Blog

Chapter 40 p2

Thinking this, Xiao Xiao said to Yu Ling’er, “I’m tired, I can’t walk anymore.”

Yu Ling’er was used to Xiao Xiao’s spoiled acts of feigning illness, so she could only helplessly call Asheng over to crouch down and carry Xiao Xiao up the mountain.

As Asheng approached Xiao Xiao, the silver ring on her wrist began violently shaking, growing more intense the closer he came.

Xiao Xiao recalled Wei Jie’s words – those deeply inflicted by the puppet worm, with it having reached their heart, would develop a double pupil in their eyes.

As Asheng drew near, Xiao Xiao indeed saw two pupils in his eyes.

As she stared at the fox youth, his hand suddenly transformed into sharp fox claws, thrusting straight towards Xiao Xiao’s heart!

Though his strike was swift, Xiao Xiao was already on guard. She drew out her precious sword, severing Asheng’s claws while simultaneously throwing out a Spirit-Binding Talisman to immobilize the attacking fox youth.

At that moment, the other youth Amu viciously seized Yu Ling’er’s throat, flatly stating to Xiao Xiao, “Don’t move, or I’ll snap her neck!”

Yu Ling’er, never expecting her own tribesmen to suddenly turn traitor, stared at Xiao Xiao in shock, feeling as if struck by thunderbolts.

Knowing she could not rely on Yu Ling’er, Xiao Xiao lightly waved her fingers.

No matter how fast Amu moved, he could not outpace the “Defying the Heavens” sword.

The demon-slaying blade unsheathed, tracing an arc before stabilizing horizontally beneath Amu, knocking him backwards with a ringing strike and causing him to tumble unconscious.

Xiao Xiao swiftly approached and slapped a Spirit-Binding Talisman on Amu’s forehead before telling the still dazed Yu Ling’er, “They seem to be inflicted by the puppet worm… There’s something strange happening on this mountain!”

She could not directly touch the silver ring, so she had Yu Ling’er remove it and attempted to extract the puppet worm using the same method Wei Jie had used on his mother Si Ling.

Unfortunately, the worms inside these two had grown too large, likely having already reached their hearts. Wei Jie’s method could not draw them out, and the two youths began bleeding profusely from their noses – not a good sign.

Not daring to proceed further for fear of killing them, Xiao Xiao stopped.

At that moment, Yu Ling’er’s exposed fox ears twitched as she alertly said, “Someone’s coming!”

The two of them dragged the incapacitated youths into a nearby bush.

Soon after, two more fox youths unable to conceal their ears appeared, blankly leading a group of burly men up the mountain.

One of the thugs seemed impatient, viciously kicking the fox youth guiding them. “Damn it! Useless! If we’d succeeded, why bother dragging this old man up the mountain? This place was just struck by heavenly thunder – are you luring us up to get struck too?”

One of his lackeys chimed in, “How could that be? These little fox brats have all been inflicted with the puppet worm and are completely obedient. It’s just that those old, cunning foxes have hidden the spirit stones. But it’s good that big brother obtained the Enlightenment Beast’s urine – with it, those old foxes won’t be able to get close. After finishing this job, we can report back to Prince Can. Otherwise, we’ll have to return the down payment from our contractor, Hunter King, and end up with nothing.”

Xiao Xiao pieced together the gist despite the vague words.

These men climbing the mountain were subordinates of the late Hunter King.

Although the Hunter King had perished in Ghost Alley, these underlings did not wish to forfeit Prince Can’s deposit, so they were using some method to inflict the fox youths with puppet worms to obediently lead them up the mountain and steal some spirit stones.

Yu Ling’er also understood and was enraged to see her tribesmen insulted and the thugs plotting to rob her homeland. Her face flushed red as fox fur emerged, baring sharp fangs in a ferocious snarl.

In this moment, her dormant fox king bloodline seemed to awaken, exuding a fierce bestial aura.

However, Xiao Xiao patted her back, signaling her to remain calm for now.

These men mentioned having the Enlightenment Beast’s urine, which was likely lethal to the fox tribe. Even if they struck now, their advantage could shift if that substance was deployed.

It was better to bide their time and seize an opportunity for a counterattack.

At that moment, a series of fox howls echoed from all directions. Yu Ling’er instinctively wanted to join in but Xiao Xiao swiftly slapped a Body-Binding Talisman on her to prevent giving away their position.

Soon after, the cunning elder foxes emerged to block the path, a beautiful vixen coldly declaring, “Ashui, Aili, how dare you privately lead outsiders into our territory? What are you trying to do?”

The two fox youths guiding the thugs remained motionless, while the burly men exchanged glances before suddenly leaping into action. They flung ceramic vials filled with the Enlightenment Beast’s urine directly at the foxes!

As the vials shattered and the pungent liquid splashed out, the scent of the primordial beast indeed had an immense effect on the fox tribe, paralyzing them like frogs mesmerized by a snake. They trembled helplessly in place, unable to move.

The beast hunters immediately broke into raucous laughter, rapidly nocking and firing their arrows towards the immobilized foxes!

Judging by the hunter king’s troupe’s sinister reputation, those arrows were undoubtedly poison-tipped for instant kills.

Xiao Xiao had been prepared, chanting a water-guiding talisman to draw the nearby stream outwards, forming a liquid barrier like a huge bell to shield the paralyzed foxes.

The poisoned arrows could not penetrate this qi-infused water shield, simply dropping harmlessly.

Realizing they had been foiled, one of the thugs bellowed, “Who’s there?”

Xiao Xiao removed the Body-Binding Talisman from Yu Ling’er, preparing for them to reveal themselves together. However, Yu Ling’er remained frozen, her body trembling like a sieve from the beast scent’s effects.

With no choice, Xiao Xiao plucked some wild grass, rolled it into a ball, and stuffed it into Yu Ling’er’s nostrils.

This seemed to work, allowing Yu Ling’er to move freely without being affected by the odor.

As the two girls emerged, the thugs were momentarily stunned. One of them sneered, “How can you move?”

It seemed Xiao Xiao’s delicate beauty had caused the thugs to mistake her for a fox spirit as well.

Xiao Xiao had no patience to bandy words, immediately commanding the “Defying the Heavens” sword to charge the men.

Meanwhile, Yu Ling’er followed Xiao Xiao’s instructions to swiftly stuff grass into the paralyzed foxes’ nostrils as well.

By the time the fox tribe regained mobility, the thugs had already been thoroughly thrashed by Xiao Xiao, leaving them powerless to resist!

Though skilled in capturing demonic beasts, they were no match against a properly cultivated practitioner like Xiao Xiao.

At that moment, the beautiful vixen and her fellow foxes revealed their fox claws, pouncing on the downed thugs in a frenzy!

Unlike Xiao Xiao’s restraint about taking lives, they would tear these trespassers to shreds for daring to invade their territory!

Seeing their dire situation, one of the thugs hurriedly blew a bamboo whistle hanging from his chest.

As the whistle produced a sound resembling a fox’s howl, one of the small fox youths behind the vixen suddenly went blank-eyed before plunging its sharp claws towards her back!

Chapter 40

Hearing Xiao Xiao’s words, Qin Lingxiao let out a cold laugh.

So this was the low-ranked sect founded by his former senior brother Tang Youshu! For the disciples to have such lack of aspiration, no wonder Tang Youshu could only die of old age in the end.

What kind of cultivation path indulged in gluttony? It could only produce ghosts!

With this thought, he ignored Cui Xiao Xiao and closed his eyes again, austerely inhaling and exhaling to refine his spiritual essence.

Seeing she could not get any response, Xiao Xiao returned to the carriage and motioned with her chin to Yu Ling’er, “Did you hear that? If you follow him to Soaring Cloud Pavilion, forget about eating chicken. You’ll only get to gulp down some water at each meal.”

Yu Ling’er was also very hungry, but she didn’t dare brazenly demand dishes like cold noodles with a spicy sauce like Xiao Xiao, lest Qin Lingxiao look down on her for lacking cultivation discipline.

Thinking this, Yu Ling’er plucked a couple of flowers and stuffed them into her mouth dejectedly.

But the petals were bitter and inedible, causing Yu Ling’er’s fox ears to emerge in anguish.

Xiao Xiao didn’t want to suffer. She turned to scan their surroundings and noticed a tree bearing bright red berries that looked edible, so she tried climbing to pick them.

Qin Lingxiao slowly opened his eyes and wordlessly watched Xiao Xiao agilely climb the tree like a nimble little monkey, her swishing ponytail exuding youthful leisure.

He inwardly scorned her again – this foolish girl had drunk his spiritual spring’s blood, supposedly reaching the Golden Core stage by now.

Unfortunately, she had chosen the wrong master, failing to properly cultivate. She was like an ignorant brute possessing physical power yet unaware of how to apply it to martial techniques.

So Cui Xiao Xiao did not even know basic lightbody techniques that ordinary disciples could employ, forced to use clumsy methods like climbing trees…

As he was thinking this, the girl suddenly slipped on a patch of damp moss, letting out a yelp as she fell from the tree.

Qin Lingxiao only coldly laughed. He stood up, intending to catch her only at the last moment before hitting the ground as a lesson.

But as he moved to catch Xiao Xiao, he noticed the precious “Defying the Heavens” sword on her back had automatically unsheathed itself. It traced an arc in mid-air before steadying horizontally beneath her.

Xiao Xiao lightly placed her toes on the sword’s body, stably suspended in the air. The slender beauty hung gracefully, her dress and long hair lightly fluttering in the wind, exuding the poised elegance of a sword immortal.

She waved her fingers to guide her qi, commanding the precious blade to slowly raise her up to pluck the ripe berries high in the tree.

Achieving such unity with the sword in a crisis, freely controlling it at will, was a realm someone of Cui Xiao Xiao’s superficial cultivation should not have mastered.

And yet…she had mastered it!

This once again filled the peerless Young Master Qin, who had never grasped this essence, with envy bordering on fury.

After plucking some berries and sharing them with Yu Ling’er, Xiao Xiao offered a few to Qin Lingxiao cordially, “Um, I’ve tasted them – they’re very sweet. Would you like some?”

The exiled immortal young master only glared coldly at her, sarcastically sneering, “With all this showing off, be careful not to break your legs!”

He turned and stormed off, knocking the berries from Xiao Xiao’s hand to the ground.

Xiao Xiao was stunned by Qin Lingxiao’s rude discourtesy, only able to glare at the arrogant youth’s back and mockingly mimic slapping his head!

Of course, under the watchful gaze of the many Soaring Cloud disciples, she could only pantomime venting her frustration before bending down to pick up the berries and wash them in the stream. After all, food was scarce and could not be wasted.

Yu Ling’er was still hungry, so she wandered around for a bit before returning with a few bird eggs, intending to roast and eat them with Xiao Xiao.

As the little fox peeled the eggs, she lamented worriedly, “It would be better if Wei Jie and Tang Youshu were here. They would never let us go hungry… I wonder what they’re doing now, and if they’ll come looking for us…”

Xiao Xiao didn’t respond, suddenly losing her appetite for the bird eggs. She walked over to sit by the stream, gazing absentmindedly into the flowing waters.

In truth, she too wanted to know what was happening in Luoyi City.

Would the person whose life trajectory had been diverted find a way to realign his destined path?

Moreover, she was even more concerned about whether the drastic changes in events would harm Wei Jie, and if he could safely extricate himself…

It seemed she had not presented herself as nonchalantly as she had in front of Yu Ling’er. Her soft-hearted flaw, repeatedly berated by her con man father, still persisted…

Her thoughts in turmoil with no one to confide in, she could only let out a light sigh towards the gurgling stream.

Although Xiao Xiao intended to delay their journey, Qin Lingxiao found their pace too slow.

Unwilling to linger longer on mundane matters, his sole desire was to bring Cui Xiao Xiao back to Soaring Cloud Pavilion as soon as possible.

To this end, he devised a solution – having several disciples remove the carriage wheels, then lifting the carriage body and using lightbody techniques to rapidly proceed forward.

As for Cui Xiao Xiao, if she felt nauseous again, she could freely vomit inside the carriage compartment. He could not have the entire group slowly trailing after her constant queasiness.

Once the carriage became an airborne palanquin, Xiao Xiao saw no need to pretend illness.

She understood Qin Lingxiao’s calculations, yet did not hope for Wei Jie and the others to come rescue her.

Wei Jie was an insightful man. Upon seeing the letter she had Tang Youshu pass to him, he would surely understand everything.

If he realized she had intentionally left him behind, his arrogance would prevent him from giving chase.

Their so-called master-disciple relationship had always been more of a joke, neither taking it too seriously.

His capabilities far exceeded anything she could teach him, so why burden himself looking after her?

For now, she still needed to settle Yu Ling’er’s situation, as it would be difficult to slip away with this deadweight in tow.

With this thought, she poked her head out to call Qin Lingxiao, “Hey, we need to go to Mount Tuyun first.”

This time, Qin Lingxiao did order them to halt. He knew Cui Xiao Xiao wanted to send Yu Ling’er back first.

Although he did not wish to delay any further, beings like Yu Ling’er of the demonic fox tribe could not remain at Soaring Cloud Pavilion.

According to Xiao Xiao, Yu Ling’er had taken a poisonous vow to never leave her side, or she would lose all her cultivation. She could only be released from this oath by returning to Mount Tuyun.

Qin Lingxiao knew that if he refused, he would inevitably face Cui Xiao Xiao’s disdainful taunts again about his hypocrisy as a cultivator of the righteous path.

Since their path would take them near Mount Tuyun anyway, a brief stop was acceptable. He finally gave a reluctant nod of approval.

However, Yu Ling’er was so upset she nearly cried, feeling Cui Xiao Xiao was too cruel to separate her from Qin Lingxiao.

Taking advantage of the disciples retreating while she washed by the stream, Xiao Xiao said seriously, “You saw how tightly Young Master Qin clings to me. With me around, he would never let you into his heart. If you help me escape, I won’t disrupt your prospects! After returning to Mount Tuyun and being released from your vow by your mother, you can follow whoever you wish.”

These words resonated with Yu Ling’er. If she could alter her oath before her mother, her heart’s true desire was to pursue Qin Lingxiao.

Seeing the little fox’s hesitation, Xiao Xiao knew she had an opening and whispered further persuasions…

As for Qin Lingxiao, upon reaching the lake at the foot of Mount Tuyun, he was greatly shaken.

Though aware of the heavenly punishment that had occurred here, he never expected the mountain to be so utterly disfigured in just a few short days, a testament to the punishment’s ferocity.

Qin Lingxiao could not help glancing at Cui Xiao Xiao, who had just stretched lazily before hopping off the carriage. She…had actually survived this catastrophic punishment unscathed…

Yu Ling’er led the way ahead, with Xiao Xiao following, but Qin Lingxiao stretched out his arm to bar her path.

“Yu Ling’er has returned home. As for how she resolves her vow with her mother, that is her business. We’re leaving for Soaring Cloud Pavilion immediately.”

Xiao Xiao hurriedly said, “But if Yu Ling’er doesn’t break her vow before separating from me, she will…”

Qin Lingxiao impatiently cut her off, “Whatever happens to her is no longer your concern! You’re not trying to make excuses to run away, are you?”

Xiao Xiao gave a slight smile, tilting her head. “With you all watching me so closely, where could I possibly run to? Oh, what’s for lunch? If we have to eat more flower petals, I’ll truly starve. There are many villages nearby – Ling’er has money, so can we eat our fill before going up the mountain? Otherwise, she may never get another chance.”

Qin Lingxiao let out a cold laugh, peering towards the smoke rising from a nearby village before looking back at Xiao Xiao’s raised face. Her large eyes were full of piteous pleading, her ruby lips pursed…

Qin Lingxiao fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, “You two rest here. I’ll go and return shortly.”

With that, he flew towards the village.

Xiao Xiao didn’t know what Qin Lingxiao intended to do, but this was precisely the opportunity she had been waiting for!

As soon as Qin Lingxiao disappeared from sight, she exchanged a covert glance with Yu Ling’er, and the two suddenly dashed up the mountain.

Over the past few days, the disciples had grown accustomed to the two girls complaining of hunger, usually foraging for wild fruits and bird eggs in the vicinity.

They paid no heed when the girls wandered to forage, never expecting them to suddenly bolt without warning today.

By the time the stunned disciples reacted and gave chase, Xiao Xiao’s figure flickered before vanishing from sight.

They raced forward a few steps, but upon leaping and landing, found themselves still in the same spot…

After fruitlessly dashing around in circles, the dazed disciples finally retreated down the mountain.

Just as the disoriented disciples emerged from the bewildering illusion, they saw the young master returning with a large food basket.

Ashamed, they knelt before him to beg forgiveness.

Upon learning the two girls had fled up the mountain, Qin Lingxiao immediately set down the food basket and flew in pursuit.

But once inside, he too found himself running in circles. Damn it! He…seemed to have entered Mount Tuyun’s bewildering “Ghost Crashing Wall” illusion.

When Qin Lingxiao had previously visited Mount Tuyun, Yu Ling’er had guided him smoothly without incident, so he had never experienced this disorienting trap.

By the time he finally escaped the illusion, Qin Lingxiao’s handsome face was flushed red with rage.

So they were “hungry”? That damned lying girl had clearly deceived him!

He angrily kicked the food basket on the ground, shattering it.

Aside from a few side dishes, it had contained a large bowl of cold noodles drenched in a spicy sauce that now splattered all over, staining Qin Lingxiao’s pristine white robe with specks.

Cui Xiao Xiao! Just you wait! See if I’ll go easy on you next time!

…

As for Yu Ling’er, although using the “Ghost Crashing Wall” had helped Cui Xiao Xiao shake off Qin Lingxiao and his group, she was apprehensive. “What if Young Master Qin blames me?”

Xiao Xiao felt her concern came too late, as if it were an afterthought.

However, seeing the little fox’s anxious expression, Xiao Xiao consoled her, “The fox tribe’s formations have always existed – it’s not like you deliberately set a trap for him. If he blames you, then he’s being unreasonable! You owe him a life debt, so you can repay him when you get the chance. Debts of gratitude are separate matters – he may not be a suitable spouse for you. Don’t let your heart be led astray, only to end up empty-handed!”

Yu Ling’er was unconvinced. “Why wouldn’t he be suitable? Isn’t he more reliable than your disciple Wei Jie?”

Xiao Xiao gave her a meaningful look, thinking: In the previous life, you were infatuated with that unreliable Wei Jie, even loving him to the point of death…

She couldn’t help but wonder – if the one who had accidentally saved the little fox back then had been a shriveled, wrinkly old man instead, would this fox girl have still harbored a secret crush, unwilling to marry anyone else?

If so, Xiao Xiao would truly have nothing to say except to beg for Yu Ling’er’s merciful acceptance of her knee!

Seeing Xiao Xiao’s strange gaze, Yu Ling’er sighed softly, “You fickle humans could never understand a fox’s devoted heart… Let’s go find my mother.”

Although Mount Tuyun had been devastated beyond recognition, as they traversed the fox tribe’s illusion formation, it appeared as lush green mountains and waters.

After walking a short distance, two tall fox youths suddenly emerged from the foliage to block their path.

Yu Ling’er recognized them as childhood playmates from the fox tribe.

Delighted to see her benefactors, she happily greeted them while nearly revealing her fox ears, “Asheng, Amu, how did you know I was back?”

Asheng and Amu seemed shy, exchanging glances before falling silent with blank expressions in the presence of the outsider Xiao Xiao.

Having been away from home for so long, Yu Ling’er was eager to see her mother.

When she turned to call Xiao Xiao, she noticed the latter staring fixatedly at the two fox youths.

Regardless of gender, the fox tribe were blessed with great beauty. These two young men were tall and muscular, appearing well-developed.

Yu Ling’er worried the Talisman Sect’s Master Xiao Xiao would change her sect’s name to the Passion Sect upon seeing such handsome males, unable to resist ogling them.

Thinking this, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help glaring at her before loudly saying, “Let’s go! It’s not like you’ve never seen good-looking men before!”

Xiao Xiao didn’t respond, trailing behind Yu Ling’er without moving forward.

She looked down at her own wrist, where she wore the silver ring Wei Jie had previously removed from his whip’s handle.

According to Wei Jie, the silver was mined from the yin mines at the entrance to the underworld, possessing a natural affinity for sensing ominous yin entities.

When she had approached those two fox youths earlier, the silver ring on her wrist…had trembled slightly.

Xiao Xiao knew this Wei Family enchanted demon-subduing ring would not react without reason.

Those two youths blocking their path must possess some abnormality.

Chapter 39 p2

The celebrated once-in-an-era genius Qin Lingxiao felt a profound and piercing insult in that moment!

He had spent ten full years striving to control this divine sword, yet without any achievement. Now, he was met with dismissive questioning from a girl he looked down upon – “What’s so difficult about it?”

Qin Lingxiao could no longer be bothered to listen to Xiao Xiao’s boasting, single-mindedly focused on snatching the sword back first.

Unfortunately, Xiao Xiao’s mouth was as sharp as an unsheathed blade. Since she had started speaking, there was no chance of her easily backing down. “You were once the esteemed founding patriarch of the Sword Sect, yet now you approach like a common bandit trying to rob me?”

Qin Lingxiao angrily retorted, “Do you even need to ask whether this sword belongs to me or not? You’ve seen me wield it before!”

Xiao Xiao blinked her large eyes. “But that was two hundred years later! If we’re speaking that way, the sword should belong to Wei Jie now! Moreover, I suffered a heavenly punishment injury to my arm because of this sword! So it is undisputedly mine now. If you insist it’s yours, call out to it and see if it responds.”

Qin Lingxiao’s hands were practically shaking with rage, but Xiao Xiao spoke the truth – the sword did not belong to him at present, yet it should not belong to this deceitful girl either!

His arrogance prevented him from outright robbing her after being mocked as a bandit. He could only coldly say, “Cui Xiao Xiao, don’t go too far! You can’t seriously intend to run rampant two hundred years in the past? Have you considered the consequences of such willful actions? Don’t you want to return to your own time?”

Xiao Xiao waved her fingers, causing Defying the Heavens to return to its sheath. “Do you know how to go back?”

Qin Lingxiao took a deep breath to suppress the anger provoked by Xiao Xiao, trying to reason with the girl through empathy. “As long as we have the divine statue of Zhu Jiuyin, we can return. However, that statue was something Wei Jie won from a wager at Zhanwei Mountain three years from now. If you want it, you’ll have to wait patiently. Since you’ve already separated from Wei Jie, that’s good – you won’t disrupt his trajectory anymore.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao’s brows furrowed slightly. Zhanwei Mountain? Wasn’t that the abode of the mountain deity Zhu Jiuyin mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas?

It lay beyond the Northwest Sea, north of the Crimson Waters. Legend said the mountain did not exist on land, sea, or sky – a phantasmal mountain invisible without destiny’s blessing.

If Wei Jie was gifted with such a fortuitous encounter, then she could only wait three years until he obtained the statue before being able to leave.

She knew she should not interfere with Wei Jie’s trajectory, but where could she go for these three years?

Seeming to sense Xiao Xiao’s hesitation, Qin Lingxiao’s tone softened. “As long as you don’t cause any more disruptions, I will take care of your daily needs. You can temporarily reside at Soaring Cloud Pavilion until the time is ripe, then I…will accompany you back to two hundred years later.”

Unfortunately, Xiao Xiao did not trust him at all, only snorting dismissively. “You keep harping about not disrupting fate and changing others’ destined paths, yet your own actions are hardly upright. Let me ask you – what was the reason for the Four Great Sects entering the city so early?”

Qin Lingxiao was taken aback by her question, angrily replying, “Since I knew he would embark on a murderous rampage, what’s wrong with me taking steps to prevent tragedy?”

How could Xiao Xiao not understand Qin Lingxiao’s mindset? Apart from his blood feud with Wei Jie, he seemed to harbor a “why give birth to the dull if the bright exists” mentality.

As a cultivator of the righteous path, while Wei Jie was a notorious demon patriarch destined for infamy, Qin Lingxiao saw himself as the embodiment of justice!

Her altering of Wei Jie’s fate meant facing heavenly annihilation, yet his unilateral changes to Wei Jie’s destiny were an upholding of justice!

Xiao Xiao couldn’t be bothered to argue further with such an obstinate person. She only tilted her chin defiantly. “I have already separated from Wei Jie, so you need not worry. As for these three years, I will find a secluded place to retreat in seclusion. I hope you will keep your word and help me return to two hundred years later when the time comes.”

Hearing her reject his offer of shelter for three years, Qin Lingxiao felt this rare extension of goodwill towards a woman had been repeatedly rebuffed.

The experience of being brushed off like an insect by a female was something this centuries-old cultivator had only encountered from Xiao Xiao.

Once again, his kindness had been wasted on the unworthy.

The young man’s expression grew even colder as he flatly stated, “No, you have shown you cannot be bound by any sense of righteousness with me. To prevent you from going astray, you will have to come with me to Soaring Cloud Pavilion…”

As he finished speaking, he casually clapped his hands, and immediately a group of white-robed Soaring Cloud disciples surrounded them.

It seemed Qin Lingxiao was determined to take Cui Xiao Xiao with him today.

Xiao Xiao knew that if it were just Qin Lingxiao alone, she might have been able to handle him, fleeing if outmatched.

But now, surrounded by so many elite Soaring Cloud disciples, she stood no chance of victory or escape. Even with the divine sword in her hands, she could not prevail against such numbers.

A true hero does not dwell on losses. So Xiao Xiao sheathed her sword and cupped her fists in salute to Qin Lingxiao. “Since Young Master Qin extends such a warm invitation, please lead the way!”

The little fox Yu Ling’er, who had returned after shedding some tears, could not help feeling a twinge of joy upon hearing they would be guests at Qin Lingxiao’s Soaring Cloud Pavilion.

She had long hoped to be by her benefactor’s side soon. Little did she expect that the heavens seemed to have heard her secret prayers, making her dream come true.

Now she and Cui Xiao Xiao were seated in the carriage, escorted by Soaring Cloud disciples as the wheels rolled ever onwards.

This inefficient mode of travel was rather unbearable for the Soaring Cloud disciples.

After all, with their cultivation abilities, traversing a thousand miles in a day was child’s play if using lightbody techniques.

However, Xiao Xiao claimed that due to her unhealed injuries, being transported rapidly would cause severe vomiting, so they could only proceed slowly by carriage.

Upon hearing this, Qin Lingxiao did not bother arguing with the obstinate girl, immediately ordering his disciples to carry Xiao Xiao and proceed.

Xiao Xiao did not refuse, secretly scratching her throat to vomit a warm stream all over that disciple.

Utterly exasperated by Cui Xiao Xiao’s antics, Qin Lingxiao decided to take the lead himself, staying well ahead while the remaining Soaring Cloud disciples “escorted” Xiao Xiao’s carriage.

Yu Ling’er did not understand why Xiao Xiao had never displayed such queasiness when being carried around by Wei Jie before.

Xiao Xiao reclined on the carriage with her legs crossed, eyes closed, completely ignoring Yu Ling’er’s questioning.

Nonsense! If she truly went to Soaring Cloud Pavilion’s home territory, she would be a caged bird unable to fly. Of course, the slower their travel, the better her chances of escape.

With this thought, she suddenly stuck her head out of the carriage towards Qin Lingxiao’s distant white-robed figure and shouted, “Hey! I’m hungry! What’s for lunch? With this hot weather, a bowl of cold noodles drizzled with a tangy, spicy sauce would be perfect!”

Qin Lingxiao clearly did not inherit his master Wei Jie’s enthusiasm for food and drink, completely ignoring Xiao Xiao’s suggestion as he stiffly marched onwards like a ruler.

Seeing the Soaring Cloud disciples’ indifference to worldly pleasures, Xiao Xiao estimated their lunch would likely be quite frugal.

Sure enough, at midday, she watched those white-robed disciples simply plucking flowers to drink the dew, subsisting on petals and spring water.

Xiao Xiao could only exchange speechless looks with Yu Ling’er, who also found such meager sustenance unsatisfying for the gluttonous little fox.

At that moment, Qin Lingxiao was seated cross-legged on a large boulder, eyes closed in meditation to restore his qi.

Xiao Xiao approached him shamelessly. “…Are you afraid of accumulating karmic sins from killing, so you plan to let us starve to death instead?”

Qin Lingxiao opened his eyes halfway to coolly regard Xiao Xiao’s delicate face, reluctantly explaining, “As cultivators on the path of immortality, our goal is to transcend the mortal form. Abstaining from grains as soon as possible, subsisting only on flower dew, allows one’s dantian to become more pristine. Does your Talisman Sect not practice such austerities on the path to immortality?”

Xiao Xiao shook her head honestly. “Unless we’ve completely run out of food, three meals a day is a must – missing even one is unacceptable. You want me to stay at Soaring Cloud Pavilion for three years with such provisions?”

Chapter 39 p1

After some thought, Xiao Xiao felt that the whirlpool in Luoyi City was too deep, and she did not wish to get entangled in it.

As they idled at the inn, Xiao Xiao noticed that many soldiers had appeared in the city, conducting house-to-house searches. Inns were a key target for inspection.

Their inn was also searched thoroughly.

The soldiers seemed focused on investigating women, as someone had seen a luxurious carriage stop at the inn. Thus, Xiao Xiao and her group became a key target for questioning.

Through the conversation, Xiao Xiao learned that they were searching for the songstress Si Ling from the prince’s manor.

Initially, on the city outskirts, Si Ling had instructed her carriage to return to the Drunken Joy Pavilion in the city while she went to seek shelter with a friend.

As for who this friend was, she did not say, only telling Wei Jie not to worry about her.

It seemed she still did not wish to become too deeply involved with her son, lest it affect Wei Jie.

Now it appeared that Prince Can had realized the femme fatale Si Ling had slipped from his control, hence the search within and outside the city.

Fortunately, Xiao Xiao had earned a reputation as a righteous demon-slayer serving the people of Luoyi City, so the officials did not give her too much trouble.

Xiao Xiao wondered what Prince Can’s intentions were in expending so much effort to search for Si Ling.

In her master’s secret text, Xiao Xiao did find some clues.

It seemed that after becoming the regent king assisting his son’s reign, this Prince Can maintained an ageless appearance, praised by the people as the “Immortal King.”

It was said to be evidence of his attainment of immortality.

However, in the secret text, her master mentioned this Immortal King with an inquisitive attitude.

After all, for someone so accustomed to luxury and intrigue, it would be difficult to cultivate true immortality without leaving the mundane world and focusing wholeheartedly.

Yet Prince Can was able to form his Golden Core and maintain a youthful appearance before the age of forty, which impressed even Xiao Xiao’s master Tang Youshu.

Reading this, Xiao Xiao made a bold conjecture: perhaps Prince Can had set a trap for Si Ling in order to obtain her heart’s blood tears!

Possessing the femme fatale’s heart’s blood tears could grant eternal youth, even to ordinary mortals without any cultivation base.

However, these heart’s blood tears had their requirements – they had to be shed from a femme fatale’s genuine sorrow and heartbreak. If one merely tortured a femme fatale into tears of physical pain, the precious heartfelt blood tears could not be obtained.

If Xiao Xiao’s guess was correct, and Prince Can had obtained Si Ling’s heart’s blood tears to maintain his everlasting youth in the previous life, then how had he moved Si Ling to tears of heartbreak?

No matter what method he used, just thinking about it sent chills down one’s spine.

Fortunately, Si Ling had already left Luoyi City, sparing Wei Jie the pain of losing his mother.

Xiao Xiao did not wish to investigate Prince Can any further. After all, he was a man from two hundred years ago, of imperial lineage with a destined fate – not someone she should meddle with.

The rumbling sounds of heavenly retribution echoed in her ears, reminding Xiao Xiao to carefully avoid such great pitfalls.

As for Prince Can’s schemes, the Wei Family would handle it, as was the trajectory of the previous life. She did not belong here, so the more she interfered, the more she would err.

Since staying was pointless, leaving Luoyi City immediately was the wisest choice!

After packing her belongings, Wei Jie returned. Seeing Xiao Xiao instructing Tang Youshu to buy and load food supplies onto the carriage, he inquired about the situation.

Xiao Xiao did not mention the invitation from the prince’s manor, only saying they were preparing to depart and asking Wei Jie to also pack his belongings.

Wei Jie’s gaze darkened, but he did not speak.

However, when they were ready to depart by carriage, Xiao Xiao noticed Wei Jie was nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere, she asked Tang Youshu, “Young Master Tang, have you seen your master?”

Tang Youshu scratched his head awkwardly and said in a low voice, “Grand-Master, I…inadvertently let slip to Master about Prince Can’s servants delivering the invitation. He has gone to attend the banquet alone… You…won’t blame me, will you?”

Xiao Xiao was stunned, but could only smile bitterly in resignation. Rarely had she made up her mind to separate from Wei Jie and take him away, yet she still could not divert his original fate.

In the previous trajectory, it was at Prince Can’s banquet that he reunited with his mother and clashed with the Four Great Sects.

She had thought that with Si Ling leaving the city, everything could change. But now it seemed human efforts could not alter destiny, as Wei Jie had secretly attended Prince Can’s birthday celebration behind her back.

Of course, she guessed his reason – he was likely acting on instructions from the Wei Family to investigate Prince Can’s true intentions.

Xiao Xiao pursed her lips, feeling she had done her utmost.

Although Wei Jie was currently a good person, his fate to turn demonic still lay ahead. Whether his future path would be righteous or evil depended on his own choices.

As his nominal master, having disrupted the flow of time, she was not meant to have any involvement with him in the first place. It seemed their chances had run out.

With this thought, she instructed, “Defying your master’s orders and acting alone is unacceptable! No need to wait for him, let’s depart!”

Tang Youshu was taken aback and pleaded in a low voice, “But it’s not right to abandon Master alone, is it? Grand-Master, please…please forgive Master, otherwise you go ahead and I’ll wait for him here to keep him company.”

Xiao Xiao looked at her young master with some reluctance. If circumstances allowed, she truly wished to accompany her master to the end.

Alas, their destined connection would not be renewed until two hundred years later, so she could only force a smile and pat Tang Youshu’s shoulder. “Naturally, you should wait for your master. But the city has been chaotic lately, and your master would certainly not wish any harm to befall you. You can wait for him at the long pavilion outside the city gates…”

If Wei Jie was fated to clash with the Four Great Sects, it would be safer for Tang Youshu to remain outside the city.

With this in mind, she solemnly instructed further, “Young Master Tang, when you eventually establish your own sect, do hire a cook on the mountain. You may be virtuous, but your culinary skills leave much to be desired… Additionally, your disciples are still young, so do not stint on their food and drink. If anything should happen to you, at least leave them some provisions. Malicious curses like the Soul-Devouring Incantation should also be used sparingly…”

Her rambling instructions left Tang Youshu utterly confused, unable to discern what exactly his grand-master was referring to.

Still, he was immensely grateful that the grand-master had kindly allowed him to remain and wait for his master.

After Xiao Xiao hastily wrote a letter for Tang Youshu to pass on to Wei Jie, she boarded the carriage with the little fox girl Yu Ling’er and departed.

Watching her master’s solitary figure at the pavilion grow smaller in the distance, Xiao Xiao slowly exhaled.

Now, the only burden she carried was the little fox girl. She decided to return to Mount Tuyun and see if the Fox King could persuade his daughter to alter her vow and stop following her.

If Yu Ling’er truly wished to repay her debt of gratitude, she could change her vow to follow Wei Jie instead.

That way, everything would return to its proper course. Xiao Xiao only needed to find a way to travel two hundred years into the future by herself, trying her best not to affect the present events and people any further.

After traveling for a day, they grew increasingly distant from Luoyi City.

Originally, Yu Ling’er had thought that Wei Jie and the others might catch up and apologize to Xiao Xiao.

After all, this ambiguous master-disciple pair was always bickering and making up – Yu Ling’er was used to their constant squabbles, which were merely petty bedroom affairs with nothing unforgivable.

But after a day passed with no sign of Wei Jie catching up, even Yu Ling’er began to worry about them.

However, Xiao Xiao calmly said, “As long as there is no thunder or rain from the heavens, they will be fine.”

Yu Ling’er did not understand this cryptic remark.

Xiao Xiao sighed slowly. It would not do to explain that if any misfortune befell Wei Jie, altering his destined fate, she would likely be struck by heavenly thunder!

Moreover, Yu Ling’er’s driving skills were poor, resulting in constant stops and starts along the way.

Indeed, halfway through, the carriage suddenly halted again.

Yu Ling’er excitedly called out, “Young Master Qin! Have you come to find me?”

The previously meditating Xiao Xiao poked her head out to see – sure enough, it was none other than the white-robed, jade-crowned young man Qin Lingxiao, whom she had not seen in a long time!

His expression was as frosty as if someone owed him a vast fortune.

The fox girl Yu Ling’er was overjoyed, leaping off the carriage and running over, delighted to the point of almost revealing her fox ears upon seeing her benefactor.

Qin Lingxiao did not expect to replace Wei Jie and become this fox girl’s life-saving benefactor in this lifetime. Seeing her still associating with Wei Jie and his group, his gaze could not help but show disappointment.

Yu Ling’er thought Qin Lingxiao might be mistaking her character, mingling with the unrestrained disciples of the Talisman Sect.

Without him asking, Yu Ling’er rushed to explain, lest he misunderstand. She recounted how after he left, that Cui Xiao Xiao had led the Talisman Sect’s disciples to shield the fox tribe from heavenly punishment, and how her mother had forced her to take a poisonous vow to serve Cui Xiao Xiao’s every need.

It was only then that Qin Lingxiao learned that Cui Xiao Xiao had actually taken Wei Jie’s place in suffering heavenly punishment, which was why she was the one injured in the arm while Wei Jie remained unscathed.

Faced with Yu Ling’er’s rambling greetings, he only replied indifferently, “Miss Yu, I have some private matters to discuss with Sect Master Cui. Please give us a moment…”

Yu Ling’er did not expect that despite her explanation, Qin Lingxiao still seemed to misunderstand her intentions, his attitude remaining cold.

But…what private matters did he need to discuss with Cui Xiao Xiao that required her to leave?

Could it be that this Cui Xiao Xiao was like Wei Jie, keeping one eye on the plate while ogling the wok, seducing others behind his back, even aiming to entice her beloved Young Master Qin?

The little fox was filled with anguish and turned to run away, wiping her tears.

With only Qin Lingxiao and Cui Xiao Xiao remaining, he glared coldly at the young girl before suddenly reaching out to snatch the “Defying the Heavens” sword from her hand.

This divine demon-slaying sword infused with heavenly punishment should be in the hands of one truly worthy of wielding it.

The lowly Talisman Sect’s Cui Xiao Xiao – what merit did she possess to be its bearer?

When he and Cui Xiao Xiao had first met two hundred years later, the gulf between their cultivation levels was like a vast chasm.

Qin Lingxiao had never taken Cui Xiao Xiao seriously.

Traveling back two hundred years, Qin Lingxiao’s cultivation had greatly diminished, while this Cui Xiao Xiao had continuously accumulated fortuitous encounters, steadily narrowing the gap between them – an intolerable situation.

Fortunately, after drinking from the spiritual springs of Mount Tuyun, Qin Lingxiao returned to Soaring Cloud Pavilion and devoted himself to diligent cultivation day and night, eventually recovering his abilities.

Since this was a path he had already trodden before, coupled with his newfound blessings, his progress was swift. He had already formed his Golden Core, even impressing his own father, who praised him as a “heaven-blessed genius”!

Now, taking advantage of Wei Jie’s absence and Cui Xiao Xiao being alone, Qin Lingxiao intended to seize back the sword that rightfully belonged to him.

This was no ordinary blade – only the strong were worthy of its allegiance. Its successive owners throughout history had all been peerless experts.

An insignificant girl like Cui Xiao Xiao who had stumbled into some fortuitous opportunities – what merit did she possess to wield this divine sword?

In Qin Lingxiao’s view, reclaiming what was rightfully his was completely justified.

However, Cui Xiao Xiao refused to return the sword.

As his qi-infused hand invaded to snatch it, Xiao Xiao naturally recited an incantation, extending two fingers to lightly wave, causing the precious sword at her waist to unsheathe itself in a whirling motion, evading Qin Lingxiao’s attempt.

During these past few days of meditation, as long as her spiritual sense was clear, she could resonate with the sword, causing it to hum with ringing chimes, allowing her to control it with a mere flick of her fingers – a skill she was becoming increasingly adept at.

If it were an ordinary sword, Qin Lingxiao might have silently praised Cui Xiao Xiao’s improving skills.

But the sword she now controlled was the divine “Defying the Heavens” infused with heavenly punishment!

Swords possessed spiritual essences, especially proud and unyielding ones that could not be tamed by mortals.

Throughout the ages, even top-tier sword practitioners who did not cultivate could automatically enter the Dao realm once their swordsmanship reached a certain pinnacle, transcending the mundane.

This demonstrated just how difficult it was to truly unite with a sword’s essence.

To control a divine sword like Defying the Heavens required not only profound cultivation, but also an exceptionally powerful spiritual force that could resonate with the blade.

Cultivation could be tempered over time, but spiritual force was innate and could not be forced.

After slaying Wei Jie, Qin Lingxiao had obtained this divine sword as an invaluable treasure, aspiring to reach Wei Jie’s level of freely commanding the spiritual blade.

However, despite secluding himself for ten full years to cultivate in resonance with the sword, it remained silent, as if its soul had departed along with its former master Wei Jie.

Qin Lingxiao refused to give up, eventually finding an alternative path by condensing his inner qi into sword forms.

Although he could subsequently wield multiple qi swords, none compared to this demon-subduing divine blade.

This was why he was reluctant to readily use this sword – each time he saw it, it silently reminded him of his inferiority to Wei Jie.

Initially, if not for the possessing demon empowered by the demon bead making it too difficult to handle, he might not have even used Defying the Heavens to slay it.

For only he knew that he had never truly become this sword’s master.

Yet the frail, delicate-looking girl before him possessed such tremendous spiritual force! In such a short time, she had already tamed Defying the Heavens, effortlessly resonating with its essence!

For the ever-proud and self-admiring Qin Lingxiao, this was an unbearable humiliation!

He cried out in disbelief, “What trick did you use? How is it possible for you to control this sword?”

Xiao Xiao did not fully comprehend Qin Lingxiao’s astonishment, only blinking her eyes and lightly replying, “What’s so difficult about it?”

Chapter 38 part 2

Seeing Xiao Xiao’s confusion, Wei Jie calmly explained, “If one’s ambition is inflated enough, even the most alluring femme fatale could not obstruct his path forward.”

Xiao Xiao understood – if Prince Can did not prefer masculine beauty, then he must be a man consumed by immense ambition and aspiration.

Recalling his refined and amiable demeanor, it suddenly sent a chill down her spine.

Discerning demons was simple with a demon-subduing divine sword. But discerning the human heart was infinitely more difficult.

Yet sometimes, humans were forever more complex and terrifying existences than demons…

By the time they returned to the inn, the heavily vinegared and spicy braised dishes Wei Jie had bought for Xiao Xiao were already half-eaten by the little fox.

Yu Ling’er had now discovered that the human realm offered far too many delicacies – a life of only chicken giblets and breast meat was too dull.

When love-sickness could not be cured, indulging in the delicious human cuisine was truly a balm!

Fortunately, the ever-filial Tang Youshu had managed to preserve two bowls, understanding that the master and grand-master had not eaten, allowing Xiao Xiao to have her late breakfast.

As Xiao Xiao ate the braised dishes, she suddenly recalled that at last night’s banquet, Prince Can had mentioned he would soon be holding his thirtieth birthday celebration, planning to host a lake-side wine banquet at Autumn Water Pond on the city outskirts, while also letting his guests sample the local specialty small-scaled fish. Apparently, Prince Can was fond of fishing and had been personally leading people to catch fish in preparation to serve the honored guests.

At the time, the elder from Ebony Peak had responded enthusiastically, saying he also enjoyed fishing, and they had chatted merrily.

All the major sects present at the prince’s manor had received invitations.

As she munched on a braised chicken foot, Xiao Xiao asked Wei Jie about this matter. He said, “If Prince Can sends an invitation, we will naturally have to attend the banquet and see what’s going on.”

As he spoke, he was swinging his whip, the leather coils precisely wrapping around some empty wine jars placed on the ground, as dexterous as an extended limb.

After whipping for a while, he casually removed a silver ring from the whip handle and slipped it onto Xiao Xiao’s wrist.

Xiao Xiao looked at the ring, its patterns clearly bearing the Wei Family’s demon-subduing insignia.

As it encircled her wrist, the silver ring shook violently for a while, as if adapting, before finally becoming still.

Wei Jie explained, “Since you have the demon bead within you, the silver ring will react this way. Wearing it, if any ominous presence approaches, it will provide a warning.”

Xiao Xiao shook her wrist, the circular ring fitting perfectly as a bracelet due to her slender bones. Xiao Xiao reminded herself to simply wear it and absolutely not touch it with her fingers, lest she turn it to ash.

Those puppet worms were hard to guard against. But wearing this silver ring would at least provide advanced warning if any worm seeds approached.

After speaking with Xiao Xiao for a while, Wei Jie left on some matter.

Xiao Xiao noticed a few tall, cloaked men standing at the inn entrance. Although they were heavily covered, Xiao Xiao’s exceptional eyesight allowed her to make out the silver demon-subduing insignias embedded in their armor through the cloaks.

It seemed these were members of the Wei Family. Wei Jie had a hushed conversation with them before leaving together, likely called away on some urgent business and unable to return soon.

Seeing Wei Jie depart, Xiao Xiao lost her appetite for the braised dishes, quietly pondering her next steps.

Her greatest worry of Wei Jie and his mother’s life-and-death separation seemed to have been resolved. Si Ling had also been freed from the puppet worm, removing any lingering concerns.

If so, there seemed little point in remaining in Luoyi City any longer. As for whether the Four Great Sects had been inflicted with puppet worms, Xiao Xiao felt it was beyond her ability to investigate.

If that Prince Can truly harbored ill intentions, the Four Great Sects attending his birthday banquet in the previous timeline would likely have fallen victim as well.

After the incident in Ghost Alley nineteen, Xiao Xiao had experienced how her unconscious actions could bring drastic changes to this lifetime. She could only remain prudent in speech and action, trying her best not to further interfere with these people and events.

At that moment, the prince’s servants arrived with the invitation.

Having already made up her mind, Cui Xiao Xiao smiled at the messenger, “Thank you for Prince Can’s kind invitation, but as reclusive cultivators, we have concluded our business in the city and do not wish to disturb His Highness further. We will be leaving the city.”

The messenger was clearly displeased upon hearing this, drawling, “Although you are all cultivators on the path of immortality, you have not yet achieved transcendence and must still endure this mundane world for a time. Prince Can is the most favored brother of the current emperor, of unmatched nobility. For you to refuse in such a manner is rather inappropriate.”

His words were clearly rebuking Xiao Xiao for being ungrateful, but she pretended not to understand and simply smiled as she saw the messenger off.

Overhearing this, Tang Youshu became worried. “Grand-Master, by refusing this way, will we not offend Prince Can and face retaliation?”

Xiao Xiao sighed slightly. If it were just a regular noble’s banquet invitation, someone like her who enjoyed attending such grand events would have no reason to decline.

However, the host happened to be Prince Can. Although he appeared refined and amiable, Cui Xiao Xiao did not wish to have any dealings with this Prince Can.

Ever since learning that Wei Jie’s mother Si Ling had been inflicted with the puppet worm, Xiao Xiao had been pondering this issue – did that Prince Can’s obsession with collecting ferocious beasts stem merely from an eccentric personal hobby?

It must be known that the Enlightenment Beast he sought to capture guarded the Heavenly Gate of Kunlun Mountain. If it were captured by the likes of Hunter King, the heavenly gate would lose its divine guardian beast. Any demonic forces entering would surely incur the wrath of the celestials, with unimaginable consequences.

In the previous timeline, all the strange beasts captured by those hunters at the cost of their lives, be it the Enlightenment Beast or the Corpse-Eating Beast, were eventually collected by Prince Can.

Yet Prince Can then turned around and presented the Enlightenment Beast to the reigning emperor under the pretext that it was an auspicious beast manifesting to protect the nation, drawing unanimous celebration and praise from the court officials. Any dissenting voices were drowned out amidst the accolades.

According to her master’s secret text, after she and her master left Luoyi City in the third year of the Da Qi reign, a great drought struck for three years, followed by three years of devastating floods.

Countless refugees suffered, openly cursing the Da Qi emperor’s incompetent governance. This eventually led to the dynasty’s collapse that Xiao Xiao was familiar with from her own era, over two hundred years later when Prince Can’s fourth generation descendant sat on the throne.

However, Prince Can himself did not ascend the throne after his imperial brother, instead supporting his young son’s succession while hiding behind the scenes. It was said he had achieved immortality and entered a higher spiritual realm at an early age.

Such obscure imperial histories were unknown to commoners, so Xiao Xiao was also unclear about the details of his later cultivation journey.

From this perspective, this Prince Can had indeed enjoyed a smooth and illustrious life in his previous incarnation!

Unfortunately, due to Xiao Xiao’s existence as a variable in this lifetime, the events in Luoyi City had already begun to change.

Now that both the hunters from Qian Dong and Cang Bei had failed and met tragic fates in Ghost Alley, there would be no rare beasts to present as birthday tributes.

It seemed the gifts Prince Can received for his birthday this time would be severely diminished.

Chapter 38 p1

“Jielang(A’jie)…do you know…I am your birth mother?”

As she spoke, Si Ling’s tears began to flow.

A femme fatale is heartless and cannot be moved by emotion. But if she grows a heart, every teardrop that falls is heart’s blood, an elixir that drives the world into madness and preserves eternal youth.

Seeing the bloody tear streaks run down his mother’s pale cheeks, Wei Jie restrained himself again and again before finally raising his hand to wipe them away. “Mother, don’t cry anymore. These are tears of heartache that will harm your spiritual essence…”

This single word “Mother” only made Si Ling’s tears flow even more uncontrollably.

Wei Jie let out a silent sigh and pressed his mother’s side windpool acupoint. “This is a technique you taught me when I was young. If you cannot control yourself, just press here to guard your inner spirit. I’ve always remembered…”

With this press, Si Ling did indeed stop crying, though her emotional agitation still could not be reined in.

She gazed at her son with lingering affection, reaching out to caress his handsome face before finally suppressing her emotions to murmur, “I was always afraid you would not be accepted by the Wei Family. But now I see you have taken refuge under the Talisman Sect, with a master to guide you and fellow disciples to support you. I can rest assured. If there is nothing pressing, you should leave this place soon, as it is not a blessed land for you…”

As she said this, her gaze fell on the whip wound around Wei Jie’s waist, its handle bearing the distinct Wei Family’s demon-subduing insignia.

This insignia was an honor only bestowed upon the Wei Family’s recognized adult scions.

It seemed the Wei Family treated Jielang well and did not look down on him for his mixed bloodline.

With this assurance, Si Ling was completely relieved. Just as Xiao Xiao had said, Jielang had a bright future ahead of him. As his mother, how could she hinder him and force him into the abyss of vengeance?

As for the blood debt owed by the Four Great Sects for killing her husband, she alone would bear that burden.

She had painstakingly established herself in Luoyi City for a long time. Now that Prince Can had become her subordinate, granting her every request, as long as she controlled him and the extraordinary figures he had gathered, overthrowing the Four Great Sects would not be difficult.

As for Jielang, it was better for him to stay as far away from these sordid matters as possible. That was why she wanted the Talisman Sect’s master and disciple to leave Luoyi City soon.

However, when Si Ling advised him to leave, Wei Jie remained unmoved. He scrutinized his mother’s eyes before saying, “This city is not a blessed land for you either. You need to leave Luoyi City immediately!”

Si Ling shook her head, as if looking at a naive child, and still urged, “You go ahead. I really won’t be in any danger…”

Before his mother could finish, Wei Jie suddenly removed two silver rings from the whip handle and slipped them onto Si Ling’s arms.

These silver rings were forged from mines near the underworld, inherently yin in nature. Combined with the Wei Family’s enchantments, they could reveal demonic forms and detect ominous auras.

The Wei Family always wore silver armor, not only because they were wealthy, but also because silver warded off evil.

As the silver rings encircled Si Ling’s wrists, she immediately felt a burning, unbearable pain on her skin. It was as if something within her body was being drawn out by the silver rings, wrapped in her vital energy and surging forth.

If it were anyone else, Si Ling might have retaliated then and there. But she knew her son must have a profound reason for this, so she endured.

The two silver rings began rapidly spinning around her wrists, causing the blood vessels between them to swell slightly, as if something was wriggling inside… Then, the rings suddenly constricted, tightly clamping down on that section of her meridians.

Wei Jie took out a silver dagger and deftly picked out a voodoo worm from his mother’s skin.

When Wei Jie dropped it to the ground, the black worm was still writhing.

Wei Jie casually drew the precious sword from Xiao Xiao’s waist and sliced the worm into a bloody pulp with a single strike.

Si Ling had never noticed that she had been inflicted with a voodoo worm, and was greatly shocked to see her still-bleeding wrist.

Wei Jie looked at the worm’s remains and slowly said, “This is no ordinary voodoo worm, but a puppet worm from the underworld. It is born from the muds of the River of Oblivion. It is said that those unwilling to reincarnate often drown themselves in that river. Thus, the riverbed is laden with resentful energies, giving birth to worms that feed on those grudges. When nurtured with ferocious beast’s blood, they can then be used to control ghosts and gods.”

Si Ling had never realized she was inflicted with a puppet worm, and was shaken speechless when Wei Jie exposed it. She seemed to be recalling when this could have happened.

However, Wei Jie provided the answer, “Mother, you only recently entered the prince’s manor, didn’t you? The night you performed at the Ocean View Pavilion for Prince Can, I was actually on the roof…”

Xiao Xiao was also stunned, recalling that this was the very night she had almost fallen from the building.

At that time, Wei Jie had given up his room for her, saying he would share Tang Youshu’s room. But Yu Ling’er had said Wei Jie never went to Tang Youshu’s room.

It turned out that on that day, he had recognized Si Ling and stealthily made his way onto the roof of the Ocean View Pavilion.

His lightbody technique was peerless, allowing him to lurk undetected and eavesdrop on the secrets within.

He had heard Prince Can ask the serving girl when the voodoo worm would take effect.

The girl replied, “The puppet worm is transparent and odorless when seeded, so it is hard to detect. But after seven days, it will travel through the meridians and reach the heart, at which point the voodoo will take hold.”

Prince Can did not say anything further. But that worm-cultivating maidservant, perhaps eager to flaunt her achievements, continued, “Your servant has nearly finished cultivating a new batch of worms. Not only can they control a person’s mind, but they can also command various extraordinary beasts. It’s a pity the likes of Hunter King seem to have failed this time. Otherwise, Your Highness’s collection of rarities would have grown considerably.”

Prince Can only rose and calmly told the worm cultivator, “Zhuer, you speak too much.”

The maidservant named Zhuer immediately fell silent and stood behind Prince Can as he left the pavilion.

If Wei Jie had not lingered after his mother’s performance to overhear this conversation between Prince Can and the voodoo cultivator, he would never have known the truth.

From the cryptic words of that cunning worm cultivator, once the puppet worm entered the body, it would travel through the meridians. Once it reached the heart, the voodoo would be complete, allowing the possessed victim to be controlled.

When Wei Jie realized his mother had been inflicted, but didn’t know how to resolve it, he contacted the Wei Family’s undercover agents in the city and wrote to his grandmother. He finally obtained these silver rings that could expel the voodoo worm.

However, this method was only effective for those recently inflicted. Fortunately, it arrived in time to cleanse Si Ling of the worm.

Si Ling frowned in contemplation, still unwilling to believe Prince Can would inflict her with a voodoo worm. “How is that possible? Prince Can has always obeyed my every command without making excessive demands…”

As a femme fatale, her bewitching charm allowed her to play men in the palm of her hand. Those men would offer up everything just for a taste of her beauty.

Si Ling excelled at controlling men’s hearts, so she could not fathom how a man who submitted to her would secretly plot against her.

If this worm was truly planted by Prince Can, why had he never opposed her demands? Was his infatuation with her a ruse?

Si Ling had always thought she was the hunter lying in wait, holding Prince Can as her chess piece.

But now, she realized that the man who professed such deep affection for her was the true hunter.

She furrowed her brows and muttered to herself, “Is it because he discovered I am a femme fatale that he did this?”

Wei Jie said indifferently, “This man’s thoughts run deep, and he is fond of collecting strange beasts. Mother may not be the only one inflicted with the puppet worm.”

Listening silently from the side, Xiao Xiao suddenly recalled how Wei Jie had refused to let her eat or drink at last night’s banquet.

At the time, even the toast offered by Prince Can had been snatched away by Wei Jie to drink first as a gesture of respect.

Although Wei Jie had jokingly said he was worried about Xiao Xiao’s unrefined table manners, now it seemed he might have been preventing Prince Can from tampering with her food and drink.

When had he discovered that his mother was in Luoyi City?

After his brief reunion with his mother, Wei Jie had the Wei Family’s undercover agents escort her out of the city.

If it were just a normal persuasion, Si Ling would not have left willingly. But being unknowingly inflicted with the puppet worm meant she had already become a piece on someone else’s chessboard.

From Wei Jie’s words, Si Ling learned that the Wei Family had detected the undercurrents in Luoyi City and made corresponding arrangements. If she remained, she would inevitably disrupt the Wei Family’s plans. For her son’s sake, she was willing to temporarily set aside her vendetta against the Four Great Sects and seek an opportunity another day.

On the day Wei Jie sent his mother away, Xiao Xiao silently watched from the side, truly relieved.

Regardless, with Si Ling leaving the city, perhaps her fate of being forced to death by the Four Great Sects could be avoided. And Wei Jie would not have to witness his mother’s tragic demise, falling into an unbreakable demonic obsession and slaughtering the Four Great Sects’ elders.

Xiao Xiao had never expected the matter that had constantly troubled her to be resolved so easily.

She suddenly realized that despite their daily interactions, she did not truly understand this man.

It seemed he had concealed many things from her.

Of course, she had also hidden much from him. So the master-disciple bond between them was indeed quite hypocritical!

As if to make amends for the harm done to their relationship by these secrets, on the way back to the city, Wei Jie did explain things to Xiao Xiao.

It turned out that in the letter he had received from his grandmother in the Wei Family, she had informed him of his mother Si Ling’s presence in Luoyi City.

However, his grandmother did not write to facilitate a reunion between mother and son. Rather, it was to notify him to assist the Wei Family’s undercover agents in investigating the city lord, Prince Can.

His grandmother suspected that the incident of the Corpse-Eating Beast escaping from the underworld was no accident.

Upon further investigation, they discovered that one of the Wei Family’s guards watching over the underworld had been inflicted with this puppet worm.

The seeds of these puppet worms had actually been brought out from the underworld by a renegade member of the Wei Family long ago. Now that their existence had been discovered, the Wei Family matriarch immediately sealed the information and began a secret investigation.

That guard had been inflicted for a very long time, and the puppet worm had grown to the size of a fist, impossible to remove. On his deathbed, coughing up blood, he revealed the truth.

It was under someone’s command that he had secretly released the Corpse-Eating Beast.

At that time, many beast hunters had gathered around Mount Qilao, as if anticipating the escape of a demonic beast from the underworld.

Such an elaborate arrangement could not be attributed to the peculiar hunting hobbies of a mere nobleman. The matriarch suspected there was another objective behind this, so she began a covert investigation along that trail.

Fortunately, there were not many people in the world capable of cultivating these puppet worms. Based on the lead of the renegade who had originally escaped, the Wei Family quickly traced his daughter, who had become a guest at Prince Can’s manor in Luoyi City. They also unexpectedly discovered that the femme fatale Si Ling was in the city as well.

Knowing that her grandson Wei Jie would also be coming to Luoyi City, the matriarch wrote him that letter and returned the enchanted whip – the ceremonial item bestowed upon coming-of-age Wei Family scions.

Hearing Wei Jie’s explanation, Xiao Xiao was filled with profound reflections.

So that was it – no wonder Wei Jie had hesitated so long before entering the city.

He had been separated from his mother at a young age. Even after growing up and understanding her difficulties, he would still have unresolved feelings. His hesitation then was likely due to uncertainty about reuniting with her.

The Wei Family matriarch was indeed a tough old nut, with many twists and turns in her mind.

Xiao Xiao guessed that apart from preventing her grandson from being caught off guard by Si Ling’s presence, the matriarch’s actions were also another test for Wei Jie – to see if he would follow his father’s path and how he would handle his relationship with his demonic mother.

Perhaps in the original trajectory two hundred years ago, the Wei Family had also deployed undercover agents in the city.

However, in that original trajectory, Wei Jie had a notorious reputation, made even worse by the disastrous Ghost Quarter medical case, earning him infamy.

The Wei Family’s undercover agents in the city would likely not have given him any favorable reports.

Shouldering such an important responsibility, the Wei Family naturally would not welcome a crooked scion back into the fold, let alone associate with Wei Jie again.

If Xiao Xiao’s conjecture was correct, how tragic and helpless the Wei Jie of the previous life must have been!

At the very least, up until now, Xiao Xiao felt that the Wei Jie of the original trajectory had unfairly borne far too much undeserved infamy.

Even if he might turn demonic in the future, Xiao Xiao did not consider him to be an unforgivable villain at present.

The Wei Jie who originally shouldered false accusations, witnessing the tragic death of the mother he had been separated from since childhood – how furious and resentful he must have felt, yet with no outlet to vent?

Thinking of this, Xiao Xiao could only sigh silently. Amitabha Buddha, she actually had the thought that the Four Great Sects deserved to be slain by Wei Jie in the previous life.

She herself was possessed by the demon bead, so having such malicious thoughts was unacceptable! Xiao Xiao hurriedly recited a mind-purification mantra to dispel the wicked notion.

However, from this perspective, that low-profile Prince Can from the previous life was quite the remarkable figure!

Few men in this world could resist being beguiled by a femme fatale’s charms. This Prince Can had to be one of them.

A man’s ability to remain unswayed by feminine beauty generally fell into two categories: one was eunuchs, the other was those with an obsession more intoxicating than beauty itself.

This Prince Can did not seem to belong to either category.

However, recalling Prince Can’s meaningful gaze towards Wei Jie, Xiao Xiao suspected he might fall into the latter.

Could it be that this Prince Can preferred masculine beauty?

Upon hearing his master’s preposterous conjecture, Wei Jie gave her a sidelong glance and coldly laughed, “Are you saying I’m effeminate enough to submit beneath another man?”

Um… Xiao Xiao grinned, implying that perhaps Prince Can himself preferred to be on the receiving end.

Wei Jie continued his cold laugh, agreeing with Yu Ling’er’s earlier remark that Cui Xiao Xiao was well-suited to lead the Passion Sect.

“You think being unswayed by a femme fatale’s charms means one prefers men? In this world, there are actually things more intoxicating than beauty,” Wei Jie said slowly.