110 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 110: The First Day Before leaving, Song Mi Yun exchanged contact methods with Qi Xian Qing. In this world, while cultivation is essential, connections are equally important. By exchanging contact methods, Song Mi Yun infused a trace of her divine sense into Qi Xian Qing’s transmission talisman. This way, if Qi Xian Qing needed to reach her, they could communicate simply via the talisman. Song Mi Yun turned, gazing deeply at Yan Jue, and with a slight smile, she said, “Friend Yan, shall we exchange contact methods as well?” Her gaze upon Yan Jue was intense. But it wasn’t just a regular intensity. Yan Jue felt as though Song Mi Yun was observing her like a rare medicinal ingredient. “...” It’s well-known that the Lotus Island healer is obsessed with medicine, and this reputation is certainly deserved. Precisely because of Lotus Island's devotion to medicine, indifferent to other matters and often detached from the world, Yan Jue wasn’t worried that Song Mi Yun would reveal her identity. Song Mi Yun departed gracefully. Lu Yan Shuang, with a cool and detached look, cast a glance at Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing, turning to leave as well. Unexpectedly, Qi Xian Qing stopped San Niang and said, “I have something I’d like to discuss with Aunt.” The way she called her aunt was so natural that it suddenly dawned on Yan Jue, causing her ears to blush deeply. Turning to look at Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue moved her lips but said nothing. Yun Zhen's disciple had a temperament completely different from Yun Zhen’s. Yun Zhen exuded enchanting charm and boldness. However, Qi Xian Qing remained cool and reserved; speaking with her didn't make others feel disrespected or uncomfortable. Regardless of whether Lu Yan Shuang admitted it or not, Yun Zhen indeed taught this young disciple well. San Niang stood her ground, and Qi Xian Qing raised her hand, gesturing for a private conversation. Listening nearby, Yan Jue was taken aback. She wasn’t sure why Qi Xian Qing was so casually familiar, or what she intended to discuss with San Niang. Yan Jue followed them, but her hand was suddenly taken. Standing beside her, Qi Xian Qing glanced at the ground and warned, “There’s a ditch here; be careful not to trip.” Under the sunlight, Qi Xian Qing’s fingertips were soft and cool, seemingly restrained, only hooking two of her fingers. Yan Jue felt a tingling at the back of her neck, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lu Yan Shuang’s peculiar expression. Yan Jue retorted, “I can see; I’m not blind.” Despite her words, had Qi Xian Qing not warned her, she would have indeed stepped into the rabbit hole. Was this the treatment of being Qi Xian Qing’s Taoist partner? If so, she couldn’t see how this violent, tough-natured person could also be so overly cautious. Flushing, Yan Jue opened her palm to pull away from Qi Xian Qing’s hand, avoiding the small ditch and moving ahead. Qi Xian Qing stood silent. The three settled on a patch of open ground behind a big tree. Qi Xian Qing’s eyes landed on the white butterfly perched on Lu San Niang’s shoulder. The butterfly, with a cat-like face, had been resting there, gently flapping its wings. Such an odd butterfly. Quite like her Master’s style. Lu San Niang’s expression remained unpleasant—after all, this was Yun Zhen’s disciple, one seemingly aiming for her dear princess. Despite her awkward demeanor towards Qi Xian Qing, she stiffly asked, “Go ahead, what do you want to discuss?” With both hands fisted on her knees, Qi Xian Qing sat upright, asking, “I’d like to know if Senior Lu has received any information about someone from the demon tribe recently.” She paused briefly, “For instance, my whereabouts.” San Niang, meeting Qi Xian Qing’s gaze, hesitated momentarily. “...” Sitting beside Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue nodded lightly at San Niang. Someone like Qi Xian Qing wouldn’t pose such a question if she weren’t completely honest. She was someone one could trust entirely. Lu Yan Shuang replied, “I don't know.” It was still not easy for her to fully trust the righteous sect’s Immortal Gate so quickly. So, Qi Xian Qing began sharing her thoughts on the demon tribe, starting from the “sect leader is the demon lord” information provided by Yan Jue, down to "being hunted by the Slash Kill Cliff," gradually analyzing with San Niang. Initially, Qi Xian Qing had some uncertainties about this. But after Yan Jue explicitly confirmed the sect leader as the demon lord, all doubts dissipated. “If what Junior Sister Yan says is true, and the sect leader is the demon lord, his ultimate goal must be the revival of the demon clan.” “I just don’t know if the leak of my whereabouts is connected to him.” “If it’s true that his subordinates leaked my whereabouts to the demon tribe, then his intentions are unknown.” Qi Xian Qing stated coldly, “It could be using me as leverage in a trade with the demon tribe.” “If the demon tribe is willing to ally with the demon clan, they would receive the latest information on the celestial spirit body.” Indeed, her being Yun Zhen’s disciple; her analysis was clear and organized, showcasing the demeanor of Five Dragons Sect’s chief disciple. Lu Yan Shuang fell into silence. If this were true, then of course the fox tribe wouldn’t receive any celestial spirit body information, as they hadn’t decided to align with the demon clan. “The return of the Demon Lord of Broken Soul Mountain is no secret in the demon realm.” Lu Yan Shuang glanced at Yan Jue, finally answering, “Our fox tribe has spoken with the Demon Lord of Broken Soul Mountain once, but only briefly through spatial dialogue, and we don’t know where he is. Nor do we know if he’s the sect leader of Five Dragons Sect.” Though she spoke this single sentence, it was already quite a revelation. Qi Xian Qing squinted her eyes slightly. On one hand, they draw the demon tribe to revive the demon clan. On the other, they hide in the Immortal Sect, oppressing the demon tribe, forcing their hand. In the end, it still revolves around the demon clan’s revival endeavor. If she’s right, perhaps the entire Five Dragons Sect is gradually being consumed by the demon lord. Unfortunately, as the chief disciple, there’s nothing she can do. Lu Yan Shuang hesitated again before asking the question that had been on her mind since the beginning: “Do you realize how rare it is for an Immortal Sect leader to be taken over? Your assumptions are quite rash.” Her words implied another layer of meaning. If Yan Jue claims something, does it mean it’s definite? Qi Xian Qing responded with a faint smile, “Since Junior Sister affirms it, she must have absolute confidence.” Yan Jue listened beside her, heart pounding. “I’m very aware of her capabilities.” Qi Xian Qing continued, “She wouldn’t deceive me.” — “You mentioned encountering the healer in the deep mountains.” Qi Xian Qing mused, “You learned how to save me after receiving a pulse diagnosis from the healers of Lotus Island.” Earlier by the brook, Song Mi Yun had looked at Yan Jue with such fervor, leaving Qi Xian Qing lingering upon returning to the cave. Yan Jue gave a blank nod, unable to help glancing at her own hand out of the corner of her eye. After Lu Yan Shuang departed, the two returned to the cave, sitting on the stone bed while revisiting recent events. As they spoke, Qi Xian Qing’s hand had somehow found its way to hers. In the dim light, her slender fingers, white against her pale hand, faintly showed blue veins, familiar with their cool touch. Yan Jue tried to pull her hand away. Qi Xian Qing looked up at her, her beautiful peach blossom eyes dark yet brilliant: “We’re attempting to form a Taoist bond; can’t we at least hold hands?” Her tone held a trace of petulance. Yan Jue also yearned to have physical contact with Qi Xian Qing. Perhaps now, under the sky, the one who desired to hold Qi Xian Qing’s hand the most was her. The mere touch of their fingertips sent a pleasant tingling spreading down her body. Closing her eyes, Yan Jue held back, losing the will to struggle. After all, having just absorbed some of Qi Xian Qing's Yang energy, Yan Jue found her irresistibly attractive, unable to break free from Qi Xian Qing’s grasp, she looked up with a resigned, weary gaze. Abruptly rising, Yan Jue leaned in closer. The two were soon separated by only a very short distance. Qi Xian Qing paused. Staring at each other, Yan Jue softened completely, resting her head against Qi Xian Qing’s waist, deeply inhaling the enchanting celestial fragrance she emanated. It smelled so wonderful it brought tears to her eyes. Kneeling on the ground, Yan Jue wrapped her arms around Qi Xian Qing’s waist, unwilling to let go. Qi Xian Qing watched her, unable to suppress the smile tugging at her lips. Eyes closed, Yan Jue recalled the method of supplementing just days prior, gradually drawing Qi Xian Qing’s Yang energy into her core, her mind blank. Her body trembled with pleasure. Having not yet fully recovered the spiritual power lost days before, she simply couldn’t part from Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing gently patted her back, soothing her with a teasing tone. Yan Jue was increasingly convinced this woman was seducing her. The moment soon ended, aware of the principle not to exploit excessively, Yan Jue took only a small bit of energy. But even a small portion of Qi Xian Qing’s purest Yang energy had left Yan Jue overwhelmed. Limp in Qi Xian Qing’s embrace, she took long to recover. Qi Xian Qing, cheeks slightly flushed, lowered her head to stroke the girl’s soft crown, questioning, “But how did Junior Sister Yan so quickly determine the healer’s location?” The Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion is a secret within the demon tribe. Such secrets must never be discovered by cultivators. Perhaps some have heard of the Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion, but because it is ever-moving and its presence is extremely concealed, even those human cultivators who have heard of it cannot find it. If the Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion were discovered by cultivators, the consequences could be disastrous. For instance, last time in Nanxing Town, Xue Shuangxing from the Beast Control Hall somehow discovered the location of the Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion and launched an attack. Most of the creatures there were minor demons with modest cultivation that couldn't withstand the confrontation. Additionally, the demon tribe had long stayed under the radar, avoiding unnecessary trouble. Under the cultivators’ forceful assault, they had no ability to fight back. Yan Jue opened her eyes slightly, hesitating momentarily over whether she should tell Qi Xian Qing. The cave fell into a brief silence. Qi Xian Qing was aware that Yan Jue had some secrets. Recalling what Senior Lu said earlier, Qi Xian Qing hadn’t realized the esteemed position Yan Jue held within the ghost realm's fox tribe. Such a precious status came with its responsibilities and burdens, much like her own position as the chief disciple of Five Dragons Sect. Qi Xian Qing understood this clearly. Since Yan Jue chose not to speak, Qi Xian Qing would not force her. Suddenly, Yan Jue spoke, “The Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion.” Qi Xian Qing was taken aback. Yan Jue continued, “That’s where I got my information.” “That place is akin to a marketplace for demons, present all around the world.” Yan Jue paused, lowering her voice, “It’s a place that can do anything.” Yan Jue was this kind of person. Before comprehending her own heart, she might fool herself. But once she understood her own feelings, Yan Jue would give her whole heart, without reservation. She liked Qi Xian Qing and was willing to trust her. The Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion was a secret in her heart, and Yan Jue intended to share it with her. Qi Xian Qing looked at her, starlight seemingly swirling in her dark eyes, “I see.” “I’ve heard of the Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion too. My master once said it exists in every corner of this world.” “As a fox demon, it’s natural that you’d have been there.” Qi Xian Qing supported her underarms, lifting her slightly, speaking earnestly, “Thank you for being willing to tell me.” Yan Jue released a sigh of relief, turning into a small, crimson-furred fox, finding a comfortable spot on Qi Xian Qing’s lap and shutting her heavy eyelids. Her six fluffy, large tails entwined around Qi Xian Qing’s hands. In the dim light of the cave, Yan Jue lay in Qi Xian Qing’s arms, yawning contentedly, feeling a soft touch falling on her head. Qi Xian Qing held the little fox tenderly, her gaze lingering warmly on those half-closed amber eyes, then bowed her head to gently kiss her furry head. Qi Xian Qing’s movements were gentle, as if afraid of scaring her. Yan Jue instinctively tensed at the sensation. Qi Xian Qing rested her chin on Yan Jue’s furry head, leaning against the rock wall, closing her eyes. She murmured, “I’m not exactly sure what couples are supposed to do.” “But it doesn’t matter if we don’t know. We can learn gradually in the future,” Qi Xian Qing mused softly, smiling to herself.