The two returned to the sect at noon.
A man stood before the Bamboo Thousand Pavilion. The moment he spotted the two figures, he hurried forward. He froze for a second, then hastily bowed. “Senior Sister, Young Sect Master.”
Xin Xiu was somewhat surprised to see him. She said coolly, “Why are you back?”
A month ago, the sect had organized its disciples to go out for training, with a duration of six months.
By all accounts, they should still be on their training journey now, and there was no way they could have made it back to the sect within a single night.
Xin Xiu’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny.
The man’s breathing was unsteady, his steps hurried. Only after catching his breath did he say, “Something happened during the training. I was entrusted by my senior brothers and sisters to rush back and report.”
Xin Xiu gave a soft “mm,” though it was unclear whether she believed him. She pushed open the main door. “Come inside and speak.”
The two exchanged a glance and silently followed behind Xin Xiu.
As she walked, Xin Xiu asked, “What happened during the training?”
Meng Yi was among the earliest batch of disciples to go out for training this year. Judging by how urgently he had rushed back, the matter seemed quite serious.
Xin Xiu muttered inwardly, the sect could not afford any more trouble.
Meng Yi took a seat, his expression grave. He summarized the matter in a single sentence. “About five kilometers outside Qingxiang Valley, we discovered the remains of a disciple from our sect who went missing years ago. We haven’t yet identified which branch he belonged to, but judging from the condition of the bones, we estimate he died over a decade ago.”
Qingxiang Valley was separated from Linxian Sect by an immense distance. Were it not for the annual training expeditions, disciples of Linxian Sect would rarely pass through that area.
Xin Xiu frowned upon hearing this. For now, they could not easily conclude that the disciple’s death was connected to Qingxiang Valley.
If there truly were a connection, how could Qingxiang Valley have left behind such an obvious trail?
A frame-up?
Lost in thought, Xin Xiu’s hand trembled as she poured tea, splashing some out. Her face darkened, her black eyes churning like a surging tsunami, and her voice carried a hint of anger. “Did you bring the remains back?”
Meng Yi, rarely moved to anger, had reddened eyes as he said, “The disciples were afraid of disturbing Qingxiang Valley, so we only brought back a piece of bleached bone. Not long ago, we verified with sect disciples, the remains do indeed belong to our sect.”
Xin Xiu was about to speak when Meng Yi added, “We’ve already sent people to investigate which specific disciple it was. I imagine it will take some time.”
With disciples accepted once every three years, the number of disciples was vast. Combined with the long passage of time and possible external interference, the investigation was quite difficult.
Xin Xiu thought for a moment, then asked, “What stance have your senior brothers and sisters taken? What are their plans going forward?”
“To be cautious, we’ll have to see what the elders decide,” Meng Yi added. “Qingxiang Valley poses a significant threat, so they didn’t linger. Presumably, they’ve quickened their pace and continued on their way.”
Xin Xiu nodded. “A wise choice.”
She pondered for a moment, then said to Meng Yi, “Do not spread word of this matter. We’ll wait until the elders return to the sect before discussing it further.”
Meng Yi nodded. He walked toward Xin Xiu carrying a wooden box and opened it, revealing a medicinal herb emitting a faint black glow.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “This was entrusted to me by Senior Sister before I left. Please take a look.”
Xin Xiu picked up the herb. The black glow on it seemed to find its direction, surging continuously into her body.
The spiritual energy and poison within her had finally stabilized, but it didn’t last long before being disrupted again.
Xin Xiu’s mind went blank for a moment. Her hand trembled, and the herb rolled from her grasp. She turned her head away, covering her mouth with her hand, and coughed a few times.
Her hand was covered in blood.
Seeing this, Lin Wenxiao rushed forward, his face full of panic.
Xin Xiu waved him off, reassuring him, “It’s nothing.”
It clearly didn’t look like nothing.
Lin Wenxiao was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, his gaze darting between Xin Xiu’s hand and face. “Why not let Brother Meng Yi take a look?”
With the elders absent and the senior brothers and sisters away, the most skilled physician in the sect was Meng Yi.
Meng Yi also stood nearby with a worried expression.
Lin Wenxiao reconsidered. “No.”
Men and women should not have improper contact. He said, “I’ll go find a female disciple.”
With that, he grabbed Meng Yi and dragged him away.
Meng Yi was bewildered, dragged off before he could even react.
With a bang, the door slammed shut.
Xin Xiu quickly rose to her feet. With a sweeping gesture, she used her spiritual energy to seal the entire Bamboo Thousand Pavilion.
She picked up the herb from the ground and placed it in the center, then sat down cross-legged on the spot.
The herb slowly rose into the air, wisps of black light surging into her body. She rapidly circulated her spiritual energy, the black light merging with the poison within her.
After who knows how long, the herb, now drained of its spiritual energy, rolled to the ground.
Xin Xiu collapsed onto the floor, drenched in sweat, gasping for breath.
She rolled up her sleeve. The poison on her arm, which had finally subsided, was flaring up again. Her skin turned bluish, and the wounds of varying sizes were irritated and reopening.
She tried to stand, but her legs gave way and she fell heavily to the ground.
The token at her waist fell out, a bird with spread wings carved on the front, and flames on the back.
One glance was enough to tell it was not a token belonging to Linxian Sect.
Hearing the faint commotion inside, Lin Wenxiao, who had been waiting outside the door, was the first to rise. He knocked cautiously and spoke softly. “Senior Sister.”
The door opened, revealing Xin Xiu seated in the main position with proper posture. She changed the subject to conceal the fact that she was injured. “Notify everyone that the day the Elder returns to the sect will be the day of the sect competition. Have all disciples prepare.”
Those who passed the sect competition would be eligible to participate in the Sect Trials.
“Yes.” Lin Wenxiao closed the door behind her.
Inside the room, only Xin Xiu and a female disciple specializing in medicine remained. Xin Xiu closed her eyes, propping her head up with her right hand.
The female disciple took her pulse.
After a moment, the disciple withdrew her hand and explained the situation: “Senior Sister’s qi is unstable, and the toxins in your body are in disarray. Combined with the formidable spiritual energy within you, any outburst of anger will surely damage your meridians.”
With that, the disciple rummaged through her medicine box for pills. “I’ll prescribe several doses for you. Take them daily, and you’re certain to recover.”
Xin Xiu said indifferently, “Thank you.”
“Senior Sister, rest early. This disciple will take her leave.” The female disciple placed the prescription on the table.
Xin Xiu slowly opened her eyes and glanced at the prescription on the table. The ingredients were all highly nourishing herbs.
Though she was not a medicine cultivator, she still had some knowledge of medicine, and several of those herbs absolutely could not be taken together.
Xin Xiu muttered to herself, “It seems someone is getting restless.”
She rose and walked into the backyard, where mist filled the air and the faint sound of flowing water could be heard. Her robes slipped off.
Her skin, covered in scars, soaked in the spiritual spring, and the spider tattoo on her back gradually emerged.
Xin Xiu calculated the days. The time was almost up.
Soon, there would truly be nothing left in the Linxian Sect worth her attachment. She would soon be free.
Living under someone else’s roof was truly unbearable.
Xin Xiu leaned against the edge of the pool, her mind wandering through scattered thoughts, and before she knew it, she fell asleep.
On the inner courtyard arena, two spirited young men stood facing each other.
Neither made any effort to conceal their aura.
Meng Yi dashed forward in a single bound and threw a punch at Lin Wenxiao.
Lin Wenxiao raised his arm to block.
Meng Yi’s punches came with incredible speed and ferocious force.
Lin Wenxiao blocked them all.
“Young Sect Master.” Meng Yi concentrated his spiritual energy into his right fist and struck with all his might. “Are you only going to block?”
Lin Wenxiao was pushed back repeatedly. He summoned his longsword and taunted, “Want to try something else?”
Meng Yi was not to be outdone and summoned his twin blades.
Lin Wenxiao slashed out several sword qi arcs.
Meng Yi leaped into the air, dodging them with ease. The sword qi struck the ground, kicking up dust that obscured his vision.
“Look here.” Lin Wenxiao flew above Meng Yi, releasing his longsword to strike directly at him.
Meng Yi merged his twin blades and channeled his spiritual power to form a protective barrier. Seizing the right moment, he retracted the barrier, sidestepped, and the longsword embedded itself in the ground. He landed safely.
Meng Yi sensed the shift in the wind and grass, forming a defensive barrier behind him just in time to catch Lin Wenxiao’s punch.
Lin Wenxiao concentrated all his spiritual energy into his fist.
The barrier showed faint signs of cracking. Meng Yi quickly distanced himself from Lin Wenxiao.
A year ago, Lin Wenxiao had only been at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Now he could actually cause cracks in his barrier, his cultivation had advanced that rapidly.
Meng Yi had no choice but to take this sparring match seriously.
The longsword flew back into Lin Wenxiao’s hand. He sheathed it and jumped off the arena. “Let’s stop here. Brother Meng Yi, see you at the sect competition.”
The sparring had been Lin Wenxiao’s idea, and it was also he who called it to an end.
He only wanted to test Meng Yi’s current strength and did not wish to reveal too many of his cards, or the loss would outweigh the gain.
Before leaving, Meng Yi whispered in Lin Wenxiao’s ear, “Young Sect Master, let me tell you some bad news. He’s coming back.”
Lin Wenxiao lowered his gaze, unconcerned. “So what.”
“Young Sect Master, you may not care, but who knows if Senior Sister does. After all, the two of them share an extraordinary relationship.” Meng Yi patted his shoulder and smiled. “See you at the sect competition.”
Watching Meng Yi’s retreating figure, Lin Wenxiao’s rationality gradually returned. He clenched his fist tightly, his eyes dark and deep.
He thought to himself, one after another, they really were insufferable.
…
At the entrance of the black market, Chi Jing was stopped. She raised her token and said in a harsh tone, “Scram.”
The guard took one look and his tone changed drastically. He immediately bowed and scraped, saying, “This lowly one failed to recognize your greatness. Please don’t take offense, miss. Right this way, right this way.”
Dark. Damp.
Scenes of kin slaughtering kin were commonplace here. Chi Jing frowned deeply. She loathed this place, yet she still stepped inside.
Chi Jing made her way through the bustling crowd to a corner and casually tossed a pouch of demon stones onto the table.
The man weighed the demon stones in his hand and said fawningly, “Miss, what business do you have?”
Chi Jing stated directly, “Investigate the Battle of the Five Heads a hundred years ago.”
The man’s expression turned cold. He tossed the demon stones back, his attitude shifting. “Can’t do it.”
Chi Jing then tossed her token to him. The man looked closely, the Seekers’ Tower.
The number one sect in the demon realm.
The man looked up and sized up Chi Jing, then leaned forward slightly. He picked up the token and examined it carefully. It was indeed from the Seekers’ Tower.
He then tapped the table with the token and lowered his voice. “It’ll cost extra.”
Chi Jing’s fingers tightened. She tossed two more large pouches of demon stones onto the table.
The man took them, leaned back in his chair, and said casually, “Miss, take your time.”
Chi Jing cast a glance at him before leaving the black market, the wails of various demonic beasts still echoing in her ears, and she unconsciously quickened her pace.
The main hall of the demon realm, the Demon Palace.
Chi Jing put away her cold expression and instantly became a different person, bouncing over to the Demon Emperor’s side. She instinctively took his arm and smiled sweetly: “Grandpa Demon Emperor.”
The Demon Emperor patted Chi Jing’s head. You’ve suffered in the Linxian Sect matter.”
Chi Jing released her grip and shook her head. “As long as I can serve the demon realm, it is my honor.”
The Demon Emperor walked ahead of Chi Jing, leaning on his cane, and asked: “Xiao Jing, you’ve been undercover in the Linxian Sect for years. Have you had any news of that secret art?”
A flicker of complex emotion passed through Chi Jing’s eyes as she caught up with him. “I’ve never seen anyone from the Linxian Sect use that secret art.””
“The Returning Demon Pearl never lies.” The Demon Emperor deliberately brought this up, saying bitterly: “These past years, the immortal realm has been peaceful, but our demon realm…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, leaving only a series of sighs.
Chi Jing was distracted. Facing this Demon Emperor whom she had trusted for decades, the scale in her heart seemed to need reweighing.
“The people of Linxian Sect are truly cunning.”
Chi Jing glanced sideways at the Demon Emperor and asked in a low voice: “Grandpa Demon Emperor, since we no longer have anyone planted inside the Linxian Sect, what should we do next?””
The Demon Emperor was prepared. He spoke up: “You need not involve yourself in this matter any further. From now on, focus on your cultivation.”
Chi Jing wanted to object upon hearing this. “But…”
The Demon Emperor stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Chi Jing. “That competition years from now will be your best chance to clear the name of the Crimson Flame Bird clan.”
In those eyes full of the vicissitudes of life, Chi Jing could sense no emotion, only the far-sighted scheming of a victor.
“Chi Jing.” Chi Jing paused, then submitted: “As you command.”
She left the Demon Palace and wandered aimlessly down the streets when she was suddenly bumped into.
A little girl grabbed the hem of Chi Jing’s robe and hid behind her.
Chi Jing’s mind snapped back to the present at that moment, and she looked at the little girl behind her.
The little girl spoke first, sobbing: “Save me, please save me.”
Chi Jing looked ahead and saw a group of fierce-looking demons running toward them.
Before she could even move, several demons had already stopped in front of them.
Seeing Chi Jing’s ornate attire, the leading demon put away his fierce gaze and plastered a smile on his face: “Miss, would you mind not interfering in this matter?”
Chi Jing hadn’t intended to get involved, but seeing the little girl’s state, she changed her mind.
She countered: “Since when has the demon realm’s public order become so poor that you snatch girls off the street?”
The leading man patiently explained: “It’s like this, miss. The girl behind you was bought by us at a heavy price. Due to special circumstances, she ran away on her own, and we have the right to take her back. By rights, this doesn’t count as snatching a girl off the street.”
Chi Jing didn’t believe a word they said. She questioned: “What business are you in?”
The leading man: “The Phoenix Pavilion.”
In plain terms, a brothel.
“Can’t people buy out their contracts at your Phoenix Pavilion? How much is it? I’ll pay for her release.” Chi Jing pulled out a money pouch from her person.
Seeing his scheme succeed, the leading man demanded an exorbitant price: “Eight thousand demon stones.”
The little girl tugged at Chi Jing’s robe and whispered: “That’s not right.”
Chi Jing wasn’t foolish either, but she was too lazy to argue. She tossed a pouch of demon stones to the other party. “Give me the contract of sale.”
The leading man clutched the heavy pouch of demon stones, overjoyed. “The contract is with Madam. I’ll deliver it to your door another day.”
Watching their retreating figures, Chi Jing pulled her robe back. “Go on. You’re free now.”
The little girl grabbed her robe again, pleading: “Please take me with you, I beg you.”
Chi Jing refused: “I’m busy. I don’t have time to look after you.”
“I can wash clothes, cook, and clean the house. I can take care of myself.” The little girl’s voice grew less confident with each word.
Chi Jing seemed to see herself as a child. In the end, she couldn’t bear to be cruel: “Come on, then.”