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

Chapter 6: Humans Can Start Anew, But Flowers Cannot Rebloom

A few days later.

Early in the morning.

Stepping out of the wooden hut and stretching, Chen Yin suddenly felt his mood lift.

There were still five years.

This time, he had plenty of time.

Passing by the pond, Chen Yin suddenly heard the sounds of splashing water and soft humming coming from the bathroom.

…Xiang’er was taking a bath so early in the morning.

The pond was behind the bathroom, and faint wisps of steam could be seen escaping from the high window at the back of the bathroom.

Looking at the wisps of steam, Chen Yin couldn’t help but imagine the scene of Xiang’er bathing:

Water droplets slowly sliding down her smooth shoulders, the misty white steam blurring the lines between the mist and her snow-white skin.

Her long, slender legs moving in the water, her fair and alluring neck exposed beneath her updo…

Hehe, hehehe.

A lecherous expression unconsciously appeared on Chen Yin’s face, and he almost drooled.

“I really want to see…”

“I really want to see…”

The next moment, Chen Yin turned his head and made eye contact with a palace-dressed little loli who also had a lecherous smile on her face.

Chen Yin: “?”

Master: “?”

“Master, what are you looking at?”

“What?” Master said unhappily. “Can’t I look just because I’m a woman?”

“Who doesn’t like watching pretty girls bathe?”

“That’s true… that’s bullshit!”

Chen Yin stood in front of Master with a righteous expression. “Master! I usually respect you for your high moral standing, but I didn’t expect you to have such indecent thoughts about a young girl!”

“I can’t let you do as you please! Today, unless you step over my dead body, I will protect my Junior Sister’s reputation!”

Upon hearing this, Master’s delicate eyebrows shot up in anger, and she put her little hands on her hips:

“You stinky brat, you’re hoarding the view and acting so righteous about it?”

“I’m just checking on my disciple’s development, what’s it to you?”

“Besides,” she said with disdain, crossing her arms, “It’s better than a certain cowardly pervert who can only hide outside and fantasize.”

Chen Yin was instantly furious, but there was nothing he could do when faced with the smug smile of the scheming little loli in front of him.

…Forget it. I’ll watch another day.

“Let’s go. Don’t disturb Xiang’er’s bath.”

“Then you go quickly and let Master watch alone—hey hey hey, what are you doing!”

Chen Yin turned around expressionlessly, grabbed the little loli by the collar of her back, and half-dragged, half-pulled Master up the mountain.

Along the way,

Master flailed her arms like a child, making a fuss and shouting:

“Let go of Master! Master wants to watch Xiang’er bathe! Master wants to see a pretty girl naked!”

In the bathroom, Xiang’er looked up as if sensing something and looked around blankly.

“Huh?”

“…Did someone call me?”

***

After dragging Master up the mountain and throwing her into the bath in her cave dwelling, Chen Yin sat down at the small tea table by the pool, grumbling.

“Honestly. If you want to watch girls bathe, can’t you just watch yourself?”

He took a sip of tea and said dejectedly, “I’m so unlucky… I finally had a chance.”

“Hmph. If you’re bold enough, Xiang’er can take maternity leave.”

Master Yu Ling was submerged in the bath, only her small head exposed, her face flushed.

“If you weren’t such a coward, you could have found a chance to be assertive and take Xiang’er down. Would you need to sneak around and peek like this?”

“You could even go in and wash together.”

Chen Yin imagined the scene. His blood pressure shot up.

…He felt like his life goals suddenly became clear.

“Forget it. Xiang’er probably doesn’t think much of me, a useless Senior Brother. If I really forced myself on her, I would only be holding her back.”

Chen Yin sighed and said slowly, “I’m just a carefree and useless person, my cultivation isn’t high, and I don’t have any great ambitions.”

“If Xiang’er really followed me, she would probably suffer.”

Master suddenly glanced at Chen Yin, then turned back.

“You brat. You’re usually full of sweet talk, but you’re quite self-aware.”

Chen Yin: “…I was just being humble, not for you to take it seriously. You perverted loli granny.”

“Let’s talk about something serious.”

Scooping up some water and splashing it on her shoulders, Master Yu Ling’s lazy voice became slightly more serious:

“Focus on your cultivation recently. If you can reach the Cloud Ascending Realm, do it quickly.”

“You’ve been dawdling for so long, it’s about time.”

Hmm? Chen Yin became curious.

Master, who usually didn’t urge him to cultivate, suddenly changed her attitude.

“Is something the matter?”

“In a while, the Number One Fairy Conference hosted by the Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion will begin again.”

Master said softly, “It’s about time for our Xiang’er to see the world.”

“Master means… you want me to accompany Xiang’er to participate?”

Chen Yin was surprised.

He had heard of this Number One Fairy Conference.

The Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion was, strictly speaking, a merchant guild that often traded various goods between the cultivation world and the mortal world, doing business across the entire continent.

The Pavilion Master was said to be a playboy, whose favorite pastime was ranking the fairies of the cultivation world, writing their biographies, and painting their portraits.

This Number One Fairy Conference gathered all the young female cultivators in the cultivation world to compete and determine the “Number One Beauty of the Cultivation World,” who possessed both unparalleled cultivation and beauty.

Although it sounded unreliable, the Pavilion Master was quite powerful, and with the wealth and influence of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion, he held a certain degree of prestige in both the mortal and cultivation worlds. Moreover, for the various cultivation sects, this was also a good opportunity for their female disciples to gain experience and increase the sect’s reputation.

After holding it a few times, its fame gradually grew, and it became a classic event in the cultivation world.

“But… Xiang’er is only at the early stage of the Cloud Ascending Realm. She’s just average in the current cultivation world. Why bother going there for nothing?”

“Well, it’s always good to see the world.” Master shook her head. “We can’t keep Xiang’er trapped on the mountain forever.”

“Besides… it’s easier for you to make your move if Xiang’er is out and about.”

“Right?” She glanced at Chen Yin, feigning nonchalance.

Chen Yin’s eyes widened slightly.

“Master… do you know something?”

“I don’t know. And I’m not interested in knowing.”

Master stretched lazily and leaned against the edge of the pool, speaking languidly, “You young people should handle your own affairs.”

Chen Yin pondered for a moment and nodded.

“I understand.”

“Good.” Master’s beautiful eyes lowered slightly. “The journey is long, and I wouldn’t feel at ease letting your Little Junior Sister go alone.”

“It just so happens that I have something to attend to in a while and can’t accompany Xiang’er.”

“So I can only ask you, her Senior Brother, to accompany her on this trip.”

Something to attend to? Chen Yin asked curiously, “Is Master going out?”

“Hah, don’t think that I’m always leisurely.”

Master Yu Ling pouted. “After all, I’m a Supreme Clarity Realm Immortal.”

“Do you know how few Supreme Clarity Realm cultivators there are in the entire cultivation world? Of course, I’m very busy.”

…You clearly spend most of your time drinking and causing trouble.

If all Supreme Clarity Realm Immortals were as carefree as you, I’d be a ghost. Chen Yin muttered to himself.

“But Master, I haven’t even reached the Cloud Ascending Realm yet. My cultivation is lower than Junior Sister’s.”

He said with a wry smile, “If I really escort Junior Sister, I’m not sure who will be protecting whom if we encounter any danger on the road.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to cultivate quickly, you little brat.”

Master snorted. “Otherwise, if we encounter bandits on the road who want to snatch your Xiang’er and make her their wife, what will you do?”

“…That won’t do. NTR is unacceptable.”

“If you don’t want to be a cuckold, then cultivate quickly during this time.”

“Besides,” Master glared at him, “What are you pretending for with me?”

“The key to your breakthrough isn’t whether you can…”

“…But whether you want to.”

Chen Yin smiled without saying anything.

“That’s it then.”

Master rolled her eyes at him. “Why are you still standing there? Are you waiting to get caught for being a lolicon?”

Chen Yin was about to get up resentfully when he suddenly noticed a thin, black line on Master’s back, twisted like a centipede.

…It looked like a wound.

“Hmm?”

Chen Yin frowned slightly. “Master, are you injured?”

Master Yu Ling’s hand, which was scooping water, stiffened for a moment, then returned to normal. “What daydreams are you having, you brat?”

“Don’t you know that the biggest advantage of my ‘Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra’ is its resilience?”

“In the entire cultivation world, can you find anyone who can injure me?” As she spoke, the little loli proudly raised her head.

…That was true.

The “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” was a cultivation method that didn’t focus on offense but on longevity.

It didn’t have many killing moves, but it emphasized being tough, with fast health and mana regeneration.

At Master’s level, she was practically immortal.

“You’re right.” Chen Yin scratched his head. “I was overthinking it.”

“Anyway, don’t be too arrogant when you’re out there having fun. Otherwise, it won’t be easy for me to save you.”

Master Yu Ling, unusually, didn’t tease him back but fell silent for a moment.

After a while, she chuckled softly, closing her eyes and lowering her head.

“…You brat. You’re even boasting in front of your Master now.”

“You don’t need to worry about my affairs yet.”

“Figure out your own things first.”

Chen Yin lowered his head and remained silent.

“What are you still standing there for? Are you waiting to take advantage of your Master?”

“If Master needs anything from me, I’m always at your service.”

He put on a relaxed smile and cupped his hands. “Although I’m not good at fighting, I can massage your shoulders, hammer your legs, and cheer you on.”

“I can still do that.”

Master Yu Ling was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t help but chuckle, her voice sweet and charming.

“Hah, you stinky brat, you can’t even pretend to be cool properly.”

“If I really wanted someone to massage my shoulders and hammer my legs, wouldn’t a pretty and soft girl like Xiang’er be better? Who would want a little pervert like you?”

Chen Yin said helplessly, “Master, Xiang’er is still your disciple. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation if word got out about you talking like this.”

“Then what can I do!”

Master snorted and turned her head away. “I’m just a pervert, I like looking at pretty girls, what can you do about it?”

“There is… a way.”

“Master, although you seem to have an incurable disease…”

After some thought, Chen Yin said seriously, “But humans can start anew, while flowers cannot rebloom.”

“How about… Master, you restart?” He asked cautiously, poking his head out.

The next moment.

A huge splash of water blasted him out of the cave dwelling.

Chapter 5: Little Fox Demon Luo Luo

The little girl was still wearing the same tattered clothes, her dirty little face carrying a trace of fear and apprehension, as if she was afraid that Chen Yin would attack her at any moment.

“Se… Senior…”

“Who are you?” Chen Yin asked, his voice deliberately cold behind the mask. “Are you also a member of the demonic path?”

“N-no… I’m not from the demonic path.”

The little girl’s voice trembled as she took a small step back.

As if due to excessive fear, her body instinctively reacted.

Her ears slowly became pointed and thin, covered in soft fur.

Behind her, a snow-white tail also swayed gently.

…A fox?

Chen Yin asked curiously, “Are you a demon? A fox demon?”

The little girl nodded pitifully.

At this moment, the little fox demon was far more surprised than Chen Yin.

…That was Hei Ran!

A powerful Elder-level figure, one of the top members of the demonic path.

But the person in front of her, with just a single sword strike, had completely obliterated Hei Ran, whose strength was unfathomable.

What kind of monstrous cultivation was this? At least a Supreme Clarity Realm Immortal among human cultivators, right?

“Why are you here?”

Chen Yin frowned slightly. “The demon race and the demonic path shouldn’t get along very well.”

“I… I’m here for revenge.”

The little girl hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, “The demonic altar master here before was a very bad person. He killed many of my friends.”

“I couldn’t defeat him, so I wanted to keep an eye on him while cultivating diligently.”

“That way, when I’m strong enough to defeat him, I can take revenge!”

“But… some time ago, that person left, and the Elder stationed here became Hei Ran.”

The little fox demon lowered her head slightly. “Hei Ran is very powerful. I was afraid he would discover me, so I only dared to stay far away.”

“Until just now…”

After finishing, she looked at Chen Yin expectantly.

Chen Yin was silent for a moment, then asked in return, “Is your ability to conceal your form and aura, even avoiding detection by me and Hei Ran, a racial talent?”

The little fox demon nodded vigorously.

“Concealing in the void is the innate ability of our fox demon lineage. If we hide well, even Supreme Clarity Realm Immortals might not be able to discover us.”

“I was just startled for a moment and accidentally leaked my aura…”

After saying that, her little eyes drooped dejectedly.

Chen Yin pondered.

Honestly, he didn’t know much about the demon race.

But he could tell that this little girl was, to put it nicely, naive, and to put it bluntly, a bit silly.

Her cultivation was only at the early stage of the Cloud Ascending Realm. It would probably take who knows how many years before she could cultivate to the point of fighting a demonic Elder like Hei Ran.

However, her ability to conceal herself in the void did pique Chen Yin’s interest.

After a moment, Chen Yin suddenly spoke coldly, raising his sword:

“Hmph. No matter who you are…”

“Since you’ve seen my secret, I can’t leave you alive.”

After saying that, he pretended to raise his sword to strike.

The little fox demon immediately shrank into a ball, her fluffy tail and ears trembling.

“Ah!! Don’t kill me!”

“I-I-I’m still young, I don’t want to die, I still have so many dried fish and steamed buns to eat…”

Chen Yin: “…”

Seeing the little fox demon whimpering, Chen Yin almost lost his composure from her cuteness.

But in the end, he held back, coughed, and said in a deliberately stern voice:

“Not kill you?”

“If I don’t kill you, what if you leak the fact that I killed Hei Ran and attract the pursuit of the demonic path?”

“I…”

The little fox pouted and fiddled with her fingers, then said cautiously after a moment:

“I… I’ll make a pinky promise with you, I promise not to tell, okay?”

Chen Yin: “…”

He suddenly began to wonder if taking her under his wing would actually be a bad thing.

This girl was probably a fool.

“Hmph! If you keep playing dumb, don’t blame this sword immortal for showing no mercy!”

Seeing Chen Yin pretending to strike again, the little fox demon hurriedly said, “Se-Senior! I-I know another way!”

“I, I can become your servant, okay?” she cried with tears in her eyes.

He finally heard the answer he wanted.

Under the mask, a smile appeared on Chen Yin’s lips.

The demon race was different from other races. A demon could, once in their lifetime, carve someone’s mark on their lifeblood essence, which was equivalent to becoming their servant.

After becoming a servant, they could no longer disobey their master’s orders. The price of removing the mark was also extremely high.

Under the threat of Chen Yin’s sword, the little fox demon could only reluctantly condense a drop of her lifeblood essence and offer it to Chen Yin.

Chen Yin infused it with his spiritual power, and a strange feeling grew between them.

It was as if the little fox demon couldn’t resist any of his thoughts.

The little fox demon looked dejected and disappointed, her ears drooping as she whispered in grievance:

“Wuu… my first time…”

Chen Yin: “?”

No, can’t you phrase it differently?

You make me sound like a villain who’s bullying a little girl.

“Ahem.”

After clearing his throat, seeing that the little fox demon no longer posed a threat, Chen Yin relaxed slightly and softened his tone:

“Alright. Don’t cry.”

“Since you’ve become my servant, I won’t treat you badly.”

The little fox demon seemed not to have heard him, her eyes still red.

“…How about this.”

Chen Yin recalled how he coaxed Xiang’er on the mountain and said:

“After we go out, I’ll buy you dried fish and steamed buns, okay?”

Hearing this, the little fox demon slowly stopped crying and blinked timidly:

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Chen Yin nodded seriously. “As long as you want to eat, I can buy them for you anytime.”

“Yay!”

The little fox demon immediately burst into tears of joy, happily holding Chen Yin’s hand: “Then Master, I also want candied hawthorns, jujube cakes, and peach preserves…”

Seeing the little fox demon’s excitement, Chen Yin couldn’t help but start doubting his choice again.

…This silly girl could be tricked with just a few steamed buns.

Was she really reliable?

***

Half an hour later, at a residence in Flowing Cloud City.

“…For now, you’ll stay here and use your void concealment ability to check on the situation at the demonic branch altar every day.”

Chen Yin instructed, “When I come to find you, report the situation to me.”

“Do you understand?”

The little fox demon absentmindedly replied with several “mm-hmms,” her eyes constantly darting around.

“Master, are all human cultivators so rich? You can buy a whole residence just like that?”

“Human currency naturally has no meaning to cultivators. After all, we use spirit stones.”

“I see.” The little fox demon thought for a moment and said, “I thought spirit stones were worthless.”

“You’ve already reached the early stage of the Cloud Ascending Realm, don’t you have any spirit stones?” Chen Yin asked curiously.

“Yes.” She blinked. “But I exchanged them all for candied hawthorns.”

“How many?”

“Ten!” After saying that, she proudly puffed out her chest.

…You were completely ripped off!

Chen Yin rubbed his forehead for a moment, then slowly asked, “So, you were selling shell necklaces on the street to exchange for money to buy snacks?”

“Yes.”

The little fox said happily, “I found that humans seem to like those useless decorations. Every time I casually pick up a few from the beach and sell them, many brothers and sisters come to buy them! They even praise me for being cute!”

“Master, am I not amazing?”

“…I don’t think they like buying these shell necklaces.” Chen Yin felt a little embarrassed.

They just think a little girl like you looks cute and pitiful, and they feel sorry for you.

This was probably the “I’m cute, please give me money” tactic.

Chen Yin said helplessly, “Also, haven’t I told you? You don’t have to call me Master, just call me Young Master.”

“If anyone asks, you just say you’re the maid of the owner of this residence.”

The little fox demon responded with an “mm-hmm” and said cutely:

“Young Master~”

Chen Yin nodded with satisfaction.

…Not to mention, this little fox didn’t look very old, around fourteen or fifteen years old, but she had the natural beauty of the fox demon race.

Her skin was as white as snow, her fox-like eyes were lively and adorable, and her fluffy ears and tail were especially pleasing to Chen Yin, who loved cats and dogs in his previous life.

“You can settle in for now. Spend the money I gave you wisely. Don’t spend it all on snacks before I come back to find you next time.”

The little fox demon nodded vigorously, but judging by her eager eyes, she clearly couldn’t wait to go shopping.

Chen Yin didn’t bother to care about her. As long as she had become his servant, he didn’t have to worry about her betraying him.

“Oh, one last thing.”

Chen Yin asked, “What’s your name?”

The little fox demon blinked and smiled sweetly.

“My name is Luo Luo.”

***

It was almost evening when he returned to the mountain.

When Chen Yin arrived, Xiang’er had been waiting in front of the hut for a long time. Seeing him, she hurried over:

“Senior Brother! Where did you go? I couldn’t find you anywhere when I came back!”

Seeing Yu Xiang’s worried and slightly annoyed expression, Chen Yin couldn’t help but tease her:

“Well, I met a few young masters at the foot of the mountain, and we hit it off.”

“They said there’s a high-class brothel in Flowing Cloud City, and they even offered to treat me to a good time.”

“So…” Chen Yin said with a reminiscent expression, “The taste of those ladies, tsk tsk tsk. It was truly—”

Before he could finish his words, Yu Xiang’s face gradually darkened.

“Senior… Brother.”

“…Actually, I just went to the next town to get a pot of fine wine for Master.”

Yu Xiang snorted softly and turned her head away, ignoring him.

Chen Yin cautiously approached her: “What’s wrong? Is our Xiang’er jealous?”

“No! Why would I be jealous of you, a bad Senior Brother?”

Yu Xiang put her hands on her hips and pouted angrily. “I’m not your wife or Dao Companion, so I don’t care where you go or what you do!”

“Even if Senior Brother goes to brothels every day to spend money and have fun with beautiful girls, it’s none of my business!”

“Ahem.” Chen Yin coughed and said seriously, “Actually, if Xiang’er wants to, you can really become my wife or Dao Companion—”

“No! Way!”

Bang. The door to the hut slammed shut.

Chen Yin sighed helplessly.

It seemed that Xiang’er wouldn’t calm down before tonight.

Chapter 4: An Extra’s Sword Can Slay Immortals Too

Flowing Cloud City.

The nearest town at the foot of Mount Yu.

A small border town, neither rich nor particularly prosperous, but with a leisurely and comfortable atmosphere.

Every half a month, the town held a market, where merchants from all over brought their wares to sell on the streets. The small town became bustling with people, much livelier than usual.

After entering the town, Xiang’er happily strolled through the market, looking here and there, just like any other young girl out for a day of shopping.

Chen Yin followed her from a distance, silently observing her.

For the entire morning, Xiang’er didn’t make any unusual moves.

By noon, Chen Yin was still patiently following Xiang’er’s movements.

Suddenly, a sweet, childish voice sounded beside him:

“Big brother, do you want to buy a necklace?”

Chen Yin turned his head and saw a young girl of about fourteen or fifteen years old timidly tugging at his clothes.

The little girl’s cheeks were dirty, and her clothes were worn and tattered, but her eyes were exceptionally clear and bright, making it hard not to feel affection and pity for her.

Chen Yin glanced at the basket she was carrying, which contained some handmade shell necklaces.

After hesitating for a moment, Chen Yin rubbed the little girl’s head, took all the shell necklaces, and gave her a silver ingot.

“I’ll take all of these.”

The little girl’s face instantly bloomed with a happy smile.

“Thank you, big brother!”

Chen Yin smiled too.

But when he stood up and turned around, he suddenly realized that Xiang’er was no longer where she had been.

Chen Yin’s eyes narrowed, and he immediately chased after her.

Just after Chen Yin left, Yu Xiang’s figure slowly emerged from around the corner of the street.

Her eyes were calm as she spoke to herself:

“System. Who is the person following us?”

“I don’t know.” A mechanical voice sounded in her ear. “There’s no record of him in the plot.”

“He should be an irrelevant extra. Don’t mind him. Let’s just do what we need to do. As long as he’s not in the plot records, whatever he does has nothing to do with us.”

“An irrelevant character…” Yu Xiang’s eyes lowered slightly.

“Then let’s ignore him.”

“Speaking of which, you mentioned before that my Senior Brother is also an irrelevant character.”

“Yes.” The system seemed a little puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

“…Nothing.”

Yu Xiang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, “Remember what you promised me.”

“As long as I follow the plot, my Senior Brother will be safe.”

“Don’t worry.”

The system said nonchalantly, “He’s just an extra.”

“Since there’s no record of him in the plot, he’ll definitely be fine.”

“He’ll probably still be an oblivious, ordinary Mist Spirit Sect disciple even five years later when you’ve mastered your demonic arts.”

Yu Xiang looked into the distance, her eyes unfocused.

After a while, she slowly shook her head, her gaze gradually becoming firm.

“…That’s enough.”

“As long as Senior Brother is safe, I can take revenge without any worries.”

Then, Xiang’er’s figure disappeared into the darkness once again.

***

After circling the market, Chen Yin finally found Xiang’er again in front of a stall.

Xiang’er was excitedly picking out some small accessories, putting them on her head with a happy expression, just like any other young girl.

And Chen Yin, once again, began to wait patiently.

This time, he waited until the sun was about to set.

As evening approached, the people in the market gradually began to disperse, and Xiang’er finally showed her first sign of abnormality.

She first looked around, then quietly walked into an inconspicuous small shop.

Chen Yin followed her with a ghostly movement and watched as she twisted a brick in front of a cabinet inside the shop.

Then, the cabinet slowly moved, revealing a deep entrance behind it.

Xiang’er walked in familiarly, and Chen Yin, at the last moment before the entrance closed, concealed himself and followed her in.

They walked for a long time through a long and narrow passage before the space gradually opened up.

…It was a deep and gloomy hall.

The hall was empty, with nothing but a few pillars. Chen Yin could only quietly move behind a pillar and carefully listen to the sounds within the hall.

Above the hall, only one person sat on the main seat.

It was an old man with white hair and a long beard, his face gaunt and bony, his black robe concealing his somewhat sinister eyes.

“Holy Maiden.” The old man said calmly as he watched Yu Xiang approach, but there was no trace of respect in his voice.

“Elder Hei Ran, I’m here to collect this month’s cultivation resources.” Yu Xiang said softly.

…Hei Ran? Chen Yin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Even he had heard of this name.

The demonic forces were not small, but there weren’t many who reached the level of Elder, a powerful cultivator.

Hei Ran was one of the more famous ones.

It was said that his last appearance was decades ago, when he single-handedly slaughtered nearly a hundred disciples of the Heavenly Net Sect. His methods were bloody, cruel, and outrageous.

At that time, he was already at the late stage of the Boundless Realm.

After decades of seclusion, this old monster’s strength must have become even more unfathomable. He might have even reached the threshold of the Supreme Clarity Realm.

…Even a prodigy like Senior Sister Shen Shuanglian, as abnormal as she was, would only be able to run if she encountered this old monster.

Chen Yin couldn’t help but speculate inwardly.

“Hehe, the sect promised you, so naturally, we won’t shortchange you.”

Hei Ran waved his sleeve, and a ring flew towards Yu Xiang.

After catching it, Xiang’er glanced at it briefly, and her eyes flickered: “Thank you.”

After saying that, she turned to leave.

“Wait.”

Hei Ran’s voice sounded again from behind.

Yu Xiang turned her head and asked calmly, “Does Elder have anything else to say?”

“Hehe, although the sect promised you unconditional support with cultivation resources before you master your demonic arts…”

Hei Ran chuckled, but there was a hint of ambiguity in his eyes:

“But… I wonder if the Holy Maiden is using these resources for cultivation, or… to support a lover?”

“If Elder is worried that my cultivation hasn’t progressed—”

Yu Xiang said expressionlessly, “—you can test it yourself.”

“No, no. I was just joking.”

Hei Ran’s expression stiffened, then he laughed heartily: “It would be best if the Holy Maiden focuses on her cultivation. The sooner you master your demonic arts, the sooner we can rise again.”

“Don’t bother worrying, Elder.”

Yu Xiang turned around gracefully, her voice carrying a hint of coldness: “It’s best if you don’t interfere with my affairs.”

Hei Ran’s face darkened, but it was only fleeting and he didn’t show it.

“I’ll come again next time to collect next month’s resources.”

Hei Ran also forced a sinister smile, watching Yu Xiang’s figure slowly disappear.

Chen Yin, hiding behind the pillar, was speechless with surprise.

…Wow.

Is this still my harmless, well-behaved, and shy Little Junior Sister Xiang’er?

In front of the demonic path, she actually had such a cold and aloof demeanor.

Recalling Xiang’er’s innocent and lovely smile when they were together on the mountain, Chen Yin felt a mix of emotions.

However, based on their conversation, Chen Yin could roughly deduce something.

Xiang’er must have obtained some kind of demonic cultivation technique due to her special physique or some other reason. That’s why the demonic path revered her as the Holy Maiden and generously provided her with a large amount of demonic cultivation resources.

But the reason why Xiang’er joined the demonic path was still unclear.

However, she could even ignore an Elder’s face, which meant that Xiang’er’s status in the demonic path was even more detached than he had imagined…

Chen Yin couldn’t help but ponder.

Just then, that sinister voice sounded again:

“You’ve been watching for so long, why don’t you come out and show yourself?”

Chen Yin’s eyes narrowed.

The next moment, he landed in the middle of the hall, wearing his mask and with a graceful figure.

Hei Ran, seated on the main seat, looked at Chen Yin with interest. But the moment he appeared, a look of disappointment flashed across Hei Ran’s face.

“Heh. It’s just a brat who hasn’t even reached the Cloud Ascending Realm.”

He shook his head and sighed: “I thought there might be some fun.”

“For such a small fry, it’s almost beneath me to even make a move.”

Chen Yin looked at him calmly: “I have some questions for you.”

“Huh?”

Hei Ran seemed to have heard a very funny joke, and his beard twitched:

“Little brat. I don’t think you understand the situation.”

“Whether you stumbled in here by accident or came to investigate the Holy Maiden…”

“Since you’ve stumbled upon our demonic secrets… naturally, there’s no reason to leave you alive.”

“And you still want to ask me questions? You’re truly a newborn calf not afraid of tigers.”

He shook his head and said casually:

“Forget it, I’ll condescend to make a move today.”

“Little brat, you should consider yourself honored to die under my palm.”

“After all, those who died under this palm before…” he said with a sinister smile, “were all Elder-level figures from your righteous path.”

The next moment, a black energy seemed to gather in Hei Ran’s palm, carrying a terrifying aura.

Chen Yin glanced at him, then sighed softly.

…So it’s not that easy to talk, huh?

I didn’t want to use this move right away.

“Alright, I haven’t tested the power of this sword move since I learned it.”

As he spoke, the Eternal Light sword floated out from Chen Yin’s sleeve and hovered horizontally in front of him.

“I wonder… if you can withstand this sword.”

“Arrogant!”

Hei Ran seemed to have been greatly mocked, and he shouted angrily, suddenly striking out with his palm.

Black energy surged instantly, like a tidal wave, towards Chen Yin.

And Chen Yin, holding the sword with one hand, lightly slashed towards Hei Ran.

***

After an unknown amount of time, the entire hall fell silent.

The surroundings had been completely reduced to a horrific ruin, with no intact spot on the ground.

Chen Yin stood amidst the ruins, gently wiping his sword and sighing.

…As expected.

This was why he didn’t want to use this move easily.

Although he had guessed that the power of this sword would be outrageous, he didn’t expect it to be this outrageous.

He originally had some questions to ask that old guy. But with this one sword strike…

…Not even ashes remained.

It seemed that with his current cultivation, he couldn’t fully control the power of these three sword moves.

If he was careless, it would be like this, unable to even leave anyone alive when he originally intended to.

Sighing, Chen Yin was about to sheathe his sword when his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he turned the blade towards a certain spot.

“Who’s there!”

“If you don’t come out, don’t blame me for making a move.”

After a moment, a figure emerged from the void, her face filled with terror and fragility, her body trembling as she slowly revealed herself.

Upon seeing the person, Chen Yin was stunned.

“Are you… the little girl who was selling shell necklaces just now?”

Chapter 3: The Scroll and the Three Swords

Chen Yin didn’t usually live on the mountain.

He and Xiang’er both lived in a small wooden hut they built at the foot of Mount Yu.

After all, Master was a very clean person. If he messed up her cave dwelling, she would fly into a rage.

It was better to live at the foot of the mountain for peace and quiet.

When Chen Yin returned to the hut, Xiang’er was sitting by the pond in front of the hut, her embroidered shoes cast aside, her white, tender, and smooth little feet dangling back and forth in the water.

Seeing Chen Yin’s return, Xiang’er’s face lit up with joy:

“Senior Brother, you’re back.”

Chen Yin smiled and rubbed Xiang’er’s head.

“What did Master call you up the mountain for?”

“To discuss my marriage with Xiang’er.”

“…Senior Brother is teasing me again.” Xiang’er’s lively eyes showed a hint of resentment.

“It was just a trivial matter.” Chen Yin said casually. “She went to some tavern and didn’t pay her bill again. I had to clean up her mess.”

Xiang’er couldn’t help but giggle.

“Master isn’t as bad as Senior Brother makes her out to be.”

“Be careful, if Master hears you, she’ll take off Senior Brother’s pants and hang you on a tree to spank you.” After saying that, Xiang’er pouted.

…This was actually true.

When he first arrived at the mountain as a child, Chen Yin angered Master several times because he didn’t understand the rules.

Each time, he was hung on a tree and spanked.

Fortunately, there were only Master and Xiang’er on Mount Yu, so no one saw Chen Yin’s embarrassing moments.

Thinking about it, Chen Yin felt a little irritated and turned to Xiang’er, extending his “evil claws” menacingly:

“Oh, so my little Xiang’er has learned to snitch!”

“Before Master punishes me, I’ll spank Xiang’er’s butt first!”

“Ah! Senior Brother, no!”

The pond water was clear and cool. The two of them joked and played, getting themselves all wet.

It wasn’t until Xiang’er was panting and blushing, begging for mercy, that Chen Yin stopped his “evil claws” and turned to lie down on the side.

They both fell silent, lying on the bank, quietly watching the clouds in the sky.

…For the past ten years, every day had been a carefree life like this.

So carefree that it made one feel reluctant to let it go.

“Um, Senior Brother…”

“Hmm?”

“Senior Brother, don’t always tease me.”

“How is it teasing? Can’t it be that Senior Brother really wants to marry Xiang’er?” Chen Yin turned his head, propped up his head with his hand, and smiled.

A cute blush appeared on Xiang’er’s face, and she said shyly, “I-I don’t want to marry Senior Brother.”

“Eh? Why? Doesn’t Xiang’er like Senior Brother?”

Chen Yin looked hurt: “You clearly promised me when you were little that you would marry me when you grew up.”

“Th-That was when I was young and didn’t know better! It doesn’t count!”

Xiang’er explained anxiously, the blush on her face deepening.

“Senior Brother just knows how to bully me. If I marry Senior Brother… won’t I be bullied to death every day?”

Chen Yin loved to see her shy and blushing like this, unable to speak.

He couldn’t help but lean in and scrape her nose, laughing: “Then it’s not up to Xiang’er anymore.”

“I’ve made up my mind, I’m definitely going to bully Xiang’er for the rest of my life.”

Xiang’er’s breath quickened.

But the next moment, the light in her eyes dimmed for a second, and she turned her head, pouting slightly.

“Hmph. I don’t want to.”

“When I become stronger than Senior Brother one day, you won’t be able to bully me anymore.”

A flash of sadness crossed Chen Yin’s eyes.

But the next moment, he changed the subject in a lighthearted tone:

“Speaking of which, isn’t it time for the market again tomorrow?”

“Yes.” Xiang’er blinked. “We’ve just run out of spices and salt at home. Let’s go to the town tomorrow to buy some.”

“So that means I can eat Xiang’er’s homemade braised pork when we get back tomorrow night?”

Seeing Chen Yin licking his lips in anticipation, Xiang’er mumbled, “I won’t make it for the bad Senior Brother.”

But the corners of her eyes were filled with sweetness and a smile.

***

That night, after nightfall.

In the next room, Xiang’er’s breathing had become even, and she must have fallen asleep.

Chen Yin sat silently in front of his bed.

…Tomorrow was the day Xiang’er went to the market.

Before his rebirth, Chen Yin hadn’t noticed anything unusual. He only knew that Xiang’er occasionally liked to go to the market in town and spend the whole day there.

He thought she would come back with bags of things, but every time she only brought back some simple daily necessities.

He didn’t know what she did for the whole day.

At that time, Chen Yin thought it was just Xiang’er’s childish nature, liking to window shop but not buy anything.

Now that he thought about it… the only opportunity for Xiang’er, who was with him day and night, to have contact with the demonic path was during the time she went to the market.

Chen Yin decided to follow Xiang’er tomorrow.

He wanted to find out what was happening to her. What was her connection to the demonic path?

And, at this point… could he still rewrite everything?

After a moment, Chen Yin slowly took out a scroll from his bosom.

The scroll was black and old, as if it had been pulled from ashes.

This was the item Chen Yin brought out from the secret realm back then.

After he recognized the scroll with his blood, he kept it hidden in his dantian, and no one had ever seen it.

Its only special feature was that there was an independent space within the scroll.

Only someone with a Boundless Root bone like him could enter.

Inside that space, time was completely frozen. Chen Yin couldn’t even control his own body.

The only thing he could do was practice swordsmanship.

The scroll only recorded three sword moves and some miscellaneous, not very useful cultivation techniques.

Each of the three sword moves was simple and unadorned, showing no extraordinary features.

But Chen Yin was trapped in that space for who knows how long.

Maybe it was only a few months, maybe it was thousands of years.

It wasn’t until he could barely execute all three sword moves that he emerged from the scroll and truly became its master, able to freely enter and exit that space.

He didn’t know the exact power of these three swords because he hadn’t tested them.

He only knew that if he truly unleashed them completely, it would probably be quite outrageous.

If he accidentally messed up Master’s beloved Mount Yu, he would definitely be hung up and spanked again.

However, since Xiang’er might come into contact with the demonic path tomorrow, he had to be prepared to use his sword in the worst-case scenario.

So Chen Yin sighed and silently apologized in his heart:

…I’m sorry, Master. I’ll buy you good wine as compensation another day.

Then he stealthily ran up the mountain.

***

Mount Yu in the evening was particularly serene and clear, with the starry river overhead and Mist Yu flowers swaying in the wind.

Chen Yin tiptoed to a rockery outside the cave dwelling and carefully cast a spell on it.

After a moment, his figure vanished from in front of the rockery and appeared in a dark room.

The room was filled with various large boxes, all seemingly covered in dust, untouched for a long time.

…This was Master’s treasure vault.

All the rare and precious treasures that Immortal Yu Ling had collected over countless years were thrown here.

Of course, those treasures were indeed useless to Master. She only collected them with a child’s mentality of gathering toys, basically throwing them into the vault and never bothering with them again.

When he was young, Chen Yin accidentally learned about this and the incantation to enter the vault from Master when she was drunk, so he had sneaked in a few times.

But at that time, it was more out of mischief, just secretly taking a few small items back to amuse Xiang’er.

But this time, he truly needed to find two things.

After rummaging through a pile of boxes, Chen Yin finally found the first item.

It was a sword case.

…To use sword moves, he naturally needed a sword.

But Chen Yin’s own swords were all inferior goods that Master bought in bulk for ten copper coins a piece.

They couldn’t withstand his sword moves at all.

Gently wiping the sword case, Chen Yin opened it, and inside lay a jade sword, entirely made of glazed glass, as clear as crystal.

The sword’s name was “Eternal Light.”

Having practiced swordsmanship for so long, Chen Yin had a subtle connection with swords.

This sword was enough.

After recognizing the sword with his blood, Chen Yin put it away and turned to find the second item.

He had seen this item when he was young.

It was a mask.

A mask that could change one’s appearance.

At that time, Chen Yin just thought it was fun, able to transform into Master’s appearance to tease Xiang’er.

But later, he realized that even in the cultivation world, this kind of item was a rare treasure.

In any case, it wasn’t something a small cultivator like him could keep.

So after playing with it a few times, he put the mask back in its original place.

But now, it was time to take it out.

After making all the necessary preparations, Chen Yin slipped out of the treasure vault and went back to his room down the mountain.

Quietly waiting for dawn.

***

The next morning, when Xiang’er was still half asleep, Chen Yin had already prepared the water for her to wash up.

“Lazybones, time to wake up. Or you’ll miss the market.”

Xiang’er opened her eyes sleepily, and upon seeing Chen Yin, quickly retreated back under the covers.

“Senior Brother, don’t come in! I-I haven’t washed up yet, and my hair is still messy…”

“By the time you finish washing up, the food will be cold.”

After thoughtfully preparing the water for her, Chen Yin smiled and rubbed her little head.

“I’ve prepared the water for you. Hurry up and wash up to cook. I’m hungry, Your Senior Brother is hungry.”

“Stay hungry then, I won’t cook for you.” Xiang’er glared at him fiercely, then snorted and turned to wash up.

Chen Yin could only shake his head helplessly.

After the meal, Xiang’er changed into a light goose-yellow dress and turned to bid farewell to Chen Yin:

“Then Senior Brother, I’m leaving.”

“Come back early.” Chen Yin smiled and waved.

Xiang’er looked at Chen Yin, her mouth opening slightly, but she swallowed her words, revealing a carefree smile, and then slowly left.

Watching Xiang’er’s departing figure, Chen Yin’s smile returned to calmness.

“Alright. Next.”

He slowly took out the mask from his bosom and put it on. In a few breaths, he had transformed into a hooded man in black clothes and a black robe, with a cold and aloof face.

“Let me see who’s behind this, targeting Xiang’er.”

Chapter 2: The Villainous Little Junior Sister, the Protagonist Senior Sister, and Me, the Extra

Actually, Master was truly good to us.

Immortal Yu Ling was a legend in the cultivation world.

The only Supreme Clarity Realm Immortal who “achieved longevity before enlightenment,” her self-created “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” cultivation method was not only undefeated but also had the effect of rejuvenation.

As a result, she now looked like a beautiful ten-year-old girl.

Although she held the title of Elder in the Mist Spirit Sect, her detached status was comparable to that of the Sect Master. Countless people in the cultivation world were desperate to become her disciples and learn this legendary cultivation method that could grant “longevity.”

However, for so many years, Master had only taken in two disciples.

That was ten years ago, when she brought me and Junior Sister Xiang’er up the mountain.

Chen Yin still remembered that back then, he was just a vagrant who had reincarnated from Earth into this world, barely surviving by roaming the streets and resorting to petty theft.

Master, like a celestial descending from the heavens, appeared before him, who was unkempt and covered in dirt.

Behind her hid a slightly younger girl, a little timid, yet unable to suppress her curiosity as she peeked at him.

At that time, Master spoke in a calm and elegant tone:

“You stinky boy. You’re filthy.”

“Come with me. You won’t have to worry about food anymore.”

It was an attractive proposition. So Chen Yin agreed without hesitation.

Back then, he didn’t know who Immortal Yu Ling was. He knew there were immortals in this world, but he always felt it had nothing to do with him.

He just wanted to survive in this world.

After all, this world had no social welfare or orphanages. No police officers would take you home. There was no McDonald’s to spend the night in.

None of the knowledge from his previous life could help him survive here.

So Chen Yin followed Master up the mountain.

After arriving at the mountain, he learned that the little girl hiding behind Master was his Little Junior Sister. Two years younger than him, she was also brought up the mountain by Master on the same day.

At that time, Xiang’er’s features hadn’t fully developed, but she was still a beauty in the making, her shallow dimples appearing when she smiled, utterly adorable.

She always liked to follow behind him, calling out in a childish voice:

“Senior Brother!”

Chen Yin loved his Little

Sister and always treated her like his closest family, doting on her.

He also particularly enjoyed teasing her because she blushed easily and always made cute expressions when teased.

The following ten years on the mountain were uneventful but filled with warmth.

Although Master accepted him and Xiang’er as disciples, she never demanded much from their cultivation, even neglecting to teach them techniques, leaving everything up to them.

Thus, Chen Yin and Xiang’er lived a carefree life, practicing cultivation and reading cultivation manuals when they felt bored, and enjoying the flowers, plants, and playing around when they grew tired of that.

During that time, many prodigies emerged among their peers in the cultivation world, such as the Frost Moon Sword Immortal Shen Shuanglian from the main sect, and the Heavenly Net Sect’s Fairy Luo Qiaoqiao.

But neither Chen Yin nor Xiang’er cared.

They didn’t need to become prodigies. They only needed to live a happy and peaceful life.

Chen Yin thought he could be happy like this forever.

But then came that fateful day. Shen Shuanglian came to find him with orders from the main sect.

That time, Chen Yin agreed.

He went to the main sect and became a so-called “core disciple” for five years.

At that time, Chen Yin still fantasized about whether his root bone could allow him to cultivate rapidly and stand out among the many disciples.

Later, he discovered that he was naive.

The Boundless Root was just a vase root bone. Beautiful but useless.

He, too, was like a vase, carrying the title of a core disciple but enjoying no resources, isolated by other disciples, enduring their ridicule, living a lonely and agonizing life.

Another five years passed.

Although those days were tough, Chen Yin still had a glimmer of hope – the sect’s rules stated that after reaching the Cloud Ascending Realm, one could be free from the constraints of the sect and travel the world.

He wanted to cultivate to the Cloud Ascending Realm as soon as possible, then return to Mount Yu to find his beloved Master and his most cherished Little Junior Sister.

To achieve this, he frantically accepted sect missions, risking his life to improve his cultivation.

Hard work pays off. In a secret realm, he finally obtained something that could change his destiny.

But…

In the end, what awaited him was not the ending he desired.

Just as he emerged from the secret realm, he heard disciples from other sects discussing:

“Have you heard? The Mist Spirit Sect has been annihilated!”

“It’s said that the one who attacked the mountain gate was an inconspicuous female cultivator from their branch sect. She secretly cultivated demonic arts and suddenly became the Demonic Sovereign of All Ages.”

“Including the Sect Master, all the Elders were killed or injured, but the most legendary Immortal Yu Ling happened to be traveling.”

“In the end, it was the renowned Frost Moon Sword Immortal who desperately used a forbidden technique to perish together with her, thus ending the conflict.”

“Fortunately, there was the Frost Moon Sword Immortal, otherwise, the cultivation world would have another ruthless demon.”

“It’s a pity for the stunning Frost Moon Sword Immortal…”

Chen Yin thought he had misheard.

Maybe they weren’t talking about his sect.

But when he returned to the main sect’s mountain peak, which had been reduced to ruins, he completely broke down.

The entire peak was in ruins.

In the middle of the ruins, there were two celestial beauties, each with their swords piercing the other’s dantian.

One had a face as clear as snow, as bright as the moon.

The other was enchanting yet retained a hint of innocence, with a youthful face as cold as the netherworld.

Even though she was different from the girl in his memory who smiled with dimples, Chen Yin recognized her at once.

This was his Little Junior Sister.

His closest family member, Xiang’er.

And opposite her was the Frost Moon Sword Immortal, Senior Sister Shen Shuanglian, whom he had met a few times but barely spoken to.

The two maintained the posture of their mutual destruction, the residual energy preventing most cultivators from approaching.

Chen Yin realized that it was too late.

Although he had obtained something that could rewrite everything, he was ultimately a step too late.

He didn’t know what Xiang’er had gone through during the five years he was away from Mount Yu.

He didn’t know why Xiang’er suddenly fell into the demonic path and became the Demonic Sovereign of All Ages.

He didn’t know what kind of fortuitous encounter his Senior Sister had that allowed her to perish together with Xiang’er, who had mastered demonic arts.

But he knew that he could no longer change anything.

It was like the most mediocre storytelling told by a storyteller.

The Senior Sister was the righteous protagonist, with extraordinary talent, numerous fortuitous encounters, and destiny on her side.

The Little Junior Sister was the tragic villain, falling into the demonic path, betraying her master and sect, and bearing all the infamy.

But he was just a supporting character, an extra.

Unable to save anyone, not worthy of being written into the script of the protagonist and the villain.

Even though he had finally obtained something that could change everything, he was still a step too late.

In the end, with a heart filled with despair, Chen Yin let out a miserable laugh and committed suicide in front of the two women.

But fate played a cruel joke on him.

…It gave him a third chance.

Not to go to another world, but to rewind time.

Back to Mount Yu five years ago.

Back to the time before he made that choice.

***

After seeing off the Frost Moon Sword Immortal, Master, as usual, wanted to take a bath.

Master loved bathing, never tiring of taking three or four baths a day, claiming it was to maintain the “Forgotten Everlasting Heart Sutra” cultivation method.

And Chen Yin, of course, as always, rushed to offer his services:

“Master, let me scrub your back!”

“Heh, you brat, you still dare to say you’re not a lolicon? Can you have such wicked thoughts towards your Master’s little girl body?”

“Eh, Master, you’ve wronged me. I don’t like Master because she’s in a little girl’s body, but the Master I like happens to be in a little girl’s body.”

“Bah. Smooth talker.”

In the end, Chen Yin was allowed to stay by the bath.

In the mist-filled pool, Yu Ling leaned softly against the edge, crystal water droplets clinging to her fair shoulders.

“Stinky boy. What do you think of your renowned Senior Sister?”

“So-so,” Chen Yin replied perfunctorily, then added after some thought, “Not as good as Master.”

“Enough with the flattery.”

Yu Ling turned over, lying on her stomach by the edge of the pool, watching Chen Yin carefully pour tea: “I’m curious. You’re such a lecherous ghost, but when a true beauty is right in front of you, you’re not interested?”

“Could it be that you’re… not capable?”

This was not something he liked to hear. Chen Yin immediately raised his head: “Hey, Master, don’t slander me. I’m also known as Mount Yu’s number one little cannon. I can even poke a hole in that thousand-year-old tree at the entrance.”

“I don’t believe it.” Yu Ling chuckled seductively. “Want to let Master try your flavor sometime?”

“…Then Master might not be a match for me.”

“At least you’re self-aware.”

Splashing some water on herself, Yu Ling said softly, “Let’s talk about serious matters.”

“What have you been hiding in your heart today?”

“Master noticed?” Chen Yin wasn’t surprised but smiled mischievously.

“Nonsense. I’ve known you since you were a little brat picking up mud. I know how long and thick you are without you having to take off your pants.”

She snorted, “Who can you hide these little thoughts from?”

“Tell me. Why have you been acting like something’s on your mind ever since you saw your Senior Sister?”

Suddenly, she asked suspiciously, “Don’t tell me you’ve been so audacious as to drug and violate her behind my back?”

“Then it’s a miracle I’m still alive.” Chen Yin’s mouth twitched.

But jokes aside, Chen Yin had been struggling with whether to tell Master about this.

With Master’s immense cultivation, she might be able to perfectly resolve this matter and prevent that tragic ending from happening.

But Chen Yin was more afraid of something else.

Although his Master was extremely protective of her disciples, she hated demonic cultivators the most.

If Little Junior Sister had already fallen into the demonic path, would Master still protect her after learning the truth?

Chen Yin was even more afraid that Master would, in a fit of rage, personally cleanse the sect. That would be a complete disaster.

So, after hesitating for a moment, Chen Yin chose to keep the matter to himself for now and not tell Master.

“Actually, Master, I was just wondering why Senior Sister had to come in person to ask me about something as trivial as whether I wanted to join the main sect.”

“But seeing Senior Sister’s expression today, I understand.”

“Understand what?” Master became curious as well.

“That is…”

“Senior Sister must have been captivated by my elegant demeanor and gentle personality, secretly falling for me but too shy to confess, so she could only use this opportunity to get close to me.” Chen Yin said with a look of conviction.

“…Your shamelessness is a waste if it’s not used to create magical treasures.”

“But…” Master suddenly glanced sideways with her beautiful eyes and said nonchalantly,

“Although I know you wouldn’t cause trouble…”

“If you truly need my help…”

“…Don’t hesitate.” She parted her rosy lips slightly.

Chen Yin was silent for a moment.

Then he nodded deeply.

“I understand.”

Chapter 1: Little Junior Sister or Senior Sister?

“Have the flowers on the mountain withered?”

“They’re still blooming. Has Senior Brother forgotten?”

“…No.”

Chen Yin hadn’t forgotten.

It’s just that the summit of Mount Yu was perpetually shrouded in mist. Apart from the Mist Yu flowers, no other flowers could bloom in such a harsh environment.

The fog was so thick that often the flowers couldn’t be seen clearly.

“Why does Senior Brother seem strange?” the young girl inquired, tilting her small head, slender arms behind her back, blinking her eyes at him.

“Strange how? Do I look more handsome?”

“Not really… but Senior Brother has always been quite handsome.”

“Then, would Xiang’er want to be Senior Brother’s Dao Companion?”

Chen Yin said this with a grin.

But Yu Xiang’s face instantly flushed red, and she hurriedly waved her hands in panic:

“Se-Senior Brother, what are you saying! Didn’t Master say we’re not allowed to cultivate together before reaching the Cloud Ascending Realm?”

“Then, according to Xiang’er, does that mean you want to cultivate with Senior Brother after reaching the Cloud Ascending Realm?”

Yu Xiang couldn’t withstand Chen Yin’s teasing expression any longer and cried out in embarrassment:

“Senior Brother is so mean! I’m going to tell Master on you!”

“Haha, aren’t you afraid Master will betroth you to me on the spot?”

Before his voice faded, the shy little Junior Sister had already run away.

Watching Yu Xiang’s retreating figure, Chen Yin’s mischievous smile gradually faded, and he turned his gaze back to Mount Yu before him.

…Although strictly speaking, this was his tenth year living on Mount Yu.

But it wasn’t.

In his previous life, he also lived here for ten years.

Adding them up, it was twenty years.

Twenty years, the plants and trees on this mountain were deeply etched in Chen Yin’s heart.

After all, there were countless immortal mountains in the world, but few places were like Mount Yu, where only three people lived on a single peak.

Cultivation resources were precious. A single immortal mountain could often support an entire sect.

But for so many years, only three people had lived on Mount Yu.

Chen Yin, Little Junior Sister Yu Xiang, and their Master, Immortal Yu Ling.

Ten years ago, he and Xiang’er were brought up the mountain separately by Master Yu Ling and joined the Mist Spirit Sect. The days that followed were the happiest times in his memory.

He was the Senior Brother, Xiang’er was the Junior Sister, and they had a Master who wasn’t too strict with them.

Every day was simply a leisurely cultivation, exploring the mountains and rivers, teasing the adorable Little Junior Sister, and cleaning up the messes of their irreverent Master.

Chen Yin truly loved that kind of life.

If he could, Chen Yin wanted to live in such a carefree time forever.

But…

***

Once again, following the route in his memory, he returned to the summit.

The summit had been sculpted by his Master into a combination of courtyards and pavilions, a true immortal’s abode. The usually thin mist enveloped the gardens and waterside pavilions, making them appear dreamlike and illusory.

Chen Yin walked through the winding corridors and arrived at the main hall of the cave dwelling.

Today, his Master told him that someone from the main sect had come and wanted to see him.

Chen Yin knew what it was about.

In reality, Mount Yu was just a branch of the Mist Spirit Sect, managed solely by Master Yu Ling. Although they usually had little contact with the main sect, in principle, they were still a subsidiary mountain gate of the Mist Spirit Sect.

It was rare for people from the main sect to come to Mount Yu. In his previous life, when Chen Yin first heard that someone was looking for him, he was also curious.

However, at that time, he didn’t know what would happen next.

Collecting his thoughts, Chen Yin slowly pushed open the door of the main hall and walked in.

Inside, incense smoke lingered. A seemingly ten-year-old childish girl was sitting cross-legged on the main seat in an unladylike manner, lazily saying:

“Ah, you’re here.”

As her voice fell, a celestial woman as elegant and refined as a snow lotus, seated in the secondary position, also slowly shifted her gaze towards him.

“Let me introduce you. This is—”

“Presumably, this beautiful fairy is the chief disciple of the main sect, the personal disciple of the main sect’s Sect Master, Senior Sister Shen Shuanglian, right?”

The moment Shen Shuanglian saw Chen Yin, a strange glint flashed in her bright eyes, but after hearing his words, she quickly concealed it.

“What? So you knew.” Master pouted.

“As expected, you male disciples are all more attentive to beautiful fairies.”

Chen Yin respectfully cupped his hands: “I’ve long heard of Fairy Shen’s extraordinary talent. Having embarked on the path of cultivation for over ten years, you have already reached the Elder-level Boundless Realm. Who in the current cultivation world hasn’t heard of the Frost Moon Sword Immortal, Fairy Shen?”

Shen Shuanglian’s rosy lips parted slightly but made no sound. After a moment, her eyelids slowly lowered.

“…You flatter me.”

“Heh.” Master’s eyes twinkled with amusement and mischief. “It’s rare that you didn’t make any lewd remarks about a beautiful woman.”

“Since you know Fairy Shen’s identity, you should also know the reason for her visit, right?”

“I’ve heard a little.” Chen Yin nodded.

…It was nothing more than the main sect selecting disciples with decent aptitude from the subsidiary branches and absorbing them into the main sect.

Every sect was the same.

Actually, Chen Yin’s aptitude wasn’t considered excellent.

His root bone was a very ancient type recorded in ancient texts – the Boundless Root.

Although the name sounded grand, it was actually a useless root bone. The sect probably thought this kind of root bone was rare and, out of curiosity, wanted to take it back for a closer look.

Everything was slow with the Boundless Root.

Slow cultivation, slow learning of techniques, slow improvement of physique. Even the ancients who recorded this root bone couldn’t explain its purpose.

“That’s good, it saves me the introduction.”

Master lazily yawned, covering her mouth with her small hand, and said in a childish voice: “Dealing with this stiff girl is too tiring. Just give me a straight answer.”

“Do you want to go to the main sect for further training?”

Shen Shuanglian also looked at him.

There was an unreadable expression in her eyes.

Chen Yin met her gaze.

The moment their eyes met, overwhelming emotions surged uncontrollably in his mind.

Self-blame.

Regret.

Sorrow.

Everything began after he made the decision to agree to go to the main sect for further training in his previous life.

After composing himself, Chen Yin calmly cupped his hands towards Shen Shuanglian and said apologetically:

“I apologize, Senior Sister Shen.”

“This disciple is of foolish aptitude and shallow cultivation. Even if I go to the main sect, I would only be wasting the sect’s resources.”

“Please forgive this disciple for being unable to part with my Master and Junior Sister. I only wish to stay on Mount Yu and focus on my cultivation.”

After hearing these words, a trace of loneliness flickered in Shen Shuanglian’s eyes, and she almost subconsciously wanted to say:

“You… don’t want to go with me?”

Even Shen Shuanglian herself didn’t realize the meaning behind these words.

Chen Yin continued with an apologetic expression: “I’m sorry.”

“My Master is too casual. If there’s no one to take care of her, I’m afraid she’ll cause chaos; my Junior Sister is still young and naive, unable to care for Master.”

“With these concerns in my heart, I cannot travel far.”

Master suddenly giggled: “Although you seem to be taking the opportunity to slander me.”

“But it seems you have some filial piety.”

“That’s it. My boy can’t bear to leave me, his Master. You go back and tell that old geezer Wu Xun to find someone else.”

After saying that, she waved her hand dismissively: “We won’t see you out.”

Shen Shuanglian wasn’t embarrassed by Immortal Yu Ling’s dismissal. Her bright eyes couldn’t help but glance at Chen Yin. After hesitating for a moment, she slowly said:

“…Yes. This disciple will report back to my Master.”

“Then, Master, this disciple will take her leave.”

With a cupped hand gesture, Shen Shuanglian slowly backed out of the main hall.

As she passed by Chen Yin, she gave him a complicated look.

Chen Yin, however, acted as if he didn’t see it, maintaining a calm smile.

The two passed each other without a word.

***

After Shen Shuanglian left, Chen Yin’s expression instantly crumbled.

He lazily stretched and complained: “Whew… As expected of the number one beauty in the cultivation world. She only said two or three sentences the whole time.”

“She’s really cold.”

“Hehe. I thought with your personality, you’d be eager to follow such a stunning beauty.”

“What, don’t you have a thing for ice-cold beauties?”

Master Yu Ling also lay on her chair in an unladylike manner, her loose silk robe draped over her body, revealing her enticing, fair shoulders.

“Heh. Master, what are you saying?”

Chen Yin shamelessly leaned closer and massaged Master Yu Ling’s shoulders: “What bullshit fairy? Compared to Master, she’s just a little girl who hasn’t even grown her feathers yet.”

“Master is the true beauty, a national treasure, capable of causing the moon to hide in shame, flowers to lose their color, fish to sink, and geese to fall from the sky.”

“Even if I, Chen Yin, am lecherous, can I not tell the difference between a little girl and a true beauty?”

“Oh, oh, oh.” Yu Ling furrowed her delicate brows and pouted like a child. “What, are you mocking Master for being old?”

“Not at all… Master still looks like a child.”

“So, you’re a lolicon?”

“…Master, that’s a bit much.”

Yu Ling wrinkled her little nose and let out a dissatisfied humph.

“You brat. I raised you to cultivate and become an immortal, not to act like a hoodlum and lust after every beautiful woman you see!”

“That depends on the person.” Chen Yin became serious. “Except for Master, who is so incredibly beautiful that I can’t control myself, ordinary beauties aren’t qualified to make me lustful.”

Yu Ling raised her eyebrows and poked Chen Yin’s chin with her fair, tender, and slightly chubby finger, gently lifting it.

“Boy, are you flirting with your Master?”

“Aren’t you afraid that your Master will use you, a handsome and pure little virgin, as a cauldron, and then discard you after getting tired of playing with you?”

“Please do that to me,” Chen Yin said righteously.

Seeing that she couldn’t tease this thick-skinned disciple anymore, Yu Ling pouted in disappointment and muttered:

“Forget it. With your small physique, you’ll probably be drained dry in two seconds and never be able to get it up again.”

“Then the pet that I painstakingly raised for so long would have been raised in vain.”

Chen Yin chuckled: “But just now, Master’s pet was almost snatched away by the main sect.”

“That’s because your Master was certain that you wouldn’t betray me.”

Yu Ling raised her little head proudly.

“Then I should thank Master for her trust?”

Chen Yin was smiling, but his heart felt inexplicably bitter.

…In his previous life, he failed to understand.

The hesitant expression on Master’s face after he agreed to go to the main sect with Senior Sister.

Thinking about it now…

It was probably sadness.