The human encampment was in disarray after the battle of Manifestations, but fortunately, this place was in the wilderness, and no one was injured. Su Ningzhen rested for a long time before barely recovering some strength, but she was severely wounded and couldn’t fully heal in a short time. Gao Qiumin had received two sword wounds, and although the bleeding had been stopped with medicine, he had lost a considerable amount of blood and looked extremely pale.

“Master, that demon woman was a bit strange. I felt like I recognized her when I first saw her. After hearing what she said earlier, it seems she has an old grudge against me,” Gao Qiumin spoke softly, afraid to speak loudly for fear of aggravating the wound on his neck.

Su Ningzhen said in a deep voice, “Whether there’s an old grudge or not, she’s a half-demon and Sang Qi’s disciple. We have an irreconcilable feud with her. If it weren’t for Sect Leader Xie’s protection back in Yongxue City, we should have killed her to prevent future troubles.”

Gao Qiumin lowered his head and said in a gloomy, low voice, “I never thought… Sect Leader Xie would pass on the Jade Threshold Scripture to her. She’s the Holy Maiden of the Demon Race, a half-demon… How could Sect Leader Xie do such a thing?”

Gao Qiumin was unwilling to face this fact. Xie Xuechen’s feelings for Mu Xuanling were probably deeper than what appeared on the surface.

This was also what Su Ningzhen was most concerned about. It wasn’t just because Mu Xuanling had learned the Jade Threshold Scripture, but more worryingly, Sang Qi had also gained insights into divine skills from it. Su Ningzhen had seen Sang Qi’s abilities before and thought that as a half-demon with one arm missing, he couldn’t be that strong. But now it seemed that Sang Qi’s terror far exceeded imagination. She couldn’t even withstand a single move from him. When Sang Qi’s palm struck down, he hadn’t even used his full strength, yet she felt a sense of despair as if heaven and earth were collapsing. If he had used his full power, she would have been crushed into a bloody mist on the spot.

The gap between their Manifestations was too great. She, Fu Yuanting, and He Xianwo combined were no match for Sang Qi. Now, the only one who could compete with Sang Qi was Xie Xuechen…

“Valley Master Su, Sect Leader Xie requests your presence,” a voice came from outside the tent.

Su Ningzhen slowly stood up, and Gao Qiumin immediately came forward to support her, saying, “Master, I’ll accompany you.”

“No need, you’re injured. Rest well,” Su Ningzhen paused, then added, “Pack up and notify the other disciples. After the meeting, we’ll return to Mirror Flower Valley.”

Gao Qiumin’s face paled slightly, and he nodded, “Disciple understands.”

The atmosphere in the tent was tense. Fu Yuanting and He Xianwo both had furrowed brows and worried expressions. When they saw Su Ningzhen enter, they raised their heads to greet her.

“How are Valley Master Su’s injuries?” Fu Yuanting asked with concern.

He Xianwo and Su Ningzhen had never been on good terms, so he didn’t say much.

Su Ningzhen nodded slightly and said, “Thank you for your concern, Palace Master Fu. I’ll be fine after a few days of rest.” She then turned to Xie Xuechen, her eyes becoming sharp, “Sect Leader Xie has summoned us here, surely you must have thought of how to explain this.”

Fu Yuanting and He Xianwo remained silent, but their emotions were no different from Su Ningzhen’s. However, Fu Yuanting was quick-witted and diplomatic. Even if he was dissatisfied, he didn’t want to directly confront Xie Xuechen. With Su Ningzhen taking the lead, he was content to watch from the sidelines.

Su Ningzhen let out an angry cold laugh and said hoarsely, “Back in Yongxue City, I told Sect Leader Xie that we should have searched the demon woman’s mind and heart. If you had listened to me then, we would have known that this demon woman harbored evil intentions. How could we have been deceived? The Jade Threshold Scripture is Sect Leader Xie’s unique technique. Originally, we had no right to interfere with whom the Sect Leader chooses to pass it on to, but this technique is of great importance. Passing it on to another race would bring calamity upon our human race.” Su Ningzhen looked around at everyone and said coldly, “You all saw today how terrifyingly powerful Sang Qi has become. Even if we join forces, we can’t stop him.”

Fu Yuanting awkwardly rubbed his nose, while He Xianwo frowned slightly and said, “It’s hard to imagine that a half-demon could cultivate to such a level.”

Xie Xuechen looked at Su Ningzhen and said calmly, “Valley Master Su speaks the truth. This matter arose because of me and should be dealt with according to the laws of the Immortal Alliance.”

Fu Yuanting coughed twice and said, “With a great enemy before us, Sect Leader Xie is the backbone of the Immortal Alliance and the pillar of the human race. Without Sect Leader Xie, who among us could resist Sang Qi? The most urgent matter is to deal with the Demon Race. We must not have internal strife and disrupt our ranks. Even if Sect Leader Xie has made a mistake, it should be dealt with after we’ve killed Sang Qi.”

He Xianwo coldly looked at Fu Yuanting, remaining silent but inwardly sneering. Fu Yuanting was using Xie Xuechen’s mistake to his advantage, wanting to use Xie Xuechen to deal with Sang Qi. Once Sang Qi was dead, he could use this as an excuse to force Xie Xuechen down from the position of Sect Leader. A good example of using someone and then discarding them. But while Fu Yuanting was clever, others were not fools.

Xie Xuechen observed the thoughts of these people and wasn’t surprised at all. Human nature was just like this. He had long seen through everything and didn’t feel disappointed. Everything he did was just to practice his way.

“The mistakes I’ve made, I will bear them myself. The calamity of Sang Qi arose because of me. After I kill Sang Qi, I will resign from the position of Sect Leader and accept the punishment of the Ten Thousand Phenomena Thunder Tribulation.”

The three looked at Xie Xuechen in shock, never expecting him to speak so easily about stepping down. They fell silent. The Ten Thousand Phenomena Thunder Tribulation was the most dangerous formation in the Ten Thousand Immortals Array. It summoned the thunder of the nine heavens above and connected with the tribulation fire of ten thousand phenomena below. Even a Manifestation Venerable would have only one chance in ten of surviving such punishment. He had already put life and death aside, making their aggressive questioning seem somewhat embarrassing and ridiculous.

He Xianwo felt it had gone too far and said in a deep voice, “Sect Leader need not do this…”

“This matter has been decided, no need for further discussion,” Xie Xuechen raised his hand to interrupt him and said calmly, “What we need to discuss next is the most urgent matter. Sang Qi is not yet familiar with the Jade Threshold Scripture. Today’s move was just a test. He probably won’t directly confront me in the short term, but he won’t give up easily either. He’s likely to harass other sects and look for opportunities to draw in the demon race and other half-demons.”

Fu Yuanting’s eyes flickered, and he said, “If Sang Qi wants to gather more strength, he might try to rescue demon slaves from various sects. He could gain absolute loyalty from these demon slaves.”

He Xianwo suddenly laughed, gently shaking his wine gourd, his eyes dark and mysterious: “I’ve always been against keeping demon slaves. Originally, only demons who committed evil crimes were demoted to demon slaves, but I’ve heard that some sects don’t distinguish between right and wrong. As long as they’re demons or half-demons, they use soul-locking rings to trap them and enslave them. This way, we’re pushing half-demons and the demon race to the opposite side.”

Su Ningzhen held back her anger and said, “Island Master He’s words are mistaken. Half-demons and the demon race are fundamentally different from us humans, especially beast demons. They are born bloodthirsty and man-eating. To indulge them is to put ourselves in danger.”

He Xianwo sneered, seemingly disdaining to argue with her. “If we’re talking about the number of demon slaves, wouldn’t the Azure Sky Palace have the most?”

The Azure Sky Palace was the wealthiest and had the most cultivators among the five major sects, so naturally, they had the most demon slaves. The Azure Sky Palace had many ore veins, and mining work was dirty, tiring, and very dangerous, so they often assigned demon slaves to do it. Fu Yuanting was accustomed to this and didn’t feel embarrassed. He smiled with a pleased expression and said, “The Azure Sky Palace has nearly two thousand demon slaves, but we have no less than three thousand inner disciples and tens of thousands of outer disciples. The demon army of the Demon Race probably doesn’t have that many. Sang Qi probably doesn’t dare to act recklessly at the Azure Sky Palace.”

“What if Sang Qi comes personally?” He Xianwo asked.

Fu Yuanting frowned, his expression becoming somewhat ugly: “We probably couldn’t resist.”

Even though his Azure Sky Palace had many people and great influence, at that level, numbers didn’t matter. It was a crushing superiority of strength at a different level. Sang Qi had now devoured the Demon Sovereign, possessing all of the Demon Sovereign’s power. He had also learned the Jade Threshold divine skill, opened his divine apertures, and his cultivation was advancing by leaps and bounds. Ordinary Manifestation realm cultivators were no match for him, and those below the Nascent Soul realm were like sitting ducks. Even if all the Manifestation realm cultivators of the Azure Sky Palace went out, even if they could defeat Sang Qi, their strength would be greatly diminished. How would that be any different from losing?

“I’ve already discussed this with Manor Lord Nan. I will guard the Two Realms Mountain, while he will construct five teleportation formations here. If Sang Qi personally attacks the five major sects, you can send me a message, and I will personally kill him.”

With Xie Xuechen guarding the front line, he could deter the Demon Realm. If Sang Qi didn’t come out, the five major sects could handle it themselves. If Sang Qi made a move, Xie Xuechen would personally take action, to ensure safety.

“If that’s the case, we can rest assured. We just trouble Sect Leader too much.” The three’s expressions relaxed considerably, and they somewhat embarrassedly cupped their hands to thank Xie Xuechen.

“As it should be.” Xie Xuechen’s expression remained calm and composed, not revealing the slightest emotion from beginning to end.

Whether it was the accusations or thanks from others, to him, it was like a distant wind that never touched his heart.

After all matters were settled and the meeting was about to adjourn, Xie Xuechen suddenly spoke, asking Su Ningzhen to stay. Fu Yuanting and He Xianwo exchanged glances and tactfully left the tent.

“Valley Master Su, do you have any past connection with Sang Qi?” Xie Xuechen asked.

Su Ningzhen’s breathing faltered for a moment, her facial expression stiffening, her eyes flickering as if hesitating whether to speak or not.

“I sent the others away out of consideration for Mirror Flower Valley’s reputation, but if this matter could potentially endanger the Immortal Alliance, Valley Master Su shouldn’t conceal it,” Xie Xuechen’s voice became more solemn, carrying an undeniable authority that made Su Ningzhen suddenly feel pressure.

“Mirror Flower Valley indeed has an old grudge against Sang Qi,” Su Ningzhen gritted her teeth and said with difficulty, “About twenty years ago, Sang Qi attempted to take advantage of a female cultivator from Mirror Flower Valley. My master caught him in the act and set up an ambush. However, Sang Qi was cunning and escaped after losing an arm. Since then, he’s been in seclusion in the Demon Realm for many years.”

Sang Qi’s reappearance was on the day Bright Moon Manor was brutally massacred.

“Who was that female cultivator?” Xie Xuechen asked.

Su Ningzhen turned her face away and said in a deep voice, “She’s already dead. Why does Sect Leader Xie need to ask further?”

With that, she left with long strides.

Xie Xuechen’s eyes flickered slightly, and an almost absurd guess arose in his heart. Could it be…

The moon was high in the sky, a light breeze swept across the wilderness, and the fragrance of wildflowers in full bloom wafted through the air.

Xie Xuechen stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly closed, the cinnabar between his brows emitting a glow as his divine aperture absorbed spiritual energy to recover from his injuries.

“Sect Leader Xie.” Nan Xuyue’s footsteps came from behind, stopping about ten feet away.

Xie Xuechen had long sensed his approach but didn’t make it known. He opened his eyes, slowly turned around, and nodded slightly to Nan Xuyue: “Manor Lord Nan, you’re not resting this late at night?”

Nan Xuyue’s face wore a faint smile, but his eyes were somewhat cold.

“I was preparing for the array formation when I remembered something. I went to the tent to find Sect Leader Xie but didn’t see anyone, so I came here to take a look,” Nan Xuyue moved a step forward, “Sect Leader Xie, you seem to have been injured in today’s encounter with Sang Qi?”

Xie Xuechen knew that Nan Xuyue was meticulous and couldn’t be deceived, so he didn’t intend to hide it.

“Sang Qi’s power is not to be underestimated. I did sustain some injuries,” Xie Xuechen said, “But it’s nothing serious. A moment of meditation will suffice.”

“Sect Leader Xie has been seriously injured multiple times, yet your cultivation keeps getting stronger. This must be the marvel of the Jade Threshold Scripture,” Nan Xuyue’s eyes flickered slightly, feeling something, “Breaking through obstacles, dying and being reborn?”

Xie Xuechen nodded: “Although you can’t cultivate, your insight is unparalleled.”

“You flatter me. Who would dare to boast in front of Sect Leader Xie?” Nan Xuyue smiled slightly, “Sang Qi retreated today, he probably won’t dare to fight again in the short term.”

Xie Xuechen frowned and said in a deep voice, “He is extremely patient. The longer we wait, the stronger he will become. I’m afraid that by then, even I won’t be his match.”

No one knew what the limit was for a half-demon cultivating both demonic techniques and spiritual power, how strong he could become.

Nan Xuyue caught the implication in Xie Xuechen’s words: “Sect Leader Xie wants to force him to make a move?”

“Although that’s the intention, it’s not an easy task. This person is extremely good at enduring,” Xie Xuechen said, “Manor Lord Nan, you’re not part of the Immortal Alliance. I’m deeply grateful for your willingness to help wholeheartedly this time.”

Nan Xuyue remained silent for a long time.

He was still holding a folding fan in his hand. Zhe Feng had been broken by Sang Qi, and he had carefully repaired and improved it. The originally snow-white fan surface now had specks of remaining red – that was Mu Xuanling’s blood.

He could have replaced it with another magical tool, but he didn’t. Zhe Feng was originally as light as nothing, but because of these few drops of blood, it now felt as heavy as a thousand jun. Every night when he closed his eyes, he saw the scene of Mu Xuanling pushing him away and taking that palm strike. The warm blood scalded him awake from his dreams.

His hand unconsciously tightened on Zhe Feng, his slender knuckles turning slightly white. Nan Xuyue lowered his head slightly, his thin lips curling up into a faint arc: “Sect Leader Xie, I came here only for Ling’er.”

Xie Xuechen was slightly surprised, then nodded and said, “I understand.”

“Although I agreed to assist the Immortal Alliance, I have one condition – she must not be harmed under any circumstances,” Nan Xuyue’s gentle voice carried firmness and determination.

“I understand that too,” Xie Xuechen said softly.

“The five sects of the Immortal Alliance hate her to the bone, and Sang Qi harbors ill intentions as well,” Nan Xuyue raised his head and looked directly at Xie Xuechen, “To be frank, assisting the Immortal Alliance is only to eliminate Sang Qi, and you, Sect Leader, are the only one capable of doing this.”

Xie Xuechen said, “I will do my utmost.”

Nan Xuyue said, “But if Sang Qi dies, she will lose her support.”

Xie Xuechen said, “I will become her support.”

Nan Xuyue shook his head slightly, a smile on his lips: “No, you won’t, and you can’t. You leaked divine skills, causing great calamity. The Immortal Alliance has already abandoned you. They just want to use you to deal with Sang Qi. If Sang Qi dies, others aside, Fu Yuanting and Su Ningzhen won’t give you face anymore. Sect Leader Xie, you are upright and keep your word. When the time comes, you’ll resign from the position of Sect Leader and undergo the Ten Thousand Phenomena Thunder Tribulation. Even if you don’t die, how can you become her support?”

Nan Xuyue saw through it clearly and understood it well. How could Xie Xuechen not know this point? But if he didn’t die, he could shield her from those malicious intentions and killing intent.

“Moreover, she probably doesn’t want to rely on you anymore,” Nan Xuyue’s eyes flashed with a hint of mockery, “I suppose you’ve noticed that Ling’er no longer has any attachment to you.”

She had become stronger, but also cold and unfeeling, completely unlike before.

Nan Xuyue said, “I originally thought she had lost her memory, but she hasn’t. She even holds some grudges.” Nan Xuyue said this with a slight laugh, then sighed, “The two sword wounds on Gao Qiumin are proof. It turns out she harbors some resentment, but no one stands up for her. Even I only remembered her injuries, forgetting her pain.”

Xie Xuechen’s thin lips moved slightly, his phoenix eyes flashing with a trace of gloom, but he had no words to reply.

Nan Xuyue was right. He knew she had been wronged, but he never thought of avenging her. They were humans, always subconsciously standing on the human side, protecting human interests, and forgetting the grievances she had suffered.

“In this world, there are no less than twenty kinds of poisons and medicines that can make people lose their memory and three that can make people forget emotions and love completely. They are the Formless Pill, the Dust-Freeing Powder, and the Heart-Enlightening Water,” Nan Xuyue explained slowly. “Those who take the Formless Pill see all people as formless, unable to distinguish between self and others, without self and form. Those who take the Dust-Freeing Powder have a great awakening, without joy or sorrow, without desire or pursuit. Those who drink the Heart-Enlightening Water still remember worldly affairs, but their hearts enter emptiness, no longer clinging to worldly emotions.”

“It’s not the Formless Pill, and it doesn’t seem like the Dust-Freeing Powder,” Xie Xuechen recalled Mu Xuanling’s actions and said, “Is it the Heart-Enlightening Water?”

Nan Xuyue glanced at him and said, “I also guessed it was so, but those who drink the Heart-Enlightening Water cut off all emotions and thoughts for everyone in the world, without a trace of love or hate. But she harbors hatred for Gao Qiumin, and for me… there’s still a trace of affection.”

Nan Xuyue spoke euphemistically, meaning that Mu Xuanling only had no feelings or love, no hate or enmity, towards you, Xie Xuechen.

Xie Xuechen understood clearly, that it meant that Mu Xuanling had only given up on you.

“Perhaps it’s a technique of the Demon Race,” Xie Xuechen said.

Nan Xuyue shook his fan and smiled slightly: “There’s also a possibility that she simply came to understand, ‘Those who leave me, yesterday cannot be retained.'”

Xie Xuechen’s hand slowly clenched under his wide sleeve.

Nan Xuyue smiled and said, “Sect Leader Xie seems displeased, but if she can truly let go of her obsession with you, it would be a good thing for you, for me, and her.”

Nan Xuyue had always been a gentle and refined gentleman, like a clear breeze and bright moon, but at this moment he revealed his sharp side. Even though he still wore a smile, there was not a trace of warmth in it.

From the beginning, he had been calling him “Sect Leader Xie.”

Xie Xuechen didn’t mind Nan Xuyue’s hostility. He knew that Nan Xuyue cared that he had hurt Mu Xuanling, but anything he did was not for the eyes of the world, only for the path in his heart.

But he still cared about Mu Xuanling’s thoughts.

Perhaps she had truly let go, but he seemed… to have not let go.

“Therefore, Sect Leader Xie, I am willing to become her support,” Nan Xuyue smiled slightly, “But, you should let go now.”