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Mistaken Era 42 P2

Xiao Xiao pointed at the surrounding streets and buildings. “The layout of these shops and residences is completely reversed from the true Luoyi City… Look at the sunset in the sky!”

Qin Lingxiao raised his head to see that the sun, which should have been setting in the west, was instead slowly descending towards the eastern mountains, eventually hanging motionless over the peaks and emanating a dull crimson glow.

This place was undoubtedly an illusion! He exchanged glances with Xiao Xiao before immediately leading everyone to swiftly retreat towards the city gates.

However, upon reaching the gate, they came face-to-face with Yu Ling’er and the others who had just entered.

Seeing her come in, Xiao Xiao urgently asked, “Why did you enter? Didn’t I tell you to wait outside the city?”

Yu Ling’er blinked her large eyes innocently. “But…earlier it was you standing at the gate, waving for me to come in. It’s fine, I left my mother and some of our tribesmen outside.”

Xiao Xiao pursed her lips before abruptly reaching out towards Yu Ling’er’s navel area.

Only after sensing the abundant spiritual energy of the harbored spirit stone did she confirm this was indeed Yu Ling’er and not an illusion.

She ought to explain their current predicament to everyone.

“Everyone, we may have stumbled into the Mirror City illusion…”

Yu Ling’er heard this and repeated doubtfully, “Mirror City?”

Xiao Xiao nodded. These past few days lying idle in the carriage, the only thing she had done was re-read her master’s secret text from beginning to end, which she had previously only skimmed through haphazardly.

Her former sect siblings had always complained that while the master loved writing long-winded daily accounts, there were barely a few pages actually pertaining to the essence of talisman cultivation.

But now Xiao Xiao was immensely grateful for her master’s rambling narratives akin to wrapped footbindings, as they had revealed many profound insights.

Her master had written that after her predecessor Wei Jie established the demonic sect at Ghost Ridge Cliff, he aimed to eradicate the Four Great Sects. However, on his way to Soaring Cloud Pavilion, he stumbled into an identical replica of the pavilion’s compound.

He became lost within for a long time, experiencing life-and-death perils before finally breaking free.

At the time, Wei Jie had explained to Tang Youshu that it was a mirror image illusion, as if the buildings or even an entire city had been reflected into existence by a bronze mirror.

But once trapped inside, one became part of the mirrored illusion, unable to distinguish truth from falsehood…

Unfortunately, with her master’s rambling writing style akin to wrapped footbindings, he only briefly glossed over such consequential adventures of the predecessor before moving on.

Now, seeing the eerie phenomena in this Luoyi City, Xiao Xiao was reminded of that passage.

However, this mirror city illusion had appeared far earlier than the timing of Wei Jie’s recorded encounter in her master’s text.

She did not know why such an illusion had manifested here so prematurel

Qin Lingxiao, also a time-traveler from two hundred years past, was clearly unaware of the mirror city as well.

Of course, this event had occurred before he became Wei Jie’s disciple, so his ignorance was understandable.

After Xiao Xiao’s brief explanation, Qin Lingxiao also noticed the abnormalities of this city – it was far too silent!

Even at dusk when shops were closing, the streets should not have been this utterly devoid of sound!

Moreover, earlier when Yu Ling’er had seen the “Xiao Xiao” at the gate beckoning her to enter, she had not heard any voice.

Perhaps as Xiao Xiao claimed, everything here was merely a reflected illusion, hence the lack of sound.

Since this was undoubtedly a trap, there was no point lingering. With this thought, Qin Lingxiao took the lead in charging back towards the city gates.

But upon reaching the wide-open gates, it was as if an invisible wall blocked their way. No matter how forcefully Qin Lingxiao struck, they could not break through or escape.

Xiao Xiao pondered aloud, “Since this is a mirror illusion, we must first locate the ‘mirror’ itself. Otherwise, we may become trapped mirror people, confined to starve here…”

As she spoke, she divided their group to search the four cardinal directions of the city for any clues to dispelling the illusory seal.

However, the Soaring Cloud disciples were displeased with Cui Xiao Xiao’s presumptuous orders, coldly remarking, “Who do you think you are, our sect leader? How dare you instruct us!”

Xiao Xiao could not be bothered arguing with the petulant youths, only looking to Qin Lingxiao as she said, “Although your Soaring Cloud disciples excel at abstaining from grains, you’ll occasionally need to subsist on flower dew. But everything in this mirror city is false – there’s not even a single leaf. If you’d rather not leave and starve to death here, then there’s no need to follow us. Suit yourselves!”

“Ai ya, Xiao Xiao, you speak the truth!”

It turned out the ever-hungry Yu Ling’er had been unable to resist sitting down at a familiar noodle stall lining the street.

But when she lifted the bowl, she could not smell or sense any heat from the noodles. And when she plucked out a marinated egg to take a bite, she let out a pained yelp as she had bitten her own tongue instead!

She walked over with a pained expression, telling Qin Lingxiao, “If we don’t leave soon, we really will starve to death here!”

Surveying the ominous, lifeless city, Qin Lingxiao finally instructed his subordinates, “For now, we’ll follow Sect Master Cui’s lead. Leaving this place is most crucial.”

Once they reached a consensus, Xiao Xiao began dividing them into groups to search the four corners of the city.

However, when she tried distributing talisman papers to the Soaring Cloud disciples, they all refused to accept them.

Without needing them to voice their disdain, their contemptuous sneers said enough – she had offended another major sect!

As the esteemed Soaring Cloud Sect, cultivating the way of sword qi, what need did they have for lowly Talisman Sect talismans to preserve their lives?

So when Qin Lingxiao slowly extended his hand to accept her talisman, Xiao Xiao had already tucked the remaining ones back into her robe.

The Young Master’s hand awkwardly hovered in the air as he shot Xiao Xiao a piercing glare devoid of warmth.

Fortunately, Yu Ling’er was perceptive enough to provide a graceful exit, quickly removing her waterskin from her waist and offering it to Qin Lingxiao’s outstretched hand.

“Young Master, I noticed you didn’t bring any water. Take this – it can also help with hunger.”

However, Qin Lingxiao showed no gratitude as he coldly tossed the waterskin back before saying to Xiao Xiao, “To prevent you from causing any mischief, I’ll join your group!”

With that, he left two capable subordinates before leading the remaining disciples to search the western and northern city borders alongside some fox tribesmen.

Afraid of the dark, Yu Ling’er felt safest sticking with Xiao Xiao, but she was also unwilling to leave Qin Lingxiao alone with her, so she joined Xiao Xiao’s group as well.

Xiao Xiao did not mind either way, but the question remained – which direction should they head?

After some thought, she retrieved a palm-sized turtle shell from her robe, a keepsake from her late master along with the secret text.

She had Yu Ling’er drop two copper coins into the shell before shaking it and carefully observing the divination pattern.

The coins pointed eastward – could this be an indication to travel east?

Yu Ling’er looked on in awe, clearly not expecting Xiao Xiao to possess such skills. She eagerly asked, “How about it, does east signify auspicious tidings?”

Xiao Xiao nodded with satisfaction. “A rare ominous omen indeed!”

Yu Ling’er’s face fell as she hurriedly said, “Then let’s not go east!”

Cui Xiao Xiao put away the turtle shell, unconvinced. “You don’t understand. This turtle shell of my master’s has never provided accurate divinations. When my sect siblings and I first descended the mountain, it was this turtle shell that determined our eastward path. At the time, it showed an auspicious omen, but who knew…”

She trailed off, unable to continue. Who could have foreseen this cursed turtle shell would lead her two hundred years into the past, taking Wei Jie’s place to suffer heavenly tribulation and thunderbolts? Now, out of lingering concerns for him, she had stumbled into this illusory city.

Evidently, the turtle shell’s omens should be interpreted inversely. Since it displayed eastward as ominous, then heading east might reveal an auspicious opening!

Qin Lingxiao had always disdained such divinatory talismans and symbology. Seeing Xiao Xiao shaking the turtle shell like a street fortune-teller, he could only scoff silently in contempt.

Thus, by Xiao Xiao’s decision, their group set off eastward.

Traveling east led them to a temple dedicated to the God of Wealth. Along the way, Xiao Xiao found no anomalies – this illusory city was astonishingly realistic. Aside from being unable to consume any food or water, there seemed to be no other differences.

Manifesting such a realistic illusion would not only require a powerful talisman, but also immense spiritual energy to sustain it. It was unknown who possessed such capabilities.

And what was their purpose in conjuring this entire city?

It was at this moment that Qin Lingxiao, who had been leading at the front, suddenly halted. Xiao Xiao almost collided into his back before asking, “Why have you stopped?”

Qin Lingxiao stared directly ahead, his voice taut as he said, “Look… what is that?”

Xiao Xiao and Yu Ling’er peered over his shoulders to see… another group approaching from the opposite direction.

At their lead was a tall, handsome white-robed youth, followed by two young ladies – one lithe and graceful, the other adorably coy…

With a single glance, Xiao Xiao felt as if she were looking into a mirror!

The approaching group was none other than the spitting image of their own party!

Chapter 42

The second time Qin Lingxiao saw Prince Can, this prince had become the regent, entering the capital to assist his young son’s ascension to the throne.

At that time, Wei Jie’s demonic sect was growing increasingly powerful, having already crushed the Four Great Sects.

To seek revenge, Qin Lingxiao had gone undercover, lurking by the Demon Lord’s side using an alias.

It was during this period that he accompanied Wei Jie to the capital, only to discover Wei Jie intended to negotiate with Prince Can. However, Qin Lingxiao did not know the content of their private meeting.

Qin Lingxiao was very tense upon seeing Prince Can again, fearing the prince might recognize him and expose his identity as the Young Master of Soaring Cloud Pavilion before Wei Jie.

Unexpectedly, although Prince Can did recognize him, he chose to provide cover instead.

Afterward, Prince Can explained it was to make amends for his previous lapse in judgment that led to the righteous path’s tragedy – the demise of the Heavenly Heart Sect Master.

As for the reason behind Wei Jie’s meeting with Prince Can, the prince explained it was due to Wei Jie’s extortion, forcing him to privately open the national treasury to fund the construction of Wei Jie’s demonic palace.

Such audacious and insolent demands did seem like something Wei Jie would make.

Their final encounter was after Qin Lingxiao slew Wei Jie and founded the Nine Primordial Sword Sect.

Prince Can sent an inscribed plaque bearing the four words “Subdue Demons, Promote Virtue” personally written by the reigning emperor at the time.

This plaque was later hung in the main hall of the Nine Primordial Sword Sect.

Overall, although Qin Lingxiao looked down on this prince’s mild and indulgent nature, his impression of Prince Can was not entirely negative.

After all, he walked the path of immortality, never to cross paths with a mundane prince again.

However, he later heard this Prince Can had also achieved immortality and ascension? At the time, his former senior brother Tang Youshu, who had long lost contact, came asking his opinion on this matter.

Qin Lingxiao had always disdained such baseless rumors spread among commoners.

How could he believe it? Throughout history, tales of imperial scions achieving immortality were plentiful, mostly deifications by later descendants to dupe the populace.

Yet now, Cui Xiao Xiao was speaking with firm conviction, asserting that this Prince Can harbored malicious intentions, using his subordinate experts to instigate incidents everywhere. Qin Lingxiao’s first reaction was to scoff.

He no longer believed a single word from this deceitful girl!

So he coldly said to Cui Xiao Xiao, “What puppet worms? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Now that you’ve appeared, you conveniently bring up these demonic matters – it’s probably related to you, isn’t it!”

Seeing his disbelief, Cui Xiao Xiao ordered the unburied fox youths to be brought forth, showing him that these foxes had indeed died from voodoo worm infliction.

Initially dismissive of Cui Xiao Xiao’s actions as unnecessary, Qin Lingxiao was taken aback upon seeing the foxes’ condition.

At first glance, their bleeding from all orifices seemed to match the effects of a femme fatale’s deadly song rupturing their meridians. But upon closer inspection, the blood from their mouths was pitch black…

At that moment, the mangy old vixen instructed her tribesmen to cut open the chest of one of the fox youths.

Its heart was riddled with holes, as if bored through by some unknown entity – a horrific sight!

Noticing Qin Lingxiao’s change in expression, as if he had realized something, Cui Xiao Xiao probed, “How about it? Did you notice anything?”

Qin Lingxiao’s handsome eyes were fixated on the black blood as he muttered to himself, “They…their manner of death is so similar to the former Heavenly Heart Sect Master…”

He had witnessed such a death before, an indelible memory.

When the former Heavenly Heart Sect Master tragically perished in the forest by Autumn Water Pond, he too had died coughing up black blood. Upon examining the bodies afterward, it was said the Sect Master and several elders seemed to have had their heart meridians ruptured.

At the time, the Four Great Sects had concluded it was the demonic mother and son’s doing – the femme fatale’s deadly song had shattered their heart meridians, her signature killing move!

The femme fatale had also perished under the siege of the Heavenly Heart Sect and the other three sects’ disciples. Witnessing his mother’s death, Wei Jie had gone berserk, demonically slaughtering countless pursuing disciples from the four sects.

After committing such a bloody massacre, Wei Jie had fled with the fox tribe and his followers.

Now that Wei Jie was gone, the tragic scene was being replayed.

If the femme fatale had killed these fox youths, would the fox tribe so easily forgive her?

Could it be, as Cui Xiao Xiao claimed, that there were hidden circumstances behind the events of that year?

No matter how much Xiao Xiao probed further, Qin Lingxiao fell silent, only studying the fox youths’ corpses intently once more.

Finally, Qin Lingxiao seemed to realize something, his expression abruptly changing before swiftly dashing away, with the Soaring Cloud disciples naturally following suit.

Cui Xiao Xiao pondered the phrase Qin Lingxiao had uttered.

He said the Heavenly Heart Sect Master’s death that year was identical to these fox youths?

In other words, the Sect Master had not actually died by Wei Jie’s hands, but had already been inflicted by the puppet worm, coincidentally perishing when the voodoo penetrated his heart!

If this was true, then regardless of whether Si Ling had died in Luoyi City, Wei Jie was destined to shoulder this unjust blame?

At that moment, the veiled Si Ling standing behind them spoke up, “Sect Master Cui, if you leave the city, won’t that leave Jielang alone in Luoyi? I cannot rest assured leaving him, so I will not accompany you all. We shall meet again – please take care!”

Without waiting for Xiao Xiao to respond, she too swiftly dashed away.

Seeing no way to call the femme fatale back, Xiao Xiao plopped down on a roadside boulder.

She needed a moment to catch her breath, lest she choke on her own regrets two hundred years in the past.

After all her painstaking efforts, why did it seem like events had suddenly reverted back to their original trajectory?

If Si Ling returned to Luoyi City, it was highly likely she would meet her demise there.

Of course, that had nothing to do with Xiao Xiao now. All she needed was to lead the fox tribe away, find Lingshan Mountain, and live in seclusion.

As for the fates of Wei Jie and his mother, those were not under her control.

Yu Ling’er gazed wistfully at Qin Lingxiao’s retreating figure until he disappeared from sight before snapping out of her daze, muttering to herself, “Strange, where is Young Master Qin going? Isn’t Soaring Cloud Pavilion in the western mountain valley? Why is he heading east?”

Hearing her words, Xiao Xiao looked up.

Indeed, the directions Qin Lingxiao and Si Ling had departed seemed to be the same eastward path they had traveled from.

Luoyi City lay in that direction…

Yu Ling’er noticed Xiao Xiao’s prolonged silence and asked, “Are we going to Lingshan Mountain? But I just checked our tribe’s maps, and there is no ‘Lingshan Mountain’ in the Central Plains region you mentioned.”

Finally catching her breath, Xiao Xiao rose and patted her skirt before pointing east. “Never mind Lingshan for now… We’re returning to Luoyi City!”

She had no choice – she could not restrain Si Ling from going to rescue her son.

Now that all parties seemed to be converging on Luoyi City, how could she, the catalyst behind these events, remain uninvolved?

As the Buddha said: “If I do not enter hell, I will eventually be led there regardless.”

Since that was the case, she might as well dive in willingly to see if she could help open a path to life for the mother and son.

The fox tribe had no objections to Xiao Xiao’s proposal, especially upon hearing that Prince Can was also in Luoyi City – they all bared their fangs, gnashing incessantly.

The fox tribe etched grudges spanning a thousand years. If they could find the root culprit this time, they would tear him to shreds!

Although Xiao Xiao had dawdled on her journey here, their return was hurried.

The foxes all revealed their true forms, the largest a five-tailed beast the size of a mule. Riding it, Xiao Xiao felt the wind rushing past, unable to clearly make out the scenery as they covered the distance to Luoyi City’s outskirts in a single night.

Luoyi City was a prosperous metropolis, constantly bustling with merchants coming and going.

When Cui Xiao Xiao arrived outside the city gates again, the sun was setting in the west.

The gates had long since been tightly shut, and whether due to the reflection of the crimson sunset clouds, the entire city appeared bathed in a reddish hue.

With her extraordinary eyesight, Xiao Xiao felt the sky above Luoyi City seemed saturated with demonic energy, staring too long even caused a stinging sensation.

It was at this moment that Qin Lingxiao finally arrived, leading the Soaring Cloud disciples.

Upon seeing Cui Xiao Xiao and the fox tribe outside the city, he expressed surprise, “Why have you returned?”

Xiao Xiao could not clearly explain her reasons for coming back, so she deflected, “Weren’t you also in a hurry to return? Is there some urgent matter?”

Of course Qin Lingxiao was anxious.

Back at the foot of Mount Tuyun, he had suddenly realized the Heavenly Heart Sect Master’s death that year was highly suspicious, recalling a crucial fact – in the original timeline two hundred years ago, he and his father had arrived after the other three major sects.

So by the time they reached Luoyi City, Prince Can’s birthday celebration had already been disrupted, and the Soaring Cloud disciples naturally did not attend, avoiding any infliction.

However, this time, in his haste to intercept Cui Xiao Xiao, he had parted ways with his father Qin He, who had already joined up with the Heavenly Heart Sect and the other three major sects much earlier.

When Qin Lingxiao had left, his father had just received Prince Can’s invitation.

If nothing went awry, his father would undoubtedly have attended the birthday banquet alongside the Heavenly Heart Sect Master!

If the Sect Master had truly been plotted against by Prince Can that year, then his father was in peril!

This was why Qin Lingxiao’s expression had changed so abruptly before rushing back.

Too many anomalies were occurring that had never manifested in the original two hundred years past.

This could not help but cause Qin Lingxiao’s heart to race with the sense that events were slipping beyond his control. He only wished to enter the city as soon as possible to investigate the truth.

However, Xiao Xiao barred his path, pointing towards the city gates. “No! Can’t you see? The entire city has been sealed off. If Prince Can has treachery afoot, entering now may alert him. It’s better to first check Autumn Water Pond.”

But Qin Lingxiao pointed at the gates, “What are you talking about? Can’t you see the city gates are wide open?”

Xiao Xiao turned to look again – indeed, the previously shut gates were now flung open, with even a few pedestrians passing through.

Qin Lingxiao took a step forward, but Xiao Xiao pulled him back. “No, it’s not right!”

Her gaze was fixed unblinkingly on the open gates ahead, not even noticing that she had overstepped in grabbing Qin Lingxiao’s hand.

The ever-aloof Young Master Qin unexpectedly did not shake her off. Instead, he paused to look at the delicate hand grasping his before asking with furrowed brows, “What’s wrong?”

It was only then that Xiao Xiao realized her impropriety and hastily released his hand, saying urgently, “I remember Luoyi City closes its gates at sunset, which has long passed the second quarter after dusk hour. How could the gates still be open? There must be some trick to this!”

Hearing her words, Qin Lingxiao studied the city gates intently once more.

However, they appeared just like the ordinary gates of Luoyi City, with visible pedestrian movement inside. There were indeed precedents of delaying the closing time for major events like the city lord’s birthday celebrations, allowing the entire city to revel together before shutting the gates later.

Qin Lingxiao felt Xiao Xiao was being overly cautious.

Moreover, he had already visited Autumn Water Pond earlier, only to find it littered with corpses and shattered tableware.

The small island in the lake’s heart appeared stained crimson with blood, yet there was not a single living soul.

After thoroughly searching the area without finding his father, he had rushed back to Luoyi City.

Regardless, he was determined to enter this city!

With this thought, he brushed past Xiao Xiao to lead his disciples through the gates.

On their hurried journey, Xiao Xiao had not seen any sign of Si Ling, making her suspect the femme fatale had already entered the city.

Seeing Qin Lingxiao and the Soaring Cloud disciples proceed inside, Xiao Xiao bit her lip before retrieving a bundle of blank talisman papers from her pack. Biting her finger to draw blood, she swiftly inscribed over a dozen talismans.

She distributed the talismans among the fox tribesmen following her into the city before instructing Yu Ling’er, “Since you harbor the spirit stone within, it’s best you remain outside and wait for us.”

Seeing Yu Ling’er nod, Xiao Xiao took a deep breath, gripping the “Defying the Heavens” sword at her waist as she led a few deeply cultivated fox youths towards the open gates.

Once inside the city gates, the scene resembled an ordinary city at dusk. Some shops were still open, with pedestrians on the streets.

Yet Xiao Xiao felt an indescribable sense of eeriness. After walking a few more steps, she noticed stone steles inscribed with the names of various streets and alleys.

Initially just casually glancing at them, she suddenly did a double-take, her wandering gaze refocusing…

These characters… why were they reversed?

Xiao Xiao abruptly realized what had felt amiss from the beginning. With this thought, she quickly backtracked a few steps.

She clearly remembered that on the main street leading into the city, there had been a delicious noodle shop on the left side. The amiable owner served noodles with flavorful marinated eggs, the broth richly savory yet with a runny yolk inside.

During her stay in Luoyi City, whenever she did not know what to eat, she would bring Wei Jie and the others there for noodles.

As she looked down that street, Xiao Xiao’s eyes slowly widened in disbelief.

The shop that should have been on the left was now on the right!

Not only this one shop, but the entire street seemed to have undergone a cosmic shift, with trees, shops, and buildings all swapped in position!

It was at this moment that Qin Lingxiao, noticing she had stopped following, turned back to ask, “Why have you stopped?”

Xiao Xiao scanned their surroundings before declaring in realization, “We have not…entered Luoyi City at all!”

What? Qin Lingxiao did not believe her. On their way here, he had not seen any other city. So if not Luoyi City, where else could this be?

Xiao Xiao pointed at the surrounding streets and buildings. “The layout of these shops and residences is completely reversed from the true Luoyi City

Chapter 41

The vixen looked back at her son in disbelief before collapsing to the ground.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiao inwardly cursed and showed no more mercy, her sword slashing down to sever the whistle-blower’s hand, leaving him howling in pain and unable to blow again.

However, over a dozen fox youths on the mountain who had been inflicted with the voodoo worm were now awakened by the whistle’s howl, and the fox tribe began turning on each other in a frenzy.

Though formidable themselves, the elder foxes could not bear to strike against their own tribesmen.

Xiao Xiao plastered down a few with Spirit-Binding Talismans, but she had used up her entire stock and could not draw more in time.

Seeing the frenzied fox youths grow increasingly manic, Xiao Xiao realized that the forcibly triggered voodoo poison would likely cause the worms to penetrate their hearts, killing them…

At this critical juncture, a melodious song suddenly wafted through the woods.

The bewitching, yet extraordinarily penetrating song caused both fox and human tribes to involuntarily halt and freeze in place, regardless of whether they were inflicted.

However, the voodoo-inflicted fox youths seemed unaffected, continuing to wildly claw and slash.

But then, the piercing song seemed to shift frequency, growing increasingly shrill and high-pitched.

This keen sound appeared to penetrate into one’s heart, forcing everyone to cover their ears.

At that moment, the inflicted fox youths clutched their chests before coughing out mouthfuls of black, clotted blood. They then looked around in a daze, as if awoken from a long nightmare.

Meanwhile, those dozen-odd thugs had already been struck down by the song, bleeding from all orifices and convulsing on the ground, their meridians seemingly ruptured before dying gruesome deaths!

This shocking turn of events clearly caught the fox tribe off guard as well. After exchanging bewildered looks, they warily scanned their surroundings for the source of this deadly voice.

At that moment, the bushes along the mountain path seemed to rustle.

Turning their heads, they saw a bald, mangy fox emerge from the foliage.

Though furless, it still proudly raised its tail, the lingering dignity of the former Fox King evident.

Yu Ling’er cried out joyfully, “Mother!”

However, Xiao Xiao pulled her back, carefully studying the fox’s eyes.

Only after confirming no abnormalities indicating voodoo infliction, and that her silver ring did not react, did she allow the vixen to approach them.

This mangy fox was indeed the Fox King who had failed her tribulation, her primal essence severely depleted to the point of being unable to regain human form.

Having lost her cultivation prowess, she could no longer lead the fox tribe. According to their traditions, a new Fox King had to be selected.

Although unable to manifest her human form, the vixen had just prevented a calamity and rescued her people, regaining even more authority in the tribe’s hearts than before.

Moreover, her far-reaching connections were unmatched – not only did she have a femme fatale songstress as an old friend, but also the support of the Talisman Sect’s leader. For the time being, everyone had faith in her.

Unfortunately, knowing her own days were numbered, the old Fox King ultimately passed the position to the newly returned Yu Ling’er.

Yu Ling’er was greatly surprised by her mother’s decision. Aware of her own low cultivation and lack of cunning, how could she possibly lead the tribe?

But the sage old fox saw clearly. Although her daughter was timid and lacking in attainments, she was at least a half-disciple of Cui Xiao Xiao now.

Moreover, as a reclusive mountain-dweller, the vixen had only just learned that her old friend Si Ling had actually given birth to a son with the Wei Family – the very same Wei Jie she had previously encountered.

Thus, the old vixen went so far as to have Yu Ling’er accept Si Ling as a sworn elder sister!

With this, all worldly etiquette and proprieties were properly observed.

Now that Yu Ling’er was Wei Jie’s sworn younger sister from another father, how could an elder brother not look after his sister?

The old fox led her daughter around pledging oaths, ensuring her installment as the new Fox King with utmost diligence.

As for her daughter’s low cultivation, that was easily resolved. Since the spirit stone had attracted such covetous attention, it could no longer remain on the mountain.

The old vixen took the spirit stone and led the elders along with her daughter into a cave deep in the rear mountain.

When they emerged, Xiao Xiao was astonished to see Yu Ling’er’s appearance had matured dramatically, her features now exuding bewitching charm.

It turned out the old Fox King had used a secret technique to seal the spirit stone within Yu Ling’er’s navel, temporarily contained within the fox’s true form.

Once the threat was eliminated, they would retrieve the spirit stone and immerse it in a bountiful spring to revitalize the fox tribe.

Mount Tuyun had now drawn the attention of evil forces, so they could no longer remain.

Infused with the spirit stone’s spiritual energy, not only had Yu Ling’er’s powers greatly increased, but her outward appearance had also matured considerably.

Unfortunately, no matter how mature her looks, it could not change her innate nature. When they were alone, Yu Ling’er embraced Xiao Xiao tightly before bursting into tears.

Xiao Xiao was utterly bewildered, only able to pat her back helplessly. “What’s wrong? Didn’t the old Fox King agree to release you from your vow? You no longer have to follow me – you’ve regained your freedom, so you should be happy!”

After soaking Xiao Xiao’s shoulder with tears, Yu Ling’er finally choked out, “Happy…what happiness? I now shoulder the mission of protecting the spirit stone. My…my mother said, as long as the stone remains within me, I cannot become intimately close with any man, nor can I leave the tribe. I must always be supervised and protected by them… My beloved Young Master…when will I ever be able to be with him?”

It was only then that Xiao Xiao understood the little fox’s anguish.

With this spirit stone harbored within her, even if she found her heart’s desire, she could not approach him intimately lest she defile the sacred stone.

Yu Ling’er had effectively become a living stone vessel in fox form – better off remaining Xiao Xiao’s maidservant!

The ancient fox had devised a novel method to prevent her daughter from errantly pledging herself to a man…

However, Xiao Xiao did feel a sense of relief – at last, she could be rid of this burden and depart alone.

But to her surprise, the moment she mentioned leaving, a sea of prostrate foxes filled the ground before her.

The old Fox King said that since Mount Tuyun was no longer safe, they had effectively become homeless upon leaving.

Now, they could only follow the twice-savior of the fox tribe, the benevolent Sect Master Cui Xiao Xiao, seeking her boundless blessings and protection.

For such immense grace, the entire fox tribe, young and old, would forever engrave her name in their hearts, revering Cui Xiao Xiao as the second mother of rebirth after the Goddess Nuwa herself.

This time, their benefactor could not possibly refuse. The fox tribe, high and low, threw themselves at her feet, vowing absolute allegiance to Sect Master Cui!

Xiao Xiao knew that according to the original trajectory, it should have been Wei Jie who led the fox tribe and the spirit stone away after the heavenly punishment.

And during the upheaval in Luoyi City, it was with the fox tribe’s formidable assistance that Wei Jie managed to break free from the Four Great Sects before journeying to Ghost Ridge Cliff to establish the demonic sect, becoming the Demon Lord.

With Yu Ling’er’s devoted following and the spirit stone’s empowerment, Wei Jie’s demonic nature rapidly blossomed, giving rise to the infamous paramount Demon Lord who held sway over all…

Never could Xiao Xiao have imagined that this trajectory would wind its circuitous way back around.

These homeless fox tribesmen clung to the master of “Defying the Heavens” like stubborn leeches, refusing to be shaken off!

Did this not completely derail her plan to live in seclusion for three years?

Xiao Xiao let out a long sigh. She was well aware that the besiegement of Mount Tuyun was an event that had never occurred in the original timeline two hundred years ago.

At that time, Yu Ling’er and the others should have long since departed with Wei Jie.

However, in the later Battle of Luoyi City, it seemed the fox tribe had also suffered heavy casualties – perhaps these were the very same fox youths who had perished from the voodoo poison infliction.

Xiao Xiao now felt a sense of reverence towards “Destiny.” She realized that all things seemed to circle back around to their original, destined state in the end.

Yet what her own “destiny” entailed remained unknown.

Since all changes originated from her actions, she could not simply abandon her responsibilities. She had to properly settle the fox tribe before considering further steps.

With this thought, she finally nodded in resignation. “Alright… but I had planned to live in seclusion for a few years. If you’re willing, you can join me in finding a quiet place to retreat… Madam, you should come with me as well.”

Xiao Xiao’s final words were directed at the femme fatale Si Ling.

Prince Can’s claws had reached too far, scheming maliciously against Mount Tuyun. Si Ling’s song had now revealed her presence here, and it was unknown if Prince Can still had agents lurking below the mountain.

That Prince Can commanded many capable and extraordinary figures, surely including some who could subdue a femme fatale.

She could not simply abandon Si Ling alone. At the very least, she needed to find Wei Jie first and ensure his mother’s safety.

Upon hearing Xiao Xiao’s suggestion, Si Ling hesitated briefly before replying, “Let’s descend the mountain first and discuss further.”

Xiao Xiao had originally climbed the mountain to shake off a burden, but on her way down, she was now weighed down by an entire entourage trailing behind her.

By this time, those ill-intentioned beast hunters had already dispersed, but there was still a group stubbornly waiting at the foot of the mountain.

When Qin Lingxiao caught sight of Xiao Xiao descending, he grit his silver teeth in fury, growling, “Cui Xiao Xiao, you’ve finally deigned to come down! Seize her!”

This time, he would show no more courtesy – he would bind her with ropes all the way to Soaring Cloud Pavilion!

Unfortunately, as the graceful Soaring Cloud disciples charged forward, Xiao Xiao didn’t even move a finger before three to five fox tribesmen leapt to intercept them.

It was only then that Qin Lingxiao noticed a horde of foxes emerging from the mountain path, seemingly revering Xiao Xiao as their leader and staunchly protecting her.

Counting the two hundred years before and after, the Talisman Sect Master had finally found what it felt like to be a true sect patriarch.

With a flick of her sleeves and a toss of her long hair, she accepted a water flask from Yu Ling’er, taking a sip before calmly instructing, “Don’t go overboard – a lesson will suffice. Just don’t ruin those pretty Soaring Cloud disciples’ delicate skins.”

By the time she finished speaking, the flowing robes of the Soaring Cloud disciples had already been shredded by fox claws, leaving them flustered and disheveled like beggars.

Qin Lingxiao’s expression darkened as he turned to Yu Ling’er, asking sternly, “If you remember the debt you owe me for saving your life, then do not involve your tribesmen in this. This is a personal grievance between Cui Xiao Xiao and myself, unrelated to the fox tribe!”

Still cradling her mother, Yu Ling’er did not dare directly face Qin Lingxiao. With a crestfallen look, she parroted words Xiao Xiao had once told her, “Young Master Qin, Ling’er can never forget your lifesaving grace. I will certainly find a way to repay your kindness in the future. But for now, our entire fox tribe reveres Sect Master Cui as our leader to command as she wishes. You…would do better not to make things difficult for Xiao Xiao. The fare at Soaring Cloud Pavilion is not to her tastes…”

The newly appointed Fox King trailed off awkwardly.

Qin Lingxiao could not be bothered listening to her prattle after realizing Yu Ling’er was unreliable. He glared hatefully at Xiao Xiao. “Earlier, I heard the deadly song of a femme fatale emanating from the mountain – undoubtedly, the sin of murder has been committed. Yet you, as a member of the human tribe, consort with such demonic ilk! The righteous and evil paths cannot coexist. Do not blame our orthodox sects if we cannot tolerate your presence in the future!”

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao realized he intended to brand her as a demonic evildoer!

She immediately scoffed coldly, “You condemn without even asking about the circumstances. It’s fortunate you cultivate instead of serving as an official – if so, the resentful ghosts wronged by your executioner’s blade would be innumerable. At that point, forget about immortality – you wouldn’t even qualify for the underworld!”

Beside her, Yu Ling’er hastily recounted how Prince Can had allowed the beast hunters to scour for rare treasures everywhere, using puppet worms to sow discord among the fox tribe in an attempt to steal their sacred heirloom.

Qin Lingxiao frowned upon hearing this.

Regarding this Prince Can, in the previous two hundred years, Qin Lingxiao had only encountered him three times.

The first was when Soaring Cloud Pavilion received news of a femme fatale scheming chaos in Luoyi City, so he accompanied his father Qin He and the other three great sects to encircle and slay her.

However, Qin Lingxiao and his father arrived a step too late – by the time they reached Luoyi City, Prince Can’s birthday celebration had already been disrupted.

It was at this desecrated banquet scene that Qin Lingxiao first laid eyes on the legendary benevolent prince.

Reportedly, at the start of the banquet, Prince Can had extended warm hospitalities to the Four Great Sects, greatly shocked when they identified his palace songstress as an underworld femme fatale.

Yet out of sentiment or perhaps bewitched by her beauty, he had secretly allowed the femme fatale and her son Wei Jie to escape behind the four sects’ backs.

Thus, the four sects’ efforts were in vain. Afterward, it was the Sect Master of the Heavenly Heart Sect who pursued them to the forest by Autumn Water Pond, only to tragically meet his death at Wei Jie’s hands, bleeding from all orifices.

Upon learning the full story, Qin Lingxiao’s father Qin He berated Prince Can, condemning his foolish negligence in letting the demonic mother and son slip away, resulting in the Heavenly Heart Sect Master’s death.

Ashamed, Prince Can broke down weeping before the entire Soaring Cloud Sect, anguished as if Lao Ziren’s demise was his personal fault.