139 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

**Chapter 139: Resentment** The candied fruit Qi Xian Qing had made from spiritual fruits was tangy and sweet, perfectly masking the bitterness of the fragmentation elixir. After finishing the medicine under Qi Xian Qing’s watchful gaze, Yan Jue placed a piece of the candied fruit in her mouth and chewed slowly. Qi Xian Qing observed her quietly, her thoughts somewhat distracted. "Master Senior Sister," Yan Jue suddenly recalled something and looked up at her, "can you tell me what happened these past few days?" Qi Xian Qing paused, looking at Yan Jue with a meaningful gaze, "Do you really want to know?" Yan Jue nodded. Qi Xian Qing considered speaking directly but decided to spare Yan Jue’s dignity instead. She glanced at Yan Jue, her eyebrows slightly raised, "Not much. Just taking you out for a walk when there's nothing else to do and tidying up the home you wreck." Yan Jue: "..." Out of the corner of her eye, Yan Jue suddenly glanced at the small table by the door, spotting a leash and collar. Yan Jue wondered if Qi Xian Qing used the collar during their walks. The mere thought of it made her blush fiercely. Lost in her thoughts, Yan Jue put down the medicine bowl, only to feel a surge of chaotic spiritual energy within her. Her hand froze, pupils constricting slightly. Fiery spiritual energy spun wildly within her Qi Sea, nearly overflowing. She was incredibly familiar with this sensation. It was a sign of a breakthrough. The progression process for the demon tribe differs slightly from that of humans. Each breakthrough in human cultivation requires focused meditation and a sprint to the peak of the realm. In contrast, demon tribe advancements are generally more gradual unless facing a major threshold. For instance, transitioning from the first realm, the Transformation Stage, to the second, the Spiritual Gathering Stage, is a major threshold. At that time, Yan Jue had sat cross-legged outside Drunken Spring Tower, dispersing the spiritual energy within her. From the fifth realm, the Monster Core Stage, to the sixth, the Spirit Condensation Stage, is yet another major threshold. Qi Xian Qing, always attentive to Yan Jue's condition, assumed she was uncomfortable again and asked, slightly frowning, "What's wrong?" Yan Jue replied, "I think I'm about to break through." Qi Xian Qing, understanding instantly, nodded internally. She also knew the demon tribe’s progression process differed slightly from humans, realizing that moving from the Monster Core Stage to the Spirit Condensation Stage was a significant leap requiring a gentle distribution of spiritual energy through meditation. Furthermore, Yun Zhen's Nine Secret Celestial Flame had aided Yan Jue’s cultivation slightly. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Yan Jue felt an unprecedented searing sensation at her dantian. It was like being reborn from flames. As she slowly adjusted to the rhythm of her progression, a gust of cold wind blew in through the window, extinguishing the candle flame on the table. Noticing the chill in the wind, Qi Xian Qing frowned slightly. She walked to the window, glancing at the sky. The once-clear night sky had turned ominously clouded. As the wind intensified, Yan Jue took a deep breath, feeling the chill like polar snow flowing through her seven meridians into her Qi Sea. Exchanging a glance with Qi Xian Qing, a sudden term shot through Yan Jue's mind. It was something the Old Matron from Lu Wu once told her—the demon tribe’s Wind Tribulation. Like human cultivators, the demon tribe faced tribulations during progression, including lightning, fire, and wind tribulations. The timing for these tribulations isn’t fixed. After the sixth realm, she faced the potential of a Wind Tribulation. She hadn't expected it to come so soon. Hesitating for a moment, Yan Jue retrieved the Wu Xian Sand from her Qiankun Bag. The Old Matron had given it to her upon leaving Lu Wu. Qi Xian Qing came over, sat beside her, forming her hands into seals to protect her. Steadying her mind, Yan Jue closed her eyes again. The tribulation began. Wind Tribulations starkly differed from Lightning Tribulations. For Lightning Tribulations, a demon would search for a secluded outdoor spot to avoid the destructive heavenly lightning. Wind Tribulations, on the other hand, were comparatively quieter. Only a wisp of cold wind slowly entered Yan Jue from the tip of her nose. Immediately, it rampaged into a storm within her, ravaging her insides. Whistling through her Qi Sea, the wind spread furiously, devastating her internal organs. Cold sweat beaded on Yan Jue’s forehead. She held her breath, focusing intently, slowly dissolving the wind with her Monster Core. The Wu Xian Sand she absorbed mitigated the wind, surrounding her Monster Core and lowering the wind speed around her Qi Sea. Qi Xian Qing gently transferred spiritual energy into her body. Instantly, she felt the tumultuous pull within Yan Jue’s Qi Sea as the wind slammed against her seven meridians. With Qi Xian Qing’s assistance and the Wu Xian Sand stabilizing her process, Yan Jue's aura gradually calmed. After an indeterminate amount of time, the tempest within Yan Jue finally subsided. Drenched in sweat, she opened her eyes abruptly, finding everything around her extraordinarily clear. Letting out a slow breath, Yan Jue had now reached the early stage of the sixth realm, the Spirit Condensation Stage. Her Monster Core revolved within her Qi Sea, whirling into a massive vortex. Exclusive to her Ice Spiritual Root, cold frost expanded, sharp and frigid. - Early the next morning, Qi Xian Qing received a message from the Qi Dun Sect, summoning her over. Yan Jue was still asleep; Qi Xian Qing couldn’t bear to disturb her, so she dressed and headed out, quickly arriving at the sect. The grand hall was filled with elite disciples from various peaks. Seeing Qi Xian Qing entering, everyone rose to greet her. Clad in snow-white attire, Qi Xian Qing nodded slightly to the crowd and took her seat at the head. Mu Zhong Zi, sitting at the forefront, greeted her with a warm smile, “Xian Qing, you're here.” Standing up, Qi Xian Qing respectfully cupped her hands, “Disciple greets Master Uncle.” Mu Zhong Zi, as the head of the Five Dragons, frequently convened meetings with disciples from all peaks—a routine everyone had grown accustomed to. Once everyone had settled, the sect leader began addressing them. In a solemn voice, Mu Zhong Zi stated, “As you all know, the demon tribe has been stirring, causing unrest among the mortal people.” “Not long ago, the Immortal Sect dispatched a demon-slaying team to eliminate demons and monsters in the mortal realm.” “The demons are vicious. They are beings who consume humans without mercy. The demon-slaying team's journey is fraught with danger, and I believe some fellow disciples have joined the ranks.” “Recently, we received victorious news from the Jiangnan region.” Mu Zhong Zi paused briefly, then announced loudly, “In a battle against the demon faction in northern Jiangnan, the demon-slaying team emerged victorious! Thousands of demons and monsters were slain, and hundreds of magical artifacts were retrieved!” Before he finished speaking, the hall erupted in excited chatter. Everyone began whispering amongst themselves, expressions filled with joy. Like Qi Xian Qing, the young disciples in attendance had been taught since arriving at the sect that the human and demon paths were irreconcilable. In their eyes, demons were terrifying beings of utmost evil that were best destroyed on sight. With the ongoing conflict between the Immortal Sect and the demons, every small victory seemed critical. Mu Zhong Zi continued, “The demon-slaying team is currently recruiting. Those among you who wish to fight against demons should report to the sect's Yun Zhen.” As the first disciple of the Qi Dun Sect, Yun Zhen was often involved in assisting with such matters. She stood beside Mu Zhong Zi, nodding to the gathered disciples, her book in hand. In the ongoing war with the demons, the Immortal Sect consistently emerged victorious. Consequently, many disciples eagerly contemplated joining the demon-slaying team, hoping to boast about their achievements in the future. Immediately, some disciples stood to volunteer. “Hold on.” Mu Zhong Zi raised a hand slightly, pressing it downwards in a calming gesture, “I also have something crucial to remind everyone today.” Silence returned to the hall as everyone looked at Mu Zhong Zi with faces filled with admiration and respect. It was well-known that Master Uncle had already reached the peak of the eighth realm and had recently been in seclusion. Upon emerging from seclusion, his exceptional leadership had guided the once-declining Five Dragons Sect toward prosperity. Inside, everyone harbored immense respect for him. With a smile, Mu Zhong Zi addressed them, “As everyone knows, our righteous Immortal Sect has always stood against demons.” “In the past, some couldn’t resist temptation and fraternized with demons. Upon discovery, they were eternally suppressed beneath the Demon Suppression Tower.” Qi Xian Qing narrowed her eyes slightly. A disciple, puzzled, asked, “Master Uncle, isn’t that just a legend?” Mu Zhong Zi shook his head, “This is no legend. Whether past or present, the Five Dragons Sect will never allow anyone to associate with demons!” “Given the current urgent situation, demons will resort to any means to infiltrate the sect and beguile disciples.” “You all are among the best in the sect. I hope you will lead by example and supervise the sect for signs of disciples being deceived by demons.” “If found, the punishment will be ten days in the Cold Waterfall, a hundred lashes, and expulsion from the sect!” Rising to his feet, Mu Zhong Zi’s voice turned stern. He lifted his head, gazing into the distance toward the Demon Suppression Tower, “May everyone take heed!” … Qi Xian Qing exited the Qi Dun Sect‘s grand hall, her thoughts inexplicably tangled. Her steps felt heavy, struggling to lift. Concerns that had begun days earlier intensified alarmingly upon hearing the words of the Demon Lord. When Qi Xian Qing returned to her Ice Peach Pavilion, Yan Jue was... Continuing her meditation, Yan Jue sat in the courtyard, a familiar place since her breakthrough at the Ice Peach Pavilion. She moved with practiced grace, adjusting to her newly advanced Spirit Condensation Stage body, each day feeling more attuned to its enhanced capabilities. The union between her core and body was stronger than ever, making previously daunting techniques now feel almost effortless. Despite the mundane days, Yan Jue noticed Qi Xian Qing had become increasingly absorbed. Understandably so, as entering the Golden Core Stage was pivotal for human cultivators, involving new lessons and teachings. Qi Xian Qing brought home a chest of books from Zhenhuo Sect, losing herself in their pages beneath the window. The duties of the sect seemed never-ending, leaving little time for them to converse. On this particular day, Yan Jue completed her practice in the courtyard and couldn't resist glancing at Qi Xian Qing, who appeared immersed in her book. But despite the open pages before her, Qi Xian Qing seemed lost, her hand twirling a brush absentmindedly as the book remained on its first page. Yan Jue's attention was caught. For someone as serious and disciplined about cultivation as Qi Xian Qing, such distraction was unusual. She approached quietly, tapping on Qi Xian Qing's table to draw her from her reverie. "What is it?" Qi Xian Qing asked, glancing up. "With nothing pressing this afternoon, why not practice swordplay on the mountainside?" Yan Jue suggested with a smile. Qi Xian Qing nodded, picking up the ethereal sword Zhu Ying from the table. "Let's go." The towering Wuxu Peak, situated between Zhenhuo Sect and Shuiyun Sect, was seldom visited, its midway point rarely tread upon. Standing with Yan Jue on the cliff’s edge, Qi Xian Qing was surrounded by a sea of clouds, a breathtaking tapestry that felt as if it belonged in an ephemeral paradise. As Qi Xian Qing unsheathed her immortal sword Zhu Ying, an immense electric energy surged, almost sentient, rising like a coiling dragon into the heavens. Following closely, Yan Jue's Flowing Ice sword emerged, emanating sharp icy-blue sword glows. With a synchrony earned from countless practices, Zhu Ying and Flowing Ice met fiercely in the air, their clash releasing a deafening thunder that filled the sky. At the point of collision, a resplendent rainbow light exploded into the air. A powerful union. Such legendary fusion of ancient swords was formidable, capable of draining a cultivator’s true energy to the brink of exhaustion. In her sixth realm now, Yan Jue had ample true energy, yet she and Qi Xian Qing sought to minimize energy expenditure during the fusion. Intertwining their spiritual consciousness, they almost effortlessly guided the swords to meld, their blades entwined in the air. The vibrant light filled the sky, casting hues of every color across the heavens. Abruptly, the swords sprang apart, unleashing an earth-shattering sound as they did. Yan Jue felt the depletion in her Qi Sea instantly and almost fell to her knees. She caught herself, propping with an outstretched hand, before looking over to Qi Xian Qing, who appeared equally fatigued, her expression darkened by weariness. "Senior Sister, what's on your mind?" Yan Jue queried, tugging at Qi Xian Qing's sleeve with hesitation. "You've been distracted ever since a few days ago." A silence loomed over them briefly. Qi Xian Qing closed her eyes momentarily as if making a weighty decision, then turned and earnestly asked, "Yan, do you want to go back?" "Back where?" Yan Jue asked, arching a brow in surprise. "To your homeland, the Northern Phantom Domain," Qi Xian Qing stated, her words hitting with the force of a thunder strike nearby. Could this have been troubling Qi Xian Qing? Yan Jue wondered, her slight shock evident. "I don’t want to," Yan Jue replied, a little adamantly. With a slow grace, Qi Xian Qing sheathed the glowing sword, Zhu Ying, turning to speak with a cool detachment, "Your presence here at the Five Dragons is fraught with danger. Staying in the Phantom Domain might be wiser." Yan Jue's heart sank at Qi Xian Qing's suggestion. "You want me gone? But I wish to remain here." Because you’re here. A frown formed on Qi Xian Qing's brow. "It's perilous for you here. Have you learned nothing from recent events? Return to the Phantom Domain first. Once I can leave, I'll seek you out." Her concern for Yan Jue had gnawed at Qi Xian Qing since the demonic poison ordeal. Even though Yan Jue’s recovery brought relief, the pain and fear during her suffering were genuine for Qi Xian Qing. The Five Dragons posed too many risks for Yan Jue. In today’s predicament, only the safety of the Phantom Domain seemed a viable refuge. She paused, looking at Yan Jue intently, "The situation is dire. The sect's disdain for the demon world has escalated. If the Demon Lord failed in his first attempt to harm you, what stops him from trying again?" Such candid discussion was unprecedented in their relationship until now. Yan Jue frowned defensively, "I want to stay and expose the Demon Lord's schemes." Qi Xian Qing chuckled wryly, "How?" "The sect's master’s soul remains unrestored, and we lack evidence to prove he is the Demon Lord." Yan Jue pressed on, "Don't you find it odd, the ingredients the Demon Lord seeks?" Initially, the list was unclear, but after encountering the materials outside, Yan Jue felt an unease grow inside her. Phoenix Embryo could elevate one's cultivation, while Jade Immortal Herb and Merfolk Pearl could incite madness. When combined with the Demon Lord's bizarre soul-manipulating techniques from the Valley of Death, the connections seemed inevitable. However, lacking tangible proof, Yan Jue intended to remain until the truth was pieced together. Moreover, Qi Xian Qing, with her Celestial Spirit constitution, possessed blood that held inestimable value for demons. Who’s to say the Demon Lord wouldn't target Qi Xian Qing? Yan Jue voiced her plan, "We must assemble the final two ingredients and test them ourselves since their effects are unknown and the materials precious." "But the final two aren't straightforward," Qi Xian Qing interjected. "Besides the Countryside Essence Herb, there's also the Nine-tailed Fox Heart. Such entities are nearly extinct. Would you sacrifice your own heart?" Her pointed question left Yan Jue silent, lost in thought. That was indeed the crux: Nine-tailed Foxes had teetered on extinction for centuries. Those that remained were few and far between. Even if Yan Jue could find another, would she have the resolve to take its heart, knowing she too was a Nine-tailed Fox? Amidst her inner turmoil, she looked up to Qi Xian Qing and blurted, "Are you casting me aside? Afraid I'd be a burden?" Qi Xian Qing frowned, averting her gaze, "I’m not." But before Yan Jue could say more, a voice cut in from a distance, "I have a Nine-tailed Fox Heart." Both turned to see Lu Yan Shuang standing there, eyes narrowed as she regarded them. Yan Jue was aware Lu Yan Shuang had been at Zhenhuo Sect, working with Yun Zhen these past days, never leaving the Five Dragon Mountain. Her sudden appearance here was surprising, especially since they sounded like they were quarrelling moments ago. Facing Lu Yan Shuang's gaze, Yan Jue felt a touch embarrassed. Lu Yan Shuang walked over, an exasperated look on her face, before turning her attention directly to Yan Jue, "Yan Jue, there's something I need to tell you." Casting a glance at Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue remained hopeful she would stay to listen as well. Lu Yan Shuang reassured her, "It’s fine if she hears." With her arms crossed, she approached, speaking candidly, “Your sect master tasked you to find the ingredients for the Elixir of Immortality, correct? And one of them is the Nine-tailed Fox Heart?” Having overheard their conversation from afar, Lu Yan Shuang had pieced together the core details. Authorized by the sect leader to find these rare ingredients, Qi Xian Qing’s mission was of top priority, given a parchment that self-destructed after reading. Even her mentor, Yun Zhen, was kept in the dark about the specifics. Lu Yan Shuang continued, “If a Nine-tailed Fox Heart is what you seek, you should explore the Jiuxu Secret Realm.” Jiuxu. Yan Jue’s eyes widened with sudden recognition. Why did that name strike such familiarity? "Jiuxu Secret Realm is a mystical realm, an ancient legacy of the Fox Tribe, once maintained by a Nine-tailed Fox," Lu Yan Shuang explained before her tone shifted, tinged with regret. “But the key to the realm shattered during the Immortal-Demon War, its pieces scattered worldwide.” Mystical realm keys... fragments... A memory surged within Yan Jue. Indeed, she had collected several realm fragments previously. Yet, she never pursued their assembly, believing completion an impossibility. They lay dormant within her Qiankun Bag, forgotten. Lu Yan Shuang handed Yan Jue a large fractured jade piece. "Here’s one fragment of the secret realm," she began. "The rest, I’ve instructed my tribe to search for worldwide, using the clues we have. Keep this fragment safe; finding the others will be a matter of your luck." Holding the cool, pale purple jade, Yan Jue whispered, "Thank you, Third Madame." Lu Yan Shuang cautioned, "The Jiuxu Secret Realm was crafted by our Nine-tailed Fox ancestors. Though not made public, numerous deceitful individuals have uncovered its existence through legend and have fought fiercely for it." "This key fragment to the Jiuxu Secret Realm must remain a secret," she warned. Touched, Yan Jue felt her eyes mist over. Since arriving in this world and feeling initially detached, she was overwhelmed by the kindness around her. "Thank you, Third Madame," she said again. "It's nothing. Under current circumstances, our tribe has no choice but to temporarily cooperate with the Immortal Sect," Lu Yan Shuang explained. Cooperate with the Immortal Sect? Yan Jue was taken aback. The current sect leader being the Demon Lord made collaboration with Mu Zhong Zi impossible—naturally, it had to be with Yun Zhen. Amused by the thought, Yan Jue grinned. "Thank you, Third Madame. How are the discussions going with Yun Zhen?" Lu Yan Shuang paused, her expression ambiguous. "In progress. I’ll tell you more when it's resolved." Yan Jue glanced toward the purple bamboo forest, her spiritual sense scanning swiftly to ensure no one else was around. Only then did she slowly draw out three more fragments from her Qiankun Bag. "I've already managed to collect three pieces myself," Yan Jue admitted. Seeing the fragments, Lu Yan Shuang’s eyes widened in disbelief. "How did you... how did you gather these pieces?" Lightly, Yan Jue dismissed it with a small shrug, "As a disciple of the Five Dragons Sect, I often have missions down the mountain. A bit of luck, I suppose..." Lu Yan Shuang was speechless. Unaware of their significance until now, these pieces had simply found their way to Yan Jue. But hearing the name "Jiuxu Secret Realm" reignited a long-buried memory in Yan Jue’s mind. The fragment from Jia Ni at Little Apricot Village, the piece the white fox spat out in the Vengeful Spirit's mansion, and the one she discovered in the Demon Lord's cave... In the original storyline, the male lead, Chu Fu, had similarly collected a piece of the Jiuxu Secret Realm key by serendipity, using it to delve into the realm, acquiring invaluable treasures and possibly an unparalleled cultivation technique. Reflecting on this fortunate twist of events, Yan Jue couldn’t help but smile slightly. Under Lu Yan Shuang’s astonished gaze, Yan Jue knelt and carefully pieced the four fragments together. The broken purple jade fit seamlessly, emitting a soft glow as the edges melded together, transforming into a perfect, lustrous piece. Yan Jue held up the complete jade with a serious expression, her robe billowing in the gusts. Under the sunlight, the purple jade was dazzling, displaying boldly carved characters at its center: "Jiuxu Secret Realm." Lu Yan Shuang struggled to believe her eyes. She had recalled word from Lady Lu Wu that Yan Jue had matured into a sensible young woman—a notion now undeniably visible. To quietly reconstruct the key to the Jiuxu Secret Realm—once the cause of much bloodshed and conflict—was astonishing. Yan Jue had evolved from the irritable child she once was into a formidable force by her own right. Recollecting her thoughts, Lu Yan Shuang gravely advised, "Within this secret realm lies more than just the legacy of the Nine-tailed Fox ancestor. There's the heavenly tome." Yan Jue blinked in surprise, "The heavenly tome?" "Countless have perished seeking the legendary Nine-tailed Fox's sanctuary," Lu Yan Shuang paused, her demeanor intense. "Because this realm conceals the Fox Tribe's heavenly tome." "The tome bears countless mysteries. If one can decipher its contents, the path to immortality may open, making even ascension trivial," Lu Yan Shuang remarked flatly. "It’s said to reside within the Nine-tailed Fox's domain." "Many yearn to enter the realm for this mythical tome, yet none succeed. With your Fox Tribe lineage, should you obtain and comprehend it, your future will be unimaginably prosperous." With her words, Lu Yan Shuang departed. As Yan Jue turned her gaze to Qi Xian Qing, their eyes met, but Qi Xian Qing looked away, expressionless. While Yan Jue and Lu Yan Shuang spoke, Qi Xian Qing had remained, silently listening, not intruding. Yan Jue realized Qi Xian Qing still harbored anger—displeased with her insistence on staying at Five Dragon Mountain, disregarding the dangers and her safety. Yan Jue berated herself for what she had said, questioning Qi Xian Qing’s commitment, implying she might be a burden. Clearly, the sincerity of Qi Xian Qing’s feelings was apparent. Right as she intended to apologize, Qi Xian Qing briskly turned away, her sleeve swishing as she walked off. (Maintain this feeling of reflection and importance of relationships in this scene.)