Seeing the demon egg indeed inside the pouch, Liu Shuang felt relieved but couldn’t help becoming concerned again.

The young Demon Lord… truly was unpredictable, with inscrutable thoughts.

In just the span of a conversation, she had merely stared at the pouch a few extra moments, and Yan Chaosheng’s expression changed several times, growing increasingly unpleasant before coldly tossing the pouch to her. Liu Shuang had to admit, the last time she encountered such a situation was in her previous life in the Demon Realm, with a great demon who had gone mad from cultivation gone awry.

Liu Shuang thought to herself, if her future ally had such a temperament, he would certainly be an extremely dangerous existence. There was no telling when he might become uncontrollable.

After careful consideration, Liu Shuang realized she needed to make thorough preparations. On one hand, she needed to drive Yan Chaosheng away as quickly as possible, letting him take Mi Chu with him. On the other hand, she needed to accelerate her cultivation to have the power to deal with everything in the future.

The Eight Wildernesses had no eternal allies or enemies.

Just as she had sensed Yan Chaosheng’s murderous intent toward her in Taichuan City, yet could still negotiate with him for the safety of the two immortal realms.

Yan Chaosheng was the same. With his current snake-like unpredictable personality, even if he obtained Mi Chu, if one day he had an impulse, he might still attack Kung Sang. At that time, if she had powerful spiritual energy, Kung Sang would have had one more chance of survival.

Having thought this through, Liu Shuang returned the pouch to him and stopped wondering about Yan Chaosheng’s earlier strangeness, saying: “Qing Luan entrusted it to you, so you should keep it.”

Yan Chaosheng sneered: “You’re giving it to me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll eat it?”

Of course, she was concerned. But Yan Chaosheng was the future Demon Lord, Master of the Eight Wildernesses’ demons. Qing Luan was a demon, and following him, it at least had a chance of being awakened and revived. With her, she didn’t know how Yan Chaosheng had revived it, and Qing Luan would surely die.

Moreover, if Yan Chaosheng was heartless enough to kill his future mount, then everyone’s fate would be thrown into chaos. The Eight Wildernesses would fall into great disorder, and at that point, not just Qing Luan, but perhaps everyone would perish.

Understanding this, Liu Shuang felt quite lighthearted and said, “I trust you.”

He pressed his lips together, averting his gaze, his voice cold: “I’m going to cultivate now.”

Hearing these words, Liu Shuang instantly became energized. If the future Demon Lord was working so hard and would later be able to turn the world upside down, how could she fall too far behind?

Liu Shuang immediately found a place to cultivate. Once in the cultivation state, time passed particularly quickly. As they traveled on the immortal sword, Bai Zhuixu saw Liu Shuang’s current state and felt very gratified.

In the past, when the Realm Master personally taught the Young Lord techniques, the Young Lord was often reluctant to learn, with Bai Zhuixu frequently playing the role of overseer.

Now, without saying anything, the Young Lord was voluntarily working hard.

Contrary to Bai Zhuixu’s satisfaction, Bai Yuxiao felt quite frustrated. He initially thought Liu Shuang was just putting on a show for his brother, hoping his brother would praise her to the Realm Master after returning to Kung Sang—after all, as a child, Liu Shuang often did this, practicing cultivation in vain for a while, yet always hoping for recognition.

Bai Yuxiao was bored and found no one to talk to. In the past, during such times, he would choose Liu Shuang, but now, as he chattered incessantly near her ear, she showed no reaction regardless of what he said.

The young woman’s brow was serene. Looking closely, it was still the same face as before, but previously it always carried a hint of foolishness. Now she seemed to have matured, and when silent with closed eyes, she appeared cold and unapproachable.

Several days passed with Liu Shuang immersed in her spiritual sea, and a faint layer of white immortal mist emanated from her body.

Immortal mist!

That was the feather-like immortal mist that only formed when one reached the supreme realm through utmost concentration, signifying rapid progress in cultivation. Bai Yuxiao stared in disbelief—was she serious?

As the mist dissipated, Liu Shuang woke up full of energy. She opened her eyes to see Bai Yuxiao’s inscrutable expression.

“What’s wrong?” she tilted her head, quite puzzled. “Why do you have such an expression?”

Bai Yuxiao’s expression was complex as he said softly, “Are you Liu Shuang of Chi Shui?”

Before, Liu Shuang might not have been, but now with all the memories and her soul completely merged with the body, she truly was Liu Shuang of Chi Shui.

Bai Yuxiao seemed to realize he had asked a foolish question and fell silent, dejected.

His mood was complex and low. His brother was steady and mature, shouldering major responsibilities in the Bai clan since childhood. And in Kung Sang, the one who needed him most was the little fool Liu Shuang.

Bai Yuxiao was often bullied her but wouldn’t allow others to do so. He lacked the righteous dignity and immortal bearing expected of an immortal clan member. Others would criticize his willfulness, but Liu Shuang never cared about such things. In her eyes, he always saw admiring stars. She didn’t think he was bad for bullying her, nor did she think him useless.

Now, he suddenly discovered that the little fool who had followed behind him since childhood seemed to no longer need him.

He seemed to vaguely see that in the future, without relying on him, she would have her own vast world.

The ancient bloodline—he had always understood that her bloodline was even more noble than his. If one day she awakened, her cultivation speed would be beyond their reach.

This sense of loss came abruptly, leaving Bai Yuxiao gloomy and resting on his arms for the next few days.

Bai Yuxiao’s only remaining comfort might be seeing Mi Chu after returning to Kung Sang. Since Liu Shuang’s commotion at Kun Lun breaking off the engagement, he hadn’t seen Mi Chu for a long time.

Thinking this way, having come out this far, he couldn’t not bring something for the wronged Mi Chu. Bai Yuxiao’s figure transformed into a streak of light, descending directly to the mortal realm.

“Yuxiao!” Bai Zhuixu had no chance to stop him.

Fortunately, Bai Yuxiao soon returned, holding a complete set of shadow puppets, the corners of his mouth upturned.

Liu Shuang, having just finished her breathing exercises, saw him playing with the shadow puppet figures. She had seen them in the mortal realm during her childhood and couldn’t help looking at them a few more times.

Bai Yuxiao gave a provocative smile: “It’s not for you. This is a gift for Mi Chu.”

Liu Shuang: “Oh.” Mi Chu isn’t destined to be yours either. If not Feng Fuming’s, then she’ll be Yan Chaosheng’s. Whatever you give is useless.

Seeing his provocation fail, Bai Yuxiao snorted and gave up.

His act of finding a gift on the spot made Liu Shuang realize they were nearing Kung Sang. When she had first been reborn in Kung Sang, her mood had been extremely anxious, fearing that she would be exposed as an impostor, her heart heavy with the sole aim of survival.

This time, returning felt completely different, like… going home, where a father and mother were waiting for her.

Her heart filled with intense anticipation.

Liu Shuang continued to seize every opportunity to cultivate. When her strength faltered, she would quietly glance at Yan Chaosheng, thinking: See him? This is the future famous battle maniac of the Eight Wildernesses. If things go wrong later, he could become your greatest enemy. At that time, if you can’t defeat him, you won’t survive. Yan Chaosheng never leaves opponents alive.

With this thought, Liu Shuang felt as if injected with energy, wishing she could cultivate for days and nights!

Repeatedly, Liu Shuang found immense motivation and completely immersed herself in cultivation. After many times, Yan Chaosheng could no longer pretend indifference. Unable to bear it any longer, he opened his eyes and caught her gaze directly.

Liu Shuang had mentally rehearsed facing him as her greatest adversary countless times, but suddenly found herself looking directly into his pitch-black eyes.

She kept a straight face, and in her haste, flashed a fake, friendly smile.

Yan Chaosheng may or may not have seen through it, but seeing her smile, something uncontrollable seemed to spread faintly from the corners of his eyes and brows, only to be forcibly suppressed as he pressed his lips together and gave Liu Shuang a warning look.

The youth’s eyebrows were sharp at the ends, his eyes like those of a hawk. With such a fierce gaze, Liu Shuang almost thought he knew about her mental rehearsals on how to defeat him.

She sighed, finally looking away from him.

Though encountering unexpected events on the way to Kun Lun, the return journey was very smooth, reaching Kung Sang in half a month.

Seeing the familiar immortal gate, Liu Shuang had a feeling of being in another world, knowing it was the original owner’s memories influencing her.

The young disciples guarding the first barrier of the immortal realm’s gate hurriedly came forward to open the realm for them, respectfully bowing: “Master Bai, Second Master, this is…”

Bai Zhuixu said, “This is the Young Realm Master.”

The outer disciples’ faces showed obsequious smiles as they greeted her in unison, not daring to look too much at the Young Realm Master.

The group entered the Kung Sang Immortal Realm without even using jade tokens. Several immortal cranes flew high, with spiritual energy stretching throughout the realm.

Yan Chaosheng maintained an expressionless face, a trace of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Liu Shuang recalled when the original owner first met Yan Chaosheng, all the gate disciples, hearing she was the Young Lord, had reservations and doubts, and didn’t dare stop her, hesitating. Only Yan Chaosheng stepped forward, raising a staff to drive her out.

But in the end, his outcome wasn’t good—skin torn and flesh exposed, with the cultivation power he had worked so hard for still not returned.

The Eight Wildernesses all exhibited phenomena of flattering the powerful and trampling the weak, not just the mortal realm, but other immortal realms as well. In Liu Shuang’s memory, only one place treated everyone equally—the Azure Blue Immortal Realm.

After passing through the second and third barriers, Liu Shuang finally saw familiar figures. By the immortal pool, immortal maids lined up gracefully, and a beautiful woman in dark blue robes waited for her with a smile.

“Mother!”

Purple Lady’s eyes revealed delight as she lovingly caressed her daughter’s cheek: “Upon receiving Zhuixu’s immortal message, I came early. Was the journey all right? Did Kun Lun give you any trouble?”

“Very good, everything was fine on the way, and Kun Lun didn’t give me any trouble.”

Purple Lady said: “That’s good, my child’s appearance has returned to normal. Your father is currently in a meeting. Come, let’s go back with me.”

“Liu Shuang, congratulations,” someone said with a smile, the voice pleasant and gentle.

Liu Shuang paused, turned, and saw a blue-robed immortal lady standing quietly to the side. Her cloud-like hair was lightly coiled, her features gentle and elegant, making one easily feel goodwill at first sight. She was now smiling at Liu Shuang.

Liu Shuang felt a chill in her heart, and the joy of seeing Purple Lady also largely dissipated.

Purple Lady patted Liu Shuang’s hand, reproaching gently: “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see Mi Chu? This child, Mi Chu, knowing early that you would return today, has been waiting here with me until now, and kept me company. She’s more sensible than you.”

Hearing this, Mi Chu smiled faintly: “Madam flatters me. Naturally, I cannot compare to the Young Lord.”

She turned to look at Liu Shuang, her gaze sincere: “Liu Shuang, I’ve been very worried about you these past days. I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”

Liu Shuang inwardly sneered as she scanned around, noticing everyone’s varying expressions.

Bai Zhuixu was as gentle as ever, Bai Yuxiao had an idiotic smile, and Yan Chaosheng also stared at Mi Chu, his gaze neither sad nor happy, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

Liu Shuang thought, truly his first love—was it love at first sight?

Mi Chu had won people’s hearts. The original owner had been weak and isolated before, as evident from Liu Shuang’s failed accusation upon her rebirth.

Learning from past lessons, Liu Shuang understood that before exposing Mi Chu’s true face, she couldn’t confront her directly. So when Mi Chu extended her hand to affectionately link arms with her, Liu Shuang just subtly avoided it without making it obvious.

Liu Shuang said, “I’m fine, thank you, Mi Chu, for your concern.”

Mi Chu shook her head with a smile.

To be precise, she had indeed been concerned. Everyone said the Illusion Beauty Pearl was irreversible. Liu Shuang of Chi Shui had swallowed it, offending the Kun Lun Young Master so severely, yet somehow managed to borrow the Shen Nong Cauldron to extract it.

The group of immortals walked inside harmoniously, with no one noticing when Yan Chaosheng silently disappeared.

Bai Zhuixu led Bai Yuxiao to report their mission’s completion, while Purple Lady chatted with the two young immortal ladies for a while before returning to her residence.

Left alone with Liu Shuang, Mi Chu asked: “Shuangshuang, now that you’ve removed the Illusion Beauty Pearl, do you feel any discomfort?”

Liu Shuang glanced at her and shook her head.

Mi Chu smiled sincerely: “That’s good. Your wish is fulfilled—you’ve broken off the engagement with the Kun Lun Young Master without having to destroy your beauty.”

Liu Shuang rested her chin on her hand, looking at her: “Yes, thanks to Immortal Lady Mi Chu’s advice. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought to swallow the Illusion Beauty Pearl.”

Mi Chu looked up: “Shuangshuang, are you blaming me? I didn’t know what the Illusion Beauty Pearl was before.” Her eyes showed some sadness: “If I had known, I would have certainly stopped you from swallowing it.”

If Liu Shuang hadn’t seen the original owner’s memories and didn’t know Mi Chu well enough, she might have believed her. Now, with complete clarity in her heart, she calmly watched Mi Chu’s act.

Mi Chu waited for a while but didn’t see Liu Shuang comforting her, feeling somewhat strange and surprised.

In the past, the little Young Lord, upon seeing her downcast with tears, would hastily bring out all kinds of heavenly treasures to console her and would panic and apologize.

But today, as Mi Chu looked up, Liu Shuang was resting her chin on her hand, casually sipping immortal dew, her clear eyes smiling as she watched Mi Chu, seemingly unconcerned about whether Mi Chu was upset. Even this unintentionally bewitching, incomparably beautiful face made Mi Chu’s heart cold.

Mi Chu looked at Liu Shuang, who finally said: “I don’t mean to blame you.” Yet there was no more panicked consolation.

Mi Chu couldn’t quite place it, but something seemed to have changed.

Liu Shuang put down the immortal dew: “I’m very tired today. Immortal Lady Mi Chu, please go rest first. We can catch up another day, all right?”

The sadness Mi Chu had been cultivating was still in her eyes, barely contained. She immediately nodded thoughtfully and left, planning to ask Bai Yuxiao about the situation in Kun Lun.

As she reached the door, the young woman’s sweet voice suddenly came from behind.

“By the way, I forgot to ask something. Immortal Lady Mi Chu, being so gentle and beautiful, what kind of husband do you desire in the future?”

Mi Chu’s footsteps halted as she turned to look at Liu Shuang.

Liu Shuang smiled: “Would a realm ruler be to Immortal Lady Mi Chu’s liking?”

Mi Chu’s eyes widened in astonishment, her fingers almost clenched within her sleeve. She frowned, calmly and softly saying: “I don’t think about marriage, I only want to accompany the Realm Master and Madam more to repay their kindness, as well as my father. Guarding the spiritual veins is not easy, and I just want to wait for his return, to bring him happiness in his old age.”

“Is that so?” Liu Shuang said, “I understand.”

Mi Chu glanced at her, then left.

Liu Shuang would be a fool to believe her. With Mi Chu’s status, not from an ancient immortal lineage, yet able to marry Feng Fuming in the end—if it wasn’t her willing scheme, then Feng Fuming must have loved her to death and back.

But in their brief confrontation in her previous life, Liu Shuang could tell that Feng Fuming was a philanderer, not one to be devoted to romance. It could only have been Mi Chu’s willing choice.

So, from now on, Liu Shuang’s plan officially began.