Yue Xi was the senior sister of Qingying Peak, responsible for managing many of the sect’s affairs. How could she be like a mortal young maiden waiting to be wed, secluded deep within her chambers? When something was amiss, it surely involved a demon.
Since returning from Wu’an City, Gu Shenzhi and she had parted ways, not having met for quite some time.
If she too had been invaded by the malevolent energy, it would be a serious problem. For such demonic energy to penetrate a Golden Core cultivator, it would have to come from a demon beast of at least Nascent Soul level, and of considerable power, or a resentful spirit older than a thousand years.
Thinking of this, Gu Shenzhi couldn’t help but worry. Though he had joined the Moon Shadow Sect out of necessity, he knew the sect’s treatment of him was far from appropriate.
Moreover, with Huang’er honored as the Scarlet Lotus Saintess, any mishap befalling the Moon Shadow Sect would surely sadden her deeply.
The black-clad youth tightly grasped Tao Tian’s fair, delicate hand and spoke softly, “Senior Sister Yue Xi’s side must be in trouble. I want to go see for myself. I’ll return quickly. Xiao Tian, rest well for now.”
Seeing that his mind was set, Tao Tian, though reluctant, knew there was no use trying to stop him and could only say, “Please take care, Young Master. May your journey be smooth. I will await your return here.”
Her words were full of understanding, yet a trace of sorrow lingered in the maiden’s delicate features. Her lashes fluttered lightly, brows drooped faintly, and combined with her pale, sickly complexion, she resembled a withered peach blossom—heartbreaking to behold.
Watching the ailing girl on the bed, Gu Shenzhi felt a sharp pain in his chest. He owed Tao Tian far too much but could not betray the Scarlet Lotus Saintess.
The bond between the two was undoubtedly an insoluble deadlock.
Though reluctant, he was ultimately helpless. There were matters only he could handle—delaying was impossible.
Gu Shenzhi slowly stood and turned to the white-clad Bai Ling beside him. “During this time, please take good care of Xiao Tian. Once she recovers, I will reduce your debt accordingly.”
“Junior Sister Bai Ling.” The name, similar to Junior Sister Bai Ling of before, felt strange for Gu Shenzhi to say. His mind involuntarily recalled their Master’s figure.
Was this merely a coincidence or was there some hidden meaning? He pondered long and hard but had less than fifty percent certainty. Things related to their Master always seemed so elusive.
He silently thought, wondering again whether this was just a coincidence or a concealed scheme.
Unexpectedly, Bai Ling paused briefly, then shook her head in refusal. “Senior Brother Gu, there is no need for that. Tao Tian is my good friend, so it’s only natural for me to care for her. As for the spirit stones, I will repay every last one over the coming decades.”
Bai Ling spoke resolutely. Deep down, she hoped for as much debt relief as possible, but she couldn’t bring herself to take advantage of the ailing Tao Tian—even unintentionally, her conscience would not allow it.
“In that case, I will accept your offer,” Gu Shenzhi said, slightly surprised but understanding, and his respect for Junior Sister Bai Ling increased.
After bidding Tao Tian a temporary farewell, the black-clad youth swept his sleeve and left, mounting his sword to fly straight to Senior Sister Yue Xi’s cave dwelling.
On Zhan Yun Peak, atop the Sword Inquiry Terrace.
Amidst the crossing sword shadows, two figures—one clad in azure, the other in red—danced with elegance and freedom, slashing and thrusting relentlessly. The attack and defense volleyed back and forth, seemingly evenly matched.
However, this could be considered a master teaching disciple duel. Su Linghuang, dressed in a white snow plum blossom cheongsam, not only suppressed her cultivation and sword realm, but was wielding nothing more than a plain wooden sword.
Though her restraint was not as great as that shown at the East Sea, it could still be considered as powerful as a Heavenly Pool Great Marsh level.
By chance, this sword was one she had picked up casually earlier in the Qi Huang Courtyard. It happened to be the same wooden sword with a lacquered hilt that Gu Shenzhi had used to decisively defeat Mo Xiaonian at the sect’s preliminary competition.
Seeing her opponent’s fierce sword techniques ease, the silver-haired girl launched a furious flurry of attacks, forcing Mo Xiaonian to retreat repeatedly, her form scattering, and her sword moves quickly losing structure.
At her sword realm, Su Linghuang was far from able to discard formal sword techniques; losing structure often meant defeat.
Suddenly, Su Linghuang flicked her wrist, thrusting fiercely, aiming straight for Mo Xiaonian’s unguarded abdomen. The outcome was almost decided.
But with a bang!
The sword tip pierced through as if breaking bamboo, intercepted by “Fish Dance’s” parry. Mo Xiaonian immediately swung her sword to deflect the wooden blade—her strike was dazzling, even Gu Shenzhi would consider it competent.
Just as Mo Xiaonian’s face brightened with hope, Su Linghuang’s wooden sword rained down like a violent storm. Her silver hair fluttered in the air, her cheongsam swayed, revealing smooth, delicate calves—her curves tempting.
In the blink of an eye, the azure-clad girl was knocked to the ground, a wooden sword pressed against her throat. Though “Fish Dance” had not released the sword, Su Saintess firmly stepped on her.
“Senior Sister Linghuang, I admit defeat!” Mo Xiaonian pouted. Though victory still seemed far, another ten or so rounds might bring hope. To lose so abruptly was displeasing.
Seeing her opponent concede, Su Linghuang slowly withdrew her sword, extending a gentle hand to help her junior sister up, smiling softly.
“Xiaonian has improved rapidly these days. My Zhan Yun Peak’s stern sword aura you have grasped eighty to ninety percent of—it’s just the final essence left, which you must cultivate yourself.”
Teaching Mo Xiaonian swordplay gave Su Linghuang a certain satisfaction in nurturing talent.
Witnessing her junior sister awaken the sword spirit, grasp sword aura, and now reach the threshold of sword intent filled her with joy.
“Thanks must be given to Senior Sister Linghuang’s careful guidance. You have worked hard. You could have gone to find Senior Brother Gu instead—only by dueling with him could you have such insight,” Mo Xiaonian sheathed her sword respectfully.
“Not at all. Dueling with you was my own choice. Besides, constantly dueling with a prodigy like Gu Shenzhi brings many insights but also risks collapsing one’s Dao heart.”
Su Linghuang casually swayed her hips, crossing her arms, naturally revealing breathtaking curves.
The marks Gu Shenzhi left on her last night were still somewhat visible, difficult to erase completely for the moment.
“By the way, Senior Sister Linghuang, have you and Senior Brother Gu consummated your marriage, or are you still just nominally married?”
The azure-clad girl suddenly asked. As a woman, her sixth sense detected that today’s Scarlet Lotus Saintess was different from before.
She noticed Linghuang’s light steps seemed unsteady; each step caused a slight tremble between her thighs.
Though she endured well, it was clear she was in pain.
Such symptoms Mo Xiaonian had seen in less serious romance pictorials, often the aftermath of a couple’s first night together, requiring rest to recover fully.
“Of course it’s just nominal. How could I give myself to such a scoundrel? Don’t… don’t think such things,” Su Linghuang stammered in panic, unable to form proper sentences.
“Really? I don’t believe you, Senior Sister Linghuang.”
Mo Xiaonian leaned forward, her starlit eyes locking onto the enchanting expression of the Saintess, her cherry lips curling slowly into a knowing, wicked smile.