Category: Mistaken Era

Chapter 60

Qin He’s hands, hidden within his billowing sleeves, were tightly clenched.

In his youth, he had joined the Ghost Sect under Wan Lianshi, but lacking the innate talent to match his senior martial brother, he had instead suffered a backlash from the demonic talismans, nearly walking the path of demonic possession to his death.

Fortunately, he was saved by the Prince Can’s intervention, granted a second life while being instructed to conceal his identity and join Soaring Cloud Pavilion under the Prince Can’s arrangement. Blessed with a handsome appearance, he won the heart of the former Pavilion Master’s daughter, thus gaining entry into the sword cultivation path, opening his spiritual apertures and rising rapidly through the ranks of Soaring Cloud Pavilion.

Over the years, he had abandoned the Ghost Sect’s wicked path, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to the way of the sword. The crimson patterns on his palms from his previous cultivation had faded considerably, though still faintly discernible yet not as vibrant as before.

After all, the Ghost Sect’s arts excelled at covert manipulation from the shadows, rarely revealing themselves openly. In this world, few were privy to the Ghost Sect’s true practices.

Unfortunately, not long ago, Qin He had assisted his senior martial brother Wan Lianshi in controlling the illusory mirror formation, once again staining his hands with human skin talismans.

Although the red patterns on his palms were not as pronounced as Wan Lianshi’s, they now resembled intricate spiderwebs, immediately recognizable to any who laid eyes upon them.

Under such circumstances, how could Qin He dare reveal his hands for inspection?

The two closest attendant disciples beside Qin He exchanged uncertain glances.

Serving intimately by their master’s side, they were naturally aware that strange spider-web patterns had recently appeared on his palms.

When they had inquired about it, their master had merely claimed it was a superficial injury from his battle against the demoness Cui Xiaoxiao.

However, the patterns on this severed arm were identical to those on their master’s palms!

Yet when Qin He shot them a chilling glare, the two disciples immediately lowered their heads, not daring to speak further.

Meanwhile, Cui Xiaoxiao’s words had gained the affirmation of an Ebony Peak elder, who, although not directly involved in the campaign against Wan Lianshi years ago, had heard from his own senior martial uncles about the Ghost Sect master’s blood-red palms.

Thus, he attempted to persuade Qin He earnestly, “Since that is the case, Pavilion Master Qin, why not simply reveal your hands to them? As the saying goes, ‘The upright need not fear oblique shadows.’ Whether human or demon, revealing your palms will make everything clear, will it not?”

The Ebony Peak elder’s words seemed amiable, yet the gleam in his eyes beneath his furrowed brows revealed ulterior motives.

For a long time, Ebony Peak had languished beneath Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s shadow, unable to truly flex its strength.

If Soaring Cloud Pavilion were to become embroiled in a shocking scandal, the entire Ebony Peak Sect would delight in such an outcome…

Qin He found himself backed into a corner, truly unable to advance or retreat. Inwardly gritting his teeth with profound regret, he thought: He should never have agreed to operate that illusory formation on behalf of his senior martial brother, once again tainting himself with human skin talismans.

Would all his painstaking efforts be rendered futile?

It was at this moment that someone suddenly spoke up from behind the crowd in a resounding voice, “Lady Cui, you need not vent your unjustified anger towards my father by dragging up such tiresome nonsense.”

Everyone turned to see a tall, white-robed youth standing behind them with an impassive expression.

This youth was none other than Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s young Pavilion Master, Qin Lingxiao.

Qin He never expected his son, who had secretly run off, to suddenly interject at this moment.

Unable to restrain himself, he glared at his son, “Your cultivation is still shallow. You have no place to speak here!”

However, Qin Lingxiao met his father’s glare with an even more piercing gaze, calmly stating, “Father, have you forgotten? You instructed me to verify the true identity of the Prince Can’s steward. When I investigated his hometown, I discovered that in his youth, this person had suffered from polio, leaving him with a limp and stunted growth – his appearance was completely inconsistent with the white-haired steward we previously encountered at the manor.”

From his words, it seemed Qin He had long harbored suspicions about the Prince Can’s steward and had sent his son Qin Lingxiao to investigate.

However, only Qin He, Cui Xiaoxiao, and those involved truly understood whom Qin Lingxiao was defending.

Originally, despite his outward dismissal, Qin Lingxiao had been shaken by Cui Xiaoxiao’s accusation against his father.

After parting ways with Xiaoxiao, the lingering doubts weighed heavily on his mind. Determined to uncover the truth, he had discreetly traced the Prince Can’s steward’s origins, conducting a thorough investigation.

His findings had indeed proven that the white-haired steward’s background was shrouded in mystery.

Moreover, when Qin He had entered the manor for treatment, his son Qin Lingxiao had secretly followed, witnessing firsthand his father’s arrival with shattered spirit bones. However, after Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie’s rampage through the manor, his father had emerged completely healed.

Watching his father from the shadows at that moment, Qin Lingxiao’s heart had burned like raging flames. Cui Xiaoxiao’s words had now been validated to a significant degree.

In his previous life, Qin Lingxiao’s father had perished at Wei Jie’s hands at a young age, leaving him without any reason to doubt his father’s cultivation path.

But now, the seeds of doubt had taken root, giving rise to an agonizing sense of disbelief.

However, even if his father truly harbored secrets he could not divulge about the Prince Can, Qin Lingxiao could not allow Cui Xiaoxiao to publicly disgrace his father and Soaring Cloud Pavilion.

Thus, seeing his father about to be cornered, Qin Lingxiao had timely intervened, ostensibly testifying on Cui Xiaoxiao’s behalf by exposing the questionable identity of the Prince Can’s steward, while simultaneously resolving his father’s predicament.

As Qin He’s son, having lived alongside his father, Qin Lingxiao was naturally aware of the changes in his palms and knew his father could not withstand scrutiny.

So after speaking those words, he approached Qin He and gripped his arm, saying in a low voice while applying forceful pressure, “Father, you have just recovered from your injuries and should not overexert yourself here. Leave the matters here to me.”

Qin He winced in pain, looking up at his son’s cold, piercing gaze. For a fleeting moment, he found himself cowed by the imposing aura emanating from his young son.

When had his son become so composed and mature? It seemed he had uncovered many unspeakable matters…

Qin He narrowed his eyes, realizing that if he remained, that dead girl would undoubtedly continue pressing him, forcing him to reveal the markings on his palms.

Thus, he seized the opportunity to make his retreat, curtly stating, “My injury is indeed causing me discomfort, and I cannot withstand it any longer… I’ll leave this matter to you!”

As he turned to depart, Wei Jie would not allow Qin He such an easy escape. The instant Qin He turned, Wei Jie unleashed a qi shield, striking towards him.

If Qin He attempted to employ his cultivation to defend, he would inevitably have to extend his hands, forcing him to reveal his true form – which was precisely Wei Jie’s intention.

However, in the next moment, Qin Lingxiao also sprang forward, flicking out five qi swords to deflect Wei Jie’s qi shield.

The collision between the formidable qi shield and qi swords caused the surrounding air to distort, producing a resounding explosion that sent the nearby crowd staggering back several steps.

The two youths now emanated surging spiritual power, like billowing flames, their auras lingering endlessly.

Qin Lingxiao’s forehead once again revealed the Nine Profundities Sword Sect’s five crimson lotus markings, indicating he had recovered five levels of the sword dao.

As for the qi shield employed by Wei Jie, although based on the techniques taught by Xiaoxiao from Wonderful Immortal Mountain, he had already adapted and refined it. The originally smooth surface now bristled with sharp qi projections, capable of offense as well as defense.

In an instant, Qin Lingxiao’s five qi swords were deflected and dispersed, yet they did not dissipate, instead swirling in midair as their sword qi enveloped the surrounding trees like a raging cyclone…

The clash of such abundant spiritual power caused the expressions of many sect elders to change.

Among the younger generation of outstanding talents across various sects, the differences in cultivation levels, while present, were not supposed to be so vast.

Yet the clash between Qin Lingxiao and Wei Jie had revealed to the sect elders that within this younger generation, there were already two peerless geniuses who had condensed their inner dans at an astonishingly young age – and they had both emerged simultaneously!

As for Qin Lingxiao, the sole heir of Soaring Cloud Pavilion, his access to superior resources granting him an innate advantage was understandable. With Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s immense strength, replenishing his golden core could be as effortless as consuming beans.

They had indeed heard rumors of Qin Lingxiao’s recent meteoric progress, as if his spiritual apertures had opened, allowing such a celestially-favored genius to condense his inner dan at a young age – not entirely unexpected.

But this Wei Jie… a mixed-demonic disciple from an obscure, wild sect, how could he possess such a profound and abundant spiritual aura?

Rumors had claimed Cui Xiaoxiao had become demonized, implying Wei Jie should have also walked the demonic path. Yet his spiritual awareness did not harbor the slightest taint of sinister, demonic energies, instead emanating the imposing aura of a peerless master!

It was said that just over a month ago, when surrounded by disciples from the Four Great Sects atop Mount Qilao, Wei Jie’s spiritual power had not been nearly as profound.

This Cui Xiaoxiao truly possessed the ability to nurture disciples, having guided this once-eclectic youth to the level of an inner dan cultivator possessing the profound spiritual power of a great master in such a short span of time!

Just what was the origin of this unheralded Talisman Sect?

Wasn’t Cui Xiaoxiao merely a lowly talisman refiner? How could she have produced such an outstanding disciple in just a few days?

For a moment, after marveling at the two peerless young talents, the crowd’s gazes inevitably shifted towards the young woman Cui Xiaoxiao.

Unbeknownst to Xiaoxiao, Wei Jie and Qin Lingxiao’s exchange had shaken the sect elders’ hearts, leaving them in awe of her apparent mastery as the founding patriarch of a sect capable of nurturing rare prodigies.

In the fleeting instant when Wei Jie and Qin Lingxiao’s battle had drawn everyone’s attention, Qin He had seized the opportunity to slip away, vanishing without a trace!

Xiaoxiao inwardly sighed, acknowledging Qin He’s swift escape. However, unable to openly reveal his hands, he would undoubtedly exhaust great efforts to conceal them, leaving her uncertain how much longer he could maintain his half-human, half-demonic existence…

Beside her, Ling Zhishan’s heart surged with emotion. Although there were two outstanding youths present, Ling Zhishan’s attention was entirely fixated on Wei Jie.

Not only was this man exceptionally handsome, but his profound spiritual power was also astoundingly robust. She had never witnessed their sect’s qi shields capable of such formidable might.

Such a rare talent could hardly be considered an ordinary cultivator. In that moment, Ling Zhishan felt her heart stirring once more, completely forgetting Wei Jie’s earlier abrasive treatment of her.

Meanwhile, the very Qin Lingxiao who had initially captured her heart in the original trajectory had now become a mere supporting character, no longer catching her eye.

As for the two combatants, Qin Lingxiao’s heart had also been deeply shaken.

He had never expected Wei Jie’s spiritual power to have advanced so rapidly in just a few short days!

He had always harbored intense resentment towards Wei Jie, yet also regarded this demonic dao master as an insurmountable peak.

For he had once trailed endlessly in Wei Jie’s wake, keenly aware that his own strength could never hope to surpass Wei Jie’s heights in this lifetime.

Taking advantage of Wei Jie’s temporary vulnerability during his demonization, Qin Lingxiao had scored a fortuitous victory, slaying Wei Jie and inheriting his spiritual power.

Qin Lingxiao had believed his nightmare had finally ended, no longer overshadowed by Wei Jie’s lingering presence.

But in that momentary exchange, Wei Jie’s qi shield had been imbued with immense force, causing Qin Lingxiao’s sword-wielding arms to grow numb from the overwhelming pressure of Wei Jie’s aura.

That familiar sense of powerlessness under Wei Jie’s dominance, the same terror that had haunted his dreams countless nights, once again assailed the sword sect’s celestially-favored genius.

For an instant, Qin Lingxiao found himself adrift, wondering: If Wei Jie had not walked the demonic path, without the temporary vulnerability of separating from the demonic bead, how could he ever hope to defeat such a Wei Jie?

Wei Jie, however, was infuriated!

He had merely intended to detain Qin He, never expecting Qin Lingxiao’s interference to allow Qin He’s escape.

Recalling how this brat had sent pastries to Xiaoxiao, he truly was a despicable scoundrel intent on seducing young ladies! Like father, like son – a pair of shameless conspirators!

Yet this brat was also perplexing, freezing in a daze after their brief clash as if his accupoints had been sealed.

Not one to show mercy, Wei Jie took advantage of Qin Lingxiao’s stupor to deliver a resounding slap across his face!

Caught completely off guard, Qin Lingxiao staggered back two steps, yet instead of anger, he remained dazed, clutching his face as he stared fixatedly at Wei Jie.

The sensation of that slap… it felt all too familiar!

When he had initially joined Wei Jie’s sect, whenever he had struggled to grasp his demonic master’s profound insights, the snake-scaled Wei Jie would unceremoniously deliver such a slap, his cold expression regarding Qin Lingxiao like an idiot before dismissing him to reflect alone.

This slap had instantly transported him back to those days as Wei Jie’s disciple, dominated by the demonic master’s presence.

Instinctively, Qin Lingxiao’s knees weakened, nearly causing him to kneel before his former master.

At this moment, Yu Ling’er darted forward like an arrow, supporting Qin Lingxiao’s arm with concern as she examined his face for injuries, preventing him from making a public spectacle of himself.

Unaware of the complexities behind their verbal exchange, Yu Ling’er had viewed Qin Lingxiao’s intentions as well-meaning, only for Wei Jie to inexplicably lash out and assault her benefactor without provocation. Naturally, she would stand by Qin Lingxiao’s side, defending her savior!

As Qin Lingxiao regained his senses, realizing how close he had come to kneeling before Wei Jie, his handsome face flushed a deep purple hue.

How could he have forgotten that such humiliations would never be repeated in this lifetime?

Regardless of Wei Jie’s superior insights, they now stood at the same starting point, neither loftier nor more distant than the other!

Seeing their young Pavilion Master subjected to such indignity, the Soaring Cloud disciples erupted in outrage, preparing to retaliate against Wei Jie, nearly causing the situation to spiral out of control once more.

Apart from the Four Great Sects present, there were also smaller sects closely affiliated with Qin He who had accompanied them, instigated by Qin He’s instructions to fan the flames.

Witnessing Wei Jie strike the Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s young master, they immediately began shouting in unison, condemning the Talisman Sect’s master and disciple for such arrogant disrespect!

The young Master Qin had merely intended to testify on their behalf, yet Wei Jie had indiscriminately assaulted him!

However, Xiaoxiao understood Qin Lingxiao’s true intentions – if he had not intervened, Qin He would have been forced to reveal his marked palms before the crowd.

Unfortunately, the Qin family was unwilling to turn against their own kin, preferring to engage in shameless collusion with the father.

No wonder Wei Jie had lashed out in anger, for Xiaoxiao herself had felt tempted to slap the Qin boy!

Thus, she paid no heed to the instigators, directly addressing Qin Lingxiao, “Young Master Qin, what is the meaning of this?”

Aware of his guilt, and still reeling from being overwhelmed by his former master’s imposing aura, Qin Lingxiao’s eyes reddened slightly as he gritted his teeth, lowering his voice to Xiaoxiao, “…Regardless, he is still my father! I… have wronged you…”

Xiaoxiao understood his meaning.

It seemed Qin Lingxiao had finally perceived his father’s duplicity, yet righteous principles ultimately lost to filial bonds. He was determined to protect his father, refusing to allow Cui Xiaoxiao and the others to expose Qin He’s true nature.

At this moment, Qin Lingxiao suddenly lowered his voice further, “Xiaoxiao, other matters are unimportant to you and me. But… the other demonic bead’s whereabouts remain unknown. I cannot sense its aura, which means it must have attached itself to someone else…”

What? Xiaoxiao had not expected him to bring this up, slightly taken aback.

Qin Lingxiao slowly leaned closer, as if about to divulge more secrets. Xiaoxiao, recalling his previous words, did not evade him.

Seizing this opportunity, Qin Lingxiao swiftly closed the distance, gripping her arm and tearing open her sleeve.

Although Wei Jie reacted quickly, pulling Xiaoxiao back and delivering a kick to repel Qin Lingxiao, her sleeve had already been torn, exposing her arm covered in scattered snake scales.

The moment Cui Xiaoxiao’s scaled arm was revealed, the entire crowd erupted in an uproar!

Bearing snake scales was the most obvious sign of demonization! Moreover, the scales on her arm indicated she had been demonized for quite some time!

The Pavilion Master’s words rang true – Cui Xiaoxiao was indeed a demoness!

Xiaoxiao stood there, mouth agape, glaring at the Qin boy – it seemed this brat was even more venomous than his aged father, cunningly shifting everyone’s attention to expose her vulnerability.

At this point, no one present pursued the matter of Qin He’s palm markings any further, fixated solely on Xiaoxiao’s snake scales as they discussed animatedly.

It was then that several Soaring Cloud disciples confidently recounted how Cui Xiaoxiao had previously become demonized, her eyes turning crimson as she viciously attacked and injured the Pavilion Master.

Qin Lingxiao turned away from Cui Xiaoxiao, his expression cold as he suppressed the guilt within – if there had been any other way, he would not have wished to betray Xiaoxiao like this.

But if he had not done so, these two from the Talisman Sect would have undoubtedly seized upon the markings on his father’s palms, refusing to let go.

In Qin Lingxiao’s view, even if Xiaoxiao was branded a demoness, it would resolve the matter.

She was not meant to be in this world anyway. He could simply take her and flee, following their original plan of avoiding others until finding the divine statue of Celestial Aged She, then returning together to two hundred years later.

Upon their return, he would naturally help Xiaoxiao remove her demonic nature before properly making amends to her.

With this rationale, Qin Lingxiao felt Xiaoxiao’s reputation in the past two hundred years was inconsequential.

Thus, he could only grit his teeth and disregard all else, deliberately exposing Xiaoxiao’s demonization.

His method proved highly effective, as condemnations of “demoness” and “demonic cult” towards the Talisman Sect immediately reached deafening levels!

In such crowds, the loudest voices tend to prevail. Even if there were still faint voices questioning Wan Lianshi and Qin He’s connections, they were quickly drowned out by the torrential denunciations of “demoness.”

Had it been Wei Jie branded as a demon, he would have long ago adopted a cold, aloof expression before lashing out with his whip, embroiling himself in an all-out melee against these masses.

However, the one being slandered was Cui Xiaoxiao, a street-smart girl who had traveled back from two hundred years in the future.

She harbored no desire for resentment or extremism, only finding their antics laughable as she observed the raucous, baying crowd.

What “orthodox sects” or “great masters?” It seemed they had expended all their mental efforts on cultivating their spiritual planes, leaving their minds utterly drained! These people were no different from a flock of sheep mindlessly driven by a shepherd’s whistle, easily manipulated and instigated by those with ill intentions.

Yet there was one person who came to her defense, vehemently pointing an accusing finger at Qin Lingxiao – surprisingly, it was none other than Yu Ling’er, who had always revered the young master like a deity!

Yu Ling’er never expected Qin Lingxiao to so publicly betray Xiaoxiao before the crowd, instantly shattering the image of her benefactor upon the pedestal in her heart. Angered to resentful tears, she furiously interrogated Qin Lingxiao, demanding to know why he would humiliate Xiaoxiao, whom he knew to be a good person, before all these people.

Qin Lingxiao, still stinging from Wei Jie’s kick, was further enraged by the little fox’s denouncements, his sense of shame compounding. Aware of his guilt yet unable to justify himself, he could only sullenly retreat behind the ranks of Soaring Cloud disciples.

For a moment, Xiaoxiao felt a sense of consolation, feeling that the chicken legs and pastries she had fed the little fox had not gone to waste.

Speaking of chicken legs, the raucous jeering from the crowd was quite an appetite stimulant.

XiaoXiao rubbed her belly and waved at Yu Linger, telling her not to bother with Qin Lingxiao anymore. She asked Wei Jie to bring her a table, then she stood on a chair placed on the table and cupped her hands around her mouth to call out loudly: “Everyone, it’s almost time for the morning meal! Are you all hungry? How about I treat you all to some porridge? We can eat and chat together, what do you think?”At this, the clamorous crowd fell silent – they stared wide-eyed at the young lady who had just been scolded for so long, hardly daring to believe what they had just heard.

Now, after breaking the blood cauldron formation and engaging in this lengthy confrontation, only to have her efforts to clear her name subverted by Qin Lingxiao’s interference, she found herself back at square one, utterly deflated.

In such a despondent state, hunger naturally set in more acutely.

Seeing their refusal to disperse without verbally tearing her apart, Xiaoxiao decided sustenance took priority. She could always regroup and counter-attack once her belly was full!

Thus, after her shout had silenced the riotous crowd, she continued with sincere enthusiasm, “My cultivation pales in comparison to your eminences, leaving me famished by mealtimes. My disciple purchased several bags of emerald-green glutinous rice yesterday. Simmered with sweet radish and salted pork, the fragrance is absolutely divine! Our neighborly granny also baked fresh peanut-sesame seed cakes for us yesterday – the perfect accompaniment to the congee. Would you all care to sample some?”

Chapter 59

Wei Jie walked over and extended his long leg, kicking open the door with one foot.

In the next instant, more than a dozen silver talismans came flying towards Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie’s faces like they cost nothing.

Xiaoxiao used a bench from the courtyard to shield her face, then partially revealed herself and shouted towards Tang Youshu, who was swinging his slender arms to fling the talismans, “Master Youshu, it’s me!”

Tang Youshu was still uncertain upon seeing Xiaoxiao’s face, panting heavily as he asked, “Then… let me ask you, when are sesame seed cakes most… most delicious to eat?”

Yesterday, a neighborly granny had sent them some freshly baked sesame seed cakes. Bored at the time, Xiaoxiao had given the Talisman Sect disciples a detailed lecture on the best way to enjoy the cakes.

Now the grand-disciple was interrogating the grand-master, leaving Xiaoxiao torn between amusement and exasperation, but she understood Tang Youshu was simply trying to ascertain her true identity.

Thus, Xiaoxiao promptly replied, “Naturally, they are best when freshly baked, still emanating the wok’s aroma, with the sugar oozing and the texture hardened yet soft!”

Hearing her recite the Talisman Sect’s profound culinary wisdom, Tang Youshu let out a long breath, his voice tinged with tears as he said, “Grand-master! Master! You’ve finally returned!”

It turned out that when the skeletal cauldron lanterns had been lit at the village entrance, the entire village felt as if it had been shoved into a scorching furnace, the stifling heat becoming unbearable.

Due to the spirit stones she carried, Yu Ling’er had sensed the abnormal formation being established even earlier than ordinary people.

But when she tried to lead Tang Youshu and the fox tribe away, it seemed the entire village had been sealed under an enormous lid, making it impossible to escape.

Soon, the village appeared to be placed atop a raging fire, the heat becoming too intense to withstand.

Yu Ling’er knew the village had fallen into a demonic formation, so she led the tribe in forcefully ramming the barrier, hoping to create a gap for them to escape.

However, the more they struggled, the more intense the heat became, rapidly sapping their strength.

It was at this critical juncture that Tang Youshu suddenly recalled how, after Cui Xiaoxiao had finished lecturing on the best way to enjoy sesame seed cakes, she had casually mentioned the tragic incidents in the neighboring villages.

Grand-Master Cui Xiaoxiao had brought up the “Scorching Sun Formation” at that time, suspecting the villagers had fallen victim to a similar demonic art. She had provided a detailed explanation of the counter-measure.

Recalling this, Tang Youshu promptly retrieved the silver talismans left behind by his grand-master and affixed them to the surrounding houses in the courtyard, simultaneously drawing the Yin-Yang Bagua Formation on the ground.

He had always been fond of such feng shui formations, so despite Cui Xiaoxiao’s somewhat vague description at the time, he grasped the formation’s principles as if he had devised it himself.

While Tang Youshu understood the formation’s mechanics, his own spiritual power was insufficient to sustain it.

Fortunately, Yu Ling’er and the fox tribe were present, so Tang Youshu arranged for them to join the formation, with Yu Ling’er serving as the focal point while the fox tribe provided spiritual power to anchor the formation’s footings.

With Yu Ling’er’s spirit stones compensating for her lack of innate spiritual power, the silver talisman formation’s might was amplified to its maximum, completely withstanding the “Scorching Sun Formation’s” scorching assault.

At that time, Tang Youshu had gathered many villagers into the surrounding houses, cramming them inside to avoid the searing heat on the outer perimeter, holding out until Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie returned.

However, he never expected that within a short while, countless versions of his master and grand-master would come knocking on the door.

Through the window cracks, Tang Youshu saw the paper avatars transformed into Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie, their sinister smiles as they constantly scratched at the doors, truly frightening enough to scare one to death.

Thus, when the true Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie returned, Tang Youshu and the others remained as wary as startled birds, requiring a code phrase to discern their authenticity.

Upon hearing Tang Youshu’s account, Xiaoxiao realized why she had been able to break the formation so easily from the outside.

The formation consumed those trapped within as fuel, requiring their complete incineration to unleash its full potency.

However, by erecting a formation within the formation, Tang Youshu had protected half the villagers.

This prevented the “fuel” inside from being fully “combusted,” inadvertently weakening the demonic formation and allowing Xiaoxiao to effortlessly shatter the two skeletal cauldrons from the outside.

Although Tang Youshu remained a frail youth, he had begun unconsciously revealing the innate talents of the Talisman Sect’s founding patriarch!

Feeling a surge of excitement upon realizing this, Xiaoxiao could not help but grasp Tang Youshu’s hand like a doting child, her face beaming with adoration as she exclaimed, “Master… Young Master Tang, I knew you were the best!”

As she spoke, Xiaoxiao’s expression was so full of reverence that she felt like composing a poem to praise her benevolent master’s brilliant martial prowess.

However, such childish impertinence appeared unbecoming when witnessed by others.

Wei Jie’s expression darkened, and before he could reach out to separate their clasped hands, Yu Ling’er let out a loud “woo-woo” as she forcefully pulled Tang Youshu towards her, baring her fangs at Cui Xiaoxiao.

At this moment, Wei Jie deliberately positioned himself beside Xiaoxiao, shielding her from Yu Ling’er’s threatening snarl.

With one stern glare from his deep purple eyes, Yu Ling’er immediately fell silent. However, she noticed the elongated oiled paper package protruding from Wei Jie’s carry sack – the very one she had mistaken for containing delicacies – and curiously asked, “What’s that?”

Whenever Wei Jie went out, he would always bring back some tasty treats for Cui Xiaoxiao, which Yu Ling’er could also enjoy.

Seeing the oiled paper package, the first thing Yu Ling’er thought of was some savory delicacy.

Wei Jie smiled and deliberately opened one corner to show Yu Ling’er…

The timid fox let out another startled “woo-woo,” her eyes reddening as she clung to Tang Youshu’s arm, refusing to speak another word to him or Cui Xiaoxiao.

Tang Youshu had no choice but to drag along this furry burden, following his master and grand-master back and forth.

Ling Zhishan, accompanied by a few Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples, also trailed behind, assisting Cui Xiaoxiao’s group in rescuing the villagers afflicted by the demonic formation.

As for the other unfortunate villagers who had suffered blood loss, upon seeing Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie, they reacted in terror, weeping and calling out for their parents.

It took great effort from Tang Youshu to explain that these two were the real individuals, not the malicious apparitions from before.

After drinking the talisman-infused water prepared by Xiaoxiao, those severely drained villagers indeed showed significant improvement.

Combined with Tang Youshu and Yu Ling’er’s protection of most of the villagers, and their explanations, the villagers came to believe that demonic entities had indeed impersonated Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie to perpetrate harm.

It was at this moment that the four great orthodox sects of the Demon Suppressing Alliance finally arrived, fashionably late.

Leading them was none other than Qin He, the Pavilion Master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion, who had just received treatment for his injuries at the Prince Can’s Manor.

However, upon entering the village, Qin He had expected to find a scene of scattered corpses.

Of course, such a formation would conveniently leave some “survivors” as living witnesses, allowing them to vividly describe Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie’s appearances while recounting their atrocities of slaughtering the entire village.

With such concrete evidence, Cui Xiaoxiao’s guilt in becoming demonized would be irrefutable. The master had instructed that she must be driven into an indefensible position, filled with resentment to catalyze her demonic nature!

But to Qin He’s utter surprise, although the villagers had suffered severe blood loss, they were all still alive. And the intended targets of the framing – that Talisman Sect master and disciple – were actually directing people to administer talisman water to the villagers.

At that moment, Cui Xiaoxiao was comforting a wailing infant, the slender beauty cradling the fragrant baby, affectionately kissing its chubby cheeks while feeding it water.

The baby would drink a sip, then blow out bubbles before giggling at Xiaoxiao.

Such a scene exuded utter tranquility, a far cry from the rumored image of a cold-blooded demoness slaughtering indiscriminately!

Qin He felt a sinking feeling in his heart. Earlier, he had seen the shattered cauldrons at the village entrance and realized Cui Xiaoxiao must have broken the formation.

Back at the Prince Can’s Manor, she had outmatched Wan Lianshi in their talisman battle, causing his human skin talisman to backfire and cost him an arm that had yet to be recovered.

Moreover, the two of them had somehow escaped the divine messenger statue’s strikes and silently fled the heavily guarded manor.

Now, at such a young age, she had effortlessly broken the grand senior martial brother’s proudest formation. Just… what was her background?

Qin He had an ominous premonition, but having been tasked by the master to force Cui Xiaoxiao’s demonization, he could not easily retreat.

Fortunately, he was not alone in coming to suppress the demonic fiend this time. As before, he only needed to instigate the other orthodox sects to take action.

And the orthodox sects’ supreme arts in subjugating others had always prioritized words over force.

Before Qin He could speak, a Soaring Cloud Pavilion disciple began shouting insults, vehemently denouncing the Lingshan Talisman Sect as a rare demonic cult that had produced the demoness Cui Xiaoxiao, who viewed human life as insignificant as grass!

The Four Great Sects would act in service of the righteous path by eliminating her.

However, their raucous shouting frightened the infant in Xiaoxiao’s arms, causing it to burst into wails.

Before Xiaoxiao could respond, the baby’s parents and uncles began glaring and hurling curses in return, “Which pack of dogs are you lot? Can’t you see our village has just suffered a calamity? You barge into our village without any evidence, immediately shouting insults that terrify the children, as if we’re all dead bodies here!”

The Four Great Sects, along with various other large and small sects, always regarded themselves as upholding the righteous path of cultivation. In their daily lives of imbibing the dew and feasting on flowers, untainted by mundane affairs, they exuded an aura of transcendence wherever they went, addressed as “Celestial Elders” by all.

When had such crude, ill-mannered villagers ever dared to insult them to their faces?

The disciple who had initiated the scolding found himself routed by the villagers’ unrefined taunts, their faces flushing red with anger as they struggled to decide whether to treat these men, women, and children as demonic cult affiliates deserving of severe punishment.

It was at this moment that Qin He spoke coldly, “Ignorant villagers! The calamity that befell your village was the handiwork of these very people. Our purpose in coming here is to rescue you!”

Upon hearing this, the villagers lowered their voices, for many had indeed witnessed the apparitions of “Cui Xiaoxiao” and “Wei Jie” committing atrocities, leaving them harboring doubts.

Xiaoxiao glanced at Qin He with a smile, speaking loudly, “Pavilion Master Qin, I just encountered you at the Prince Can’s Manor. I never expected to meet you again here – it seems we are truly destined!”

Her words immediately drew the attention of the other three great sects, for during the Qiushui Pond catastrophe, they had suffered significant losses.

Although the Prince Can had brazenly pinned the blame on the traitorous father-daughter duo of Wei Di, leveraging his status as an imperial kinsman, his inscrutable intentions were an undeniable fact.

Now Cui Xiaoxiao claimed Qin He had come from the Prince Can’s Manor, causing the three great sects to furrow their brows as they silently awaited the Pavilion Master’s explanation.

Qin He let out a cold laugh, having already anticipated Cui Xiaoxiao would expose his connection to the Prince Can.

However, without any evidence, he was not afraid of her words. After all, he had spent many years at Soaring Cloud Pavilion, accumulating a formidable network and reputation that could hardly be shaken by the baseless claims of a mere girl.

With a mocking smile, he said, “Cui Xiaoxiao, I advise you not to confuse and mislead others! I have never visited the Prince Can’s Manor, so I don’t know what your intentions are in saying this. Do you think slandering me by accusing me of colluding with the Prince Can will absolve you of your myriad crimes?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the Soaring Cloud Pavilion disciples immediately voiced their support, with some producing official wanted notices to show the villagers, proving that the individuals hiding in their village were indeed notorious demonic fiends!

This remote village was quite isolated, with most villagers illiterate and seldom visiting the city, leaving them unaware that Cui Xiaoxiao and the others were wanted fugitives.

Upon seeing the official seals, they were frightened into scattering, keeping their distance from the Talisman Sect’s master and disciple. One woman even snatched the infant from Xiaoxiao’s arms before stumbling away, clutching the baby far from the “demoness.”

Seeing this situation, Qin He felt inwardly delighted, but his expression remained cold and aloof as he said, “Cui Xiaoxiao, your crimes are beyond redemption, unacceptable by the heavenly principles! Do not think you can escape justice by feigning benevolence!”

It mattered little if there was no village massacre this time, for many had already perished previously. As long as he could pin the blame on Cui Xiaoxiao, it would suffice!

With the four great sects and numerous other orthodox sects present, this amounted to a public trial by the righteous path.

If they could heap enough insults and provoke Cui Xiaoxiao into resentful fury, catalyzing her demonic nature, it would be even better! They could then witness her monstrous appearance upon becoming demonized firsthand.

Once branded a demoness, it would be difficult for Cui Xiaoxiao to redeem herself.

Seeing the villagers’ fearful expressions as they looked towards them, completely forgetting how Cui Xiaoxiao and the others had aided them during the formation’s assault, Yu Ling’er felt disappointed and indignantly said, “If Xiaoxiao had truly harmed people, why would her disciple have rescued the villagers from within the formation? Isn’t that just adding insult to injury and completely unnecessary? It’s clear that Qin He, that hypocritical scoundrel, is colluding with the Prince Can to frame us! The formation here and the illusory city we encountered outside Luoyi City were both the work of the Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi, who serves the Prince Can!”

Qin He let out a cold laugh, “Everyone from the Four Great Sects knows that the Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi Master was already suppressed and executed over twenty years ago during their united campaign! For you to now drag out a dead man to be your scapegoat is utterly laughable. Where is your proof that Wan Lianshi is still alive?”

Cui Xiaoxiao remained unfazed by Qin He and the others’ slanderous framing, for she clearly understood that she was walking the destined path of Wei Jie’s demonization.

These vile insults were what Wei Jie himself should have endured alone. If he had faced such collective condemnation, rendered utterly defenseless, he would have undoubtedly exploded from sheer resentment!

However, Xiaoxiao had been called a “little trickster” since childhood, having experienced more hardships than many elderly elders.

To provoke her into complete disarray and resentment, such slander was merely the bottom of the pot – hardly enough for her to drink an entire jug!

So upon hearing Qin He’s defamatory words, Xiaoxiao calmly replied, “It was widely rumored that Wan Lianshi had fallen to his death from a cliff during the Four Great Sects’ campaign against him. However, his remains were never recovered, unseen by anyone. Yet those great experts who had participated in suppressing Wan Lianshi perished one by one under mysterious circumstances over the past twenty years. Don’t you all find this strange?”

Master Tang Youshu had been deeply curious about the Ghost Sect’s rise and downfall, leading his secret manuals to dedicate dozens of pages to records and hearsay he had collected about the Ghost Sect. The bizarre death of one great expert involved in suppressing Wan Lianshi had even been marked with a “Doubtful, investigate further” annotation by the master.

Previously, Xiaoxiao had not grasped her master’s deeper implications when reading this. But now, experiencing events two hundred years in the past and glimpsing the secret that Wan Lianshi was still alive, she suddenly understood the meaning behind “Doubtful, investigate further.”

Upon hearing her words, the elder seniors from the four great sects could not help showing their disquiet.

For the girl spoke the truth – those great experts who had participated in suppressing Wan Lianshi did indeed meet tragic fates over the following decade or so, with some disappearing without a trace and others unexpectedly perishing within their secluded meditation caves.

If they were ordinary people falling victim to aging, illness, or death, it would be understandable. But they were among the elite of the four great sects – how could every single one have vanished or perished so easily, without exception?

Xiaoxiao continued, “Wan Lianshi from the Ghost Sect harbored immense vengeance. If he had been rescued from death and his life extended, he would undoubtedly seek retribution against those great experts from back then. I wonder if any of your venerable masters or elders had their skin crafted into his human skin talismans…”

Upon hearing this, a disciple from the Ebony Peak Qi Sect was the first to erupt in anger, for one of their elders had indeed met a gruesome demise within a sealed meditation cave – when discovered, his entire body was a bloody, fleshless mess, with every inch of skin stripped clean!

Yet the cave had been undisturbed, without any signs of intrusion or struggle. In other words, that elder had been utterly defenseless against his assailant.

This bloody case had severely tarnished Ebony Peak’s reputation, reflecting poorly on their disciples’ abilities. Thus, it had been suppressed as an internal disgrace known only to those of high standing within the sect.

However, Cui Xiaoxiao’s words had truly “awakened the dreaming” – why would the murderer have skinned the victim?

It was well-known that the Ghost Sect’s talismans required human skin as a material, and the skin of a cultivating expert was far more precious than that of exotic beasts!

After the Ebony Peak disciple revealed this internal secret, the senior elders from other major sects, struck with dread, hastily confessed similar incidents of their own venerated predecessors meeting bizarre, skinless deaths.

They had initially concealed these matters from one another, for their elders’ demises had been utterly ignoble, devoid of any signs of resistance or struggle. Divulging such incidents would severely disgrace their own sects. After fruitless investigations left them without any leads, they could only suppress the truth to prevent demoralizing their disciples.

But now they realized that these were not isolated incidents unique to their own sects, and that these murder cases were interconnected, all involving those who had participated in suppressing Wan Lianshi years ago.

With this reasoning, Cui Xiaoxiao’s deduction became well-substantiated and difficult to refute.

The crowd immediately erupted into an uproar, no longer concerned about the deaths of a few villagers as they fervently demanded an investigation into the murderers behind their venerable elders’ deaths.

Seeing the situation slipping from his control, Qin He gritted his teeth in anger before raising his voice to regain command, “Esteemed colleagues, our purpose in coming here is to apprehend the demonized evil-doer Cui Xiaoxiao! Do not allow her trickery to distract you from our objective! Those old cases will naturally be investigated, but for her to know such intricate details and wield talismans so skillfully, does it not imply extensive connections to the Ghost Sect? This demoness Cui Xiaoxiao is of unknown origins and cannot be left unchecked!”

Cui Xiaoxiao smiled faintly at Qin He, “Oh my, Pavilion Master Qin, as a fellow senior martial brother disciple of Wan Lianshi, it’s only natural that you would dislike others speaking ill of him. My mistake!”

Before Qin He could refute her claim, the Soaring Cloud Pavilion disciples had already erupted in outraged shouts, “Demoness! What nonsense are you spouting? Our Pavilion Master has cultivated at Soaring Cloud Pavilion since his youth. How could he possibly be a fellow disciple of Wan Lianshi?”

It was at this moment that Wei Jie suddenly retrieved the bloodied severed arm from the bundle in his carry sack and flung it towards them!

This was the very arm Wei Jie had hacked off from Wan Lianshi back at the Prince Can’s Manor.

Ever the wily one, after severing the arm, Wei Jie had actually kept it instead of discarding it, originally intending to feed it to the manor’s dogs. However, after Xiaoxiao had examined the severed palm, she had instructed him to bring it along.

Hence, Wei Jie had wrapped it in oiled paper taken from the crown prince’s palace before stuffing it into his sack.

Xiaoxiao’s reason for keeping it was not simply to frighten Yu Ling’er with a prank.

Once one treads the Ghost Sect’s path, there is no turning back!

For those who cultivate their demonic talismans and contracts, crimson patterns would appear on their palms, becoming increasingly intricate and pronounced as their mastery deepened.

The severed palm bore an intricate web of such crimson patterns, undoubtedly belonging to a veteran steeped in the Ghost Sect’s wicked arts.

During his tenure as the Prince Can’s steward, Wan Lianshi had always worn flesh-colored gloves to conceal his hands, averting unwanted attention. But without that concealment, this severed arm openly revealed its owner’s sinister cultivation.

Xiaoxiao intended to use this arm as proof that Wan Lianshi was indeed still alive in this world!

She caught the arm and held it aloft, declaring loudly, “This was severed from the white-haired steward at the Prince Can’s Manor when my disciple and I infiltrated there last night. He is none other than the long-concealed Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi! If you don’t believe me, you can immediately proceed to the manor and see if that steward is missing an arm. Will he dare show himself before you all?”

As she spoke, Xiaoxiao smiled inquisitively at Qin He, curiously asking, “As for you, Pavilion Master, I truly don’t know if you have also cultivated the Ghost Sect’s arts. Why don’t you show us your palms and let everyone see if you bear these contract patterns?”

As she finished speaking, Xiaoxiao fixed an inquisitive gaze upon Qin He’s hands, which had always remained hidden within his billowing sleeves.

Qin He’s eyelids twitched slightly upon hearing this. He had never imagined that this young Cui Xiaoxiao would possess such intimate knowledge of the Ghost Sect’s practices!

How did she know that those who cultivated the Ghost Sect’s arts would develop patterned palms?

Qin He could not fathom that Xiaoxiao had traveled back from two hundred years in the future, carrying a voluminous secret manual wrapped like a foot-binding cloth that contained detailed records of other sects’ histories, including the Ghost Sect initiated by her own Talisman Sect!

Now, Xiaoxiao had directly implicated Qin He, demanding he publicly display his palms before everyone to prove his innocence.

Back in the illusory city of Luoyi, Xiaoxiao had seen Qin He’s face reflected in that remnant mirror, leaving her convinced that he had indeed dabbled in the Ghost Sect’s demonic talismans and possessed considerable proficiency in their wicked arts.

Once stained by such sinister cultivation, an indelible mark would forever remain, no matter how fervently one might attempt to cleanse themselves of it. Xiaoxiao intended to have Qin He reveal his palms as incontrovertible proof before the crowd.

Chapter 58

Before seeing this man, Ling Zhishan had never known that masculine vigor could coexist with feminine grace.

Especially those amethyst-flecked eyes, exuding aloof nonchalance yet containing a profound allure that could ensnare one’s soul. Gazing into them for too long would cause one to forget to breathe until a tightness formed in the chest…

Cui Xiaoxiao had expected Ling Zhishan to berate them for concealing their identities and deceiving her.

However, who would have thought that this future cold and bewitching Palace Master of the Twin Manifestation Palace two hundred years later would simply stare dazedly at Wei Jie?

That entranced look was no different from the smitten admirers surrounding Lady Siluan’s carriage – the very picture of infatuation!

Xiaoxiao could not help but wonder – had Ling Zhishan reacted the same way upon encountering her father’s killer, Wei Jie, in her previous life?

No, at that time, Wei Jie had already become demonized, his body covered in snake scales. Even if not fully transformed, it must have affected his appearance, making it impossible for him to appear as handsomely alluring as now, which should not have swayed Ling Zhishan from fully despising him.

In fact, even when he was fully covered in scales after becoming the demonic dao’s paramount figure, many women still flocked to him like moths to a flame. It seemed this Wei Jie had a way with women no matter which life he lived!

Thinking of his glib tongue, Xiaoxiao felt displeased. She did not know how many women he had practiced his wiles on to become so skillfully persuasive…

However, Ling Zhishan’s current lack of restraint was truly too lacking. With her infatuated gaze fixed on Wei Jie, how would she react upon meeting her true beloved, Qin Lingxiao, in the future?

As Xiaoxiao’s thoughts wandered aimlessly, Wei Jie gradually furrowed his sword-like brows.

He had always disliked others staring intently at his face, even if the person was a beautiful woman.

Especially this Ling Zhishan, who had come with the intention of apprehending them based solely on official notices, completely forgetting the gratitude owed to Wei Jie for exposing Wei Di and saving most of the Four Great Sects’ disciples.

Seeing her like this, no matter how beautiful, she was simply an ungrateful commoner!

Ling Zhishan’s infatuated gaze remained glued to Wei Jie, which only made him increasingly uncomfortable.

Seeing that she showed no signs of averting her eyes, he casually picked up a clod of dirt, gauged its weight, and without ceremony, flung it squarely at Ling Zhishan’s forehead. The impact caused her head to jerk back as she let out a pained “Ow!”

Caught off guard, Ling Zhishan was blinded by the scattered dirt and sand. Unable to move, she could only blink furiously, her eyes watering as she angrily shouted, “Hey, what are you doing?!”

Xiaoxiao had also snapped out of her daze. She never expected Wei Jie to treat Ling Zhishan so rudely.

Wei Jie’s temperament was quite peculiar. Initially, when they had first met, his attitude towards her had not been very friendly either. However, he had always maintained a refined demeanor, treating her with relative courtesy, giving Xiaoxiao the impression that he was skilled in the art of romance and accustomed to gentle affection.

But upon careful reflection, Xiaoxiao had never actually witnessed him employing such amorous charms with other women.

Take Yu Ling’er, for instance – he always ended up reducing her to frustrated tears. And now, faced with the beautiful Ling Zhishan, he could still act so brazen, like an unruly child!

As his master, Xiaoxiao could not simply turn a blind eye to her disciple’s discourtesy.

Seeing Ling Zhishan’s pained cries, Xiaoxiao undid the binding talisman and guided her to the stream to rinse her eyes.

As she helped Ling Zhishan wash up, Xiaoxiao said, “The Talisman Sect bears no grudge against the Four Great Sects. In fact, we have aided you in the past. As for the recent bloody incidents in the villages, the perpetrators were others. We have hurried back to rescue the villagers, so please do not be misled by evildoers and impede this urgent matter, Lady Ling!”

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Wei Jie unsealed the accupoints of the other Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples.

Regaining their freedom, the disciples felt somewhat at a loss facing these legendary “demonic duo,” unsure of how to proceed.

Although still young, Ling Zhishan was no fool. Having never encountered this master and disciple before, she had simply followed the crowd’s perception.

But now, seeing the so-called villainous fiends of the Talisman Sect as a youthful, handsome man and beautiful woman, she could not help reassessing her views.

Although that Wei Jie had an unpleasant character, marring his good looks, the warm, friendly smile on Cui Xiaoxiao’s face did not seem befitting of a cold-blooded killer!

At this point, one of the Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples cautioned Ling Zhishan from behind, “Little Martial Sister, do not readily believe her words. You know how deceitful the human heart can be. Since everyone says these murders were committed by this master and disciple, there must be a reason behind it.”

Cui Xiaoxiao, seeing there were quite a few busybodies from Wonderful Immortal Mountain, let out a sigh before turning to Wei Jie, “How can we prove to them that we’re not lying?”

Wei Jie stretched lazily and said nonchalantly, “That’s simple enough.”

Before the words had even left his mouth, he swiftly struck out, knocking down each of the Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples one by one.

As the staves and cudgels clattered to the ground, Wei Jie wore a faint smile, his arms folded as he said, “Lying is only worthwhile when deceiving formidable experts. You lot are empty-headed, blindly following rumors, and as weak as fluffy chicks easily crushed. What’s the point in lying to you?”

The faces of those fallen “fluffy chicks” from Wonderful Immortal Mountain flushed red-hot with embarrassment, like steamed chickens, as furious as they were immobilized. They could only glare, having witnessed firsthand that the two legendary “demonic duo” could effortlessly kill without needing to deceive.

For them to continue posturing as if facing grave adversaries would be utterly ridiculous.

Ling Zhishan was deeply humiliated by Wei Jie’s actions. The entranced admiration in her eyes had vanished, replaced by resentful defiance as she bit her lip and glared at this arrogant, unruly man.

Born beautiful, she had always been the adored center of attention in her sect. Never had she encountered someone like Wei Jie who treated her so brazenly without any courtesy.

Forcefully suppressing the sudden urge to cry, she struggled to say, “So you claim innocence? The bloody incident in the neighboring village has only just occurred. Some demon must have cruelly slaughtered the innocent. Although we may not be as skilled as you, we uphold the spirit of aiding the weak against the strong. We will not return until we have thoroughly investigated and uncovered the truth!”

Wei Jie had always harbored a sharp tongue towards women other than Cui Xiaoxiao, especially so for this Ling Zhishan, who did not hold his favor.

Hearing her words, he released the other Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples’ accupoints before mockingly addressing Ling Zhishan’s weakness, “I hear the new Mountain Master of Wonderful Immortal Mountain is the late master’s martial brother, with whom he had long been estranged. Could it be that you led your people away because you could no longer remain at the sect?”

With this, Wei Jie had truly struck Ling Zhishan’s most vulnerable spot. For what he said was true – having suddenly lost her father, she had become homeless…

Tears immediately welled up in the young lady’s eyes at this raw reminder. However, her manner of crying differed from that of the teary fox princess Yu Ling’er.

When reduced to tears by anger, Yu Ling’er would simply wail unrestrained, unconcerned with appearing unbecoming.

But Ling Zhishan, though tearful, did not utter a sound. Her expression remained impassive, her gaze as chilly and imperious as a frost-laden snow lotus, her crystal tears tracing her flawless cheeks – a vision that could stir even the most hardened heart to pity.

Unfortunately, Wei Jie had always despised weeping women. Although Ling Zhishan’s tears resembled a painting, his attention had already drifted elsewhere, towards the quiet village below the mountain.

Seeing Ling Zhishan reduced to such a state by Wei Jie, Xiaoxiao inwardly chided him: “You’re courting karmic retribution!”

One must remember that although this Lady Ling seemed as pitiful as a stray now, in two hundred years she would become the founding Palace Master of her own sect.

As the saying goes, “Do not bully the young and impoverished,” so why needlessly make enemies everywhere?

Observing her disciple once again carelessly flinging stones into the cesspit and splattering others, Xiaoxiao swiftly intervened to douse the flames, “Enough nonsense! Lady Ling is clearly a righteous and chivalrous person. The village below is about to face utter catastrophe, and she is simply motivated by a heart that cares for the people – the very essence of xian xia!”

The principle of resolving grievances rather than creating new ones was well-known. Xiaoxiao understood that in the original trajectory, it was precisely his mistreatment of such loyal disciples that had led Wei Jie down the path of destruction.

While Xiaoxiao did not particularly favor Ling Zhishan either, since Wei Jie currently had no blood feud with her, there was no need to sow further resentment between them.

By speaking thus, she had provided Ling Zhishan a path to step down gracefully.

However, after being given this path, the snow lotus Ling Zhishan, tears still staining her cheeks, chose to follow them instead.

“Since you have spoken thus, Sect Master Cui, how could I not lend you my aid? Moreover, whether you are the culprit has yet to be proven. By accompanying you, I can also bear witness to your innocence.”

Xiaoxiao let out an “ah” as she turned to see Wei Jie silently smirking beside her, as if mocking her tenderhearted naivety for once again attracting an unwanted burden!

Nevertheless, Xiaoxiao did not mind the company. Since Ling Zhishan was clearly not affiliated with the Prince Can, and likely had no ties to Qin Lingxiao’s Soaring Cloud Pavilion at this point, she could allow her to tag along. After all, the Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples had also come to apprehend the perpetrators behind the village slaughter.

As they approached the village entrance, the village remained eerily quiet.

They chose a vantage point on a higher slope overlooking the entire village. If any intruders appeared, no matter which direction, they would be able to respond immediately.

Seizing this opportunity, Xiaoxiao asked Ling Zhishan, “How did you know we were here?”

Ling Zhishan explained, “Soaring Cloud Pavilion has circulated messages to the Four Great Sects and the orthodox path, claiming you were hiding here committing evil deeds… They also said… you seem to have cultivated techniques to drain the vigor of robust male disciples…”

Halfway through, Ling Zhishan’s face reddened, realizing she had spoken improprieties. She could not help but quickly glance towards the male disciple Wei Jie beside her…

The other Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples all wore expressions of disdain, yet tinged with curiosity as they appraised Cui Xiaoxiao.

This demoness did not seem particularly demonic, with a rather pure and beautiful appearance. Although different from their martial sister Ling Zhishan’s glamorous looks, Cui Xiaoxiao’s gentle, charming beauty could indeed captivate men’s affections.

But one should not judge solely by appearances! Who could have imagined this sweet, lovely maiden reminiscent of spring wildflowers would actually practice such draining arts?

Yet amidst their contempt, they could not help but ponder: to be drained by such a beautiful woman, if not excessively harmful to one’s health, might not be entirely unacceptable…

Xiaoxiao never expected the upright Pavilion Master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion to engage in such vile slander! Not only was he framing her for murder, but he was also defaming her as a lust demoness!

Thus, when Ling Zhishan hesitated, Xiaoxiao could only laugh out of sheer anger while giving her a sidelong glance, “The Talisman Sect is an orthodox sect! We only focus on cultivating talisman condensation skills. When have we ever walked the path of the Harmonious Union Sect? As for the relationship between my disciple and I, it has always been proper! Wei Jie! Tell them, have I ever drained you?”

Seeing Cui Xiaoxiao so vehemently denying the accusations, Ling Zhishan felt a hint of relief: it seemed the relationship between this youthful master and her disciple Wei Jie was indeed pure and innocuous!

As for why she felt relieved, even Ling Zhishan could not fathom the reason herself.

However, when Wei Jie was prompted by his master to testify, he did not immediately respond. Instead, he caressed his own neck and face as if recalling, before saying, “I don’t believe there has been any… deep draining…”

The areas he had touched happened to be where Cui Xiaoxiao had nuzzled her face against him. In fact, when she had been carried on his back earlier, she had even stolen a few nibbles in her unbridled state…

This assessment of “no deep draining” was truly an honest yet smooth evasion worthy of an experienced rake.

Ling Zhishan could not help feeling that his words sounded rather dubious as she suspiciously eyed Cui Xiaoxiao.

This was undoubtedly a test of one’s ability to maintain a poker face and exercise guile.

Had Xiaoxiao wasted all those years mingling on the streets? Donning a benevolent matriarchal demeanor, she smilingly chided Wei Jie through gritted teeth, “Jie’er, you’re being naughty again. Don’t act so mischievously in front of others and cause misunderstandings!”

Her face was turned towards Wei Jie, yet only he could see his benevolent master’s beguiling eyes opened wide, brimming with the divine force of retribution as if to say: if he dared misspeak again, she would unleash thunderous fury upon him!

Wei Jie could not help but laugh, no longer teasing his master, “Master, do not be angry. When I next encounter Soaring Cloud’s disciples, I will surely inquire as to whose foul mouth spread such slanderous rumors!”

It was rare for him to genuinely laugh, his adorable fangs peeking out and momentarily dispelling his devilish aura, making him appear as innocent as a youth…

Once more, Ling Zhishan found herself mesmerized, feeling as if a spring breeze had caressed her heart… If she could interact daily with such a man, even without ascending to immortality, the mortal realm would become a place worth lingering in…

Xiaoxiao knew the truth about Qin He’s background and could not be bothered to dwell on such baseless rumors with Ling Zhishan. Instead, she turned her gaze back towards the village below.

The eerie silence pervading the village made her uneasy. Could it be that Wan Lianshi’s men had not arrived?

Squinting her eyes, Xiaoxiao scrutinized the village when she noticed a hunched night watchman shakily approach the entrance and hang up a lantern.

Their village, nestled in the mountains, was now in the season when mountain fungi flourished.

Whenever dawn had not yet broken, villagers would go into the mountains to forage for mushrooms, typically gathering at the entrance beforehand. Hence, the night watchman would hang a lantern at this hour.

Initially, everything seemed ordinary. However, Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes, fixating on the two lanterns the night watchman had just hung up – something seemed off about them.

After the incident with the snake-eye lantern in the Prince Can’s study, Xiaoxiao had become exceptionally attentive to such details.

She recalled the two lanterns hanging at the village entrance had always been old paper lanterns with soybean oil. Moreover, whenever villagers went mushroom foraging, the night watchman would extinguish the candles to conserve resources – a frugal way of life.

But now, these new lanterns were larger than before, their surfaces emitting a reddish glow as they burned with four thick, fist-sized candles – an extravagance unbefitting an impoverished village.

Strangely, after lighting the lanterns, the villagers who usually gathered at the entrance had not appeared. Instead, the night watchman stood between the two lanterns, retrieving a handful of scraps from a cloth bag that he proceeded to scatter into the wind!

In that instant when the watchman flung out the scraps, Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie simultaneously leapt up, their movements in perfect sync as they charged like arrows towards the watchman.

The Ghost Sect excelled at deploying demonic formations. Although Wan Lianshi might not match them in close combat, they could hardly withstand his treacherous ploys like setting up illusion formations to harm others.

Just like the previous illusion formation they had encountered, if not for Xiaoxiao’s keen perceptiveness in discovering the weakness, they might have been trapped inside until death.

Wei Jie’s movements were even swifter. Before he arrived, he had already unleashed his qi shield, slamming it squarely into the night watchman’s back.

But upon impact, the qi shield merely struck a pile of tattered clothing that crumpled to the ground as if filled with nothing but air, devoid of any person within.

As Xiaoxiao approached for a closer look, she discovered a human skin talisman affixed to the back of the clothing – clearly a false avatar being remotely controlled by Wan Lianshi to set up the demonic formation.

She immediately looked up at the lanterns. Accompanied by the sizzling of the oil, a familiar rancid, greasy stench reminiscent of their experience in the illusory city wafted from the lanterns.

Xiaoxiao swiftly drew two silver talismans and flung them towards the lanterns.

Before the talismans could make contact, a web of crackling lightning suddenly flashed around the lanterns, forming a barrier that repelled the silver talismans.

The silver Xiaoxiao used was mined from the underworld, inherently capable of exorcising evil and revealing demonic presences. Moreover, the expulsion talisman she had employed would force any demonic beings it touched to reveal their true forms.

Although the talismans failed to strike the lanterns directly, they had still compelled the lanterns to unveil their true nature.

Ling Zhishan looked up and gasped involuntarily.

These were no mere paper lanterns, but two skeletal cauldrons hovering in midair, composed of countless interlocked bones.

At this moment, the cauldrons blazed with corpse oil, radiating scorching heat.

The village cloaked beneath this ghastly crimson glow suddenly became visible, accompanied by the agonized screams that had previously been sealed within the barrier.

Xiaoxiao knew the demonic formation had just been initiated, so the villagers still had a chance of being saved. Exchanging a glance with Wei Jie, he handed the “Defying the Heavens” sword back to her.

Xiaoxiao silently chanted an exorcism mantra before slashing fiercely towards the two skeletal cauldrons serving as the formation’s focal points.

This time, her sword beam managed to pierce through the outer barrier.

Unable to withstand the sword’s force, the cauldrons cracked open, spurting gushing streams of fresh blood from the fissures that caused Ling Zhishan and the Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples to stumble back in alarm.

Seizing the opportunity, Xiaoxiao flung her expulsion talismans once more. As the silver light engulfed the cauldrons, they exploded in a brilliant shower of sparks suspended in midair.

At that moment, the village that had been cloaked in an ominous crimson haze was finally exposed under the first rays of dawn’s light.

As they rushed into the village, they found the entrance littered with paper figures that must have been the scraps scattered by the “night watchman” earlier.

Xiaoxiao picked up a couple and examined them – incredibly, they were unmistakable silhouettes of her and Wei Jie, remarkably lifelike in their depiction.

If her guess was correct, the recent serial murders in the surrounding villages had likely employed the same method. Paper avatars controlled by Wan Lianshi, impersonating her and Wei Jie, had indiscriminately slaughtered, thus leading eyewitnesses to vividly describe their appearances.

At that moment, a few blood-drenched villagers crawled out from their houses, attempting to call for help. However, upon seeing Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie’s faces, they reacted as if seeing ghosts, letting out terrified shrieks before frantically retreating back inside on all fours.

Xiaoxiao knew they had lost too much blood to withstand further shock, so she did not approach them. Instead, she retrieved a few silver talismans and a small furnace from her pocket.

This furnace had been passed down from her master. She ignited one of the silver talismans within, the bean-sized flame instantly melting the talisman into liquid silver. She then poured the molten silver into the village well for Ling Zhishan and the Wonderful Immortal Mountain disciples to administer to the severely wounded villagers.

If Xiaoxiao’s guess was correct, Wan Lianshi had employed the Scorching Sun Formation. Those two corpse oil cauldrons had served as the formation’s focal points, causing anyone trapped inside to hemorrhage uncontrollably through their pores, like profuse sweating, until completely drained of blood.

This explained why the previously drained victims had no visible wounds – their blood had been forcibly expelled through their very pores!

The villagers’ lost blood had been collected within those cauldrons for Wan Lianshi’s use. Previously, his frameups had been relatively minor offenses.

But this time, certain that Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie were taking refuge here, he had gone so far as to plan a village massacre in order to solidify the criminal charges against them.

As for how Xiaoxiao knew to counter the formation, it was because her master’s secret manuals had included descriptions of the Scorching Sun Formation.

According to the records, Wei Jie had previously encountered this formation after his great victory over the illusion formation at Soaring Cloud Pavilion. However, since his body had already transformed into snake scales at that point, lacking any pores or sweat glands, the Scorching Sun Formation had been utterly ineffective against him. Nevertheless, Wei Jie’s side had still suffered significant casualties, enraging him to the point of razing Soaring Cloud Pavilion to the ground.

Reflecting back, Xiaoxiao could not help but sympathize with Wei Jie’s fury at that time. Having just suffered the devastating loss of his mother, consumed by vengeance, his enmity towards the Four Great Sects had already run deep. To then face such a vile formation, with the masterminds hiding behind the so-called orthodox sects and privileged nobility, was simply unforgivable.

However, her present priority was to quickly locate her master. Tang Youshu’s frail constitution meant he did not have much blood to lose. If any harm befell him, the Lingshan Talisman Sect would truly lose its founding patriarch, unable to be passed on!

When they finally reached the courtyard where they had been residing, Xiaoxiao was astonished to find her silver talismans lining the surrounding houses in an intricate pattern forming the Yin-Yang Bagua Formation.

The paper avatars could not breach this barrier, only piling up against the doors and windows of the outer ring of houses, which appeared plastered in paper.

As Xiaoxiao entered the courtyard shouting for “Master Youshu” while attempting to pull open the doors, she found they seemed barricaded from the inside, unable to be forced open no matter how hard she tried.

Chapter 57

Xiaoxiao felt that since the crown prince had acted righteously to rescue them, coldly rejecting his hospitality would be lacking in chivalric spirit.

As the saying goes, “Life is meant for joyous drinking when wine is present.” Moreover, she felt that sharing a cup of wine with the crown prince would surely lead to hearing some interesting stories.

With this thought, she turned to Wei Jie and said, “Since the crown prince has extended such a warm invitation, we might as well have a drink before leaving.”

Wei Jie smiled and picked up the wine jug the crown prince had just set down, giving it a sniff. “The Western Phoenix Wine from Yongcheng? It smells like a thirty-year-old vintage!”

The crown prince let out a hearty laugh, “You have a discerning nose, my friend. This wine was indeed buried for thirty years, finally meeting a true connoisseur worthy of its lingering fragrance.”

The bonds between men can sometimes be kindled faster than the raging fire between lovers.

After Wei Jie casually loosened his collar and took a seat opposite the crown prince, the two exchanged a few cups of wine. Suddenly, they seemed like old friends, pouring for each other without any sense of unfamiliarity.

Crown Prince Xia Chenghong had not indulged in such an unrestrained drinking session in a long time. With an open-hearted laugh, he clinked cups with Wei Jie before beckoning them to help themselves to the dishes and more wine.

The three of them, brought together by chance, were worlds apart in status. In theory, sitting together to drink should have been an awkward affair.

Yet the three of them were somewhat unconventional in nature, allowing these unrelated individuals to sit together, pushing cups and making toasts as if they were close relatives.

The crown prince repeatedly topped up Wei Jie’s cup, who did not stand on ceremony as he drained each one.

The crown prince observed the young man and woman. Although the latter wore heavy makeup, her refined features were still visible. As for the man, the beast-like patterns only added to his wild charm.

If they were assassins, they certainly did not dress the part by forgoing masks and disguises, instead donning such conspicuous attire to infiltrate the manor.

The crown prince smiled and casually asked, “May I inquire as to how my imperial uncle offended you both, prompting your attempt on his life?”

Xiaoxiao sampled a piece of sweet and sour fish, squinting in relish as she said, “It was not an assassination attempt. We merely came to reclaim something he had stolen from us. We are not villainous demons, Your Highness. As for you, you do not seem the type to be wary of others. Yet you did not drink the wine he had drugged?”

Seeing the crown prince raise his brows, Xiaoxiao recounted witnessing the “Seven Day Drunkenness” pill being slipped into his wine.

The crown prince gave a wry smile but did not answer that question. Instead, he said, “If I may ask, are you not Cui Xiaoxiao of the Lingshan Talisman Sect and Wei Jie of the Mount Qilao Alliance?”

Xiaoxiao knew their wanted portraits had been widely circulated, but for the crown prince to still recognize them in their current appearances was impressive!

However, if they admitted their identities, would this crown prince be alarmed and overturn the table?

Thus, Xiaoxiao nodded in candid acknowledgment.

Upon hearing this, the crown prince smiled again but asked probingly, “Then… were the villagers in those villages truly killed by your hands?”

Xiaoxiao had lost her appetite. She set down her chopsticks and honestly said, “If we were truly responsible, we would have fled instead of walking into this trap in Luoyi City. If I told you that those bloody cases were committed by your imperial uncle’s men to frame us, would you believe me, Your Highness?”

The crown prince, Xia Chenghong, looked at Wei Jie and said with firm conviction, “I believe in the character of the Alliance, and in the grandson praised by the Alliance’s elderly matriarch. You are not the kind of person who could commit such bloody atrocities!”

Wei Jie raised his brows, not expecting the crown prince to suddenly mention his grandmother.

The crown prince smiled faintly with a tinge of reminiscence, “Your grandmother was renowned for her beauty in her youth and was acquainted with my late father, the emperor. The private relations between the Xia and Wei families have never been severed over these hundred years. Your situation was mentioned by your grandmother in letters to my father. On this visit, I also received my father’s instructions – if I encountered any difficulties, I could seek assistance from the Alliance…”

As he spoke, the crown prince retrieved a pendant bearing the Alliance’s demon-subduing insignia from his lapel, comparing it to the one on the handle of the whip coiled around Wei Jie’s waist.

Xiaoxiao then realized that the crown prince had not recognized their true appearances but had identified them through Wei Jie’s Alliance insignia.

It turned out the Alliance’s elderly matriarch had such close ties with the current emperor. According to the crown prince, when she was traveling in her youth, the matriarch had once saved the emperor’s life, thus renewing the longstanding bond between the Xia and Wei families.

Today, when Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie had stumbled into the crown prince’s chambers, he had seen the Alliance’s insignia and deduced their identities, prompting him to rescue them from the Prince Can’s Manor.

As for why the crown prince was wary of the Prince Can, it was also related to the Alliance’s matriarch.

Crown Prince Xia Chenghong let out a sigh, “Before I came here, your grandmother had mentioned that the Prince Can’s Manor harbored venomous creatures. However, in my memory, my younger imperial uncle was never so cunning and scheming. After arriving in Luoyi City, not only have my doubts not been resolved, but they have only grown deeper… You ask why I am cautious of my own uncle? Because… he is not the Prince Can!”

Regarding this point, Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie had already guessed as much. It seemed that during the crown prince’s visit to the manor, his seemingly casual reminiscing about childhood actually carried profound meaning, causing the false Prince Can some discomfort in responding.

Hearing this, Xiaoxiao could not help but ask, “If he is not your imperial uncle, then who is he? And how dare he so brazenly impersonate a member of the imperial clan?”

Crown Prince Xia Chenghong gave another wry smile before slowly speaking, “While one’s appearance can change with age, certain physical details remain unalterable. The Prince Can and I were very close in our youth, like brothers despite our differences in status. I remember my own mischievousness – I once took him tree-climbing and catching cicadas, only for a branch to injure the back of his ear, causing profuse bleeding. Fearing my imperial grandfather’s reprimand, I had the eunuchs secretly stop the bleeding. Afterward, he was left with a protruding scar behind his ear. But when I saw the Prince Can this time, the area behind his ear was smooth, without any scarring. Instead, there was a red mole on the back of one earlobe… I have only ever seen such a distinctive mole on one other person in my life…”

Xiaoxiao was engrossed in listening but saw the crown prince suddenly pause, so she asked, “Who was it?”

The crown prince seemed deep in thought, occasionally shaking his head as if perplexed, or frowning in puzzlement.

Finally, he seemed to abandon untangling the doubts in his mind. He dipped his hand in the wine, casually picked up a decorative jade ax, and slowly wrote the words “ear city” on the blade’s surface before wiping it clean.

Xiaoxiao frowned, momentarily confused by the crown prince’s enigmatic actions.

However, Wei Jie’s brow slightly furrowed, as if he had immediately understood the crown prince’s meaning.

“This… can it be true? But that person is no longer around?”

The crown prince knew Wei Jie had grasped his implication and let out a wry, soft laugh, “I, too, doubted my own suspicion. But that mole was too distinctive, like a reclining Buddha, and not at all common. As cultivators, you must be well-versed in many supernatural abilities. I wonder if there might be a way to return from the dead?”

Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie exchanged a glance but remained silent.

In the past few days, they had encountered quite a few individuals who had seemingly returned from the dead. That Wei Di and Wan Lianshi, for instance, seemed to be individuals who should have perished but had instead changed their appearances to continue living in this world. Based on the conversation between Wan Lianshi and Qin He, it appeared the Prince Can possessed the ability to borrow life forces from others!

So after pondering for a moment, Xiaoxiao said, “Your Highness’s suspicion is reasonable. If a person can borrow life from elsewhere, then he would be the king of the underworld realm, even more esteemed than… an emperor. The network of power and influence in his hands would be more formidable than an emperor’s!”

The crown prince did not take offense at Xiaoxiao’s irreverent words, only giving a bitter smile, “In truth, my father the emperor has long been stripped of his authority. Neither he nor I can act as we wish when governing. The elderly ministers left behind by the late emperor rigidly control court affairs, leaving my father as a mere puppet on the throne, without true agency! However, this lingering doubt in my mind is too shocking to be voiced without evidence, lest it provoke unimaginable upheaval across the realm.”

Wei Jie, having drained another jug of wine, said, “After partaking of such an exquisite brew today, it is only natural to alleviate Your Highness’s troubles. Allow me to confirm the Prince Can’s true identity before informing you. However, this place is perilous, and the Prince Can has many eyes and ears. Since you have provided us shelter today, I fear you may also become implicated. Please take utmost care, Your Highness!”

The crown prince smiled faintly, “In the eyes of others, I have always been seen as a debauched wastrel. Such a worthless individual is unlikely to warrant much scrutiny or scheming. Rest assured, I will exercise prudence.”

Thus, Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao hastily parted ways with the crown prince under the moonlight.

According to Wanlian Master’s intentions, the slander against Cui Xiaoxiao had not gone far enough, and they still planned to slaughter the village where Xiaoxiao and her companions had sought refuge.

Now, there was no time to waste. They needed to immediately return and capture the hidden mastermind in the act!

However, on their way back, Xiaoxiao suddenly came to a realization and paused in her steps, murmuring, “He wrote something on the ax blade… a character like ‘ye,’ which is the character for ‘grandfather’?”

Although literate, Xiaoxiao’s foundation came from her mother’s teachings, making her slightly slower than Wei Jie at deciphering such wordplay.

Wei Jie made a gesture for silence before silently nodding his head in affirmation.

In the northern regions, the term “grandfather” referred to one’s paternal grandfather’s father.

In other words, the crown prince suspected that the Prince Can was his own imperial grandfather – the late Emperor Xia Yuansong, who had passed away over twenty years ago?

But the Prince Can appeared to be no more than thirty years old, while the late Emperor Xia Yuansong had been in his nineties when he passed!

No wonder the crown prince had seemed hesitant earlier, unable to fully convince even himself!

However, if this were true, it would explain the various mysteries surrounding the Prince Can.

The original Prince Can had indeed been sickly from a young age. His initial enfeoffment to the Luoyi territory had been arranged by the late Emperor Xia Yuansong himself.

Xiaoxiao boldly speculated that the true Prince Can must have perished prematurely. Through some unknown means, Xia Yuansong had managed to regress from an elderly, decrepit state back to youthful vigor, then assumed his young son’s identity to continue living as an idle monarch in Luoyi, thereby evading the destiny recorded in the Book of Life and Death.

But while the people of Luoyi might not recognize the Prince Can, there would certainly be a significant difference between a youth in his teens and a man in his twenties or thirties.

This drastic disparity in the false Prince Can’s appearance and age compared to the original must have been the reason for his decade-long seclusion after arriving in his territory.

After over ten years had passed, this imposter could then attribute any changes in his appearance to the naturally transformative effects of reaching adulthood, surely having made meticulous preparations to avoid arousing suspicion.

However, the crown prince’s sudden visit had caught the Prince Can somewhat off guard. After all, the crown prince was intimately familiar with both his imperial grandfather and the young Prince Can.

Yet this crown prince was quite the sly one, able to detect the discrepancies.

Xiaoxiao had initially assumed this Prince Can’s goal was to seize the imperial throne. But if he truly was Xia Yuansong, then the emperor’s throne would have been something he had already cast aside.

So what exactly was this Xia Yuansong seeking? Could it be the eternal life and youth that all emperors coveted?

With this thought, Xiaoxiao spoke up, “Wan Lianshi said this Prince Can can borrow life forces to extend his own… Since he was originally an elderly man nearing the end of his life, whose life force did he borrow?”

Wei Jie had also been pondering this and said indifferently, “Destined longevity is already predetermined. If he greedily desired more, he must have taken it from others… If I’m not mistaken, the true Prince Can has likely already been filially sacrificed by his covetous father…”

Xiaoxiao blinked slowly before taking a deep breath.

She had long heard of the depravities within imperial palaces but also knew that even vicious tigers do not consume their own cubs. If Wei Jie’s speculation was accurate, then this Xia Yuansong, in his pursuit of immortality, had truly reached the realm of demonic possession by using his own son’s life force to extend his own!

Thinking of this, and recalling the Prince Can’s seemingly cultured and mild smile, Xiaoxiao felt a wave of nausea.

The two of them had caused an uproar in the king’s manor that night, yet it had yielded some gains. Xiaoxiao had thoroughly suppressed Wanlian Master’s arrogance, and together with Wei Jie, they had severely wounded him, clearing the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s name.

Moreover, they had become acquainted with the crown prince and glimpsed the Prince Can’s secrets.

However, they did not know the current state of the village where they had been temporarily residing, where Tang Youshu, Yu Ling’er, and the others remained.

If they encountered the men dispatched by Wanlian Master, the fox tribe would fare better, but her master Tang Youshu would be defenseless!

Thinking of this, Xiaoxiao could not help but quicken her pace. Unfortunately, her lightness skill was not even worth mentioning, so if she wanted to move faster, she would need Wei Jie to carry her as they advanced.

The aphrodisiac’s effects had greatly diminished upon encountering the cool night air. However, when Xiaoxiao was carried on Wei Jie’s back, pressed against him and inhaling his masculine scent, she could not help but nuzzle her face against his back…

Wei Jie could not resist arching his brow. Halting his steps, he turned his head to ask, “Do you want… um…”

Before he could finish speaking, Xiaoxiao’s soft hand covered his mouth.

Of course, Xiaoxiao was aware of her current lack of restraint!

However, enduring the lascivious insect’s venom was torment enough – she had no desire to hear her disciple utter any lewd remarks!

Thus, Xiaoxiao nuzzled her cheek against her disciple’s face and neck while closing her eyes, softly murmuring, “I’ll be fine in a bit, no more nonsense!”

With his mouth covered by her hand, Wei Jie could not remind his master that her words sounded like those of a shameless patron frequenting brothels, arrogantly proclaiming, “I’ve paid, so I’ll play as I please,” ready to hike up his trousers and depart after a mere cup of tea.

However, he also knew they could not afford any further delays. Taking a deep breath, he endured his master’s occasional fidgeting and continued their hurried journey.

The drug’s effects on him were not as profound as on Xiaoxiao, and being of part fox demoness bloodline, he naturally had greater resistance to such aphrodisiacal effects compared to ordinary people.

However, he knew that back in the secret passage, he had nearly lost control of himself.

The young lady he carried on his back seemed to possess some bewitching power, like a potent aphrodisiac personalized solely for him – once its effects took hold, it burned with an unquenchable fire, defying any remedy…

Fortunately, as he rushed forward with the night wind breezing past, the insatiable Xiaoxiao gradually returned to her normal self after sampling enough of her disciple’s “delicacies.”

When the two of them finally returned to the village, they saw from a distance that it remained shrouded in darkness.

Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie exchanged a glance, deciding to promptly enter the village.

But just as they were about to step forward, two figures resembling tree barks suddenly materialized from the large trees beside them, crossing their swords against the pair’s necks in a cold voice, “Don’t move!”

Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie looked at each other, then towards the new arrivals. Several more people wearing bark-patterned clothing revealed themselves from their concealment.

The leader, wearing a bark mask and speaking in a feminine voice, pressed her blade against Xiaoxiao’s neck and said coldly, “May I ask where the two of you are hurriedly headed at this late hour?”

Xiaoxiao found the voice familiar but couldn’t immediately place it. She replied, “We are from a village in the mountains and were planning to return home to rest. Are you valiant ones intending to demand a toll for passage?”

The woman let out a cold laugh as she appraised them, “And what business are you in that requires returning so late? “

Xiaoxiao knew her current heavily made-up appearance, coupled with Wei Jie’s unwashed tiger-patterned body paint, did not resemble decent folks. So she smiled apologetically, “There was a courtesan parade in the city, and my third martial aunt’s second cousin from the opera troupe was shorthanded, so my brother and I went to lend a hand and earn some pocket money… Here, take this purse of coins, valiant ones.”

As Xiaoxiao smiled and spoke, Wei Jie suddenly struck from behind, swiftly knocking out a few of the men holding blades to his neck.

At the same time, Xiaoxiao deftly slapped a immobilization talisman onto the woman’s neck.

In an instant, the situation reversed – instead of being the waylaid, it was now the Talisman Sect’s master and disciple holding the woman at blade-point.

Frightened yet unable to move, she cried out, “What… what do you want to do?”

Xiaoxiao did not waste words. She stepped forward and removed the woman’s bark mask. Upon seeing the familiar face, her eyes widened in surprise.

For this woman was none other than Ling Zhishan, the future Palace Master of the Twin Manifestation Palace from two hundred years later!

She was Qin Lingxiao’s martial sister disciple. It was her later arrival with the demonic bead “Resentment” that had inadvertently caused Xiaoxiao and Qin Lingxiao to be sent back two hundred years into the past when the two beads merged with the divine statue.

Now, seeing Ling Zhishan’s familiar face, Xiaoxiao was momentarily uncertain if she was reuniting with an acquaintance from two hundred years later or encountering the younger Ling Zhishan from two centuries past.

However, observing Ling Zhishan’s slightly more youthful features and her expression of panicked immobility, Xiaoxiao deduced that this was likely the original Ling Zhishan from two hundred years ago.

Wei Jie, unaware of Xiaoxiao’s realization, had sealed the accupoint of the few men he had knocked out and asked if they were Wan Lianshi’s people.

The men, indignant yet unable to speak, shook their heads vigorously.

Ling Zhishan also hurriedly explained, “This young lady, we are not bad people. Have you not heard of Wonderful Immortal Mountain? I am Ling Zhishan, daughter of the late Mountain Master. We are cultivators of the orthodox path. We only stopped you because it was so late, suspecting you might be those two bloodsucking fiends from the Talisman Sect.”

After hearing this, Xiaoxiao merely let out an “oh” before finding a rock to sit on, her mind sorting through the intricate web of relationships.

If what she said was true, then the future Palace Master of the Twin Manifestation Palace was actually the daughter of one of the Four Great Sect’s late Mountain Masters!

According to the original trajectory, people had believed Wei Jie was responsible for killing the Mountain Master of Wonderful Immortal Mountain.

In other words, Ling Zhishan, like Qin Lingxiao, had concealed her identity when joining Wei Jie’s sect to avenge her father’s death through bitter perseverance.

In this altered timeline, although the Mountain Master of Wonderful Immortal Mountain had still perished due to being overly possessed by a puppeteer talisman, everyone now knew it was the murderous deed of the traitorous father-daughter duo Wei Di and his child, acting on the Prince Can’s orders – unrelated to Xiaoxiao or Wei Jie.

So why was this woman still so insistent on pursuing a grievance against the Lingshan Talisman Sect?

Hearing Xiaoxiao’s query, Ling Zhishan was not surprised. As a cultivator, she had naturally heard about the Wonderful Immortal Mountain’s late Mountain Master’s tragic demise.

Unable to move, she could only honestly answer, “Although Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao were not involved in my father’s death, they have become demonized and harmed others, warranting elimination by the orthodox path. I have brought my disciples to apprehend them – what is wrong with that? May I ask who you two are? Can you release us?”

It turned out that after the Wonderful Immortal Mountain’s late Mountain Master had passed away, a heated succession battle had erupted for the new leadership.

Several of the late master’s senior martial brothers vied for the position, while his devoted disciples rallied behind his sole daughter Ling Zhishan’s candidacy.

Unfortunately, Ling Zhishan’s relatively shallow cultivation bases made her a target of disdain from her martial uncles. Knowing she needed a significant accomplishment to assert her authority, Ling Zhishan had led her followers away from the sect.

It was then that they came across official notices with the crown prince’s seal, declaring a substantial reward for anyone capable of apprehending the two demonic fiends.

Ling Zhishan felt that capturing these two would be a suitable feat to prove her worth. Thus, she had her people lie in wait outside the village.

After hearing the full story, Xiaoxiao nodded in understanding before exchanging a glance with Wei Jie.

This woman had outright declared her intent to apprehend them – if they tried to conceal their identities, it would be somewhat dishonorable…

Thus, Xiaoxiao looked around before washing her face in a nearby stream, then passed a damp cloth to Wei Jie.

Once the master and disciple had cleansed themselves of their heavy makeup and body paint, revealing their true appearances, one of Ling Zhishan’s disciples exclaimed in shock, “Little Martial Sister, they… they are Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie of the Talisman Sect!”

Ling Zhishan was taken aback, not expecting to have conversed with the very demonized duo she had intended to capture.

As her gaze shifted from Xiaoxiao’s beautiful, lively features to the tall, imposing man beside her, she found herself utterly enchanted…

With the tiger stripes and body paint washed away, the man revealed a chiseled, alluringly handsome visage.

The wild, demonic aura exuded by his now loose, cascading hair only heightened his untamed charm.

Chapter 56

Xiaoxiao struggled to retrieve some grass from her pocket that could block out the intoxicating smoke and stuffed it into her nostrils.

However, the bewitching effects of this smoke were even more dominating than the Talisman Sect’s seduction talismans!

Soon, Xiaoxiao felt unbearably flushed and wanted to loosen her clothes to cool down.

Compared to ordinary people, her willpower should have been slightly stronger, since she had the demonic bead within her body, constantly battling her demonic nature.

So she closed her eyes and regulated her breathing for a while. Feeling she could now control herself, she slowly opened her eyes and looked towards Wei Jie.

Seeing Wei Jie tightly gripping the bars with both hands, his eyes closed and brow furrowed, it seemed the drug had also taken effect on him as he struggled to restrain himself…

The enclosure was merely the size of a fist, placing them in extremely close proximity. She could even smell the familiar scent mixed with wine emanating from his body.

This familiar fragrance seemed to transform into an aroma even more intoxicating than the musk and pheromone smoke in the confined space.

Yet this scent was not inhaled through her nose, but rather triggered a flood of intimate memories upon seeing his broad back, his muscular arms tightly gripping the bars…

Even with the grass stuffed in her nose, it was futile. In an instant, it was as if oil had been poured into a thousand-year-old thatched hut, igniting a raging inferno.

Xiaoxiao’s body trembled violently, overwhelmed by the urge to pounce on this man.

As for what she intended after pouncing, Xiaoxiao was not entirely clear herself. Only that the sight of this man, brows knitted and long lashes lowered, was simply too tempting…

Her mind now filled with indecent thoughts, Xiaoxiao felt a sense of urgency. She did not wish for herself and Wei Jie to be trapped like animals awaiting mating, at the mercy of others!

Thinking this, she covered her mouth and nose, then reached out to tap Wei Jie’s back, intending to ask if he knew how to resist the aphrodisiac smoke.

But the moment her hand touched his body, she realized how scorching hot he felt. The tiger stripes painted on his skin had not been washed off, accentuating the taut, knotted muscles as he gripped the bars, appearing like a caged beast.

When Xiaoxiao’s hand lightly tapped his back, it was as if awakening an ancient beast feigning slumber!

Wei Jie slowly turned his head, the deep purple eyes hidden beneath his long hair flickering with an intense, smoldering desire as he gazed upon the flushed, alluring young woman before him…

In the next instant, Xiaoxiao found herself pinned to the ground by the suddenly ferocious man. Her tightly sealed lips were again fiercely claimed by his, her hands pinned above her head by his powerful grip.

Even when battling the demonic bead possessing her, Xiaoxiao had never experienced such torment.

The scorching heat from his lips rapidly spread, the blaze in her heart consuming the last shreds of rational thought as the pink haze enveloped them. Xiaoxiao could hardly resist the onslaught of this man’s passion.

Her arms tightly embraced his neck, yet the remaining clarity within her cried out in refusal!

But this thunderous objection only emerged as a feline whimper from her lips – “Don’t…”

Xiaoxiao was exasperated by her own helplessness, tears involuntarily flowing from her tightly shut eyes.

The trail of moist tears also brushed against Wei Jie’s face, allowing him to regain a shred of lucidity and vaguely recall that she did not desire him…

The coolness of those tears finally halted Wei Jie, nearly lost to his feverish desires.

Through immense effort, he reasoned: If he fully indulged now, Xiaoxiao would surely come to abhor him afterward…

Moreover, even if he truly wished to bed her, why would he need the aid of such vile drugs?

Biting forcefully into his tongue to leverage the pain, he struggled to suppress the surging lust. With another furious roar, he abruptly seized the Punishing Sword pinning Xiaoxiao down and slashed his palm against the blade’s edge.

Wherever the Punishing Sword cut, it burned like searing flame. This unbearable pain allowed Wei Jie to regain most of his reason.

In that moment, he gripped the rust-stained sword with his bleeding palm, channeling the power of his inner dan, infusing all of his inner qi into the blade.

Wei Jie was a rare, innate genius in cultivation. With such exceptional roots, coupled with the blessings of the Spirit Spring, he had condensed his inner dan at a young age. Even without following the trajectory of demonization, his life’s journey would have been the envy of countless cultivators!

However, this carefree youth had only exerted thirty percent of his efforts in advancing his cultivation, spending the rest of his time teasing his master.

So despite forming his inner dan early, he had not diligently pursued further breakthroughs like other cultivators, night after night.

But in this moment, trapped with Xiaoxiao in the intoxicating smoke-filled passage and overwhelmed by desire, how could a virile young man in the prime of his life resist when the beautiful woman he yearned for was so tantalizingly close?

If they could not break free, he might end up harming Xiaoxiao.

This truly tormented his temperament more than any demonization! Yet such a precarious predicament also spurred him to greater heights.

All of Wei Jie’s potential, intertwined with his barely restrained lust and the searing pain from his wounded palm, was unleashed in that instant.

Coupled with the Punishing Sword that should have belonged to him, its blade imbued with the concentrated power of his inner dan, the entire iron sword seemed cloaked in gold!

With a powerful swing, the sword beam shattered the meteoric iron bars forged from purified ore with a resounding crack!

As a gust of fresh air rushed in from the shattered passage, the pink smoke rapidly dissipated.

Xiaoxiao felt the enervating weakness subside, finally regaining enough strength to stand on her own.

However, in that moment when Wei Jie had swung the sword, his movements seemed like those of an ancient deity, his long hair billowing, sword-like brows and purple eyes coupled with a chilling expression – truly a sight to leave one’s heart palpitating once more.

Xiaoxiao’s foray into cultivation had begun too late. Although she had obtained many fortuitous encounters, she could not compare to those who had trodden the path from a young age.

Thus, she now displayed the weakness of shallow roots, utterly defenseless against the pheromone powder’s effects!

The moment she stood up, seeing Wei Jie’s alluring movements and broad back, she instinctively pressed herself against her handsome disciple, nuzzling her face against his back like an affectionate kitten.

Such a docile and adorable master would tempt any man in different circumstances. But in their current perilous situation, it was hardly appropriate to indulge the master!

Gritting his teeth, Wei Jie took a deep breath and swiftly planted a kiss on Xiaoxiao’s cherry lips before saying in a low voice, “Be patient, I’ll give it to you once we’re out…” Then he pulled her along as they charged out of the passage.

The gust of cool air revived Xiaoxiao’s senses, though she still felt somewhat dazed – Wei Jie said he would “give it” to her once they were out… give her what?

By the time the two of them emerged from the secret passage, Wan Lianshi had already gathered his subordinate disciples to surround the study area.

Seeing the disheveled master and disciple stumble out, Wan Lianshi appraised Cui Xiaoxiao’s untidy appearance and said with ill intent, “So, have you consummated your union already? So quickly? Or perhaps this lad is a mere fledgling, inadequate for the task?”

Questioned about his virility, Wei Jie only curled his lips in a cold smile before resting the precious sword against his arm, his fingertips caressing the demon-subjugating blade as he silently gathered his strength…

Xiaoxiao, having regained her senses, recalled her earlier willingness to embrace Wei Jie and felt incensed.

Now hearing the vile insinuations from the instigator, she curled the corner of her mouth and drew out a silver talisman, transforming it into a water arrow that shot towards Wan Lianshi.

Wan Lianshi had previously crossed paths with Cui Xiaoxiao and was aware of her capabilities.

As long as this girl did not become red-eyed and demonized, based on her original cultivation and those few talismans, she was unworthy of even polishing his boots!

There were far too many who aspired to walk the Ghost Sect’s talisman path! Yet hardly any could succeed.

The fundamental reason was that those seeking the talisman path lacked sufficiently vicious and cruel hearts. Without refining the most sinister and evil materials, how could they condense formidable spiritual power?

Those foolish ones with inferior innate talents often mistakenly believed the talisman path was a shortcut to make up for their deficiencies. How laughable!

To become a demon before becoming an immortal, with every step drenched in fresh blood – how many mortals could persevere until the very end on the Ghost Sect’s path?

So when Cui Xiaoxiao resorted to her rudimentary talisman arts once more, Wan Lianshi let out a cold laugh, not even bothering to dodge. He simply activated a human skin talisman, forming a water shield to block her attack.

In the clash of talismans, true power lay in the depth of spiritual force.

As long as Xiaoxiao’s water arrow collided with his water shield, just like before, the Ghost Sect’s formidable power would utterly suppress this ignorant girl.

Even if she lost her primal soul again and became demonically possessed, it did not matter.

Earlier, the master had instructed that if these two showed any abnormalities, they should be lured towards the crown prince’s courtyard. That talkative crown prince spoke too much, causing the master constant worry about him discovering any lapses.

But if they could kill two birds with one stone by using these two to eliminate the crown prince, it would be perfect!

Harming the imperial heir would spark far greater outrage than slaughtering a few villagers. The entire world would condemn her as the demoness! She would have no place to call home!

If she did not become demonized, then who would?

With this thought, the smirk on Wan Lianshi’s face deepened… Yet when Cui Xiaoxiao’s water arrow, roaring like a dragon, came hurtling towards his water shield, that smile became increasingly strained to maintain.

In the clash between experts, victory or defeat could be decided in an instant.

This time, although Cui Xiaoxiao still employed water element talismans like before, with only a few days having passed, Wan Lianshi felt an overwhelming, surging spiritual force, like a mountain bearing down upon him.

In just a few short days, how had this girl’s skill grown so tremendously?

Moreover, the water arrows seemed imbued with a chilling, piercing aura that left Wan Lianshi deeply unsettled.

It was then that he noticed the talisman Cui Xiaoxiao had unleashed… it was made of silver! But what kind of silver could condense greater spiritual force than his human skin talismans?

He had no time to ponder further as the spiritual forces imbued in their opposing talismans collided once more.

Wan Lianshi could sense Xiaoxiao’s spiritual force weaving into an intricate net, instantly suppressing and viciously bearing down upon his own like a massive palm…

This time, Cui Xiaoxiao had gained the upper hand.

When Wan Lianshi felt his vision whiten, it signaled his spiritual force being overwhelmed by Cui Xiaoxiao’s.

Seizing the moment when Wan Lianshi’s spiritual force faltered, several water arrows pierced through his water shield, impaling his shoulder blades and causing him to let out an agonized scream as he arched backward.

Before he could catch his breath, Wei Jie, wielding the Punishing Sword, slashed down with another strike.

He had always been prone to demonization, with a tendency towards extremes. Earlier in the passage, he had struggled mightily to restrain his surging desires.

Such suppression and restraint was akin to the path of demonization!

When he grasped the Punishing Sword that should have been his, man and blade became one. The demon-subjugating sword, radiating golden light after being imbued with his full power, slashed horizontally with ferocious might, instantly severing half of Wan Lianshi’s arm!

This blow caused the Ghost Sect’s grand master to cry out in anguished silence.

But the most terrifying aspect was that he had yet to withdraw his talisman – the human skin puppet he controlled seemed to have slipped its master’s reins, floating towards Wan Lianshi of its own accord.

While the Ghost Sect’s talismans were domineering, their backlash was equally formidable!

The human skin talisman, utterly drained of vitality by Cui Xiaoxiao’s spiritual force, now clung to Wan Lianshi’s severed arm like a bloodsucking bat, greedily drinking the lifeblood gushing forth!

This retaliatory force caused Wan Lianshi’s complexion to visibly age, making him appear decades older in an instant as he frantically tried to tear off the bloodsucking talisman.

Seeing him writhing in agony on the ground, Xiaoxiao let out a cold laugh, “The Talisman Sect has never walked the same path as your Ghost Sect! You are unworthy to even compare yourself to us!”

Since the founding of the sect by Master Tang Youshu, they had never relied on the resentful energies of talismans to condense spiritual force.

One must understand that Master Tang Youshu had been inspired by the Ghost Sect when establishing the Talisman Sect. How could he not have known of such shortcuts?

Yet he chose to forsake those shortcuts, only using the most common yellow paper, guiding his disciples to cultivate the purest spiritual force.

No matter how weak their power, Master Tang Youshu never wavered, and by his twilight years, using only the simplest talismans, he had mastered the control of the five elements with effortless ease – a level of difficulty unimaginable to those outside the Talisman Sect!

The secret manuals left by the master may have appeared as long and tattered as footbinding cloths, yet the greatest wealth he bequeathed to his disciples was the formidable willpower to withstand temptation.

It was through the path of cultivation in the Talisman Sect that Xiaoxiao had gradually comprehended the true teachings her master left for his disciples!

Compared to those evil talisman materials, it was the unwavering righteous qi that allowed talismans to reach their ultimate pinnacle of power.

Unfortunately, before Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie could savor their victory over a Ghost Sect grand master, crisis struck once more!

At this moment, with their concealment dispelled, Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao were exposed under the moonlight.

Atop the highest pavilion of the king’s manor, a statue was cast in an icy “gaze” upon the unwelcome intruders!

The intense battle had unleashed an aura of murderous intent from the two, triggering the divine messenger statue guarding the residence.

The statue’s eyes, reflecting the moonlight, suddenly unleashed a radiant beam straight towards the trespassers in the manor!

Wherever the statue’s gaze fell, even the stone pathways were instantly shattered.

This divine messenger statue was a gift bestowed upon the Xia descendants by celestial beings, possessing divine powers that mortal bodies could not withstand.

As Wei Jie shielded Xiaoxiao while dodging, he was still grazed by the divine light, scorching his arm as if branded by a searing iron, even giving off a burnt smell!

If struck directly, any medicine would be futile. They could only swiftly evade while seeking an opportunity to flee the Prince Can’s Manor.

Yet the manor’s guards seemed to deliberately herd them towards the crown prince’s courtyard.

Finally, after being cornered, the master and disciple leapt into the crown prince’s courtyard, their whereabouts unknown.

Amidst the sounds of fighting, the crown prince’s eunuch attendant angrily came out glaring, “The imperial heir is resting! Why are you making such a ruckus?”

Supported by his subordinate disciples, the one-armed and bloodied Wan Lianshi,

Supported by his subordinate disciples, the one-armed and bloodied Wan Lianshi, who had also aged considerably, gritted his teeth and told the eunuch, “Assassins have infiltrated the Prince Can’s Manor. Please inform the crown prince so that we may conduct a search!”

Seeing Wan Lianshi’s missing arm, bleeding profusely and appearing significantly older, the eunuch was taken aback. He hurriedly went back inside before emerging again, still maintaining his distance from Wan Lianshi  as he urgently said, “The crown prince’s noble body cannot be put at risk here. The crown prince has declared that since the Prince Can’s Manor is so unruly and unpleasant, he will depart immediately for the capital!”

By this point, Wan Lianshi had lost too much blood and could no longer put up any resistance. His eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness.

Amidst the chaos, with a single command from the crown prince expressing his desire to leave the manor promptly, his subordinates swiftly made the preparations.

The only issue was that the intoxicated crown prince could not walk on his own. Soon, a sedan chair was brought forth to carry the crown prince, with attendants hauling chests and trunks, forming a noisy procession towards the manor’s gates.

It was at this moment that Qin He, whose wounds had just been treated by the Prince Can, arrived with his men. He had the snake-eye guard station himself at the gate to halt the sedan chair.

Using his implanted snake-eye, the guard immediately detected clusters of body heat signatures within the prince’s sedan chair and quietly reported to the Prince Can, “There are more than just one person in the sedan!”

Qin He let out a cold laugh, thinking to himself: These two are quite daring, could they be trying to take the crown prince hostage to escape the manor?

With this thought, he drew his sword and prepared to pull back the sedan’s curtains…

But in the next instant, shrieks erupted from within the swaying sedan chair.

It turned out this crown prince was quite the hedonist – even confined within the sedan, he still indulged in intimate company. The bulging bedding suddenly revealed a tousled woman’s head emerging, clearly one of the crown prince’s consorts.

Judging by the scene, with a pair of slender feet peeking in and out amidst the constant rustling, there were likely several beauties beneath those covers.

The crown prince, in a disheveled state with unkempt hair and loosened robes, angrily slurred, “I was just about to… inspect the courtesans! Who dares disturb me?”

After speaking, he squinted his drunken eyes at Qin He and frowned, “You old geezer, did you want to crawl into my bedding too? You should look in a mirror! Get out of my way, or do you want me to put on a performance for you?”

By now, the crown prince’s attendants had also rushed forward, adding to the manor’s pandemonium at the gates where many of the officials accompanying the crown prince had gathered.

Even if the Prince Can had intended to take advantage of the chaos to eliminate this unruly crown prince, the circumstances were no longer appropriate.

Seeing the bobbing heads emerging from the crown prince’s covers and his glazed, infatuated expression, it was clear what lewd acts were occurring beneath those sheets!

Qin He, accustomed to maintaining a righteous front, felt uncomfortable with such sordid debauchery. He averted his gaze and could only disdainfully drop the curtain, ordering his men to thoroughly search the sedan chair and its accompanying party for any sign of the master and disciple having infiltrated their ranks.

After confirming there were no oversights, Qin He went to consult the Prince Can.

With the Prince Can’s Manor in utter disarray and many officials gathering at the gates after hearing the commotion, the Prince Can contemplated for a moment. Not wishing to offend the unruly crown prince, he finally allowed him and his entourage to depart.

The crown prince, still engrossed in his revelries, did not even disembark from the sedan chair. After dispersing the other officials, he departed the city with only his personal attendants carrying the sedan.

Once they reached the outskirts, the sedan chair stopped within a grove of trees.

The crown prince, who had previously worn an infatuated, drunken expression, gradually regained his clarity. He gently patted the face of the woman in his embrace and said, “You should disembark first.”

After the woman left the sedan, the crown prince suddenly threw off the covers, revealing two more individuals – none other than the very Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao that the manor’s people had been searching for!

It turned out that earlier, they had accidentally stumbled into the crown prince’s inner chambers and encountered him face-to-face. Xiaoxiao had hurriedly made an apologetic gesture of respect to the drunken prince and said in a low voice, “My apologies for the disturbance, Your Highness. Please, continue your rest. We’ll leave immediately.”

She had only intended to say that, not expecting any response from the intoxicated man.

However, to her surprise, the supposedly inebriated crown prince simply smiled and asked them a few questions before unexpectedly providing cover, ensuring their safe escape from the Prince Can’s Manor!

During their evasion, although Wei Jie had been injured by the divine messenger statue’s light while shielding Xiaoxiao, his scorched skin no longer concerned him as he gazed intently at this crown prince who had just been wallowing in drunkenness.

Now within the carriage, the crown prince’s gaze was clear and sober, without any hint of lingering intoxication. He calmly smoothed his robes and asked mildly, “May I ask how to address the two of you?”

Xiaoxiao respectfully returned the courtesy, somewhat admiringly, “We do not know who has come to our aid, yet Your Highness rescued us without fear that we might be vile villains who could harm you in return.”

The crown prince smiled faintly, “For the two of you to have caused such an uproar in the Prince Can’s Manor, you must possess considerable talents. And in the midst of danger, you did not attempt to take me hostage, displaying virtuous character. How could I not rescue such individuals of combined talent and virtue?”

Hearing this, Xiaoxiao could not help but laugh. As someone raised in the imperial palace, his words of flattery truly flowed like pristine mountain streams, ringing with sincerity!

Previously at the Prince Can’s Manor, Xiaoxiao had only seen this crown prince indulging in food, drink and pleasure – the very portrait of a debauched heir.

Yet the calmness and astuteness he had demonstrated in providing them cover for their escape demanded a reassessment!

How could such a crown prince truly be a useless drunkard?

Although of imperial birth, this crown prince seemed to possess an innate ability to mingle freely with others.

As they conversed, the crown prince had already ordered several large food boxes to be brought forth. Smiling at the master and disciple, he said, “I found the cuisine at that manor rather unpalatable, likely tainted by the sweat and sleeves of the cooks. Now I’ve worked up an appetite, so if you don’t mind, let us share some wine and light refreshments to settle our stomachs.”

It seemed this crown prince was indeed no fool, keenly aware that the Prince Can’s food and drink could not be consumed safely. He had secretly discarded anything he had imbibed, truly possessing astute judgment.

After speaking, seeing that Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie did not move, he simply smiled and began helping himself to the dishes with his jade chopsticks.

Chapter 55

Thinking of this, Qin He forcefully suppressed the anger on his face and said to Wan Lianshi in a gentle tone, “Senior Martial Brother, I was out of line earlier. Please do not take it to heart.”

Wan Lianshi understood this junior brother of his all too well.

Compared to being cooped up in the king’s manor like a dog, this junior brother had been living like an immortal these past few years. After eating meat for a few days, he seemed to have forgotten that he was also a dog, even daring to glare at him earlier!

So after listening to Qin He’s apology, Wan Lian Shi just coldly sneered and said: “Junior Brother, I know what you’re thinking. After all, as the leader of a sect, not having to listen to anyone’s orders must be such a joy. But you must not forget, your life was ‘borrowed’ for you by your Master. Without him, you couldn’t live for even a day! Since there’s nothing else, you should hurry back. Remember! You must definitely ruin Cui Xiaoxiao’s reputation. She cannot be spared from any of the calamities she’s meant to experience!”

Their words just now fell squarely on Xiaoxiao’s ears without missing a single syllable, making her head buzz.

That Prince…he even knew about her tampering with Wei Jie’s life calculations!

And he still wanted to fan the flames, making sure her own descent into demonic ways was set in stone?

Xiaoxiao could curse out an entire thick volume of the Sect’s secret manuals without repeating herself!

She was even more convinced now that the page from the Book of Life and Death mentioned by the Wei Family’s Grandmother had fallen into Prince Cang’s hands.

That page, like herself, was something that should not exist in this era two hundred years ago.

Cuan Wang’s thoughts ran unfathomably deep. With such a thing in his possession, it would truly throw the whole world into chaos!

The only question was, where would he hide that remaining page?

As for Wei Jue, upon overhearing their plot to ruin Xiaoxiao’s reputation and force her onto the demonic path, he silently clenched his fists.

He wondered, if one day she truly did turn demonic and become the enemy of all under Heaven, and he too abandoned her, then who would be by her side to protect her?

Picturing her alone and isolated, sitting on a cliff’s edge, it overlapped with his countless solitary nights spent with only the night wind as company.

That kind of desolate coldness, he was all too familiar with it, yet he couldn’t bear for this frail girl to suffer it alone…

Thinking of such a tragic scene, he unconsciously tightened his grip on Xiaoxiao’s hand.

At this moment, he had completely forgotten that he and Cui Xiaoxiao were going through a cold period, keeping their distance, vowing to never be her protector again.

His grip tightened without him realizing, to the point that Xiaoxiao felt pain, but fearing discovery, she could only let him hold on.

The two of them had remained invisible this whole time, unable to see each other. To avoid getting separated, they held hands. But with such force from him, that was unnecessary – unless he did it intentionally?

After the secret meeting with his junior brother, Wan Lian Shi then made his way to the front hall once more.

Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie did not dare to get too close to him, so after a while, they returned to the front hall.

At this time, the main hall was bustling. The tableware on the tables was in disarray, and a group of dancing girls in thin clothes were dancing gracefully.

It seems that the pill that Wan Lianshi gave had taken effect, and the Crown Prince was drunk and swaying. The concubine beside him could not even support him, but he was still murmuring that he wanted to drink.

Prince Can smiled and asked Wan Lianshi to arrange for servants to lead the Crown Prince and the ladies to rest.

After the guests had all dispersed, leaving only the lingering scent of alcohol and the lonely shadows of the lamps, the smile on Prince Can’s face also faded.

He recalled the Crown Prince’s debauchery in front of him, and a gloomy undercurrent flowed in his eyes.

When Wan Lian had settled the Crown Prince and the others, he came back to report.

Hearing that the Crown Prince had settled down, Prince Can coldly snorted, “His father sent him here to inspect the military supplies of the three regions, but he is just playing all the way, completely forgetting his duty! The courtesan parade on the streets of the city is also arranged by the local officials under his command?”

Wan Lianshi lowered his head and said, “Someone was boasting about the beauty of the courtesan Siling in front of the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince immediately ordered the local officials to summon Siling. But Siling has been missing, so those people, in order to please the Crown Prince, staged the courtesan parade tonight. However, the Crown Prince is now in such a state that he will probably not be able to get up for a few days. I have instructed people to drive those flower carts out of the city.”

Prince Can coldly said, “The curfew in Luoyi City these days is to prevent people from taking advantage of the chaos to sneak in. It’s almost ruined by this drunkard… Is there any report on whether there have been any suspicious people sneaking into the city in the past two days?”

Wan Lianshi hurriedly comforted, “Please rest assured, my blood symbol net has covered the entire city. No matter how high the cultivation, as long as they sneak in, they will be marked by the blood symbol and can never wash it off! And at the city gate, there are snake-eyed people on guard, nothing can escape their detection. As for others, I can’t say for sure, but that Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie definitely can’t get in! I have already investigated their village, and after tonight, I will send people to slaughter the village. At that time, the righteous sects will also go there from time to time, and they can catch the evil woman red-handed…”

Prince Can nodded and closed his eyes in contemplation, but soon, there was a noisy commotion outside again.

He stood up and walked out of the front hall, looking up at the vast stars in the sky, but his ears heard the sound of strings and bamboos coming from the Crown Prince’s courtyard.

Soon, someone came to report that although the Crown Prince was heavily drunk, his habit of being lulled to sleep by the soft music and songs had not changed, so there was still soft music and singing in the courtyard until late at night.

Xiaoxiao, hidden in the dark, clearly saw that Prince Can’s usually smooth and shiny face suddenly showed a sense of weariness and old age that did not match his age.

His expression revealed an indescribable sense of powerlessness and gloom. Looking up at the starry sky, he said after a long while, “I have always been unwilling to believe in fate, but looking at this Crown Prince of the Great Qi… When the world is handed over to such a profligate, how long can it last?”

When he said this, Xiaoxiao was hiding not far from Prince Can, and she could clearly see the hatred and disappointment in the prince’s eyes towards the imperial house of the Xia family. The desolate tone made people unable to remain unmoved.

Such a sense of loss and concern for the world could not be from someone unrelated to the Xia family.

She originally guessed that this Prince Can was an imposter, but now looking at the prince’s barely concealed resentment, he did not seem to be a fake.

So Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but ponder: Is this prince really Prince Can? Could her previous judgment be wrong?

She also thought about the original timeline, where this prince presented the enlightened beast, which caused a great drought and widespread rumors, leading to the current unstable imperial position.

Before, she thought Prince Cann was coveting the imperial throne, but later he chose a supposedly adopted son of the royal clan to ascend the throne, and he himself did not become the emperor, which did not seem like someone who was obsessed with imperial power.

However, Xiaoxiao remembered the imperial power struggle two hundred years ago, and it was this Crown Prince who aroused Prince Can’s dissatisfaction, and then the prince maneuvered to make the father and son lose the imperial throne.

If that was the case, this Prince Can’s methods were so brilliant, as a distant vassal king, he could manipulate the entire imperial family.

Counting the time, two hundred years later would be the time when the Great Xia was about to perish. But when Xiaoxiao traveled back, the world was still peaceful.

At this moment, Wei Jie suddenly pulled her towards the eastern courtyard.

When they reached a secluded place, Xiaoxiao asked, “Why did you bring me here?”

Wei Jie’s voice was tense, “The bloodiness in this courtyard is particularly strong…”

He had been living in this Mount, following the elders to hunt the escaped beasts from the underworld, so he was especially sensitive to the scent of the blood of demonic beasts.

When he entered the palace, he had already sensed the strange smell, but the palace was filled with heavy incense, which covered up some of the bloody scent, making it difficult for him to locate the source.

Now that the servants had removed the incense burners after the banquet, he could capture the undeniable scent of the demonic beast’s blood again.

When they reached a place that seemed to be a study, Wei Jie sniffed and confirmed that the smell was coming from the underground of this study.

If it was a private garden or a beast enclosure, it would be understandable. After all, Prince Can seemed to have the hobby of collecting rare fierce beasts.

But in the study where books and writings were done, there was a bloody scent of a demonic beast, which was not easy to understand.

Of course, this smell was covered by the soil layer, and if it were not for Wei Jie’s keen nose, ordinary people would not have noticed it. It’s just that he doesn’t know what Prince Can is up to.

Wei Jie said in a low voice, “The Book of Life and Death is an object of the underworld, and it cannot be contaminated by the yang energy of the human world. Prince Can does not seem to be a lover of keeping pets, but he has spent a lot of money to buy all kinds of strange beasts. Perhaps he needs the blood of these strange beasts to nourish the remaining pages.”

He said it very reasonably! So the remaining pages must be in the underground study! But how to enter the underground secret room?

Wei Jie looked at the approaching Prince Can and said, “Just follow him, and we’ll be able to go there!”

The nonsensical things that Wan Lianshi said earlier made Wei Jie frown.

He didn’t understand why they were so targeted at Cui Xiaoxiao, spending so much effort to frame a small sect master who didn’t pose much threat to them.

After all, this so-called Lingshan Talisman Sect only had Cui Xiaoxiao who was worth mentioning, and apart from her, no one had even heard of this name.

This kind of sect that eats and drinks all day and occasionally cultivates a little bit, how could it hinder anyone?

But Prince Can seemed to attach great importance to her, and it felt like using a dragon-slaying knife to kill a chicken. That cunning prince must have his reasons for doing so!

Wei Jie felt that his teacher had many secrets, but her mouth was like a clam shell, unwilling to speak when she didn’t want to. He felt that the remaining page might be able to uncover Prince Can’s secrets, and perhaps also reveal his master’s.

Prince Can did not walk very fast, and when there was no one around, his gait seemed to slow down a lot, making Xiaoxiao feel that he was an old man with a decrepit appearance.

After walking for a while, Prince Can suddenly stopped in front of a high-hanging lamp in the study.

This lamp was different from the brand new palace lamps, showing an ancient yellowish color. If one looked closely, they would find that the lamp was covered with a dense pattern of red silk threads.

Prince Can reached out and adjusted the height of the lamp, then glanced back casually, and when he confirmed that there was no one, he entered the study and turned the secret passage.

When Xiaoxiao passed by the lamp, she couldn’t help but look up, and was surprised to find that the pattern on the lamp was actually a dense network of blood vessels, and it seemed that blood was flowing rapidly inside.

This lamp was alive?

She didn’t have time to look closely, as she was pulled by Wei Jie to follow, but they found that it was pitch black inside, and even Xiaoxiao’s excellent eyesight needed some time to adapt before she could gradually see the surroundings.

However, Prince Can had disappeared, and the two of them groped in the dark for a while before hearing Prince Can’s footsteps again.

Fortunately, after walking a few steps, there were luminous pearls embedded in the walls of the passage, emitting a soft light under the reflection of a torch.

Prince Can was walking alone in the passage, not too fast. And the passage was complex and winding. If they didn’t follow Prince Can, they would definitely get lost in this maze-like passage.

They kept a distance from Prince Can, afraid of being discovered.

Xiaoxiao looked at the figure in front of her, although it was still the same figure and attire, there seemed to be some subtle differences…

When they reached a narrow corridor, Prince Can suddenly quickened his pace, almost running.

Wei Jie’s eyes narrowed, knowing that the cunning prince must have sensed something, and he quickly rushed forward, grabbing Prince Can’s neck from behind: “Stay still, don’t move!”

Wei Jie’s movements were swift, without any hesitation, and Prince Can’s throat was gripped, so even if he wanted to cry out in alarm, he couldn’t.

But as soon as Wei Jie’s hand touched this person’s neck, his heart sank.

Because the feel of this neck… was not right! That rough feeling was the kind of disguise commonly used by jianghu people to cover their true appearance!

He immediately turned Prince Can around and tore off the mask on his face, revealing a face full of terror, which was not Prince Can at all, just someone who looked similar in stature!

No wonder Xiaoxiao just felt that this person’s gait seemed to have changed…

They had fallen into a trap.

Xiaoxiao immediately shouted, “Retreat quickly!”

But it was too late, just as Xiaoxiao was about to leave, iron bars suddenly fell in front of and behind them, trapping the three of them.

These iron bars were forged with the bone powder of the iron dragon during the smelting process, unbreakable, and even the Punishing Sword could not split them without profound inner qi.

At this moment, the fake prince suddenly showed a painful expression, clutching his abdomen desperately and shouting in despair, “No!”

Xiaoxiao immediately formed a water shield to cover herself and Wei Jie.

The next moment, the man’s abdomen suddenly swelled up and then exploded with a loud noise, spraying out poisonous blood that sizzled even the stone walls.

If they had been splashed by this sudden explosion, the consequences would have been unimaginable!

But since Xiaoxiao had set up the water shield, her spiritual power was no longer concentrated, and her figure naturally appeared.

At this time, a clear laughter came from the passage: “This Prince was wondering who was so bold as to intrude into this king’s private residence. Miss Cui, you really are talented and daring!”

Accompanied by the laughter, Prince Can appeared in the passage, his gaze sharp and piercing at the master and disciple.

Wei Jie, although trapped, was not panicked, and just smiled at the prince: “Prince Can’s hospitality is still so thoughtful! I wonder when Prince Can discovered us?”

Prince Can smiled slightly and pointed to the dim lamp beside him, held by a servant: “The North Marsh Snake Eyes come in pairs! One is at the city gate, and the other is on this lamp. Your invisibility skills are impressive, ordinary lamps cannot reveal your shadows, but when you two passed by the study door just now, you were caught by this snake-eye lamp…”

Xiaoxiao suddenly understood, no wonder Prince Can had paused for a moment in front of the lamp, it turned out that he had discovered them through this lamp with blood vessel eyes!

It seems that Prince Can had arranged some tricks in the passage, using a substitute with a poisonous insect in his belly to lure them here.

Thinking of this, Xiaoxiao simply asked, “Now that Prince Can has caught us, what does he intend to do?”

Prince Can looked at the handsome young man and beautiful woman in front of him, and said regretfully, “If it were in another season, this king would spare no effort to recruit you two talents. But alas, our fates have made us adversaries… Cui Xiaoxiao, you have already turned to the dark path, and your notorious reputation has spread far and wide. All the sects want to capture you, and this king does not want to interfere in the affairs of the righteous cultivation world, so I can only hand you over to them…”

Only Cui Xiaoxiao suffered from slander and humiliation by the world, which could trigger her greatest demonic nature. Since she had replaced Wei Jie’s fate, she naturally had to experience his tribulations.

Xiaoxiao smiled a little, “Those dirty rumors, Prince Can, you should know the best, why pretend to be so hypocritical? And if the righteous sects in the world knew about the precious page in your hands and the things you have done, do you think they would tolerate you?”

Prince Can seemed to have taken an interest in chatting with these two tonight. He sat down on the chair brought by the servant and said comfortably, “So you also know about it? It seems that the Weis have exhausted their methods and have spilled the beans to you! But if you don’t care about the life and death of the Weis, you can certainly tell the world.”

Prince Can was indeed well-informed and unafraid, firmly grasping the lives of others. He was confident that Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao would not reveal the matter of the Book of Life and Death.

As for Cui Xiaoxiao turning to the dark path, this was already a done deal. Adding a few more cases of injustice to her would not matter.

Wei Jie walked to the iron bars and asked puzzledly, “You have schemed to frame Xiaoxiao, what is your real intention? Now that she has turned to the dark path, how does it benefit you?”

Prince Can glanced casually at Wei Jie. In his eyes, this young man had already become a useless chess piece, as the fortune had shifted to Cui Xiaoxiao.

But seeing him holding Cui Xiaoxiao’s hand tightly from the beginning, and remembering what Wan Lianshi had said, that the two of them had embraced and kissed in front of everyone in the forest, they were obviously a pair of lovers…

These young master and disciple were indeed unreliable! Living together day and night, how could they not fall in love?

Thinking of this, Prince Can’s eyes suddenly lit up – according to reason, Cui Xiaoxiao should have experienced the pain of losing her mother while going through the tribulation of slander, and her heart would have become cold and hard due to the loss of a beloved family member.

Unfortunately, after asking Qin He, this Cui Xiaoxiao seemed to have no family at all, just an orphan girl.

How to make a girl of unknown origin experience the pain of losing a loved one became a big problem for the old man.

But now, if this Cui Xiaoxiao had a deep love for Wei Jie and was unwilling to part with him, wouldn’t that be equivalent to a family member?

As long as Cui Xiaoxiao deeply loved Wei Jie, and then he killed Wei Jie in front of her, this fourth tribulation would be perfectly fulfilled.

Thinking of this, he smiled meaningfully and tentatively asked, “It seems that the two of you are deeply in love, have you already become a pair of cultivating immortal partners? Truly joyous!”

Xiaoxiao looked down at her tightly held hand with Wei Jie, and quickly let go, smiling wryly, “How is that possible? He and I are just master and disciple, don’t talk nonsense!”

Wei Jie also had a cold expression on his brow, and did not deny it as Xiaoxiao let go of his hand, making it seem like they were just ordinary master and disciple.

Prince Can suddenly realized, “Oh, so the two of you still have a paper-thin barrier and haven’t broken through yet! How should I deal with this?”

Just then, Wan Lianshi, who was standing beside Prince Can, suddenly whispered something to him.

Prince Can’s brows and eyes moved slightly, as if he was a little disdainful of it, then he stood up and said gently to Wan Lianshi, “These two distinguished guests have come to the prince’s mansion, I should make them feel at home. As for the rest… just do as you said.”

After saying this, Prince Can had already left the passage at one end.

Wan Lianshi looked at the two trapped behind the iron bars, his smile not reaching his eyes, “Prince is worried that Miss Cui is lonely without any family. Why not take this opportunity, under my witness, for the two of you to become husband and wife soon?”

As he spoke, the walls of the passage suddenly extended countless bamboo tubes, and then a stream of pale pink thick smoke began to blow into the entire passage from those bamboo tubes, while Wan Lianshi laughed and left the passage with the servants.

Wan Lianshi had seen many of the poisonous insects and evil beasts that the talents Prince Can recruited, and he knew that the best poisonous beasts required more painstaking care and patience to cultivate, waiting for them to grow bit by bit.

And now the master wanted to cultivate a demon, a generation of demonic lord who had experienced all the sufferings of the human world and whose heart was filled with resentment and anger!

The tribulations that this Cui Xiaoxiao needed to go through had only just begun, and Wan Lianshi would make this young lady experience all the countless sufferings!

Thinking of this, Wan Lianshi laughed even louder as he quickly left the smoke-filled secret room.

As for the two people trapped in the secret room, Wei Jie was well-informed, and when the pink smoke dispersed, he immediately sensed that something was wrong!

This smoke… was made from the powdered Nanzhao insects, using musk as the lure and ignited into smoke.

These insects,  were insects that could mate every day. Using the powder of such insects to make medicine, it was naturally a path of the lower realms, no matter male or female, young or old, as long as they were not completely dead, they would be aroused by this smoke. Even if they did not inhale it, just being in contact with the insect powder could also take effect.

Wei Jie had closed his breath in time, but he had still been contaminated by a lot of the insect powder on his skin.

As for Xiaoxiao, although she was alert and set up the water shield again, she still inhaled some.

Although it was just a little bit, this insect powder quickly made her feel her limbs ache and her mind restless. The water shield she had just formed immediately dissolved in the pink smoke, completely defeated.

 

Chapter 54

A couple of dancing girls, seeing that Xiaoxiao had not done her makeup, enthusiastically helped her with rouge, powder and other cosmetics.

However, whether it was out of fear that Xiaoxiao’s beauty would outshine them, when Xiaoxiao looked at her reflection, she was startled.

The makeup was… truly a mess, with the eyebrows and eyes not even aligning! It looked like a little girl had gotten into her mother’s cosmetics.

Those thick, dark eyebrows and excessive rouge were quite jarring!

Nevertheless, Xiaoxiao was quite satisfied with this unsightly appearance.

She was not actually going to participate in the courtesan selection, so she wondered if this crude disguise could evade detection by the clairvoyant heterochromatic eye.

But how would Wei Jie slip by unnoticed?

When the carriage reached the city gate and queued to enter, she found out.

The courtesans who disembarked first suddenly let out exclamations of surprise. Xiaoxiao poked her head out the window and also couldn’t help but gasp quietly.

Somehow, Wei Jie had also disguised himself as a dancer.

After all, opera troupes not only had singing and dancing courtesans, but also male dancers to enhance the performances.

However, such male entertainers could not outshine the dancing girls – they were merely foils.

But Wei Jie’s androgynous, handsome looks could hardly be concealed so easily.

He wore a Western-style robe with loose pants and a fitted top, his muscular arms and chest exposed. To match the upcoming flower carriage parade, his exposed skin was painted with tiger stripes, even extending to his face.

Those bold colors, combined with his tall, muscular frame, truly gave the impression of a magnificent tiger manifested in human form.

He must have used some technique to conceal his purple eyes, as with the face paint, his original features were completely obscured…

The dancing girls showed their discernment, whispering that this new dancer looked unusually handsome, but the thick body paint concealed his true visage.

When Wei Jie saw the meticulously “made-up” Xiaoxiao, even he was momentarily stupefied.

Xiaoxiao knew her current appearance was unsightly, so she didn’t bother listening to any jeers from Wei Jie. Instead, she playfully made a face at him.

Ordinarily, Wei Jie would have been amused by his mischievous master’s antics. But this time, when Xiaoxiao scrunched her face at him, his expression remained cold and indifferent as he turned his head away, no longer looking at her.

It seemed Xiaoxiao’s frank rejection earlier had wounded his pride, and judging by his demeanor, he was unwilling to speak further with her.

Xiaoxiao was also irritated by his attitude. As she fastened her belt while muttering, “Are all men so petty? Pouting after being rejected…”

She had only intended her grumbling to be sotto voce, but Wei Jie still caught the key words. Turning slightly, he gave Xiaoxiao a sidelong glance and said coolly, “Are you comparing me to Qin Lingxiao?”

Xiaoxiao pondered and raised her voice, “No, Qin Lingxiao is a bit pettier than you. Didn’t you see he even bought me pastries?”

Wei Jie curled his lip in a cold smile, “Indeed, being rejected yet shamelessly persisting – that is truly admirable thickness of face.”

However, his demeanor indicated he was determined to maintain clear boundaries with Qin Lingxiao and would never resort to such persistent pursuit.

According to Master Tang Youshu’s descriptions, after becoming demonized, Wei Jie had always been cold and apathetic – not out of arrogance or looking down on others, but simply lacking any human warmth.

Although there were reasons behind his demonization, it was also tied to Wei Jie’s innate tendency to shun the world and avoid closeness with others.

Unfortunately, the current Wei Jie seemed to lack any aura of a world-weary demonic lord, likely due to her arrival disrupting the course of events. He was simply a roguishly charming rascal!

But now that he was giving her the cold shoulder, this ambiguous situation would likely not progress any further down an inappropriate path.

Xiaoxiao did not feel like trading barbs with him. She handed the invisibility talisman she had drawn with the silver foil to Wei Jie. After applying the talismans to conceal their auras, they headed towards the Prince Can’s Manor.

Standing atop a large tree and surveying the manor, it appeared the same as before – its feng shui was designed to accumulate and gather energies.

Recalling Master Tang Youshu’s assessment that this place bore the aura of stealing others’ feng shui, Xiaoxiao could only inwardly admire her master’s profound mastery.

The Xia family had harbored a century-old grievance. Their original five-hundred-year imperial destiny had been deceived away, with two hundred years stolen.

Calculated from the present, not much of the Xia family’s prosperous destiny remained after being swindled by the celestial being.

As a descendant of the imperial Xia clan, if the Prince Can had learned of this from the Book of Life and Death, he might have become imbalanced, intending to likewise steal others’ feng shui to compensate his family’s loss!

However, for now, Xiaoxiao could not dwell on the Prince Can’s despicable nature, for atop the highest pavilion of his manor, there was a divine messenger statue capable of detecting ill intentions towards the residence’s owner, barring entry to anyone harboring malice.

Xiaoxiao did not know if her newly-crafted silver foil invisibility talisman would be effective against this divine messenger.

The moment the talisman was applied, she immediately felt her aura being suppressed, proving the enhanced efficacy of the talisman.

However, the invisibility talisman also had a limited duration of less than an hour. They had to leave the manor within that timeframe, or they would immediately be exposed.

Thus, they seized the opportunity when the manor gates were open to welcome guests, blending in with a few carriages of arriving nobles to brazenly enter the Prince Can’s Manor.

The lofty divine messenger statue embedded in the highest pavilion seemed to detect nothing amiss, remaining as still as an ordinary sculpture.

It was said that the guests entering the manor this time included the Prince Can’s nephew – the current crown prince.

Accompanied by a few close ministers and his crown princess, along with several consorts, they happened to be in the area on official business and had stopped to rest at the manor of their imperial uncle.

Although the Prince Can was the elder, as a subject he still had to come out and greet them respectfully.

It was said that the crown prince was around the same age as the Prince Can, and they used to play together in the palace when young. Although referred to as uncle and nephew, their relationship was more akin to brothers.

However, after the new emperor ascended the throne, following the late emperor’s decree, this younger imperial brother was enfeoffed to Luoyi.

Since then, the crown prince had been unable to meet with this younger imperial uncle for over a decade.

Now, after so many years, the reunion between uncle and nephew was a joyous occasion with much to catch up on.

However, upon seeing the Prince Can after disembarking from the carriage, the crown prince was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter, “Uncle, you look quite different from when we were young!”

Before the Prince Can could finish his respectful greeting, the crown prince pulled him into an embrace, slinging an arm around his shoulders as they walked ahead.

Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie, concealed in the hallway of the main reception hall, were only a few steps away from the conversing uncle and nephew.

Xiaoxiao noticed that Wan Lianshi was still dressed as the steward, following closely beside the Prince Can. The scar from her “Defying the Heavens” sword had nearly healed, leaving only a reddish mark. This surprised Xiaoxiao greatly.

After all, her sword contained the power of divine punishment. Once inflicted, such a wound should not be so easily healed like an ordinary blade’s! It seemed Wan Lianshi truly possessed some demonic arts.

At this moment, the crown prince asked the Prince Can excitedly, “Uncle, do you still remember the big black hound you kept when we were young? This time I’ve brought an even better one than yours. Do you have any fine specimens in your manor?”

The Prince Can listened with a smile, narrowing his eyes in thought before probing, “Does the prince refer to the black hunting hound gifted by the late emperor? My manor does have a few guard dogs, but I fear they cannot compare to the prince’s beloved hounds.”

The crown prince waved his hand with a helpless smile, “Uncle, you’ve even forgotten that? Back then, grandfather didn’t know you were afraid of dogs and insisted on gifting you a hunting hound. You wouldn’t even look at it and cried until I traded you my talking parrot instead! The ‘big black general’ I mentioned was the black beetle with long antennae that you kept – the one that even bit me five times!”

Upon hearing this, the Prince Can finally seemed to recall, nodding in realization before saying, “Those were just childhood pastimes that occupied our time. This subject no longer indulges in such things…”

The crown prince pondered and felt his uncle had a point. After all, over twenty years had passed, and the seedlings of their youth had grown into robust middle age.

For instance, this uncle – if not for his resemblance to the late emperor in facial features, the man standing before him would be unrecognizable.

However, this uncle’s memory did not seem very good. The crown prince enthusiastically recounted their childhood antics, but the Prince Can only responded with vague acknowledgments, seemingly unable to recall most of them.

By the time they had walked halfway, the atmosphere had grown quite cold, and the crown prince had lost interest in reminiscing about the past.

As their entourage entered the main hall, Xiaoxiao, who had been listening to their conversation, felt an indescribable sense that something was amiss, though she couldn’t pinpoint what.

It was at this moment that Wei Jie, who had been holding her hand, gave it a tug.

He had noticed Wan Lianshi suddenly leaving the Prince Can’s side and heading towards the kitchen courtyard in the rear quarters.

The two of them followed, observing as Wan Lianshi directly entered the kitchen, dismissed the cooking staff, took out a pill from his lapel, and dropped it into a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup.

After the pill had dissolved in the golden broth, Wan Lianshi turned to a servant boy behind him and said, “Make arrangements to ensure this bowl of soup is served to the crown prince’s table.”

The servant, who appeared to be Wan Lianshi’s disciple, quietly asked, “Master, if the crown prince meets with misfortune at the Prince Can’s manor, we cannot escape implication!”

Wan Lianshi let out a cold laugh, “Do you have a brain? I’ve merely added a Seven Day Drunkenness pill. After consuming it, the crown prince will simply become as intoxicated as if he had drunk alcohol! He talks too much, and the king is weary of entertaining him. With this, he won’t be able to leave his bed for the next few days. Now go!”

Hearing this, the disciple no longer dared to delay and hurriedly carried the drugged soup bowl away.

After issuing his instructions, Wan Lianshi turned and headed towards the western gardens.

Once he was gone, Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie found a secluded spot in the rear gardens. Seeing no one around, Xiaoxiao spoke in a low voice to Wei Jie, “Although the crown prince’s chatter was a bit excessive, for the cunning Prince Can to drug him into silence seems more than just annoyance. What do you think is the reason?”

Wei Jie had also been pondering this question. After all, the other party was the crown prince. Even if this local monarch found him trying to be patient, he should not have resorted to such a crude method to silence the crown prince… unless he was afraid the crown prince would continue asking questions he could not answer.

So after some thought, Wei Jie said, “Did the crown prince mention anything important earlier?”

Xiaoxiao recalled, “He didn’t say anything particularly serious, just chatting about his and the Prince Can’s childhood amusements. Could it be that the Prince Can became impatient precisely because of the crown prince’s reminiscing about their childhood?”

For such casual conversation, one would not normally find it taxing. But now that she thought back carefully, the Prince Can did seem to be struggling, repeatedly giving the wrong responses and obviously trying to change the subject several times…

Could this be the reason why the Prince Can wanted to drug the crown prince into a stupor?

Wei Jie had clearly also noticed this point, so he finally pondered aloud, “Unless this Prince Can… is simply not the same Prince Can who played with beetles alongside the crown prince in their childhood!”

Xiaoxiao gasped in realization. In fact, her thoughts had unconsciously aligned with Wei Jie’s!

It was said that ever since arriving in Luoyi, this Prince Can had remained in seclusion for as long as ten years, never meeting people and claiming to have suffered a serious illness. However, the current Prince Can’s ruddy complexion resembled that of a man in his twenties, hardly appearing as someone who needed ten years of convalescence!

It seemed this Prince Can’s bizarre behavior had added yet another puzzling aspect.

After briefly discussing, they noticed Wan Lianshi heading in another direction and followed to see what other schemes the Ghost Sect cultivator was up to.

In the western garden’s rear pavilion, Wan Lianshi was meeting an old acquaintance in private.

Qin He, who should have returned to Soaring Cloud Pavilion, was currently arguing with his senior martial brother Wan Lianshi.

Qin He’s shoulder wound inflicted by Cui Xiaoxiao had been bleeding incessantly. With no other choice, he had come to the Prince Can’s Manor.

At this moment, he glared furiously at Wan Lianshi, grabbing his robe collar, “Back in that forest, you kept using me as a shield. What were your intentions?!”

Wan Lianshi looked at him with exasperation, shrugging off Qin He’s grip on his collar before coldly snorting, “If I hadn’t done that, we might have both perished in those woods. My death would be a small matter, but if you died alongside me, your posthumous reputation would not be so pristine!”

Qin He remained angrily indignant, shooting resentful glares at his senior brother, yet no longer spoke, as if his vulnerability had been exposed.

He was different from Wan Lianshu. Currently, his reputation was flawless, with a complete family. If not beholden to the Radiant King, he would be an enviable cultivator of great ability. He truly could not die alongside Wan Lianshi.

Wan Lianshi rolled his eyes before gently reassuring him, “We have both suffered injustice. The injuries I sustained were even worse than yours, yet have now healed. When the master returns from the banquet later, he will surely provide treatment for you. Besides, haven’t you noticed? The demonized individual our master has long sought has finally appeared!”

Qin He could no longer dwell on his pain and said in a low voice, “But… how did it become that Cui Xiaoxiao girl? Could it be a mistake?”

He had previously heard the master mention that Wei Jie would eventually become demonized. When it came to predicting the future, the Radiant King had never been wrong before. So why had it turned out to be the female demoness instead?

Wan Lianshi did not wish to dwell on such details and quietly told him, “This Cui Xiaoxiao is of utmost importance. However, to drive her deeper into demonization, we need to tarnish her reputation. The rumors about the Talisman Sect injuring people in nearby villages have already spread like wildfire. Combined with the high bounty, she will likely become a target for the orthodox sects.”

Recalling his encounter with the demonized Cui Xiaoxiao in the forest, Qin He could not help but shudder in lingering fear.

Upon hearing this, he instinctively looked around, as if suspecting the demoness might be lurking nearby, concealed.

Seeing his suspicious behavior, Wan Lianshi let out a cold laugh, “Rest assured, she cannot infiltrate the king’s manor! Even if she possessed such ability and managed to sneak in, her inferior invisibility talismans would inevitably leak her aura and could not be maintained for long. That Lingshan Talisman Sect, imitating my talismans yet failing to properly comprehend them, deserves to be utterly destroyed! When she becomes fully demonized, with your disciples as witnesses, make sure to spread word of Cui Xiaoxiao’s demonization among the four major sects. The more people revile and shun her, the deeper her demonic nature will become!”

Tarnishing Cui Xiaoxiao’s reputation was something Qin He would wholeheartedly pursue even without Wan Lianshi’s urging.

Cui Xiaoxiao had crushed his spirit bones, causing him to lose half his cultivation despite his physical wounds healing!

He vowed to take vengeance for this grievance.

What infuriated him the most was that his son Qin Lingxiao had actually been bewitched by that wild girl, secretly running off to seek her again and not returning.

Qin He was well aware of his son’s prideful nature. If Cui Xiaoxiao’s reputation was sullied, no matter how fond Qin Lingxiao was of her, he would be forced to abandon this infatuation!

With this in mind, Qin He felt slightly relieved, only awaiting the Radiant King’s arrival to treat his injuries.

Like Wan Lianshi, he was someone who had fortuitously escaped death and extended his lifespan with the Radiant King’s assistance.

The Radiant King had told them that since they were destined to die, they needed to change their names. Hence, Wan Lianshi now went by Master Cui, while he became Qin He.

From then on, Wan Lianshi became the manor’s steward, while Qin He transformed into a disciple of Soaring Cloud Pavilion, eventually marrying the former pavilion master’s daughter and rising to prominence.

As someone who should have died long ago yet miraculously survived, apart from concealing their true identities to evade heaven’s gaze, they could not leave the Radiant King’s side and needed his blood to extend their lives!

Unlike Wan Lianshi, Qin He had become weary of living under the Radiant King’s control.

He was now the pavilion master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion, with a complete family and respected reputation. Even if he could not achieve great cultivation, he lived quite freely and at ease.

Unfortunately, he had no choice but to obey the Radiant King’s commands. Pondering his dual existence, Qin He could only let out a gloomy sigh.

For now, he could only take one step at a time. He hoped that once the Radiant King successfully controlled the demoness, his freedom would be restored…

Chapter 53

Upon careful consideration, the first time there had been some urgency. At that moment, she had grabbed Wei Jie’s neck, the situation was critical, and they were so close that mouth-to-mouth transmission was the only option.

But during the return of the inner dan, the circumstances were not so urgent, so there should have been other methods available.

At the very least, their lips did not need to be so intimately close!

Moreover, that unruly disciple had “failed” the transmission several times, shamelessly taking many liberties with her.

Qin Lingxiao was indeed Wei Jie’s disciple for many years and had accurately perceived his demonic master’s bad habits!

Realizing this, Xiaoxiao walked down the mountain with a burning fury.

For the past few days, Wei Jie had been out gathering information during the day, and judging by the time, he should be back soon.

Sure enough, upon entering the courtyard, she saw Wei Jie leisurely sitting there, listening to Yu Ling’er dragging Tang Youshu to complain about her.

When Cui Xiaoxiao entered the courtyard with a furious aura, even Yu Ling’er was startled, unconsciously lowering her voice by three degrees.

Wei Jie stretched out his long legs and was about to speak to Xiaoxiao. But she did not even look at him, only shoving him aside with her shoulder as she carried the box of pastries into the room.

Wei Jie had already heard Yu Ling’er’s disjointed accusations about his master seducing her grand-disciple in the small grove.

He did not think Xiaoxiao would actually establish the Harmonious Union Sect, but had probably been reminded of her late father upon seeing Tang Youshu.

Xiaoxiao had mentioned before that Tang Youshu resembled her deceased father. However, Wei Jie later probed and learned that Xiaoxiao was a posthumous child – her father had passed away before she was born, so she did not actually know her father’s appearance.

But perhaps her imagined image of her father overlapped with Tang Youshu?

It was at this moment that Xiaoxiao returned. Wei Jie had originally thought that after Yu Ling’er’s disturbance, Xiaoxiao would feel somewhat ill at ease upon seeing them again and would need him to reassure her.

However, he never expected Cui Xiaoxiao to stride in with an air of utter disregard, forcefully shoving him aside as if he had been the one holding Tang Youshu’s hand in the grove.

Wei Jie rubbed his shoulder and followed closely behind Xiaoxiao. Quite familiarly, he poured her a cup of water and handed it to her with a teasing look at her fuming face, “What’s wrong? Didn’t get enough liberties with your disciple, so now you’re all puffed up? Want to feel my hand instead?”

Xiaoxiao did not accept the water cup. Instead, she sat at the table and gave Wei Jie a sideways glance, “Let me ask you, is mouth-to-mouth transmission really the only method to transfer inner dan?”

Since returning his inner dan, Xiaoxiao had grabbed Wei Jie by the collar and sternly instructed him to forget about that incident, and neither of them was to mention it again.

Little did she expect that within just a few days, she would be the one breaking her own rule.

Wei Jie slowly revealed his white teeth in a smile on his handsome face, casually sitting beside her with his elbow propped on the table and his chin resting on his palm. With a slight air of innocence, he said, “Didn’t you say to forget about it? Why bring it up again?”

Wei Jie’s appearance leaned towards the demonic, but when he revealed a sincere smile, a pair of neat, charming fangs would show, adding an indescribable boyish charm that dispelled his innate aura of dark handsomeness.

Seeing such a dazzling, handsome smile, Xiaoxiao silently drank the water in one gulp, struggling to maintain her composure and not be bewitched by his charm.

“Qin Lingxiao told me there are many methods to transfer inner dan. Why didn’t you inform me?”

Wei Jie’s fangs slowly disappeared behind his thin lips, his eyes flashing, “When did you meet him? What else did he tell you?”

Xiaoxiao recounted Qin Lingxiao’s visit and the things he had said, then asked, “If you deceived me, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Wei Jie let out a cold laugh, “You injured his father, yet he came sniffing around, trying to instigate something between us and even giving you pastries? If I were his father, I would definitely use this unfilial son to practice sword strikes as a sacrifice to the heavens. What a waste of rice to keep raising such a good-for-nothing!”

Xiaoxiao was amused by his anger, “So you can’t stand him not holding grudges against me and not skewering me like a sieve?”

Wei Jie scrutinized Xiaoxiao from head to toe with an inquisitive gaze, “Can’t you see what Qin Lingxiao’s intentions towards you are?”

Xiaoxiao was not stupid – she was well aware of Qin Lingxiao’s apparent interest in her, especially after his false persona’s actions in the illusory city, which she remembered clearly.

Of course, this did not rule out the possibility that Qin Lingxiao harbored resentment and wanted to emulate his experience of secretly infiltrating Wei Jie’s sect, aiming to win her favor before finding an opportunity to avenge his father.

But for now, she wanted to set straight the man before her, nipping his improper thoughts in the bud before the demonic master could develop more fanciful ideas.

After all, she and he were not on the same path! The righteous and demonic could not coexist, nor could a master and disciple share the same bed!

Moreover, they were actually separated by two hundred years, with a ancestral master-descendant disciple relationship devoid of any other entanglement.

His methods of bewitching girls should be used on someone else!

However, this disciple of hers excelled at making mountains out of molehills.

When Xiaoxiao pressed the issue, he casually unwrapped Qin Lingxiao’s pastry box and nonchalantly said, “If even the master doesn’t know of other methods, how would a mere disciple like me know? He spouted a few words, and you’re already interrogating me? Who does he think he is?”

Xiaoxiao was rendered speechless by his frustrating attitude and could only coldly laugh, “Seems I can’t control this unruly disciple. I really should find you a strict wife!”

Wei Jie’s smile faded as he gazed inscrutably at Xiaoxiao, then shifted his gaze to the box. It contained customized pastries that resembled a fruit box at first glance. The pastries were shaped like peaches, apples, and adorable round rabbits, each one vividly lifelike, with fragrant fillings inside when opened.

This son of the Qin family had truly spared no expense!

He picked up an exquisite pastry and took an unabashed bite before frowning, “What a strange taste, truly unpalatable!”

Before Xiaoxiao could open her mouth, with a sweeping motion of his long arm, the customized pastry box worth ten taels of silver was tossed by Wei Jie out the window and into the pigsty in the courtyard!

Just look at that arrogance – if not told otherwise, one might mistake him for the esteemed sect master!

Xiaoxiao angrily slapped the back of his head, “How dare you take liberties with gifts given to me!”

However, Wei Jie seized the opportunity to grab her slender wrist and pull her into his embrace. Lowering his head, he leaned his forehead against hers and said in a low voice, “Alright, alright, my mistake. Why don’t… I take you into the city to buy better ones as compensation?”

Xiaoxiao was caught off guard, her face so close to his chiseled features, those curled lips carrying a mischievous smile. She felt her cheeks burning uncontrollably.

Without needing a mirror, she guessed her face must have flushed crimson.

Wei Jie’s piercing gaze was fixed on his adorable master in his arms. Those rosy cheeks seemed even sweeter than the peach pastries…

However, Xiaoxiao suddenly took a deep breath and forcefully pushed him away.

Qin Lingxiao was right about one thing – this demonic master was truly a natural when it came to bewitching young ladies!

If she wasn’t careful, she might lose her senses to him.

She had already suffered the misfortune of becoming demonized for his sake. If she also fell under his spell and lost all propriety, wouldn’t she be sacrificing even her life for him?

Wei Jie could discern when Xiaoxiao was truly angered and refrained from further provocation before the fierce kitten could scratch him. Instead, he said, “However, Qin Lingxiao did speak one truth – there are indeed people committing evil under the name of our Lingshan Talisman Sect!”

Over the past two days, he had taken some fox tribe members to investigate the situation. But they discovered wanted posters of him and Cui Xiaoxiao hung throughout the nearby county towns.

In the surrounding villages, there had been consecutive cases of residents being dragged into the forests while working in the fields, their blood drained, and their bodies hung from tree branches.

People firmly claimed to have witnessed the two individuals in the portraits committing these murders. The woman had long disheveled hair and a black armored figure, clearly having become demonized.

As a result, the officials had issued a high bounty, earnestly recruiting cultivators from all sides to apprehend these two “demonic masters” of the Talisman Sect and eliminate the threat to the people!

This experience was never described in the master’s secret manuals.

In other words, the numerous wrongful deaths of these villagers were indeed changes brought about by her arrival in this world.

Xiaoxiao paced around in a circle before asking Wei Jie, “Should we investigate those villages and try to find any clues?”

Wei Jie replied, “I’ve already been there. The victims’ shoulders were all crushed, and they died from excessive blood loss…”

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxiao immediately recalled how she had crushed the shoulder of Qin He, the pavilion master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion. It seemed someone intended to pin the blame for the villagers’ deaths on her by using that incident as a pretext.

The only one capable of such a ploy, while Qin He’s spirit bones were shattered and left incapacitated, was naturally the mastermind behind the scenes – that Ghost Sect’s Wanlian Master!

And that Wanlian Master was acting under the Prince Can’s orders, a poisonous snake on the same vine that needed to be completely uprooted!

So, if they wanted to uncover the true culprit and clear their names and that of the Lingshan Talisman Sect, they would have to meet with this Prince Can!

However, the Prince Can had remained secluded, so how could they arrange a meeting? Moreover, the king’s manor was guarded by divine artifacts that prevented outsiders from approaching. A direct assault would definitely fail to gain entry.

For the time being, Xiaoxiao had used silver talismans to enhance her invisibility talismans, greatly improving their effectiveness compared to before. She didn’t know if they could evade the senses of those divine artifacts.

Additionally, the silver talismans had a limited duration of less than an hour, but one hour would be enough.

The two of them decided to infiltrate the Prince Can’s Manor by night to get a good look at what demonic beings were hidden within!

Thus, the Talisman Sect group prepared to infiltrate Luoyi City once again.

However, upon nearing Luoyi City, Xiaoxiao’s keen eyesight immediately noticed some changes to the city’s moat.

Gazing into the distance, she could see that the four corners of the city moat were lined with human skin talismans soaked in fresh blood. These dripping blood talismans were connected, forming a blood net that seemed to envelop the entire city in a bloody aura.

Wei Jie had investigated many times and understood the purpose of these blood talismans, so he explained, “These are marking talismans for unwelcome guests. Anyone entering the city without passing through the main gates will have these blood talismans automatically attach to their body when crossing the moat. No amount of washing can remove them. From then on, no matter where they go, they will be detected by the talisman’s controller, with nowhere to hide.”

It seemed that after offending the four major sects, the Prince Can had become wary, fearing any uncontrolled individuals entering the city could pose a threat to him. Hence, he had set up these blood talismans to prevent cultivators from flying or sneaking over the walls and entering the city stealthily.

However, this presented a new problem. With those blood talisman lines formed, even if they used invisibility talismans, their bodies might still become contaminated and detected by the Prince Can’s subordinates.

To avoid being marked by the blood talismans, they could only enter through the city’s main gate.

Xiaoxiao saw that apart from the guarding officials at the gate, there was also a person with heterochromatic eyes – one eye resembled a snake’s, able to elongate into a slit pupil.

Whenever someone entered the city, this person would scrutinize their face intently, like a probing lamp, not letting anyone pass unnoticed.

According to Wei Jie, this heterochromatic person had replaced one of their human eyes with a snake eye from the Northern Marsh.

With such a snake eye, even if they used invisibility talismans, this person would immediately detect them. This was because the snake eye had a unique way of perceiving people, not by observing their outlines but by sensing their body heat.

No matter how refined the invisibility talisman, it would be ineffective against the Northern Marsh serpent’s eye. It seemed Wanlian Master knew about their previous use of invisibility talismans and, while disdaining the Talisman Sect’s inferior methods, had made thorough preparations.

Under such circumstances, it seemed impossible for them, as wanted fugitives, to sneak in through the main gate!

Regarding this issue, Wei Jie had already devised a plan. He had intentionally timed their arrival for when the gates were still open at dusk and arranged for performers from the local opera troupe to help them blend in.

When Xiaoxiao stared wide-eyed at the outfit Wei Jie handed her, she couldn’t help but exclaim in a low voice, “You… want me to wear this?”

Wei Jie nodded, “Not just you, I’ll be wearing one too… Hurry up, or we’ll miss the opera troupe’s flower carriage procession!”

The outfit Wei Jie gave Xiaoxiao was the dance costume of a belly dancer from the city’s opera troupe.

They would be joining the troupe’s flower carriage procession to enter the city.

Luoyi City had been holding a courtesan competition, with singing and dancing girls from surrounding cities coming and going incessantly.

Recently, the Prince Can seemed to be hosting some important guests and required courtesans from other places to bolster the occasion.

After all, with Siluan’s disappearance, Luoyi City’s opera troupe could no longer produce a beauty of her caliber.

Siluan did have a few loyal servants in the opera troupe, so Wei Jie was able to easily obtain two passes by leveraging his mother’s influence, just enough for him and Xiaoxiao to blend in.

After Xiaoxiao changed into the fiery red dance dress in the forest, she felt awkward tugging at the thin shawl, trying to cover her exposed slender waist. She looked up at Wei Jie and asked, “Dressed like this, are you sure I won’t be recognized?”

But when she looked at Wei Jie, he did not respond, his smoldering gaze fixated on her.

Xiaoxiao’s slender figure, dressed in her usual loose robes, gave the impression of a petite frame.

However, when she donned the thin shawl and long dress of a Western dance performer, it revealed that the seemingly delicate bamboo shoot was actually a succulent peach hanging from a branch…

The areas that should not have been small were decidedly not small at all…

Especially with her porcelain skin contrasted against the fiery red dress, her alluring eyes and graceful figure made her appear utterly enchanting.

The slender waist adorned with golden bells that jingled with every movement drew one’s gaze inexorably to the exquisite curves accentuated by the taut red skirt…

The once demure beauty had transformed into a reincarnated seductress with a mere change of attire, as if an entirely different person!

Wei Jie’s gaze roamed between her slender neck and ample bosom, his expression growing increasingly tense…

He regretted not carefully examining the dance costume earlier! He had never expected Xiaoxiao would appear so bewitching when wearing it!

Originally, Wei Jie had hoped she could inconspicuously blend in among the curvaceous and alluring dancing girls when passing through the gate guards.

But with her pure yet seductive appearance as a fairy-like seductress, how could she possibly slip by unnoticed?

This was the first time Xiaoxiao had worn such an alluring thin shawl and dance dress. She felt quite ill at ease, but when she had checked her reflection in the stream earlier, she found her appearance quite beautiful.

Although somewhat unbecoming, this was her first chance in her entire life to wear a pretty dress.

Her feminine vanity got the better of her, as she also hoped to hear some compliments.

She had originally expected Wei Jie to at least praise her looks upon seeing her, but instead he frowned with displeasure, remaining silent for a long while before finally opening his mouth, “You should change back. I’ll think of another way…”

Xiaoxiao’s expression fell slightly. Was she really that unsightly that he couldn’t even bear to look at her?

Thinking this, she no longer bothered covering up, tossing the shawl draped over her shoulder as she imitated Yu Ling’er’s movements, giving a light twirl of the fox dance.

Unexpectedly, Xiaoxiao was quite talented at dancing. As she swayed her supple waist and lightly leapt into a spin, her loosened hair ribbon came undone. Her raven tresses fluttered along with the whirling red dress, cascading over her collarbones when she came to a stop…In that fleeting moment, she resembled a fairy sprite emerged from the blossoms, or a celestial maiden banished to the mortal dust.

Wei Jie had never been one for rules and propriety, always acting as he pleased on a whim.

When Xiaoxiao’s swirling tresses brushed against his face, he could no longer restrain himself!

Before the golden bells on her slender waist had even stopped tinkling, Xiaoxiao found herself suddenly lifted up by Wei Jie.

The tall, handsome man gripped her petite waist and pinned her against the thick trunk of a large tree. Although much shorter than him, Xiaoxiao was now face-to-face with him at eye level.

Her back against the tree, with nowhere to escape, she nervously watched the man’s handsome face slowly approach hers.

Finally, she could only raise her hand to push him away, her voice trembling as she spoke, “Hey, what are you doing?”

Wei Jie’s gaze was focused intently on her red lips, his eyes burning with intensity as his prominent nose touched hers. In a low voice, he said, “Do you know how a dancing girl is supposed to accompany a guest and keep him company?”

Xiaoxiao knew she had a habit of inadvertently staring at handsome faces.

Now with his face so intimately close to hers, she couldn’t help but recall their previous inner dan transmission, a tingling sensation creeping up her spine. Unable to meet Wei Jie’s piercing purple eyes, she responded somewhat defiantly, “What does that have to do with anything? Are you implying that you know how?”

Wei Jie let out a low chuckle, “I’ve kept company with you on the eaves before…”

Xiaoxiao remembered that incident where Yu Ling’er had pushed her off, and couldn’t help letting out a snort of laughter. But after laughing, she quickly composed herself, inwardly reminding herself not to be so casual with him.

“Let me make this clear to you today. There are many good girls in this world, you can dally with whomever you like, just not me…”

Wei Jie studied her intently, his smile gradually fading, “Why? Because you’re my master? If that’s the case, I’ll immediately sever our master-disciple relationship…”

Xiaoxiao frustratedly ran her fingers through her long black hair, “…Even if I explain, you wouldn’t understand. In any case, we are not suitable for each other!”

How could she tell him that she had traveled back from two hundred years in the future? And that he was supposed to have died a few years later?

Apart from the nominal ancestral master-descendant disciple relationship, they had no other connection whatsoever?

However, her flustered appearance only made Wei Jie think she was struggling to reject an unwanted suitor’s advances.

The warmth in his eyes gradually cooled, his expression inscrutable as he stared at her with glistening purple eyes, his lips tightly pursed.

He looked at Xiaoxiao with such a gaze, like a puppy that had just been kicked out the door after wagging its tail in hopes of affection, evoking a sense of pity…

At this moment, the sound of hoofbeats came from outside the forest, accompanied by a man’s low call, “Hey, is Ah Jie here?”

Wei Jie knew it was the opera troupe’s carriage he had arranged to meet.

Xiaoxiao also let out a long sigh of relief.

Just now, under Wei Jie’s piercing gaze, she had almost felt a twinge of guilt, as if she had hurt him.

This just showcased the demonic master’s innate talent for bewitching women! As someone with fox demoness blood, he truly possessed an enchanting charm that could bewitch one to their demise!

By now, Xiaoxiao had no time to change clothes. Wei Jie could only turn and approach the carriage, requesting a thick cloak, which he handed to Xiaoxiao, saying in a flat tone, “It’s cold, wear this.”

Xiaoxiao couldn’t be bothered to point out that it was now late July and quite muggy at night.

She didn’t take the cloak, simply boarding the carriage.

After climbing aboard, she realized the carriage was filled with women of all shapes and sizes, even more glamorously adorned than herself, eyeing her up and down.

“Well, well, where did the madam find this woman? She’s quite a rare beauty!”Many of them were newly arrived from other places and did not recognize this wanted “demonic woman.”

Some even brazenly pinched Xiaoxiao’s arms and slender waist, remarking, “Truly the makings of a talented dancer! During the street procession later, you’ll need to put on quite a show!”

Xiaoxiao could only smile apologetically, learning from their conversation that tonight, many flower carriages carrying courtesans would parade through the city streets for the city’s nobles to choose from.

With the sudden disappearance of the enchanting songstress Siluan, this year’s courtesan title had become unpredictable.

The women had geared up their efforts, adorning themselves glamorously in hopes of emerging as the top courtesan.

Chapter 52

The reason the Ghost Sect’s talismans were so domineering was because of the special materials used – human skin or the hides of exotic beasts, all stripped from living creatures and imbued with immense resentful energy.

Using such demonic materials as the medium naturally allowed the full manifestation of sinister arts.

Although Xiaoxiao would never create such bloody and evil talismans like the Ghost Sect, the ordinary yellow paper talismans that easily became wet and ineffective could no longer be used…

The Alliance matriarch was right – the righteous could not overcome the demonic. Since the Ghost Sect’s talisman materials were of a yin nature, if she could use materials that suppressed yin to make talismans, it might work.

But what materials should she use? Xiaoxiao had Tang Youshu help find various types of paper from the market, even tough sheepskin scrolls, but compared to the Ghost Sect’s resentful human skin talismans, they were no match.

As for the water-resistant oiled paper, it could not absorb the cinnabar ink, so talismans could not even be drawn on it.

Xiaoxiao was stumped on how to enhance the power of her talisman scripts. Even something as basic as eating became difficult for her to stomach.

Although Wei Jie helped portion dishes for her and piled her rice bowl into a small mountain, Xiaoxiao took a few bites without appetite before returning to her room early to meditate.

Compared to improving her talismans, quickly condensing her inner dan was also crucial.

Xiaoxiao had experienced the taste of the innate inner dan in her dantian. It was like an infant tasting the pleasures of the mortal world – that extreme craving was even more unbearable than hunger.

She also did not wish to rely on borrowing her disciple’s inner dan again the next time she became demonized.

As she circulated her qi and gradually condensed it into her dantian, her limbs and entire body felt unobstructed, and her spirit became increasingly lucid.

Xiaoxiao’s thoughts began to drift, and suddenly an idea sparked. She excitedly jumped up and ran to Wei Jie’s room, leaping onto his bed to ask, “Do you still have the silver your paternal grandmother gave you?”

It was deep into the night, and Wei Jie was not asleep. He was sitting cross-legged in meditation, adjusting his breath by the moonlight in a loose inner robe.

Before he could finish exhaling, he sensed an approaching gust of wind – a woman wearing a thin inner shirt, her curvaceous figure revealed by the candlelight, directly charged into his room and pounced onto his bed.

Wei Jie was grateful he had withdrawn his hands in time, otherwise this fragrant, supple beauty might have been slapped away. He lowered his gaze towards his flustered master and wondered, not entirely seriously: should he remind his young master that if she made such nocturnal bed visitations a few more times, her senior disciple might experience a reversed flow of qi into his dantian, leading to uncontrolled demonic fire?

However, Xiaoxiao was completely oblivious, her mind fully immersed in the idea that had suddenly occurred to her. She excitedly shook Wei Jie’s shoulders, “Hey, I’m talking to you! Apart from the silver rings, did the Alliance give you any other silver items?”

Wei Jie looked down at her, suppressing the urge to transfer his inner dan, and said in a low voice, “Yes…”

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxiao let out a long sigh of relief.

She had suddenly thought of an idea – since the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s talisman materials were inferior to the Ghost Sect’s, if she used the Alliance’s demon-subduing silver as the medium, would the condensed spiritual power become even stronger?

So after Wei Jie retrieved a piece of the Alliance’s silver, they went to a jewelry shop in town and had a craftsman help flatten it into more than a dozen silver foils.

Xiaoxiao specifically instructed the craftsman not to make them too thin, lest they break while drawing talismans, so the final product resembled silver plates.

And when drawing the talismans, Xiaoxiao also abandoned her usual brush and cinnabar ink, instead using the tip of the “Defying the Heavens” sword to etch the designs.

Initially, she had trouble controlling the force and ruined a few sheets. But once she mastered the technique, the talismans she drew started taking proper form.

Next, it was time to test the efficacy of these new talismans.

This time, Xiaoxiao drew a fire talisman, which was even more difficult than a water talisman – a realm she had never ventured into before.

It was not that Xiaoxiao was unwilling, but rather her innate constitution was extremely yin, so she had better control over yin-natured elements like water.

And this time, no miracles occurred. Xiaoxiao tried the fire talisman several times, but none of them succeeded.

Her current cultivation level was already much higher than her senior martial brother Qi Wuqi, yet her control over these yang-natured fire talismans did not even reach his level.

Feeling disheartened, Xiaoxiao decided not to waste any more silver foil and drew a water talisman instead.

When she channeled her qi through her fingers and gestured towards the silver talisman placed on the table, intending to draw water from the courtyard well into a nearby jar – a skill she was already adept at – something unexpected happened.

With a slight movement of her fingers, countless water arrows suddenly erupted from the well without warning. With a loud crash, the jar she intended to fill was instantly shattered, clearly pierced through by the water flow!

Yu Ling’er had planned to put some sweet melons into the jar for Xiaoxiao to draw cool water over, so she was standing right next to it.

Caught completely off guard, she was drenched by the erupting water. Only after the fact did she realize she had narrowly avoided being pierced through like a fox skin strainer. Terrified, she let out a cry and called for Tang Youshu to check if she had any holes in her body.

Tang Youshu hurried over, but with Ling’er’s wet clothes clinging tightly to her curvaceous figure, it was rather improper for him to inspect her.

Feeling awkward and not knowing where to look, Tang Youshu could only quickly remove his outer robe, turn away from impropriety, and drape it over Yu Ling’er.

Xiaoxiao was also shocked by the destructive power she had displayed.

She could clearly sense that when her spiritual power was attached to the silver talisman, its might had instantly multiplied several times. For that brief moment, she had even felt a slight tug, reminiscent of when Wanlian Master had nearly possessed her.

It seemed her idea was correct!

If she could find materials that matched the five elements, the Lingshan Sect’s talismans could unleash a power several times stronger than before!

With this, she finally felt some confidence. At the very least, the next time she faced Wanlian Master, she would absolutely not be like a puppet controlled by backlash!

Excited, she reached out to grab the floating silver talisman, but the moment her fingers touched it, the talisman turned to ash.

Damn it! How could she have forgotten about the Anti-Gold Curse she was under? Just like the silver bracelet Wei Jie had given her, as long as she didn’t touch it, it was fine, but any contact would cause it to disintegrate into ashes.

The previous one had also turned to ash after she accidentally touched it…

Now there was another problem. If she used silver talismans and faced an enemy again, what if she forgot to wear gloves?

A slight negligence at a critical moment could cost her life!

However, an unintentional remark from Ling’er reminded her of something.

At the time, Ling’er was eating a sweet melon and said, “I don’t know which scoundrel cast that curse on you. Why don’t you try asking them? If the caster promises to lift the curse, maybe your affliction will be resolved.”

Xiaoxiao had dispiritedly replied, “He’s already gone…”

Wait, no! Xiaoxiao blinked, suddenly realizing that although the master who had cursed her two hundred years later was gone, the master from two hundred years ago was still alive!

Xiaoxiao excitedly looked at Tang Youshu, who was peeling a sweet melon for Yu Ling’er, and felt she could give it a try.

So the next morning, under the pretext of going to the mountains to gather herbs, she took Tang Youshu to the back mountain.

After ensuring there was no one else around, Xiaoxiao deceived him, “Young Master Tang, you know I’m afflicted by the Anti-Gold Curse. However, a highly skilled person said that if I gather enough blessings, the curse might be lifted. I’m still a few short, so would you mind offering a blessing and pray sincerely for the curse to be removed from me?”

Upon hearing this, Tang Youshu immediately nodded and sincerely prayed as instructed by Cui Xiaoxiao, “Anti-Gold Curse, be removed!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Xiaoxiao felt as if some taut restraint on her fingers had suddenly dissipated.

She looked at Tang Youshu in disbelief, then took out a silver talisman paper from her lapel.

This time, the silver foil remained intact in her hand without turning to ash…

It… it was really that simple to break the curse?

Xiaoxiao had only intended to try without much hope, never expecting it to be so easily undone!

She was stunned, and upon recalling the sufferings caused by the Anti-Gold Curse, she felt a sense of the impermanence of life and how much of her youth had been wasted.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Xiaoxiao grabbed Tang Youshu’s hand, speechless as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn’t help but murmur softly, “It was that simple?… Master… Young Master Tang, you have caused me such anguish!”

Tang Youshu did not understand and simply looked at his tearful grand-master with a dazed expression, “Huh?”

Xiaoxiao sniffled, struggling to control her emotions, “Young Master Tang, I’m just a little overwhelmed. I’ll be fine in a moment…”

Tang Youshu dared not let go of her hand, only allowing his grand-master to hold it as she silently wept.

However, in this secluded grove, with a beautiful young woman grasping a young man’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears as if about to speak, the scene resembled the romantic verses from the “Book of Songs” about the affectionate mandarin ducks and the noble pursuit of love.

If no one had chanced upon them, it would have been fine. But Yu Ling’er, carrying a basket with her mouth stuffed with freshly picked mountain apricots, excitedly came looking for the two of them.

Alone and bored, Yu Ling’er had seen Xiaoxiao take Tang Youshu up the mountain and decided to join them for fun.

However, she never expected to hear Xiaoxiao’s words “you have caused me such anguish” after following their voices into the grove, and see the intimate scene of the two holding hands while gazing at each other with tears.

Suddenly, the mountain apricots in the little fox’s mouth seemed to have lost their flavor.

Unable to bear it, she spat out the apricots, tossed aside the bamboo basket, pulled the dazed Tang Youshu away from Xiaoxiao, and shrilly shouted at her in a strained voice, “Cui Xiaoxiao! You’ve gone too far! Even if you want to establish the Harmonious Union Sect, there’s no need for such conduct! Are you really going to spare no one, not even the disciples of your own Talisman Sect? If it were Wei Jie, it would be understandable since he’s tall and sturdy, able to withstand your ravages! But Tang Youshu is already so thin. Are you going to drain his yang essence to supplement your yin? How could you be so heartless!”

Xiaoxiao wiped away the tears of life’s sorrows with her sleeve, then regained her senses and retorted, “What nonsense is this? As an upright member of the orthodox Talisman Sect, when have I ever drained anyone’s essence?”

Upon hearing Xiaoxiao’s explanation, Yu Ling’er became even more indignant, “Oh, so if you’re not suppressing your demonic nature by draining his yang essence… then doesn’t that mean you’re toying with Tang Youshu’s feelings? Stringing him along… no, make that three ships! Even more despicable!”

It was only then that Xiaoxiao realized Yu Ling’er had misunderstood her relationship with her master. This was completely off base!

Too lazy to explain that she viewed Tang Youshu as a father figure, Xiaoxiao simply looked Yu Ling’er up and down with a puzzled expression and said, “You’re not even a disciple of the Talisman Sect, what right do you have to meddle in how we interact… Wait, since when have you been so concerned about Young Master Tang?”

Previously, when Yu Ling’er had mistaken her for being intimate with Wei Jie, she had simply rolled her eyes in disdain, scoffed a few words, and walked away.

But when it came to Tang Youshu, the little fox was jumping around like her tail was on fire?

Tang Youshu wasn’t even her beloved Qin , so why was she being so flustered and agitated?

Yu Ling’er didn’t think there was anything improper about her concern for Tang Youshu.

Throughout their journey, Tang Youshu had been the kindest person in the Talisman Sect towards her. Not only did he readily fulfill her requests, but the young master also spoke in a refined and cultured manner. He would even recount strange tales from books and teach her to read.

Every time she spoke with him, her heart felt as if it had been cleansed by a spiritual spring, feeling exceptionally refreshed and enlightened.

This feeling was something even her tribesmen or benefactor Qin Lingxiao had never given her.

For such a kind and talented young master to be treated sincerely, how could the lustful demoness Cui Xiaoxiao be allowed to taint him?

After listening to Yu Ling’er’s indignant scolding, Xiaoxiao found herself unexpectedly agreeing with her words!

Her benevolent master had even more virtues than those mentioned! Young Master Tang was a true gem inside and out!

In Xiaoxiao’s eyes, none of the women she had encountered could be worthy of her master.

As Yu Ling’er ranted on, she saw Xiaoxiao nodding in agreement and even joining in the praise of Tang Youshu.

This shameless woman appeared utterly unrepentant, infuriating Yu Ling’er to the point of wiping away tears and dragging Tang Youshu down the mountain to find Wei Jie and complain!

Xiaoxiao, elated at having her Anti-Gold Curse lifted, couldn’t be bothered with Yu Ling’er’s nonsensical accusations!

Without the curse’s restrictions, she could freely use the silver from the underworld to make silver talismans and fully unleash her yin-natured water arts.

With this in mind, she took out a silver talisman and wanted to test its power again. But the moment she gripped the talisman, her fingertips seemed to sense a slight vibration on the silver foil’s surface.

This feeling was quite mystical, as if her sixth sense had momentarily opened. She instinctively felt that the presence of someone with powerful yang qi was causing this yin-natured silver foil to resonate.

Although unsure of the reason for this reaction, she tentatively called out, “Who’s there?”

Intended as a probing question, she did not expect movement from a nearby bush, and a man in a white robe emerged.

This person was none other than Qin Lingxiao, who should have been accompanying his injured father back to Soaring Cloud Pavilion.

Seeing it was him, Xiaoxiao involuntarily took a few steps back.

Before the number one sword cultivator could unleash his fury, Xiaoxiao quickly expressed her apologies, “It’s you… Listen, I injured your father earlier due to the demonic bead flaring up and causing me to temporarily lose my senses… Although he’s not exactly a good person either…”

However, Qin Lingxiao’s furious arrival carried the weight of thunderous wrath, not allowing Xiaoxiao to fully express her apology as he ominously interrupted, “No need for so many explanations! I saw with my own eyes you and Wei Jie… mingling intimately. You have willingly descended into depravity, shamelessly preparing to commit atrocities, losing yourself in this time two hundred years ago! All my efforts to give you a chance at a proper life have been in vain! While the orthodox cultivation sects have been spreading news about your demonization, there have even been strange incidents in remote villages linked to you. Some have even proposed suppressing the demonic Talisman Sect. However, I know you have been lying low here and have not gone out to commit misdeeds, but others may not understand. You should heed my advice – quickly part ways with Wei Jie and the fox tribe. Find a place to hide yourself and wait for the rumors to subside. I will also try to retrieve the demonic bead ‘Resentment’, which should provide a way to control the bead within your body.”

Hearing his words, Xiaoxiao was puzzled and asked, “You said there were incidents in some villages? What kind of strange events?”

Qin Lingxiao pondered and said, “It seems that in a few nearby villages, the blood of young men was completely drained overnight, while yellow paper talismans from your Talisman Sect were found in their homes. Wanted portraits of you and Wei Jie have now spread to surrounding towns and cities. I originally intended to enter Luoyi City to help clear your name. Unfortunately, Luoyi City is now heavily guarded, as it seems a member of the imperial clan is touring the area. To prevent demonic assassins, no cultivators are being allowed into Luoyi City… I cannot linger here any longer. I hope you heed my words…”

As he spoke, Qin Lingxiao took out an exquisite box from his lapel and handed it to Cui Xiaoxiao.

Xiaoxiao eyed it warily, reluctant to accept it.

Qin Lingxiao scowled and shoved the box into her arms, “These are pastries I bought from a bakery while passing through a city. They looked exquisite, so I bought them on a whim, but after considering it, I don’t feel like eating them, so I’m giving them to you… Additionally, don’t think that Wei Jie is as innocent as he seems. Any cultivator with even basic knowledge understands that there are many methods to transfer inner dan. Why did he insist on mouth-to-mouth transmission? I’ve been undercover in his sect for many years and have witnessed how he bewitches women into losing their senses. I hope you don’t foolishly give your heart to him like those other silly girls!”

After saying this, Qin Lingxiao looked deeply at Cui Xiaoxiao once more, suppressing the urge to caress her face. He took a deep breath and swiftly turned to depart.

Leaving Xiaoxiao holding the brocade box, her eyes wide as she pondered his words.

What did he mean? That there were many methods to transfer inner dan besides mouth-to-mouth?

Then why had Wei Jie told her that apart from that approach, the only other way was to disembowel and empty the dantian?

Chapter 51

If Wei Jingfeng had not spoken, Wei Jie would have remained silent as well.

However, seeing his uncle disrespect his mother, his handsome face turned stern as he enunciated each word, “Has the Alliance Patriarch forgotten? I have already changed my surname from the demonic ‘Wei’! My mother, need not be beholden to anyone when speaking!”

Seeing this rude child behaving disrespectfully again, Wei Jingfeng could only widen his eyes in anger.

The elderly Alliance matriarch knew of the longstanding rift between this uncle and nephew, so she glanced at her son, “You may withdraw!”

With a glare from the old lady, Wei Jingfeng immediately retreated respectfully.

The matriarch did not refute Siluan’s accusation. Instead, she leaned on her cane, taller than herself, and slowly moved her short legs to the banks of the Qianjiang River. She asked, “It is truly rare for everyone to have gathered for this family banquet today. But Ah Jie, do you know why I chose to hold it here by the Qianjiang?”

Wei Jie still maintained respect towards the grandmother who had watched him grow up, so he honestly answered, “Grandmother, you have told us children stories about the Alliance’s demon-subjugating exploits since we were young. The Qianjiang was the pivotal place where our ancestors, following the imperial Xia family, turned defeat into victory during their southern expedition.”

The elderly matriarch nodded, indicating he was correct.

Three hundred years ago, during the contention among warlords, the Alliance served as vassals of the Xia family.

However, at that time, the Xia family was merely a small marquisate, far inferior to the other contenders in terms of military might and wealth.

Yet in the end, it was at the Battle of Qianjiang, when the Xia family seemed on the verge of utter defeat, that they forged a contract with a celestial emperor.

From then on, with heaven’s aid, they prevailed in battles north and south, their subordinate vassals all achieving illustrious martial merits and receiving titles of kings and dukes.

Eventually, the Marquis of Huayin Xia Jiuliang ascended the throne, ushering in three hundred years of prosperity for the Xia dynasty.

These stories were already familiar to the members of the Alliance. However, Wei Jie knew his grandmother did not bring them here to reminisce about past hardships and glories.

The elderly matriarch continued, “At that time, the celestial emperor asked the Marquis of Xia if he was willing to exchange two hundred years of the Xia family’s prosperous destiny for three hundred years of imperial splendor. The reason for this question was because the Celestial Emperor had inadvertently lost his divine form in the mortal realm and needed to replenish it using the flourishing destiny of a prosperous family, in order to avoid the suffering of reincarnating in the mortal world.”

Wei Jie suddenly narrowed his eyes, as if recalling something. He spoke up, “Grandmother, you told me that according to legend, after creating humanity, the Goddess Nuwa would bathe and change clothes at the Qianjiang. Her brother, Fuxi, did not wish for the celestial deities to glimpse his sister’s nude form, so he took a pair of large ceremonial basins and hung one slanted on the mountaintop, perfectly shading this section of the Qianjiang. The other basin was submerged in the river底, causing the water to crash against it, producing a thunderous roar that masked any sounds of the Goddess bathing… I wonder what purpose the celestial emperor had in choosing this location?”

After hearing the mythological stories from grandmother and grandson, and Wei Jie’s question, Cui Xiaoxiao finally understood: if the story was true, then this section of the Qianjiang could block out both sight and sound, making it an ideal place for secret discussions hidden from deities and ghosts.

That mysterious celestial emperor had deliberately chosen this riverside location to forge his pact with the Xia family!

She couldn’t help but ask, “To save a celestial being and repair divine authority is an immense karmic blessing. As long as both parties willingly agreed, it would form an unbreakable bond with the deities, bringing blessings for generations to come. Why the need for such secrecy in choosing this shielded location?”

The Alliance matriarch smiled and gave Cui Xiaoxiao an approving look, “You have discerned the crux of the matter.”

Leaning on her cane by the riverbank, she gazed at the river surface half-shaded by the circular mountaintop and solemnly spoke, “Because that celestial emperor shared the same thoughts as I do now – not wanting any deities or demons to know what I am about to say!”

Thanks to this celestial chasm and the passing down of this story through generations of Alliance leaders, the Alliance matriarch dared to reveal this shocking secret, concealed by the rushing river waters in this locale unwatched by deities and ghosts.

“At that time, the Xia family had suffered successive defeats, their troops scattered and demoralized. The Marquis Xia Jiuliang’s two young sons and his beloved concubine had all been captured by the enemy. The Marquis was utterly despondent. It was at this moment that the celestial emperor suddenly manifested as a golden water buffalo in the river and directly stated that while the Xia family had five hundred years of peace and prosperity ahead, they would merely live mundane, ordinary lives. However, he had a way to rectify the Xia family’s destiny, transforming them from an ordinary commoner clan into one with an imperial mandate… The cost was to forfeit two hundred years of the Xia family’s destiny to replenish the celestial being. To exchange two hundred years of mediocrity for three hundred years of imperial supremacy – could the Marquis of Xia at that time not be tempted? So he made this decision that would cause himself and his descendants deep regret.”

Siluan was puzzled, “Why would they regret it? The celestial being did fulfill his promise, didn’t he? The Xia family rose from obscurity to become the final victor among the warlords!”

Cui Xiaoxiao, who had been captivated by the Alliance matriarch’s story, suddenly interjected in a low voice, “But… what if the Xia family was originally destined by heaven to have an imperial mandate spanning five hundred years?”

Upon hearing this, Siluan couldn’t help but gasp in cold air!

She felt this girl was too daring in her speculations!

If what Cui Xiaoxiao said was true, did that imply the celestial emperor had deviously deceived the imperial Xia family, seizing their destiny to replenish his own damaged divine authority? Such an outrageous act, if known to the heavenly deities upholding the celestial laws, would incur severe punishment on the celestial emperor himself, completely destroying his divine authority!

The Alliance matriarch did not refute Cui Xiaoxiao’s bold claim. Instead, she slowly raised her head, took a deep breath, and enunciated each word, “Because the Alliance is about to face a great calamity, and none of you present can escape it!”

Ever since her son had brought back the traitor Wei Di’s head from Luoyi City, the elderly matriarch had guessed that the remaining pages of the Book of Life and Death must have fallen into the Prince Can’s hands.

If they had ended up in someone else’s possession, it might not have been so dire. But if they truly fell into the hands of the Xia family’s descendants, the situation would become utterly uncontrollable!

The Book of Life and Death recorded an individual’s destiny for the next five hundred years.

If the Xia descendants discovered that a celestial being had deceived them out of two hundred years of their imperial destiny, what unforgivable uproar would they create?

At that time, the enraged celestial deities would mete out punishments layer by layer. And for failing in their duty to guard the underworld, the Alliance responsible for losing the remaining pages would not escape culpability. Once punished, no member of the Alliance, young or old, could evade it.

As for Siluan, as she had originally assisted the traitor Wei Di in causing the loss of the remaining pages, she would naturally also be implicated!

After hearing about Wei Di’s theft that had transpired two hundred years ago, many things suddenly became clear to Cui Xiaoxiao.

So the Book of Life and Death’s remaining pages, capable of defying the heavens, had actually existed two hundred years ago!

If this was the case, then Qin He and Wan Lianshi’s prediction about Wei Jie’s demonization in the forest made sense.

The Prince Can held the remaining pages, able to discern the future trajectories of events and people related to him.

However… Xiaoxiao could not help but ask again, “Elderly Matriarch, these matters have nothing to do with me. Why don’t I take my leave first while you and your family discuss this slowly?”

The matriarch, however, smiled slightly at her, “Indeed, these matters are irrelevant to Sect Master Cui… However, it seems your degree of demonization is deeper than our previous encounter. I wonder if you have experienced any flare-ups of your demonic nature recently?”

Uh, well… Xiaoxiao knew her limited abilities could not deceive this cunning old lady, so she candidly admitted, “During my confrontation with the Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi, I inadvertently lost control and experienced a slight flare-up.”

The Alliance matriarch nodded, “The Alliance shoulders the heavy responsibility of demon suppression. In principle, we should be impartial. However, if Sect Master Cui possesses righteous qi that can overcome demonic forces, and is willing to lend a hand in retrieving the remaining pages, the Alliance would naturally treat Sect Master Cui as a benefactor.”

This old lady did not mince her words. Since the girl had earlier insinuated about her making full use of resources, she might as well be frank.

Today, she had summoned Siluan, Wei Jie, and Xiaoxiao together in the hope that they would jointly assist the Alliance in reclaiming the remaining pages from the Prince Can.

Xiaoxiao greatly admired the old lady’s scheming, “Then what exactly is the situation with this Prince Can? Are you saying the Alliance cannot even handle a secular idle king without our help?”

The matriarch shook her head, gazing contemplatively at the river waters as she slowly spoke, “He… is quite peculiar! Even the Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi Master is under his command. Due to the long-standing relationship between the Xia and Wei families, the Alliance cannot directly confront the imperial Xia clan. Moreover, the Alliance’s disciples cannot linger outside Mount Qilao for too long. To search for Wei Di, Jingfeng and others have already been away for a long time and must immediately return to Mount Qilao. As for the remaining matters, this old lady can only shamelessly seek assistance from Sect Master Cui and Ah Jie.”

If not for this dire situation, the elderly matriarch would not have stooped to seeking help from outsiders. From the guards who had returned from Wei Jie’s side, she had heard about Cui Xiaoxiao leading them to destroy the illusory city.

This girl was no ordinary person, possessing both courage and wisdom. And Wei Jie, as an unpredictable variable beyond the celestial beings’ control for the Alliance, their involvement could potentially break the current deadlock.

Unfortunately, both individuals were somewhat unrestrained. Thus, the Alliance matriarch employed a combination of harshness and leniency – first rescuing Siluan to create a debt of gratitude from Wei Jie towards his mother. Then, at this banquet, she laid out the grave implications, heaping praises on the demonized Talisman Sect Master while omitting any mention of using the coffin nail against her.

After putting everything together, Xiaoxiao could only admire the old lady with a respectful salute, “Elderly Matriarch, you truly have devised an excellent strategy!”

The matriarch gave a wry smile, “For the Sect Master’s assistance, the Alliance cannot simply take advantage without offering anything in return. Perhaps the remaining pages could also provide a way for the Sect Master to rid herself of the demonic bead. Even if not, once this matter is resolved, this old soul is willing to help the Sect Master expel the demonic bead, offering my life in exchange for taking on her demonization. I will keep my word!”

Xiaoxiao did not expect the old lady to suffer in her stead. However, if the remaining pages truly contained a method to remove the demonic bead, she was willing to take the risk. Upon hearing this, she seriously considered whether the deal was worthwhile.

At this moment, the silent Wei Jie spoke up, “This has nothing to do with Cui Xiaoxiao, and I intend to take my mother away today. She cannot return to Mount Qilao.”

The Alliance matriarch, however, said, “Although you are concerned for your mother, you should also know that it would be safest for her to temporarily reside at Mount Qilao for now.”

Xiaoxiao inwardly rolled her eyes. Here it comes, the stone is about to be thrown into the cesspit, splattering everyone!

Sure enough, the next moment, Wei Jie coldly said, “Grandmother, are you trying to force me by holding my mother hostage?”

The elderly Alliance matriarch looked up at her tall grandson, tears in her eyes, “You rascal, how could you view me like that? You should know that although I have many grandchildren, you are the one whose temperament most resembles mine! Although many in the Alliance refuse to acknowledge you, in my heart, you have always been the Alliance’s eldest grandson! I know the Alliance has wronged you greatly, and it is truly unfair to make you undertake such perilous tasks. If you are unwilling, you may take your mother and leave today. However, if you are willing to help the Alliance through this crisis, then I must thank you and your master on behalf of the entire Alliance.”

At this point, the elderly Alliance matriarch suddenly tossed aside her cane and knelt down heavily, respectfully kowtowing towards Cui Xiaoxiao and Wei Jie, “Allow me to express my gratitude first!”

For a grandmother to kowtow to her grandchild – what immense karmic virtue would be required to withstand such an act?

Even if Wei Jie harbored grievances towards his grandmother, he had to help her up first.

But the old lady refused to rise, and even signaled for the Alliance patriarch Wei Jingfeng to kneel as well. Wei Jingfeng glared at his nephew but silently complied, also kneeling down.

Too many years had passed since the loss of the remaining pages, and the situation was nearing its limit by the seventh month. If the pages were not returned, the catastrophic downfall of Mount Qilao would soon be exposed.

The elderly matriarch’s decision to reveal the entire truth today carried an undertone of desperation, a final gambit to turn the tide.

In the end, Wei Jie did not explicitly agree or refuse, but after considering his grandmother’s words, he ultimately persuaded his mother Siluan to temporarily return to the Alliance’s Mount Qilao and await him there.

That Wan Lianshi Master was his mother’s nemesis. With him around, his mother’s safety could not be guaranteed.

Wei Jie pondered and felt that for the time being, Mount Qilao was still the safest place for his mother to take shelter.

After leaving the Qianjiang, Cui Xiaoxiao remained silent, deep in thought about the series of events that had occurred since she had traveled back from two hundred years in the future.

As a latecomer, she was naturally aware that the Alliance’s eventual fate was complete annihilation, with not a single woman or child spared.

However, the prevailing belief was that this tragedy was caused by Wei Jie’s uncontrolled demonization, his reckless opening of the underworld gates, and the Alliance’s subsequent attempts to stop him.

But after hearing the Alliance matriarch’s account today, Xiaoxiao had a bolder conjecture about the cause of the Alliance’s downfall.

And at the root of it all was a certain celestial being’s lack of integrity, resorting to deception to seize nearly half of the imperial Xia family’s destiny.

Xiaoxiao never expected that this fellow trickster from the celestial realms possessed skills hundreds of times more sinister and ruthless than her own. She could not help but let out a deep sigh.

However, Wei Jie misunderstood her silence as reluctance to be coerced by the Alliance’s threats and persuasions. As they walked, he said to her, “These matters have nothing to do with you. You need not get involved. Didn’t you tell Yu Ling’er that you wanted to go to Lingshan Mountain? Tomorrow, I’ll have the fox tribe and Tang Youshu escort you there.”

Xiaoxiao gave a wry smile. Originally, her intention was indeed to stay out of trouble and wait for an opportunity to return by hiding in the deep mountains.

But now, people and events that never existed in the original trajectory from two hundred years ago kept emerging one after another, and the future trajectory of events had also become unpredictable.

However, these changes seemed closely tied to her, the one who had crossed over from the future as an intruder. With the Alliance now in imminent peril and Wei Jie deeply entangled in it, Xiaoxiao felt she could not in good conscience abandon Wei Jie and walk away.

Since Wei Jie had willingly sacrificed his inner dan to save her during her demonized state, how could she turn a blind eye to him in this dangerous situation?

Most crucially, there was that Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi!

Previously, Xiaoxiao had fallen for his tricks and nearly been controlled by him during their battle of talismans, completely humiliating her Talisman Sect.

She refused to believe that the Talisman Sect, which her master Tang Youshu had devoted his life to establishing, was merely a shoddy imitation of the Ghost Sect!

No matter the time period, be it the past or future, she had to uphold the dignity of the Talisman Sect’s banner.

So she smiled and said, “You brat, when did you get to arrange my itinerary? Even if your grandmother didn’t seek my help, I had planned to pay another visit to that Steward of the Prince Can’s Manor! The precepts of my Talisman Sect are to uphold justice and subdue demons. How could I possibly turn a blind eye to those demonic fiends?”

These were words her senior martial brother Qi Wuqi had often spoken to her, and today she finally had a chance to say them herself.

Her spirited response seemed to have inspired Wei Jie. Seeing the brilliant gleam in her eyes, he smiled and asked, “Oh? Have you found a way to defeat Wan Lianshi Master? But if you rely on demonization again, it would be too damaging to your body! However, I could transfer my inner dan to you again…”

Before he could finish speaking, Xiaoxiao had already shot him a fierce glare!

Transfer what? The next time she faced that Wan Lianshi Master, she would defeat him fair and square!

This matter carried grave implications. After returning from the Qianjiang, neither of them mentioned the shocking secrets revealed by the Alliance. However, they tacitly began making their own arrangements.

Wei Jie knew that if he wanted to investigate the whereabouts of the remaining pages, he would need to infiltrate the king’s manor.

But the manor was guarded by divine artifacts that prevented outsiders from approaching. He would have to find an indirect method.

So he asked Xiaoxiao if invisibility talismans could conceal one’s aura and evade the divine artifacts’ senses, allowing him to sneak into the manor.

Xiaoxiao pondered and replied that while ordinary invisibility talismans would work, their effective duration was too short. The user would need to constantly focus their attention to maintain the talisman’s power, otherwise it would rapidly weaken.

This might be fine in normal circumstances, but if the invisibility talisman failed while infiltrating the manor, the user could very well end up as a roasted offering to the divine artifacts.

However, that Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi Master had provided her with many insights. She wanted to experiment with improving the Talisman Sect’s spirit talismans to enhance their efficacy.