Mirror Flower Valley.

Gao Qiumin gently knocked on Su Zhengzhen’s door. Only after receiving a response did she cautiously enter.

Su Zhengzhen had been severely wounded by Sang Qi’s strike. Despite several days of meditation, she had not yet recovered. Currently, all matters in the sect are temporarily handled by Gao Qiumin. Everyone in Mirror Flower Valley respectfully addressed Gao Qiumin as Senior Sister, all understanding that sooner or later, she would receive the World-Cleansing Dust from Su Zhengzhen—the supreme magical artifact symbolizing the position of Valley Master.

“Master, the defensive arrays throughout the sect have been inspected. Everything is operating normally,” Gao Qiumin reported humbly, standing beside Su Zhengzhen.

Su Zhengzhen slowly opened her eyes and nodded, “Good. Qiumin, I have something to entrust to you. Listen carefully.”

A sense of unease arose in Gao Qiumin’s heart. She clenched her fists and said softly, “This disciple awaits your instructions.”

“Sang Qi will not spare Mirror Flower Valley. I am prepared to fight to the death. You must protect the other disciples. There’s no need for unnecessary sacrifices. Do not let the tragedy of Bright Moon Manor repeat itself here,” Su Zhengzhen said gravely.

Tears welled up in Gao Qiumin’s eyes as she knelt, “Master, Sang Qi is too strong. Don’t fight him head-on! Sect Leader Xie can hold off Sang Qi!”

Su Zhengzhen’s face was ashen. She sighed and looked at Gao Qiumin, “Qiu’er, you don’t understand…”

Su Zhengzhen had always been strict and demanding. Even with Gao Qiumin, whom she trusted and loved the most, she rarely showed a gentle side. In Gao Qiumin’s memory, it seemed only when she was very young that Su Zhengzhen had held her, gently stroking her head and calling her “Qiu’er.”

“Sang Qi won’t kill you. As long as you’re alive and protect the people of Mirror Flower Valley, there will be a chance for its revival,” Su Zhengzhen spoke to Gao Qiumin as if making final arrangements. “In the past, I was strict with you because I had too many expectations. You have extraordinary talent. If you focus on cultivation, you will surely achieve the Dharma Body realm. But you’ve been too fixated on Sect Leader Xie… In the past, I hoped you could become Dao companions with Sect Leader Xie, but perhaps he’s not your ideal match. For cultivators, worldly love is like a poison that penetrates the bone. It will only disturb your Dao’s heart and hinder your cultivation. I won’t be able to guide you constantly in the future, and I don’t know if you’ll remember your master’s teachings…”

Gao Qiumin’s eyes reddened, and tears flowed down her cheeks. She buried her face in Su Zhengzhen’s lap and sobbed, “Master, you’re my only family in this world. Please don’t leave me…”

Su Zhengzhen sighed deeply and gently patted Gao Qiumin’s back.

She is the child of my sister and Gao Fengxu…

Su Zhengzhen wasn’t sure whether love or hatred dominated Sang Qi’s heart more, whether he would have to kill Gao Qiumin, or if he would spare her life for Su Ningxi’s sake. But she could only gamble…

The guards of Mirror Flower Valley were extremely strict. All defensive arrays were activated, with sentries posted every five steps and lookouts every ten. Almost every moment, every inch of the place was under surveillance.

Sang Qi was at a crucial point in his cultivation. He ordered Mu Xuanling to lead a dozen elite demon soldiers to infiltrate Mirror Flower Valley at night, demanding that they not alarm anyone and only seek out the location of Su Ningxi’s grave.

Mu Xuanling found this request a bit strange but didn’t disobey Sang Qi’s orders. She had the Lust Demon lead a few high-ranking demon soldiers to secretly infiltrate Mirror Flower Valley. However, Su Zhengzhen was well-prepared, probably knowing that Sang Qi harbored a deep hatred for Mirror Flower Valley, which was why the defenses were so impenetrable.

Mirror Flower Valley was predominantly populated by female cultivators, and its overall strength was the weakest among the Five Great Sects. The current Valley Master, Su Zhengzhen, had the shallowest foundation among the Dharma Body cultivators. Originally, the previous Valley Master had intended Su Ningxi to be the successor, but Su Ningxi died early, so the position fell to Su Zhengzhen. Her cultivation level was insufficient to convince everyone, and many were dissatisfied when she received the World-Cleansing Dust from the previous Valley Master. However, her strict and harsh methods managed to intimidate everyone into submission.

There were at least three Dharma Body Venerable Ones in Mirror Flower Valley. Su Zhengzhen was severely injured and likely hadn’t recovered her strength. If the other two Dharma Body Elders remained in the rear, Mu Xuanling might be able to maneuver. But if they took action, she would have to retreat quickly.

Fortunately, Sang Qi lived up to his title as Grand Priest. His mysterious methods were unpredictable, and he had a magical artifact that could conceal demonic and evil energy, allowing Mu Xuanling and her group to evade the barrier’s detection and infiltrate the valley. He had used the same method to infiltrate Embracing Snow City before.

“Holy Maiden, the Star Sinking Valley is in the deepest part of Mirror Flower Valley. How do we get there?” the Lust Demon asked in a low voice.

Mu Xuanling recalled the map Sang Qi had drawn and frowned slightly. Star Sinking Valley was the resting place for Mirror Flower Valley’s cultivators, where even past Valley Masters and Elders were buried. This was the place Sang Qi suspected the most. When Sang Qi emerged from seclusion seven years ago and destroyed Bright Moon Manor, he wanted to deal with Mirror Flower Valley. But at that time, he was just a Grand Priest, and without a suitable excuse, it was difficult to mobilize enough forces to invade Mirror Flower Valley. These years of lying low and enduring cultivation were all for the unfinished business of finding Su Ningxi’s remains.

Star Sinking Valley was in the deepest part of Mirror Flower Valley, but its defenses weren’t particularly tight. After all, it was just a graveyard, and no one would come there, nor were there any treasures. However, to reach Star Sinking Valley, they had to cross the entire Mirror Flower Valley, which made it difficult to avoid alerting others.

“All demon soldiers, merge into the shadows and seize the opportunity to possess suitable targets. Afterward, I’ll change into the clothes of a female cultivator from the valley, and you’ll cover me as I enter Star Sinking Valley.”

The night was the battlefield of the Demon Race. With a wave of Mu Xuanling’s hand, the demon soldiers melted into the shadows on the ground like spilled ink, waiting for the chance to possess targets.

The night was the best camouflage for the Demon Race, especially since demon possession often occurred silently. In no time, the Lust Demon successfully possessed a female cultivator and came before Mu Xuanling, ready to remove her clothes.

“Holy Maiden, I’ll give you these clothes,” the Lust Demon said softly, wearing the face of the female cultivator.

Mu Xuanling raised her hand to stop him, saying with disgust, “No need. What will you wear if you give them to me?”

At this moment, several other possessed female cultivators approached, carrying an unconscious female cultivator who was similar in build to Mu Xuanling. They stripped off her outer garments for Mu Xuanling to wear.

“I’ve observed that the patrol teams here consist of five people. I’ll divide us into three groups. One group will stay at the valley entrance to provide support, another will follow me closely, and we’ll coordinate with each other. If anyone asks, say you’ve discovered suspicious demonic activity and need to report to the Senior Sister,” Mu Xuanling said. As she spoke, three jade-eyed rabbits jumped out of her storage bag and scattered toward the two squads.

These jade-eyed rabbits were beast-form half-demons. Unlike ordinary rabbits, their eyes were a beautiful jade green color, and their eyesight was exceptional, almost comparable to the eye power of a Dharma Body cultivator. These jade-eyed rabbits were about a hundred years old in terms of cultivation, and they had also practiced demonic techniques. Not only could they speak, but they were also formidable in battle. However, their cute appearance often deceived enemies.

After arranging everything, Mu Xuanling took one group with her and headed towards Star Sinking Valley. They encountered other cultivators once or twice along the way but weren’t discovered.

They smoothly reached the palace complex. Mu Xuanling took a detour through the side halls. As they passed by the back courtyard, she suddenly heard a familiar voice.

“Master has retired for the night. You don’t need to attend to her tonight,” Gao Qiumin said coldly to the other disciples.

“Yes, Senior Sister,” another voice sounded familiar. Mu Xuanling suddenly remembered it belonged to the round-faced female cultivator she had seen in Xiao City.

The round-faced female cultivator’s voice was sweet yet sycophantic as she walked alongside Gao Qiumin, saying, “Senior Sister, Master truly trusts you more and more.”

Gao Qiumin seemed lost in thought and responded with an absent-minded “Mm,” her attitude perfunctory.

“I heard that Master has passed on the knowledge of Mirror Flower Valley’s mountain-protecting array core to you,” the round-faced female cultivator said with a smile. “That’s a power only the Valley Master possesses. Could it be that Master intends to go into seclusion and pass the position of Valley Master to you?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? I’m merely a Golden Core cultivator. How could I be worthy of such a responsibility?” Gao Qiumin reprimanded displeased. “Master is in her prime, with a thousand years of life ahead. She won’t be passing on her position now.”

The round-faced female cultivator didn’t understand why Gao Qiumin suddenly became angry. She hurriedly nodded and apologized, trying to please her superior in a submissive manner.

Mu Xuanling watched the two figures disappear into the distance, feeling somewhat curious. From what she knew, Gao Qiumin wasn’t usually like this. Born with nine orifices, Gao Qiumin had exceptional talent and was doted on at Mingyue Manor. Although Mingyue Manor was later massacred, she was adopted by Su Zhengzhen and became the head disciple, enjoying a lofty status in Jinghua Valley without ever suffering any grievances. Gao Qiumin had always been arrogant and self-important, enjoying others’ flattery. Why did she now appear so troubled and melancholic?

Mu Xuanling harbored doubts but had no time to dwell on them. Seeing Gao Qiumin walk away, she immediately led her people toward Xinchen Valley.

After leaving the palace complex, there were fewer patrols. The closer they got to Xinchen Valley, the more desolate it became. Being a burial ground, few were willing to come here at night.

After crossing a bridge, they saw a valley glowing with a pale green light—countless fireflies. Jinghua Valley enjoyed spring-like weather year-round, warm and humid, rich in spiritual energy, and ideal for growing spiritual herbs. Thus, most disciples in the valley excelled in healing. Although Xinchen Valley was a burial ground, it was filled with exotic flowers and herbs, their fragrance permeating the air.

Walking a bit further, they could see rows of tombstones. White stones were engraved with cultivators’ names, but those on the outskirts were mostly ordinary disciples. Mu Xuanling merely glanced at them before heading deeper into the valley.

In the center of Xinchen Valley stood a massive tree with lush branches and leaves, thousands of years old. Surrounding this tree were the burial grounds of past valley masters and elders. Most of these were Fashen cultivators whose remains wouldn’t decay for hundreds of years after death, even transforming into spiritual energy to nourish the land. As a result, the surrounding vegetation was more luxuriant, and spiritual energy was more abundant.

“Search carefully,” Mu Xuanling said solemnly to everyone.

She secretly felt that this matter wasn’t so simple. Su Ningxi’s empty grave held mysteries. Did Gao Fengxu know about it? If she did, why did she let someone take away the remains? If she didn’t know, who dared to risk stealing the remains of Mingyue Manor’s mistress? And for what purpose?

Whether it was the former or the latter, Su Ningxi’s remains were unlikely to be buried openly in Jinghua Valley.

Mu Xuanling felt that Sang Qi couldn’t have failed to understand this point. This trip was likely to be in vain. But if Sang Qi had arranged it this way, he must have had his reasons, though he hadn’t voiced them.

Mu Xuanling slowly walked to the ancient tree, placing her palm against the trunk, wanting to sense its spiritual energy. Generally speaking, such thousand-year-old trees growing in blessed lands were very likely to produce tree spirits or tree demons.

However, as soon as her palm touched the ancient tree, an unusual spiritual energy fluctuation spread from beneath her feet, like a stone dropped into water, rippling outwards in circles.

Mu Xuanling was startled and turned abruptly, seeing a familiar white-robed figure standing not far behind her, gazing at her with deep eyes.

If Xie Xuechen intended to conceal his presence, no one in this world could detect him.

—Was he waiting here? Did he know she would come?

A flash of panic crossed Mu Xuanling’s mind, but with Duannian in hand, she flew backward to distance herself from him, giving herself a sense of security.

Xie Xuechen didn’t immediately pursue her as she had expected. He wasn’t in a hurry, as if certain she couldn’t escape.

At that moment, the spiritual energy fluctuations beneath her feet grew stronger, and the sound of chanting the Prajnaparamita Sutra echoed in her mind. This was what demons feared most. Although Mu Xuanling wasn’t afraid, she felt irritated. Looking around, she saw the female cultivators possessed by demon soldiers all clutching their heads and falling to the ground, while the demon soldiers scattered and disappeared.

A young monk stood in the distance. He had handsome features, clear eyes like scattered stars and a hanging moon, red lips, and white teeth, extraordinarily beautiful. He bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Nan Xuyue, making one feel close to him, yet he possessed an additional air of inviolable sanctity and nobility. Ordinary people who saw him would inevitably feel the urge to bow in worship. At this moment, he held a string of sandalwood beads in his hand, and as he chanted, the sound of the Prajnaparamita Sutra grew stronger, keeping the demons at bay.

Mu Xuanling’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected Xie Xuechen to be here, let alone that Jinghua Valley had called for reinforcements from Xuantian Temple. This person could chant the Prajnaparamita Sutra with such power by himself; even if he wasn’t a Fashen, he must be at the peak of the Yuan Ying realm.

Wasn’t Xie Xuechen supposed to be restraining Sang Qi at Two Realms Mountain?

Could it be that Su Zhengzhen had invited him?

Mu Xuanling had no time to think further. She had to shake off Xie Xuechen before the monk could act. She didn’t dare hold back, infusing spiritual energy into Duannian. Duannian suddenly emitted a faint purple light, pulsing like breath, and in the next moment, it attacked Xie Xuechen like a nimble snake.

Xie Xuechen had hundreds of ways to detain her, but as he raised the Juntian Sword, he hesitated for a moment.

—This way, she would be hurt.

Xie Xuechen restrained his spiritual energy, while Duannian, swift as lightning and elusive as a ghost, mercilessly whipped at the white robe. Although a Fashen’s body was indestructible, faint marks appeared on the spotless white robe.

He looked at Mu Xuanling in the distance through the flurry of whip shadows. Her eyes were cold and emotionless, reminding him of not long ago when she stood before him, her beautiful eyes misty with a barely discernible layer of tears, saying resentfully and angrily, “You’re just taking advantage of the fact that I like you and don’t want to hurt you!”

She could have injured him, but she had held back at every turn, not using her demonic arts.

She had said, “You’re so badly injured and have no spiritual energy to protect yourself. You can’t withstand my demonic arts.”

So now, he could have injured her, captured her, but he didn’t…

He knew he couldn’t bear to do it.

Because he liked her, he couldn’t bear to hurt her.

Because he liked her, he restrained himself.

But she didn’t. She attacked coldly, only wanting to get rid of him, just like he had once tried every means to escape from her side.

And now, he had gotten his wish.

A pang in his heart caused him to falter, and the agile whip immediately broke through the gap, striking his chest hard. The whip, infused with spiritual energy, was as hard as iron. Although he had a Fashen’s body, he had been restraining his spiritual energy and took the full force of the blow. His clothes tore, his chest heaved, and his face paled.

An extremely light, crisp sound rang out inappropriately, like the breaking of jade, clear and pleasing to the ear.

Xie Xuechen’s movements stopped, and Mu Xuanling could have seized the opportunity to escape, but she didn’t. Her gaze, like Xie Xuechen’s, fell on the same spot.

That jade hairpin had fallen to the ground, broken into two pieces.

She vaguely recalled that snowy night when she leaned happily against his chest, imagining the days when she could be by his side daily after becoming his demon servant—something she had dreamed of for seven years.

But now, looking back, there were only pale images, not a trace of affection.

“Why is it with you?” she blurted out, immediately knowing the answer herself.

He must have gone back to redeem it from the shopkeeper afterward.

He hadn’t put it in his qiezi bag, but kept it close to his body, perhaps because he often unconsciously held it in his hand.

What was he thinking?

Xie Xuechen bent down to pick up the broken jade hairpin, his fingers trembling slightly.

That tiny crack seemed to split across his heart, spreading into fine, dense pain.

Because of this moment of distraction, he miscalculated, and darkness enveloped his consciousness, dragging him into the demon realm.

Mu Xuanling, not far away, cursed under her breath, “You fool, Desire Demon! The Cage of Desire won’t work on Xie Xuechen!”