Chapter 7:

The Immortal Alliance originally consisted of seven sects, including the current five, the destroyed Bright Moon Villa, and Yunxiu Villa.

The previous master of Yunxiu Villa was the legendary war god, Nan Wujiu. Nan Wujiu established his path through slaughter, slaying countless demons and monsters in his lifetime, and was revered by all under heaven. Yet, Yunxiu Villa’s pride was not limited to the war god Nan Wujiu, but also included Nan Xuyue, known as a prodigy.

Humans are born with seven orifices. At age three, they begin physical cultivation, and at seven, they open the Yin and Yang orifices. The Yang orifice lies at the Baihui acupoint on the crown of the head, while the Yin orifice lies at the navel. After opening these two orifices, one continues physical training until age ten, when they may participate in the selection trials of various sects to attempt opening the divine orifice. Among the world’s population, one in a hundred thousand can open nine orifices, and one in a million can open the divine orifice. The rarest and most outstanding innate talent is being born with ten orifices, hailed as the reincarnation of a celestial being.

In the past few centuries, only two people have possessed this talent: Xie Xuechen and Nan Xuyue.

Nan Xuyue was extraordinarily intelligent from childhood, with a photographic memory, needing to learn anything only once. At that time, Yunxiu Villa was still at the bottom among the seven sects, but everyone believed that Nan Xuyue was the hope for Yunxiu Villa’s rise.

Unfortunately, when Nan Xuyue turned ten, Nan Wujiu, having made too many enemies, was targeted by demons who retaliated by kidnapping Nan Xuyue. The ten-year-old Nan Xuyue suffered greatly before finally being rescued by Nan Wujiu. Unfortunately, though his life was saved, he became completely crippled. The demonic race used an extremely sinister method to destroy Nan Xuyue’s Yin and Yang orifices and divine orifice, and shackled his right foot with a demonic chain, rendering his three orifices irreparable. His right foot, corroded by demonic energy, could no longer regenerate.

With three spiritual apertures destroyed, the once-celebrated child prodigy became overnight an object of universal pity. Nan Wujiu was driven to madness by grief, his hair turning white overnight, yet ultimately to no avail. A few years later, Nan Wujiu succumbed to illness, leaving the young and inexperienced Nan Xuyue to single-handedly shoulder the responsibility of Yunxiu Villa.

Rumors spread that he remained as brilliant as ever—mastering medicine, formations, mechanisms, commerce, music, and even mathematics. Thus, Yunxiu Villa not only avoided decline but grew stronger than before. However, a sect led by a master incapable of cultivation could never gain standing within the Immortal Alliance. For this reason, though Yunxiu Villa now wields considerable influence, it remains merely the largest secular sect, unranked among the five great sects of the Immortal Alliance.

Mu Xuanling naturally had heard of Nan Wujiu and Nan Xuyue, and Yunxiu Villa was indeed not far from here. Yet she never expected Nan Xuyue, who had suffered at the hands of demons, would be willing to help them.

“Master Nan, it’s an honor to finally meet you,” Mu Xuanling took another step back, pulling her black robe tighter around her. She didn’t know why she was wary of an ordinary human. Although Nan Xuyue’s reputation was great, he was ultimately just a commoner unable to cultivate, posing no threat to her.

Nan Xuyue naturally noticed Mu Xuanling’s increasing wariness toward him, but he merely smiled indifferently and turned his gaze to Aobao perched on Mu Xuanling’s shoulder.

“Aobao, come here.”

He extended his hand, and in a flash, Aobao leaped into his palm. Xiuxiu hurriedly leaned forward, anxiously asking, “Master Nan, is Aobao alright?”

“Just a little frightened,” Nan Xuyue handed Aobao back to Xiuxiu and turned to Mu Xuanling. “Might I ask the young lady’s name?”

Mu Xuanling’s eyes flickered slightly as she replied, “I go by the surname Mu.”

Nan Xuyue asked, “Water and wood reflect pure clarity?”

Mu Xuanling paused briefly before replying, “Dawn and dusk are dearest in longing.”

“The moon newly brightens the horizon; dawn and dusk are dearest in longing.” Nan Xuyue’s voice was gentle and soft, making the poem sound most moving, yet tinged with a faint sorrow.

“It’s rare to hear someone with that surname. I suppose it’s a self-chosen surname,” Nan Xuyue remarked.

She didn’t know her parents; even her name was given by her master. The world might not know, but this person surely did—Xuanling was a tree from the demon realm. This tree was pitch-black all over, as hard as iron, yet bloomed the whitest, most tender flowers. The petals of the Xuanling flower were pure and bright, seemingly soft and delicate, yet as hard as jade, shaped like bells, hanging from the branches. When a breeze passed through, they would emit a crisp, bell-like sound. The sound of the Xuanling flower had the wondrous effect of capturing souls and enchanting hearts, often used in crafting magical artifacts. The bone bell on Mu Xuanling’s ankle was crafted from Xuanling flowers.

“Miss Mu, as the sunlight grows stronger, perhaps you should find a place to shelter?” Nan Xuyue asked.

“No, I still have a long way to go,” Mu Xuanling shook her head. She had been hiding under the tree’s shade in her black robe, and the burning pain had already eased. She looked at Aobao and tossed the pouch she had taken from Gao Qiumin, which Xiuxiu caught.

“Aobao, this is your treasure. Sister has to leave now.”

Aobao perched on Xiuxiu’s shoulder, her large, round eyes gazing at Mu Xuanling with reluctance.

“Sister, are you going to find your brother?”

Mu Xuanling was silent for a moment, then nodded.

Xiuxiu tightened her grip on the pouch, suddenly gathering her courage. “Miss Mu, could Aobao follow you?”

Mu Xuanling looked at Xiuxiu in surprise. “Follow me? Why?”

Xiuxiu explained, “Do you know that everything in the world has a treasure aura? Ordinary people can only see spiritual energy, but we treasure-sniffing rats can see treasure auras. The more powerful the treasure, the stronger the aura. This is why formations can block spiritual energy fluctuations but cannot block our perception of treasure auras.” Xiuxiu blushed slightly as she spoke. “I saw a very strong treasure aura around you… I imagine you must have many treasures on you.”

Mu Xuanling couldn’t help but smile.

Xiuxiu continued, “To improve our cultivation, we can only absorb treasure auras. The treasures I have here were left by Aobao’s father, but their treasure auras have long been depleted. They won’t affect you at all. So… so… I’ll give you all these treasures, could you let Aobao cultivate among your treasures?”

Mu Xuanling finally understood her intentions and smiled wryly. “Well, I suppose that’s possible, but are you willing to part with your daughter? Besides, Aobao is half-demon, without a demon core. No matter how much she cultivates, she can never transform into human form.”

Xiuxiu looked down, saying, “I know, but I hope Aobao can learn more skills to protect herself in the future.”

Aobao lifted her head, puzzled. “Mother, are you sending me away?”

Xiuxiu gently stroked Aobao’s head, saying softly, “Aobao, follow this sister. She seems much more capable than your mother and can help you cultivate. Mother has something to do…”

Aobao suddenly seemed to understand and asked, “Mother, are you going to find Father?”

Xiuxiu nodded, sadness in her eyes. “He’s been gone for three years. I don’t know if something happened to him. I must go find him.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Xuanling felt a stir in her heart, asking, “What’s Aobao’s father’s name?”

Xiuxiu replied, “His name is Fu Cangli.”

Mu Xuanling recalled that Aobao had once mentioned her father was the wealthiest cultivator in the world. Currently, the richest within the Immortal Alliance was the Biluo Palace, which controlled several mineral veins, and its palace master bore the surname Fu.

Mu Xuanling looked at Nan Xuyue, who seemed to have seen through her suspicions and smiled. “There is no disciple named Fu Cangli in the Biluo Palace now.”

“It could be an alias. Criminals rarely use their real names,” Mu Xuanling muttered.

Nan Xuyue smiled and turned to Xiuxiu, speaking gently. “Xiuxiu, you are a rare and unique creature. Don’t go to Biluo Palace to take risks. I will help you find out about Fu Cangli. You should stay here. What if he comes back looking for you and you’re not here? You’ll miss each other.”

Xiuxiu seemed to trust Nan Xuyue deeply. Being somewhat absent-minded by nature, she immediately nodded eagerly upon hearing Nan Xuyue’s gentle persuasion.

“Master Nan makes sense. Then I shall wait here for him. I’ll trouble you to help me find him.”

“My pleasure,” Nan Xuyue nodded with a smile.

“Aobao, are you willing to go with Sister?” Xiuxiu asked Aobao.

Aobao hesitated briefly before finally nodding.

She didn’t know why, but she liked Mu Xuanling so much. She always felt there was something very attractive about Mu Sister, making her reluctant to leave. Although she was also reluctant to part from her mother, since her mother told her to follow Sister, she would obey her mother’s words.

Aobao leaped from Xiuxiu to Mu Xuanling’s shoulder, allowing Mu Xuanling to scratch her soft body.

Mu Xuanling pulled up her hood, looked at Nan Xuyue, and smiled. “Thank you, Master Nan, for rescuing me. If I have the chance someday, I will definitely repay you.”

Nan Xuyue nodded with a smile. “Miss Mu, take care.”

After saying goodbye, Mu Xuanling eagerly disappeared into the shadows.

Nan Xuyue stood still for a moment, then slowly turned and left. He walked not quickly, making it extremely difficult for anyone to notice he was lame.

The wind in the woods carried his sigh-like recitation—

“Our first meeting felt like reuniting with an old friend. The moon newly brightens the horizon; dawn and dusk are dearest in longing…”

Mu Xuanling had placed a mark on Xie Xuechen. After breaking the Linglong Formation, she immediately sensed Xie Xuechen’s location—heading toward the city of Yongxue.

Her figure disappeared into the shadows, swiftly rushing toward Xie Xuechen’s direction.

“Sister, that older brother was so mean. Are you going to take revenge?” Aobao in her arms asked.

Mu Xuanling gritted her teeth. “I was too lenient with him before. Once I catch up, I’ll definitely do this and that to him!”

Aobao looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Kids shouldn’t ask so many questions,” Mu Xuanling flicked Aobao’s forehead, and she let out a “zi” sound and withdrew.

After a long while, she heard Mu Xuanling say, “Actually, Xie Xuechen isn’t bad… After all, I have a half-demon body, and we are on opposite sides of righteousness and evil. Plus, I always touched him inappropriately. He’s such a rigid and upright person, so he probably couldn’t accept it all at once.”

Aobao thought, this feeling was so familiar, just like how her mother always complained about her father never coming back, then would always defend him by saying he probably encountered some trouble…

Mu Xuanling wasn’t entirely defending Xie Xuechen. Although she felt wronged, she understood his actions. They were naturally opposing sides, and one rescue couldn’t erase everything. Moreover, she had indeed deceived Xie Xuechen about many things.

Mu Xuanling sensed Xie Xuechen’s location, suddenly feeling something was off.

She knew her own speed well. If Xie Xuechen was heading toward Yongxue City, she should still need a day to catch up. However, the distance between them was shortening at an abnormal rate. That could only mean one thing: Xie Xuechen was heading in her direction.

Why?

Mu Xuanling was startled—could it be that Xie Xuechen’s movements had been discovered, and he was being pursued?

Without further thought, she gathered all her strength and sped forward.

After several quarters of an hour, a familiar figure appeared in her line of sight.

Xie Xuechen was galloping on horseback, his cold face showing barely perceptible anxiety. Mu Xuanling’s shadow flickered, landing in front of Xie Xuechen.

Seeing Mu Xuanling suddenly appear, Xie Xuechen was startled and pulled the galloping horse to a stop. Mu Xuanling looked behind Xie Xuechen but didn’t see the pursuing enemies she had expected. Both of them simultaneously blurted out, “Are you alright?”

Mu Xuanling blinked, looking puzzled at Xie Xuechen.

Xie Xuechen frowned slightly and tightened the reins.

Mu Xuanling glanced behind Xie Xuechen, then back at his handsome face. Due to the fast ride, a faint blush had appeared on his pale face.

Suddenly, Mu Xuanling’s lips curled into a smile. Her peach-blossom eyes suddenly sparkled, like a drop of water falling into a lake, rippling in her eyes, illuminating her already dazzling face. The purple figure flew toward Xie Xuechen. She pushed too hard and actually knocked Xie Xuechen off his horse, both falling to the ground. Mu Xuanling straddled Xie Xuechen, smiling brightly. “Xie Xuechen, you came back so quickly. Are you afraid I got sunburned?”

Xie Xuechen pulled up the hood that had slipped off her shoulder, covering her head. His cold voice betrayed obvious stiffness and embarrassment. “How… How did you get out of the Linglong Formation?”

He didn’t deny it—Mu Xuanling thought happily.

She beamed, radiant, and joyfully grabbed Xie Xuechen’s hand. “I knew you couldn’t bear to part with me!”

Xie Xuechen took a deep breath, tugged a few times, but couldn’t free his hand from Mu Xuanling’s grip. He pushed himself up from the ground, sitting up, and used his free hand to grab the back of Mu Xuanling’s collar, pulling her off him.

Xie Xuechen sighed inwardly. He felt that Mu Xuanling had become even more clingy. Recalling Mu Xuanling’s earlier aggrieved gaze and now her radiant smile, Xie Xuechen suddenly felt puzzled. “Why are you so happy?”

Mu Xuanling hugged Xie Xuechen’s arm and looked up at him. “Huh? You came back to save me, of course I’m happy.”

Xie Xuechen frowned slightly. “But it was I who trapped you.”

“I know,” Mu Xuanling frowned briefly, then smiled again. “I was a bit upset at first, but you came back.”

Xie Xuechen struggled to describe the unfamiliar emotions within him. These actions that went against his Dao heart made him feel frustrated and uneasy. He was the sect leader of the immortal path, the supreme being of humanity, and should be devoted to eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path, mercilessly killing all evil and demonic beings. His Dao heart was like this, and so was his sword heart. However, his steadfast Dao heart had wavered, and his resolute sword heart had hesitated.

Riding swiftly, he found seemingly reasonable explanations for his actions amidst his tangled thoughts.

Yes, returning to save her was also in accordance with the Dao, the path of righteousness. Mu Xuanling had saved him, showing kindness first. During their battle, she had repeatedly held back. If not for that, how could he have easily set up the formation to trap her? Although she had a half-demon body and learned demonic techniques, she had never truly tried to kill him, instead showing mercy every time. If he were to forget this kindness, wouldn’t he be worse than demons?

Xie Xuechen finally convinced himself, stabilizing his nearly collapsing Dao heart.

He slightly lowered his gaze, meeting Mu Xuanling’s bright and joyful eyes. She gently shook his arm, sweetly saying, “I’m really easy to please. Just treat me a little nicely…”

Xie Xuechen’s breath tightened.

Unbeknownst to him, a tiny crack had silently appeared in his Dao heart.

There’s an old saying in the cultivation world: fairies, demons, and women are the most troublesome things in the world.

Now, a person who combines all these troubles has appeared—Mu Xuanling, a half-demon, with a demonic body, and a woman.