The atmosphere in White Jade Capital’s Jinluandian on this day was unusually heavy. Auspicious clouds and mist swirled about, yet an undercurrent surged beneath. The hall was filled with high-ranking immortal officials who had lost their usual composure. Every neck was craned in anticipation, and amidst the shifting of crowns and robes, whispers converged into a low hum—all because of a name that struck terror into the hearts of all.
Gu Qianli, the Shaoqing of the Xuntianjian, stood at the head of the nobility. He idly twirled a Joy Union fan between his fingers, its surface reflecting his figure draped in dark red brocade robes. His face was as fair as carved jade, and his peach blossom eyes watched the undignified display of the ministers with great interest.
Who else but the legendary star of calamity, the one who treated Demon Kings like snacks, could make this pack of old foxes lose their cool?
The Commander of the Jiangyaosi, the Shuangjue Jianzhu of the Shangqing Immortal Sect, and one of the few Great Perfection Peak cultivators in the cultivation world—Xie Wulei.
The Great Yin Immortal Dynasty prioritized martial prowess over civil matters. The Jiangyaosi and the Zhenmosi were the two pillars of the dynasty responsible for subduing demons and devils. Their leaders held status equivalent to chancellors, possessing the power of life and death and the authority to execute first and report later.
Such power was terrifying enough, but the one wielding it for the Jiangyaosi was Xie Wulei. He possessed the legendary Heaven-rank divine ability "Trace Fate," which allowed him to trace karma and perceive the minutest secrets, a power nearly akin to heavenly judgment. Before him, no secret could remain hidden.
Gu Qianli, who had already dubbed him his "future brother-in-law," knew Xie's fearsome reputation by heart: the Jiuying that had ravaged the Northern Wastes for a millennium had been harvested by him like leeks; the Xuanming Old Flood Dragon that had stirred up storms in the Western Sea and slaughtered countless cities had been decapitated by his single sword; and countless transformed great demons hiding throughout the Jiuzhou had quietly perished within his execution chambers, where baleful energy reached the skies.
What chilled people even more was that when he turned ruthless, he didn't even spare his own. The bloodbath of immortal officials reached its peak seventy years ago with the "Imperial Bone Case."
Relying on the irrefutable evidence provided by his Trace Fate ability, he executed seventy-nine implicated immortal officials within seven days and exterminated their entire clans. From first-rank high officials down to the lowliest clerks, no matter how intricate their backing was, all were turned to ash beneath his sword light.
After that campaign, the Immortal Dynasty was struck with horror. The name "Xie Wulei" became a guillotine hanging over the heads of every immortal official.
If the Jiangyaosi’s Imperial Prison was a purgatory feared by humans and demons alike, then Xie Wulei was the Nine Nether Yama himself.
"Heavens, is he… is he really coming?"
"Indeed! The immortal soldiers guarding the palace gates have turned pale from fear! Sigh, I only hope he's in a better mood today…"
"…Since when has he ever had such a thing as a 'mood'?"
"Just what happened to prompt this star of calamity to come out of seclusion? I only pray it isn't aimed at us!"
"Could it be the theft of the state's sacred treasure?"
The fragmented whispers drifted into Gu Qianli’s ears, and the playful smile on his lips deepened.
For an ordinary official, seeing him once was harder than ascending to heaven. This time, it took three Imperial Golden Edicts issued simultaneously, along with several senior priests from the Qintianjian and Guozijian personally inviting him, to draw him out from whatever corner he had been in.
Gu Qianli thought to himself that such a grand display to bring this deity of slaughter forth usually heralded… another river of blood.
The master of ceremonies before the hall took a deep breath and announced in a strained voice:
"Commander of the Jiangyaosi, Xie Wulei, seeks audience—"
Gu Qianli’s peach blossom eyes suddenly lit up.
Even though he had seen it many times, the figure slowly walking up the jade steps was still dazzling.
The new nobles seated in the court were currently picturing a terrifying deity ten feet tall with blue skin and fangs—after all, the legends regarding the head of the Jiangyaosi were always linked to terms like "Yama" and "Calamity Star."
However, the figure in the distance…
The young high official kept his phoenix eyes lowered as he ascended the nine hundred and ninety-nine white jade steps. His moon-white sleeves billowed like drifting clouds, his ink-black hair cascaded down his waist like a waterfall, and his hem lightly brushed the jade steps.
Not a trace of the legendary, overwhelming baleful energy could be seen around him. Instead, because of his snow-white pallor, he possessed a sense of weary lethargy, looking like a banished immortal returning upon the clouds under the moonlight.
Seeing the dumbfounded looks of the new nobles in court, Gu Qianli couldn't help but chuckle:
Heh, a bunch of uncultured fools. Can't a Yama be good-looking?
He clicked his tongue inwardly and muttered to himself: It’s truly a pity my future brother-in-law wasn't born into my Joy Union Sect.
During the great catastrophe years ago, the lineage of the Ninth Peak of the Shangqing Immortal Sect was nearly severed, leaving only Xie Wulei and his infant junior sister, Ye Shuyao. He took over the position of Peak Master in a time of crisis and, in a mere three hundred years of cultivation, became the youngest Great Perfection Peak powerhouse in the cultivation world. Later, he took charge of the Jiangyaosi, standing above tens of thousands and beneath only one—a true celestial talent.
Thinking of Ye Shuyao, Gu Qianli felt a surge of warmth. She was the little ancestor he had fallen in love with at first sight and kept in his heart!
Even though Ye Shuyao treated him coldly, it didn't stop him from running to the Shangqing Immortal Sect every three days. He had even managed to turn a situation where they wouldn't see each other once in decades into frequent "accidental" encounters with Xie Wulei.
Though nine times out of ten, the other man treated him as if he didn't exist.
At this moment, Xie Wulei had entered the palace doors. His lowered phoenix eyes lifted slightly, calmly sweeping over the figures gathered in the hall.
Every official grazed by that gaze, regardless of their rank, felt as if their very soul and past karma were being thoroughly scrutinized by those bottomless eyes.
Under the measurement of the invisible Trace Fate divine ability, it was more soul-shattering than having an axe held to one's neck. Everyone bowed their heads in unison, holding their breath and not daring to meet his eyes.
An official in the back row, who had once been tangentially involved in the Imperial Bone Case, felt his legs go weak when that gaze brushed past him. He stumbled and collapsed directly onto the floor.
Fortunately, Xie Wulei seemed too lazy to care about such loss of composure, and he also seemed to completely miss Gu Qianli’s frantic waving and signaling.
He looked as though he had just risen from a long illness and hadn't fully woken up; even lifting his eyes took some effort. He came to a graceful stop at the very front of the hall and stood with his hands in his sleeves and his eyes lowered, leaving the ministers with only a magnificent view of his back.
The morning court session passed within this oppressive and eerie atmosphere.
Inside the Imperial Study.
The Human Sovereign stood with his back to the two men he had summoned for a private audience, facing a vast star map. His back was like a mountain.
"Wulei, are the clues solid? Do they point to Nanjiang?"
"Yes."
"The theft of the Transformation Disk shakes the foundation of the human race. I want you to head south immediately and investigate thoroughly. You must recover the sacred treasure! All those involved, regardless of whether they are immortal or mortal, noble or common, are to be slain without mercy!"
"I obey the command."
"Qianli," the Human Sovereign turned suddenly, his gaze sharp as lightning as it swept over Gu Qianli, "keep your eyes open and your ears sharp. This case allows for no mistakes!"
Then, with his imperial word, he actually appointed Gu Qianli, the Shaoqing of the Xuntianjian, to oversee the entire process.
Gu Qianli was the son of the Eldest Princess and the Young Master of the Joy Union Sect in Qingzhou; his background was illustrious. His position as Shaoqing was, of course, a gift from his imperial uncle.
Thirty years ago, he reached the Unity Stage and possessed the Earth-rank "Word Spirit" divine ability. His uncle likely saw him spending his days idling between the Joy Union Sect and various immortal provinces, occupied with trivial amusements and romance, and decided he was too lax. With a wave of his sleeve, the Emperor stuffed him into the Xuntianjian.
The Xuntianjian was, to put it nicely, an organization that patrolled on behalf of heaven and monitored the officials. To put it bluntly, it was the Immortal Dynasty’s largest network of eyes and ears. It was a mixed bag containing noble sons with deep backgrounds like him, as well as eccentric experts with unique skills—
The Shunfenger could hear whispers through triple-layered barriers, the Qianliyan could pierce through mist to see ten thousand miles, and the Feiyunzu was faster than a flying sword.
Gu Qianli, with his Word Spirit ability and his social grace, flourished in the Xuntianjian. In his decades there, his surveillance reports were written beautifully, and he never missed a single fault he was supposed to find.
A perfect opportunity! Gu Qianli’s heart leaped with joy as he said loudly:
"Your Majesty is wise! Commander Xie’s divine abilities are peerless, and demons tremble at the sound of his name. The Transformation Disk will surely be recovered with ease! I accept the command to oversee this mission. I will certainly be most discerning and devote all my loyalty and wisdom!"
Then, changing his tone and with an even brighter smile, he said "for the sake of the public and the people":
"However, this case has wide-reaching implications, and Nanjiang is remote and full of unpredictable dangers. I have heard that Lady Ye Shuyao of East Pavilion is exceptionally gifted and is currently at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, in urgent need of an opportunity to break through. Though Nanjiang is dangerous, it contains the world's strange powers, which might help the Lady break through? If she can accompany us for experience, it would be of great benefit to her immortal path!"
The Human Sovereign’s gaze shifted between him and the expressionless Xie Wulei, a flash of knowing amusement in his eyes.
How could he not know his nephew’s intentions? He was happy to help.
"Granted."
The heavy stone in Gu Qianli’s heart vanished. The smile in his peach blossom eyes almost overflowed as he couldn't help but peek at Xie Wulei.
Abusing his public office for personal gain in front of his future brother-in-law and dragging his junior sister along was, after all, a bit awkward.
However, the other man remained indifferent, maintaining his weary and detached look as if nothing in the world mattered.
It was as if being forced to take his junior sister along was inconsequential.
Gu Qianli breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.
Once the decree was settled, the Human Sovereign’s voice softened. "Wulei, this case is of great importance. Without you personally handling it, my heart cannot be at ease. Those injuries… can you still suppress them?"
Gu Qianli heard clearly, and his heart skipped a beat. His brother-in-law seemed invincible, yet he actually had old injuries that needed to be suppressed?
Xie Wulei: "I can manage."
The Human Sovereign nodded, his tone deep. "Great Perfection cultivators are the pillars of the Immortal Dynasty. With the current situation between humans and demons being so treacherous, we cannot afford to lose a single one. Wulei, on this journey, you must take care of yourself."
…
Setting off from White Jade Capital in Zhongtu Shenzhou, the journey to Nanjiang was long. They traveled on a specially crafted Cloud Sea Flying Ship.
The massive vessel moved steadily through the clouds, the astral winds blocked by formations.
Gu Qianli saw his chance and moved close to Xie Wulei, who was leaning against the railing and looking into the distance, hoping to bridge the gap with his future "in-law."
"Brother Xie," he said, lightly shaking his folding fan and speaking earnestly, "besides official business, there is a delightful matter on this trip. I have a childhood friend in Nanjiang—tssk, she is truly as beautiful as a demon! Brother Xie, you practice the Path of Heartlessness and stay away from women, but everyone has an appreciation for beauty. Once we arrive in Nanjiang, how about I introduce you?"
Xie Wulei didn't even lift his eyelids. He looked like he might fall asleep on the spot. He seemed even too lazy to exert effort to speak, saying airily, "No need."
His voice was as light as falling snow, devoid of any emotion. It made one feel that saying one more word would be an intrusion.
But Gu Qianli was not one to back down easily. He wasn't discouraged by the rebuff and, with a roll of his eyes, said:
"Is Brother Xie truly uninterested? This old friend of mine also has a title that resonates throughout the cultivation world—the First Beauty!"
"The stories about her are sung everywhere, and her portraits are hard to buy even for a thousand gold. Could it be that Brother Xie hasn't heard of her?"
"No."
"…"
Gu Qianli grumbled inwardly: As expected of a stone dug out from the frozen soil of the Ninth Peak!
But the more he was like this, the more it piqued Gu's interest. He wanted to see if that face could ever crack.
He brought out his trump card, pretending to be casual.
"Oh, right. This old friend is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also a master of medicine who possesses the Earth-rank 'Heavenly Physician' divine ability! She has the power to nearly bring the dead back to life… Brother Xie must have heard of her, right?" He looked pointedly at the other man's overly pale face.
Xie Wulei finally turned his head slightly, his calm gaze sweeping over Gu Qianli’s face, which was practically screaming "Ask me quickly."
"I haven't."
Gu Qianli: "…"
He practically squeezed the words through his teeth: "She… is the very Nanjiang Governor we are going to see—the Saintess of Jidaozong, Yu Huan!"
"Mm."
Gu Qianli completely gave up.
Fine, you're cool enough, cold enough, and heartless enough! This Shaoqing admits defeat!
On second thought, he hadn't seen that girl Yu Huan in a long time. Every time he passed through Nanjiang, she was always in seclusion. She was a true cultivation fanatic.
Xie Wulei's stubbornness was actually somewhat similar to hers; they both cultivated to the point of losing their human touch.
Although Jidaozong was at the bottom of the Ten Great Immortal Sects, it was still among the top ten thousand sects, with many experts and mysterious legacies. They had been semi-secluded in the miasma-ridden lands of Nanjiang for ten thousand years, governing their own territory and rarely interfering with the Immortal Dynasty.
Gu Qianli sighed. In the eyes of White Jade Capital, this transcendence was never seen as "purity," but rather as a lack of transparency and a potential threat.
Now that the Transformation Disk was stolen and its trail led straight to Nanjiang, with Xie Wulei personally visiting, the myth of Jidaozong’s seclusion was likely coming to an end.
…
After the long journey, they finally arrived in Nanjiang.
The most mysterious of the Ten Great Immortal Sects, Jidaozong, ranked last but controlled Nanjiang, especially excelling in Gu manipulation and witch-doctoring.
Upon disembarking from the cloud ship, they were greeted by an exceptionally grand ceremony at the mountain gate. Jidaozong naturally received the imperial envoys with the highest protocol.
Banners fluttered, celestial music drifted through the air, and Jingchen Guards in cold armor lined both sides of the long steps. The elders wore intricate robes and solemn expressions.
The Nanjiang Governor, Yu Huan, stood at the very front. Her deep black official robes were embroidered with Hundred Gu Golden Patterns, and the tassels from her crown hung down, making her seductive face appear even more majestic. A pair of fox eyes naturally flowed with charm, though it was currently suppressed by her grave and dignified expression.
This second-rank Governor's robe was a tether placed on Jidaozong by the Immortal Dynasty: it gave Yu Huan status while providing a reason for the Immortal Dynasty to interfere in Nanjiang. For Jidaozong, which traditionally valued seclusion, accepting this post was a helpless compromise to maintain nominal autonomy.
According to protocol, after the first-rank official Xie Wulei received a salute from Yu Huan, he could move to the residence the Immortal Dynasty had set up within Jidaozong to rest.
However, the scene before him made Gu Qianli nearly crush his Joy Union fan.
He saw the commander—that man made of frost and snow who seemed to think even looking at others was a stain on his eyes—not stop at a mere dignified nod as expected.
He! Actually! Stepped! Forward! On! His! Own!
Those phoenix eyes, which usually looked down upon all living things or gazed into the frost, now truly and clearly fell upon Yu Huan’s lowered eyelashes.
He even leaned in slightly, and with an unhurried posture, carefully examined this stunning regional official before him.
A deathly silence fell before the mountain gate.
The wind seemed to freeze, and the elders looked at each other in confusion.
Gu Qianli’s peach blossom eyes went wide.
After a long silence, that man finally spoke softly:
"Saintess, you may rise."
He used her sect title, "Saintess," rather than her official rank, "Governor."
Gu Qianli had just picked up his jaw when it was smashed to pieces by the words that followed.
"I have long heard that the scenery of Nanjiang is unique and the legacy of Jidaozong is deep."
"Besides investigating this major case, I also have the intention of traveling and learning on this trip."
Having said that, he looked down at the Saintess’s startled, wide fox eyes. His long lashes cast a faint shadow, and his thin lips actually slowly curved up, like jade glowing with light.
"I wonder if the Saintess would be willing to lead the way and explain? So that a frog at the bottom of a well like myself might appreciate the foundation and grace of Nanjiang’s leader."
Gu Qianli: "…"
You are the Xie Yama who wields the most terrifying power of the Immortal Dynasty and turns people to ash at the drop of a hat! A frog at the bottom of a well? Have you no shame?!
What shocked him even more was—
Was his elder brother-in-law no longer sleepy?
He could actually smile?
And he could say so many words at once??
Gu Qianli watched as a flash of alertness crossed Yu Huan’s eyes, which was immediately masked by a perfect smile:
"Sir is too modest. Your visit is Jidaozong’s honor. Yu Huan will naturally fulfill her duties as host and lead the way for you."
Gu Qianli: Great. One is faking humility, the other is faking honor. The stage is set.
…
From that day on, Gu Qianli witnessed a spectacular sight—"Xie-style Stalking."
This Peerless Frost Swordsman, who couldn't even be bothered to attend the Human Sovereign’s birthday banquet, suddenly developed an interest in various matters of Nanjiang that bordered on the bizarre.
He called it traveling and learning, but in reality, he was pressing closer and closer. Under the guise of "sightseeing," he was tearing away Jidaozong’s veil of seclusion, searching for clues about the Transformation Disk, and even digging for any secrets that might threaten the Immortal Dynasty’s rule.
Saintess Yu Huan became his inseparable, exclusive guide.
Xie Wulei didn't say much, but those eyes never left the Saintess’s face. His questions gradually shifted from Gu toxins and medical principles to personal questions like "How old is the Saintess?" and "When is the Saintess’s birthday?"
Gu Qianli, who "happened" to pass by: "?!"
Was his position as Shaoqing of the Xuntianjian just for show?
That night, he pulled out his surveillance log and began to write furiously.
The author has something to say:
Coming Soon: After Betraying My Disfigured Husband
Please add to your collection!
High and mighty, pampered wealthy flower vs. dark-creeping, "mistress-style" Senior Brother.
Su Xueyun was the precious golden daughter of Yaotai Linggong. The only dissatisfaction in her life was being married to the Senior Brother she hated the most.
Jun He, the number one swordsman of the era, was brilliant, yet his face was ruined, he was plagued by old illnesses, and his background was lowly.
She found that face absolutely repulsive.
On their wedding night, she left him and ran away with a handsome young man.
She never expected that her beloved only sought revenge, and she was the daughter of his enemy.
Overnight, the Spirit Palace was destroyed. She fell from the clouds and was hunted by the demonic path, reaching a dead end.
On an extremely cold snowy night, she thought she would die in the storm.
But the man she had humiliated countless times appeared, stepping through a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
He took off his cloak and wrapped it around her, turning to block the sky full of blades and swords.
She originally thought Jun He only wanted her Innate Medicine Body.
Until the final battle, when he fell into a pool of blood, his eyes full of apology:
"Sorry, I can only protect you this far."
·
Su Xueyun was reborn.
Back to the night of the engagement.
In her previous life, Jun He was plagued by old illnesses, which could only be removed by dual cultivation with her Innate Medicine Body.
She had refused him every time, and he never forced her.
This night, Jun He had already retired, but the bed curtains were suddenly pulled open.
A soft body crawled into the quilt, and slender white fingers reached into his robe.
His tall frame stiffened as he heard her say resentfully:
"Let's dual cultivate."
.
To cure the old illness, they dual cultivated once a month.
Jun He always stopped at the right moment, never greedy.
She intentionally teased him, watching him struggle with desire, yet he still gritted his teeth to remain disciplined and polite.
She only thought he was an upright gentleman.
It seemed his sacrifice in the previous life was merely out of sect duty.
Until the day she stumbled upon his secret.
The undergarments and handkerchiefs she had discarded were all hidden by him in the darkest corner.
In the dead of night, when she wasn't there, that most restrained figure would clasp them in his palm, doing the most unspeakable things.
·
Jun He knew his appearance was hideous, and he knew even better what he had done.
He was the one who stole and hid those things,
He was the one who schemed for the marriage contract,
He was the one who killed her beloved,
And even she herself was forcibly kept by his side.
One by one, countless evil deeds, private desires, and wicked thoughts.
He thought that one day, when she saw the truth, she would loathe him, hate him, and take revenge on him a thousand times over.
But he never imagined,
She would willingly, step by step, walk toward him.
Reading Guide:
SC, HE, Emotional focus, a "villainess" turns back, the male lead's disfigurement will be cured.