103 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 103: Remembering the Roots (Deep Waters Extended) Qi Xianqing had been in seclusion for several days, causing the search for the materials for the elixir of immortality to be delayed. On this particular day, Yan Jue was sitting on her bed, familiarizing herself with the spiritual power within her body, when suddenly, she heard an extremely familiar set of footsteps approaching from outside the door. Yan Jue’s ears twitched slightly. Having been a canine creature for so long, she could tell who was approaching just by the sound of their footsteps. For instance, Qi Xianqing’s steps were distinctly light and slow. Yan Jue listened intently as the footsteps came closer, and she couldn’t help but let a subtle smile play on her lips. She stood up and walked to the door. Qi Xianqing, dressed in pure white, entered gracefully with her hands clasped behind her, looking quite at ease: “The sect leader provided five ingredients, and we have already procured the Merman Pearl.” “Having rested here in the mountains for quite a while, it's time to set off in search of the next ingredient.” Yan Jue cooperatively responded with a smile, “What does Senior Sister intend to find next?” “You're more experienced than I am, so I'll leave it to your wise judgment, Senior Sister.” Qi Xianqing's eyes gleamed with amusement, “It rained recently, and the Jade Immortal Grass has sprouted. We’ll head west to find the Jade Immortal Grass this time.” The Five Dragons Sect leader had mentioned that the elixir of immortality required five ingredients: Merman Pearl, Village Essence Grass, Jade Immortal Grass, Phoenix Embryo, and Nine-Tailed Fox Heart. They had already secured the Merman Pearl, leaving four more to find. Yan Jue would definitely avoid the Nine-Tailed Fox Heart, hoping Qi Xianqing would continuously overlook it. After all, Yan Jue had already resolved to return to the Ghost Mansion, planning to complete one last mission with Qi Xianqing before leaving. Naturally, she wouldn't delay until Qi Xianqing sought the Fox Demon Heart. Pausing momentarily, Qi Xianqing continued slowly, “The growth site of the Jade Immortal Grass is in the West Territory.” Yan Jue hesitated for a moment. The West Territory. For some reason, she felt Qi Xianqing’s tone was a bit strange. Was something off about it? Yan Jue recalled from the original storyline that Qi Xianqing had lived in the West Territory before coming to the mountain. However, her entire family was later annihilated by demons, and she herself was kidnapped by a Tiger Demon to a monster lair, where she suffered inhumane torture. Qi Xianqing likely wouldn’t have fond memories of the West Territory. Yan Jue said, “You...” Though familiar with the original plot, Qi Xianqing had never spoken of it, so Yan Jue had to pretend not to know. She awkwardly swallowed her words and simply looked at Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing gazed out the window, her dark eyes swirling with a murderous intent. Half a month ago, she had volunteered to her master to personally go to the West Territory to hunt demons. This time, it was merely an excuse to find the Jade Immortal Grass while using herself as bait to lure the Tiger Demon. If her guess was right, her whereabouts had long been leaked to the demon world. There was a spy within the Five Dragons Sect. She had already submitted her pledge to the steward pavilion for the West Territory mission. According to past experience, this news would inevitably spread. This world had many demons eager for celestial spiritual bodies. The Tiger Demon pair had nearly succeeded before, so their obsession with her could only intensify. The West Territory was naturally the Tiger Demon's domain, and going there was akin to a lamb entering a tiger’s den. She could then legitimately meet them. Back then, she was so weak and endured darkness while imprisoned in a dreadful cavern. Would she be afraid now? Since the day she ascended Five Dragons Mountain, Qi Xianqing had been yearning for vengeance against her family’s enemies, and now she eagerly anticipated a reunion with these mortal foes. Yan Jue had no idea of the myriad of thoughts swirling through Qi Xianqing’s mind. Suddenly remembering something, Yan Jue asked, “Will Jiang Mengchu, Junior Sister Jiang, be accompanying us this time?” Qi Xianqing replied, “Since Junior Sister Jiang drank the Sea Fragrance wine at the Jade Void Sea last time, she occasionally feels disoriented.” “Uncle Xing Ye is helping her recover now, so she won’t be coming this time.” Yan Jue felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing this. She had thought the Sea Fragrance wine would help Jiang Mengchu regain her memory. It seemed her knowledge was still too limited. Qi Xianqing moved to the window, watching the warm sunlight filter through the bamboo forest, and said calmly, “It’s autumn, the season for Jade Immortal Grass to grow.” “We shouldn’t waste any time. Having decided to go to the West Territory first, we must set out soon.” She turned back, her eyes clear as water, “But the Jade Immortal Grass is extremely hard to find. It resembles ordinary plants, and many others besides us seek it for their own cultivation progress.” “This mission won’t be easy.” Qi Xianqing had read many books and knew a bit about everything in the world. Yan Jue listened to the dense information, growing somewhat confused but striving to understand. Noticing Yan Jue’s bewildered expression, Qi Xianqing curved her lips and stepped into the courtyard. She picked up a slender branch from the ground and began sketching on the earth as if it were a map of mountains and valleys. Qi Xianqing explained, “Our destination this time is Feidu City.” “According to the intelligence from Qingyun Pavilion, the city lord of Feidu City, Liang Tingmian, keeps a Sun-Moon Beast, a herbivore spirit beast whose favorite food is the Jade Immortal Grass.” Yan Jue looked at the sandy depiction on the ground and realized, “Since it’s the Jade Immortal Grass growth season, we can rely on the Sun-Moon Beast to locate it.” Qi Xianqing nodded, “Exactly.” As they discussed in the courtyard, two hours flew by unnoticed. The sun began to set in the west. A fox and a pig sat under the corridor silently watching the conversation between the two. The white fox couldn’t help but remark, “The master and Lord Dream Heng get along really well.” Zhu He blinked her tiny eyes in confusion, “Aren’t they discussing something important?” The white fox replied, “If it were a serious discussion, it wouldn’t last this long. Just look at how long they’ve stood there.” “Hmm? What are you doing???” The wooden column in front of Zhu He had somehow disappeared halfway. Zhu He’s cheeks were puffed as she chewed something, bits of wood around her mouth, still holding a piece of wood in her hand. The white fox was aghast, “Seriously... you even eat wood...” - Though Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue finished their discussion in the courtyard that day, they didn’t depart immediately. They rested for a few more days before agreeing to meet at the mountain’s foot, intending to head to Feidu City in the West Territory. The last time at the Fortress of All Things, Zhu He, having received some spiritual power from Yun Zhen, was constantly hungry and lethargic. Yan Jue decided to let her rest at home, leaving her with over ten Spiritual Candle Fruits, choosing not to bring her along this time. Traveling on their immortal swords, they soared through the sky swiftly like arrows piercing the clouds. In less than half a day, they arrived at Feidu City. The West Territory's Feidu City had a unique charm of its own. The city was surrounded by blooming osmanthus trees, littering the ground with golden blossoms, and the air was filled with a light fragrance, creating a truly refreshing atmosphere. Yan Jue quickly noticed something amiss. During this season of osmanthus bloom, the city gates were lined with stalls for residents to admire the flowers. But the stalls were deserted, evoking a sense of desolation. Why was no one coming out to enjoy the flowers during such a beautiful autumn? As they walked, Qi Xianqing remarked, “The city lord of Feidu, Liang Tingmian, is a woman with no ties to the Five Dragons Sect. We don’t know if she’s willing to lend us the Sun-Moon Beast.” Although the area outside Feidu City was empty, the city itself was bustling with residents. They traversed the busiest street and arrived at a rather grand building. The City Lord’s Mansion. It was a splendid, magnificent structure with flying eaves and intertwined tiles. Golden osmanthus petals covered the ground at the grand entrance, where several guards stood watch. Qi Xianqing approached and said something to the gatekeepers, presenting her waist token. As one of the Six Great Immortal Sects, the Five Dragons Sect was due some respect, so after inspecting the token, the guards went to announce their arrival. After waiting outside for some time, someone came to invite them in. The interior of the City Lord’s Mansion was as opulent as its exterior. A gentle breeze stirred the bamboo curtains, revealing elegantly curving pavilions and terraces. Following the attendant’s guidance, they reached a rather refined chamber. From behind a lifted bamboo screen, a lady emerged, supported by handmaidens. Yan Jue was momentarily taken aback. She was an exquisitely beautiful woman, dressed in an orchid-patterned crimson blouse, her hair adorned with jeweled embellishments that swayed with her movements. Such beauty could indeed be considered unparalleled. Yet there seemed to be a faint trace of sorrow on her fair face, though Yan Jue couldn’t be sure if it was just her imagination. This must be the city lord of Feidu City, Liang Tingmian. Liang Cheng Zhu lifted her eyes slightly to look at the two, “I wonder what brings the esteemed immortals from the Five Dragons Sect here?” When immortals venture out, city lords usually bestow some convenience upon them. Qi Xianqing glanced down briefly before succinctly explaining their intended purpose to Liang Cheng Zhu. Since they sought the Jade Immortal Grass in the Immortal Hunting Mountain, and the Sun-Moon Beast favored this grass, it would easily locate the otherwise indistinguishable plant, hence their request to borrow the Sun-Moon Beast from Liang Cheng Zhu. Liang Tingmian listened silently and smiled slightly, "I'm sorry, my Sun-Moon Beast, being a spiritual creature that absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, cannot be lent out lightly." "To be honest with you Immortal Lords, there were others who came before you seeking to borrow the Sun-Moon Beast, and they're still waiting at the entrance." It made sense; with the autumn equinox upon them, more than just their sect disciples were seeking the Jade Immortal Grass. It seemed borrowing the Sun-Moon Beast wasn't going to be simple. Yan Jue frowned slightly, but then saw Qi Xianqing smiling as she asked, "Is there any condition under which you would lend the Sun-Moon Beast, City Lord?" "If it's spirit stones or silver, we can discuss terms." Liang Cheng Zhu chuckled, "The Immortal Lord is wise." "I'm not lacking in spirit stones; I just need all you Immortal Lords wishing to borrow the Sun-Moon Beast to help with something." Qi Xianqing lowered her gaze, quietly attentive. Supported by her maid, Liang Tingmian sat down in a chair, "When you two arrived, did you notice the lack of people outside the city?" Qi Xianqing's brow furrowed, "Yes." Liang Tingmian continued, "It's been unavoidable. For some years now, whenever Feidu City residents leave the city, they mysteriously disappear." Taking a sip of tea, she said calmly, "Some say they died, their bodies never found, yet at night, they claim to see these missing residents laughing and playing in the forest, like spirits." "This has troubled me for quite some time." "However, we common folk lack the means to deal with demons." "If the Immortal Lords wish to borrow the Sun-Moon Beast, you'll have to settle this issue first." Qi Xianqing smiled gently, "With such a longstanding issue, haven't any other cultivators attempted to resolve it?" Liang Cheng Zhu replied, "The eeriness of it all has made nearby cultivators unwilling to intervene. Some who have tried to help faced sudden deaths." The room fell quiet, and Liang Cheng Zhu's leisurely tone made her words even more chilling. Qi Xianqing stood up, "Rest assured, City Lord. If the Sun-Moon Beast can be lent to the Five Dragons Sect, we won't hesitate to rid you of the menace." Liang Cheng Zhu nodded gently, "Naturally." Since Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue were unfamiliar with the area around Feidu City, Liang Cheng Zhu arranged for a young maid to accompany them. "When you set off tomorrow, she'll guide you." After expressing their gratitude to Liang Tingmian, Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue took their leave. - As night fell, Qi Xianqing decided they should rest at a nearby inn. Nighttime. Yan Jue sat on her bed, contemplating the day's events. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Qi Xianqing today. Yan Jue felt that Qi Xianqing was hiding something from her. Though she herself had much she was keeping from Qi Xianqing. Previously, even if Qi Xianqing wouldn’t tell her, she would confide in the little fox. But now, for some reason, even her communication with the little fox had dwindled. As these thoughts circled, Yan Jue's spirits dampened. Moonlight glimmered like water, spilling onto the grand bed. Clad in a simple white robe, Yan Jue climbed onto the window ledge, gazing up at the bright moon outside while lazily fanning herself with the round fan gifted by Du Ming. Suddenly, a gentle knock sounded. Yan Jue's ears pricked up, extending her spiritual senses. The knocker was Qi Xianqing. Why was Qi Xianqing here so late? Startled, Yan Jue walked over to open the door, finding Qi Xianqing dressed in snow-white nightclothes, draped in a purple robe. Her crow-feather hair cascaded over her shoulders as she stood in the corridor, quietly looking at her. Yan Jue asked, “What do you want?” Qi Xianqing exhaled softly, “I couldn't sleep. I came to talk with Sister Yan.” She raised her eyes and asked, “May I?” Under the brilliant moonlight, the room was serene. Yan Jue was taken aback, “Um, sure.” She opened the door wider, allowing Qi Xianqing to step inside and settle by the window. Outside was the Immortal Hunting Mountain, beyond Feidu City. The lush mountains stretched on, and even from the inn’s window, one could catch the faint fragrance of flora. Following Qi Xianqing’s gaze, Yan Jue lost herself in thought. Qi Xianqing suddenly lifted her hand, pointing into the distance, “That’s where my home used to be.” Yan Jue paused, looking out at the darkened hills beneath the night sky. Qi Xianqing pressed her lips together and said softly, “I was very young when my parents were killed by demons. Since I was taken by the sect leader of the Five Dragons Sect, it's been a long time since I’ve been here.” Yan Jue quickly grasped Qi Xianqing’s meaning. Even after all these years. Even if the village she once called home had long been razed to the ground. Qi Xianqing could still distinctly remember the direction of her home. She was someone who remembered her roots. Born in the West Territory, in the past, the Tiger Demon incident not only destroyed Qi’s family, but the entire village perished in the Tiger Demon's maw. Though the Six Great Sects later eradicated the demons’ lair, the male and female Tiger Demons vanished without a trace. If Qi Xianqing harbored any obsession, beyond her innate hatred for demons, it must be towards the two missing Tiger Demons. Qi Xianqing’s distracted demeanor and her recent nightmares likely had much to do with her family.