News of Sang Qi's night raid on Yong Xue City spread like wildfire through the Immortal Alliance—the rescue of Mu Xuanling, the severe injury dealt to Xie Xuechen—all of it shocking the cultivation world overnight.
Those who traveled to Yong Xue City seeking answers received only one piece of news: Xie Xuechen had escaped. The Alliance members understood the implications. Since his capture at the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation and seven days of torment in the Melting Abyss, Xie Xuechen's divine apertures had barely recovered. Then came the interception of the self-destructing Fa Jian, one crushing blow after another without respite. Now Sang Qi's raid was merely adding frost to snow.
That night, witnesses had seen Xie Xuechen locked in fierce combat with a demonic Jiao, slaying it while drenched in blood. Afterward, he'd pursued Sang Qi to the point of exhaustion, nearly losing his life. Su Ningzhen initially wanted to rebuke him for sparing Mu Xuanling and leaving future trouble. But seeing the grave expressions around her—not a hint of blame among them—and considering Xie Xuechen's substantial sacrifices, she found herself isolated. She could only swallow her anger.
Xie Xuechen left word of a month-long seclusion, with Fu Yuanting temporarily managing Alliance affairs. No one objected, though plans to attack the Demon Realm had to be shelved.
Unable to resist A Bao's pleading, Fu Lansheng sought out Fu Yuanting to inquire about the night raid.
He found his father seated in a grand chair, leisurely sipping thousand-gold spirit tea, seemingly unconcerned about the turmoil in Alliance affairs.
"That night caused quite a stir," Fu Yuanting explained patiently to his son. "Sang Qi sent a demonic Jiao with strength comparable to a Fashen to attack Yong Xue City's barrier, luring Xie Xuechen away. He then used a secret technique to infiltrate the city and rescue the Demon Realm's Holy Maiden."
Fu Yuanting continued, "I heard the Southern Manor Lord was also present, but by the time we arrived at Yong Xue City, he had already returned to Yun Xiu Mountain Manor. How could a mere mortal with some minor cleverness compare to a half-demon like Sang Qi with his heaven-defying methods? The fact that he escaped death shows he does have some capability."
Relief washed over Fu Lansheng at hearing Nan Xuyue was safe—after all, he was his good friend. However, he'd come on A Bao's behalf to inquire about Mu Xuanling's condition.
"Father, why would the half-demon priest risk so much to rescue the Demon Realm's Holy Maiden when her demonic cultivation had been dispersed?" Fu Lansheng hesitated. "With two supremely powerful cultivators facing off, wouldn't she be in great danger caught between them? Did Sect Leader Xie say whether she's alive or dead?"
Fu Yuanting's frown deepened, his gaze turning disapproving. "Why are you concerned about this? Don't tell me you've also taken a fancy to that demon woman?"
Fu Lansheng immediately denied it, "How could that be possible? She's Nan Xuyue's love interest. How could I have improper thoughts about my friend's beloved?"
This response did little to reassure Fu Yuanting. His eyes flickered coldly. "You should focus more on your cultivation. Although your aptitude may not match Sect Leader Xie's innate ten apertures, with diligent practice, you could still hope to achieve Fashen before you're a hundred years old. You were playful as a child, and your mother indulged you. Although the Autumn Water Technique has quick results, it has made you neglect to cultivate your mind. You must understand that how far a cultivator can go depends most importantly on the firmness of their Dao's heart."
Fu Lansheng had never been interested in cultivation. A romantic who indulged in pleasure, he lived by the philosophy of seizing the day. He couldn't stand the tedium of practice and was already searching for an escape as his father launched into lecture mode.
Salvation arrived in the form of Duan Xiaorong. Her features were gorgeous and dignified, her aura imposing—except when it came to her son Fu Lansheng, toward whom she showed excessive love and indulgence. Hearing Fu Yuanting scolding their son from afar, she entered with a stern expression.
"Lansheng is my son. How could you understand his aptitude and Dao's heart better than I do?" Duan Xiaorong frowned at Fu Yuanting before turning to Fu Lansheng, her voice gentling. "Lansheng, the Immortal Alliance has been busy these days, and I've neglected your cultivation. Have you encountered any difficulties?"
Well aware of who truly held power in the family, Fu Lansheng immediately poured his mother tea, a docile smile gracing his handsome face. "No difficulties," he replied.
Of course there were no difficulties when there was no cultivation to speak of.
Duan Xiaorong was pleased with her son's attentiveness and accepted the tea with satisfaction.
She'd had two children before, born early when she hadn't yet reached Fashen, when her former husband's aptitude was poor. Consequently, those children had possessed ordinary talents. Though they'd opened their divine apertures, they never progressed further and died young. After experiencing the pain of losing two children, Duan Xiaorong no longer chose her Dao partner hastily. She'd waited until achieving Fashen herself and finding a suitable partner before giving birth to Fu Lansheng.
Indeed, Fu Lansheng's aptitude was excellent, and she doted on this son immensely, unwilling to see him endure too much hardship. Otherwise, she wouldn't have devised the money-burning Autumn Water Technique for his cultivation. Fu Yuanting disapproved, but Duan Xiaorong was adamant. Though Fu Yuanting was nominally Lord of Bixiao Palace, Duan Xiaorong was the one who truly called the shots. After all, in the cultivation world, strength reigned supreme.
"You've always been a smart and sensible child, so I don't worry too much about you," Duan Xiaorong looked at Fu Lansheng lovingly. "You'll achieve Fashen sooner or later. There's no need to rush. Being too eager might make you lose your ordinary heart. I see your current mindset as perfectly content, which is just right."
Fu Yuanting silently sipped his tea, unwilling to argue with his Dao partner.
"However, there is one thing I must caution you about," Duan Xiaorong's expression turned solemn. "The war between the immortal and demon realms is imminent. During this time, you should stay in Bixiao Palace and not go into battle to avoid danger."
Fu Lansheng frowned. "With war about to break out, how can I, as the Young Palace Lord, shrink from battle out of fear?"
"You're only at the Golden Core stage now. It's not your turn to rush to the front and play the hero," Duan Xiaorong said earnestly. "Before ascending to Fashen, you must cherish your life above all else. Preserving your life is the way to longevity. Your battlefield will be a hundred years from now. You must understand that your goal is to become the future Sect Leader of the Immortal Alliance."
Fu Lansheng's heart trembled with disbelief. He'd always been unrestrained and carefree, following his heart's desires. He had no hunger for power, no craving for authority. He'd never known his mother harbored such high hopes for him.
"Sect Leader Xie has heavenly talent, and his sword skills are unmatched in a thousand years. He's only twenty-five now and will likely hold the position of Sect Leader for at least several hundred years. Moreover, he will only grow stronger," Fu Lansheng said helplessly. "Mother, you're overestimating me."
"Heh," Duan Xiaorong held her teacup, her lips curling into a meaningful smile. "Fashen has a lifespan of a thousand years, but how many live that long? Look at Venerable Fa Jian, and then at Venerable Yi Nian. Those who truly die of old age are few and far between."
"What do you mean, Mother?" Fu Lansheng had an inkling but didn't voice it.
Duan Xiaorong said, "No matter how strong Sect Leader Xie is, he's still just a person. And as long as he's human, he can be killed. Have you seen his sword technique? His sword intent of 'the world in white, I alone do not exist' is a sword energy that burns everything, leaving no way out. Although it's unstoppable, it's too rigid and easily broken. It's not a long-term strategy."
Fu Yuanting nodded slightly in agreement. Within the Immortal Alliance, Bixiao Palace held the most neutral stance. Their strength lay in their foundation. They were most like businessmen in the mortal world, conducting amicable trades. They could curry favor with Su Ningzhen to exchange benefits while not offending Xie Xuechen—truly adept at maneuvering and pleasing all sides. To them, the state of the Alliance or the world mattered little; what mattered was self-preservation.
Having lived for over twenty years, Fu Lansheng only now realized how little he understood this world.
"I think Sect Leader Xie might have developed some feelings for that Demon Realm Holy Maiden," Fu Yuanting said, his expression unreadable. As a man, he felt he could recognize the look in another man's eyes when gazing at a woman. "This might affect the war between immortals and demons."
"Let's hope it doesn't burn down to our Bixiao Palace," Duan Xiaorong frowned, then patted Fu Lansheng's shoulder. "You're the most romantic and affectionate. Don't let some filthy thing ensnare your heart. Only the orthodox Immortal Alliance, a daughter of a Fashen, is worthy of you. Gao Qiumin is likely to achieve Fashen and might inherit the position of Mirror Flower Valley in the future. You should get closer to her."
Fu Lansheng instinctively recoiled, politely declining. "Mother, please don't joke. Gao Qiumin's heart is entirely set on Sect Leader Xie."
"The future is yet unknown," Duan Xiaorong smiled meaningfully, then added, "I heard you've been asking for the disciple register in the palace recently. Have you taken a liking to some female disciple?"
Fu Lansheng sighed helplessly. "Mother, you misunderstand. I'm looking for a man."
Duan Xiaorong's frown returned. "Since when did you develop a taste for men?"
Fu Lansheng choked, embarrassment flitting across his handsome face. No wonder Nan Xuyue despised him—even his mother thought he was promiscuous. He coughed dryly twice. "I'm doing someone a favor, looking for a male cultivator named Fu Cangli."
Duan Xiaorong murmured the name twice, frowning slightly. "It sounds somewhat familiar." She glanced at Fu Yuanting. "Is he from your Fu family?"
Fu Yuanting smiled. "You know how many people are in our Fu family? I think this might not be a real name. Lansheng, which of your friends is looking for this person? If they have the person's hair, flesh, or birth date and time, we could try to locate them."
Fu Lansheng mumbled for a moment. "Just an ordinary friend. You wouldn't know them even if I told you. I'll keep asking around."
Fu Lansheng escaped the room and walked far away before A Bao crawled out of his bag.
Round ears twitching, the little creature asked quietly, "Brother, what does 'taste for men' mean?"
Fu Lansheng frowned and scolded softly, "Little kids shouldn't ask so many questions."
A Bao lowered his head, a bit upset. "Sister said I should listen, watch, and learn more to improve."
Fu Lansheng couldn't help but smile—until A Bao continued, "But Young Master Nan said I won't learn anything useful following you."
Fu Lansheng's face immediately fell.
"But I still like following you," A Bao said obediently.
Fu Lansheng's heart softened immediately. "Why? Does brother have many good points?"
A Bao blinked his round, black eyes innocently. "Of course, it's because you're rich. What other good points are there?"
Fu Lansheng: "…"
A Bao: "Brother, why are you suddenly unhappy?"
Fu Lansheng: "You're like those people outside, all after my money."
A Bao puffed up his cheeks. "Do you have other treasure-sniffing rats outside?"
Fu Lansheng: "Hahaha… No, no, raising one of you is enough!"
The gates of Zhushen Palace slowly pushed open, and a man with bewitching looks and a slender figure entered, his footsteps echoing through the empty hall.
The once dim palace now blazed with light. Candle holders of various shapes lined the walls, all lit with oil lamps, illuminating the entire space.
On the Demon Lord's throne, a purple-robed young girl half-reclined on the luxurious, spacious seat. One hand pillowed her head while the other tossed a demon core up and down. Her crossed legs swayed playfully, the bone bells on her feet chiming with crisp, melodious notes.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, she didn't turn her head, continuing to play with the demon core that sparkled with beautiful luster.
"Greetings, Holy Maiden," the Lust Demon said with a fawning smile, half-kneeling.
"Did you complete the task?" Mu Xuanling's cold voice echoed through the hall.
"In response to the Holy Maiden, we encountered some minor difficulties," the Lust Demon's voice trembled slightly.
Mu Xuanling paused her movements, gripping the demon core. Her beautiful almond eyes glanced sideways, causing the Lust Demon to shiver involuntarily.
He couldn't pinpoint what had changed, but since Mu Xuanling's return, she'd become more powerful—and colder. Before, though ruthless, there had been some human warmth in her eyes. Now she sometimes smiled, but her eyes remained devoid of light, sending chills down one's spine.
"What a useless thing, no brain and weakening power," Mu Xuanling frowned in disgust. "Of the original three Demon Gods, only you remain. Oh no, you're only one-third of yourself now, aren't you?"
One-third had been consumed by Mu Xuanling, and one-third scattered by Xie Xuechen. Now the Lust Demon's power was merely a third of what it once was. If he'd dared to covet the Holy Maiden before, now he could only kneel and beg for mercy.
"Master originally said if this task was done well, he'd reward you with the demon core to restore your power."
The Lust Demon swallowed greedily at these words.
"But if it's not done well, you'll become a demon core yourself."
Seeing Mu Xuanling's cold smile, the Lust Demon froze completely, then immediately began begging for mercy and pledging loyalty. "Holy Maiden, spare me! It's not that I failed in my duty, but those cultivators were too strong!"
"The weak always make excuses for their weakness," Mu Xuanling descended slowly from her throne, landing as silently as a cat. Only the gentle swaying of her bone chimes produced a soul-stirring effect.
"It's true! Those cultivators had experts guiding them, surrounding and intercepting our demon soldiers. Our demon and monster troops were scattered and captured, then killed separately!" Cold sweat dripped from the Lust Demon.
The Great Priest had been in seclusion for nearly a month, and the Demon Lord hadn't emerged either. All demon realm affairs were now temporarily managed by the Holy Maiden. Xie Xuechen, the Sect Master of the Immortal Alliance, was also said to be severely injured and in seclusion. Currently, Bixiao Palace commanded the Alliance. Since half a month ago, human cultivators had begun attacking Two Realms Mountain, with casualties on both sides. But in the past two days, the human cultivators had suddenly grown stronger, carrying out a one-sided slaughter of the demon and monster troops. The Lust Demon had taken the field himself, yet still returned defeated.
Mu Xuanling's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "Could it be that Fu Yuanting has personally taken the field?"
The Lust Demon felt somewhat ashamed—he hadn't even seen the enemy commander.
Mu Xuanling glanced at him and tossed him the demon core. "This is for you."
The Lust Demon was overjoyed, never expecting a reward without achieving merit. He immediately showered her with thanks and flattery.
Mu Xuanling said indifferently, "With the War Demon lost and the Infatuation Demon trapped, Master intends to cultivate several high-level demon cultivators to become Demon Gods. After all, demons are all the same, brainless. Using the old instead of the new, consider yourself lucky."
"The Holy Maiden speaks truly. This servant will serve with all his heart and might!" The Lust Demon clutched the demon core tightly, smiling from the bottom of his heart.
Mu Xuanling didn't spare him another glance. She walked slowly toward the exit, saying coolly, "Let me meet this expert."
The Ten Thousand Immortals Formation had missed its chance for repair, and the gap in the formation was growing larger. As a result, more demon soldiers could cross it. To prevent half-demons and demons from invading the human realm, the Immortal Alliance had dispatched many cultivators to guard Two Realms Mountain. These demon and monster soldiers could attack and defend at will, retreating into the Suoluo Demon Formation when outmatched. The Ten Thousand Immortals Formation couldn't stop them from attacking the human realm, while the Suoluo Demon Formation prevented human cultivators from entering the demon realm. This made the battle frustratingly passive for the human cultivators.
Unless they could break the Suoluo Demon Formation—which would require the combined power of all Fashen—victory seemed impossible. However, the Fashen of the Immortal Alliance had different intentions and weren't united.
Currently, cultivators from Yongxue City, Jinghua Valley, and Bixiao Palace formed the main forces guarding Two Realms Mountain.
Mu Xuanling sat alone on a high ridge, gazing into the distance at the human cultivators' camp, pondering which faction had sent out strong experts to break the battle's balance. She decided to take advantage of the night to send out demon soldiers—to harass the enemy and secretly assess their strength.
On the demon side, the monster and demon armies worked in shifts day and night, taking turns harassing the enemy. The human cultivators could only divide into two teams for alternate guard duty, wary of night raids.
At a quarter past the hour of Zi, between eleven and one in the morning, several squads of low-level demon soldiers—each led by a half-demon captain—silently infiltrated the human cultivators' camp. Demon soldiers were impervious to ordinary swords and difficult to kill. They possessed great strength, and those below Golden Core stage without protective spiritual energy could barely withstand three punches. When faced with strong enemies, demon soldiers could hide in shadows and, under certain conditions, possess human cultivators. Mu Xuanling ordered the half-demon captains that this attack must not alert the human cultivators. They were to possess them and gather intelligence—to see which immortal sect had sent out strong experts.
Though low-level demon soldiers lacked intelligence and were easily tricked, they had the advantage of absolute obedience. Given the half-demon captains' instructions, they resolutely refrained from initiating attacks. This night, dark clouds obscured the moon—perfect for a demon army sortie. In the pitch darkness, the demon soldiers melted into the shadows like drops of ink, silently infiltrating the camp.
Mu Xuanling stood on one foot atop a thousand-year-old giant tree. The night wind ruffled her soft black hair, her clothes fluttering like a beautiful night butterfly. Her cold eyes narrowed slightly, and the movements a hundred li away seemed as if they were right before her eyes.
Suddenly, golden light illuminated three scattered areas of the human cultivators' camp, brightening a corner of the night. A faint, ethereal chanting of Buddhist sutras arose, echoing back and forth, solemn and sacred.
"The Heart Sutra?" Mu Xuanling's gaze sharpened, understanding dawning. Before his death, Venerable Yi Nian had imparted Xuantian Temple's unique skill. The Heart Sutra was the most effective method against demons. Originally, human cultivators possessed by demons had no chance of survival, but the Heart Sutra was the only miraculous skill capable of exorcism. Xuantian Temple was revered and respected by the world because of this skill. Now that the Immortal Alliance had every cultivator practice it, the situation was greatly disadvantageous for the demon race. Even if each cultivator had only practiced for half a month with shallow skills, the sheer number chanting together left the demons nowhere to hide.
Mu Xuanling closed her eyes and tilted her head back slightly. At that moment, the wind scattered the dark clouds, and soft moonlight fell gently, illuminating her fair and beautiful face—lovely as a forest spirit or moon fairy. She took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy imbued with the essence of the sun and moon flow into her divine aperture, refreshing body and mind.
Those who practiced demonic cultivation were more or less affected by the Heart Sutra. Fortunately, her demonic cultivation had dissipated, and Xie Xuechen had infused her with his fundamental power, opening her divine aperture. Her cultivation progressed rapidly—she was now faintly approaching the threshold of the Fashen realm. However, the most difficult part of breaking through to Fashen was establishing one's Dao heart. Some people remained stuck at this threshold for hundreds of years without making progress.
"Xie Xuechen's spiritual energy is truly marvelous," Mu Xuanling gently stroked her brow, her eyes rippling with allure and detachment. "Using it against the Immortal Alliance's people is even more wonderful."
She curled her lip slightly, and with a slight lean, her figure vanished from the spot.
In the human cultivators' camp, countless cultivators formed hand seals and chanted the Heart Sutra. Each person's palms emitted warm golden light, connecting to form a vast demon-slaying formation.
The Heart Sutra was indeed the bane of demons, but it had no killing power against other races.
Mu Xuanling, like an agile cat, landed lightly on a nearby tree. She saw the demon soldiers trapped by the Heart Sutra, unable to move, emitting painful howls as black qi steamed from their bodies. She immediately recognized that the cultivators' positions weren't coincidental but must have been arranged by an expert, allowing them to cooperate and form a formation for mutual support.
Some formations were ever-changing, with different configurations for different numbers of people. Having been taught by Sang Qi for many years, Mu Xuanling had considerable attainment in formations. She naturally knew that losing one or two people wouldn't affect this formation's effectiveness. But truly breaking such a formation wasn't difficult—one only needed to kill everyone.
Twenty-four Golden Core cultivators must be dealt with within three breaths, or she'd fall into the formation herself.
It's still a bit challenging.
She smiled silently, opening her palm. A purple vine appeared in her hand, affectionately nuzzling her fingers. In the next moment, following her will, it transformed into a purple flute.
The original artifact, the Judgment Vine, had been confiscated and destroyed by the Immortal Alliance. Sang Qi had forged a more suitable artifact for her, named "Severing Thought." Severing Thought already possessed a bit of spiritual intelligence. After Mu Xuanling recognized it as her life-bound artifact with a drop of blood, it displayed even greater power. Not only could it change shape, but it also had consciousness to protect its master. After a hundred years of nurturing and tempering, it would develop a spirit. With Severing Thought in hand, Mu Xuanling became even more formidable, intimidating the demon realm.
She placed the flute to her lips. In contrast to this beautiful scene, a piercing flute sound rose to the sky, like the wailing of ghosts and gods, tearing apart the golden light formation composed of Buddhist chants. Several lower-cultivated practitioners immediately spat blood and fell to their knees, suffering from power backlash. The remaining Golden Core cultivators staggered from the immense spiritual power in the flute sound, immediately disrupting the Buddhist chant formation. A few demon soldiers, given a moment's respite, vanished instantly, hiding in the shadows.
The leading Golden Core cultivator's face paled—not because the power contained in the flute sound was too vast and mighty, but because he sensed that the spiritual energy fluctuations were neither demonic nor monstrous, likely the power of a top-tier Yuan Ying human cultivator.
Could there be another traitor in the Immortal Alliance?
"Form a defensive formation!" he shouted sternly, summoning his life-bound artifact and preparing for battle.
These cultivators came from various sects, but sword cultivators in white robes were predominant, representing the forces of Yongxue City. Over a dozen flying swords hovered in the air, forming a sword formation, poised to strike. Suddenly, a purple vine emerged from behind a tree, winding up like an intelligent snake, then diving fiercely toward the sword formation. This attack contained an extremely domineering sword intent, giving the leading Yongxue City sword cultivator a strange sense of familiarity. In his moment of shock and confusion, he instinctively raised his sword to block. The sword formation condensed together, able to unleash defensive power far surpassing that of an individual. This formation, capable of withstanding a full-force attack from a Yuan Ying cultivator, was cracked by a single strike from the demonic vine.
Just as the sword formation was about to break, ripples of green light spread out from the ground. Abundant vitality—like the earth after the first spring rain—surged forth eagerly from deep within the soil. Waves of virtuous power heavily enveloped the cultivators, condensing into invisible armor. The cultivators' power suddenly increased, and the sword formation solidified once more.
The purple vine rapidly rotated around the sword formation, tightening more and more, trying to break through the formation's weak points, but met with united resistance from all the cultivators.
Meanwhile, in a nearby tent, the curtain lifted slightly in the wind.
A faint fragrance drifted in with the night breeze. The visitor had no intention of hiding her presence. She passed through like a gust of wind, gracefully settling into the only chair in the tent. Leaning back, she crossed her legs and smiled at the man standing before her, elegant as an orchid or willow, as clear as the wind and bright as the moon.
"I knew it was you, Young Master Nan."
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