Compared to the female marquis’s deadly poison, Feng Yuemian’s knockout drug was relatively benign—though the anesthetic effect was a bit too strong. When Feng Yuemian woke up, Cang Wu was sitting right beside him, with a flock of phoenix clansmen cowering below like quails.
Feng Yuemian wiped the drool from his mouth, flapped his chicken wings, and tried to strike the pose of the Phoenix King.
“I am the Phoenix King of—”
Cang Wu, who usually wore a playful smirk, now had a cold expression as he lit a cigarette. “Talk. How did she escape?”
Feng Yuemian suddenly felt a pang of guilt. “This year’s culinary competition was a barbecue… I thought it’d be convenient to hold it near Nameless Volcano.”
The implication was clear: Qiu Qiu had been lured awake by the irresistible aroma.
Under Cang Wu’s disdainful gaze, Feng Yuemian grew defensive. “Back then, you said you’d take her away once the nest was ready. Three years turned into another three, and now it’s been a decade!”
He had long forgotten the pain of his past injuries and would often prance around the volcano, taunting Qiu Qiu with, “What can you even do to me?”
Cang Wu’s expression darkened. “Oranges turn to bitter fruit when transplanted—the demon realm and the demonic realm are different.”
Feng Yuemian sneered. “And you call yourselves descendants of the ancients? Can’t even plant a tree properly.”
Sure, his true form was the Immortal Tree, but that didn’t mean he knew how to cultivate a Fusang Tree. Even animals had reproductive isolation—why couldn’t he be ignorant of the Fusang Tree’s growth requirements?
Cang Wu grabbed Feng Yuemian’s chicken wing with a sinister grin. “Planting trees isn’t my forte, but feeding younglings? That I excel at.”
The little girl had openly and secretly drooled over Feng Yuemian countless times. If half the phoenix clan were used as feed, she wouldn’t need a new nest anymore.
The reason they built a nest for Qiu Qiu was because she was still a juvenile and needed a place to stay, along with dedicated feeding.
The real problem was the stark difference in climate between the demonic realm and the other three realms. The planted Fusang Trees were severely deprived of water and nutrients, forcing them to seek help from Yu Hengzi.
Breaking the barriers between the four realms to channel demonic energy and nourish the young Fusang Trees was no small feat. The barriers were so thick that even Yu Hengzi couldn’t shatter them with a single strike. After that one slash, his spiritual energy was completely drained, and Shen Jin seized the opportunity to capture him, leaving him without even a physical body.
Feng Yuemian’s sword turned pale with fright. “I am the Phoenix King—”
Ten years ago, Cang Wu had brought over a pitch-black crow, claiming she had half-phoenix blood and needed temporary care from the phoenix clan. The girl’s ugly true form had drawn ridicule, and Feng Yuemian, then still a prince, had joined in the mockery, convinced that his noble clan could never produce such a monstrosity.
And then…
Feng Yuemian could still vividly recall the tragedy that followed.
The little girl had bitten off one of his arms and set her sights on the other wing.
He, the proud Phoenix Prince, had been nearly plucked bald and gutted by that crow.
Just as Cang Wu was about to take action, a knock sounded at the door.
“Hello, city inspectors. A certain Daoist Ao reported your noodle shop for operating without a license. Please come with us.”
Feng Yuemian froze, then shouted, “Impossible! I got the license!”
The reply came from a bald chicken weeping in despair. “My King, I have failed you. The license was taking too long, so… I went to the alley next door.”
They had gotten a fake one.
Feng Yuemian roared in fury. “The glorious reputation of the phoenix clan has been ruined by you fools!”
He stood up to execute the bald chicken, but several phoenix clansmen desperately held him back. One even knelt and sang, “The late emperor built his empire with three parts, nearly reduced to ashes in a single day.”
Feng Yuemian responded, “They say I wield my troops with utmost care, yet in battle, I misplace my trust!”
The melodramatic performance was a spectacle to behold.
Cang Wu watched Feng Yuemian’s theatrics with a blank expression. The phoenix clan was naturally gifted in song and dance—nothing unusual there.
By the time Feng Yuemian finished his final act, the city inspectors couldn’t help but applaud enthusiastically. They took his hand and said, “A man of such talent should not stoop to crime. Your skills have moved us, and we believe you will shine even in prison, becoming its newest artistic star. Take him away!”
…
With the phoenix clan locked up, Qiu Qiu was left without caretakers. After much deliberation, Cang Wu decided to seek out Xue Ying and reveal the harsh realities of the adult world to her.
“So Qiu Qiu is the Evil Phoenix Demon Bird.”
Xue Ying’s tone was eerily calm, prompting Cang Wu to ask, “Aren’t you surprised?”
Xue Ying replied, “I should be, but someone already told me that my master killed his wife to prove his Dao. Compared to Qiu Qiu’s true identity, my master’s scandal feels far more shocking.”
Cang Wu reflexively blurted, “Yu Hengzi got dumped again?”
Xue Ying: ???
He coughed lightly and adopted the dignified air of an elder. “Your master is a good man, always sacrificing himself for others.”
Xue Ying nodded vaguely before explaining the situation. “My master’s daughter came seeking vengeance for her mother. She’s now poisoned and unconscious. Bai Shu asked if I should pay the medical fees or have my master reimburse them.”
Though she and her master had their differences, saving the female marquis—a living demon—was the priority. Xue Ying hesitated over whether to pay upfront, but Du Yizhou stopped her, urging her to think of Qiu Qiu first. A child shouldn’t fall behind at the starting line.
Xue Ying was torn. Now that Cang Wu had revealed Qiu Qiu’s true identity, she felt a strange sense of relief.
“I should save the female marquis first.”
While others might not know Yu Hengzi well, Cang Wu understood him perfectly—a man wholly devoted to the sword, indifferent to romance. Despite numerous female cultivators showing interest, he remained oblivious, having been rejected multiple times with no clue why.
There had to be a conspiracy at play.
He accompanied Xue Ying to visit the female marquis. Though unfamiliar with the demonic realm’s top assassin, Cang Wu’s poetic soul conjured a grand political drama.
Recent movements in the demonic realm suggested Shen Jin’s ambitions. Having united three demonic clans and ascended as the Demon Sovereign, he surely sought expansion. Given the blood feud between the demonic and mortal realms, revenge was inevitable.
The mortal realm’s cultivation differed from others, focusing on Buddhist and Daoist enlightenment. Outsiders rarely rose to elite status, making internal sabotage difficult. Instead, pitting the mortal and Daoist realms against each other would weaken both, allowing the demonic realm to swallow them whole—a two-for-one strategy.
Shen Jin had already infiltrated Tai Xuan Sect, turning Yu Hengzi into an outcast. Adding a demoness’s child to the mix would forever taint Yu Hengzi’s name, even if he returned to the sect.
What a masterful reversal of truth.
Cang Wu’s expression darkened. With Qiu Qiu still unresolved—unable to be tricked back and likely to cause collateral damage in a public fight—he was stretched too thin. Tai Xuan Sect’s affairs were beyond his reach. After much deliberation, he told Xue Ying, “Keep Qiu Qiu with you for a few days. Once the phoenix clan is released, hand her over to Feng Yuemian.”
The little girl still remembered her feather-plucking grudge. As Xue Ying bowed, Qiu Qiu’s massive true form loomed overhead, her crimson eyes fixed on Cang Wu, jaws wide open as if to devour him whole.
Xue Ying touched her cheek—was that a gust of hot wind just now?
When she looked up, Cang Wu wore a knowing smirk, while Qiu Qiu pouted beside him, muttering about not wanting to eat grass.
“Does Qiu Qiu want to go back?”
The girl clung tightly to Du Yizhou’s hand, her guard up. “No.”
Du Yizhou, who had witnessed everything: “…”
Cang Wu remained unfazed by Qiu Qiu’s coldness. Smiling at Xue Ying, he said, “Though it’s impolite, I’d like to ask for the snow weasel back.”
Xue Ying didn’t mind. The weasel had been meant for her master’s retirement, but given his current state, returning it was for the best. “No problem, but it’s at Tai Xuan Sect now…”
Cang Wu was all about efficiency. “Have them mail it. The faster, the better.”
After he left, Qiu Qiu emerged from behind Du Yizhou, pouting angrily. “Don’t trust him, Sister Xue Ying! He’s a big liar!”
Xue Ying studied Qiu Qiu anew—adorable, but not the brightest. “Cang Wu said you’re the Evil Phoenix Demon Bird?”
Qiu Qiu squirmed before reluctantly admitting, “I don’t like that name. I just like to eat. I don’t do bad things.”
A seemingly harmless little girl whose true form was a fugitive capable of wreaking havoc across four realms. Rare as she was, Xue Ying didn’t dare feed her anymore. Sensing her hesitation, Qiu Qiu clung to her. “Don’t abandon me, Sister Xue Ying! I’ll be good! I’ll listen to everything you say!”
Unable to make a decision, Xue Ying couldn’t just leave her behind. She took Qiu Qiu back to the inn to await Cang Wu’s next move.
Days of absence had left the disciples running wild. Upon Xue Ying and Du Yizhou’s return, chaos erupted—until Du Yizhou reined them in with a stern lecture.
Liu Junzhuo stood at the back, watching Qiu Qiu dart between Xue Ying and Du Yizhou, his heart aching.
If his senior sister married, would this be her future?
Swallowing his pain, he approached Xue Ying. “I… I bless you, Senior Sister.”
With that, he turned and left, his figure desolate.
Xue Ying: ???
Later, Xue Ying borrowed Shuang Li’s communication device to contact Wen An back at Tai Xuan Sect. “Cang Wu suddenly wants the snow weasel back. It seems urgent…”
Before she could finish, Wen An sneezed on the other end.
“Senior Brother?”
Wen An sounded miserable, his voice thick with congestion. “Good riddance.”
He hadn’t known he was allergic to weasel fur. No matter how well-behaved it was, he couldn’t take it anymore. Now that Xue Ying wanted it back, he was more than happy to oblige.
Their conversation was cut short by a shout outside. “East Wind Express!”
Puzzled, Wen An stepped out to find a smiling courier holding a package addressed to Yu Hengzi.
The sender? “Seventh House with a Tree, Blood Sea, Demonic Realm.”
What the hell?
Given Yu Hengzi’s tarnished reputation, Wen An didn’t dare act rashly. He immediately informed Xue Ying, who grew thoughtful, further convinced of the female marquis’s claims. “It must be from Shiniang (Master’s Wife).”
“Shiniang?”
She recounted the events at Yunmeng Lake. Wen An’s expression darkened, and he promptly took the package to Yu Xuzi.
Upon opening it, they were showered with countless demonic crystals. A small note inside bore elegant handwriting, its few words heavy with sorrow.
“Debt settled. We owe each other nothing.”
Yu Xuzi clutched his chest, furious. More than the fact that Yu Hengzi had a secret wife, he was incensed that his disciple had been swindled. Divorce was one thing, but walking away empty-handed? And being paid off with a pile of worthless rocks? Pathetic.
Yu Xuzi slammed the table. “Bring Yu Hengzi here. I want answers.”
Shen Jin, anxiously awaiting results, found himself back in the Enforcement Hall. When he entered, Wen An was still directing disciples. “Hurry up, clean this all up.”
Shen Jin’s eyes landed on the floor—strewn with demonic crystals. These spirit stones, tainted by demonic energy, glowed blood-red, unlike any other realm’s. The sheer abundance dazzled him, creating the illusion of standing in a treasure trove.
Above, Yu Xuzi complained to Elder Qixia, “Even throwing them away would be a hassle.”
Shen Jin’s heart raced. Tai Xuan Sect’s depths were unfathomable. Publicly, they claimed poverty, yet they treated spirit stones with such casual disdain.
He pondered further. The demonic realm had little interaction with the other three. Yu Xuzi’s display was likely a test.
Yu Xuzi had summoned Elder Qixia for a reason. Among the sect’s elders, the female disciples were all young maidens, inexperienced in matters of love and marriage.
Once the cleanup was done, Yu Xuzi spoke. “Yu Hengzi, do you admit your wrongdoing?”
Shen Jin remained stoic, meeting Yu Xuzi’s gaze with Yu Hengzi’s trademark icy detachment. As expected, Yu Xuzi faltered first.
Memories of past defeats haunted him. Even as sect leader, he couldn’t shake his inferiority complex toward his junior brother. Age had made him long-winded, and soon, he was rambling. “At your age, chasing after young girls—shameless! If you married, why hide it? Now you’ve got a divorce under your belt, making it harder to remarry.”
Elder Qixia consoled him. “Don’t worry, Sect Leader. Someone of Senior Brother’s caliber will find love again, even after divorce.”
Wen An quietly pieced together the truth. “Junior Sister Xue Ying said these were child support payments.”
Yu Xuzi exploded. “You fool! Why did you take the child?”
Divorce was bad enough, but single parenthood? A nightmare.
Elder Qixia disagreed, sympathizing with the ex-wife. “Sect Leader, if the mother had taken the child, her life would’ve been harder. Remarriage would’ve been difficult, and the child would’ve missed out on a happy childhood.”
Yu Xuzi sighed. “All for the child’s sake. Yu Heng, since you have a child, why not make it work? Even if you two hate each other, Tai Xuan Sect would never mistreat her.”
Shen Jin was baffled. Child? What child? He was a virgin—hadn’t even held a girl’s hand.
Wen An spoke slowly. “This girl traveled far to befriend Junior Sister Xue Ying, infiltrating our sect to avenge her mother.”
Yu Xuzi and Elder Qixia paled as Wen An delivered the final blow. “Because Yu Hengzi killed his wife to prove his Dao—all for fame.”
Silence fell.
Elder Qixia, representing womankind, lashed out. “To sacrifice another for your own gain—you’re no husband, and certainly no Sword Immortal!”
Yu Xuzi was equally stern. “In Tai Xuan Sect’s history, no such atrocity has ever occurred. While sword cultivators rarely marry, those who do part amicably, remaining friends if not lovers. Yu Heng, you shame us.”
After their tirade, Wen An, ever the pragmatist, proposed, “Sect Leader, Yu Hengzi’s crimes—killing his wife, succumbing to inner demons, regressing in cultivation, and slandering Xue Ying—make him unworthy. I suggest sealing him in the Demon-Suppressing Tower as an example.”
Elder Qixia nodded in agreement. “This is to give that child an explanation and to console the spirit of that wife in heaven.”
The two of them made their decision on the spot and immediately summoned the disciplinary disciples. Ignoring Shen Jin’s protests, they forcibly escorted him to the Demon-Sealing Tower.
Shen Jin was dumbfounded. What was going on? They had called him here to scold Yuhengzi, and now they were locking him, the Demon Lord, inside the tower. How was he supposed to have any fun if he was sent to the Demon-Sealing Tower?
“Wait a minute.”
His words dripped with indignation as he vehemently denied any responsibility for Yuhengzi’s actions. In a moment of desperation, Shen Jin came up with an excuse. “At this point, I can no longer hide the truth. Ten years ago, when I traveled to the demon realm, I passed by a noodle shop where someone persuaded me to drink a cup of wine. When I woke up, I had no memory of what happened, nor did I know what had occurred.”
“Bah!” Elder Qixia was furious. “Don’t try to deceive us with such nonsense. If you were truly drunk, how could you have been capable of such actions? Senior Brother, I despise your behavior and look down on your character. If you did it, just admit it. Don’t tell me you were so ashamed of your poor performance that you killed her out of anger.”
The crowd listened with rapt attention, and the disciplinary disciples’ eyes were filled with gossip, clearly thinking how thrilling this was.
Enough was enough. Shen Jin was so enraged that he almost unleashed his divine flames to burn them all to ashes. But thinking of his grand plans, he restrained himself.
If he caused a scene here today, he would undoubtedly be imprisoned, making escape even more difficult in the future. It would be better to temporarily admit guilt and wait until he could break the barrier between realms. Once his demon army poured out, he would return as Shen Jin, and the Tai Xuan Sect would be nothing to him.
Once he made up his mind, Shen Jin played along, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, pretending to have been exposed.
“False accusations are easy to make.”
Elder Qixia retorted, “Her daughter has already come knocking on our door, and you still refuse to admit it. Senior Brother, you are truly incorrigible.”
Shen Jin’s expression darkened as he silently vowed to find out who this “daughter” was, the one who had caused him to be locked in the Demon-Sealing Tower.
After Shen Jin was taken away, Elder Qixia remained furious and spoke gently to Wen An. “Go back and tell Xue Ying that our Tai Xuan Sect has severely punished Yuhengzi. If that child is still unsatisfied, our sect is willing to publicly apologize to her.”
Yuxuzi nodded. “If there is a mistake, we will correct it. The Tai Xuan Sect will never show favoritism.”
When the female marquis woke from her coma, Xue Ying took her hand and said, “Sister Female Marquis, the Tai Xuan Sect has cleared your name.”
The female marquis was confused. “What?”
“The sect leader has already sent my master to the Demon-Sealing Tower, waiting only for your return to pass judgment.”
Xue Ying carefully tucked the female marquis in and urged her to rest. After Xue Ying left the room, the female marquis belatedly realized—
She had accidentally framed the Demon Lord.
So now, should she return with Xue Ying and acknowledge the Demon Lord as her father?
…
Due to Cang Wu’s strong request, the snow marten was delivered to Yunmengze the next day—as a cash-on-delivery package. Truly fitting of Wen An’s style. Xue Ying winced at the expense as she looked at the snow marten in the basket. After days apart, the snow marten seemed to have gained weight.
She crouched down and greeted it. “Hey, grandson, do you still recognize your dad?”
The snow marten responded by coldly turning its head away.
After delivering the “grandson,” Cang Wu stroked the marten’s head and asked about Qiu Qiu’s trivial matters before sending Xue Ying off with a smile. Once she was gone, the snow marten wriggled out of Cang Wu’s arms.
Cang Wu said calmly, “We should have taken things slowly, but plans change. The Evil Phoenix has escaped.”
Seeing the snow marten sit up, Cang Wu continued, “No matter. Everything else is proceeding as planned. But I fear unexpected events, so I called you here. Until we find a solution, I hope you can protect this place.”
He took a spirit fruit from his sleeve and handed it to the snow marten. “This will help you take human form. However, external power is no match for your true body. Once the spiritual energy is exhausted, you will revert to your original form.”
Cang Wu said no more. He stood up and fetched two sets of clothes. When he returned, a person stood in the room—expressionless as always, as if nothing in the world could move him.
He extended his hand to Cang Wu and uttered a single word.
“Sword.”
Cang Wu chuckled. He was not a swordsman and never used swords, but he did have some in storage. Before retrieving one, however, he examined Yuhengzi’s temporary body—vastly different from his original appearance, with a youthful and even somewhat naive face.
Leaning closer, Cang Wu kindly reminded him, “Don’t entertain any absurd thoughts.”
Yuhengzi slowly dressed himself and finally replied, “Dress.”
It didn’t fit him.
Cang Wu laughed cheerfully in response. “Isn’t it cute?”
Little Yuhengzi.
After informing Yuhengzi of recent events, Yuhengzi seemed to only catch one thing. “She is to inherit the Sword Immortal title?”
Cang Wu puffed on his pipe. “Shen Jin’s trick.”
He wanted to analyze Shen Jin’s motives further, but when he looked up, Yuhengzi was already gone.
…
Since the Evil Phoenix had been found, Xue Ying refocused on the Martial Arts Tournament. One day, after watching a match, she strolled through the streets with Qiu Qiu when a person approached them.
She appeared to be no older than fifteen or sixteen, her face still youthful. Her dark robes accentuated her slender waist, but she lacked the liveliness typical of her age. Her expression was calm, and her jet-black eyes met Xue Ying’s gaze.
Without a word, the two headed straight for the arena. As the saying goes, meeting a worthy opponent is one of life’s greatest joys. Xue Ying’s eyes sparkled as she prepared to fight seriously.
Moments later, she was being thoroughly beaten by the girl.
Her techniques were refined and masterful, reminiscent of the days when Xue Ying had suffered under Yuhengzi’s training.
Below the stage, Du Yizhou and others watched the match. Qiu Qiu, uninterested in swordplay, wandered to a nearby shop and sweetly said, “I want to eat.”
The shopkeeper, speaking in a thick local accent, asked, “Little one, what do you want?”
After studying the menu, Qiu Qiu pointed at the fried noodles. “I want this.”
The shopkeeper nodded, and soon a steaming bowl of noodles was placed before her. She happily took her first bite, then said, “It’s a bit spicy.”
The shopkeeper waved it off. “Not spicy at all. This is mild.”
Believing him, Qiu Qiu ate half the bowl before suddenly bursting into tears. The shopkeeper panicked. “Little one, what’s wrong?”
Qiu Qiu clutched her stomach and rolled on the ground. Unable to hold back any longer, she transformed into her true form in front of everyone—a golden crow wreathed in flames, soaring into the sky. Its radiant light nearly eclipsed the setting sun. Before anyone could admire its beauty, the crow began spewing fire downward.
On the stage, the girl allowed Xue Ying’s sword to pierce her shoulder as she shielded Xue Ying in her arms. She pulled out Bailu, using her blood as a medium to transform one sword into thousands, weaving a massive net in an instant to block the flames.
Xue Ying looked up at the girl beside her, her hair brushing against the girl’s chin. The girl pressed her down firmly.
“Don’t move.”
Once the situation stabilized, the girl returned Bailu to Xue Ying and instructed, “Guard the formation.”
With that, she summoned an ancient sword and chased after the golden crow. Before leaving, she glanced at Xue Ying with approval. “Not bad swordsmanship.”
Her tone was as if she had been nurturing a reserve meal for over a decade and it was finally ready to eat.
Xue Ying watched the girl leave, then touched the lingering warmth on her sword hilt. Tilting her head, she asked Du Yizhou below the stage, “Senior Brother, do you think Master might have a second spring?”
She liked the female marquis, but she liked the swordswoman even more.
Xue Ying didn’t wait for Du Yizhou’s answer. She led the disciples in pursuit of the golden crow. Du Yizhou soared on his sword, arrays flickering behind him as frost erupted to block the flames.
The little sun in the sky darted around before finally plunging westward. Just as everyone sighed in relief, the already-off-duty sun was forcibly dragged back into the sky by Qiu Qiu. Not stopping there, Qiu Qiu kicked the moon out of the way, creating a double-sun phenomenon over Yunmengze.
At that moment, the temperature in Yunmengze skyrocketed.
The crowd was stunned. Someone demanded of the shopkeeper, “What did you feed her?”
The shopkeeper pointed at the remaining half-bowl of fried noodles. “Just noodles! Little sister, this is a legitimate shop. I just got my license—it’s still warm!”
The golden crow continued to screech, spewing fire nonstop. Xue Ying’s sharp eyes caught two dark figures within the flames. Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be familiar faces.
“Sister Lin, Fellow Daoist Zhang Yue.”
Zhang Yue snapped out of her daze and, upon seeing Xue Ying, immediately leaped away. Despite her disheveled state, she spat out harsh words.
“Don’t think saving me means I’ll be grateful, Sword Immortal’s disciple. The score between us is far from settled.”
She took three steps before turning back, seeing Xue Ying still standing there. With a haughty snort, she stormed off.
Lin Jiujiu had been inside the bird’s stomach for days. Fortunately, Lin Shen’s protective artifacts had kept her unharmed, but the ordeal had terrified her. She threw herself into Xue Ying’s arms, wailing loudly as she pulled out a phoenix feather.
“I don’t want it anymore! I don’t want anything! I want to go back to Tai Chu Sect! I want my father!”
Confused, Xue Ying took the phoenix feather. Affected by the flames, the feather began to glow and emit heat. Sensing this, the golden crow turned and attacked Xue Ying.
She quickly handed Lin Jiujiu to the arriving Tai Chu Sect disciples and raised her sword to fight. But another figure moved faster. A flash of sword light later, the golden crow shrieked and abandoned Xue Ying to peck at the dark figure.
“Head to Jinghu Lake!” Cang Wu’s voice rang out from above. Behind him, Tai Su Valley disciples worked to extinguish the fires. Standing atop a giant vine, Cang Wu was accompanied by the girl from earlier. He grinned at Xue Ying. “Sword Immortal’s disciple, interested in shooting down the sun?”
Xue Ying stared at the 98k in Cang Wu’s hand, feeling something was off. “Senior…”
We’re all using cold weapons—why are you so special with a firearm?
Cang Wu smirked smugly. “Jealous? A gift from your ancestor—one of a kind.”
As he spoke, the girl glanced at him but said nothing.
Xue Ying was indeed envious, but there was no time to dwell on it. Following Cang Wu’s instructions, she split the phoenix feather with the girl, and together they lured the golden crow.
Still, Xue Ying hesitated. “If this sister gets hurt…”
Cang Wu coughed lightly. “No need to worry. Her cultivation far surpasses yours.”
Reassured, Xue Ying asked no more. The two flew through the sky with the golden crow in pursuit. Below, Cang Wu called out lazily, “Slow down, you two. My old eyes aren’t what they used to be.”
Xue Ying adjusted her approach, intending to get closer to the crow, but the girl wrapped an arm around her waist and said coldly, “Don’t act recklessly.”
With that, she charged straight into the flames. Xue Ying, left outside, belatedly realized—
Was she being carried?
Once the golden crow reached Jinghu Lake, Cang Wu’s smile faded. Calculating the position, he pulled the trigger without expression.
This divine creature was a calamity if left in the Three Realms but a blessing if sent to the demon realm. Unfortunately, the time was not yet ripe.
The golden crow plummeted from the sky, crashing into the lake—a massive bird as large as a hill. Xue Ying gasped. No wonder Qiu Qiu had refused to sleep with her.
Fire and water clashed, forcing Ao Fugui, who had been anonymously reporting the incident, to scramble out of Jinghu Lake. The flames instantly dried up all of Yunmengze, cooking every aquatic creature to perfection.
In the crater, the golden crow struggled before transforming back into human form, bawling.
“Qiu Qiu hurts!”
Cang Wu expertly soothed her, handing her a spirit fruit. With the treat, Qiu Qiu immediately calmed down, sniffling in Cang Wu’s arms. When Xue Ying arrived with Lin Jiujiu, Qiu Qiu pointed accusingly. “It’s her! She stole my feather!”
Under the scrutiny of the crowd—especially Du Yizhou—Lin Jiujiu flushed with shame and anger, tears welling up. “I—I didn’t know! The phoenix feather was given to me by Senior Sister Xue Ying!”
Cang Wu smiled. “Though the details are unclear, Qiu Qiu is no phoenix. As you can see, she is a three-legged golden crow. Where did you get the idea of a phoenix feather?”
Lin Jiujiu fell silent again. Xue Ying stepped forward to take responsibility. “This is my fault. My junior sister has already been punished by being swallowed. Please forgive her, Senior.”
Cang Wu looked down at Qiu Qiu, who ignored Lin Jiujiu but regarded Xue Ying differently. “Not mad at Sister Xue Ying.”
The matter was thus settled, but another major issue remained. Cang Wu surveyed Yunmengze—this Martial Arts Tournament was likely over.
After the commotion, Cang Wu still needed to discuss matters with the tournament organizers. He summoned Du Yizhou and shooed Xue Ying and the others away, saying, “Adults are talking. Kids, go play.”
Xue Ying sighed for Du Yizhou, musing that the children of wealthy families matured early. She then turned her admiration toward the girl’s skills, approaching her with sincerity. “Sister, your swordsmanship feels so familiar. I deeply admire it. May I know your name?”
The girl gripped her ancient sword, glancing at Cang Wu, who was nearly laughing himself to tears. Softly, she replied, “Cen Wuwang.”
It was her secular name, long unused.
Xue Ying repeated it twice before suddenly smiling. “I remember now—’Joy and peace, tranquility without delusion.’ Your family must have wished for you to live a happy, worry-free life. Am I right, Sister?”
Yuhengzi had long forgotten. She turned away first. Xue Ying, recognizing her as a fellow Tai Xuan Sect member, was puzzled until Cang Wu explained, “Fellow Daoist Cen has been away from the sect for many years. Little Xue Ying, take good care of your senior.”
With that, Xue Ying was determined to befriend Yuhengzi. In all her days at Yunmengze, no one—not even “Sister Cen”—had ever beaten her so thoroughly.
Admiring strength, Xue Ying felt no shame. When she learned Yuhengzi had no place to stay, she invited her to the inn. Seeing Yuhengzi covered in dirt, Xue Ying eagerly suggested they bathe together. As she undressed, she reassured Yuhengzi, “It’s okay, Sister Cen. I’m flat-chested too. I won’t laugh at you.”
Yuhengzi, “Get lost!”
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