83 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

### Chapter 83: The Unforeseen Cycle Cold Pond, Ice Peach Garden. Yan Jue lay lazily on the bed, her four large tails flicking back and forth, occasionally letting out soft, contented noises. No, it was five tails. Just moments ago, after returning to her room and reverting to her original red fox form, Yan Jue discovered a new fluffy tail had mysteriously appeared behind her. She now possessed five tails. Even someone as slow to react as Yan Jue noticed something was off upon seeing this new tail. Why did her tails seem to keep multiplying… Yan Jue had read the original text, aware that her original host belonged to the Red Fox Clan of Ghost Mansion Mountain, boasting a remarkable bloodline. However, she truly didn't know if her original host was a nine-tailed fox. Her head was spinning heavily, and despite laying sprawled on the bed, she found herself unable to sleep, prompting her to retreat to the Cold Pond and Ice Peach Garden. Yan Jue lay on Qi Xian Qing's bed, her fox body lounged into a fox cushion, her long, phoenix-like eyes narrowing. Qi Xian Qing frowned slightly, her fingers gently stroking Yan Jue's fifth little tail, smoothing its fur with careful attention. The fox's back was extremely sensitive, and even a slight touch caused the muscles beneath to twitch. Finding this amusing, Qi Xian Qing's fingertips massaged the muscles along Yan Jue's back. Yan Jue twitched intensively under her touch, rolling over to lie with her belly up, blinking as she stretched her legs and burrowed into Qi Xian Qing's embrace, lightly nibbling on her fingers and sucking them. For some reason, she seemed especially clingy today. Yan Jue was exhausted, only longing for sleep. But Qi Xian Qing was not ready to let her be. She half-cradled the little fox's soft body, intermittently petting her tail, rubbing her ears, and lifting her tiny, black paws. Yan Jue was in bliss, purring, only to bare her teeth playfully at Qi Xian Qing afterward. She just wanted to sleep. From the box under the bed, Qi Xian Qing fetched a feather-dressed ball, teasing Yan Jue's damp nose with it: “Shall we play a little?” These words had barely left her lips when Yan Jue sprang up with excitement, her fur standing on end. Yet, she immediately yawned: "..." The sudden jump had been purely reflexive. When Qi Xian Qing tossed the ball outward, Yan Jue dashed off pursuit. By now, she and Qi Xian Qing had developed a perfect understanding. Each action Qi Xian Qing performed was precisely anticipated by Yan Jue. As the ball flew arcing into the sky, Yan Jue pushed off from her hind legs, soaring through the air to snatch it. Qi Xian Qing noticed something new, her expression subtly surprised. In the path of the little fox, droplets seemed to be falling to the floor. Yan Jue turned her head, seeing Qi Xian Qing frowning over something. Following her gaze, Yan Jue's mind buzzed. Blood had somehow pooled upon the floor. Yan Jue was utterly paralyzed. Qi Xian Qing quickly reassured her: “It's alright.” She stood, drawing a clean handkerchief to wipe away the traces from the floor. After tossing the handkerchief into the wastebasket, Qi Xian Qing instinctively glanced back at the little fox perched solemnly. The scarlet fox, elegant and plush, with five flame-like tails contrasted by her snow-white belly, watched her with those radiant amber eyes. Somehow, they seemed softer than usual. Qi Xian Qing stood stunned for a moment, a thought suddenly lighting up her mind. It all made sense now, why today the little fox was extra clingy. The fox had grown quickly over these past few days, no longer the small creature from their first encounter—she was, in fact, a matured fox. Spirit foxes come in various types, and the more tails they possess, the more human-like they become, with physiological cycles akin to humans. Yan Jue's heart pounded erratically, eyeing Qi Xian Qing for a moment before immediately dropping the ball and retreating to hide under the desk. What on earth, this hadn't happened before, it was completely unexpected. Qi Xian Qing tidied up the area, then approached to cradle Yan Jue's forepaws and lift her up: “It's okay, don't be afraid.” Yan Jue's cheeks burned with embarrassment, though hidden beneath her dense fur, unyielding to Qi Xian Qing's gaze. Had she known today would turn out like this, she wouldn't have come at all. Perhaps every spirit fox undergoes such an event, especially given the host's pure bloodline, the cycle is more intense. Despite Yan Jue's reluctance and baring of teeth, Qi Xian Qing gently affixed a pad at the base of her tail. Yan Jue lay splayed on the ground, feeling utterly defeated. With her brows furrowed, Qi Xian Qing mused aloud from her desk: “I hadn't researched this before. A spirit fox growing a fifth tail signifies full physiological maturity, prompting symptoms of estrus, often preceded by bleeding.” Yan Jue: “…” Enough. Enough. Please don't say more. No wonder she had found it hard to manage her emotions today—it was clearly her cycle starting. No wonder she felt so liberated while walking outside just now. Kneeling down, Qi Xian Qing spoke softly: “You shouldn’t venture out alone these days, understand? It’s too dangerous outside for you alone.” The little fox remained silent: “…” Gently rubbing her cooler belly, Qi Xian Qing stood up again: “I'll make you some red date ginger soup.” Yan Jue opened her mouth, letting out a soft whine, her tails whirling as she rapidly dashed out of the window. “…” - Perhaps it was the recent competition, where Yun Zhen helped heal her. Yun Zhen's powerful spiritual energy overwhelmed Yan Jue’s body a bit. Moreover, within the absurd rules of this novel, spirit foxes with five or more tails faced particularly lengthy cycles. By the time she returned, Yan Jue was already running a slight fever, feeling terribly unwell. Since she had already played to her limit, she couldn't be bothered with the tournaments at Wulong Square but chose to recuperate in the dormitory instead. Initially, Yan Jue feared Yun Zhen would force her to shift dorm rooms, yet Yun Zhen sent a letter, mentioning they had spoken with the Shuiyun Sect's leader, Yan Yue, about transferring her to their charge. Yun Zhen noted in the letter that if Yan Jue truly liked Shuiyun Sect's environment, she could still reside there. Only then did Yan Jue breathe a sigh of relief. That afternoon, sunlight poured in generously. Resting in bed, Yan Jue picked up the latest issue of the "Five Dragons Almanac" to read. This volume detailed exactly how Qi Xian Qing had swiftly demolished an opponent in under half the time it took for a pot of tea to steep in a later match. In the final match, Qi Xian Qing faced Mu Yin Zong's disciple, Jiang Meng Chu, on the martial platform. Jiang Meng Chu, a rising star of sorts, was a formidable figure. Qi Xian Qing wielded the celestial sword Zhu Ying, violently shattering Meng Chu's defenses and launching her away. The entire encounter lasted less than half the time it takes to steep a pot of tea. Yan Jue couldn't help but reminisce of the promise Qi Xian Qing had made to her that night. Yan Jue had never anticipated Qi Xian Qing making such a vow. A superior celestial sword. Apart from the celestial sword Liu Bing, what else could Qi Xian Qing be willing to offer? Every time she pondered this, Yan Jue felt intensely uneasy, the turbulent tide within her blood swelled more vigorously, invoking a peculiar sense of agitation. Setting aside the paper, Yan Jue dozed off, awakening by afternoon's end. When ready, Yan Jue closed her room door and ventured to the hinterlands. There, she revisited the plot where her spiritual candle fruits were previously planted. Having once been struck by lightning during her tribulation, this area now brimmed with spiritual energy. The spirit candle fruits flourished; newly replanted seedlings even sprouting tiny buds. Contentedly, Yan Jue sprinkled the soil with supplemental spiritual essence, watching the small saplings gradually mature, transforming into full-grown trees laden with spiritual candles. She picked each ripe, glowing red spirit candle fruit, tucked them into her dimensional bag. Returning to the Shuiyun Sect dormitory, Yan Jue encountered Du Ming rushing over excitedly: “Yan Jue! The competition results are out.” Yan Jue's heart skipped a beat: “Hmm?” Du Ming: “Out of the six hundred participants, the top hundred outer sect disciples have earned a place in the inner sect! Moreover, the leading figures in this competition will be dispatched on a mission by the sect master. It's a tremendous honor, our Five Dragons Sect sends new disciples on important errands, representing the sect's forefront.” Yan Jue frowned slightly: “How did the rankings turn out? What rewards are being distributed?” Initially, Yan Jue had no intention of joining this competition. If not for the tempting prizes, she wouldn't subject herself to the ordeal. Grinning, Du Ming shared, “Got some good news for you~” “This year's competition, the Big Senior Sister seized the championship just like last year! Her reward is a prime sword, Liu Bing, to match her celestial blade Zhu Ying!” Yan Jue’s eyes sparkled at Du Ming: “And me, what about my ranking?” Du Ming rolled her eyes: “Hold on, I'm getting there! This time around, Big Senior Sister secured first place, Mu Yin Zong's Jiang Meng Chu second, and... you ranked third!” Yan Jue was only concerned about the reward: “What's the third-place prize?” Du Ming sighed: “...All you care about is the reward! Aren’t you bothered by how close you were to second place at all?” “This time, the second-place reward is the treasure Yuan Gang Shield, while the third-place prize offers a thousand top-quality spiritual stones. Plus, you won a daring spirit prize, getting a gourd with sixty spiritual-convergence pills!” Upon hearing Du Ming's announcement, Yan Jue couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. Just as expected! Bai Ying's supply of spiritual convergence pills was almost depleted, and this new gourd full would last her another month. From another perspective, the rewards for outstanding disciples this time around were incredibly generous. It's evident that the leadership of Wu Long Men is putting in a great deal of effort to bolster their status among the Six Great Immortal Sects. --- In the depths of the courtyard at Zhenhuo Sect's Qiuli Pavilion, clouds drifted by lazily. Qi Xian Qing had heard the day before that Yun Zhen had taken Yan Jue under her wing. She was at a loss for words. Her master was as unpredictable as ever, always operating in such an unorthodox manner. This was nothing short of blatantly poaching talent. Yet, given her master's easy-going nature, she typically provided resources and protection to her disciples, rarely bestowing divine arts instruction personally. With Yan Jue entering Zhenhuo Sect, she could freely cultivate, even if she possessed an ice spiritual root. Yun Zhen Immortal has never been in want of resources. Standing in the courtyard, Qi Xian Qing was deep in thought. Yun Zhen chuckled, saying, “The Five Dragons Peak Meet has concluded, and the celestial sword Liu Bing returns to our Zhenhuo Sect.” Qi Xian Qing asked, “Is Liu Bing now in the sword grave or...?” For centuries, Liu Bing slumbered in the Sword Grave Valley at Wu Long Men. If a disciple wished to claim it, they had to retrieve it personally. Liu Bing is a celestial sword with its own spirit. Only if it was willing to accompany you could you rightfully claim it. Yun Zhen suggested, “The entrance to the sword grave has been opened by Wu Long Men. Why don't you quickly establish a bond with Liu Bing?” Qi Xian Qing replied, “I wish to gift Liu Bing to someone.” Yun Zhen was taken aback, “Who?” Liu Bing and Zhu Ying were both paired swords. If Qi Xian Qing bonded with Liu Bing, she would then wield dual swords—a common practice in the realm of cultivation. With Zhu Ying, a lightning attribute sword, as her main weapon and the ice-attribute Liu Bing as auxiliary, her power would significantly increase. Additionally, the closeness of Zhu Ying and Liu Bing could greatly enhance Qi Xian Qing's cultivation progress. Qi Xian Qing stated, “Yan Jue.” “She cultivates ice-based divine arts and currently lacks her own sword.” Intrigued, Yun Zhen asked, “But I already gifted her a sword last time, and now you wish to give her another?” Unbidden, Qi Xian Qing couldn't help but feel a tad critical. Was her master really gifting swords? Yan Jue was led to the pavilion and left to choose for herself—something a slightly normal person would struggle with. Faced with costly options, she wouldn't select the priciest on a first meeting and had settled for an ordinary one instead. Yet, how good could an ordinary sword be? Qi Xian Qing affirmed, “Yes.” Yun Zhen conceded, “Alright, since you wish to compensate your junior sister for my sake, I won’t steal your thunder.” This kind of situation had occurred before. For instance, talented disciples winning artifacts in competitions but offering them to a well-connected junior sibling or fellow disciple instead of keeping them for dual-weapon cultivation, which can be too demanding. After they finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Yun Zhen recalled, “Didn't you tell me there was someone from the Demon Sect among Wu Long Men's upper ranks? I have initiated an investigation.” Qi Xian Qing, brow slightly furrowed, quickly lowered herself: “What has Master found?” Yun Zhen replied, “No significant results yet.” “If this demon contacts high-level individuals, it could become extraordinarily troublesome.” Yun Zhen contemplated, her usually carefree expression replaced by a rare sternness. Despite the unbelievable nature of Qi Xian Qing’s information, as her master, she still trusted her most capable disciple. After all, many inexplicable incidents had recently occurred within their sect. All of it might be linked to the resurgence of the Demon Sect. Qi Xian Qing frowned slightly: “I have a suspicion, if I may propose it to Master.” Yun Zhen urged, “Go ahead.” Qi Xian Qing continued, “Ever since the Head Sect Uncle's retreat, her behavior has been peculiar.” Before she could elaborate, Yun Zhen interrupted with a light tap on her shoulder and a whispered admonition: “Such matters aren't appropriate for discussion here.” --- Walking in the twilight, Qi Xian Qing entered the grand hall of the Master of Wu Long Men, which resided within the 奇遁宗 (Qidun Sect). Mu Zhong Zi sat in the center of the hall, in deep meditation. Though outwardly calm, his mind was anything but. A few days prior, Chu Fu, without warning, succumbed to demonic influences, and now just thinking of it vexed the Demon Sovereign. Chu Fu had once been a valuable piece in Mu Zhong Zi's plans, but now it seemed completely out of control. Furthermore, the Evil God Demon Seal was still in that wretch's possession... This was far from ideal. Outwardly appearing to meditate, Mu Zhong Zi's thoughts were tangled. Hearing footsteps, he slowly opened his eyes: "Xian Qing." "The Five Dragons Peak Meet has ended; why haven't you yet gone to the sword grave for Liu Bing?" Qi Xian Qing knelt before Mu Zhong Zi: “Sect Uncle, I have a request.” Mu Zhong Zi asked, “What is it?” Qi Xian Qing replied, “I wish to gift the celestial sword Liu Bing, won from this Meet, to the inner sect disciple, Yan Jue.” Typically, once a celestial sword was won, it belonged to the winner, who could choose to whom they would gift the sword. However, because Mu Zhong Zi, the sect's leader and the main organizer of the Five Dragons Peak Meet, had always shown great care for Qi Xian Qing, any decision regarding Liu Bing, which was a renowned sword, needed to be reported. Qi Xian Qing finished and lowered her gaze. After a silent pause, Mu Zhong Zi replied slowly: “That is not an easy proposition.” “Liu Bing is a rare celestial sword with a spirit—it's not just a matter of giving it away; Liu Bing must also consent.” “Moreover, even though Yan Jue is one of the top contestants, her aptitude seems average compared to other disciples.” “It isn't straightforward.” Qi Xian Qing remained bowed: “I have decided to offer the sword; as long as Yan Jue can retrieve it from the sword grave, is this not what Uncle means?” Mu Zhong Zi found himself momentarily taken aback. Despite Xian Qing's typically reserved demeanor, she could be exceptionally articulate. She had certainly twisted his meaning impressively... A flash of annoyance crossed Mu Zhong Zi’s eyes: “Even if I consent, Liu Bing must also consent. You may take this disciple to extract it from the sword grave.” Mu Zhong Zi added, “If you’re so willing to gift Liu Bing, then as the organizer of the Meet, I too can bestow it upon another if Yan Jue fails to convince Liu Bing. I will give it to a more suitable candidate!” His tone was already quite serious, almost scolding. Qi Xian Qing listened, eyes lowered. “Since you already possess the celestial sword Zhu Ying, you do not need a second sword.” --- Yan Jue, after dreaming of counting spirit stones, had woken as the day transitioned to dusk. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door. Stretching leisurely, she slipped on her slippers and sauntered to the door, where Qi Xian Qing stood outside. The sunset bathed the girl in warm light, her skin as white as snow, her features dignified and refined. Caught off guard, Yan Jue tensed slightly, forcing a smile: “What brings you here?” Why did she keep coming around lately? Qi Xian Qing said, “I have already reported to Sect Uncle. The celestial sword Liu Bing is to be yours, as compensation.” Yan Jue was taken aback: “…” Glancing back at the ordinary iron sword leaning against the wall, her heart began to race: “I wouldn't dare accept.” “This is far too precious.” Qi Xian Qing gazed at her calmly: “I promised to compensate you for breaking your sword.” “Is Junior Sister Yan trying to make me owe you a favor?” While it's true that during combat on the martial platform, one should not damage another's artifacts— For cultivation practitioners, such artifacts can be as vital as one's life. Giving Yan Jue a new sword after breaking hers wasn't unusual. Yan Jue had longed for a good sword—Liu Bing was exceptionally valuable. Given Qi Xian Qing's prior promise, Yan Jue had spent days preparing herself mentally. The thought was indeed tempting. Suddenly, Yan Jue remembered something and removed her dimensional bag from her waist. “When I visited the Five Dragons Market, the best swords were about five hundred top-grade spirit stones.” Hesitantly she added, “Surely a celestial sword like Liu Bing is worth much more; how about I exchange it for eight thousand top-grade spirit stones?” Qi Xian Qing didn't want to owe Yan Jue anything, and Yan Jue felt the same, instantly proposing to compensate with spirit stones. Eight thousand top-grade spirit stones, equivalent to millions in the modern day, seemed a fitting price for a celestial sword like Liu Bing. Seeing Qi Xian Qing's silence, Yan Jue tested further: “How about ten thousand top-grade spirit stones?” After all, she had earned quite a lot from the Five Dragons Peak Meet. For reasons unknown, a surge of annoyance suddenly flared in Qi Xian Qing's mind. She lifted her gaze, speaking slowly: “Celestial sword Liu Bing, a legendary blade with a millennium of history, is worth far more than that price.” Yan Jue pressed, “Then name your price!” Qi Xian Qing said: “One million top-grade spirit stones.” Yan Jue: “…” Despite her substantial earnings from the Five Dragons Peak Meet, she didn't have that much at hand and promptly rolled her eyes at Qi Xian Qing: “I don't have that.” Qi Xian Qing remarked, "So, Junior Sister Yan, are you truly tempted?" Yan Jue replied, "Naturally." But she had no intention of taking it for free; she needed to trade something in return. From her dimension bag, Qi Xian Qing produced a slip of paper. "This is an IOU. You can borrow it from me for now." Yan Jue hesitated: "What if I can't repay it?" Qi Xian Qing replied smoothly, "Well, what do you think would happen?" The girl's gaze was intense, making Yan Jue's heart skip a beat. She reflexively took a step back, "I will definitely repay you!" Qi Xian Qing looked at her, unable to suppress a smile. "And there's one more thing." Yan Jue instantly became wary again, "What is it?" Glancing toward the window, Qi Xian Qing explained, "Liu Bing is still asleep in the Sword Grave Valley. For you to acquire Liu Bing, you'll need to retrieve it from there yourself." "To make it easier to obtain the celestial sword Liu Bing, Zhu Ying needs to draw a sigil on your hand." Yan Jue frowned, "Draw a sigil?" "Liu Bing is a male sword, naturally difficult to tame. But with Zhu Ying communicating with it, you could potentially open its heart." Yan Jue was puzzled, "How do I draw it? And what should I draw?" "Naturally, something that Liu Bing could recognize immediately." Qi Xian Qing then slowly drew Zhu Ying, the celestial sword glowing a vivid azure in the air as she took hold of Yan Jue’s hand. Instinctively, Yan Jue flinched at the touch, yet Qi Xian Qing held on firmly. This was likely the second time they had held hands, Qi Xian Qing's soft, cool touch sending tingles throughout Yan Jue's body, her arm limp. Amusement sparkled in Qi Xian Qing's eyes as she guided Zhu Ying to trace a design on the back of Yan Jue's hand—a faint azure rune taking shape against her fair skin, delicate fingers displaying pale veins beneath. The sigil soon complete, Qi Xian Qing noted, "Though it helps to have this mark, remember that Liu Bing prides itself on its autonomy. The sigil merely improves your odds—it cannot guarantee persuasion." "What comes next relies on you." Yan Jue understood immediately: it was essentially Qi Xian Qing's letter of recommendation to Liu Bing. Feeling touched, Yan Jue's voice lowered, "Thank you, Senior Sister." Qi Xian Qing's response came swiftly, her tone unexpectedly gentle, "No need to thank me." "I'm simply returning your sword."