51-60

 

51

Chapter 51

 

Because Wen Xuan was determined to remain, after the three people returned to the little town, Cultivator Sun found a place to stay for them.

 

This kind of small town couldn't compare to staying in the city. It rarely received outsiders so there was no inn. However, this wasn't a big issue. Cultivator Sun just found a family in the town, spent some money, rented a few empty rooms, and smoothly settled the three of them in there.

 

Jian Yi's mood was somewhat low. When he entered the house, he retreated to his own room to rest.

 

Wen Xuan originally wanted to ask Jian Yi to come with him, but when he opened his mouth, he felt like there was something in his throat preventing him from speaking. While he wanted Jian Yi to accompany him, he also felt like this investigation might unveil some troubling truth. It was better for him to do it solo. After

 

hesitating slightly, he shook his head and sighed, ending up heading out alone.

 

Entering the center of the town, the view wasn't much different from when he first arrived here. There was still a group of kids playing on the street. There were still some people resting under the tree.

 

It wasn't completely the same people there were here yesterday. However, Wen Xuan can clearly see that the middle aged man from yesterday was still here, looking like the idler type.

 

Wen Xuan walked over. That person raised his head and said with a somewhat sour tone: "What's that old fellow?" This was him expressing displeasure over how Cultivator Sun prevented him from making money yesterday.

 

Wen Xuan shook his head and didn't answer. He only pulled out a few pieces of silver: "I have something to inquire from you."

 

Cultivators usually didn't use gold and silver, but in this kind of place, they were much more useful than spiritual stones. When that middle age man saw these pieces of silver, his eyes immediately became fixed. With a face beaming with joy, he promptly extended his hands to grab them.

 

However, Wen Xuan's speed was even faster. Before those hands reached over, Wen Xuan closed his hands and held those silver in his fist: "I want to know a little more about the female ghost mentioned yesterday."

 

That person helplessly withdrew his hands, smacking his lips in regret. His gaze remained staring unblinkingly at Wen Xuan's fist:

 

"Cultivator sir, since you already know it's a female ghost, what else do you want to ask?"

 

"I want to know about her life."

 

When he heard these words, that middle aged man froze. Instantly, he shifted his gaze from Wen Xuan's hand to look at Wen Xuan's face. His entire expression looked somewhat dumbfounded. Of course he should be dumbfounded. When that female ghost started haunting that mountain, he wasn't even born yet. For him to be questioned about this matter, Wen Xuan really found the wrong person.

 

However, Wen Xuan had his own plans. He knew with people like this, even if they can't give him the answer, they can help point him to the right direction.

 

Surely, after this middle aged man struggled for a moment, he had an idea. Deliberately smiling calmly, he said: "Although I can't answer you directly, I know who can tell you."

 

Wen Xuan nodded, stopped squeezing his fist, and handed the pieces of silver over.

 

The middle aged man held it extremely happily, then got up to guide Wen Xuan. Soon, they arrived at a somewhat old fashioned house.

 

An old man lived inside this house. There was nothing special about this old man, he was just old.

 

To answer Wen Xuan's question, old was exactly the necessary requirement.

 

"Old man Zhao!" The middle aged man knocked on the door and called that old man out. He introduced him to Wen Xuan saying: "There're plenty of elderly in the town, however, most of them are somewhat confused because of their age now. Old man Zhao is one of the clear-headed ones. He definitely can say something about the things you want to know."

 

Saying this, he gave that old man an eye gesture, probably indicating that Wen Xuan was rather generous with money.

 

Old man Zhao understood tacitly and immediately gave an enthusiastic smile: "What does this cultivator sir want to know?"

 

This person was probably 60-70 years old. He was only about 10 years older than Wen Xuan. But as a mortal, this was an age that most people couldn't live to. Although old man Zhao was clear-headed, his appearance couldn't help but emit a rather aged aura.

 

"The female ghost in that mountain." The middle aged man answered for Wen Xuan: "The cultivator sir wants to know about when she was alive. Do you know anything?"

 

When he heard these words, old man Zhao visibly had a shock.

 

After a while, he controlled his surprise, expression changing subtly, like he was recalling something. This was actually a memory that shouldn't be recalled. Old man Zhao's expression gradually became sorrowful.

 

Seeing this reaction from him, Wen Xuan knew there was a story here. His expression unconsciously became grave. In regards to

 

the story he was about to hear, actually he was somewhat nervous and uneasy. But he also knew that he couldn't avoid investigating this truth.

 

After some unknown time passed, old man Zhao finally gave a sigh: "Her...... I've been hearing people call her female ghost, female ghost. It's really been many years since anyone talked about her life."

 

"Do you know her?" Wen Xuan hastily asked: "When she was alive?"

 

"It's the same town after all. Although it can't be called close, I still saw her here and there." Old man Zhao said: "What do you want to know?"

 

For a moment, Wen Xuan didn't know where to begin asking and could only say: "Anything you want to say."

 

Therefore, old man Zhao began recounting from the very beginning.

 

"At that time, we were the same age. She was already a flower in the town. When all the guys in town saw her, their eyes instantly became transfixed. Unfortunately......" He shook his head and pointed at his mouth: "She's a mute."

 

So she really was a mute. Wen Xuan unconsciously felt his heart constrict.

 

Old man Zhao already forgot what her name was and could only remember that people in town called her Mute Flower back then. Mute Flower had a father and two older brothers at home. Her

 

mother died early. Her life was very hard since childhood because her father didn't like dealing with her, her older brothers kept bullying her.

 

"But at that time, at least she lived like a human." Saying this, a look of terror appeared on old man Zhao's face. His voice trembled somewhat: "Until that time, that time, that thing suddenly flipped over that mountain, charged into the town. That thing......"

 

His entire body shook as he spoke inarticulately: "That... that monster!"

 

Wen Xuan hastily poured him a cup of tea. Old man Zhao drank it and took quite a while to calm down.

 

"Was it the heavenly demonic beast?" Wen Xuan asked.

 

"I don't know any heavenly demonic beasts. That was just a monster." old man Zhao said with a deathly white face: "A monster that ate people."

 

Old man Zhao attempted to describe the appearance of that heavenly demonic beast, but that memory was practically a nightmare to him. In the end, what he described was a complete mess. Wen Xuan could only gather that it was a blue colored monster with a huge body. It had the strength of three bears and was covered completely by scales. The heavenly demonic beast's horn and sharp fangs were also described repeatedly by old man Zhao, clearly having left behind quite a heavy shadow in his heart.

 

"There was a cave in that mountain before." Old man Zhao pointed at the snowy mountain: "At that time, it was occupied by that monster which made it into its nest."

 

Wen Xuan nodded. He knew that cave.

 

The words that followed, however, made Wen Xuan's complexion change slightly. "That monster grabbed the townspeople over there, ripped them apart and stuffed them into that cave. Half of the cave was stuffed full, blood and flesh mixing together."

 

What kind of terrifying image that must be? Wen Xuan couldn't resist recalling the view of that cave, remembering the dark colored walls and ground. His face unconsciously turned pale.

 

"That nightmare continued for over a year, over a year!" Old man Zhao's mood became animated again: "We couldn't do anything back then and could only run around all over, doing our best to hide. However, people still got captured by it one by one! My younger brother, my father, my uncle, they were all taken by it! Until one day, two cultivators discovered this place and helped us kill that monster......"

 

Saying this, old man Zhao was practically crying: "I finally found their corpse, in that cave, ripped to pieces...."

 

Wen Xuan continuously comforted him and attempted to guess the relationship between that terrifying memory and the female ghost: "So at that time, she was also......"

 

"Also snatched over." Old man Zhao gave a definite answer: "Snatched over together with her father. Later, we also found the

 

body of her father in the same way, scattered all over, mixed in together with the other people, practically indiscernible."

 

Wen Xuan's expression was solemn: "Since the cause of death was so horrendous, it's not strange for that soul to remain there for so long."

 

"Are you talking about that Mute Flower?" old man Zhao heard him, but revealed a strange expression: "That's not right. She didn't die at that time."

 

Wen Xuan was stunned.

 

"Everyone that the monster ripped apart were all of the young and old men in this town." old man Zhao told Wen Xuan: "As for all of the women back then, although they were also stuffed into that cave, most of their corpses were intact. Some even survived."

 

"This......" Wen Xuan started feeling incredulous. He was just about to ask when he understood. His expression instantly changed.

 

As expected, old man Zhao continued with a sigh, shaking his head: "But what they encountered...... who can say, perhaps getting ripped apart directly was even better. Some of those who were finally rescued couldn't stand the humiliation, and took their lives soon after."

 

Wen Xuan squeezed his fists tightly in his sleeves, saying silently' just as I thought'.

 

That heaven demonic beast didn't only capture the townspeople to feast on, it also captured the youth women to rape. It's really

 

heinous beyond redemption. How infuriating. Good thing Chu Lian and Ye ShengGe arrived in the nick of time and eliminated this evil from the world. What a noteworthy achievement.

 

"As for that Mute Flower. She managed to survive back then but didn't live for more than two years." old man Zhao said in the end: "Since she had that kind of encounter...... After that, she became a little crazy. Not to mention her father died. Her two older brothers took their anger out on her and bullied her even worse. Finally one day, she was found dead inside a gully and passed just like that."

 

This was the ending to the story. The Mute Flower ghost's life was very simple, yet very tragic, making people lament endlessly for her.

 

Wen Xuan recalled the scene he encountered inside the cave and felt a wave of heaviness in his heart.

 

"However, for her life to end like that, didn't really count a bad thing." old man Zhao exclaimed with a bitter smile: "At least she was free."

 

Wen Xuan looked at this bitter smile, then suddenly felt something wasn't right.

 

This story wasn't right.

 

If death was really a release, she wouldn't have become a ghost and remained in this world. If everything were really that simple, it couldn't explain the reason for her heavy regret. It also didn't explain her strange behavior inside the cave. How can she show such a strong attachment to a life so tragic?

 

Although the old man said a lot, he seemed to have covered up something.

 

At this moment, Wen Xuan thought about a lot. He thought about what kind of logical explanation could fit into all of this. Then he stared into old man Zhao's eyes and asked one last question.

 

"Did she leave a child?"

 

52

Chapter 52

 

This question most likely hit the crux of the issue. Old man Zhao's face instantly changed.

 

"I don't know, I don't know what you're saying." His originally calmed mood instantly became stimulated again. He didn't even bother to grab the pieces of silver Wen Xuan placed on the table as he turned around and left: "I don't know anything."

 

"Ai, old man Zhao, wait a second!" That middle aged man who led the way instantly panicked and went to stop him: "Weren't you narrating fine? What's wrong with you? Just look, this cultivator's silver is still......"

 

"I don't know anything!" Old man Zhao didn't hold back and gave that person a hard shove. Then he changed the direction and continued to walk off.

 

Wen Xuan lifted his foot and also blocked his way, looking directly at him: "You know, don't you?"

 

Old man Zhao's face twitched. He wasn't bold enough to shove Wen Xuan aside as well, but he didn't plan to talk at all. Resolutely, he turned around again and retreated all the way back into his own room. Wen Xuan and the middle aged man were still in his living room, but he didn't even bother to chase them away. He only closed his door tightly and refused to converse with them no matter what.

 

This time, Wen Xuan didn't stop him. He only looked at the tightly closed door quietly.

 

"Cultivator sir, cultivator sir, this......" The middle aged man who led the way was somewhat flustered: "Who knows what got into this old man Zhao suddenly...... he...... I......"

 

Saying this, he held on tightly to the silver that he received from Wen Xuan, terrified that Wen Xuan would take it back in anger.

 

"It's fine." Wen Xuan said instead: "His reaction actually already gave me the answer."

 

Wen Xuan only asked if 'there once was.' If there wasn't, then the answer was a simple word. For the other to refuse to answer so vehemently, the answer must be yes, no doubt.

 

That's right, if it was for her child, even if she experienced such a tragic life, she might not be willing to die and pass just like that.

 

The only questions remaining was probably, in what kind of situation did this woman give birth to the child and what exactly happened to this child.

 

Thinking here, Wen Xuan pressed his mouth together, and slowly walked outside. The pieces of silver he placed on the table remained there. He didn't take them back.

 

That middle aged man looked anxiously at the silver, then followed after Wen Xuan: "Cultivator sir, cultivator sir......"

 

Wen Xuan turned and looked at him: "Is there something else?"

 

"Cultivator sir, is it really okay to leave things like this?" The middle aged man said: "Don't underestimate me. Although I love money, I don't like accepting charity. Since you paid me to complete this task, I can't feel at peace if I do it badly."

 

Wen Xuan couldn't help but laugh, discovering that this person was more interesting than he thought.: "Then what do you want to do?"

 

"I think the people who know this can't be only this old man." The middle aged man immediately patted himself on the chest and expressed: "Old man Zhao was just the most convenient to find. As for the rest, if I do my best, I'll be able to find them. Cultivator sir, what else do you still want to know? Tell me and I'll definitely help you inquire, even if I have to go to the edge of the world."

 

This really did suit Wen Xuan's intentions. Originally, he would have continued investigating anyways. Now there was someone volunteering to run the errand for him. It saved him a lot of work.

 

Not to mention, to be honest, Wen Xuan felt somewhat tired right now.

 

Clearly he was only listening to a story, yet strangely, he felt weary to the bones.

 

"Then I'll be depending on you.” Wen Xuan then explained to him the direction of the investigation.

 

This person happily nodded his head, yet in the end, he didn't forget to ask Wen Xuan for money to run the errand again. Wen Xuan didn't bother to haggle and gave it to him very generously. First of all, gold and silver didn't really worth anything in his eyes. Also, to give him a chance to catch his breath slightly over this issue, he was willing to pay even more than that.

 

After entrusting this matter, Wen Xuan dragged his foot and returned to the house that Cultivator Sun rented before. He wanted to rest slightly and organize his thoughts and emotions.

 

Yet as soon as he got near, he felt a wave of spiritual energy fluctuating strangely.

 

Frozing, Wen Xuan stood where he was and carefully examined for a moment. It was coming from Jian Yi's room.

 

He walked to the entrance to Jian Yi's room and was just hesitating on whether to enter or not when Jian Yi seemed to have discovered him. That strange spiritual fluctuation instantly stopped.

 

Wen Xuan pushed the door open and entered. He saw Jian Yi laying on the bed, one hand stuck under the pillow, looking

 

utterly exhausted. His state was even worse than before they came down the mountain.

 

Wen Xuan practically didn't know if he should laugh or cry. He just wanted to get some rest and here he discovered that there was someone who needed even more rest than him: "How did you get like this?"

 

Jian Yi silently pulled his hand out from under the pillow. In that instant, Wen Xuan saw the edge of the round jade tool that Jian Yi didn't have a chance to hide.

 

Oh. Wen Xuan instantly understood: "You're peeking at the Will of Heaven again."

 

"Just a little." Jian Yi said weakly

 

Wen Xuan walked directly over, grabbed his wrist and felt his feeble pulse currently. His brows unconsciously furrowed deeper.

 

"You......" Wen Xuan wanted to say something but didn't know what he should say.

 

In this moment of hesitation, Jian Yi pulled his wrist out of Wen Xuan's hand: "I know my limits."

 

"It'd be amazing if you really knew!" Wen Xuan feigned anger.

 

"But, shixiong," Hearing those words, Jian Yi raised his head and looked into Wen Xuan's eyes, extremely calm: "You just reached yuan gathering. The distance between you and I grew again. The areas I can help you in have decreased. I don't want it like this. I need to find a way, my way, that I can use to help you."

 

Hearing these words, Wen Xuan was left speechless for a moment. No wonder, Jian Yi was exceptionally downcast today. So it's because he was mulling over this kind of thing.

 

Wen Xuan felt a bit regretful. Before he should have brought Jian Yi together with him. Yet he only considered his own inconvenience and didn't put enough concern in Jian Yi's unusual mood.

 

"You don't need......" Wen Xuan just planned to persuade him, but he was interrupted by Jian Yi again.

 

Jian Yi said: "This is also a part of my cultivation, Shixiong. You have no reason to stop me."

 

These words instantly rebuked everything Wen Xuan wanted to say just now.

 

Wen Xuan looked at him for a while with lips pressed together. In the end, he got up and headed out of the room without a word. Jian Yi silently looked at him from behind, also not saying a word, watching him head out the door.

 

At the doorstep, Wen Xuan still turned his head back in the end and said: "Remember to get your rest."

 

Jian Yi didn't answer and only looked at him until he left completely, unable to be seen anymore.

 

Very quickly, the same spiritual fluctuations emitted from inside the room again. Jian Yi was deciphering the Will of Heaven again.

 

Wen Xuan halted his steps, really wanting to charge back in and ask him loudly just what exactly was he looking at, what was he surveying, what was he trying to do. But in the end, Wen Xuan only stood there for a bit longer before returning to his own room.

 

As soon as he entered the room, he laid down on the bed, feeling even more weary inside.

 

What Jian Yi said wasn't wrong. Wen Xuan didn't have the rights to stop him. Although Jian Yi said it was to help Wen Xuan, it was still Jian Yi's own decision in the end. Even though he was Jian Yi's shixiong, even though the relationship between them were more intimate than normal disciples, in the end, they weren't close to such an extent that he should get involved with everything.

 

There was still a distance between them.

 

Wen Xuan sighed and closed his eyes. He only wanted to think about nothing at all.

 

Yet he only laid there for about two hours when he heard someone outside calling 'Cultivator sir." It was the middle aged man that he paid earlier. He said that he already successfully found someone who can tell Wen Xuan everything.

 

For this task to be completed so smoothly, logically, Wen Xuan should be happy. But when he got up from the bed and walked outside of the room, he only felt like something was pressing down on his shoulders, extremely heavy.

 

Before he had the middle aged man lead the way, Wen Xuan hesitated for a moment then went to find Jian Yi again. He wanted to ask the other if he was interested in coming along.

 

However, when he pushed the door open and entered again this time, he saw Jian Yi laying still on the bed. This time he was really resting, sleeping very soundly.

 

Wen Xuan stood at his bedside for a moment, not waking him up. He lightly rubbed the hair on Jian Yi's head: "I don't need you to help me like this." He said quietly, not even aware of how gentle his voice was: "You being here is the greatest help to me."

 

Done speaking, he turned around and lightly closed the door as he left.

 

Mere moments later, that middle aged man brought Wen Xuan to another little house on the west side of the town. Another white haired old man that was the same age as old man Zhao was waiting for him here.

 

"This is old man Qian." The middle aged man introduced.

 

Old man Qian examined Wen Xuan for a moment, then smiled with his teeth: "Is this the cultivator searching for me?"

 

When he exposed his teeth, Wen Xuan knew instantly why the middle aged man didn't find him first. One of this man's teeth was made of gold. This didn't count as anything in a big city, but it's rare in a small town like this. It's likely that this person has quite the status so it's not easy to contact him.

 

Wen Xuan nodded and responded politely.

 

"About that woman and her demon spawn?" Old man Qian remained smiling, but a hint of coldness appeared in this smile.

 

Demon spawn.

 

Although he already guessed it before, after hearing these two words, Wen Xuan still felt his heart jolt abruptly, like he was hit by a hammer.

 

"Haha. I heard you asked that old man Zhao and he wouldn't tell you." old man Qian continued: "He's giving that woman face! That Zhao guy was only that woman's playmate for a few years. Yet he always remembered that and completely forgot how many of us were sentenced to death by that mother and child."

 

Wen Xuan finally recovered and asked, heart still trying to cling to hope: "What do you mean?"

 

"I already said it this clearly, what else can it mean?" When old man Zhao reached this point, he laughed coldly nonstop, as if the reason he agreed to tell Wen Xuan about this matter was only because he hated that mother and child too deeply, and needed to find someone to vent about it.

 

"Why do you think that monster ripped people apart and piled them in its nest? Cause it was fun? No, it wanted to feed its kid! That woman gave it a kid!"

 

If Wen Xuan felt like his heart was hammered a moment ago, now he felt like his head was also hammered heavily, blank white and completely at a loss.

 

He couldn't help but press his hand against his throat, suddenly feeling nauseous for some unknown reason.

 

"Later that woman died. It's her retribution. Her death came too slow!" Old man Qian continued to say vehemently: "She actually wanted to protect that kind of demon spawn and didn't let us touch it. In the end, she ended up dying protecting it. She deserved it!"

 

"That, that......" Wen Xuan held onto one last thread of hope and asked: "What happened to that child afterwards?"

 

Child? Old man Qian turned his gaze over and looked at Wen Xuan with a smile that's not quite a smile: "Who knows? Probably got snatched away by some wild dog."

 

At this point, Wen Xuan asked everything he needed to ask.

 

When he left old man Qian, he was practically escaping in panic.

 

53

Chapter 53

 

At this time, there was still hope in his heart. Right now, the only thing that can be proved was that the female ghost gave birth to a child for that heavenly demonic beast while she was alive. It didn't actually prove that the child was related to Wen Xuan at all. Even if Chu Lian brought him back to the Water Cloud Sect around 50 years ago, even if she displayed that kind of regret, it could be a coincidence. Perhaps she recognized the wrong person.

 

This was the last saving straw that Wen Xuan could grab on to, even if he was very likely only lying to himself.

 

After he returned from his thoughts, Wen Xuan already walked into that mountain once more. He needed to find the whereabouts of that child, in order to obtain the final answer.

 

But it wasn't until he saw the snow that was already starting to melt under his feet that he discovered, actually he didn't even

 

know where to start searching. He even forgot to ask where her body was found back then.

 

Without any direction, Wen Xuan stood where he was for a while before picking up his feet again and wandering around this mountain aimlessly.

 

After walking in a daze for some unknown amount of time, he finally returned to that cave again.

 

This was the cave where he found the heavenly demonic beast's horn, where he found the hope to cure Murong Feng's fire poison. The joy and delight seemed still close at hand. Yet this was also the cave where he encountered that female ghost and, for the first time, grew suspicious of his own birth history, searching and investigating, and falling into this kind of dazed and helpless circumstances in the end.

 

He didn't even know how to describe his current mood, practically beside himself.

 

The cold air inside the cave already solidified, accumulating into small puddles all over the floor.

 

Wen Xuan walked in front of a small puddle, crouched down and looked in. His figure was reflected clearly by the water's surface. He looked at it blankly, not knowing what he was trying to see.

 

He stood up and walked around randomly in this cave. He looked at the deep hole left behind from taking out the horn of the heavenly demonic beast. He walked to the place where he confronted that female ghost. He walked to the edge of the cave and used his hand to touch the dark colored stone wall there,

 

wondering how much of it was the remnants of blood. Finally, he stopped in front of the water puddle again and looked at the reflection within it.

 

Wen Xuan suddenly understood what he was trying to see.

 

He was looking at his own face, looking at these exceptionally familiar facial features.

 

As he looked at his own face, he recalled the female ghost he encountered, remembering the other's every expression, remembering every change on the other's face. Gradually, he found the two faces started overlapping.

 

Of course, there were plenty of areas where his face didn't match hers. But the more he looked, the more he had to admit, in the corner of his eyes and the tip of his brows, in places unnoticeable at first glance, there really were areas that were undeniably similar between the two of them.

 

Wen Xuan remembered the two rows of tears she wept in the end, that expression superimposed on his face, making him think that perhaps he was crying as well.

 

It wasn't until he touched his eyes with his own two hands that he finally realized that it was a misconception, that he wasn't actually crying.

 

But he might as well be.

 

Shaking his head, Wen Xuan backed away from that water puddle in panic.

 

He can no longer deny, no longer have any hope, and no longer lie to himself. What's funny was that the last piece of evidence that he was looking for-- that ironclad proof, was actually already on his face. It was this face of his.

 

What resemblance. He and that female ghost, no, at this time he couldn't deny any longer. That was his mother. The mother that he's only seen once since his birth!

 

Wen Xuan sat kneeling in the corner, gradually curling up into a ball, shoulders uncontrollably trembling.

 

He wanted to calm down and reorganize his thoughts on all of this, but it was impossible. All of this was like a swarm of mosquitos flying around randomly in his head, buzzing nonstop. He couldn't calm down at all.

 

Just accept it. There's no way of denying it anymore. He was the demon spawn that was born after his mother was forced by that heavenly demonic beast, the heavenly demonic beast that committed all sorts of heinous crimes.

 

Sorrow, indignance, shame, panic, incredulousness, self hatred.

 

Wen Xuan couldn't distinguish which of these emotions he felt more at this moment. More and more emotions erupted from the bottom of his heart, utterly uncontrollable, completely mixing together, practically driving him crazy.

 

The shock that this truth brought him was really too much. All of these emotions gushing out of his heart, all negative without exception, made him unable to hold on.

 

No. It shouldn't be like this.

 

Wen Xuan told himself. Actually, he should be happy. At least there was one thing that was worthy of rejoicing. He saw his mother.

 

According to what old man Qian said, his mother protected him while she was alive. Even though she has died for over 50 years, she still remained in this world, yearning until earlier this morning, when he arrived here and let his mother find him, and let his mother know he had grown up healthy and strong. That's why his mother was so excited. That's why she rushed at him desperately. It was all just so she could hug her already grown up child for a moment.

 

Having her long-cherished wish fulfilled, mother must have passed peacefully, right? He couldn't find her anywhere now. She finally found release from such a tragic life, without any regrets.

 

This was indeed something that was worth rejoicing.

 

But... but, from now on, he won't be able to see her again.

 

He finally saw his mother for the first time, yet it was already the last time. He even used his defensive spiritual energy to harm her!

 

Wen Xuan attempted to find a strand of light in the completely negative emotions in his heart. He wanted to use that tiny bit of happiness to suppress all of his other emotions. He wanted to stop himself from crumbling to pieces, but he failed. The anguish that came with seeing his mother for the first and last time far surpassed the happiness.

 

He recalled the questions he asked old man Zhao before. The reason why old man Zhao was unwilling to tell Wen Xuan the truth was because he remembered their childhood friendship and wanted to protect his mother's honor.

 

Because the biggest stain in his mother's life was only giving birth to him.

 

Wen Xuan covered his head with both hands, even his teeth were chattering.

 

After some unknown time later, he finally loosened his arms. Placing a palm on the wall as support, he stood up with difficulty. Right now, he really needed support. He was like a person standing at the edge of the cliff, on the verge of going over, yet still unwilling to fall and desperately grabbing onto a piece of rope. But when he looked towards the stone wall and withdrew his hand, he looked at his palm and only felt like it was covered in bloodstains.

 

"That monster snatched all of the townspeople over, ripped them apart, and stuffed them into that cave. Half of the cave was stuffed full, blood and flesh mixing together." "It wanted to feed its kid! That woman gave it a kid!"

 

No.

 

No!

 

Wen Xuan backed far away from the wall, desperately trying to get away from it. In his panic, he stumbled to the ground. Yet, he

 

didn't even bother getting up, just flipped over and knelt there, grasping at his own throat with his fingers.

 

Did he eat it?

 

When he was just born, during that period of time he couldn't remember at all, did he eat it before?

 

Wen Xuan felt his stomach churn. He desperately wanted to spit something out, but could only dry heave nonstop.

 

Regardless of whether he ate it or not, there were all those people who died because of him, their corpse ending up in such tragic states.

 

He remembered that when he was younger, he would always have the same nightmare. At that time, he didn't know where he was and could only touch the things beside him. It was hard to describe the texture of what he was touching. It was also mixed with a liquid that was both thick and warm, as well as a putrid smell.

 

Now Wen Xuan knew. That was a memory not long after he was born. It was those innocent people's flesh and blood.

 

So much, so much......

 

Wen Xuan slammed his fist harshly on the ground to stop the trembling all over his body. He did his best to get up. He did his best to stand. But when he lifted his gaze and saw the inside of the cave, he only felt like he was seeing a pile of bloody body

 

parts.

 

He has never detested himself like this before.

 

He was finally forced to insanity by all of this. Howling sharply, he ran from this place, stumbling and rushing to the exit.

 

He couldn't stay in this cave any longer. But even if he left, where would he go? Was he going to return to that town? Of course, he needed to return to that town, but he didn't know how to face the people in that town anymore.

 

Between the limitless heaven and earth, he suddenly felt like he didn't belong anywhere.

 

As he escaped out of the cave's exit, Wen Xuan tripped over something and fell forward unexpectedly. He watched himself tilt face forward into the snowy ground, but he didn't even have the desire to struggle.

 

What exactly was he? The blood of a monster flowed in his body. The 50 years that he spent before, in face of this indisputable truth, felt frail like a piece of paper.

 

Yet at this time, someone gave him a tug.

 

In the end, Wen Xuan didn't fall directly into the snow. A person walked out of the snowy landscape, appearing before him just in the nick of time, and caught him.

 

"Shixiong." The other person called softly next to his ear.

 

Wen Xuan froze for a whole moment. With this soft call, he remembered who he was. He remembered that he wasn't only a demon spawn left behind by a monster. Then, he slowly lifted his

 

head in the other's arms and refocused his view. After looking for a while, he finally recognized this person: "Jian......shidi?"

 

"It's me.” Jian Yi patted him lightly on the back: "Shixiong, it's me."

 

When Wen Xuan recognized Jian Yi, his first reaction was to look at the color of the sky. The sky was already dark, covered with shining stars. It was already in the middle of the night, a time where youths of Jian Yi's age should be resting for the sake of their health.

 

Yet, Jian Yi appeared here. At this time, why would Jian Yi appear in a place like this?

 

This question just rose and Wen Xuan was just getting ready to scold when he thought of the only possible answer.

 

Naturally, Jian Yi came searching for him specifically.

 

"Sorry.” Swallowing his reprimand back into his stomach, Wen Xuan wanted to struggle out of Jian Yi's arms: "Did I worry you?"

 

Yet Jian Yi increased his strength and pressed Wen Xuan into his embrace a little harder.

 

This position was somewhat funny. It also can't be called comfortable. Jian Yi wasn't actually taller than Wen Xuan. At this moment, Wen Xuan fell in Jian Yi's arms, in the same posture as when he pitched forward into the ground. His back was all bent.

 

Yet the warmth transmitted from Jian Yi's chest made Wen Xuan feel calm again. He leaned quietly against the other just like this.

 

"Jian shidi," Wen Xuan remembered one thing: "You know everything about me, right?"

 

Jian Yi nodded: "Of course."

 

"Including......" Wen Xuan took a deep breath: "The fact that I'm not completely human?"

 

Jian Yi squeezed him tighter: "I said I know everything, that means I know everything."

 

"Really?......" Wen Xuan lowered his eyes.

 

That's right. He should have remembered earlier. He had this kind of person beside him. Someone who knew everything about him. Someone who already knew about this ugly side of him. Yet this person beside him, even after knowing all of this, still treated Wen Xuan like Wen Xuan.

 

Wen Xuan gradually relaxed and separated himself from the panic of feeling like he didn't belong anywhere.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi clearly already knew what happened just now and asked him quietly: "Do you want to cry?"

 

The corners of Wen Xuan's mouth curved: "A little."

 

"Then go ahead and cry." Jian Yi pressed down on the back of Wen Xuan's head and caressed the hair there: "Leave all of your anguish here. When you leave from here, you're still you." He said these words solemnly and earnestly, then added: "I can lend my shoulder to you."

 

Hearing these last words on this terrible matter, Wen Xuan kind of wanted to laugh.

 

"Jian shidi," He remained leaning on Jian Yi's shoulder: "You're so wonderful." Saying this, he hugged Jian Yi's waist with both hands.

 

"I know." Jian Yi was a little smug.

 

He knew, his presence here was the best help to Wen Xuan.

 

Jian Yi stroked his fingers through Wen Xuan's jet-black hair, from the back of his head down his back, like petting a cat.

 

He knew, only he would stand behind Wen Xuan until the very end. In the future, as long as he was here, Wen Xuan would always have someone supporting him.

 

"If you're tired," Jian Yi said: "Then just lean on me."

 

54

Chapter 54

 

The snowy landscape. The night sky. The light from the moon.

 

Two people sat side by side in a cleared out space. Wen Xuan reclined softly against Jian Yi, everything before his eyes bringing him peace.

 

After some unknown time later, Wen Xuan sighed: "It's very late. You should get some rest."

 

"En." Jian Yi answered, but didn't move at all.

 

Because Wen Xuan was still leaning against him. He said he'd lend his shoulder to Wen Xuan before. So Wen Xuan has been leaning against him ever since. This was a very addictive feeling. Wen Xuan never realized before how fulfilling it was to have someone to rely on, as if it can fill the void in his heart.

 

But he couldn't lean on Jian Yi nonstop for a lifetime. It was time to put away that uncontrollable feebleness.

 

After a moment of silence, Wen Xuan went to get up. But once again, he was pressed down again by Jian Yi.

 

"I rested during the day already."

 

"That's not enough."

 

Jian Yi smiled and turned his head to look at Wen Xuan: "Then let's head back together."

 

Wen Xuan didn't say anything. Although he knew this was the right course of action, he still felt somewhat reluctant to return to that town.

 

Just at the moment, he suddenly felt a cool feeling against his forehead.

 

Wen Xuan raised his eyes to look. Jian Yi had pulled out a round jade pearl from somewhere and was pressing it against his forehead.

 

"What's this?" Wen Xuan asked.

 

Jian Yi slightly paused for a second. Then he replied with two words: "The past."

 

Wen Xuan's pupils shook slightly.

 

"I attempted to tell you some things once, but..... because of a certain restriction,” Jian Yi spoke very slowly, considering his

 

words along the way: "I can't seem to talk about anything relating to the future."

 

"That's called the mysteries of the Will of Heaven shouldn't be revealed, " Wen Xuan said: "It's expected."

 

"Even if it's something in the past, I can't say it directly when the moment is not right." Jian Yi frowned, clearly somewhat frustrated. Revealing the past can affect the future. This was also an inevitable restriction. But to Jian Yi, these restrictions were completely ridiculous and only made him extremely displeased.

 

After saying these, Jian Yi suddenly smiled again: "But in the end, I thought of a plan."

 

Wen Xuan looked at him.

 

"I borrowed that thing's strength, pulled out a portion of the past, and saved it in here." Jian Yi removed that jade pearl from Wen Xuan's forehead and held it before his eyes.

 

"That thing?"

 

Jian Yi took out that round jade magic tool and waved it. Then he told Wen Xuan: "The past that happened 50 years ago, do you still want to know?"

 

Wen Xuan quietly looked at this jade pearl for a while, clearly hesitating. This past, to him, was something rather unbearable.

 

After hesitating, Wen Xuan nodded.

 

Although unbearable, he still had many areas he needed to know.

 

Just as he nodded, the jade pearl in Jian Yi's hand vibrated and abruptly shattered, turning into dust. As it turned into dust, a mysterious aura rose in the air. Carrying a bit of Jian Yi's spiritual energy, it entered the center of Wen Xuan's forehead.

 

Wen Xuan saw a dazzling white light. He couldn't resist blinking. Instantly, the scenery before his eyes changed.

 

He saw a youthful woman washing clothes by the riverside. This was his mother. Her facial appearance was exactly the same as what he saw before, only a little younger.

 

Although she was working hard, when she nodded and responded to passerby's greetings, the corner of her mouth held a smile. Moments later, she used the back of her hand to wipe away the sweat on her forehead. Wet soft hair strands stuck to her temple. Water drops rolled down her face. She looked young and beautiful.

 

Wen Xuan felt as if he transformed to an old tree by the roadside, watching all of this quietly.

 

Until the disaster descended. As if overnight, the town transformed into hell on earth, unbearable to watch, excruciating to describe.

 

Back in the snow, Wen Xuan's brows abruptly furrowed as his body trembled slightly, cold sweat covering the palm of his hand. Jian Yi held his hands tightly, wondering where did Wen Xuan reach in his observations while silently comforting him.

 

After some unknown amount of time, Wen Xuan finally relaxed again.

 

He finally saw these two figures landing in this small town on their swords.

 

Chu Lian and Ye Sheng Ge.

 

The two combined their strength to eliminate monsters and eradicate evil. After a fierce life and death battle, they finally saved the small town from that heavenly demonic beast. Then, they faced each other and smiled.

 

"You got injured."

 

"A small injury. No matter." Ye Sheng Ge used magic and healed his outer wounds. Steadying his chaotic spiritual energy, he looked at the worried Chu Lian with a smile: "In comparison, we should hurry and bring these women back home."

 

There were actually survivors in that horrifyingly bloody nest. This was something that Chu Lian and Ye Sheng Ge didn't expect. However, although those women managed to live, their gazes were all vacant and hollow, clearly having experienced something extremely horrifying. Some were even completely delirious. Ye Sheng Ge was a kind hearted person. Seeing them like this, he couldn't help but sigh.

 

Yet amongst these women, one was not the same.

 

Although both of her eyes were swollen from crying, her gaze was extremely clear. There was an apparent desire to live as well as an inexplicable sense of perseverance. Her behavior was

 

completely different as well. As everyone ran desperately towards the little town, only she headed back secretly into that nest. She climbed onto the pile of bloody body parts that normal people couldn't even bear to see, and attempted to find something from inside. This origin of this difference came from the fact that she was a mother.

 

Chu Lian and Ye Sheng Ge discovered her peculiar behavior, held her back, then dug open that pile of mutilated corpses.

 

They only dug a little when they discovered a very faint presence of a demonic beast. When they finally dug out the infant, both of them were dumbfounded.

 

No, more accurately speaking, this was a cub. Because its demonic beast's energy was very weak, the cub's rough appearance was like that of a human infant, with the addition of a beast's ears and tail, as well as a tiny sparkling horn on the center of its forehead.

 

"Demon spawn." Immediately seeing through the cub's identity, Chu Lian spat out these two words and went to eliminate it.

 

Ye ShengGe gave him a shove and pointed to the side.

 

The woman, that they had bound to the side with spiritual energy just now, had a face full of tears. But because she couldn't speak, she could only make wuwu noises. Raising his hand, Ye ShengGe withdrew part of the spiritual energy restraining her. The woman immediately kneel down and hit her forehead to the floor. Within seconds, she kowtowed several times, forehead already starting to bleed.

 

"It's her child." Ye ShengGe said with a sigh.

 

"Why do you have to sympathize with everything?" Chu Lian shifted his gaze onto Ye ShengGe: "This is the spawn of a demonic beast. Eliminating monsters and eradicating evil. That's the universal principle of Heaven and Earth."

 

"In our Little Valley, the values that we maintain are different than the ones you guys have outside." Placing his hands behind his back, Ye ShengGe said with a justified smile: "In our dictionary, we don't even have that phrase."

 

Chu Lian was left utterly speechless.

 

"Since half of his blood is human, what's wrong with leaving him alive?" Ye Sheng Ge continued to say.

 

Chu Lian had always been helpless in dealing with Ye ShengGe. Very quickly he conceded and only shook his head and sighed, face full of exasperation.

 

All of the spiritual energy was withdrawn from the mute woman. She instantly ran to the child and pulled that cub into her arms. Bowing to the two people over and over, she expressed her gratitude nonstop.

 

"Don't be in a hurry to give thanks." Ye Sheng Ge shook his head: "We're only not killing him ourselves. Allow me to speak bluntly. Even if we let him go today, with his appearance, there will be countless people who will want to kill him later. If you really want to raise him, you will inevitably suffer ten fold."

 

This concept, how could a mute woman not understand? She immediately became disappointed and frustrated. But as a mother, no matter how hopeless it seemed, she couldn't abandon her own child.

 

Ye Sheng Ge shook his head again and started heading back together with Chu Lian.

 

If this encounter ended just like this, the agony that Wen Xuan felt currently wouldn't have existed. Wen Xuan also wouldn't have felt all of those human emotions in the last 50 years. The warning that Ye Sheng Ge left wasn't an exaggeration at all. A newly born half breed, even if he wasn't killed at that time, definitely couldn't have survived for long.

 

However, just at this time, Ye Sheng Ge suddenly changed his mind. He turned his head and gave another look at the cub in the mute woman's arms.

 

"Wait a second." This one glance seemed to have unhinged something in his heart. Ye Sheng Ge instantly turned back and carefully, meticulously, looked at this child again and again.

 

"This......" Apparently discovering something, his eyes lit up. Grabbing the child from the mute woman's arms, Ye ShengGe held him before his eyes. The more he looked, the brighter his eyes became: "This...... could it be...... dear heavens......"

 

"What's wrong with you now?" Chu Lian followed him back in exasperation.

 

"What wonderful bone structure and outstanding constitution!" Ye ShengGe mumbled excitedly: "A natural genius, a natural genius!"

 

Natural genius? This little demonic beast? The expression on Chu Lian's face unconsciously twisted slightly.

 

"Take a look yourself if you don't believe me." Ye Sheng Ge said as he lifted the child's chubby arm over.

 

Speaking honestly, if he couldn't see those ears and that tail, the child looked fairly human. Chu Lian made a face, and raised two fingers with disdain. He placed them on that chubby arm and squeezed lightly, sending in his spiritual energy to explore. He just scouted around when his face gained an odd expression.

 

Although it might have been hard to discern under other circumstances, in the body of a defenseless infant, that extremely pure water root instantly stood out. But since this was the spawn of a heavenly demonic beast, it seemed rather expected for him to have such an extremely pure water root.

 

"So?" Ye ShengGe asked excitedly.

 

"So what?" Chu Lian withdrew his two fingers and wiped them off on his clothes: "Does this little demonic beast have anything to do with you? What are you so excited about?"

 

"What I mean is," Ye Sheng Ge said: "I'm still missing a good disciple."

 

If Chu Lian's expression was only exasperation and odd twitching before, right now, Chu Lian practically felt like he was hit by lightning: "What did you say? Repeat it again?"

 

"What? Didn't I tell you before?" Ye Sheng Ge was smiling so hard, his eyes were closed: "My people from the Little Valley don't often leave our mountain. When we leave, our only mission is to find a good student to bring back. Aiya. Talk about walking until my shoes worn down, only to find what I'm looking for without much effort. After wasting all of these years, I can finally head back, mission accomplished."

 

"You mentioned it, of course you mentioned it before. But he..... he......" Chu Lian pointed at that cub. After saying 'he' for quite a while, Chu Lian then pointed his trembling finger at Ye ShengGe and said 'you' for a while longer. He finally squeezed out three words: "Are you insane?"

 

Ye ShengGe only smiled and didn't explain further.

 

Such a private matter like accepting a disciple didn't need to be explained to anyone. This was a kind of fate. It came when it came. There was nothing to explain at all.

 

He only carefully consulted the mute woman for her opinion.

 

How could the mute woman not agree? She immediately kneeled down and started kowtowing on the ground again.

 

"But I can't accept him right now. I still have some preparations to do. It might take two years. In these two years, this child......" Ye ShengGe pondered for a moment, then he smiled again.

 

Grabbing the child's arms with his hands, he closed his eyes and inserted his divine will.

 

Like magic, the furry tail and ears on the infant's body gradually disappeared without a trace. Even the tiny little horn on his forehead, which was very hard to notice already, also slowly disappeared under Ye Sheng Ge's huge effort.

 

Ye ShengGe opened his eyes, his presence somewhat weaker: "Should be fine now."

 

He looked at the little cub that looked no different than a mortal infant and unconsciously smiled with achievement: "What a beautiful child."

 

Chu Lian watched all of this silently and couldn't help interrupt this time: "You were injured."

 

Ye ShengGe looked over in surprise.

 

"You were already injured." Chu Lian furrowed his brows, extremely displeased.

 

"Already said it was just a small injury." Ye ShengGe smiled, eyes narrowing in contentment: "No matter."

 

55

Chapter 55

 

It didn't matter how displeased Chu Lian was, Ye ShengGe's grand scheme to accept a disciple was settled. Then, they proceeded to seal the horn of that heavenly demonic beast together and left this little town, leaving behind only a promise to return two years later.

 

The Spring left and the Autumn came around. The mute woman held the infant in her arms and silently waited the entire time.

 

Wen Xuan quietly watched her anticipatory figure, until the day she passed away. He wasn't sure how many days passed, but he never saw Ye Sheng Ge's return.

 

In the snowy landscape, Wen Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

 

Jian Yi squeezed his palm: "Shixiong."

 

Wen Xuan didn't reply immediately, as if his thoughts were still immersed in that illusory world. After a moment, he finally slowly returned to reality. Blinking both eyes, he sighed softly: "So it was like that."

 

Of course he didn't see Ye Sheng Ge's return, because Ye ShengGe already fell 50 years ago, within those two years.

 

This piece of the past made Wen Xuan understand many things.

 

Why the half breed son of a demonic beast would become a Water Cloud Sect disciple in the end. Why Chu Lian accepted him as his disciple despite clearly hating him. Why he would have the divine remnants of someone in his body. As well as why he clearly had the blood of a heavenly demonic beast, yet he didn't have any demonic beast energy. He received all of these answers from that illusory world.

 

The origin of everything came from that one person, Ye ShengGe.

 

Wen Xuan pressed his lips together, feeling a dull ache in his heart. Daoist Master Ye Sheng Ge. He heard of this name many years ago and once felt sorry for this person's death, but this was the first time he felt such deep pain over this.

 

He once thought that this was a person very unrelated to him. He never imagined they were once so close. He never imagined they were almost destined to become teacher and disciple. The seal on his demonic beast energy. The creation of his cultivation method. All of these were things Ye Sheng Ge did for this future disciple of

 

his.

 

Yet, Ye Sheng Ge never managed to return to this little town. This teacher disciple destiny, in the end, could only be described with an 'almost.

 

"So that's what happened." Wen Xuan sighed again, as if he was trying to use this repeated lament to take away the sorrow in his heart.

 

After that, he moved off of Jian Yi's shoulder and stood up.

 

"Shixiong, are we going back now?" Jian Yi asked him.

 

Wen Xuan nodded.

 

Seeing him like this, Jian Yi couldn't help but worry: "Are you okay now?"

 

Wen Xuan smiled, turning his gaze towards the direction of the small town: "The only reason I didn't want to return before was because I didn't know how to face them."

 

When he had thought about the heavenly demonic beast's blood left in his body, the guilt and shame would suffocate him, making it hard to breathe. But now the emotions he felt towards those townspeople were no longer just that.

 

Other than his guilt, what had upset him even more was his mother's death.

 

Who killed his mother in the end? If his mother really died to protect him, perhaps she died because one of those townspeople took out their anger on her. But did he have any rights to bring up animosity with those people? This was an unsolvable issue.

 

Regardless of if he chose to hate or not, it would have tested his morals and principles.

 

Luckily, he didn't have to face this question. Because what old man Qian had said before wasn't actually all true.

 

Although those townspeople did take their anger out on his mother, and also detested Wen Xuan, this demon spawn, they weren't the cause of his mother's death.

 

Ye Sheng Ge wanted to take Wen Xuan as his disciple. Before he left, he naturally took the lives of the mother and son into consideration. He once gave Wen Xuan's mother a small fortune, and also asked those townspeople to let go of their hatred and treat them kindly. In the eyes of those townspeople, the two cultivators who eliminated that heavenly demonic beast were like gods. Therefore, even if they weren't very willing, in the end, they still suppressed their hatred and never caused the death of anyone.

 

The truth was more simple than what Wen Xuan had imagined, yet also more ironic.

 

The reason for his mother's death was actually because of the money that Ye ShengGe left. Only she and her two older brothers knew about this money. Those two older brothers were filled with greed at the sight of that money. At first, they were still afraid that Ye Sheng Ge might return anytime. After holding back for a period of time, they finally couldn't endure it any longer and joined efforts to cause her death.

 

Recalling how his mother died in the end, Wen Xuan still felt his heart turn cold. Most people are kinder than his imagination, but

 

there are always some people who are one hundred times more malicious. At least his hatred here can be clear-cut and distinct, without any complexity mixed in.

 

"Those two people," Wen Xuan asked: "What happened to them?"

 

Jian Yi immediately understood what Wen Xuan was asking and shrugged his shoulders: "They died."

 

Wen Xuan turned his gaze over and looked at Jian Yi's face: "If you asked anyone in town, they'd know." Jian Yi told him: "Not long after all, they must have felt a guilty conscience or something. Grabbing all that money, they ran into the mountain and ended up dying, somehow"

 

"Somehow?"

 

"It's rumoured," Saying these words, Jian Yi paused for a moment, then continued: "the female ghost demanded their lives."

 

The corners of Wen Xuan's mouth promptly curved upward: "If it was really like that, then great."

 

Yet if that were the case, then the hatred that just started burning in Wen Xuan's heart would have nowhere to go. He couldn't help, but sigh again: "Can't even give me an opportunity to get revenge."

 

"That just means she didn't want you to waste your time on revenge." Jian Yi also got up and walked next to Wen Xuan. He accompanied Wen Xuan to gaze at that little town together:

 

"Shixiong, your mother definitely wished you could live more carefree and happy."

 

Hearing these words and recalling that figure who protected him all the way until the very end, Wen Xuan felt a wave of warmth flow across his heart. Lifting his hand, he patted Jian Yi lightly: "Thank you, Jian shidi."

 

Done speaking, Wen Xuan started walking, bringing Jian Yi together with him to the direction of the little town.

 

Now that everything was clear, Wen Xuan only felt guilt towards these townspeople. Although it still felt suffocating, at least he knew how to face it.

 

"This time it's all thanks to you." Wen Xuan said along the way: "The past that you let me watch was really very important to me. Really, I can't thank you enough."

 

Jian Yi lowered his head and smiled bashfully.

 

"But you shouldn't do this kind of thing in the future." Wen Xuan's following words were these.

 

Jian Yi looked over in surprise.

 

"When I barged into your room this afternoon, you were doing this, right?" Wen Xuan turned his head and met his gaze: "This affects your body greatly, doesn't it?"

 

Jian Yi shifted his line of sight and avoided his gaze: "It's....... not bad.....

 

When he spoke these three words, in the end, his voice was extremely quiet, almost inaudible.

 

"Don't do this anymore.” Wen Xuan said firmly, not accepting any disputes: "This is the only time, no other exceptions."

 

Jian Yi couldn't win against Wen Xuan, so he only scrunched his face: "I understand."

 

As they talked, they arrived at the little town. At this time the sun was rising. There was a faint white light at the edge of the horizon. Some of the townspeople that got up early were already heading off to the fields.

 

Meanwhile, that cultivator Sun, who traveled together with them, just discovered that they were both gone. Rushing out of the house in panic, he didn't even have a chance to start searching around in the town when he saw them walk over together from the road.

 

Cultivator Sun let out a breath of relief. He was just ready to head over and greet them when he was suddenly startled by the atmosphere he saw between the two people.

 

It was an indescribable atmosphere. The two people were clearly only walking together side by side, but it made him feel like there was something circulating between them, soft and sticky, not permitting others to step in.

 

This strange feeling made Cultivator Sun remain stunned for a moment, until the two people already walked up to the front of the house and started greeting him.

 

After Cultivator Sun nodded in response, the two people finally separated and headed to their own rooms. Cultivator Sun felt somewhat bewildered and thought maybe that the strange feeling before was his misconception. Yet when he turned his head to look again, the two people were smiling at each other, using their eyes to say goodbye to each other.

 

He didn't know how to describe that interaction. In any case, it gave Cultivator Sun the goosebumps.

 

Cultivator Sun recalled how Jian Yi lost control before when Wen Xuan disappeared in the snow, and slowly became aware in the aftermath-- that wasn't a normal response between shixiong and shidi at all. He rubbed at the goosebumps on his arms and hastily avoided the two people, returning back to his own room.

 

Meanwhile, after Wen Xuan returned to his room, he rested for a moment before leaving the building.

 

He went to find that old man Qian from before. At this time, it was still very early in the day. However, despite his age, old man Qian already got up.

 

"Cultivator, what else do you need?" He felt a little unexpected by Wen Xuan's second visit, but not surprised. His gaze swept over Wen Xuan twice: "Was there something unclear in what I told you yesterday?"

 

Actually, with a careful examination, it was easy to find that although he was rather courteous towards Wen Xuan, his tone completely lacked all respect and even carried a sharp sense of ridicule.

 

Wen Xuan didn't answer, only silently looked at this elderly man for a while.

 

He had a conjecture. Since Ye Sheng Ge had let the townspeople know ahead of time before he left, these people should have been aware of the fact that Wen Xuan would be taken away to become a cultivator. Therefore, in face of a cultivator who suddenly appeared to investigate the past, this old man in front of him perhaps already knew his identity.

 

Wen Xuan didn't ask any questions to confirm this guess. He only stood there quietly for a while, then bent his knees, knelt down, and kowtowed once.

 

Extremely shocked, old man Qian smacked his palm on the armrail of his chair, almost like he was about to jump out of his chair. Yet about one second later, he settled down again and sat back steady in the chair, calmly accepting this kowtow without any attempt to stop him.

 

Just like how Wen Xuan knelt wordlessly, he also looked on wordlessly.

 

Until Wen Xuan said his goodbyes, they didn't have any interactions at all.

 

After leaving old man Qian's house, Wen Xuan went to another neighboring residence. This time, he didn't knock on the door and bother the family. Instead, he just stood in the street facing this household, knelt down similarly, and gave a kowtow.

 

Then, the next household.

 

Just like this, Wen Xuan walked from the beginning of town to the end of town. There were about over 100 households in this town. Most of the people didn't even know who he was and how he was related to this town. Some didn't even know what happened in this town 50 years ago. Yet Wen Xuan still walked over, kneeling before every household, visiting every residence, not leaving any behind.

 

From morning to afternoon, everyone saw this cultivator's strange actions. In response, they pointed and gestured, discussing heatedly. Pretty much no one knew what Wen Xuan was doing.

 

But what does that matter? As long as Wen Xuan knew himself, that's fine.

 

After kneeling for the last family, Wen Xuan felt some pains in his knees even with a cultivator's body. He let out a breath of air, finally finished with all of this, and slowly walked towards where he was staying.

 

Unexpectedly, on his way back, he encountered old man Qian again. Holding onto a cane, old man Qian stood in the middle of the road, looking like he was taking a walk, or perhaps waiting for Wen Xuan.

 

"Was it meaningful?" Old man Qian squeezed that cane tightly: "Did doing this make you feel satisfied? Happy? Liberated?"

 

Wen Xuan nodded and gave him a gesture of courtesy, not replying at all.

 

"Do you think doing this would compensate for your wrongdoing?" Old man Qian slammed his cane heavily on the

 

ground and raised his voice loudly: "Do you think you'd be forgiving just like this?"

 

Finally, Wen Xuan lifted his head and said one thing.

 

"I did nothing wrong."

 

56

Chapter 56

 

That old man Qian froze, clearly not expecting Wen Xuan to say something like this.

 

Wen Xuan only said this one sentence. Then, he lowered his gaze again and silently walked by from the side.

 

After he brushed past, old man Qian turned his head and looked at his back view, still not knowing how to respond. After a long time, old man Qian poked at the ground with his cane with strength and huffed with a cold expression. In the end, he still let Wen Xuan leave just like this and turned back to his stroll.

 

As he turned, this old man Qian mumbled quietly: "He did nothing wrong?"

 

That's right. Wen Xuan was very clear. He didn't do anything wrong at all. Nevertheless, he still couldn't get rid of the blood flowing in his body. Was that why he behaved like he was atoning

 

for his sins? Because he felt like someone should do it, so he did what felt right. It didn't matter if other people forgave or not. It didn't matter what others thought about it.

 

Wen Xuan finally returned to his current residence. Standing here and looking back, he could see the entirety of the small town in his view. If possible, he really wished that he could bury his birth history together with the bloodline of that heavenly demonic beast. But he knew, the only thing he could do was bear the weight of this bloodline and continue to move onward.

 

Coincidentally, as all of this reached an end, Wen Xuan sensed something and instantly turned his gaze towards the south. An extremely strong and unconcealed presence was coming from that side.

 

Others clearly felt it as well. That cultivator Sun quickly charged out of his room, yelling extremely excitedly: "It's xianzi! Murong-xianzi has finally arrived!"

 

"So fast?" Wen Xuan was somewhat surprised, but quickly realized. He laughed at himself: "That's right. I must have made a mistake. I only remembered it's inconvenient for her to travel and completely forgot that she's a golden core cultivator."

 

"No no, cultivator Wen, you didn't think wrong. If it was years ago, for Murong-xianzi to travel this distance, it really wouldn't have been easy for her." Cultivator Sun praised continuously: "Everything went well this time all because of the cure you gave her before. To be able to meet Cultivator Wen is really xianzi's fortune."

 

Wen Xuan recalled the bowl of blood he let out before he left and felt even more like he didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

 

As they conversed, a figure already appeared in the sky. Looking from afar, the red clothes looked gallant. As expected, it was Murong Feng.

 

Cultivator Sun couldn't wait for her to arrive and already headed up to greet her. Meeting up with Murong Feng in midair, the two people floated there and started talking.

 

Wen Xuan was a step behind, waiting for them to finish conversing before also heading forward to greet her.

 

When he got closer and saw Murong Feng rather energetic, he felt more relieved inside. Taking another closer look, he saw a red jade hanging on this woman's waist. Wasn't that his bowl of blood? Wen Xuan's expression instantly twitched.

 

"Cultivator Wen." Murong Feng greeted him with courtesy, the blood jade and other ornaments on her waist bumping together and making clinking noises: "I can't thank you enough."

 

Wen Xuan forced himself to move his gaze away from the blood jade: "I still don't know if this is what xianzi needs."

 

"Xiao-Sun already told me about everything you guys encountered the last few days." With a slight smile, Murong Feng gave Wen Xuan a profound look: "Such a peculiar object must definitely be an extremely pure water object, no doubt."

 

Then the three people found an area to land. Wen Xuan immediately took out the horn of the Heavenly demonic beast from his sleeve.

 

Looking at this crystal beast horn laying in the palm of his hand, Wen Xuan felt exceptionally complicated. No wonder only he was able to control this item. At first he thought it was because of his cultivation method. Now, he finally realized it was because of his bloodline. It was likely that the method for dissolving the cold air was already stored in his bloodline. As Ye Sheng Ge sealed his heavenly demonic beast bloodline, he must have drafted the cultivation method from examining that bloodline. That's how Wen Xuan learned what should have been instinctively his in such a roundabout way.

 

Strictly speaking, this heavenly demonic beast horn was a heirloom from his father.

 

But when Wen Xuan handed it over, he didn't have the slightest reluctance. He was only a bit nervous when Murong Feng accepted it.

 

"This cold air......" Wen Xuan attempted to warn the other of its danger. Yet he didn't even finish when Murong Feng held it in her hands. Instantly, the cold air dispersed and created a layer of frost in Murong Feng's hand.

 

Before Wen Xuan attempted to dissolve it, another extremely hot energy gushed out of Murong Feng's body and clashed with the cold air.

 

Murong Feng's body shook, an agonizing expression appearing on her face. Moments later, she actually staggered and had to grab a tree trunk behind her to stand somewhat steady.

 

"Murong-xianzi!" Wen Xuan saw trouble and hastily went to take the heavenly demonic beast's horn back.

 

However, Murong Feng shook her head. Although her complexion was deathly white from the pain, her eyes were extremely bright, filled with hope and excitement.

 

"This is, this is......" She mumbled enthusiastically: "Yes! Yes!"

 

That cultivator Sun was already pacing around anxiously on the side. Wen Xuan was also extremely worried: "Murong-xianzi, how is it exactly?"

 

Murong Feng closed both eyes and took in a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, her complexion already returned to normal. Although the pain remained, with 20 years of torment from the fire poison as a previous experience, the pain right now wasn't anything hard to bear.

 

"Cultivator Wen, to me, you're really an enormous wonder." Murong Feng said: "I originally thought meeting you was already a miracle. Who would have thought you'd be able to help me find this extremely pure water object."

 

Saying this, she bent down and gave Wen Xuan a full bow.

 

Wen Xuan hastily helped her get up while he still perseverated over her strange behavior before. Murong Feng explained to him with a smile: "That extreme fire poison has been occupying my

 

body for many years. Now it abruptly encountered the pure water energy transmitted by this beast horn, the two sides collided. This feeling really isn't very pleasant, but you can rest assured, Cultivator Wen. With what I felt from that moment, I can tell that the fire poison can't contest against this pure water energy. Very soon, it will be whittled down by this pure water energy.

 

Wen Xuan didn't even reply when Cultivator Sun interrupted from the side: "Xianzi, wouldn't you be harmed by the pure water energy then?"

 

When Wen Xuan heard, instantly his expression changed subtly.

 

Murong Feng gave Cultivator Sun a vicious glare and then said to Wen Xuan, smiling: "Cultivator Wen, don't listen to his nonsense. I'm a gold core cultivator after all. If it wasn't because of an ambush, how would I have been poisoned in the first place. Right now, I need this pure water energy to extinguish the fire poison in my body. That's why I am guiding it into my body. Otherwise, it wouldn't enter and harm me so easily."

 

"If that's the case, then I can rest assured." Wen Xuan finally slightly let out a breath of relief, and said courteously: "Congratulations, Murong-xianzi."

 

"What congratulations. It was all because of Cultivator Wen's big help.” This was the first time in many years that Murong Feng smiled so carefree. It made her seem even more attractive: "Your kindness has really given me a new chance in life. How would you like me to repay you, Cultivator Wen?"

 

Wen Xuan couldn't help but feel stunned for a moment. After a long time, he finally mumbled: "The repayment of this matter, you already gave me that day before we set out on this journey."

 

Murong Feng waved her hand, lifting the blood jade on her waist: "That's only the compensation for this item."

 

But at this moment, Wen Xuan really couldn't think of what else he needed and remained where he stood, deliberating for quite a while.

 

"This is really the first time I've been rejected for offering gifts." Murong Feng smiled practically in exasperation: "What about that Cultivator Jian? He also was a big help this time. If there's something he needs, I definitely won't be stingy."

 

Wen Xuan froze. That's right. How come Jian Yi hasn't appeared

 

yet?

 

He hastily turned his head to look and really didn't see Jian Yi at all.

 

"Jian shidi...... might be still resting in his room." Wen Xuan said, guessing.

 

But even he didn't quite believe in this assumption. After all, when Murong Feng came, she didn't suppress her presence. The arrival of a golden core cultivator, what a huge commotion. It's not like it can't be felt just because there's a wall separating them, right?

 

Or perhaps Jian Yi thought of Murong Feng as an outsider and didn't want to welcome her so cordially. Thinking about this possibility, Wen Xuan displayed a hint of awkwardness.

 

Good thing Murong Feng was good at reading others and voluntarily changed the topic: "I'm a bit fatigued from my journey. It's time for me to get some rest."

 

Hearing this, Cultivator Sun was immediately on call and guided her to the house he rented below.

 

Then Cultivator Sun served Murong Feng as she settled down to rest. Wen Xuan quickly went to find Jian Yi.

 

This time, Jian Yi actually locked the door. Wen Xuan knocked for quite a while before it finally opened. As soon as he entered, he felt a faint remnant of a magic array. Wen Xuan unconsciously froze.

 

Jian Yi held Wen Xuan's hands and asked softly: "Shixiong, what's the matter?"

 

This palm was warm and his smile was soft. Wen Xuan wasn't sure if it was his misconception, but he just felt like at the moment Jian Yi looked 100 times cuter and more obedient than usual.

 

Seeing him like this, Wen Xuan really couldn't suspect him at all and the slight suspicion that just rose in his heart quickly dissipated like smoke. He only asked: "Murong-xianzi came, how come you didn't come out and take a look?"

 

Freezing, Jian Yi looked outside of the room and instantly felt Murong Feng's presence. His face color immediately changed.

 

"...... You really didn't know she came?" Wen Xuan was surprised.

 

"I didn't notice." Jian Yi said, and then frowned: "And plus, so what if she came? Why do I need to go see her?"

 

"You're really rather unwelcoming towards her." Wen Xuan said, smiling: "But she still thought of you. She said, you helped out a lot this time. If you need something, she won't be stingy."

 

Jian Yi froze and gradually responded finally, revealing an ecstatic expression: "Really?"

 

"Really really." Wen Xuan said: "She's just waiting for your words."

 

What's there to hesitate about then? Jian Yi instantly rubbed his hands together, exited the room, and ran off towards the room Murong Feng was staying in.

 

Wen Xuan watched him from the back, an exasperated smile appearing on his face.

 

Then, he casually scanned Jian Yi's room. Immediately, he saw a book placed on the table...... Introduction to Magic Arrays.

 

So he was really studying magic arrays? When did he become interested in magic arrays? Did he lock the door because he was embarrassed of his skills and didn't want anyone to see it? Wen Xuan unconsciously made a face, then shook his head, before returning to his own room.

 

But what he didn't know was that the 'Introduction to Magic Arrays' was actually something Jian Yi purposely placed on the table just for him to see. There was actually only one array that Jian Yi placed in the room today. It's only function was to separate the spiritual energies inside and outside the room.

 

After resting for a while in his room, Wen Xuan saw Jian Yi come out from Murong Feng's place. Who knew what he asked for, but his face was full of smiles.

 

Then Cultivator Sun invited Wen Xuan over.

 

When Wen Xuan arrived, Murong Feng lifted her head and gave him a look. It was a kind of deep, meaningful glance.

 

"Are you curious about what Cultivator Jian plans to do?" Murong Feng asked him.

 

Wen Xuan froze for a while, not knowing how to answer.

 

Murong Feng said with a smile: "He's got quite an appetite. Looks like he had a list ready way ahead of time. Hearing him rattle them one by one, I felt a bit pained as well. There's actually plenty that even I can't do anything about. Good thing he didn't hope to obtain everything from me. I only promised him some and he was extremely satisfied."

 

These words sounded rather surprising to Wen Xuan. The Thousand Sunshine Trading Company had such a huge fortune. What kind of things would even stump Murong Feng? Jian Yi was actually collecting this kind of stuff? Wen Xuan couldn't help but ask: "What kind of list is it?"

 

Murong Feng shook her head: "What he wanted was very miscellaneous. Even with my insight, I can't tell what he's planning to do. I can only guess from some of the main items that perhaps it's some kind of ingredients needed for making medicinal pills."

 

"Medicinal pills?" Wen Xuan was astonished.

 

"There's always some traditional formulas passed down with extremely miraculous effects that require extraordinarily rare ingredients. However, that's only my casual guess. Whether or not Cultivator Jian is really planning to refine this kind of ancient medicinal pill, I really can't tell." Murong Feng said.

 

Wen Xuan pondered for a moment. Before Jian Yi left Water Cloud Sect, he became the disciple of the Sect Elder, Qi Jibai, who specialized in alchemy. If he was really gathering materials to make a medicinal pill, perhaps he was doing some kind of specialized study. But first it's magic array, and now it's alchemy. Wasn't this area of study a bit too broad? This wasn't beneficial for his cultivation advancement.

 

While Wen Xuan worried, he discovered that Murong Feng was looking at him with a smile that's not quite a smile.

 

That gaze, really, can only be described as 'profound and meaningful.'

 

"Murong-xianzi," Being looked at like this, Wen Xuan felt rather bewildered: "What's the matter?"

 

"Although I can't tell exactly what he wants to do, I can tell one thing." Murong Feng said with a smile: "He's doing it for you."

 

As for how she figured it out, perhaps it's a woman's intuition. Everytime she recalled Jian Yi's bright eyes just now, she felt like it pointed in this direction.

 

Wen Xuan was stunned, and remained dumbfounded for a while. After finally recovering, he said: "Really?"

 

Saying this, he lowered his head and smiled. This smile held an indescribable sweetness.

 

"Cultivator Wen," Murong Feng saw his smile and couldn't help but say: "Actually Xiao-Sun told me just now as well. After staying with you guys these last few days and watching your interactions, he couldn't help but feel that the relationship between the two of you was somewhat strange."

 

Jolting, Wen Xuan instantly gathered 120% of his focus.

 

"Can you tell me truthfully," Murong Feng said seriously: "Just what kind of relationship do you have with that Cultivator Jian?"

 

Wen Xuan felt extremely nervous: "Why is Murong-xianzi suddenly asking this? This has nothi.....

 

"It is related." Murong Feng straightened up and crossed her long legs together. Withdrawing her gaze, she looked rather pensive: "If the answer is really like that, then perhaps I owe him an apology."

 

This was talking about when she asked Wen Xuan to marry her several times prior.

 

But Wen Xuan already forgot this thing a long time ago. At the moment, he felt like he was facing off his greatest enemy, extremely defensive. Yet, why did he have to be on guard? Was there something to guard against? This question just popped out from the bottom of his heart when Wen Xuan seemed to deflate like a balloon, his expression falling within seconds.

 

There was no need to be defensive. He should answer this question.

 

Murong Feng looked at him seriously, waiting quietly.

 

Yet the first reaction after Wen Xuan let down his guard was confusion. That's right. What exactly was their relationship?

 

Wen Xuan thought about a lot of things. He thought about Jian Yi's figure that's been following him all this time. He thought about how the other's face turned red when he was embarrassed. He thought about how the other appeared in his most desperate moment to provide support. He thought about the other's warm and slightly robust chest. He thought about that secret kiss in the middle of the night. Then, he lowered his gaze.

 

"Probably......" After a long time, Wen Xuan sighed, then considered every single one of his words very slowly before saying: "a bit... complicated."

 

That's right. Complicated. This was the only way he can describe their current situation after thinking for such a long time. Wen Xuan chewed over this word, his mood falling.

 

Hearing this answer, Murong Feng didn't seem surprised.

 

"How unfortunate." She said: "All the good guys run off with other men."

 

Clearly feeling gloomy, but when Wen Xuan heard these words, he couldn't hold back a laugh.

 

"However...... complicated......" Murong Feng also examined this word carefully and then exclaimed in admiration: "Is really a very marvelous kind of relationship."

 

Marvelous? This description left Wen Xuan unable to respond. He didn't know how it was marvelous at all. Actually, he really didn't like this kind of relationship, very sticky and clingy, not dry or crispy.

 

But Wen Xuan didn't know how to break away from this kind of relationship. This complication most likely originated from Jian Yi's kiss that night. Yet Jian Yi was completely unaware of this and even thought he hid it very well. Who knew how long Wen Xuan would have to wait to open this window.

 

Wen Xuan said to himself: Do I really have to be the first one to take that step?

 

This was really too unreasonable. How outrageous.

 

57

Chapter 57

 

Wen Xuan thought about that stupid thing between himself and Jian Yi. The more he thought about it, the more annoyed he became. Some hints of grumpiness even displayed on his face.

 

Murong Feng watched on from the side, thinking this was really very amusing and couldn't resist teasing a bit: "Cultivator Wen......"

 

Yet just as she said this, the spiritual energy suddenly shook massively.

 

Murong Feng instantly closed her mouth and looked outside in surprise.

 

This vibration came extremely suddenly, but also extremely ground shaking. In that instant, not only that one place shook, rather it was in all directions, affecting everywhere. Almost as if the entire spiritual energy under the sky all shook at once. Even

 

the mortals outside who couldn't feel spiritual presence felt the air almost sinking briefly.

 

"This is......" Wen Xuan was also bewildered and looked outside as well. He didn't get a chance to figure it out yet when an overbearing aura suddenly erupted from a certain direction.

 

Wen Xuan instantly pushed open the door and rushed outside. He looked in that direction, inexplicably shocked beyond words.

 

It was an overbearing demonic energy.

 

In the ancient battle, humans and demonic beasts allied together and the demons suffered a huge loss. After that, demons clearly were heading towards extinction. Even if there were a few that escaped, they were few and weak, unable to succeed in the current circumstances. But what they felt at this moment in time was undoubtedly an extremely powerful demonic energy.

 

How could there be a demon who could still emit this kind of energy in this world?

 

Murong Feng followed Wen Xuan closely behind, her elegant brows furrowing tightly and expression grave: "Looks like something huge happened."

 

In this short moment, Cultivator Sun also charged out of his room and met up with them. His face was also filled with the same shock.

 

Jian Yi was slightly slower, yet he came out of his room not long after. In comparison to the shock on the other people's faces, Jian

 

Yi was far more calm. His expression was just exceptionally grave.

 

He quietly stood next to Wen Xuan, without saying a word.

 

"This...this direction...... could it be?" Wen Xuan looked towards the direction of the demonic energy. Very quickly he sensed something and his face color paled somewhat. He flipped out a memory from his heart and compared it to the situation in front of him currently. Then he discovered shockingly that he was very familiar with the direction where this demonic energy was coming from.

 

The memory was back then when he first met Jian Yi. Jian Yi had brought him to find an ancient mausoleum. The divine flying sword that he carried currently was found over there. Later, he reported this place to the Sect and then never went there again.

 

The direction the demonic energy was coming from was exactly the same as the location of that ancient mausoleum.

 

Wen Xuan unconsciously turned his head to look at Jian Yi.

 

Jian Yi gave him a nod.

 

Wen Xuan's face instantly turned white as paper. He thought that the ancient mausoleum was somewhat fishy before and once suspected if there was a trap there, and also suspected if something terrible was hidden there. However, he never thought that at the deepest part of that place, there'd be such a strong demon hidden there.

 

If this demon really escaped from that place, Wen Xuan felt, he was probably partially responsible for the blame.

 

He quickly took out that divine flying sword and wanted to rush over to take a look.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi pulled on his sleeve and stopped him, shaking his head: "That's not a situation you can get involved in."

 

No need to talk about other things, just talking about the distance between the two locations currently. If Wen Xuan wanted to rush over there, with his speed, it'd still several days later. How could Wen Xuan not understand this logic? But if he was expected to just standby and watch, he couldn't do it either.

 

"What Cultivator Jian said is correct." Murong Feng swept back her bangs and advised: "Cultivator Wen, let me speak frankly. Even if a golden core cultivator like me went over at this time, I'd only be a hindrance."

 

Hearing these words, Wen Xuan felt extremely surprised.

 

Murong Feng didn't explain anymore. She only closed her mouth and indicated for them to be quiet momentarily.

 

Very quickly, Wen Xuan could feel a presence passing by from far away. Surprisingly, it was a nascent soul Daoist Master flying by. Seeing the trajectory, this unknown nascent soul cultivator was currently rushing towards the location of the demonic energy.

 

Wen Xuan did his best to spread his senses. Sure enough, he discovered that from all different directions, several nascent soul cultivators were all rushing over.

 

Their speed was extremely fast, agitating the air flow as they emitted extremely powerful auras.

 

"At this moment, practically all of the nascent soul cultivators in North Ning Continent are being drawn towards that demonic energy." Murong Feng said with a heavy face: "Several even came from the Central Sheng Continent."

 

In this kind of situation, there really was no way for them to interject. Wen Xuan sighed, but his mood became even heavier.

 

Alarming all of this nascent soul cultivators, this matter was surely extremely important.

 

"Good thing there's all of these nascent soul cultivators here." Murong Feng's expression already started to relax a lot. She said with a smile: "Even if the sky falls, we aren't responsible to hold it up."

 

Saying this, she walked towards the direction of her room like nothing even happened.

 

Wen Xuan sighed again, standing where he was and only acknowledging those words. However, looking at Jian Yi who was standing calm and unperturbed by his side, he still had one thing he couldn't understand: "Jian shidi, the place that you brought me to back then......"

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi interrupted his words and said: "You're not to blame."

 

Wen Xuan slowed to a stop.

 

"I'm also not responsible." Jian Yi continued to say: "This is only the inevitable."

 

Wen Xuan quietly examined these words and then made a solemn face: "Sure enough. You knew about this already. But if you already knew, then......"

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi asked him: "Do you remember the two cultivators we met back then?"

 

Qin Shiyu and Xue Bing Er. Wen Xuan naturally remembered.

 

"To be honest," Jian Yi told him: "When I brought you over there, we actually stole their opportunity."

 

Startled, Wen Xuan then pondered briefly. He knew this was actually the truth.

 

Jian Yi was someone who read the original text. The reason why he knew about that ancient mausoleum was because he read about Qin Shiyu finding it in the original text. Then he made the decision, and thought up of all sorts of plans to bring Wen Xuan over there one step ahead. Not only did he not feel guilty about this at all, he was completely merciless when encountering the two people from the original text.

 

Understanding all of this, Wen Xuan felt like he didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

 

"Even if I didn't bring you, that place would still be discovered in the end. Then everything would have developed the same to this current state." Jian Yi explained seriously: "Not to mention, after

 

we left, that place has been managed together by the Water Cloud Sect and Penglai North Branch. Out of those people, who isn't experienced? Even if I didn't say anything, how could they have not sensed it? Shixiong, in comparison to us, they know much much more."

 

These words felt a bit like twisting the truth, yet there was no way to refute them. Wen Xuan recalled the miserable experience of being cheated by the Water Cloud Sect Leader before and was momentarily speechless.

 

"None of them stopped it so why must we assume responsibility?" Jian Yi asked him in the end.

 

"Very well." Wen Xuan patted his forehead: "I can't win against you."

 

Jian Yi smiled. He really didn't feel guilty at all about this matter. This was a major thing that happened in the original novel. As long as it didn't cause harm to Wen Xuan, he didn't bother wasting time thinking about how to stop it. As for bringing Wen Xuan over despite knowing there was something dangerous there-- At that time, Wen Xuan's cultivation was not even mid stage of yuan gathering. He couldn't even break through the 2nd barrier, don't even talk about the 3rd barrier that needed a late stage yuan gathering cultivator. As long as they didn't break that 3rd barrier, Wen Xuan was completely safe.

 

Meanwhile, those nascent soul cultivators, who flew over from everywhere in North Ning, almost reached that place of gathering.

 

Yet just at this time, that originally ground shaking demonic energy, suddenly weakened in an instant.

 

Startled, Wen Xuan almost thought there was something wrong with his senses. But after careful examination, he really did feel that demonic energy was becoming weaker and weaker. After a moment, he actually couldn't even feel it at all. At this time, those nascent soul cultivators didn't even get the chance to encounter that demon yet.

 

"Did it...... hide away?" Wen Xuan said in surprise.

 

Jian Yi nodded, a complicated expression showing on his face: "He is very smart."

 

Wen Xuan's emotions were also very complicated. In face of the assembly of nascent soul Daoist Masters, for that demon to choose to avoid meeting his enemies head-on, it indicated that his actual strength wasn't enough to contend against all of these nascent soul cultivators. This was something worthy of rejoicing. Yet since this demon knew to hide, it made this matter much more troublesome.

 

After a while, Wen Xuan shook his head and once again recognized the fact that this was not something he could interfere with.

 

Accepting this reality, he asked Jian Yi: "What should we do

 

next?"

 

Jian Yi faintly furrowed his brows. Thinking for a moment, he shook his head: "This thing shouldn't affect us too much

 

momentarily. We only need to wait for those nascent soul cultivators to deal with it."

 

Then they should continue as before, doing their own business? Wen Xuan looked dubiously at Jian Yi.

 

Jian Yi nodded, but seemed a little hesitant. He felt like he seemed to have forgotten something, but for the moment, he couldn't remember at all.

 

Later that day, the maids who were left in the dust by Murong Feng finally caught up, bringing with them the infant who was temporarily handed over to them by Murong Feng.

 

Murong Feng clearly liked this infant very much. The maids just brought him over and she already hugged him into her arms, refusing to let go.

 

Jian Yi saw how this infant was raised even more white and chubby, and suddenly yelled 'ah.'

 

He remembered. He really did forget one thing.

 

or more correctly speaking, he forgot one person. The person that he wanted to throw this infant at originally.

 

The Cerulean Feathers Sect, Zhao Feiyu. Shadow Attachment Demon. Demon, demon! Just imagine for a second. Such an unusual period of time, this small little demon laid buried in the midst of a righteous cultivation sect, with all of these terrifying strengths all over.

 

Jian Yi didn't really care about Zhao Feiyu's fate, but he had to care about the method of resolving the empathy parasite.

 

Immediately, he charged back to his own room and hastily sent a letter towards Zhao Feiyu.

 

Wen Xuan noticed Jian Yi's sudden rush and followed him into the room. After Jian Yi's reminder, Wen Xuan also quickly realized the seriousness of this situation. With a heavy face, he also waited impatiently with Zhao Feiyu's return letter with Jian Yi.

 

Good thing they didn't wait for very long before Zhao Feiyu's reply came back.

 

Jian Yi opened the letter. From the fleeting scrawl, the two people can tell just how much Zhao Feiyu was panicking at the moment. With the sudden appearance of all of these nascent soul Daoist Masters searching all over the world for demons, Zhao Feiyu was really terrified.

 

If possible, Zhao Feiyu only wanted to dig a hole and bury himself in it.

 

But he made a death contract with Jian Yi so his life was held in the hands of Jian Yi and Wen Xuan. He must listen to these two's instructions. And in Jian Yi's letter, Jian Yi expressed very severely and clearly that he needed Zhao Feiyu to exchange for the solution of the empathy parasite as soon as possible and quickly hand it over to the two of them, disregarding everything else.

 

Fortunately, Zhao Feiyu already gathered some sect contribution points from all over. Although he didn't do any tasks of high value and didn't accumulate too much, it was enough to exchange for

 

the solution of the empathy parasite. He was able to reach this first step very quickly.

 

Therefore, he wrote a location in his return letter, hoping that Jian Yi and Wen Xuan would meet up with him as soon as possible.

 

Jian Yi remembered this location then ripped this letter into dust with his spiritual energy. The two people didn't dare to dally and quickly said their goodbyes with Murong Feng.

 

"You're going already?" Murong Feng said: "That's good actually. Later today, I'm going to return myself. When you guys are done with your business, you can come to Anfeng City to find me."

 

The two people agreed, then rushed towards the location that Zhao Feiyu wrote. As for that infant, he can only be given back to Murong Feng to look after for the moment. Good thing Murong Feng was very happy about this.

 

That location wasn't too far nor too close. Wen Xuan's speed on the divine flying sword was very fast. The two people traveled a day to reach it.

 

When they arrived, they looked left and right, but couldn't find Zhao Feiyu's figure.

 

Then they waited for about half a day and finally heard a soft trembling voice coming from behind them. Turning their heads to look, they saw a small snake.

 

The small snake slowly crawled before the two people and opened its mouth. A black shadow then crawled out of its stomach.

 

Abruptly seeing the shadow attachment demon's real form again, the two people both became rather nauseous in unison. When this black figure dug out a jade slip from its stomach, the two people practically threw up.

 

However, this jade slip was really very important. Jian Yi forcibly endured his desire to throw up and grabbed it out of the shadow attachment demon's hand quickly.

 

"You two, you two......" Finally, the shadow attachment demon was free to speak with them. This voice was faintly trembling, filled with a sorrow from the bottom of its heart: "I almost thought I wouldn't be able to see you guys again......"

 

This story actually was really enough to make people shed tears.

 

Cerulean Feathers was the branch that Violet Feathers opened in North Ning Continent. The highest cultivators inside the sect were a few golden cores, which allowed this shadow attachment demon to live like a fish in water. But the nascent soul masters that were only present in Violet Feathers abruptly jumped from Central Sheng to Cerulean Feathers. A total of three arrived.

 

The shadow attachment demon was so scared it didn't even dare to use Zhao Feiyu's body anymore. It decisively let that body look like it died suddenly and hid its real form into the shadows. Good thing the shadow attachment demon was best at hiding its presence. Those nascent cultivator's thoughts weren't focused on him either, so he managed to escape like this, barely.

 

Along the way, he switched at least 10 different bodies, pig, bird, snake, anything he could use, he used. Then he'd see nascent soul cultivators flying over his head every once in a while, again

 

and again, scaring him so much that the animal he was possessing shed fur in fear.

 

Narrating to this point, the shadow attachment demon was practically crying.

 

At this time, with the method of resolving the empathic parasite in hand, logically, the two people no longer needed to care about his fate. But they did sign a death contract in the end. At the very least, they count as being on the same boat. Therefore, the two people still acted benevolently and comforted it briefly.

 

Face full of tears, the shadow attachment demon was practically about to rub tears onto their hands.

 

Just at this time, he suddenly stiffened, extremely perceptive. How could he not be perceptive? In this one day, the feeling of nascent soul masters flying over his head every once in a while was enough to force him into insanity. In a blink of an eye, this shadow attachment demon slipped into the grass bushes behind the two people and disappeared, only leaving behind an area of swaying grass.

 

Wen Xuan and Jian Yi weren't as perceptive. It wasn't until the shadow attachment demon completely disappeared that they sensed there was indeed a nascent soul cultivator headed in this direction.

 

There were plenty of nascent soul cultivators flying around all over the world right now, so they didn't think too much and waited for this person to pass. It wasn't until this person flew closer and closer that Wen Xuan made a surprised sound and felt this presence was exceptionally familiar.

 

This nascent soul cultivator who carried a familiar presence to Wen Xuan seemed like he was just passing by, but suddenly, as if he abruptly discovered something, he stopped in midair and then turned around, landing directly in front of the two people.

 

Wen Xuan stepped forward and called out: "Shifu."

 

That's right. This nascent soul cultivator who was passing by just happened to be Chu Lian. Since all of the nascent soul cultivators have dispatched, for them to meet Chu Lian at this time was a very natural coincidence.

 

Chu Lian furrowed his brows tightly, his mood clearly extremely displeased.

 

"Why would you be here?" He asked Wen Xuan.

 

......How was he supposed to answer this? Wen Xuan made a face and then replied respectfully: "This disciple has been searching for materials for the yuan gathering stage before. Right now, I'm journeying for experience outside of the Sect."

 

After saying these words, Wen Xuan abruptly remembered. Back then, when Chu Lian gave him Ye Sheng Ge's cultivation method, he said that once Wen Xuan read this method, he was no longer Chu Lian's disciple.

 

But currently Chu Lian didn't even bother with this thing.

 

Before he landed, he already noticed that Wen Xuan was yuan gathering again. Now examining closely, he can only confirm this

 

truth more clearly. Chu Lian's gaze remained on Wen Xuan, clearly very complicated.

 

"You're yuan gathering." Then, he said these pointless words.

 

"That's right." Wen Xuan answered with these pointless words: "This disciple is yuan gathering."

 

"This time should have been very different than before. Have you......" Occasionally Chu Lian would seem like a proper shifu and express a hint of concern towards his student. But he really wasn't used to being a shifu. This tiny amount of worry didn't even have a chance to be expressed before Chu Lian furrowed his brows and berated severely: "Since you're already yuan gathering, why are you still wandering around outside randomly? Why haven't you returned back to the Sect? Right now, there's a bit of a problem outside. It's really not very peaceful, do you know that?"

 

The corner of Wen Xuan's mouth twitched unconsciously. He can only obediently nod his head: "Yes. This disciple understands. I will return very soon."

 

Chu Lian finally revealed a faintly satisfied expression. Patting his sleeve, he was just about to ride the wind upward again.

 

Yet just at this time, Chu Lian's gaze suddenly constricted and he turned towards the grass bush behind Wen Xuan. With this look, Chu Lian's complexion changed instantly. The spiritual energy in his hand flew out like a sharp blade as he shouted loudly: "Demon! Where do you think you're hiding!"

 

In the blink of an eye, that shadow attachment demon was hit by the spiritual energy and let out a miserable shriek. Chu Lian swiftly walked over and captured it in his hand.

 

No matter how this shadow attachment demon cried, yelled and struggled, it couldn't escape Chu Lian's palm.

 

Wen Xuan and Jian Yi both withdrew their gazes, unable to watch.

 

Ze. they actually felt a bit bad for it.

 

58

Chapter 58

 

Although nascent soul cultivators were rather rare in North Ning, gathering them all together in one continent, there's at least enough to count with one palm. Perhaps there's even a little more than that. Then adding the ones who came from other continents, at the moment, there were about a total of twenty nascent soul Daoist Masters flying around randomly in North Ning.

 

Even amongst these people, Chu Lian counted as the one with the most violent temper. For this shadow attachment demon to avoid all of the other nascent soul cultivators, only to bump into Chu Lian, it's luck really couldn't get any worse.

 

"Although it's only a small fish, at least it's something." Chu Lian gave a nasty grin, squeezing the hand he was holding the shadow attachment demon in tightly, finger by finger.

 

At first, this shadow attachment demon was desperately struggling. Its screams were indescribably wretched and ear piercing. With this squeeze, it was essentially gripped by the

 

throat. That miserable shrieking stopped and its struggles also quickly weakened. In the end, it can only tremble feebly. As Chu Lian's strength increased, the trembling of this demon became more apparent. Even the color of its body turned fainter.

 

If this color reached the point where it was no longer visible, this demon would die and its spirit would disperse.

 

"Shifu," Wen Xuan couldn't watch any longer and stepped forward to say: "This demon before you, actually, has somewhat of a connection with me."

 

Startled from hearing this, Chu Lian instantly loosened his grip, and gave that shadow attachment demon a chance to catch its breath.

 

At first, the gaze that Chu Lian gave Wen Xuan was full of incredulousness. Gradually, his entire face turned black. His questioning tone couldn't be any more severe: "Are you serious?"

 

Demons were already a sensitive topic. In this unusual time, it was especially true. Wen Xuan naturally knew this. He also knew that his words today might bring him a lot of trouble. But in the end, the shadow attachment demon came here today in order to give them the solution to the empathy parasite. He couldn't just pretend they weren't related.

 

"What exactly is this about?" Fortunately, Chu Lian still had a bit of understanding towards this disciple. Brows furrowing, he promptly said: "Explain to me in detail."

 

Wen Xuan briefly explained how they first met this shadow attachment demon and then, sequentially, the matters regarding the empathy parasite and the death contract as well.

 

The more he heard, the tighter Chu Lian furrowed his brows. In the end, he finally couldn't hold back and said: "According to your words, didn't this demon try to kill you before and ended up being controlled by you guys? How does that count as a connection!"

 

Wen Xuan instantly froze.

 

Even Jian Yi couldn't help, but nod his head to the side. For the first time, he approved of Chu Lian's words: "That's right."

 

Wen Xuan turned his head and gave Jian Yi a look.

 

"Shixiong, I know what you're thinking." Jian Yi said: "But you have to understand. The reason why he went through all this danger to bring this solution to us was completely because he wanted to hurt us in the beginning."

 

Chu Lian gave Jian Yi a deep look and instantly felt this brat looked a lot more agreeable than before: "That's right."

 

So in this kind of strange place, these two people inexplicably formed an accordance with each other.

 

Wen Xuan suffered the combined pincer attack from these two people and was completely unable to fight back. He could only watch wide-eyed as Chu Lian left with that shadow attachment demon.

 

Before he left, Chu Lian even gave Wen Xuan a vicious glare: "If I find you speaking those words just now to anyone else in the future, don't blame me for beating you to death!"

 

Wen Xuan sighed and didn't persist since that demon really wasn't a good guy in the end. However, because they knew each other briefly, Wen Xuan was willing to put in a good word for it. That was already the extent of Wen Xuan's kindness.

 

"Shixiong......" Jian Yi was still a bit worried and wanted to console him.

 

However, Wen Xuan already thought it through himself. He only gave Jian Yi a smile and pointed at the jade slip in his hand: "Good thing we already obtained this. Go ahead and take a look."

 

Jian Yu let out a breath of relief, quickly nodded, and placed his divine sense into the jade slip.

 

He read it seriously for a moment, then his expression changed subtly with the passage of time.

 

"What?" Wen Xuan asked him.

 

Jian Yi just placed the jade slip into Wen Xuan's hand.

 

Wen Xuan gave it a look. At the start of this solution method, it immediately listed all of the materials required. That really gave Wen Xuan quite a scare. A few days before, Wen Xuan really suffered over 'materials'. Fortunately, after a careful examination, Wen Xuan discovered that the materials required here weren't hard to find at all. They can be bought in any random spiritual cities.

 

The troublesome part was the procedure that followed.

 

Those materials were all just the lure to attract the parasite's attention. After getting the parasite's attention, the person that placed the parasite needed to use a Cerulean Feathers cultivation method to control the beast to guide it out of their bodies.

 

Wen Xuan looked at the direction that Chu Lian headed off to with a helpless expression.

 

"I knew we should have looked at this ahead." Jian Yi said with a somewhat regretful expression.

 

Wen Xuan was a bit more open minded than him: "Even if shifu didn't capture it, what was it supposed to do? Return to Cerulean Feathers to learn that beast controlling method?"

 

Jian Yi thought briefly and agreed. That demon was originally lazing about in Cerulean Feathers anyways. He even forgot the solution to this empathy parasite and needed to obtain a new one. To count on him to know the beast controlling method was clearly hopeless.

 

Fortunately, this wasn't the only method to get rid of the empathy parasite.

 

This jade slip also wrote about another method.

 

The materials needed for this method were more troublesome than the first. But they should be able to find it from Murong Feng. Then, the two people suffering the empathy parasite needed to connect their hearts.

 

Connect their hearts? This description was too vague. Wen Xuan was stumped again and again.

 

Reading more, the jade slip gave a more detailed explanation. In simple terms, after getting the materials ready, the two people need to grind the materials to powder, swallow it, then sit facing each other, utilizing a special skill. With that, they can enter each other's hearts at the same time and gain the opportunity to peek into the other's thoughts.

 

The empathy parasite fed on the distance between two people's hearts. If they can connect using this method, reach into the deepest part of the other's heart and eliminate this distance, both of the empathy parasites in their bodies would die.

 

Wen Xuan understood why Jian Yi's expression would change earlier. His expression also changed similarly.

 

Yet at the same time, Wen Xuan actually felt somewhat eager to try. On one hand, he felt that using this kind of excuse to peek at the other's inner thoughts was really not too sincere. On the other hand, he couldn't resist holding a tiny hint of anticipation towards this.

 

"We can only pick the second method." Jian Yi said with furrowed brows: "Unfortunately the chances of success aren't very high."

 

Wen Xuan concealed the anticipation in his heart and nodded his head perfunctorily.

 

Because they already made arrangements to meet with Murong Feng again in Anfeng City, the two people didn't hold back and immediately headed towards Anfeng City.

 

The trip needed approximately 3-5 days. Every night, Jian Yi always locked himself into his room, only occasionally revealing the minute ripples of magic arrays. Wen Xuan recalled that 'Introduction to Magic Array' book, guessed that he was only attempting to study magic arrays, and didn't bother to ask.

 

Until one morning, Jian Yi suddenly expressed that he wanted to take a long road.

 

"I suddenly realized that I'm missing one thing from the materials that I need. I need to go over there to find it." Jian Yi explained it like this.

 

It was only making a side trip, Wen Xuan didn't suspect anything and immediately agreed with a nod of his head.

 

What Wen Xuan didn't know was that if they didn't make the side trip at this time, they would have stopped at a certain small town that night.

 

On that night, a few unfamiliar cultivators were currently resting in that small town.

 

When the moon climbed over the tree branches, a large amount of black ink-like smoke poured out of the ground and enveloped these cultivators within it. There was no hint of light nor sound. When the morning came, the black smoke finally dissipated. What those mortals in that small town surprisingly discovered was that

 

the only things left of those fairly decent cultivators were their dried up bones.

 

This event caused a huge wave in the cultivation world in North Ning. The source of all of this trouble pointed towards the extremely strong demon that appeared out of nowhere before. For a moment, everyone felt themselves in danger. Some cultivators completely went to hide behind their Sect's large scale protection arrays. The solo cultivators also started to form groups. Only those nascent soul cultivators continued to do their best in tracking the whereabouts of that demon.

 

When this news reached Wen Xuan's ears, it was already five days later. Jian Yi already found the item that they needed to make a side trip for. They were also only a step away from Anfeng City.

 

"Such a savage demon." Wen Xuan's color unconsciously turned pale.

 

"Yea." With a pair of innocent eyes, Jian Yi replied as if he also didn't know anything at all: "We should definitely be more careful in the future."

 

Wen Xuan sighed and finally entered Anfeng City's gates together with Jian Yi.

 

Anfeng City was naturally also highly vigilant. Several trading companies allied together and increased the number of guards, protecting the city gates so tightly that even water couldn't flow through. By the time Wen Xuan and Jian Yi reached the Thousand Sunshine Trading Company's tall building, they lost count of how many times they've been inspected.

 

Inside the tall building, Murong Feng was currently sweating all over, doing her best to cleanse the weak demonic energy on that child's body, like she was terrified that if she were one step slower, this little demonic energy would be discovered by others.

 

"Cultivator Wen," Seeing Wen Xuan, she greeted him extremely happily.

 

Before Wen Xuan could reply, she said spontaneously: "I have a presumptuous request. If possible, I hope that you guys can give this child to me to raise from now on."

 

Wen Xuan was stunned: "Are you serious?"

 

Murong Feng's expression was very steady: "At this moment in time, the only way to protect this child's safety is for him to stay here with me in the Thousand Sunshine Trading Company."

 

To be honest, Wen Xuan didn't have any objections to this. He's seen how much Murong Feng loved and protected this child after all these days. He was only a little surprised. At a time like this, this child undoubtedly was like a hot potato. Yet a business person like Murong Feng actually would actually voluntarily accept this problem into her hands?

 

Wen Xuan looked briefly at Jian Yi.

 

Jian Yi didn't feel any surprise regarding this. He only said smiling: "To be honest, we were really getting a headache over what to do with this child."

 

This was the truth. They originally planned to have Zhao Feiyu raise this child, yet they didn't even get to mention this when Chu Lian brought the shadow attachment demon away. Murong Feng's words really solved their desperate situation.

 

"But Murong-xianzi,” Wen Xuan asked: "Did you really consider it clearly?"

 

"Of course." Murong Feng turned her gaze at the deeply sleeping infant, gaze warm: "I have never been more clear of what I wanted in my entire life."

 

Seeing this, Wen Xuan exhaled and said gratefully: "Then please continue to take care of this child, Murong-xianzi."

 

Murong Feng happily agreed. Clapping her hands, she summoned servants and ordered them to take good care of Wen Xuan and Jian Yi.

 

Wen Xuan shook his head and expressed that he was getting ready to return to the Water Cloud Sect.

 

"That's a good idea also." Murong Feng said: "With a sect for support, it'll be a lot safer than staying outside."

 

"We still have one thing to request of you." Wen Xuan explained briefly about the materials needed for getting rid of the empathy parasite.

 

With their established relations, Murong Feng naturally didn't make this difficult for them. With one word, she agreed and in the brief rest that Wen Xuan and Jian Yi had in the building, she

 

already gathered everything they needed and ordered people to bring it over.

 

Like this, everything ended. They could return back to the Sect. As for getting rid of the empathy parasite, it was more suitable to do it in Wen Xuan's abode in the Water Cloud Sect.

 

Before they left, Wen Xuan went to say his goodbyes to Murong Feng and handed over a bunch of spiritual stones which counted as fees to buy those materials.

 

Murong Feng instantly furrowed her brows: "What do you mean by this, Cultivator Wen? You helped me so much. Do you feel like I need your money?"

 

"Even blood related brothers need to keep track of the bills." Wen Xuan said smiling: "Although I helped you before, you also gave me clear cut compensation. This way, we owe each other nothing."

 

Seeing Murong Feng's brows still tightly furrowed, Wen Xuan shifted his gaze towards the infant next to her: "And plus, for you to be willing to raise him, it also counts as a huge help to us."

 

Hearing these words, Murong Feng's expression changed subtly. She said with an ambiguous smile: "The reason I adopted him wasn't to help you. On the contrary, for you guys to be willing to give him to me, I owe you a big favor."

 

Wen Xuan was slightly surprised. He knew this woman liked the child, but he didn't expect it would be to this extent.

 

"Cultivator Wen, I need this child. There's one thing I haven't said to you before. Actually with how things stand, even with the cure of the fire poison, I already....” Murong Feng placed her palm on her stomach, revealing a sorrowful expression: "can no longer become a mother."

 

Although surprised, in the moment he heard these words, Wen Xuan recalled many details of what happened prior. So this was the reason for the kindness that Murong Feng expressed when she first saw this child.

 

"So it's like that," Wen Xuan's expression became serious: "Then from today onward, please consider him as your own."

 

Smiling, Murong Feng nodded her head: "Naturally."

 

Wen Xuan looked at the spiritual stones before him again: "As for these......"

 

Murong Feng saw him continue to insist so didn't bother arguing over this little money: "Forget it. Since you live so righteously, I won't force you to accept my favor."

 

Saying this, she took a half and then pushed the rest back: "Friend discount."

 

With this conclusion, Wen Xuan finally had no objects and thanked her with a smile.

 

Then he led Jian Yi out of Anfeng City and began to travel for several days again.

 

In these several days, that demon continued to act in the middle of the night and take people's lives, making everyone feel anxious at heart. The demon couldn't afford to deal with the big protection arrays of big sects, but several solo cultivators and small sects suffered under his malicious hands.

 

Wen Xuan and Jian Yi's travels, however, were quite smooth, avoiding the demon's attack location every time. Finally, they arrived startled but unharmed back to the Water Cloud Sect.

 

The patrolling disciples saw them and came up to greet them: "Wen shixiong."

 

Wen Xuan answered with a smile. He was just ready to bring Jian Yi in when he noticed something wasn't quite right. He unconsciously turned back to give another look at that patrolling disciple.

 

He recognized this disciple. Before when he returned to the Sect, whenever this disciple was on duty, he would definitely greet Wen Xuan extremely cordially and enthusiastically. But this time, although this person came to greet Wen Xuan, his attitude was neither cold nor hot. He even felt like he wanted to say something but hesitated, as if something was on his mind.

 

"Did something happen inside the Sect?" Wen Xuan asked casually.

 

Freezing, this disciple hastily shook his head and said a bit feebly: "No...nope."

 

Saying this, he immediately backed away without even waiting for Wen Xuan's reply, like he was making a tactical retreat.

 

Wen Xuan felt it was extremely peculiar, but also thought perhaps this disciple was just in a bad mood. So he didn't ponder about it too much.

 

But when he returned back to the inner Sect, this unsettling feeling became even more pronounced as he walked back to his own abode.

 

Before he left, the lower level disciples in the Sect all treated him in two different ways. Dislike and disdain, or love and respect. However, after returning to the sect this time, pretty much all of the disciple's attitudes towards him were much colder. There were very few who came up to greet him. Even if they asked him how he was, it was like the patrolling disciple before, carrying a strange hesitant attitude.

 

Wen Xuan pretended nothing was wrong and continued to chat and joke with Jian Yi along the way until the two reached the crossroads where they needed to separate. Letting Jian Yi return to greet his own shifu first, Wen Xuan took a deep breath, put on a heavy face, and decided to find someone to ask as quickly as possible.

 

In his fifty years in the Water Cloud Sect, he has never encountered this kind of thing before.

 

59

Chapter 59

 

The first people that Wen Xuan thought of were naturally the inner core disciples who were closer to him. In this situation when normal disciples treated him so obscurely, it's likely only inner core disciples would still be willing to interact with him on equal grounds and give him the answer that he wanted.

 

Amongst them, Luo Qingquan found Wen Xuan disagreeable. Shi Buhui was usually wooden. Right now, his best option was his shimei Zhang Xiaoqing, who's normally loved by the Sect Leader.

 

Wen Xuan immediately rushed over to Zhang Xiaoqing's residence.

 

It was hard to say if it were fortunate or not, right along the way, he saw Zhao Xiaoqing and another shimei standing together, talking on the side of the road.

 

Wen Xuan had a pretty decent relationship with Zhang Xiaoqing usually. Immediately, he gained a smile as he headed over to greet the two people.

 

At this time, that other shimei just happened to raise her head and turn towards him. Face color changing immediately, she hastily gave Zhang Xiaoqing a nudge. Zhang Xiaoqing also raised her head to look. Seeing Wen Xuan, her face color changed drastically.

 

Wen Xuan felt his heart sink, already feeling this was not going to be good.

 

He saw the shock on Zhang Xiaoqing's face gradually fade and turn into an inexplicably complicated expression. She just looked at Wen Xuan with this complicated expression. Then, seeing Wen Xuan about to come closer, she abruptly backed away. Together with her friend, they ran off like birds startled by the twang of a bow.

 

Wen Xuan reached where they stood just now, but only stopped there dumbfoundedly. Even his smile turned stiff on his face.

 

After a long while, Wen Xuan finally recovered and squeezed his fists tightly.

 

If the coldness of those disciples before only gave him a dull ache, Zhao Xiaoqing's escape here, undoubtedly, was equivalent to stabbing him in the heart with a knife.

 

He still remembered back then when he chose to fall back into foundation building in order to advance even more, Zhang Xiaoqing had knelt in front of Chu Lian and pleaded for his sake.

 

In the previous years, Zhang Xiaoqing also had a very good relationship with him. She was the shimei that he loved and protected very much. What exactly happened to make even her treat him like this?

 

After a long time, Wen Xuan regained his calm. Turning around, he considered who he should ask next. This thought process inevitably felt somewhat sluggish.

 

Perhaps because of this sluggishness, it wasn't until Wen Xuan walked forward a few steps and stopped abruptly that he finally noticed that someone was secretly looking at him.

 

Actually ever since he returned, there were plenty of disciples who didn't dare to greet him and secretly snuck glances behind his back. But this one felt especially heated. Other people at most only stole a glance or two before leaving, this one kept following him.

 

Wen Xuan attempted to walk forward two more steps. As expected, the gaze behind his back followed him relentlessly.

 

It was someone who just reached foundation building, very weak.

 

Wen Xuan made a decision internally, then his figure suddenly flashed. A dozen or so meters of distance were nothing. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in the location where that gaze came from.

 

The person secretly looking at him was an inner disciple of the Sect. Seeing Wen Xuan suddenly appear before his eyes, this disciple clearly had quite a scare. With a loud 'ah,' he backed

 

away abruptly, tripped over a tree root in his carelessness, and was just about to fall over.

 

Wen Xuan reached out and grabbed his elbow, steadying him. At the same time, Wen Xuan examined this shidi briefly. Finally he recognized the other: "It's you?"

 

Wen Xuan pretty much knew all of the inner disciples in the Water Cloud Sect. This one was naturally not an exception. However, the one before his eyes had a deeper impression in Wen Xuan's memories. Back then, it was this disciple who was caught by Luo Qingquan for standing up for Wen Xuan. And because of his capture, it led to Wen Xuan and Luo Qingquan fighting another match, which resulted in his victory against Luo Qingquan and regaining back his reputation.

 

This shidi already idolized him prior. At that time, after he was saved by Wen Xuan, he became even more grateful.

 

However, at this moment in time, this shidi also became just like the other people, unwilling to even talk to him and only watched him secretly from behind his back.

 

Wen Xuan let go of his elbow.

 

That shidi stood steady by himself, but didn't give thanks. He only looked at Wen Xuan with an even more complicated expression.

 

"After my return, you guys' attitudes towards me have all been rather strange." Wen Xuan asked him: "Did something happen?"

 

The other opened his mouth, then closed it, and clenched his teeth viciously.

 

Was there really no one willing to tell him? Wen Xuan was somewhat disappointed. He shook his head, didn't persist, and turned around to leave. He felt like perhaps he should return back to his abode and rest a bit first.

 

"Wen shixiong!" That shidi saw he was about to go and finally couldn't resist yelling hastily to stop him.

 

Wen Xuan stopped and looked back.

 

That shidi took a few huge breaths, the corner of his eyes suddenly turning a bit red. He seemed rather emotional as he asked: "Those people were all talking nonsense right? They were wrongfully accusing you, right?"

 

This question was asked rather interestingly. Wen Xuan felt a little shaken internally. He turned around to look at this person again while his expression remained very calm: "Those people? What did they say?"

 

This disciple's lips trembled.

 

"If you don't tell me, how can I answer you?" Wen Xuan asked him.

 

"Many people. Everyone is all saying this." Finally, this shidi slowly began to talk, the corner of his eyes reddening even more: "They are all saying that you're working together with demons and demonic beasts."

 

With demons and demonic beasts? Wen Xuan was stunned. His first reaction was that this was all nonsense.

 

But then he quickly recalled that he was a half demonic beast. And then, he quickly recalled that he pleaded for mercy for that shadow attachment demon a few days ago. His heart abruptly sank.

 

However, as his thoughts churned, he felt that something wasn't quite right.

 

If it was working together with demonic beasts, it probably referred to his birth history. If it was working together with demons, it probably referred to that shadow attachment demon. But working together with demons and demonic beasts, this wording was rather ambiguous and filled with suspicion.

 

"Do you believe it?" Wen Xuan didn't answer but asked instead.

 

"I don't want to believe it. I've been unwilling to believe it all this time, but......" This shidi's eyes turned completely red: "Everyone is saying this. Every single person. Everyone. Is saying this."

 

Wen Xuan comforted him briefly to let him calm down, then asked in more details about the situation.

 

The truth was somewhat beyond his expectations, but he wasn't really surprised. This rumor about him working with demons and demonic beasts didn't arise after he discovered his own birth history. Nor did it arise after the appearance of that huge demon. Rather, it was before that, arising from some unknown source a little bit after he left the Sect.

 

This wasn't too unexpected. With Wen Xuan's previous reputation in the Sect, there's no way a rumour would reach this kind of

 

magnitude if it's only been around for a few days. In reality, when this rumour first started, most people thought it was complete nonsense and snorted disdainfully when hearing it.

 

However, how long has Wen Xuan been away from the Sect? At least over half a year.

 

In this half a year, people said this daily, people repeated this constantly. Unconsciously, everyone started saying it. Even if people didn't want to listen to this rumour, it was impossible. There's a saying: 'Three people's words can create a tiger.' The power of repetition was frightening.

 

With how things stood now, even this very faithful believer was also swayed to this point.

 

Wen Xuan squeezed his fists tightly, the fury in his heart was hard to describe.

 

Now the truth was even more clear. That rumor actually had nothing to do with his birth history. And it had nothing to do with the shadow attachment demon. It was only a scheme to slander him. The person who designed this plan didn't even need any evidence. They only needed to take advantage of the fact that he wasn't present to let these words sink into people's hearts. It was enough to hollow out the reputation he accumulated after all of these years in the Water Cloud Sect and make people alienate him completely.

 

"At first I didn't believe it, but, but......" That shidi continued to say: "Just a few days ago, that demon was...... everyone all said it was all planned. That you collaborated with the demon, which is why you pretended that location was a good place and reported it

 

to the Sect. When in actuality, it was just a ploy to let that demon out......

 

Stunned, Wen Xuan felt like the blood in his body suddenly turned cold. The fury just now instantly turned into cold sweats, trickling down his body.

 

Wen Xuan abruptly sensed that actually what he was facing wasn't a purely proofless scheme to slander him, or else it wouldn't be that much of a coincidence.

 

He suddenly remembered something Jian Yi said to him a few days ago: "Those people, which of them aren't astute? Even if I didn't say anything, would they not sense it? Shixiong, in comparison to us, they know much much more."

 

And the most terrifying area of this pitfall was the fact that everything seemed to match up.

 

The other person had mixed demons and demonic beasts together in the rumor. It seemed ambiguous, but so what? Even if nine lies were mixed together with one truth, as long as something was true, as long as one thing can't be denied, Wen Xuan was done.

 

And it just happened, the demonic bloodline in Wen Xuan's body was the undeniable truth. It was the ironclad evidence.

 

"This rumor......" Wen Xuan's mouth felt somewhat dry: "Where did it come from originally?"

 

The shidi shook his head. The rumor traveled too far, it was really too hard to find the origin at this point.

 

"However, there were a few people who were extremely annoying, and especially arrogant and unrestrained." The shidi grinded his teeth viciously: "Half of the rumours were yelled out by them. They even made a statement saying if any of us thought they were speaking nonsense, we can wait for you to come back and have you confront them to see just who was correct."

 

Then he reported these people's names.

 

The more he heard, the more Wen Xuan felt numb. The more his heart turned cold.

 

He knew each and everyone of these people. They were all disciples or relatives of certain Elders of the Sect. They dared to be so unrestrained, undoubtedly, because they were encouraged by those Elders. Wen Xuan knew back then, in order to have Jian Yi enter the inner school, he really offended those Elders a lot. But just with the power of those Elders, it wasn't enough to create this atmosphere. It wasn't enough to lay down this huge set up.

 

"Wen shixiong," This shidi was still looking at him very hopefully: "You will go confront them, right?"

 

Wen Xuan remained where he stood, silent and wordless.

 

"You will prove that they're all speaking nonsense, right?"

 

"Sun shidi," Wen Xuan finally said: "I'm somewhat tired. You should head back and get some rest as well."

 

Saying this, he turned and went back, leaving behind this shidi who remained stunned where he stood, watching Wen Xuan's back, completely dumbfounded.

 

Until Wen Xuan walked far away, that shidi finally recovered and yelled hysterically: "Wen shixiong! What do you mean by this! Aren't those people talking nonsense all this time! Why aren't you confronting them! Why don't you prove your innocence! Why!"

 

Wen Xuan felt that if his heart continued to hurt like this, on and on, perhaps it'll become numb.

 

The only person he felt bad for, was actually this shidi who still wanted to believe him.

 

Then Wen Xuan got some other idea, and continued to investigate this matter a bit more. In the end, he found those arrogant people who called for his confrontation and went to take a listen.

 

As he suspected, that shidi didn't say everything completely.

 

Because in those people's arrogant hoots, there were clearly more words within: "Do you think he'd really dare to come? Haha, If he really came, he better think it through. The unspeakable secrets regarding him don't just stop here! We're only spreading this little out at the moment to save him some face!"

 

This was a threat. A very clear and obvious threat.

 

Yet Wen Xuan, who was eavesdropping to the side, can only laugh at himself. Because this was a rather effective threat.

 

In comparison to the so-called working together with demons and demonic beast, the demonic beast blood that flowed through his body was an even more deadly truth. At the moment, they declared they were saving him face. It's even more impossible for Wen Xuan to brave the dangers of being exposed by confronting them head on.

 

But was it really to save him face? No. For the head disciple of the Sect to actually be a half demonic beast, this truth would not only ruin Wen Xuan, it'd cause huge damage to the Water Cloud Sect's reputation. If this weren't the case, they wouldn't have even left this face for him, probably.

 

Wen Xuan returned to his abode. Grinding his teeth, he couldn't hold back from curling up his fist and smashing the wall viciously.

 

Lifting his head, he turned his practically blood filled eyes towards a direction outside of his abode.

 

At the Big Hall that was located in a high mountain peak.

 

The Sect Leader, Jizi Ang!

 

That's right. The person who was capable of doing all of this could only be Jizi Ang. When did Jizi Ang know about Wen Xuan's birth history as a half demonic beast? Perhaps since the start, when Chu Lian first brought him back, the Sect Leader already knew.

 

Otherwise, why would he dare to use Wen Xuan like that despite Chu Lian's cold attitude towards him? How could he attempt such schemes on Wen Xuan? That's right. Wen Xuan should have thought of it much earlier. Many things that he originally felt

 

incredulous were answered easily after uncovering his birth history.

 

Wen Xuan temporarily left the Sect countless times before, but Jizi Ang had never done anything to him. He even safeguarded Wen Xuan in all sorts of manners. But that was all because, at that time, Jizi Ang coveted Wen Xuan's top quality water root and still counted on Wen Xuan to cultivate the method he provided. Until that day when Wen Xuan chose to return to foundation building and obtained Ye Sheng Ge's cultivation method from Chu Lian. That was when he completely lost all value to Jizi Ang and became only a troublesome eyesore.

 

Wen Xuan withdrew his somewhat aching fist and scoffed.

 

He felt such hatred.

 

He always thought of the Water Cloud Sect as his family. Before even though Jizi Ang tricked him like that, he only thought he finally saw clearly an elder he had trusted. But now, Jizi Ang has used this kind of method and destroyed his entire family.

 

But after this hatred, what can he do?

 

Wen Xuan sat down in his house. He looked at the blue sky and greenery outside, just sitting by his lonesome. He knew he couldn't win against Jizi Ang. But what was even harder to contend against was the blood that flowed within his veins.

 

If he wanted to carry his bloodline and move forward, this was the pain he had to endure.

 

Just as he felt most downhearted and discouraged, the sound of familiar footsteps appeared outside the door.

 

Wen Xuan looked. It was Jian Yi walking over with a smiling face: "Shixiong, sorry, I came late. That shifu of mine hasn't seen me for so long, he couldn't bear to let me go."

 

Like history repeating itself, a familiar warmth flowed through Wen Xuan's heart.

 

60

Chapter 60

 

Wen Xuan's gaze has remained fixed on Jian Yi ever since he entered. This was a strange kind of feeling. Like his heart was hollow, and only by looking at the other can his heart finally feel somewhat fulfilled.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi noticed his peculiarity: "Are you okay?"

 

Pressing his lips together, Wen Xuan didn't know how to answer that exactly

 

Actually as soon as those words escaped his mouth, Jian Yi discovered they were rather pointless. He just came in from outside. How those people in the Water Cloud Sect were discussing Wen Xuan, he at least heard a little here and there. However, he never imagined that this matter would give Wen Xuan such a big blow.

 

"Shixiong, don't mind it too much." Jian Yi sat in front of him and faced him: "You and I both know what kind of person you are. What's the point of caring about what others say?"

 

Wen Xuan smiled: "Sounds reasonable."

 

Jian Yi saw that he was only forcing himself to smile and was just about to console him some more. However, Wen Xuan shook his head.

 

"I'm not so inflexible." Wen Xuan said: "It's already to this point. The only thing I can do is look on the bright side."

 

What kind of bright side is there? The corner of Jian Yi's mouth twitched, yet he said in concord: "That's right. What's so hard to accept here? This is a good thing, a very good thing! The reason why they're treating you like this now is completely because this is just the type of people they are. You misjudged them before. You shouldn't have treated them so well before! This is a great opportunity for you to see clearly just how all of these people are!"

 

Just look at how Jian Yi was describing this situation. Wen Xuan couldn't help but laugh in amusement.

 

With this laugh of his, Jian Yi instantly felt a little awkward. Dry laughing twice, he couldn't continue any longer.

 

However, the next second, Wen Xuan suddenly reached out, grabbed Jian Yi's elbow, and pulled the other into his arms. Hugging him with both hands, he rubbed his head against Jian Yi's shoulder with a smile: "Jian shidi, what you said is correct."

 

"Shi-shishishishishixiong......" Startled terribly, Jian Yi stuttered as soon as he opened his mouth.

 

Pretending not to hear, Wen Xuan continued to draw Jian Yi into his embrace. He even rubbed the other on the head: "Everything you say is correct."

 

Jian Yi vaguely felt like he was being hugged like a body pillow. However, body pillows didn't really exist in this world. Nevertheless, you know people, there's always certain times in which they want to hug something in their arms. This kind of mood still remained the same.

 

Therefore, he settled down and quietly stayed in Wen Xuan's arms, extremely cute and well-behaved, without moving at all.

 

When Wen Xuan lowered his head to take a look, Jian Yi had long flushed red with embarrassment, face scalding hot to touch.

 

"Oh you," Wen Xuan finally released him, and even reached out a hand to squeeze his cheek: "How long have we known each other? How come you're still so shy?"

 

"Actually I...... am not being shy......" Jian Yi turned his face, saying in a feeble low voice.

 

However, Wen Xuan heard him clearly and asked him with a smile: "Then what are you doing?"

 

Jian Yi pressed his lips together and stopped talking.

 

"All thanks to you, my mood is much better now." Wen Xuan rubbed Jian Yi's face, then turned his gaze outside: "There really was one thing that you hit the mark. Now that this kind of thing has occurred, at least it'll be a lot more peaceful and quiet here."

 

Daiyun Peak, where Wen Xuan lived, was already deserted without much human presence prior due to Chu Lian. Yet before, there would always be people walking nearby because of Wen Xuan. Now, even this little human presence was scarce.

 

"There will be a lot less things to be concerned about." Wen Xuan said with a light smile: "I can focus all of my energy on cultivation."

 

Cultivators should focus on cultivation mainly anyways. To say this was a good thing was really not wrong.

 

However, it was really impossible to see happiness from the smile on Wen Xuan's face.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi grabbed his hands: "Right now, you still need to endure."

 

Wen Xuan looked at him.

 

"We're still not strong enough yet. We still need the Sect for protection." Jian Yi said: "But as long as we continue to cultivate, one day, we will be able to stand on our own."

 

"Then break away from the Sect......?" Wen Xuan sighed.

 

Leave Water Cloud Sect? Not long ago, this was something Wen Xuan would have never thought of. But first, he lost all hope in the Sect Leader. Now, he's been alienated by all of these fellow disciples' suspicions. Unconsciously, when Jian Yi presented this notion again, Wen Xuan actually didn't reject it intensely like before.

 

Nevertheless, this was the place where he grew up. Leaving was easier said than done.

 

"In anycase, when that time comes, we can stay if we want to stay, go if we want to go. No one can stop us." Jian Yi looked into Wen Xuan's eyes and expressed extremely seriously: "There's only one thing. No matter where you go, I will follow."

 

Very good. That's all that mattered. Wen Xuan lightly patted Jian Yi on the back of his hand.

 

"Of course, Shixiong, you're well aware of my skills." Jian Yi continued somewhat smugly: "When that time comes, even if you don't want me to follow you, I will still follow you to the end of the world."

 

"You little......" Wen Xuan didn't know if he should laugh or cry. He didn't know what to say, but he felt a warm and comfortable feeling in his heart.

 

"Therefore......" Jian Yi lowered his head again, as if saying with some hints of reluctance: "After this, I might go into seclusion to cultivate for a while."

 

He couldn't compare to Wen Xuan. This was the first time he reached foundation building, and right after reaching it, he's been rushing about with Wen Xuan all over. It's way past due for him to go into seclusion to steady his cultivation.

 

Wen Xuan nodded, very much in agreement internally. Then he asked him: "Is this what your shifu advised you after we returned to the Sect?"

 

"Shifu didn't mention this at all. I had this planned before." Jian Yi said: "If I don't work hard, Shixiong will leave me further and further behind. When the time comes, how will I accompany you? However, shixiong, don't worry. If you encounter any trouble when I'm in seclusion, you can come find me. I'll come out immediately."

 

Entering and leaving secluded cultivation was no joke, but when Jian Yi said these words, he still remained firm and resolute.

 

Wen Xuan understood his good intentions and didn't bother correcting him here. He said instead: "Since it's like that, before you go into seclusion, let's deal with this empathy parasite business first. My place just happens to be quiet and out of the way so we don't need to go searching for other places."

 

This was something they agreed on a while ago. Jian Yi naturally didn't have any objections. He only asked: "Is there anything else we need to prepare?"

 

"We already gathered all the materials from Murong-xianzi. Nothing is missing." Wen Xian said as he took out the storage bag and dumped the stuff outside. Then he split the materials in half, one portion for each person.

 

Jian Yi held his portion in his hand and started to grind it into powder using his spiritual energy according to the directions on the jade slip. Wen Xuan naturally had his own portion to grind. But since he's yuan gathering, his spiritual energy was stronger so he was much faster than Jian Yi in terms of speed.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi said as he grounded: "Although we need to resolve this, the difficulty level of this method is pretty high. Even if we're not successful, it's pretty normal."

 

"Why are you giving up when we haven't even started yet?" Wen Xuan said with a smile: "This isn't like you."

 

"I'm not giving up." Jian Yi looked at the crushed materials in his hand like he was looking at some rare treasure, exceptionally serious: "I'm only afraid you'll be disappointed."

 

During these words, Jian Yi finally finished his work. Looking at the fine powder in his hand, Jian Yi let out a breath as he handed it over to Wen Xuan.

 

At the same time, Wen Xuan exchanged his grounded portion to Jian Yi.

 

Then, they mixed them into hot water and drank them separately into their stomachs.

 

This process was to let the two people's thoughts become even more harmonious. Adding in the empathy parasite, with all these prepared, it built a bridge that allowed them to peek into each other's inner hearts.

 

When these materials that carried the other's spiritual energy dissolved in their stomach, the two people both felt a warm comfortable feeling spreading throughout their bodies. For a moment, they even became somewhat drowsy.

 

"Shixiong," Jian Yi sat up proper and straight in front of Wen Xuan, clearly somewhat nervous: "It's almost time to start."

 

Wen Xuan nodded, actually pretty nervous as well. Yet at the same time, that strange tiny feeling of anticipation sprouted in his heart, making him even more excited.

 

Then the two people leaned close and pressed foreheads together, looking into each other's eyes at a close proximity.

 

This was an excessively intimate posture. Jian Yi started to flush red again.

 

"Shixiong," However at this time, Jian Yi said again: "It's okay if we're not successful. Even partial success is an ideal situation."

 

The so-called partial success described a situation where one person successfully reaches the deepest part of the other person's heart while the other person fails. Under this kind of situation, neither party's empathy parasite would die, however one side-- the side who's heart was seen completely and thoroughly, yet was unable to reach the opposite side's heart-- the empathy parasite inside them would enter a suspended state of inactivity and lose the ability to harm its host.

 

In normal situations, the empathy parasites would cause the two people to share life and death because this pair of parasites were a mated pair. If the host died, the parasite in their body would be unable to survive either. At the same time, in response to feeling its mate's death, the other empathy parasite would also die immediately as well. In this process, it would let out a large amount of poison and kill off its own host.

 

Yet under a situation where one of the parasites became inactive, the link that shared life and death would enter an unequal state.

 

The inactive parasite would no longer be capable of feeling its mate's death, yet the death of the inactive parasite would still be felt by the mate.

 

In other words, if I succeeded and you failed, your death would result in my death, but my death would not do anything to you. That's the inequality.

 

However, Wen Xuan didn't have any concept of partial success in his heart. To him, this situation was also a kind of failure. He only thought that Jian Yi was really kind of strange today. Why would a brash kid that always charged around recklessly repeatedly express such pessimism on this matter?

 

He was just about to tease Jian Yi a bit, yet in the mere blink of an eye, he felt his vision turn fuzzy and Jian Yi's figure completely disappeared from sight.

 

Wen Xuan very quickly discovered that he was currently stepping into Jian Yi's heart.

 

It was really a strange feeling. Clearly he was just looking into the other's eyes at a close distance and between their exchange of breaths, he thought about wanting to see into the other's heart. Then, he actually entered.

 

At the same time, Wen Xuan also felt surprised. Because after the fuzziness retreated, only pitch black remained. So this was the inside of Jian Yi's heart? Wen Xuan felt like this didn't seem likely. He thought perhaps he hasn't reached it yet.

 

He steadied himself, somewhat excited yet apprehensive as he continued to walk forward.

 

After walking for a while, Wen Xuan gradually made a discovery.

 

This was a road. A road that was dark and narrow. By just extending his hands, Wen Xuan can touch the walls on this narrow road. When he touched the walls, there seemed to be patterns carved on it. However, in this darkness, he couldn't see clearly at all.

 

Therefore, Wen Xuan lit up a ball of fire in this darkness and used the fire to light up the view before him. He finally saw the things carved on the stone walls clearly.

 

The stone walls were carved with lines. These lines created images after images.

 

When Wen Xuan saw them clearly, his heart violently jumped and thump thump thump'd loudly, incapable of stopping at all. The carvings on the wall really exceeded his expectations.