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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.

Chapter 84

The crimson moon in the sky glowed with an eerie intensity, mirroring the escalating ferocity of the battle unfolding beneath it.

Unlike Wei Jie’s attacks, each move infused with killing intent, Cui, the Demoness, fought with a frustrated fury, her movements a chastisement.

Dodging his energy shield, she seized an opportunity, landing two resounding slaps across his handsome face. “Wake up! I’m alive! What are you mourning for?! Snap out of it! Look what you almost did to Grandmother!”

Tang Youshu, witnessing those powerful blows, instinctively covered his own face.

His little disciple, usually cheerful and playful… she had a fiery temper when provoked…

Wei Jie’s head snapped back, but his dark eyes remained fixed on her. He didn’t even flinch as she struck him again and again, his expression cold and impassive.

But the demonic energy swirling within him intensified, his movements becoming faster, more unpredictable.

Fortunately, the five phoenixes, her guardians, emitted piercing cries, their energy forming a five-colored shield around her.

Xiao Xiao, however, felt a growing unease. The demonic bead within her… it was failing her. As the fight dragged on, she could feel her demonic power waning. She wouldn’t be able to maintain this form for much longer.

But Wei Jie seemed driven by an insatiable hunger, his demonic nature growing stronger, fueled by his inner turmoil.

The pressure was suffocating!

He had once told her that she wasn’t suited for the demonic path. Now, facing him, witnessing his effortless transformation, she finally understood what it meant to be a natural-born demon.

He was truly the Demon Lord! Even now, weakened by his blood loss, his attacks were relentless, his power seemingly inexhaustible…

Remembering his ruthlessness in their past life, his merciless slaughter during the later stages of his demonic transformation, Xiao Xiao didn’t dare underestimate him.

She wouldn’t last much longer. She had to minimize the damage he could inflict.

As they fought, she called out to the others below. “Once Yu Ling’er is out, seal the gate! Get away from here! Don’t stay and become his victims! Tang Youshu! Explain the situation to them! Get them to safety! Don’t let him unleash his rage!”

It was the first time she had addressed her former master so formally.

Tang Youshu, tears streaming down his face, understood her meaning. She was asking him to clear the area, to prevent Wei Jie from committing the unforgivable sin of killing his own blood.

If he were to kill his kin, his demonic nature would consume him completely, leaving him beyond redemption.

But if they all left… what would become of Xiao Xiao?

No, if anyone had to be sacrificed, it should be him, the insignificant disciple. If Wei Jie killed Xiao Xiao, he would be consumed by guilt and despair, turning into a demon regardless!

The moment Yu Ling’er emerged from the gate, Wei Jingfeng, clutching his injured chest, joined his mother and the elders, working quickly to repair the shattered seals.

When Xiao Xiao had emerged, a few demonic beings had tried to escape with her, but the five phoenixes, their power radiating from her, had intimidated them, forcing them back. They had prevented a mass exodus from the underworld.

Grandmother Wei, watching the girl battling Wei Jie in the air, refused to leave, despite Tang Youshu’s pleas.

She saw that the girl, having embraced her demonic nature, was fighting for a noble cause! And the one who had become a demon, who no longer recognized his own kin… was her grandson.

How could they abandon her, leaving her to face this alone? Their consciences wouldn’t allow it.

“That girl is risking her life,” she said, her voice firm. “We can’t leave her to fight alone!” She wanted the others to retreat, but she and her son would stay and help Xiao Xiao.

Seeing her determination, Xiao Xiao knew she had to act quickly. Her demonic power was fading.

She remembered that water had eased her demonic transformation last time.

And right now, the ground was crowded with people. She had to get Wei Jie away from them.

She decided to use the Translocation Technique, transporting them both to the Yunjiang River, which flowed past Qilao Mountain!

The Lingshan Talisman Sect’s Translocation Technique could instantly move someone to a different location, as long as the distance wasn’t too great.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t mastered it yet. But in this desperate situation, she had no choice but to try.

Just as Wei Jie’s hand clamped onto her shoulder, she bit her tongue, drawing blood. She used her finger to draw a talisman in the air, chanting a spell, then flicked her wrist.

In a blink of an eye, both figures vanished, engulfed by a wave of water.

The spell drained the last of her demonic power. As they materialized above the Yunjiang River, her red eyes faded, her transformation receding, the five phoenixes disappearing, returning to their slumber.

Damn it! She had intended to transport Wei Jie alone! Why had he dragged her along?

She shoved him away, but her energy was depleted. She felt herself falling – this was it!

Her robes billowed around her like broken wings as she plummeted towards the river.

But Wei Jie, still consumed by his demonic nature, pursued her. Just as she was about to hit the water, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist, pulling her into his arms.

His other hand clamped around her throat.

She was too weak to resist, a wry smile touching her lips. “You bastard! You don’t even recognize me anymore! Let me tell you, if you kill your master to achieve enlightenment, I will haunt you…”

Before she could finish her dying words, his hand moved from her throat to her chin. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a fierce kiss.

It was so unexpected.

She had been resigned to her fate, but now… she couldn’t even close her eyes. She stared at him, her mind reeling, as he carried her down, laying her on the soft grass by the riverbank.

Moonlight bathed the ground. They were alone, the sound of rushing water filling the air. If not for the cold wind, it would have been a perfect setting for a secret rendezvous…

Xiao Xiao, still in shock, bit his tongue, pushing him away as he groaned in pain. “Wei Jie… do you know who I am?”

His eyes were still dark, but her reflection was starting to appear in them.

He had recognized her the moment she arrived.

But his demonic nature had clouded his mind, rendering him speechless. His only thought had been to hold her, to possess her…

That was why he had fought her so relentlessly. But she, with her red eyes, her demonic power… she had been a formidable opponent.

Like a slippery eel, she had evaded his grasp.

The feeling of losing something precious, something he desperately craved… it had fueled his demonic energy, making his attacks increasingly ferocious, uncontrollable.

He had finally pulled her into his arms, his lips claiming hers.

The emotions he had suppressed for so long surged forth, finding release. The woman who had haunted his dreams was now in his embrace…

As the kiss ended, the blue flame mark on his forehead faded.

Xiao Xiao, gasping for breath, pushed him away again, and noticed that the mark was gone, replaced by a gushing wound!

She stared at the blood flowing from his forehead, reaching out to touch it, but he grabbed her arm, pulling her close, his lips claiming hers once again.

But this time, she was ready. She let him kiss her, even softening against him, her body yielding to his embrace.

And then, with a swift movement, she reversed their positions, pinning him beneath her. She slapped a soul-stabilizing talisman onto his chest.

He froze, staring at her, his eyes wide.

Xiao Xiao sighed in relief, glaring down at him. “You’re injured, your soul weakened, and you’re still thinking about taking advantage of me? Are you trying to join me in the River of Forgetfulness?!”

She straightened her robes, scolding him.

His eyes, gradually losing their darkness, were returning to their familiar purple hue.

The spirit stone that had bound his emotions, the stone that had housed a fragment of a divine soul… it had shattered when he lost control.

His love for her, his inability to let go… it had tainted the divine essence, dragging it down into the abyss. He truly was prone to succumbing to his demonic nature. Even a divine soul couldn’t save him.

He could feel the blood flowing from the wound on his forehead, where the stone had shattered. He could see her, her brow furrowed, her eyes blazing.

She was so beautiful, even when she was angry. Her eyes, so bright and intense, her voice sharp yet alluring… and her lips, so soft and sweet…

Did she realize that her robe had loosened again, revealing a glimpse of her skin?

The moonlight, the river, the rustling leaves… it was a beautiful night.

But he knew that if he didn’t speak, her eyes would turn red again. And then, she would become a monster!

He tore his gaze away, forcing a smile. “Xiao Xiao…”

She froze. He had spoken her name with a hint of warmth, his boyish grin, his canine teeth flashing… she couldn’t remember the last time she had seen him smile like that…

Was he… was he Jie’er?

She stared at him, her heart pounding, her voice barely a whisper. “Are you… are you Jie’er?”

As she leaned closer, he caught a whiff of her scent. Their position, so intimate… it was a test for a man in his prime.

He felt a surge of heat, his blood rushing, not just from his head wound, but also from his nose.

But instead of the playful banter he had expected, she simply stared at him, her expression a mix of wonder and disbelief, as if she thought she was dead, this encounter a mere figment of her dying imagination…

He wasn’t as carefree as he appeared. His heritage forbade him from shedding tears.

But the emotional outburst, amplified by the shattered seal, had taken its toll. He had lost too much blood.

While his demonic nature had been in control, he had been fine. But now, with his true self resurfacing, the consequences were crashing down upon him.

He groaned, his body aching.

He wanted to sit up, to hold her properly, but the soul-stabilizing talisman rendered him immobile.

Xiao Xiao, sensing his demonic energy receding, removed the talisman. He sat up, wincing, and pulled her into his arms.

But Xiao Xiao, who had shed tears for him just moments ago, wiped her face and pushed him away, her voice distant. “I’ll get Tang Youshu and your grandmother.”

He struggled to his feet, grabbing her arm. “Are you angry? I… I wasn’t myself!”

He hadn’t lost his memories. He remembered everything he had said and done to her, his callous behavior.

Thinking back on it now, his obsession with ascension, his disregard for her feelings… he wanted to strangle Tang Youshu and then slap himself silly.

But he was too weak to even lift his arm. All his energy was focused on holding onto her wrist, preventing her from slipping away.

She wasn’t here to settle scores, although they did have a few things to discuss.

He was injured, his Mei blood loss potentially fatal.

She needed to get help.

But he wouldn’t let go, clinging to her like a lifeline, a stark contrast to his previous coldness.

She rolled her eyes. She couldn’t shake him off. “You’re too heavy,” she said, exasperated. “I can’t carry you! How am I supposed to get help?”

He swallowed the blood rising in his throat. “I’m not going to die just yet,” he said, his voice weak. “Why bother getting them involved? We’ve caused enough trouble tonight. Are you planning to ask Grandmother to nail us both to the ground with demon-subduing stakes?”

Xiao Xiao had to admit, he had a point.

It seemed losing his divine fragment had made him more… practical.

If Grandmother Wei arrived, she wouldn’t know how to explain this. And the fact remained – Wei Jie, despite everything, had still succumbed to his demonic nature.

She had no idea what to do with his chaotic destiny.

Just then, Tang Youshu and Yu Ling’er found them.

It seemed there were still some issues on Qilao Mountain, preventing the Wei family from leaving. They had sent Tang Youshu to check on them.

Seeing that his master’s eyes had returned to their normal purple hue, Tang Youshu sighed in relief.

Thank heavens! He was alright! If he had turned into a demon, if he had committed another massacre… even a thousand deaths wouldn’t be enough to atone for it!

But the moment Wei Jie saw his beloved disciple, his eyes darkened, a murderous glint appearing in them.

He let go of Xiao Xiao and lunged for his discarded sword, ready to chop that traitor into pieces!

Tang Youshu, guilt gnawing at him, didn’t even try to dodge. He knelt, ready to accept his punishment.

The events of this night had been terrifying. Both master and disciple had succumbed to their demonic natures, nearly destroying each other.

If these two, who had once cared for each other, had died by each other’s hands… he couldn’t bear the thought.

He wouldn’t run from his fate.

Only the little fox, tugging at his robes, screamed, “Xiao Xiao, look! He’s going crazy again!”

As far as Xiao Xiao was concerned, those two deserved each other. Even if they beat each other to a pulp, it was none of her business!

But Wei Jie truly seemed intent on killing Tang Youshu. The little fox, caught in the middle, was panicking.

Xiao Xiao sighed, stepping in, wrapping her arms around Wei Jie’s waist, trying to separate them.

The peaceful moonlit night was now a scene of chaos.

But Wei Jie’s injuries were taking their toll. His legs buckled, his head lolling against her as she hugged him.

Tang Youshu quickly checked his pulse, his expression turning grim as he probed his master’s core…

His reaction alarmed Xiao Xiao. “Is he… is he badly hurt?”

Tang Youshu took a deep breath, glanced at Wei Jie, and nodded. He removed his bamboo basket, rummaged through it, and took out a medicine gourd. He poured out a few pills and handed them to her. “These are Netherworld God Pills I concocted. The furnace wasn’t hot enough, but they should help stabilize his heart and blood… He’s… he’s gravely injured! He needs to avoid strong emotions, both positive and negative. He can’t be scolded or reprimanded. If you need to settle scores, take it out on me…”

As if unable to bear Tang Youshu’s rambling diagnosis any longer, Wei Jie’s head lolled against Xiao Xiao’s shoulder. He glared at his disciple, his voice laced with sarcasm. “I wouldn’t dare touch your concoctions. Who knows what you’ve put in them?”

Tang Youshu, who had never had a falling out with anyone in two hundred years, had now managed to offend two people, both dear to his heart.

His meticulously crafted plan, a century in the making, had fallen apart. A wave of despair washed over him.

Tears welled up in his eyes. “It’s… it’s all my fault. I thought I could help Master change his fate, restore his divine power. But I only made things worse. I caused him to shed tears of blood, weaken his soul, and fall prey to his demonic nature. I… I’m so sorry!”

He raised his hand, ready to strike his own head!

Xiao Xiao, dropping the unconscious Wei Jie, joined Yu Ling’er, pulling him back.

Tang Youshu was succumbing to his own inner demons.

He harbored the other demonic bead, but his gentle nature and years of cultivation had kept it in check.

But now, consumed by guilt, even he couldn’t maintain his composure. The demonic bead within him stirred, black scales spreading across his face, his mind unraveling. He was determined to die before Wei Jie.

Cui Xiao Xiao had had enough!

She had fought her way back from the underworld, transformed into a demon to draw Wei Jie away, preventing a bloodbath, then brought him back from the brink of madness. And now, she had to stop Tang Youshu from killing himself…

Heavens above! What had she done to deserve these two idiots?!

She channeled her energy, summoning a wave of icy river water, and drenched Tang Youshu from head to toe.

“If you want to die, take your master and do it far away from us!” she snapped. “Don’t you realize Yu Ling’er and I nearly died in that cold, dark hellhole?! If you two want to go there, be my guest! But don’t expect any tears from us!”

Her own grievances surfaced, but she fought back tears, her eyes burning.

Perhaps it was the phoenixes within her, but her glare was intimidating, a force that even demons feared.

Under her intense gaze, the black scales on Tang Youshu’s face receded. Shame filled his voice. “It’s… it’s all my fault. I should have told you everything…”

Yu Ling’er, remembering their ordeal in the underworld, felt a wave of fear and resentment. She clung to Tang Youshu, burying her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

Wei Jie, who had been ready to kill Tang Youshu, now found himself in a difficult position. If he continued his attack, Xiao Xiao would surely berate him for being insensitive.

That damn Tang Youshu, always stealing the show! He was left lying on the ground, ignored.

As Yu Ling’er’s sobs subsided, Wei Jie, his voice cold, finally spoke. “There’s a dying man here. Does anyone care…”

Chapter 83

But the little fox was easily swayed by such displays of emotion.

Seeing Tang Youshu’s anguish, hearing him call out their names, she choked back a sob. “Tang Gongzi, I’m here! I’m still alive! Don’t listen to him!”

Cui Xiao Xiao watched the watery mirror silently. The tall man in the reflection remained impassive, as if the two women’s deaths meant nothing to him.

Xiao Xiao knew Wei Jie was connected to the demonic bead within her. He couldn’t be unaware of her disappearance.

He didn’t even need Tang Youshu’s spells to confirm it. He could sense that she was no longer in the mortal realm.

Yet, his handsome face betrayed no sorrow. Even if she wasn’t his lover anymore, they had journeyed together. Did her life truly mean so little to him, a man striving for immortality?

It seemed that with his divine power restored, his perspective had become detached, unlike mortals who mourned the loss of loved ones.

She didn’t want to be a hindrance to his ascension, but seeing his indifference, his refusal to even shed a tear, still stung.

She had clung to a sliver of hope, a hope that the Jie’er who had smiled at her, the Jie’er she knew, would return. But now, she could finally let go.

The Wei Jie who had shed tears of blood for her in the Phoenix Sanctuary… he was truly gone…

She turned away, unable to bear the sight of that mirror.

Once Tang Youshu’s tears dried up, the mirror would vanish, severing their last connection to the mortal realm.

She should be grateful. At least, thanks to Ling’er, she had witnessed her former master’s genuine grief.

Cui Xiao Xiao, burdened by her “ten sorrows,” her life force too strong… she was destined to be alone, without parents, without children, without attachments. Perhaps it was for the best.

Yes, it was for the best…

As she wallowed in her sorrow, a familiar scent wafted towards her – the intoxicating fragrance of the other shore flower…

No! A moment of weakness, and she was already succumbing to its allure! She knew this wasn’t good. A wavering will was easily swayed by the demonic flower.

And here, in the underworld, she needed to maintain her resolve to resist the call of death!

It was too late to hold her breath. The scent seeped into her mind, clouding her thoughts. The River of Forgetfulness materialized before her, the sound of oars splashing against the water echoing through the darkness. Her feet, as if drawn by a magnet, moved towards it, her steps mechanical, her mind detached…

She was aware, yet powerless. She knew she had to turn back, but her body wouldn’t obey. She widened her eyes, desperately trying to regain control.

The demonic bead, fearing for its own existence, screamed at her, urging her to turn back.

Finally, in a desperate attempt, it resorted to listing dishes – crystal pig’s trotters, steamed mandarin fish, crab roe soup dumplings – hoping to tempt her with food.

If only she could respond. Hearing the bead’s frantic attempts to lure her back with promises of delicious meals… she would have laughed.

But she was lost in a haze, her body moving on autopilot.

Suddenly, Yu Ling’er’s shriek pierced through the fog. “Xiao Xiao! There’s… there’s another mirror! A blood-red mirror!”

Xiao Xiao had also heard the sound of dripping water. She gasped, as if waking from a dream, and the demonic influence over her shattered. She could finally turn around…

Beside the mirror formed from Tang Youshu’s tears… blood was dripping, the crimson droplets pooling together, forming a blood-red mirror.

The reflection showed Wei Jie, but he wasn’t in Prince Can’s mansion. He was standing on a hillside on Qilao Mountain, the remnants of the wall he had destroyed still visible!

It seemed that upon learning of her entrapment, he had wasted no time, flying to the entrance of the underworld on his sword.

But he wasn’t crying. His eyes, no longer purple, were now a dark, blood-red.

Xiao Xiao was confused. How had this blood-red mirror of longing formed?

Wei Jie seemed to be clashing with the Wei family’s Silver Armored Guards. But he didn’t seem interested in fighting. He unleashed a wave of energy from his Heaven-Punishing Sword, sending the guards flying, then charged towards the entrance.

Grandmother Wei, along with several elders, stood guard, blocking his path.

“A-Jie, what are you doing?” she asked, her voice firm. “Don’t you know that the fifteenth of August, every ten years, is the day the gates of the underworld are sealed? Even we, the demon-hunting Wei family, can’t approach the gate on this day. Why are you here?”

Wei Jie’s eyes, now almost black, were fixed on the swirling vortex behind her. “I… I need to bring someone back.”

“No!” Grandmother Wei said without hesitation. “No one can approach the gate on the day of the sealing. It’s an ancestral rule…”

Wei Jie cut her off, his voice low, as if lost in thought. “She’s afraid of the dark. It’s so cold and dark there. She wouldn’t like it…”

A surge of demonic energy emanated from him. He leaped into the air, moving with lightning speed, and landed before the gate.

Before anyone could react, he reached out, his hand touching the swirling chaos.

But on this day, the day of the sealing, the gate was reinforced by the Wei family’s powerful seals. Nothing could enter, nothing could leave.

His hand pressed against the barrier, but it wouldn’t budge.

But Xiao Xiao, from within the underworld, saw his hand, reaching through the swirling chaos.

She lunged forward, pressing her hand against his, calling out, “Wei Jie, I’m here! I’m not dead!”

But her voice couldn’t penetrate the barrier separating the realms.

Wei Jie’s hand clawed at the impenetrable barrier. He slammed his palm against it, unleashing a surge of energy.

With his divine power restored, his strength had grown exponentially. The force of his blow, fueled by his nascent Nascent Soul, shattered the Wei family’s seals, creating cracks in the barrier.

Through those cracks, the wails of countless souls echoed from the underworld.

And amidst those wails, he heard a faint voice, barely audible, calling his name.

It was gone in an instant, swallowed by the chorus of tormented souls.

The shattered seals reformed, silencing the cries from below.

But he had heard her! Cui Xiao Xiao had entered the underworld, trapped, unable to return!

As a member of the Wei family, he knew what awaited those who strayed into the realm of the dead.

She, the woman who constantly tormented his heart, must have been lured by the other shore flower, her soul separated from her body, her mortal remains sinking to the bottom of the River of Forgetfulness.

Why else would he hear her soul’s mournful cry?

He thought, his face impassive, “It’s for the best. With her gone, I won’t be tormented by her anymore, my heart and mind torn apart, every night a living hell. Yes, it’s for the best…”

But even as he thought those words, his face contorted in pain, his eyes burning.

The blue flame on his forehead blazed. Whenever the pain struck before, he had suppressed his emotions, banished thoughts of her from his mind.

But this time, even as his head throbbed, the feelings he had buried deep within him erupted like molten lava, impossible to contain.

The seal that had bound his emotions shattered. His eyes, once cold and distant, were now black as ink. And then, with a roar of anguish, the blood he had held back for so long, the blood of his heart, surged forth, unstoppable, like a river breaking its banks!

Xiao Xiao, deep within the underworld, heard his anguished cry. She knew exactly what was happening!

He… he was shedding tears of blood again! He thought she was dead, lost in the River of Forgetfulness!

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her – joy and terror.

He cared. He truly cared.

But fear overshadowed her joy. She was trapped! She couldn’t reach him, couldn’t tell him she was alive!

Last time, a few drops of blood had weakened him significantly.

Now, his tears flowed freely, his face stained crimson. If he didn’t regain control, he would die!

The blood-red mirror expanded, and Xiao Xiao, desperate, screamed at the reflection. “Tang Youshu! And those Wei family people! Are you all deaf?! Can’t you see he’s shedding tears of blood?! What about his divine power?! Wasn’t it supposed to sever his emotions?! Why isn’t it working?!”

Yu Ling’er, her own grief forgotten, whimpered, “Xiao Xiao, are we really going to die here?”

Die? No! If she didn’t escape, Wei Jie would follow her into the underworld!

But the situation was even worse than she had imagined.

The Wei Jie in the mirror, his eyes black as night, was charging towards the gate again, determined to break through the seals and retrieve her soul.

He no longer held back against those who tried to stop him. His attacks were ruthless, aiming to crush and destroy anyone in his path.

Several Wei family guards were sent flying, blood spewing from their mouths. Their fates were unknown.

Only Patriarch Wei Jingfeng, Grandmother Wei, and a few elders remained…

Xiao Xiao’s heart pounded. Wei Jie, weakened by his blood loss, was losing control, his demonic nature resurfacing.

She finally understood why they had lured her into the underworld!

They had orchestrated all of this… to force Wei Jie to become a demon again!

At this rate, he would be consumed by his inner demons, losing his sanity, making the fatal mistake of harming Grandmother Wei and her family!

This tribulation… it seemed unavoidable.

Xiao Xiao took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and addressed the demonic bead within her. “Now’s your chance! I need to transform! I need your power!”

If Wei Jie could shatter the seals, so could she!

If she couldn’t leave as a human, then she would become a demon, using that power to break free.

The demonic bead within her was born from Demon Lord Wei Jie. He, consumed by his demonic nature, had been able to roam freely between the realms, his power unmatched.

She would become a demon, amplifying her own power!

The demonic bead screeched in protest. “Have you lost your mind?! Five phoenixes are already living in here! Do you know how miserable my life is?! They’re constantly watching me, their eyes burning into my soul! I can’t even sleep! If I unleash my demonic power, they’ll devour me!”

Xiao Xiao didn’t believe the phoenixes would act up in the underworld, a realm of pure yin energy.

But the bead, traumatized by the birds, refused to cooperate.

Xiao Xiao, losing her patience, threatened to dig it out and crush it if it didn’t help her.

The word “useless” stung. The bead, like some men, had its pride.

Ignoring its protests, Xiao Xiao closed her eyes, recalling the time she had been possessed by Wan Lianshi’s demonic energy.

The key to transformation was to temporarily relinquish control of her soul, allowing the demonic energy to take over…

She took out a soul-stabilizing talisman and handed it to Yu Ling’er. “If I transform, remove this talisman. And stay far away from me. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Yu Ling’er, despite her naivety, realized Xiao Xiao was playing with fire. “Will this… will this work?”

“Just do it!” Xiao Xiao snapped, her voice laced with urgency.

Yu Ling’er flinched, then placed the talisman on Xiao Xiao’s forehead.

The moment the talisman touched her skin, her soul flickered, and her eyes turned blood-red. Her hair, like black silk, rose into the air. She remained motionless, but an undeniable aura of demonic power emanated from her.

Yu Ling’er, remembering Xiao Xiao’s instructions, took a deep breath and ripped off the talisman.

The transformed girl stretched her neck, her eyes, now red and alluring, scanning her surroundings. She looked at Yu Ling’er, a predatory glint in her eyes, as if contemplating a fox meat snack.

Yu Ling’er, remembering Xiao Xiao’s warning, scrambled for cover.

But the underworld was a barren wasteland. There was nowhere to hide.

She transformed into her fox form, curling into a ball, her tail covering her face. “Don’t see me! Don’t see me! Fox meat is smelly! Fox meat is yucky!”

But her worry was unfounded. This time, Xiao Xiao’s transformation was different. A flicker of awareness remained in her eyes. Her nails, now black and sharp, reached for the little fox, then stopped. “Get out of my way,” she said, her voice rough. “I’m going to break through the seal.”

Yu Ling’er, surprised by her unexpected restraint, peeked from behind her tail and noticed a faint glow emanating from Xiao Xiao’s navel.

The spirit stone! The Fox Tribe’s treasure!

It seemed the stone was allowing Xiao Xiao to retain a sliver of her sanity. That was why, despite her harsh words, she still cared about Yu Ling’er’s safety.

The transformed girl, her eyes blazing, took a deep breath and leaped into the air. Gathering her demonic energy, she shot towards the sealed gate like a bolt of lightning.

As she soared through the air, five streaks of colored light emerged from her neck.

Yu Ling’er watched in awe as five phoenixes, their forms shimmering, materialized beside her, their cries echoing through the darkness. They spread their wings, their tails trailing behind them, circling Xiao Xiao as she flew towards the gate.

Her demonic energy had awakened the five phoenixes, but her power, amplified by the spirit stone, was too much for them. They circled her excitedly, their energy intertwining with hers, becoming her guardians.

Meanwhile, outside the gate, the battle raged on.

Wei Jie, consumed by grief and his demonic nature, was relentless, determined to break through the gate and retrieve Xiao Xiao’s soul.

Obsession was a breeding ground for demonic energy. And for someone like Wei Jie, with his nascent Nascent Soul, to succumb to his demonic nature… it would be a disaster!

Grandmother Wei, watching her grandson’s transformation, felt a pain so deep it was like reliving the agony of her eldest son’s suicide.

She had realized that his desperation stemmed from Xiao Xiao’s entrapment.

Would both father and son be destroyed by love?

Patriarch Wei Jingfeng, protecting his mother, had taken a direct hit from Wei Jie.

If Tang Youshu hadn’t arrived in time, creating a shield with his energy, Wei Jingfeng’s meridians and organs would have been shattered.

But even Tang Youshu’s shield couldn’t withstand Wei Jie’s power. He was sent flying, landing hard, unable to get up.

Grandmother Wei stood before her grandson, clutching several silver needles. If A-Jie, consumed by his demonic nature, attacked her, she wouldn’t dodge. She would use her last breath to plunge those needles into his acupoints.

If her death could restore his sanity, she would gladly sacrifice herself…

Just as Wei Jie, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, was about to reach her, a guard cried out, “Patriarch! Something’s happening at the gate!”

The Wei family turned their attention to the entrance. The seals were pulsing, as if something powerful was trying to break through from the other side!

The fifteenth of August, a day of celebration for most, was a day of vigilance for the Wei family.

Every year, perhaps influenced by the full moon, something tried to breach the gate. Their ancestral teachings mandated a state of high alert on this night.

And this year, the moon was an ominous red, a sign of impending chaos.

They hadn’t expected Wei Jie’s sudden transformation, his attempt to force his way into the underworld.

And now, something was trying to escape.

The Wei family elders chanted spells, channeling their energy into the seals, trying to contain the situation.

But the next moment, a piercing phoenix cry echoed from the cracks in the barrier, and the seals shattered.

Five phoenixes, their forms shimmering, emerged, then merged into one, disappearing into the swirling chaos.

And then, a girl with long black hair, bathed in a five-colored glow, as if adorned with phoenix wings, burst forth from the darkness.

Her white robes billowed around her, her hair whipping in the wind. Her eyes, now red and alluring, met theirs, her entire being radiating a demonic aura.

As she landed, the Silver Armored Guards surrounded her, their weapons drawn. But Xiao Xiao only had eyes for Wei Jie, his face streaked with blood, his attack aimed at Grandmother Wei.

She unleashed a wave of energy, scattering the guards, and landed before him, shoving Grandmother Wei out of the way.

She had become a demon, shouldered his burdens, faced countless tribulations. She wouldn’t let all of that be in vain!

Whether Wei Jie succumbed to his demonic nature… that was her decision!

She channeled her energy, meeting his attacks head-on, her voice clear and strong. “Wei Jie, I’m alive…”

But he was too far gone, his mind fixated on breaking through the gate, on finding her soul. Even her presence couldn’t break through his obsession.

He attacked her, his movements even more ferocious, his sword sheathed, his palms striking out, targeting her arms, her shoulders, her neck.

Anyone else would have faltered, their defenses crumbling under his relentless assault.

But Xiao Xiao was no longer human. She was a demon.

And her demonic power had awakened the five phoenixes within her. The Fox Tribe’s spirit stone, nestled in her navel, protected her core. With all of this, if she couldn’t handle him… what was the point of all this power?

Those watching saw two figures, one clad in black, the other in white, clashing in the air. The girl, her movements swift and graceful like a phoenix, dodged his attacks, her bare hands deflecting his blows. She was his equal!

Even Grandmother Wei stared in disbelief, muttering to herself, “The red moon… was it a sign of two demons emerging? What is she? I’ve… I’ve never seen anyone use five phoenixes as guardians… Is this… the rise of a Demon King, come to unleash chaos upon the world?”

Chapter 82

“The other shore flower? Isn’t that the demonic flower that blooms by the River of Forgetfulness, where the three realms intersect?” Yu Ling’er exclaimed.

The other shore flower bloomed at the crossroads connecting the underworld, the mortal realm, and the heavens. Its fragrance was said to be intoxicating, erasing all pain and sorrow, leading souls to a blissful oblivion.

Why would Wei Jie compare the scent of magnolias to that of a demonic flower?

Xiao Xiao’s voice was grave. “Perhaps their scents are similar. The flowers we smelled earlier were definitely magnolias. But this scent… Ling’er, don’t you feel less afraid of the dark now?”

Yu Ling’er had been clinging to her arm, terrified, but since inhaling the fragrance, she had unconsciously let go, even walking ahead of her now, eager to cross the river and reach those flowers.

Yu Ling’er, convinced Xiao Xiao was teasing her, chuckled. “You’re trying to scare me again, silly! If those are other shore flowers, then we must be by the River of Forgetfulness…”

Her laughter died down as she realized Xiao Xiao was serious.

She shivered, pointing at the ferryman. “If this is the underworld, how can there be people here?”

Xiao Xiao stared at the shadowy figure standing on the boat. “Look closely. Is he… human?”

Yu Ling’er turned, her gaze fixed on the ferryman, who remained hidden beneath his wide straw hat and cloak. And then she saw it – the space beneath his cloak… was empty!

The shadow had no legs. It hovered in the air, its skeletal hands, with their long, sharp nails, gripping the oar, churning the water.

Fish and shrimp leaped from the water, startled by the oar’s movements.

Yu Ling’er had seen the unusually large fish and shrimp Wei Jie brought back – creatures that only existed in the River of Forgetfulness, where it bordered the mortal realm, their bodies imbued with yin energy…

She realized, with a jolt of terror, that she had nearly stepped onto that boat.

As a fox demon, she knew about the River of Forgetfulness and the underworld.

That boat ferried souls to the other side. If a living person boarded it, their body and soul would separate the moment their foot touched the deck. Their body, sinking through the bottomless boat, would become food for the creatures of the River of Forgetfulness, while their soul would be transported to the other shore.

She had nearly died!

But how had they ended up in the underworld? They had been heading towards Luoyi City.

How had they entered? Had the Wei family, the guardians of the underworld, not noticed their presence?

Xiao Xiao had also been about to board the boat. If the demonic bead hadn’t spoken up, they would both be doomed.

Wei Jie had told her that living beings, with their strong yang energy, couldn’t enter the underworld. But if someone inhaled the fragrance of the other shore flower, their yang energy would be suppressed, their mind weakened, allowing the demonic flower to guide them into the underworld.

This was how the Wei family entered and exited the underworld, but they used ancestral silver artifacts to protect their souls from being lost in the darkness.

That was why Wei Jie hated the scent of magnolias, their fragrance resembling that of the demonic flower.

He saw it as an omen of death, even disliking Yu Ling’er’s sachet when it contained similar scents.

And now, Xiao Xiao realized that Ye Yi, with his field of magnolias, his claims of honoring his deceased wife… he had been subtly exposing them to the scent of the other shore flower, hidden amongst the magnolias.

He had even gifted Yu Ling’er a pouch of those deathly petals.

That cunning man… his reputation as a debauched scoundrel had been a perfect disguise. He was far more dangerous than he appeared.

His gentle voice, his soothing words… even Xiao Xiao had been lulled into a false sense of security, falling prey to his carefully laid trap.

The increasing darkness wasn’t due to the setting sun. They had been led across the boundary between the living and the dead, lured into the underworld by the demonic flower’s fragrance.

The scent clinging to them masked their life force, preventing the Wei family from detecting their intrusion.

The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became. That gentle, elegant Ye Yi… if he had done this intentionally, how deep did his cruelty run?

Or was he merely a pawn, manipulated by the fake Prince Changshan?

If it was the former… he was a true master of deception, a killer who didn’t need weapons.

Xiao Xiao chanted a spell, summoning a ball of fire in her palm, illuminating their surroundings.

Since the five phoenixes had entered her body, she had become adept at manipulating fire.

But before the flames could even flicker, they died out.

The yin energy here was too strong, suppressing even fire. Living beings couldn’t stay in the underworld for long. The overwhelming yin energy would eventually extinguish their life force…

Xiao Xiao, with her own strong yin energy and the demonic bead within her, could withstand it better than most. But Yu Ling’er was starting to weaken, her body trembling.

She was carrying the Fox Tribe’s spirit stone, but in this realm, the stone, instead of offering protection, was draining her yang energy to preserve its own power. She wouldn’t last much longer.

Xiao Xiao, her heart pounding, knew they had to escape. But she couldn’t find a way out, and she couldn’t let Yu Ling’er suffer…

“Ling’er, give me the spirit stone,” she said, her voice firm.

Yu Ling’er shook her head frantically. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Xiao Xiao. But giving her the stone now… wouldn’t that be a death sentence?

She could feel the stone sucking away her life force. Xiao Xiao wouldn’t be spared. She only hoped that Xiao Xiao could carry her body out of this place, return it to her people, ensuring the Fox Tribe’s spirit stone would be passed on.

Tears streamed down her face.

She was so young… and she was going to die. If she had known, she wouldn’t have argued with Tang Youshu.

She would have told him that he was the first man who had truly captured her heart…

Xiao Xiao didn’t have the patience for a tearful farewell. She channeled her energy, protecting Yu Ling’er’s core, and swiftly removed the spirit stone.

She placed it on her own navel, and the demonic bead within her erupted in fury. “You foolish girl! You reckless idiot! You take everything upon yourself! Five birds weren’t enough? Now you’re adding a spirit stone to the mix! Have you lost your mind?! I must have done something terrible in a past life to be stuck with you!”

“My apologies,” Xiao Xiao said, not sounding particularly sincere. “It’s not exactly a spacious suite, is it? But if you don’t want us to die here, you better help me figure out how to escape this place.”

She was certain the demonic bead had been to the underworld with Wei Jie. It had been present during the chaos that had unfolded here.

The demonic bead, after a moment of silence, as if weighing its options, spoke. The spirit stone, the moment it entered her body, had begun to greedily devour her yang energy, like a gluttonous beast. This was unsettling for the bead, accustomed to this realm.

If it lost its host and was left behind in the underworld, escape would be difficult.

“There are no doors in the underworld,” it said, its voice grudging. “Those are mortal concepts. Only those whose fate has dwindled or whose lifespan has ended arrive at the gates of the underworld. But in the mortal realm, where yin energy gathers, passage between the realms is easier. Qilao Mountain, a battleground for generations, where countless lives have been lost, where corpses once piled high… that is what mortals call the entrance to the underworld. If you want to escape, you need to find a weak point in the barrier on Qilao Mountain.”

Xiao Xiao, enduring the spirit stone’s draining effect, asked how they could find it quickly.

“You possess the Yin-Yang Eyes,” the demonic bead said. “Resist the allure of the other shore flower, calm your mind, and you will see the flow of yin and yang energy in this realm. Whether you can find it or not depends on your understanding.”

Xiao Xiao tried to focus, to see beyond the darkness.

But the fragrance of the other shore flower seemed to seep into her mind, drawing her towards the flowers across the river. She found herself wandering back to the riverbank several times.

Remembering the demonic bead’s words, she took out a handkerchief and covered her nose and mouth. She couldn’t breathe, but it blocked out the flower’s intoxicating scent.

And then she saw it – the intricate flow of yin and yang energy.

Two streams of energy, different in color, intertwined in the darkness. Xiao Xiao, focusing, could sense the presence of yang energy, flowing from the northeast.

She grabbed Yu Ling’er’s hand and pulled her in that direction…

Meanwhile, in a Luoyi City inn, Wei Jie and Tang Youshu, master and disciple, were settling in.

After his outburst, his rampage through the forest, Wei Jie had decided to stay at the same inn Xiao Xiao had stayed at.

Tang Youshu couldn’t understand his master’s actions. He had suddenly decided to accept those Four Great Sects disciples he had previously deemed unworthy.

And out of all the inns in Luoyi City, he had chosen this one, the one Xiao Xiao had stayed at. And out of all the rooms, he had chosen hers.

Xiao Xiao had just checked out. According to the innkeeper, the bedding hadn’t even been changed. Wei Jie had waved it off, claiming he didn’t mind, and moved right in…

Tang Youshu was starting to fear his own master.

With his divine power restored, Wei Jie should have reverted to his usual personality – cold and distant, but still a gentleman. He wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy towards his disciples, but he was a dedicated teacher.

But now… his purple eyes were constantly clouded, his moods unpredictable. He was like the Wei Jie possessed by his demonic nature.

Tang Youshu had watched those new disciples trying to curry favor with him, especially Ling Zhishan, who seemed determined to engage him in conversation.

Several times, Wei Jie’s fingers had brushed against the hilt of the Heaven-Punishing Sword.

Tang Youshu shuddered, fearing that his master, losing his patience, would lash out, as he had done in the past, leaving a trail of blood and corpses in his wake.

He sighed in relief when Wei Jie finally retreated to his room.

Lately, he had been thinking about reversing time again. Perhaps restoring his master’s divine power had been a mistake. This volatile, almost demonic Wei Jie… if only Xiao Xiao were here… would his master be more stable?

He glanced at the darkened room, assuming Wei Jie was meditating, taking advantage of the moonlight.

But inside that room, Wei Jie, his robes discarded, his chest bare, sat on the bed, then slowly lay down on the rumpled sheets…

The sheets were cold, devoid of her warmth, but as he buried his face in the pillow, he caught a faint trace of her scent.

He closed his eyes, surrendering to the fleeting sweetness, imagining her, her clothes damp, lying beside him…

A sharp pain pierced his head, shattering the illusion.

He ripped the pillow in half, a wave of emptiness washing over him as feathers scattered across the room…

His eyes, darker than ever, closed, his lips parting, then closing again. Finally, in the cold silence, he whispered her name. “Xiao… Xiao…”

He reached out, wanting to grasp something, anything. But his fingers closed around empty air, moonlight filtering through the gaps.

He closed his eyes, trying to sense her presence through the demonic bead within her.

It had always been so easy. When her emotions were heightened, he could even feel her joy and sorrow.

But now… he searched, but found nothing.

Cui Xiao Xiao… it was as if she had vanished from existence!

He sat up abruptly, focusing his energy, searching again. Nothing. Her aura, once so familiar, was gone…

How was this possible?

Panic surged through him, a splitting headache accompanying it. He ignored the pain, his mind fixated on one thought – he had… lost control of something precious…

When she had left Guishi Cliff, he had remained calm. He had even managed to maintain his composure during those days when he couldn’t see her.

But it had all been based on one crucial factor – he had always known where she was, who she was with, what she was doing, what she was feeling!

As long as she was somewhere out of sight, cultivating, not interfering with his plans… that had been the ideal scenario.

But whenever she did something unexpected, that reckless girl, it disrupted his peace, hindering his progress towards ascension.

Like her ridiculous idea of establishing a Harmony Sect! Changing the name didn’t make it any less absurd!

Why else would those Four Great Sects traitors flock to her like wolves, drooling over a piece of meat?

There had been a moment, a fleeting urge, to simply eliminate those lecherous fools with his sword.

But he had restrained himself, accepting them as his own disciples, hoping it would encourage her to focus on her cultivation.

And now… he couldn’t find her!

The realization that she was beyond his grasp ignited a firestorm of anxiety within him.

He couldn’t wait another moment. He had to find her!

Just then, a voice called out from below. “Is Wei Jie of Guishi Cliff present? Prince Changshan, having heard of your arrival, has sent me to invite you to his manor!”

As if anticipating his refusal, the messenger added, “Prince Changshan said that if you are searching for a certain someone, a visit to his manor might yield unexpected results… Ah!”

Before he could finish, a cold hand clamped around his throat. A tall, menacing figure towered over him, his voice a low growl. “Who is this someone? Tell me again!”

The messenger, terrified, choked out, “I… I don’t know! Please, ask the prince yourself…”

His words were cut short as the figure vanished. A scholar, dressed in white, carrying a bamboo basket, leaped from the second floor, chasing after him, calling out, “Master, wait!”

His voice echoed through the night, reaching far and wide, but not the depths of the underworld.

Xiao Xiao, having held her breath for as long as she could, finally removed the handkerchief from her face. Thankfully, her nascent Golden Core allowed her to circulate her energy and hold her breath for an hour. Otherwise, she would have suffocated.

They moved swiftly, Yu Ling’er, in her fox form, carrying Xiao Xiao on her back.

Following the faint trail of yang energy, they wandered through the darkness for what felt like an eternity, finally reaching a luminous opening.

The scent of the other shore flower was gone.

Yu Ling’er sighed in relief. “I can’t smell those flowers anymore. Are we escaping?”

Xiao Xiao, observing the yang energy flowing from the opening, nodded. “This must be the exit.”

They approached the opening, but an invisible force pushed them back.

Yu Ling’er landed hard, crying out in pain. “What was that? Why can’t we leave?”

Xiao Xiao reached out, her hand bouncing back.

She stared at the opening, her voice tense. “Someone has sealed it from the other side.”

Yu Ling’er’s eyes widened in alarm. “What do we do? Are we trapped?”

Xiao Xiao knew that whoever had lured them here wouldn’t want them to escape. They had anticipated their attempt, sealing the only way out.

But her worry went beyond their own predicament.

This exit was located on the Wei family’s territory, Qilao Mountain. The Wei family wouldn’t seal the entrance to the underworld without a reason.

Had someone taken control of them? The memory of their tragic fate in her past life surfaced, sending a chill down her spine.

She turned, her gaze sweeping over their surroundings, and noticed a pool of water forming in the opposite direction of the sealed exit. Droplets of water, materializing out of thin air, were slowly filling the depression in the ground.

As they approached, they realized the surface of the water was like a mirror, reflecting images.

Yu Ling’er gasped, staring at the reflection of Tang Youshu, his face streaked with tears. “What’s wrong with him? Why is he crying so hard?”

The reflection showed him standing in Prince Can’s mansion.

He scattered a handful of ashes, his voice choked with emotion. “How could this happen? They’re truly gone… Even my soul-summoning technique can’t find them…”

Beside him stood Wei Jie, tall and imposing, his expression cold and unreadable, like a statue carved from ice.

Across from them stood a man in fine robes, his face covered in bandages. He spoke in Prince Can’s voice, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “Those two silly girls… so easily fooled. They followed the scent of those flowers straight into the underworld. By now, they’ve probably boarded the ferry of the dead, their bodies sinking into the River of Forgetfulness, feeding the fish and shrimp. What a shame. Even if Tang Youshu could summon their souls, he can’t retrieve their bodies. My condolences. Try not to grieve too much.”

It seemed the master and disciple had discovered the fake Prince Changshan and confronted him.

And the imposter had taken this opportunity to reveal their fate.

Xiao Xiao’s heart sank.

She remembered Wei Jie mentioning that when someone died and entered the underworld, if their loved ones in the mortal realm grieved deeply, their tears of sorrow would form a mirror in the underworld, allowing the deceased to see them one last time.

After that final glimpse, their bond would be severed, separated by the veil between life and death, never to meet again.

Based on their conversation, it was this fake Prince Changshan who had orchestrated their entrapment.

And Tang Youshu and Wei Jie had just learned about it. Tang Youshu, using the Lingshan Talisman Sect’s soul-summoning technique, had confirmed their deaths. His grief, his tears, unable to find them, had manifested as this mirror in the underworld, granting them this final vision…

Tang Youshu might have deceived Cui Xiao Xiao and cruelly abandoned Yu Ling’er, but his tears were genuine. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have formed this mirror.

But this belated affection was worthless now. They were separated by the veil of death, their paths forever diverging.

Chapter 81

Yu Ling’er returned with several food baskets, munching on her spoils as she listened to Xiao Xiao’s plans for their next adventure.

Upon hearing Xiao Xiao mention Zhangwei Mountain, Yu Ling’er realized she still wasn’t ready to reconcile with Wei Jie and his group. “Wei Jie used to cling to you like a shadow,” she sighed. “Are you truly giving up on him?”

Xiao Xiao fell silent for a moment. “He doesn’t need me anymore…”

The memory of his murderous rage, his hands around her throat, surfaced. His hatred for her was undeniable.

She didn’t know if her demonic nature would act up again. If Wei Jie, out of obligation, was forced to suppress his disgust and come to her rescue… she didn’t want that.

She didn’t want to be a burden. He had started gathering followers, expanding his influence. He could handle Prince Can on his own.

After all, Wei Jie was in a much better position now than he had been in their past life. He had the Wei family’s support, his divine power restored, and a loyal disciple who had experienced everything firsthand.

Compared to him, she, his nominal master, was incompetent, plagued by demonic energy, and burdened by a tarnished reputation. What was the point of clinging to him when his future was so bright?

She decided to abandon her investigation into Prince Changshan, focusing on putting as much distance between herself and Wei Jie as possible.

Yu Ling’er, now adept at reading the mood, knew it was best to drop the subject. She didn’t think Xiao Xiao needed Wei Jie.

He might have a sharp tongue, but it was always him who initiated their interactions, clinging to her relentlessly.

Xiao Xiao was loyal and compassionate, but she was also resilient. Her sadness was becoming less and less apparent.

It seemed a few more feasts would be enough to erase all traces of that rebellious disciple from her heart.

With enough time and distance, she would surely forget about Wei Jie.

And by then, even if he begged the Queen Mother of the West for a second chance, it would be too late. Yu Ling’er sighed again, thinking of Tang Youshu.

She didn’t believe he would ever find another fox as kind and considerate as her! That stupid scholar… why hadn’t he come to apologize and beg her to return?

But since Xiao Xiao was heading to Zhangwei Mountain, she would accompany her, no matter the danger.

Zhangwei Mountain was located beyond the Northwest Sea, a long journey. Having settled on a destination, they set off immediately.

But before they could leave the outskirts of Luoyi City, as they rounded a bend, a valley came into view.

A sweet fragrance wafted from the valley. Yu Ling’er sniffed the air, recognizing the scent of magnolia blossoms. As they drew closer, they saw that the valley was filled with blooming magnolia trees.

But it wasn’t the season for magnolias. And these blossoms, large and vibrant, were clearly cultivated, not wild flowers growing in an untended valley.

Foxes were naturally drawn to fragrances, and this scent was intoxicating. Yu Ling’er’s long ears and tail emerged, unable to be contained. She dashed towards the valley.

“Xiao Xiao, I love the smell of magnolias! I wanted to make a magnolia sachet, but that hateful Wei Jie stopped Tang Youshu from buying me petals, saying they smelled like death!”

She was referring to their time at Guishi Cliff. Tang Youshu had bought her various fragrances, but the lack of magnolia had upset her.

Xiao Xiao didn’t respond, determined to avoid mentioning Wei Jie. She watched Yu Ling’er twirling beneath the trees, her laughter echoing through the valley.

But the scent alone wasn’t enough. Yu Ling’er climbed a tree, wanting to pluck a blossom and wear it in her hair.

Her sachet was losing its fragrance. She could dry these petals and refill it.

But just as her hand reached for a blossom, a gentle voice stopped her. “Please, spare these flowers, young lady. I planted them in memory of my late wife.”

Xiao Xiao turned and saw a tall, slender man dressed in scholar’s robes standing beneath a magnolia tree.

She had seen her fair share of handsome men.

Wei Jie, Qin Lingxiao… they were both incredibly attractive.

But looking at this man, she realized there was another kind of beauty.

Not striking, but gentle and warm, like a flawless jade.

His features weren’t particularly remarkable, but a flawless jade didn’t need intricate carvings. It was captivating in its simplicity.

Even the Sect Master of the Carefree Joy Sect, who had seen countless beauties, couldn’t help but stare.

He smiled politely, and she finally snapped out of it, apologizing hastily. “We were traveling and didn’t realize this was private property. Please forgive our intrusion.”

Yu Ling’er, also captivated, mumbled, “I just thought the flowers smelled nice. I wanted to make a sachet…”

The man chuckled. “The scent of magnolias is indeed intoxicating. But their beauty and fragrance are best appreciated when they’re still on the tree. Once they fall, their petals turn brown and lose their appeal… Tell you what, I’ll have my servants bring you some dried magnolia blossoms from my carriage. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on their fragrance.”

Yu Ling’er, who had only acted on a whim, didn’t want to accept a stranger’s gift.

Thanks to Tang Youshu’s influence, she now understood the importance of financial independence. She politely declined.

But the man, ignoring her refusal, summoned his servants and gave them instructions. “They’ll be back shortly,” he said with a smile. “Would you ladies care for some pre-rain tea? I recently acquired a new batch. It’s quite fragrant and flavorful.”

Xiao Xiao intended to refuse, but something about his gentle voice compelled them to sit down at the tea table beneath the magnolia trees and accept his offer.

Yu Ling’er, drawn to his warmth, couldn’t help but ask, “May I ask for your name, sir? And where you reside?”

The man rolled up his sleeves, his movements elegant as he prepared the tea. “My surname is Ye,” he answered with a smile. “I’m from Changcheng.”

Xiao Xiao froze, her hand tightening around her teacup. She studied him again.

He wasn’t dressed extravagantly. His plain hemp robes and light cotton outer garment suggested a modest background. His hair was tied back with a simple white cloth instead of a hairpin.

But the teacups and utensils he used were of the finest quality, their thin, translucent porcelain showcasing the beauty of the tea.

And his servants and carriage didn’t suggest a humble upbringing.

He was surnamed Ye, from Changcheng, and he had a deceased wife…

Xiao Xiao recalled a wealthy family in Changcheng whose circumstances matched his. They were also surnamed Ye.

“Sir… are you acquainted with the Marquis of Zhongyong?” she asked hesitantly.

The man’s smile deepened. “You have a keen eye, young lady. How did you deduce my connection to the marquis? I am Ye Yi, his eldest son.”

Xiao Xiao was stunned, but Yu Ling’er nearly choked on her tea.

He was Ye Yi? The widower, the eldest son of the Marquis of Zhongyong? The good-for-nothing Princess Yongning refused to marry?

After the brick incident, Yu Ling’er’s impression of the marquis’ family was abysmal.

And based on Princess Yongning’s tearful complaints, this Ye Yi was supposed to be a debauched scoundrel, not this refined gentleman.

This elegant man, tending to these magnolias in this secluded valley, mourning his deceased wife… he seemed like a devoted romantic, not a heartless rake!

Had everyone been mistaken? Or were they only seeing a carefully crafted facade?

Ye Yi, seeing Yu Ling’er’s shock, chuckled. “Have we met before, ladies?”

Xiao Xiao averted her gaze, maintaining a polite smile. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Princess Yongning a few times. I’ve heard your name mentioned.”

At the mention of his fiancée, his smile faltered. “I was away on a journey when my father arranged the marriage,” he said. “I only recently learned about it. And I’ve heard that Princess Yongning is reluctant to marry me, that she insists on returning the betrothal gifts. I was planning to visit Luoyi City and speak with Prince Changshan. If the princess truly doesn’t wish to marry me, I won’t force her. I will gladly break off the engagement. I wouldn’t want to delay her future.”

Yu Ling’er, now thoroughly charmed by Ye Yi, felt a pang of sympathy for Princess Yongning.

“Marriage is a serious matter,” she said softly. “It’s important for the parties involved to meet. Your family might not be wealthy, but the princess isn’t shallow. I’m sure she would change her mind after meeting you…”

Xiao Xiao kicked her under the table, stopping her mid-sentence. Pointing out someone’s poverty, no matter how well-intentioned, wasn’t something a few books could fix.

“Indeed, marriage is a matter of great importance,” Xiao Xiao said, her voice calm and steady. “Thank you for the tea, Ye Gongzi. We won’t take up any more of your time. Farewell.”

Just then, the servant returned with a pouch of dried magnolia blossoms.

Ye Yi accepted it and handed it to Yu Ling’er. “Since you have business to attend to, I won’t delay you any further,” he said with a warm smile. “Safe travels.”

The scent of his magnolias lingered even after they left the valley.

Yu Ling’er, glancing back, sighed. “Rumors are truly unreliable. They said the eldest son of the Marquis of Zhongyong was a debauched scoundrel, but he doesn’t seem like that at all. He’s so refined and elegant. Even though his family might not be wealthy, he’s a rare gem!”

Xiao Xiao, however, was counting on her fingers, her brow furrowed.

“What are you calculating?” Yu Ling’er asked.

“Is it… is it the season for magnolias?” Xiao Xiao asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Yu Ling’er thought about it. It wasn’t. Xiao Xiao recalled the strange sense of complacency she had felt while surrounded by the flowers… She turned back.

“Where are we going?” Yu Ling’er asked, confused.

“We need to go back,” Xiao Xiao said, her voice firm.

They retraced their steps, but the path, although familiar, no longer led to the valley filled with blooming magnolias.

Instead, they found themselves in a desolate wasteland, strewn with dead leaves and withered branches.

“Xiao Xiao, are we lost?”

Xiao Xiao’s eyes fell upon a tea stain on the ground – the tea Yu Ling’er had spat out after learning the man’s identity.

They were in the right place. But the magnolia trees, along with Ye Yi, had vanished.

Yu Ling’er, recognizing her own tea stain, felt her admiration for the elegant gentleman fading. “Who is he? How could he possess such power?”

Xiao Xiao took a deep breath. “It seems even noble families harbor hidden talents. Princess Yongning commands the wind, and this Ye Gongzi… he’s quite the gardener!”

Just then, a harsh caw echoed through the air. They looked up and saw a crow flying overhead, squawking in distress.

But strangely, the crow didn’t seem afraid of them. It circled and descended, landing on a branch.

Yu Ling’er realized that a small paper figure was perched on its back, clutching a tuft of feathers, pulling it this way and that.

Despite being made of paper, its movements were skillful, like a seasoned rider. The crow, unable to shake it off, had been forced to carry it all the way here.

The paper figure jumped off the crow’s back, landing on Xiao Xiao’s outstretched palm. The crow, as if its tail feathers were on fire, took flight and disappeared.

Xiao Xiao recognized the paper figure. It was the one she had given to Princess Yongning.

She hadn’t expected her to use it so soon. The figure, now in her hand, began to writhe, as if trying to communicate.

It had no mouth, no voice. But Xiao Xiao had a solution. She calmly snapped off a twig and placed it in the figure’s hand.

The figure hopped onto the ground and began to write.

Xiao Xiao watched as it scribbled out Princess Yongning’s message.

After their heartfelt conversation, the princess had been plagued by doubts. Upon returning to the mansion, she couldn’t even muster the energy to protest her marriage. She was too preoccupied with observing her disfigured father’s every move.

And the more she observed, the more she noticed discrepancies. His mannerisms, his demeanor… there was a strangeness to him, an unfamiliar oldness that hadn’t been there before.

Determined to probe further, she instructed the kitchen to prepare stinky mandarin fish for dinner.

Those who enjoyed it found it savory and appetizing.

But those who disliked it found the smell repulsive.

Prince Changshan loathed stinky mandarin fish.

She remembered a time when a cook had accidentally served it. Her father had been so disgusted that he had vomited, then ordered the cook to be severely punished.

But this time, despite the pungent aroma, her bandaged father didn’t react at all. He calmly picked up his chopsticks and ate several pieces of fish, seemingly enjoying it.

Princess Yongning forced herself to swallow every bite, her gaze shifting from her father to the guards surrounding him, then to the servants in the hall. She realized that all the familiar faces, her father’s trusted attendants, had been replaced.

It was as if the entire mansion had been infiltrated. She was the only one who belonged, sitting there with this stranger, eating meal after meal.

For a moment, she wanted to flip the table and confront this imposter.

But Xiao Xiao’s words, her parting advice to “plan carefully,” echoed in her mind.

She forced herself to remain calm, finishing the tasteless meal. Back in her room, after dismissing her servants, she took out the paper figure Xiao Xiao had given her and placed it in her washbasin.

The figure, submerged in water, expanded slightly, twirling and swimming. After receiving the princess’s message, it hopped out the window, climbed a tree, and, riding a grasshopper, jumped over the wall.

It had traveled a long way, switching from grasshopper to sparrow to crow, finally reaching Xiao Xiao.

Yu Ling’er, watching the figure write, exclaimed, “Xiao Xiao, this trick is brilliant! If you had known this before, we wouldn’t have had to resort to me pretending to be a spirit in that box!”

She was referring to their first days in Luoyi City, when, desperate for money, Xiao Xiao had devised a street performance involving Yu Ling’er transforming inside a box.

The memory brought a smile to Xiao Xiao’s lips, but it quickly faded.

Even if she wanted to do that again, she didn’t have the same crew…

Princess Yongning’s test had confirmed her suspicions. Prince Changshan had indeed been replaced. And if her guess was correct, the imposter was Prince Can.

The fire that had disfigured the prince… it must have been a deliberate accident. But if Prince Can was pretending to be Prince Changshan, what was his goal?

And why was he forcing Princess Yongning to marry the enigmatic Ye Yi? Something sinister was afoot.

Then there was Wei Jie, his mood unpredictable, gathering a motley crew of disciples, each with their own hidden agendas. It didn’t bode well.

Xiao Xiao wasn’t as indifferent as she had pretended to be in front of Qin Lingxiao. She couldn’t simply abandon Wei Jie.

She had to return to Luoyi City, get to the bottom of this, and uncover the truth.

She decided to find Princess Yongning first.

They weren’t far from the city. They just had to retrace their steps.

But strangely, as they left the valley, darkness descended quickly.

As the light faded, the scent of magnolias intensified, but they couldn’t see any flowers.

Yu Ling’er, still afraid of the dark, shivered, her heart pounding.

She needed company. She whistled, summoning her fellow foxes.

But despite repeated attempts, they didn’t appear. Only the shrill sound of her whistle echoed through the darkness.

After a while, she pointed ahead. “Xiao Xiao, look! Magnolias on the other side of the river! Did we take the wrong path? Is that the valley we saw earlier?”

Xiao Xiao sniffed the air. It was the same magnolia fragrance. Across the shimmering river, the flowers seemed to emit a faint glow. But their white petals… they were different now. Less pure, more alluring…

Drawn by the scent, Yu Ling’er moved towards the riverbank, Xiao Xiao following close behind.

It was late, but the ferryman was still there, his small boat moored by the shore.

Yu Ling’er pointed towards the flowers. “Ferryman, take us to the other side…”

The ferryman silently picked up his oar, waiting for them to board.

Just as they were about to step onto the boat, the demonic bead’s voice exploded in Xiao Xiao’s mind. “You stupid girl! You’re leading me to my death! Take a good look at that ferryman before you get on that boat!”

Startled, Xiao Xiao’s gaze fell upon the ferryman. A wave of fear washed over her.

She grabbed Yu Ling’er, who was about to step onto the boat, pulling her back. She scanned their surroundings, her heart pounding.

Yu Ling’er tried to shake her off, but Xiao Xiao, in a flash of inspiration, grabbed her tail, hidden beneath her skirt. Yu Ling’er yelped in pain, snapping out of her trance.

Xiao Xiao looked down at Yu Ling’er’s sachet, filled with the dried magnolia blossoms she had just received.

She untied the sachet, her voice slow and deliberate. “You wanted Tang Youshu to buy you magnolia fragrance for your sachet, but Wei Jie stopped him, didn’t he?”

Yu Ling’er nodded. “Wei Jie doesn’t like the smell of magnolias. He said they smell like death.”

Xiao Xiao stared at the flowers across the river. “He’s from the Wei family, the demon hunters who guard the entrance to the underworld. He must have been there… The smell of death… he must have been referring to the other shore flowers that bloom by the River of Forgetfulness…”

Chapter 80

Wei Jie seemed to understand Xiao Xiao’s situation without needing to ask. He turned her around, placing his large hand on her back. A steady stream of spiritual energy flowed from his palm into her body.

Like melting snow, Wei Jie’s energy eased the burning sensation coursing through Xiao Xiao’s veins.

As the heat subsided, she tried to move away from him, but his hand remained firmly planted on her back, the other gripping her arm tightly. “Enough with the nonsense!” he hissed in her ear. “Don’t move! Look at you, about to turn into a golden gecko!”

His venomous tongue was getting sharper by the day. But the gecko analogy wasn’t far off.

Still, she couldn’t let him win this battle of words.

“I merely neglected my cultivation for a few days,” she said, feigning composure. “Once I establish my own sect, I’ll have plenty of time to cultivate. No need to trouble yourself.”

Wei Jie narrowed his eyes. “Establish a sect? The Carefree Joy Sect?”

Xiao Xiao gasped. He even knew about Princess Yongning’s name suggestion! How long had he been following her?

Seeing her about to retort, he cut her off. “Don’t move, and don’t speak. A pig would make better use of this energy than you!”

His words stung, and she turned away, fuming. For now, she had no choice but to let him suppress the restless demonic energy within her.

With his divine power awakened, Wei Jie’s cultivation was advancing by leaps and bounds. Xiao Xiao could feel the immense power flowing into her, like waves crashing against a cliff.

No wonder Qin Lingxiao had fled in terror. Wei Jie’s aura was unfathomable now.

It was like a mouse facing a dragon. Only those who had experienced it firsthand could truly understand the disparity.

Xiao Xiao felt overwhelmed, unable to withstand the surge of energy. She coughed up a mouthful of blood, her body weakening. She collapsed against him.

Wei Jie’s brow furrowed, his body stiffening. His first instinct was to push her away. He hated this closeness.

But then he saw her, the streak of blood staining her lips. He hesitated.

He lifted her in his arms, carrying her out of the cold pool. He sat her down facing him, their palms touching, continuing to guide her energy flow.

He realized that her own energy, overwhelmed by his, couldn’t keep up.

So, as he transferred his energy, he instructed her, his voice low and steady, guiding her through the proper techniques.

Xiao Xiao knew this wasn’t the time to be stubborn. She followed his instructions, gradually regaining control over her own energy.

After what felt like an eternity, the golden scales on her neck finally receded. But the warmth of his energy lingered.

She felt as if her entire being had been cleansed, immersed in a soothing spring. It was like being back in her mother’s womb, safe and secure. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t even open her eyes…

Ever since leaving Guishi Cliff, Cui Xiao Xiao, despite enjoying herself during the day, had struggled to sleep at night.

She had attributed it to heartache, but now she realized it was the demonic energy, unrestrained, wreaking havoc within her.

Wei Jie seemed to sense her turmoil. His hand remained on her back, his gaze fixed on her closed eyelids. “Focus on your cultivation,” he said, his voice low and steady. “Empty your mind. Your spiritual energy is depleted…”

Perhaps it was because she harbored the demonic bead that had once been part of him, but now that his divine power was restored, he felt a strange connection to it.

Usually, the bead remained dormant, but today, he could sense its frantic energy. That was why he had followed her.

As he had suspected, her demonic nature was acting up. If he hadn’t arrived in time, who knew what would have become of her? This woman… she couldn’t be left alone for a second without causing trouble…

The thought triggered a sharp pain in his head. It felt as if his soul was being torn in two, a sensation that had been plaguing him lately.

He wanted nothing more than to avoid her, yet he couldn’t seem to break free from this inexplicable connection…

His gaze lingered on her.

Her hair was wet, water droplets trickling down her cheeks and chin.

Her dark hair, like a serpent, coiled around her slender neck, tracing the curves of her body…

His divine power might have been restored, but he hadn’t lost his memories. It was just that the memories of their time together seemed insignificant now, not even worth revisiting.

But here she was, sitting before him, her clothes clinging to her body, her hair damp, her breaths shallow as she cultivated…

Memories he had tried to bury resurfaced.

The thrill of their accidental kiss when he had helped her form her Golden Core in the forest.

The way she had flushed red, protesting yet yielding, when he had pinned her down in the mansion’s secret passage.

But the most vivid memory was of them working side by side in the steamy kitchen, preparing dinner for the disciples. She had hugged him from behind, her face pressed against his back, soothing his anger with soft whispers.

She had said that she would only ever be with him, that he shouldn’t be jealous of others…

He stared at her, the blue flame mark on his forehead flickering, unable to banish those memories.

The pain intensified, his eyes darkening.

Perhaps sensing his turmoil, Xiao Xiao opened her eyes. She found him staring at her, his expression grim, his eyes cold.

Following his gaze, she gasped and scrambled back.

She had jumped into the water in her thin clothes, and they were now completely soaked. This was mortifying!

She reached for her outer robe, but he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back into his arms…

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a flicker of hope, hoping for a glimpse of the Jie’er she knew.

But his purple eyes blazed with a chilling intensity, a hint of desperation lurking beneath the surface.

His throat bobbed, his head dipping lower. Just as she thought he was about to kiss her, the hand that had been channeling energy into her suddenly clamped around her throat…

She couldn’t escape his grasp. He squeezed, cutting off her air supply.

Panic surged through her. She clawed at his hand, gasping for breath. “What… what are you doing?! Let go!”

If he didn’t release her, she would fight back…

But before she could react, he let go, as if burned. “Don’t… don’t appear before me again! Go! Get away from me!”

Xiao Xiao coughed, clutching her throat. She saw a flicker of black in his eyes, his entire being radiating a chilling aura.

Worried about his state, she tried to speak.

But he had already drawn the Heaven-Punishing Sword, pointing it at her, his voice strained. “Leave, or face the consequences!”

Despite his menacing words, the sword, bound to its master, lacked its usual killing intent. Instead of a menacing hum, it emitted a cheerful, almost melodic sound.

Xiao Xiao had never imagined the day Wei Jie would point his sword at her.

Seeing his pained expression, she recalled Tang Youshu’s warnings.

Every encounter with her seemed to trigger a volatile emotional response in Wei Jie, detrimental to his recovery.

Had he… stared at her for too long, stirring up those emotions again? Tang Youshu had said it would harm him!

Forgetting her own pain, she turned and fled.

Wei Jie, despite demanding her departure, felt a pang of regret as he watched her run away. He had pointed his sword at her. She must hate him now!

The thought sent a splitting pain through his head. The blue flame on his forehead blazed, a constant reminder, forcing him to banish thoughts of her from his mind. With a tortured roar, he swung his sword, slashing at the surrounding trees and rocks, as if trying to break free from the shackles binding him…

When Tang Youshu arrived, his master, in a frenzy, had already wreaked havoc upon the forest.

Fortunately, he was late. Had he arrived earlier, he might have been caught in his master’s rampage.

Wei Jie, his body radiating a dark purple aura, seemed exhausted, leaning against a shattered boulder.

Tang Youshu, his heart sinking, his lips trembling, asked in a low voice, “Master… what happened?”

Wei Jie slowly raised his head, his purple eyes, tinged with black, fixed on him.

Tang Youshu stumbled back, his voice strained. “Master… you…”

Wei Jie chuckled, rising to his feet. “What about me?”

Tang Youshu couldn’t answer, forcing a nervous smile.

But a storm raged within him.

The dark glint in Wei Jie’s eyes… it was all too familiar!

Even after two hundred years, he hadn’t forgotten. That was the look in Demon Lord Wei Jie’s eyes whenever his demonic nature took over…

But how was this possible? Cui Xiao Xiao had shouldered all the burdens of his demonic path.

He hadn’t faced any trials that could have twisted his heart. His divine power was restored, his cultivation soaring. He had formed his Golden Core and was on the verge of forming his Nascent Soul, preparing for his ascension.

He had meticulously planned everything, ensuring a smooth path for his master. How could Wei Jie be showing signs of succumbing to his demonic nature?

Where… where had he gone wrong? There was no reason for Wei Jie to turn into a demon in this life! No, he must be mistaken!

Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, Tang Youshu followed his master down the mountain.

He needed to tell him about Prince Changshan’s suspicious behavior, urge him to act. But Wei Jie seemed distracted, his voice cold. “Those disciples who wanted to become students… are they still here?”

Tang Youshu was caught off guard. He blinked, realizing Wei Jie was talking about those persistent individuals who had been pestering Cui Xiao Xiao.

Why was he asking about them? When he heard Wei Jie’s plan to accept them all as his own disciples, Tang Youshu, struggling to make ends meet, protested, “Master, why? So many mouths to feed! And they want to be Cui Xiao Xiao’s students. What if they refuse?”

Wei Jie turned, the blue flame on his forehead flickering, complementing the darkness in his eyes. A cruel smile touched his lips. “They can either become my students or… die. It’s a simple choice, isn’t it?”

With that, he soared into the air, disappearing into the forest, leaving Tang Youshu standing there, bewildered.

A bitter taste filled his mouth. Had he done something wrong? Why was his master, perfectly fine under Cui Xiao Xiao’s care, now showing signs of turning into a demon under his watch?

Meanwhile, Cui Xiao Xiao, having fled from Wei Jie, found the little fox and shook her awake. Without explaining, she grabbed her hand and ran.

She could hear Wei Jie’s enraged roars from afar. Thankfully, she had spotted Tang Youshu arriving as she left.

Knowing Wei Jie was in good hands, she could relax a little.

But based on his reaction, he truly loathed her now. Tang Youshu’s repeated warnings about staying away from Wei Jie… perhaps he had a point.

She couldn’t keep provoking him, pushing him to the brink like this.

It seemed she truly needed to leave Luoyi City. Even if she wanted to investigate Prince Changshan, she would have to wait until Wei Jie was gone.

So, she and Yu Ling’er hurried down the mountain.

Wei Jie’s healing had been effective. Even keeping up with Yu Ling’er, who was running in her fox form, wasn’t a problem.

Yu Ling’er, observing her effortless movements, exclaimed, “Xiao Xiao, you’ve become even stronger! You’re faster than me now!”

Xiao Xiao knew it was thanks to Wei Jie’s healing, the boost to her energy reserves.

But despite her swift movements, her heart was heavy.

She couldn’t shake the image of his anger, the darkness clouding his eyes.

When they stopped to rest, Xiao Xiao settled down to meditate, while Yu Ling’er, feeling hungry, decided to search for food.

Her palate had become more refined. She was no longer the little fox who could be satisfied with plain chicken breast.

Spotting a village ahead, and knowing Xiao Xiao wouldn’t want to be around crowds, Yu Ling’er took her fellow foxes to buy something to eat.

As Xiao Xiao meditated beneath a tree, she sensed someone nearby.

Without a word, she plucked a leaf from the tree and channeled her energy into it. The leaf transformed into a blazing projectile, shooting towards the hidden figure.

Forced to reveal himself, the person called out, “Xiao Xiao, it’s me!”

Xiao Xiao’s eyes widened. It was Qin Lingxiao, the one who had fled on his four swords that night.

She chuckled, seeing him back in his white robes. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you afraid of running into your master, Wei Jie?”

She couldn’t help but laugh again, remembering his panicked escape.

Qin Lingxiao, consumed by confusion, was desperate for answers. Forgetting his pride, he asked, his face grim, “How did Wei Jie know? Did you tell him about our past life?”

Xiao Xiao leaned against the tree, her voice nonchalant. “Of course not.”

Qin Lingxiao suddenly recalled sensing a strange aura around Tang Youshu that day… A realization dawned upon him. “Did you find the other demonic bead? Who is it attached to?”

Xiao Xiao remained silent, her eyes closed. She might have left the Lingshan Talisman Sect, but Tang Youshu was still her former master. She couldn’t betray him to Qin Lingxiao.

He was desperate to find the bead to save his father. If he knew it was with Tang Youshu, he would surely cause trouble for them…

Qin Lingxiao wasn’t stupid. Seeing her reluctance to answer, and considering her falling out with Wei Jie, a bold theory formed in his mind.

He paced back and forth, piecing together the clues, before gasping in disbelief. “Could it be… Is the demonic bead attached to Tang Youshu?”

Xiao Xiao denied it immediately. “No! Impossible!”

But her hasty denial only confirmed his suspicions.

“So it is him! That weakling… he’s as cunning as ever! I should have known! He was always the most cunning of all the disciples!”

More pieces fell into place. He remembered how Tang Youshu, supposedly Wei Jie’s most loyal disciple, hadn’t seemed particularly grieved by his death. He had been the first to leave Guishi Cliff.

He had claimed to be going on a journey, but the Zhulong statue Wei Jie had won in a bet on Zhangwei Mountain had disappeared.

At the time, Qin Lingxiao had been too ecstatic about obtaining Wei Jie’s power and killing him to care about that untalented senior brother.

But now… it seemed Tang Youshu had anticipated Wei Jie’s death, taking the statue, which held the power to manipulate fate, and even the two demonic beads, and orchestrated everything.

Xiao Xiao, despite wanting nothing to do with the Lingshan Talisman Sect, still defended her former master.

There was no point denying it. He had figured it out. “You should know that Wei Jie’s power has grown significantly thanks to Tang Youshu’s help,” she warned. “And he knows you killed him. If he sees you again, he won’t hesitate to strike you down. If I were you, I would stay far away from him.”

Qin Lingxiao shuddered, remembering the murderous glint in Wei Jie’s eyes that day. It was like being back under Demon Lord Wei Jie’s reign.

But with his divine power restored, Wei Jie would renounce love and emotions. No wonder he had been so cold and distant towards Xiao Xiao.

A wave of satisfaction washed over him.

At least he wasn’t the only one who had lost everything. If Wei Jie ever realized what he had lost, wouldn’t he regret everything?

A cruel smile touched his lips. “Did you know? Wei Jie is openly recruiting disciples in Luoyi City. He even took Ling Zhishan as his student! He’s becoming more and more like the Demon Lord he once was.”

Xiao Xiao, having fled Luoyi City, hadn’t heard about Wei Jie’s recruitment drive.

But those persistent disciples who had been following her… they had indeed vanished after she left the city.

Had those individuals, so eager to join the Carefree Joy Sect, been swayed so easily by Wei Jie’s promises?

She understood their desire to align themselves with power. It wasn’t surprising that they had switched sides after witnessing Wei Jie’s strength.

But the thought of him accepting Ling Zhishan as his student… Remembering her infatuation with him, Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but pity her.

She didn’t know his motives, but Ling Zhishan was likely heading for heartbreak.

The old Wei Jie was just sharp-tongued. This new Wei Jie… he was cold, ruthless, and devoid of compassion.

She hoped Ling Zhishan had brought enough warm clothes.

But why would Wei Jie accept a disciple who had betrayed him?

Despite her questions, the fact that he had the energy to recruit disciples after healing her meant he was probably fine.

She could finally let go of her worry.

T/N: I edited chapters 68, 69, and 70. I think I found a mistake regarding the introduction of Prince Cangshan, or maybe I’m just unsure – sorry, I’m terrible with names, even in real life haha. If you notice any inconsistencies from now on or in previous chapters (I think there are), please let me know in the comments of the chapter. (I’m too lazy to re-read all 79 chapters haha) .

In the word “Guishi” shi means stone

Chapter 79

Cui Xiao Xiao had long noticed it, her face grave.

She hadn’t followed them out of mere curiosity. In the teahouse, she overheard two men discussing the recent fire that had disfigured Prince Changshan. Such a coincidence! Shortly before this accident, Prince Can had gifted the crucial Guishi Cliff Manor to Princess Yongning, whose father now conveniently wore a mask, hiding his true face.

Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but recall her conversation with the Crown Prince. Perhaps Prince Can had already, unnoticed, assumed another identity, that of a royal! And the disfigured Prince Changshan… could he be the perfect stand-in?

Now, seeing Prince Changshan’s temporary residence in Luoyi City, which happened to be Prince Can’s former mansion, Xiao Xiao’s suspicions grew stronger.

As they watched a group of people enter the mansion, Yu Ling’er swallowed a mouthful of her pastry and asked, “So? Are we going in too?”

Xiao Xiao shook her head. The enemy was lurking in the shadows. If the mansion was a trap, they would be walking right into it.

Moreover, the princess possessed strange abilities, and who knew what was going on with Prince Changshan. It was best to observe for now.

But as she was about to leap onto the familiar tree she used to observe the mansion, she found it already occupied.

Tang Youshu, dressed in black, stood on the branch, his bamboo basket on his back.

Seeing Cui Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er, he jumped down, frowning slightly. “Why are you here again?”

Cui Xiao Xiao, upon seeing her teacher, simply turned her head away without a word. Yu Ling’er, however, asked curiously, “Why are you here too?”

Tang Youshu lowered his voice. “You are merely here for sightseeing. If there’s nothing else, you should leave Luoyi City as soon as possible.”

He paused, then addressed Cui Xiao Xiao. “After Master returned yesterday… he’s been restless and unable to meditate. What did you say to him?”

Cui Xiao Xiao almost laughed. Was Wei Jie’s inability to meditate also her fault now?

Besides, she hadn’t done anything! At most, she had told him not to casually enter a girl’s room and that she wanted nothing to do with the Lingshan Talisman Sect.

The old Wei Jie wouldn’t have taken these words to heart.

She had said harsher things to him before, and he would always just scoff, rolling his eyes before flashing his canine teeth and resuming his pestering…

Xiao Xiao didn’t dare to think further. Just imagining the old Wei Jie brought a wave of indescribable longing and heartache…

What to do? She was starting to miss Jie’er again…

Seeing Xiao Xiao’s silence, Tang Youshu guessed that they had met privately last night and that Xiao Xiao had said something to upset his master.

He had to explain the gravity of the situation. “Xiao Xiao, if you resent or hate me, it’s understandable. I failed as a teacher and didn’t treat you well. But I know you care for Master Wei. He’s had a difficult time in both lives. Now that he has regained his divine power, he must not be swayed by emotions. Otherwise, his mortal body won’t be able to withstand the surge of energy, disrupting his meridians and leading to unimaginable consequences…”

This time, Xiao Xiao finally turned to him, her gaze cold. “Rest assured, I won’t disturb your master’s ascension. But I’ve been dragged back to this time, over two hundred years ago, by you all for no reason. I can’t just be someone’s pawn. I need to find a way back. So let’s stay out of each other’s way.”

Yu Ling’er, completely lost, whispered to Tang Youshu, “Xiao Xiao is still angry. Don’t provoke her… By the way, we are running out of silver, so could you…”

Before Yu Ling’er could finish, Cui Xiao Xiao grabbed her hand and dashed towards a nearby market street.

While Tang Youshu was talking to Xiao Xiao, she had noticed the steward of the Marquis of Zhongyong’s mansion emerge, his face beaming with joy. He announced to his subordinates, “Hurry! Have the convoy continue delivering the betrothal gifts. The prince said it’s a small matter if the gifts were mistaken, they can be replaced later. Missing the auspicious time is what truly matters!”

It seemed the father wasn’t as picky as the daughter. Faced with such a perfunctory in-law, he didn’t seem to care at all.

And this was obviously Prince Changshan’s decision alone.

A short while later, Princess Yongning stormed out from a side door, mounted on her horse, fuming.

Xiao Xiao pulled Yu Ling’er along, following the princess to see what would happen.

As for Tang Youshu, he frowned at the mansion that had changed hands, rushing back to report to his master.

He and Wei Jie had also learned about Prince Changshan’s disfigurement and were naturally suspicious. However, the prince rarely showed his face. The only time he did, he was covered in a heavy cloak, concealing even his physique.

Thinking of this, Tang Youshu glanced in the direction Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er had disappeared, deciding to report to his master first.

It was better not to mention his encounter with them, lest it stir up Wei Jie’s emotions again…

A person originally not destined for romantic love suddenly found himself entangled in this ill-fated relationship. What kind of ripple effect would it have? Even Tang Youshu couldn’t say.

Right now, they could only take it one step at a time. First, eliminate Prince Can, that venomous tumor, and clear the obstacles in the way of his master’s ascension.

Meanwhile, Cui Xiao Xiao’s lightness technique had improved by leaps and bounds. Even without Yu Ling’er’s help, she could move swiftly.

Princess Yongning rode fast, leaving her attendants struggling to keep up.

Soon, they arrived at a secluded pool outside the city.

After dismounting, the princess, without allowing anyone to follow, walked to the water’s edge, sat on a rock, and began whipping a nearby branch with her horsewhip.

After a few lashes, her eyes reddened, and she choked back a sob, her voice filled with the heart-wrenching grief of a wronged child. “Mother, why did you leave me so soon? If you were here, you would definitely stand up for me, not let me marry into such a wretched family!”

Her cries were filled with sorrow.

Cui Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er were eavesdropping from a distance. It wouldn’t have been a problem, except Xiao Xiao forgot she had brought a sentimental little fox with her.

Any other reason for the princess’s tears might have been bearable. But hearing her cry for her mother, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help but think of her deceased father, the Fox King.

When her mother was alive, she didn’t have to worry about anything. She was just a carefree Fox Princess.

But after her mother’s passing, the burden of the entire Fox Tribe fell upon her shoulders. She still hadn’t settled her people, still leading them in their wanderings… And she was so incompetent that she was abandoned by a gentle scholar like Tang Youshu.

She couldn’t even charm a scholar! It was a humiliation for a fox demon!

Mother, Ling’er is useless, so useless!

Overcome with grief, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help but lift her head and let out a mournful fox cry.

This cry completely exposed their location, silencing Princess Yongning’s sobs.

“Who’s there?!” The princess’s angry shout accompanied the snap of her whip, which landed on the bushes concealing Cui Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er.

Yu Ling’er yelped and dodged, while Cui Xiao Xiao sighed in resignation. With an apologetic smile, they emerged from their hiding place.

“It’s you?” Princess Yongning immediately recognized Sect Master Cui of the Lingshan Talisman Sect and her little companion.

Normally, she would have greeted them warmly. But now, she eyed them with vigilance, especially their clothes. “Sect Master Cui? What are you doing here?” she asked hesitantly.

The situation was awkward. Afraid that Yu Ling’er might blurt out the truth, Xiao Xiao quickly interjected, “This place is brimming with spiritual energy. I brought my disciple here to cultivate and meditate. We didn’t expect to encounter Princess Yongning… Why are you here alone?”

Logically, Princess Yongning should have offered a casual excuse, and they would part ways.

However, to Xiao Xiao’s surprise, the princess didn’t seem to mind airing her family’s dirty laundry. Looking at their somewhat familiar clothes, she said coldly, “You were at the teahouse in the city, weren’t you? You saw everything. Why bother asking?”

Xiao Xiao hadn’t expected the princess to be so sharp, recognizing them from a mere glance in the teahouse.

She decided to stop pretending. “We saw you galloping through the city and were worried something had happened, so we followed. Please forgive our intrusion, Princess.”

Princess Yongning sighed and spoke to Cui Xiao Xiao without reservation. “Immortal Master, you must have heard everything back there. Don’t you think it’s pathetic? As a princess, I have to marry into that filthy family to repay my father’s debt of gratitude! I just found out that the eldest son of the Marquis of Zhongyong is a good-for-nothing gambler and womanizer, a widower, no less. Yet my father insists on marrying me off to him…”

Yu Ling’er didn’t see the problem. “The young master saved your father’s life. Marrying him is repaying his kindness and fulfilling your filial duty, isn’t it?” she said earnestly.

Princess Yongning scoffed. “There are many ways to show gratitude. How is marrying him considered repayment? I have no feelings for him. Am I supposed to stare at him all day, exchanging awkward silences? That’s just an excuse used by those who can’t find a husband!”

Yu Ling’er felt personally attacked. She had always firmly believed in repaying kindness with her hand in marriage.

But now, thinking back, she wondered if the Fox Tribe’s tradition of offering oneself in marriage was just taking advantage of humans.

Fortunately, Xiao Xiao changed the subject. “Princess, I noticed your extraordinary skills at the teahouse. You even commanded the wind! You are truly a heroine!”

The princess was pleased by the compliment. Forgetting her marriage woes for a moment, she asked with wide, teary eyes, “Truly extraordinary? You think my skills are good, even Sect Master Cui?”

Three years ago, she had learned some basic techniques from a cultivator. Although it was nothing compared to those true immortals, her teacher had said it was enough to protect herself in times of need.

She hadn’t expected to receive praise from the Sect Master of the Lingshan Talisman Sect for the skills she had displayed today in her haste to expose the Marquis of Zhongyong’s family. This excited her greatly.

Xiao Xiao had previously thought this princess, who had eagerly visited Guishi Cliff to see the phoenix, might be hiding her true abilities.

But now, she realized Princess Yongning was a straightforward and valiant woman who also possessed some skill. Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but feel a sense of fondness for her.

However, this fondness was quickly suppressed.

She couldn’t help it. Her own teacher, who treated her like his daughter, had just given her a vivid lesson: appearances could be deceiving, and trust should not be given easily. Otherwise, one might end up counting money for the person who sold them out.

Remembering her purpose, Xiao Xiao probed, “Princess, if you are not happy with this marriage, why not discuss it with your father? What father wouldn’t care for his daughter’s happiness?”

The flicker of excitement in Princess Yongning’s eyes vanished. She turned to gaze at the pool, her voice filled with dejection. “Before my father was injured, I was certain he wouldn’t force me into a marriage. He has always doted on me, which is why he never arranged a marriage for me. But… ever since he was injured, he’s changed. He’s become withdrawn and doesn’t like seeing anyone. It’s like… like…”

She seemed to have something she couldn’t bring herself to say, but Xiao Xiao finished her sentence. “Like he’s a different person?”

Princess Yongning jolted, her eyes widening. “What do you mean by that?” she asked urgently.

Xiao Xiao feigned ignorance, forcing a smile. “I was just rambling, following your train of thought, Princess. But in my hometown, there were indeed people who returned from the battlefield claiming to be disfigured and then went to the families of their wealthy fallen comrades, pretending to be them to claim their assets. Such despicable people deserve to be struck by lightning!”

Although Xiao Xiao apologized, Princess Yongning’s expression didn’t ease. She stared at Xiao Xiao, muttering, “Preposterous! Such things happen in the countryside. How could it happen within the royal palace…”

Xiao Xiao looked at her and said with a smile, “I’m just a country bumpkin, Princess. Please don’t take my words to heart. To be able to master wind techniques in just a few years, you must be gifted. However, I advise you to always think before you act. It often yields better results. Otherwise, like today on the street, although you overturned the betrothal gifts in your anger, you didn’t hit where it mattered. You only ended up with a stomach full of frustration, which is pointless.”

Princess Yongning stared at Xiao Xiao, convinced that she was implying something.

Cui Xiao Xiao felt a pang of sympathy for the princess, which was why she had offered her unsolicited advice. But seeing the princess’s stare, she realized she might have overstepped.

However, Cui Xiao Xiao didn’t really care. Her words were both a test and a way to warn the unseen Prince Changshan through the princess.

The disfigured prince was too suspicious! After all, it was Prince Changshan who had instructed his daughter to give up the Guishi Cliff Manor to the Lingshan Talisman Sect.

According to his reputation, Prince Changshan was a hedonistic idler who avoided serious matters.

Why, at a time when the Emperor was cracking down on the cultivation world and suppressing the Four Great Sects, would he have his daughter offer up the manor, going against the current and supporting a cultivation sect?

Unless… Prince Changshan knew about the tribulation that awaited Wei Jie in the back mountains of Guishi Cliff. He had offered the manor to make it easier for her and Wei Jie to face it.

After all, Prince Can, the one who had stolen the Immortal Fruit in her past life, was like a hunter waiting patiently for his prey to grow plump and ripe.

Whether it was her or Wei Jie, as long as one of them could overcome the tribulation and ascend, that lurking villain would have a way to seize the throne!

Returning to this time, over two hundred years in the past, was like stepping into a pit of vipers. She didn’t dare to hope for a way back. But if death was inevitable, she wanted to be a ghost who knew the truth.

Moreover… she didn’t want Wei Jie to repeat the tragic fate of their past life.

So, Xiao Xiao used the princess to shake the tiger’s cage, hoping to uncover more clues through her.

The princess remained silent after hearing Xiao Xiao’s words. But after a while, she smiled at Xiao Xiao.

“My mother passed away early, but she was just like you. She always said I was too impulsive. You’re right. Crying and smashing a few cups won’t solve the situation. I need to plan carefully…”

The princess was about to return to the city. As they were parting ways, she asked, “Sect Master Cui, if I need to find you, how can I reach you quickly?”

Xiao Xiao thought for a moment, took out a piece of yellow paper, and tore off a small, crooked figure. She drew a few runes on it and handed it to the princess. “If you have an emergency, put this paper figure in water, and I will know.”

This was a technique she had recently learned, based on a spell from the Demonic Ghost Sect’s Wan Lianshi’s unorthodox formations.

However, Wan Lianshi used paper figures for malicious purposes, to harm others. Xiao Xiao, on the other hand, used it for communication.

Princess Yongning accepted the paper figure with surprise and admiration. “Sect Master Cui, you possess great abilities. It’s a pity I’m preoccupied with matters at the moment. When I have the opportunity, I would like to become your disciple and learn from you at the Lingshan Talisman Sect.”

Yu Ling’er was now accustomed to the constant stream of people wanting to become Xiao Xiao’s disciple. However, she still reminded the princess, “Xiao Xiao was driven out by her rebellious disciple. She’s currently establishing her own sect, called… the Carefree… Harmony Sect. I’m afraid it might not be suitable for you, Princess.”

She thought that upon hearing “Harmony Sect,” this refined lady would be scared witless.

However, to her surprise, Princess Yongning’s eyes lit up with admiration. “You cultivators truly live a life of freedom, doing as you please. But if you ask me, the name could be improved to attract more disciples. Keeping the ‘carefree’ part is good, but ‘harmony’ is not quite right. Doesn’t it imply the need for a partner to cultivate with? Can’t one find joy on their own? How about… the Carefree Joy Sect!”

It seemed this princess had a penchant for renaming things. Not only had she changed Guishi Cliff to “Lingshan Mountain,” but now she was bestowing a name upon Xiao Xiao’s new sect.

However, Cui Xiao Xiao thought the princess’s suggestion made sense and nodded repeatedly. “You are indeed well-read, Princess. Just changing two words makes it so much more brilliant… By right, I should offer you a red envelope as thanks for the name, but I’m a bit short on silver at the moment. Another day…”

Xiao Xiao was just being polite, but when the princess heard about her financial situation, she took out two silver notes from her pouch and handed them to her. “Sect Master Cui, I have no other congratulatory gifts for the establishment of your new sect, and I am unable to attend the ceremony due to family matters. Please accept these silver notes as a token of my congratulations.”

The princess was as straightforward and generous as ever. After giving Xiao Xiao the silver, she said, “Fate has brought us together. Until we meet again!”

With that, Princess Yongning bid farewell with a heroic fist salute, just like a wandering cultivator.

It was said that the princess was skilled in martial arts. Spoiled by her father’s love, she had studied under many martial arts masters since childhood.

No wonder she took to the wind techniques taught by the cultivator with such enthusiasm. It seemed she didn’t enjoy being a pampered princess and envied Cui Xiao Xiao’s freedom.

For such a girl to be married off to a good-for-nothing by her father… it was a tragedy waiting to happen!

After watching Princess Yongning disappear into the distance, leaving the two members of the Carefree Joy Sect by the pool, Yu Ling’er asked, “Xiao Xiao, where should we go now?”

Xiao Xiao didn’t know either. She had been neglecting her cultivation lately and needed to find a place to meditate and recover.

She didn’t want to risk entering Luoyi City with Prince Changshan’s true nature still a mystery.

So, she chose a scenic mountain forest outside the city, found a large rock, and settled down to meditate.

As she sat there, the consequences of her recent neglect became apparent.

Xiao Xiao realized that a surge of energy was stuck between her Lianquan and Shanglian acupoints, unable to move.

Moreover, as her energy flowed, the area on her arm with the scales began to itch and ache. When she opened her eyes to look, she found that the scales seemed to be spreading towards her neck.

Worst of all, as the scales spread, she felt a wave of heat wash over her.

Unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Xiao glanced at the little fox sleeping soundly on a nearby rock. Deciding not to wake her, she found a secluded pool. She removed her outer robe, remaining in her inner garment, and jumped in.

The cool water soothed her burning skin. Xiao Xiao swam to a small waterfall, letting the cascading water pound against her body.

But just as she began to relax, the heat returned, stronger than before. It felt like she was back in the Phoenix Sanctuary, engulfed in flames.

Xiao Xiao thrashed in the water, like a dying fish.

Just then, a strong arm reached out and pulled her from the water.

Xiao Xiao opened her eyes to see Wei Jie, his face as cold as ice, standing in the pool. He had entered the water without her noticing.