The cave dwelling of Shang Shuixianzi was arranged in a simple and elegant style. Meng Qi, carrying his “luggage,” walked inside under the complex gazes of the male disciples. Some were jealous and resentful, others felt the shifting status of “Guo Xi,” and some were uncertain whether they should flatter him. Their emotions were difficult to express.
While “packing” and walking toward the cave dwelling, Meng Qi’s thoughts raced. He was considering how to deal with Gu Xiaosang, the “demon girl.”
Although both were imposters, and exposure would endanger both, Meng Qi had much more to lose than Gu Xiaosang. If exposed, Gu Xiaosang could abandon the last three levels of the Nine Heavens Ruins, but with her current gains, the inheritance of the Luo Sect, and the possibility of ascending in a single step after unknown trials, she still had a promising future—perhaps not reaching the Dharmakaya stage, but at least attaining the threshold. Moreover, she would have many more extraordinary encounters. As for Meng Qi, if his identity was exposed, the current Xuan Nu would likely deduce the nature of his karmic entanglement. He would either be forced to submit to the Su Nu Sect and become their “battle puppet,” or face the inevitable karmic retribution when the time came, leading to a sudden and meaningless end. Other possibilities were nearly miraculous.
Moreover, if both were exposed simultaneously, the Su Nu Sect would surely target him first!
Therefore, under the circumstances where Gu Xiaosang’s goal was the Nine Heavens Ruins and their objectives were not directly conflicting, cooperation was the wisest choice—an objective decision made after suppressing emotional interference.
Once the decision was made, there was no use dwelling on regrets. That would only hinder progress. The right course was to focus on the next steps.
For example, once inside the cave dwelling, what if Gu Xiaosang read Shang Shuixianzi’s dual cultivation secret techniques and “lost control”? Without revealing their identities or provoking a confrontation, could Meng Qi use karmic adhesion or other martial arts with minimal fluctuations to intimidate her?
Although he knew he might be overthinking, Meng Qi couldn’t help but feel uneasy. After all, this life’s first kiss had just been taken by Gu Xiaosang.
Inside the cave dwelling’s bedroom, Gu Xiaosang sat cross-legged on the jade bed, maintaining Shang Shuixianzi’s appearance. Her eyes were half-closed, her demeanor cool and serene, exuding solemnity.
“There are Shang Shui’s cultivation methods and books over there. Feel free to browse,” Gu Xiaosang said indifferently.
Her aloof attitude left Meng Qi momentarily stunned. This was completely contrary to his expectations. All his careful planning seemed useless now, like throwing a punch into thin air.
What a fickle and unpredictable demon girl… Meng Qi twitched his lips and turned toward the bookshelf. It contained seven or eight dual cultivation techniques and three or four external martial arts. Though Meng Qi’s current level found them unimpressive, they could still earn him merit points.
Time always flew when one was focused. After Meng Qi finished reviewing and memorizing the techniques, the sun had risen again. Gu Xiaosang was still in meditation. Morning light filtered in, casting a glow on her face, making her skin appear nearly translucent, with a subtle fragility.
Could the demon girl ever be fragile? Haha… Meng Qi chuckled and shook his head, dismissing the thought. He coughed lightly.
Gu Xiaosang opened her eyes, her smile returning. She waved her hand, activating the cave dwelling’s barriers to isolate the interior from the outside world. “You have something to say?”
Meng Qi nodded slightly, clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke directly: “Our plan has flaws.”
“What kind of flaws?” Gu Xiaosang asked with a smile, unfazed.
“Using a clone to lure the real Xuannü to the Mirror of Yan Bodhisattva while deploying an incarnation and elders to guard the Overlord’s Severing Blade sounds like a good plan, but it relies too heavily on the best-case scenario. What if something goes wrong at the Mirror of Yan’s location? The current Xuannü’s first reaction would likely be to seal off the Su Nü Immortal Realm, station herself at its core, and dispatch forces to hunt us down,” Meng Qi said gravely.
“We mustn’t underestimate Xuannü’s insight by assuming she wouldn’t consider the possibility of a diversion. We can’t stake our lives on the most optimistic outcome—we must thoroughly account for all potential negative scenarios.”
“You’re right. My husband’s thinking is truly thorough!” Gu Xiaosang slowly stood up, her dress cascading like snow from her seated position. Her eyes were filled with admiration.
What an actress… From Gu Xiaosang’s reaction, Meng Qi felt she had already considered this.
Gu Xiaosang clasped her hands, resting them under her chin, her smile revealing a few rows of pearly white teeth. “My husband’s progress is truly impressive. I’m amazed and awed. When we first met, you were just a naive and reckless young monk. When we reunited, you were already clever and resourceful. Now, you’re even more insightful and thorough in planning, though still lacking in strategic vision.”
“It was an unexpected joy to meet you here. The karmic adhesion was an unforeseen complication I hadn’t anticipated. Our original plan no longer fits the current situation, and the hastily devised one is inevitably full of loopholes. How about this—we openly discuss our thoughts, share ideas, identify gaps, and strive for a more solid plan?”
That was a reasonable attitude… Meng Qi nodded slightly. “We must first consider how to handle direct exposure and unexpected developments.”
“If things go wrong, unless the current Xuan Nu fully activates the Su Nu Immortal Realm, the Reincarnation Talisman can still be used,” Gu Xiaosang replied confidently, though she didn’t explain why. “Moreover, the Su Nu Immortal Realm was originally a small part of the ancient celestial court. If I open the Nine Heavens Gate inside, it will cause chaos and unpredictable changes, which will be our opportunity.”
“As long as the Reincarnation Talisman works,” Meng Qi had heard Wang Siyuan mention later events, but hearing it from Gu Xiaosang felt strange. Could the demon girl be scheming for the Su Nu Immortal Realm?
That would be incredibly audacious!
“There are several ways things could go wrong. My husband, did you kill Gu Xi?” Gu Xiaosang suddenly asked.
“No, I trapped him in a secret treasure,” Meng Qi instinctively wanted to hide the truth but, considering Gu Xiaosang wouldn’t ask without reason, he replied vaguely.
“The Spirit Beast Bag?” Gu Xiaosang’s beautiful eyes flickered as she glanced at Meng Qi but didn’t press further. “That’s fine.”
As she spoke, she pulled out a map with rough sketches and tiny handwriting. “This is the layout of the Su Nu Immortal Realm, including key formations and important halls. Memorize it well, so you don’t ‘get lost’ when searching for Mirror Yan.”
“So detailed?” Meng Qi narrowed his eyes, his brows furrowing involuntarily. Gu Xiaosang knew the Su Nu Immortal Realm like the back of her hand!
This couldn’t possibly be known even by Shang Shui, who entered the realm only once every few months or more! Could Gu Xiaosang have accomplices inside the Su Nu Immortal Realm?
Recalling how Shang Shui had been mysteriously blocked, Meng Qi looked at Gu Xiaosang with growing admiration. Beneath her charming, unpredictable, and whimsical exterior lay deep strategic foresight and quick wit.
“My husband?” Gu Xiaosang waved her right hand, her slender fingers pale and delicate, her lips curving into a smile. “Why are you staring at my lips? Are you reliving the moment? Want to try again?”
“I wasn’t…” Meng Qi instinctively looked at her lips, then swallowed his words. Arguing with a demon girl was pointless. He decided to ignore her and focus on the matter at hand. “Do you have an insider?”
“Yes,” Gu Xiaosang admitted openly without hesitation. “But I can’t tell you who it is yet. My husband, can you briefly control Gu Xi’s mind, making him appear normal while obeying your commands?”
Meng Qi thought of the mental cultivation techniques in the “Yuanshi Jinzhang” and hesitated. “I can do it for no more than twenty breaths.”
“That’s enough,” Gu Xiaosang clapped her hands joyfully like a little girl.
“What about yourself? How will you hide Shang Shui from the Xuan Nu? She should have a soul lamp, right?” Meng Qi asked, puzzled.
Gu Xiaosang smiled. “My husband, when did I ever say I killed Shang Shui? I merely subdued her. She still has her uses at critical moments.”
Meng Qi was taken aback, then looked thoughtful. The two of them exchanged ideas, carefully discussing the Su Nu Immortal Realm. By the end, Meng Qi felt the plan had a good chance of success, especially since Gu Xiaosang hinted at having a backup plan.
Once the plan was finalized, Meng Qi exhaled in relief, feeling relaxed. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and he asked directly: “Was the matter with the Wuheng Sword your doing?”
Gu Xiaosang, as if expecting this, tilted her head slightly, her smile revealing faint dimples. “I merely found an ancient martial arts manual left by the Devil Sage for him and sent him on a mission that might lead him to related inheritances. Even I was surprised when he obtained a drop of the ‘Swallowing Heaven Devil Sage’s’ blood.”
Her answer was vague, a mix of truth and deception. Meng Qi, understanding her intent, didn’t ask further. Just as he was about to find a place to meditate and wait for the opportunity to enter the Su Nu Immortal Realm, a female disciple suddenly arrived seeking an audience.
“My husband, we’re newlyweds. How can we appear distant and unfamiliar?” Gu Xiaosang’s tone was playful, though her demeanor remained ethereal.
“What are you planning?” Meng Qi was wary.
Gu Xiaosang smiled sweetly. “Nothing much. Just a little public display of affection in front of them. My husband, come and massage my temples.”
What a difficult demon girl! Meng Qi’s head ached as he walked behind Gu Xiaosang and placed his hands on her temples.
But suddenly, Gu Xiaosang leaned back softly against Meng Qi’s chest, her voice laced with seduction:
“Come in.”
Meng Qi’s body stiffened for a moment, then relaxed.
…
A few days later, news arrived from within the Su Nu Immortal Realm, summoning Shang Shuixianzi and her newly recruited male disciples to Li Hua Island to experience the Tyrant’s Peerless Blade.
In a hidden valley on Li Hua Island, mist swirled and clouds drifted heavily.
Gu Xiaosang led Meng Qi and the male disciples into the valley, where they coincidentally encountered Lianyu Bodhisattva and Yingning, who were on their way to see Xi Huan Bodhisattva to report on the Poisonous Hand Devil King.
“Dear Shang Shui, I heard you’ve found a new husband, and he doesn’t even have the nine openings?” Lianyu Bodhisattva, still resentful of Gu Xiaosang’s previous interference, mocked. She glanced at Meng Qi. “He’s not even handsome!”
Gu Xiaosang, imitating Shang Shuixianzi’s cold expression, replied, “Different strokes for different folks.”
“Hehe, maybe he has other talents. I didn’t expect Shang Shui to be such a passionate person,” Lianyu Bodhisattva giggled suggestively.
What a female ruffian… Meng Qi had long given up on the moral standards of the Xi Huan Sect.
Gu Xiaosang snorted coldly, pretending to be at a loss for words to avoid an incident. She secretly transmitted her voice to Meng Qi: “Your clone can quietly follow Lianyu and the others.”
“When they pass by, various formations will weaken accordingly, sparing you the need to wait for daily shifts or others’ passage.”
Meng Qi gave the smallest nod, his expression calm on the surface but his mind fully alert.
Looking at Gu Xiaosang again, she appeared composed and untroubled, as if returning home.
At that moment, the mist stirred, and a burst of clear light appeared, revealing a grand, ancient, and imposing stone gate.
The heavy stone gate slowly opened. Meng Qi felt the environment around him suddenly change. White clouds rose, radiant light descended, and the primordial energy of heaven and earth seemed to merge with the swirling mists, separating clarity from turbidity!
Without even stepping through the gate, he had already entered, experiencing subtle changes in the fundamental laws of cultivation.
This was the Su Nu Immortal Realm! A true fragment of the ancient celestial paradise!
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