Category: On How to Conquer System Fairies and Make Them Your Wives

Chapter 36: Trouble’s Brewing

Chen Yin was slightly disappointed.

He hadn’t heard what he wanted to hear from Shen Shuanglian.

But he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he turned to her and said, “It’s getting late. Are you hungry? I’ll find us something to eat.”

“No.” Shen Shuanglian struggled to get up. “You’re injured. Let me—”

Chen Yin gently pushed her back down and asked:

“Can you cook?”

Shen Shuanglian shook her head blankly.

“Do you know which fruits are edible and which aren’t?”

Another shake of the head.

“Can you catch anything other than a rabbit?”

Still, a shake of the head.

“Just stay put. You’re in no better shape than I am.”

Chen Yin got up and looked towards the cave entrance. “I won’t be long. If I’m not back within an hour, don’t look for me. Just run.”

Before Shen Shuanglian could protest, Chen Yin had already left the cave.

The cave was plunged back into darkness and silence, a chilling loneliness settling over the space.

Shen Shuanglian wrapped herself tightly in Chen Yin’s robe, curled up on the ground, and stared at the flickering candle flame.

She couldn’t help but bring the robe closer and inhale its scent.

“You lied to him,” the System’s voice suddenly said. “You don’t have any medicinal pills. And you don’t have enough points to exchange for any from the System Shop.”

Shen Shuanglian simply stared at the firelight, saying nothing.

“If this continues, his injuries will heal soon, but yours will only worsen.”

“I don’t care.” Shen Shuanglian shook her head. “I won’t die.”

“If your foundation is damaged and your cultivation is hindered, how will you fight that girl in five years?”

“Injuries can be healed, and cultivation can be restored. If all else fails, I can always perish together with her.”

Seeing that she was determined, the System sighed helplessly.

Shen Shuanglian hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “…I’m sorry.”

“My willfulness might drag you down too, right?”

“…It’s fine.”

The System’s voice softened. “We’re different from you humans. The concepts of life and death hold no meaning for us.”

“If you truly don’t want to follow the plot and live this kind of life, then do whatever makes you happy.”

“We’ll just consider this a chance encounter, with no connection after five years.”

Shen Shuanglian stared out of the cave for a long time, lost in thought.

After a moment, her eyes hardened with determination.

“…I’ll do as you said.”

“Even if I give up, other Chosen Ones might not.”

“I won’t be at ease until I’m sure he’s safe.”

The System fell silent. The cave was once again enveloped in silence.

***

After leaving the cave, Chen Yin walked for a long distance.

Despite its reputation as the most dangerous place in the cultivation world, the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain seemed surprisingly peaceful. The scenery was beautiful, with lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and a variety of birds singing. It was like a paradise untouched by human hands.

Not only that, but Chen Yin also encountered countless rare herbs and spirit plants mentioned in ancient texts, as well as several exotic beasts. Most of them were docile and simply fled upon seeing him.

…This is nothing like the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain. They should rename it the Heavenly Path Paradise. Chen Yin couldn’t help but think to himself.

To be honest, many of the materials he found here would be worth a fortune in the outside world. He couldn’t help but drool at the sight of those herbs, imagining them as piles of spirit stones.

Unfortunately, most of these immortal herbs required special containers to preserve their spiritual energy. Even if he collected them all, they would be useless by the time he got them out of here.

Recalling the ancient texts he had read as a child when he sneaked into his Master’s treasure vault, Chen Yin gathered some herbs that could improve circulation and a few edible fruits.

He vaguely remembered reading that a combination of certain herbs could help repair damaged meridians, but he wasn’t sure about the specific recipe. So he just gathered a large amount of everything.

Finally, it was time to find some meat to replenish their strength.

Chen Yin set his sights on a deer leisurely grazing nearby.

…Sorry, little buddy. He apologized silently in his heart.

His pale white Eternal Light sword shot through the air in an instant. The poor deer didn’t even realize what was happening before it lost its life.

Chen Yin walked over and skillfully harvested the deer antlers, then slung the entire deer over his shoulder, humming a tune as he started to head back.

But after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

He heard a fierce tiger roar.

He turned to see a large tiger with purple and gold stripes, its aura menacing, staring at him from a nearby ravine.

Chen Yin looked down at the deer he was carrying, then at the tiger.

…He understood. He had probably stolen the tiger’s prey.

Although the tiger looked similar in size to an ordinary tiger, Chen Yin could sense a terrifying aura emanating from its body. It was clearly no ordinary beast.

A spirit beast? Judging by its size, it was still a cub. But based on its aura, it was probably at the Entering Gate Realm.

Chen Yin looked around but didn’t see its parents or siblings. So, he put down the deer and grinned at the tiger menacingly.

“Hey, little tiger, are you angry that I stole your prey?”

The purple-striped tiger growled, its whiskers twitching slightly.

“Are you really angry? Want to beat me up?”

He then turned his head provocatively. “Come and bite me~ If you bite me, I’ll give you back your prey~”

The tiger couldn’t take it anymore. It roared and lunged at Chen Yin, its claws swiping through the air.

But as it leaped, Chen Yin swiftly swung his sword, severing a nearby tree. The trunk crashed down on the tiger in mid-air.

“Ouch…”

With a whimper, the tiger was pinned under the tree trunk, unable to move. It could only growl and whimper weakly.

“Hehe, still too young.”

Chen Yin swaggered over and said smugly, “Next time, don’t be so impulsive. Assess the situation before attacking, or you’ll get tricked again, understand?”

“This time, you’re unlucky to have run into me. My friend is injured, and I need your demon core.”

“But don’t worry, it’s just one demon core. You can cultivate for a few hundred years and grow another one.”

The tiger seemed to understand what he was planning to do. Its eyes, surprisingly human-like, flashed with fear, and it let out a desperate growl.

Chen Yin ignored it, his face twisted into a villainous grin as he approached the tiger with his sword.

***

By the time he returned to the cave, the sun was already high in the sky.

Seeing Chen Yin return, Shen Shuanglian’s worried expression eased, replaced by a slight frown and a hint of reproach in her voice.

“Didn’t we agree on one hour… I was almost about to go look for you.”

“Sorry, I found something interesting and lost track of time.”

Chen Yin threw the deer onto the ground and skillfully started a fire.

Shen Shuanglian couldn’t help and could only watch silently from the side.

“…Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For taking care of me. It should be me taking care of you.”

“Didn’t you also take care of me when I was injured?”

“I… that’s different.”

“There’s no difference.”

Chen Yin divided the deer meat and placed it over the fire, saying calmly, “I’m grateful that Senior Sister saved me.”

“But a debt is a debt. That’s all.”

Shen Shuanglian hugged her knees, her expression downcast.

“Is there… no other reason?”

“What other reason do you want to hear, Senior Sister? I can make something up.”

Hearing this, Shen Shuanglian pouted unhappily.

“Are you good at making up sweet words to please girls?”

“Naturally. One needs some skills to pick up girls when traveling.”

“But I’ve never heard you say anything sweet to me.” Shen Shuanglian looked into his eyes. “Is it because I’m not considered a girl?”

“If you want to hear it, I can tell you now. But before that—”

Chen Yin handed her a stone bowl filled with medicinal soup.

“Drink this first.”

Shen Shuanglian looked at the medicine, a look of fear crossing her beautiful face for the first time. She shrank back slightly.

“Is this medicine… bitter?”

“All medicine is bitter.”

“C-can I not drink it?”

“No.” Chen Yin held the bowl out to her, his expression firm.

Shen Shuanglian struggled for a long time, then finally took the bowl, gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and drank it all in one gulp.

The next moment, she scrunched up her face, stuck out her tongue, and looked like she was about to cry.

“This… this is too bitter.” Her voice became soft and almost sounded like a whine.

Chen Yin chuckled at her pained expression.

“I finished it.”

“Good girl.”

“Your turn,” she said, staring at him intently.

“What?”

“Say something nice to me, make the bitterness go away. Don’t go back on your word.”

Seeing Shen Shuanglian acting like a sulking child, Chen Yin couldn’t help but tease her, “I know a remedy for bitterness.”

“What is it?”

“Find someone to kiss. Share the bitterness with them.”

Shen Shuanglian was speechless with embarrassment.

Chen Yin burst into laughter. This Senior Sister was even cuter than he had imagined. Unlike Xiang’er, who was easily flustered and shy, Senior Sister, usually cold and aloof, would become speechless with embarrassment when faced with a romantic topic, wanting to disappear into thin air. It was quite amusing.

It made him want to tease her even more.

Just as he was about to comfort his easily embarrassed Senior Sister, a deafening tiger roar suddenly echoed from outside the cave.

Shen Shuanglian’s expression changed instantly, and she struggled to stand up.

“That aura… a Purple-Whiskered Thunder Mane Tiger!”

“Be careful, an adult Purple-Whiskered Thunder Mane Tiger is at least at the Supreme Clarity Realm! Quick, hide!”

She stumbled towards the entrance, drawing her sword.

Chen Yin looked at the demon core in the pot, his expression awkward.

…Crap.

The parents are probably here to avenge their child.

Chapter 35: Like Love at First Sight, Like Me Saving You

Time seemed to stand still in the mountains.

The light at the cave entrance was faint. When Chen Yin woke up the next day, it was still dim, and he couldn’t tell what time it was.

…Shen Shuanglian was sleeping peacefully in his arms.

Last night, they had initially held each other awkwardly, hesitant to get too close, maintaining a subtle distance.

But as the night wore on and sleepiness overcame them, Shen Shuanglian had finally leaned against his shoulder and fallen asleep, nestled against his chest.

Chen Yin looked down at her face.

Her expression was soft and peaceful, radiating an innocent and pure aura, like that of a first love. Strands of hair fell across her cheeks, and her rosy lips made him want to steal a kiss.

Chen Yin, the seasoned flirt that he was, had to swallow hard several times to resist the urge to sneak a kiss.

…No, no, taking advantage of someone while they’re asleep goes against my principles.

As if sensing his movements, Shen Shuanglian’s cute little nose twitched, and she let out a soft whimper, her eyes fluttering open.

“Mmm… Is it morning already?”

“If you’re still sleepy, sleep a little longer.”

Chen Yin teased, “No one’s going to force you to wake up early and practice cultivation in this place, right?”

His teasing half-woke her up, and she finally realized their compromising position. She was practically using his chest as a pillow, so comfortable that she instinctively didn’t want to move.

But she quickly blushed and shifted away, asking in a soft voice:

“Are you… okay? Are you still cold?”

“With the warm embrace of Senior Sister, how could I be cold?” Chen Yin grinned mischievously.

Shen Shuanglian’s face flushed crimson, and she lowered her head to avoid his gaze. However, her voice was still filled with concern.

“That’s good… What about other parts of your body? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”

“Instead of worrying about me, Senior Sister should be more concerned about yourself.”

Chen Yin’s expression turned serious. “Your body was colder than mine last night, didn’t you notice?”

Shen Shuanglian’s eyes dimmed slightly.

“I… I’m fine.”

“If you consider having half of your meridians shattered ‘fine,’ then yes, you’re fine.”

Last night, after Shen Shuanglian had fallen asleep in his arms, Chen Yin had immediately checked her condition.

He was shocked by what he found.

It seemed that Shen Shuanglian had used all her spiritual energy to protect him when they fell, leaving herself to bear the brunt of the impact.

Who knew how high they had fallen from or how hard the impact had been.

Chen Yin had tried to stabilize her chaotic spiritual energy, but he was no expert in healing. Swordsmanship was his forte, not medicine.

And unlike Shen Shuanglian, a wealthy and privileged disciple from the main sect, he didn’t have a stash of precious medicinal pills. Even if he asked his stingy Master for life-saving pills, she would probably just give him some fake medicine from a street peddler.

He could only do his best to stabilize her spiritual energy. He believed that Senior Sister, as a Chosen One, wouldn’t be defeated by these injuries.

Now that Chen Yin had pointed out her condition, Shen Shuanglian bit her lip slightly, but she still said stubbornly:

“It’s okay. It’s just a minor injury. I have some medicinal pills, and I’ll be fine soon.”

“But you, you’re still weak. The pill I gave you is very potent. You need to be patient and let the medicinal power disperse, otherwise, your life might be in danger.”

Chen Yin didn’t dare to tell her the truth and could only force a smile.

…If Senior Sister found out that he wasn’t actually injured, she would probably kill him for taking advantage of her last night.

The sky was still dim. Both of them needed to recover, so they weren’t in a hurry to leave the cave. They leaned against each other, enjoying the warmth and comfort of their shared space.

“It’s quite boring just sitting here. Senior Sister, let’s chat.”

“Okay.” Shen Shuanglian tilted her head slightly. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Hmm… Did Senior Sister sleep well last night?”

“…It was alright.”

“Was it because I was holding you and it was too comfortable?”

“…”

“I saw you sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t even wake you up. Were you having a good dream? Was I in it?”

“…”

“Senior Sister, you’re so shy. Have you never had a boyfriend? With so many people chasing after you, haven’t you found a boyfriend yet?”

“…”

After listening to Chen Yin’s relentless teasing for a while, Shen Shuanglian finally managed to squeeze out a response, “Ask something I can actually answer.”

Chen Yin coughed lightly and said, “Then… why did Senior Sister save me?”

“I-I told you, didn’t I? You’re my Junior Brother, I couldn’t just watch you fall to your death—”

“Are there any other reasons?” Chen Yin’s clear eyes stared into hers.

Shen Shuanglian lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes. After a long silence, she finally turned her head away.

“Isn’t that reason enough?”

“It’s not enough for me.”

Chen Yin’s voice was laced with a hint of laziness. “I don’t know what kind of environment Senior Sister grew up in.”

“But ever since I can remember, I’ve been wandering this world alone.”

“No food, no clothes. To survive, I had to fight with stray dogs for scraps of food and discarded meat.”

“Just trying to stay alive was exhausting. Dignity… I didn’t even know what that word meant.”

“For people like us, even accepting kindness is a luxury.”

Chen Yin reminisced, “If someone offered me a piece of bread with a kind smile, I wouldn’t eat it.”

“I would be worried that they had drugged it, that they were planning to knock me out and sell me as a child prostitute.”

“If I found medicine for a cold, I would first test it on a stray dog. Only after making sure it wouldn’t kill the dog would I dare to take it myself.”

Shen Shuanglian was speechless. After a long while, she asked hesitantly, “Did you… really need to be that careful?”

“Children who weren’t that careful wouldn’t even survive half a year. I’ve seen many of them.”

He turned to Shen Shuanglian, his eyes piercing and intense.

“So, I don’t believe in kindness without a reason.”

“I don’t believe that anyone would sacrifice their life for a complete stranger.”

…Maybe in the world I came from, such things existed.

But in this world…

It was impossible.

“So, Senior Sister, what was your real reason for jumping down with me?”

His gaze was fixed on Shen Shuanglian.

Shen Shuanglian pressed her lips together, the atmosphere suddenly becoming heavy.

“Of course,” Chen Yin’s expression instantly changed, and he said with a playful smile, “If it was because you were captivated by my handsome appearance, fell in love at first sight, and decided that you wouldn’t marry anyone but me, then I might reluctantly believe you.”

“Ah, what can I say? I’m just that charming.”

Shen Shuanglian lowered her head.

Her beautiful eyes flickered, but in the end, she only whispered:

“Maybe, it’s just because I’m different from you.”

“For me, some things don’t need a reason.”

Like the love at first sight you mentioned.

Like me saving you.

Chapter 34: Her Gentleness

When Shen Shuanglian awoke, the sky had already darkened.

She opened her eyes groggily, then fully alert, her hand instinctively reaching out to where Chen Yin should be.

Seeing him still lying there, motionless, her heart calmed down.

She continued to stare at him for a while, her eyes slightly unfocused, lost in thought.

But before she could drift too far, a soft groan broke the silence. Chen Yin slowly opened his eyes.

“Chen Yin!”

Shen Shuanglian leaned in closer, her eyes filled with concern. “You’re finally awake?”

“S-Senior Sister…”

Chen Yin’s voice was weak as he squinted his eyes. After a long while, he spoke with difficulty, “W-where… are we?”

“Don’t talk yet, your injuries are still serious. I gave you a medicinal pill, but it will take some time for it to fully take effect.”

Chen Yin nodded weakly, struggling to sit up. Shen Shuanglian quickly helped him.

“Are you thirsty? I’ll get you some water.”

“It’s okay…”

Chen Yin rubbed his aching head, trying to recall what had happened. After a while, his expression shifted through various emotions as he turned to Shen Shuanglian with disbelief in his eyes:

“Senior Sister, are we… in the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain? Why… why did you jump off the cliff with me?”

Shen Shuanglian froze. Her long eyelashes lowered, and her lips moved slightly as she carefully chose her words.

“I… I couldn’t just abandon a fellow disciple.”

…Was that really the reason? Chen Yin was even more surprised.

But he maintained a regretful expression on his face and sighed. “Ah, I’m just an insignificant cultivator, how could I be worthy of Senior Sister accompanying me to such a dangerous place?”

Before he could finish, Shen Shuanglian interrupted him.

“You’re worthy.” She said seriously.

Chen Yin stared at her, speechless. Shen Shuanglian didn’t say anything more, just lowered her head.

The sound of a flowing stream could be heard outside the cave, and the distant roar of the waterfall echoed faintly.

The dim light in the dark cave illuminated half of Shen Shuanglian’s face. Her features, usually as flawless as a precious jade, were now covered in dust, but a faint blush could still be seen on her cheeks.

“Are you… really not hungry or thirsty?” Shen Shuanglian asked awkwardly, trying to change the subject. “Or if you’re feeling uncomfortable anywhere, please tell me.”

“There’s no need for Senior Sister to take care of me so meticulously. I’m not that delicate.”

Chen Yin scratched his head sheepishly. “And for Senior Sister to be taking care of me, I-I feel a little embarrassed…”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Shen Shuanglian shook her head calmly. “You’re injured and can’t take care of yourself. It’s only natural for me to look after you.”

Seeing her sincere expression, Chen Yin felt a surge of curiosity.

His Senior Sister’s obedient and attentive demeanor made him want to test her limits.

So, he coughed lightly and said, “Well… I am a little thirsty. My throat feels dry and uncomfortable—”

“I’ll get you some water right away.”

Without hesitation, Shen Shuanglian turned and left the cave. She returned shortly with a large loquat leaf filled with water.

“Drink this first. I’ll get you more if you need it.” She looked at Chen Yin carefully, her eyes shining.

After finishing the water in one gulp, Chen Yin sighed again. “I haven’t eaten anything all day. I wonder if there’s anything to eat around here—”

Once again, Shen Shuanglian left without a word. This time, she was gone a bit longer, but she returned within fifteen minutes, holding a wild rabbit.

“Wait a moment, I’ll roast it for you.”

Chen Yin watched as Shen Shuanglian clumsily started a fire and fumbled with the rabbit for a long time. She managed to skin it but seemed unsure of what to do next.

After a while, her face covered in rabbit blood, she turned to Chen Yin with a pitiful expression.

“I-I’m sorry… I don’t know how to do this…”

Chen Yin suppressed his amusement and said gently, “It’s okay, let me do it.”

“But… but you’re still weak, you shouldn’t move around too much—”

“It’s fine, I’m not completely immobilized. I can still roast a rabbit.”

Chen Yin got up and skillfully cleaned the rabbit, skewered the best parts, and started roasting them over the fire.

As if he felt something was missing, he left the cave and searched for a while. He returned with a pouch of small berries and, in front of Shen Shuanglian, crushed them into powder and sprinkled it on the rabbit meat.

“What’s that?”

“A kind of spice. You can just crush it and add it to food for flavor. It tastes very good.” Chen Yin explained.

Shen Shuanglian watched obediently from the side and said with admiration, “Do you… often do this?”

“Occasionally. Our Master often steals my private stash of money. Sometimes, when I’m broke and can’t afford to eat, I have to hunt for food in the mountains.”

Soon, the rabbit meat was glistening with golden oil, and sizzling sounds filled the air as fat dripped into the fire.

A rich aroma spread through the cave. Shen Shuanglian stared at the rabbit meat for a while, then suddenly blushed.

The cave was quiet, so Chen Yin clearly heard a loud grumbling sound from her stomach.

Shen Shuanglian: “…”

Chen Yin: “…It’s okay, it’s ready. Eat if you’re hungry.”

Shen Shuanglian nodded, picked up a skewer of roasted rabbit leg, and took a small bite.

The next moment, she frowned and stuck out her tongue, blowing on it rapidly.

“Hot…” She looked at Chen Yin with a pitiful expression.

Chen Yin couldn’t help but laugh.

Was this really the aloof and intimidating Frost Moon Sword Immortal?

“Then wait for it to cool down. Why are you in such a hurry?”

Shen Shuanglian pursed her lips, nodded, and blew on the meat with her red lips.

The flickering firelight illuminated her beautiful face, the flames dancing in her bright eyes.

Chen Yin propped his head up with his hand and stared at her quietly.

After taking a couple of bites, Shen Shuanglian’s face lit up with a surprised and happy expression. Suddenly realizing that Chen Yin was watching her, she quickly lowered her head shyly.

“Wh-why are you looking at me?”

“People always say how elegant and beautiful Frost Moon Sword Immortal is, a true celestial beauty.”

Chen Yin said with a smile, “I think Senior Sister is not only beautiful but also very cute.”

Shen Shuanglian choked and coughed violently, her face flushing crimson.

Seeing his usually cold and aloof Senior Sister blush so easily from a simple tease, Chen Yin almost felt bad for teasing her.

Realizing that Chen Yin was playing with her, Shen Shuanglian couldn’t help but pout slightly and turned away, silently eating her rabbit leg.

The fire flickered and dimmed, and night fell.

Shen Shuanglian went to the stream to wash off the rabbit blood that had splattered on her. When she returned, her clothes and face were still damp with water droplets.

Chen Yin stared at the scenery revealed by the damp cloth, swallowed hard, and forced himself to look away.

“Are you… sleepy? If you are, go to sleep.”

“Aren’t you sleepy, Senior Sister?”

“I just woke up this afternoon, and someone needs to keep watch. This is the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain, after all. We don’t know what dangers we might encounter.”

Chen Yin was speechless. His Senior Sister was too considerate.

After adding more firewood to the fire, Shen Shuanglian squatted down and sat beside Chen Yin, hugging her knees.

She kept a distance of one person between them, never daring to get too close, but her eyes couldn’t help but steal glances at him.

Chen Yin also felt awkward sitting there in silence, but he couldn’t think of anything to talk about. So he asked casually:

“Are you afraid, Senior Sister?”

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid of dying. This is the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain. Even Grand Clarity Realm experts fear this place. Aren’t you afraid we might not be able to get out?”

Shen Shuanglian thought for a moment and shook her head. “It’s okay. If we can’t get out, then we can’t get out.”

It’s… not so bad this way. Shen Shuanglian thought to herself.

The firelight illuminated Shen Shuanglian’s beautiful face, making her look incredibly alluring. Chen Yin couldn’t help but stare at her for a while, then suddenly shuddered.

“I’m cold…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, maybe my body is still weak and can’t handle the cold.”

“Th-then what should we do?”

Chen Yin looked at her and said half-jokingly, “Maybe if Senior Sister hugs me, I’ll warm up.”

Shen Shuanglian blushed and lowered her head.

Chen Yin thought she would definitely refuse this time, but to his surprise, she looked up and said softly:

“Okay.”

Now it was Chen Yin’s turn to be speechless.

Shen Shuanglian’s face was burning, and she avoided his gaze as she walked over to him. She gently took off her outer robe and sat down beside him.

The words “I was just kidding, Senior Sister, don’t take it seriously” were stuck in Chen

Yin’s throat.

Shen Shuanglian had a beautiful figure. Her pure white inner robe clung to her curves, and the neckline revealed a glimpse of her fair skin and alluring collarbone.

She seemed a little nervous too. After sitting beside Chen Yin for a while, she finally reached out and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into an embrace.

A refreshing fragrance and a bone-melting softness enveloped him.

Chen Yin completely forgot what he had been planning to do. His mind went blank.

After a long while, a soft, barely audible voice trembled in his ear:

“Is this… better?”

Chen Yin didn’t know how to answer that question.

Her body was pressed against his, and he suddenly realized that Shen Shuanglian was also cold.

Even the warmth of the fire couldn’t dispel the chill.

So, Chen Yin asked in return, “What about you, Senior Sister?”

“Does it feel better to be close like this?”

Shen Shuanglian froze for a moment, then bit her lip slightly and slowly nodded.

“Yes…”

“It’s very comfortable.”

It feels… strangely reassuring.

Chapter 33: Beneath the Cliff

Events had spiraled out of control.

Chen Yin plummeted over the cliff, followed closely by Shen Shuanglian. Both their fates hung precariously in the balance.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Yu Xiang’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly. Then, with a desperate cry, she charged towards the edge of the cliff.

From the sidelines, Luo Qiaoqiao’s urgent voice rang out, “Quick! All Heavenly Net Sect disciples, search for them!”

“Mo Jie, you old dog! If anything happens to Chen Yin, the Mist Spirit Sect will pay dearly!”

Meanwhile, amidst the chaotic crowd, a pair of fox ears emerged from the void, then quickly retreated, drooping dejectedly.

…Just before Chen Yin unleashed his sword strike, Luo Luo had received his command through their master-servant contract:

“Hide, and take care of yourself until I return.”

Although she had witnessed Chen Yin’s strength, the place he had fallen into was the infamous Heavenly Path Perilous Domain, feared throughout the cultivation world. Luo Luo couldn’t help but worry.

Young Master, please be safe. The little fox looked up from within the void, her heart heavy with concern.

Meanwhile, Elder Mo Jie remained motionless in the air, his expression shifting through various shades of anger, shock, and disbelief. His hands were clasped behind his back.

“Elder Mo Jie, about this matter…” A fellow elder from another sect asked cautiously.

Mo Jie simply snorted and said indifferently, “That arrogant fool thought he could withstand my attack. He fell off the cliff and is probably shattered to pieces by now.”

“As for our chief disciple, I will report to the Sect Master immediately and request a search party.”

Someone else reminded him, “There’s also that Yin Mengwan girl…”

“She must have gone to the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain to search for her lover. We’ll deal with her when we search for Frost Moon Sword Immortal.”

Seeing Elder Mo Jie’s grim expression, the others didn’t dare to press further. They exchanged a few brief words and left.

Elder Mo Jie also flew away on his sword, heading towards a deserted area.

The moment he was alone, his composure crumbled. He coughed up a mouthful of blood.

A figure appeared behind him, placing a hand on his back to help regulate his chaotic spiritual energy.

Elder Mo Jie’s eyes were filled with shock, anger, and disbelief.

…Within his dantian, countless shards of energy floated aimlessly.

It was his foundation.

Chen Yin’s sword strike had completely shattered his foundation.

“That brat…” he gritted his teeth.

“Don’t move,” the middle-aged man beside him said in a low voice as he helped heal his injuries. “Your foundation is destroyed. If you don’t return to the sect immediately and use vast resources to repair it, not only will your cultivation be affected, but your life might even be in danger.”

Elder Mo Jie knew this all too well and could only nod grimly. “Thank you, Junior Brother.”

“It’s nothing. You were acting on the sect’s orders. Consider this injury a sacrifice for the sect.”

“But that young man named Chen Yin…” The man stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed. “You felt it too, right? That strange power in his sword strike?”

“Yes.” A strange light flickered in Elder Mo Jie’s eyes.

“There’s no mistaking it.”

“—It was Dao Resonance*.”

The man was baffled. “But that’s impossible! Senior Brother, even after years of being in the Supreme Clarity Realm, you’ve only barely sensed the existence of Dao Resonance. How could that boy, a mere Cloud Ascending Realm cultivator, not even a Grand Clarity Realm expert, possibly use a sword technique infused with Dao Resonance?”

“Could it be… that Yu Ling gave him some kind of protective treasure?”

Elder Mo Jie didn’t answer.

He didn’t know, and he didn’t have time to care.

There were only two things on his mind now.

Return to the sect immediately and focus on healing his injuries.

And then, when he recovered…

He would kill those two little bastards.

***

The Heavenly Path Perilous Domain was the name given to the central region of the Heavenly Path Mountain Range.

It was the heart of the continent, with an abundance of spiritual energy far exceeding that of ordinary immortal mountains and blessed lands. It was a perfect place for cultivators to cultivate.

However, no cultivator dared to cultivate here.

Because it was said that even Grand Clarity Realm experts feared the dangers within the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain.

Some said it was filled with ancient, ferocious beasts from the primordial era, each possessing power comparable to a Grand Clarity Realm expert.

Others claimed it was riddled with poisonous swamps and miasmas so potent that even a Grand Clarity Realm expert would die upon contact.

There were also rumors that the Heavenly Path Perilous Domain was connected to a higher plane of existence, the legendary immortal realm.

But no one knew for sure. Because even Grand Clarity Realm experts rarely ventured into this forbidden zone.

Now, beside a picturesque waterfall…

A delicate figure was dragging a heavy man, her steps faltering as she struggled to move forward.

She was dressed in a light blue palace dress, now torn and dirty, her beautiful face covered in dust.

She seemed to be seriously injured, unable to use her spiritual energy. She could only drag the man’s clothes forward like an ordinary mortal.

She walked slowly, her movements labored, her hair clinging to her sweaty neck.

But her eyes were filled with unwavering determination.

Finally, beside the waterfall, Shen Shuanglian found a natural cave. With great difficulty, she dragged Chen Yin inside and placed her hand on his chest.

“…System, exchange for a Soul-Returning Life-Renewing Pill.” Her lips were pale, but her voice was calm.

After a moment, the System’s slightly aged voice echoed softly:

“Are you sure? The Soul-Returning Life-Renewing Pill is very expensive. You’ve only saved enough points to exchange for one.”

“If you give it to him, you won’t have any protection if you encounter a life-threatening situation in the future.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Shen Shuanglian said nonchalantly. “Whether I live or die is irrelevant.”

“…I don’t want to lose him.”

The System was silent for a long time, then sighed softly.

“Ah, you’re still a child after all.”

“Fine, do as you wish.”

The next moment, a pill, radiating a fragrant aroma, appeared in the air.

Shen Shuanglian took the pill and tried to feed it to Chen Yin, but he couldn’t swallow.

So, she bit her lip, put the pill in her mouth, and chewed it.

Then, she leaned down and kissed Chen Yin’s lips.

A faint medicinal fragrance emanated from Chen Yin’s body. Shen Shuanglian waited until all the medicinal power had entered his body before reluctantly parting her lips, her head lifting with a sense of loss.

She felt Chen Yin’s body gradually warming up, his breathing becoming stronger, and her heart eased slightly.

But as soon as she relaxed, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion washed over her.

Her eyelids drooped, threatening to close. She shook her head violently, trying to stay awake, and sat beside Chen Yin, hugging her knees.

Finally, the System couldn’t bear to watch any longer and said softly, “If you’re really tired, just sleep for a while. I’ll wake you up if anything happens.”

Shen Shuanglian shook her head, resting her chin on her arms, and gazed at him with a slight tilt of her head.

“…It’s okay. I’m not tired.”

“I finally have a chance to watch over him like this.” Her eyes held a deep and hidden tenderness.

***

Chen Yin woke up about half an hour later.

He opened his eyes and blinked. Shen Shuanglian was leaning against his knees, fast asleep, her soft breathing and murmurs filling the air.

He didn’t move, just lay there quietly, staring at the ceiling.

…He was questioning his life choices.

According to his original plan, things should have gone like this:

He would take Elder Mo Jie’s attack head-on, not resisting, but enduring the full force of the blow, acting as if he was almost killed.

Only then would it be consistent with his persona as a weak Cloud Ascending Realm cultivator.

As for his injuries, they didn’t really matter. The most overpowered aspect of the “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” was its regenerative abilities. As long as he had a breath left, no matter how severe the injury, he would recover completely with time.

So, Chen Yin had only used his sword energy to protect his vital points, ensuring he wouldn’t be killed instantly, then endured the full force of the Supreme Clarity Realm attack and obediently fell off the cliff.

As for the sword strike he had returned to Elder Mo Jie, it wouldn’t kill the old dog, but it would definitely be enough to keep him out of his hair for a while.

Then, once he fell off the cliff, Xiang’er, worried about his safety, wouldn’t just sit there and wait to be captured. She would find a way to escape in the chaos and come looking for him.

Then, he just had to escape from here and meet up with Xiang’er before anyone else, and things would be much easier after that.

But no matter how much he calculated, Chen Yin never expected…

His Senior Sister, Shen Shuanglian, would actually jump off the cliff with him.

…Seriously, Sister, what are you doing?

His plan had been perfect. Once he fell off the cliff, he would be free to act on his own, without any restrictions.

But now, with his Senior Sister by his side, he had to keep up the act.

So, he continued to pretend to be gravely injured, lying motionless on the ground.

As the “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” repaired his body, Chen Yin vaguely heard Shen Shuanglian mumbling something and felt her feed him some kind of pill.

But he couldn’t remember how she had done it.

Thanks to the pill’s effects, not only had his injuries completely healed, but his dantian and spiritual sea felt even stronger than before.

But Chen Yin still didn’t dare to wake up. Recovering too quickly would arouse Shen Shuanglian’s suspicion.

At that moment, Shen Shuanglian was leaning against his knees, fast asleep, looking like a peaceful young girl. Her delicate nose twitched slightly, making him want to take a bite.

Chen Yin stared at her for a moment, then looked away.

…Senior Sister, why did you jump off the cliff with me?

Even if you’re a righteous and kind-hearted person, you wouldn’t risk your own life for a stranger, would you?

After racking his brains for a long time, Chen Yin couldn’t come up with an answer. A bold thought gradually formed in his mind.

Could it be… that what he had boasted to Master had actually come true?

Did his Senior Sister truly have a crush on him, a secret love so strong that she would risk her life for him?

…N-no way, right?

***

T/N:

道韵(Dao Yun)-Dao Resonance

Alternative Translations: For better understanding of this concept, here are some possible translations:

1. Dao Resonance (Selected translation)
2. Dao Rhyme
3. Essence of the Dao or Embodiment of the Dao
4. Dao Harmony or Harmony of the Dao, etc.

Chapter 32: A Starry Night, Eternal Light

When Chen Yin uttered those words, his tone was incredibly casual.

However, after his words landed, the entire arena fell into a dead silence that lasted for several seconds.

No one expected that the previously respectful young disciple from the Mist Spirit Sect branch would suddenly turn around and curse at Elder Mo Jie so brazenly.

Mo Jie himself was stunned for a few seconds, his face changing colors several times before turning completely black with rage.

Yu Xiang was also dumbfounded. Was Senior Brother really planning to make a scene and break all ties in public?

“Do you… dare say that again?” Mo Jie stared at Chen Yin, each word squeezed out through gritted teeth.

“Didn’t hear me clearly? Oh, right, old people usually have bad hearing.”

Chen Yin cleared his throat and declared loudly, “I said, you old, toothless bastard, you decrepit relic dug out from some forgotten grave, you impotent geezer who couldn’t get it up even if ten beauties stripped naked and sat on your lap…”

A barrage of insults, each more creative than the last, caused the expressions of those around them to become increasingly strange, struggling to contain their laughter. Wan Yunhai, in particular, almost burst out laughing when he heard the “impotent geezer” remark. It was only after a tug from his attendant that he managed to suppress his amusement.

“I’m sorry… but the way he’s cursing is just too funny, hahaha!”

Elder Mo Jie’s body trembled slightly, his eyes blazing with murderous intent.

“Don’t you dare glare at me, old man.” Chen Yin said with a nonchalant, rogue-like air. “I like this girl, and I might even have a chance to get in her pants. Why should I let an old dog like you ruin it?”

“If I lose a potential soulmate because of you, are you going to send your wife to keep me company?”

“You little bastard, you’re courting death!”

In an instant, a powerful aura surged skyward, and the previously clear sky above Ten Thousand Cloud Mountain was suddenly shrouded in dark, swirling clouds. Lightning crackled in the air.

Elder Mo Jie’s hair and beard stood on end, and a divine aura enveloped him, bolts of lightning dancing around his palm.

“You ignorant fool! Today, I’ll show you the true power of the Supreme Clarity Realm!”

Wind and thunder surged in his palm. As Elder Mo Jie slowly raised his hand, it seemed as if the forces of heaven and earth were converging upon him, the lightning in the sky gathering in his grasp.

This earth-shattering power made countless cultivators in the audience tremble in fear.

“Th-this… is the power of a Supreme Clarity Realm expert?”

“It’s said that those in the Supreme Clarity Realm can communicate with heaven and earth, harnessing their power for their own use. It seems the rumors are true!”

“What kind of courage does that kid have, to challenge a Supreme Clarity Realm elder in public?”

The wind whipped at Chen Yin’s clothes, but his expression remained calm and even carried a hint of amusement.

At that moment, a hand gently tugged at his robe from behind, and a worried voice said:

“Wh-what are you doing, playing the hero?”

He turned to see Yu Xiang’s eyes filled with panic. “Run! You can’t withstand this attack!”

“That won’t do.” Chen Yin shook his head. “If I can’t withstand it, then there’s even less reason for a girl to face it.”

“I-I’m different…”

Yu Xiang was truly frantic. Being a Chosen One, she had a life-saving measure provided by the System. Although it came with a hefty price, it wasn’t a guaranteed escape.

But her Senior Brother, stubborn as a mule, insisted on shielding her, leaving Yu Xiang at a loss for what to do.

Just as she gritted her teeth, prepared to knock Chen Yin unconscious and face Elder Mo Jie alone, another urgent voice rang out:

“Elder Mo Jie! Hold your hand!”

In the next instant, a figure as cold as frost intercepted Elder Mo Jie’s attack, standing before Chen Yin.

It was Shen Shuanglian.

Shen Shuanglian’s actions not only caused an even greater uproar among the audience but also made Elder Mo Jie frown deeply. He roared:

“Shen Shuanglian! What are you doing?! Do you even know who you are?!”

“How can the chief disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect protect a demonic cultivator?!”

Shen Shuanglian’s expression was pained, but her voice remained firm. “Elder! There are still unclear aspects to this matter. Please reconsider and don’t harm… Junior Brother Chen.”

“He’s protecting a demonic witch, and you still call him Junior Brother?”

“…Yes.”

Her voice was soft but unwavering.

Elder Mo Jie’s anger intensified. But then another playful voice rang out:

“Blue stocking, I never thought I’d see the day you would defy your precious sect.”

A figure in fiery red gracefully descended. Luo Qiaoqiao stood beside Shen Shuanglian, her figure lithe and elegant, and smiled at Chen Yin.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing that woman suffer, considering she caused me trouble before.”

“But… this is my man.”

She gently pulled Chen Yin behind her, her smile fading slightly.

“If you dare touch him, consider it a declaration of war from the Mist Spirit Sect against the Heavenly Net Sect.”

The two fairies, standing together, protecting an unknown young cultivator, caused the commotion in the arena to reach its peak.

Elder Mo Jie’s wrinkled brow furrowed even deeper.

…He hadn’t expected this young man to be such a thorn in his side, attracting the attention of both the chief disciple of his own sect and the daughter of the Heavenly Net Sect’s leaders. The pressure had suddenly become immense.

More importantly… He stared intently at Chen Yin, who was hiding behind the two women with a smug “come and get me” expression.

Behind this young man stood his Master, Immortal Yu Ling.

Yu Ling was not only renowned throughout the cultivation world for her Supreme Clarity Realm cultivation but also for her protectiveness and her annoyingly resilient cultivation technique.

Offending her was no better than offending the entire Heavenly Net Sect.

So, despite his attack being ready to launch, Elder Mo Jie hesitated. His furrowed brow betrayed his inner struggle and calculations.

Meanwhile, the shameless scoundrel hiding behind the two fairies, taking advantage of their protection to act arrogantly, continued to taunt:

“Yo, old man, are you scared now? Don’t have the guts to fight me, huh? Cultivating for so many years and still being such a coward, I suggest you start over.”

Although his words were relentless, Chen Yin’s eyes were carefully observing Elder Mo Jie’s expression.

…He wasn’t just trying to pressure Mo Jie. He was also trying to figure out what secrets Mo Jie was hiding and how far he was willing to go.

In the air, Elder Mo Jie’s robes billowed, the swirling vortex of thunderclouds still spinning in his palm.

His expression flickered for a long time, his thoughts unknown.

Then, Chen Yin suddenly realized.

Something was wrong.

He wasn’t thinking.

He was communicating with someone through voice transmission.

Suddenly, Elder Mo Jie seemed to have received a message. His expression changed several times before settling into a look of ruthless determination.

“Hmph! Audacious demonic scum!”

“For the sake of the cultivation world’s prosperity, I’d rather kill the wrong person than let the guilty escape, even if it means sullying my reputation!”

“You two girls, don’t be fooled by that boy! Step aside!”

The next moment, a surge of immense power knocked both Shen Shuanglian and Luo Qiaoqiao away.

They stumbled back. Luo Qiaoqiao frowned and shouted, “Stop!”

Shen Shuanglian’s eyes widened in horror.

“No!”

But the swirling vortex of thunderclouds in Elder Mo Jie’s hand had already been unleashed, hurtling towards Chen Yin on the ground.

The massive storm of lightning threatened to obliterate the entire stage. Chen Yin narrowed his eyes, his expression serious as he faced this earth-shattering attack.

“No!”

Yu Xiang desperately struggled to take a few steps forward, trying to shield Chen Yin. But the System screamed in her ear:

“Are you crazy? You only have one chance to save your life, why waste it on an insignificant character who’s not even part of the plot?!”

“I don’t care!” Yu Xiang’s eyes reddened, her voice trembling.

“I can’t lose him.”

But before she could take another step, a warm and strong hand gently rested on her head.

Yu Xiang’s eyes widened, and she trembled uncontrollably.

“It’s okay.”

The thunderclouds raged behind them.

Chen Yin gently stroked her head, a soft smile on his lips.

“Men…”

“Sometimes… just want to play the hero.”

Yu Xiang suddenly felt a surge of sword energy sealing her meridians. She could only stare at him, wide-eyed and speechless.

Then, a clear white light shot out from Chen Yin’s sleeve, transforming into a long, translucent, crystal-clear sword.

Chen Yin grasped the Eternal Light sword, his gaze calmly meeting the thundercloud vortex.

…It was impossible to resolve this peacefully now.

If he wanted to continue investigating the Mist Spirit Sect and the demonic path without revealing his identity…

It seemed he had to put on a show.

He hoped these people would cooperate and play their roles accordingly.

So, Chen Yin raised his sword, pointing it at Elder Mo Jie in the air.

“It’s only fair to return the favor.”

“You too… take my sword.”

He slowly raised his hand.

A profound and enigmatic aura emanated from the Eternal Light sword.

His figure seemed to become ethereal, as small and insignificant as a single grain of sand in the vast ocean.

A simple and direct action. Raise the sword.

And strike.

The bright sword light cleaved through the thunderclouds, creating a massive explosion on the stage.

“BOOM!!!”

The impact blinded countless cultivators. Even Wan Yunhai and the others had to retreat.

After a moment, the shockwave dissipated.

Elder Mo Jie was still hovering in the air, his expression unreadable.

On the other side, a figure soared through the air, flying towards the distance.

Yu Xiang’s eyes widened. As she finally broke free from the sword energy that had sealed her meridians, the first thing she saw was a familiar figure in the air.

It was Chen Yin.

Blood spurted from his mouth, painting the air crimson. His expression was pained, as if he was gravely injured.

And the direction he was flying towards was a cliff. The cliff behind Ten Thousand Cloud Mountain.

…Behind Ten Thousand Cloud Mountain was the Heavenly Path Mountain Range.

And in the heart of the Heavenly Path Mountains lay the most feared region on the entire continent.

The Heavenly Path Perilous Domain.

A place where even Supreme Clarity Realm Immortals wouldn’t dare to venture.

“No!!!” A heart-wrenching scream echoed through the arena.

Yu Xiang was about to chase after him desperately.

But a figure in azure blue was even faster, closely following Chen Yin’s trajectory.

…They both plummeted over the edge of the cliff.

Chapter 31: Plot Twist! Come Fight Me, You Old Bastard

Chen Yin’s voice was steady and unwavering, his face betraying no fear even in the presence of so many elders and cultivators.

Behind him, Yu Xiang was slightly dazed.

She didn’t understand why Chen Yin was suddenly speaking up for her. He should have only spoken to her once in this identity.

Senior Brother… why is he helping me?

And how was he able to catch her unexpected sword strike so easily?

For a moment, Yu Xiang felt as if the familiar figure of her Senior Brother had become somewhat strange and mysterious.

Lost in thought, she heard Chen Yin say with a hearty laugh, “Esteemed elders, there must be some misunderstanding.”

“We can’t just accuse Miss Yin of being a demonic cultivator without any evidence.”

Elder Mo Jie frowned, seemingly displeased by this young man who had appeared out of nowhere.

“Young man, although we are grateful for your help in saving our disciple, I advise you not to meddle in this matter.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Chen Yin replied respectfully, “But I can’t stand to see my friend wrongly accused. May I ask why Elder Mo Jie believes Miss Yin to be a demonic cultivator?”

“Hmph! The technique she was about to use was clearly the Quenching Nether Mantra, a forbidden demonic art!”

“Did you see it clearly, Elder? I’m just a young and inexperienced cultivator. I don’t know what this Quenching Nether Mantra… is.”

Elder Mo Jie snorted coldly. “Hmph, a young whippersnapper like you wouldn’t know.”

“Hundreds of years ago, the demonic path was at its peak. The Demonic Sovereign of All Ages, who cultivated the Quenching Nether Mantra, was able to single-handedly fight against the entire righteous path. It took the combined forces of all righteous cultivators to finally slay him and restore peace to the world.”

Chen Yin put on a look of sudden realization. “So that’s how it is! I’ve learned something new today.”

“But… I have one more question. May I ask how many years you have been cultivating, Elder?”

Elder Mo Jie froze.

He had only ascended to the Supreme Clarity Realm a few decades ago, and his entire cultivation journey spanned only two hundred years.

“I don’t understand. If I, a young cultivator, don’t know what the Quenching Nether Mantra looks like, how would you, Elder, know?”

Chen Yin bowed slightly, his gaze calm, his tone respectful yet pointed. His words caused murmurs to spread among the crowd.

Elder Mo Jie’s expression flickered. He was certain that Yu Xiang had used the Quenching Nether Mantra, but he couldn’t reveal the reason in public.

So, after struggling for a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, “…You brat, do you think I would stoop so low as to slander a young girl?”

“I wouldn’t dare to assume such a thing, Elder.” Chen Yin quickly feigned alarm. “I was just worried that you might have misjudged the situation.”

“If you have concrete evidence to prove Miss Yin’s guilt, then I’m willing to apologize to all fellow Daoists for my actions today.”

Chen Yin’s words were impeccable and smooth, leaving the elders and the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion’s guest elders speechless. Even Wan Yunhai, the Pavilion Master, tapped his fan thoughtfully and said, “This matter… we seem to have been a bit hasty.”

“Perhaps we should investigate further and prove Miss Yin’s innocence before making any decisions—”

“No!” Elder Mo Jie’s sharp voice interrupted their thoughts.

Everyone turned to look at him. His expression was dark, his gaze fixed on both Yin Mengwan and Chen Yin.

“Matters concerning the demonic path are of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly! If this girl is truly innocent, then she should come with us to the Mist Spirit Sect for investigation!”

His words caused unease not only among the audience but also on Wan Yunhai’s face.

Chen Yin narrowed his eyes.

…He had figured it out.

The others were still rational and level-headed, but this Elder Mo Jie seemed to be driven by a personal vendetta against Xiang’er, as if he wanted her dead.

Combined with the look in Xiang’er’s eyes earlier, Chen Yin had a hunch.

If Xiang’er was taken back to the Mist Spirit Sect with him, no one would know what they would do to her.

After a moment of thought, Chen Yin took a deep breath and changed his tone.

“Elder, although I am also a disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect…”

“I cannot stand to see my friend falsely accused.”

“Please reconsider.” He took a step forward, his voice losing its previous deference.

His actions were considered extremely disrespectful in Elder Mo Jie’s eyes.

Mo Jie’s expression darkened further:

“Which sect are you from? Are you not afraid of bringing trouble upon yourself by protecting a demonic witch?”

“Disciple Chen Yin, from Mount Yu, a branch sect of the Mist Spirit Sect.”

Chen Yin said softly, “My Master is Immortal Yu Ling.”

Amidst the gasps of the crowd, Elder Mo Jie’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. He muttered, “That woman, Yu Ling…”

Chen Yin noticed that Elder Mo Jie’s expression had become visibly tense upon hearing his Master’s name.

But being cunning and experienced, Mo Jie quickly regained his composure and continued in a stern voice:

“Our Immortal Yu Ling is known for her hatred of evil. If your Master finds out that you’re protecting a demonic witch, she will disown you without hesitation!”

Chen Yin’s expression remained unchanged. He almost wanted to laugh.

…You think that loli granny would disown me?

Then you can take over the responsibility of cleaning up her messes every day!

With your meager possessions, that old woman would bankrupt you in no time.

So Chen Yin said nonchalantly, “I’m just doing what’s right. As long as my conscience is clear, I believe Master won’t blame me.”

His words put Elder Mo Jie in a difficult position.

He didn’t dare to report this to Immortal Yu Ling, as he would have a lot to explain himself.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, to Chen Yin’s surprise, a soft but determined voice came from behind him.

“Young… Master Chen.”

“Thank you for what you did today.”

“But there’s no need for you to get involved in this mess.”

“…Just go.”

It was Yu Xiang’s voice.

Her words stunned Chen Yin, and he couldn’t help but turn to look at her.

Yu Xiang lowered her head slightly, her veil concealing her delicate and mysterious face. Underneath, her eyes were filled with a lonely sadness, her lips bitten, her voice trembling slightly.

“Don’t… cause yourself any more trouble because of me.”

Chen Yin was momentarily speechless.

Yu Xiang kept her head down, seemingly afraid to look at him.

In her heart, she had always longed for Chen Yin to stand before her like a valiant hero, shielding her from all the rumors and slander, defying the world for her sake.

But now that it was actually happening, she was suddenly afraid, hesitant.

…She didn’t want Senior Brother to be dragged into this mess because of her.

He was her only support now.

If even you were to get hurt because of me, then what… what would I do…

As she bit her lip and struggled with her emotions, she suddenly heard Chen Yin’s lazy sigh.

“Sigh.”

“Always causing trouble for me.”

His tone carried a hint of inexplicable affection, making Yu Xiang’s eyes widen slightly.

“Plot twist! I’m not here to play the righteous hero today.”

Chen Yin suddenly dropped his polite facade and spread his hands with a grin, his voice loud and clear.

“I’m done pretending. I’m protecting this girl.”

“If you’re not happy about it, come fight me. You old bastard.”

Chapter 30: The Demonic Arts Unleashed

As he predicted, reality unfolded just as he had envisioned.

Shen Shuanglian’s cultivation technique, after all, was the orthodox technique of the Mist Spirit Sect. Even in the current cultivation world, the Mist Moon Frost Sword Art was considered one of the most powerful sword techniques.

Wielded by Shen Shuanglian, the sword art flowed like an endless river. Even though Yu Xiang managed to counter each move, skillfully deflecting the attacks, her lack of a systematic approach made her movements disjointed and lacking in fluidity.

As the fight progressed, Shen Shuanglian’s attacks became increasingly smooth and powerful, while Yu Xiang’s movements grew more sluggish and hesitant, revealing a hint of weakness.

Yu Xiang remained silent, focusing all her energy on wielding her sword.

In the stands, many spectators began to notice Yu Xiang’s disadvantage, and the cheers for Shen Shuanglian grew even louder. They chanted her name with a fervor that bordered on fanaticism.

Shen Shuanglian seemed unfazed by the surrounding cheers, completely immersed in her graceful sword dance, as if performing solo.

Finally, during a move transition, Yu Xiang stumbled slightly.

Shen Shuanglian, of course, wouldn’t miss this golden opportunity. Her sword thrust forward with lightning speed, its tip lightly grazing Yu Xiang’s left shoulder.

Crimson blood instantly bloomed.

Yu Xiang staggered back, her beautiful eyes furrowed in pain as she clutched her shoulder, her gaze fixed on her opponent.

Shen Shuanglian seemed surprised by her opponent’s sudden carelessness. Wary of a potential trap, she didn’t pursue the attack but retreated a step, maintaining a vigilant stance.

The audience erupted in a frenzy.

“Frost Moon Sword Immortal!!! Frost Moon Sword Immortal!!!”

The entire arena was filled with people chanting Shen Shuanglian’s name, their voices merging into a tidal wave that reverberated through the air.

Yu Xiang lowered her head, clutching her shoulder, and glanced around the arena.

…Everyone was chanting Shen Shuanglian’s name.

It was as if she wasn’t even a participant in the match, but merely a spectator celebrating Shen Shuanglian’s victory.

Her presence was completely ignored.

The wound on her shoulder burned with pain.

Lost in her thoughts, Yu Xiang’s gaze inadvertently shifted towards Chen Yin.

Amidst the frenzied crowd, Chen Yin stood out. He wasn’t standing and cheering for Shen Shuanglian like everyone else. Instead, he sat motionless, his brow furrowed in concern.

Yu Xiang’s lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.

…She knew what she was hoping for.

But she also knew it was impossible.

The person on the stage was just an unknown, mysterious female cultivator named Yin Mengwan. Not his beloved Junior Sister Xiang’er.

He wouldn’t cheer for her.

No one would cheer for her.

From the moment the System chose her to be the villain…

Her life was destined to be a lonely one, a path of revenge she had to walk alone.

…

“But… Senior Brother.” She suddenly murmured in a barely audible voice.

“Just this once. Just in front of Senior Brother…”

…Xiang’er didn’t want to lose.

The System, sensing something amiss, panicked. “Wait, wh-what are you going to do?”

Yu Xiang didn’t answer.

She engaged Shen Shuanglian once more, their swords clashing.

Yu Xiang’s swordsmanship seemed unchanged, posing no real threat to Shen Shuanglian. But after a sudden turn, her sword transformed.

Her movements, previously unpredictable and ethereal, became domineering and ruthless, imbued with a sinister and sharp edge.

A dark and profound shadow fell over Yu Xiang’s eyes.

This sudden change caught everyone off guard. Even Shen Shuanglian was momentarily stunned, unable to react in time as her sword was knocked aside.

At the instant Yu Xiang unleashed her attack, Chen Yin closed his eyes.

At the same time, from the top floor of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion, shrouded in a swirling mist, several voices cried out in surprise:

“What? This, this is…”

“Quick! Stop the match!”

But before they could finish their sentences, Yu Xiang’s sword, imbued with a dark and ominous power, shot towards Shen Shuanglian with lightning speed. Caught off guard, Shen Shuanglian could only grit her teeth and raise her sword to block the attack.

She knew that taking this blow head-on might severely injure her, but she had no other choice.

As she braced herself for the impact, the expected pain never came.

Instead, she heard a faint sigh.

“…Sigh.”

Shen Shuanglian opened her eyes, her entire body frozen in shock.

Not only her, but even Yu Xiang, her sword frozen mid-thrust.

Her sword tip was gently caught between two fingers, held by someone whose face she knew so well, a face that haunted her dreams.

Chen Yin had effortlessly intercepted the attack and was now looking at her.

His eyes were filled with an indescribable mix of emotions.

***

Silence descended upon the entire arena.

Most of the audience didn’t realize what had happened. From their perspective, Yin Mengwan, who had been at a disadvantage, suddenly unleashed a powerful attack. But just as she was about to gain the upper hand, she was stopped by an unknown man.

After a brief moment of silence, whispers began to spread through the crowd.

Chen Yin held the sword with one hand, his expression calm as he looked at Yu Xiang.

Shen Shuanglian stared at his back in a daze, seemingly unable to move.

Yu Xiang seemed to have panicked, her eyes filled with fear and vulnerability. She almost blurted out, “Se…”

“Miss Yin, this is just a competition, not a fight to the death. There’s no need to be so reckless.”

Chen Yin chuckled softly. “Let’s calm down and take it slow, shall we?”

…Of course, that wasn’t his true reason.

From the moment Yu Xiang’s demeanor changed, Chen Yin had been watching her intently. He knew that Xiang’er was always driven by her emotions. Although he didn’t know what was wrong with her now, he was worried.

So, he had been ready to intervene at any moment.

The instant Yu Xiang switched techniques, Chen Yin realized what was happening.

The only technique that could truly rival the Mist Moon Frost Sword Art was the legendary demonic cultivation technique, the Quenching Nether Mantra.

But it was a demonic technique!

Xiang’er might have been caught up in the heat of the moment and impulsively revealed her technique to fight Shen Shuanglian, but this meant exposing her identity as the Holy Maiden of the demonic path.

Revealing her identity in such a public setting, especially with a group of elders watching closely from the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion…

The consequences would be unimaginable.

So, he had stepped in to stop Xiang’er.

However, he wasn’t sure if the elders had noticed Xiang’er’s change, so he was still feeling anxious.

But at that moment, a commanding voice boomed through the air:

“I declare the match suspended!”

…Damn it. Chen Yin sighed inwardly.

Amidst the murmurs and commotion from the audience, several figures with an ethereal air descended onto the stage, surrounding Yu Xiang.

Among them was Wan Yunhai, the Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion, and a few others dressed similarly. The rest were dressed in various attires. Chen Yin even spotted an elder wearing the same robes as Shen Shuanglian, likely the protective elder from the Mist Spirit Sect’s main branch.

As they appeared, an invisible pressure descended upon the arena, making the atmosphere stifling and heavy.

Shen Shuanglian finally snapped out of her daze and quickly bowed to the elder wearing the same robes as her. “Elder Mo Jie.”

The thin and wizened Elder Mo Jie nodded slightly, then turned his sharp gaze towards Yu Xiang.

The System was still desperately babbling in Yu Xiang’s ear, “We’re doomed, we’re doomed… How did you expose your identity so quickly… Now, forget about following the plot records, it’ll be a miracle if you can even escape from these righteous elders!”

But Yu Xiang seemed deaf to its pleas.

From the moment Elder Mo Jie appeared, her gaze had been fixed on him.

Her eyes were wide open, filled with a chilling emptiness, as she stared at the elder. Countless emotions flickered in her gaze.

Anger. Resentment. Madness. Hatred.

All the dark emotions converged in her pupils, reflecting the image of the elder.

That figure was one of the recurring nightmares that had haunted her for over a decade.

She would never forget that figure.

She almost lost control of her emotions, her sword trembling slightly in her hand.

Finally, Elder Mo Jie spoke in a low voice:

“Young lady, who are you? Do you even know what kind of technique you just used?”

Yu Xiang bit her lip hard, her eyes bloodshot, but she remained silent.

Beside him, an attendant handed Wan Yunhai a list. After glancing at it, Wan Yunhai read aloud:

“Changli Palace… Changli Palace?”

The elders beside him also exchanged surprised looks and began whispering among themselves:

“Changli Palace?! Could it be the one from a few years ago…”

“Shh… Don’t speak of it…”

Elder Mo Jie, in particular, his expression changed several times upon hearing the name Changli Palace. From surprise, he became silent, and finally, a subtle emotion flickered in his eyes.

“Audacious demonic witch!” he suddenly roared.

“I can’t believe the demonic path has become so bold as to participate in the Fairy Conference right under the noses of so many righteous cultivators!”

“If not for this young man’s quick reflexes, your wicked demonic arts would have succeeded, and our disciple would have been gravely injured!”

The entire audience erupted in an uproar.

Countless people began whispering amongst themselves, “Demonic path? What’s going on? Is this Fairy Yin Mengwan a demonic cultivator?”

“Changli Palace… I think I remember. Wasn’t that the sect whose leader went mad during cultivation and killed everyone in the sect over a decade ago?”

“So there are still survivors from that sect? And they’re involved with the demonic path?”

A cacophony of voices filled the air, filled with shock and condemnation.

Yu Xiang stood on the stage, her body trembling slightly, her eyes filled with both anger and fear.

She instinctively looked at Chen Yin, her eyes pleading for help.

Chen Yin closed his eyes helplessly.

…As expected, things had taken a turn for the worst.

Fate was truly playing a cruel joke on them.

However…

He slowly opened his eyes, a glint of determination in his gaze. He walked towards Yu Xiang and stood protectively in front of her, facing the righteous elders with a calm and composed demeanor.

He cupped his hands respectfully and said, “Esteemed elders, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“I’ve known this young lady for many years. There’s no way she could be a demonic cultivator.”

Chapter 29: A Broken Heart in the Final

“Yin Mengwan”, clad in a black robe that hugged her graceful figure, stepped onto the stage with elegance. Her delicate face was concealed by a veil, and her steps were light and melancholic. She exuded a mysterious and alluring aura.

On the other side, Shen Shuanglian was still wearing the light blue palace dress that Chen Yin had chosen for her. Her face was calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the thunderous cheers of the crowd.

But her appearance had already ignited a wave of excitement in the audience.

Countless cultivators chanted Shen Shuanglian’s name and her title, Frost Moon Sword Immortal, as if the entire event had transformed into her personal performance.

She walked to the front of the stage and stood still.

Yu Xiang, seemingly oblivious to the deafening cheers for Shen Shuanglian, looked at her opponent calmly.

“Alright! Welcome our two finalists to the stage!”

Wan Yunhai gestured with his hand. “On one side, we have the dream lover of countless cultivators, the leading figure of the younger generation, Frost Moon Sword Immortal Shen Shuanglian.”

“On the other side, we have the mysterious veiled fairy, Yin Mengwan, who has fought her way to the final with overwhelming dominance.”

“Who will have the honor of winning the championship? Without further ado, I declare the final of the Number One Fairy Conference officially begun!”

A deafening gong resonated through the air, signaling the start of the final amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd.

However, neither Shen Shuanglian nor Yu Xiang moved.

The surrounding commotion seemed to have no effect on Yu Xiang. While all of Shen Shuanglian’s fans assumed that Frost Moon Sword Immortal would claim the title of Number One Fairy, she stood there silently, like a specter unrelated to the match.

Then, she raised her veiled eyes and scanned the crowd.

…After a moment, her gaze landed on Chen Yin.

Chen Yin froze. Although Xiang’er’s face was concealed, he knew she was looking at him.

Her beautiful eyes seemed to hold a mix of unreadable emotions.

Chen Yin knew she was waiting for him to cheer for her.

Even if the entire world was cheering for the protagonist, if he, just one person, cheered for her, the villain, Yu Xiang would still fight Shen Shuanglian with all her might.

Chen Yin hesitated. Cheering for Yin Mengwan would make him stand out from the crowd, but if Xiang’er truly wanted it, he would support her.

But just as he was about to speak, a cultivator beside him nudged him.

“Hey, brother, you’re here to watch Frost Moon Sword Immortal’s match too, right? Which sect are you from?”

“Uh…” Chen Yin said awkwardly, “I’m a disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect branch, Mount Yu.”

“Oh, oh!! I know, I know,” the man said excitedly. “That’s also a branch sect of the Mist Spirit Sect, right?”

“So, you’re here to cheer for our Senior Sister too?”

Chen Yin was speechless.

If he denied it, he wouldn’t be able to explain his relationship with Yin Mengwan. But if he went along with it, he wouldn’t be able to cheer for Xiang’er.

Following the man’s voice, more and more people turned to look at him, making Chen Yin feel trapped.

…This won’t do.

If he cheered for Xiang’er now, not only would he be unable to explain their relationship, but he might also expose her demonic identity.

After much deliberation, Chen Yin forced a stiff smile.

“Y-yes. Senior Sister is so strong, she’ll definitely win.”

“Right?! I told you!”

The cultivator seemed delighted to have found someone who shared his sentiment. He put his arm around Chen Yin’s shoulder and cheered, “Silk-Robe Fairy is the biggest obstacle to Senior Sister’s victory.”

“Now that even Silk-Robe Fairy has been eliminated by Senior Sister, even if this Yin Mengwan who suddenly appeared is strong, she’s definitely no match for Senior Sister!”

“Come on, let’s cheer for Senior Sister together!” With that, he started chanting, “Frost Moon Sword Immortal! Invincible!”

His voice was followed by a wave of chants from the surrounding crowd:

“Frost Moon Sword Immortal! Invincible!”

“Frost Moon Sword Immortal! Invincible!”

Although Chen Yin smiled awkwardly, he frowned slightly, feeling incredibly uncomfortable being interrupted like this.

But with everyone around him cheering for Shen Shuanglian, it would be too conspicuous for him to cheer for Yin Mengwan at this moment.

That wouldn’t be good for him or Xiang’er.

After careful consideration, he could only follow the crowd with a stiff smile and raise his hand slightly. “Fr-Frost Moon Sword Immortal.”

“Invincible…”

His voice was drowned out by the roaring crowd.

“Frost Moon Sword Immortal!!! Invincible!!!”

***

Yu Xiang’s gaze never once landed on Shen Shuanglian.

Through her veil, her eyes remained fixed on Chen Yin in the stands.

When she saw Chen Yin, with a troubled and awkward expression, join the crowd and chant Shen Shuanglian’s name…

Yu Xiang suddenly felt exhausted.

So tired that she couldn’t even keep her eyes open.

She swayed slightly, only managing to steady herself with the System’s constant reminders.

Shen Shuanglian was still standing opposite her, seemingly in no hurry to attack. She was quietly observing Yu Xiang’s actions.

Yu Xiang took a deep breath, blinked, and asked softly in her heart:

“…System.”

“Yes?”

“Are villains destined to be unloved, only to become stepping stones for the protagonist?”

“What?”

“Is it because I’m not good enough?”

“Wait… what are you talking about?”

“Is it because I’m not the Number One Fairy in Senior Brother’s heart?”

“No, Sister, wait a minute…”

“If I were good enough, if I could win the title of Number One Fairy, would Senior Brother finally see me?”

“What the hell are you talking about! Sister, calm down—”

“If I win…” Yu Xiang suddenly closed her eyes.

…Then Senior Brother’s eyes will only be on me, right?

The next moment, she transformed into a shadowy figure and charged towards Shen Shuanglian.

Shen Shuanglian was not to be outdone. Her cold sword light flashed as she met Yu Xiang’s attack with an ethereal grace.

Damn it… The System wanted to curse.

After all the pep talk it had given her before the match, she had instantly broken down after seeing her crush cheer for her opponent?

All its hard work had gone to waste!

The moment their figures clashed, the entire audience erupted, a wave of cheers washing over the arena.

Chen Yin also focused his attention on the match.

…He had to admit, Xiang’er’s ability to dominate her way to the final wasn’t without merit.

The technique she was using wasn’t Master’s “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” nor a demonic cultivation technique. It was something strange and unorthodox.

Compared to Shen Shuanglian’s grand and elegant movements, her swordsmanship imbued with the profound principles of the righteous path, Yu Xiang was like a guerrilla fighter navigating a complex terrain. Her every move was unpredictable, yet she managed to perfectly counter Shen Shuanglian’s powerful sword intent.

No one had seen this technique or style before, and Chen Yin had never heard of it.

Only the System knew that this was a technique from another world that Yu Xiang had exchanged for using her task points in the System Shop.

Its power was only slightly inferior to her demonic cultivation technique, the “Quenching Nether Mantra.” If it were introduced to the cultivation world, it would be enough to cause chaos and bloodshed.

But what made the System even more anxious was that Yu Xiang using this technique meant she was starting to fight seriously.

…This isn’t what we agreed on, Sister!!!

We agreed that this was just a formality, a few symbolic moves, and then you’d surrender? Why are you fighting for real now?

You tricked me!

Seeing Yu Xiang getting serious, the System, despite its despair, could only desperately try to use its authority to prevent the fight from escalating further.

But as soon as it tried to intervene, an invisible force nullified its actions.

It immediately realized—it was the other System!

Shen Shuanglian most likely possessed the legendary protagonist System, which could block the abilities of other Chosen Ones’ Systems.

Now, it was truly helpless.

As the battle intensified, the System could only repeat in her ear over and over again, its voice filled with despair:

“Wuu, wuu, Sister! Ancestor! My dear grandpa!”

“We agreed not to fight seriously, please don’t lose your temper!”

Yu Xiang’s gaze remained fixed on Shen Shuanglian, her swordsmanship becoming even fiercer. It was unclear how much of the System’s pleas she had heard.

Shen Shuanglian didn’t back down, countering every move.

They exchanged blows, their attacks clashing like sparks, eliciting cheers from the audience. The atmosphere was even more intense than during the match against Luo Qiaoqiao.

Everyone was captivated by this breathtaking display of skill.

Only Chen Yin, after watching for a while, suddenly frowned.

…He could sense that something was wrong with Xiang’er’s demeanor.

Although her attacks were still precise and controlled, Chen Yin had a feeling that she was fighting out of anger.

She wasn’t fighting to win. She was fighting because she didn’t want to lose.

Chen Yin couldn’t explain this feeling, but it was a kind of unspoken understanding that came from years of living with Xiang’er.

While everyone else was amazed by the intensity of the fight, Chen Yin could already see the outcome.

If they continued fighting like this…

Xiang’er would lose within half an incense stick’s time.

Chapter 28: Dawn’s First Light

As the first rays of dawn peeked through the horizon, Chen Yin decided it was time to leave.

He was about to get up when a hand gently grasped his. He turned to find Luo Qiaoqiao looking at him with pleading eyes.

“Can’t you stay a little longer?”

“…Does it have to be now?”

Chen Yin looked at her. “Don’t you want to watch the final of the Fairy Conference?”

Luo Qiaoqiao remained silent, her lips pressed together.

Chen Yin understood. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to watch the final.

She didn’t want him to watch a final where Shen Shuanglian was competing, but she wasn’t.

“It’s just a match.”

Chen Yin gently stroked her hair and said softly, “After the match is over, you can still come find me to play.”

Luo Qiaoqiao pouted dejectedly and lowered her head, but she quickly looked up again. “Alright then.”

“Just promise you won’t stand me up and sneak away this time.”

Chen Yin chuckled nervously. “O-of course not, I promise.”

Luo Qiaoqiao watched as Chen Yin slowly walked away, her eyes filled with unspoken words.

After a long while, the System spoke softly, “Don’t overthink it. It’s only five years. It’s not like you won’t see him again.”

“Look at you, clinging to him like glue. Where’s your maidenly reserve?”

“Five years isn’t that long,” Luo Qiaoqiao retorted, wrinkling her nose. “If I don’t seize the opportunity to enjoy it now, I might not get another chance.”

“Besides… who knows why that blue stocking* Shen Shuanglian is also interested in him. If I don’t keep a close eye on him, she might steal him away.”

“That’s true. That girl is also a Chosen One.” The System agreed. “So, are you still going to watch her match?”

“Yes, of course I am.”

Luo Qiaoqiao stood up abruptly, her skirt swirling around her.

“On one side is that blue stocking I’ve always disliked, and on the other is that annoying person who deliberately provoked me at the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion.”

“No matter who loses, I’ll be happy for a while.” She muttered with a fierce expression.

***

The first light of dawn illuminated the sky.

In front of a secluded house, Yu Xiang silently gazed at the mask in her hand.

On the bed behind her, her clothes from Mount Yu were neatly folded. She was now dressed in an elegant black outfit, with a veil and a bamboo hat placed beside her.

She held the thin human skin mask, her eyes shimmering with a complex mix of emotions.

“…Even if you two really fight to the death, I can’t help you. There’s nothing I can do. That’s the rule for battles between Chosen Ones.”

The System’s voice continued to echo in her ears, “But anyway, today is just a small encounter. You just need to face her, test each other’s strength, and that’s it. Don’t let things get out of hand.”

“Especially don’t reveal your true identity, or it will affect the subsequent plot.”

Yu Xiang stood motionless like a statue, her expression unreadable. It was unclear how much of the System’s words she had absorbed.

The System could only say helplessly, “My dear host, please stop thinking about your Senior Brother. He has no idea about your true identity. In his eyes, his beloved Junior Sister was eliminated in the first round.”

“Even if he does watch this match, it’s just for entertainment. Don’t get too involved. Your current identity is not his Junior Sister.”

Yu Xiang nodded slightly. “…I know.”

But looking at her expression, the System still felt uneasy and couldn’t help but sigh softly.

…Being a System these days was truly a thankless task.

It had to carefully coax its host, always worried that she might deviate from the plot in a fit of anger. It was exhausting and unrewarding.

Yu Xiang continued to stare at the mask calmly.

After a moment, she slowly put it on and stood up.

“…It’s time to go.” She murmured to herself, her eyes downcast.

As the morning light bathed the sky, she put on her veil and bamboo hat and stepped out into the world.

***

By the time Chen Yin arrived at the arena, it was already packed with people.

After all, it was the final of the Fairy Conference. Even though the battle between Silk-Robe Fairy and Frost Moon Sword Immortal had already taken place, it didn’t diminish the excitement for the final match.

However, the crowd was now chanting “Frost Moon Sword Immortal” almost unanimously.

Although the mysterious Fairy “Yin Mengwan” had gained some popularity during the tournament, she was still far less popular than the renowned Frost Moon Sword Immortal.

The entire arena seemed to be surrounded by Shen Shuanglian’s fans, her name echoing from every corner.

…Senior Sister is truly popular. Chen Yin marveled as he found a seat and waited patiently for the match to begin.

As the crowd grew increasingly excited and noisy, a group of dancers suddenly appeared on the stage, performing a graceful dance that further ignited the audience’s cheers.

Chen Yin was surprised to see a song and dance performance like an opening ceremony. He enjoyed watching the beautiful fairies’ graceful movements.

The dancing was good.

After the dance, a mist suddenly spread across the stage, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

A voice boomed through the mist:

“Fellow Daoists of the cultivation world!”

“Welcome to the final of the Number One Fairy Conference, hosted by the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion!”

The mist cleared, revealing a handsome young man in luxurious clothes, adorned with a purple-gold crown and jade pendant, a folding fan in his hand. He strode onto the stage with an air of elegance and grace.

“I am Wan Yunhai, the Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion. Greetings to all fellow Daoists.” The handsome young man bowed gracefully, his demeanor impeccable.

The moment Wan Yunhai appeared, ear-piercing screams erupted from the female cultivators in the audience:

“Ah!!! Brother Yunhai!! Brother Yunhai, look at me!”

“Brother Yunhai, you’re so handsome!!”

Amidst the deafening cheers, Chen Yin stared at the man in astonishment, finally managing to sputter out:

“…Holy crap.”

Although the man on stage was now dressed in luxurious clothes, Chen Yin recognized him instantly.

…That was the young man who had been taking bets at the stall a few days ago.

Rumors about the Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion were widespread in the cultivation world. It was said that he was a cultured man, known for his romantic affairs, a true playboy.

But this was the first time Chen Yin had seen the Pavilion Master in person.

He never imagined that the friendly young man who had been hawking bets so skillfully was actually the Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion.

What was even stranger was that many people besides him must have seen the young man at the stall, but no one seemed to notice anything unusual.

“Thank you all for your support. We have finally arrived at the most anticipated event of the conference, the final!”

Wan Yunhai announced grandly, “Now, let’s welcome our two finalists!”

With his announcement, two figures gracefully stepped onto the stage from opposite sides, igniting the crowd once more.

***

T/N:

蓝皮袜子 (Blue stocking) refers to a woman who is perceived as cold, unapproachable, and lacking in charm or femininity. Luo Qiaoqiao’s use of this phrase suggests that she views Shen Shuanglian as aloof and uninteresting.(This is just my interpretation :))

A more idiomatic English translation could be:

• “That icy woman, Shen Shuanglian”

• “That cold and boring Shen Shuanglian”

-Also, it could just be Shen Shuanglian’s clothes color, haha”

Chapter 27: A Night Bathed in Moonlight’s Gentle Embrace

Long after the match ended, people were still buzzing about the spectacular showdown.

For many, this had been the final they had anticipated. To witness a battle between Frost Moon Sword Immortal and Silk-Robe Fairy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

No one seemed to care about the outcome of Yin Mengwan’s match in the other semi-final.

When the crowds dispersed, Chen Yin walked over to the other stage, only to find it deserted. The only evidence of the match was Yin Mengwan’s name on the scoreboard, indicating her advancement to the final.

…As expected, she won without any trouble. Chen Yin sighed softly.

This meant…

Xiang’er would be facing his Senior Sister in the final.

Although Chen Yin knew that Xiang’er hadn’t fully mastered her demonic arts yet and wouldn’t fight Shen Shuanglian to the death, the image of their mutual destruction from his previous life was still deeply etched in his memory.

He really didn’t want Xiang’er and Senior Sister to fight.

On one hand, there was Xiang’er, whom he treated like his own sister. On the other hand, there was his shy Senior Sister, whom he had a good impression of.

No matter who won, Chen Yin wouldn’t be happy.

So for this final, Chen Yin was prepared to intervene at any moment. No matter what happened, he couldn’t let things go down the same path as before.

Of course, he didn’t think it was very likely. After all, the Fairy Conference was a major event, and the organizers wouldn’t host it without proper security measures.

For every Fairy Conference, the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion would dispatch several Boundless Realm and even Supreme Clarity Realm guest elders to maintain order. Each sect would also send their own elders to accompany their disciples.

These elders were all prominent figures in the cultivation world. They usually wouldn’t even bother showing up in public. They were probably already gathered in the VIP room, sipping tea and enjoying themselves.

With so many elders present, any trouble that arose could surely be suppressed.

While the crowd was still dispersing, Chen Yin lingered for a while before leisurely returning to his room.

***

Back in his room, he found no sign of Xiang’er, only a note saying that she had gone down the mountain to run a small errand for some spirit stones and would return tomorrow.

Chen Yin knew that Xiang’er was probably looking for an excuse to prepare for tomorrow’s match without being disturbed.

So, with no Xiang’er to tease, Chen Yin found himself bored. Unable to find anything to pass the time, he simply went to sleep.

He slept until evening.

As the summer night’s chirping insects filled the air, Chen Yin was awakened by a knock on the door. He rubbed his eyes and opened the door.

“Xiang’er? Didn’t you say you weren’t coming back? Why are you—”

He stopped mid-sentence, stunned.

Standing at the door wasn’t Xiang’er, but a figure in an eye-catching bright red dress.

Luo Qiaoqiao stood there, her hands behind her back, a sweet smile on her face.

“Sister Qiaoqiao? What are you doing here?”

“What? The matches are over, can’t I come find you to play?”

Chen Yin was speechless. Luo Qiaoqiao walked straight into his room and looked around with interest.

“Hey… shouldn’t you at least ask for my permission before entering?” Chen Yin said helplessly.

But Luo Qiaoqiao just stuck her tongue out at him and said mischievously, “Do you have something to hide in your room? Something you’re trying to keep secret?”

“Not really, but what if I did? Wouldn’t it be awkward for you to come in?”

“No.” Luo Qiaoqiao pouted. “What could you possibly have to hide?”

After a pause, a playful expression appeared on her face.

“I heard that the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion sells special spirit puppets designed specifically for lonely male cultivators during those long, lonely nights. Do you happen to have one?”

…What kind of anime plot is this? Playing with a blow-up doll at home and getting caught by the big sister next door?

Chen Yin rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry. Those spirit puppets are expensive, I can’t afford them. I’d rather spend the money on a brothel in the city below.”

“What’s so good about those mortal women?”

Luo Qiaoqiao plopped onto Chen Yin’s bed without hesitation, striking a seductive pose and winking at him. “I can take care of your needs.”

“…I’d rather not. I’m afraid I’m not experienced enough and would finish in a second.”

“It’s okay, I don’t mind~”

“I mind, okay?!”

This crazy girl was truly shameless. Chen Yin was defeated.

Luo Qiaoqiao pouted and hummed, then got up and grabbed his hand, her grip firm.

“I lost today, and I’m not in a good mood. Come walk with me.”

Chen Yin had no room for refusal and could only let her soft hand lead him out of the room.

Outside was a garden, bathed in the faint moonlight, with fireflies flickering in the distance. The path was covered in shadows cast by the surrounding trees.

Luo Qiaoqiao held Chen Yin’s hand and walked aimlessly, seemingly unwilling to let go.

“…Are you upset about losing to Senior Sister?”

“Yes,” Luo Qiaoqiao said softly. “Very upset.”

“She and I rose to fame at the same time. Wherever I go, people always compare me to her.”

“I’m proud and refuse to admit that I’m inferior to her, so of course I’m unhappy about losing.”

Chen Yin could only offer a generic response, “Victory and defeat are common in battles. You shouldn’t dwell on it too much, Sister Qiaoqiao. Just win next time.”

Luo Qiaoqiao still seemed dissatisfied. She turned around and stared at him with a hint of resentment in her eyes.

“Actually, I lost, but not completely.”

Chen Yin: “…?”

“Chen Yin, before the match, who did you want to win? Me or your Senior Sister?”

She stared intently at him.

Chen Yin couldn’t understand why she was asking him this life-or-death question again. He could only spread his hands helplessly. “On one hand, there’s Sister Qiaoqiao, who’s so close to me. On the other hand, there’s my Senior Sister from my sect. It’s not appropriate for me to answer either way.”

“Tell me what you truly think.”

“Then I can only say that I hoped you would both lose.”

Fight until you exhaust your spiritual energy, then start pulling each other’s hair and clothes, wrestling into a tangled mess.

Who doesn’t love watching a good catfight?

…Of course, out of fear for his life, Chen Yin didn’t dare to say those last words aloud.

Luo Qiaoqiao was still not satisfied. She blinked, then put her hands behind her back, stomping her foot like a sulking child.

Chen Yin cautiously approached her. “Are you angry?”

“Whether I’m angry or not is not important.”

She suddenly turned to him and said seriously, “But you have to coax me.”

…Another straightforward request.

Chen Yin always felt that Luo Qiaoqiao was a very special girl. Unlike other girls, she didn’t want him to guess her mood or figure out what to do when she was unhappy.

She would always tell him directly: I’m unhappy. Coax me.

Simple and straightforward. Yet, there was a certain charm to it.

Chen Yin thought for a moment and said, “Okay, good sister, don’t be angry anymore, okay?”

“Not enough.”

“…Then what else do you want?”

“I want you to say, with your own mouth, that you wanted me to win and didn’t want Shen Shuanglian to win.”

Chen Yin was exasperated. “But… wouldn’t that make me a traitor to my sect?”

“I don’t care.”

She grabbed Chen Yin’s hand tightly and said with a serious look, “It’s just the two of us now, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Even if it’s a lie, just say it to make me happy. I just want to hear you say it.”

Chen Yin fell silent.

Seeing his hesitation, Luo Qiaoqiao’s eyes gradually dimmed with disappointment.

“…Forget it.” She hummed softly, as if talking to herself.

“If you don’t want to say it, then don’t.”

“But as compensation, you have to kiss me.”

Chen Yin hesitated for a moment, then gently cupped her face in his hands.

Seeing Chen Yin’s serious expression, Luo Qiaoqiao suddenly felt nervous. A blush crept onto her fair cheeks, and her breathing quickened.

But Chen Yin didn’t kiss her. Instead, he asked seriously:

“Sister Qiaoqiao, will you push me away again this time?”

Luo Qiaoqiao froze, then realized he was teasing her about their first encounter. She couldn’t help but stomp on his foot playfully.

“Just kiss me! Why are you being so hesitant?!”

With that, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

…It was a completely different feeling from kissing Xiang’er.

Passionate, fiery, as if something was burning. It reminded him of a flower blooming in the night.

Behind the intense passion was a silky smoothness and gentleness.

Chen Yin almost lost himself in the sensation. Finally, he managed to regain his composure, and they reluctantly parted.

Luo Qiaoqiao’s face was as red as her dress. She was panting slightly, but her eyes were bright, as if she was waiting for something.

“Did you enjoy that?” she asked.

“…I didn’t hate it.”

“Hey, don’t play coy after getting a taste of my lips. Do you know how valuable a kiss from Silk-Robe Fairy is? Countless men would give anything for it, but I wouldn’t even look at them.”

Chen Yin retorted, “Then do you know how valuable a shot from Mount Yu’s Number One little steel cannon(young and talented person) is? Those women don’t even have the right to fight for it.”

…Because no one was actually fighting for him.

His words made Luo Qiaoqiao burst into laughter. She said with a smile, “So you’re saying that I took advantage of you?”

“Of course.”

“Then… how about I compensate you?”

With that, her long eyelashes almost brushed against his face.

His lips were once again enveloped in softness.

“…Now that I’ve kissed you twice, we’re even, right?”

“Uh, actually, it seems like I owe you one now.”

“Then pay me back.”

“…Are you exploiting a loophole?”

The moonlight was soft and cool. They sat on the edge of a cliff at the end of the forest, gazing at the moon and chatting.

They talked about many things, sharing everything. Luo Qiaoqiao was like a young girl eager to tell her beloved all her stories, her words flowing endlessly.

Chen Yin didn’t feel impatient but listened with interest.

When they finally grew tired, Luo Qiaoqiao leaned against Chen Yin’s shoulder and fell asleep.

Chen Yin took off his outer robe and draped it over her, then sat quietly beside her.

He didn’t know if Luo Qiaoqiao was truly unhappy about losing the match or just wanted to talk to him.

But it didn’t matter. This was enough.

…The moonlight bathed them in its gentle embrace all night long.