The sky had just begun to lighten, and the morning breeze was refreshing. Meng Qi stood by the riverside, feeling as though he had just woken from a dream filled with romantic allure.
He felt no regret or guilt about what had happened within the gray stone hall. He could only say that some of his principles were more important than his life, though his life itself outweighed many other principles.
He would willingly sacrifice himself for a friend or for righteous anger, but that didn’t mean he didn’t value his own life. At moments of life and death, some minor principles could be abandoned.
If he had a wife or lover, or someone he deeply cared for, he would definitely drag his weakened body—incapable of resisting any danger—to a secluded and inconspicuous place to hide and wait until Han Guang and the humorous elder brother left the Heavenly Court, slowly recovering his strength.
If Gu Xiaosang refused, he would never force her. This was his bottom line, a principle more important than his life itself, and he would still choose to take great risks to relocate.
But he had no wife, no lover, and his secret affection had been severed, gradually fading into oblivion. Since Gu Xiaosang had taken the initiative, and since he had long memorized the dual cultivation technique of the Fairy Shangshui, he understood that it truly posed no harm and had a high possibility of eliminating backlash. As someone from modern Earth, with a relatively more open mindset, what was there left to insist upon?
Leaving aside the fact that Gu Xiaosang was an extremely rare beauty, even if she were a hundred times uglier, Meng Qi guessed he would still accept the situation with gritted teeth. Now that she was as beautiful as a blooming flower with an exceptional figure, what was there to regret or feel disgusted about?
The only thing he hadn’t expected was that Gu Xiaosang had deceived him. Her method of leaving the Heavenly Court required no activation and could be used at will, which defied normal logic. That was why he hadn’t suspected anything!
Given this, why had she done it? Meng Qi gazed at the rippling river, his thoughts surging like the waves.
Was it because she feared her weakened state would leave her unable to protect herself after leaving the Heavenly Court? Then she could have simply captured him and directly absorbed his vitality!
To deceive him into dual cultivation to enhance her strength? That didn’t fit either. According to the records of Fairy Shangshui, one-sided absorption was far more effective than a single dual cultivation session. If Gu Xiaosang had chosen the former, with his powerful physique and Yuan Yang essence, she might have already ascended to the second tier of the Heavenly Ladder!
Then, what exactly was she trying to do? Meng Qi slightly furrowed his brow, recalling Gu Xiaosang’s final warning and her previous cryptic words, even the incident on the island where she had deliberately let him see the dual cultivation manual of Fairy Shangshui.
Had she been prepared all along, waiting for this day?
That was truly meticulous planning!
Moreover, her condition seemed somewhat strange—Yu Longzi was probably not as simple as she appeared either…
Previously, Meng Qi had always assumed that Gu Xiaosang’s seductive behavior, flirtatious advances, and calling him “husband” were primarily tactics to lower his guard or divert his attention—making him overlook deeper issues so she could manipulate him at will. A small part of him believed she might have simply found it amusing, teasing him playfully without any genuine intent.
Yet, this sudden turn of events left him somewhat bewildered. The enchantress was certainly not one to act recklessly. The fact that she remained a virgin was proof enough. When she proposed dual cultivation and removed her clothes, what had truly been going through her mind?
Was it intentional or accidental, with affection or without, or was there a larger scheme at play?
Meng Qi couldn’t help but sigh. This was exactly the kind of mysterious and unpredictable behavior typical of the demonic girl—always acting in ways that defied expectations. A sudden dual cultivation session actually aligned perfectly with his usual impression of her. If she had genuinely pursued a gradual emotional connection, leading to mutual affection before physical union, that would undoubtedly be Yu Longzi’s style, not Gu Xiaosang’s!
Originally, with the added gratitude of having saved his life twice and now having had a physical relationship, Meng Qi, as a man, felt a sense of responsibility. He had considered taking the initiative to guide Gu Xiaosang away from the Left Path to avoid future conflicts of principle that could lead to an irreconcilable, life-or-death struggle. However, Gu Xiaosang had turned cold and ruthless in an instant, leaving him with a vague sense of disappointment.
“In the end, I’m not the protagonist. There’s no such good fortune as conquering someone’s body and then their heart…” Meng Qi bitterly chuckled at himself.
Suddenly, he thought of the scene where Gu Xiaosang had held a little girl’s hand and called him “father,” and the words she had spoken then: *In the Heavenly Court, falling in love, having a relationship, and even having a child?
Could it be that she actually meant it? Meng Qi felt dizzy at the thought!
However, during dual cultivation, the harmonization and refinement of Yuan Yang and Yuan Yin should prevent pregnancy.
The morning breeze blew past him, refreshing his face. The water shimmered, the scenery enchanting. Meng Qi took a deep breath, trying to dispel his mood.
At this moment, nearby pedestrians had already noticed him, whispering in low voices: “There’s a young man standing by the river, looking deeply troubled. Could he be planning to drown himself?”
“He probably isn’t that sad. Haha, if he were a woman, I’d guess it’s because she lost her innocence, feeling complex and distressed, with many thoughts—like her true feelings, what kind of person the other is, whether they’re sincere, if they’ll take responsibility, and how to interact in the future…” A scholar who had just returned from a brothel waved his folding fan and spoke with confidence.
You’ve got to be kidding me! Meng Qi, with his sharp hearing, thought. Is that really what I look like?
His face slightly flushed, he quickened his pace and moved away from the Jinshui River.
Next, he would first return to the Fairy Trace, deposit the Tree of the Great Dao, set the price for the second enlightenment at six thousand good deeds, and adopt a strategy of small profits but quick turnover to accumulate more good deeds before the next death mission. He would upgrade his Taoist robe to the highest quality, replace the mid-grade treasure Zhidian Lei Dao, and then lend it to his companions who lacked sufficient good deeds. Everyone needed to be in their best condition and fully prepared for the second death mission!
Then there was the green fruit that the demon girl had fed him. He had to figure out exactly what it was!
Even if there were no immediate side effects and there was no need to use the Six Paths to eliminate it, he couldn’t just ignore it and let it be. Who knew what that demon girl was scheming!
Meng Qi had already thoroughly read all the information about the Heavenly Court and the Immortal Realm that the Fairy Trace had collected. Judging from Han Guang’s reaction, he clearly didn’t recognize the green fruit either. As for the Mythical Realm, there was no need to consider it. In the current world, aside from Gu Xiaosang, there were probably only two factions that could identify the green fruit: the Su Nu Sect and the Xuantian Sect!
The Su Nu Sect wasn’t worth considering. The only viable option seemed to be the Xuantian Sect?
However, records of such treasures would likely be kept in a sect’s secret scriptures. And for a sect guarded by a peerless divine weapon, Meng Qi doubted even the Six Paths could infiltrate and steal a glimpse.
What should he do?
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Meng Qi suddenly felt a stirring in his heart. He turned his head and looked toward the nearby trees and bushes. Behind a parasol tree, a half peach peeked out timidly, exuding a sinister blood glow, its flesh concealing meridians—an eerie sight.
“What the hell! It actually followed me out!” Meng Qi immediately forgot everything else, his scalp tingling.
This peach, whether in appearance or origin, sent chills down one’s spine.
Cautiously, Meng Qi took out the Tree of the Great Dao. Its jade-green glow was warm and gentle, slightly more refined than before.
In an instant, the peach vanished without a trace.
Meng Qi frowned, then put the Tree of the Great Dao away.
As soon as he did, his eyes sharpened—the eerie peach reappeared!
“Come here,” Meng Qi said, stretching out his left hand as if coaxing a cat or a dog.
The peach bounced once, landed in Meng Qi’s palm, and rubbed against his skin.
Before Meng Qi could react, it suddenly transformed into light and disappeared into the purple lightning scar!
The scar changed, as if it had gained weight, shifting from a lightning shape into a thunderball!
Other than that, Meng Qi felt nothing else—just a vague sigh:
Another thing whose effects needed to be figured out!
…
The scenery in June was beautiful—lotus leaves stretched endlessly in emerald green, lotus blossoms reflected the sun in radiant red. Jade Emperor Mountain stood tall and majestic, yet it was adorned with many peculiar lotus flowers, unafraid of height or wind, growing in mountain streams and ponds, visible everywhere.
Meng Qi had changed into a green robe, with Tianzhi Shang strapped at his waist, resembling a leisure traveler admiring the scenery. He walked halfway up the mountain and encountered the disciples guarding the Xuantian Sect.
They stood beside a pond filled with uniquely crimson lotus blossoms, some with concealed knives at their waists, others holding swords in their hands, some dressed as Taoist priests, others as laypeople.
Beside the pond stood a stone tablet inscribed with three large characters:
“Jiebing Pond!”
Dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Emperor, all beings must bow here. After crossing this pond, no one was allowed to fly or carry weapons. Weapons had to either be left under the Xuantian Sect’s care or stored in a jade ring or a bag of holding.
Meng Qi smiled, paused, and casually bowed: “This humble one is Su Meng, seeking an audience with Senior Disciple Qingyu.”
“Su Meng?” A disciple dressed as a Taoist priest widened his eyes, filled with curiosity and awe.
If one were to choose the most talked-about young expert among the Xuantian Sect’s disciples, it would undoubtedly be Meng Qi. Apart from his rising fame, he was known for his swordsmanship, while the Xuantian Sect was famous for its Time Blade techniques and various powerful sword arts, naturally leading to comparisons among the disciples.
Unfortunately, the most outstanding young disciple, Senior Qingyu, had narrowly lost to Meng Qi by half a move. Since then, the gap between their realms had widened, placing them on entirely different levels!
Meng Qi nodded slightly: “Indeed, it is I.”
Instantly, many gazes fell upon him. Meng Qi accepted the attention with pleasure. After all, in life, one should fully enjoy the admiration when it comes.
As he enjoyed himself, a disciple had already gone up the mountain to report. Not long after, Qingyu arrived using the “Shrinking the Earth” technique. He still had high eyebrows and thin lips, his outward demeanor gentle, with hidden pride. His “Years” blade had become even more ordinary, giving off a sense of time itself.
However, he had already entered the Outer View realm.
“What brings you here, Master Su?” Qingyu’s gaze flickered with complexity as he looked at Meng Qi, quickly returning to normal.
Meng Qi smiled and said, “I have a matter to consult with Senior Brother. Let’s speak somewhere more private.”
Within their sect’s territory, Qingyu had no suspicions and followed Meng Qi to a nearby mountain stream.
Meng Qi took out three sheets of paper, smiling happily: “Regarding the ruins of the Ninth Heaven, Senior Brother Qingyu must have heard something, right? I happened to enter and saw some strange things. I’ve come to seek your guidance.”
He was certain that Han Guang would never assist him in concealing his entry into the Immortal Realm. On the contrary, Han Guang might even spread rumors about him conspiring with the demon girl, exchanging meaningful glances and insinuating a clandestine relationship. Therefore, Meng Qi saw no reason to hide anything.
Qingyu’s expression turned serious: “What things?”
Meng Qi handed over the papers: “As depicted in the drawings.”
They showed a strange tree, a green fruit, the plant that bore it, and the eerie peach.
Qingyu looked at the words written beside them: “Seems to connect various parts of the Immortal Realm,” “Feels like it has always been this way and will always remain so,” and so on. His lips twitched slightly: “Your drawings are so terrible, and the descriptions are so abstract. Why show off? Just project the images into my mind directly. Don’t tell me you can’t do that?”
“Is my drawing really that bad?” Meng Qi was quite discouraged, shooting a golden beam from his forehead toward Qingyu.
Qingyu focused, carefully sensing the images. After a while, he frowned: “I’ve read many scriptures, but I’ve never seen these three things before.”
Meng Qi looked doubtful: “You’re so young, how much can you know? Go ask your seniors.”
This was his revenge for Qingyu criticizing his drawing skills!
Qingyu snorted: “I have a vast knowledge. If I say I haven’t seen them, then no one in the Xuantian Sect has.”
Meng Qi chuckled but didn’t mention the whereabouts of the three items to clear himself. Instead, after answering Qingyu’s questions about the Immortal Realm, he took his leave, walking slowly along the way and staying overnight at a nearby inn.
The night passed uneventfully. As the sun rose in the east, Meng Qi stroked the ancient talisman tightly clutched in his hand and sighed:
“It seems the Xuantian Sect truly doesn’t know…”
This was his strategy of “throwing a stone to test the water.” He had deliberately approached them directly. If anyone in the Xuantian Sect had recognized the items and understood their value, they would surely have spied on him, even attempting some subtle probing. Yet nothing had happened!
“Where to go next…” Meng Qi fell into deep thought again. In the death mission, reliance was limited, and the most important thing was cultivation and self-improvement. He had been consistently working on this without slackening, but mere retreat into seclusion wouldn’t suffice.
After thinking for a while, Meng Qi seriously analyzed the death mission, eliminating possibilities one by one, finally settling on one of the sources of danger: the Blood Sea Rakshasa matter!
“Could it be that I should head to the Southern Wilderness first to investigate the Blood Robe Sect’s cultivation techniques and prepare for the confrontation?”
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