Chapter 70
Qin Lingxiao hadn’t come to fight Xiao Xiao.
He had been forced to betray her last time due to the urgency of the situation.
After returning to the Soaring Cloud Pavilion, he had confronted his father, demanding to know the truth about his involvement with Prince Can.
Backed into a corner, Qin He finally confessed that he had once been on the brink of death and had relied on Prince Can’s blood to survive.
Once he had accepted that blood, there was no turning back. He claimed he had become Prince Can’s pawn out of necessity.
Of course, Qin He’s words were a mix of truth and lies. But the part about relying on Prince Can’s blood was real.
Now, with Prince Can’s sudden “death,” Qin He was even more anxious than his son. He hadn’t received any news and didn’t know whether the prince’s death was real or a ruse.
However, his Eldest Senior Brother’s gruesome death was undoubtedly real. The severed hand from the mansion was undeniable proof. This filled Qin He with unease, fearing that he, like his senior brother, had become expendable to Prince Can.
He had no choice but to confess his predicament to his son. If he couldn’t obtain Prince Can’s blood in time, what would become of him?
Qin Lingxiao hated his father’s collusion with that villain, but he couldn’t bear to watch him die.
With Prince Can nowhere to be found, there was only one option left – using the demonic bead to prolong his life.
Although being possessed by the demonic bead could lead to being controlled by it, his father’s cultivation might be able to hold it off for a while.
That would buy him time to find a way to save his father completely.
He had been reborn. What was the point of it all if he had to watch his father die again?
He knew there were two demonic beads. One was with Xiao Xiao, inaccessible for now. The other’s whereabouts were unknown, attached to someone out there.
Qin Lingxiao hadn’t had the time to search for it before, but now, he had no choice. His father’s life depended on it.
In his past life, he had used the Yellow Emperor’s South-Pointing Chariot to locate the demonic bead.
This time, after much effort, he had managed to obtain this ancient artifact once again. With the Yellow Emperor’s bronze compass, finding the demonic bead would be much easier.
Following the compass’s guidance, Qin Lingxiao had arrived at this familiar mountain, the place where he had once studied cultivation.
Gazing at Guishi Cliff, he was filled with complex emotions. The compass’s signal fluctuated, leading him on a winding path through the mountains. It was then that he witnessed Xiao Xiao’s battle with the five phoenixes in the back mountain.
Desperate to investigate, he had tried to enter the back mountain, but an invisible barrier seemed to block his path.
Two days later, the barrier finally dissipated, and he was able to enter. But Xiao Xiao and her disciples had already left for the front mountain.
Standing before his former master’s abode, now occupied by Xiao Xiao, Qin Lingxiao felt a chill run down his spine.
Every time he saw Xiao Xiao taking Wei Jie’s place, shouldering the burdens that should have been his, a sense of foreboding washed over him. What would become of her in the end?
So, he had come to see her again, not only to apologize for his past transgressions but also to warn her against associating with Wei Jie.
Although he now knew that Wei Jie wasn’t responsible for the atrocities of their past life, it didn’t absolve that demon completely.
Wei Jie’s inner darkness was far more terrifying than any of his past deeds. To be with him was akin to dancing with a tiger.
Of course, he mentioned searching for the demonic bead, omitting the part about using it to save his father.
Xiao Xiao cut through his rambling apologies, her voice impatient. “You said you came here to find another demonic bead. What proof do you have?”
Qin Lingxiao took out the ancient compass.
Xiao Xiao recognized it immediately. She recalled seeing it when she and Qin Lingxiao had faced the silkworm demon in Feixian. The disciples of the Sword Sect had used this compass-like object to pinpoint the demonic bead’s location.
She glanced at it coldly. “If you have business to attend to, then go. You’re not welcome on Lingshan Mountain.”
Qin Lingxiao hadn’t expected his sincere apology to be met with such hostility.
His pride resurfaced, his voice hardening. “You claim your master taught you to vanquish evil, yet you cling to personal grudges? Are you going to stand by and let another tragedy like Madam Bai’s unfold?”
Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow, amused by his self-righteousness. “Qin Lingxiao, your cultivation hasn’t improved, but your insults are getting sharper. Does the Soaring Cloud Pavilion train its disciples to fight with words?”
Her smile, bright as sunshine, was captivating. For a moment, Qin Lingxiao was lost in it, forgetting her mocking words.
As she chuckled, extending her hand towards him, he stared at her, bewildered. Tentatively, he reached out, his large hand engulfing hers…
Xiao Xiao, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, swatted his hand away. “I said, show me the compass!”
Despite his long-winded speech, only one sentence resonated with her – “Are you going to stand by and let another tragedy like Madam Bai’s unfold?”
Madam Bai… the woman who had transformed into the silkworm demon. Xiao Xiao still felt a pang of pity for her.
So, even though Qin Lingxiao was a jerk, if he truly had a way to find the demonic bead, it was for the best.
After all, those two beads were the key to her returning to her own time.
His pride stung by her rejection, Qin Lingxiao reluctantly took out the compass and handed it to her.
Xiao Xiao examined it carefully. It was square-shaped, smaller than an inkstone, covered in intricate bronze inscriptions. A small bronze spoon rested on top.
Qin Lingxiao, seeing her scrutiny, knew she suspected him of treachery.
He raised his hand, his voice cold. “If I have tampered with this object to harm you, may I be struck down by heaven, forever barred from achieving immortality!”
Ignoring his oath, Xiao Xiao continued her examination. The back of the compass bore inscriptions she couldn’t fully decipher, but they seemed to relate to the Yellow Emperor’s battle against Chi You. The compass’s ancient aura confirmed its authenticity.
However, it seemed to lack sensitivity, its signal intermittent. No wonder Qin Lingxiao had been struggling to find the demonic bead.
Her eyes fell upon the inscription on the compass face.
Unlike the inscriptions on the back, these resembled the talismans of the Lingshan Talisman Sect. Xiao Xiao could understand them.
It turned out this compass wasn’t just for navigation. It was also a tool used by the Yellow Emperor to vanquish evil. Its sensitivity could be enhanced by placing a drop of demonic blood in the spoon. The handle would then point towards someone with the same demonic energy, making it easier to track down demonic beings.
Xiao Xiao studied the compass for a long moment before asking, “Where did you get this?”
Qin Lingxiao could understand the inscriptions on the back but not the talismanic ones. He was surprised that Xiao Xiao could read them.
“It was entrusted to my father by Wan Lianshi,” he answered honestly. “It needs to absorb righteous energy. The Soaring Cloud Pavilion is located in the east, where the purest yang energy rises. It was supposed to be returned to Wan Lianshi after three years… but in the previous timeline, it remained with us. He never came to retrieve it…”
Xiao Xiao guessed that Wan Lianshi must have died at Wei Jie’s hands in the original timeline. He had lost to Wei Jie in the Illusionary Realm and been killed. Of course, he wouldn’t have gone to his junior brother to retrieve his belongings.
In this life, many events had been accelerated. They had already experienced the Illusionary City outside Luoyi City.
But no matter how things changed, Wan Lianshi’s fate remained the same.
And this compass, used prematurely, hadn’t absorbed enough yang energy. It seemed demonic blood was the only way to enhance its power…
As Xiao Xiao searched for any hidden traps or spells left by Wan Lianshi, Qin Lingxiao took a step closer. His eyes fell upon a red mark on her neck…
It was a mark left by Wei Jie during their passionate encounter the night she had the nightmare.
Despite living for over two hundred years, Qin Lingxiao had never been romantically involved with a woman. He didn’t recognize it at first. “What happened to your neck? Did an insect bite you?”
Xiao Xiao guessed he had seen Wei Jie’s mark. She quickly covered it with her hand, her cheeks flushing red. “It’s none of your business!”
Even if he hadn’t recognized it before, her flustered reaction gave it away.
The only person who could have left a mark like that on her neck… it had to be Wei Jie, that scoundrel!
A wave of jealousy washed over Qin Lingxiao.
Unable to contain his anger, he spat, “Do you think Wei Jie is capable of love? He only uses people! He might not be on a killing spree right now, but do you think he’s any kinder than he was in our past life? I served him for years. I know him better than anyone! He only cares about power, about making those who looked down on him kneel before him. Anyone who falls for him is just another pawn in his game! Look what happened to Yu Ling’er in our past life! She devoted herself to him, and when she died, did he shed a single tear? Cui Xiao Xiao, why are you so stubborn? Why walk this path of self-destruction?!”
Had he said these words earlier, Xiao Xiao might have been swayed.
But now, even if they were true, they only brought a hint of sweetness to her heart.
Because… Wei Jie had cried for her. He had shed tears of blood…
Seeing her silence, the knowing smile playing on her lips, Qin Lingxiao struggled to suppress his bitterness. “Forget it. You’re blinded by infatuation. Nothing I say will get through to you. But know this, you don’t belong in this time. If you stay, if you become entangled with Wei Jie, you will disrupt the natural order. A cultivator who can’t even control their emotions… how can they achieve enlightenment?”
Xiao Xiao sighed, exasperated by his righteous indignation. She wanted nothing to do with him.
He was stubborn and self-righteous. Dealing with someone like him was exhausting.
Not to mention the humiliation he had put her through in front of everyone.
But now, with the possibility of finding the other demonic bead, she could put aside their personal grievances for the greater good.
If the bead ended up in the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous. She didn’t want another tragedy like Madam Bai’s.
She glared at him. “Shut up! Or get off this mountain!”
She then took out her dagger, sliced her palm, and let a drop of blood fall onto the spoon.
The moment the blood landed, the compass began to spin.
It had been in Qin Lingxiao’s possession for nearly two hundred years, yet he had never known about this function.
Of course. The two demonic beads shared the same origin, both stemming from Wei Jie. And Xiao Xiao was currently harboring one. Her blood was essentially demonic blood.
The spoon spun rapidly before pointing directly at… Cui Xiao Xiao!
Xiao Xiao rolled her eyes. No need to point out the obvious.
It might be useful, but could it really find the other bead?
Just as she was about to speak, the compass twitched and began spinning again.
This time, after two rapid rotations, it pointed southeast.
Xiao Xiao and Qin Lingxiao exchanged glances.
“It only trembles like that when the demonic bead is close,” Qin Lingxiao said urgently. “Could the other bead really be near Guishi Cliff?”
Without another word, Xiao Xiao grabbed the compass and dashed towards the southeast.
Her speed surprised Qin Lingxiao once again.
He knew she excelled at talismans but had no talent for lightness techniques.
Although she could occasionally use the Heaven-Punishing Sword for short bursts of speed, she was far from mastering true sword flight.
To think that in just a few days, she had become even faster than him!
He couldn’t dwell on it now. He gathered his energy and followed her.
The southeast direction led towards the main path up Guishi Cliff.
At that moment, Wei Jie, accompanied by Tang Youshu and two fox men, was returning from a supply run to the nearby village.
Having shed tears of blood in the phoenix sanctuary, Wei Jie couldn’t use his energy for the next few days.
The nearest village was far from the mountain, so they had ridden foxes to and from the village.
As they reached the foot of the mountain, they were met by a large crowd.
Wei Jie frowned, suspecting that Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er had gotten into trouble. Were these people here for revenge?
Tang Youshu recognized them. “Oh no, those disciples who wanted to become her students have followed us here! We need to warn Master Ancestor!”
Wei Jie realized that the Lingshan Talisman Sect had become quite popular, attracting so many talented individuals eager to become students.
But he didn’t want his master to accept them.
In his mind, having him as her sole disciple was enough. More disciples would only hold them back and interfere with their future travels…
So, he ignored the crowd and continued towards the mountain gate, bags of supplies in hand.
Just as he stepped onto the stone steps, Ling Zhishan and her group began their ascent.
That night, Cui Xiao Xiao and her disciples had vanished without a trace. When everyone woke up, they were nowhere to be found.
Some were disheartened and decided to give up.
But Ling Zhishan’s determination only grew stronger. She had learned from Yu Ling’er that they were heading to Guishi Cliff. Even if Cui Xiao Xiao tried to slip away, she would find her.
Inspired by her resolve, the other disciples decided that becoming a student of a renowned master required perseverance. Led by Ling Zhishan, they followed like shadows, eventually reaching their destination!
Ling Zhishan had spotted the newly erected stone tablet at the foot of the mountain. Guishi Cliff was now called Lingshan Mountain.
It seemed Cui Xiao Xiao was right. This was indeed the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s ancestral ground.
She had actually spotted Wei Jie returning from the village earlier.
Her eyes lit up at the sight of his tall figure, and she rushed over to greet him.
But Wei Jie remained as indifferent as ever, ignoring her completely as he walked past.
She hurried after him.
The newly constructed path was uneven. Ling Zhishan, half by accident, half intentionally, tripped and fell into Wei Jie’s arms.
Sensing her approaching, Wei Jie tried to dodge, but without his energy, his movements were sluggish. As he turned, she landed squarely against his chest.
Ling Zhishan, unaware of his injury, thought he had deliberately let her fall into his arms. A wave of joy surged through her as she looked up at him, her cheeks flushed.
He was so close, so handsome…
Wei Jie hated being touched. He frowned, ready to push her away, when a familiar, annoying voice rang out from above. “Xiao Xiao, see? I told you. He’s nothing but a womanizer…”
Wei Jie looked up and saw his master, Cui Xiao Xiao, standing tall at the top of the stairs. Her long robes billowed in the wind, her hand clutching a compass-like object. She stared at them, her gaze cold, an aura of menace surrounding her.
And beside her stood the ever-present Qin Lingxiao. That slanderous remark… it had to be him!
Seeing Xiao Xiao’s intense gaze, Wei Jie instinctively felt she was angry. He shoved Ling Zhishan away and turned to face his master.
Caught off guard, Ling Zhishan stumbled back, falling onto the stone steps. Her elbow hit the ground, drawing blood.
Her fellow disciples rushed to her aid, glaring at Wei Jie. “My Junior Sister tripped and bumped into you. Was it necessary to shove her so hard? Have you no manners?”
Before Wei Jie could respond, Cui Xiao Xiao descended the stairs. She brushed past him and stood before Ling Zhishan, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Ling Zhishan, you’re a cultivator, not a delicate lady from a wealthy household. Why are you so prone to tripping? These steps are newly built. There isn’t even a speck of moss. With your clumsiness… perhaps cultivation isn’t for you. I apologize on behalf of my disciple. Look at that wound. The skin is broken, and you’ve lost a few drops of blood… Tsk, tsk. Do you need silver for medicine? Or can you handle it yourself?”
Ling Zhishan, whose fall had been largely intentional, was mortified.
She clutched her injured arm, forcing a smile. “Perhaps I’m exhausted from traveling. I haven’t had time to meditate and recover. I felt a little dizzy. Sect Master Cui, we’ve followed you all this way. Please, accept us as your students.”
Unfortunately, Cui Xiao Xiao wasn’t here to catch her disciple flirting or accept new students. She glanced down at the compass in her hand. It was vibrating even more intensely now that they were closer to the crowd of aspiring disciples.
She moved through the crowd, the compass needle twitching erratically.
Both individuals harboring the demonic beads were too close. The needle swung back and forth between Xiao Xiao and the crowd.
Suddenly, with a sharp crack, the spoon-shaped needle snapped, breaking into pieces.
Xiao Xiao, surprised by the fragility of the Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s treasured artifact, turned to Qin Lingxiao.
He was just as shocked. This ancient artifact, in his possession for over two hundred years, had shattered after just a few days in this life!
He looked at Xiao Xiao, his voice low. “How… how did you use it?”
“As instructed,” she whispered back. “But let me warn you, the Lingshan Talisman Sect is poor. If you want compensation, the most I can offer is… five taels of silver.”
Their whispered exchange, observed by Wei Jie, seemed incredibly intimate.
His purple eyes darkened, his expression hardening.
Qin Lingxiao couldn’t believe it. This treasure, passed down for two hundred years, had broken so easily.
It seemed the compass, deprived of three years of yang energy, was truly unreliable!
But one thing was certain – the person harboring the demonic bead was among those aspiring disciples. He had infiltrated their ranks, hoping to gain access to Guishi Cliff. But for what purpose?
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