Mistaken Era 69

Chapter 69

As if urging its “mother” to return, the hatchling let out a string of soft “caws.”

The man took a few more steps before glancing back.

Perched on the branches, the five phoenixes were eyeing the little black fluffball struggling in the grass with ill intent. They spread their wings, ready to tear apart this unwelcome offspring the moment the man left.

The man’s gaze swept over them coldly, and he continued walking. The phoenixes immediately swooped down, their sharp talons reaching for the hatchling.

The poor creature let out a pitiful “caw” as they plucked out a few of its black down feathers and lifted it into the air.

Just as Xiao Xiao felt a surge of anger and pity for the helpless creature, the man, who had already walked away, suddenly reappeared. With lightning speed, he drew his sword, driving the five phoenixes back.

Having learned their lesson from Wei Jie, the phoenixes retreated, dropping the hatchling onto the grass.

The scaled man bent down and picked up the wounded bird.

It nuzzled its head against his palm pitifully.

He paused for a moment, then spoke, as if trying to convince himself, not caring whether the bird understood his words. “The world out there is far crueler than this place. I am no favorite of fate. If you follow me, you might face a fate worse than a swift death here…”

The hatchling, clearly oblivious to his cryptic words, feared being abandoned again. Using both beak and claws, it climbed onto his head, making itself comfortable amongst his messy hair.

Once settled, it tucked its head under its wing and let out a soft cry. It was still hurting from the phoenixes’ attack.

The man raised an eyebrow, his hand reaching up to stroke the bird gently. He glanced at its ungainly appearance with disdain before letting out a self-deprecating chuckle. “Very well. You and I, we are both unwanted by fate. Since staying here means certain death, I shall take you out into the world. Face the hardships and tribulations that await us.”

He walked towards a smooth boulder by the trees. The hatchling in his hand, oblivious to its impending fate, had closed its eyes and was now dozing peacefully, rubbing its head against his fingers.

The man looked down and noticed the wine gourd that had fallen to the ground when he landed. He picked it up, drained it in one gulp, and tossed it aside. Drawing his sword, he carved four characters onto the boulder’s smooth surface – defy fate.

He stared at the inscription for a long moment, then let out a cold laugh. Tucking the injured black bird into his robes, he soared into the air, leaving the valley behind…

As he ascended, the five phoenixes followed closely, their cries echoing through the air, as if accusing him of taking away their own.

Xiao Xiao tried to follow, but something seemed to be pulling her back, preventing her from taking flight…

As she finally forced her eyes open, she saw the purple-eyed man calling her name, his voice laced with urgency.

Relief washed over Wei Jie as her eyes fluttered open.

Xiao Xiao had been sleeping so soundly, her breathing shallow, the phoenix mark on her neck burning hot. Wei Jie had been worried sick.

As she finally regained consciousness, her gaze fell upon his face, so similar to the cold man in her dream. Unsure whether she was still trapped in a dream, she reached out, tugging at his robes, searching for the little black phoenix.

Wei Jie looked down. His robe had fallen open, revealing his toned chest…

He raised an eyebrow, his voice low. “There are others present… Be good. We’ll do that later.”

Xiao Xiao wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and finally noticed Yu Ling’er and Tang Youshu staring at them, their mouths agape.

Even Yu Ling’er, a free-spirited fox demon, wouldn’t dare to tear open a man’s clothes without a word upon waking up.

Cui Xiao Xiao, determined to establish her Harmony Sect… she was on another level!

No wonder even the aloof and unapproachable Wei Jie was captivated by her charms…

Admiration aside, Yu Ling’er realized they were intruding. She quickly pulled Tang Youshu away, saying, “It’s still early. Perfect for cultivation! You two carry on!”

After they disappeared into the trees, Xiao Xiao finally snapped out of it and quickly straightened Wei Jie’s robe.

He looked down at her, his long fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “What did you dream about? You were drenched in sweat.”

Daylight had broken, and birdsong filled the air. The spot where they had slept was secluded and quiet, shielded by trees, perfect for a private conversation.

Xiao Xiao was still shaken by her dream. She suspected that her encounter with the phoenixes had been too much for her mind to handle, leading her to dream of Demon Lord Wei Jie’s experience in the sanctuary.

But based on the demonic bead’s words, he had indeed taken a black phoenix. What had become of that creature, unblessed by heaven?

Xiao Xiao suddenly recalled the day Wei Jie was killed. The Phoenix Pool on Qilao Mountain had erupted in flames, a mournful cry echoing through the air, incinerating everything within a hundred miles.

That fire had extinguished all life on Qilao Mountain. Even after two hundred years, it remained a barren wasteland.

It seemed Wei Jie’s death was more than just Qin Lingxiao’s doing.

And now, she was walking his path, shouldering his burdens. What other trials awaited them?

Looking at Wei Jie, so close to her, Xiao Xiao decided to tell him about her dream.

It was the perfect excuse to reveal a glimpse of his past life.

Perhaps she could use this dream as a way to tell him more about his destined path.

That way, if she were to disappear one day, leaving him to face everything alone, he would at least be prepared. He wouldn’t have to face those trials alone, like the cold, lonely man covered in scales in her dream.

However, upon hearing about the scales, the hatched phoenix, and his decision to raise it, Wei Jie couldn’t help but laugh.

What a ridiculous dream.

Still, it was clear that Xiao Xiao had suffered greatly in the phoenix sanctuary. Why else would she dream of that place, the place that nearly took her life?

He gently brushed her hair, his voice soothing. “Do I look like someone who enjoys tending flowers and raising birds?”

But in his heart, a different thought took root. Raising a feisty little girl who loved to stare and lecture him… now that was something he could get behind…

Xiao Xiao had to admit, her dream was quite absurd.

But the heartache she felt, seeing the man in her dream consumed by hatred, his heart turning cold and cruel… that was real.

She had yearned to be free from Wei Jie, to return to her own time.

But now, the thought of him facing everything alone, gradually transforming into that cold, ruthless demon… it was unbearable.

Looking at his handsome face, she couldn’t help but reach out, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. It would be a shame if such a face were to be marred by scales…

She had already shouldered half his burden. What was a little more suffering?

Perhaps because they faced it together, the tribulations didn’t seem as daunting.

She would bear the pain he endured alone in his past life. Let him keep this hard-won carefree spirit.

After all, she was from the future, privy to knowledge he didn’t possess. Even without the manual, she remembered most of its contents.

It was better than him fighting against fate, blind and alone. She was his master. It was her duty to protect him.

Xiao Xiao’s heart swelled with the boundless compassion of a Bodhisattva.

However, just as dawn broke, she had shamelessly torn open his robe. And now, in this secluded spot, she was caressing his face with such tenderness…

How could a young man in his prime resist such blatant seduction?

Wei Jie felt that saying anything would ruin the mood. And to not do anything… wouldn’t that be a disservice to his master’s affections?

So, just as Xiao Xiao resolved to shield him from his demonic fate, ready to embrace a future of sacrifice…

He pushed her down onto the bed of grass.

Wei Jie might possess a roguish charm, his features tinged with aloofness. But when his purple eyes softened, the Mei blood within him surged forth. He didn’t need to sing. One look from him was enough to leave one spellbound.

He lowered his head, his lips capturing hers.

Xiao Xiao was caught off guard, lost in the intoxicating sensation of his kiss.

He kissed her deeply, his passion evident even through her bewilderment…

And this time, Wei Jie was clearly not playing by the rules. Not only was he kissing her, but his hands were also… wait a minute, where were his hands going?

Finally, Sect Master Cui snapped out of it. She shoved him away and scrambled back, her cheeks flushed red.

Clutching her robes protectively, she poked his chest accusingly. “How dare you! Where were you touching?!”

Wei Jie blinked innocently. “I got a little carried away. I can’t quite recall. How about we try that again, and I’ll tell you?”

He leaned in again, but Xiao Xiao grabbed his ear, stopping him in his tracks.

Carried away my foot! Xiao Xiao didn’t believe for a second that he didn’t know what he was doing. This sly fox!

So that dream… it really was just a dream!

She couldn’t imagine this mischievous man, grinning at her with a glint in his eye, turning into that cold, ruthless demon!

Chuckling, Wei Jie took her hand in his. “What’s this? Has the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s code of conduct been updated again? Is kissing allowed, but touching forbidden?”

Ever since he joined the sect, he had grown accustomed to their ever-changing rules. Adding another one wouldn’t be surprising in the least.

Xiao Xiao, despite her experiences as a street hustler, had never been in love.

And fate had thrown her together with this unpredictable Demon Lord ancestor. She was practically a novice compared to him!

But he was right. They had already kissed. Wasn’t refusing to be touched a little hypocritical?

… Wait a minute. Wasn’t that a slippery slope? What’s next? “We’ve already kissed. Are you saying no to sleeping together?”

Seeing her puffed-up cheeks, Wei Jie’s smile widened. He pinched her cheek playfully and pulled his robe open again, revealing his chest. “Alright, alright, you win. You can touch me.”

He might have a well-defined physique, clearly well-developed, but… who in their right mind would want to touch him?

Finally, remembering her position as his master, she pinched his nose instead. “Nice try! Now go gather firewood and make breakfast! And stop being so clingy! What if Yu Ling’er sees us? She’ll never let me live it down!”

She might think she sounded like a stern master reprimanding her disciple, but to Wei Jie, she was an adorable mess, her hair tousled from sleep, her cheeks puffed out in mock anger.

He let her indulge in her role for a bit longer, then pulled her close, his voice soothing, like one would a grumpy cat. “I’m not fond of them either. We’ve dealt with the fragmented page for now, and there’s nothing else pressing. After we pay our respects to your master, let’s ditch them and enjoy ourselves, just the two of us, what do you say?”

Xiao Xiao didn’t think Yu Ling’er was in the way at all. Wait a minute, pay respects?

A wave of realization washed over her. She had completely forgotten about today’s original purpose!

After finally sending Wei Jie away, she scrambled to her feet and rushed towards the stream, using washing up as an excuse. She paced back and forth, trying to come up with a plan.

Just then, she spotted Tang Youshu washing some freshly picked mountain fruits in a wooden bowl.

Seeing her, he held up a fruit. “Master Ancestor, would these fruits suffice as an offering for Great Master Ancestor?”

Xiao Xiao stared at the bright red fruits, a wave of emotions washing over her. “As long as you like them…”

Tang Youshu chuckled awkwardly. “Well… it’s more important that Great Master Ancestor likes them. Speaking of which, you haven’t told me where he’s buried. Should I go pull out the weeds and tidy up his grave beforehand?”

Xiao Xiao paced in a circle, deep in thought, before declaring, “This entire mountain is his resting place.”

Seeing Tang Youshu’s bewildered expression, she took a deep breath and explained, “My master was no ordinary man. Although he didn’t ascend to immortality, he didn’t want his mortal remains to remain in this world. So, we cremated him and scattered his ashes across Lingshan Mountain. He is one with these mountains and forests.”

She couldn’t exactly point him towards a grave that didn’t exist.

Tang Youshu’s eyes widened in awe. “As expected of my Great Master Ancestor! Such an unconventional spirit. If I fail to achieve immortality, I too wish to follow in his footsteps, my soul purified by fire!”

Xiao Xiao quickly spat three times. “Don’t talk about death at such a young age, Tang Youshu! You have the face of someone who’ll live to be two hundred!”

After their customary exchange of flattery, Tang Youshu left, his wooden bowl clutched tightly in his hands.

As he walked away, he couldn’t help but tiptoe, muttering apologies under his breath, “Please forgive my intrusion, Great Master Ancestor. Forgive my ignorance and disrespect.”

It seemed he was afraid of disturbing his ancestor’s ashes.

And so, the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s first ancestral worship ceremony involved hiking up a mountain.

Led by Cui Xiao Xiao, followed by Wei Jie, Tang Youshu, Yu Ling’er, and the other foxes, they scattered paper money and lit incense as they made their way up the mountain, paying their respects to the omnipresent Great Master Ancestor.

They eventually reached the front mountain, where they encountered Princess Yongning and her entourage making their way down.

Disappointed at not seeing the phoenix the night before, the princess’ eyes lit up when she saw them. She hopped out of her sedan chair and rushed over to Cui Xiao Xiao. “Sect Master Cui, you were at the back mountain yesterday. Did you see the five phoenixes?”

Xiao Xiao thought to herself, “Not only did I see them, but they’re currently residing in my body!”

She knew she couldn’t deny seeing them. It would be too suspicious after last night’s spectacle. So, she said, “I did. But they underwent nirvana and ascended. Perhaps they found this place too noisy and sought out a quieter dwelling.”

Princess Yongning’s face fell. Then, she recalled her father’s words that morning. “My father has always respected cultivators. Upon hearing that the Lingshan Talisman Sect was practicing here, he instructed me to gift this manor to you. The steward will hand you the keys shortly. Please make yourselves at home and cultivate in peace.”

Without waiting for Xiao Xiao to respond, she turned and climbed back into her sedan chair, leading her entourage down the mountain.

Xiao Xiao hadn’t expected the Guishi Cliff Manor to end up back in their hands.

This piqued her curiosity about Prince Changshan. Wei Jie described him as someone who spent money like water.

To gift an entire manor to a sect he had never even met…

The ceremony concluded, and the manor keys were handed over to Xiao Xiao.

Although a few rooms still needed some work, most of the buildings were ready.

Compared to the dilapidated state it would be in two hundred years later, the sect’s current residence was quite impressive.

Yu Ling’er, who had spent the previous night worrying about sleeping in a cave, was ecstatic to have such luxurious accommodations.

She chose a room near the lotus pond and immediately tried to convince Tang Youshu to stay next door, claiming they needed to look out for each other.

This embarrassed Tang Youshu greatly. This wasn’t an inn! With so many rooms available, why did he have to stay next to a young lady?

Instead of choosing the best room, Xiao Xiao opted for the one she had shared with her Second Senior Sister.

Walking through the familiar yet unfamiliar corridors and pavilions, Xiao Xiao felt as if she had traveled through time.

Things were different now. Her arrival had changed the course of history. Although she had resolved to help Wei Jie overcome his demonic tribulation, she couldn’t help but wonder what impact her decision would have on the future.

She didn’t plan to stay here for long.

Qin Lingxiao had mentioned that another demonic bead was out there, attached to someone else. She needed to find it before it caused more harm.

Suddenly, she sensed a faint fluctuation in the air. Someone was hiding behind the artificial mountain by the lotus pond.

Without hesitation, she conjured a fireball in her hand. With a flick of her wrist, it shot towards the artificial mountain, transforming into a blazing arrow.

Caught off guard, the person hiding there had no choice but to emerge.

Xiao Xiao’s eyes widened. It was none other than Qin Lingxiao, the Young Pavilion Master of the Soaring Cloud Pavilion, the one who had betrayed her.

Qin Lingxiao hadn’t seen Xiao Xiao’s face clearly while hiding. As he turned to face her, his eyes widened. He stared at her, his gaze lingering on her increasingly alluring features.

He had lived for over two hundred years and encountered countless female cultivators, but none had ever caught his eye.

Yet, this young con artist, who treated him with disdain, had somehow managed to captivate him.

He chided himself for his poor taste. If he was truly smitten, shouldn’t he set his sights on someone more worthy?

But seeing her now, her beauty enhanced by an aura of cool elegance, her gaze filled with aloofness, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of shame.

Xiao Xiao noticed his reluctance to meet her eyes. Good!

The last time they met, he had gone to great lengths to cover for his father, Qin He, practically hanging her out to dry. He had some nerve showing his face before her again.

Perhaps it was the presence of the five phoenixes, but Xiao Xiao felt lighter, her control over her spiritual energy significantly enhanced.

Even though she was alone, she wasn’t afraid to face Qin Lingxiao. This newfound confidence… it was intoxicating.