109 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 109: A Change in Taste Qi Xian Qing stood there, dumbfounded, her gaze lowered to meet Yan Jue's amber eyes. Yan Jue's eyes were like a phoenix's, with elongated and narrow corners. In the dim light, those eyes were bright and clear, fixed on her as if filled with boundless anticipation. Qi Xian Qing had a long speech prepared in her mind. But when Yan Jue embraced her, she suddenly didn't know what to say. Yan Jue's candor delighted Qi Xian Qing. The corners of Qi Xian Qing's eyes slightly curved into a smile. She couldn't remember the last time she was this happy. She initially thought she would need to persuade Yan Jue for a while before her feelings would be accepted. Yan Jue held onto Qi Xian Qing for a moment. Having just absorbed her pure Yang energy, Qi Xian Qing's presence was irresistibly alluring to her. Simply placing her nose near the girl's neck infused the air with a palpable sense of losing control. Yan Jue released Qi Xian Qing, but her arm was caught, as Qi Xian Qing's lips curled into a slight smile, her right hand pressing against Yan Jue's shoulder. The next instant, Yan Jue found herself pinned beneath her. Qi Xian Qing's eyelids drooped as she looked intently at her. The aura of the celestial spirit filled the surrounding space, leaving Yan Jue's mind completely blank. Qi Xian Qing stared into Yan Jue's eyes, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, "Do you know what's involved in dual cultivation?" The cave was warm; both were clad only in thin undergarments, their fabric nearly nonexistent, as if their skins were touching. Yan Jue's ears burned as she looked at Qi Xian Qing leaning closer, her mind flashing with scenes of dual cultivation she had known. Qi Xian Qing was so close. Was she really planning to... Instinctively, Yan Jue closed her eyes, but the softness she anticipated on her lips instead landed on her cheek. Qi Xian Qing boldly kissed Yan Jue's cheek, then swiftly withdrew. Her dark hair cascaded down, concealing her flushed ears. She tapped Yan Jue's heated hand, "Come on, Yan junior sister," and stood up. Yan Jue looked up at her, dazed. What the heck. She had been filled with tension, even a bit of anticipation. But Qi Xian Qing had only kissed her cheek. Did Qi Xian Qing not actually know how... Yan Jue sat up to see Qi Xian Qing lower her head and remove the pendant from her waist. Qi Xian Qing's pendant was a subtle twilight purple, with a crescent-shaped guqin elegantly carved into it. Yan Jue had seen Qi Xian Qing with the pendant long ago at the cold pool's edge. Qi Xian Qing explained, "This is a pendant I always carry with me. I'm dividing it into two, giving you half, so if you're ever in danger, I will sense it." As she finished speaking, a flash of blue light split the pendant in two. Yan Jue was surprised. Qi Xian Qing handed the jade pendant to her. Holding it in her palm, she could faintly feel its warmth. The jade pendant was smooth and intricately detailed, likely of great value. Qi Xian Qing reattached the other half to her waist, "Why are you wearing it now, after breaking it?" Yan Jue wondered. Qi Xian Qing smiled lightly, "Yan junior sister must know, I have many admirers in our sect." "If someone tries to pursue me, seeing this will tell them I already have a partner." The cave was too quiet. Yan Jue felt a bit unsettled, quickly changing the topic, "How did you know the city lord was an impostor?" When Qi Xian Qing acted so decisively at the Immortal Mountain, it caught Yan Jue off guard, giving her no time to question it. Qi Xian Qing resumed sitting beside Yan Jue, "In truth, my master and I began preparing for this a month ago." "The assassins from the Dreadsoul Cliff could track me so precisely, which means my whereabouts were leaked." "So I informed the general office of my planned location. If this information spread by itself, the western border, being tiger demon territory, would take notice." Yan Jue was not surprised by this revelation from Qi Xian Qing. In this world, many value cultivation above their own lives or those of others, even though Qi Xian Qing now stands among the righteous sects, well beyond countless demons. Yet some demons will risk everything to target her. "The city lord being a female tiger demon was unexpected for me," Qi Xian Qing paused, "But I can detect smells." "When I was young, my family was killed by a pair of tiger demons. I distinctly remember this female tiger demon carried the scent of suhe." Yan Jue couldn't help but mutter, "You didn't tell me." Qi Xian Qing's expression softened, placing her hand gently on Yan Jue's shoulder, "Initially, I didn't want you involved, to keep you safe from this danger." "But now I promise you, from now on I won't hide anything from you, and I'll tell you these things, alright?" Qi Xian Qing was perceptive, her mind as clear as a mirror. She knew too well her shortcomings in demon hunting. Many times, if not for Yan Jue, she would have long been dead. Yan Jue frowned, thinking through it all. She wasn't mad at Qi Xian Qing for not telling her about the tiger demon operation. From an emotional and logical standpoint, Qi Xian Qing had no obligation to disclose it to her. What truly infuriated Yan Jue was Qi Xian Qing's recklessness. In past instances, she was safe because Yan Jue was there, but what if she hadn't been? If Qi Xian Qing carried out missions alone with such carelessness, how many lives did she have to spare? Yan Jue, "Swear it." Qi Xian Qing was taken aback, "Swear what?" Yan Jue, "Swear you'll tell me about any dangerous missions from now on." The cave was silent, the Spirit Stone on the ground emitted a soft glow. Drips of water rolled down the rock, falling into the stream. Yan Jue pursed her lips, staring steadfastly into Qi Xian Qing's eyes. After a moment of silence, Qi Xian Qing raised her hand, "I, Qi Xian Qing, should I ever hide anything from Yan junior sister, will be struck by lightning, my soul scattered." Yan Jue couldn't help but scold with a smile, "That's harsh." She meant to test Qi Xian Qing's sincerity, surprised by such an oath. Qi Xian Qing lowered her hand, with a faint tug at the corners of her lips. The last time she vowed like this was before her mentor, swearing "to vanquish demons and obliterate evils," and here she was swearing to this little fox. Yan Jue paused, "I also have something to tell you." With Qi Xian Qing offering her heart, she decided to do the same. Qi Xian Qing nodded, waiting for her to continue, "Yes?" Yan Jue swallowed and confided how the sect leader was Demon Lord, and how she discovered it, among other revelations. Some things, being too incredible, she left unsaid. Even having spoken it, whether Qi Xian Qing believed it was another matter entirely. After listening, Qi Xian Qing's expression turned slightly serious. "I understand." Qi Xian Qing stood, "Thank you for informing me, Yan junior sister. I’ll give it thought." Yan Jue knelt on the ground, hands on her knees, still dazed, a stubborn lock of ink-black hair standing up on her head. Qi Xian Qing watched her for a moment, "Let's take a walk." They had been in the cave for two days and nights, and Yan Jue felt she'd go stale if she didn't move soon. Yan Jue nodded. Soft rays filtered through the leaves, tranquility surrounding them. Qi Xian Qing, "I received a message from my master yesterday." Yan Jue was surprised, "What did Master say?" The harrowing days prior had made her forget completely about Yun Zhen. Qi Xian Qing, "Master hurried over from the Five Dragon Gate and has dealt with the tiger demon's corpse. She is now at an inn in Feidu City waiting for us." With her spiritual energy just replenished, Yan Jue found walking difficult, her feet feeling like they were on clouds. Qi Xian Qing supported her slowly, "Careful." Yan Jue leaned on Qi Xian Qing's arm, whispering, "Thank you." Seeing her so courteous, Qi Xian Qing chuckled, "Junior sister, no need for such formality." "I'm bound to you now, continue as you always have." Qi Xian Qing's words made Yan Jue's heart skip, fluttering uncontrollably in her chest. Moreover, Qi Xian Qing now knew she was the little fox. The more Yan Jue thought about it, the more uncertain she was about getting used to it. Her heart beat even faster; what to do... The stream babbled softly, green trees shaded them. Yan Jue paused suddenly, "So when do you plan to meet Master Yun Zhen?" Before she finished, Yan Jue sensed a gaze directed at them. Having reached the fifth realm, her divine consciousness had sharpened, and her vigilance heightened in such wild settings. Her eyes caught a figure behind a nearby tree. A woman with fair skin and phoenix-like eyes watched them with a chilling gaze, dressed in a pale pink pleated skirt, a graceful silhouette. Yan Jue was taken aback. Third Mother. How could she be here? Across the distance, Lu Yan Shuang and Yan Jue exchanged a long look, a flash of surprise in Lu Yan Shuang's eyes as she approached from the other side. Simultaneously, another young woman emerged from behind the tree. It was Song Mi Yun, the healer fairy Yan Jue had met by the stream before. Dressed in a duck green pleated skirt, with a sachet hanging from her waist and a bamboo basket on her back, Song Mi Yun retained her ethereal appearance as an herbalist, her raven-black hair falling on her shoulders, her expression indifferent as she followed behind. Yan Jue recalled that Song Mi Yun had mentioned staying here for ten days, and today marked her departure. Lu Yan Shuang, her expression cold, advanced slowly. As she drew nearer, Yan Jue finally saw the strange white object on Lu Yan Shuang's shoulder. A white butterfly. Gracefully resting on Lu Yan Shuang's shoulder, its large wings fluttered gently, its whiskers twitching lightly. Why did it have whiskers? It had a cat's face. A butterfly with a cat's face? Yan Jue pulled at the corners of her mouth—she had grown accustomed to bizarre sights in this world. First to greet, she called out, "Third Mother." Lu Yan Shuang frowned slightly, sniffing around Yan Jue. Seeing her fierce demeanor, Yan Jue instinctively took a step back. "..." That's odd, Lu Yan Shuang raised a brow in surprise. The fox clan's soul reflection ring clearly indicated Yan Jue's spiritual energy was weak, her entire being on the verge of collapse. If she had taken Yan Jue back for recuperation, it might have taken a year to recover. So why had this recovery happened so swiftly now... Lu Yan Shuang lifted her gaze, frowns deepening as she looked at Qi Xian Qing. Could it be true... Lu Yan Shuang hesitated, "Yan Jue, why was your spiritual energy so weak a few days ago, but today you’ve recovered so quickly?" Feeling the anxious gaze from behind, Yan Jue decided not to hide it: "Thanks to my senior sister." "She shared her Yang energy with me." Third Mother fell silent, instinctively turning her gaze to Qi Xian Qing. It's well-known how important Yang energy is to humans. Until now, the only case she knew of someone willing to offer their Yang energy was that heartless madwoman. If what the princess said was true, this master-disciple pair certainly shared a unique bond of madness. Even though her Yang energy was given to Yan Jue, theoretically, she should be grateful. Yet, somehow… Third Mother stared at Qi Xian Qing, her eyes shifting back to Yan Jue, "Did you really only absorb her Yang energy and do nothing else?" Yan Jue quickly denied, "No." "Third Mother, you worry too much. Do you think I'd bite her!" After she spoke, she quickly cast a nervous glance behind. Qi Xian Qing stood there, hands behind her back, looking at her indulgently, with an expression that seemed somewhat helpless. Fortunately, those bite marks were hidden below, covered by her collar. Otherwise, Yan Jue would have died of embarrassment on the spot. Third Mother was silent for a moment, then turned to Song Mi Yun, "Healer." Yan Jue: "..." Song Mi Yun stepped forward to take Yan Jue's pulse, musing, "Your internal spiritual energy has not fully recovered. You must absorb a certain amount of Yang energy every day, and take celestial gum to assist." Yan Jue quickly responded, "Thank you." "What exactly is this celestial gum?" Song Mi Yun retrieved a silk pouch from her sleeve and handed it to Yan Jue. "This celestial gum will last a month, after which your body should be fully recovered." Yan Jue: "Thank you." "No need to thank me." Song Mi Yun regarded her deeply, smiling softly, "I was about to leave today anyway. If it weren't for Miss Lu giving me an important medicinal ingredient, I wouldn't have come." Yan Jue was taken aback. A medicinal ingredient? Lu Yan Shuang explained, "I gave the healer a gourd of spiritual fox blood—it's a precious cure-all herb. It was simply a trade, nothing to be thankful for." Yan Jue almost cringed at the word "bleed," surprised, "Third Mother, you too..." A spiritual fox's blood is inherently medicinal; the more tails a fox has, the higher the quality of its blood. Lu Yan Shuang was of the six-tailed lineage, so even though her blood wasn't as pure as Yan Jue's, its value remained high. Lu Yan Shuang casually replied, "It's not a big deal; if you've practiced blood refining methods, losing a bit of blood is no problem. You're just lacking in practice, otherwise, you wouldn't be so drained by bleeding even a little." Under the sunlight, Lu Yan Shuang's skin was a healthy, faint red, not looking at all like someone who had lost blood. Just as Yan Jue was about to speak, she heard Lu Yan Shuang say, "Then don't return to the fox clan yet. Your spiritual energy loss is too great, you'll need daily Yang energy to recuperate." Yan Jue: "..." After speaking, Lu Yan Shuang discreetly observed Qi Xian Qing's reaction. Qi Xian Qing's demeanor remained serene, her expression unruffled, seeming to agree profoundly with Third Mother’s words. Curiously, a faint smile lingered at the corner of her lips. Lu Yan Shuang: "..." Ah, she seemed to understand what was happening now. Lu Yan Shuang looked at Qi Xian Qing, somewhat baffled. Why had the princess's tastes changed so drastically? Just a year ago, she fancied pretty boys like Chu Fu. Why now had she taken interest in someone who could slay demons without batting an eye?