Chapter 12:

Gao Qiumin’s emotions were extremely complex, not just complex but also humiliating. She clearly realized that she and Mu Xuanling shared a resemblance of about fifty percent, but the other fifty percent of differences were where Mu Xuanling surpassed her. Gao Qiumin had always been proud of her appearance. When going out, she even worried that her beauty might attract too much attention, so she chose to wear a thin veil to cover her face. Yet, standing before Mu Xuanling, she suddenly felt her own attempts at concealment were nothing more than a joke, as if she were foolishly cherishing something of little worth.

The gatekeeper cultivator was momentarily dazzled and took a moment to recover himself. He then bowed respectfully to Xuechen Xie and said, “Master Nan, please wait a moment while we deactivate the barrier inside the mansion. Then we shall invite you in. And this lady is…”

The gatekeeper glanced at Mu Xuanling.

Mu Xuanling smiled gently, “I am Master Nan’s cousin, Linger.”

Nan Xuyue nodded with a smile, acknowledging her identity.

This had been agreed upon beforehand. They used Nan Xuyue to conceal Mu Xuanling’s identity and separate her relationship from Xuechen Xie, otherwise the spy within the Immortal Alliance would easily guess who the woman beside Xuechen Xie was.

As they spoke, the barrier within the mansion was lifted. The gatekeeper opened the door and welcomed the three inside.

Gao Qiumin felt as if needles were pricking her back, and she couldn’t help but quicken her pace. As she saw figures approaching from within the courtyard, she hurried forward. The first person she saw was Su Ningzhen, clearly filled with anger.

“Master!” Gao Qiumin exclaimed, feeling as if she had found a pillar of support, her heart finally lightened.

Seeing Gao Qiumin, Su Ningzhen’s angry expression softened slightly, and she asked gently, “You’re not injured, are you?”

Gao Qiumin shook her head, “Thankfully, a man intervened and stopped that demoness. My junior brothers and sisters and I are all fine.” She paused, then couldn’t help glancing behind Su Ningzhen, cautiously asking, “Master, I heard that Sect Leader Xie has returned. Is he… is he alright?”

“Yes, he is fine.”

It was a closely guarded secret that Xuechen Xie’s spiritual passageways had been sealed, and even her most beloved disciple could not be told about it.

As they spoke, others gradually emerged as well, but Xuechen Xie was not among them. Gao Qiumin couldn’t help but feel disappointed, and Su Ningzhen noticed all of this, sighing inwardly.

Several sect leaders walked into the courtyard and immediately spotted Nan Xuyue. A few years ago, Nan Wujiu had passed away, and they had all seen Nan Xuyue then, leaving a deep impression. Thus, they recognized him at once. The young man, after years of cultivation, was like an unpolished jade that had been refined, becoming increasingly warm and profound.

What a pity…

They sighed inwardly while smiling and walking toward Nan Xuyue.

“Master Fu, Master Su, Master He, and Venerable Fahui, it has been a long time. I hope you have all been well?” Nan Xuyue greeted with a smile. Given his age and status, he was the junior and thus should bow first.

“Master Nan, we are all well,” they replied with a bow, their gazes then falling on the woman behind Nan Xuyue, causing them all to pause slightly.

Among them, several had lived for hundreds of years, had seen all kinds of beauties, and had long since become indifferent to appearances. They wouldn’t be captivated by a woman’s beauty, but they were surprised that the woman behind Nan Xuyue bore some resemblance to Su Ningzhen’s disciple, Gao Qiumin. No, actually, she was even more dazzlingly beautiful than Gao Qiumin. Upon first seeing Gao Qiumin, one might think her beauty was rare in the world, but when compared to the other woman, Gao Qiumin’s beauty seemed pale and thin, far less lively and vivid. It was as if she merely stood there, and everything around her came alive with vibrancy and color.

“This is my cousin, Linger. She’s extremely curious about the path of cultivation. When she heard I was coming to Ouxue City to visit Sect Leader Xie, she begged me to bring her along,” Nan Xuyue said with a wry smile, sighing, “I just couldn’t say no to her.”

(Note: I made the following natural adjustments while preserving the original meaning:

1. “feigned苦笑” is translated as “wry smile” to naturally convey the mixed emotion in English

2. “found it hard to refuse” rendered as “couldn’t say no to her” for more idiomatic flow

3. Adjusted sentence structures slightly for better readability while maintaining all key information)

The others exchanged knowing smiles.

Only Su Ningzhen and Gao Qiumin could not bring themselves to smile.

“Sect Leader Xie should still be in the Hall of Righteousness. Since you two are here to visit him, we won’t disturb you further,” Fu Yuan politely pointed them in the right direction, and the sect leaders returned to their respective quarters.

Nan Xuyue led Mu Xuanling into the Hall of Righteousness, where Xuechen Xie was indeed still present. As Nan Xuyue and Mu Xuanling entered, they immediately noticed the signs of a recent battle inside the hall. Nan Xuyue asked in surprise, “Did a fight break out here earlier?”

Xuechen Xie replied, “He Xianwu provoked Su Ningzhen, and they engaged in combat. Fahui Venerable subdued them using the Ti Hu Xi Sheng technique.”

Mu Xuanling was startled and immediately said, “Then they must know that their powers have vanished.”

Nan Xuyue frowned slightly, “You suspect that among these three, one is a spy, deliberately testing whether they were injured.”

“It’s possible, but not certain,” Xuechen Xie said. “I told them that the Demon Realm is currently weak in defense, and that my spiritual passageways will recover in seven days. Once they do, I will launch an attack on the Demon Realm. Before that, I must identify the spy.”

Nan Xuyue said, “The spy will then relay this information and try to act within seven days to prevent you from starting the war.”

Mu Xuanling turned her eyes, her gaze shimmering with meaning, and smiled knowingly, “But Sect Leader Xie actually only needs four days to recover.”

Nan Xuyue replied, “However, the four great sect leaders and the five elders of the Immortal Alliance are watching closely. Within four days, the spy will likely find it hard to get an opportunity to strike.”

Mu Xuanling said, “Four days later, the spy will face a Sect Leader Xie who is invincible.”

Nan Xuyue suddenly sighed, “I used to think Xie Brother was a man who never lied.”

Mu Xuanling said, “Because there was nothing in this world that couldn’t be resolved with one strike of Xuechen Xie’s sword. If there was, then two strikes would do.”

Nan Xuyue suddenly understood, “So the reason I am so thoughtful and anxious is simply because I am too weak.”

Mu Xuanling also sighed, “And I am no different.”

Xuechen Xie simply said two words: “Too noisy.”

Xuechen Xie had never lied to anyone, nor had he ever been deceived—until he was deceived too many times by Mu Xuanling. Suddenly, he thought, deceiving others wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

This must be what they call “those who associate with demons become tainted.”

Sighing…

Ouxue City had short days and long nights, which suited Mu Xuanling perfectly. In the city lord’s mansion, where everyone was at least at the Golden Core stage, Mu Xuanling and Nan Xuyue, who appeared to be the weakest ordinary people, were assigned to the guest quarters closest to the Xue Tower.

Of course, Mu Xuanling couldn’t stay quietly in her room. The darker it got, the more excited she became. She quickly and familiarly made her way to the Xue Tower.

The Xue Tower was Xuechen Xie’s residence. The courtyard was arranged in a particularly simple and clear manner, with only a vast open space for sword practice, not a single flower or plant—just like its master.

When Mu Xuanling entered the Xue Tower, Xie Xuechen was practicing his swordplay. It was a night of the full moon, and the moon seen in Ouxue City appeared much larger than elsewhere. The cold, bright moonlight spilled across the ground, illuminating the snow-covered courtyard. Beneath the full moon, the immortal’s robes fluttered like a dragon in motion, his sword energy crisscrossing with the force of a rainbow, leaving the onlookers instinctively holding their breath, their hearts racing.

Xuechen Xie’s life-bound sword was the Jun Tian Sword. The Jun Tian Sword had no physical form. Legend said it was forged from the aura of the Heaven-Sundering Axe, and after Xuechen Xie comprehended the Jade Gate Sutra, the Jun Tian Sword recognized him as its master. The Jun Tian Sword was unmatched in power, but it had a drawback—it could not be wielded without spiritual energy. Thus, Xuechen Xie had to choose another sword from his collection.

“This sword is called Chun Sheng. Its blade is as thin as an ice flake. When swung, it melts like spring ice, transforming a visible sword into an invisible one.”

It was Nan Xuyue who spoke from the corner, watching the sword display. Though he did not understand sword techniques, he was well-versed in all the divine weapons in the world.

As Xuechen Xie sheathed his sword, Mu Xuanling snapped back to reality. She stepped forward and said, “Chun Sheng is a fine sword, but it doesn’t suit you. ‘Spring Sheng’ means the snow melts. The sword’s aura is too soft, lacking your original ruthless and decisive style.”

Her words struck the mark. Xuechen Xie looked at her in slight surprise, “You understand sword techniques too?”

“I don’t understand sword techniques,” Mu Xuanling smiled sweetly, “But I understand you.”

From the side, Nan Xuyue let out a soft chuckle. Mu Xuanling turned her head and saw Nan Xuyue once again half-hiding his smile behind his folding fan.

“Ouxue City is icy and snowy, yet you still carry a fan. Is the wind not strong enough, or is the snow not cold enough?” Mu Xuanling teased.

Nan Xuyue said, “Linger, you don’t know, this is my weapon, called ‘Zhe Feng’ (Folding Wind).”

They addressed each other as siblings in public, and even in private, Nan Xuyue still called her Linger.

Although Nan Xuyue could not cultivate, he had learned some martial arts and crafted a magical weapon himself, inscribing magical arrays on it. Though it couldn’t rival true experts, an ordinary Golden Core cultivator caught off guard might still suffer and even be defeated by Zhe Feng.

Mu Xuanling said, “Truly worthy of being Master Nan’s weapon. It’s as elegant as its master.”

Nan Xuyue smiled, “Since Linger understands Xie Brother so well, why don’t you help him choose a suitable sword?”

Mu Xuanling lifted her head, her eyes shining as she gazed at Xuechen Xie, “May I?”

Xuechen Xie nodded lightly.

Delighted, Mu Xuanling happily skipped over to admire Xuechen Xie’s collection of swords. Most of these were swords he had used in his childhood. Since obtaining the Jun Tian Sword, he had never used these swords again but still cherished them, placing them carefully in the weapon cabinet and polishing them meticulously whenever he had free time.

Mu Xuanling’s gaze fell on the short sword at the far left. She had seen this sword before, in Xuechen Xie’s illusion—when he was four years old, he held a sword taller than himself and swung it ten thousand times a day. Her hand unconsciously touched the cold blade, which was like a mirror, reflecting her slightly dazed expression.

“Sect Leader Xie,” a woman’s voice came from behind, and Mu Xuanling abruptly snapped back to reality, turning her head to look.

The woman, who had originally been smiling, had her smile instantly freeze on her face when she saw Mu Xuanling.

Gao Qiumin hadn’t expected Nan Xuyue’s cousin to be here, let alone touching Xuechen Xie’s sword. All sword cultivators regarded their swords as partners and would never allow others to touch them. This woman had only just met Xuechen Xie—why was she allowed to touch his sword?

Suppressing her inner doubts, Gao Qiumin quickly composed herself and greeted Nan Xuyue with a nod, “Greetings, Master Nan.” She then nodded at Mu Xuanling, “Linger is here too.”

A hint of amusement flickered in Nan Xuyue’s eyes as he politely returned Gao Qiumin’s greeting. Mu Xuanling smiled sweetly, “You must be Senior Sister Gao from Mirror Flower Valley. Do you have urgent matters to report to the Sect Leader so late at night?”

Gao Qiumin thought coldly: You know it’s already this late.

“We cultivators, after forming the Golden Core, our bodies are no longer the same as ordinary people. Day and night make no difference to us. But Linger, as a mortal, you should rest more.”

Gao Qiumin: You, a mere mortal, should stop meddling in the affairs of cultivators!

Mu Xuanling, innocent and cheerful, smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister Gao. I was so engrossed in discussing sword techniques with Sect Leader Xie that I completely forgot about the time.”

“I didn’t know Linger was also a master of sword techniques,” Gao Qiumin said disbelievingly. She couldn’t imagine Xuechen Xie discussing sword techniques with a mere mortal woman—what could she possibly know?

“Me? How dare I call myself a master in front of Sect Leader Xie,” Mu Xuanling said with a beaming smile. “I’ve just benefited greatly from his guidance.”

“Coincidentally, I came to see Sect Leader Xie because I also have some questions about sword techniques I wish to ask him,” Gao Qiumin climbed the ladder, her eyes filled with shy affection as she looked at Xuechen Xie. “I wonder if Sect Leader Xie has the time?”

Xuechen Xie said indifferently, “The techniques of the Mirror Flower Valley are too soft and Yin-oriented; they are not suited for sword cultivation.”

Gao Qiumin naturally knew that, but she still diligently studied sword techniques just to have something to talk to Xuechen Xie about, trying to please him.

Gao Qiumin said softly, “I know that, but I love sword techniques, and no one in the valley could teach me. I think Sect Leader Xie is the greatest swordsman in the world, and it’s rare to have this chance to meet you. If I could receive even a little guidance from you, Qiumin would be eternally grateful.”

Mu Xuanling sighed gently, “It’s getting late, Cousin. We should go back now and not disturb Sect Leader Xie’s rest.”

Nan Xuyue raised his eyebrows in slight surprise—not only because Mu Xuanling had called him “Cousin,” but also because the two women were locked in a fierce verbal battle, yet Mu Xuanling was choosing to retreat?

Gao Qiumin was also surprised but quickly felt delighted, thinking that Mu Xuanling, knowing her own inferiority, had wisely withdrawn.

Mu Xuanling sighed again, “I heard that Sect Leader Xie had a fierce battle with the demons and then rushed back for days. Even as a Great Manifestation expert, he must be extremely tired. Today, he also held a meeting of the Immortal Alliance and had so many people coming to him for decisions on city affairs. Ah… those people are so inconsiderate, not letting the Sect Leader rest more. Unlike me, I only wish to care for the Sect Leader.”

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiumin’s face twisted slightly, and she inwardly cursed: Despicable woman!

Nan Xuyue thought: This folding fan is really useful, otherwise I would have laughed out loud by now.

Xuechen Xie thought: Why does she care about me?

Since Mu Xuanling had already spoken up, Gao Qiumin could only force a smile and said to Xie Xuechen, “In that case, I wouldn’t dare to disturb the Sect Master’s rest any further.”

Mu Xuanling and Nan Xuyue stepped out of the Blowing Snow Tower, with Gao Qiumin following closely behind. The two women’s gazes met briefly before quickly parting, each walking away coldly in opposite directions.

Nan Xuyue smiled and said, “Your swordsmanship is quite good.”

Mu Xuanling gritted her teeth and said, “Different methods for different people.”

Xie Xuechen was polishing his sword when he heard faint footsteps in the distance. Without even turning around, he knew who was approaching. He raised the longsword, and its polished surface reflected the petite figure standing behind him. She kept her head slightly lowered, with stray strands of hair obscuring her expression, lost in thought. Her footsteps grew heavy and slow, coming to a sudden halt three steps behind him, where she stood motionless.

It was unlike her to act this way—Xuechen Xie thought to himself.

Yet Xuechen, who could even think such a thing, had also become unlike himself.

Xie Xuechen turned around and saw Xuanling Mu standing in the snow, moonlight reflecting against her pale, delicate face, creating a faint halo around her. Her usually lively and mischievous eyes had turned quiet and deep, as if something had dimmed their usual brilliance.

“What’s wrong?” Xie asked gently.

His voice had unconsciously softened, carrying a cautious tenderness he hadn’t noticed.

Xuanling blinked, and the thin veil over her eyes vanished as if it had been a mere illusion. The sadness from moments ago seemed to have been nothing more than a trick of the light.

“I was distracted by some irrelevant people earlier, and only just remembered—I haven’t done something yet,” Xuanling said as she walked over to Xie and stood beside him, her gaze shifting toward Binglan. “I just saw a sword.”

Xie thought she had seen a sword from an illusion, but Xuanling reached for a different one. This sword appeared ancient and heavy, its blade engraved with formation inscriptions. Yet its surface was covered in countless cracks, evidence of fierce battles and grievous damage that had scattered its spiritual energy, leaving it broken beyond repair.

“This sword is called Wanren,” Xie said, stepping forward to help her grasp the hilt as he noticed her struggling. “It weighs three hundred and sixty jin and was forged from meteoric iron over thirty years. It’s a Heaven-tier magical artifact, immensely powerful.”

Wanren had been the heavy sword gifted to him by his father after reaching adulthood, and once his most trusted companion.

“But it still shattered,” Xuanling murmured, running her fingers over the blade’s cracks. “You must have gone through an extremely brutal battle.”

Xie was silent for a moment before slowly replying, “Seven years ago, the demonic alliance slaughtered the Bright Moon Estate, and I happened to be passing by.”

“They say you saved Gao Qiumin and were gravely injured in the process,” Xuanling looked up at him.

Xie slightly furrowed his brow and said, “I don’t remember that.”

“You don’t remember?” Xuanling’s eyes flickered.

“Suning Zhen received a distress call from Gao Qiumin. By the time she arrived at the Bright Moon Estate, I was already gravely wounded, unconscious, and barely clinging to life, with Wanren completely shattered. She brought me back to Yongsue City and left behind a Nine-turn Life-giving Golden Pill, claiming it was repayment for saving Gao Qiumin’s life. I took the pill and remained unconscious for half a month before waking up. As for what happened at the Bright Moon Estate, I remember nothing and have only heard about it from others.”

The Bright Moon Estate had relatively distant relations with other sects, except for a closer connection with the Mirror Blossom Valley. The estate’s master, Gao Fengyu, had been married to Sucen Xi, the twin sister of the current valley master, Sucen Zhen. Unfortunately, Sucen Xi had died young during childbirth. Considering she was a Golden Core cultivator at the time, she shouldn’t have perished so easily during labor, but strange phenomena had occurred when Gao Qiumin was born, causing violent fluctuations of spiritual energy. It was rumored that this was the reason Sucen Xi lost her life and her core. Deeply bonded with her twin sister, Sucen Zhen had doted on Gao Qiumin after her sister’s death. After Gao’s family was destroyed, she became Sucen Zhen’s disciple. Gao possessed extraordinary talent, was born with nine spiritual openings, awakened her divine senses at age three, and formed her Golden Core before turning twenty, with her Nascent Soul and Manifested Law Body soon to follow. In the cultivation world, countless people admired Gao Qiumin, even including some highly revered Law Manifestation experts. Yet everyone knew that Gao Qiumin had only ever had eyes for Xie Xuechen.

Xuanling felt a pang of jealousy. She still resented Xie for defending Gao in the forest that day. Even though she knew Xie harbored no romantic feelings for Gao, in the cultivation world, cultivation partners didn’t necessarily need romantic emotions. Many cultivators chose their partners solely based on cultivation strength, because children born from two Law Manifestation experts would inevitably possess extraordinary talent.

As a half-demon, Xuanling couldn’t bear children. Meanwhile, Xie was a ten-opening prodigy, and countless female cultivators desired to bear his offspring…

“Hmph!” Xuanling stomped her foot angrily. “You’re not allowed to have children with anyone else!”

Xie Xuechen: “…”.

Where did this come from—children?

He struggled to follow Xuanling’s train of thought and even less understood her sudden outburst of anger. Hadn’t she just been showing concern for him a moment ago?

Indeed, practicing demonic techniques easily led to spiritual imbalance, causing erratic mood swings.

“She already tried to take advantage of you after you saved her life—it’s truly becoming more and more audacious,” Xuanling grumbled.

Xie asked hesitantly with confusion, “She… who exactly are you talking about?”

Wasn’t the one being audacious and demanding only this half-demon standing before him?

“Obviously Gao Qiumin!” Xuanling made no effort to hide her hostility, unbothered by revealing her jealous and possessive side in front of her beloved. “Always calling you ‘Master Xie’ so affectionately.”

Xie replied seriously, “I am the leader of the Immortal Alliance; everyone in the world calls me that. Even the Demon Sovereign himself would still address me as Master Xie.”

He thought only Xuanling would dare to call him by his full name directly to his face.

“You’re still defending her!” Xuanling said, feeling both hurt and angry. “Do you think she’s beautiful? People say Gao Qiumin and I look alike.”

Frowning in confusion, Xie quickly replied, “Not alike at all.”

He never judged people by appearances alone—he observed their aura, examined their complexion, listened to their heartbeat, and sensed their breath. Physical appearances were easily faked, but one’s aura, complexion, heartbeat, and breathing were unique to each individual.

To him, Gao Qiumin and Xuanling were completely different people, with no basis for comparison.

When they first met, he had been wary of Xuanling’s identity, seeing only her demonic and evil aura. However, after spending a few days together, he noticed her aura was clear and pure, indicating a person of sincerity and honesty. He had gradually let go of his prejudice toward her and even developed a sense of indulgence he couldn’t quite explain.

Yet, as she had said, Xuanling was indeed easy to appease. Just those two words—”not alike”—were enough to turn her anger into joy, and she smiled.

“Then promise me you won’t mistake her for me in the future,” Xuanling said earnestly.

Moonlight shimmered in her eyes, glowing with brilliance. Even the moonlight and snow paled in comparison to her beauty.

How could he ever mistake her?

Xie Xuechen gave a slight nod and said softly, “Alright.”

Xuanling’s eyes crinkled with delight. Suddenly, she stood on tiptoe and gently kissed him on the lips. Her nose caught the scent of pine in the snow from his body—fresh and clean, just like him. Beneath his seemingly cold exterior, his heart and lips were soft.

Xie felt as if his heart had been gently struck. Looking down, he noticed a snowflake had unknowingly landed on her thick lashes. Soon, it melted from the warmth that rose, turning into a slight dampness that spread in her eyes.

Her kiss brushed his lips like snowflakes—soft and light, fleeting yet tender.

Her peach-blossom eyes brimmed with amusement, and her crimson lips curled upward as she flashed a mischievous smile: “I can’t control my desires—I’ll kiss you whenever I want to.”

Xie slightly pressed his lips together, his voice slightly hoarse, “No next time.”

Rather than anger, Xuanling’s smile deepened at his words, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Xuechen Xie…” she whispered with a smile, “But just now… you could have dodged.”