Chapter 47:

Mu Xuanling cried bitterly, and then was infused with a lot of spiritual energy by Xuechen Xie, leaving her physically exhausted and soon falling into a deep sleep. Xuechen Xie helped her to regulate her meridians, gazing quietly at her sleeping face for a long time before leaving the room and ordering a maid to prepare hot water for her bath.

Not long after dawn, unable to shake his concern, Xuechen Xie pushed open the door and entered. A faint, delicate fragrance filled the room. Mu Xuanling lay on her side on the couch, draped in a soft robe. Her flawless, tender skin still had a pinkish hue. Her breathing was light and even, her lashes fluttering gently, deeply immersed in sleep, completely unaware of his arrival.

Xuechen Xie softened his footsteps, walked to the edge of the couch, and sat down. He tucked the covers more securely around her. She curled up, her head unconsciously brushing against his thigh as she reached out a small hand to grasp the hem of his robe, murmuring sleepily, “Xuechen…”

A wave of tenderness surged through Xuechen Xie’s heart. Unable to resist, he reached out to gently touch her eyebrows and eyes, tracing the delicate contours of her beautiful and gentle face.

Those two words, which originally meant cold and frosty snow, sounded intimate and soft when spoken by her.

What was she seeing in her dream?

“Xuanling…” he responded softly to her dreamy call.

Only then did he belatedly realize that since her birth, Xuanling had never had a single day of happiness.

She was a half-demon abandoned in the mountains, raised among wild beasts, later becoming a demon slave at the Mingyuezhuang estate, enduring endless suffering. After escaping from Mingyuezhuang, she fell into the demonic realm, spending seven years in darkness, enduring daily pain from demonic cultivation techniques…

Fulan Sheng had grown up in luxury, indulging in pleasures, never lacking in material comforts. But had Xuanling ever had a full meal at Mingyuezhuang, or a peaceful night’s sleep in the demonic realm?

If she hated this world, he could understand her grief. Yet since meeting her, he had never seen her express hatred or anger. Her eyes were so beautiful, filled entirely with him. It seemed that just seeing him made her content.

When she loved him, he had never given her the slightest response.

Now he understood his own feelings, but she had forgotten him…

Without feelings and love, would there be no pain or sorrow?

But even with her emotions severed, Xuanling wasn’t any happier than before.

He forgot all the teachings and the spiritual resolve he had once made—that great love should be selfless, not attached to one person.

But in the end, he was just a mortal man, prone to desires and emotions.

Xuechen Xie gently stroked her thin back, feeling no lust, only heartache and compassion.

In her sleep, Mu Xuanling murmured contentedly, instinctively drawn to his presence, leaning closer like a cat stretching her slender, soft body, seeking more caresses.

Xuechen Xie looked down at her sweet sleeping face, smiled softly, and couldn’t help but kiss the corner of her hairline. His falling black hair brushed against her cheek. She raised her hand to brush away the tickling sensation, drowsily opening her eyes. Her hazy, moist gaze slowly focused on his handsome face.

—Xuechen Xie?

For a moment, she couldn’t tell if it was a dream or reality. In her dream, it seemed like the same scene: Xuechen Xie leaning over her, kissing her face, the flower petals on her body.

Still sleepy and dazed, she looked at Xuechen Xie with innocent, childlike eyes.

“Xuechen…” Her voice was soft and husky, like a feather brushing against his heart.

Xuechen Xie chuckled softly, his eyes warming. “It’s me.”

She noticed he had changed clothes and suddenly remembered biting him hard on the shoulder last night, feeling a pang of guilt. “Is your shoulder wound… very deep?”

She vaguely recalled a large patch of red seeping out.

Xuechen Xie shook his head dismissively. “Just a minor wound.”

“I also hit you a few times yesterday…” Her face paled further. “And I lashed you once in Qifeng Grove…”

At the time, she couldn’t see the wounds clearly, but she had felt the torn flesh. The wound must have been seriously infected with miasma.

“I have a Dharma-body. These are just minor injuries, already healed.” Xuechen Xie reassured her gently.

“You’re lying to me.” Mu Xuanling bit her lip, sat up, and reached to pull at his robe. “Let me see your wounds.”

Knowing he couldn’t stop her, Xuechen Xie sighed softly and obediently opened his robe, revealing his injuries. The fresh wound on his shoulder had stopped bleeding but still bore two rows of fine tooth marks. The whip mark on his shoulder blade was about two inches long. Though healed, it still left a prominent red scar, resembling thorns, fierce and vivid.

Xuechen Xie didn’t care much about external injuries, thinking they would heal in time. With all his focus on Xuanling, he hadn’t even applied medicine to himself. He hadn’t expected Xuanling to check his wounds. Seeing her silently staring at his back, he assumed the scars were quite noticeable, making her feel guilty. He felt remorseful and spoke gently, “The wounds are already fine. Some scars will fade in time. You…”

A pair of soft arms wrapped around him from behind.

Her delicate face pressed against his solid, powerful back. He heard her voice, choked with suppressed sobs, “I’m sorry…”

Xuechen Xie lowered his head, grasping the small hands wrapped around his chest and abdomen, his voice gentle, “Xuanling, I’ve hurt you before. You’ve endured far more than me.”

“I never blamed you. I understand, because you…” She hurried to defend him but was interrupted.

“Therefore, I won’t blame you even a little. Don’t be sad, okay?”

Xuechen Xie’s gentle words calmed her for a moment before she mumbled, “Okay…”

Xuechen Xie smiled slightly, just relaxing when his body suddenly stiffened.

A warm, soft sensation brushed across the scar on his shoulder blade, sending a tingling pleasure through him. He naturally knew what it was. Like a little beast, she was tenderly licking his wound—an instinctive yet clumsy expression of affection.

Xuechen Xie’s throat moved, his voice growing deeper. “Xuanling, what are you doing?”

He tried to pull her hands away, but she held tightly, afraid of hurting her if he used too much force.

Mu Xuanling’s moist, soft tongue gently traced over the wound on his back, then pressed her lips and tongue against the bite marks on his left shoulder. The faint, refreshing scent of snow pines from him filled her nostrils. Initially, she had felt heartache for the injuries she had inflicted upon him, but now, an entirely different emotion began to stir within her.

Her plump, slightly upturned lips pressed against the tense muscles of his shoulder, her small tongue moving back and forth between the faint tooth marks. Her hands, entwined around his chest and abdomen, couldn’t help but loosen, sliding over his firm abs.

Xuechen Xie took a deep breath, taking advantage of her loosened grip to break free from her embrace, pinning her onto the pillow bed, his voice low and husky, barely concealing his desire. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Mu Xuanling’s small face flushed a suspicious red, her peach-shaped eyes hazy, half-laden with passion and half with longing, her voice soft and husky as she spoke an inexplicable sentence, “My eyes can see now.”

“Hmm?” Xuechen Xie was taken aback.

She licked her moist lips, seductively hooking her arms around his neck, “Can we continue what we started that night?”

Xuechen Xie: “…”

His gaze involuntarily fell to her loosened collar, where pale skin still bore faint traces, reminding him of that night’s loss of control. He had spent the entire night counting the peach blossoms on her body but stopped at the final step.

Even though she had been aroused, begging him beneath him, he had restrained his desires. Secretly, he had hoped that the woman making love with him would be the Xuanling who loved him wholeheartedly, not the blind woman unaware of his identity, seeking only pleasure.

But now, the woman beneath him was the one who had eyes only for him, sincere and open.

Her affection was never hidden, always wanting to pour it all out before him, making sure he knew.

Xuechen Xie chuckled softly, the sound vibrating in his chest. He leaned down, their hair entwining.

“The petals have barely faded, and now you want to add new ones?”

Mu Xuanling raised her hands to hook around his neck, her eyes burning with intense heat, directly scorching his heart. She smiled coquettishly, her voice sweet and soft, “I like whatever you give me.”

She tilted her neck, kissing the prominent Adam’s apple on his throat, actively igniting the flames of desire.

Xuechen Xie groaned softly, lowering his head to capture her soft, fragrant lips. His nimble fingers unfastened the loose sash at her waist, his long hands now free to touch her tender skin, roaming over her back. He knew she loved this touch, the calloused friction making her close her eyes in pleasure, letting out a low moan of longing, actively wrapping her tongue around his lips, sucking hungrily.

“Ah… ha…” She gasped, loosening her grip, then opened her eyes, greedily watching his passionate expression.

The immortal’s cool, composed expression was now tinged with intense desire and a flush, his phoenix eyes darkly reflecting her flushed face. His pale lips, kissed into a rosy hue, glistened temptingly.

She raised her hands to unfasten his waistband, letting the pure white robe slip to the floor. His skin was as white as the snow on the mountain peaks, yet with the luster of jade and the resilience of bamboo, making her reluctant to let go, wanting to leave her own cherry-pink marks on that snowy expanse. Her soft, boneless hands caressed his narrow waist, feeling the power hidden in his body, her long legs instinctively tracing his form.

Xuechen Xie took a deep breath, pressing down her restless legs with his knees as he leaned in to gently nip at her chest. She let out a soft moan before biting her lip, gazing up at him with a pitiful expression. His broad, muscular back tapered into a perfectly sculpted waist, his jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, accentuating the paleness of his skin. Those exquisite contours resembled the snow-capped peaks of the Western Continent—majestic yet solitary…

Yong Xue City.

Yong, Xue…

Mu Xuanling bit her knuckles, her eyes red, suppressing the moans that threatened to escape. Xie Xuechen patiently soothed her sensitive spots. He had always been patient and restrained—otherwise, he wouldn’t have spent an entire night counting peach blossoms only to stop in the end.

But this time, he didn’t intend to stop.

Xuechen Xie held her close, whispering in her ear, “Don’t bite your fingers. I’ve set up a barrier. No one will hear.”

Mu Xuanling glared at him, but her eyes were filled with seductive allure. She clung to his shoulders, her fingers entwining in his thick, dark hair, her voice husky against his forehead, “I want to hear your voice too…”

“Heh.” His phoenix eyes sparkled with pleasure. “If it hurts, tell me.”

“I’m not that fragile…” As soon as she finished speaking, her breath caught, her face suddenly paling. “It hurts… hurts…”

“You’re honest.” Xuechen Xie sighed with a low chuckle, his hands caressing her soft waist, lifting her hips. As she relaxed her body, he slowly entered her.

She took a deep breath against his shoulder, her body trembling involuntarily, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, moistening Xuechen Xie’s shoulder.

“Shall I stop?” he asked.

Mu Xuanling groaned softly, tightening her legs around his waist, her voice hoarse, “Don’t stop… I like it… Even if it hurts, I like it because it’s you…”

Xuechen Xie silently embraced her trembling body, placing gentle kisses on her face.

“I do too,” he said.

“Ahh—” She let out a low cry, enduring the pain of penetration, trembling lightly, yet her heart was filled with joy.

She had finally embraced this snow…

“Xuechen… Xuechen…” She kissed his eyebrows and eyes, her affection even more tender than their physical intimacy.

“Xuanling…” His response was a deeply affectionate call, followed by an extremely gentle kiss.

Fu Lansheng lazily sipped his tea, casting a sympathetic glance at his friend.

“There’s no shortage of beautiful women in this world; why must you seek only in another’s arms?” Fu Lansheng sighed. “Now that Mu girl has been cured, she will only love Sect Leader Xie. Nan Xuyue, Nan Xuyue, you’ve been so clever all your life, yet you’re so confused about love. Look at me—I pass through a thousand flowers, yet not a single petal sticks to me.”

Nan Xuyue smiled faintly, but there was no mirth in his eyes. “Brother Fu, you needn’t look at me like that.”

“I’m just worried about you. Don’t take your anger out on me.” Fu Lansheng looked at Nan Xuyue with grievance. “Although Miss Mu is indeed stunningly beautiful, you’ve never been one to judge by appearances. What is it about her that has you so captivated? Let me find someone exactly like her for you.”

Nan Xuyue said, “Brother Fu, so many women are infatuated with you, but has any of them ever loved you unconditionally?”

Fu Lansheng scratched his nose awkwardly. “That question is quite hurtful.”

Nan Xuyue smiled slightly. “Come persuade me when you understand love one day.”

Nan Xuyue stood up and walked slowly. Fu Lansheng hurriedly asked, “We’re leaving Lingju Island tomorrow. What are your plans?”

Nan Xuyue paused for a moment. “They will go to Liangjieshan, and so will I.”

Fu Lansheng sighed bitterly. “Fine, fine. Since I’m free anyway, I’ll accompany you.”

On a small wooden bed nearby, Bao turned over and sleepily woke up.

“Where’s Sister?” he mumbled.

“You ungrateful brat, asking for your sister the moment you wake up.” Fu Lansheng rolled his eyes.

Bao also rolled his eyes. “Brother is right here, isn’t he? Where is Sister? She wouldn’t have left already…”

“She hasn’t.” Fu Lansheng chuckled. “Your sister is cultivating. Sect Leader Xie said she’s been working hard at her cultivation and needs a good sleep, so don’t go bother her.”

“Tsk tsk tsk, Sect Leader Xie seems cold and aloof, yet he doesn’t know how to cherish a woman, indulging in daylight debauchery and leaving her unable to get out of bed…”

Thinking about how he had seen Xie Xuechen today, Fu Lansheng couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Truly, as the saying goes, if one isn’t embarrassed, then it’s the others who end up embarrassed. Xie Xuechen still had kiss marks on his neck, yet his expression remained composed, aloof, and dignified. Although he had set up a barrier in the room to block any prying senses, the very existence of the barrier already spoke volumes. Not to mention, he had even asked someone to prepare hot water afterward…

But perhaps Fu Lansheng was just overthinking. Xie Xuechen indeed hadn’t lied—Mur Xuanling really had been cultivating.

The pain during their intimate moments only lasted briefly, soon giving way to waves of pleasure. He knew how to hold back, reluctant to leave bruises or marks on her body. But Mur Xuanling, without such restraint, kissed and bit him wherever she pleased, stirring his desire without mercy. With his Dharmakaya body, even seven days and seven nights of such activity would be effortless. He only stopped out of concern for her physical condition. Later, Xie Xuechen decided to help her cultivate through dual cultivation techniques. Given the vast difference in their cultivation levels, she benefited greatly. Afterward, she needed some time to refine and absorb the energy.

Xie Xuechen originally planned to wait until Mur Xuanling had rested before heading to Liangjie Mountain. He had already taken his leave from Fu Lansheng in advance when he soon heard a servant report that Fu Lansheng would personally escort them to Liangjie Mountain.

Of course, the floating cloud vessel was far more comfortable than flying through the air. Since it allowed Mur Xuanling an extra day to rest, Xie Xuechen naturally did not refuse.

It took Mur Xuanling two hours to fully refine and absorb the spiritual energy Xie Xuechen had passed to her. Her internal spiritual energy became more refined, her entire body brimming with power, and her spirit radiant with vitality.

After changing into fresh clothes, she happily went in search of Xie Xuechen.

She heard from a servant that Fu Lansheng and Nan Xuyue had disembarked and gone to Lingju Island to bid farewell to the demon kings. Mur Xuanling exhaled in relief, though she still felt a pang of sadness recalling Nan Xuyue’s words from the previous night.

Her heart had room for only one person, leaving no space for anyone else. Back in Yongxue City, she had already told Nan Xuyue this. Yet, to her surprise, Nan Xuyue still hadn’t let go of his attachment. She regarded Nan Xuyue as a good teacher and a true friend—she would risk her life to save him, but she couldn’t offer him more than that. And to hurt such a gentle and kind-hearted person was never her wish…

With these thoughts on her mind, Mur Xuanling arrived at Xie Xuechen’s room, only to find him speaking with Aobao.

Aobao’s childish voice asked, “Master Xie, what does ‘daylight debauchery’ mean?”

Xie Xuechen: “…Who said that?”

“My older brother,” Aobao immediately ratted out Fu Lansheng.

Mur Xuanling stepped forward and grabbed Aobao, scowling as she said, “That Fu Lansheng fellow keeps saying such filthy things, corrupting my Aobao!”

Aobao twitched his ears, nestling into Mur Xuanling’s palm as he tilted his head and said loudly, “Sister looks even prettier after finishing her cultivation!”

Mur Xuanling blushed slightly and glanced at Xie Xuechen.

Xie Xuechen nodded solemnly and said, “With deeper cultivation, naturally her beauty increases.”

But clearly, the “cultivation” they were thinking of was not the same thing.

Mur Xuanling placed Aobao on the table, poked his head, and suddenly had an idea. Blinking her eyes, she asked, “Xie Xuechen, can you pass on the Jade Palace Sutra to Aobao? If she opens a divine aperture, do you think she could take on a human form?”

Xie Xuechen looked at Aobao, who was watching with anticipation, and said, “If you’re willing, you may give it a try.”

Since Xie Xuechen first comprehended the Jade Palace Sutra, he had been the only one cultivating it. There’s a saying in the cultivation world—powerful techniques shouldn’t be passed on lightly. If transmitted to someone with a vicious nature, it could bring endless calamity. Thus, Xie Xuechen had never shared the Jade Palace Sutra with anyone. However, Mur Xuanling was different in his heart. He had destroyed her demonic cultivation out of guilt and because he had fallen for her, so he passed the divine technique to her. She had always been trusting toward those she loved, treating Nan Xuyue as a friend and wanting to pass techniques to him. Her attitude toward Aobao was no different.

Xie Xuechen had examined Aobao’s aura and knew that it was a naturally kind-hearted spirit beast. Since it was Mur Xuanling’s beloved companion, he didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm, so he agreed to let her pass on the technique.

With a few instructions from Xie Xuechen, Mur Xuanling learned quickly. Following his guidance, she slowly channeled her spiritual energy to her palm and placed her hand on Aobao’s little head. Aobao blinked his eyes, closed them as instructed, and felt the flow of spiritual energy entering his forehead.

A warm sensation enveloped his forehead, gradually spreading to his limbs. Eventually, it formed a glowing orb surrounding Aobao.

This was the first time Xie Xuechen had observed a spirit beast practicing the Jade Palace Sutra. He carefully observed Aobao’s transformation while also keeping a close eye on Mur Xuanling, fearing she might overexert herself. Though Aobao was young and innocent, his comprehension was high. Soon, he gathered the spiritual energy within himself, and the white light on his forehead grew increasingly intense.

Xie Xuechen’s eyes sharpened, and he murmured, “The divine aperture… has appeared.”

But what shocked them even more was that within the glow, Aobao’s form began to change. It seemed to expand and contract with each breath. Then, a yellow light flashed, and the small treasure-sniffing rat was gone from the table. In its place was a little girl in a white dress lying on the table.

She looked about seven or eight years old, with a delicate, doll-like face. Her long, fluffy white dress had pale golden-yellow trim on the sleeves and hem, a shade as irresistibly charming as a golden ingot. Her thick, soft hair was divided into two buns on either side of her head, tied with golden-yellow silk ribbons into adorable golden ingot shapes.

Mur Xuanling’s mouth fell open in shock as she called out, “Aobao?”

The little girl on the table blinked her eyes sleepily and sweetly smiled at Mur Xuanling, “Sister!”

That same childish, adorable voice—it was definitely her…

Aobao curiously looked down at her hands and clothes, “I turned into a human… The clothes are made from my fur. But why am I so small?”

Xie Xuechen replied, “The higher your cultivation, the older you’ll appear.”

Even he was deeply shocked. He never imagined that the Jade Palace Sutra could possess such miraculous power—capable of transforming a beast-form half-demon into a human form.

Mur Xuanling had only tried it on a whim, but the result left her speechless with astonishment. She reached out and ruffled Aobao’s head. Aobao happily tilted his head up, still wearing that same rat-like expression…

But she was undeniably adorable, softening anyone’s heart upon seeing her.

Mur Xuanling couldn’t help but smile and say, “Aobao looks so pretty. Your mother will be so happy when she sees you.”

Aobao proudly lifted her chin and said, “Mom said I’d gain great fortune by following sister. Mom is the greatest!”

Mur Xuanling couldn’t resist pinching Aobao’s chubby cheeks when suddenly, Xie Xuechen gently placed his hand on her forehead.

Mur Xuanling was momentarily startled, turning to look at Xie Xuechen with confusion.

Xie Xuechen’s expression was grave as he said, “If a beast-form half-demon can transform into a human form, then why can’t a human-form half-demon transform into a beast form? Xuanling, do you know what kind of demon your father was?”

Mur Xuanling shook her head blankly, “I was abandoned at birth, so I never knew what kind of demon I was. But from what people at Mingyue Village said, my father might be a tree demon or a vine demon, because I originally had some demon markings on my face that looked like plant patterns.”

Plants and trees can also cultivate and become demons. However, compared to beast demons, it’s much harder for plants to awaken spiritual consciousness. Yet, once they do become demons, their lifespan is the longest among all demon races, and their potential for spiritual power is boundless.

But was Mur Xuanling truly the descendant of a tree demon…

Seeing Mur Xuanling and Xie Xuechen talking and ignoring her, Aobao pouted unhappily. She leapt toward Mur Xuanling wanting to perch on her shoulder, but forgot she was now in human form. She jumped off the table, knocking it over and accidentally knocking Mur Xuanling down too.

Mur Xuanling caught Aobao in her arms, and Xie Xuechen caught Mur Xuanling, the three of them ending up in a tangle when a startled exclamation sounded from behind them.

“I was gone for just a moment, and you’ve already given birth to a daughter!” Fu Lansheng stared in shock.

Aobao lifted her head from Mur Xuanling’s arms and sweetly smiled at Fu Lansheng.

Fu Lansheng’s heart instantly softened as he hurriedly said, “Congratulations, congratulations! She looks just like her mother!”