Chapter 2:

“Xie Zongzhu, while you were unconscious just now, you called my name. It seems you truly can’t forget me.”

As soon as Xie Xuechen opened his eyes, he saw Mu Xuanling half-kneeling by his bedside, resting her chin on one hand, smiling at him.

Xie Xuechen felt excruciating pain throughout his body, unable to summon the strength to resist. His spiritual energy seemed completely drained. At this moment, he was probably weaker than an ordinary person, let alone a match for Mu Xuanling.

A strong sense of danger surged in Xie Xuechen’s heart. Fixing his gaze tightly on Mu Xuanling’s eyes, he asked hoarsely, “How did you break the seal?”

He had used his full strength when sealing her meridians, something that shouldn’t be easily undone unless someone with profound cultivation came to assist. Doubt filled Xie Xuechen’s mind, fearing that the Demon Sovereign or High Priest might have arrived personally, causing him to fall once again into the hands of the demonic race.

Mu Xuanling smiled, seemingly seeing through his suspicion, and reassured him, “The Demon Sovereign and High Priest are still in retreat and haven’t come after us. It’s just the two of us here.”

Just as Xie Xuechen was about to relax slightly, he heard Mu Xuanling continue cheerfully, “Even if you scream your lungs out, no one will come.”

Xie Xuechen: “…”

Xie Xuechen’s eyes, sharp as stars, coldly stared at Mu Xuanling, his gaze involuntarily falling on her lips.

Mu Xuanling was extremely beautiful, with small yet full red lips like delicate flower petals, tempting the imagination. However, there were now a few bite marks on those lips, left by none other than Xie Xuechen himself.

He immediately recalled the scene that had occurred at Rongyuan. At that time, his vision had been sealed, leaving him blind, but he had clearly heard the crisp sound of bells and the alluring fragrance of a young girl drawing near. While he was speculating about her identity, he had not expected her to act so brazenly, leaning in and kissing him forcefully, prying open his lips and teeth.

Xie Xuechen had cultivated for over twenty years, maintaining a calm and emotionless demeanor, rarely showing any expression. Yet at that moment, he had been so shocked that he forgot to resist. At that time, the girl’s soft tongue had pushed a pill into his mouth, forcing him to swallow it.

Initially, Xie Xuechen had assumed it was poison and naturally refused to comply. The bite marks on Mu Xuanling’s lips were left by Xie Xuechen when he resisted.

However, an hour after taking the pill, Xie Xuechen was astonished to find his spiritual energy surging, returning to its peak condition. He took the opportunity to fight his way out of Rongyuan. Originally intending to use this chance to attack Zhusheng Palace and eliminate the severely injured Demon Sovereign and High Priest, he suddenly felt something was wrong with his physical condition at the gates of Zhusheng Palace. His energy was rapidly declining, and he feared he wouldn’t last long enough to confront the Demon Sovereign. After weighing his options, he decided to capture Mu Xuanling and leave the demonic realm to plan his next move.

The reason he didn’t kill her at that time was also out of suspicion—Mu Xuanling had intentionally saved him.

But why would she, the demonic race’s Holy Maiden, a direct disciple of the High Priest, and a half-demon, save him?

Xie Xuechen’s phoenix eyes shimmered with suspicion, and Mu Xuanling immediately knew his thoughts. Supporting her chin with one hand, she smiled and asked Xie Xuechen, “Master Xie, could it be you’re remembering something?”

Xie Xuechen’s voice was slightly hoarse as he asked, “What did you feed me?”

Mu Xuanling sighed softly, “I thought you were recalling our intimate moment. To save you, I even sacrificed my own innocence…”

Hmph, a demonic girl, shameless and absurd.

Though Xie Xuechen didn’t speak, his racial prejudice was clearly written on his face.

“Why do you regard me as an enemy, Master Xie?” Mu Xuanling sighed. “I thought when you spared me at Zhusheng Palace and took me away from the demonic realm, it meant we shared a mutual understanding. It seems my affection was misplaced, wasting a rare and precious pill on you.”

Mu Xuanling explained gently, “That pill is called ‘Half a Day of Splendor,’ a unique formula of mine.”

Xie Xuechen furrowed his brows slightly, understanding the meaning behind the name. No wonder his peak condition had lasted only half a day before returning to normal.

Mu Xuanling continued, “Taking this pill restores you to your full strength after an hour, but the effect lasts only half a day before fading, leaving you extremely weak for seven days afterward. However, I thought half a day would be enough for Master Xie to capture a demon and extract the formation secrets to escape the demonic realm. I didn’t expect you to be so audacious as to directly attack Zhusheng Palace. At that time, I thought Master Xie must have fallen for me at first sight, longing for me and wanting to take me with you.”

Mu Xuanling’s eyes sparkled with affection, her beauty radiant. Xie Xuechen coldly watched her, unmoved.

“But I also had to prepare a contingency plan, fearing that Master Xie might be heartless and turn his back on me. So before you sealed me, I had already used demonic techniques to protect my meridians. With some time, I could naturally undo the seal myself. I just didn’t expect Master Xie to be so ruthless as to actually try to kill me.” Mu Xuanling sighed.

“Why did you save me, and what are your intentions?” Xie Xuechen pressed.

“Of course, it’s for you, Master Xie. Though I live in the demonic realm, I’ve long admired you and loved you deeply. I’m willing to betray the demonic race for you.” Mu Xuanling looked at Xie Xuechen with a smiling face, her eyes burning with passion. Her sweet words would likely move anyone else, but Xie Xuechen was no ordinary man—he was a block of thousand-year-old ice.

Xie Xuechen responded to Mu Xuanling’s affectionate gaze with cold indifference, scrutinizing the true intentions behind her honeyed words.

While conversing with Mu Xuanling, he continuously tried to delve into his spiritual aperture and summon his energy, but the aperture remained silent and unresponsive.

Thinking about Mu Xuanling’s words that taking “Half a Day of Splendor” would leave him in a weakened state for seven days, Xie Xuechen’s heart sank. Escaping Rongyuan only to fall into Mu Xuanling’s hands was probably no good sign. His tribulations were far from over. The only good news was that he had indeed left the demonic realm. The demonic realm was filled with thick demonic energy, which was like poison to cultivators, causing great harm. As long as he was in the human realm, he could absorb spiritual energy and gradually restore his cultivation.

“Master Xie, I’ve already confessed my affection for you. What do you think of me?” Mu Xuanling cupped her face, her delicate face blushing. “I heard from the Three Demon Gods that it’s extremely rare to find a woman as beautiful as me in the Three Realms. The Lust Demon always wanted to cultivate together with me, but I prefer a celestial brother like Master Xie. Master Xie, can I be your cultivation partner?”

Xie Xuechen replied coldly, “Our paths differ.”

Humans follow human ways, and demons follow demon paths. Humans and demons cannot cultivate together, let alone a half-demon like Mu Xuanling. Half-demons are offspring of humans and demons, born with cultivation abilities, but they lack the spiritual aperture of humans and the demon core of demons. They cannot cultivate and are despised by both races, holding the lowest status in the Three Realms. However, hundreds of years ago, a half-demon pioneered a new path by practicing demonic techniques, continuously advancing his cultivation to rival human cultivators. He became the current High Priest of the demonic race—Sang Qi.

Sang Qi assembled a demonic army of half-demons, and with his assistance, the demonic race grew increasingly powerful. As Sang Qi’s direct disciple, Mu Xuanling was undoubtedly also a half-demon. Xie Xuechen had completely lost his spiritual energy and couldn’t discern Mu Xuanling’s aura, but earlier at Zhusheng Palace, he had already confirmed that Mu Xuanling carried demonic energy and used demonic techniques. Only demons or half-demons could practice demonic techniques.

How could someone with such a mixed human-demon-demonic body possibly cultivate together with him, given their different races and opposing techniques?

Mu Xuanling nodded understandingly, “I knew it. Master Xie rejected me only because our paths differ, not because you don’t like me.”

Xie Xuechen furrowed his brows, feeling her words were both right and somehow wrong.

“Besides, we’ve already had physical contact. According to your human customs, shouldn’t you take responsibility for me?” Seeing Xie Xuechen’s expression turning cold, Mu Xuanling quickly changed her tone, “I can take responsibility for you too.”

Xie Xuechen felt a surge of frustration but, with his spiritual energy completely drained, he couldn’t fight this demonic girl. He could only cough dryly while clutching his chest.

He coughed a couple of times and suddenly noticed something unusual—his current clothing wasn’t what he had worn before but a set of coarse cloth garments.

“About my injuries…” Xie Xuechen hesitated as he asked.

He had been severely injured in Rongyuan, his clothes half-destroyed. Now his clothes had been changed, and his wounds had even been treated.

Mu Xuanling, still resting her chin on her hand with a smile, said, “Of course, I helped Master Xie change clothes and treat your wounds. Master Xie is indeed extraordinary, with exceptional talent.”

Xie Xuechen’s breath caught momentarily, and in a surge of anger, he instinctively reached out to attack Mu Xuanling. Cultivators of the sword were unmatched in physical prowess. Even now, with his spiritual aperture empty and energy depleted, Xie Xuechen’s attack was still lightning-fast. Mu Xuanling seemed to have anticipated this. To avoid harming Xie Xuechen, she didn’t use demonic techniques but instead countered his moves with hand-to-hand combat. After a dozen exchanges, the severely weakened Xie Xuechen was overpowered, his hands pinned by Mu Xuanling to his sides.

Mu Xuanling knelt beside Xie Xuechen, leaning in closely. A few strands of her hair fell, brushing against Xie Xuechen’s pale cheek.

The two were in a suggestive position, with Mu Xuanling leaning closer. Xie Xuechen’s heart tightened, instinctively closing his lips, but the anticipated forceful kiss never came.

Mu Xuanling looked down at Xie Xuechen, her eyes and eyebrows curved with a full smile.

“Master Xie, knowing you can’t win, why still attack? Could it be a ploy to feign retreat and capture me?”

Xie Xuechen’s eyes remained icy, offering no response.

Mu Xuanling’s lips curled upward as she slowly leaned toward Xie Xuechen’s lips. The latter’s breathing gradually became heavy and stagnant as she drew closer. With nowhere to retreat or evade, Xie Xuechen could only watch helplessly as she approached.

His fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white, yet he was powerless to escape Mu Xuanling’s grip.

Just as their noses were about to touch, footsteps sounded from outside, followed by a gentle knock on the door.

The tense atmosphere was broken by the untimely sound. Mu Xuanling lifted her body, releasing Xie Xuechen from her grip, offering him a light smile before gracefully turning and leaving. She walked with a cheerful, light step, the sound of bells accompanying her. Xie Xuechen couldn’t help but look at Mu Xuanling’s ankle, captivated by the jade bell.

That bell was likely also a demonic artifact, its sound capable of bewitching the soul, even stirring his heart.

Xie Xuechen slowly steadied his breathing, following Mu Xuanling’s gaze toward the door.

Standing at the doorway was an elderly woman, hunched over, her wrinkled face showing a kind smile. She held a tray with two bowls of white porridge and some pickles in coarse porcelain bowls. “Miss Mu, I heard voices from your room just now, so I assumed your husband had awakened. I’ve prepared some porridge for you both. It’s just simple fare, nothing special to entertain you.”

Mu Xuanling took the tray, her voice soft and obedient as she said, “Thank you, Grandma. We were just getting hungry. My husband has already woken up, and we’ll leave early tomorrow morning, so as not to trouble you.”

The old woman chuckled, “No problem, this place is remote. You can recover here without being pursued by enemies. I heard from my son that your husband was seriously injured. You can wait a few days until his wounds heal before leaving. My son also knows a bit of medicine and can help him change his dressings.”

Mu Xuanling smiled and said, “Then we’ll trouble you.”

The old woman waved her hand with a smile, “No trouble at all. I’ll leave now. If you need anything, feel free to tell me, old woman.”

Seeing Xie Xuechen’s face, the old woman thought this young man was indeed handsome, though a bit too cold, making him intimidating. The young girl, on the other hand, was sweet and lovely.

The old woman walked out and even closed the door behind her.

Xie Xuechen glanced at the white porridge, then at Mu Xuanling.

Mu Xuanling said, “Okay, I lied earlier. After you fainted, I was sealed again and couldn’t move. Fortunately, a hunter passed by—this old woman’s son—and their family rescued us. After I managed to break the seal, I told them we were eloping young lovers. I’m a lady from a wealthy family, and you’re a destitute swordsman from the martial world. Our families opposed our marriage and even sent people to kill you, so they took us in.” Mu Xuanling admitted her deception without shame, even sending a flirtatious glance toward Xie Xuechen and smiling, “Husband, do we look like a couple?”

Xie Xuechen ignored her flirtatious glance, his face expressionless as he said, “Was it the old woman’s son who helped heal me?”

He had completely lost his powers and only now noticed someone else’s presence outside. He had been deceived by this demonic girl again.

“Yeah…” Mu Xuanling sighed somewhat reluctantly, “I admit I didn’t help you treat your wounds or see your magnificent body.”

Xie Xuechen sneered, “Demons are inherently malicious, and the demon race is most adept at deception.”

“But one thing is true.”

“Which one?”

“I like that line of yours.”

Xie Xuechen: “…”

Do not give rise to anger, for anger breeds inner demons. Do not give rise to anger, for anger breeds inner demons…

Mu Xuanling diligently blew on the porridge to cool it before bringing it to Xie Xuechen’s lips: “Husband, the porridge is no longer hot.”

Xie Xuechen took the bowl and spoon with an expressionless face, saying, “My hands can move.”

Mu Xuanling looked quite dejected and muttered softly, “What a pity…”

Xie Xuechen: “…”

Although Xie Xuechen had already attained the state of abstaining from grains, his physical body was now injured and his Dharma form damaged, rendering him no different from an ordinary mortal. Consuming grains would help restore his vitality. After a bowl of hot porridge, he immediately felt a surge of strength returning to his body.

Mu Xuanling rested her chin on her hand, watching Xie Xuechen eat with great interest. Xie Xuechen maintained an elegant and composed demeanor even while dining.

Seeing Xie Xuechen finish a bowl, Mu Xuanling eagerly took the bowl and asked, “How does it taste?”

Xie Xuechen nodded politely.

Mu Xuanling gave a charming smile and said, “I’ve put poison in the porridge.”

Xie Xuechen suddenly halted and turned to look at Mu Xuanling.

“Don’t glare at me like that, it’s just a tonic.” Mu Xuanling blinked innocently. “Have a good sleep, it’ll do you good.”

Feeling drowsiness creeping in, Xie Xuechen immediately found it hard to breathe, regretting his momentary carelessness—he had actually eaten the food sent by that demoness…

When did she administer the drug?

What on earth does she want to do?

Before he could figure it out, he sank into a deep and sweet slumber.

Xie Xuechen didn’t know what medicine Mu Xuanling had put in the porridge, but he indeed slept extremely well this time, with noticeable improvements in both his physical strength and energy. However, upon waking up, he found something unexpected in his arms—a fragrant and soft feminine figure.

In the depths of the mountain night, heavy with dew and biting frost, the icy moonlight seeped through the window lattice, casting faint, flickering shadows along the edge of the bed, outlining a slender and graceful silhouette. Mu Xuanling lay beside Xie Xuechen in thin sleepwear, her arms wrapped around his, her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder, her legs slightly curled, with her right leg gently draped over him. The delicate fabric of her garment slipped aside, revealing a smooth, pale calf. She was deep in slumber, her breathing even and soft, the warm, moist exhalations carrying a strange, subtle fragrance that brushed against Xie Xuechen’s neck. Like a feather lightly grazing his ear, it sent a tingling shiver through him.

Xie Xuechen awoke from his slumber, momentarily unable to discern whether what he saw before him was real or illusion. After a brief moment of regaining consciousness, he suddenly shuddered, his pupils contracting sharply. Instinctively, he mustered all his strength to push Mu Xuanling away.

Mu Xuanling, caught off guard, took a palm strike from Xie Xuechen and was immediately sent tumbling off the bed. With a loud thud, she hit the floor, her forehead striking the ground hard.

“Ouch!” Mu Xuanling cried out in pain, groggily sitting up from the floor. She raised her hand to cover the bruised spot on her forehead and looked up at Xie Xuechen on the bed. Uncontrollable tears welled up in her eyes as she complained with a mix of resentment and grievance, “You hurt me again.”

Xie Xuechen’s temples twitched with bulging veins, his fists clenched tightly as he struggled to calm his turbulent emotions. He had always maintained a clear and composed Daoist heart, dignified and self-restrained, rarely displaying excessive emotions in front of others. Yet, whether due to his diminished cultivation or not, he found himself repeatedly provoked into anger by Mu Xuanling.

Xie Xuechen gazed coldly at Mu Xuanling and asked hoarsely, “Why are you here?”

Mu Xuanling slowly got up from the ground and said matter-of-factly, “We’re husband and wife. Shouldn’t a married couple sleep in the same bed?”

Xie Xuechen didn’t say a word, only letting out a soft sigh: “Hah.”

Between them, any kind of relationship was possible—except that of husband and wife.

Mu Xuanling climbed onto the bed, ignoring Xie Xuechen’s frosty expression, and burrowed under the covers, revealing only her delicate, palm-sized face.

“Master Xie, go to sleep,” Mu Xuanling said with unshakable confidence.

Xie Xuechen took a deep breath and said hoarsely, “You stay here, I’ll go elsewhere.”

With that, he made as if to rise.

However, his wrist was caught by Mu Xuanling.

“Elder Xie, let’s be reasonable.” Mu Xuanling yawned, her enchanting eyes misty with a mix of drowsiness and amusement. “Can you even defeat me now?”

Xie Xuechen’s face stiffened, and he did not answer.

“If I wanted to do something to you, could you stop me?”

Seeing Xie Xuechen at a loss for words, Mu Xuanling smiled faintly, patted the bed, and coaxed in a rather doting tone, “Be good, lie down and sleep.”

Xie Xuechen felt his Daoist heart wavering on the verge of collapse.

The path of a sword cultivator is one of unyielding straightness and fearless courage. Born extraordinary, he had never suffered such humiliation before. To yield and submit would shake his Dao heart, yet to resist with his life might risk his purity.

In the end, all I got was the humiliating remark of “playing hard to get” from the other party…

Mu Xuanling’s slightly closed eyes opened a slit, catching a glimpse of the conflict in Xie Xuechen’s gaze under the moonlight. With a soft chuckle, she shifted toward the outer edge of the bed, leaving ample space for Xie Xuechen, and declared confidently, “I absolutely won’t lay a finger on you.”

Xie Xuechen frowned and stared for a moment before slowly lying back down. The two shared the same quilt, yet maintained a half-arm’s length distance between them.

Mu Xuanling truly didn’t reach out to touch him again—she was sleeping soundly, except for one foot resting on Xie Xuechen’s waist.

Not a single word from that witch can be trusted—Xie Xuechen lay awake all night.