115 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

**Chapter 115: The Heart Demon** Up to this point, Qi Xian Qing had never experienced matters of the heart. She had always been deeply engrossed in cultivation. Although she had heard Yun Zhen mention it once or twice, her understanding was, in truth, quite limited. Though she and Yan Jue had shared nights in each other's arms and had even exchanged more intimate kisses, Qi Xian Qing had never thought much of it. Qi Xian Qing’s back was slender and the curve of her shoulder blades exquisite, but there now lay a distinct scar marring her pale skin. While wandering outside, she often sustained various injuries and had long grown accustomed to it. Yan Jue knew very well that what she was seeing was merely the lightest of them all. The cool touch on her skin transformed into a wave of tingling sensation spreading throughout her body. Gently applying a white ointment, Yan Jue noticed Qi Xian Qing’s breath hitch conspicuously, which made her frown slightly. Even if the people at Zhansha Cliff were always informed, how did they pinpoint Qi Xian Qing’s location so precisely? Yan Jue herself was a demon. Qi Xian Qing was always cautious. Would Qi Xian Qing not suspect that Yan Jue might have revealed her exact location to Zhansha Cliff? Thinking along these lines, Yan Jue was troubled. Silently, Yan Jue sighed; her identity as a demon was excessively sensitive. Having just entered a relationship with Qi Xian Qing, it was hard not to feel insecure. In her scattering thoughts, Yan Jue applied the ointment a bit too hard. Qi Xian Qing held her breath and softly closed her eyes. “What is on your mind, junior sister?” Startled, Yan Jue replied, “It’s nothing.” After a pause, she added, “Earlier at the dining table, I noticed someone.” Qi Xian Qing’s brow furrowed slightly. “Oh?” Yan Jue continued, “Liu Bing reacted strongly to that individual; they must have an intense aura of blood and slaughter.” Qi Xian Qing opened her eyes, her voice slightly hoarse. “Was it the person sitting across from us during the meal?” They had paid some attention to the black-clad man across the table earlier, but Qi Xian Qing’s intuition for the demonic sect was not as sharp as Liu Bing’s. Moreover, the sudden attack by Zhansha Cliff’s demon had kept her from focusing. If Liu Bing was perceptive towards that person, their identity was likely linked to the demonic sect. The area beneath Yao Hua Mountain was a backwater, scarcely populated by locals, so why had members of the demonic sect appeared there? The current situation was too complex, making it difficult not to connect these events with Luan Tai. Earlier, while at Luan Tai, Qi Xian Qing learned from a servant that the Phoenix Clan’s princess was to be wed in three days. With a festive atmosphere, Luan Tai might lower its guard, giving demons an opportunity to infiltrate. Yan Jue said, “I memorized the room of that person earlier. I plan to sneak in using the Yun Xu Umbrella.” After finishing with the ointment, Yan Jue gently blew on it. “There, all done.” Qi Xian Qing glanced sideways at her. In the dim candlelight, the young woman's lips were vivid red and her features brilliantly three-dimensional. Just as Yan Jue was about to leave, Qi Xian Qing caught her hand, pinning her beneath. Qi Xian Qing’s breath lingered at Yan Jue’s nose, accompanied by the serene and refreshing scent of plum blossoms from her ethereal body. Facing those deep black eyes, Yan Jue’s heart skipped a beat. Qi Xian Qing looked at Yan Jue, her fingertips lightly caressing the corner of her lips. Startled, Yan Jue gazed up at her. The room was quiet. Qi Xian Qing, seemingly never sated with affection, leaned down to kiss the corner of her lips softly. “Be careful.” Yan Jue hugged Qi Xian Qing’s waist in return. “Alright.” Getting up, Yan Jue retrieved the Yun Xu Umbrella from her bag. What was she even thinking? Qi Xian Qing trusted her; why entertain such thoughts? Thinking of her earlier suspicion, Yan Jue felt a soft, sour sensation in her heart as though gently squeezed by an unseen hand. Opening the jade-green Yun Xu Umbrella, her body quickly vanished from sight. Yan Jue, always adept in her light-footed maneuvers, moved silently to the window of the demonic cultivator’s room. The window was open. Gracefully, Yan Jue stepped to the window sill and flipped inside. Inside the room, a black-clad man stood by the table, engrossed in something. Beside him sat a stunning woman with a face that seemed to drip with allure, lazily sipping from her cup. With an enchanting grace, she was like a femme fatale from a painting. Adorning her wrists were golden bells that tinkled with an ethereal sound whenever she moved. There was no conversation between them, compelling Yan Jue to step closer and glance at their table. There lay a map. Yan Jue paused momentarily. It was a map of Luan Tai. The man suddenly spoke, his voice low and hoarse, “In three days, the Princess of Luan Tai is set to wed.” Gently caressing the bells at her wrist with fingers pale as scallion stalks, the woman smiled faintly. “A rare opportunity indeed.” “I shall open the barrier, allowing entrance.” “From there, it will be your turn.” ---- In the blink of an eye, three days passed. As a gray dawn painted the sky, the valley was soon bathed in brilliant, colorful sunlight, and Fenghuang Tai buzzed with lively anticipation. Today was the day of the princess's wedding. It was known that the princess was to marry into the prestigious Nan family of the Phoenix Clan. Long ago, Princess Feng Ru had already been betrothed to the Nan family. Her prolonged illness had merely delayed the marriage. In the Phoenix Clan, they adhered strongly to bloodline hierarchies. Ranking just below the Feng family in status, the Nan family was known for possessing some of the purest Phoenix bloodlines within the clan. The spectator stands at Fenghuang Tai were filled with attendees. Luan Tai, holding itself in high regard, did not maintain favorable relations with the other five immortal sects, so most onlookers were their own family. Red petals fluttered through the air, and celebratory cannonade echoed, creating a bustling scene. In the center of Luan Tai's plaza, a lavish sedan chair moved forward slowly. Meanwhile, atop the viewing platform, Feng Zhao Yang and Nan Jia's elder, Nan Dun, stood together, smiling at the distant scenery. Raising his cup, Feng Zhao Yang said, “Today marks the joyous union of our children. I toast to you.” Nan Dun smiled back. Everyone was aware that the princess herself was reluctant to marry Nan Ming of the Nan family. In recent times, rumors spread that, long ago, she had fallen for a mortal outside the clan. To resist the engagement, it was said that the princess even used a purging elixir to erase her Phoenix bloodline. Any such move would be a great affront to the Nan family, but their intermarriage with the Feng family spanned generations. Thus, the Nan family couldn't simply abandon the union over the princess's immaturity. Although the purging elixir diminished Feng Ru’s bloodline purity, and it no longer matched her previous standards, bloodline compatibility was secondary to maintaining familial alliances. Only by intermarrying with the Feng family could the Nan family secure their safety for generations to come. Just as attention fixated on the central plaza’s sedan chair, a jade-green paper umbrella drifted unnoticed through Luan Tai’s gates. This umbrella, one of the treasures from the Demon Lord's trove, was formidable, allowing entry through any formation undetected, even by those of the eighth realm. Under its canopy, none were visible. Yan Jue held onto Qi Xian Qing’s neck, securely perched on Qi Xian Qing’s back. As she dangled the umbrella, Qi Xian Qing's gaze remained fixed on the crowded Fenghuang Tai ahead, her movements so fluid she traversed several meters in a single leap. No worries, no one can see them. The sedan chair, carried slowly by servants, soon arrived at the center of the plaza. Standing on Fenghuang Tai in a robe of narrow sleeves and bright red, a handsome man smiled at the sedan chair. It was the Phoenix Clan’s young talent, Nan Ming. He was the future beacon of Luan Tai, the only one in the clan carrying high-purity Phoenix blood. The servants gently lifted the sedan chair’s curtain, prompting subtle smiles from both families' elders. Once the bride and groom had completed the marriage rites, nothing would change their fate. And the once-playful Feng Ru would settle into her role as a wife in the Nan family, further solidifying the bond between the Feng and Nan families. Feng Zhao Yang sighed a breath of relief. He turned to Nan Dun, ready to speak. Suddenly, echoes of a furious roar erupted. "Roar—" The massive plaza shook violently as an overwhelming pressure seeped in from all directions. Nan Dun was stunned. “That is…” The landscape shifted dramatically, dense black clouds engulfing the sky. Thunderous roars climbed in crescendo as an ear-splitting blast erupted from the edge of Fenghuang Tai. Up emerged a being engulfed in flames from beneath the platform. Feng Zhao Yang's pupils constricted sharply. A colossal Phoenix emerged. Its entire being glowed a radiant, sun-like golden hue, its feathers shimmering like scales with dazzling luster. Its size was immense, wings broad as overhanging clouds! This was a pureblood Phoenix residing beneath Fenghuang Tai! Phoenixes were traditionally revered as the sacred beasts of the Phoenix Clan, their members being hybrids of ancient humans and phoenixes. Even Feng Zhao Yang, with one of the purest bloodlines, could not compare to genuine purebloods. The pureblood Phoenix, having dwelled beneath Fenghuang Tai to guard the clan's sacred Phoenix Egg, was of unparalleled honor and significance! Upon seeing the Phoenix, Feng Zhao Yang's pupils narrowed in alarm. Accompanying the pureblood Phoenix was an overwhelming aura of bloodline dominance. Feng Zhao Yang immediately felt the urge to kneel before it. Why did the pureblood Phoenix descend at this moment? Could it be aware of the Phoenix Clan princess's wedding today, intending to offer a congratulatory gesture? "No, something's off," Nan Dun frowned. "Look at its state, it's abnormal!" In the glaring sunlight, the Phoenix burned with intense flames, eyes bloodshot, as it let out piercing shrieks, clearly in a frenzy. Suddenly, it sprang into the air, its wings flapping violently, creating a storm that obliterated everything around. "This is not a true Phoenix," Nan Dun stood, speaking gravely. "It's merely a projection!" As his words fell, the black energy atop the Phoenix began to swirl, revealing a faint purple barrier in the sky. The barrier flickered, and more than a dozen figures clad in black emerged. An arcane technique: Void Passage. The disciples of the Phoenix Clan were momentarily dumbfounded. Many years had passed since the chaotic times of old. Having grown complacent, they were bewildered by the sudden attack, unsure of how to react. A blue-robed Phoenix Clan disciple was too slow to escape, impaled by a steel blade through the chest! At the forefront, a black-clad figure shouted, prompting the others to shift into formation. They swiftly arranged themselves into a formation. The Beast Pattern Spirit Draw Array. This formation was initially created by the Elder Xu of the Beast Control Pavilion and was widely circulated in the martial world. This particular array required eighteen participants to synchronize, enabling them to control a beast's consciousness, thus bending it to their will. Chanting incantations, the black-clad figures unleashed chaos. The Phoenix, further agitated, beat its vast wings; they spread like clouds in the sky, inciting scorching flames. Nearby disciples of Luan Tai immediately responded, rushing forward with hand seals ready to attack. Yet, upon colliding with the black-clad figures' formation, they were repelled by a burst of dark light. The lead black-clad figure formed a flower-shaped seal with her fingers, swinging her right hand fiercely to gather the surrounding air into a void blade, sweeping it across. In an instant, the area became a river of blood. The Beast Pattern Spirit Draw Array required a gradual build-up, whereby every shift intensified the Phoenix's bloodthirsty killing intent. It suddenly opened its colossal beak, unleashing a thunderous roar: "Ah—" The Sound of Nirvana. The roar shattered eardrums, causing Yan Jue's pupils to contract as a sensation akin to a heart demon surged in her chest. Abruptly, a gentle touch came beside her. Qi Xian Qing, her demeanor icy, reached over to cover Yan Jue's ears. Three days prior, Yan Jue had infiltrated the suspicious man's room and discovered a map of Luan Tai on the table. Strangely, in such a small room, more than a dozen people eventually gathered. They were all clad in black cloaks. After some whispered discussions among a few black-clothed figures, Yan Jue gleaned that they were disciples under the Demon Sovereign of Desperate Valley, with a scheme linked to the current marriage at Luan Tai. ... Feng Zhao Yang reacted swiftly, immediately summoning a great array. Instantly, a golden formation lit up along the edge of Fenghuang Tai. The Luan Tai Guardianship Array. With a stern expression, Feng Zhao Yang formed seals with his hands, his pupils glowing a bright golden hue. He opened his mouth slightly and swept his right hand skyward. Countless small phoenixes burst forth from his mouth. The small phoenixes shot like arrows at the black-clad figures’ formation, their immense force shattering it instantly! It seemed these black-clad individuals weren't particularly strong. Feng Zhao Yang observed his demonology adversaries, his expression filled with scorn. He had always looked down on mortals, especially those who practiced demonic magic. Feng Zhao Yang soared into the air, gold wings bursting forth from behind him in an instant. With fierce wing beats, strong winds surged across Fenghuang Tai. The demon practitioners were scattered by the sudden gusts. As Feng Zhao Yang flew before the Phoenix, he extended a hand, palm down, and commanded with a deep and resonant voice, "O Divine Phoenix, be at peace!" The black aura surrounding the Phoenix gradually faded, Feng Zhao Yang’s robe flapping tumultuously in the howling wind. With a sweeping motion, a wave of flames surged from his hand. Scarlet fire swept over the black-clad demon practitioners, their screams piercing the air, leaving a faint scent of charred flesh. All the demon practitioners were reduced to ashes by the flames. For Feng Zhao Yang, dealing with these mortal demon practitioners was as simple as crushing ants. As he watched the surroundings stabilize, a smile formed. Just as he pondered on how to handle the Phoenix projection, ready to turn away— A sharp, cold magical weapon unexpectedly pierced into his chest. Feng Zhao Yang's pupils constricted abruptly, nostrils suddenly filled with a familiar scent from behind. He turned sharply, meeting those blood-red eyes. Feng Ru's eyes were flushed with crimson, her face full of dread. She held a long sword, her arm trembling slightly. It was a manifestation of a heart demon consuming her; her recent anger enough to birth one! Feng Ru, clad in her vivid red bridal robe, had sprouted enormous gold wings from her back at some point. With those wings flapping fiercely, a whirlwind rose around her, throwing Phoenix Clan members off their feet. Feng Ru formed seals with her hands, launching a blaze like golden dragons surging from before her. The True Flame of Samadhi! This divine fire, unique to the Phoenix Clan, was more potent than Yun Zhen’s Nine Heavens Mystic Fire, reducing everything it touched to ash! Sparks landed on people nearby, eliciting agonized cries as countless were burned to nothingness. Feng Zhao Yang’s brow furrowed deeply as he shouted, “Restrain the princess!” Nan Dun leapt into the sky, landing atop the Phoenix’s head, reciting a calming mantra. The black energy atop the Phoenix completely calmed. It appeared the Phoenix was fully subdued, no longer capable of actions. Nan Dun felt a slight relief, but the next moment, the Phoenix raised its head and swallowed him whole! Feng Zhao Yang’s eyes widened, seeing something unexpected. In the place where the black-clad figures had been turned to ash, there now stood a black-clad woman. No. She was the true controller of the Phoenix! The woman, dressed in sheer black, had eyes like flowing autumn waves. With lithe grace, she stood amid her companions' blood, continuing to chant. Black energy surged anew from the Phoenix’s head, releasing an angry roar: "Ah—" A furious, bloodthirsty cry formed black shockwaves, sweeping across the entire Fenghuang Tai. The Phoenix Clan members were instantly engulfed by overwhelming emotions of pain in their eyes. Their weapons clattered to the ground, tightly clenched their fists, seemingly struggling. Moments later, upon raising their eyes again, a strong murderous aura had enveloped them. Supernatural Skill: Sound of Nirvana. Everyone harbored dark thoughts within them; unchecked, these could form heart demons. The Phoenix, as a divine beast, wielded psychic control. The Sound of Nirvana magnified darkness in one’s heart, cultivating it into a heart demon. As Yan Jue snapped back, she saw the Phoenix Clan members, now possessed, bending to retrieve their weapons, faces solemn and ferocious. Once a heart demon is born, it is nearly impossible to dispel. Yan Jue stood momentarily stunned. In an instant, disconnected thoughts from that night took on a coherent shape in her mind. Could their plan be to seize control of the entire Phoenix Clan? "Ah—" A long, sharp shriek resonated across the land. With blood-red eyes, the Phoenix Clan members formed ranks, charging wherever the black-clad woman directed with her right hand. Yan Jue watched intently from Fenghuang Tai, amidst countless frenzied disciples chanting "Our god is immortal." While Luan Tai’s disciples were maddened, she and Qi Xian Qing remained unaffected. Now Yan Jue understood that the Sound of Nirvana only affected the Phoenix Clan. A young Phoenix girl, frightened and disoriented, ran amidst the crowd in the plaza, tripping and falling. With a scream, "Mother!" she cried. At the same time, a man with a murderous aura followed closely, empty eyes fixed on her, ready to raise his sword. Qi Xian Qing’s voice came from behind, "Don't look into the Phoenix's eyes." Instantly Yan Jue understood Qi Xian Qing’s meaning. The Phoenix's eyes were imbued with flame's power and the divine Phoenix's might, burning the soul when gazed upon. Exchanging a glance with Yan Jue, Qi Xian Qing's body flashed with golden light; in a moment, she transformed into a large six-tailed fox with fiery red fur. With powerful hindlegs, she leaped skyward, creating a graceful arc. No longer the cute little red fox, she was now a fierce beast, six tails flowing in the wind like raging flames in the sky. Yan Jue lunged towards the man, her six massive tails whipping like lashes, sending the Phoenix Clan man spiraling out of control like a spinning top. Around Yan Jue, a faint red glow simmered ominously, but unlike those consumed by the heart demon, her aura was different. As a nine-tailed fox, an ancient beast of prey, when Yan Jue revealed her true fox form, its ferocity could not be concealed. The roaring Phoenix abruptly ceased its cries. It lowered its head, eyes fixating on Yan Jue. As the Phoenix stared at Yan Jue, she suddenly felt a scorching heat, as if merely gazing into those eyes could burn her soul to ashes. A swift "whoosh" was heard from behind as Qi Xian Qing closed the umbrella, walking calmly to stand behind Yan Jue. The fierce wind whipped at her robe, and Qi Xian Qing stood with hands clasped behind her, gazing ahead with a steady calm. Though Qi Xian Qing wore a breath-masking cloak, obscuring her features behind a veil, her radiant presence and those deep, dark eyes remained strikingly brilliant. The woman, who had been chanting incantations behind the Phoenix, paused, momentarily taken aback. Such an extraordinary presence, with a sword strapped to her back, clearly not a member of Luan Tai—how had she come to be here? While the black-clad woman hesitated, Qi Xian Qing spoke aloud, “I've heard that the Phoenix is a divine beast of this world. Today, seeing it in person, it truly lives up to its reputation.” Qi Xian Qing paused, “I wonder how it compares to my nine-tailed red fox.” Nine-tailed red fox? The black-clad woman's pupils contracted sharply. Could the fierce beast before her truly be a nine-tailed red fox? How would a Phoenix’s projection fare against a genuine nine-tailed fox? The woman dared not say. It was said that the nine-tailed fox had been extinct for millennia, and besides, this fox had only six tails. Meeting Qi Xian Qing’s clear water-like gaze, the black-clad woman soon regained her composure. She knew the world harbored many beast tamers. Beast tamers traveled the lands with their spirit pets, often challenging others with powerful creatures. Challenging a divine beast like the Phoenix, even a projection, was a dream for many tamers. Seeing the red fox standing beside the woman, it was clear they shared a master-servant relationship. If she wanted to challenge the Phoenix, the woman would oblige. Smiling slightly, she said, “So it’s a red fox. Let’s then see how it fares against the Phoenix.” Before the woman's words had even settled, her wrist’s golden bells began to jingle violently, creating a melodic sound. She chanted the Beast Master’s Incantation, instantly driving the Phoenix into a frenzy. It soared into the sky, beating its wings, sending a wall of fire rushing forth. Yan Jue’s phoenix eyes narrowed, her right paw stamping down, releasing an aura of icy frost. The fox let out an ear-splitting roar, distorting the air around it, forming a myriad of tiny ice shards. Ice shards gathered before it, creating a thick wall of ice. “Boom—” The Phoenix's flames collided with the ice wall. A realm of ice and fire. The blue of the ice and the red of the flames illuminated the sky as Qi Xian Qing gazed upward, intently pondering how her nine-tailed fox could best the Phoenix. If this red fox were indeed a nine-tailed fox, defeating it with merely a projection would be quite challenging for the Phoenix. The black-clad woman chuckled, “Your spirit beast is impressive too, but can it withstand the Phoenix’s strike?” With these words, she formed seals, commanding the Phoenix. However, midway through her incantation, she sensed a formidable wind behind her! Something was amiss! Her pupils constricted sharply. Two swords, one azure and one blue, came whistling through the air, merging into a single, powerful dragon-like sword aura. The fierce, formidable blade cut through the sky in a semicircular arc, slashing down upon her. An ambush. It turned out this woman’s true target wasn’t the Phoenix, but her! The black-clad woman wasn’t easily defeated. She swiftly formed seals. In the next breath, her body was sliced in two by the immense sword aura generated from the combined might of Liu Bing and Zhu Ying's legendary spiritual swords, only to reappear several steps away. An arcane technique: The Art of Illusory Substitute. Yan Jue had heard of practitioners crafting substitute mannequins for emergencies, allowing them to avoid death. However, the fused might of Liu Bing and Zhu Ying was too powerful. The sword aura not only shattered the mannequin before her but also struck the nearby Phoenix. The Phoenix let out a pained screech, its right wing severed cleanly! Blood dripped from the black-clad woman’s arm, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes as she shouted, “I didn’t expect you righteous sect members to use such treacherous tactics!” She pointed at the Phoenix, and with a tremble, its golden wing transformed into a broad blade, slashing fiercely at Yan Jue's shoulder. A deep bloody gash marred the red fox’s vibrant fur. Blood sprayed forth. Although it wasn't fatal, it dealt significant damage. The Phoenix exhausted its remaining power in that strike, and its form began to dissipate in the sky. "Pant... pant..." The woman, severely wounded, smiled with grim satisfaction. Suddenly, her smile froze. The grievously injured red fox lifted its elongated phoenix eyes, a trace of disdain glimmering in its gaze. Like a thunderclap overhead. Something wasn’t right! The blood trickling from the fox’s wounds turned into icy blue light, charging towards her like sharp blades. Blood Refinement Technique. Infused with freezing power, the blood shot through the air, a dense rain of swords hammering down upon the woman. With the Blood Refinement Technique, Yan Jue’s blood regeneration rate reached its peak. In an instant, she opened her eyes, rising to stand, her gaze icy as she confronted him. The sky gleamed gold. Qi Xian Qing hurled the “Soul Binding Rope,” entangling the woman in its coils. With a flick of her right hand, a massive scroll unfurled in her grasp. The scroll unfolded, emitting a dazzling light, and in an instant, the black-clad woman was drawn into the painting. On Fenghuang Tai, gusts howled. The dying Phoenix projection summoned the last of its strength, violently flapping its wings. As its body gradually turned to ash in the sky, the gale swept everyone off their feet on Fenghuang Tai. Even with Yan Jue’s rapid blood recovery ability, she was still injured, struggling to withstand the gale force created by the Phoenix. Her limbs clung tightly to the ground, letting out a low growl. As Qi Xian Qing reoriented herself, her gaze met Yan Jue’s. Yan Jue barely managed to steady herself when she suddenly felt something crash hard into her. Yan Jue’s pupils shrank, looking down to find the one who collided with her was a wild-eyed woman—a frenzied Princess Feng Ru, no less. The heart demon within the princess remained unsolved, fierce flames still consuming her body. Though the power of her True Flame of Samadhi was waning, it still packed residual strength. Feng Ru slammed into Yan Jue, knocking her back three steps. While her eyes remained murderous, she couldn't help reaching up to gently stroke the red fox's fluffy head, mesmerized by its amber phoenix eyes. Yan Jue: "..." Who would have thought the Phoenix Clan princess was a sucker for anything fluffy? But now wasn’t the time for petting foxes. The storm from the Phoenix grew increasingly fierce, forcing Yan Jue to stagger back, struggling to support another’s weight. Feng Zhao Yang, standing at a distance, clutched his wounds, breathing heavily. Though Feng Ru had gravely injured him, his vital organs were untouched, and his Phoenix blood had already sped his recovery. Witnessing the absurd scene, he shouted, “Seize the princess!” Under the influence of the Sound of Nirvana, Feng Ru developed a heart demon, but she had always adored small animals, wishing since childhood for a pet fox. Not fully comprehending what was happening, a shadow flashed by her side. Qi Xian Qing grabbed her arm, forcefully throwing her to the ground. Despite the blazing flames covering Feng Ru, Qi Xian Qing’s arm caught fire upon contact. The princess was slightly startled to find someone unafraid of her True Flame of Samadhi. But Qi Xian Qing had already thrown her aside. Severely burned, Qi Xian Qing pulled Yan Jue into her embrace from afar. Hurricane-like winds swept across, reverting the giant red fox into a tiny creature. Qi Xian Qing held it close. Together, they tumbled off Fenghuang Tai. Zhu Ying and Liu Bing, having combined their powers a third time, flew over to assist. Qi Xian Qing stamped her right foot, barely landing on the celestial sword. Combining swords came at a steep cost. Especially with ancient sacred swords like Liu Bing and Zhu Ying, the immense power from a combined assault would deplete the wielder’s true essence and leave the swords themselves drained. Both Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue, and the spirit swords Zhu Ying and Liu Bing now found themselves utterly exhausted, their true essence completely spent. Qi Xian Qing remained standing upright on the twin swords, sustained by the strength accumulated through rigorous training over time. The sound of the wind roared in her ears, biting with the chill of deep winter as it cut through the mountains. Holding the small fox close, Qi Xian Qing squinted against the piercing mist and clouds, feeling her body plummet swiftly. Calmly, she adjusted her breathing, feet firmly set upon the celestial sword. After a seemingly endless descent, the dense fog finally dispersed, bringing the fresh scent of lush greenery and water-laden air to her nostrils. Qi Xian Qing's eyes snapped open, revealing a deep, wooded valley below. Mystical flowers and rare herbs, elegant bamboo and majestic pines. The valley held a serene beauty, butterflies flitting through the air. In the distance, fields of flowers bloomed like an ocean. Qi Xian Qing paused in slight wonder. Her ear caught an ethereal song, melodious and serene. "The cold dew chills the magpie, hidden fruits alarm the fish— (1) In idle grace, she exists without intrusion— (2) The song's clarity and otherworldly quality evoked a celestial air, drawing deep enchantment. Yet, after listening for a moment or two, Qi Xian Qing felt a rising sense of suffocation. She immediately centered her energy and steadied her breath, trying to channel spiritual power into the little fox in her arms, only to find her arms empty. The little fox was gone. Her expression darkened. An illusion. She realized she had stepped into a forbidden mystical realm. Liu Bing and Zhu Ying had already landed. Qi Xian Qing lifted her gaze, surveying the scene before her. She considered breaking through the illusion with the same method as before. But illusions vary in power, and this one was evidently far more complex than the last. Attempting to break through by force would only deplete her already scarce energy. Moreover, after the sword fusion, she had no spare true essence left for such an endeavor. Suddenly, she heard gentle footsteps. Turning, Qi Xian Qing saw a woman walking toward her, amidst a sea of flowers. The grass remained lush and vibrant where she stepped. Qi Xian Qing froze momentarily. The woman lifted her clear peach blossom eyes, fixing them unwaveringly upon Qi Xian Qing. Clad in a white gown with a simple hairpin, her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her complexion was as fair as snow, exuding a serene and ethereal grace. She looked exactly like Qi Xian Qing. The woman smiled softly. “It’s me.” Qi Xian Qing’s expression remained cold, her hand gripping Zhu Ying tightly as she slowly uttered, “You are.” The woman replied, “I am your heart demon.” Qi Xian Qing focused on those dark peach blossom eyes, a touch of hoarseness in her voice: “I have no heart demon.” As the leading disciple of Five Dragons Gate and an esteemed Immortal of Meng Heng, she conducted herself with integrity, treating the eradication of evil as a life principle, leaving her with a clear conscience. Her heart demon laughed. “That’s precisely your heart demon. Denying it is futile.” Qi Xian Qing kept her composure, choosing silence. The heart demon extended a slender, jade-white hand, pointing in a direction. Suddenly, she said, “Look, Meng Heng.” Qi Xian Qing lifted her gaze towards the distant green valley, where lush grass flourished. There, a small red-furred fox with six flaming tails chased butterflies among the flowers. It was the little fox she had held in her arms just moments ago. The fox transformed with a flourish into a girl with red lips and white teeth. Yan Jue. Yan Jue wore a pure blue pleated dress, her beauty unparalleled, her neck adorned with a golden choker. She moved with gentle grace, slowly approaching Qi Xian Qing. The heart demon laughed. “Are you truly at ease with this little demon?” “Since childhood, your clan was annihilated by demons, Meng Heng. No matter how benevolent, their greed and selfishness can never be eradicated.” Though softly spoken, the heart demon's voice raged in Qi Xian Qing's ears, causing her temples to pulse with pain. “No matter how much it loves you, does it not secretly desire to consume you?” The heart demon chuckled. “Have you ever doubted why your whereabouts have consistently been revealed to Zhansha Cliff?” The last words struck like thunder at her ears. Qi Xian Qing’s gaze shifted toward Yan Jue, who, at some point, had ceased her actions, those clear amber eyes fixed intently upon her. Heart demon: “Even though your movements should be perfectly secret, monsters persistently hunt you down.” The heart demon's eyes sharpened. “Because this little demon leaked your whereabouts!” “Do you not wish to escape this illusion? Outside lie endless treasures and the Phoenix egg. Is that not what you desire?” The heart demon's face twisted, snarling at Qi Xian Qing: “Kill her!” Qi Xian Qing lifted her eyes, meeting that familiar, refined face. At the same time, the girl across from her raised her head, looking steadily back. Surprise and fear flickered briefly in her eyes. Yet Qi Xian Qing knew her heart demon was herself. Each person’s illusion was unique; only by killing the vision of Yan Jue could she leave this illusion!