Chapter 85
From Wei Jie’s perspective, Tang Youshu had finally shown some sense. He hadn’t uttered any nonsense about needing only rest and nourishment, minimizing his injuries.
Otherwise, judging by Xiao Xiao’s vengeful aura, she would have likely abandoned him and walked away.
But his weakness was genuine. After losing so much heart blood, even a bull would have collapsed.
Tang Youshu quickly offered him medicine, but Wei Jie, finding his disciple’s hands clumsy, insisted on being fed by Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao, ignoring the two schemers, said coldly, “You’re not a child. Take it or leave it!”
She then gathered firewood with Ling’er and started a fire.
She had touched Wei Jie earlier. His skin was icy cold – a sign of severe blood loss.
If his body temperature dropped too low, his circulation would be compromised.
So much had happened, so many schemes and betrayals. She needed time to process it all.
Dawn was approaching, the crimson moon fading.
Moonlight bathed the riverbank. The four members of the Lingshan Talisman Sect had spent the night locked in a fierce battle, three of them succumbing to their demonic natures. It had been a chaotic, near-fatal ordeal.
Wei Jie, having taken the medicine, began circulating his energy to absorb it. The others settled down to meditate.
Tang Youshu, a skilled physician, had concocted potent pills. After swallowing half the gourd, Wei Jie’s energy returned. He opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on Cui Xiao Xiao’s back, as if afraid she would disappear.
She ignored him, staring out at the river, lost in thought.
As the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon, Yu Ling’er, who had dozed off during meditation, finally woke up.
Seeing Wei Jie’s continued coldness towards Tang Youshu, his sarcastic remarks, she feared another confrontation. Claiming to be hungry, she dragged Tang Youshu away to find food.
Xiao Xiao, after a night of meditation, felt her mind clearing.
The Fox Tribe’s spirit stone was proving to be quite beneficial. It seemed to be softening the demonic bead’s influence and harmonizing with the five phoenixes’ energy, allowing the normally antagonistic forces to coexist within her.
But merging these disparate energies required skill and finesse.
Otherwise, the next time she faced a powerful enemy, the clash between the demonic bead and the phoenixes could leave her drained and vulnerable.
But before returning to her own time, she needed to find a way to rid herself of all these burdens.
She didn’t know how long she could contain them. They might eventually turn on her.
With Ling’er and Tang Youshu gone, Xiao Xiao, not wanting to talk to Wei Jie, went to the river to wash up.
As she rinsed her handkerchief, he crouched beside her.
Just like before, he helped her roll up her sleeves, asking if the water was too cold.
She ignored him, focusing on washing her face.
“Now that the Lingshan Talisman Sect has split,” she said, wiping her face with the handkerchief, “Ling’er and I won’t intrude on your master-disciple time any longer. It’s daybreak. Go to the Wei family or return to Luoyi City, whatever you choose. Farewell… Hey! What are you doing?!”
Before she could finish her polite dismissal, Wei Jie splashed water in her face.
Her freshly washed face was wet again. She glared at him, wiping away the water.
He tilted his head, his voice laced with amusement. “So those big eyes can actually see! I thought people from two hundred years in the future stared at the world with the backs of their heads!”
Xiao Xiao suddenly missed the cold, aloof Wei Jie.
At least his insults had been straightforward, not this infuriatingly playful!
“Yes, people from the future are all idiots,” she retorted. “Not as cunning and calculating as you ancient folks, who believe in using people to the fullest!”
He sighed, rubbing his face. “Xiao Xiao, be reasonable. It wasn’t me who plotted all of this with Tang Youshu! When have I ever expressed a desire for immortality? Marriage, on the other hand… now that’s something I could consider.”
What was he talking about? Who wanted to marry him?
A night by the river had solidified her resolve to follow her original plan – parting ways with them.
Tang Youshu’s schemes had robbed her of her beloved master and her cherished disciple.
And Wei Jie… he had become a stranger, obsessed with ascension, willing to sacrifice everything. She couldn’t help but wonder if this was the real him all along.
After so much hardship, she had finally gotten Jie’er back.
But when she had tried to embrace him, to pour out her heart, she had realized the one who had hurt and betrayed her… was him!
It was unbearable. Demon Lord, Jie’er… they were all the same!
Two faces – passionate and caring, then cold and ruthless – that was the true nature of men, wasn’t it? The way they lured women in, then discarded them!
A wave of disillusionment washed over her. She had been hurt by betrayal, barely managing to cope by distracting herself with food and fun.
She couldn’t go through that again. Even the thought of it was painful.
His affection for her now was genuine, but he was still young, unlike the Wei Jie of her past life, who had been tempered by experience, his perspective shaped by hardship.
But even young men eventually grew up. Perhaps, after a period of blissful romance, after a few years, he would wake up one day and realize he had wasted his time on a woman, jeopardized his path to immortality!
And then, he would revert to his Demon Lord persona, his heart turning cold. She didn’t think she could survive another betrayal.
Love… it was a luxury for someone burdened by her “ten sorrows.”
She was destined for a solitary life. Why drag him down with her?
It was best to part ways now, while they could still salvage some good memories.
As for who had deceived her… it didn’t matter anymore.
But her newfound detachment didn’t seem to affect him.
Upon hearing her mention her “ten sorrows,” her supposed incompatibility with men, he raised an eyebrow. “That bastard Tang Youshu told you that? Ask him if he predicted getting his ass kicked today! Ask him if he saw his tongue getting ripped out!”
Xiao Xiao wrung out the handkerchief and handed it to him, sighing. “Master… Tang Gongzi might have deceived me, but he’s devoted to you. Don’t be so harsh towards him. Some bonds can’t be bought with money. Don’t regret losing them when it’s too late…”
He scoffed. “He’s devoted to his Demon Lord master. What does that have to do with me?”
Tang Youshu had witnessed their journey, their interactions. He knew what mattered most to him now.
If he was truly loyal, would he have driven them apart?
He was just like Ling Zhishan, blinded by unrequited affection, causing unnecessary trouble!
As for the past, Wei Jie refused to acknowledge it.
He wasn’t stupid. If he accepted his past actions as the Demon Lord, Xiao Xiao would surely leave him.
Xiao Xiao, unable to argue with his twisted logic, was about to get up when she noticed that the blood had been washed away from his forehead, revealing a scar that resembled the blue flame mark.
But the cool blue, the symbol of a divine soul, was now replaced by a dark, blood-red, enhancing his already alluring features.
She wondered what it meant. Had his divine fragment been destroyed, his path to immortality severed?
She reached out, her finger tracing the scar on his forehead, lost in thought. She didn’t realize how easily such a gesture could ignite a man’s heart.
He grabbed her wrist, his head dipping down, his lips seeking hers. She turned away.
His eyes flickered with darkness, his voice low. “Are you still angry with me?”
She avoided his gaze, her head bowed, her voice soft. “You’re injured, troubled… and yet you still have the energy to flirt. No wonder they say those seeking enlightenment must renounce love. It’s… it’s distracting…”
He pulled her closer, his arm tightening around her waist. “I was possessed by that damned divine fragment. Everything I said was nonsense. Why take it to heart?”
She met his gaze, her expression serious. “You know I’m from two hundred years in the future. This isn’t nonsense! It’s your destiny! Prince Can is plotting against you, trying to steal your path to immortality. You need to renounce love and emotions to ascend quickly. And I don’t belong here. I have to return to my own time… Two hundred years… even if you achieve immortality, so much can change in that time. You’ll meet countless female cultivators who are far superior to me! Why continue this charade, causing us both unnecessary pain? We should just…”
He clamped his hand over her mouth, silencing her.
He might have regained his sanity, but his demonic nature, the force that had shattered a divine soul, was still a potent force within him.
He hid it well, but she saw a flicker of black in his eyes.
What was a demon? A creature driven by obsession, by insatiable desires!
And Wei Jie, despite his smooth path to immortality in this life, had still succumbed to his demonic nature.
Her words, her attempts to distance herself, had triggered his inner demons.
She wouldn’t want to know what was going through his mind right now.
But he masked his emotions, slowly releasing her. His gaze lingered on her eyes, then drifted lower, a playful smirk touching his lips. “A bit small, not quite to my liking… but don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you…”
Xiao Xiao followed his gaze and gasped. Her robe, damp from washing her face, was clinging to her chest!
She crossed her arms defensively. “There’s nothing small about me! It’s perfect! Are you blind?!”
She might not be the most beautiful woman, but even the little fox complimented her figure! He had no right to judge!
He feigned innocence. “I was talking about your age! You’re two hundred years younger than me! Isn’t that small… Oh, I see what you were thinking… Cui Xiao Xiao, you’re such a pervert!”
She gaped at him, speechless.
His ridiculous antics had completely derailed her attempt to break up with him.
He slung his arm around her shoulders, his voice low. “My chest hurts again. Help me lie down, will you?”
His current strategy was to play the weak, helpless invalid. The more pathetic he appeared, the better.
Xiao Xiao, despite her anger, wouldn’t abandon him in this state. He should have shed more blood!
He had considered her words, her concerns.
But the thought of her vanishing from his life, returning to her own time… it brought a wave of darkness crashing down upon him.
Afraid of scaring her, he pulled her close, burying his face in her hair, his voice a low murmur. “Don’t worry. I won’t lose you again…”
Despite knowing her for so long, he knew very little about her past.
He had eventually learned more from Tang Youshu.
This girl, who always seemed so cheerful and optimistic… she had once been guarded and wary, protecting herself like a wounded hedgehog, fighting to survive on the streets.
He couldn’t imagine the fear and despair she must have felt when her mother sold her.
And after finally opening her heart, trusting Tang Youshu and him, she had been betrayed by both.
The memory of her tears, her pain… it made his heart ache.
And he was one of the people who had hurt her. He tightened his embrace, as if afraid she would slip away if he loosened his grip…
Yu Ling’er and Tang Youshu, emerging from the forest, saw them, Wei Jie holding Xiao Xiao tightly.
They wisely decided not to intrude.
Yu Ling’er’s eyes even welled up with tears.
These past few days had been so stressful! Xiao Xiao’s falling out with Wei Jie and Tang Youshu had put her in a difficult position. She wanted to be with both of them.
She felt like a child whose parents had divorced.
She turned to Tang Youshu, her voice filled with emotion. “See? Interfering in other people’s relationships brings bad luck! Xiao Xiao and Wei Jie are meant to be together. Stop meddling! Besides, your sect isn’t exactly conventional. Master and disciple… it’s not a big deal!”
It seemed she still believed Tang Youshu was a righteous man who couldn’t condone their “immoral” relationship.
Tang Youshu, however, knew the truth was far more complicated. He couldn’t predict the future.
He could only take it one step at a time. Having offended both his master and his disciple, he had to tread carefully.
After a chaotic night, the original members of the Lingshan Talisman Sect were finally sitting together, enjoying a relatively peaceful breakfast.
Xiao Xiao, observing Tang Youshu’s attempts to please her, peeling fruits for her, adjusting her cushion… she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
She wasn’t ready to forgive him, but she didn’t want to push him to the brink of suicide again.
So, she changed the subject, recounting their encounter with Ye Yi.
Wei Jie’s eyes narrowed. To lure someone into the underworld… that was a feat even most deities couldn’t achieve.
Who was this fiancé of Princess Yongning? How did he possess the other shore flower?
He needed to investigate this Ye Yi.
As they listened to the women’s description, Wei Jie and Tang Youshu, their relationship strained, exchanged glances.
They had been tricked and nearly killed, yet… when Wei Jie asked about Ye Yi’s appearance, both women gazed dreamily into the distance, their voices filled with admiration, describing his elegance, his refined features, as if they were savoring a rare delicacy.
They even lamented their lack of eloquence, claiming words couldn’t capture his beauty.
The two men stared at each other, their expressions unreadable.
Wei Jie, unable to contain himself, cut Yu Ling’er off, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Were you two lured by the demonic flower, or by a handsome man?”
Xiao Xiao, after a moment of serious contemplation, decided that the word “lust” was too crude to describe her appreciation for Ye Yi’s flawless beauty.
He was truly captivating. Even knowing his treacherous nature, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. Such a gem, wasted on evil…
Wei Jie, seeing her thoughtful silence, her dazed expression, realized this Ye Yi was no ordinary man.
He scoffed. While he had been trapped by that damned divine fragment, unable to see her, she had been busy falling for a dangerous charmer.
He was offended. “No wonder you want to establish a Harmony Sect,” he said, his voice laced with bitterness. “You seem to be enjoying yourself…”
She glared at him, taking a bite of a wild fruit. “Speaking of which, I left the Lingshan Talisman Sect a long time ago. When are we settling accounts and dividing our assets? It’s time to go our separate ways.”
Her words stung. He fell silent for a moment. “Take whatever you want,” he said finally.
He had always indulged her. If she wanted to establish a Harmony Sect, so be it.
He would follow her, no matter the sect. He could become her chief disciple, continue to support her, warm her bed…
But the thought of her leaving him, of their separation… it triggered his inner demons. His eyes darkened.
Just then, Xiao Xiao felt the ground tremble. Something was moving beneath them, the river churning.
They all stood up, their expressions wary.
Xiao Xiao, glancing at Wei Jie, saw the change in his eyes. Having experienced demonic transformation herself, she knew exactly what was happening. She grabbed his hand, her voice urgent. “What’s wrong?”
The moment her hand touched his, the darkness in his eyes receded. He didn’t speak, only tightened his grip on her hand.
Just then, the Wei family twins arrived.
They had also felt the tremors. Their usually impassive faces were tense.
“Cousin,” one of them said, her voice flat. “Grandmother requests your presence. And she also wishes to speak with Sect Master Cui.”
Wei Jie knew he had injured several of their guards. The Lingshan Talisman Sect had caused quite a commotion on Qilao Mountain last night. And Xiao Xiao and Ling’er’s appearance at the sealed gate… that was a serious offense. They had to apologize to Grandmother.
But he didn’t want Xiao Xiao to go.
He knew the Wei family’s ways. Ancestral rules were paramount, sometimes enforced without flexibility. That was why his father had been forced to commit suicide all those years ago.
Grandmother’s summons… it couldn’t be good. He had to stop Xiao Xiao from going.
But Xiao Xiao was also worried about him. She had seen the darkness in his eyes.
He was fated to harm his kin. Had that fate been averted?
She had protected him, shielded him from his demonic nature, and yet he had still succumbed. It was frustrating. If he messed up again, she would strangle him!
“If the elder wishes to see me, I can’t refuse,” she said.
Although she had left the Lingshan Talisman Sect, as the Sect Master of the Carefree Joy Sect, her words held weight.
Since she had decided, Wei Jie agreed.
He had been causing trouble his entire life, never afraid of consequences. If Xiao Xiao wanted to go, he would go with her. If the Wei family tried to punish her, he would protect her.
He didn’t want to be separated from her. She might disappear, returning to her own time.
Xiao Xiao, always mindful of etiquette, decided to bring a gift.
They were in a hurry, so she grabbed a basket of wild fruits from Tang Youshu’s pack, hoping to appease Grandmother.
Grandmother Wei, seeing the girl who had been a fearsome demoness last night, surrounded by phoenixes, her eyes blazing red, her hair swirling with demonic energy… now transformed into a sweet, neighborly girl, carrying a basket of fruit, a gentle smile on her face…
It made her own preparations, the Silver Armored Guards lining the hall, seem excessive.
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