111 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 111: The Lord's Manor (Deep Water Extra) Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue recuperated for several more days in the cave before deciding to return to Feidu City once Yan Jue's condition had mostly recovered. The way out of the mountains was to follow the stream and head upstream. Yan Jue had once carried Qi Xianqing along this route. At that time, the journey felt endless, as though it would never be over. Now, walking alongside Qi Xianqing, the path seemed surprisingly short. Qi Xianqing wore a lake-blue cross-collared ruqun, carried a long sword in a dark scabbard on her back, and walked with light, steady footsteps. Even on such a steep mountain path, her fair face remained calm, her breath long and steady. Typically, after being drained, one would feel weak due to bodily depletion, but for some reason, Qi Xianqing seemed extraordinarily vibrant. Yan Jue suddenly recalled the first time she and Qi Xianqing climbed a mountain. Back then, they were going to Nanxing Town with two others, and it was when she first witnessed Qi Xianqing's astonishing physical prowess. Sensing Yan Jue's gaze, Qi Xianqing felt her spirits lift and turned to look at her. “Senior sister, why are you staring at me?” Yan Jue couldn't help but ask, “How's your knee?” After all, she had spent recent days meticulously tending to Qi Xianqing's knee. Yan Jue was genuinely concerned. Qi Xianqing looked away briefly, lowering her eyes: “It aches a bit... perhaps the necrotic tissue hasn’t healed properly.” Yan Jue widened her eyes slightly: “Are you a fool? If it hurts, why are you walking so fast?” Moreover, you remain so expressionless. Yan Jue couldn't help but silently complain in her heart. Feeling Yan Jue's concern, Qi Xianqing clasped her hands behind her back and looked over, “Would you take a look?” Yan Jue, smiling, remarked, “Do you ever know how to take care of yourself?” Qi Xianqing's lips formed a slight curve as she seated herself on a nearby mountain rock and watched as Yan Jue approached in a few steps and crouched down to roll up her pant leg. Yan Jue paused halfway, taken aback by the sight of Qi Xianqing's slender, pale ankle. Their recent interactions had perhaps become too familiar, and Yan Jue had forgotten this moment of intimacy. Even though she and Qi Xianqing could be considered half-partners now, Yan Jue still felt a bit uncomfortable with such closeness. Qi Xianqing lowered her head, gazing deeply at Yan Jue, pressing her lips together. Yan Jue rested her hands gently on Qi Xianqing’s knee, starting to massage: “Does it hurt?” This technique was something she learned from Song Miyun, intended to help Qi Xianqing loosen the tendons in her knee. She wasn’t sure if it would be effective. Qi Xianqing grimaced, “It’s getting worse.” Qi Xianqing sat on the rock, hands braced at her sides, watching Yan Jue frown from her kneeling position. Yan Jue was strikingly beautiful, with porcelain skin and an air of purity, her face absorbed in concentration. Yan Jue sighed exasperatedly: “Just now, you said it only hurt a little.” “Shall I carry you?” Before she knew it, Qi Xianqing had already shifted onto Yan Jue's back, her delicate arms wrapping around Yan Jue's shoulders. During her time on Wulong Mountain, Yan Jue had focused on strength training, carrying sandbags not only on her legs but her arms and waist as well. Carrying Qi Xianqing wasn’t difficult, as she wasn't heavy at all. It was a strange twist of fate; she had initially come here carrying Qi Xianqing. With Qi Xianqing perched on her back, her body pressed close to her shoulders, Yan Jue felt warm breaths against her ear, and something soft brushed her cheek. Qi Xianqing’s voice was gentle, tinged with amusement: “Senior sister, do you feel sorry for me?” Yan Jue flushed, warmth spreading all over her body. Qi Xianqing warned, “Yan Jue, try to walk steadily. If we fall into the stream, we won’t be able to face our master.” As soon as Qi Xianqing finished speaking, Yan Jue stumbled, stepping abruptly onto a protruding rock. “…” Yan Jue slowly picked herself up from the ground, seeing Qi Xianqing nearly rolling her eyes heavenward. Looking at her expression, Qi Xianqing decided not to tease her too harshly. Qi Xianqing stood up, holding back laughter: “Sorry for causing you to fall.” She reached out a hand, taking Yan Jue's hand, “Let’s continue up the mountain.” They walked a while, during which Yan Jue kept glancing at Qi Xianqing from the corner of her eye, still attentive to her knee’s condition. Song Miyun had said that Qi Xianqing's knee, just recovered, couldn't endure intense activity. After her fourth glance in Qi Xianqing’s direction, Qi Xianqing finally asked, “What is it?” Yan Jue hesitated, “Is your knee really okay?” Yan Jue was more attentive than Qi Xianqing expected. Qi Xianqing frowned slightly, rubbing her lower back, “After that fall, it really aches.” Holding Qi Xianqing’s gaze for a long moment, Yan Jue finally seemed to resign herself, closing her eyes. Her form suddenly changed, turning into a large, crimson-furred fox, six tails swirling in the wind like flames. Qi Xianqing watched her, a gentle smile softening her eyes. She reached out, gently tousling the fur on her neck, “Our Yan Jue is so well-behaved.” Yan Jue. Those simple words left Yan Jue, hidden beneath the fur, with her face blushing a deep red. Yan Jue clawed at the dirt behind her, baring her teeth in mock ferocity, as if urging her to hurry up. Qi Xianqing’s lips curved as she swiftly mounted. Amidst the forested mountains, one person and one fox leisurely traversed by the stream. - By the time Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing returned to Feidu City, Yun Zhen was already waiting for them at the inn. Yun Zhen was known for her generosity, and unsurprisingly, she had booked the largest suite. The moment Qi Xianqing saw Yun Zhen, her expression turned serious as she knelt down. Yun Zhen reclined on a chaise lounge, surprised, “Why are you kneeling?” Qi Xianqing replied, “I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Master.” Yun Zhen waved the communication talisman in her hand, “You didn't respond to me back then, and now you pretend to be pitiful in front of me? I’m not swayed by this.” Although Yun Zhen said this, her expression did not show any displeasure. Instead, she asked, “Did you encounter any danger?” Despite knowing roughly what had happened with Qi Xianqing, Yun Zhen was unaware of the specific details because when she reached Fuxian Mountain, she found only the cold body of a tiger demon, with no demon core in sight. She didn’t know specifics, but to Yun Zhen, these details were more pressing. Qi Xianqing briefly recounted the incident of falling off a cliff, omitting parts about absorbing yang energy: “Fortunately, Yan Jue saved me.” Yun Zhen remarked, “Good, worthy of being my disciple.” She turned to Yan Jue with a face full of concern, “Little Yan, thanks for saving Xianqing. Are you experiencing any discomfort?” Yan Jue felt a chill down her spine. “No.” Why did Yun Zhen’s gaze seem slightly strange? Qi Xianqing remained in the room to hear Yun Zhen's instructions, knowing that it likely involved Qi Xianqing's personal matters, so Yan Jue excused herself. No sooner had Yan Jue left the inn than she noticed a group of men nearby talking in hushed tones. Despite the distance, Yan Jue, with her sharp hearing, could clearly make out their conversation. “I heard a beautiful woman caused quite a scene at the inn a few days ago, almost tearing the place apart, yet stopped the moment that lady from the top suite came down.” “Both are stunning beauties.” “I specifically came to this inn because of that, but I haven't seen a single beauty since arriving.” “They must be an item... You know how couples are, they argue and make up. If they’re reconciled, you won’t see a thing.” Yan Jue inwardly sighed: “…” - More than ten days ago, upon receiving a message talisman, Yun Zhen rushed over using an immortal art, Flash Illusion. However, by the time she arrived, she didn’t find Qi Xianqing in the mountains but only the icy body of a tiger demon. Since Qi Xianqing had left a thread of her divine consciousness in a reflection ring while on this mission, Yun Zhen would immediately sense it if she perished. Staying at the inn, Yun Zhen considered sending a clone to search the mountains when suddenly, clamorous noises erupted at the entrance. Recognizing the voice, Yun Zhen peeked out to confirm it was indeed San Niang. Lu Yanshuang dragged Yun Zhen, raging, insisting Yun Zhen’s leading disciple had absorbed her niece's yin energy. Years ago, Yun Zhen took Yan Jue as a disciple not just for her innate talent but because Yan Jue bore a slight resemblance to Lu Yanshuang, who had once captured Yun Zhen's attention. Lu Yanshuang’s uproar only strengthened Yun Zhen's suspicions. Yun Zhen reassured Lu Yanshuang that if Qi Xianqing truly absorbed Yan Jue's yin energy, she’d surely discipline her disciple. Since Lu Yanshuang was more familiar with Fuxian Mountain than Yun Zhen, Yun Zhen shapeshifted into a white butterfly, following closely behind Lu Yanshuang. One looked for her disciple, the other for a princess. Yun Zhen also witnessed Qi Xianqing shamelessly calling Lu Yanshuang “Aunt.” She guessed at the emotions Qi Xianqing might hold for Yan Jue. Given the preciousness of yang energy, Yun Zhen was well aware that while her disciple wasn’t the type to take advantage, Qi Xianqing also wasn't a person who gave selflessly. Previously, Qi Xianqing had consulted Yun Zhen about spirit pets numerous times. At that time, Yun Zhen only found it peculiar, but now she finally understood Qi Xianqing’s intentions. While somewhat unexpected, Yun Zhen could only inwardly cheer, "Good!" No wonder she was her disciple. Yun Zhen looked up, observing Qi Xianqing kneeling before her, and couldn’t help but wonder if her serious demeanor extended to such private moments as well. How dull that would be. Meeting Qi Xianqing’s curious gaze, Yun Zhen cleared her throat slightly, "I have something to discuss with you." Qi Xianqing responded quickly, "Master, please speak." With a wave of her right hand, Yun Zhen revealed a green leaf in her palm, which swirled in the air, flecked with traces of black mist. Qi Xianqing was momentarily taken aback. This leaf was an artifact for cultivating ghostly entities. Her heart skipped a beat. Yun Zhen explained, “This was from the vengeful ghosts I found scattered when I reached Fuxian Mountain.” Vengeful ghosts, or changgui, are also ghostly entities. When a person is devoured by a tiger, they become its slave, a changgui. Reciting an incantation, the leaf in Yun Zhen's hand suddenly expanded, and two shadowy figures emerged. Qi Xianqing’s pupils contracted sharply. It was her father and mother. “The changgui controlled by a tiger cannot pass into the cycle of reincarnation like a normal spirit. They need a cultivator to perform rites,” Yun Zhen continued. “However, because changgui are filled with malice, expelling them is a hundred times more difficult than typical spirits. Originally, they are just wandering spirits. If eradicated directly, they might be scattered forever, never to return to this world.” “Master, do you mean that to release my father and mother, I should seek professional help from Huiyin Sect?” Qi Xianqing asked, her brows slightly frowning. “That is correct,” Yun Zhen affirmed. “Within the Five Dragon Gate, you still have the ancient qin ‘Fuhuan’ from the Qi family. This is a renowned qin. When played by a master, it can aid in releasing these spirits. You must know disciples from Huiyin Sect from your travels. You can contact them for assistance.” Qi Xianqing bowed lower, “Understood.” With another flick of her hand, Yun Zhen sent the green leaf floating gently into Qi Xianqing's hands. Yun Zhen knew that this was a knot in Qi Xianqing's heart that could only be untangled by personally releasing her parents. Holding the leaf carefully, Qi Xianqing gazed at the two familiar yet unrecognizable spirits, their presence heavy like a thousand-pound weight, and stood silently for a long time. “Keep this safe for now,” Yun Zhen advised softly. “Yes,” Qi Xianqing replied. As she turned to leave, Yun Zhen called after her, “Wait a moment.” Qi Xianqing paused, slightly surprised. “There’s something else I want to tell you,” Yun Zhen added. --- Returning to the room, Qi Xianqing retrieved a massive tiger demon’s core from her sleeve. The core gleamed with a soft light, faintly reflecting Qi Xianqing’s image. The demon core is foundational to the demon’s life, embodying not just their cultivation but their memories. With this core, Qi Xianqing could search through the memories of these two tiger demons by injecting her spiritual consciousness into it. Closing her eyes, she explored the core with her consciousness, soon finding what she sought. The tiger demons were brazen among the Five Demons. These male and female tiger demons were subordinates of the tiger leader, frequently causing trouble in the Western Regions. These tiger demons had allied with the demons, thus gaining information about her celestial body. In the core’s memories, they indeed conversed with the Demon Lord. Her suspicions were confirmed. But then, Qi Xianqing noticed something, her spiritual consciousness pausing slightly. Within the core’s memories lay a tiny, easily overlooked detail. The real Liang Ting Mian, the City Lord of Feidu City, wasn’t dead. She was being held captive by the tiger demons… --- Stepping out of her room, Qi Xianqing found Yan Jue waiting beneath the corridor. Yan Jue wore a pale pink pleated skirt, the necklace around her neck shining brilliantly. She lounged lazily on a bench, sipping from a bowl of soup. In the sunlight, her lips were red, teeth white; she looked far better than she had days ago. Qi Xianqing approached, clearing her throat softly. Hearing the sound, Yan Jue turned, meeting Qi Xianqing’s gaze. “Are you done?” Yan Jue asked, her eyebrows arching playfully. “Mm, yes, I am,” Qi Xianqing replied, her voice slightly hoarse. There were numerous matters Qi Xianqing had to handle, and fatigue had long become the norm for her. Yan Jue gestured, “There’s a table of food over there. You could—” Before she finished, her whole body suddenly froze. Qi Xianqing wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her gently into an embrace, resting her chin on her shoulder with a sigh. The sigh was soft, but Yan Jue caught it. Qi Xianqing was seeking comfort, clearly exhausted. “What are you drinking?” Qi Xianqing inquired, quietly seeking solace. Blushing slightly, Yan Jue returned the hug, smiling up at her. “Soup.” “Mind if I have some?” Qi Xianqing asked. Yan Jue, of course, didn’t mind, laughing, “If you want, you’re welcome to.” After speaking with Yun Zhen in the room, Qi Xianqing felt hungry and thirsty, though cultivators often ate less; complete fasting wasn’t possible. Seeing Yan Jue’s bowl of soup, she couldn’t help but be tempted. Yun Zhen had earlier instructed the innkeeper to prepare a table of meals. “If you’re hungry, you could eat over there,” Yan Jue offered. “No need.” Qi Xianqing watched Yan Jue for a moment before taking her soup, “I’ll just have a bit of this.” Without hesitation, she drank from Yan Jue’s bowl, an unexpected wave of spiciness scorching her throat, leading her to cough violently. “It’s spicy?” Qi Xianqing managed between coughs, looking at Yan Jue in mock accusation, “Why didn’t you tell me?” Stifling her laughter, Yan Jue replied, “You insisted on it, and I did mention there was a whole table of food.” Qi Xianqing pressed her lips together, a soft smile lurking in her eyes. Though spicy, the soup remained sweet. Placing the bowl down, Qi Xianqing suggested, “Let’s not stay; we’ve things to attend to.” --- “So, Master gave you an artifact holding…” Yan Jue paused, uncertain, “Uncle and Aunt’s changgui?” Qi Xianqing nodded, “Changgui differs from other spirits. To release them, I’ll need a fine guqin to play the ‘Spectral Dispel Melody.’ I’ll keep them close and perform the rites at the right moment.” “But do we need to buy or borrow a seven-string guqin?” Yan Jue wondered. “I have one at my dormitory,” Qi Xianqing confirmed. Recalling her first visit to Qi Xianqing’s dormitory, Yan Jue remembered spotting a pristine guqin inside. The guqin, Fuhuan, sat in Qi Xianqing’s dorm, a renowned instrument. It seemed odd before, for a sword cultivator like Qi Xianqing to own a guqin. Qi Xianqing hailed from a family steeped in culture and etiquette, her mother held great love for the guqin. When the tiger demon destroyed the Qi family, only this instrument remained intact. Upon arriving at the Lord’s Manor in Feidu City, Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue encountered chaos. The female tiger demon impersonating the city lord had been slain by them at Fuxian Mountain outside the city. The news of the city lord’s sudden disappearance was volatile enough to send shockwaves through the whole city if leaked. The steward could only keep it under wraps. As panic spread within the manor, two women arrived at the gate requesting an audience. Recognizing them as the disciples who visited over half a month ago seeking the city lord, the steward hesitated, wary, “City Lord is unwell and cannot meet guests.” Qi Xianqing noticed numerous sect disciples gathered outside the manor. It was autumn, and the Mountain Bixian Grass was in bloom. This precious herb bore a strong resemblance to ordinary grass, making it indistinguishable to the naked eye. The city lord’s mansion hosted the Sun-Moon beast, which loved the herb and could locate its position in the mountains. Those unaware of the situation merely understood that the city lord wasn’t receiving guests and gathered outside the manor. Yan Jue stepped forward, “May we speak privately?” After a moment’s silence, the steward nodded, albeit reluctantly. Yan Jue approached, whispering to the steward, “The city lord’s disappearance is a case of impersonation. We discovered the true whereabouts of the city lord.” Shocked, the steward quickly ushered them inside with great respect. The gathered sect disciples whispered among themselves as the two entered. One hot-tempered woman exclaimed, “Really? How come we’re denied entry to the Sun-Moon beast, yet they’re allowed?” The male cultivator beside her shook his head. "Did you see that woman? She looks like Meng Hang Jun from the Five Dragon Gate. She's their leading disciple, renowned across the human world." "Perhaps the city lord admires her," he added. The woman frowned. "But the one next to her looks familiar too, like the third-ranked candidate from the Five Dragon Summit..." The Five Dragon Summit was a grand event in the immortal realm, documented by various regional publications, so most immortal disciples were aware of it. "Exactly, the Five Dragon Gate sent both its top disciples to find the Bixian Grass, so naturally, the city lord would show them respect," he explained confidently. The steward led Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue to the back courtyard, staring at them suspiciously. "Ladies, where exactly is our city lord?" Yan Jue got straight to the point, "Could we borrow your Sun-Moon Beast?" The steward immediately scowled. "Are you joking? Our city lord has vanished, and you want to borrow the Sun-Moon Beast? That's simply unreasonable!" "I must ask you to leave." Just as the steward was about to summon others, Qi Xianqing lifted her hand to stop him. She asked gently, "When the city lord first obtained the Sun-Moon Beast, how old was it?" The steward replied, "The city lord bought the Sun-Moon Beast from the Fortress of All Things; it was only a month old." Qi Xianqing nodded, "If you let the Sun-Moon Beast out, it can find the true city lord." Reluctantly, the steward ordered the Sun-Moon Beast to be brought out, partly due to Qi Xianqing’s serene and commanding presence as a representative of the immortal sect. Yan Jue was slightly astonished to see the Sun-Moon Beast — a large, snow-white cat in an iron cage. She noted the faint golden formation surrounding the cage as the cat lazily licked its paws, one eye a deep blue, the other a fiery red. Once released, the cat let out a soft "meow," moving with graceful steps. Qi Xianqing noticed Yan Jue's fascination and smiled, "This isn’t the oddest part." "What could possibly be more—" Yan Jue began, only to pause as she saw the servants lift the Sun-Moon Beast by its paws. Qi Xianqing’s expression turned blank as she averted her eyes. Yan Jue was taken aback. The Sun-Moon Beast was hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female traits. The steward, growing impatient, asked, "I've brought out the Sun-Moon Beast for you, and now you should find the city lord for me." Qi Xianqing explained, "A Sun-Moon Beast is immensely loyal. If it was raised by the city lord, it will find its owner." "And this one has a master-servant contract." As if to confirm Qi Xianqing's words, the cat meowed again, licking its paws lazily. "But how can you be sure it’s contracted with the city lord?" Yan Jue asked. “The Sun-Moon Beast is notoriously hard to rear,” Qi Xianqing replied. “Without a contract, it wouldn't have grown up here.” The moment the Sun-Moon Beast touched the ground, it began to sniff around, its fluffy tail sweeping behind it. Following its footsteps, they reached a secluded corner of the city lord’s manor. A latrine. Pushing open its door released a cloud of dust, and a stench filled the air. It was an old, unused outhouse. The Sun-Moon Beast scratched at the pile of weeds inside, uncovering a large wooden board beneath. “Quick, lift that board!” the steward shouted. Several servants rushed forward but were thrown back by a powerful barrier when they touched it, a blue glow flickering around the edge. Qi Xianqing glanced at Yan Jue, who produced two spirit stones. She calculated the position, chanted silently, and stomped her foot, placing the stones at the board's perimeter, dispelling the formation. The steward hurriedly called out, “City Lord…” The servants removed the board, revealing a deep pit beneath it, where lay a bedraggled woman. She appeared exactly like the city lord, imitating the form created by the tiger demon. The tiger demon didn’t kill the city lord; it had trapped her in this underground chamber... The servants scrambled to bring her up, a skilled physician waiting outside to examine her. As everyone stood by her bed, the physician frowned and shook his head. “The city lord isn’t physically injured.” Yan Jue gazed at Liang Ting Mian’s face, quickly sensing something amiss. Her expressions of extreme pain, the dark aura on her forehead, the furrowed brows—it was a lot like Qi Xianqing’s condition back at Fuxian Mountain, indicating mental trauma. “Earlier, you said the resident at the city lord’s manor was an imposter?” the steward asked, frowning, “How could someone switch her out? Our city lord is a cultivator at the fifth realm. If threatened, she would’ve…” He trailed off, but everyone understood his meaning. The tiger demons were powerful, true. But the manor’s defenses and Liang’s own advanced spiritual consciousness made capturing her without a fierce struggle nearly impossible. “My guess is mental trauma,” the physician speculated. “Although I have no medicine for it, perhaps if I returned to my—” “I can try,” Yan Jue interjected. Surprised, the steward turned. “You? How could you possibly treat mental trauma?” Noticing the sword on her back, he doubted she was a medical cultivator. Was every Five Dragon Gate immortal that versatile? Stepping forward, Yan Jue produced an emerald jade seal from her robe. As she had with Qi Xianqing days prior, she uttered a quiet command, the seal rising and glowing softly, enveloping Liang Ting Mian. Yan Jue had learned this seal’s capabilities, particularly its efficacy in healing spiritual and mental damage. It seemed fitting for Liang’s current state to give it a try. --- Feidu City streets bustled with life. Leaving the city lord’s manor, Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing passed through the bustling commercial district. Buzzing with townsfolk, the streets resounded with laughter and chatter, oblivious to the recent turmoil in the manor. Qi Xianqing suddenly halted. “Wait.” Yan Jue stopped, watching Qi Xianqing amble over to a roadside stall. Following her, Yan Jue watched Qi Xianqing survey the wares. Kiddie trinkets like pinwheels, puzzles, and candle-lit lanterns filled the stall. Yan Jue’s eyes sparkled, intrigued by the intricacies of these items, long fascinated by such novelties, especially the finely crafted folk toys. But soon, her gaze shifted back to Qi Xianqing. “…." Yan Jue scoffed softly, resolving not to show her enthusiasm in front of Qi Xianqing. The afternoon passed as they wandered the marketplace, Qi Xianqing expressing an unusual interest in the fabric stalls, picking out several pieces of bright silk. Offering quiet advice, Yan Jue suggested, “Go for more muted colors.” Qi Xianqing turned, her gaze playful, “Do you think I look better in muted tones?” Narrowing her eyes and nodding minutely, Yan Jue said nothing more. It was merely a suggestion. Perhaps habituated by spending excessive time as a canine, Yan Jue couldn't entirely suppress her instincts. Qi Xianqing seemed unaffected by her reticence and didn’t hesitate to purchase both brightly colored and ivory white fabrics. The pair roamed the vibrant market, exploring every stall before finally returning to the inn. --- Dressed in a white robe, her black-sheathed sword on her back, Qi Xianqing entered with resolute grace. Yan Jue followed closely, arms laden with vibrant silks. As they stepped into the grand hallway of the top-tier suite, Yun Zhen greeted them with a contemplative expression. Faced with Yun Zhen’s gaze, Yan Jue felt a twinge of guilt. Taking a slow sip of tea, Yun Zhen asked, “So, how did your... tasks go?” Feeling the weight of “your tasks” Yan Jue suspected it held a deeper implication, none too subtle. Hurriedly, she bowed to Yun Zhen. “Regarding Master’s question, the task is complete. I’ll take my leave now.” With that, she closed the door with a decisive “thunk.” Qi Xianqing tilted her head, watching Yan Jue leave, only to be brought back by Yun Zhen’s gentle cough, “Tonight, one of you will sleep in this room and the other in that room.” Qi Xianqing returned her attention to Yun Zhen, who gestured toward the adjacent room. Yun Zhen spoke with a tone of earnest advice, “Do not rush things. You wouldn't want to scare away someone you've only just captured.” Qi Xianqing: “…” Yun Zhen couldn’t help but worry about her disciple. Qi Xianqing had always been somewhat stoic from a young age. Yun Zhen had feared she might end up living in solitude. Furthermore, given Qi Xianqing’s focus on strength training, she was concerned that she might unintentionally hurt someone if not careful. It seemed Yun Zhen intended to guide Qi Xianqing in this matter as well. --- The top-tier suite certainly lived up to its name, with every room equipped splendidly. After bathing, Yan Jue stepped out of the room with her long black hair down over her shoulders, wearing simple white inner garments, when she unexpectedly noticed someone sitting by the window. She stared in surprise, silently uttering "Oh my," before smiling and approaching. “What are you doing here?” Qi Xianqing, already changed into fresh clothes, her long hair tied up with a pale purple hairpin, sat cross-legged on the windowsill, a spirit fruit in hand, exuding an ethereal elegance of unmatched grace. Hearing the footsteps, Qi Xianqing turned her head. “I missed my little fox and wanted to come see you. Is that not okay?” Yan Jue couldn’t suppress the upward curve of her lips, teasing, “You’re being so clingy! It’s not been an hour.” Qi Xianqing hopped off the windowsill, hands behind her back, approaching with a smile in her eyes. “Come here, my little fox.” Qi Xianqing reclined lazily on the bed. “It’s time to replenish my spirit energy again.” Yan Jue felt like crying and laughing simultaneously, yet a gentle joy filled her heart. “Didn’t Master say you shouldn’t come over?” she asked. Qi Xianqing replied, “If I want to visit, could Master really stop me?” Pausing, she added, “I simply wish to stay with my partner. If Master opposes, it feels a bit too excessive.” Traditionally respectful of her teacher and the teachings, it was rare to hear such rebellious words from Qi Xianqing, which made Yan Jue chuckle. Recalling Yun Zhen’s knowing gaze that day, Yan Jue asked, “Does Master already know my identity?” Qi Xianqing said, “I’m uncertain of Master’s thoughts. I only know that Aunt and Master share a special connection.” Yan Jue chuckled and teased, “Who taught you to call her that?” Qi Xianqing adapted quickly; it’s only been a few days, and she hadn’t even fully adjusted. If Yun Zhen had known her true identity all this time and chose not to expose her, it likely had ties with her third aunt as well. Yan Jue sensed there was more to their relationship than met the eye. Sitting beside Qi Xianqing, Yan Jue noted, “I feel like I’ve been recovering quickly lately.” Looking at Qi Xianqing confidently, Yan Jue declared, “I don’t need to absorb yang energy anymore.” Song Miyun's medical advice was to maintain the intake of Yang energy for at least a month. But who sticks strictly to doctor’s orders? Qi Xianqing's spiritual energy was extremely pure and balanced, and after only a few days of absorbing it, Yan Jue felt fully recovered. Qi Xianqing concurred without protest, “In that case, let’s do something else.” Startled, Yan Jue watched as Qi Xianqing pulled a bamboo-woven ball from her sleeve, known as cuju. Staring at the cuju, Yan Jue felt her excitement rising uncontrollably, heart pounding as she glanced eagerly at Qi Xianqing. When they had strolled through the market earlier, Yan Jue’s gaze lingered fondly on this ball. Not only did Qi Xianqing notice, but she remembered and purchased it for her. Yan Jue rolled over on the bed, resting her head on Qi Xianqing’s thigh, arms wrapped around her waist, amber eyes narrowing slightly. “Elder sister, I want to play.” Even in human form, Yan Jue kept some fox-like traits, her body still soft and pliant. Watching her, Qi Xianqing’s heart melted. She placed the cuju down, leaned close, hands on the bed, head slightly lowered, and addressed Yan Jue, “You can play, but you have to agree to one thing first.” Qi Xianqing's scent enveloped her, causing Yan Jue to tremble, looking up at her, “What is it?” “Absorbing energy isn’t the only way,” Qi Xianqing explained softly, “Let’s try something else today, shall we?” Note: This site has no pop-up ads, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)