Qu Yaoyao did not want to raise her head.
As a simple and harmless Little Snow Lotus, although she understood nothing, she could still sense the danger emanating from the person before her.
The Immortal Venerable’s invisible aura was like a blade pressed against her neck. Qu Yaoyao was terrified now, so frightened that she clutched her sleeves in confusion. How could she dare to look up at him?
It was truly a disadvantage of not knowing enough. How could Qu Yaoyao have known that Qingxi Immortal Venerable had always been decisive? Since she refused to raise her head, he naturally had ways to make her do so.
A cool hand appeared before her eyes. Before Qu Yaoyao could see clearly, that hand accurately grasped her chin.
A slight pain spread through her. Qu Yaoyao’s eyes fluttered in panic. By the time she reacted, her chin had already been forced upward, and her gaze collided abruptly with a pair of dark eyes.
“Did you not hear what I said?” Qingxi Immortal Venerable leaned down.
At this moment, one stood while the other sat. Qingxi Immortal Venerable’s leaning motion closed the distance between them, bringing them so close that Qu Yaoyao was forced to see his face clearly.
What a pitiful little girl. Fear had flushed the corners of her eyes red, and her round pupils, as if washed in clear water, trembled yet remained bright and clear, like a fawn that had stumbled into a hunter’s trap.
How strange—Qu Yaoyao actually knew to fear him now.
Qingxi gazed at her. After clearly seeing her expression, he kept his grip on her chin and asked in a leisurely tone tinged with curiosity, “What are you afraid of?”
Qu Yaoyao felt that at this moment, it wasn’t just fear she was experiencing—there was another emotion mixed in.
As expected, the face before her was exactly the same as the fallen immortal she had seen within the barrier in the dense forest. Yet, staring dumbly at this Qingxi Immortal Venerable, Qu Yaoyao also felt that his aura was remarkably similar to that of the Immortal Venerable who often visited the cold pond to accompany her.
Were they the same person?!
Before Qu Yaoyao could sort out her emotions, Qingxi Immortal Venerable suddenly placed his hand on her forehead.
“Close your eyes.”
A faint blue light spread from his palm, slowly seeping into Qu Yaoyao’s forehead. She closed her eyes uncontrollably, feeling as if her soul had been cleansed by clear water. Her entire body grew tingly and numb, an extremely comfortable sensation.
After a while, the faint light gradually faded. Qu Yaoyao opened her eyes in confusion and heard Qingxi ask, “Are you calm now?”
The earlier panic and tension seemed to have dissipated along with the light. Qu Yaoyao’s emotions gradually stabilized. She blinked a few times and nodded gently.
Qingxi withdrew his hand. As he stepped back, he noticed Qu Yaoyao was still clutching the hem of his robe at his waist. He brushed it away imperceptibly. The earlier oppressive aura and forcefulness seemed like an illusion. The person before her now was noble, elegant, and unattainably lofty.
“I was unaware that I had ever made Miss Qu so fearful.” Qingxi Immortal Venerable sat down opposite her.
Casually smoothing his sleeve, he uttered a single word: “Hand.”
Without a second thought, Qu Yaoyao quickly raised both hands and offered them to him, obedient beyond words.
Qingxi Immortal Venerable lowered his lashes, impassively brushing aside one of her hands. He grasped the other slender wrist, turned it over, and pressed his fingers against it to take her pulse.
The sound of wind surrounded them, and snowflakes drifted down gently.
The pavilion fell into a brief silence, broken only by the faint sound of breathing—belonging to Qu Yaoyao.
After calming down, Qu Yaoyao felt her previously blocked spiritual platform clear, and her normal ability to think returned. She cautiously observed the Immortal Venerable opposite her and formed a rough judgment in her heart: the fallen immortal from that night and the Immortal Venerable before her were not the same person.
Though bearing the same appearance, the Immortal Venerable before her was as pure and cold as snow, surrounded by a serene indifference, lacking the ghostly, sinister aura of the fallen immortal, nor the crimson-gold, eerie hue in his eyes.
To speak seriously, the fallen immortal that night was even more beautiful, like a flower soaked in blood, dangerous and enticing one to sink into depravity. Yet the Immortal Venerable at this moment felt cleaner; gazing at his handsome, exquisite face, one dared not harbor any thoughts of defilement.
Moreover, Gu Tianci said Qingxi Immortal Venerable had just emerged from months of seclusion—where would he have had the chance to kill and commit evil deeds? Most importantly, how could an Immortal Venerable who had fallen into demonhood and killed someone dare remain in the immortal sect?
Yes, they were not the same person!
Her Immortal Venerable had guarded her for a hundred years, loving and protecting her so dearly—how could he possibly have wanted to kill her?
Having "clearly" thought through these points, Qu Yaoyao felt relieved. So when Qingxi Immortal Venerable raised his eyes to look at her, she gave him a sweet, soft smile, calling out to him with great delight: "Immortal Venerable."
This was the Immortal Venerable she adored!
Qingxi Immortal Venerable did not know why she suddenly no longer feared him. After a thorough examination, he withdrew his hand.
"There's nothing seriously wrong; rest for a few days and you'll recover." Wiping his hand with a handkerchief, Qingxi Immortal Venerable delivered his conclusion.
It was also strange—a person whose life lamp had extinguished, after revival, aside from memory loss, had no other issues.
Qingxi Immortal Venerable said, "I have been in seclusion for many months and only learned of Miss Qu's incident after emerging. Please do not blame me."
Hearing his personal explanation, Qu Yaoyao felt even more reassured, and how could she blame him? After all, being human for the first time, she had no complex thoughts; she merely asked for verification once more, "During your seclusion, Immortal Venerable, could you come out freely?"
A rather foolish question caused Qingxi Immortal Venerable to narrow his eyes, then curve his lips, looking at Qu Yaoyao and asking, "Why do you ask that?"
Without waiting for Qu Yaoyao's explanation, he patiently elaborated, "After I enter seclusion, barrier formations automatically activate outside my cave dwelling. If one forcibly emerges before the time is due, it would harm one's cultivation."
He did not outright deny the possibility of coming out; Qing Xi's explanation instead gave people a sense of security.
The hour was already late; Qingxi Immortal Venerable still had important matters to handle.
Before letting her leave, he casually inquired, "On the night the evil entity invaded, did Miss Qu clearly see the appearance of the demonic evil that injured you?"
Qu Yaoyao tilted her head, earnestly trying to recall.
She was not a soul usurpation; when entering this body, the true Qu Yaoyao had already died completely, so along with her memories and emotions from before death, they were all erased, leaving Little Snow Lotus unable to glimpse even a trace.
Helplessly shaking her head, Qu Yaoyao could only continue pretending to have "lost her memory," saying, "I don't remember."
"Is that so?" Qingxi Immortal Venerable propped his chin with one hand, tapping the stone table with the other.
He simply watched Qu Yaoyao like this, his slightly upturned phoenix eyes deep and indifferent, focused and serious. Being stared at so intently by the person she liked, Qu Yaoyao felt timid and uncomfortable, only able to lower her head and softly confirm, "I truly don't remember anything."
Earlier, Yun Zhi had already asked her, and Qu Yushu had inquired more than once, but she genuinely did not know who had strangled Qu Yaoyao.
Just as she was lowering her head and fiddling with her sash, a shadow suddenly fell before her.
Looking up again, Qingxi Immortal Venerable, who had just been sitting nearby, had now come before her. Seeing the Immortal Venerable extend his hand toward her, she remained utterly unprepared and unmoving, only puzzledly calling out, "Immortal Venerable?"
Qing Xi did not respond, using a single finger to open Qu Yaoyao's cloak.
Under the thick cloak was a floral dress adorned with pearls and gems, with strings of jewelry piled and draped around Qu Yaoyao's collar. Qingxi Immortal Venerable paused upon seeing this, then blue light flickered from his fingertips, causing the clasps and hooks on Qu Yaoyao's collar to instantly open one by one.
Clatter—
The strings of pearls hung suspended, emitting crisp, tinkling sounds. The girl's collar was now wide open, revealing a small patch of delicate, smooth skin.
As a Little Snow Lotus, Qu Yaoyao did not understand Qingxi Immortal Venerable's intentions. So when Qing Xi touched the bruised marks on her neck with his fingertip, although she felt somewhat uncomfortable, she simply stared with bewildered and innocent round eyes, watching Qingxi Immortal Venerable while allowing him to touch her neck.
The close proximity allowed Qu Yaoyao to smell the crisp, snowy scent emanating from him, reminiscent of the cold pond where she was born.
Qu Yaoyao felt a longing for the cold pond.
Before she could inhale a few more breaths of Qing Xi's scent, she hissed weakly, "It hurts…"
As Qing Xi looked at her, Qu Yaoyao softly explained, "Immortal Venerable, you're hurting me."
The wounds on her neck hurt with even a light touch. This statement held no hidden intentions—it was simply literal.
Qingxi Immortal Venerable's eyes were dark and indifferent. He stared at her for a moment before withdrawing his hand.
Casually gathering the collar he had disturbed, Qingxi Immortal Venerable's expression remained unchanged, devoid of emotion. He briefly explained his earlier action, "The wounds on Miss Qu's neck contain traces of demonic energy, likely inflicted by demons."
That explained why the marks hadn't faded.
Qu Yaoyao suddenly understood. She didn't reach to fasten her collar, and even while lowering her head to inspect it, she shrugged off the cloak draped over her.
The girl knew little of the coy restraint she should possess. Just as she intended to ask a few more questions, Qingxi Immortal Venerable called out, "Tianci," and said, "Take Miss Qu out."
Having obtained the answer he sought and done what he needed, Qingxi Immortal Venerable had no further interest in lingering with Qu Yaoyao. However, as he stepped away, he noticed Qu Yaoyao still hadn't intended to fasten her collar.
Glancing at Gu Tianci, who had already approached, Qingxi Immortal Venerable's eyes darkened. As he passed by Qu Yaoyao, he bent down to pick up the cloak she had dropped.
"Put your clothes on properly." The cold voice carried no emotion.
Qu Yaoyao's vision darkened as the cloak enveloped her head.
When she pulled the cloak aside to reveal her face, Qingxi Immortal Venerable had already vanished. She hurriedly clutched her collar with both hands, muttering, "I don't know how to wear this clothing."
Such intricate and cumbersome garments—Yun Zhi had spent a long time helping her dress properly.
"…"
Under Gu Tianci's complex gaze, Qu Yaoyao emerged clutching the cloak's collar with her hands.
One could imagine the astonishment Yun Zhi and Qu Yushu would display upon seeing her outside the realm. Yun Zhi even wondered, "Did the young lady offer herself again?"
The word 'again' was quite intriguing.
Qu Yaoyao truthfully replied, "It was Immortal Venerable who undid it himself."
Yun Zhi paused briefly, then a blush spread across her cheeks. She winked at Yaoyao and said, "I roughly understand."
"What do you understand?" Qu Yaoyao didn't comprehend.
Yun Zhi merely smiled, "Although the young lady and Immortal Venerable are engaged, certain matters shouldn't be too excessive. One must maintain propriety."
Qu Yushu listened to their conversation entirely. Lowering his face slightly, he seemed lost in thought. After a moment, he boarded the carriage first and called from within, "Yaoyao, it's time to return."
The sedan chair was too high. Just as Qu Yaoyao was about to ask Yun Zhi to help her down, a hand appeared before her eyes. Qu Yushu spoke gently, "Let your brother help you."
.
Upon returning to Wangxu, Gu Tianci frowned with evident frustration.
Walking straight along the corridor, he spotted the figure of Qingxi Immortal Venerable ahead and stepped forward to report, "Disciple has already escorted them out."
Qingxi Immortal Venerable responded indifferently. Noticing the anger on his eldest disciple's face, he casually asked, "What's wrong?"
Gu Tianci held back repeatedly but couldn't help saying, "Miss Qu is once again tarnishing your reputation, Master!"
Qingxi Immortal Venerable's name was Xie Qingxun, bestowed upon him personally by the founder of Wanmen Immortal Sect, Wanfa Saint Venerable.
Gu Tianci had followed Xie Qingxun since before the founder went into seclusion. He knew well how aloof and indifferent his master was and could naturally see his master's dislike for Qu Yaoyao.
He recounted to Xie Qingxun how Qu Yaoyao had left Wangxu in disheveled clothing and what she had said to Yun Zhi. Usually reticent, he surprisingly spoke so much in one breath.
"Just now, she even…" Gu Tianci couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.
Because when Qu Yaoyao was leaving Wangxu, she had innocently asked him if he knew how to fasten clothing buttons, almost implying she wanted him to help her.
Whether out of anger or embarrassment, Gu Tianci gritted his teeth and completed the sentence, "Qu Yaoyao actually tried to seduce this disciple!"
Xie Qingxun abruptly halted his steps.
"Master?" Gu Tianci quickly stopped as well, thinking Qu Yaoyao's behavior had angered his master.
Looking up, however, he found his master staring intently at the terrace where Wangxu and Zhenxu converged—where a cold pond was located.
After only a brief pause, Xie Qingxun strode toward the cold pond. He rarely showed emotional fluctuations, and Gu Tianci had never seen him walk so urgently before. Hurrying to follow, he asked in confusion, "Is there something amiss?"
A faint chill lingered in the air. Xie Qingxun's profile was cold, his long eyelashes lowered, concealing his expression.
Staring fixedly at an empty corner of the cold pond, he spoke with a sinister tone, "Who touched the snow lotus in the cold pond?"
In the cold pond, the most beautiful and precious thousand-year snow lotus was missing—a little snow lotus that belonged solely to him.
…
Thank you to the little angel who threw a grenade: Crystal Snow Pear 1;
Thank you to the little angels who threw landmines: Crystal Snow Pear 5; Jia Xiaoyu, Xuan Zang Cang, Li, Yan Yan, Songyun Mountain Puppet 1;
Thank you to the little angels who irrigated with nutrient solution: Little Little Little White 20 bottles; I Am Li Tubao, Qin Su 10 bottles; Tomato 7 bottles; Fairies Usually Don't Descend to Mortal Realm 2 bottles; Yi Zhihu Yan, Shao Ruo 1 bottle;