118 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

### Chapter 118: The People of the Demonic Dao Deep within the cave, there was a surprising treasure trove of phoenix embryos. Phoenix embryos. The name itself involves the eggs laid by a phoenix. A phoenix lays eggs once every thousand years, and the number is considerable each time. These embryos, stacked in the cave, had been encased in ice for a millennium. Although they are called phoenix embryos, they will not nurture life until combined with holy water. Back when pure-blooded phoenixes still reigned supreme at Luan Platform, they would reward their clanspeople with phoenix embryos. The phoenix embryo is a sacred object of the Phoenix Clan. If a mortal consumes it, they can acquire the phoenix lineage and enhance their physical capabilities. Its effects are comparable to the Dragon Blood Pellet. Of course, if a mortal consumes a phoenix embryo, they must endure some side effects. For example, the former leader of Feidu City, Liang Ting Mian, consumed a phoenix embryo, leading to her persistent mental instability, ultimately succumbing to a tiger demon’s attack. After the phoenix was imprisoned, Luan Platform regularly used these embryos as rewards for their people. Phoenix clansmen who consume phoenix embryos can enhance their bloodline purity without the side effects experienced by humans. The little phoenix swung its neck and stared steadily at Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing. All my things are yours! Yan Jue’s eyes widened with disbelief before she chuckled, "So generous?" The mythical phoenix’s willingness to give away its embryos to them largely stemmed from its clan’s own misdeeds, leaving Yan Jue with no qualms. In a way, the world of cultivation is inherently cruel. Opportunities abound; once they present themselves, they are to be freely accepted. Anyone else who stumbled upon these phoenix embryos would undoubtedly seize them without hesitation. Thus, the two of them selected a few perfectly shaped embryos amidst the ice and stowed them in the Qiankun Bag. Yan Jue glanced at the little phoenix, offering her thanks. As Yan Jue exited the cave, the sky had turned completely dark. Above, the night sky was a magnificent deep purple, shrouded with mist, dotted with countless stars. Chaos likely reigned back at Luan Platform, leaving them no concern for this side. Now was the optimal time to depart. Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing had barely taken a few steps before the little phoenix flapped its wings and flew into Qi Xian Qing’s arms, wishing to follow her. Yan Jue hesitated. She could accept the phoenix embryos without guilt, but the little phoenix... Qi Xian Qing looked at the little creature in her arms and said, "You cannot go; you are the guardian divine beast here." She then pinched the little phoenix by the scruff of its neck and tossed it away. The little phoenix turned back, glaring at them indignantly. The two walked on, but after only a few steps, Yan Jue suddenly felt weight at her waist. The phoenix clung desperately to her, scattering feathers everywhere. "Peep peep peep peep..." The little phoenix looked up at Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue, its tiny eyes glistening with tears. Qi Xian Qing pressed a hand to her forehead. She was always vulnerable to the lethal cuteness of animals. The little phoenix’s actions were understandable. Once revered as the divine beast of the Phoenix Clan, it was locked away in this Wanxiang Secret Realm below Luan Platform due to internal betrayal. Anyone treated thus would feel a chill in their heart. Leaving Luan Platform, the little phoenix seemed to be sulking in its own way, akin to a child running away from home. "If you want to come with us, you must be obedient," Qi Xian Qing said, lowering her gaze to meet its eyes. Yan Jue was taken aback, "You're really taking it?" Qi Xian Qing replied, "We’ll ask the master what should be done later." The phoenix had previously shared its memories with them both. Given how poorly it was treated at Luan Platform, the Phoenix Clan likely didn’t need it. In its current weakened state, staying here would only mean continued imprisonment. Though a divine beast, as rare as they come, the duty of a cultivator includes its protection. Yan Jue hesitated only a moment before she placed the little phoenix into the Qiankun Bag. This Qiankun Bag contained vast internal space, thanks to the Sea-Inclusive Mountain Hide array, allowing for the storage of not only materials but living creatures as well. The moment the tuft on the little phoenix’s head disappeared into the Qiankun Bag, the ground began to tremble violently. Yan Jue paused. This is... Overhead, stones crumbled from the rock ceiling, while intense spiritual energy waves rippled outward in golden hues, filling the surrounding area. "Boom..." The green grass underfoot wilted instantly, and the once-blooming flowers withered in no time. The previously spring-like valley quickly became windswept with chilling gales, unnerving even the most steadfast hearts. After contemplating for a moment, Yan Jue met Qi Xian Qing’s gaze. Qi Xian Qing stood with her hands behind her back, a small frown gracing her face. "The phoenix is the master of the Wanxiang Secret Realm. When the phoenix leaves, it takes the realm with it." Yan Jue’s pupils contracted slightly. So, this little phoenix was a walking secret realm. --- As Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue approached the secret realm's entrance, Qi Xian Qing came to an abrupt halt. A piercing gaze was fixed upon their backs, fiery and intense, impossible to ignore. Qi Xian Qing turned back. "Why are you following us?" A woman emerged slowly from the woods behind them. She appeared with striking features, vibrant and audacious, a pair of large wings trailing behind her, with the intricate Phoenix Clan markings emblazoned on her forehead. Yet those beautiful eyes were filled with bloodlust. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her voice hoarse, "You took the phoenix from my Luan Platform. Isn’t it only natural that I’m here?" Qi Xian Qing lifted her gaze, looking at her serenely. The woman was none other than the Phoenix Clan princess, Feng Ru. Their gazes clashed in midair, creating a palpable tension. Feng Ru glared at them for a while before her expression softened, and she sank to her knees. "I am gravely injured and plagued by inner demons. I plead with you two immortals to aid me in dispelling them." Yan Jue hadn’t anticipated this turn of events and was momentarily stunned. Earlier on Phoenix Platform, when Feng Ru’s mind was consumed by demons, her madness had caused Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing to fall into an abyss. Subsequently, to escape her clan’s control, she had leaped down herself. Feng Ru still had residual phoenix blood inside her, which granted her some resistance against the inner demon, preventing her mind from being completely overtaken. In the valley, Feng Ru had seen firsthand how Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue had helped the pure-blooded phoenix rid itself of its demons. Feng Ru realized that, in her current state, seeking her lady among mortals was an impossibility. So she must request these two exceptionally powerful immortals to help dispel her inner demons. She knelt reverently, bowing repeatedly to Yan Jue, whispering, "I heard from a servant that the letter from my lady was delivered by an immortal." "I wish to see my lady, but in this form, I cannot walk among mortals..." Feng Ru continued, her eyes gradually growing red. Yan Jue hesitated. "I can try, but I can’t guarantee it’ll work." The piece of green jade seal in her Qiankun Bag had already been used to help the phoenix dispel its demons, leaving it cracked. She was uncertain if it could perform as effectively as before. "Give it a shot," Qi Xian Qing suggested, turning to her. "If the artifact isn’t completely destroyed, it can still be used." Yan Jue nodded and retrieved the green jade seal from her Qiankun Bag. She raised the jade seal, letting its light encircle Feng Ru’s form. Feng Ru’s eyes focused sharply, immediately seated cross-legged, eyes closed, regulating her breathing. Yan Jue infused a strand of true energy into the jade seal, causing it to spin wildly. Gradually, black wisp emanated from Feng Ru’s head, drawn into the jade seal. Who knows how much time passed, but the black aura over Feng Ru’s head dissipated almost entirely. Yan Jue tentatively began retracting her true energy. "Crack—" A strange sound resonated from above. The jade seal, unable to endure the intense magical aura, shattered into two pieces. Yan Jue felt a pang of heartache. Simultaneously, Feng Ru’s tightly closed eyes opened just long enough for her to sway a bit, collapsing onto the ground. Feng Ru’s form slowly shrank, transforming into a little chick, huddled on the ground, its eyelids drooped. This little chick looked nothing like the previous little phoenix, its feathers dull and drab, exceedingly unattractive. Although not of pure phoenix blood, the Phoenix Clan possessed the divine beast’s lineage, making them markedly different from mere demons. They bore a half-human, half-bird lineage, naturally able to transform into bird forms. Feng Ru’s divine phoenix blood had long been mostly purged by elixirs, diminishing both her body and her strength from what they had once been. Feng Ru clung weakly to Yan Jue’s waist. Yan Jue lifted her head, locking eyes with Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing chuckled softly, a hint of exasperation in her tone. “Then we’ll have to take her to see Leader Liang in Feidu City.” --- Luan Platform was in disarray, utterly distracted from the happenings beneath Phoenix Platform. The original secret realm was now entirely absorbed back within the little phoenix, making their return journey even easier than their arrival. Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing took to their swords, quickly leading Feng Ru to Feidu City. At the city lord’s residence. Liang Ting Mian sat in the corridor, lost in thought. She had consumed phoenix embryos, which initially caused mental haze, but the effects of the embryos had proven remarkably beneficial. Having consumed quite a few phoenix embryos, she had gained the purest phoenix bloodline through their effects. Her cultivation, which had stagnated for several years at the initial stage of the Heartfelt Realm, now surged to perfection in that realm. Power coursed through her entire body, each breath feeling starkly different from before. At some point, rain began to fall. The rain pattered gently onto the veranda tiles as Liang Ting Mian stared absently at the downpour, when suddenly a guard approached, announcing that someone was outside seeking an audience. Qi Xian Qing stood beside Yan Jue, holding an umbrella over her. Yan Jue pulled a small gray-white chick from her Qiankun Bag; it curled into a ball in her palm, its droopy, unattractive eyelid sagging down. Liang Ting Mian was taken aback, "This is…" At the sound of the voice, the little chick slowly opened its eyelids, uttering a weak chirp. Liang Ting Mian’s pupils contracted sharply, "Ah Ru..." She stumbled forward a few steps, paying no mind to the cool raindrops landing on her head, and quickly scooped it into her arms. --- Yan Jue: "Is bloodline truly so important?" Night had fallen, yet Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing didn’t rush to leave. Instead, they chose to stay at an inn outside of Feidu City. Qi Xian Qing nodded, "For some lineages, indeed it is." Suddenly, a thought occurred to Yan Jue, and she jokingly said, "I’m a spirit fox. What if, in the future, my family tries to stop us?" Yan Jue imagined the scenario. The original self's father had been vehemently against her eloping with the protagonist, Chu Fu. This could indeed become problematic. Qi Xian Qing’s brow furrowed, "Would they?" Yan Jue sighed. It wasn’t just her family; even the Five Dragons Sect might not approve of her being with Qi Xian Qing once her true identity became known. There was too much disparity between humans and demons. Qi Xian Qing accepting her was, in essence, opposing the entirety of the righteous sects. Qi Xian Qing observed Yan Jue’s expression, glancing up at the ceiling, and retorted with a lighthearted tone, "Then I’d just hide you away in the mountains so your family can’t find you." Yan Jue was caught off guard, then laughed, reaching out to gently hook Qi Xian Qing’s index and middle fingers. Qi Xian Qing’s hand was cool to the touch, with well-defined joints, her fair skin faintly revealing veins beneath. Yan Jue admitted, she was a bit selfish at heart. Despite all the troubles she and Qi Xian Qing faced. Especially during the chaos in the Wanxiang Secret Realm below the Phoenix Platform, she inexplicably hoped... Yan Jue was lost in thought when Qi Xian Qing suddenly proposed, "Shall we combine our cores?" Yan Jue paused. To combine cores is, as implied, merging two inner cores. This is a deeply intimate act, usually done only between dao companions. After combining cores, when dao companions launch an attack together, the power is significantly increased. But Qi Xian Qing hadn’t reached the Golden Core stage yet. They were merely testing out a budding relationship, never in a rush to attempt core merging. If Qi Xian Qing wanted to merge cores with her, it required reaching the Golden Core stage. Yan Jue frowned, "But you…" Qi Xian Qing closed her eyes and gave a slight, playful smile. In an instant, a vast and imposing aura radiated, making Yan Jue's scalp tingle. Early stage of the sixth boundary! "As expected." Yan Jue fixed her gaze on her. The immortality physique is naturally favored by the heavens, and Qi Xian Qing lacked nothing in terms of resources. Presumably, from her return from Feidu City, she had long since... surpassed into the Golden Core stage! Yan Jue concentrated, feeling Qi Xian Qing’s aura, and Qi Xian Qing pulled her into a hug. Yan Jue was startled by Qi Xian Qing’s steady heartbeat, feeling her own inexplicably accelerate. Without a doubt, she found this overwhelming righteous aura somewhat intimidating. This had always been an issue since being with Qi Xian Qing. "Sister," Qi Xian Qing said softly, "don’t be afraid." Hearing Qi Xian Qing say this, Yan Jue forced herself to calm down, taking deep breaths, trying to adapt to Qi Xian Qing’s aura. Seeing Yan Jue’s earnest effort softened Qi Xian Qing’s heart once more, "I used to have doubts about you, but today, within the secret realm, my inner demons reminded me." "I don’t want to harbor any more distrust toward you." Yan Jue’s heart skipped a beat. Qi Xian Qing continued, "Once we’ve combined our cores, you’ll feel more secure too." Qi Xian Qing: "Please, don’t be afraid of me." When two golden cores merge, both individuals will quickly adapt to each other. During the process of infusing true energy into each other’s cores, a cultivator truly entrusts their entire cultivation to their partner. Qi Xian Qing could easily tell what was on Yan Jue’s mind. Yan Jue swallowed, instinctively tightening her grip on Qi Xian Qing’s hand. The natural greed of a fox demon filled Yan Jue’s heart. After confirming her feelings for Qi Xian Qing, she greatly desired to possess her. Yan Jue had read a few books on core merging in the Sutra Pavilion and understood the basics. Slowly guiding her true energy into the other’s body, allowing their core to familiarize itself with her energy. Ultimately, it's just a process of mutual adaptation. If their cores and true energy could complement one another, their attacks would be immensely strengthened when they act in tandem. Not only in battle but even passing true energy back and forth into one another’s bodies during ordinary times would enhance their cultivation. This is why it’s best to choose a dao companion whose elements and attributes complement each other. Qi Xian Qing held Yan Jue close, speaking softly, her voice heavy with affection, "Yan, wouldn’t that be nice?" Though her voice was soft, in the quiet room, it stood out. The scent of the immortality body lingered in the air, emphasized in the dim candlelight. The girl wore a plain white garment, her collar slightly open, exposing pale skin and a delicately slender collarbone. Qi Xian Qing’s peach blossom eyes, with deep-creased corners, were clear as water as she knelt on the bed. Yan Jue nodded, then, mustering her courage, leaned in to peck Qi Xian Qing on the cheek, "Okay." "I'm not very experienced," Yan Jue confessed, gripping the bed sheets, gaze lifted towards her, a bit hesitant yet determined. Qi Xian Qing’s face showed little emotion, but a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes, "I’m hardly experienced myself, teach me." Their eyes met and held under the candlelight, a thick tension brewing in the air. Slowly, she leaned in, capturing her lips gently. After several kisses, Qi Xian Qing had learned how to tease her; Yan Jue’s face flushed crimson, stiff with uncertainty. Yan Jue felt as if Qi Xian Qing had suddenly graduated college, while she was still in kindergarten. After a while, as Yan Jue found herself breathless, Qi Xian Qing gently covered her eyes with a hand. Her vision turned to black, yet her other senses heightened; Yan Jue now felt the soft contact sweep past her teeth. For a moment, she could barely breathe. Merging cores wasn’t excessively difficult; once the true energy within began to oscillate, things came naturally. At the onset of core merging, whether yin or yang, it was intensely painful. With cores operating independently within one’s sea of energy, the sudden intrusion of another's energy sent the body into severe rejection. But once the rejection passed, it gave way to feverish warmth. Qi Xian Qing lay on the bed, her breathing erratic, cheeks tinged with a rose hue. She frowned slightly, with no strength left, her arms draped around the person before her. The hot breath... the clammy sweat... As an adult, Qi Xian Qing was acutely aware of her desires. She bit her lip. Pressing against Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue slowly infused her true energy into her body. As a demon, subtle thoughts quietly broke through. These were thoughts that had, honestly, already flared up today alongside her time beneath the Phoenix Platform. To wholly possess Qi Xian Qing. Then Qi Xian Qing couldn’t possibly kill her. Once the cores were merged, dao companions would be intimately familiar with each other's meridian structures. This meant that a dao companion's true essence could seamlessly infiltrate the other's body. It could even be a means to destroy the other's meridians when they are unguarded. At this moment, thoughts from earlier in the secret realm transformed into possessive urges toward Qi Xian Qing. The demon blood surged rapidly through her meridians, and Yan Jue was aware of her unbecoming state. Yet Qi Xian Qing lay beneath her, indulgent and slightly frowning. Yan Jue abruptly came to herself, gently cradling Qi Xian Qing in her arms, gazing down affectionately. Qi Xian Qing’s hair at her earline was damp with sweat, her peach blossom eyes slightly opened, gaze unfocused. Time passed in this way. Yan Jue, her head bowed, planted soft kisses here and there, closing her eyes to concentrate. She perceived a vast green-gold core of righteous qi above her sea of energy, swaying beside a pale blue demon core. Instinctively, Yan Jue’s tongue brushed against her teeth. Suddenly, a sharp pain pricked her neck. Qi Xian Qing, awareness gradually returning, glanced down to find herself both amused and exasperated. Once again, Yan Jue had bitten her. --- The next morning, when the first beams of winter sunlight threaded into the room, Yan Jue lay in bed for quite a while before awakening. Her demon core was fully accustomed to the pure Yang Sword Intent of Qi Xian Qing. Now, unlike before, resting beside Qi Xian Qing felt soothing. The bed was covered with only a thin brocade quilt. Yan Jue watched Qi Xian Qing for a moment before sneaking up to wash her face and rinse her mouth, quietly returning to bed. Yan Jue curved her lips slightly, hooking an arm around Qi Xian Qing's waist and gently nuzzling her face. Qi Xian Qing's face was soft. Her eyelashes fluttered lightly, but she didn’t wake up. Whether it was due to exhaustion or knowingly allowing Yan Jue's playful antics, she stayed asleep. Qi Xian Qing was indulging her. After their cores had merged, Yan Jue felt even closer to Qi Xian Qing, wanting to cuddle against her without moving. This physical closeness brought her immense comfort. Suddenly, in the corner of her eye, Yan Jue caught sight of the little golden phoenix. It must have snuck out of the Qiankun Bag, feeling perhaps uncomfortable. It was curled up in the corner, in a nesting position, dozing off with its eyes closed. Yan Jue: "..." Glaring at the little phoenix, Yan Jue instinctively burrowed closer into Qi Xian Qing’s embrace. Qi Xian Qing shifted slightly and opened her eyes. Yan Jue trembled, her entire body reacting, and she started to pull away, but a firm grip held her in place. Slowly opening her eyes, Qi Xian Qing looked into those twinkling amber phoenix eyes and teased in a slightly raspy voice, "You loved snuggling up a moment ago. Why stop now?" Yan Jue’s face burned a deep red, realizing her leg was still draped over Qi Xian Qing’s. "I like it." "Is that a problem?" "No problem." Qi Xian Qing flipped over, her pale hand pinning Yan Jue’s wrist, pressing her down beneath her, leaning down to carefully kiss her. This was the first time Qi Xian Qing truly felt what it was like to have Yan Jue. Sharing a core with Yan Jue wasn’t without her own motives. To have Yan Jue wholeheartedly rely on her, no longer fearing her, was her goal. The sensation on her lips was incredibly soft, leaving Yan Jue at a loss. She found herself snuggling into Qi Xian Qing, her knees unconsciously curling up to rest against her waist. Qi Xian Qing’s abdominal muscles were firm, clearly evidence of a sword cultivator who diligently practiced core strength exercises. Touching them... Yan Jue's thoughts wandered back to that notion again. Dual cultivation is vast and profound. Until that was accomplished, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing couldn’t truly be considered as dao companions. But would Qi Xian Qing be willing? How would Qi Xian Qing feel about intimate relations between two women? Just imagining it turned Yan Jue's face Burning red, yet she was too shy to voice it to Qi Xian Qing, deciding to keep it to herself instead. — After washing up, the two left the inn. Yan Jue was walking ahead of Qi Xian Qing when she suddenly spotted a familiar woman. Startled, Yan Jue quickly went over and bowed, "Leader Liang." Leader Liang was dressed today in a round-collared, narrow-sleeved robe with floral prints, her head adorned with a veiled black hat, her demeanor still soft and gentle. Her attire was clearly masculine, but not because she was trying to disguise herself as a man—it was merely for the convenience of travel. A diamond ring adorned Liang Ting Mian’s forefinger, likely a high-grade storage ring, suggesting she was traveling far away. Yan Jue noticed a small bag on Liang Ting Mian’s waist containing a still dazed little chick. Liang Ting Mian stated, "I no longer wish to be the city’s leader. I’ve handed over the position of Feidu City leader and plan to depart today." Qi Xian Qing seemed unsurprised. If Liang Ting Mian remained in Feidu City, the Phoenix Clan would surely attempt to retrieve the princess. In her current state, there was no room for resistance. "Though it might be presumptuous," Qi Xian Qing remarked with calm authority, "where does Leader Liang intend to go next?" Liang Ting Mian smiled slightly, "I’m heading to Heaven and Earth Cliff, to live beside the Holy Water Spring." --- After merging their cores, Yan Jue found herself wanting to stay close to Qi Xian Qing. Perhaps it was the fox's natural cautiousness. Only now, did Yan Jue truly begin to embrace Qi Xian Qing. Yan Jue realized, albeit belatedly, that Qi Xian Qing was showcasing her sincerity through this method. Sitting outside the inn, Yan Jue watched the throngs of people moving up and down the streets, finding herself at a loss for words, feeling an inexplicable emptiness inside. Qi Xian Qing approached, placing a warm cup of tea beside Yan Jue. "What are you thinking about?" "I feel soulless." Qi Xian Qing was typically indifferent towards others, yet around Yan Jue, her expressions softened noticeably. Perhaps it was because she had seen many of Yan Jue’s less-than-flattering moments, that Qi Xian Qing had no reservations toward her. Seeing Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue’s heart lifted, filling the void in her heart. The core merging from the night before had left a profound impact on her; without the busy street full of people around her, she might have had difficulty controlling her impulses. Yan Jue asked, "Where is Heaven and Earth Cliff, and what is this Holy Water?" Qi Xian Qing paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes before she replied, "Holy Water is a drink that, once consumed, results in pregnancy." Yan Jue blinked, unbelievingly getting flustered as her face flushed. Under Yan Jue's embarrassed gaze, Qi Xian Qing casually explained what Holy Water was. The Holy Spring originates beneath Heaven and Earth Cliff, enabling anyone, male or female, who drinks it to conceive. Of course, pregnancy wouldn’t occur right away. Qi Xian Qing continued, "It requires cooperation with a dao companion." This revelation didn’t quite surprise Yan Jue, considering that in the cultivation world, even core merging was a norm between dao companions. Drinking Holy Water to conceive seemed equally normal. Qi Xian Qing playfully nudged her leg, "Why so shy? You weren’t shy this morning." Yan Jue wanted to strangle her. --- Leaving Feidu City, Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing traveled by sword. The morning scenery was stunning; their celestial swords skimmed above the clouds, a vast sea of light illuminating the sky like a sprawling canvas. Arriving at the base of Five Dragons Gate, they didn’t head up the mountain immediately. Yan Jue looked at Qi Xian Qing curiously, "Is there something else?" Qi Xian Qing gently patted her shoulder, "There’s something very important to take care of." The two arrived at an inn in Green Leaf Town at the base of Five Dragon Mountain. In the quiet of the room, Qi Xian Qing slowly retrieved a scroll from her Qiankun Bag. It was the illusion artifact they obtained from the Taoist in Southern Star Town. Suddenly, Yan Jue recalled Qi Xian Qing using this artifact to trap the female demonic sect practitioner back at Phoenix Platform. The setup on Qi Xian Qing's scroll had been meticulously arranged. The mountain shapes within had been altered, with the inn nestled among the mountains housing numerous soul-devouring spider ghosts. No one dared enter to take a look. When Qi Xian Qing released the woman from the scroll, she was already exhausted, her wounded arm bleeding profusely. In the painting, she had been on the edge of ruin, not only dealing with the little spiders but also narrowly avoiding the traps set along the way. Now, she was on the brink of collapse. The woman in black sat on the ground, her face filled with anger as she glared at Qi Xian Qing, "I didn’t know you righteous immortals would resort to such despicable tactics!" She still seethed over how Qi Xian Qing had pledged a duel between the nine-tailed fox and her phoenix, only to ambush her from the shadows. Qi Xian Qing looked down at her, her gaze icy, "Who sent you?" Capturing this woman was indeed a significant coup. Previous encounters with the Zhansha Cliff meant leaving no survivors. Alive, this demonic practitioner, was a windfall, ripe for interrogation. Ye Yunying knelt stubbornly on the ground, her neck stiff, refusing to speak. Yan Jue stood nearby, pulling out the golden little phoenix from her Qiankun Bag. The little phoenix, still in its nesting pose, sat like a small ball in Yan Jue’s palm. Upon seeing Ye Yunying, the phoenix immediately spread its wings, issuing a threatening "ah ah ah ah" sound, its eyes glowing intensely gold. Ye Yunying met its gaze for a long moment, suddenly feeling an overwhelming pressure that sent a shiver down her spine. Yan Jue gestured out the window, "Do you see that?" They were lodged in the most bustling inn of Green Leaf Town’s red-light district, the streets below lively and chaotic. Following Yan Jue's pointing, Ye Yunying saw outside. The streets below were lined with brightly lit pleasure houses, where willowy women in thin dresses stood at the doors, enticing customers. A drunken man pulled a woman at the entrance into his embrace amidst the continuous laughter, the scene utterly debauched. Yan Jue continued, "Those are brothels." "What do brothels have the most of?" Yan Jue looked up, stating plainly, "Drunkards, naturally." It wasn’t her first interrogation; she was adept at this by now. With a flick of her wrist, a sleeve arrow gleaming coldly appeared in her hand. "You’re quite attractive," Yan Jue remarked coldly, pressing the chilly tip of the arrow beneath the woman's chin. "If you don’t talk, I’ll strip you and toss you onto the street." Qi Xian Qing watched from the side, finding amusement in it. Her little fox seemed to have matured considerably. Interrogating someone had become second nature to her. Qi Xian Qing had intended to step in and provide assistance with words, but realized it wasn’t necessary. Ye Yunying felt the cold touch of the sleeve arrow at her throat. The person holding it had a strong presence; even though the arrow’s point barely pressed against her, the overwhelming threat was palpable. Outside, the laughter of the women from the brothel echoed continuously. A chill ran down Ye Yunying's spine, and she immediately cried out, "W-Wait, heroine!" "I... I’ll tell you!" Yan Jue withdrew the sleeve arrow. "Speak." The woman confessed, "We entered Luan Platform because we intended to steal the rare phoenix embryos." The little phoenix shook its head. Yan Jue responded, "You're lying." Silence spread through the room. It was something Yan Jue had learned just days ago. The phoenix, being a divine creature, could perceive the true thoughts within a person's heart. During interrogations, keeping the little phoenix nearby made it easier to tell if someone was lying. The little phoenix was a natural lie detector! Ye Yunying pressed her lips together, kneeling quietly on the floor. Suddenly, a noise interrupted the silence. Qi Xian Qing reached into her Qiankun Bag, pulling out a wooden box, opening it to reveal a red pill inside. With a calm lift of her eyelashes, Qi Xian Qing glanced at Ye Yunying. "If we feed you this aphrodisiac and toss you outside, those men would surely be thrilled." When Qi Xian Qing was serious, her demeanor carried an innate severity and stark decisiveness that frightfully shocked Ye Yunying. As someone from the demonic path, she had encountered aphrodisiacs before. Her own master would use them occasionally to punish disobedient female disciples. Staring at the blood-red pill, Ye Yunying’s arm shook with fear. Yan Jue, puzzled as to why Qi Xian Qing would carry such an item on her trip, quickly discerned the truth as she watched Qi Xian Qing. The pill Qi Xian Qing held wasn’t an aphrodisiac at all, but a high-grade Dragon Blood Pill. Qi Xian Qing casually tossed the red pill to Yan Jue. "Feed it to her." Yan Jue caught the pill, grabbed the woman by her collar, and Ye Yunying's eyes glimpsed panic as she stumbled back. Yan Jue tugged her forward, prying her mouth open, about to force the pill inside. Ye Yunying hastily said, "I’ll talk, I’ll talk!" "I am Ye Yunying, a disciple under the Demon Lord of Desperation Valley. Our mission, as we traveled, was to use the Luan Platform princess’s wedding as a chance to annihilate the entire Luan Platform. The six great sects are our enemies, so we aim to eliminate as many as we can." Once again, the phoenix shook its head. Yan Jue's gaze sharpened fiercely, the blood-red pill nearing her again. In desperation, Ye Yunying blurted out, "Our mission... was to conduct a... an experiment..." Yan Jue paused, "An experiment?" Ye Yunying glanced at the phoenix, glaring back at her, then at Yan Jue, cold sweat gathered on her forehead. Gritting her teeth, Ye Yunying revealed, "We wanted to see how the inner demon affects the Phoenix Clan." Yan Jue furrowed her brow, contemplating. During the recent events on the Phoenix Platform, the phoenix avatars controlled by the demon tribe repeatedly used the Song of Parting to stir the Phoenix Clan’s inner demons. Indeed, the Phoenix Clan members plagued by inner demons were more susceptible to control. The demon tribe's intent wasn’t simple. Having experienced the great war between immortals and demons, they knew brute force wasn’t the answer against the immortals. Controlling the righteous sects through inner demons was undoubtedly an excellent tactic. After all, everyone has a dark side. Qi Xian Qing paced slowly to Ye Yunying, crouching beside her, "Does your organization usually use communication talismans?" Now, Ye Yunying got a clear look at Qi Xian Qing's face. Though she had glimpsed Qi Xian Qing on the Phoenix Platform, Qi Xian Qing’s head was covered, obscuring her features. Now, seeing her up close, Ye Yunying realized how striking she was. What sent a chill through Ye Yunying was her familiarity with the face. She had seen many portraits, depicting the exemplary disciples of the six great sects, names that unsettled the demonic sects. The woman in white before her was none other than Meng Hang Jun’s Qi Xian Qing, famed for slaying countless demons and monsters. Ye Yunying glanced from the phoenix to Qi Xian Qing, then reluctantly pulled a wooden communication talisman from her pouch. "This is a demonic sect communication talisman." The phoenix stared intently at her, deterring any lies. Qi Xian Qing lifted her head, about to speak. Suddenly, the communication talisman vibrated on the ground.