Chapter 31:

The human camp was left in disarray after the clash of the Cultivators, but fortunately, as it was located in a remote wilderness, no one was injured.

Su Ningzhen spent a long time meditating to barely recover some strength, but she had sustained serious injuries and would not heal quickly. Gao Qiumin suffered two sword wounds; although the wounds had been treated and stopped bleeding, he had lost a significant amount of blood and looked extremely pale.

“Master, that demon girl seems strange. The first time I saw her, she looked familiar, and now hearing her words, it seems she has some old grudge against me,” Gao Qiumin whispered cautiously, afraid that speaking loudly might reopen the wound on her neck.

Su Ningzhen replied gravely, “Regardless of whether there is an old grudge or not, she is a half-demon and a disciple of Sang Qi, making her our sworn enemy. Earlier in Yongxue City, if not for Sect Leader Xie’s strong defense, we should have killed her to prevent future troubles.”

Gao Qiumin lowered her head, murmuring gloomily, “I never expected… Sect Leader Xie actually passed the Yuque Jing to her. She is the demon race’s Holy Maiden, a half-demon… How could Sect Leader Xie do this?”

Gao Qiumin was unwilling to face this reality. The affection Sect Leader Xie had shown Mu Xuanling was likely deeper than what appeared on the surface.

This was also the matter Su Ningzhen was most troubled about—not only because Mu Xuanling had learned the Yuque Jing, but more worryingly, Sang Qi had also mastered a divine skill from it. Su Ningzhen had once seen Sang Qi’s abilities, assuming that as a half-demon who had lost an arm, he could not be that powerful. But now, Sang Qi’s terror far exceeded expectations. She could not even withstand a single move from him. When Sang Qi struck with a palm, even without using full strength, she felt the despair of the sky collapsing and the earth cracking. If he used his full strength, she would have been crushed into a bloody pulp on the spot.

The gap between their Cultivation levels was simply too vast. Even combining her strength with Fu Yunting and He Xianwo, they could not match Sang Qi. At present, the only one capable of confronting Sang Qi was Xie Xuechen…

“Master Su, Sect Leader Xie requests your presence,” a voice called from outside the tent.

Su Ningzhen slowly stood up, and Gao Qiumin immediately stepped forward to support her, saying, “Master, let me accompany you.”

“No need. You are injured; rest and recover properly,” Su Ningzhen paused and added, “Prepare yourself and inform the other disciples. After the meeting, we will return to Mirror Flower Valley.”

Gao Qiumin’s face paled slightly, but she nodded, “Understood, Master.”

The atmosphere inside the tent was heavy. Fu Yunting and He Xianwo both wore frowns and showed no joy upon seeing Su Ningzhen enter, offering mutual greetings.

“How is Master Su’s injury?” Fu Yunting asked with concern.

He Xianwo had always been on bad terms with Su Ningzhen and said nothing.

Su Ningzhen gave a slight nod and said indifferently, “Thank you for Master Fu’s concern. A few days of rest will suffice.” She then looked at Xie Xuechen, her expression sharp, “Sect Leader Xie summoned us here, surely you have decided how to explain yourself?”

Fu Yunting and He Xianwo remained silent but shared the same discontent. However, Fu Yunting was a shrewd and smooth operator. Even if he harbored resentment, he was unwilling to directly confront Xie Xuechen. Since Su Ningzhen was here to take the lead, he was happy to watch from the sidelines.

Su Ningzhen let out a bitter, hoarse laugh and said, “Back in Yongxue City, I already warned Sect Leader Xie that we should have interrogated that demon girl’s heart and mind. Had you listened to me then, we would have uncovered her treacherous intentions and avoided being deceived. The Yuque Jing is a unique cultivation technique created by Sect Leader Xie. Normally, whoever the Sect Leader chooses to pass it on to is none of our concern, but this technique is of utmost importance. Passing it to another race will bring calamity upon our human race.” Su Ningzhen swept a cold gaze over the crowd and continued, “Today, you all witnessed how formidable Sang Qi has become. Even if we join forces, we cannot stop him.”

Fu Yunting awkwardly touched his nose, while He Xianwo slightly frowned and said, “A half-demon reaching such a level of cultivation is truly unimaginable.”

Xie Xuechen looked at Su Ningzhen and said calmly, “What Master Su said is true. This matter started because of me, and I will handle it according to the laws of the Immortal Alliance.”

Fu Yunting cleared his throat twice and said dryly, “With such a formidable enemy before us, Sect Leader Xie is the backbone of the Immortal Alliance and the pillar of our human race. Without Sect Leader Xie, who among us could stand against Sang Qi? Our priority is to confront the demon race. We must not turn on each other and disrupt our unity. Even if Sect Leader Xie has erred, we should wait until Sang Qi is defeated before addressing the matter.”

He Xianwo cast a cold glance at Fu Yunting but remained silent, inwardly scoffing. Fu Yunting was holding onto Xie Xuechen’s mistake but wanted to use Xie Xuechen to defeat Sang Qi. Once Sang Qi was dead, he could use this as an excuse to force Xie Xuechen out of the Sect Leader position, a classic case of discarding a tool once its purpose is fulfilled. However, Fu Yunting was smart, but others were not fools either.

Xie Xuechen saw through everyone’s thoughts without the slightest surprise. He had long understood human nature and did not feel disappointed. Everything he did was simply following his own path.

“The mistake I made, I will bear it myself. The calamity of Sang Qi started because of me. Once I defeat Sang Qi, I will resign as Sect Leader and endure the punishment of the Ten-Thousand Immortals Thunder Tribulation.”

The trio stared at Xie Xuechen in astonishment, never anticipating he would so casually mention relinquishing his position, leaving them speechless. The Ten-Thousand Immortals Thunder Tribulation was among the most treacherous formations within the Ten-Thousand Immortals Array, summoning heavenly thunder and earthly tribulation flames. Even a Dharma Aspect-level venerable would face near-certain death, with nine out of ten perishing. Having already cast aside life and death, their confrontational demands now appeared both awkward and absurd.

He Xianwo felt it had gone too far and said gravely, “Sect Leader, there’s no need to be like this…”

“This matter is settled; no need for further discussion,” Xie Xuechen raised his hand and interrupted him, saying indifferently, “The next thing we need to discuss is our immediate priority. Sang Qi has not yet fully mastered the Yuque Jing. His attack today was merely a test. He probably won’t confront us directly in the short term, but he won’t give up easily either. He is likely to harass other sects, trying to rally demons and other half-demons.”

Fu Yunting’s eyes flickered, saying, “If Sang Qi wants to gather more power, he will probably rescue demon slaves from various sects. He can gain absolute loyalty from these demon slaves.”

He Xianwo suddenly laughed, lightly shaking his wine gourd, his eyes dark and unfathomable, “I have always opposed the keeping of demon slaves. Originally, only demon cultivators who committed grave crimes were turned into demon slaves, but I’ve heard that some sects do not distinguish right from wrong, enslaving any demon or half-demon with a soul-locking ring. Doing so pushes half-demons and demons to our opposing side.”

Su Ningzhen suppressed her anger and said, “Master He, your words are mistaken. Demons and half-demons are inherently different from humans, especially beast demons, who are born bloodthirsty and man-eating. Tolerating them puts ourselves in danger.”

He Xianwo snorted, seemingly unwilling to argue with her. “If we’re talking about who has the most demon slaves, it should be the Bi Xiao Palace.”

The Bi Xiao Palace was the strongest and wealthiest among the five major sects, naturally possessing the most demon slaves. The Bi Xiao Palace had many mines, and mining was dirty, exhausting, and extremely dangerous work, so they often assigned demon slaves to do it. Fu Yunting was accustomed to this and did not feel embarrassed. He smiled proudly and said, “The Bi Xiao Palace has nearly two thousand demon slaves, but the Bi Xiao Palace has more than three thousand inner sect disciples and tens of thousands of outer sect disciples. The demon race’s demonic army cannot possibly be that numerous. Sang Qi probably won’t dare to cause trouble at the Bi Xiao Palace.”

“What if Sang Qi comes in person?” He Xianwo asked.

Fu Yunting frowned, his face darkening slightly, “It would be hard to handle.”

Although his Bi Xiao Palace was vast in numbers and formidable in strength, at that level, sheer numbers were meaningless. It was a matter of absolute power overwhelming all. Having absorbed the Demon Sovereign, Sang Qi now wielded the Demon Sovereign’s full might and had mastered the Yuque Divine Skill, unlocking his divine apertures. His cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds, rendering ordinary Dharma Idol cultivators no match for him, while those below the Nascent Soul level were as insignificant as chickens and dogs. Even if all the Dharma Idol cultivators of Bi Xiao Palace were to confront him, though they might eventually defeat Sang Qi, the losses would be too devastating—tantamount to defeat in itself.

“Earlier, I had already discussed with Master Nan Zhuang. I will guard the Two Worlds Mountain, and he will set up five teleportation arrays here. If Sang Qi personally attacks the five major sects, you can send me a message, and I will personally kill him.”

Xie Xuechen’s presence at the front line could serve as a deterrent to the demon realm. If Sang Qi does not come out, the five major sects can handle it themselves. If Sang Qi attacks, Xie Xuechen will personally deal with him, ensuring safety without worries.

“In that case, we can rest assured. It’s just troubling the Sect Leader,” the three men’s expressions became more relaxed, and they felt a bit embarrassed as they bowed to thank Xie Xuechen.

“It’s only right,” Xie Xuechen said calmly and composedly, never showing the slightest emotion throughout.

Whether it was the accusations or thanks from the others, to him, it was like a breeze from a thousand miles away, never touching his heart.

After the meeting was concluded and everyone dispersed, Xie Xuechen suddenly spoke, asking Su Ningzhen to stay behind. Fu Yunting and He Xianwo exchanged glances and left the tent tactfully.

“Master Su, do you have any connection with Sang Qi?” Xie Xuechen asked.

Su Ningzhen’s breathing clearly faltered for a moment, her expression stiffening, her eyes flickering, as if hesitating whether to speak.

“I sent the others away out of consideration for the reputation of Mirror Flower Valley. But if this matter could endanger the Immortal Alliance, Master Su should not conceal anything,” Xie Xuechen’s voice grew more solemn, carrying an undeniable authority that suddenly made Su Ningzhen feel pressured.

“There is indeed an old grudge between Mirror Flower Valley and Sang Qi,” Su Ningzhen gritted her teeth, struggling to say, “More than twenty years ago, Sang Qi attempted to harm a female cultivator from Mirror Flower Valley. My master discovered it and set a trap to ambush him. However, Sang Qi was cunning. After having his arm cut off, he escaped and secluded himself in the demon realm for many years.”

Sang Qi’s reappearance was the day the Mingyue Villa was brutally slaughtered.

“Who was that female cultivator?” Xie Xuechen asked.

Su Ningzhen turned her face away, saying gravely, “She is already dead. Why does Sect Leader Xie insist on asking?”

With that, she turned and left.

Xie Xuechen’s eyes flickered, a nearly absurd guess forming in his mind. Could it be…

The moon was high in the sky, a gentle breeze swept over the wild expanse, wildflowers blooming with a faint fragrance.

Xie Xuechen stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly closed. The vermilion mark between his eyebrows emitted a radiant glow as his divine aperture absorbed spiritual energy to heal his wounds.

“Sect Leader Xie,” the sound of Nan Xuyue’s footsteps came from behind, stopping at a distance of a zhang.

Xie Xuechen had already sensed his approach but had not said anything. He opened his eyes slowly, turned around, and nodded slightly to Nan Xuyue, “Master Nan, you’re still up at this late hour?”

Nan Xuyue’s face bore a faint smile, though his eyes were slightly cold.

“I was preparing for the formation when I suddenly remembered something and went to the tent to find Sect Leader Xie, but didn’t see you there, so I came here to check,” Nan Xuyue took a step forward, “Sect Leader Xie, today’s battle with Sang Qi, it seems you were injured?”

Xie Xuechen knew Nan Xuyue was meticulous and perceptive, and he had no intention of hiding it.

“Sang Qi’s power is formidable. I did sustain some injuries,” Xie Xuechen said, “But it’s nothing serious. A short period of meditation will suffice.”

“Sect Leader Xie has been repeatedly injured, yet your cultivation grows stronger. This must be the mystery of the Yuque Jing,” Nan Xuyue’s eyes flickered with realization, “Is it about breaking to rebuild, dying to be reborn?”

Xie Xuechen nodded, “Although you cannot cultivate, your insight is unmatched.”

“Flattery, who dares to boast before Sect Leader Xie,” Nan Xuyue smiled slightly, “Sang Qi retreated today and should not dare to fight again in the short term.”

Xie Xuechen frowned, saying gravely, “He is extremely patient. The longer we wait, the stronger he becomes. I fear that even I may not be his match in the future.”

No one knows the upper limit of a half-demon who cultivates both demonic techniques and spiritual energy simultaneously. How strong can he become?

Nan Xuyue understood the implications in Xie Xuechen’s words, “Sect Leader Xie wants to force him to act?”

“Although that is the intention, it is not easy. This person is extremely skilled at being patient,” Xie Xuechen said.

“Master Nan, you are not a member of the Immortal Alliance. Your willingness to assist us is deeply appreciated.”

Nan Xuyue remained silent for a long time.

He still held a folding fan in his hand. The fan had been damaged by Sang Qi, and he carefully repaired it. Originally white, the fan now had a few red spots—these were Mu Xuanling’s bloodstains.

He could have replaced the fan with another magical artifact, but he didn’t. The fan, originally as light as nothing, now felt as heavy as a thousand catties because of these few drops of blood. Every night when he closed his eyes, he saw Mu Xuanling pushing him away and taking the palm strike for him. The warm blood was so hot it startled him from his dreams.

His hand unconsciously tightened around the fan, his long fingers slightly whitening. Nan Xuyue slightly lowered his head, his thin lips curving into a faint smile, “Sect Leader Xie, I came here, only for Ling’er.”

Xie Xuechen was slightly taken aback but nodded, “I understand.”

“Although I agreed to assist the Immortal Alliance, I also have a condition—you absolutely must not harm her,” Nan Xuyue’s gentle voice carried determination and resolve.

“I understand that too,” Xie Xuechen said softly.

“The five sects of the Immortal Alliance despise her deeply, and Sang Qi also harbors ill intentions toward her,” Nan Xuyue raised his head, staring directly at Xie Xuechen. “I’m telling you this truthfully. My assistance to the Immortal Alliance is solely to eliminate Sang Qi, and you, Sect Leader, are the only one capable of achieving that.”

Xie Xuechen said, “I will do my utmost.”

Nan Xuyue said, “But if Sang Qi dies, she will lose her protection.”

Xie Xuechen said, “I will become her protection.”

Nan Xuyue shook his head gently, a faint smile playing on his lips. “No, you won’t, and you can’t. You revealed your divine technique, triggering a catastrophe. The Immortal Alliance has already forsaken you. They’re merely using you to oppose Sang Qi. Once Sang Qi is dead, forget about others—even Fu Yunting and Su Ningzhen will no longer hold you in esteem. Sect Leader Xie, you are honorable and always true to your word. When the time comes, you will step down as Sect Leader and endure the Ten-Thousand Immortals’ Thunder Tribulation. Even if you survive, how could you possibly become her protector?”

Nan Xuyue saw clearly and thought thoroughly. Xie Xuechen knew this as well, but as long as he lived, he could shield her from the malice and killing intent.

“Moreover, she probably won’t want to rely on you anymore,” a hint of mockery flashed in Nan Xuyue’s eyes, “Surely you’ve noticed, Ling’er no longer has any affection for you.”

She had become stronger, but also cold and indifferent, completely unlike before.

Nan Xuyue said, “I originally thought she had lost her memory, but she hasn’t. In fact, she even seems resentful.” Nan Xuyue smiled slightly, then sighed, “The two sword wounds on Gao Qiumin are proof. It seems she does hold some resentment, but no one stood up for her. Even I, remembered her wounds, but forgot her pain.”

Xie Xuechen’s thin lips moved slightly, a flicker of sadness in his phoenix eyes, but he had no words to reply.

Nan Xuyue was right. He knew she had been wronged, but he had never thought of avenging her. They were humans, always instinctively standing on the side of humanity, protecting humanity’s interests, and forgetting the pain she had endured.

“There are no fewer than twenty poisons and potions in this world that can cause memory loss, and three that can erase love and emotions: the Wuxiang Pill, the Liaochen Powder, and the Wuxin Water,” Nan Xuyue explained gently, “Those who take the Wuxiang Pill see everyone as formless, unable to distinguish one from another, no self, no form. Those who take the Liaochen Powder attain great enlightenment, feeling neither joy nor sorrow, neither desire nor longing. Those who take the Wuxin Water still remember worldly matters but have an empty heart, no longer craving worldly emotions.”

“Not the Wuxiang Pill, nor the Liaochen Powder,” Xie Xuechen recalled Mu Xuanling’s actions and said, “Is it the Wuxin Water?”

Nan Xuyue looked at him and said, “I originally guessed it was that too, but after drinking the Wuxin Water, one loses all emotions and attachments to everyone in the world, no love, no hate. Yet she holds resentment against Gao Qiumin, and still has some feelings for me…”

Nan Xuyue was being polite; it meant that Mu Xuanling had no feelings for you, Xie Xuechen, no love, no hate, no resentment.

Xie Xuechen understood clearly, meaning that Mu Xuanling had completely given up on you.

“Perhaps it’s a technique of the demon race,” Xie Xuechen said.

Nan Xuyue waved his fan slightly, smiling, “There’s also a possibility, that she simply came to terms with it, letting go of the past that cannot be retained.”

Xie Xuechen slowly tightened his hand beneath his wide sleeve.

Nan Xuyue smiled and said, “Sect Leader Xie seems unhappy, but if she truly can let go of her attachment to you, it would be a good thing for you, for me, and for her.”

Nan Xuyue had always been a gentleman as gentle as jade and as clear as a breeze under the moonlight. Yet at this moment, he revealed his sharp side. Even though he still smiled, there was no warmth in it.

From the beginning, he had addressed him as Sect Leader Xie.

Xie Xuechen did not mind Nan Xuyue’s hostility. He knew Nan Xuyue resented him for hurting Mu Xuanling, but everything he did was not for the judgment of the world, but for the path in his heart.

But he still cared about Mu Xuanling’s thoughts.

Perhaps she had truly let go, but it seemed… he had not.

“So, Sect Leader Xie, I wish to become her protection,” Nan Xuyue smiled faintly, “But you should let go.”