Chapter 453: Disciple of the Jade Maiden Palace

“Do you swear you haven’t been to the Nine Heavens recently, Shui Miao?” Xiaocaidie paused briefly before whispering.

These past few days?

Shui Miao shook her head quickly in her heart, “I haven’t been to the Immortal Realm for nearly over a year.”

“That doesn’t make sense then! When I returned, I heard someone say you had appeared at a small sect yesterday. If that’s true, someone must be trying to frame you!” Xiaocaidie was skilled at reading expressions. She stared intently at Shui Miao with an outwardly innocent look while carefully observing her every move.

Shui Miao immediately furrowed her brows, showing a very skeptical expression, “Someone framing me? Why? The only people I’ve offended in the Nine Heavens are from the Yuxu Sect. Could it possibly be them trying to frame me?”

“I don’t know the details, but I’ll keep an eye on things and investigate quietly to uncover the truth and clear your name,” Xiaocaidie nodded at Shui Miao with a relaxed smile. “Don’t worry, our Yu Nu Sect is a branch established by the Queen Mother of Heaven herself. We operate with principles and integrity, unlike those small sects that always act recklessly. However, if you’re willing, could you tell me how you offended the Yuxu Sect? Of course, it’s fine if you’re not comfortable sharing, hehe…”

“There’s no issue with sharing…”

Shui Miao directly recounted her entire experience of going to the Yuxu Sect, holding nothing back.

Compared to the situations Xiaocaidie had mentioned, Shui Miao felt her experiences at the Yuxu Sect were nothing significant.

As Shui Miao recounted her story, she mentioned Ling Shuai, which sparked Xiaocaidie’s strong interest.

Xiaocaidie said, “Ling Shuai indeed exists. He currently serves as the Great General of Demons in the Fifth Heaven, commanding hundreds of thousands of celestial soldiers and generals to guard the entrance to the Immortal Demon Realm. His responsibilities are extremely important. Why would he give you a jade pendant? You’re just an ordinary mortal.”

“I don’t know that either,” Shui Miao shook her head in confusion.

Previously, Shui Miao had heard from Ye Xian that he was once Heiming of the Immortal Demon Realm, an extremely powerful ruler. Ling Shuai’s past life was merely a child favored by Heiming. The reason Ling Shuai gave her the jade pendant was to repay a debt of gratitude. In other words, the Ling Shuai guarding the entrance to the Immortal Demon Realm was actually once his subordinate.

Considering this, it was highly possible that Ling Shuai was a pawn placed by Heiming.

Thinking about this, Shui Miao couldn’t help but feel her mind was insufficient to grasp the situation. It was simply unbelievable.

Seeing Shui Miao lost in thought, Xiaocaidie subtly sensed her thoughts. Upon receiving Shui Miao’s mental stream, Xiaocaidie was instantly shocked.

Unbelievable. If everything were true, wouldn’t that mean he was the reincarnation of the Demon Lord Heiming?

Xiaocaidie worked hard to calm her emotions and showed nothing on her face. Carefully, she asked again, “Is the jade pendant still with you?”

Shui Miao shook her head, “Initially, it fused into my soul. Later, it was taken by a middle-aged scholar…”

“A middle-aged scholar? And who exactly is this middle-aged scholar?”

Xiaocaidie discovered that Shui Miao’s experiences were simply too incredible.

Shui Miao went on to recount the entire process of how the middle-aged scholar initially transformed into an old monk, and then gradually revealed his true identity as the divided spirit of Wuji Tianzun.

This entire account was convoluted, bizarre, and beyond imagination.

Xiaocaidie was left speechless.

So were Baihuxian, Shi Kuiwang, and all the fox demon sisters.

“This matter actually involves Wuji Tianzun. No good! I must go to the Immortal Realm and report this to the Queen Mother of Heaven, asking her to personally investigate and get to the bottom of things,” Xiaocaidie could no longer sit still.

“Sister Caidie, if possible, please kindly ask the Queen Mother for advice on what I should do next!” Frankly speaking, after experiencing so much, Shui Miao was truly exhausted. She really wanted to completely let go of all these troubles and peacefully cultivate.

“Alright.”

Xiaocaidie nodded. Considering Shui Miao’s case was particularly special, she added, “However, to verify your true identity, I need a drop of your blood. Are you willing?”

“No problem.”

Shui Miao didn’t hesitate at all and immediately gave Xiaocaidie a drop of her blood.

As a disciple of the Yu Nu Sect, Xiaocaidie carried a celestial talisman. With a flicker of her mind, the talisman transported her back to the Yu Nu Sect.

After Xiaocaidie left, the atmosphere at the scene remained very solemn.

Originally, everyone was unaware of Shui Miao’s identity, so they had been chatting happily.

Now that they knew, they couldn’t help but feel fearful.

Just think about it: someone who is a reincarnation of the Demon Lord Heiming from the Immortal Demon Realm, with Wuji Tianzun as his archenemy. Such a person is neither easy to please nor safe to provoke.

“Let’s drink… drink…”

The awkward atmosphere was uncomfortable. Suddenly, Shi Kuiwang broke the silence by raising his wine bowl to toast Shui Miao.

Shui Miao smiled slightly and also raised her bowl.

Baihuxian hurriedly raised her bowl to join in.

Everyone focused solely on drinking, not daring to say an extra word.

Shui Miao sensed their thoughts through her spiritual awareness and therefore didn’t speak much, silently drinking and waiting for Xiaocaidie’s return.

About an hour later, a tall, dark figure suddenly entered the peach garden.

As soon as this figure entered, he shouted roughly, “What’s going on here! Where is everyone?”

Hearing the voice, Baihuxian quickly stood up to greet Shui Miao and went to intercept the big man.

Upon hearing the voice, Shi Kuiwang also hurriedly whispered a greeting to Shui Miao, saying that the Mountain God had just ended his retreat and that it wasn’t suitable for him to be present here, so he needed to avoid being seen. Without waiting for Shui Miao’s response, Shi Kuiwang quickly disappeared.

However, those fox demon sisters were not afraid at all.

Xuehu took the opportunity to approach Shui Miao, her face slightly blushing as she softly said, “Shui Miao, no matter what kind of story you have, I’m willing to always stand by your side!”

“Thank you, Sister Xuehu…”

Shui Miao was deeply grateful for Xuehu’s support.

These fox spirits had cultivation and skills of at least a hundred years, so it was quite reasonable for Shui Miao to address them as elders.

Xuehu gently shook her head and said tenderly, “You can call me Xiaoxue. If you leave, would you be willing to take me with you?”

Hearing this, Shui Miao finally realized the situation — Xuehu had feelings for him!

Seeing Shui Miao stunned, Xuehu quickly explained, “I don’t mean anything else. I just want to follow you. Even if it means going to the Immortal Demon Realm to be a small demon, I’m willing.”

“Xiao… Xiaoxue, I might end up dragging you into danger.”

Shui Miao was deeply moved. This was the first time someone had actively wanted to follow her.

Xuehu shook her head seriously, “I’m not afraid. Rather than staying here aimlessly wasting my days waiting for death, I would rather see the outside world. If I could be as mighty as you were in your past life, I would have no regrets even if I died.”

“…”

Shui Miao was momentarily speechless. She had only wanted to live an ordinary life.

Yet others were risking their lives to follow her!

“Hahaha! So it’s my brother Shui Miao’s great honor to visit. I’m sorry for not welcoming you sooner. Please forgive me, forgive me!”

The Mountain God, accompanied by Baihuxian, laughed heartily as he hurried into the pavilion.

Seeing the Mountain God arrive, Xuehu lowered her head and quickly stepped back.

It was clear that although Xuehu had high status, she was also extremely afraid of the Mountain God and Baihuxian.

She had it tough too! Shui Miao noticed Xuehu’s actions and immediately stood up, smiling apologetically at the Mountain God, “Mountain God, you’re being too polite. I’m just an ordinary person. Coming here today without bringing any gifts, I feel deeply ashamed!”

“Shui Miao, you haven’t been to the Nine Heavens these past few days, have you?” Little Colorful Butterfly paused for a moment before asking in a hushed tone.

These past few days?

Shui Miao’s heart raced as he quickly shook his head. “It’s been over a year since I last visited the Immortal Realm.”

“That can’t be right! When I returned, I heard you were spotted at a minor sect just yesterday. If that’s the case, someone must be trying to frame you!” Little Colorful Butterfly was highly observant. She stared intently at Shui Miao, appearing innocent on the surface while carefully noting his every move.

Shui Miao immediately furrowed his brows, his expression one of utter disbelief. “Someone framing me? Why? In the Nine Heavens, aside from offending the Jade Void Sect, I haven’t crossed anyone else. Could it be… could it be that the Jade Void Sect is deliberately trying to set me up?”

“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll continue to keep an eye out for you, investigate discreetly, and get to the bottom of this to clear your name.” Little Colorful Butterfly nodded at Shui Miao and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, our Jade Maiden Palace is a branch established by the Lady of the Nine Heavens. We operate on strong principles and integrity, unlike those minor sects that act recklessly all the time. But if you’re comfortable sharing, could you tell me how you ended up offending the Jade Void Sect? Of course, if you’d rather not, that’s fine too, hehe…”

“There’s no reason not to share…”

Shui Miao recounted his experience with the Jade Void Sect in detail, holding nothing back.

Compared to the situations Little Colorful Butterfly had mentioned, Shui Miao felt that his encounter with the Jade Void Sect was relatively insignificant.

As Shui Miao shared his story, he mentioned Spirit Commander, which piqued Little Colorful Butterfly’s keen interest.

Little Colorful Butterfly said, “Spirit Commander is indeed a real person. He currently serves as the Demon-Subduing Grand Marshal of the Fifth Heaven, leading hundreds of thousands of immortal soldiers to guard the entrance to the Immortal-Demon Realm. His responsibilities are immense and no small matter. You’re just an ordinary mortal—why would he give you a jade pendant?”

“I don’t know either.” Shui Miao shook his head, bewildered.

Previously, Shui Miao had heard from Ye Xian that he was originally Hei Ming from the Immortal-Demon Realm, a formidable overlord. In his past life, Spirit Commander was merely a child he had taken under his wing. The reason Spirit Commander gave him the jade pendant was to repay a debt of gratitude. In other words, the Spirit Commander now guarding the entrance to the Immortal-Demon Realm was actually one of his former followers.

From this perspective, it seemed highly likely that Spirit Commander was a pawn placed by Hei Ming.

At this thought, Shui Miao felt his mind was struggling to keep up—it was all too unbelievable.

Noticing Shui Miao’s dazed expression, Little Colorful Butterfly subtly sensed his thoughts. Upon learning what was on his mind, she was utterly shocked.

It was hard to believe. If all of this were true, did that mean he was the reincarnation of Demon Venerable Hei Ming?

Little Colorful Butterfly struggled to calm herself, careful not to let it show on her face. She cautiously asked again, “Is the jade pendant still with you?”

Shui Miao shook his head. “At first, it fused with my soul. Later, it was taken by a middle-aged scholar…”

“A middle-aged scholar? Who is he?”

Little Colorful Butterfly found Shui Miao’s experiences increasingly unbelievable.

Shui Miao proceeded to elaborate on how the middle-aged scholar had first manifested as an elderly monk, only to gradually unveil his true essence as the fragmented soul of the Infinite Celestial尊. He recounted the entire tale from start to finish.

The tale was full of twists and turns, bizarre and beyond belief.

Little Colorful Butterfly was stunned into silence.

White Fox Immortal, Stone Demon King, and all the fox spirit sisters were equally dumbfounded.

“This matter actually involves the Infinite Celestial尊? I must go to the Immortal Realm and report this to the Lady of the Nine Heavens, asking her to investigate and get to the bottom of it.” Little Colorful Butterfly could no longer stay seated.

“Sister Colorful Butterfly, if possible, could you also ask the Lady on my behalf what path I should take from here?” Truth be told, after all he had been through, Shui Miao was utterly exhausted. He genuinely wanted to let go of all these troubles and focus on cultivating in peace.

“Of course.” Little Colorful Butterfly nodded. Considering the extraordinary nature of Shui Miao’s situation, she added, “But to verify your true identity, I need a drop of your blood. Are you willing?”

“No problem.”

Shui Miao didn’t hesitate and immediately gave Little Colorful Butterfly a drop of his blood.

As a disciple of the Jade Maiden Palace, Little Colorful Butterfly possessed an immortal token. With a mere thought, the token transported her back to the palace.

After Little Colorful Butterfly left, the atmosphere remained tense.

Initially, everyone had been chatting happily, unaware of Shui Miao’s background.

Now that they knew, they couldn’t help but feel afraid.

Just imagine—a fragment of the soul of Demon Venerable Hei Ming from the Immortal-Demon Realm, with the Infinite Celestial Sovereign as his sworn foe. Such an individual was neither someone to flatter nor someone to provoke.

“Drink, let’s drink…”

The awkward atmosphere was uncomfortable. Stone Demon King suddenly broke the silence, raising his wine bowl to toast Shui Miao.

Shui Miao smiled slightly and raised his bowl as well.

White Fox Immortal hurriedly followed suit.

Everyone focused on drinking, too afraid to say another word.

Sensing their thoughts, Shui Miao remained silent, drinking quietly as he waited for Little Colorful Butterfly to return.

About an hour later, a towering, dark-skinned man burst into the peach garden.

The man roared gruffly, “What’s going on? Where is everyone?”

Hearing the voice, White Fox Immortal quickly stood up, excused herself to Shui Miao, and went to intercept the man.

Stone Demon King, upon hearing the voice, also hurriedly whispered to Shui Miao that the Mountain Deity had emerged from seclusion and it was best for him to avoid being seen. Without waiting for a response, Stone Demon King vanished in a flash.

The fox spirit sisters, however, showed no fear.

Snow Fox took the opportunity to approach Shui Miao, her face slightly flushed, and whispered, “Shui Miao, no matter what stories surround you, I’m willing to always stand by your side!”

“Thank you, Sister Snow Fox…”

Shui Miao was deeply touched by Snow Fox’s support.

These fox spirits had cultivated for at least a hundred years, so it was only natural for Shui Miao to address them as sisters.

Snow Fox, however, shook her head gently. “Call me Little Snow. If you decide to leave, would you be willing to take me with you?”

Hearing this, Shui Miao finally realized—Snow Fox had taken a liking to him!

Seeing Shui Miao stunned, Snow Fox quickly explained, “I don’t mean anything else. I just want to follow you, even if it means becoming a minor demon in the Immortal-Demon Realm. I’m willing.”

“L-Little Snow, I might bring you trouble.”

Shui Miao was deeply moved—this was the first time someone had actively wanted to follow him.

Snow Fox shook her head earnestly. “I’m not afraid. Rather than staying here aimlessly, waiting for death, I’d rather go out and see the world. If I can be as remarkable as your past life, I’d have no regrets even if I died.”

“……”

Shui Miao was speechless. All he wanted was to live as an ordinary person.

Yet others were willing to risk their lives just to be with him!

“Hahaha, so it’s Brother Shui Miao gracing us with your presence! This humble deity failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive me, forgive me!”

The Mountain Deity, accompanied by White Fox Immortal, laughed heartily as he jogged toward the pavilion.

Seeing the Mountain Deity approach, Snow Fox lowered her head and quickly stepped back.

It was clear that although Snow Fox held some status, she was extremely fearful of both the Mountain Deity and White Fox Immortal.

She really had it tough… Noting Snow Fox’s reaction, Shui Miao quickly stood up and smiled apologetically at the Mountain Deity. “Mountain Deity, you’re too kind. I’m just an ordinary mortal. Visiting so abruptly today without bringing any gifts—I’m truly ashamed!”

“What nonsense! Between brothers, who needs gifts? Too vulgar, far too vulgar!” The Mountain Deity took Shui Miao’s hand and sat down, personally pouring him wine before laughing and drinking heartily. With his thick beard, he resembled the fierce Zhang Fei from dramas, and his enthusiasm was almost overwhelming.

Shui Miao glanced at White Fox Immortal, who immediately offered a bright but forced smile.

No wonder people with status had it easier. His past life had been extraordinary, and now he was reaping the benefits in this life. If not for the earlier revelations, White Fox Immortal likely wouldn’t have been so reserved, and the Mountain Deity certainly wouldn’t have been so courteous—he might even have killed Shui Miao as an adulterer without a second thought.

The Mountain Deity focused on drinking, but Shui Miao had other things on his mind.

Suddenly, Shui Miao interrupted, “Mountain Deity, there’s something about my cultivation that has me very confused. As a mountain deity, you must be immensely knowledgeable…”

“Brother, speak plainly. If it’s within my power, I’ll help without hesitation.” The Mountain Deity thumped his chest emphatically, his bold and straightforward nature on full display.

So Shui Miao explained his dilemma: he had reached a bottleneck in his cultivation and had been unable to develop immortal power.

Hearing this, the Mountain Deity’s eyes shifted, and he waved for everyone else to leave, including White Fox Immortal.

Surprised that the Mountain Deity was also keeping his guard up against her, White Fox Immortal had no choice but to leave resentfully.

As soon as the fox spirits were gone, the Mountain Deity placed a hand on Shui Miao’s shoulder and began communicating through mental transmission.

Shui Miao glanced at Baihuxian, who immediately gave a very fake yet bright smile.

No wonder people with status have it easier. My past life was pretty impressive, and this life has benefited greatly from it! If not for the previous conversation, Baihuxian wouldn’t have been so restrained, and the Mountain God wouldn’t have been this courteous. He might have even killed me, suspecting me of being her lover.

The Mountain God continued drinking heartily, while Shui Miao had other thoughts.

Suddenly, Shui Miao interrupted, “Mountain God, I have a question about my cultivation that has been troubling me. Since you’re the Mountain God, you must be knowledgeable…”

“Brother, just speak directly. Whatever I can do, I’ll help you without any hesitation,” the Mountain God thumped his chest resoundingly, his generous nature fully displayed.

So Shui Miao spoke about her cultivation hitting a bottleneck and her inability to cultivate celestial energy.

Upon hearing this, the Mountain God’s eyes flickered. He immediately waved for everyone else to leave, even Baihuxian had to step aside.

Baihuxian was shocked that the Mountain God would even keep her at arm’s length, but she had no choice but to leave, clearly unhappy.

As soon as the fox spirits left, the Mountain God firmly placed his hand on Shui Miao’s shoulder and began transmitting his thoughts directly into her mind.