89 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 89: Inquisition Yan Jue was momentarily stunned, suddenly recalling something, her pupils constricting sharply. She seemed to remember reading about a place called Zhan Sha Cliff in the original novel. Just like Qi Xianqing had described, Zhan Sha Cliff was an assassination organization made up entirely of demons, each member ruthless and highly skilled in the art of assassination. The sole motivation for these demons to join the organization was monetary gain. On the surface, the world of cultivation appeared harmonious, but in reality, it was filled with treacherous waves and concealed currents. Many cultivators wanted their enemies eliminated, but they rarely did it themselves. Instead, they would spend a fortune hiring assassins. Zhan Sha Cliff was among such organizations. In this world, demons were generally overlooked. Even if assassins died during missions, it didn't matter much. Such was the cruelty of the Jianghu. But, why would demons from Zhan Sha Cliff appear here? Who hired demons from Zhan Sha Cliff to assassinate Qi Xianqing? Upon pondering this, Yan Jue felt a chill run through her body. Qi Xianqing insisted on staying up for the night watch, leaving Yan Jue with no choice but to return to sleep. Lately, the little fox demon was in her... physiological period, making Yan Jue easily tired and prone to restless sleep, startled awake by nightmares and afraid of solitude. She curled up in a corner, closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around herself, and quickly drifted into sleep. ... After the recent events, Qi Xianqing had too much on her mind and couldn’t fall asleep. She approached a large tree and observed it squinting for a while. This tree was entirely snow-white, and one could faintly see red fruits, the size of cherries, growing on it. Qi Xianqing recognized it as Feng He. Many sword-do trainees within the Wulong Sect used such trees to make sword sheaths. Slowly, she drew the celestial sword Zhuying. In the darkness, a flash of blue light occurred. With a swift move, she shaved off a thick branch from the white tree. Qi Xianqing sat cross-legged on the ground, shaving the root little by little. In her hands, the thick branch gradually took the form of a slim and long sword sheath. Since Zhuying and Liubing were paired swords, Liubing’s structure mirrored Zhuying exactly. She measured the Zhuying’s length against the sheath and continued carving. Fine wood shavings fell to the ground. Soon, Qi Xianqing finished crafting a beautiful white sword sheath. The new sheath emitted a pleasant wooden fragrance, and she twirled it in her hand. After some thought, she decided to etch a pattern onto the sheath. She carved an orchid flower into the sheath, causing a smile to unconsciously form on her lips. The horizon gradually brightened with a very pale break of dawn, strikingly standing out against the dark night sky. As daylight approached, Qi Xianqing decided to seize this safest moment to nap, heading into the cave. Upon entering, she saw Yan Jue lying on the ground, curled up. Yan Jue lay in the darkness, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly cold. Indeed, she was cold. During this period, her body was inherently weak, not able to endure the wind. Qi Xianqing looked at Yan Jue intently for a while, feeling an inexplicable urge in her heart. She glanced around before bending down and extending a hand to embrace Yan Jue in her arms. In sleep, Yan Jue’s brows relaxed. Qi Xianqing’s body was soft, and the scent of her fairy body exceptionally pleasant. Unconsciously, Yan Jue clutched Qi Xianqing’s collar. Qi Xianqing leaned lazily against the rock wall, holding Yan Jue like a little baby, lifting a hand to tuck stray strands of hair behind her ear. As she noticed something, her movements froze. At some unknown point, Jiang Mengchu, who had been sleeping, had awoken, and with wide eyes, was staring at them in a daze. Qi Xianqing’s mind buzzed, with tiny red tints surfacing upon her ears, her lips subconsciously pursing into a line. Jiang Mengchu stretched, still sleepy-eyed, staring at them: “Elder Sister, why are you holding Sister Yan Jue?” Qi Xianqing replied, “Because Sister Yan Jue was feeling a bit cold.” The seaside weather was such; it was hot during the day and cold at night. Jiang Mengchu said, “I am also a bit cold.” She then crawled over, leaning against Qi Xianqing, falling asleep once more. Qi Xianqing: “…” - Morning came swiftly. Yan Jue awoke, finding her body properly resting against the wall without realizing when that had happened. Qi Xianqing sat beside her, leisurely eating a Lingzhu fruit. Lingzhu fruit was a fire-attribute spirit fruit, having a slight spicy taste, rendering Qi Xianqing’s lips exceedingly red, making her complexion appear even fairer. Yan Jue gazed at Qi Xianqing. Whether it was an illusion or not, she felt Qi Xianqing resembled a devoted little wife, always staying by her side. Jiang Mengchu was still asleep; the sound of peeling fruit echoing clearly in her ears. As Qi Xianqing thoughtfully ate the fruit, she suddenly asked, “After yesterday’s events, what do you plan for the next step, Junior Sister Yan?” Momentarily taken aback, Yan Jue chuckled after realizing what she meant. Qi Xianqing truly had the occupational habit of a senior sister, never forgetting to guide her. Yan Jue sat up straighter, pulling a Lingzhu fruit from her cosmos bag and taking a bite: “I think we should revisit the Yuxu Seaside. Perhaps yesterday, the sirens were away from home, which is why we didn’t hear the conch? We should try again later.” Qi Xianqing nodded in agreement. After breakfast, they washed up at the little stream outside the cave. By the time they returned, Jiang Mengchu was still asleep. Sometimes Yan Jue really envied her. Although being born with the Supreme Spiritual Body meant facing a backlash from the heavens, at least for now, Jiang Mengchu seemed utterly carefree, which was rather nice. Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing ventured out of the cave together. It was morning, with green mountains all around and birds singing in every corner of the landscape. Suddenly, Qi Xianqing stopped, handing something over. Yan Jue was slightly stunned. It was a snow-white sword sheath, glowing faintly under the sun, with simple orchid engravings on it. Qi Xianqing looked at her, hesitantly saying, “It seems you don’t have a sheath yet, so I made one while idling outside.” “See if it fits?” Realizing what had happened, Yan Jue felt warmth in her heart and quickly accepted the sheath with a smile: “Thank you, Senior Sister.” Taking the sheath, she summoned the celestial sword Liubing from her cosmos bag and sheathed it in one swift move. Staring at the sword sheath, her eyes were bright: “It fits perfectly, and the color is beautiful too. Thank you, Senior Sister.” An imperceptible smile flashed in Qi Xianqing’s eyes. She nodded: “Let’s go. First, to the seaside.” - Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing returned to the seaside. The sky was clear, without a wisp of cloud, and the sea, under the sunlight, shimmered with golden hues. Once more, Qi Xianqing took out the conch from her cosmos bag, infusing it with a trace of divine sense before blowing into it. The sonorous sound of the conch echoed over the golden sea. They waited for a long time, yet still no sign of the sirens. Yan Jue slightly frowned. ... Qi Xianqing announced she’d stay by the sea a bit longer. So, Yan Jue slowly began making her way back alone. Today, she wore the dissipating cloak, a large black cloak draping her frame, revealing her delicate and youthful face. This cloak had been modified at the Artifact Refining Hall before Qi Xianqing left her secluded training, greatly enhancing its concealing effects. Although it wasn’t as advanced as the Yunxu Umbrella, it was adept at completely masking one’s presence. Along the way, she passed several men from the village, sticking close to the mountain walls, unnoticed by anyone. Unconsciously, Yan Jue arrived at the entrance of the village. Suddenly, something caught her attention, causing her to pause. Ahead, at the village gate, there was a small figure darting out. The little figure ran quickly, occasionally looking back with a guilty conscience. Yan Jue soon recognized that it was the same little girl from yesterday, waiting on the mountain road for her mother! The little girl seemed terrified of being stopped by the adults, rushing along the deserted mountain road where she eventually halted. Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind. Startled, she looked back, only to be stunned, finding nobody there… She momentarily failed to notice anyone approaching her. Then, to her side, a voice spoke, “Hello there, little sister.” The girl’s eyes widened in surprise, finally noticing the cloaked girl standing beside her. Yan Jue’s pale face emerged from beneath the cloak, offering a friendly greeting to the little girl, “Are you waiting for your mother again?” The girl timidly gazed at Yan Jue for a while, then nodded. Taking a seat beside the girl, Yan Jue earnestly asked, “Little sister, do you really not know where your mother is?” In a quiet voice, the girl answered, “My dad said, mom is far away; one day, she’ll return.” ... Time slowly passed by. While the girl waited, Yan Jue remained at her side. The sun grew intense, leaving the girl parched with thirst. Yan Jue, sensing her need, retrieved a Lingzhu fruit from her cosmos bag, offering it to her. After all, no girl could refuse a Lingzhu fruit. Sure enough, the little girl glanced at Yan Jue, her eyes lighting up before she began devouring the Lingzhu fruit with gusto. Yan Jue took the opportunity to chat with her, “What kind of person is your father usually?” The girl replied, “Daddy is usually good to us, but whenever mom’s mentioned, he gets angry.” Yan Jue's gaze shifted thoughtfully as she asked, “This morning, when you woke up, did you see any suspicious people in your family’s hall?” The little girl paused for a moment before shaking her head. “No…” Yan Jue was momentarily taken aback. How strange indeed. She distinctly remembered knocking those men unconscious last night. With the help of the celestial sword Liubing, there was no reason they should wake up so soon. They should have been out until at least midday. Could they possess exceptionally strong constitutions? “What was your father doing this morning?” Yan Jue inquired. The little girl slowly continued eating the Lingzhu fruit. It was likely the most delicious thing she had ever tasted—juicy, with a flavor both sour and sweet, reminiscent of lemon yet with a hint of roasted meat. “Daddy went out to work very early today. He said the Village Chief wants him to come to his house tonight to discuss important matters, and that we should behave at home,” she answered. Leaning against a tree, Yan Jue frowned slightly. “…” She conversed with the little girl for a long time, but failed to glean any additional useful information. Unwittingly, the sky began darkening. After escorting the little girl to the village entrance and watching her small figure disappear, Yan Jue didn't rush to leave. Yan Jue slowly retrieved an exquisite oiled paper umbrella from her cosmos bag. The setting sun cascaded over the umbrella, enhancing its magnificent patterns with rich, mysterious colors. This was the precious artifact of the Demon Sect, the Yunxu Umbrella. Once unfurled, a faint spirit energy emanated from it. That day, to eavesdrop on the protagonist and the Demon Lord, Yan Jue had used the Yunxu Umbrella. Apart from concealing one’s presence, it also increased one’s speed, making it an incredibly rare magic tool and one of the top artifacts the protagonist later relied upon. With the umbrella in hand, Yan Jue leapt up. As she soared, the umbrella spun rapidly like a vibrant flower blooming in her hand. Light as a swallow, with the help of the umbrella, Yan Jue gracefully ascended from the ground onto a nearby rooftop. Gripping the umbrella tightly, she leapt again. The turquoise canopy swirled in the wind as she flew like a bird, landing on another rooftop. Down below, the streets were bustling with people, yet no one noticed her presence. Before long, Yan Jue reached the rooftop of the village's tallest building. Having learned about the Village Chief’s residence from the girl, she quickly found her way here. It was dusk, the blood-red afterglow draping over the horizon. Carefully, Yan Jue pried open a roof tile, her ears perking up, pitch-black and sensitive to the breeze, straining to catch sounds. - Inside the Village Chief's house stood seven or eight men. Clad in coarse clothing, their skin was deeply bronzed from years of exposure to the sun. Seeing their sweaty appearances, Yan Jue breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed they had indeed been out working by the seaside early in the morning and only came to the Village Chief’s place afterward to discuss urgent matters. She hadn’t missed anything important after all. As she pondered this, a man suddenly stepped forward and started speaking, “Immortal, my son has now reached adulthood and wishes to take a wife.” Another man joined him, “Immortal, my son has been wanting a wife for three years now, but still…” Yan Jue focused on the man in the center. He wore a thick cloak that obscured his face. Yan Jue suspected it was a concealing cloak, somewhat like the one she was wearing, though hers only concealed her appearance and aura on a basic level. A high-level cloaking suit could do much more than merely hide appearances. It could alter voices too. The black-cloaked man spoke in an ancient voice, “The merfolk are no longer enough!” “You people have never liked women. During the famine that year, none of the village's women escaped your cruel hands! Now there are no brides left to marry! You’ve captured so many merfolk already, you must wait another five or six years.” The man bowed his head, frowning. “But… but my son has been so eager to marry lately, he's even set his eyes on the merfolk raised by the Sun family next door!” Yan Jue's pupils shrank sharply. Merfolk? Despite their attempts at summoning the merfolk at the seaside, she and Qi Xianqing had no luck. Could it be related to the men of this village? A gray-bearded man stood up, smiling in appeasement. “Immortal, they’re just too anxious…” That person was likely the Village Chief. The man in black calmly responded, “You must all bear consequences for your actions. Don’t bring this matter before me again!” “After five years, when the merfolk society recovers, only then can you speak to me about such matters!” After they finished their central discussion, the gathered men shifted to trivial topics. Annoyed, Yan Jue unfurled the Yunxu Umbrella, leapt, and gently landed on the wall of a household’s backyard. Peering into the backyard, she found a massive pond! She frowned. Initially, she suspected the discussions about capturing merfolk might have linked them to the pond. But there was nothing in the desolate pond of this backyard. - When Yan Jue returned to the cave, Qi Xianqing had not yet returned. Jiang Mengchu, having started a fire, held a stick skewered with a Lingzhu fruit, roasting it over the flames. Yan Jue was surprised, not realizing Lingzhu fruits could be eaten this way. The glowing Lingzhu fruit was slightly caramelized by the fire, giving off a savory roasted scent. Yan Jue chuckled, “Hungry?” Jiang Mengchu replied, “I was asleep in the cave all day, so I got a bit hungry.” Yan Jue: “…” Since Qi Xianqing hadn’t returned, Yan Jue took out her celestial sword Liubing, cutting the Lingzhu fruit into small pieces, skewering them, and roasting them over the fire. The cave was soon filled with the intense aroma of roasted meat. Yan Jue tried a roasted Lingzhu fruit and found it surprisingly delicious. ... By the time Qi Xianqing returned, night had already fallen. Yan Jue approached her to share the day’s discoveries from the village. Yan Jue said, “This village has something strange going on.” “I noticed too,” Qi Xianqing replied pensively. “Remember on the first day, the man we stayed with told us there were livestock in the backyard and not to go there. We didn’t give it much thought then.” They fell into a brief silence. Noticing Qi Xianqing's tired expression, Yan Jue offered her the roasted Lingzhu fruit. Qi Xianqing took a bite, the slight char and spiciness tingling her tongue, bringing an unexpected feeling of warmth and the urge to cry. It was a moment of moving emotion, similar to the joy one felt when eating a delicious meal. When on her own, Qi Xianqing often prepared some delicacies for herself. No one knew of this preference. Yan Jue watched her nervously, “I'm not sure if you like this taste. I also have flower tea. Is it good?” Qi Xianqing responded, “It’s alright, acceptable.” Yan Jue: “…” Would it kill the protagonist to admit it tasted good for once? Qi Xianqing silently finished eating, followed by some flower tea Yan Jue had brewed, her expression softening slightly. She stood and declared, “In that case, let’s personally visit the fishing village tonight.”