The city of Yong Xue was immersed in an extremely eerie and oppressive atmosphere due to the suspected presence of a demon spy. Everyone believed that the spy must be among the Five Elders of the Immortal Alliance and the five sect leaders, excluding Xie Xuechen himself, leaving only nine suspects. Each person had their suspicions, but as they were all highly respected figures, no one dared voice their doubts.
After dinner, Fu Yuanting, the Palace Master of Bixiao Palace, and He Xianwo, the Island Master of Lingsi Island, were engaged in casual conversation. Fu Yuanting seemingly offhandedly brought up the confrontation in the Hall of Righteousness: “It seems that the Valley Master of Jinghua Valley made the first move, instigating the dispute. Could it be that she was deliberately probing the Sect Leader’s injuries?”
He Xianwo, holding his ever-present wine gourd, glanced at Fu Yuanting with a half-smile and said, “What makes Palace Master Fu think so? Su Ningzhen’s actions could be attributed to my provocative words. Why don’t you suspect me instead?”
Fu Yuanting laughed awkwardly and said, “Island Master He has always been aloof from worldly affairs, and Lingsi Island is far overseas with little involvement with the demon race. It’s unlikely that you would be the spy.”
“Hahahahaha…” He Xianwo laughed heartily, “Su Ningzhen probably doesn’t see it that way. She thinks Lingsi Island’s association with the monster race makes us the most suspicious. On the contrary, Jinghua Valley harbors a deep hatred for demons and monsters, making it unlikely for them to collude. Therefore, I’m quite surprised that Palace Master Fu would suspect her.”
“It’s said that Island Master He and Valley Master Su are like fire and water, but it seems the rumors are untrue,” a slightly sharp female voice came from outside. Fu Yuanting immediately stood up with a smile and said warmly, “Madam, what brings you here?”
The newcomer was a stunningly beautiful female cultivator in an extravagant long dress, adorned with pearls and precious stones. Her expression was undeniably arrogant, and despite her beauty, she was intimidating to look at directly. Even Fu Yuanting showed her considerable deference.
He Xianwo was well aware of Duan Xiaorong’s domineering reputation, finding her voice grating. While Fu Yuanting feared her, He Xianwo did not. He lazily tilted his head back for a sip of wine, not even bothering to lift his eyelids, and said with a faint smile, “I judge based on actions, not individuals. Given Su Ningzhen’s personality and intelligence, she’s unlikely to collude with the demon race.”
Duan Xiaorong, who particularly disliked He Xianwo’s dismissive attitude, looked down at him with a hint of coldness in her beautiful eyes and said icily, “Island Master He is exceptionally wise. Surely you must have someone in mind.”
He Xianwo replied nonchalantly, “I wouldn’t dare claim to be wise. I’m merely an overseas rogue cultivator who happened to join the Immortal Alliance. My understanding of the Alliance members isn’t as deep as Palace Master Fu’s and Elder Duan’s foresight. Such important matters are best left to you.”
Slightly tipsy, He Xianwo stood up unsteadily, casually cupped his hands towards the two, and staggered out.
Duan Xiaorong glared at He Xianwo’s retreating figure with a gloomy expression. Once He Xianwo’s presence was far gone, she turned to Fu Yuanting and said, “That man is truly detestable.”
In the entire Immortal Alliance, only Xie Xuechen and Venerable Fajian could earn his respect. Everyone else was as insignificant as grass in his eyes.
“I tried to probe him earlier, but I didn’t expect him to trust Su Ningzhen so much,” Fu Yuanting said, somewhat surprised.
“If he had taken the bait and implicated Su Ningzhen, the possibility of him being the spy would have increased,” Duan Xiaorong said. Among everyone, she suspected He Xianwo the most, but she couldn’t directly ask if he was the spy. Instead, she had hoped to test him by suggesting a joint effort to frame someone else, but He Xianwo didn’t take the bait at all.
Did he see through her plan, or was he truly innocent?
Mu Xuanling watched Fu Yuanting and Duan Xiaorong walk by from a distance and turned to Nan Xiyue, saying, “It’s hard to believe that the esteemed Palace Master of Bixiao Palace is so henpecked. I heard he only has one son.”
This was not just rare in the cultivation world; it was practically unheard of. Given the longevity of Fashen realm cultivators, having ten or more children over several hundred years was normal. Xie Xuechen, for instance, was the eighteenth child in his family. Nan Xiyue was also said to have numerous siblings.
Nan Xiyue lightly waved his fan and smiled, “Fu Yuanting only has one son, but Duan Xiaorong has three. Fu Yuanting is Duan Xiaorong’s second Dao partner.”
“Duan Xiaorong is over a hundred years older than Fu Yuanting. She had a Dao partner when she was in the Golden Core realm and bore two children, though their aptitudes were poor. Later, her Dao partner died at the hands of the demon race. After she reached the Fashen realm, she succeeded as the Palace Master of Bixiao Palace. At that time, Fu Yuanting was one of the disciples of Bixiao Palace,” Nan Xiyue explained.
Sang Qi wouldn’t have shared such gossip with Mu Xuanling, who was hearing these details from Nan Xiyue for the first time and listened with great interest.
“Then this Fu Yuanting must address Duan Xiaorong as Master, right?”
Nan Xiyue shook his head and said, “Fu Yuanting has another master, but Duan Xiaorong did indeed guide his cultivation. Fu Yuanting is handsome and talented. With Duan Xiaorong’s help, he advanced to the Fashen realm. A few years later, they became Dao partners, and Duan Xiaorong passed the position of Bixiao Palace Master to him. Although both are in the Fashen realm, Duan Xiaorong’s cultivation is much stronger than Fu Yuanting’s, earning her a place among the Five Elders of the Immortal Alliance.”
Mu Xuanling nodded in understanding, “No wonder Fu Yuanting is so respectful to Duan Xiaorong. I wonder about their son’s aptitude?”
Generally, when both parents are in the Fashen realm, their offspring’s aptitude is at least above average. However, upon hearing Mu Xuanling’s question, Nan Xiyue’s expression became somewhat odd, as if he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Him? Well… it’s hard to say,” Nan Xiyue chuckled and sighed. “Though he does hold a title of ‘number one in the world.'”
Mu Xuanling asked curiously, “Number one in what?”
Before Nan Xiyue could answer, they heard a joyful call from afar: “Nan Xiyue!”
Mu Xuanling looked in the direction of the voice and saw a figure adorned with pearls and precious stones flying towards them. In an instant, the figure arrived before them. Mu Xuanling was slightly dazed, the intense glow of spiritual artifacts making it difficult to see the newcomer’s face. A unique fragrance wafted over.
“Nan Xiyue, I just heard you were in Yong Xue City. Why didn’t you come find me? Were you afraid I’d steal your thunder? This Yong Xue City is dull, with white snow everywhere, the place is poor, and I haven’t seen a single beauty. The most beautiful one is even missing… Oh, who’s this unfamiliar beauty beside you?”
The newcomer rambled on before noticing Mu Xuanling sitting next to Nan Xiyue, his gaze suddenly becoming fixed.
“Lingling, this is the son of the Palace Master of Bixiao Palace, Fu Lansheng,” Nan Xiyue introduced them. “This is my distant cousin, Lingling.”
Mu Xuanling finally got a clear look at Fu Lansheng’s appearance. He looked… nothing like a cultivator. He appeared to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face, red lips, white teeth, and bright, spirited eyes that looked at people with tender affection—the very picture of a romantic young noble. But what truly caught the eye wasn’t his looks, but his attire. From head to toe, he was adorned with Heaven-grade artifacts and rare treasures, their spiritual energy emitting a faint glow that enveloped him. Anyone seeing such a person on the street would likely want to rob him, but would only dare to think about it—someone dressed like this must either be extremely capable themselves or have an extremely powerful backer.
The reason Mu Xuanling felt he didn’t look like a cultivator was that all cultivators typically had an otherworldly air about them, especially someone like Xie Xuechen, who was cold and detached, almost godlike. But this young man was dashing and flamboyant, covered in pearls and precious stones, looking more like a pampered young master who knew nothing of the world’s hardships.
While Mu Xuanling was observing Fu Lansheng, Fu Lansheng was also looking at her. He blurted out, “I thought there was a high-level cultivator here just now.”
With one sentence, he lost Mu Xuanling’s good impression.
“But you’re even more beautiful than a high-level cultivator by seven parts!”
With another sentence, he regained Mu Xuanling’s good impression.
“Is this Young Master Fu also a cultivator?” Mu Xuanling asked with a smile.
Fu Lansheng quickly answered, “Yes, I’m at the Golden Core realm. Miss Lingling, if you ever encounter any trouble, feel free to ask for my help. Nan Xiyue and I are sworn brothers, so his cousin is my cousin too.”
Not content with just words, Fu Lansheng reached into his storage bag and pulled out a handful of items, selecting a few Heaven-grade artifacts and offering them to Mu Xuanling: “Since it’s our first meeting, I didn’t prepare any gifts. These are some artifacts I collected recently, all suitable for women. See if you like any of them.”
Mu Xuanling looked at the dazzling artifacts before her in astonishment, not quite understanding this young Palace Master’s approach. Weren’t Heaven-grade artifacts highly sought after by cultivators? How could he just casually take out a bunch to give away?
Nan Xiyue smiled and said, “Bixiao Palace is the wealthiest in the world, and this Young Master Fu is the richest person in the world. These are nothing to him. Since he wants to give them to you, you might as well accept.”
While Mu Xuanling was still hesitating, her storage bag moved slightly, and a fluffy head peeked out. A small figure darted out and landed in Fu Lansheng’s palm. After sniffing the artifacts, A Bao looked up, its round black eyes blinked twice, filling with tears, and called out to the dumbfounded Fu Lansheng: “Father!”
Mu Xuanling quickly grabbed A Bao and stuffed it into her sleeve, laughing awkwardly, “This is my spirit beast.”
Fu Lansheng looked at Mu Xuanling’s bulging sleeve thoughtfully and asked, “What kind of spirit beast calls out ‘Father’?”
Mu Xuanling hadn’t dared to grip too tightly, fearing she might hurt A Bao, but unexpectedly, A Bao slipped out of her grasp again. It scampered about nimbly and finally perched on Fu Lansheng’s shoulder, looking at him with teary eyes and asking in a childish voice, “Are you my father?”
This time, there was no way to cover it up…
Mu Xuanling laughed sheepishly, “Its father is lost…”
Fu Lansheng and A Bao stared at each other, nose to nose and eye to eye, for a moment before he said, “I think… the fact that I’m human should be quite obvious, right?”
Though he was a flirt, even if he had a child, it should be human.
A Bao said seriously, “My mother said that father is the richest cultivator in the world.”
Mu Xuanling suddenly remembered Nan Xiyue’s unfinished sentence earlier. Fu Lansheng’s “number one in the world” title was truly for being the richest…
Fu Lansheng replied just as seriously, “My money comes from my father and mother. So, the richest cultivator in the world should be my father.”
A Bao nodded in sudden realization, then tilted its head and called out earnestly, “Brother?”
Mu Xuanling, with a darkened face, once again grabbed A Bao and pulled it back.
How embarrassing…
This child has gone mad!
“Hahaha!” Fu Lansheng burst into laughter, thoroughly amused. He bent over, unable to contain his mirth. “Many have called me brother, but yours is the most endearing. Come, let brother give you some welcome gifts!”
As he spoke, he pulled out a few more magical treasures.
Mu Xuanling laughed awkwardly, trying to stuff A Bao back into her storage bag.
“I apologize for amusing the Young Palace Master. My spirit beast is young and doesn’t know any better. Please don’t take offense.”
“No offense taken at all. This little one is truly interesting. What’s its father’s name? I’ll help inquire about him when I return to the palace,” Fu Lansheng said with a smile.
“It’s called A Bao, and I heard its father’s name is Fu Cangli,” Mu Xuanling said.
Fu Lansheng stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Fu Cangli… That name does sound like someone from our Fu family, but it could also be an alias. In any case, I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Nan Xiyue made an excuse to catch up with Fu Lansheng and led him away. Only then did Mu Xuanling tap her storage bag and scold A Bao, “Don’t run out like that again. There are too many powerful cultivators here. It would be terrible if you were discovered. Moreover, Gao Qiumin who caught you before is also here. If she sees you, my identity will be exposed.”
A Bao hid in the storage bag, listening to the reprimand. It nodded shamefully, clasping its paws to its chest in a penitent gesture. “A Bao knows it was wrong.”
The moment Gao Qiumin saw Mu Xuanling, a strong sense of unease welled up in her heart. But she quickly reassured herself that this was just a mortal. In the eyes of cultivators, mortals lived no more than eighty years, no different from ants. No matter how beautiful she was, her beauty would fade quickly, turning to dust in the blink of an eye. She couldn’t possibly compare to herself.
But she couldn’t comfort herself.
Gao Qiumin coldly watched Mu Xuanling’s figure in the pavilion. Even from several zhang away, she could see the other’s flawless, delicate features. Those peach blossom eyes seemed to contain shattered stars, shimmering with tender affection. Her lips, naturally red and full, were alluring and inviting. Though her appearance was nearly bewitchingly charming, she put on an act of innocence and vulnerability, fooling those men but not her.
Gao Qiumin recalled Mu Xuanling’s sarcastic remarks at Chuixue Tower last night, and her anger began to burn uncontrollably.
Gao Qiumin slowly walked towards the pavilion. Hearing footsteps approaching, Mu Xuanling turned her head and smiled brightly. “Elder Sister Gao, what a coincidence to meet you here.”
Gao Qiumin remained cold as ice, her gaze sweeping the surroundings before finally settling on Mu Xuanling.
“I sensed a flash of demonic aura here earlier, so I came to investigate,” Gao Qiumin stared intently at Mu Xuanling. “You’ve been here the whole time. Did you notice anything unusual?”
Mu Xuanling tilted her head, feigning confusion. “What demonic aura? I can’t sense anything.”
“You’re a mortal, of course, you can’t perceive it,” Gao Qiumin’s eyes flickered with arrogance.
“But the other venerable cultivators didn’t notice anything either. If there was something, wouldn’t they have come to check too?” Mu Xuanling asked, puzzled.
Gao Qiumin hesitated briefly before replying, “That trace of demonic aura was extremely faint and fleeting. The venerable cultivators have other important matters; they likely wouldn’t pay attention to such minute details.”
“It seems Elder Sister Gao is more attentive than the venerable cultivators,” Mu Xuanling said with a half-smile. She glanced lightly at Gao Qiumin before rising from the stone bench. “But with my mortal eyes, I didn’t see anything unusual. Why don’t you come and take a closer look yourself, Elder Sister Gao?”
As Mu Xuanling spoke, she moved to pass by Gao Qiumin. However, Gao Qiumin suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.
“Wait, you can’t leave,” Gao Qiumin turned her face, scrutinizing Mu Xuanling. “You didn’t see anything unusual, but perhaps the anomaly is on you?”
Mu Xuanling’s brow furrowed slightly, and she said in a weak, aggrieved tone, “Elder Sister Gao, you’re hurting me.”
Gao Qiumin didn’t let go. The more Mu Xuanling acted this way, the more suspicious she became. Now that they were so close, she indeed couldn’t sense any demonic or monstrous aura from her, but she didn’t want to let her off easily.
“Let me check your storage bag,” Gao Qiumin said. “I’m doing this for your good. If there’s a demon hiding from you, it could harm you.”
Mu Xuanling lowered her gaze, remaining silent for a long while before raising her tear-filled eyes, seemingly on the verge of crying. “Elder Sister Gao, I know you dislike me.”
“What?” Gao Qiumin was taken aback.
“I know you like Sect Leader Xie and want to get close to him. Yesterday, I got in your way, and I’m truly sorry,” Mu Xuanling sighed softly.
Gao Qiumin’s face hardened as she said coldly, “What are you trying to say?”
Mu Xuanling said, “You just don’t like me and are looking for an excuse to embarrass me. A young woman’s storage bag contains private items. How can I let just anyone look?”
“What nonsense are you spouting!” Gao Qiumin did indeed have intentions to target Mu Xuanling, but she didn’t expect Mu Xuanling to confront her directly. This made her even more angry and embarrassed. “You’re being so secretive. Is there something you can’t reveal in your storage bag?”
Mu Xuanling said, “There are so many venerable cultivators in Yong Xue City, yet only you claim there’s a demonic aura here. You immediately want to search for me. Isn’t this just you seeking personal revenge?”
Gao Qiumin angrily retorted, “What personal grudge do I have against you?”
Mu Xuanling’s eyes flickered slightly as she said, “You’re jealous that Sect Leader Xie is close to me.”
“You…!”
Mu Xuanling smiled lightly, “But I can’t help it. Sect Leader Xie doesn’t like you. Even if you killed me, you still wouldn’t win his heart.”
Gao Qiumin’s anger surged, and she momentarily lost control, pushing Mu Xuanling away. “You’re talking nonsense!”
Mu Xuanling stumbled back a step from Gao Qiumin’s push, missing her footing on the stairs. She fell out of the pavilion onto the hard ground, letting out a cry of pain.
“Ah!” Mu Xuanling looked up with teary eyes, gazing at Gao Qiumin reproachfully. “Elder Sister Gao, why are you treating me like this?”
“I…” Gao Qiumin’s eyes widened. She hadn’t used much force at all and couldn’t understand how the other had fallen so far.
Suddenly, a tall figure appeared beside Mu Xuanling. His imposing presence carried an intense pressure that instilled fear, making it difficult to look at him directly.
“Sect Leader Xie…” Gao Qiumin murmured, but the newcomer didn’t look at her. His gaze fell on Mu Xuanling as he knelt beside her, gently picking up the hood that had fallen from her shoulders and placing it back to shield her from the scorching midday sun.
Gao Qiumin was shocked, watching the scene before her in disbelief. It felt as if an icy pick had pierced her heart, painful and chilling.
She had always known he was a cold person, but she never imagined he could be so attentive to someone.
Mu Xuanling, with tears in her eyes, looked pitifully fragile. She said in a tearful voice, “Sect Leader Xie, please don’t blame Elder Sister Gao. She didn’t mean it. She just forgot I’m not a cultivator and that my body is delicate, so she used a bit too much force.”
Xie Xuechen lowered his head, examining Mu Xuanling.
He was somewhat puzzled.
Gao Qiumin hurriedly explained, “It’s not like that. I didn’t push her hard!”
Mu Xuanling bit her lower lip, her eyes red-rimmed as she said, “It’s all my fault…”
Xie Xuechen slowly stood up. He couldn’t quite understand what act Mu Xuanling was putting on.
Mu Xuanling grabbed his sleeve, looking at Xie Xuechen’s eyes with a wronged expression. “I’ve twisted my ankle.”
This time, Xie Xuechen understood her meaning. She mouthed silently: Carry me!
Xie Xuechen looked at her quietly for a moment, then bent down again. His left arm slipped under Mu Xuanling’s knees, lifting her in his arms.
Mu Xuanling’s hands clung to Xie Xuechen’s shoulders. She flashed a triumphant smile at Gao Qiumin before burying her face in Xie Xuechen’s chest.
— The sun is quite strong today. My face got a bit burned just now, it hurts a little…
Carrying Mu Xuanling, Xie Xuechen walked through the garden corridors, seemingly oblivious to others, and brought her back to her room. Only then did he set her down.
“What was that about?” Xie Xuechen asked, watching Mu Xuanling who now looked relaxed and was hopping around.
“A Bao ran out earlier and was almost discovered by Gao Qiumin. She insisted on checking my storage bag, so I had no choice but to use this tactic to divert her attention,” Mu Xuanling said with a helpless expression. “I was sacrificing myself to protect A Bao, and well, to protect you too. Think about it, if she had discovered A Bao’s existence, she would quickly connect it to the person you encountered that day. Then she’d remember how you, having lost all your spiritual power, were pinned down on the bed and taken advantage of… Wouldn’t that completely ruin your reputation as the esteemed Sect Leader Xie?”
Fashen realm cultivators have keen senses that can reach up to a hundred zhang, but they can also detect others’ prying within this range. Therefore, there’s an unspoken rule among high-level cultivators in the cultivation world: when multiple Fashen realm cultivators are present, they should mutually block their senses as a gesture of goodwill. If someone were to pry first, it would be considered hostile. Thus, although Yong Xue City was currently filled with Fashen realm cultivators, to avoid misunderstandings, everyone consciously closed off their seven sensory perceptions. If anyone were to pry now, it would greatly increase their suspicion of being a spy.
Gao Qiumin, being merely a Golden Core cultivator, was unaware of this tacit rule among Fashen realm cultivators. Apart from Fu Lansheng who was nearby, only Gao Qiumin, who wasn’t far away, could have sensed A Bao’s demonic aura.
Mu Xuanling hadn’t expected such bad luck, but fortunately, she quickly put A Bao back into her storage bag, blocking its aura. Although Gao Qiumin was suspicious of her, she couldn’t possibly connect it to the scent-tracking mouse.
Xie Xuechen only half-believed Mu Xuanling’s explanation. Protecting the scent-tracking mouse was true, but the act afterward was a bit excessive.
“Gao Qiumin’s cultivation is below yours. You fell from the steps on your own,” Xie Xuechen coldly exposed the truth.
Mu Xuanling said innocently, “My current identity is that of a weak mortal who can’t cultivate. When she pushed me, I couldn’t resist, or I would have been exposed.”
Xie Xuechen asked, “And pretending to twist your ankle, what was the reason for that?”
Mu Xuanling smiled sweetly, “What other reason could there be? I just wanted you to carry me.”
Xie Xuechen: “…”
Strangely enough, he believed this statement.
“And to annoy her a bit,” Mu Xuanling grinned mischievously.
Xie Xuechen said sternly, “Next time…”
Mu Xuanling waved her hand, cutting him off, “No next time, I know, I know!”
Looking at Mu Xuanling’s face, which had paled slightly from the intense sunlight, Xie Xuechen thought to himself, next time, don’t go out in the sun.