It was the heaviest snowfall of that winter, with goose feather-like flakes drifting down from the sky, seemingly eager to bury all filth and squalor.

The demon slaves of Mingyue Mountain Manor had to rise before dawn to work. In winter, daylight came late, and stars still twinkled when they got up. After an hour of hard labor, they only saw a pale light breaking at the horizon’s edge, while the trees along the road were already covered in frost and snow.

The overseer was bundled up tightly, his fleshy face hidden beneath a felt hat, occasionally revealing malevolent eyes. There was no need for courtesy with these demon slaves; a working whip was more effective than kind words. Even the most spirited slaves would lose their temper after a few beatings.

Seeing a small, thin figure slow down a few steps, he stepped forward and lashed out with his whip. The little demon slave bit her lip, not daring to cry out, and hurriedly picked up the firewood to run ahead.

“The Young Miss’s birthday is in two days, and there are many distinguished guests at the manor these days. You all better move quickly! And remember, don’t run to the front courtyard and offend the guests!” the overseer barked, his voice hoarse.

A chorus of weak responses echoed around: “Understood, Overseer.”

The overseer frowned in displeasure, muttering about a bunch of sickly ghosts. He counted the water vats and cursed, “Why aren’t the vats filled yet? Who’s responsible for this?”

An old demon slave, hunched over, said, “Ling Ling is responsible. These past few days, it’s been so cold that the river has frozen over. We have to break the ice surface to fetch water…”

Before the old demon slave could finish, a whip lashed across his face. The overseer stormed towards the riverbank, fuming. From afar, he saw a small figure kneeling motionless by the river. He grumbled, “I knew she was slacking off!”

His whip was already raised. Though his cultivation was only at the Foundation Building stage, with spiritual power infused into the magical whip, it was enough to cause these half-demons pain for ten to fifteen days. Without warning, the overseer’s whip lashed out towards the small figure by the river. With a tearing sound, it struck the thin back, ripping open the already fragile and tattered clothes, revealing a back mottled with old and new injuries. The little demon slave lost her balance, her numb legs giving way as she fell forward. Her thin arms plunged into the ice hole she had dug, the freezing river water bringing bone-chilling pain.

The little demon slave bit her lip, not making a sound. She hurriedly got up, adjusting her slightly askew mask.

“Over-Overseer!”

“Ling Ling, it’s already daybreak, why have you only filled two vats of water?” The overseer was furious. “You dare to hide here and slack off, thinking I wouldn’t notice?”

The little demon slave lowered her head, her small hands red and numb from the cold. She said softly, “The ice was too thick. It took me a long time to break through.”

“You dare to argue! Demon slaves have plenty of strength!” Her defense only fueled the overseer’s anger. He raised his whip high, about to bring it down, when suddenly a powerful force came from the left, sending him flying six or seven zhang away. The overseer fell in a daze, crying out in pain.

The little demon slave stared blankly at the overseer, then turned to look in the other direction.

How strange, even though everything around was a sea of white, she could still spot him at a glance. The heavy snow couldn’t conceal his distinctly different aura. He walked towards her but suddenly stopped. In just a moment, a layer of snow had settled on him, dusting his raven-black hair, softening his mountain-like brows, and dimming his star-like eyes. Those clear phoenix eyes pierced through the blizzard, gazing at her silently. She rubbed her eyes, blinded by the wind and snow, unable to understand the pain and pity in his eyes. He seemed to suddenly appear before her, kneeling. His warm, fragrant fur coat gently fell on her thin shoulders, shielding her from the assault of wind and snow.

“Are you… cold?” the young man asked softly, restraining the tremor in his voice.

The little demon slave startled, shrinking back slightly, and lowered her head, saying, “I’m a half-demon. Half-demons don’t get cold.”

The young man looked at her small hands, red and stiff from the cold. It felt as if an ice pick had carved a large hole in his heart, letting in the bone-chilling wind, and making him ache with sorrow.

Ling’er…

Seeing it with his own eyes, he finally understood how much his Ling’er had suffered. Her thin, frail limbs were clad only in an ill-fitting single layer of clothing in this icy weather, with visible bruises scattered on her exposed limbs. Xie Xuechen felt a pain so intense it almost suffocated him, yet he restrained the urge to embrace her, fearing he might startle her.

At this moment, she didn’t know Xie Xuechen.

The overseer came to his senses, cursing as he rushed over to demand an explanation, but upon meeting Xie Xuechen’s murderous gaze, his legs gave way, and he fell to his knees with a thud.

Xie Xuechen suppressed his killing intent. He couldn’t arbitrarily change the past, not knowing what unpredictable changes it might cause. Killing an insignificant person would only vent momentary anger but could potentially lead to unfavorable outcomes. Reason made him hold back. He turned his head to carefully examine the frail Mu Xuanling.

No, at this moment, she wasn’t called Mu Xuanling yet. That name was given to her by Sang Qi.

Xie Xuechen suddenly jolted. Yes, he should take Ling’er away before Sang Qi bloodied Mingyue Mountain Manor, letting her escape her half-demon identity and live well!

“Would you… like to come with me?” Xie Xuechen asked cautiously.

The little demon slave was stunned for a moment, then looked towards the overseer and said softly, “Are you an honored guest of the manor? I’m a demon slave, I must obey the overseer’s orders.”

“You are not a demon slave,” Xie Xuechen said, wrapping her frozen fingers in his warm palms. The faint warmth seeped into her ice-cold joints, bringing tingling sensations of pain and numbness.

At such proximity, she could smell the fresh scent emanating from him. Looking up, she could see his handsome and gentle face. She felt confused, yet also craved this warmth. It was unfamiliar, yet comforting as if she was being carefully treasured by someone.

But at that moment, her stomach growled loudly. Her pale little face instantly turned red to the ears, and she was somewhat grateful for wearing a mask so he couldn’t see.

“Haven’t you eaten?” Xie Xuechen didn’t laugh at her, only feeling heartache.

The little demon slave said, “I… I still need to fill three vats of water before I can eat breakfast.”

Xie Xuechen frowned slightly. Ignoring the trembling overseer nearby, he reached out to embrace her slender body and left the place on his flying sword.

Holding her in his arms, he realized how light she was, seemingly no heavier than a snowflake as if she might melt in his palm at any moment. She clung to his waist in fear, not daring to look down, burying her head in his chest.

Xie Xuechen couldn’t help but gently stroke her head, saying softly, “Don’t be afraid. You won’t fall. I’ll hold you tight.”

He quickly brought her to a nearby village. It was already bright daylight, and despite the heavy snow, the village was still full of the warmth of daily life. The aroma of steamed buns, dumplings, and hot noodle soup pierced through the icy barrier, making the little demon slave’s stomach growl even louder.

Xie Xuechen took her to a nearby tavern, instructing the owner to cook two bowls of hot noodle soup, and ordered a table full of delicious dishes, with everything one could desire.

The little demon slave opened her mouth in surprise, then swallowed and said softly, “Can you eat all this?”

Xie Xuechen smiled and said, “It’s all for you.”

Though she was thin, her peach blossom eyes behind the mask seemed even brighter, blinking as she looked at him. It made his heart ache and soften, wishing he could offer her the whole world, to pamper and comfort her, never letting her suffer again.

“I… I’ll just eat a little bit,” she said, not knowing who he was and too shy to accept his kindness.

“Then you eat, and I’ll help you with the dishes,” Xie Xuechen said with a smile.

Seeing that the mask made it inconvenient for her to eat, Xie Xuechen said, “Why don’t you take off your mask?”

She quickly shook her head, pressing the mask nervously, and said, “I have demon markings on my face. They’re ugly. I’m afraid I’ll scare you.”

Xie Xuechen smiled gently and softened his voice, “It won’t. Just by looking at your eyes, I know you must be beautiful.”

She was mesmerized by his smile and gentleness. In a daze, his long fingers hooked the string behind her mask, and the cold mask was gently removed.

Xie Xuechen’s loving gaze traced her delicate and lively features, her straight nose, and her slightly pursed cherry-colored lips. The young girl’s face was as fresh and charming as a newly blooming lotus, her black eyes moist and timid as she looked at him, innocent like a fawn in the forest. Years of toil and hunger had made her appear excessively thin, her face no bigger than a palm, making her eyes seem even larger and clearer.

She tried to cover the demon markings on her face, but he gently held her fingers, leaning in to examine the “demon markings” on her left cheek closely. The patterns were like living vines, with faint golden light flowing through them. But upon careful observation, one would realize it was a flow of energy.

So this is Chaos Qi…

The world is ignorant, treating treasure as grass, wantonly abusing it…

Xie Xuechen sighed softly, then heard her ask nervously, “Did I scare you?”

Xie Xuechen chuckled, “No, it’s very beautiful, very beautiful. No wonder you were reluctant to let others see.”

Her skin was so fair and translucent that he could see even the slightest blush.

So this is what Ling’er looked like as a child…

Xie Xuechen gazed at her every smile and movement with lingering affection. He kept helping her with the dishes, feeling content as he watched her eat with relish.

“Do you want to eat anything else?” Knowing that half-demons had large appetites, he wasn’t surprised to see her finish a table full of dishes. But Ling’er twisted her fingers embarrassedly and coughed twice before saying, “I’m full…”

Xie Xuechen smiled gently, “It’s alright. You don’t need to be polite with me.”

She looked up, meeting the young man’s eyes full of tenderness and doting. Gathering her courage, she said, “I’ve heard that wine is a human delicacy…”

Xie Xuechen said seriously, “That’s not allowed.” Seeing her face fall, he added, “You’re too young.”

She had no cultivation yet and was still young. She would get drunk.

Xie Xuechen smiled and ruffled her hair, then called over the tavern owner and ordered two more of the dishes she had enjoyed earlier. The tavern owner looked suspiciously at the elegantly dressed young master, then at the little demon slave, and said embarrassedly, “These dishes are quite expensive. Would the honored guest mind settling the bill first?”

Xie Xuechen reached into his Qiezi bag and then frowned slightly.

After previous embarrassing incidents, he now usually carried some gold and silver with him. But this body was his 18-year-old self, who was entirely focused on the sword path and wouldn’t remember such trivial matters as bringing money when going out…

The tavern owner’s expression immediately changed, as did Ling’er’s.

— Could this brother be planning to sell her here to pay off the debt…

Xie Xuechen coughed lightly and removed a high-quality jade pendant from his waist. Even a layman could tell it was priceless. “I’m sorry, I left in a hurry and forgot to bring silver. Could you trouble the owner to take this jade pendant to the pawnshop next door to exchange for some silver?”

The owner received the jade pendant with both hands, grinning from ear to ear: “The noble guest is too kind. It’s no trouble at all!”

After a while, the owner returned with a bag of silver, smiling broadly: “Noble guest, I pawned it for five hundred taels. Please check.”

Xie Xuechen casually accepted it. He naturally knew that even a fraction of the jade pendant was worth more than five hundred taels, but money was just an external possession, not worth worrying about.

The ordered dishes were quickly served. The little demon slave had just digested a bit and ate the new dishes with relish. She narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, her face now showing a healthy glow. She blinked her clear, moist eyes, now more familiar with Xie Xuechen, and couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you so kind to me? Do you… want me to do something?”

She had seen many instances of ulterior motives behind kindness and knew that people were either deceitful or thieves. But this brother was so handsome and generous, she still hoped he was a good person, neither deceitful nor a thief.

Xie Xuechen lowered his head slightly to look at her, his phoenix eyes reflecting her face, with a soft and warm light flickering in them. The corners of his lips curved up as he said gently, “I just want you to be happy.”

She frowned suspiciously, her heart suspended: “Could it be… you’re my long-lost father?”

Xie Xuechen lightly flicked her forehead, caught between laughter and tears: “Is that what you hope for?”

She lowered her head with some disappointment: “If so, it would be quite nice.”

“Why?”

“Then, you would take me away, right?” A hint of longing flashed in her eyes. “You’ve abandoned me for so many years, you should make it up to me… right?”

“Heh…” Young Xie Xuechen chuckled softly, his long eyelashes hiding the complex emotions in his eyes. “Then how would you like me to make it up to you?”

“I want to wear beautiful clothes, eat delicious food, live in a big house, and be able to sleep for two hours every day!” She spoke of her fantasies of a good life with a dreamy expression.

Xie Xuechen smiled as he looked at her. He wanted to spend his entire life making it up to her, loving her, but her wishes were so simple and modest.

“Alright, I’ll take you,” Xie Xuechen said indulgently, ruffling her hair. “Now that you’ve eaten, shall I take you to buy clothes?”

“Okay, Father!” she called sweetly.

Xie Xuechen shook his head with a laugh, took her hand, and said seriously, “Don’t call me Father.”

“But you won’t tell me your name,” she grumbled dissatisfiedly. “Then what should I call you…”

Xie Xuechen didn’t want her to know his name. She had already sacrificed too much for him, and he didn’t want to see Ling’er sacrifice herself for him again… He only hoped she could live well, even if she no longer loved him…

Xie Xuechen smiled sadly and said softly, “Anything but that is fine.”

“Then… can I call you Big Brother?”

Xie Xuechen’s heart jolted, and he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Big Brother…

A chill crept over his heart, freezing him entirely.

Ling’er gently tugged at his hand, calling out, “Big Brother?”

Xie Xuechen heard his stiff voice respond: “Alright.”

He remembered in Yongxue City when Ling’er was in a daze, she kept calling out “Big Brother.” He didn’t dare ask who that was, fearing Ling’er had someone else in her heart. But now, what terrified him even more was the realization that the “Big Brother” Ling’er spoke of was himself!

He suddenly recalled that day in the noodle shop when Ling’er had looked at him with an ambiguous smile as he embarrassedly forgot to bring money, and she had said almost the same words he had just uttered…

— I’m sorry, I left in a hurry and forgot to bring silver…

She had smilingly offered a hairpin.

Xie Xuechen slowly turned his head to look at Mu Xuanling, who only reached his chest. Her thin face bore a rare joy as she called him “Big Brother” over and over, completely unaware of the pain and fear in Xie Xuechen’s eyes.

He vaguely had a guess…

It turned out he had never lost his memory. The memory of Mingyue Mountain Manor from seven years ago didn’t belong to the 18-year-old Xie Xuechen, and the person Ling’er fell in love with that year was the 25-year-old Xie Xuechen.

But he would eventually leave. Would his amnesiac self still treat Ling’er well?

No, he knew he wouldn’t. He had already hurt her once…

Xie Xuechen trembled uncontrollably. He felt as if he was stepping into a trap set by the God of Fate…

It was as if, in the vast unknown, a noble and cold deity had turned to look down upon him.

Xie Xuechen suppressed the unease and panic in his heart and fulfilled her wishes one by one. If this was a cruel joke by the gods, at least for now, he could still give her happiness and joy.

He watched her clean up, take off her tattered clothes, and change into the fine clothes and ornaments he had carefully chosen for her. He rolled up his sleeves and meticulously applied medicine to her wounds, but when it came to her back, she blushed and refused to let him treat it. Xie Xuechen smiled helplessly. There wasn’t a part of her body he hadn’t seen before, but now, it was a different situation. She didn’t truly know him yet, nor had she fallen in love with him… There was still a chance for change.

He clumsily helped her comb her soft, long hair and tied it into a simple bun, watching her become radiant and graceful. He slightly narrowed his phoenix eyes, concealing the sorrow within, and tried to use Wanren to break the spirit-locking ring, but failed. At this point, he hadn’t reached the Fashen realm, nor had he cultivated the Jade Que Scripture. He could forcibly break the lock, but without proper control, he might hurt Ling’er. Seeing her pale face from enduring the pain, he said in a deep voice, “I’ll go to Mingyue Mountain Manor and have them release you.”

“Big Brother, it’s alright, don’t force yourself,” she comforted him, covering the back of his hand. “Even though it was only for a day, I’ve been very happy.”

“Ling’er, I will take you away,” Xie Xuechen gently stroked her hair, saying tenderly, “In the future… you must live well.”

Live well on your own, forget about me, and live a good life.

“I’ve always been fine,” she said with a grin.

“Silly girl,” he said somewhat sadly, looking at the scars on the back of her hand.

His Ling’er, seemingly clever and quick-witted, was obedient and naive, always silently bearing everything on her own. When she was in pain or crying, she wouldn’t tell him.

Xie Xuechen took her back to Mingyue Mountain Manor. He told her to hide while he went to see the manor lord.

When Gao Fengxu heard that the young lord of Yongxue City was seeking an audience, he found it strange but immediately had someone bring him in.

By now, Xie Xuechen knew about Gao Fengxu’s actions towards Su Ningxi. If he had any respect for Gao Fengxu as a junior to an elder before, now he only felt cold contempt. Gao Fengxu hadn’t seen Xie Xuechen for many years and didn’t know about the changes in him, but he sensed a kind of pressure from a superior being, which made him uncomfortable and confused.

“Nephew, you’ve come from afar. Is it to attend my daughter’s birthday?” Gao Fengxu put on a fake smile. “If Qiumin knew you were here, she would be delighted.”

Xie Xuechen was a top-tier genius cultivator in the cultivation world, handsome and noble. Few female cultivators didn’t like him, but he was obsessed with the sword path and cold as ice to everyone. Gao Qiumin had sent invitations to cultivators of her age for her birthday, and Xie Xuechen naturally received one, but no one thought he would come.

“I have come with a request, to ask Manor Lord Gao for a person,” Xie Xuechen cupped his hands and said in a cool voice.

Gao Fengxu raised his eyebrows in surprise: “Oh, who could it be that would make his nephew ask for them?”

“Just a demon slave from your manor. I only need the manor lord’s approval to have someone remove the spirit-locking ring,” Xie Xuechen said.

Hearing this, Gao Fengxu was even more surprised. For someone like Xie Xuechen to make such a request, that demon slave must be special. This made him very curious and hesitant.

“Well… this can be arranged. But since nephew has come, why not stay at the manor for a few days? Wait until after Qiumin’s birthday celebration to leave, and I’ll hand over that demon slave to you then. May I ask which demon slave has caught nephew’s eye?” Gao Fengxu asked.

Xie Xuechen was wary of Gao Fengxu and kept his guard up, saying, “Manor Lord is too kind. However, there are urgent matters in Yongxue City, and my father has summoned me urgently. I dare not delay. Please forgive me, Manor Lord.”

Xie Xuechen didn’t have the memory of what happened seven years ago. After being severely injured at Mingyue Mountain Manor, he was unconscious for a long time. He only heard that Sang Qi had bloodied Mingyue Mountain Manor during the two days of Gao Qiumin’s birthday, and the fire burned for several days, reducing Mingyue Mountain Manor to ashes. But the exact date and time of the attack were unknown. He had considered preventing this from happening, but upon careful thought, it was not feasible.

Sang Qi had planned this battle for over a decade. He was now just a Yuanying realm cultivator, and it was almost impossible for him to stop Sang Qi. It might even cause a worse chain reaction. The warnings from the Wheel Mirror Deity before he left were still fresh in his mind, and Feng Xiang’s precedent was still before his eyes. He didn’t dare act carelessly, trying to minimize contact with others and change the past trajectory as little as possible to avoid causing greater harm.

As long as he could take Ling’er away from the manor before the incident and prevent her from falling into Sang Qi’s hands, he would have achieved the purpose of this journey.

Gao Fengxu didn’t know Xie Xuechen’s thoughts, but he was deeply scheming and sensitive to suspicion. He vaguely sensed something off about Xie Xuechen. He laughed and walked around the table towards Xie Xuechen, subtly blocking his way, and asked with concern, “Is there any urgent matter in Yongxue City? If Mingyue Mountain Manor can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to ask. We in the Immortal Alliance should support each other. Nephew, if you have any issues, feel free to speak up.”

Seeing Gao Fengxu beating around the bush and avoiding the main topic, Xie Xuechen frowned inwardly but maintained a calm exterior, saying, “It’s just a private matter of Yongxue City. I dare not trouble Manor Lord. May I ask how the spirit-locking ring of that demon slave can be removed?”

“There’s no rush,” Gao Fengxu smiled slightly. “I’ve heard that nephew’s sword skills are unparalleled. It’s rare to meet you, and I’d like to discuss it with you. Please do me the honor. Although our realms differ, today we’ll only discuss sword techniques. I’ll suppress my realm and cultivation to spar with you.”

As Xie Xuechen was about to refuse, Gao Fengxu interrupted, “Once I’ve fulfilled this wish of mine, I’ll hand over the key to the spirit-locking ring to you.”

Xie Xuechen frowned slightly but had to nod in agreement.

What he didn’t know was that Gao Fengxu had secretly sent a message, ordering people to investigate which demon slave Xie Xuechen had taken an interest in.