207 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 207: The Deceiver "Dear customer, feast your eyes upon this; this celestial herb hails from the snow-covered mountains and is a fine specimen over four hundred years old. The pills refined from it are of the highest grade!" The black market vendor relentlessly extolled his wares to the pair standing before him. "Seeing as you both seem destined to find it, I'll offer you a bargain—but such good stock might be hard to come by later." The couple, cloaked in heavy robes with their faces obscured by veiled conical hats that even spiritual senses couldn't penetrate, was a usual sight in the black market. Others knew better than to pry into their identities. Initially disinterested, the pair suddenly raised their heads, sharp gazes piercing from beneath their veils. "Shopkeeper, what are the current market conditions?" The vendor chuckled as he began, "You've come to the right man. I personally ventured deep into the demon tribe's territory to harvest these from the snow mountains. In all my decades of business, this is a first. These were collected a year ago and maintained fresh with spiritual energy since then. Ever since the Jade Fox rebellion, the snow mountains have been in chaos, with fewer cultivators daring to venture there, so naturally, prices have climbed." "Now it's seven hundred spirit stones per stalk. Don't balk at the price! Past the black market and farther along, Huaihai City has stationed troops at the northern borders; entry requires certification from the city. It's becoming increasingly difficult to sneak by, and such excellent herbal goods from the northern regions may soon vanish." The man continued his inquiry, "Haven't inspections always been strict? Surely you have your ways?" "These days are not like the past..." The vendor lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Conflict may be on the rise again." Throughout the expanse of Shenzhou, remnants of ancient heavenly barriers left from a bygone era lie scattered in a discontinuous semicircle. These places are challenging to traverse for cultivators of lower levels, naturally easy to defend yet hard to attack, delineating the boundaries between the two tribes. However, north of Huaihai City lies a vast plain with no such barriers. Historically, both tribes have avoided unnecessary bloodshed, focusing their campaigns around this area. If the vendor's words held true, even these clandestine transactions were being cut off by border patrols, suggesting a broad net had been cast in readiness. The woman crouched down to feel a stalk of celestial herb, and the sound of shifting iron chains echoed with her movement. Her scrutiny drew a suspicious glance from the vendor, until he heard her clear voice, "It's indeed top quality... Shopkeeper, I'd like to request your help with something." An awkward silence followed, and while whatever was conveyed through their silent communication remained a mystery, the vendor's face quickly showed signs of reluctance. "Your request is a bit difficult; I've already mentioned the path ahead is blocked, besides... I haven't even sold all my goods yet." "Oh, that's an easy fix. I'll purchase everything here at double price. There's an additional reward once it's done." The vendor's eyes lit up briefly but quickly regained composure. "Kind customer, that's indeed generous. However, since I shall bear the risk, you must at least let me know—what do you intend to do at the snow mountains?" "You need only concern yourself with our departure. Don't worry about the return, nor will we force you to capture any demon tribe members. It's settled once we've crossed the border." "...Could you allow me a few days to consider?" The two seemed amenable, but as soon as he hesitated, the woman appeared ready to leave. The vendor, in turn, stood firm, unwilling to detain them. After all, anyone desperate enough to go to the snow mountains at such a time must be up to something significant, allowing him room to up the price— Watching as they genuinely walked away towards someone he knew, he couldn't resist calling them back. Customers who were both generous and had demands were not to be handed over to others lightly. These two mysterious figures were, in fact, Xiang Shiyan and Li Hui, heading towards the northern lands. The two had fled the Du residence and dared not linger, racing through key passes that connected the demon tribe to the northwest before the demon emperor could seal them off. Fortunately, there was the relatively safe Wraith Gorge, or else, traveling lightly and swiftly as they were, they wouldn't have managed to cross half of Shenzhou in such a short time. Stopping at this unassuming little town was purely because Huaihai City was vaguely visible in the distance, and Xiang Shiyan had become weary from several days of frantic travel. They intended to rest here, gathering strength to press through the final checkpoint into the northern demon territories. Unexpectedly, they learned that Huaihai City was rigorously inspecting borders due to demon tribe unrest in the north, to prevent disturbances from spreading at home. This was unsurprising, considering that while the Jade Fox rebellion had ended half a year ago, the more recent rumors of "capturing evil cultivators" were rampant. He He probably hadn't realized that Xiang Shiyan had already severed ties with the demon emperor's faction and even escaped privately, or perhaps he was wary that before her success, she'd still have her chance to use the demon tribe against his plans. Yet, with gaps stretching a thousand miles long, Huaihai City alone couldn't maintain high-intensity scrutiny indefinitely. ...But this alertness only needed to last until He He's plan was laid. Xiang Shiyan knew she had to quicken her pace. At the same time, the Xu family in Huaihai City welcomed an expected visitor. The master of the house was away at the Zhu residence, discussing important matters with Zhu Yun. When Fu Zhi presented her visiting card, it was the young master Xu Youqing who stepped forward to receive her. By convention, Xu Youqing, being of the younger generation and of lesser standing than Fu Zhi, once a candidate for Tian Ji Men, should not have displayed such aloofness. Especially because Fu Zhi was accompanied by current Tian Ji Men elders Mu Hua and Fu Xiao; by both emotions and etiquette, the young woman should not have presented such an arrogant demeanor. The original furniture of the main hall had been ordered removed by her, leaving only the host's seat beneath a hanging calligraphy. The young mistress leaned against it, one hand holding a teacup languidly, regarding the sudden visitors with easy disdain, forcing them to awkwardly stand in the center of the hall. Fu Zhi could sense the tension despite her inability to see, and as Mu Hua stepped quietly forward to speak on her behalf, she held him back abruptly. The blind woman bowed towards Xu Youqing, "It's been a while, young friend. I trust you are well?" Xu Youqing replied with a sidelong glance, "It's been some time, Senior. What brings you here today? Have you perhaps heard of my impending engagement and come to request a celebratory drink?" Stunned for a moment, Fu Zhi stammered, "The matter of marriage... Have you found a suitable match?" But the young mistress remained silent, merely emitting a noncommittal grunt. Fu Xiao nudged Fu Zhi lightly, seemingly as a reminder. Composing herself, Fu Zhi calmly continued, "Pardon our abrupt visit; we come seeking passage across the frontier." Xu Youqing paused, her interest piqued as she straightened, "Oh? What pressing business requires such passage, Senior?" Though unable to see, Fu Zhi could feel the scorching gaze of anger directed at her, slicing through Xu Youqing's words with barely concealed vehemence. Unsure if her instincts about the hostile tone were right, the blind woman turned slightly to seek confirmation from someone. Before she could get a response, the host's sharp voice broke in, "If there's classified business, should those two not wait outside?" "My two disciples have traveled with me for some time and are like family. Whatever we discuss, there's nothing to hide from them." Initially thinking Xu Youqing's sudden anger stemmed from rank-based disrespect, Fu Zhi was taken aback by the girl's cold refutation, "Not my family." Left without choice, the blind woman motioned for her companions to step outside. Mu Hua exchanged a warily glance as he exited, ensuring to close the door quietly behind him. Once enveloped in silence, the sound of Xu Youqing's fingers drumming irritably against the chair filled the air. Fu Zhi gently ventured, "I hadn't heard about an engagement; may I ask who the fortunate gentleman is?" "That's none of your concern. What business brings you here?" Xu Youqing replied brusquely. “The barbarians beyond the border are in upheaval; what do you hope to accomplish there?” "I’ve acquired a new formula requiring a specific celestial herb that only grows on the snow mountains. At the border, I was stopped by the three allied clans’ cultivators, so I seek a special permit from you." "The outer regions aren't safe. Could the herb not wait until the demon tribe’s internal strife subsides?" "…This formula might restore my sight. However, the herb blooms only once a century and will wither within days. It’s urgent, and I dare not delay. Surely, for Young Mistress Xu, this isn’t a significant request." Hearing of the potential to restore sight, Xu Youqing's gaze involuntarily flicked upwards, realizing that Fu Zhi wasn't looking at her, focused instead on the ground. The young woman scoffed softly, "Senior, you underestimate the complexity. Even for myself, acquiring such a document isn't straightforward; I need my father's approval. Moreover, Zhu's family oversees this matter, with our families merely assisting. If you're truly in a hurry, perhaps try your luck with the Zhu family?" "Or did you already hit a deadlock at the Zhu residence and came here as a last resort?" Her silence confirmed suspicions, further souring Xu Youqing's mood. Resigned, Fu Zhi sighed internally, acknowledging this venture seemed doomed. She wondered why Xu Youqing was unexpectedly antagonistic today. Though granted, she rarely showed her much kindness… But… Their last meeting was on the eve of the former Tian Ji Men leader's entombment. The mere memory of her own breakdown in front of everyone made Fu Zhi writhe in humiliation, immediately recalling her accidental interception of Mu Hua and Xu Youqing's argument, subsequently wounding the girl with her own reactions: "Back then at Tian Ji Men… I was wrong and undermined your kind intentions." Xu Youqing remained silent, yet Fu Zhi heard a rustling sound as the girl deliberately made her way towards her, heavy footsteps echoing with each step. She seemed to relish the surprise and slight panic in Fu Zhi's demeanor. When one's vision is shrouded in darkness, everything seems veiled in mist, prompting a natural fear of the surroundings. Although Xu Youqing was unlikely to resort to violence, her presence mere steps away was undeniably intimidating. "Why apologize?" Xu Youqing's voice carried a husky quality. Stunned, Fu Zhi instinctively reached up, trying to touch Xu Youqing's face to see if there were tears. Instead, her wrist was seized. "I... you were only trying to help that day, I shouldn't have..." "What shouldn't you have? I was merely meddling. Tell me, why didn't she just kill you then? Or was it because I intervened too soon?" Xu Youqing seemed to lean closer, her hands—a warmth difficult to ignore—resting on Fu Zhi's shoulders, subtly threatening. The blind woman instinctively recoiled, her neck prickling with goosebumps. "So familial, isn't it? I'm not sure if I should call you forgiving or simply forgetful..." Fu Zhi's cloudy eyes moved restlessly, her blurred vision settling on an empty spot, she staggered back two steps but Xu Youqing maintained her grip on her arm: "Let go!" "I thought you came to make amends today." A hand lightly tapped her cheek. "Is there nothing else you wish to say?" Xu Youqing's voice dripped with malice, causing Fu Zhi to feel a hint of fear. She keenly sensed something amiss; the girl's anger burned too fiercely to be just about previous insults, openly humiliating the elders from Tian Ji Men as she had. Racking her brain, Fu Zhi tried to recall what had aggrieved Xu Youqing so much that it warranted retaliation. By nature, Xu Youqing was willful, yet compared to her fellow disciples at Yu Cangshan, she possessed a rare kindness. She was quick to tears, perhaps lacking in cunning, yet bore grudges dangerously well. Watching Fu Zhi suffer from Mu Hua's emotional outburst, she couldn't help but stand up for her. Despite this, Fu Zhi's unwillingness to show gratitude likely left a deeper resentment in her heart than any anger toward her senior sister or Mu Hua. Fu Zhi suddenly fell silent, Xu Youqing impatiently fixated on her delicate neck. She recalled rescuing Fu Zhi from Mu Hua's grasp, remembering her pained endurance and bleak expression. And here Fu Zhi was, still associating with that woman, seemingly forgetful of past pain... Would those two continue to harm her? Xu Youqing's imagination spun a web of thoughts, pondering the pulse and warmth she might feel if she pinned Fu Zhi's throat beneath her grip. Fu Zhi's neck appeared so fragile, so easily marked if she chose. Were she to seize the naive woman fiercely now, Fu Zhi would surely plead in terror, her breaths reducing to ragged gasps like that eerie night when flames were torn by wind. As Xu Youqing released her hold, Fu Zhi would instinctively make pained noises as air rushed into her constricted throat, coughing and retching until her eyes reddened and teared, unable to voice her condition. Unable to find her, Fu Zhi would also have no way to call for help from Mu Hua and Fu Xiao. Of course, Fu Zhi would not fight back; she wouldn't even resist. This fact especially angered Xu Youqing, for she wasn't the only one. Biting her lip, Xu Youqing drew out a jade slip from her sleeve, containing an array she had secretly recorded from the watchtower at Tian Ji Men. Harboring suspicions, she had sought Zhu Yun's confirmation upon returning to Huaihai City, and the trio marveled at its intricate design, inciting additional resentment in Xu Youqing. With her nose wrinkled, ready to present evidence and begin her accusation, the blind woman suddenly pressed her cool hands against Xu Youqing's cheeks. Fu Zhi gently cradled her face, tenderly tucking a stray lock behind her ear and softly said, "I'm sorry." Yet again using that tactic. But she wasn't a child anymore. Xu Youqing felt a surge of anger, her voice catching as her eyes turned red, believing her wrath had burned out upon learning the truth. She had imagined confronting this deceitful woman with a composed face, pointing out her treachery, only to find herself overcome with embarrassment. Her dreams were filled with revenge—carving open this liar's heart to see if it was as black as she imagined, capable of fooling even the simplest of children. Acting as a spy for Tian Ji Men, failing to carry out her duties, and mingling daily with Xu Youqing like she was just a naive child, only to fake her own death and leave the young girl mourning for half a year. Xu Youqing could tell this woman was wholly unaware of why she was truly angry, pretending to be contrite, treating her like a child. She took a step back, furiously throwing the jade slip against the woman's chest. "Still trying to deceive me? Think I don't know your past schemes?" Bewildered, Fu Zhi grasped the slip and infused it with her spiritual sense, discovering only a familiar array pattern recorded within. Just as she was about to question it, she realized part of the array's complex design was strikingly familiar. At the moment of recognition, Fu Zhi's mind blanked completely, unable to process—she raised her head, throat suddenly tight. "Well, speak! You've lived well, haven't you? I've returned to Yu Cangshan year after year to visit your grave on your death anniversary. Meanwhile, where have you been enjoying yourself?" The reaction Fu Zhi gave was exactly what Xu Youqing had imagined, wounding her deeply. Qian Danyi's grave remained at Fu Liu Peak, Xu Youqing whisked back to Huaihai City by her father at a young age, severed from Yu Cangshan. Still, every year she defied her father's wishes to visit that friend, whose face was fading from memory. Although the gentle expressions dimmed over time, Xu Youqing vividly recalled her friend's gradual demise. During the demon chaos in Qingyuan City, their senior brothers and sisters sheltered them at an inn. She remembered hiding in the back kitchen with Qian Danyi, her senior gently holding her, the warmth soothing her fears. But by the following dawn, when Sister Huai Ye checked on them, the girl holding Xu Youqing had been feverish since midnight. Yu Mingjun, who had been reclusive for days, appeared gaunt beside their senior's body, solemnly retrieved by the sect after this revelation. Hovering between dreams and waking, Qian Danyi lingered near a month, life's tide quickly receding. One night, Xu Youqing saw her alert and cheerful, the young woman suddenly awakening her to urge diligent cultivation. After examining her, the elders explained to Xu Youqing that Qian Danyi's prior injury from a confrontation with Tai Xu Zong at Hunyuan Realm left a hidden ailment, only now manifesting due to severe fright. From then, Xu Youqing's disdain for Tai Xu Zong and Tian Ji Men ran deep. Had Tai Xu Zong restrained their disciples, Qian Danyi wouldn't have been hurt, and had Tian Ji Men properly managed, the demons wouldn't have wreaked havoc in Qingyuan City, leaving Danyi in distress and illness. ...How could Qian Danyi be an illusion? Xu Youqing had no inkling that Fu Zhi was meant to perish during the Qingyuan City upheaval, prevented only by the young girl's persistent presence. Though unlucky in timing, living on as Qian Danyi quickly drained Fu Zhi's vitality over two years. Upon realizing Fu Zhi lay unconscious in the transformation pool, breathless, Fu Xiao hastily pulled her from the water. For a long edge of time, Qian Danyi's state of wakefulness was feigned, enacted by several chosen disciples who temporarily used the transformation pool to play out her demise. They knew the body, without Fu Zhi's essence, would soon perish. Occasionally, when one awoke at night to see the child at bedside, they would sympathetically smooth her hair. Yet, mysteriously, one night, Fu Zhi, barely reclaimed from death's door, managed to escape her room, climbing the watchtower to fall into the pool, instantly regaining her sight. For the last time, she saw moonlight streak the room, the last glimpse of the young girl swollen-eyed from crying. The next day, Tian Ji Men was in an uproar over her disappearance, finally rediscovering her half-alive in the pool. Tian Ji personally lifted her out, commanding the watchtower sealed, prohibiting entry thereafter. Fu Zhi indeed cherished her days at Yu Cangshan. Now, as she faced the darkness, myriad secrets wavered unspoken on her tongue; silently, she reached to wipe Xu Youqing's tears, but the girl slapped her hand away. Sniffing, her voice pitiful, much like that sorrowful time in Qingyuan City, when they whispered their histories. "Deceiver, just leave. I don't want to see you anymore." Author's Note: I have a rough idea for a new novel, but can't seem to come up with a title or synopsis! 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