Chapter 32:

Atop a high ridge at the edge of the Two Worlds Mountain, there stood a towering tree. On one of its thick, horizontally growing branches sat a young girl dressed in deep purple gauze.

Mu Xuanling came here every day to cultivate. Since the Demon Realm contained only demonic energy and no spiritual energy, the best place for cultivating the Jade Gate Sutra was on the high mountains near the Two Worlds Mountain, where spiritual energy was abundant. She spent three to four hours cultivating here daily. Previously, she had been too eager, causing some internal disorder, but after Xie Xuechen adjusted her energy, her cultivation now flowed more smoothly and her progress was faster than before.

After meditating for two hours, she stretched lazily and changed to a more comfortable position, lying on the branch with her hands crossed behind her head, gazing up at the bright full moon through the gaps in the leaves.

—The moonlight was cold, somewhat reminiscent of that person.

Unexpectedly, the image of Xie Xuechen in his white robes flashed into her mind.

—He is even stronger than Master. If I continue cultivating, will I be able to defeat him?

—He knows I’m his enemy, so why did he still help me adjust my energy?

—He isn’t angry that I deceived him?

Mu Xuanling drifted into a series of random thoughts, frowning slightly in slight frustration, then closed her eyes to avoid looking at the moon. At that moment, a familiar, gentle voice called softly from below the tree.

“Xuan’er.”

Mu Xuanling was slightly startled, peering down from the treetop and exclaimed in surprise, “Nan Xuyue?”

She gracefully leapt down from the branch, landing in front of him, slightly tilting her head to look at the young nobleman before her, who smiled with lowered eyes.

“How did you find me here?” Mu Xuanling eyed him suspiciously, then glanced warily around, “Did you come to capture me?”

“No, I came alone,” Nan Xuyue replied gently. “I figured you must be cultivating the Jade Gate Sutra in the Human Realm, and since there aren’t many places near the Two Worlds Mountain with strong spiritual energy, I came to try my luck.”

“Although there aren’t many, there are still about a dozen spots,” Mu Xuanling hesitated slightly before swallowing the words “lame man.”

Nan Xuyue’s smile deepened—so she did care about him.

“Must be my good fortune,” Nan Xuyue said truthfully without exaggerating his efforts. “Yesterday, I smelled the fragrance of the Fusang flower on you, so I guessed you often rest on Fusang trees. There are only two places near the Two Worlds Mountain with strong spiritual energy and Fusang trees, and this tree is the tallest. From its treetop, one can overlook the human cultivators’ camp.”

Mu Xuanling felt as if she had been seen through, her scalp tingling slightly. After a moment of silence, she said, “No wonder it’s you, Nan Xuyue… Since you knew I was here, why didn’t you tell the others? Isn’t the Immortal Alliance after me?”

“I’m not part of the Immortal Alliance,” Nan Xuyue replied softly. “I came here simply to see you.”

Mu Xuanling looked up at Nan Xuyue. Her pretty peach-shaped eyes shimmered slightly, touched yet puzzled. She wanted to say something but hesitated.

“Then…” Mu Xuanling hesitated before asking, “Have you decided, will you come with me to the Demon Realm?”

Mu Xuanling’s question sounded somewhat naive, and Nan Xuyue couldn’t help but smile, shaking his head. “I’m a human; I cannot survive in the Demon Realm.”

Nan Xuyue’s gentleness unknowingly eased Mu Xuanling’s vigilance and hostility. She still cherished his kindness in her heart. Her attempt to win him over was not only for Sang Qi but also for herself.

“My Master will find a way,” Mu Xuanling’s eyes sparkled. “Perhaps you could cultivate the Jade Gate Sutra?”

Nan Xuyue’s heart softened slightly. The Xuan’er before him seemed unchanged. She was heartless toward Xie Xuechen, but remained the same toward him.

“I don’t know how Sang Qi obtained the Jade Gate Sutra from you, but cultivating it is no easy feat,” Nan Xuyue sighed softly. “Xuan’er, I came to warn you: Sang Qi’s intentions toward you are not good. You must be cautious.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Xuanling frowned slightly and instinctively distanced herself from Nan Xuyue. “Master’s intentions toward me are clear in my heart. There’s no need for you to say more.”

Noticing her sudden caution, Nan Xuyue suppressed his urge to press further and shifted tactics. “The Immortal Alliance has witnessed Sang Qi’s strength and is now on high alert. They believe Sang Qi will target the Five Great Sects, seize the demon slaves, and try to sway the demon clans. They’ve already recalled their elite forces back to their respective sects. If Sang Qi commands you to assault the Five Great Sects, you must exercise extreme caution.”

Mu Xuanling felt her heart sink. Indeed, Sang Qi had such intentions. If the Immortal Alliance had strengthened its defenses, their plans would become much more difficult.

“What about Xie Xuechen?” Mu Xuanling asked.

Nan Xuyue’s eyes flickered slightly, but he showed no unusual expression. “He will remain stationed at the Two Worlds Mountain. However, he has five teleportation formations on him. His sole target is Sang Qi. If Sang Qi appears at any of the Five Great Sects, he will immediately appear and kill Sang Qi.”

Mu Xuanling had witnessed Xie Xuechen’s strength. Sang Qi had also mentioned that Xie Xuechen had not yet reached his full potential. If he unleashed his full power, even Sang Qi might not be able to defeat him, and might not even have the chance to open a teleportation formation to escape.

Mu Xuanling frowned slightly in frustration. After a while, she suddenly remembered Nan Xuyue was still standing in front of her. Seeing her lost in thought, he did not interrupt, simply standing beside her in silence, gazing at her with gentle eyes. Feeling his kindness, her expression softened slightly as she murmured, “I understand… But tell me, which side are you really on?”

Nan Xuyue replied gently, “I only wish for your safety.”

He had come for her, solely to protect her. He could assist the Immortal Alliance against Sang Qi, but he also needed to protect Mu Xuanling from the Alliance. Knowing Mu Xuanling’s deep trust in Sang Qi, any negative words about him would fall on deaf ears. Since that was the case, he would say no more and simply act quietly.

Mu Xuanling sensed Nan Xuyue’s feelings. Blinking slightly, she wasn’t sure how to respond to his kindness. She placed her hands behind her back, awkwardly fidgeting with her fingers.

“Then… you should also be careful yourself,” she said uncomfortably.

Nan Xuyue took out a small jade pendant from his sleeve. It was smooth and lustrous, clearly a precious item. He stepped forward, circling his hands around Mu Xuanling’s neck. As he bent down, he caught the scent of her hair. He resisted the urge to embrace her and instead carefully tied the red ribbon around her neck.

Nan Xuyue’s sudden closeness made Mu Xuanling instinctively stiffen. She hesitated between pushing him away and accepting it, but Nan Xuyue had already loosened his hands and stepped back.

Mu Xuanling reached out and grasped the small jade pendant. At first touch, it felt cool, but soon warmed slightly in her hand. Within the white jade, a faint glow shimmered, as though countless formation symbols were swirling inside. On the back of the pendant, a faint ancient character could be seen—Yue (yue).

“This is a magical artifact I crafted, inscribed with countless defensive formations. If you are in danger, shatter the artifact, and even if it’s the Jade Heaven Sundering strike, it can block one blow,” Nan Xuyue’s voice was gentle yet firm, revealing his confidence in crafting.

The Jade Heaven Sundering was known as the most powerful attack in existence. Being able to block one strike from it already made the artifact a divine-grade defensive item.

After Mu Xuanling was injured, Nan Xuyue had devoted himself to crafting protective artifacts, hoping to protect her in his own way.

“Thank you,” Mu Xuanling understood the value of this gift. She gripped the warm jade in her palm and said solemnly.

Nan Xuyue smiled, gazing at her fair, jade-like face. At this moment, it was already enough. She had not rejected his kindness or closeness…

When Mu Xuanling entered the alchemy chamber, Sang Qi did not notice her. He was leaning against a couch, his black robe spilling onto the floor, holding a long sword, lost in thought.

Mu Xuanling suddenly realized it was Gao Qiumin’s Spring Blossom Sword. After she had taken the sword, she had carelessly placed it into her spatial bag and later left it in her bedroom. She had no idea when it had ended up in Sang Qi’s hands.

“Master,” Mu Xuanling called out. Seeing Sang Qi turn his head, she slowly approached.

Sang Qi’s silver eyes flickered slightly, and the Spring Blossom Sword vanished. His voice was somewhat cold and weary. “What is it?”

“Just now, I went to the Two Worlds Mountain to cultivate and met Nan Xuyue. He told me some things,” Mu Xuanling truthfully conveyed the information she had received from Nan Xuyue.

“Oh?” Sang Qi raised his eyebrows slightly, his long silver eyes tinged with a faint smile. “Unexpectedly, Nan Xuyue seems quite devoted to you.”

Mu Xuanling hesitated slightly. “He’s my friend.”

“Perhaps his thoughts go beyond that,” Sang Qi said enigmatically with a smile. “Though Nan Xuyue cannot cultivate, his skills in formations and artifact crafting are unparalleled in the world. He is deep and calculating, not to be underestimated. Since he values you so much, he might be of some use.”

“Master, could you spare his life?” Mu Xuanling asked softly, frowning slightly.

Sang Qi glanced at her and noticed the jade pendant around her neck. He gave a knowing smile, rose from the couch, and slowly walked aside. “Since he’s your friend, I’ll let him live.”

He had crafted the Heart Awakening Water, adding Xie Xuechen’s blood, making her forgetful only of Xie Xuechen. Though Nan Xuyue’s place in her heart was merely that of a noble friend, there was still a trace of affection. Although Nan Xuyue had some skills, Sang Qi did not yet consider him a threat—useful, but not worth guarding against.

Hearing this, Mu Xuanling felt slightly relieved, her tone becoming lighter. “Master, the Five Great Sects are very wary of you. They believe only Xie Xuechen can stop you.”

Sang Qi sneered coldly. “Wrong. You think too highly of human nature, Xuan’er. They are simply unwilling to sacrifice their own people and want Xie Xuechen to do the dying for them.”

Mu Xuanling was momentarily stunned. “Is that really the case?”

“The Five Great Sects each have their own hidden agendas. Lingju Island is far overseas and prefers to remain neutral, reluctant to get involved in the Immortal Alliance. Xuantian Temple is leaderless and likely has people blaming the Alliance for killing their abbot and senior elder, currently in chaos over the new abbot position. Yongxue City, located in the harsh western lands, is sparsely populated, and only Xie Xuechen is worth fearing. Bixiao Palace is the most selfish and profit-driven, otherwise how could they have amassed so much wealth? Jinghuag Valley genuinely wants to eliminate me, but this sect has always been female-dominated and weak in strength, so they are not worth worrying about.” Sang Qi listed them one by one, his expression filled with disdain.

Mu Xuanling’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She recalled how Sang Qi had spared Su Ningzhen, ordering her capture alive, and his expression when he had looked at the Spring Blossom Sword—seemed like there was some old sentiment…

“Master,” Mu Xuanling carefully asked, “did you and Su Ningzhen know each other before? She seems to hate you intensely.”

Sang Qi coldly replied, “We weren’t really acquainted, just some old grudges.”

Were they old grudges or old feelings?

Mu Xuanling dared not ask so directly and softly asked, “May I ask why?”

Sang Qi lowered his eyes, his left hand stroking the demonic runes on his right arm. It was a prosthetic hand, an artifact that had accompanied him for twenty years since his amputation, constantly reminding him of how foolish and naive he had once been, and what he had lost due to trust.

“My arm was severed by Jinghuag Valley,” Sang Qi’s voice was low and cold.

Mu Xuanling was shocked, exclaiming, “Could it have been Su Ningzhen who cut it off? How could she…”

“It wasn’t her,” Sang Qi frowned in annoyance. “It was… Su Ningxi.”

Su Ningxi. Mu Xuanling was momentarily dazed before recalling she was Su Ningzhen’s twin sister and the birth mother of Gao Qiumin.

Suddenly, Mu Xuanling felt her breathing grow heavy, as if many things had clicked into place.

The fire at Mingyue Manor, the cries and screams of countless people…

“Master, did you massacre Mingyue Manor just for revenge?” Mu Xuanling exclaimed. “But… Su Ningxi died twenty years ago.”

Su Ningxi had died on the night Gao Qiumin was born.

“What difference does death make? Even if she’s dead, can’t I still destroy her remains?” Sang Qi’s eyes flashed with brutality, his silver pupils turning crimson. “I will dig up her corpse and destroy her path to reincarnation!”

Sang Qi’s terrifying aura surged outward. Mu Xuanling instinctively took half a step back, trembling under the pressure as she asked, “Then… did you find it?”

“No,” Sang Qi frowned, his voice cold and heavy. “It was an empty grave.”

“An empty grave?” Mu Xuanling murmured in confusion. “How could that be…”

She had lived at Mingyue Manor for six or seven years and naturally knew the location of the lady of the manor’s tomb. She had even been responsible for cleaning the cemetery, never imagining the grave could be empty.

“Could it be that Su Ningxi didn’t die?” Mu Xuanling muttered.

Sang Qi’s heart skipped a beat. He had considered this possibility before, but he had questioned the villagers—more accurately, extracted information through extremely cruel means. The elders had all claimed they had seen Su Ningxi die and be buried with their own eyes. If she were alive, why would she fake her death?

“Master,” Mu Xuanling bravely asked, staring at Sang Qi’s handsome yet cold profile. “Is the reason you spared Su Ningzhen because you want to learn Su Ningxi’s whereabouts from her?”

Sang Qi slowly nodded. “She was the closest and most trusted person to Su Ningxi in the world, and the most likely to know where Su Ningxi went.”

Gathering her courage, Mu Xuanling stared intently at Sang Qi and asked carefully, “Is the Spring Blossom Sword Su Ningxi’s personal weapon?”

So after Su Ningxi’s death, Su Ningzhen had given her sword to her daughter, Gao Qiumin.

Indeed, Sang Qi nodded.

Mu Xuanling’s heart raced faster. “Was it also the sword that severed your right arm back then?”

Sang Qi did not speak, but his aura suddenly darkened.

“Su Ningxi… was she someone you loved?”

The table beside Sang Qi suddenly exploded into pieces. Mu Xuanling dodged the flying fragments, staring in shock at the man before her, who seemed like a demon sovereign descending from the heavens. It was as if black flames were burning around him, spreading from his heart and enveloping him. His silver hair floated in the air, his silver eyes tinged with blood red. He appeared as if engulfed in fire, yet exuded a chilling coldness that made one tremble in fear.

“Mas… Master…” Mu Xuanling called softly.

“Xuan’er,” Sang Qi’s figure was shrouded in thick darkness, his voice hoarse and low, as if coming from the depths of the underworld. “This is the price of loving a human.”