136 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

### Chapter 136: Going Berserk After Yan Jue finished delivering her impassioned speech, the entire square erupted. The monsters in attendance buzzed with conversation. "That young lady just now—she seemed to have a point, didn’t she?" "The Demon Lord has been promising us grand things for ages, painting glorious pictures for the demon clan. Back then, we thought it odd, but who would have thought his intentions were so sinister!" "That young lady must be from the Chi Hu clan, right? Her demon aura felt so pure, she must have a significant background." "If the Chi Hu have spoken up, then they’ve got their clan’s backing, for sure." Listening to the discussions below the stage, Yan Jue couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smile. As she stepped down, a piercing headache suddenly hit her temples, and her heart felt as though it was burning. Her vision darkened, and she clutched her forehead, nearly losing her balance. What's happening? This feeling seemed to have started a few days ago. It felt like an illness, but not quite. Qi Xian Qing was waiting for her offstage. Seeing Yan Jue's state, she frowned slightly and hurried to support her. "What's wrong?" Yan Jue raised a hand to rub her throbbing temples. "It's strange, I've been having headaches lately." Qi Xian Qing said, "The weather has been fluctuating a lot recently, maybe you've caught a cold." Yan Jue felt somewhat better and pushed Qi Xian Qing away with a smile. "I doubt it. I'm strong and healthy." She began to reflect on the events just now. The pressure from the Immortal Sect and the deliberate overtures from the demons—currently, the demon clan’s allegiance leaned towards the demons. The Chi Hu’s wedding in Lu Wu was a grand event in the demon realm, attracting a vast number of creatures. Though Yan Jue’s words today wouldn’t directly change the monsters’ views, they, at the very least, planted a seed in their hearts. --- Chu Fu was bound and tossed into the mountains by Yan Jue. Having known that Chu Fu was the protagonist and protected by destiny, she figured someone would rescue him no matter what, even if she threw him into the mountains. So she did just that. After some hustling, the two of them returned to Lu Wu’s cave dwelling. Old Matriarch observed Yan Jue with a somewhat odd expression. The food was soon placed on the table, steam rising from it. Yan Jue sat down, smiling sweetly, "Great-grandmother, let's eat." While they dined, Old Matriarch reflected on Yan Jue’s earlier speech atop the podium during the wedding banquet. She had a faint feeling that Yan Jue had changed. Previously, Yan Jue had always carried an aura of malice—sassy, willful, and immature. But now... After a long look, the Old Matriarch spoke apologetically, "Had I known you were so sensible, I would have listened to you." She then raised her head, carefully observing Yan Jue's expression. Yan Jue’s face showed no disturbance, and she smiled gently. "It's alright. It’s a relief no madness from the creatures harmed you during the wedding." In Old Matriarch’s heart, Yan Jue had always been that naive girl who quarreled with her father and eloped with a man. After drifting outside for so long, Yan Jue returning home with such astonishing news naturally made the Old Matriarch skeptical. Luckily, everything ended without danger, leading Old Matriarch of Lu Wu to reconsider the shifting dynamics between demons and monsters. After dinner, the Old Matriarch led Yan Jue to her room. She retrieved something from a chest. "Ah Jue, this puppet is for you." Yan Jue looked at the object in her hands, slightly taken aback. It was a fox doll with deep red fur, charmingly crafted, with a fluffy tail trailing behind. The Old Matriarch explained, "This isn’t an ordinary puppet. It can save your life if necessary." Yan Jue had heard from Qi Xian Qing about a fairy technique known as "Li Dai Tao Jiang," where cultivators refine a substitute to take their place in mortal danger. The puppet’s purpose was similar to "Li Dai Tao Jiang." Yan Jue pursed her lips, unsure of what to say upon receiving the puppet from the old woman. She accepted the puppet. "Thank you, Great-grandmother." The Old Matriarch smiled and brought out a shimmering glass bottle. "And this." Yan Jue stared at the bottle, which contained a smoky grey fine sand that swirled when shaken. “This is called Wu Xian Sand.” Upon hearing this, Yan Jue’s pupils contracted slightly. A few days ago, she and Qi Xian Qing spent quite some time gazing at a pool of Wu Xian Sand in the cave. She had taken a liking to the sand but hadn’t known how to ask her grandmother for it. "I sensed the demon energy emanating from you, Ah Jue. You must be at the peak of the Fifth Boundary, yes? Your lack of breakthrough isn’t just due to heaven's constraints on demons but perhaps also the absence of potent advancement materials." "Use this bottle of Wu Xian Sand to help you break through." Yan Jue was somewhat touched. Although the original grandmother truly loved her, she needed to take on corresponding responsibilities to honor that love. Yan Jue bowed deeply to the Old Matriarch, "Thank you, Great-grandmother." The fox lineage was dwindling, and few within the clan reached the demon core level of the Fifth Boundary. If Yan Jue broke into the Sixth Boundary of Soul Condensation, given her nine-tailed fox bloodline, her future potential would be limitless. The Old Matriarch’s expression grew slightly stern. "But Ah Jue must be cautious." "When a demon breaks into the Sixth Boundary, it attracts a wind tribulation. Unlike a thunder tribulation, which strikes with heavenly lightning, a wind tribulation sends a celestial wind through your organs, into your energy sea, past your dantian, piercing your nine orifices. An error in this process can lead to your body unraveling and your soul dispersing." --- After Yan Jue left, the Old Matriarch called Qi Xian Qing to her side. In the dim cavern, Qi Xian Qing’s gaze was calm as she inquired with concern, "Does grandmother have something on her mind?" The Old Matriarch looked at her with a sense of relief. "Monk Meng Heng is truly a good person. Thank you for your help with this matter." Qi Xian Qing noticed the subtle change in Old Matriarch’s attitude toward herself, and with her lashes lowering slightly, she modestly replied, "Ah Jue also contributed." The Old Matriarch asked, "May I ask if you still kill demons?" It remained a critical question for her. Qi Xian Qing raised her eyebrows lightly. "In response to grandmother’s question, I used to believe all demons were evil, unforgivable. I've slain many. But after knowing Ah Jue, I realized that demons have an unknown side. What I thought I knew was wrong." Qi Xian Qing continued, "If grandmother asks if I still kill, my answer is that there are many ways to punish evil demons, and violence isn't the only path." A long, contemplative silence followed her words. The Old Matriarch regarded her with approval. "I hope Monk Meng Heng remembers what you said." "Take care of Ah Jue, then this old woman can be at peace." Qi Xian Qing’s lips curled slightly, a mild smile in her eyes. "As grandmother says." "I will protect Ah Jue for life." --- Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue bid farewell to Old Matriarch Lu Wu and descended the mountain path. The scenery in Jiangnan was beautiful, with the sound of flowing streams accompanying their leisurely pace through the streets. Walking alongside, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing chatted, watching as the sky grew darker. Yan Jue suggested, "Shall we not hurry back to the mountain but instead enjoy a little leisure in Jiangnan?" Qi Xian Qing responded, "The situation is critical, and you still just want to play." Yan Jue tugged on her sleeve playfully. "Sister, let's have some fun." An imperceptible smile crossed Qi Xian Qing’s eyes, though she did not halt her stride. "Fine, you win." Yan Jue harbored a special fondness for the gentle, watery town of Jiangnan. She was also eager to try the street snacks and trinkets. Yan Jue beamed at Qi Xian Qing. "I want to try the sugar paintings this time." As night fell, they paused at an inn. Despite showing no signs of distress earlier on the street, as soon as Yan Jue entered the inn, excruciating pain shot through her temples. When she’d barely shut the door, a burning heat spread from her chest, a piercing pain that penetrated every bone and ligament. Her temperature soared as if she might cough up blood. Feeling strange, Yan Jue couldn’t muster any interest in the evening stroll with Qi Xian Qing. Exhausted, she curled up on the bed. Seeing her movements, Qi Xian Qing asked, "What’s wrong? Weren’t we going out?" Yan Jue groaned, "My chest hurts a bit." Qi Xian Qing was startled. Yan Jue, known for her robust health, had never gotten sick since journeying into this world through the book. Feeling a bad premonition, Qi Xian Qing frowned and sat at the bedside, fishing out a few pills from her Qiankun pouch. Not being a Yi Xiu, she couldn’t carry the full range of medicines but brought a few versatile ones. Yan Jue swallowed the medicine and curled up, like a wilting little fox. Qi Xian Qing placed a hand on her forehead, gently asking, "Do you still feel uncomfortable?" Yan Jue could only feel the persistent throbbing pain in her chest. Swallowing hard, she weakly replied, "Yes, it hurts." Qi Xian Qing suddenly remembered that Yan Jue had previously mentioned having issues with chest pain while they were on Wu Long Mountain. Qi Xian Qing asked, "Do you usually have medication for your chest pains?" It took Yan Jue a moment to process, recalling that Qi Xian Qing was referring to the chest pain she experienced when punished by destiny. She had indeed encountered Chu Fu at the square on Lu Wu Mountain, but the chest pain this time felt different. Initially, the pain was bearable for Yan Jue, but it eventually escalated into severe agony. As it worsened, Yan Jue exhaled sharply, gently tugging on Qi Xian Qing’s sleeve. Qi Xian Qing gently patted her shoulder. "Stay here. I’ll find a doctor." With a thud, the door closed behind her. Alone in the quiet room, Yan Jue could feel her consciousness gradually slipping, everything in view becoming blurry, while a latent bloodlust stirred within... --- Qi Xian Qing had never sought medical help in the dead of night before. After searching the town for some time, she finally found an open clinic. She negotiated at length with the healer and offered a hefty silver ingot before he agreed to accompany her. Leading the healer back to the inn, at the threshold of the room, Qi Xian Qing suddenly caught a strong scent of blood. Blood? Sensitive to scents, Qi Xian Qing frowned. How could there be such a smell in the room? She halted immediately, signaling the healer to stop. Confused, the healer paused in his tracks. Just as Qi Xian Qing reached to open the door, it was flung open from inside. "…" A fiery red figure burst out—it was a massive Chi Hu. While playing with Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue would occasionally transform into a small fox for comfort in Qi Xian Qing’s embrace. But now, Yan Jue’s true size was no longer that of a small fox; she had become a giant Chi Hu, half the height of a person. The enormous Chi Hu’s eyes glinted a terrifying golden yellow, its fur flaming like fire dancing in the breeze, a faint mark on its forehead flickering under the glow of the candles. Its sharp claws shimmered with a cold light and charged out like a whirlwind. The healer, powerless against this, was struck instantly, slamming hard against a door. Blood gushed from his shoulder, and he cried out in fear, stumbling backward. This action seemed to provoke the Chi Hu, which glared with its golden eyes and growled menacingly, advancing on the man. The pure bloodline of the nine-tailed fox imbued it with an innate Chi Hu presence. As it approached, the healer couldn’t even lift his head, his body trembling violently. Suddenly, a flash of azure light appeared, a snowy figure blocking its path. The terrified healer looked up to see Qi Xian Qing standing before him, her expression as cold as frost. "Run!" The healer scrambled away, tripping over himself. The Chi Hu lunged to pursue, but Qi Xian Qing quickly formed a hand seal, conjuring a green barrier that halted it in its tracks. The Chi Hu turned back, glaring angrily at her. With the healer gone, the oppressive aura targeted Qi Xian Qing alone. The Chi Hu stood before her, its usually gentle phoenix eyes tinged with a hint of blood-red fury. It growled fiercely, its restless six tails never stopping their wild thrashing. "Crash..." Anything within the tails’ reach was shattered. Out of the corner of her eye, Qi Xian Qing saw that nearly everything inside the half-open room had been destroyed. The Chi Hu growled at Qi Xian Qing as if urging her to step aside. Despite the late hour, the commotion had gathered a curious crowd peeking from behind. Qi Xian Qing stood firm in front of Yan Jue. Finally, patience exhausted, the Chi Hu lunged forward. In that split second, Qi Xian Qing caught a familiar scent from the creature. Instinctively, she reached out to block, but the Chi Hu bit down hard on her arm. Blood splattered as it clamped its sharp teeth onto flesh and bone, showing no signs of letting go. Qi Xian Qing’s arm remained in front of her. "Yan Jue, I’m Qi Xian Qing." Yan Jue clung to her arm, growing increasingly fierce. She had been fine when Qi Xian Qing left earlier. How could things have changed so drastically in such a short time? Qi Xian Qing frowned slightly, suddenly exerting a great force with her arm, causing more blood to spray. Caught off guard, the Chi Hu’s head was pinned to the ground, unable to move. The scent of celestial blood sharply jostled Yan Jue’s muddled brain. This familiar aroma overwhelmed her senses. Yan Jue shot her eyes open, fixing on the distinct, gentle peach blossom eyes before her. She released Qi Xian Qing’s arm abruptly, staring blankly at her as waves of immense pain threatened to tear her apart. Yan Jue clutched into a ball. "It hurts." Qi Xian Qing immediately crouched to wrap her in a cloak, moving them both inside and closing the door. "I know, I know." "It’s my fault. I didn’t notice your condition." The inn was run by ordinary folk, with only regular people as guests. Dismissing the incident as a demon disturbance, no one dared venture near the room, leaving the two undisturbed. Yan Jue sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes bloodshot, trembling all over. Qi Xian Qing attempted adjusting Yan Jue’s energy flow. Drenched in cold sweat, Yan Jue tossed and turned on the bed, wavering between frenzy and coherence, occasionally reverting to her little fox form in moments of agitation. The healer had long fled, and there was no one to assess Yan Jue’s state. Qi Xian Qing, lightly trained in medicine but not adept, felt her pulse irregular and assumed she was possessed. Unfamiliar with dealing with possessions, Qi Xian Qing realized they must return to the mountain for their master’s help. As dawn’s light finally broke through, Qi Xian Qing held Yan Jue. "We must hurry back to Wu Long Mountain." Now a small fox, Yan Jue lay in her arms, her slender phoenix eyes narrowed, dark ears drooping back, staring wearily at her. "The muzzle." Qi Xian Qing paused. Yan Jue detested the muzzle; now, she requested it of her own accord. Her eyes reflecting the concern and anxiety, Qi Xian Qing was both worried and heartbroken.