100 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

**Chapter 100: Vital Energy (Triple Trouble)** This was Qi Xianqing's probing. That day by the Jade Void Sea, Qi Xianqing seemed to have vaguely overheard Yan Jue say something in the mermaid royal palace. "Like." Although Qi Xianqing now understood that in this world, it wasn't uncommon for girls to form close bonds, she was still unsure of Yan Jue's true feelings. ... How could this be possible? Yan Jue slowly swallowed and turned to gaze out a window, presenting only the back of her head to Qi Xianqing. Yan Jue had a habit of doing something else whenever she wanted to avoid awkward situations to distract herself. She tried to focus entirely on a little speck outside the window, gripping the immortal sword Liu Bing tied to her waist while her face remained tense and serious. In the shadows, Qi Xianqing squinted slightly, gradually straightening her posture. Her fingers hovered over the shadow of the candlelight. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a beam of pristine moonlight poured through the window, scattering across the storeroom floor. Suddenly, a slight noise emerged from outside the window. Qi Xianqing’s expression instantly shifted to a fierce lethality; her body under the umbrella stiffened slightly, still and silent, like a tiger crouching in the dark. Something snow-white drifted in through the window. Yes, drifted. The thing was so light it seemed invisible, leisurely floating in with the breeze. It was a palm-sized paper figure. The paper figure gently fell to the ground and astonishingly stood up, taking two steps forward to stretch its tiny arms, then started rubbing them together like a fly. Its arms gradually expanded, and then the paper figure began to furiously knead its own body like twisting ropes. What was once a flimsy sheet of paper gradually morphed into the shape of a young girl. She was a sweet-looking girl, clad in a snow-blue vine-patterned ruqun, walking with an airy grace, quickly reaching a large box storing silver coins. The previously tightly locked iron chest was casually opened by her boneless hands with a light push and pull on the lock. Inside, it was packed with glimmering silver. Casting a vigilant glance around, the girl feverishly began stuffing the shiny silver into her sleeves. Yan Jue was a bit taken aback watching the girl, who seemed oblivious to their presence and was gradually inching into her attack range. Yan Jue tightly grasped Liu Bing, ready to spring into action, but then a sudden gust of wind surged beside her. A flash of blue light cut through the air as Qi Xianqing, gripping the sword Zhu Ying, instantly appeared before the girl. Amidst the dark, the celestial blade Zhu Ying erupted with a striking cerulean halo, aimed to pierce the girl's chest. The girl, startled, transformed instantly into a wisp of blue smoke and vanished. Yan Jue watched that wisp with a slight start, a familiar sense washing over her. The same transformation into blue smoke occurred when the old fox demon messenger visited her at the Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion. When Bai Ying first appeared in the noble household, she too melted into a wisp of blue smoke. Bai Ying chatted her ear off about how those who could turn into smoke were usually foxes. This girl was a fox demon. ... The blue smoke drifted swiftly through the air. Chasing the smoke, Qi Xianqing quickly arrived at a pine grove. The smoke dodged this way and that among the trees, hoping to lose Qi Xianqing in the complex terrain. But Qi Xianqing's mastery of instant travel was so proficient that she could perform it repeatedly without fatigue. Her form moved several feet at a time through the air, consistently maintaining a two-step distance from the smoke. The smoke began to panic slightly. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! After narrowly escaping Qi Xianqing several times, the frantic smoke suddenly burst into a nearby tomb. "…" Qi Xianqing halted at the tomb's entrance. The mouth of the tomb was pitch black, its depths unseen. The hole was barely the size of a palm. It wouldn’t even accommodate Yan Jue’s small fox form. Qi Xianqing glanced at the dimming sky. Qi Xianqing said, "I have an idea." Yan Jue was startled, "What idea?" Qi Xianqing picked up a few pieces of firewood from the ground, throwing them into the tomb entrance, then took out a fire-talisman from her storage pouch. Her intent was clear: to smoke the demon out with fire. Accustomed to dealing heartlessly with monsters during her travels, Qi Xianqing had done far harsher things before. Lighting a fire at a tomb’s entrance could result in two outcomes. Either the demon would be smoked out, or it would suffocate inside. The Chen Laoye had spent heavily to hire cultivators to deal with the mischief-making monster, wanting them to eliminate it. Therefore, for Qi Xianqing, slaying the demon was a way to fulfill her mission. Yan Jue, noting Qi Xianqing’s actions, quickly blocked the entrance, "Please wait, Senior Sister. Let me try." Qi Xianqing paused, studying her thoughtfully. Meeting Qi Xianqing’s gaze, Yan Jue swallowed, her expression growing resolute. This was actually Yan Jue probing Qi Xianqing. How tolerant was someone like Qi Xianqing of demons? Yan Jue knew Qi Xianqing detested malevolent beings, yet their recent experiences suggested Qi Xianqing exhibited an unusual level of tolerance. Yan Jue had long realized her feelings for Qi Xianqing were peculiar. But the only rift between them now might be her identity as a demon. Qi Xianqing knew Yan Jue had her own method for subduing demons, a method sharply different from her own. The trials before had made Qi Xianqing increasingly aware that a different, possibly gentler, approach might be viable. Perhaps this was something she urgently needed to learn. ... Qi Xianqing went silent, stepping back, speaking softly, "Then, please, Junior Sister, give it a try." Yan Jue blinked in surprise. This was perhaps the first time Qi Xianqing took someone else's opinion into account during a demon encounter. Her execution ability was so exceptional that no one dared challenge her on demon-slaying matters before. Qi Xianqing sheathed Zhu Ying, "Junior Sister has a kind heart." Yan Jue offered a self-conscious smile and immediately leaned into the tomb entrance. Instantly, a damp scent hit her nose, mingled with a faint kin-scent. A small yellow-furred fox crouched at the farthest depths, its pale yellow eyes warily fixed on her. As suspected, the creature was indeed a fox demon. Yan Jue said, "Could you come out? We promise not to harm you." "We have some questions for you." Fox demons capable of transformation typically understood human speech. After Yan Jue spoke, deep within the tomb, the yellow-furred fox's eyes lifted, a faint golden gleam emanating from its pupils. Yan Jue shut her eyes briefly. When she reopened them, a similarly faint golden gleam shone in her pupils, "If you don't come out, things might become uncertain." Being a fox demon herself, Yan Jue trusted the fox inside would recognize her as kin from the golden glow in her eyes. At least the fox would feel less threatened by her. The yellow eyes deep within flickered but remained motionless. Yan Jue sighed, picking up the firewood beside her, "You don't want to be burned alive, do you?" "You should have heard of the renowned Meng Heng Jun from the Five Dragons Gate next to me. If you don’t come out, I can’t guarantee your safety." Using a communication form unique to foxes, she finished and lifted her head. Rustling sounds echoed from the tomb. Yan Jue exhaled in relief and slowly looked up. She saw the yellow-furred fox crawl out, trembling on the ground, gradually changing into human form. Fox demons were among the most beautiful beings in the demon realm, regardless of gender. The girl huddled on the ground had vermillion red lips, white teeth, and wore a snow-blue ruqun, subtly shivering before Qi Xianqing. Yan Jue propped a foot on a nearby rock, facing her sternly, "Was it you who stole the silver from Chen Laoye's house?" The girl glanced at her, reluctance written all over her face, muttering, "Yes." From the moment she saw the gleaming eyes in the tomb, she knew. In the fox clan, bloodline determined rank and status. Shi Yun was familiar with the bloodline standards—counts of tails and eye color. The girl before her had yet to reveal her tails, but her pupils were purely golden. Absolutely annoying; facing a senior. Shi Yun dared not say more in this presence. Yan Jue asked, "Why did you steal so much silver? What would a fox need with that money?" Yan Jue knew the fox clan didn't care for money. To foxes, spiritual stones might hold more value than currency. The girl replied, "I... I won’t say!" A sudden slicing sound echoed from behind as Qi Xianqing drew her sword, Zhu Ying, from her back. The cerulean blade glinted coldly in the moonlight against the girl's neck, emanating an intimidating presence that would instill fear in any demon across the realm. Qi Xianqing lifted her gaze, her expression like frosted ice. "Will you speak or not?" Shi Yun burst into tears, covering her face, "I won't say!" Yan Jue was speechless. Such stubbornness. Qi Xianqing murmured, "Seems your temperament is quite similar to our Junior Sister's." Yan Jue was once again at a loss for words. After scrutinizing the young girl for a while, Qi Xianqing slowly sheathed Zhu Ying. "You're not stealing for yourself. You're doing it for someone else, aren't you?" The crying abruptly stopped. Qi Xianqing continued slowly, "When I came here today, I happened to see someone at the city gate." "Li Lang of the Li clan—he's the one you're stealing the silver for." Shi Yun sat on the ground, her face turning pale. She stiffened her neck, retorting, "You're lying! When have I ever helped him? This silver was stolen for me to buy nice things!" Qi Xianqing said, "I once saw Li Gongzi at the extravagant Spring Full Pavilion in All Things Fortress. He looked quite splendid that day, starkly different from how he poses as impoverished in Qinglian Town." "I wondered why someone able to spend lavishly at Spring Full Pavilion would pretend to be poor in Qinglian Town." "Qinglian Town is merely a small settlement, with wealthy inhabitants having moved to larger towns. But despite his wealth, he continues to live here under the guise of poverty. There's only one possibility: he's afraid of drawing attention if he suddenly moves away." Qi Xianqing concluded, "You're stealing for him." Shi Yun bit her lip. Qi Xianqing lifted the tip of her sword and flicked the embroidered purse dangling at the girl's waist, the one adorned with pagoda tree leaves. "The embroidery on this purse is identical to his." "Moreover," Qi Xianqing remarked coolly, "the scent of Moonlin on you suggests you live with him regularly." "You don't have to say anything. I could report this to the authorities. Once they search his house, the truth will come out soon enough." With that, Qi Xianqing turned to leave, but the fox demon girl clung to her leg. Through clenched teeth, Shi Yun spat, "Can't I repay a kindness?" "Why do those righteous cultivators walking the earth think they can meddle in everything? Do they even want to control a fox demon's way of repaying a debt?" Qi Xianqing ignored her, maintaining a cold expression as she walked forward. Shi Yun shouted, "That Chen Laoye, all his money is ill-gotten. I take his silver to repay Li Lang because he once saved my life." Seeing Qi Xianqing walk away, Shi Yun panicked, "You can do whatever you want with me, but please spare Li Lang!" Yan Jue, watching from the side, was puzzled, "Do you like Young Master Li or what?" That Young Master Li, despite his wealth, made a fortune buying property in All Things Fortress and indulged in opulence at the brothel. Yet this fox demon diligently stole silver for him every day, as if her kind's way of repaying a debt wasn't expecting anything in return. Is the fox demon simply repaying a debt, devoid of any excess feelings? If there were feelings involved, wouldn't this fox demon be furious hearing about Young Master Li's indulgence at the brothel? Yan Jue remarked, "He's a man who lets a girl steal to support him. Such a man isn't worth your time." Shi Yun's face flushed bright red, "We are deeply in love!" Yan Jue was shocked, then signaled to Qi Xianqing to let Shi Yun continue speaking. Shi Yun said, "Li Lang isn't a lazy man. Every night when I go to take silver from the Chen mansion, he works to earn money at All Things Fortress. He said once we've saved enough, we'll leave Qinglian Town and start anew." Shi Yun bared her teeth, showing two small fangs, "If you trouble him, I'll make you pay!" Qi Xianqing silently remarked to herself, growing more convinced of the resemblance, as even their fierceness was identical. Yan Jue raised an eyebrow, realizing the fox demon hadn't even caught on when she'd mentioned Li Lang was living it up at Spring Full Pavilion. Perhaps... Yan Jue asked, "Do you know what Spring Full Pavilion is?" Shi Yun hesitated, "Of course, it's where Li Lang works." It seemed this young girl had no idea what Spring Full Pavilion was... Yan Jue tilted her head, observing her for a moment before her lips curled into a grin, "It's evening now; your Li Lang is out working?" Shi Yun nodded, "Indeed." Yan Jue continued, "Let me take you somewhere; follow me." ... All Things Fortress was close to Qinglian Town. After leaving the town, Yan Jue hired a small boat, and the group drifted downstream together. Reluctantly sitting at the boat's bow, Shi Yun pouted but felt gleeful at the thought of visiting All Things Fortress to see Li Lang. They soon arrived before Spring Full Pavilion. Due to All Things Fortress being perpetually dim, the brothel here was bustling at any hour. People constantly came and went. Inside, lights blazed, the scent of powders lingered heavily, and laughter filled the air. All Things Fortress' brothels attracted the world's beauties. As Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing entered, the madam greeted them warmly, "Here come the ladies again." Yan Jue nodded slightly, "Any vacant rooms?" The madam quickly responded, "The main hall is quite noisy. A private room just became available upstairs. Why don't you take a seat there?" After all, Yun Zhen was a major patron of Spring Full Pavilion, and the ladies he brought had to be well taken care of. They made their way to the private room together. The room, although called private, wasn't entirely secluded, separated on the east side by a fabric crowded with enchantments, allowing a hazy view of the outside. Frowning, Shi Yun was visibly displeased, "What did you bring me here for?" Despite her words, her ears remained perked, since this was supposedly where Li Lang worked. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. A handsome youth, carried away by his conversation with a girl, lifted her horizontally, causing a stir among the surrounding ladies. Holding one girl with his left arm and another with his right, he tossed the girl in his grasp, amid shrieks and laughter, before starting to unbuckle his trousers. Next door, those overhearing laughed, "That's Young Master Li, entertaining several girls at once again?" "He's young; why not." From the start, Shi Yun had been alert, looking around skeptically. When she heard the familiar voice, she paused, puzzled. She perked her ears, edging her head closer, realizing the youth holding several girls was her Li Lang. Young Master Li, seated outside, bragged while cuddling a girl, "At my place, I keep a fox demon." The girl cooed, "Fox demons are a rarity in this world; how could one reside with you? Don't deceive me." Young Master Li retorted, "I truly have a fox demon in the towns nearby." Shi Yun froze, her face darkening slightly. "That fox demon? Just a dumb broad. Saved her once, and she's been working tirelessly for me since." The girl said, "I don't believe you." Young Master Li offered, "Don't believe me? Next time, I'll bring her out." Yan Jue, listening, suddenly felt the air beside her stir rapidly. Turning swiftly, she saw Shi Yun, who had been sitting quietly beside her, suddenly scream and charged to the private room's door. She leapt up, kicking the screen with great force, causing it to collapse inwardly. Shi Yun cursed, "You heartless man! I steal in Qinglian Town to support you, and you're here living it up!" An uproar arose around. After all, in All Things Fortress, the mix of the righteous and the shady was nothing unusual. A legitimate partner storming into a brothel wasn’t a rare occurrence. Her eyes reddened, Shi Yun approached and delivered a harsh slap to Young Master Li. Five bloody red streaks instantly appeared on his fair face. Shi Yun yelled, "Heartless! Horrible!" Feeling the stares around him, Young Master Li's face turned beet red, "Where did this shrew come from? Get out now!" "I'm a shrew? At home you never spoke to me like this!" Shi Yun stomped on the table, causing the drinks to spill all over. Yan Jue watched and instinctively glanced at Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing made no move, instead watching with great interest. Just as Shi Yun was about to grab the man and start a fight, Yan Jue swiftly intervened, pulling Shi Yun back. In a blink, the group vanished into the encroaching night. - In the forest. The little fox demon clung to her face, sobbing hysterically, "Heartless! Horrible!" Clearly, she'd never experienced something like this before, evident in her limited vocabulary for insults. Yan Jue listened to her ranting for a while, realizing it was the same few phrases. "Don't cry," Yan Jue remarked. Shi Yun's wail was heart-wrenching, "Ah—" Something came to Yan Jue's mind. She reached into her bag, pulling out something and handing it to Shi Yun, "Is crying over someone like him worth it?" Shi Yun paused. What Yan Jue offered were a few bright red spiritual fruits. The spiritual fruits emitted a faint, refreshing fragrance that teased the nostrils, making them irresistible. Shi Yun had never encountered such fruits before, and having skipped meals all day, her stomach growled at the sight of them. Anxiously, she clutched the Radiant Candle Fruit and began to eat with relish. Yan Jue sighed. If she had known that a few Radiant Candle Fruits would stop Shi Yun's tears, she would have offered them sooner. By now, much time had passed since Shi Yun had disrupted Spring Full Pavilion, and Young Master Li had likely gone looking for her. He was the kind of person who thrived by leeching off others, and without Shi Yun, he would be frantic. Yan Jue remarked, "Why worry about love? Focus on cultivation—it's what truly matters." Qi Xianqing silently observed Yan Jue. Yan Jue, sensing Qi Xianqing's gaze, lifted her head and met the strange look on Qi Xianqing's face. Shi Yun listened intently to the advice of her elder, Yan Jue, who was indeed right. In the fox clan, there was this unspoken rule that one shouldn’t reveal another's demonic identity to humans without explicit permission. Observing the interaction between the elder sister and this celestial prince, Shi Yun noticed the prince seemed unaware of the elder sister's fox identity. She took note, keeping silent about it. --- In the bustling front hall of Spring Full Pavilion, there was a stark contrast in a particular elegant tower, "Nianyun Zhu," which remained unusually quiet. A soft golden array of enchantments enveloped Nianyun Zhu. The tower was currently entertaining esteemed guests. Inside the dimly lit room, incense coiled purple smoke in the corners. Yun Zhen, lazily propping his chin on the table, sipped tea while focusing intently on the person before him. Across from him, a woman dressed in a garnet-red ancient smoke-patterned robe sat elegantly, fingers deftly dancing over a zither's strings. The gentle and delightful melody of "Heaven's Insight" filled the room, a piece reputed to enlighten the listener to universal truths in a single moment. In the dim light, her figure appeared slender, her skin like creamy jade, and her legs, proportionate and graceful, just barely visible beneath her attire. Her phoenix eyes were enchanting but devoid of deep emotion. Long jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, partially tied with a golden pin. A woman like Lu Yan Shuang didn't stay rooted in any brothel. She was accustomed to wandering the mortal realm, resting in the most famous brothels of any city she visited. She served as the top courtesan, but only those she fancied shared a night with her. Yun Zhen watched her, leisurely and amused. When the song ended, silence filled the room again. "Clap..." Yun Zhen applauded. "Well played." A whole day and night had passed, and Yun Zhen still found himself surprised that the once clumsy woman he parted with was now so adept. Lu Yan Shuang rose and coolly replied, "Celestial Prince, don't waste your time with me. If you're seeking amusement, there are plenty of good girls outside for you to choose from." Having heard of Yun Zhen’s arrival, she had deliberately played "Heaven's Insight," hoping the prolonged piece would drive away the shameless man. But this man's skin proved thicker than she had anticipated. Yun Zhen chuckled, rising as well. "San Niang, San Niang, even after all this time, you're still the same." Yun Zhen had easily discovered Lu Yan Shuang’s location, as any news in All Things Fortress, a place of great tolerance, traveled far and fast. Lu Yan Shuang looked up. Despite the dim light, her snow-white complexion and fiery beauty sparkled, her phoenix eyes bright with wisdom. Drawing near, Yun Zhen took a step closer, but Lu Yan Shuang instantly stepped back, raising her bangled right hand. "If you dare come any nearer, I'll fight you off!" "Alright, alright, I won't advance," Yun Zhen conceded, folding his arms. "I came for your Soul-Gathering Fan, not empty-handed." "I've something valuable to trade." Lu Yan Shuang raised an eyebrow, questioning, "What is it?" Yun Zhen’s lips curled into a flirtatious smile. "Haven't you always liked my Pure Yang Qi? I'll trade it for the fan." As the master of the Zhēn Huǒ Sect, Yun Zhen possessed a body full of pure Yang energy. The higher the cultivation, the purer the Yang intent—a tempting allure for countless demons. Regardless of cultivation, losing such Yang Qi severely impacted one’s own cultivation progress. Belonging to the extreme Yin of the Five Elements, absorbing Yun Zhen’s Pure Yang Qi would significantly enhance Lu Yan Shuang's cultivation. She eyed Yun Zhen, the discomfort evident in her expression. Yun Zhen’s usually playful face bore an unusual solemnity, "Ah Yan, I know you resent me for the past." "But I had no choice." "If my presence here displeases you, use as much of my Pure Yang Qi as you wish." In the dim room, Yun Zhen's voice seemed to carry an intangible allure, guiding one unwittingly into his web. Perhaps others might ponder whether Yun Zhen's words veiled murderous intentions, but Lu Yan Shuang simply stood up, uttering "Fine, fine, fine!" three times. Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "This is your choice; today I'll drain your Yang energy!" In an instant, Lu Yan Shuang, with her slender waist and long legs, transformed into a fiery-furred red fox with sharp phoenix eyes that shimmered golden, baring its teeth menacingly. She was nearly a millennium-old ghost fox. An ordinary person would have been paralyzed with fear. Yun Zhen casually watched her, leisurely collapsing on the chaise longue, smiling sweetly and invitingly at the menacing Lu Yan Shuang as she approached. Yun Zhen raised a hand as if to unclothe himself, baring a lean, pale collarbone, but it was halted by a fiery red paw pressing down firmly. Lu Yan Shuang, wearing a stern expression, commanded, "No stripping!" - Almost two days had passed. Qi Xianqing wondered if Yun Zhen had finished his business. Though the skies of All Things Fortress saw no day or night, Qi Xianqing had silently counted the time since entering the city. Returning to Spring Full Pavilion with Yan Jue again, the crowd remained as thick as before. This time the two bypassed the main hall, taking the stairs straight to a private room. The madam greeted them, "Celestial Prince, please wait. I'll have some snacks and food brought up." Qi Xianqing nodded, "Thank you." The madam closed the door. Plans to part with Shi Yun in the forest days ago were changed, seeing the pitiful fox demon, Qi Xianqing invited her to dine at Spring Full Pavilion, after putting on a state-masking cloak. Yan Jue agreed, having an important use for the little fox demon. It seemed Young Master Li had indeed lost his mind without Shi Yun and returned to fetch her, yet they found no trace of him at Spring Full Pavilion. Shi Yun sat at the dining table, moodless amidst the joyous sounds beyond the room. Soon young women brought forth a spread of snacks and dishes. Clear crab soup, triple seafood noodles, creamy date pudding... The madam had clearly taken Yun Zhen's esteem to heart. Zhu He emerged also, a small wild boar seated across from them, contentedly stuffing her face from the bounty before her. Yan Jue laughed, "Little Zhu, happy?" Zhu He nodded eagerly, cheeks puffed out, "Happy!" The feast was quickly devoured, leaving Shi Yun slack-jawed. "You should eat slower…" she trailed off, seeing Zhu He bite through a chopstick, snapping it with a "crack." Shi Yun shrieked, "You're eating the chopsticks too?!" Opposite, Qi Xianqing rested her chin in her hand, watching the noisy pair of little demons, pondering. Once she had solely focused on slaying demons, never interacting with them so closely. Now she realized demons indeed had another side, one she had never seen. Suddenly, there was a faint noise from above. Qi Xianqing's brow furrowed slightly, noticing something with a swift glance. ... The madam had prepared an abundant feast and drinks, including fine translucent wines. While Yan Jue turned her gaze from watching Zhu He gnawing on chopsticks, her peripheral vision caught something odd near Qi Xianqing. A near-invisible spider silk dangled from above, landing straight into Qi Xianqing's tea cup. Faint green liquid followed it, dropping discreetly into the tea. The liquid was nearly invisible. Simultaneously, the immortal sword Liu Bing behind her began to vibrate intensely, causing Yan Jue to quiver all over. Qi Xianqing calmly lifted her tea cup, her lips just grazing the rim. Yan Jue quickly jerked, knocking the cup from her hand. "Clatter—" The cup shattered, scattering on the ground. "Watch out above!" Yan Jue warned. She gazed upward and sure enough, a window tile overhead had been pried open. A shadow flitted swiftly across the top. Yan Jue sprang up, leaping through the window and swiftly bounding to the rooftop with accomplished agility. Under the purple night sky, the shadow darted across the rooftops with lightning speed. Yan Jue quickly performed "Instantaneous Miles," her figure repeatedly flickering several meters through the air. Although she didn't catch up, she significantly closed the distance between them. The figure leaped, landing on a rooftop, and suddenly his back began to bend and shape-shift, sprouting massive wings from his shoulders. With each stroke of the wings, gusts of wind spread forth. He glided several meters ahead, and the gap between him and Yan Jue widened considerably. Spring Full Pavilion, the grandest establishment in All Things Fortress, was surrounded by a hundred pavilions of varying heights, with a layout incredibly convoluted. Behind her, Liu Bing continued its restless vibration. Yan Jue slammed her right foot against the ground, and in an instant, a dazzling ice-blue aura enveloped her. Liu Bing rose into the air, and she stepped onto it, flying atop her sword. The figure flew at a rapid pace, attempting to lose her by maneuvering through the intricate terrain of Spring Full Pavilion. Yan Jue pursued him closely. Liu Bing's sword aura screeched against the air and suddenly accelerated forward. Yan Jue's pupils contracted, and the immense force almost threw her off Liu Bing. She had to crouch down to counter the momentum, just as she saw the figure ahead suddenly fold his wings and make a sharp turn near one of the pavilions, vanishing from sight. Yan Jue hastily channeled her true energy, forming a hand seal, causing Liu Bing to swerve as well. However, the corner turn widened the gap between Yan Jue and the figure by several meters. Feeling things were getting worse, Yan Jue immediately heightened her spiritual awareness, adjusting her body's position and angle on Liu Bing. Liu Bing accelerated forward, causing Yan Jue to stumble, nearly falling off again. She quickly rebalanced herself, distributing her weight to minimize the wobble. In this deep purple night sky, Yan Jue abruptly realized how inadequate her sword-flying skills were. The surrounding pavilions were dense, and the terrain was complex. But this individual was evidently very familiar with the nearby surroundings. In the blink of an eye, the figure with the big wings executed another sharp turn at a pavilion, once again using the corner to extend the distance, leaping to the top of the highest roof edge of Spring Full Pavilion. The bright moon hung overhead, and his wings unfurled fiercely, resembling a massive net in the sky, his body tensing. He's about to escape! Cannot catch him... This person had apparently been lurking on the rooftop for an extended period, only to poison Qi Xianqing's tea cup. Yan Jue had a gut feeling that this was related to the previous incident at the Jade Void Sea when an assassin from the Sever Life Cliff failed to ambush Qi Xianqing. If caught, it might uncover who sought to kill Qi Xianqing... Clenching her teeth tightly, Yan Jue's palm suddenly gleamed coldly, releasing a sleeve arrow. The sleeve arrow, etched with five-element runes, glimmered with a faint golden hue as it whistled through the air. The figure turned his head, the large wings flapped mightily in the sky; with a sharp "snap," the sleeve arrow lodged into his back, and blood spattered forth. Yet, the wound wasn’t fatal, and simultaneously, with a strong beat of his wings, he attempted to escape. Yan Jue swiftly executed "Sword Art·Earth Shaker," Liu Bing expanded several inches in the sky, darting like an unleashed arrow towards the figure. This was a newly learned sword art from the ancient Liu Bing book given by Yun Zhen. Although she had only recently grasped it before leaving the mountain, she was unsure if it would synchronize well. Liu Bing was charging full tilt towards the target when suddenly, a small spark flared beneath the figure’s feet, leisurely ascending to the sky. The spark, resembling a tiny insect, crawled up the big-winged man's leg, then burst into a vivid blaze. "Boom!!!" Yan Jue's entire body stiffened. Liu Bing, which had yet to be released, abruptly halted in place. The figure, wings spread wide in an attempt to soar away, froze mid-air, bursting into charred remains amidst the fiery spectacle. Then he disintegrated into a cloud of ash in the sky. The ash scattered with the wind. He... was instantly annihilated... Yan Jue was stunned, her eyes fixing on a woman gracefully emerging from the detonated rooftop beneath. The woman, donned in a gold-threaded, embroidered gown, radiated an ethereal aura as her clothes fluttered. Who else could it be but Yun Zhen? Yet, at this moment, Yun Zhen’s divine demeanor was slightly overshadowed, replaced by a charming and alluring visage. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, and she appeared slightly disheveled and unkempt. Yun Zhen, smoothing her slightly tousled dark hair, leisurely stepped out of the room, frowning at the now-empty rooftop. "Who's making such a racket while I'm trying to rest?!" No intrusive ads, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)