That night, Xie Xuechen's group remained in Mirror Flower Valley, though they didn't lodge within the valley itself. Instead, they returned to the Cloud Floating Sky Boat. Fu Lansheng ordered the vessel anchored in mid-air outside Mirror Flower Valley, allowing them to survey the entire valley from the deck. After nightfall, Mirror Flower Valley became peaceful and tranquil. Flowers bloomed in profusion, fireflies flickered like tiny lanterns, and countless lotus lamps floated upon the Jade Belt River, resembling a river of stars descended from the heavens to illuminate the mortal world.
"Among the five sects of the Immortal Alliance, Mirror Flower Valley possesses the strongest spiritual energy. Embracing Snow City and Suspended Sky Temple are both places of bitter cold. Azure Sky Palace is too prosperous for quiet cultivation. Spirit Cormorant Island lies isolated in the sea, surrounded by demon tribes. Only Mirror Flower Valley enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year and abundant spiritual energy. The valley's natural formation creates a spirit-gathering array, making the immortal herbs and spirit flowers particularly lush. The medical skills of Mirror Flower Valley cultivators are unparalleled in the world."
On the skyboat, Nan Xuyue and Mu Xuanling stood side by side, overlooking Mirror Flower Valley. Moonlight cascaded over them—the gentleman's face beautiful as jade, pure as the moon itself, yet tinged with melancholy.
"Years ago, when my three orifices were sealed and my foot was severely injured, my father invited renowned physicians, but they were all at a loss. We also came to Mirror Flower Valley seeking treatment. At that time, the valley master wasn't Su Ningzhen, but her master, Venerable Miaohua. Venerable Miaohua inadvertently mentioned that if Su Ningxi were still alive, there might be a solution. After my father's persistent inquiries, Venerable Miaohua finally explained that Su Ningxi possessed the Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden Constitution, which contained infinite vitality. She could heal all injuries and disabilities, even regenerate severed limbs. If cultivated to the extreme, she could even resurrect the dead."
Hearing this, Mu Xuanling grew even more perplexed. "If the Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden possessed infinite vitality, how could she perish from difficult childbirth?"
"My father posed the same question at the time, but Venerable Miaohua refused to elaborate further. It seems Su Ningxi's death concealed other reasons. The Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden isn't immortal, but is born with a thousand-year lifespan and doesn't decay for a thousand years after death. If she achieves Dharma Body, she can extend her vitality and have a chance of revival after death. If she doesn't achieve Dharma Body, it's difficult to say." Nan Xuyue sighed softly and looked at Mu Xuanling with profound eyes.
"Later, my father took me to Mingyue Manor to investigate Su Ningxi's whereabouts. Even if the Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden had died, her internal vitality would remain for a thousand years, so there might still be hope to cure my injuries. If this method proved unsuccessful, he planned to ask Gao Fengxu to loan the Chaos Pearl. Legend claims the Chaos Pearl's power is mysterious and omnipotent, but both paths proved fruitless, and Gao Fengxu refused."
It was also at that time that Nan Xuyue met Mu Xuanling.
He'd known his hope was slim and never imagined he could regain vitality at Mingyue Manor. He certainly hadn't expected that the careless words of that little demon slave would dispel the fog and help him discover a new direction in life.
Mu Xuanling felt the weight of emotion in his gaze but couldn't reciprocate. She could only avert her eyes and gaze down at the lotus lanterns floating upon the Jade Belt River. "Sang Qi massacred Mingyue Manor but didn't find the Chaos Pearl. I believe this must be true. If he'd obtained the Chaos Pearl, he wouldn't have needed to remain patient for years and scheme to eliminate the Demon Lord and deceive him out of the Jade Threshold Scripture."
"So the Chaos Pearl... has vanished?" Nan Xuyue lowered his eyes, deep in contemplation.
"The Chaos Pearl, Su Ningxi..." Mu Xuanling murmured, "I sense these two must be connected somehow."
She didn't inform Nan Xuyue about Sang Qi's relationship with Su Ningxi because she'd promised Su Ningzhen to keep it secret. Sang Qi despised Su Ningxi's betrayal but couldn't forget her. He'd gone to great lengths to locate her body, probably because he knew the secret of the Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden and wished to revive Su Ningxi... Was Gao Fengxu's insistence on marrying Su Ningxi also related to her constitution?
Su Ningzhen knew the truth but refused to speak of it. This secret was probably even more unspeakable than the love affair between Sang Qi and Su Ningxi...
Mu Xuanling sighed softly and turned to Nan Xuyue. "Nan Xuyue, after Xie Xuechen defeats Sang Qi, I'll transmit the Jade Threshold Scripture to you. Perhaps by then, you'll be able to rebuild your spirit orifices and gain new life."
The act of transmitting cultivation was dangerous and extremely draining. She'd just transmitted cultivation to A Bao, and her spirit orifices were still depleted. She couldn't transmit cultivation to Nan Xuyue immediately, and with Xie Xuechen facing the threat of Sang Qi, she dared not let him be harmed. She could only wait until the great matter was settled before repaying Nan Xuyue's dedication.
Hearing Mu Xuanling's words, Nan Xuyue displayed no joy. He merely smiled faintly and said, "There's no need to mention the transmission of cultivation again. After so many years, I've grown accustomed to this broken body, and I no longer care whether I can restore my spirit orifices and cultivation. Achieving Dharma Body may grant a thousand-year lifespan, but for humans, longevity isn't necessarily a blessing. It might simply mean a longer period of loneliness and emptiness. It's better to spend even just a few decades with a loved one."
Nan Xuyue's words made Mu Xuanling think of Feng Xiang, stirring her emotions. "Indeed... You always contemplate matters more deeply than others. Some people live for a thousand years without comprehending these truths. But if there's even a glimmer of hope, I want to attempt it. Your life shouldn't end here."
"I've already stated that day—the one who transmits cultivation must be the closest relative. What right do I have to accept such a tremendous gift?" Nan Xuyue firmly declined Mu Xuanling's kindness and slowly walked toward the cabin.
Mu Xuanling watched his slow-moving figure, lowering her head in dismay.
"Brother, why doesn't Young Master Nan want to?" A Bao and Fu Lansheng were concealed in the distance, side by side in the shadows, eavesdropping. "It would be wonderful if Young Master Nan could cultivate. He's such a good person—he should live a long life."
She didn't understand why they were hiding, but Fu Lansheng had pulled her down to sit and even established a barrier to conceal their presence, his handsome face appearing suspiciously mischievous.
Fu Lansheng sighed. "A man's thoughts... you're too young to comprehend. Even if I explained, you wouldn't understand."
A Bao looked up, her large, bright black eyes sparkling with curiosity, more brilliant than stars, making Fu Lansheng feel embarrassed.
"Mu Xuanling feels indebted to Nan Xuyue, and that's why she wishes to make amends this way. If he accepts, they'll be even. If he doesn't accept, Mu Xuanling will forever owe him a debt of gratitude. He wants her to always remember him..." Fu Lansheng waved his fan and sighed repeatedly. "Nan Xuyue appears gentle and soft, but his heart is so wild, yearning for a flower that belongs to another. He's hurting himself and others. Sect Leader Xie is not to be trifled with."
A Bao frowned suspiciously. "Young Master Nan isn't as terrible as you portray. You're... projecting your thoughts onto others."
Fu Lansheng ruffled her head. "Did your sister teach you that?"
A Bao nodded, betraying Mu Xuanling, and said in a childish voice, "Sister also said that you understand things you shouldn't and don't understand things you should."
Fu Lansheng gripped his fan, his handsome face darkening. "What else did she say?"
A Bao had just opened her little mouth when Fu Lansheng interrupted, "Forget I asked. I presume it's nothing favorable."
A Bao blinked and said, "Sister told me to remain with her in the future, and she'll teach me to cultivate. She said if I stay with you, I'll only learn about male favorites, debauchery, illegitimate children..."
Fu Lansheng covered his face, unable to look at A Bao. Honest children's words were too devastating.
"Your sister isn't a virtuous person either. She's never attended school a day in her life and can barely read herself," Fu Lansheng grumbled. He wouldn't dare voice this before Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling. "Don't repeat this to Sect Leader Xie and your sister!" he added hastily.
"Sect Leader Xie will teach us to read," A Bao said earnestly.
"So... you're going to depart with your sister..." Fu Lansheng gazed at A Bao's little face, feeling an inexplicable pang of reluctance in his heart. Although it had been merely a little over a month, he'd grown attached to her.
A Bao nodded. "Mother told me to follow sister. I like my sister the most. She rescued me and helped me retrieve father's treasure, and drove away the wicked people."
"A Bao, brother is very good too..." Fu Lansheng coaxed, "Brother has many treasures—won't you miss them?"
A Bao lowered her head and bit her finger, her little face conflicted. "Um... brother, since you have so many treasures, can you give me some?"
Fu Lansheng snorted. "You dare to ask! You care about money, not people. You heartless little thing! I've raised and cherished you for nothing!"
"Then bequeath them to me after you die," A Bao compromised without concern, saying pitifully, "Sister Ah Xiang said we're family, and when you die, I can inherit your estate."
The issue of being an illegitimate child couldn't be overcome, could it?
Fu Lansheng drew a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and pinched her soft little cheeks, gritting his teeth. "When it comes to infuriating me, you spare no effort..."
Was his life too comfortable that heaven sent this little creature to torment him?
Mirror Flower Valley, Moon Banquet Hall
Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling arrived at the banquet as agreed. Su Ningzhen sat alone in the main seat, with a pot of flowers and a small celadon vase upon the table beside her, but Gao Qiumin was nowhere to be seen.
Mu Xuanling inquired, "Valley Master Su, have you considered it?"
Su Ningzhen stared intently at Mu Xuanling as if attempting to discover some answer upon her face. She said hoarsely, "This pot of flowers beside me is called 'Joy of Meeting.' It feeds on blood, but if it absorbs blood from a close blood relative, its petals will turn black." Su Ningzhen lifted the small celadon vase. "This contains Qiumin's blood. I've kept the blood test secret from her. Regardless of the result, only the three of us in this hall will know about today's events. If you agree, take a heart oath. Otherwise, pretend I never mentioned it."
Mu Xuanling drew a nervous breath and nodded. "I agree."
Xie Xuechen's cold gaze swept over the beautiful 'Joy of Meeting,' but he said, "I don't agree."
Su Ningzhen's eyes flashed coldly. "What does Sect Leader Xie mean?"
Xie Xuechen asked in return, "What does Valley Master Su mean?" His gaze grew colder and sharper. With a wave of his wide sleeve, a sudden gust of wind swept toward the flower pot upon the table. The beautiful flower was struck by the sharp spiritual energy and released a piercing cry like an infant's wail. The falling petals oozed drops of bright crimson blood. The flower pot suddenly shattered, scattering soil everywhere, revealing the true form of what was buried within—a pink, bald little creature the size of a potato, with one eye and a huge bloody maw. The flower stems and tender leaves were its lower limbs.
Mu Xuanling retreated half a step, her heart tightening, and looked warily at Su Ningzhen. "This isn't 'Joy of Meeting'—it's 'Autumn Wind Evil.' If blood is dripped onto it, it forms a blood contract and controls one's mind."
Mirror Flower Valley possessed numerous rare flowers and strange plants. 'Autumn Wind Evil' resembled 'Joy of Meeting.' 'Joy of Meeting' was a rare flower, while 'Autumn Wind Evil' was a strange beast that mimicked a rare flower. Its body was as alluring as a fresh blossom, but its pistil was a small mouth filled with countless sharp teeth. Once someone was attracted by its "petals" and approached, it would seize the opportunity to bite and drain blood. Anyone whose blood was consumed would be controlled by its fragrance and cries, becoming its slave.
"Valley Master Su, no matter how similar flowers and strange beasts appear, their aura is different," Xie Xuechen said coldly. "Those born with ten orifices can perceive auras, as can the Yuan Yin Mystic Maiden. Didn't Su Ningxi inform you of this?"
Seeing her scheme exposed, Su Ningzhen no longer concealed her intentions. She darkened her face and suddenly struck the table, her figure vanishing from the spot. The entire Moon Banquet Hall was instantly enveloped in murderous aura.
Xie Xuechen immediately grasped Mu Xuanling's hand and protected her in his embrace. The Moon Banquet Hall opened like a blooming lotus, with the surrounding walls slowly falling outward, revealing a golden birdcage-like formation that trapped the two of them inside. Dozens of cultivators surrounded the cage, watching them vigilantly.
Su Ningzhen said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader Xie, you've colluded with a demon woman to attack Mirror Flower Valley. Don't blame us for punishing evil without mercy."
Xie Xuechen coldly surveyed his surroundings. "Valley Master Su, this formation cannot contain me. If I break free, countless people in Mirror Flower Valley will die or be injured. Do you wish Mirror Flower Valley to suffer losses for your personal agenda? Is this how a valley master should conduct herself?"
Su Ningzhen's breath caught, and then she exploded in fury. "Cease your nonsense! I'm eliminating evil for the greater good. How is this personal? Everyone, follow my orders and form a defensive formation!"
Su Ningzhen waved her Sweeping World Dust, sending a sharp, murderous energy toward Xie Xuechen. The golden cage emitted blinding light, making it impossible for those inside to see clearly.
Gao Qiumin was pleased to witness Mu Xuanling trapped but couldn't bear to see Xie Xuechen harmed. She hesitated. "Master, if something happens to Sect Leader Xie in Mirror Flower Valley, how will we explain it to the five sects of the Immortal Alliance?"
Su Ningzhen's gaze remained fixed on Mu Xuanling, her voice frigid. "Why do we need to explain?"
Eliminating Xie Xuechen wouldn't be easy, but her target was only Mu Xuanling. Her hand holding the Sweeping World Dust trembled slightly. The hope she'd awaited twenty years for was right before her eyes...
Xie Xuechen held his sword in his right hand and covered Mu Xuanling's eyes with his left, saying softly, "Ling'er, close your eyes."
The familiar voice and words made Mu Xuanling's shoulders tremble slightly. She wanted to act but held back, obediently leaning into his embrace, fully trusting and relying on him...
The Jun Tian Sword in Xie Xuechen's hand glowed with flowing light, eager for battle. Xie Xuechen's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and he suddenly released his five fingers. The light sword flew forth, creating thousands of phantom images, crashing into the golden cage like a meteor shower. It emitted a piercing hum that could be heard for dozens of miles...
On the Cloud Floating Sky Boat, Fu Lansheng heard this sharp hum and was startled. He stood abruptly and flew outside. The midday sunlight fell upon Mirror Flower Valley, making the golden birdcage particularly dazzling. Fu Lansheng said in disbelief, "Su Ningzhen has gone mad. She dares to attack Sect Leader Xie?"
A Bao was too short to reach the ship's railing and jumped to look outside, anxiously saying, "Is sister in danger?"
Fu Lansheng lifted her up and held her in his arms, letting her observe the scene outside. A Bao's eyes widened, and she nervously grasped Fu Lansheng's shoulder. "Brother, quickly go save sister!"
Fu Lansheng smiled bitterly. "With my limited abilities, I might not even be able to defeat Gao Qiumin. Who knows who would be saving whom? Don't worry—with Sect Leader Xie there, no one can harm Mu Xuanling."
A Bao puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "You seem to understand yourself well. Then why don't you practice more diligently?"
Fu Lansheng: "..."
"Brother Fu, steer the sky boat above the Moon Banquet Hall to block the sunlight," Nan Xuyue walked to Fu Lansheng's side, his expression grave. "That golden cage draws power from sunlight. As long as the sunlight doesn't fade, the cage won't disappear. The stronger the sunlight, the stronger the cage. Su Ningzhen knows her strength is insufficient, so she's using the power of heaven and earth against Sect Leader Xie. She arranged this meeting time with the intention of ambush. It's not a spontaneous decision."
Fu Lansheng's smile faded, his handsome brows furrowing. "I understand. It seems Miss Mu's background is far from simple, to make Su Ningzhen move against Sect Leader Xie."
No matter how formidable Xie Xuechen was, he would eventually exhaust his strength. This Golden Crow Phantom Sun Formation was Mirror Flower Valley's strongest formation, both offensive and defensive. At high noon, it reached its peak power. As sunlight fell upon the golden cage, the temperature inside rose sharply. Magic arrows shot out from all sides but were all blocked by the Jun Tian Sword Formation. Each time the Jade Threshold Sky Breaking struck the golden cage, its light would dim, but it would recover moments later.
Sweat beaded on Mu Xuanling's forehead, her temples damp. Xie Xuechen's expression grew increasingly grave. Just then, the Cloud Floating Sky Boat appeared above the Moon Banquet Hall, suddenly darkening the surroundings. The golden cage lost half its brilliance.
A hint of a smile flashed in Xie Xuechen's eyes. The cinnabar between his brows flashed crimson, and the Jun Tian Sword immediately perked up, emitting an excited whistle. The Jade Threshold Sky Breaking opened again, and thousands of sword shadows condensed into a single, overwhelmingly powerful sword energy, shooting straight toward the apex of the golden cage.
— Clang...
A tremendous explosion rang out, the sound waves rippling outward like ocean waves. Low-level cultivators struck by these waves all spat blood and collapsed to the ground, screaming in agony.
Su Ningzhen, already weakened internally, couldn't withstand this soul-shaking clang. Her face paled as she fell from the air, caught by the quick-reacting Gao Qiumin, sparing her from complete humiliation.
The golden cage shattered under this sword strike, transforming into specks of golden sand that dissipated into nothingness.
Xie Xuechen, holding Mu Xuanling, flew out of the Moon Banquet Hall toward where Su Ningzhen had fallen. Witnessing this, the elders of Mirror Flower Valley hastily formed a defensive formation, but upon seeing Xie Xuechen, their hearts chilled, and they lost their will to fight...
Xie Xuechen coldly swept his gaze over everyone and declared, "I have no intention of becoming enemies with Mirror Flower Valley. I merely have a few questions for Su Ningzhen. I can pretend today's events never occurred."
The elders exchanged glances. They'd long known about the relationship between Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling. When Su Ningzhen claimed Xie Xuechen was colluding with demons to harm Mirror Flower Valley, they hadn't doubted her much and had established this Golden Crow Phantom Sun Formation to deal with Xie Xuechen. They'd believed this formation could trap Xie Xuechen and greatly weaken him, but who knew Xie Xuechen would prove so formidable that even the combined power of Mirror Flower Valley couldn't prevail against him? Now that Xie Xuechen had broken free, they feared he might slaughter them all, yet he declared he wouldn't pursue the matter...
The Grand Elder stepped forward and said solemnly, "There must be some misunderstanding. What questions does Sect Leader Xie have? If we know, we will answer truthfully."
Xie Xuechen nodded slightly and looked at the pale-faced Su Ningzhen. "Valley Master Su, will you speak, or shall I inquire?"
How could Su Ningzhen not comprehend the threat in Xie Xuechen's words? If she let him ask, he would reveal Su Ningxi's love affair with Sang Qi to everyone...
Su Ningzhen suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. Gao Qiumin cried out in alarm, "Master! Master!"
Su Ningzhen coughed incessantly. The Grand Elder's face changed, and she stepped forward to examine Su Ningzhen's pulse. Her expression immediately became exceedingly grim. "Valley Master, your spiritual energy..."
She'd assumed Su Ningzhen was still recovering from Sang Qi's heavy blow, but now she appeared to be at the end of her life force, clearly dispersing her cultivation. The Grand Elder glanced at Gao Qiumin and immediately understood but didn't expose it. She merely sighed, "Why do you do this to yourself..."
Mu Xuanling watched Su Ningzhen cough up blood and asked in bewilderment, "Valley Master Su, what deep grievance do you harbor against me?"
Mu Xuanling truly didn't comprehend. Even if she was Su Ningxi's daughter, Su Ningzhen shouldn't have acted so viciously toward her, even becoming enemies with Xie Xuechen—even if she couldn't care for her like Gao Qiumin. The more intense Su Ningzhen's reaction, the more it proved there was an issue with her background.
Mu Xuanling found it absurd and even frightening. Could she be the daughter of Sang Qi and Su Ningxi? Otherwise, why would Su Ningzhen resort to such extremes?
Nan Xuyue and Fu Lansheng landed behind Xie Xuechen, observing the tense atmosphere. Fu Lansheng coughed lightly and attempted to mediate. "The five sects of the Immortal Alliance are closely connected. Why damage our harmony over a misunderstanding..."
Su Ningzhen laughed coldly. "How is Mu Xuanling part of the Immortal Alliance? Sect Leader Xie puts personal matters above public duty, and Azure Sky Palace and Yunxiu Mountain Villa are the same. Is this kind of Immortal Alliance closely connected?"
Gao Qiumin glared at Mu Xuanling with hatred. "I truly regret not killing you back then at Mingyue Manor!"
Mu Xuanling looked at Gao Qiumin and smiled. "The young miss remembers me?"
As Mu Xuanling was speaking with a smile, no one expected her to suddenly lash out with Duan Nian, entangling Gao Qiumin's form. Taking advantage of everyone's surprise, she pulled Gao Qiumin to her side. Su Ningzhen was too weak to intervene in time, and the Grand Elder's attempt to stop her was blocked by Xie Xuechen. Gao Qiumin struck out at Mu Xuanling with her palm, but Mu Xuanling didn't dodge or evade. Instead, she thrust her sword toward Gao Qiumin's palm. Gao Qiumin couldn't withdraw her hand in time, and her palm was sliced by the long sword.
Mu Xuanling withdrew her sword, staring at the warm blood upon the blade. She blew gently, and the blood droplet seemed to be enveloped in an air bubble, floating upward. She then pressed her hand against the other side of the sword's edge. The sharp sword energy immediately cut through her delicate skin, and blood droplets seeped out from the wound, slowly floating. They were enveloped by a crimson magic formation, intertwining with Gao Qiumin's blood, probing each other, and finally slowly merging.
Mu Xuanling released a long breath and looked at Gao Qiumin with a complex expression.
The Grand Elder finally reacted, as did the other high-level cultivators present. Anyone with discerning eyes could identify what that crimson formation was.
It was a Blood Refining Formation. Only blood from the same lineage could merge.
The Grand Elder stared at Mu Xuanling and Gao Qiumin in disbelief, observing their similar features, and said in a trembling voice, "You are... Su Ningxi's daughter?"
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