Chapter 4:

Xie Xuechen rode alone on horseback for half a day before finally leaving Qingshan Village.

Xie Xuechen had initially thought Mur Xuanling would insist on sharing a mount, but she showed no such intention. Instead, she remained hidden in the shadows, secretly following him. Demons and half-demons are not afraid of the sun, but the demonic race strongly detests and fears sunlight, as its rays disperse demonic energy. Although Mur Xuanling is half-demon, she cultivates demonic techniques, absorbing demonic energy to develop her powers, and is similarly affected by sunlight, albeit to a lesser extent. However, demons have their own methods; they conceal themselves in shadows, moving from one shadow to another, which somewhat mitigates the sun’s effects.

Xie Xuechen observed secretly and soon noticed something amiss, realizing that midday sunlight was Mur Xuanling’s weakest period. Along the way, Xie deliberately turned his horse to change course, attempting to escape Mur Xuanling’s control. However, the horse had somehow been controlled by Mur Xuanling through demonic means and no longer obeyed Xie Xuechen’s commands.

Whether it was to hide their trail or not, Mur Xuanling did not take Xie Xuechen into the city but instead stopped at a roadside inn about dozens of miles away from Xiaocheng. The inn had few rooms, and unfortunately, only one remained available.

The innkeeper glanced at the two of them, failing to see through their disguises, and focused on Mur Xuanling, who was dressed in fine garments. He smiled and said, “There’s another room behind the inn, usually for the servants. It’s simple but clean. If you don’t mind, you can let your servant stay there.”

The innkeeper, accustomed to judging people by their appearance, saw Xie Xuechen in plain coarse clothes and naturally assumed they were master and servant.

Xie Xuechen, known for his asceticism and detachment, had never cared much for worldly matters or others’ opinions and thus momentarily failed to realize the innkeeper was referring to him as the “servant.”

Mur Xuanling, however, smiled sweetly and took Xie Xuechen’s arm, saying, “This is my husband.”

Xie’s face stiffened as he tried to pull away from her grip, but in vain.

The innkeeper was secretly surprised. Seeing the man and woman—one poor, one rich—one affectionate, one reluctant—he immediately formed an opinion but kept his expression natural, smoothly changing his tone: “My apologies for the misunderstanding, sir. This way, your room is the first one on the left upstairs.”

Arm in arm, Mur Xuanling affectionately led Xie Xuechen upstairs. As they reached the second floor, the door to a room on the right opened, and two men dressed in cultivator robes stepped out, facing Mur Xuanling directly.

The two cultivators looked back and forth between Mur Xuanling and Xie Xuechen for a moment before turning away, descending the stairs as if nothing had happened.

Although their whispers were soft, both Xie Xuechen and Mur Xuanling, with their keen senses, heard every word clearly.

“They look a bit strange.”

“They do seem odd. They act like a loving couple, yet their appearances don’t match.”

“The man seems reluctant. Could he be kidnapped?”

“The man looks thin but has strong vitality. Although there’s no fluctuation of spiritual energy, he must be a formidable martial artist in the mundane world. And the woman seems like an ordinary person, lacking the ability to abduct someone.”

“They say there are many demons near Xiaocheng…”

“Junior Brother, you’re too suspicious. Their auras are normal, with no demonic energy. I’ve heard, though, that the local women in Xiaocheng are often bold and aggressive, forcing men to marry them. That woman clearly comes from a wealthy family, while the man, though plain-looking, has a narrow waist and strong legs, brimming with vitality. He must have some extraordinary qualities…”

“Senior Brother, you truly are experienced…”

The two young cultivators exchanged knowing laughter.

Xie Xuechen’s handsome face darkened, a vein throbbing at his temple, but he held his temper.

Mur Xuanling watched his expression with amusement, saying meaningfully, “Indeed, Sect Leader Xie has exceptional qualities.”

Xie Xuechen lifted his eyelids slightly, giving Mur Xuanling a cold glance before silently walking to the table and pouring himself a cup of tea.

Mur Xuanling casually drew a seal on the door to block sound and energy from escaping the room before sitting down beside Xie Xuechen.

“The two cultivators earlier wore purple wisteria patterns on their robes,” Mur Xuanling mused after sipping slightly cooled tea. “They must be from Mirror Flower Valley. Judging by their cultivation, they’ve only just entered the Spirit Refinement Stage. Why would they travel such a long way here?”

The Mirror Flower Valley was thousands of miles away. While a Golden Core cultivator could arrive in a single day by sword flight, those at the Spirit Refinement Stage had to travel by horseback, making the journey quite arduous. Moreover, this region was close to the Two Worlds Mountain, frequently troubled by demons and monsters, rendering it far from safe. Low-level disciples from sects typically wouldn’t venture here without the protection of powerful elders.

Not only did cultivators delight in slaying demons and monsters—evil demons and monsters also took great pleasure in hunting cultivators. A cultivator’s essence was far more nourishing than that of ordinary mortals, and they often carried precious elixirs and magical treasures as well.

Mur Xuanling mused aloud, resting her chin on her hand, “Could there be a high-level cultivator from Mirror Flower Valley here?”

Xie Xuechen remained silent, his long eyelashes concealing his phoenix eyes. Though he didn’t look at Mur Xuanling, he still felt her intense gaze fixed on him.

“Sect Leader Xie, are you eager to send a message out?” Mur Xuanling asked with a smile.

Xie Xuechen’s eyes flashed coldly, and he replied frostily, “What do you intend to do?”

Mur Xuanling laughed, “Sect Leader Xie, are you thinking I’ll kill you to silence you?”

Xie Xuechen asked, “Wouldn’t you?”

Mur Xuanling replied, “Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn’t.”

Xie Xuechen gave a cold laugh, “Hmph.”

Mur Xuanling said, “But you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to think so.”

Xie Xuechen slightly furrowed his brows, looking at her.

Mur Xuanling said seriously, “I’m really not a good person.”

Xie Xuechen paused, then corrected, “You’re not even a person.”

Mur Xuanling was indeed not human. Xie Xuechen wasn’t insulting her; he was simply stating a fact. She was only half-human.

Xie Xuechen had observed her all day but still couldn’t determine what kind of demon she was. Half-demons could come from two origins: either a human mother and demon father, or vice versa. If the mother was human, the half-demon would have a human body but display features of their demon father, such as cat ears or fox tails. If the mother was a demon, the half-demon would have a demon body but a human soul, capable of speech and walking upright.

Given Mur Xuanling’s appearance, it was evident her mother was human, but the identity of her demon father remained a mystery. If not for the faint demonic aura Xie Xuechen had sensed from her earlier, ordinary people would easily be deceived by her human guise.

As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly came from downstairs. Mur Xuanling perked up her ears and heard the two cultivators calling out “Senior Sister.” Her brows lifted slightly as she walked to the window, silently opening a small crack to peek outside.

The first-floor lobby of the inn had gained two female cultivators. One had a slender figure and wore a thin veil, clearly the leader. The other three slightly bowed and addressed her respectfully as “Senior Sister.”

“Senior Sister, you’re finally back,” a male cultivator eagerly said. “Lu Junior Brother and I have already checked the eastern area. We found nothing. Did you encounter anything on your side?”

The senior sister remained silent. Instead, a round-faced female cultivator standing beside her, slightly shorter in stature, spoke up loudly, “Brother Song, just now Senior Sister Gao and I were ambushed by a demon!”

Hearing this, the two male cultivators were instantly alarmed and asked, “What kind of demon was it? Were you hurt?”

The plump-faced female cultivator chuckled, “With Senior Sister Gao present, naturally we weren’t harmed. It was merely a minor, ignorant demon.”

As she spoke, the round-faced female cultivator took off a brocade pouch from her waist embroidered with golden threads. Mur Xuanling’s sharp eyes immediately recognized the golden thread pattern as a sealing formation used by cultivators to capture demons. Once captured inside the pouch, most demons would lose their powers.

The round-faced female cultivator opened the pouch and gave it a gentle shake. A ball of fur tumbled out and swiftly regained its original form—about the size of an adult’s palm. It was a fluffy, snow-white creature with a stubby tail. Its small, round ears were golden-yellow, quivering slightly as if frightened. Upon hitting the ground, it let out a squeak before darting around in panic. The cultivators chuckled, blocking its path with their sword sheaths. Each time the little *yao* collided with a sheath, it would pivot and dash in another direction, only to be obstructed again moments later. Its golden ears trembled as it emitted a soft, pitiful whimper.

(Note: *Yao* is retained as a transliterated term for 妖, as it refers to a specific type of supernatural creature in Chinese mythology. If context permits, it could also be translated as “spirit beast” or “demon,” but “yao” preserves the cultural nuance.)

The round-faced female cultivator bent down and grabbed it by the tail, lifting it upside down and swinging it in the air proudly, “Guess what this is?”

The two male cultivators frowned, examining it curiously, “It looks like a rat, but also like a rabbit.”

The round-faced female cultivator said, “Senior Sister said it’s one of the Ten Rare Beasts—the Treasure-sniffing rat. Look at its ears—they look like two coins. Both its nose and ears are golden. Its hearing and sense of smell are the best in the world. It knows where treasures are better than anyone. My senior sister and I followed the compass in search of treasures and found a place filled with spiritual energy, only to discover it was the Treasure-sniffing rat’s treasure trove. Who knows where the little thing found so many treasures. We didn’t come here in vain.”

The female cultivator they addressed as Senior Sister Gao took out a tiny pouch from her sleeve and threw it onto the table, saying, “These are some suitable magical artifacts for you. Divide them among yourselves. As for the rest, I must report back to the sect.”

The three immediately cheered and said in unison, “Thank you, Senior Sister!”

They poured out the artifacts from the pouch and divided them. Senior Sister Gao took the Treasure-sniffing rat and sat calmly to the side, indifferent to the commotion. She deliberately released a bit of spiritual pressure from her palm. The Treasure-sniffing rat, naturally timid, trembled in fear in her hand, too scared to move. It looked obedient, but in reality, it was nearly frightened to death.

The round-faced female cultivator said, “Senior Sister, you seem quite fond of this Treasure-sniffing rat. Are you planning to make it your spirit beast?”

Before Senior Sister Gao could answer, another male cultivator named Song said, “Senior Sister Gao, although the Treasure-sniffing rat is a rare beast, it looks quite weak. It wouldn’t be much help in battle. It might not even be suitable as a spirit beast.”

Senior Sister Gao replied calmly, “When it comes to battle, I can handle it myself. I don’t need a spirit beast’s help.”

Her tone was calm but carried an unmistakable air of arrogance.

The others quickly chimed in, “Senior Sister is absolutely right. Sect Leader Xie also fights alone with just his sword, never relying on spirit beasts.”

“Senior Sisters Gao and Xie are both extraordinary talents, far beyond our level…”

Mur Xuanling’s gaze fixed on Senior Sister Gao. Although her face was veiled, the pair of sharp, autumn-water eyes visible were enough to confirm her beauty. Her attire also differed from the others—not only were the fabrics finer, but the cuffs and collar were embroidered with dense, needle-fine magical formations. Such special treatment clearly indicated her high status within the sect.

Among Mirror Flower Valley’s disciples, a Senior Sister surnamed Gao with such an elevated status could only be one person.

Gao Qiumin, the sect leader’s direct disciple and the eldest daughter of Moonlit Manor.

Among the Five Sects of the Immortal Alliance, there was a long-standing rumor that Gao Qiumin and Xie Xuechen were betrothed. Yet the other party in that rumor was now sitting in this very room, seemingly indifferent to the scene outside the window.

Mur Xuanling curled her lips slightly, her gaze shifting to the Treasure-sniffing rat in Gao Qiumin’s palm, her brows unconsciously furrowing.

Treasure-sniffing rats were rare, harmless-looking, and cute creatures whose only talent was finding treasures. No matter what kind of concealment technique was used, the Treasure-sniffing rat’s instinct for treasures could never be fooled. Therefore, some evil cultivators loved to raise Treasure-sniffing rats, using their abilities to search for treasures.

Gao Qiumin clearly had limited knowledge of the Treasure-sniffing rat, unaware that it was easily frightened and could even die from excessive fear. Gao Qiumin used spiritual pressure to intimidate it, causing its golden round ears to tremble violently and glow brighter. It looked beautiful, but Mur Xuanling knew this was a sign of its imminent death.

Mur Xuanling clenched her fists, finally unable to bear it. Risking exposure, she dipped her finger in water from the teacup and flicked it. A single droplet shot through the air and struck Gao Qiumin’s wrist. Gao Qiumin felt a sudden numbness in her wrist, and her spiritual pressure faltered. The Treasure-sniffing rat suddenly felt the pressure lift, gave its tail a shake, and darted away from Gao Qiumin’s palm with a “whoosh.”

Gao Qiumin was so startled she failed to stop it. The other three were too busy dividing the treasures to notice. They only heard Gao Qiumin angrily shout, “Who dared to attack me!” before they turned around in confusion.

The Treasure-sniffing rat had already vanished without a trace. Gao Qiumin placed her hand on her sword, her beautiful eyes flashing with killing intent as she warily scanned the surroundings.

The three hurriedly asked, “Senior Sister Gao, what happened exactly?”

Gao Qiumin looked at her wrist. A tiny red mark was visible, perfectly aligned with an acupoint, still faintly aching. The attacker was clearly no ordinary person. She had no idea how long they had been lurking, yet she hadn’t sensed them at all.

“Someone just attacked me,” Gao Qiumin said coldly. “Is there someone else here?”

The male cultivator surnamed Song said, “There aren’t many rooms in this inn. Besides us, there’s only a young couple.”

Gao Qiumin ordered, “Search!”

Mur Xuanling’s action had not escaped Xie Xuechen’s notice, but he maintained an aloof, indifferent expression—until Mur Xuanling suddenly threw herself into his arms.

“Sect Leader Xie, something terrible has happened!”

Xie Xuechen’s temple twitched as he instinctively tried to pull away.

“The Mirror Flower Valley cultivators are coming to cause us trouble!”

Xie Xuechen corrected, “It’s your trouble.”

“At a time like this, what’s the difference between you and me!” Mur Xuanling muttered. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around Xie Xuechen’s waist. He barely had time to ask what she was doing before she pulled him backward onto the bed.

Before he could question her intentions, he saw her draw a talisman in the air toward the door, lifting the seal on it. Then she tore open his robe.

Xie Xuechen grabbed her hands and lowly snapped, “What are you doing!”

Mur Xuanling pulled the blanket over both of them, leaning close to his ear and whispering, “Play along.”

At that moment, the door was violently pushed open, and four people burst in with swords drawn, witnessing the scene before them.

A man and a woman were entwined together under the covers. The man’s robe was half-open, revealing his pale, muscular chest. The woman was on top of him, startled by the sudden intrusion and hiding in his arms with a scream.

“Who are you! Why did you barge in!” the woman in the bed demanded angrily and fearfully.

Xie Xuechen was tightly embraced by Mur Xuanling, her fragrance overwhelming him. He tried to push her away, but she clung even tighter, trembling slightly and whispering in his ear, “If they discover us, they die.”

Xie Xuechen’s struggle froze instantly.

Gao Qiumin turned her gaze away from the couple in bed. She had already taken out her compass to test, confirming they were just ordinary people. She then apologized and left with the three others in a hurry.

“Senior Sister, could it be that the Treasure-sniffing Rat had other demon companions secretly rescuing it?”

“You three search around. We’ll take turns keeping watch tonight. Be careful of demon attacks at night.”

As the footsteps faded, Xie Xuechen finally pushed Mur Xuanling away, his handsome face icy.

“Please maintain proper decorum,” Xie Xuechen almost growled.

Mur Xuanling’s eyes sparkled as she whispered with a smile, “Sect Leader Xie, I’ve heard you’re betrothed to Gao Qiumin?”

Xie Xuechen had no desire to respond.

Mur Xuanling wasn’t offended. She grinned mischievously, “How exciting must it be to share a bed with me in front of your fiancée?”

Xie Xuechen gritted his teeth, “She’s not my fiancée!”

Mur Xuanling feigned realization, “Ah, so you’re afraid I’ll misunderstand and are explaining yourself to me?”

Xie Xuechen took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger rising in his chest.

“Sect Leader Xie, why don’t you cultivate with me instead? I’m more beautiful than Gao Qiumin, and I’ll even treat you better.”

Xie Xuechen exhaled slowly, his voice sharp and deliberate, “I’ve never met anyone as shamelessly audacious as you.”

Mur Xuanling shook her head, “Sect Leader Xie, you’re half wrong.”

Xie Xuechen glared coldly at her.

Mur Xuanling said seriously, “I’m not human, but I do admit to being shamelessly audacious.”

Xie Xuechen gave a cold laugh, “Shamelessly audacious? Only ‘somewhat’?”