Though Yan Chaosheng hadn’t admitted it, Liu Shuang could almost be certain that he admired Bi Xun.

So the young Yan Chaosheng had someone he respected. Liu Shuang could nearly visualize a small, weak boy covered in snake scales, eyes bright as he listened to stories of how brave Lord Bi Xun was.

Both possessed demonic snake bloodlines, but Bi Xun was a descendant of the ancient ascending serpent—something Yan Chaosheng likely envied in every way. Growing up hearing stories of Bi Xun, the young Yan Chaosheng must have wanted to become someone like him when he grew up.

Sadly, this visit to Taichuan City had led to such a tragedy. Bi Xun had died miserably, even tearing out his own heart to give to Miss Si.

Liu Shuang glanced at Yan Chaosheng. When she was a little celestial herb, she knew his body was cold and that he possessed snake demon bloodlines, but she didn’t know which kind of snake demon he descended from. In her previous life, Yan Chaosheng never mentioned it, and she never asked.

However, given how Bi Xun had despised his bloodline earlier, it seemed Yan Chaosheng’s lineage wasn’t well-regarded among demons.

As long as Yan Chaosheng didn’t consume Bi Xun’s demon core, Liu Shuang clutched her qiankun pouch tightly—otherwise, how could she ever kill him?

Liu Shuang had no other plans for the demon core. A seven-thousand-year-old ascending serpent’s demon core shouldn’t fall into any demon’s hands. She would eventually take it back to Kung Sang and let Chi Shui Chong handle it.

Liu Shuang planned to go to the Kun Lun celestial realm first.

Now that Bi Xun’s matter was resolved, staying in Taichuan City might cause more trouble since the citizens recognized Yan Chaosheng.

Liu Shuang plucked a willow leaf and, following the same method as before, sent it flying to find the two young masters of the Bai family. If they saw her message, they would also head toward Kun Lun, and they could meet up along the way.

Green celestial paper cranes fluttered their wings, flying across the sky.

Yan Chaosheng crossed his arms, watching Liu Shuang thoughtfully. “Where did the Young Lord learn this celestial technique? Using flowers and plants as mediums doesn’t seem like Kung Sang magic.”

Liu Shuang waved away the celestial paper cranes. “Then what kind of magic does it resemble?”

Yan Chaosheng looked at her but said nothing.

Liu Shuang snorted inwardly. Yan Chaosheng had endured countless hardships in his youth to cultivate in Kung Sang. His knowledge and courage were undoubtedly exceptional, but as a disciple guarding the outer realm, he couldn’t reveal too much of what he knew.

Even if Yan Chaosheng knew the origin of these techniques, he wouldn’t tell her.

These spells were all taught by Shao You. Thinking of Shao You, Liu Shuang couldn’t help feeling melancholic, wondering if she would have the chance to meet this friend from her previous life whom she hadn’t managed to see back then.

Even if she met Shao You again, Shao You wouldn’t recognize her anyway.

Don’t think too much; focus on surviving first.

The urgent matter now was figuring out how to deal with Yan Chaosheng. Keeping a future demon king in the celestial realm was like putting a wolf among sheep.

Perhaps their luck was finally turning around. They had just left Taichuan City when two streaks of light caught up from behind.

Liu Shuang’s eyes brightened, and she waved, “Bai Yuxiao!”

Her exceedingly joyful and intimate greeting stunned both young masters of the Bai family. Bai Yuxiao looked at Liu Shuang as if he’d seen a ghost. Had he heard correctly? Liu Shuang had noticed him first, not his elder brother?

Seeing Liu Shuang running toward them, Bai Yuxiao pressed his finger against her forehead, preventing her from coming closer. Awkwardly, he said to Bai Zhuixu, “Brother, check her quickly. Liu Shuang of Chi Shui must be possessed.”

Bai Zhuixu examined Liu Shuang with concern. “Young Lord, demons were causing havoc in Taichuan City. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’m very well,” Liu Shuang replied. Seeing Bai Yuxiao now felt like meeting family; she had never found him so endearing before.

Now that Bai Yuxiao was here, how far could Yan Chaosheng’s death be? Without Yan Chaosheng as a grave threat, Kung Sang would be safe.

With Bai Zhuixu present, Liu Shuang dared not directly discuss killing Yan Chaosheng with Bai Yuxiao, so she had to hold back for now. She asked Bai Zhuixu, “Young Master Bai, where did you go?” Not being the original owner, she couldn’t naturally call Bai Zhuixu “brother,” so this form of address felt more comfortable.

Bai Zhuixu paused and sighed. “Why is the Young Lord so distant with me? Is it because I failed to protect you this time, and you’re angry?”

Liu Shuang quickly said, “I’m not angry.”

After hesitating for a while, unable to find a reasonable explanation, she could only say, “Father advised that I must protect Kung Sang in the future. As Young Lord, I should behave properly and show respect to the worthy.”

Bai Zhuixu frowned but reluctantly accepted this explanation as he told Liu Shuang what had happened after they separated. “Yuxiao and I fell into Taichuan City, and all our celestial power dissipated. Taichuan City had a barrier that prevented us from leaving. The Seven Treasures Copper Coin was swallowed, and we followed the direction of its scattered parts until we found this.”

As he spoke, Bai Zhuixu took out a mirror.

The mirror was as transparent as crystal glass, imbued with the essence of plants and wood. Green phosphorescence flowed across its surface.

“What is this?”

Bai Zhuixu didn’t hand it to Liu Shuang. “Young Lord, don’t touch it. This is called the Primordial Mirror, a divine artifact from an ancient deity during the primeval era. Neither Yuxiao nor I expected to see it in Taichuan City. The Primordial Mirror contains the forces of yin and yang within it and can create illusions, establish barriers, and devour spiritual treasures. It has been in the hands of demons for many years and is now contaminated with too much malevolent energy that could easily corrupt the Young Lord’s celestial body.”

Since Bai Zhuixu said not to touch it, Liu Shuang trusted him and immediately withdrew her hand.

“You said this was found in Taichuan City? Can it set up a barrier that controls all living beings within and burn them to death?”

Bai Zhuixu pondered for a moment. “I haven’t seen that happen, but theoretically, it should be possible.”

Liu Shuang pressed her lips together. If the Primordial Mirror could trap living beings and incinerate everything within with fire, then it was very possible that what she remembered as the karmic fire was not karmic fire at all, but rather caused by the Primordial Divine Mirror.

Who wanted to destroy Cang Lan?

Now the Primordial Mirror was in Bai Zhuixu’s hands, so it couldn’t have been him, could it?

According to historical records, the Bai clan of Kung Sang had vanished into history along with the celestial realm, so it couldn’t be Bai Zhuixu. The matter had become more complex; she still needed to observe who would ultimately possess the Primordial Mirror.

Liu Shuang steadied her mind, keeping her composure as she recounted her experiences with Yan Chaosheng.

Bai Yuxiao said, “Is there really such a foolish snake demon in the world who would dig out his demon core for a mortal? Demons are demons after all, with incorrigible natures. No matter if he died.”

Liu Shuang instinctively glanced at Yan Chaosheng, wondering if he felt targeted by these remarks.

The young man in dark blue robes gave a cold laugh but said nothing.

Bai Zhuixu’s focus was more practical. “No wonder the divine artifact had no controller later, allowing us to take it easily.” He carefully stored the Primordial Mirror tainted with malevolent energy. “Young Lord, we’ve already been delayed in Taichuan for several days. The urgent matter now is to proceed to Kun Lun.”

Liu Shuang nodded.

Bai Zhuixu summoned his sword, which gleamed with flowing light. After applying celestial magic, it could seat more than a dozen people.

“Young Lord, let me help you.”

The gentleness of the elder Young Master Bai was as warm as a spring breeze. Liu Shuang felt unlucky that she had been stranded with Yan Chaosheng earlier.

Bai Yuxiao disdainfully tapped his brother’s celestial sword. “Pity the Seven Treasures Copper Coin was swallowed by the Primordial Mirror.”

The group rode the celestial sword toward Kun Lun.

On the way, Liu Shuang finally found an opportunity to approach Bai Yuxiao, quietly setting up a barrier for their private conspiracy.

“I have something to discuss with you.”

Brushed by her warm aura, Bai Yuxiao’s hair stood on end. He glared at Liu Shuang, assuming a fighting stance. “This young master warns you, don’t try anything funny. I won’t fall for your tricks.”

Liu Shuang lowered her voice. “I’m not trying to harm you. I want to ask if you have any way to eliminate Yan Chaosheng.”

Bai Yuxiao raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? Did he bully you in the city? Now you want to completely eliminate him?”

Liu Shuang couldn’t explain the real reason, so she simply nodded in agreement.

She rolled up her sleeve, showing Bai Yuxiao the bracelet on her wrist. “He bullied me terribly! He’s vindictive and definitely won’t let us go, so we need to find a way.”

Bai Yuxiao said dismissively, “Would this young master fear him? A gate-keeping disciple who has lost all his cultivation.”

Liu Shuang thought to herself, you will truly die at the hands of this gate-keeping disciple in the future, unable even to struggle. He will crush you effortlessly.

Liu Shuang said, “Just to be safe, we still need a plan.”

Bai Yuxiao’s nature was both righteous and unorthodox, rebellious and ungovernable—as evidenced by his unauthorized capture and cultivation destruction of a sect disciple. He was different from celestial lords like Bai Zhuixu, who were filled with righteousness.

After pondering for only a moment, he pushed Liu Shuang’s head away. “Don’t get so close. I’ll figure something out for this matter. Go away, Liu Shuang of Chi Shui. You’re too useless; don’t hold this young master back.”

Conspiring to do evil yet being disdained for it—Liu Shuang’s mouth twitched as she urged, “Make sure it’s reliable, alright?”

Bai Yuxiao said, “Just don’t let my brother know, and we’ll be fine. If you dare to tell him, don’t blame me for dragging you down with me.”

“I won’t say anything, I definitely won’t.”

Just as Liu Shuang finished planning their misdeed, a hand grasped her collar. She felt a chill down her spine and turned to see Yan Chaosheng looking down at her with a cold smile. “Young Lord, this disciple forgot something.”

“W…what?”

“The Ten Commandment Ring—I forgot to remove it from the Young Lord. Now that we’re safe, this disciple no longer needs to be concerned with the Young Lord’s safety, so naturally, it should be removed.”

Liu Shuang silently cursed his hypocrisy. How could it be a concern for her safety when he had wanted to absorb her spiritual energy earlier?

She hid her left hand wearing the Ten Commandment Ring behind her back, earnestly making up a lie: “I’ve thought about it. Since you have no spiritual power now, I’ll wear the Ten Commandment Ring so I can protect you when needed.”

Clouds drifted across the sky as the young man’s face twitched slightly, his expression blank as he stared at her.

Liu Shuang quickly added, “This bracelet is quite beautiful. I’m happy to wear it.”

Yan Chaosheng tugged at the corner of his mouth. “If the Young Lord likes it, then that’s good.”

No way, Liu Shuang thought to herself. She wouldn’t return the Ten Commandment Ring to Yan Chaosheng; otherwise, he could escape from Bai Yuxiao when the time came.

No matter how strong the Ten Commandments’ binding power, it could only restrain one person. That was why Chi Shui Chong had felt safe giving the Ten Commandment Ring to Yan Chaosheng. Chi Shui Chong believed that with the powerful Bai brothers by his daughter’s side, no one would truly harm her.

The Taichuan City incident had been unexpected; Chi Shui Chong probably hadn’t anticipated they would be separated by chance.

Having made her decision, Liu Shuang began to anticipate Bai Yuxiao’s underhanded move.

Bai Yuxiao hadn’t made any moves yet, so Liu Shuang could only give him meaningful glances. Bai Yuxiao smiled provokingly: “What’s the rush? The best is yet to come.”

On the third day of their journey by celestial sword, they had reached human territory under Kun Lun’s jurisdiction. Bai Yuxiao said, “Brother, let’s stop at Qingwu City. The Young Lord isn’t feeling well.”

Bai Zhuixu immediately looked at Liu Shuang with concern. “Young Lord, are you unwell?”

Liu Shuang was genuinely confused, but seeing Bai Yuxiao winking at her, she had no choice but to play along, clutching her chest. “Mmm, yes, I feel uncomfortable and tired. Let’s rest a while.”

Without suspicion and prioritizing Liu Shuang’s well-being, Bai Zhuixu led everyone to stop outside Qingwu City.

Outside Qingwu City was a vast bamboo forest. With a wave of his hand, Bai Zhuixu conjured an elegant small courtyard in the forest.

Watching Bai Zhuixu bustling about, Liu Shuang felt a twinge of guilt. Bai Zhuixu was truly good to the original owner.

To cooperate with Bai Yuxiao, Liu Shuang lay down. When Bai Zhuixu wanted to check what was troubling her, Liu Shuang quickly dodged, blinking her eyes. “Maybe I’m still shocked from what happened in Taichuan City. I’ll be fine after some rest.”

Bai Zhuixu smiled faintly, saying nothing.

As a celestial lord, he could certainly tell that Liu Shuang wasn’t truly unwell. He simply indulged her, thinking that now that they had reached Kun Lun’s territory, Liu Shuang feared facing Kun Lun’s Young Lord and wanted to delay for as long as possible.

Bai Zhuixu said, “Then the Young Lord should rest well. Call me if you need anything.”

Liu Shuang nodded repeatedly.

The moon rose over the branches in the mortal realm, and there was a rustling in the forest. Liu Shuang pushed open the window, feeling something amiss.

A fog rose here at midnight, and the five elements and eight trigrams seemed different from elsewhere, with an unusually strong yin energy.

She tried to sense what was wrong but couldn’t pinpoint anything specific.

Until the moon disappeared, and a figure casually walked out from the bamboo forest.

Bai Yuxiao climbed into Liu Shuang’s room, grinning proudly. “Don’t worry, it’s all been taken care of.”

Liu Shuang was also pleased. As expected of you, Bai Yuxiao! She gave him a thumbs-up.

This was great—Kung Sang no longer needed to fear extinction.

She humbly asked, “May I ask, Second Young Master Bai, what method did you use to kill Yan Chaosheng?”

Bai Yuxiao said, “I set up a Ten Thousand Souls Grave to send him on his way.”

Liu Shuang’s smile froze on her face.

Well done, well done indeed, Second Young Master Bai. You used a bunch of small ghosts to kill the future Ghost King.

She might as well have handled it herself.