Mu Xuanling cried her heart out and received a significant amount of spiritual power from Xie Xuechen. Her body was in a state of extreme fatigue, and she quickly fell into a deep sleep. Xie Xuechen helped regulate her meridians, quietly gazed at her sleeping face for a long time, and then left the room, instructing the maid to prepare hot water for her to freshen up.
Shortly after daybreak, Xie Xuechen, feeling concerned, pushed open the door and entered the room again. A faint, pleasant fragrance lingered in the air. Mu Xuanling lay on her side on the couch, draped in soft robes. Her delicate skin still had a pink tinge to it. Her breathing was light and even, her eyelashes fluttering gently as she slept soundly, completely unaware of his presence.
Xie Xuechen tread lightly, sitting down on the edge of the bed and tucking in the blanket that had been turned over. She lay curled up on her side, her head unconsciously nuzzling against his thigh as he sat beside her. She reached out a small hand and grasped the hem of his clothes, mumbling in her sleep, “Xuechen…”
Xie Xuechen’s heart instantly melted. He couldn’t resist reaching out to gently touch her brow and eyes, tracing her beautiful, soft features.
These two characters originally meant frost and snow, but when she uttered them, they seemed tender and affectionate.
What was she seeing in her dream?
“Ling’er…” his deep voice responded to her dream-like call.
It seemed that only now did he belatedly realize that Ling’er had never had a single good day since she was born.
She was a half-demon abandoned in the wilderness, growing up in the company of wild beasts. Later, she became a demon slave at Mingyue Manor, enduring countless hardships. After escaping from Mingyue Manor, she fell into the demon realm, not seeing daylight for seven years, suffering daily from the pain of demonic cultivation…
Fu Lansheng had grown up in luxury, and while he indulged in pleasure, he never lacked material comforts. But had Ling’er ever had a full meal at Mingyue Manor? Had she ever had a good night’s sleep in the demon realm?
If she hated this human world, he felt he could understand her grief and anger. But since he had known her, he had never seen her express grief or hatred. Her eyes were so beautiful, filled with him, as if just seeing him was enough to make her content.
When she loved him, he didn’t give her the slightest response.
Now that he understood his feelings, she had forgotten him…
Without emotions or love, would there be no pain or sorrow?
But Ling’er, who had cut off all emotions and love, wasn’t as happy as before.
He had forgotten the teachings he had received and the dao heart he had established – great love is selfless, not attached to one person.
But he was, after all, just a mortal, capable of desire and love.
Xie Xuechen’s hand gently stroked her thin back, without any hint of sensual desire, only tenderness and pity.
Mu Xuanling made comfortable murmurs in her sleep, unconsciously drawn to his scent, moving closer to him. Like a cat, she stretched out her soft, slender body, seeking more of his touch.
Xie Xuechen lowered his gaze to look at her sweet sleeping face, chuckling softly. Unable to resist, he planted a kiss on her temple. His falling dark hair brushed against her cheek, and she raised her hand to wave away the tickling sensation, opening her eyes hazily. Her misty, moist eyes looked dully at the handsome face before her.
— Xie Xuechen?
For a moment, she couldn’t distinguish between dream and reality. In her dream, it seemed to be a similar scene, with Xie Xuechen pressing down on her, kissing her face and the flower petals on her body.
Still drowsy, she looked at Xie Xuechen with an innocent and adorable expression.
“Xie Xuechen…” her voice was soft and hoarse, like a feather brushing against his heart.
Xie Xuechen chuckled softly, his eyes tender, “It’s me.”
She noticed he had changed into different clothes, and suddenly remembered the intense pain from last night when she had bitten his shoulder hard. Her heart ached a little, and she said in a low voice, “Is the wound on your shoulder… very deep?”
She vaguely remembered seeing a large patch of red on his shoulder.
Xie Xuechen shook his head dismissively, “It’s just a minor injury.”
“I also struck you with several palm strikes yesterday…” her face paled again, “And I whipped you once in the Qifeng Forest…”
At the time, she couldn’t see the wound clearly, but she had felt the torn flesh. The wound had been infected by miasma, so it must have been quite severe.
“I have a Fashen body. These are all minor injuries and have already healed,” Xie Xuechen said soothingly.
“You’re lying to me.” Mu Xuanling bit her lip, sitting up in bed and reaching out to pull at his clothes. “Let me see your wounds.”
Knowing he couldn’t dissuade her, Xie Xuechen sighed lightly and obediently opened his front collar, revealing the injuries on his body. The new wound on his shoulder had stopped bleeding but still left two rows of fine teeth marks. The whip wound on his shoulder blade was about two inches long, and although it had healed, it still left a visible red whip mark due to the miasma infection. It looked like a thorny branch, angry and red.
Xie Xuechen didn’t pay much attention to external injuries, thinking they would heal given time. Focused entirely on Mu Xuanling’s matters, he hadn’t even applied medicine to his wounds. He didn’t expect Mu Xuanling to remember to check his injuries. Seeing her silent as she looked at his back, he thought the wounds must be quite noticeable, making her feel bad. He felt remorseful and said gently, “The wounds are fine now. The few scars will fade in time. You…”
A pair of soft arms wrapped around him from behind.
Her soft little face pressed against his strong back, and he heard her holding back tears as she said in a muffled voice, “It’s my fault…”
Xie Xuechen lowered his head, holding the small hands clasped around his chest and abdomen, his voice gentle, “Ling’er, I have hurt you before too. You’ve endured far more than I have.”
“I never blamed you, I can understand, after all, you…” she hurriedly tried to explain, but he interrupted her.
“So, I won’t blame you in the slightest. Don’t be sad, alright?”
Xie Xuechen’s gentle words comforted her. After a moment of silence, she mumbled, “Okay…”
Xie Xuechen smiled slightly, but just as he was about to relax, his body suddenly tensed.
A wet, soft sensation swept across the scar on his shoulder blade, bringing a tingling pleasure. He naturally knew what it was. Like a small beast, she was licking his wounds out of concern, an instinctive and clumsy way of showing affection.
Xie Xuechen’s throat bobbed, his voice becoming a bit hoarse, “Ling’er, what are you doing?”
He held her hands, trying to separate them, but she held on tightly, and he was afraid of hurting her if he used too much force.
Mu Xuanling’s soft, wet tongue licked back and forth over the wound on his back, then pressed her lips and tongue against the teeth marks on his left shoulder. Her nose was filled with the faint, pleasant scent of snow cedar from his body. She had initially felt sorry for the injuries he had suffered because of her, but now a different emotion arose.
Her full, slightly upturned red lips pressed against the taut muscles of his shoulder, her small tongue flicking between the fine teeth marks. The hands wrapped around his chest and abdomen couldn’t help but loosen, caressing his firm abdominal muscles.
Xie Xuechen took a deep breath. Taking advantage of her loosened grip, he broke free from her embrace and pinned her down on the pillow. His voice was low and husky, filled with undisguised desire. “What are you trying to do?”
Mu Xuanling’s small face was flushed with a suspicious redness, her peach blossom eyes misty, half filled with affection and half with spring desire. Both seductive and hoarse, she said something inexplicable, “My eyes can see now.”
“Hmm?” Xie Xuechen was taken aback.
She licked her moist lips, enticing him like a little demon, “Can we continue what we were doing that day?”
Xie Xuechen: “…”
His gaze involuntarily fell on her loosened collar, where faint marks on her fair skin reminded him of that night’s uncontrolled debauchery. He had counted peach blossoms on her body all night, yet ultimately stopped at the final step.
Even when she was aroused with desire, writhing beneath him in pleasure, he had restrained his desires. He selfishly hoped that the one he made love to would be the Ling’er who loved him wholeheartedly, not the one who couldn’t see and didn’t know who he was, seeking only pleasure.
And now, lying beneath him was that Ling’er, whose heart and eyes were filled with him, both sincere and frank.
Her affection was never hidden; she wanted to pile it all in front of him, making sure he knew.
Xie Xuechen chuckled, his voice resonating in his chest. He leaned down, his hair intertwining with hers.
“Those flower petals have just faded, do you want to add some new ones?”
Mu Xuanling raised her arms to hook around his neck, her eyes blazing with a scorching heat that burned straight into his heart. She curved her lips coquettishly, her voice sweet and soft, “As long as it’s from you, I like it all.”
Saying this, she tilted her neck up and kissed the protruding Adam’s apple in his throat, initiating this passionate fire.
Xie Xuechen let out a muffled groan, lowering his head to capture her fragrant, soft red lips. His deft fingers undid the loose waistband, his long hands touching her delicate skin without hindrance, roaming her back. He knew she liked this kind of caress; the friction of his calluses made her close her eyes in comfort, letting out needy moans, actively curling her tongue to suck on his thin lips.
“Mmm… ha…” she panted softly as she released his lips, then opened her eyes again to gaze longingly at his impassioned appearance.
The immortal’s cold brows and eyes were now tinged with heavy desire and a flush. His phoenix eyes, dark as night, reflected her blushing face. His pale thin lips, kissed to a rouge color, glistened with an alluring moistness.
She raised her hand to undo his waist sash, letting the pure white robe slide to the foot of the bed. His skin was as white as the snow that never melts on the mountain peaks, yet it had the luster of jade and the resilience of bamboo. It made her linger, wanting to leave cherry blossom marks on that snow-white skin just like her own. Her soft, boneless little hands caressed his slender waist, feeling the strength contained in his body, and she couldn’t help but use her long legs to trace his shape.
Xie Xuechen drew in a sharp breath, his knee pressing down on her restless leg. He lowered his head to gently bite her chest, causing her to let out a low moan. She bit her lip, looking down at him with a wronged expression. His broad, muscular back connected to the beautifully powerful lines of his waist, his ink-black hair cascading down, making his skin appear even more snow-white. Those beautiful curves were like the continuous snow mountains of the Western Continent, majestic yet lonely…
Embracing Snow City.
Embracing… Snow…
Mu Xuanling, her eyes reddened, bit her knuckles, holding back the moans escaping her lips. Xie Xuechen patiently caressed her sensitive areas. He had always been patient and able to control himself, otherwise he wouldn’t have counted peach blossoms all night only to stop.
But this time, he didn’t intend to stop.
Xie Xuechen held her body and whispered in her ear, “Don’t bite your fingers. I’ve set up a barrier, no one will hear.”
Mu Xuanling glared at him, but her eyes were filled with allure. She clung to his shoulders, her fingers tangled in his thick black hair, pressing her forehead against his as she said hoarsely, “I want to hear your voice too…”
“Heh.” His phoenix eyes were tinged with joyful laughter. “If it hurts, tell me.”
“I’m not that fragile…” As soon as she finished speaking, her breath caught, and her face suddenly turned pale. “It hurts, it hurts, it hurts…”
“At least you’re honest.” Xie Xuechen chuckled with a sigh, his hands caressing her soft waist, lifting her hips. He waited for her body to relax before slowly entering her body.
She pressed against his shoulder, taking deep breaths, but her body couldn’t help trembling. Tears seeped from the corners of her eyes, wetting Xie Xuechen’s shoulder.
“Stop?” he asked.
Mu Xuanling let out a muffled groan, her legs tightening around his waist. She said hoarsely, “Don’t stop… I like it… As long as it’s you, even if it hurts, I like it…”
Xie Xuechen silently embraced her trembling body, placing soft kisses on the side of her face.
“Me too,” he said.
“Ah—” She let out a low cry, trembling as she endured the pain of being penetrated, but her heart was full of love.
She had finally embraced this bundle of snow…
“Xie Xuechen… Xuechen…” She lightly kissed his brows and eyes, more intimate than the entanglement below.
“Ling’er…” In response, there was a deeply affectionate call and an extremely gentle, deep kiss.
Fu Lansheng lazily sipped his tea, looking sympathetically at his friend.
“There are beautiful flowers everywhere, why must you seek them in someone else’s arms?” Fu Lansheng sighed, “Miss Mu has been cured of the poison, she will only like Sect Leader Xie now. Ah, Nan Xuyue, Nan Xuyue, you’ve been clever all your life, how can you be so confused about love? Look at me, I’ve been through a sea of flowers, yet not a single petal clings to me.”
Nan Xuyue smiled faintly, but there was no mirth in his eyes. “Brother Fu, you needn’t watch anymore.”
“I’m just concerned about you, don’t take it out on me.” Fu Lansheng looked at Nan Xuyue with a wronged expression. “Although Miss Mu is stunningly beautiful, you’re not one to value appearances. What exactly about her makes you unable to forget her? I’ll help you find someone just like her.”
Nan Xuyue said, “Brother Fu, among the many women infatuated with you, is there one who would love you unconditionally?”
Fu Lansheng rubbed his nose, embarrassed, “That question is truly hurtful.”
Nan Xuyue laughed, “When you understand love one day, come and advise me then.”
As Nan Xuyue rose to leave, Fu Lansheng hurriedly asked, “We’re leaving Lingsu Island tomorrow, what are your plans?”
Nan Xuyue paused, saying, “They’re going to Two Realms Mountain, aren’t they? I’ll go too.”
Fu Lansheng smiled bitterly, “Fine, fine, fine. Luckily, I’m a man of leisure. I’ll accompany you all then.”
On the small wooden bed nearby, A Bao rolled over and woke up groggily.
“Where’s Sister?” it mumbled.
“Heartless creature, asking for Sister as soon as you wake up.” Fu Lansheng rolled his eyes.
A Bao rolled its eyes back, “Isn’t Brother standing right here? Where’s Sister, she hasn’t left, has she…”
“No,” Fu Lansheng chuckled, “Your Sister is practicing cultivation. Sect Leader Xie said Sister has been working hard on her cultivation and needs a good rest. Don’t disturb her.”
“Tsk tsk tsk, Sect Leader Xie looks cold and aloof, who would have thought he’d indulge in daytime pleasure, and not know how to cherish a delicate flower, actually making her unable to get out of bed…”
Fu Lansheng thought of the scene when he saw Xie Xuechen earlier today and couldn’t help but find it amusing.
It was a case of, if you’re not embarrassed, others will be embarrassed for you. Xie Xuechen still had kiss marks on his neck, yet his face maintained that aloof and noble expression as if nothing had happened. Although he had set up a barrier in the room to block any probing, the very existence of the barrier said everything, not to mention he later asked for hot water to be prepared…
But Fu Lansheng was overthinking it. Xie Xuechen wasn’t lying; Mu Xuanling was indeed practicing cultivation.
The pain during lovemaking only lasted for a moment, followed by endless waves of pleasure. He knew how to control himself and didn’t leave any bruises on her body, but Mu Xuanling had no such restraint and kept kissing and biting him all over. She aroused him to no end. With his Fashen body, even seven days and nights would be no problem, but he was concerned about her body. Later, Xie Xuechen simply used the dual cultivation method to help her practice, and with their vast difference in cultivation levels, she benefited greatly. Afterward, she needed some time to refine the energy.
Xie Xuechen had planned to wait until Mu Xuanling was well-rested before heading to Two Realms Mountain. He had said farewell to Fu Lansheng earlier, but soon after heard from the servants that Fu Lansheng would accompany them to Two Realms Mountain.
Traveling on the Cloud Void Ship was naturally more comfortable than flying, allowing Mu Xuanling to rest for an extra day. Xie Xuechen naturally wouldn’t refuse.
It took Mu Xuanling two hours to fully refine and absorb the spiritual power Xie Xuechen had transmitted to her. Her internal spiritual power became more concentrated, her body filled with strength, and her entire being radiant.
After changing her clothes, she joyfully went to find Xie Xuechen.
She heard from the servants that Fu Lansheng and Nan Xuyue had left the ship to bid farewell to the demon kings on Lingsu Island. Mu Xuanling felt relieved because she recalled the conversation she had with Nan Xuyue last night, which had left her feeling somewhat sad.
Her heart only had room for one person now, and couldn’t accommodate anyone else. Back in Embracing Snow City, she had already told Nan Xuyue about this, but she didn’t expect Nan Xuyue to still hold onto his feelings. She viewed Nan Xuyue as a good teacher and friend, and she could sacrifice her life to save him, but she couldn’t give him more emotional attachment. Hurting such a gentle and humble person was not what she wanted…
Mu Xuanling came to Xie Xuechen’s room with these thoughts in her mind and saw Xie Xuechen talking with A Bao.
A Bao’s childish voice asked, “Sect Leader Xie, what is daytime pleasure…”
Xie Xuechen: “…Who said that?”
“Brother said it,” A Bao immediately sold out Fu Lansheng.
Mu Xuanling stepped forward and picked up A Bao, saying angrily, “That Fu Lansheng, always saying such improper things, corrupting my A Bao!”
A Bao shook its ears, nestling in Mu Xuanling’s palm, tilting its head to look at her carefully, and exclaimed loudly, “Sister looks even more beautiful after practicing!”
Mu Xuanling’s face reddened, and she looked towards Xie Xuechen.
Xie Xuechen nodded seriously, “Deeper cultivation naturally enhances one’s appearance.”
The “practice” they were thinking of was not the same thing.
Mu Xuanling put A Bao on the table and poked its head. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind. She blinked and said, “Xie Xuechen, can you pass on the Jade Threshold Scripture to A Bao? If she can open up her divine aperture, is there a possibility she could transform into human form?”
Xie Xuechen looked at the expectant A Bao and said, “If you’re willing, you can try.”
Since he had comprehended the Jade Threshold Scripture, he had been the only one to practice it. In the cultivation world, it’s said that techniques should not be lightly passed on, especially divine skills. If passed to someone with an evil nature, it could bring endless calamity. Therefore, Xie Xuechen had never passed on the Jade Threshold Scripture to others. But Mu Xuanling was different in his heart. He had destroyed her demonic cultivation, and out of guilt and affection, he passed the divine skill to her. She was never so guarded with those she liked; viewing Nan Xuyue as a friend, she wanted to pass it to him, and now she felt the same about A Bao.
Xie Xuechen had observed A Bao’s energy and knew it was a demon beast with a pure nature. It was also Mu Xuanling’s beloved spirit pet. If she wanted to pass on the technique to him, he wouldn’t stop her.
Xie Xuechen gave a few instructions, and Mu Xuanling learned quickly. Following Xie Xuechen’s method, she slowly guided her spiritual power to her palm and placed it on A Bao’s small head. A Bao blinked its eyes, listening to Xie Xuechen’s guidance, and closed its eyes, feeling the flow of spiritual power and guiding it into its brow.
Warm energy enveloped its brow, slowly spreading to its limbs, finally forming a ball of light that encased A Bao.
This was Xie Xuechen’s first time seeing a demon beast cultivate the Jade Threshold Scripture. He carefully observed A Bao’s changes while also paying attention to Mu Xuanling’s condition, fearing her body might not be able to handle it. Although A Bao was young and naive, its comprehension was not low. It quickly gathered the spiritual power, and the white light at its brow became increasingly dazzling.
Xie Xuechen’s eyes sharpened, and he said in a low voice, “The divine aperture… has appeared.”
However, what was more shocking was that A Bao’s form within the halo began to change, seeming to expand and contract with each breath. With a flash of yellow light, the small sniffing treasure mouse on the table disappeared, replaced by a little girl in a white dress.
She looked about seven or eight years old, with a delicately carved face, wearing a fluffy white long dress with pale golden hems and cuffs, a color as enticing as gold ingots. Her thick, soft hair was divided into two buns on either side, tied with soft golden silk into adorable ingot shapes.
Mu Xuanling’s mouth fell open in shock as she called out, “A Bao?”
The little girl on the table opened her eyes drowsily and smiled sweetly at Mu Xuanling, “Sister!”
It was indeed that same childish, adorable voice…
A Bao looked down curiously at her hands and clothes, “I’ve turned into a human… The clothes are transformed from my fur, but why am I so small…”
Xie Xuechen said, “As your cultivation increases, your age will naturally increase.”
He was also extremely shocked, never having imagined that the Jade Threshold Scripture would have such miraculous power, able to transform a beast-form half-demon into human form.
Mu Xuanling had also tried it with a “just give it a try” attitude, but the result left her speechless with amazement. She reached out to rub A Bao’s head, and A Bao tilted her head up contentedly, still with that mouse-like behavior…
But she was truly adorable, melting everyone’s heart at the sight.
Mu Xuanling couldn’t help but smile, “A Bao is so pretty, your mother will be so happy when she sees you.”
A Bao raised her face proudly, “Mother said I would surely have great fortune following Sister, and Mother was indeed the most amazing!”
As Mu Xuanling was about to rub A Bao’s chubby cheeks again, she was unexpectedly touched on the brow by Xie Xuechen.
Mu Xuanling was startled for a moment, turning to look at Xie Xuechen with confusion in her eyes.
Xie Xuechen said gravely, “If a beast-form half-demon can transform into human form, then why can’t a human-form half-demon transform into beast form? Ling’er, do you know what kind of demon your father was?”
Mu Xuanling shook her head blankly, “I was abandoned as a child and don’t know what kind of demon I am, but I heard people at Mingyue Manor say that my father might have been a tree demon or vine demon because I originally had some demon markings on my face that looked a bit like plant patterns.”
Plants and trees can also be cultivated into demons, though it’s far more difficult than for beast demons because it’s not easy for plants and trees to awaken intelligence. However, if they succeed in becoming demons, they have the longest lifespan among all demon races, and their demonic power potential is also boundless.
But was Mu Xuanling a descendant of a tree demon…
Seeing that Mu Xuanling and Xie Xuechen were talking and ignoring her, A Bao felt a bit wronged and pouted. She pounced towards Mu Xuanling, wanting to stand on her shoulder, but forgot that she was now in human form. She jumped from the table, not only knocking it over but also toppling Mu Xuanling.
Mu Xuanling hugged A Bao, and Xie Xuechen caught Mu Xuanling. The three of them ended up in a group hug when they heard an exclamation from behind.
“I leave for just a moment, and you’ve already given birth to a daughter!” Fu Lansheng stared in disbelief.
A Bao raised her head from Mu Xuanling’s embrace to look at Fu Lansheng, smiling sweetly.
Fu Lansheng’s heart instantly melted, and he hurriedly said, “Congratulations, congratulations, she looks just like her mother!”