.

Such a earth-shattering battle naturally disrupted the order of heaven and earth. While losing his divine status, the Flame Emperor was also punished by being stripped of his memories and cast into the cycle of reincarnation until he expiated his karmic sins and could restore his divinity and return to rule the underworld.

It was precisely due to the absence of the lord of the underworld that the Wei Family, as demon subjugators, had to guard the entrance to the underworld at Qilao Mountain to prevent chaos while the true lord was gone.

Cui Xiaoxiao’s mind stirred as she recalled the old matriarch of the Wei Family mentioning that a deity with damaged divinity had deceived the Xia imperial family for two hundred years with the promised blessing.

Could that deceptive deity be the one who battled the Flame Emperor? The Flame Emperor was demoted and punished, while that deity seemed unscathed. Could it be that he used deception to quickly restore his divinity and avoid the suffering of reincarnation?

Viewed this way, the Heavenly Dao was truly biased, as both deities were fighting but only one was punished!

But when Cui Xiaoxiao asked which deity it was that the Flame Emperor fought, Tang Youshu could only shake his head, saying the legends were unclear on that detail.

Cui Xiaoxiao had dreamed of a tiny black phoenix hatchling before. Could that be… the very evil phoenix that was bewitched by the Flame Emperor’s beauty and ended up sealed?

From this, it could be seen that neither humans nor birds should be too lustful, or else one misstep could lead to interminable disaster… though it was hard to imagine what sort of devilish looks the Flame Emperor had to bewitch even a phoenix.

There were many more murals about deities, but Cui Xiaoxiao had no interest in looking further, as Wei Jie was still lying outside.

When Cui Xiaoxiao and Tang Youshu came out, Qin Lingxiao, Yu Ling’er, and a few fox tribe people had also arrived. They had apparently helped Cui Xiaoxiao search for Wei Jie earlier.

Qin Lingxiao had likely seen Tang Youshu running towards the back mountain with a lantern and followed him here.

Perhaps due to the surrounding voices, Wei Jie finally opened his eyes slowly. However, the eyes that opened were bloodshot, clearly indicating demonic possession.

Qin Lingxiao, who had long suspected that the wrathful demon bead had possessed Wei Jie, immediately called out in alarm, “Be careful!”

At the same time, he quickly pulled Cui Xiaoxiao to his side, grabbing her hand as if to stop her from getting close to Wei Jie.

However, the moment the red-eyed Wei Jie saw Qin Lingxiao’s large hand reach for Cui Xiaoxiao, he flew into a rage!

In the next instant, the bulging veins on Wei Jie’s head protruded as he suddenly pounced towards Qin Lingxiao, stretching out his long fingers to claw at him.

Qin Lingxiao hastily summoned a qi sword to block, but Wei Jie’s palm smashed it apart, his hand thrusting straight for Qin Lingxiao’s throat.

The White Family matriarch from the Xican Silkworm Village was just an ordinary woman, yet she became formidable after demonic possession. If it was Wei Jie who was possessed, it would be like adding ferocious claws to a fierce tiger!

Fending off the attacks with difficulty, Qin Lingxiao turned his head and shouted urgently at Cui Xiaoxiao, “He’s been demonically possessed and will start indiscriminate killing! At that point, everyone on the mountain will be in danger! You have the Heaven-Smiting Sword, which can subdue demons. You must strike his Spiritual Platform and extract the demon bead!”

Hearing this, Tang Youshu cried out in alarm, “Ancestor! You absolutely cannot! That would kill Master!”

Qin Lingxiao gritted his teeth in frustration when he heard this.

Among those present, only he had truly experienced the terror of Wei Jie’s demonic nature erupting in his previous life.

If Wei Jie’s demonic side was fully unleashed, even trying to kill him would be impossible! Was he supposed to let such womanly kindness lead to the slaughter of everyone on the mountain?

Thinking of this, Qin Lingxiao suddenly turned to try and seize Cui Xiaoxiao’s Heaven-Smiting Sword.

This sword carried the power of heavenly punishment, which no demon could withstand. Only by striking Wei Jie’s Spiritual Platform like he did in his past life could he truly slay this murderous demon!

But Cui Xiaoxiao had anticipated he would try to take the sword. In desperation, she activated a fire talisman, igniting the lantern Tang Youshu was holding and transforming it into a ring of flames that shot towards Qin Lingxiao.

Left with no choice, Qin Lingxiao could only retreat repeatedly. This left Cui Xiaoxiao fully exposed before Wei Jie.

The red-eyed Wei Jie, seemingly not recognizing anyone, suddenly pounced towards Cui Xiaoxiao.

Cui Xiaoxiao didn’t dare dodge, fearing he would attack Tang Youshu and the others instead, so she could only steel herself to battle her own disciple!

Although Cui Xiaoxiao took Wei Jie as her disciple, she never truly understood his level of cultivation. She only knew he was a rare genius talent in immortal cultivation, but such gifted geniuses often didn’t reveal the depths of their abilities until the utmost crisis.

He himself probably didn’t know how far he had progressed either.

And now, Wei Jie had completely lost his sanity, his expression murderous, muscles taut, clearly in a frenzy of life-and-death struggle.

So his every move utilized his full power without holding back.

Since meeting him, Cui Xiaoxiao had never even sparred with her own disciple. Yet their very first exchange was this fight to the death, leaving her flustered and struggling to respond.

Of course, Qin Lingxiao wouldn’t allow Cui Xiaoxiao to face Wei Jie alone, so he formed another qi sword to fight alongside her against the frenzied Wei Jie.

For a moment, the three battled fiercely, attacking and defending, their spiritual qi violently clashing and forcing the others to retreat from the gale-force winds.

Cui Xiaoxiao noticed that when Qin Lingxiao joined her side, Wei Jie’s killing intent intensified even further, his qi shield crashing down like a tidal wave, the spikes on it multiplying several times over…

So Cui Xiaoxiao made a snap decision and shouted at Qin Lingxiao, “Quickly withdraw and find somewhere to hide! Don’t let Wei Jie see your face!”

Qin Lingxiao was dumbfounded. In his over two hundred years of demon subjugation, he had never heard of such a tactic of hiding one’s face when battling demons!

But Cui Xiaoxiao was not joking. Seeing no response from him, she shouted again, even summoning a few sparks in an attempt to singe his butt.

Left with no choice, Qin Lingxiao temporarily retreated and concealed himself in a nearby bush.

Sure enough, with Qin Lingxiao out of his sight, Wei Jie’s attacks slowed somewhat, though he remained restless in his assault on Cui Xiaoxiao.

Cui Xiaoxiao had once been influenced by the demon bead when battling Wan Liansi, losing consciousness and briefly turning demonic, so she understood the feeling.

However, facing this red-eyed Wei Jie, Cui Xiaoxiao felt something was amiss…

Why did she keep feeling that her demonically possessed disciple seemed more interested in her clothes, sash, and the like, as if frantically trying to tear her garments open?

The more exchanges they had, the more certain Cui Xiaoxiao became that Wei Jie was using moves from the lecherous “Flower Picking” style!

He really did seem intent on ripping off her clothes!

What sort of demonic possession was this, the lust demon?

Seeing his flushed red eyes, Cui Xiaoxiao’s cheeks reddened as she felt flustered and angry. Even knowing he didn’t mean to take her life, she still didn’t dare let her guard down!

After all, they were being watched by everyone here. If she slowed down and let Wei Jie undo her sash, wouldn’t she be exposed in full view, losing face as the Sect Patriarch?

Cui Xiaoxiao also noticed that although Wei Jie’s eyes were red, his fingernails had not turned black like demonic claws, completely different from when she was possessed before.

His frantic, undressing behavior was actually more akin to when he sniffed that aphrodisiac powder in the secret passages of Prince Can Manor, just far more intense.

At this moment, the observing Yu Ling’er also realized what was going on. Covering her eyes with one hand while peering through her fingers, she called out loudly, “This… Has Wei Jie been secretly practicing the Joyous Unity Sect’s techniques and gone into demonic frenzy from dual cultivation?! Xiaoxiao, be careful, don’t let him undo your clothes!”

If the situation permitted, Cui Xiaoxiao really wanted to roll her eyes. Barely fending off Wei Jie’s relentless attacks and unable to use her water spells, the flustered Cui Xiaoxiao hurriedly shouted to Tang Youshu and Yu Ling’er, “Quick, go get some water and douse Wei Jie with it!”

Chapter 71

Earlier, Ling Zhishan had been pushed down by Wei Jie, injuring her arm. She was then mocked by Cui Xiao Xiao when she requested to become a disciple, but Cui ignored her.

This completely shattered the young princess of Wonderful Immortal Mountain’s dignity, leaving her at a loss.

After such a sincere journey filled with hardship, sleeping under the stars, she still failed to move Cui Xiao Xiao, proving she had no destiny with the Talisman Sect.

Thinking this, Ling Zhishan coolly turned to the gathered disciples from various sects who had come to join, “The threshold of the Lingshan Talisman Sect is too high, we are simply unworthy. Since Sect Leader Cui has no intention of recruiting talents, we might as well disperse and avoid disturbing this mountain’s tranquility…”

Hearing her words, the others also felt disheartened and somewhat dejected, preparing to leave in small groups.

But at that moment, Cui Xiao Xiao called out, “Wait a moment… Although our sect is small, we eagerly seek talents. To recruit disciples, a series of trials and selections must be undergone first to choose those suited for the Talisman Sect… Here’s what we’ll do – you can all settle on the mountain first. After I carefully assess you, I will then announce who becomes my disciple, alright?”

Upon hearing Cui Xiao Xiao’s words, the crowd immediately cheered. It seemed their sincere determination had finally moved this Sect Leader, who was now willing to accept them as disciples!

However, only Qin Lingxiao understood why Cui Xiao Xiao had suddenly changed her stance.

They had already determined that the other demon bead was among these people. Allowing them to leave would be like releasing a tiger back into the mountains.

So Xiao Xiao employed a delaying tactic, luring these would-be disciples up to Demon Rock Cliff first before making her decision.

Whoever hosted the demon bead would inevitably reveal their tracks.

After hearing Cui Xiao Xiao’s words, Wei Jie finally approached, tugging on her sleeve to pull her close and ask in a low voice, “Why are you randomly recruiting so many disciples?”

Caught off guard, Cui Xiao Xiao could not tell him the truth, only vaguely replying, “There are some matters involved… Allow me to explain later!”

After speaking, she turned and whispered a few words to Qin Lingxiao off to the side.

Wei Jie’s gaze darkened further. He did not understand – after Qin Lingxiao had betrayed Cui Xiao Xiao, how could she possibly speak so intimately with that surname Qin?

From long ago, he had always felt there seemed to be some secret bond between Xiao Xiao and Qin Lingxiao that only they knew?

This point made Wei Jie extremely uncomfortable. For a fleeting moment, his eyes seemed tinged with a bloody hue, yet he forcibly restrained himself.

In any case, the Sect Leader’s decision was made – the Talisman Sect would open its doors, and a great swarm of disciples ascended the mountain.

When the stream of locust-like disciples flooded up, Yu Ling’er and the others were dumbfounded.

Eyeing the meager supplies Wei Jie and Tang Youshu had purchased, Yu Ling’er lamented with a crestfallen expression, “Oh mother! To suddenly accept so many disciples, even boiling the tree bark into soup might not be enough to feed them!”

Xiao Xiao also knew she could not allow them to linger, or her humble provisions would be depleted. She had already devised a method to test them when ascending the mountain.

Thus, she pulled Wei Jie aside and said in a low voice, “Could you hurry back to the Wei Family residence and bring more fish and shrimp from the River of Oblivion in the underworld?”

Wei Jie raised his eyebrows, his expression one of disbelief as he asked, “…You want to use the fish and shrimp from the River of Oblivion to host your new disciples?”

Xiao Xiao nodded, “As you said, those lacking robust spiritual roots cannot withstand the yin energy of the River of Oblivion’s creatures. I only wish to quickly select outstanding disciples, lest they devour our entire mountain’s provisions!”

Wei Jie stared at her, seeming unconvinced by her outrageous words. However, ever since the day they met, Wei Jie had always indulged Cui Xiao Xiao’s every request.

So in the end, he retrieved a silver whistle from his sleeve and blew it forcefully, summoning a falcon that soared down from the heavens.

This was Wei Jie’s swift messenger for exchanging letters with the Wei Family.

However, unlike usual, the falcon circled in the air for a long while, refusing to land as if something on the ground terrified it.

Wei Jie pondered briefly before realizing the reason.

Cui Xiao Xiao now had five phoenixes attached to her body. As the king of birds, even a raptor would naturally fear them.

After hearing this, Xiao Xiao hurriedly moved away. Sure enough, once she left, the falcon finally consented to land on Wei Jie’s shoulder. Yet its feathers remained ruffled, as if still startled.

It was only then that Xiao Xiao belatedly realized that ever since returning from the Phoenix Ravine, it seemed the flying birds across Lingshan had vanished from her sight. Each day, she could only hear their distant calls, without catching a glimpse of even a single sparrow.

This demonstrated the immense awe commanded by the five phoenixes.

The falcon messenger traveled at an astonishing speed. Within three days, the Wei Family had dispatched rapid horses delivering five large crates filled with fish and shrimp to Demon Rock Cliff.

These yin-natured aquatic creatures were not something ordinary people could casually handle. Across the mountain, only Wei Jie and Cui Xiao Xiao could cook them without fearing the chilling yin energy.

So on that day, the only ones doing the cooking were Cui Xiao Xiao and Wei Jie.

However, Xiao Xiao was not particularly skilled at cooking and could only assist with washing and soaking at most, leaving the bulk of the work to Wei Jie.

Wei Jie was adept at cleaning fish, his distinct and powerfully slender fingers deftly removing the gills, gutting the bellies, and pulling out the entrails in one smooth motion.

Eating mountain fruits by the side, Xiao Xiao watched him slice the fish with an impassive expression, overlapping with the bewitching, icy-cold man from her dream vision, viciously wringing a phoenix’s neck. The same murderous aura emanated from him.

This man currently appeared gentle before her, yet Xiao Xiao dared not forget his origins as the Demon Lord of the Three Realms, intrinsically exuding a killer’s aura.

Thinking that Wei Jie had to prepare food for so many people, she ingratiatingly raised a mountain fruit towards his mouth.

Wei Jie showed no courtesies, biting down hard on the fruit and nearly catching Xiao Xiao’s fingers.

Xiao Xiao swiftly retreated, softly chiding, “Slow down, you’re like a savage devouring people…”

Ever since those would-be disciples ascended the mountain, this man had not joked with her at all.

Sometimes, when she could not resist initiating conversation, he would respond with aloof indifference, barely deigning to reply.

If not out of pity for Wei Jie shedding his heart’s blood and injuring his vital energies, such disrespect towards his elder master would deserve punishment – having to run laps around the mountain carrying buckets of water!

If it were before those disciples, Wei Jie’s lording his seniority to establish authority would be understandable.

But now, alone in this smoke-filled little kitchen, why did his handsome face remain as sullen as a crayfish in a tub?

Xiao Xiao made idle conversation, yet only received one-word responses, vexing her. She flung the vegetable basket aside and untied her apron, preparing to step out of the kitchen for some air.

But before she could leave, a chill voice came from behind, “You’re abandoning your duties again. If the food is slow in coming, what will your Young Master Qin do when he starves?”

Ever since taking in disciples at the mountain’s base that day, Qin Lingxiao had unexpectedly not left, even selecting a room on Lingshan to reside in – the very picture of a new senior disciple of the Talisman Sect.

Wei Jie had intended to drive him away, but that surnamed Qin rebuked him in the tone of a senior reprimanding a junior, “I have matters to discuss with your master. As for your master’s affairs, you, as her disciple, have no right to intervene. Is this Demon Rock Cliff your personal territory? In my absence, there’s no need for you to play the host and shoo guests away!”

Even Xiao Xiao had said to temporarily allow Qin Lingxiao to remain for a few days.

Seeing Qin Lingxiao’s subtle air of arrogance before him, Wei Jie’s resentment had been building steadily.

Xiao Xiao blinked, finally detecting the sourness in Wei Jie’s tone. She turned to face his taut expression, approached him, took the fish from his hands and began descaling as she explained, “I’m not letting him stay as a guest. There are simply some matters that require his assistance… If you dislike cooking for him, then let him go hungry and fend for himself!”

Once the person possessed by the demon bead was found, Qin Lingxiao’s help would be needed to separate the bead. Initially inheriting Wei Jie’s spiritual power, Qin Lingxiao possessed deep insights into Wei Jie’s demonic nature.

If not for this reason, Xiao Xiao would have long since driven Qin Lingxiao away.

After hearing Xiao Xiao’s explanation, the clarity in Wei Jie’s expression vanished completely.

He had long sensed some secret between Xiao Xiao and Qin Lingxiao, which was why the two always whispered furtively whenever they met.

But when he attempted to ask Xiao Xiao, she refused to reveal anything. These past two days, whenever he saw that Qin Lingxiao deliberately lingering before Xiao Xiao’s eyes, Wei Jie felt like swatting a revolting insect, wishing he could simply crush him!

After speaking, Xiao Xiao had expected Wei Jie’s anger to dissipate, but the man’s brows remained furrowed as he forcefully slapped the cucumber with the back of his knife, his ferocity akin to bludgeoning someone’s brains out…

Shrinking back, Xiao Xiao could only hover obediently behind Wei Jie, signaling with her eyes as she assisted in washing the vegetables.

Master, your departed soul must lament that as the master, I still have to mind my senior disciple’s moods. The Talisman Sect’s prestige has waned, leaving a master’s dignity utterly nonexistent…

However, after some thought, Xiao Xiao realized that strictly speaking, Wei Jie was technically her ancestral master. Being looked down upon by her master ancestor was only fitting for a grandDisciple like herself.

With this perspective, Xiao Xiao felt slightly better, even seizing opportunities to snatch and eat cucumber slices amid Wei Jie’s whirlwind knife strokes.

Although sulking with Xiao Xiao, whenever she stealthily took food, Wei Jie would slow his movements to avoid accidentally injuring her with the blade’s edge.

Finally, Wei Jie first stir-fried a plate of sweet and sour spare ribs before casually setting it aside.

Unable to resist, Xiao Xiao began eating with her chopsticks, but after a few bites, she froze.

Back in Luoyi City, she and Wei Jie had dined at a restaurant with exceptionally delicious sweet and sour spare ribs. Unfortunately, the same dish never quite matched that flavor elsewhere, leading Xiao Xiao to repeatedly lament before Wei Jie.

She knew not when, but Wei Jie had somehow learned to recreate this dish, its taste virtually indistinguishable from that in Luoyi City.

After two bites, Xiao Xiao lowered her chopsticks, asking in disbelief, “Did you… learn the recipe from that restaurant’s chef?”

Wei Jie continued slicing vegetables for a while, seemingly having vented much of his vexation before finally turning to look Xiao Xiao in the eye.

Seeing the sweet and sour sauce staining the corner of her mouth, yet her obliviousness, Wei Jie could no longer resist. He pulled Xiao Xiao over and roughly wiped her face with his fingers.

However, he still seemed too lazy to answer her question, turning back to continue cooking.

When the sunlight streamed into the little kitchen, illuminating the side of the man’s face, his sharp brows framing his jet-black hair, his prominent nose and long lashes all gilded in a golden sheen, his muscular arms waved the ladle with practiced grace and fluidity. This celestial, demonic man was now enveloped in the warmth and haze of the mortal realm, beads of sweat rolling down his face and neck before disappearing beneath his slightly open collar…

Such a focused, handsome man was even more delectable than the sweet and sour spare ribs…

Xiao Xiao’s heart suddenly felt a bittersweet pang. If he were truly a fickle philanderer, only using honeyed words to dupe young ladies, she could freely indulge in his masculine charms before returning to her own era, sharing an illusory dalliance with him.

But Wei Jie was not the carefree, unrestrained man his appearance suggested. His kindness towards her had always manifested in tangible actions devoid of any artifice. If she did not treat him with sincerity, it would be a grievous injustice…

Thinking this, Xiao Xiao could not resist embracing his firm waist from behind, resting her face against his back as she said softly, “I… indeed did not tell you some matters, but I only did so for your own good… However, there is truly nothing between the surnamed Qin and myself. Another demon bead has appeared on this mountain, and I need his assistance to locate it. In this lifetime, I have only been with you… Why must you be jealous over an irrelevant person?”

Both she and the soul-traversing Qin Lingxiao were existences defying the heavenly order. Regarding matters from two hundred years ago, she could not speak of them to anyone. If Wei Jie came to understand secrets from his previous life that he should not know, would he not also incur heavenly retribution? Would that not be her transgression?

Thus, she could only explain Qin Lingxiao’s general reasons for being here, without going into too much detail.

When she embraced Wei Jie, the man’s arms stilled, his figure straight as he allowed Xiao Xiao’s face to rest against his back – this was the first time she had initiated such an embrace while fully conscious…

Until suddenly, a raging fire erupted from the pot. He hurriedly clamped on the lid to extinguish the blaze, regretting, “Damn it! The dishes are ruined!”

Afterwards, Wei Jie addressed the girl behind him with an impassive expression, “Instead of helping, you’re only causing trouble. Go sit over there and finish the spare ribs first. Later, I’ll make you some shrimp dumplings in broth.”

Xiao Xiao knew that for Wei Jie to speak so much meant his anger had dissipated. Unable to resist, she beamed at Wei Jie, plucking another rib but stuffing it into the man’s mouth instead.

For a moment, the two exchanged smiles, exuding an inexplicable sweetness amidst the aroma of firewood and pots.

With his mood improved, the dexterous Wei Jie soon had dozens of seafood dishes prepared through frying, boiling, braising and steaming.

By evening, several dozen tables were arranged in the Talisman Sect’s main hall, where those newly recruited disciples sat, their faces aglow as they beheld the tables laden with giant shrimp as thick as arms and plump, succulent fish.

Faced with such a sumptuous feast, they could not help but inwardly sigh – joining this renowned master had been the right decision!

The Lingshan Talisman Sect had previously kept a low profile, yet who could have imagined such exquisite and expansive sect buildings upon this mountain? Even the cuisine surpassed that of the other four major sects.

Such extravagance seemed befitting of an imperial palace banquet! The Talisman Sect was truly an emerging dark horse in the cultivation world, destined to become a prestigious and flourishing sect in the future!

However, some disciples of higher cultivation levels revealed hesitation upon seeing such a mundane feast laid out before them.

After all, cultivators were meant to subjugate desires of the flesh and prioritize building their foundation over indulging in food and drink. Such unrestrained feasting was hardly conducive to cultivation!

Seated in the host’s position, Xiao Xiao narrowed her eyes at those who did not move their chopsticks, claiming their bodies had grown accustomed to bland diets and could not handle such rich seafood dishes.

Xiao Xiao inwardly scoffed, realizing that among these people was certainly the one possessed by the demon bead, using the excuse of unfamiliarity to avoid the trial and reveal their demonic nature.

Thinking this, Xiao Xiao rose, adopting the dignified bearing of a sect leader. With her hair elegantly coiffed and donning a white robe, an ethereal aura surrounded her as she stood facing the wind, her deep phoenix eyes and aloof tones declaring, “Since you wish to join my Talisman Sect, you must adhere to our principles and discard the practices of your former sects. We of the Talisman Sect emphasize cultivating spiritual power through talisman arts, deeming it far more crucial than building one’s foundation. So how does one cultivate? By eating well, sleeping soundly, and maintaining a joyful mind – only then can the spirit flourish! Therefore, the first requirement for becoming my disciple is… to eat your fill at every meal! Those who cannot, leave this mountain at once!”

No sooner had her words left her lips than disciples began enthusiastically applauding and cheering her on below.

To say they were merely flattering would be inaccurate, for the tears of gratitude in their eyes were utterly genuine. In the four major sects, they had truly eaten and slept poorly. Whenever they indulged in the slightest carnal pleasures, they would be rebuked by their masters and scorned by their peers.

Yet this unadorned Talisman Sect actually encouraged its disciples to eat heartily and sleep well. How could this not move a group of growing youths to tears?

For a time, the gazes they turned towards their new master brimmed with adoration and reverence!

Their new master was truly beautiful in heart and spirit!

Qin Lingxiao sat at the most secluded table with a few turncoat disciples who had abandoned Soaring Cloud Pavilion, exchanging bewildered looks.

Rumor had it that Wei Jie had deliberately arranged these seating positions, leaving Qin Lingxiao to suspect this entire awkward setting was his intentional doing.

In terms of dietary austerity, no other sect took it to the extremes of Soaring Cloud Pavilion!

They practiced the way of the sword, aiming to transcend mundane desires and achieve an unencumbered body capable of sword-gliding. Hence, subsisting on dew and flowers was an everyday occurrence for Soaring Cloud’s disciples.

Many of those seated here had previously served under the young master Qin Lingxiao, yet he had never witnessed them displaying such greed.

Never could they have imagined that today, at the Talisman Sect’s banquet, they would revert to their original natures upon hearing Cui Xiao Xiao’s encouragement to indulge in hedonistic pleasures and uplift their spirits. Their eyes welled with tears of excitement as their hands seemed about to wear out from applauding fervently.

Qin Lingxiao loathed these renegades who had betrayed Soaring Cloud Pavilion, so when they began devouring the meat, he coolly remarked, “The principles of the Talisman Sect do indeed allow one to relax mind and body. However, did not Cui Xiao Xiao just perform ancestral rites? I hear her own master grew old and died. Tsk tsk, to cultivate until perishing of old age, how delightful…”

Upon these words leaving his lips, the delicacies in the disciples’ mouths suddenly became difficult to swallow. Indeed, if the Talisman Sect’s ways were correct, why could their ancestor not ascend to immortality?

Could it be that he indulged too much in food and drink, ultimately dying of old age?

Just as they wavered, Yu Ling’er, adorned in a gossamer silk dress and accompanied by several fox tribe beauties wearing coy, alluring smiles, arrived to serve wine.

Tonight, Xiao Xiao had tasked Yu Ling’er with monitoring whether each table consumed the yin seafood dishes voraciously.

Ever the quick learner, Yu Ling’er had drawn inspiration from the sights in Luoyi City’s wineries, where singing courtesans fluttered from table to table attending to the patrons. Adopting a similar approach to supervise seemed only natural.

Thus, she led the fox maidens, their delicate wrists proffering wine as they circulated among the tables with bewitching smiles, encouraging the disciples while stuffing morsels into the mouths of those eating sparingly…

Those few disciples initially deterred by Qin Lingxiao’s words soon forgot all about ascension, prompting them to resume devouring the food without restraint after being coaxed by the foxy beauties.

When Xiao Xiao had originally instructed Yu Ling’er, she had only asked her to observe who did not touch their chopsticks. Yet this little vixen had unleashed her innate nature, completing the task with… resounding success!

Seeing the disciples gorging shamelessly below while the fox spirits flitted about like butterflies, refilling their cups, Xiao Xiao felt a momentary daze, as if her sect increasingly resembled the fabled Path of Intimacy…

However, Tang Youshu’s expression was rather unwell as he fidgeted restlessly, watching Yu Ling’er smile at those men while downing cup after cup of wine in silence. At one point, he even inadvertently used his chopsticks to eat a few pieces of fish.

Noticing this, Xiao Xiao hastily stopped him. The last time, merely ingesting the blood of a yin insect had caused him to vomit uncontrollably and suffer diarrhea.

Given Tang Youshu’s foundation, he could not withstand such yin entities. Heeding Xiao Xiao’s warning, he refrained from further consumption, but soon found himself clutching his stomach as he rushed towards the outhouses.

This grand banquet was not meant to reward the new disciples – the true purpose was to test whether they would suffer abdominal afflictions from the yin seafood.

By the end of that feast, the outhouses across Lingshan’s residences had become a coveted commodity!

Disciples clutching toilet paper shivered in queues, while others, unable to endure, squatted in the bushes amidst a cacophony of flatulence.

However, the Sect Leader’s new rules soon circulated: as disciples of the Talisman Sect, they must respect the local flora, refraining from relieving themselves amidst the vegetation at random. Any violations would result in immediate expulsion!

Additionally, Xiao Xiao assigned Qin Lingxiao a crucial task. Seeing the paper and ink thrust into his hands as Xiao Xiao spoke, Qin Lingxiao’s expression turned ashen before he spluttered indignantly, “Why must I accompany them into the outhouses to monitor their conditions?”

Xiao Xiao blinked innocently, “The demon bead is most insidious. What if it instructs the host to pretend suffering the same affliction to slip past undetected? Naturally, I need someone meticulous to personally investigate whether they are genuinely suffering yin chills! Otherwise, why else have you lingered here, expecting to freeload from our Talisman Sect while awaiting my reports? As a woman, I cannot enter the men’s outhouses, so you must take my place. Here, take this paper and ink – do not forget to record their names!”

Qin Lingxiao was momentarily rendered speechless by her words, yet he had previously sworn to assist Cui Xiao Xiao. To renege now would only invite her disdain.

Thus, the once lofty and aloof young master could only pinch his nose in vexation as he clutched the paper and ink, entering the outhouses like a degenerate to scrutinize every person who entered…

That night, the newly accepted disciples emerged with pallid complexions, only settling down after an extended bout of suffering.

Xiao Xiao accepted the roster from the dazed and nauseous Qin Lingxiao, carefully verifying each name to discover that all the new disciples seemed unable to withstand the yin chill of the River of Oblivion’s seafood – they had all succumbed.

This included Ling Zhishan, who had nearly fainted from the agony in the outhouse before Yu Ling’er supported and escorted her out.