142 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 142: Threat After stepping out of the secret realm, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue returned to Bingtauyuan. Yan Jue glanced down at the red mark on the back of her hand, frowning slightly. Truthfully, the mark wasn't quite on her hand but slightly higher, just enough to be concealed by her sleeve. In sunlight, the mark was nearly invisible, only faintly noticeable in complete darkness. What surprised Yan Jue was that the celestial script of the fox clan on the cave walls, along with the inheritance mark of the nine-tailed fox, seemed to have been absorbed into her body. Though Yan Jue was still unsure of the mark's purpose, she suspected it might serve as a sort of portable treasure bag. Now, to learn the fox clan's techniques, all she had to do was roughly search the mark on her hand with her mind, and she could begin her practice. Afternoon. Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Yan Jue traced the ancient script-like pattern on the mark on her left hand with her fingertips, slowly immersing herself into the sea of consciousness. Indeed, the mark was truly a portable treasure bag. Perhaps her lineage was recognized by the owner of the secret realm, resulting in this accidental inheritance. Among the array of fox clan spells were a total of one hundred and six techniques. However, unlike the righteous aura of the "Lesser Yin Ice Soul Technique" from the Five Dragons Sect, these spells were completely different. Some aspects even conflicted with her current practices. Yan Jue frowned slightly, sifting through the myriad spells, and finally selected one that resembled the Five Dragons Sect techniques. Like this one: Frost Whirl. Forming a hand seal, Yan Jue summoned a thin, sharp blade of ice instantaneously before her. With a wave of her right hand, the ice blade flew out, accompanied by the sound of fierce gales, before returning to her. Most ice-based celestial techniques were direct and straightforward, excelling in clean strikes. Yet, this demon spell carried a hint of malice, seemingly attacking the enemy but actually triggering a second attack upon release. The spell itself wasn't hard to learn, but how to execute it with precision and enhance its secondary assault was something Yan Jue needed to consider. Besides the one hundred and six spells, the nine-tailed fox inheritance also imparted to Yan Jue a unique fox clan cultivation method. The Demon God Technique. For cultivators, practice involves drawing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the body, requiring one to sit calmly and meditate. The nine-tailed spirit fox is very similar to celestial bodies. Like Qi Xian Qing, blessed naturally with a close affinity to the great path, spiritual beasts, and the universe. Qi Xian Qing need not specifically meditate; she naturally cultivates while eating, walking, or resting. The Demon God Technique Yan Jue obtained detailed how the nine-tailed fox cultivated in daily life. Everything from grass to stars and clouds was part of cultivation. The nine-tailed fox could absorb spiritual energy from all things in the universe. This opening to the Demon God Technique was enough to keep Yan Jue pondering for some time. Yan Jue wandered into the courtyard, attempting to gather all her consciousness before a single blade of grass. With her eyes closed, she sensed the spiritual energy within the grass integrate with her own before absorbing it into her dantian. ... After practicing the Demon God Technique in the courtyard for quite a while, Yan Jue returned to her room and found Qi Xian Qing seated at the table, contemplating a piece of paper. The paper featured the five medicinal ingredients the demon lord tasked them to find. With just one ingredient remaining after obtaining the nine-tailed fox's demon heart. Qi Xian Qing said, "Xiangjing grass." They had to acquire the final ingredient to uncover what the Five Dragons' sect master intended. Yan Jue suggested, "Why don’t we head to Qing Yun Pavilion tomorrow to see if there are any clues regarding Xiangjing grass?" Qing Yun Pavilion was where the Five Dragons Sect stored clues about treasures. Disciples seeking materials typically went there to find leads. The clues usually included the locations of heavenly treasures and more. Otherwise, they’d be searching aimlessly. Qi Xian Qing replied, "Alright." At Bingtauyuan, both dressed casually. Yan Jue wore a thin layer, while Qi Xian Qing donned only a simple white garment, resting her chin on her hand at the table with a hint of laziness. It was the early autumn, and the morning air was cool. Concerned that Qi Xian Qing might catch a chill, Yan Jue fetched an outer robe from the wardrobe and draped it over her. Qi Xian Qing looked at Yan Jue, noting the girl's fair complexion in the sunlight, her slender phoenix eyes slightly raised, with a hint of a smile, not wanting to move from her side. Under the table, Qi Xian Qing lightly kicked her leg, "Aren't you shy?" Yan Jue said, "It's cold, wear the clothes properly." She then turned with genuine interest, wrapping her fingers around Qi Xian Qing's belt to fasten her outer robe. Qi Xian Qing looked up quietly, allowing her to proceed. Yan Jue couldn’t resist brushing her fingers along her neck. Where her fingers touched, a blush appeared. Hearing Qi Xian Qing's slightly paused breath, Yan Jue lowered her gaze, feeling a sudden dryness in her mouth. Thinking about the recent events... Qi Xian Qing had been so good to her, she knew she needed to be cautious and avoid causing trouble. Just as she finished half the buttons, Qi Xian Qing reached up to hold Yan Jue's hand, gently hooking her fingertips. Yan Jue paused at the cool touch on her wrist, lowering her head like a kitten, her nose brushing Qi Xian Qing’s forehead. At that moment, Qi Xian Qing caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye—Sect Master Mu Zhong Zi emerged. Mu Zhong Zi's soul, revived by the incense of deep light, was no longer bound by the prajna leaf. He could freely appear and wasn’t as timid as before. Watching them intently from the corner for a moment, something he failed to understand before suddenly became clear. As soon as Yan Jue noticed Mu Zhong Zi watching, she abruptly jumped away from Qi Xian Qing. She lost her balance and fell backward. Held by the belt, she avoided hitting the ground, thanks to Qi Xian Qing’s grip. Mu Zhong Zi’s spirit floated over, seriously asking, "Xian Qing, why are you with Yan Daoist every day? Doesn't this inhibit your cultivation?" The room fell silent for a moment. Qi Xian Qing stood up, "To answer Sect Master Uncle, Yan Senior Sister is my Dao companion." Her voice was not loud but struck like thunder. Mu Zhong Zi repeated, "Dao companion." Yan Jue felt her scalp tingle, intending to turn and stop Qi Xian Qing from speaking further. With a calm expression, Qi Xian Qing continued daringly, "Just now, Xian Qing was doing what a Dao couple should do. Couldn't Sect Master Uncle see that?" Yan Jue, indeed, was Qi Xian Qing's only vulnerability. Yan Jue's place in Qi Xian Qing's heart was evident; anyone trying to harm Yan Jue would surely face consequences. Although Qi Xian Qing usually respected Sect Master Mu Zhong Zi, his demeanor and tone clearly frightened Yan Jue, which inexplicably made Qi Xian Qing unhappy. While Qi Xian Qing being of age and having a Dao companion wasn't detrimental, having a compatible partner could greatly benefit her cultivation. Yet, for some reason, Mu Zhong Zi felt uneasy that the person wasn’t Chu Fu. Even if Chu Fu had fallen into demonic ways, Mu Zhong Zi still sensed something amiss. That gentle child could surely have been coerced into it. Mu Zhong Zi coughed, "Xian Qing, although you now have a Dao companion, you shouldn't lose yourself in it." "You are the top disciple of the Five Dragons Sect, and I hope you remember your true responsibilities." Qi Xian Qing calmly smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Master Uncle." Her words ended abruptly, whether she took Mu Zhong Zi's advice seriously or not, was another matter. The Sect Master was about to speak when he saw Qi Xian Qing stand to perform a salute, "Sect Master Uncle, it's about time to visit the Master." Being at a loss, the Sect Master had to retreat into the prajna leaf. The Sect Master's soul, once reaching the eighth realm, required a constant supply of energy to maintain strength, lest it degraded into a lesser, mindless ghost. Initially, when Mu Zhong Zi was extremely weak, Qi Xian Qing used incense to barely sustain his daily consumption, which only bought time. For Mu Zhong Zi to fully restore his pre-possession cultivation level, other means were necessary. Confiding this secret to her Master, Yun Zhen. Every seven days, Yun Zhen performed a ritual at Qi Li Xuan to aid the Sect Master, speeding his recovery. After escorting Mu Zhong Zi to Qi Li Xuan, Yan Jue trailed Qi Xian Qing, feeling a bit grumpy. Yan Jue was aware that she and Qi Xian Qing faced a significant issue that wasn’t easily resolved. Qi Xian Qing wasn’t simply the person she loved; she had the entire Five Dragons Sect behind her. Lost in her random thoughts, Yan Jue's shoulder felt a sudden weight. Startled, Yan Jue looked up at Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing had stopped, slightly bending to meet her eyes, "Wandering thoughts again?" Yan Jue awkwardly laughed, "Uh... yeah..." Such was her nature, always unable to stop her wandering thoughts. Qi Xian Qing looked at her with a hint of helplessness and softly asked, "What are you thinking about?" Yan Jue replied, "I'm worried, what if you get punished by the sect?" Qi Xian Qing paused, then smiled down at Yan Jue, "If that happens, you'll just have to accept the punishment with me. That way, I won't be too lonely." Yan Jue was speechless. Qi Xian Qing was merely joking. She wanted to savor her time with Yan Jue and wasn't eager to think too far ahead. The Five Dragons Sect was where she grew up, and she had always followed the rules—being with Yan Jue was perhaps her most rebellious act. Qi Xian Qing intertwined her fingers with Yan Jue's, holding her hand. She wanted Yan Jue to understand that with her by her side, any problem they faced, she would face together with her. --- As Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue departed, Mu Zhong Zi emerged from the prajna leaf. Once a formidable figure at the eighth realm, his spirit had considerably diminished without a physical body. His nearly translucent soul, seated cross-legged in the sunlight on the leaf, looked sternly at Yun Zhen. Dressed in a red dress, Yun Zhen lay lazily on a cushion, her beautiful eyes half-closed, a round fan in her hand. "How have you been, Senior Brother?" she asked. Mu Zhong Zi snorted, ignoring her. The relationship between Mu Zhong Zi and his junior sister had always been less than amicable. Yun Zhen was once an exceptionally talented disciple of the Five Dragons Sect. Had the sect competition gone the slightest bit differently or had the elders' vote swayed slightly, the position of sect master might have been hers. Moreover, Mu Zhong Zi, being quite conservative, disapproved of Yun Zhen's ways and attire. The two often clashed over sect matters. Sitting on the platform, Mu Zhong Zi watched Yun Zhen perform a ritual for him. Afterward, he nodded at her without expression. Mu Zhong Zi had lived for too long and had been a master for a lengthy time. He was accustomed to being flattered but wasn't used to expressing gratitude. Mu Zhong Zi finally said, "Sister, could you send me back to Xian Qing?" Yun Zhen didn't move, only responded, "Do you wish to be with Xian Qing?" Mu Zhong Zi replied, "Yes." There, with Xian Qing, he could be revered like a living Buddha, unlike having to humble himself here. Of course, he preferred being with Xian Qing! Yun Zhen suggested, "Why not stay with me? It would be easier for me to assist your recovery." Mu Zhong Zi glared at her, "Even so, Xian Qing takes great care of me. I don't want to stay here with you." After a brief silence, Yun Zhen said plainly, "Since Senior Brother wants so much to be with Xian Qing, you’d best stay out of her affairs." Her words struck like thunder. The sudden sharpness in her voice surprised Mu Zhong Zi, unclear of her intent. Yun Zhen elaborated, "You've noticed, Xian Qing is my disciple and she already has a Dao companion." "Perhaps Xian Qing hasn't told you, but Xiao Yan is now my direct disciple. If the sect master wishes to break them apart, I won’t stand by quietly." Mu Zhong Zi glared at Yun Zhen, his face darkened. "What do you intend?" Yun Zhen said, "If you continue to have issues with my disciple, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to cast you into the Ten Thousand Souls Abyss to feed those wandering spirits." Before she finished, Mu Zhong Zi was taken aback, his voice resonant, "You wouldn't dare." Though he spoke boldly, he was beginning to feel uneasy. Everyone in the sect knew Yun Zhen had a strong protective instinct for her disciples, allowing no harm to come to them. In his current state, he had no allies within the sect and depended solely on Yun Zhen. If Yun Zhen decided to trouble him, he would be doomed. Yun Zhen continued, "Wouldn't dare? Sect Master Brother, haven't you considered who stands to gain the most if something happens to you?" Mu Zhong Zi glared with fury, "Yun Zhen, I knew you always coveted my position, but I never imagined you'd be so ruthless!" Yun Zhen shrugged, "Strength rules in the sect. Your current power doesn’t even match Old Yulong’s." Mu Zhong Zi seethed with anger, his soul darkening with rage, "Fine, I'll stay out of her affairs. Is that enough?" Satisfied, Yun Zhen nodded. She was well aware that Mu Zhong Zi loved Qi Xian Qing as if she were his daughter. Knowing Qi Xian Qing had a Dao companion not chosen by him, he’d inevitably interfere. Yun Zhen had considered it and decided it was best to clarify things with Mu Zhong Zi. Just as Mu Zhong Zi thought the conversation was over, Yun Zhen suddenly added, "Since you wish so much to be by Xian Qing’s side, how about you take on the responsibility of protecting her?" This was the second matter Yun Zhen wished to address with Mu Zhong Zi. The room fell silent. Mu Zhong Zi's expression grew grim, "Are you ordering me?" "Though you've yet to fully recover, you're still at the seventh realm as a battle spirit. Protecting two young disciples while traveling isn’t difficult," Yun Zhen stated calmly, "Not an order, merely a necessary precaution. Xian Qing is crucial to our sect’s future, and we wouldn't want anything to happen to her, would we?" Mu Zhong Zi immediately grasped Yun Zhen's meaning. She wanted him to act as a life-saving trump card for Qi Xian Qing. In this harsh world, cultivators typically carried several life-preserving spells with them while traveling. Despite lacking the sensitivity of their senses, a seventh-realm battle spirit was capable of handling threats below that level, serving as a powerful ace. Mu Zhong Zi’s current predicament was indeed awkward. The sect, being brutal and ruthless, offered him no refuge aside from Yun Zhen’s assistance. Expecting to rely on Yun Zhen's help to reclaim his body, he dared not offend her. Yun Zhen concluded, "At your current strength, nobody below the seventh realm can harm you." After a moment of silence, Mu Zhong Zi queried, "And if I refuse?" Yun Zhen chuckled, "I could cease the incense offerings to you. Should I then instruct her, do you think Xian Qing will heed my words or yours?" Caught in the lengthy silence, Mu Zhong Zi grudgingly forced a smile, reluctantly agreeing, "Sister, you're right. I suppose I was thinking along similar lines." With everything settled, Yun Zhen made a gesture, summoning a snow-white crane that flew toward them. Scooping up the prajna leaf, Yun Zhen tucked Mu Zhong Zi’s spirit into the flower basket on the crane’s neck, gently smoothing the crane's soft feathers, and snapped her fingers. The crane let out a clear cry, flapped its wings, and soared away. After the Sect Master's departure, a figure emerged from the shadows behind Yun Zhen. Turning to face her, Yun Zhen inquired, "How do you find my arrangements?" Lu Yan Shuang furrowed her brow slightly, asking, "Why don’t you take over the sect yourself?" Lu Yan Shuang had assumed those from righteous sects were shameless, but recent events had shown her another side of Yun Zhen. Yun Zhen, within the sect, was considered one of the more tolerant toward the demon clans. Lu Yan Shuang harbored a hope that if Yun Zhen were to become the sect leader, tensions between the celestial and demon clans could improve significantly. Yun Zhen turned to her, her white arm lifting lazily to rest her chin, "Do you trust me?" Lu Yan Shuang swallowed, responding with a stoic expression, "Not at all. Don’t get the wrong idea." During the Great Demon Assembly, when the six major celestial sects unexpectedly united to strike the demons, immense losses were suffered among the Five Demons and the fox clans as well. Lu Yan Shuang held a grudge against Yun Zhen, partly for participating in the siege, and partly for not forewarning her. This resentment wasn't easily dispelled. Yun Zhen waved a hand, pulling a chair beside her. "Please, sit, Third Lady. Let's talk about that matter." As the chair slid nearer, Lu Yan Shuang slowly took a seat next to Yun Zhen. Yun Zhen’s scent was familiar, a faint, alluring fragrance to Lu Yan Shuang. Once, Yun Zhen had taken her hand and intricately explained that the fragrance was called Beiyuan, a scent that burned like a delicate orchid. The room was enveloped in a hazy mist, and not far off, a few figures Yun Zhen had conjured from pine nuts fanned the air. Lu Yan Shuang mustered patience, slowly discussing matters with Yun Zhen. Lu Yan Shuang said, "People on our side are disorganized. I can only bring five thousand." Yun Zhen leaned in, carelessly refilling her tea, "As long as you help, that's all that matters." Lu Yan Shuang reminded her, "I'm not helping you. I'm looking out for the demon clans." With a faint smile, Yun Zhen's hand rested on her sleeve, nudging the teacup toward her. "Naturally." Unsettled by Yun Zhen's intimate gesture, Lu Yan Shuang grumbled, "All you need is..." Yun Zhen adjusted the fans, ensuring Lu Yan Shuang spoke in comfortable conditions. Lu Yan Shuang couldn't hold back any longer and slammed her hand on the table, "Can't you take this seriously?" The tea rippled and then settled back down. Yun Zhen commented, "I would love to be serious, but aren't you quite sensitive to heat?" "I'm feeling a bit warm myself." Yun Zhen removed her outer robe and picked up a round fan, gently waving it. Her graceful figure was faintly visible through a layer of thin gauze. Lu Yan Shuang watched her with a stern expression. "Can't you dress more appropriately, even in your own hall?" Yun Zhen didn't bother to look at her, casually picking up a crimson, translucent cherry and placing it in her mouth. "This is my domain, so why should I follow decorum?" Lu Yan Shuang pursed her lips and averted her gaze. --- After a brief preparation at Bingtauyuan, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue planned a visit to Qing Yun Pavilion. Xiangjing grass, compared to other required materials, was relatively ordinary. It could potentially be found in various forests and valleys across the land, depending on the leads available. Every sect had its own repository of leads on heavenly treasures, and Qing Yun Pavilion served as the Five Dragons' hub for disciples to gather information on materials, sourced from their expeditions. Previously, Qi Xian Qing had discovered a trove of heavenly treasures outside Xiaoxing Village in the Sutra of Immortality and reported it to Qing Yun Pavilion upon returning. Before heading out, Yan Jue handed the smoking pipe, Chuxiu, to Du Ming for safekeeping. Chuxiu was a shared asset of their team of five, and she couldn't hog it for herself. Upon arriving at Qing Yun Pavilion, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue browsed the counters laden with wooden scrolls. Northwest Xiaohanping: Rainbow Snow. (Accuracy: High) Southeast Shaolong Sea: Rainbow Crystal. (Accuracy: Medium) Northern Coiling Snake Peak: Purple Ling Illusion Flower. (Accuracy: Low) Spotting something, Yan Jue tiptoed to grab a scroll on the far right. Taihua Mountain: Xiangjing grass. An elder remarked with a smile, "This lead is quite current and likely accurate. If you set out now, you have a good chance of finding it." Because these leads came from disciples' expeditions, older ones were less reliable due to the presence of other sects. Heavenly treasures might attract competing sects' disciples or possibly even enchantments and spirit beasts lurking in remote wildernesses. Recent leads, however, promised a higher possibility of success. Sharing a knowing glance, Qi Xian Qing said, "There's no time to waste, we'll leave tomorrow." Yan Jue agreed, "Yes." As they exited Qing Yun Pavilion, they spotted Duan Lu Xi standing not far away, hands behind her back, gazing at a large, gilded black wheel. The wheel, too, bore numerous hanging scrolls with material leads, twirling gracefully in the breeze under the sun. Approaching, Yan Jue patted Duan Lu Xi on the shoulder to greet her. Startled, Duan Lu Xi turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Yan Jue. "Old Yan, here at Qing Yun Pavilion for heavenly treasures too? Are you looking to break through?" Yan Jue replied, "We're heading out to look for a particular material." Duan Lu Xi nodded understandingly, "Ah, I'd almost forgotten you're on an A-level mission." Suddenly recalling something, Duan Lu Xi noticed Qi Xian Qing standing behind Yan Jue and was taken aback. Duan Lu Xi, keener than Du Ming, observed them. Though it was expected their bond had strengthened from mission collaborations, their constant closeness seemed beyond mere camaraderie. There was certainly more between these two. After a pause, Duan Lu Xi respectfully cupped her hands, "Greetings, Senior Sister." Qi Xian Qing squinted with a playful smile, "What's with the formalities?" Unable to help herself, Yan Jue laughed heartily, "If your master saw your attitude towards Senior Sister, he'd probably be upset." Understanding their mission, Duan Lu Xi refrained from probing further. After some casual conversation, Yan Jue asked her, "So what brings you to Qing Yun Pavilion today, Senior Sister Duan?" Duan Lu Xi replied, "I'm here to submit a lead for materials." Yan Jue was surprised, "A lead on materials?" After ensuring no one was watching, Duan Lu Xi stepped closer. Yan Jue noticed Duan Lu Xi opened her qiankun bag at her waist, revealing it full of shimmering spirit stones. Yan Jue’s eyes went wide, fixated on the sight in awe. Duan Lu Xi said, "This is the reward for submitting a lead!" Curious, Yan Jue asked, "What kind of material lead is worth so much?" Duan Lu Xi recounted, "While training down south a few days ago, I stumbled into a forest near Taihua Mountain." Duan Lu Xi paused teasingly, "That forest was brimming with heavenly treasures." Time in the mortal world passed faster than in the mountains. Hence, right after the team tournament awards ceremony, Duan Lu Xi had already taken on a mission, completed it, and returned. Yan Jue couldn’t help but admire Senior Sister Duan’s efficiency. How did she lead such a fulfilling life? "Unfortunately, I'm only at the mid-fourth realm now, so these heavenly treasures are beyond my current needs," Duan Lu Xi shrugged. "Moreover, I feared some guarding spirit beast might suddenly attack if I tried to retrieve them." "So, weighing my options, I decided to just note the lead and submit it at Qing Yun Pavilion." Listening to Duan Lu Xi, Yan Jue glanced down, realizing something. True enough. Behind the wooden scroll detailing the location of Xiangjing grass they had just acquired was a small inscription. Lead provided by: Mu Yin Sect, Duan Lu Xi. Duan Lu Xi noticed the scroll in Yan Jue's hand and grew animated, "Yan Jue, you chose the lead I provided!" Yan Jue smiled, "What a coincidence." Duan Lu Xi eagerly added, "That Xiangjing grass is among the treasures I saw in that forest. It’s located on a peak known as Taihua Mountain. The path is quite winding and steep, and it's easy to get lost in that forest.” "Why don't I guide you there? The wooden scroll only gives the general area, and no one knows the way better than me." Having been there herself, Duan Lu Xi's guidance would undoubtedly ease their journey significantly. Naturally, Yan Jue was delighted with this offer. She exchanged a glance with Qi Xian Qing, who didn't object, so Yan Jue nodded happily, "Sure, that would be great!"