This warm sensation stirred endless imagination.

Xiaoxiao anticipated that Wei Jie would, as always, intertwine his fingers tightly with hers, then sway their clasped hands while revealing his snow-white canine teeth in a smile as he said, “Just now I was afraid you’d scold me, so I deliberately acted cold to tease you. How was it? Were you frightened…”

But this time, before she could even grip his hand tightly, that powerful arm swept her away with a single motion.

Wei Jie finally turned to face her directly, his tone clear and cold: “Tang Youshu has already informed me of your origins. You’ve shouldered tribulations for me all this way until now, which has been hard work. From now on, there’s no need for you to take my place anymore. Your master will arrange a suitable destination for you…”

Xiaoxiao tightly gripped her empty palm and gave a self-mocking laugh: “Destination? Do you master and disciple think that after using me completely, you can discard me like worn shoes and cast me aside?”

Wei Jie faltered. Just now, when he heard Tang Youshu recount everything and learned that all of this was originally part of his past life’s schemes, the first thought that flashed through his mind was: How could they use and deceive Xiaoxiao like this?

Of course, such absurd and unbearable thoughts passed in a flash. Wei Jie truly felt that his former self, who had his heartstrings pulled by a mere young woman, was utterly useless.

Those who accomplish great deeds should not be constrained by trivial matters. To indulge completely in romantic feelings would indeed make one short-sighted, obsessing over petty trifles.

No wonder even Tang Youshu couldn’t stand it and found ways to sever his emotional ties.

However, Wei Jie was clear that he ultimately owed this woman much. Looking at Xiaoxiao’s moist eyes that seemed swollen from crying, he remained silent for a long while before saying: “You should understand in your heart that I am your grand-master! How should I treat you? Should I hold you like coaxing a child every day? Since you’ve chosen the path of cultivation, you should be clear about your ultimate purpose! If you want to engage in romance, you might as well split off and establish your own Hehuan Sect to indulge your whims! Don’t stay at Ghost Stone Cliff seeking fish from a tree, wasting time in vain! But if you’re determined to become an immortal through cultivation, then cultivate properly under my tutelage. Your master, Tang Youshu, will naturally help you ascend and attain enlightenment soon!”

The first half of these words sounded like what Xiaoxiao would say when scolding Wei Jie in anger. But what was the second half about? Was it some kind of reward for her?

Thinking about it this way, Wei Jie had truly been good-tempered before, able to continue coaxing her as if nothing had happened after hearing such dismissive words.

Xiaoxiao knew there was karmic retribution in the world, but she hadn’t expected it to manifest so quickly between him and her.

Wei Jie hadn’t lost his memory—he clearly remembered everything about their past together.

But now his heart seemed filled only with various dissatisfactions toward Xiaoxiao, with not a trace of romantic affection left.

Tang Youshu also offered gentle consolation from the side: “Xiaoxiao, why must you persist… Master’s destiny contains no romantic fate to begin with. You should listen to him and work hard to cultivate your immortal destiny…”

Xiaoxiao gave a self-mocking laugh. What a fine “his destiny contains no romantic fate”!

So she, a person born in the wrong era, had become someone who shouldn’t exist before Wei Jie’s eyes?

Unfortunately, she would have to disappoint this pair of deceitful master and disciple’s high expectations!

Cui Xiaoxiao considered herself an ordinary mortal. Regarding matters like ascending to immortality and seeking the Dao, she only worked hard so as not to disappoint her benefactor, Tang Youshu, in her cultivation.

If left to her true nature, rather than existing alongside heaven and earth, she’d prefer to live carefree and happy in the mortal world like an immortal.

This master-disciple pair of Wei Jie and Tang Youshu had already used her thoroughly, and Wei Jie’s cheap compensation to her was to cultivate under his tutelage.

If she agreed to this, Xiaoxiao would look down on herself. They could find another fool to deceive with such handouts fit for beggars.

Life was short—why should she torture herself by looking at his cold face day after day?

If it truly came to that, it would be better to part ways among green mountains and clear waters, never to meet again.

But before leaving, she still had a few words to say to someone from the past she couldn’t let go of.

Thinking this, Xiaoxiao reached out to touch Wei Jie’s cheek. Wei Jie squinted with disgust and immediately raised his hand to swat hers away.

But Xiaoxiao glared at him with eyes even colder than his, saying icily: “The tribulations I’ve shouldered for you are enough for you to cycle through life and death several times. Before you ascend to immortality and bring glory to your ancestors, I am your reborn parents! If you have even an ounce of conscience, endure it now! I just want to bid farewell to the Wei Jie of the past—it has nothing to do with you, this Demon Lord. Keep your mouth shut and don’t interfere!”

This openly domineering embrace of a man while acting completely justified—such a bandit-like feminine aura could indeed intimidate gods and demons!

Wei Jie was momentarily confused by her reasoning, only glaring with eyes full of cold energy while allowing the petite girl before him to gently caress his cheek.

Seeing he wasn’t dodging, Xiaoxiao finally contentedly pressed her cheek gently against his chest.

This embrace still held the familiar scent, but the steady heartbeat she felt through his clothes no longer danced along with her…

If she had known this embrace would become a luxury, Xiaoxiao should never have pushed away that man who flashed his canine teeth at her with unrestrained, hearty laughter time and again…

Thinking this, she ignored Wei Jie’s resistance and tightly embraced the man’s rigid waist.

Burying her face in his chest and closing her eyes, Xiaoxiao said softly: “Jie’er, I’m leaving. Though I knew there would be a day when we’d part, I didn’t expect it to come so quickly… I wasn’t a good master—I always scolded you and never taught you any real skills. I hope when you occasionally think of me in the future, you’ll remember my good points. After all, we shared a master-disciple bond, didn’t we? After you recover your divine status, your temper will probably be much more insufferable than before. But whether as a person or an immortal, one needs friends. If all emotional ties are severed, what’s the point of becoming an immortal? In the future, leave yourself and others a way out in all matters—don’t make your path too narrow. Though you had many disciples before, the truly useful one is only Tang… Young Master. Treat him well, don’t constantly raise your hand to discipline him. Even the best disciple, if beaten and scolded too much, will become a rebellious traitor like Qin Lingxiao… Alright, I won’t say more. You and I part ways here. May… for the rest of our lives, we never meet again!”

While speaking these words, though Xiaoxiao’s face bore a smile, her voice was slightly choked with emotion. Tears fell like broken pearls down her cheeks, moistening the front of Wei Jie’s robes.

The dampened area felt like scalding water, burning Wei Jie’s chest with sudden, unbearable pain!

Just as Wei Jie could no longer endure it and was about to forcefully push away the girl clinging to him like adhesive plaster, Xiaoxiao suddenly released her hands first. Swinging her long ponytail and raising her arms high, she waved toward her back and strode down the mountain with large steps, never looking back.

She left very gracefully, taking only her usual traveling bundle and not even bringing the Heaven’s Punishment Sword.

It seemed she had completely thought things through and wanted to sever all ties with Wei Jie.

Tang Youshu had just heard Xiaoxiao’s words, especially her advice for Wei Jie not to casually beat and scold his disciples, which made his heart feel uncomfortable too.

Xiaoxiao must have seen his swollen cheek when he came out of the study and guessed that Demon Lord Wei Jie had thrown a tantrum, which was why she gave Wei Jie that warning.

Although this girl came from a background of street swindlers and could lie without blushing or her heart racing, she possessed a magnanimous heart, rare among worldly people.

At this moment, Tang Youshu felt ashamed and inferior, believing that Xiaoxiao’s broad-mindedness was truly the bearing of a great master…

Yu Ling’er watched Xiaoxiao bid farewell to Wei Jie through tears.

Though she didn’t understand the inside story, she could roughly see that Tang Youshu and Wei Jie had joined forces to bully Xiaoxiao, actually coaxing and driving the master of this mountain away from Lingshan!

Yu Ling’er knew best that it had always been Wei Jie, that lustful man, who had been pursuing Xiaoxiao.

Now that Wei Jie had successfully wooed Xiaoxiao, he was using some bullshit excuse about cultivation requiring detachment from emotions to dump her?

Bullshit! When had their Hehuan Sect ever been so particular about such things?

Thinking of how Xiaoxiao had left without even taking her sword, going down the mountain alone, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help but worry. She tugged at Tang Youshu’s sleeve: “Why don’t you stop Xiaoxiao and persuade Wei Jie again! It’s just a quarrel and disagreement—must the two of them separate?”

Tang Youshu looked at Ling’er with mixed feelings and said quietly: “They were never meant to be together. Xiaoxiao’s leaving is good for everyone.”

Hearing this, Yu Ling’er’s face flushed red with anger. She could only threaten Tang Youshu: “If… if you don’t go stop Xiaoxiao, then I’m leaving too!”

Ling’er was accustomed to Tang Youshu’s usual compliance with all her wishes.

Tang Youshu had always been gentle and accommodating, reluctant to make her angry!

She thought that using such a trump card would surely make Tang Youshu rush to stop Xiaoxiao.

Unexpectedly, this damned scholar pondered and nodded, fumbling in his chest before pulling out a money pouch and placing it in Yu Ling’er’s hands.

Yu Ling’er was somewhat dumbfounded and couldn’t help asking what this was for.

Tang Youshu replied matter-of-factly: “If you go down the mountain, you’ll surely need money for many things. This pouch contains silver coins and banknotes. Spend them sparingly, be careful, and bargain more with people—it should last you for a while.”

Yu Ling’er’s fox eyes nearly popped out. She had only been using herself and the fox clan to frighten Tang Youshu.

She hadn’t expected that the usually soft scholar would be so bold today, unhesitatingly producing a money pouch to send her away!

Immediately, the fox’s sharp cries echoed through the mountain ravine: “Tang Youshu! How dare you treat me like this! Is it because I took the initiative to kiss you in the woods the other day that you now look down on me?”

The fox clan members hiding in the nearby woods all pricked up their fox ears upon hearing this—oh my, their fox princess had truly grown up and could already use seduction techniques! They had never known about such precious growth moments before!

Though Tang Youshu possessed the wisdom of two hundred years, facing such an unpredictable, unrestrained little fox woman also gave him a headache.

In his urgency, he hastily removed even his jade pendant to give to Yu Ling’er. Rubbing his temples and looking at the crying Yu Ling’er with mixed emotions, he finally only sighed quietly: “Your eye for picking men is poor. In the future, choose someone more honest…”

Only he knew that Yu Ling’er truly had poor judgment in choosing men.

Whether it was her past life’s infatuation with the heartless Wei Jie or this life’s fondness for Qin Lingxiao and himself, none were good matches.

His and his master’s future fates were uncertain. If Yu Ling’er remained at Ghost Stone Cliff, he feared she would repeat her past life’s tragic death. So Yu Ling’er leaving now wasn’t actually bad.

But to Yu Ling’er, it sounded like Tang Youshu was truly driving her away!

She had thought Tang Youshu was different from other heartless men, but he turned out to be another bastard who aided tyranny and bullied women!

Now Yu Ling’er didn’t even need to feel sad for Cui Xiaoxiao—she was completely heartbroken herself, crying so hard she couldn’t maintain human form. Swishing her snow-white long tail, she also ran down the mountain.

As for Xiaoxiao, shortly after descending the mountain, she saw groups of foxes appearing behind her.

Leading them was the teary-eyed Yu Ling’er.

The last time Xiaoxiao had seen her this heartbroken was during the old Fox King’s recent passing. But Tang Youshu had been there to comfort her then, so Yu Ling’er hadn’t had time to cry with her.

When Yu Ling’er transformed into human form and chokingly recounted how Tang Youshu had given her money to drive her away, Xiaoxiao sighed deeply.

Even if Tang Youshu hadn’t driven Yu Ling’er away, the two of them probably wouldn’t have had a good ending anyway.

If humans and demons were separated by mountains, then immortals and demons were separated by an unbridgeable chasm.

Looking at Tang Youshu’s two hundred years of cultivation foundation, plus having the Demon Pearl, after returning two hundred years to the past to help his master regain immortal status, he would probably achieve enlightenment too.

With that master-disciple pair both single-mindedly pursuing immortality, how could they keep romantic feelings in their hearts? Demons like Yu Ling’er were even more easily discarded!

However, Yu Ling’er had fallen out with Tang Youshu for her sake, which moved Xiaoxiao greatly as she patted the little fox ears poking out of her head.

She had thought Yu Ling’er always put men first, but unexpectedly, at the crucial moment, the little fox had placed their friendship in the first position!

How could such deep sisterly affection not move Xiaoxiao?

Hearing Xiaoxiao’s praise, Yu Ling’er drooped her ears, looking very dejected as she admitted she had messed things up.

She now really wanted to shamelessly return to the mountain and make up with Tang Youshu.

Yu Ling’er even asked if Xiaoxiao wanted to be shameless together and return as companions.

Cui Xiaoxiao helplessly rolled her eyes, stood up, patted the dust off herself, and continued walking forward without looking back.

Yu Ling’er hurried to catch up and asked: “Xiaoxiao, where are you going? That Lingshan was your sect—are you just going to let Wei Jie have it for nothing?”

Xiaoxiao waved her small bundle carelessly: “It’s not really for nothing, just returning things to their rightful owner… I don’t have anywhere particular to go, but I thought I’d first return to Luoyi City to eat some good food. I left too hastily last time and have too many lingering regrets. How about it? Will you treat me? Once we spend all the money, you’ll have a good excuse to go back and ask Young Master Tang for more, right?”

She was just teasing, but Yu Ling’er’s eyes lit up, thinking this made perfect sense. So she eagerly pulled Xiaoxiao toward Luoyi City.

Since Cui Xiaoxiao had crossed over two hundred years ago, she had spent almost all her time in layers of crises, sometimes traveling day and night.

Now, having cast off all her disciples and grand-disciples, she felt light and free. Walking and playing with Yu Ling’er along the way, she felt like she was enjoying a rare moment of leisure in life.

As for the other fox clan members, they transformed into their original forms and protected the two girls from the dark depths of the dense forest.

So suddenly leaving Lingshan didn’t seem so bad after all.

But while traveling was fine, when one was idle, one inevitably thought about random things.

For instance, today, when Xiaoxiao wanted to wash and change clothes, she opened her travel bundle only to find the hairpin Wei Jie had bought for her nestled among the clothes.

Xiaoxiao treasured the expensive hairpin and usually couldn’t bear to wear it, so she kept it wrapped in her bundle.

Now, seeing the hairpin accidentally fall onto the grass, she felt momentarily dazed with a sense that things remained but people had changed.

Besides the hairpin, more than half the clothes in her bundle were also ones Wei Jie had originally bought for her…

Back then, he had watched her spin in her beautiful dress with a smile full of joy, saying he would buy her even more beautiful clothes in the future, since the future Sect Leader of Hehuan Sect needed to dress charmingly…

Remembering those honey-sweet memories, Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but giggle.

But her laughter, like spring flowers hanging on branches, was dampened by tears on her cheeks before it could fully bloom.

Yu Ling’er came bouncing back with many wild fruits, but seeing Xiaoxiao secretly crying, she involuntarily slowed her steps and sat beside her.

Looking at the hairpin in Xiaoxiao’s hands, she suddenly understood: “Xiaoxiao, you’re thinking of Wei Jie again, aren’t you? Why don’t we stop being stubborn and go back!”

Xiaoxiao shook her head, putting the hairpin back in her bundle and taking a deep breath.

How could she explain to Yu Ling’er that the Wei Jie she missed had already disappeared the moment the Ghost God Stone possessed him?

If she returned, she would be just as detestable as Qin Lingxiao—both were sinners obstructing the divine destiny.

Fortunately, there was nothing that good wine and delicious food couldn’t cure.

When the two gluttonous girls returned to Luoyi City for the third time, seeing the street full of delicious food immediately livened them up.

With the money Tang Youshu had given them, the two girls ate while buying takeout, soon carrying several oil-paper packages.

By now, it was nighttime. Yu Ling’er didn’t want to sleep in the wilderness again, so they simply booked rooms at the same inn where they had stayed before.

Yu Ling’er originally wanted to share a room with Xiaoxiao, since she didn’t need a bed when sleeping—just curling up on a cushion would do.

But Xiaoxiao firmly refused, so they had to book two rooms. The room Xiaoxiao stayed in happened to be the same one she had used before.

When the clear moonlight streamed through the window, Xiaoxiao lay on the comfortable bed but still couldn’t sleep. She simply grabbed a string of small wine jars, wine cups, and several packages of preserved meat, then climbed onto the roof.

The moonlight was at its most intense now—the perfect time for drinking under the moon.

After taking two sips, Xiaoxiao seemed to hear a man’s voice with laughter, saying lowly: “The moonlight is beautiful—perfect for admiring beauties under the moon. It would not disappoint this fine evening!”

The moonlight and wine were just right, but there were no more beauties to admire under the moon. Only she alone, drinking with her shadow, sipping memories that were beautiful yet tinged with bitterness…

Just as she was about to drain another cup, a large hand gripped her wrist.

Xiaoxiao’s heart tightened. She looked up sharply to see a tall man in white standing behind her. Half-drunk, she couldn’t help complaining: “Why did you only come now? I’ve been waiting for you so long!”

The newcomer was bewitched by Xiaoxiao’s charmingly innocent smile and said in a low voice: “You… have been waiting for me?”

Xiaoxiao had wanted to say, yes, waiting to admire you, this absolutely beautiful person, under the moon.

But the man’s voice was completely different from the playfully irreverent tone in her memory.

She moved the wine cup away and squinted to look carefully, only to discover that the person standing before her was… Qin Lingxiao!

Looking at him now with that coldly arrogant demeanor, she seemed to see his equally bastard master through Young Sect Leader Qin!

Upon recognizing Qin Lingxiao, Xiaoxiao immediately withdrew the hand he was holding, swaying as she stood and stepped back: “Why are you here too?”

Qin Lingxiao had originally been dazzled by Xiaoxiao’s smile, but seeing her guarded expression and backward step, his voice turned cold: “What else? Who did you think it would be?”

Xiaoxiao was questioned by Qin Lingxiao and gave a self-mocking laugh.

Yes, did she think that person would drink with her under this enchanting moonlight again?

Thinking this, she extended the wine jug toward Qin Lingxiao: “Since you’re here, have a drink!”

This unpretentious, straightforward manner of the martial world was something Qin Lingxiao had never seen in other female cultivators.

She never seemed to take the grudges and romantic entanglements that many people valued seriously. That inexplicably carefree temperament unconsciously attracted people.

Earlier, seeing her lonely figure drinking alone, Qin Lingxiao had felt uncomfortable. Now, receiving Xiaoxiao’s invitation, he felt somewhat flattered and sat beside her, accepting the wine jug.

But just as he was about to speak, Xiaoxiao ruthlessly cut him off: “Shut up, don’t say anything, don’t ask anything. I just want someone to drink with me right now!”

Hearing this, Qin Lingxiao’s face turned ashen with anger. How could the former pride of the world’s number one sword sect tolerate being treated by a mere girl as a drinking companion?

But seeing the dried tear tracks at the corners of Xiaoxiao’s eyes, he ultimately endured it and silently poured wine for her from the side.

Actually, after being coaxed away from the mountain that day, he hadn’t gone far. When Xiaoxiao and Yu Ling’er descended the mountain, he followed behind them.

Qin Lingxiao had never neglected his cultivation during this time.

With Wei Jie and Cui Xiaoxiao as foils, Young Sect Leader Qin’s sense of crisis had always been intense. Under such arduous training, his lightness skill had also improved remarkably.

After all, he was also Wei Jie’s disciple, so when he stayed close to Xiaoxiao and the others, he concealed his aura so well that they didn’t notice him.

He had also heard Xiaoxiao and Yu Ling’er’s tearful complaints.

Though he didn’t understand the reason for Wei Jie’s sudden change of attitude, it was a fact that Xiaoxiao had fallen out with Wei Jie and been driven from the mountain.

Upon hearing this, Qin Lingxiao’s heart leaped with joy: If Xiaoxiao recognized Wei Jie’s vicious and cold true nature and was no longer bewitched by him, that would naturally be best!

So when Xiaoxiao arrived in Luoyi, Qin Lingxiao followed and revealed himself to drink with her.

Xiaoxiao was drinking Wei Jie’s favorite Luoyi vintage—sweet and mellow with a powerful aftertaste.

Before Qin Lingxiao arrived, she had already drunk two small jars. After Qin Lingxiao accompanied her for another jar, the alcohol’s effects surged up. Xiaoxiao’s eyes could barely stay open.

She rested her head softly on her knees and said drowsily, “Hey, I can’t walk anymore. Help me back to my room!”