113 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 113: Luan Terrace Having promised Liang Tingmian to deliver a message to Luan Terrace, Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing didn't linger too long in Wulong Mountain. After resting for a few days in the mountains, the two decided to set off directly to Luan Terrace. In the afternoon. Qi Xianqing stood in the Icy Peach Garden, holding a brand-new lake-blue pleated dress in her hand, aligning it against Yan Jue’s shoulder. "This is the first time I've made clothes," Qi Xianqing smiled. "It fits quite well." They had purchased the fabric on the bustling streets of Feidu City. Qi Xianqing had already transformed the fabric into garments. Yan Jue was already familiar with Qi Xianqing’s craftsmanship, having seen her skillfully create lifelike chew toys in the form of small chicks and puppies before. Yan Jue lovingly caressed the soft material, utterly delighted. Since entering this world, she hadn’t dressed in clothes made from such colorful satin, especially with such comfortable and perfectly fitting material. Subsequently, Qi Xianqing took out a plain chemise, comparing it against the copper mirror. In the sunlight, her skin appeared as white as snow, her eyes closed slightly, exuding a beauty that could topple kingdoms. Yan Jue suddenly noticed something and stepped forward, pinching the embroidery at Qi Xianqing's waist. A fox, lazily lying there, its posture adorably charming. A fox... Yan Jue paused, her heart skipping a beat, her ears burning instantly. With the fox embroidered onto Qi Xianqing's waist, it was hard not to overthink. Suddenly, Yan Jue looked down at the embroidery on her pleated skirt. The embroidery on her dress was identical to the one on Qi Xianqing’s. --- Luan Terrace was nestled in the East, belonging to the six major celestial sects. Yan Jue had heard from Du Ming that Luan Terrace, proudly holding the lineage of the phoenix, was striving to transcend the six major celestial sects. In the inn, Yan Jue was flipping through the latest issue of "The Wulong Bestiary," frowning slightly. “There are rumors in Jiang Hu that West Sea Lotus Island is expected to replace Luan Terrace as the new celestial sect.” Qi Xianqing commented, “Lotus Island has indeed been outstanding in recent years. It wouldn’t be surprising if they became a new celestial sect.” “Moreover, there's a lack of medical cultivators among the six celestial sects. The court, balancing interests, should allow Lotus Island to become the newly ascended celestial sect.” Yan Jue nodded quietly as she closed the newspaper. Watching her, Qi Xianqing tentatively asked, “Have something to eat. You didn’t seem to eat much this morning.” The table was laden with various dishes, steaming and fragrant. Yan Jue indeed hadn’t eaten much. She had indulged too much in the morning and hadn’t had any appetite since. Hesitant, Qi Xianqing picked up her chopsticks, slowly filleting the fish on the table and placing it in Yan Jue’s bowl. Yan Jue languidly lifted her eyes to watch her, not moving. Qi Xianqing then plucked the drumstick from her bowl, methodically deboning it. Spending so much time together, Qi Xianqing had a good sense of Yan Jue’s preferences. Her actions were sincere and considerate, warming Yan Jue’s heart. In the evening. Yan Jue had transformed into her little fox form, lazily nestled in Qi Xianqing’s arms, her fiery red tail tightly wrapped around Qi Xianqing’s arm. Qi Xianqing lay propped up on the bed in her plain white undergarments, her eyes closed, a faint smile on her lips as if playing with the little fox, her head bending down, her nose gently grazing the small fox's damp, black nose. “Ah Jue,” Qi Xianqing murmured. The little fox curled up in Qi Xianqing’s embrace, feeling immensely comfortable, and a gentle purring rumbled from its throat, its hind legs kicking about erratically, landing on Qi Xianqing's stomach. A bundle of fluff. “Whose adorable little fox are you?” Qi Xianqing cooed. Feigning ignorance, Yan Jue half-opened her long, phoenix eyes, casting a playful glance at her. It seemed having a Dao partner wasn’t such a terrifying prospect after all. Currently, despite being Dao partners, they hadn’t bonded their cores. According to Qi Xianqing, they had a month to try things out and, if they got along well, they could proceed to bond. Yan Jue knew choosing a Dao partner was a decision to be taken with extreme caution, especially since she was a demon. Yet whenever she saw Qi Xianqing’s considerate actions, she couldn't help but feel an urge to accelerate their relationship. --- Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing rested overnight at the inn. Early the next morning, they resumed their journey. In just a short time, they arrived at the eastern Luan Terrace. Luan Terrace was situated in Yao Hua Mountain, the path up steep, with eight hundred and ninety-nine steps visible at a glance. As they reached midway, the surroundings were shrouded in mist. Rich in spiritual energy, the area seemed like an immortal paradise. Qi Xianqing, her sword slung over her back, walked steadily up the mountain path, glancing sideways at Yan Jue. "Ah Jue, if you’re tired, I can carry you.” Yan Jue, clinging to Qi Xianqing’s shoulder, leisurely walked up the mountain. The breeze gently lifted her skirt as she calmly retorted, “No need.” Yan Jue was genuinely not tired. After all, she was already at the demon core stage and had undergone specialized endurance training at Wulong Gate, making this mountain path trivial for her. After nearly two hours of walking, Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing finally reached the gates of Luan Terrace. Standing atop the green stone steps, Yan Jue watched as the majestic, golden, ornate architecture came into view, with intricately carved phoenix patterns exuding an aura of grandeur and solemnity on the great doors. Unable to resist, Yan Jue glanced back at the path they had taken. The path stretched long and arduous, with nothing but steep stairs and mist surrounding them. This must be the legendary Luan Terrace of the East, truly an immortal realm. Qi Xianqing raised her hand, knocking on the ancient greenish-blue beast-shaped door knocker. The two stood outside waiting for quite a while until the sound of footsteps approached from within. A maid in a plum flower-patterned gauze dress, tall and beautiful, opened the door. The maid glanced at Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing, “What’s your business?” Though the maid asked them, she didn’t genuinely look at them, conveying a slightly arrogant demeanor. Phoenix clans have always prided themselves on their bloodline, generally dismissive of humans. Yan Jue replied, “We’re here to deliver a message.” With that, she presented Liang Tingmian’s letter, its envelope bearing small words: “To the Princess.” “A letter for Her Highness?” The maid was taken aback, finally scrutinizing them more seriously. “But Her Highness is gravely ill; she’s been convalescing for years. It’s unlikely anyone would send her a letter.” “Gravely ill?” Yan Jue was startled. “May I ask what illness it is?” The maid pursed her lips. While she held little regard for mortals, the king had been exhausting every effort and resource to cure the princess’s illness, inviting renowned physicians from all over. Renowned physicians continuously flocked to Luan Terrace, yet none had succeeded in curing the princess. The king issued a decree among all Luan Terrace disciples: anyone who could find a healer to cure the princess would be promoted to the rank of the king’s yellow badge disciple. The incentive was irresistible. No disciple, from green badge maids to yellow badge ones, would miss any opportunity to aid in finding a physician for the princess. Although these two appeared to be ordinary mortals, there was a chance they might be hiding their true power or serendipitously knew a master physician. Despite her disdain, the maid decided to roughly convey the princess's condition. “Our king is seeking renowned physicians.” The maid sneered, “But despite the revered doctors in the world, not one has been able to cure the princess’s illness.” Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing exchanged glances before stepping forward, smiling, “I happen to know a medical immortal who could perhaps examine the princess.” Since the maid had spoken thus to Yan Jue, she was no fool and understood the subtext. Although there were many medical immortals worldwide, many acted discreetly. Even if Luan Terrace issued summons for famed doctors, they might not wish to come. Cultivation wasn’t just about cultivating resources but also connections. In such circumstances, anyone could become a conduit to elite healers. The maid wasn’t about to pass up the chance. Coincidentally, Yan Jue did know a medical immortal. If she could cure the princess, it would essentially become her key into Luan Terrace. ... Song Mixun, as the leading disciple of Lotus Island, didn’t settle to open a clinic in town after reaching the fifth realm. Instead, she traveled the world, searching for rare medicinal herbs. When in Mount Fu Xian, Song Mixun and Yan Jue had exchanged contact spaces, so Yan Jue could reach her through signaling talismans. --- Cultivators on the move could traverse eighty thousand miles a day. Upon receiving Yan Jue's message, Song Mixun rushed over. Her gaze, upon seeing Yan Jue, became fixedly glued to her. Being a medical enthusiast, Song Mixun saw every part of the Nine-Tailed Fox as a treasure trove of the rarest medicinal ingredients. Yan Jue held an irresistible allure for her. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, causing Qi Xianqing, standing beside Yan Jue, to suddenly feel an intense discomfort. “Friend, you mentioned this trip could revitalize Lotus Island’s reputation. What brings you here?” Song Mixun smiled, inquiring. Qi Xianqing answered on Yan Jue’s behalf, “The Luan Terrace Princess is gravely ill. The Phoenix King has sought numerous famed doctors, yet none have been able to cure her.” “Oh? Then what makes you confident that I can treat such a complex ailment?” Song Mixun asked, intrigued. Qi Xianqing smiled lightly, “It’s merely a trial. The medical immortal will do her best.” With Luan Terrace’s grand doors opened, they followed the maid inside. Eastern Luan Terrace, majestic even from the entrance, was even more breathtaking upon entering. Intoxicatingly beautiful with detailed carvings and elegant architecture, the layout was both graceful and imposing. The structure of the Luan Terrace sect was uniquely distinct from most other religious sects of this world. Disciples at Luan Terrace were categorized into four levels based on their bloodline purity: Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green badges. Without any phoenix bloodline, no matter how talented, one couldn’t enter Luan Terrace. Those with a low purity of phoenix blood could only achieve a Green badge status, equivalent to that of outer sect disciples, relegated to mundane tasks within the sect. Individuals with exceptionally pure phoenix blood had a chance to hold a Yellow badge, equivalent to being the king’s personal disciples. The Red and Blue badges represented two levels among the normal inner sect disciples. This distinct status system set Luan Terrace apart from other sects. Sects like the Southwest Wulong Gate, the Northwest Beast Taming Pavilion, the Central Tiangang Temple, West Sea Lotus Island, and Southeast Clear Breeze Valley typically had sect leaders as the highest authority, followed by various elders, inner sect disciples, and lastly, outer sect disciples, and so on. But in Luan Terrace, the king held the highest authority, followed by disciples sorted into Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green badges. In essence, Luan Terrace was a place where hierarchical divisions were meticulously rigid. The group arrived in an expansive room, with wooden floors, rosewood furniture, incense smoke swirling, and sunlight streaming from above. On a large bed lay a woman with a pallid face, clad in plain white undergarments, lying on her side, her right hand clenched into a fist, her brows tightly furrowed, her breath weak. The Green Plate Maid lowered her eyes and said, “This is Her Highness.” Yan Jue frowned slightly. Liang Tingmian had said her wife left without a word that day, and she thought she had just been taken by the clan. But she hadn’t expected her to be in such a precarious state. Under everyone’s gaze, Song Mixun placed her hand on the woman’s pulse; her profound expertise in medicine allowed her to quickly assess the woman’s condition. Song Mixun declared, “She’s ingested Bone Cleansing Medicine.” Yan Jue had read about such a medicine before in the sect library. It was said to be extremely sinister, capable of helping the user undergo a rebirth, shedding their own bloodline to establish a new one. The medicine could cause many adverse effects, such as intense burning, sharp pain, body convulsions, and for those with a weaker constitution, could even lead to bodily collapse and fragmentation from the medicine’s overwhelming power. After Song Mixun reached her conclusion, the Green Plate Maid nodded; previously, many notable physicians had come to inspect the princess and had identified the use of the irrevocable Bone Cleansing Medicine, with one foot already in the grave. They couldn’t comprehend why. The princess possessed the purest phoenix blood, a matter of great pride. Why would she wish to eradicate such a prestigious bloodline from her body? Especially when the princess’s wedding was approaching. Song Mixun pondered for a moment before turning to Yan Jue, “Yan Daoyou.” Bone Cleansing Medicine wasn’t exactly rare in this world, and naturally, not difficult to counteract. The reason previous doctors couldn’t cure the princess’s ailment was that they lacked a specific ingredient. As they say, unique medicines are difficult to find. Yan Jue nodded, stepping forward slowly, retrieving a glimmering sleeve arrow from her sleeve, lightly cutting her finger. Blood dripped down, solidifying mid-air into strands of golden light. Yan Jue had just returned to the mountain to specialize in Bloodline Heart Techniques. As a Nine-Tailed Spiritual Fox, her aptitude was naturally high, and her blood refinement technique had reached a minor accomplishment. At least she wouldn’t become utterly exhausted as she used to with just a small amount of bleeding. The refined blood, distilled through the bloodline technique, concentrated the essence of the Five Elements, requiring only three drops to achieve the effect that previously needed an entire bowl. Song Mixun mixed the golden Spiritual Fox blood with the herb “Qing Gu Ginseng,” adding a few other ingredients, boiled it in a sandpot, and concocted a steaming broth for the princess to consume. Phoenix Ru, lying on the bed, frowned tightly as she slowly drank the potion. Song Mixun added, “The medication I administered has properties to repair meridians and strengthen the body. Although the Bone Cleansing Medicine is sinister, its effects are rapid both ways, so we can wait until tomorrow to see results.” The maid seemed astonished; she hadn’t expected that the medical immortal summoned from outside could actually prepare a remedy. Song Mixun suddenly shifted the topic, frowning, “This remedy can at best repair meridians damaged by the Bone Cleansing Medicine, but that medicine has been operational within her for a long time, utterly destroying the original phoenix bloodline. It is unlikely it can ever be restored to its original purity.” The maid trembled as she listened. The phoenix bloodline was incredibly precious. Yet the princess had destroyed her entire bloodline by consuming Bone Cleansing Medicine. How would they explain this to the king? ... After treating the princess, Song Mixun made sure to leave her name. For though she was currently wandering, fully captivated by medical arts, as a disciple of Lotus Island, treating such a challenging ailment for the noble descendants of Luan Terrace would undoubtedly benefit Lotus Island’s reputation if the story spread. In these turbulent times, the ranking among the six celestial sects could change at any moment. Although deeply devoted to medicine, she wasn’t averse to contributing a modest effort for Lotus Island. Song Mixun, alongside Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing, leisurely strolled on Phoenix Terrace, a gigantic plaza within the Luan Terrace sect. Enchanted mists shrouded the area, casting a dreamy haze over the surroundings. Song Mixun had a gentle demeanor; as a medical immortal, she didn’t emphasize prowess in techniques or powers. Even at the fifth realm, she couldn’t match a typical fifth-realm cultivator in combat. This was why Yan Jue had no fear when letting Song Mixun take her pulse back in Fu Xian Shan. In that situation, even if Song Mixun had tried something, Yan Jue wouldn’t have feared her. “I wander the mountains seeking rare herbs, always missing news of these recruitment calls for medical cultivation,” Song Mixun remarked. “Thank you, Daoyou, for your introduction.” Yan Jue smiled lightly, “It’s nothing, we're friends out here.” Song Mixun’s gaze inevitably lingered on her. “I wonder if Daoyou has experienced any unusual reactions after dual cultivating?” Song Mixun’s sharp eyes, being a top-tier medical cultivator, could swiftly notice the slightest differences with Yan Jue. Yan Jue abruptly stopped in her tracks. “Hmm?” Song Mixun murmured, “I’ve heard the body of a Nine-Tailed Fox is incredibly sensitive; at a touch, it becomes soft, during intimacy, turning bonelessly supple, only capable of submission.” “Such traits often leave men entirely entranced, unable to stop.” “The more passionate the men, the easier it is for the Nine-Tailed Fox to absorb their yin energy.” Song Mixun frowned slightly, pulling out a book from her bag. “I’m curious if reality aligns with the tales.” Yan Jue tugged her lips into a wry smile, “That curiosity of yours is quite peculiar.” Song Mixun continued, “Your presence, Yan Daoyou, has sparked a significant interest in me regarding Nine-Tailed Foxes.” “They truly are treasures from head to toe, exceedingly rare in this world...” Song Mixun said, her eyes earnestly sweeping over Yan Jue’s slender, fair neck, the lake-blue cross-collar, to the pale purple accessory at her waist. The scrutiny made Yan Jue’s skin crawl. Qi Xianqing watched from behind, finding it amusing yet overwhelmed by a mysterious surge of possessiveness. Qi Xianqing grasped Yan Jue’s hand, gently pulling her back. “While indeed rare, she is not the only Nine-Tailed Fox in this world.” Song Mixun was slightly taken aback, retracting her fervent gaze, and looking at Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing’s eyes curved in a composed smile under the sunlight. Her eyes were phoenix-shaped, slightly recessed at the outer corners, appearing distant when she didn’t smile, but always carrying a hint of amusement when she did. Only then did Song Mixun realize her previous behavior might have crossed a line. The Nine-Tailed Fox before her was already bonded with a Dao partner. Even if Yan Jue were oblivious, she sensed Qi Xianqing was protecting her. Tired of further interaction with Song Mixun, Yan Jue clung to one of Qi Xianqing’s sleeves, retreating behind her. Her eyes peeked accusingly over Qi Xianqing’s shoulder at Song Mixun. Song Mixun: “…” Song Mixun thanked them both and quickly took her leave. After she left, Qi Xianqing took Yan Jue’s hand gently, “Let me see.” Earlier, Yan Jue had cut her finger to drip a few drops of blood; the cut was shallow, and for a cultivator, nothing to fear. Enough time had passed that it was almost healed. Qi Xianqing examined the girl’s pale fingertip intently, encasing it with a cool touch. “What are you looking at?” Yan Jue chuckled. “Do you not like me bleeding?” Qi Xianqing lifted her gaze, looking softly at her, “What do you think?” Bending down, she whispered in Yan Jue’s reddened ear, “Even a little blood, and my heart aches.” The surrounding quiet was broken only by Qi Xianqing's soft voice, sending a heated flush through Yan Jue. Qi Xianqing also found her own feelings quite strange. No matter how she rationalized, such emotions were irrational. Yan Jue wasn’t a fragile mortal; she had recently practiced blood refinement techniques and shouldn’t fear a bit of bleeding. Yet she was worried nonetheless. "Don't worry..." Yan Jue pressed her lips together, looking at Qi Xianqing for a moment before suddenly speaking. Qi Xianqing was slightly taken aback. "Senior Sister... I promised you." Yan Jue held Qi Xianqing’s hand, looking up at her. Her amber phoenix eyes were clear and bright: "If anything happens, I will tell you immediately." Qi Xianqing gazed into Yan Jue’s eyes, a slight curve forming at the corners of her lips. As the sun set, she slowly leaned down, tentatively raising her eyes to meet those clear amber ones. Yan Jue’s brows arched gently, giving a slight nod, as if encouraging her. Qi Xianqing softly pressed her lips against hers.