《Heart Protection》


 CH Epilogue 1

    Yan Hui''s last memory was the moment the abyss closed around her and Huan Xiao Yan.


    She used the last of the spirit pearl''s power to protect the illusion demon. Then, she sank into darkness.


    Yan Hui didn''t know how long she floated in the blackness. She didn''t have the consciousness to be aware. It wasn''t until she opened her eyes that the world existed again. That was when she realized she had come back to life.


    Right when Yan Hui was going to utter her first sound, she saw her tiny hand waving in the air. It was a baby''s hand. She also saw the midwife holding her and heard how chaotic the room was. The midwife was yelling: "She''s bleeding! She''s bleeding! The mother is bleeding!"


    People rushed into the room. Most of them were female, but there was also a man yelling in alarm: "Darling! Darling!"


    Yan Hui felt like the whole situation was like a hallucination.


    She suddenly felt her chest grow hot, and an image appeared in her mind. The Qing Qiu King was standing, and a breeze plucked at his clothes. He was standing on the cliff that was behind the imperial palace. The king''s eyes were like they were piercing through the many, many miles and looking right into her eyes: "Did you succeed......."


    It was like his voice was right by Yan Hui''s ear: "Consider this the demon clans'' gift to you and Tian Yao."


    The king''s body slightly glowed, and Yan Hui''s chest got even hotter at the same time. The Qing Qiu King turned into a golden light that dissipated into the wind. Yan Hui suddenly realized what just happened.


    The king used his last bit of power to preserved the memories of her past life.


    The midwife holding Yan Hui looked down at her and called out in amazement: "There''s a gold light coming from the baby''s chest! She''s a prodigy!"


    Immediately the people near her looked over and also saw. They echoed the same thoughts: "She''s a prodigy! A prodigy!"


    And that was how Yan Hui returned to the world in a chaotic moment. She had another identity and body.


    No long after she was born, news spread in the jianghu that the nine-tailed fox demon king had passed away. However, the village Yan Hui was born in was too remote. None of the villagers paid much attention to the news.


    In this life, Yan Hui''s biological mother passed away shortly after child birth, and her father became a widower. From then on, Yan Hui''s birthday became her mother''s death anniversary. Yan Hui would pat her father''s shoulder every year on that day to console him. After all, the husband and wife couple were her benefactors who brought her into this world.


    A few years had passed. When Yan Hui was still patting her dad''s shoulder and sighing on that day every year, her dad would scold her: "Why are you sighing like an old person? Go and feed the chickens."


    Yan Hui pursed her lips. If her past life self was still alive, she would''ve been a few years older than her current dad.


    Actually from the very beginning, Yan Hui wanted to run away to find Tian Yao. However, a baby''s limbs were too floppy, so she couldn''t escape. When she got older and was able to walk, her dad kept a strict eye on her.


    Later on, Yan Hui realized this body could cultivate, and she started to learn the dao pathway. She didn''t really remember "Demon Bestowal". Therefore, she cultivated Chen Xing Mountain''s xian cultivation. Her progress was faster than an ordinary person, but it was nothing compared to when she had Tian Yao''s neidan in her body.


    When Yan Hui was about 7 or 8, she could run and jump around. She started to prepare to run away.


    One day, Yan Hui got very far. However, her father chased after her and was able to catch her. He raised his hand and smacked her so hard that Yan Hui was a little stunned. But she wasn''t mad. She watched the farmer yell at her with red eyes: "Where are you going! You are the only thing left by your mother to remember her by! You ran away all by yourself! What if something happens to you! What am I going to do!"


    Yan Hui was a little moved by that. She had her past life''s memories, so she had set her heart and mind to go find Tian Yao. However, her "father" didn''t know that. He treated her as his real child.


    Thus Yan Hui remained. She planned to wait until she was 15 and marry someone outside the village. On the road to get married, she would run away then. However before she could get married, her "father" passed away.


    Yan Hui didn''t have to worry about family members anymore. She grabbed a bundle and left the village, heading for the demon clans.


    She had questioned any jianhu people who passed by the village for the past few years.


    50 years ago, there was a battle in front of Chen Xing Mountain that resulted in huge turmoil. Zhenren Qing Guang was killed by Tian Yao. Not long afterwards, the Qing Qiu King also passed away, causing more uncertainty. Soon after, the heir to Qing Qiu ascended to the throne. The xian cultivators picked a few elders with good moral reputation and standing as representatives to talk to the new Qing Qiu King. They agreed to 100 years of peace and to San Chong Mountain no longer being a boundary. From then on, xian cultivators and demon cultivators could each cultivate their own methods with no interference.


    As for Tian Yao, the demon sects near worshiped him as a god dragon. He didn''t take the title of king of the demon clans, yet he was paid more respect than the actual king. Tian Yao roamed around the world and was hard to track down. He was seeking for the one person he was bound to in his heart.


    Yan Hui looked up at the sky. For a moment, her thoughts were turbulent. Tian Yao regained his former powers, but in the end, he couldn''t go against the natural order of reincarnation, which wiped away all traces of a person. He looked far and wide but still couldn''t find her. The former Qing Qiu King vanished in a blink of an eye. He probably didn''t have any time to tell Tian Yao about her rebirth. Therefore, it was up to her to find Tian Yao.


    Tian Yao was so dazzling; he stood at the top of the world. It was easier for Yan Hui to look for him than for him to look for her in the flood of people


    Those were Yan Hui''s thoughts, but she was shocked to find there was no opportunity to get close to Tian Yao..........


    Yan Hui wanted to enter Qing Qiu to find Zhu Li, but she had cultivated the xian pathway. Although San Chong Mountain was no longer the boundary between xian and demon cultivators, Qing Qiu was still very limited in spiritual aura. It was very rare for xian cultivators to go to Qing Qiu of their own accord. Her journey was filled with difficulty; all the demon clansmen she met wanted to kill her. Her current xian magic wasn''t that strong. She had to return to Central Plains to protect her own life.


    She went to find Qi Jue Group again because she knew Feng Qian Shuo was still in power. Yan Hui originally wanted to use his influence to spread the news to Tian Yao that she had returned. However when she told Qi Jue Group''s shopkeeper that her name was Yan Hui and she wanted to meet Feng Qian Shuo, the shopkeeper frowned and waved his hand in exasperation. "This is the upteempth one this one! So annoying!"


    Yan Hui was stunned: "What?"


    "Everyone in the jianghu knows about the matter of Miss Yan Hui and Sir Tian Yao. Every year, every month, every day, countless demon and xian Yan Hui will appear. It''s been 50 years. Can you guys just try a different trick?"


    These past 50 years, Yan Hui hadn''t been born in the village. She didn''t know the girls in this current day did scams like this now!


    She immediately choked up and forced a sound out: "I......"


    Yan Hui didn''t finish before the shopkeeper chased her out. "You females these days. You should just live a steady life. Climbing up in society to the high statuses isn''t something you ordinary people can do."


    Yan Hui didn''t know whether or not to smile or cry as she stood in the doorway.


    It was true. Tian Yao had become someone so high up that she was incapable of reaching him.


    Yan Hui and Tian Yao in the past met in the most run-down place in that remote Tong Luo Mountain. They walked and grew together in their journey. They were so close that Yan Hui never sensed a wide gulf between her and Tian Yao until now........


    They clearly were in the same world, but an even more terrible estrangement that was stronger than the strongest barrier separated them. It separated them.


    It was very difficult for the lowly to touch the high-up. Yan Hui finally understood it deep down inside.


    "If you don''t believe me, I know everything Tian Yao liked before. You just have to let me meet Feng Qian Shuo. He........"


    The shopkeeper waved his hand again: "That''s enough. You can read ''Tian Yao''s Narrative'' and  ''Book of Yan Hui'' a million times, but you still have no chance."


    Yan Hu immediately looked liked she had been robbed. What "Tian Yao''s Narrative" and "Book of Yan Hui"? What nonsense was this....... As Yan Hui was still stunned, she heard a peddler yell out: "New book! New release!"


    Yan Hui turned to look. The peddler was standing in the most prominent place, waving two books, "Tian Yao''s Narrative" and "Book of Yan Hui". The author - Huan Xiao Yan.


    Yan Hui: "........"


    She had a split second thought that if she didn''t save Huan Xiao Yan in her last moment back then, she would have a much simpler time right now......


    Yan Hui sighed. She was frustrated, but there was nothing she could do. Suddenly, she saw a red-rimmed eyed lady follow an attendant out of Qi Jue Group''s store. People go in and out of Qi Jue''s doors because there were so many people who wanted to buy information. Yan Hui didn''t take note of them when they first arrived. However something the young lady said caught Yan Hui''s ear: "The news is only a dragon demon''s fire can break the formation. There''s no other way!"


    The words "dragon demon" make Yan Hui perk up, and she immediately started to follow them.


    The young lady''s attendant didn''t say a word. The lady gritted her teeth: "Dad already went to plead with the Qing Qiu King many times. But even if the king knows where the dragon demon is, the dragon demon doesn''t even care about the world''s matters. He won''t help us! And Qi Jue Group also said as long as we have the dragon demon, we can break the formation. There really is no other way. Shang Lu.......can''t be saved anymore."


    The attendant just said: "I hope Young Mistress........won''t be too sorrowful."


    Qing Qiu''s heir back then is the current Qing Qiu King. The young lady, also called Young Mistress, had a high enough status where her father could talk to the king.


    "Shang Lu was able to save Young Mistress. Even if he dies in the spell formation, I am sure he goes without any resentment......."


    The attendant was still talking when Yan Hui forced herself into the conversation: "You two are looking for Tian Yao for his help?"


    The attendant''s eyes immediately became alert. He placed his hand on his jian''s scabbard. There was a light ringing sound. The jian was already slightly out of the scabbard when the young lady reached out out her hand to stop her attendant. She looked Yan Hui up and down and assessed her: "What about it?"


    Yan Hui grinned, revealing a sharp tooth that made her look a bit rascally: "I''ll help you."


    The female was the Young Mistress of the Red Wolves Clan, Chi Zhao. She had recently passed by Guang Han Sect and accidentally ran into a spell formation on Guang Han Mountain. Her attendant, who had grown up along side her, was Shang Lu. He rushed in to save her and ended up trapped within the snow-ice spell formation.


    Since then, Chi Zhao kept looking for spells to break the formation but only learned that dragon fire was needed to break it. There was only one dragon demon in the world, and finding the demon was easier said than done. Because the attendant save his daughter''s life, the elder of the Red Wolves Clan himself went to plead with the Qing Qiu King for help. However, the king wouldn''t force Tian Yao to help. Perhaps in their eyes, this perhaps was merely an insignificant matter. The king played it down a little when talking to Tian Yao, and Tian Yao also gave a light refusal. Thus, the Qing Qiu King could only refuse the Red Wolves Clan''s plea for help. The elder didn''t dare go back and disturb the king again. As for Chi Zhao, this became an issue that weighed so heavily on her mind that she couldn''t sleep well at night.


    After Yan Hui learned the event concerning the matter, thoughts spun around in her mind. In her calculations, even just meeting the king would be enough. She just need to let the king know that she had reincarnated back into the world. The king may not care about other matters, but he definitely would care about the "finding Yan Hui" matter.


    Yan Hui knew how much Tian Yao wanted to find her.


    He must be even more anxious than her because she could see him although it was from a distance. At least she knew he was still living somewhere in this world. However, Tian Yao couldn''t see her. Even if he used all of his sight, he wouldn''t know if she was alive. He wouldn''t know if she was here with him, living in this world.......


    Chi Zhao was still skeptical of Yan Hui even after hearing about her identity. It wasn''t until after Yan Hui bought "Tian Yao''s Narrative" and "Book of Yan Hui" and expanded upon some minor details that Chi Zhao started to believe a little bit. The young lady reported Yan Hui''s words back to the clan elder.


    The elder was also skeptical. After all, Yan Hui''s life story had circulated and recirculated countless times around the jianghu for decades. But in the end, the elder reported Yan Hui''s words to the Qing Qiu King.


    The Red Wolves Clan didn''t expect that within a mere few days, a dragon aura spiraled down into their territory. The scorching aura appeared in their clan''s main area.


    Yan Hui sensed the pressure that accompanied the dragon aura. A strong emotion, happiness or perhaps something else, welled in her heart and started to burst outwards. However, she never expected for Chi Zhao to suddenly appear behind her in that moment and land a blow on her neck.


    Yan Hui started to feel faint, and her vision blurred. She sensed her inner breath start to reverse. When Yan Hui recollected her senses, her surrounding had become extraordinarily large. She looked to Chi Zhao in shock and realized she had to look upwards to do that.


    "What did you do!" raged Yan Hui. However, what came out of her mouth was a howling "Oowwooo!"


    Yan Hui: "........."


    She looked down at her hands only to see they had become paws. Her entire body was covered with fur.......Yan Hui looked to the side at a fallen copper mirror, and she saw a wolf cub gazing back at her.


    What the fuck.........


    They actually bit the hand that fed them!


    Yan Hui was still fuming with anger when a ruckus started outside. Chi Zhao opened the door and headed towards the noise. Yan Hui wanted to follow but was scooped up by Chi Zhao''s retainer who had remained behind. He held her tightly in his arms.


    The attendant didn''t leave the room. He muzzled Yan Hui with his hand so that she couldn''t made a single sound.


    From outside the room came the clan elder''s voice: "Great One, this.......this is my daughter. It was her who dreamed of those matters."


    She dreamed of those matters?


    That was the story the Red Wolves Clan was going to feed to Tian Yao? They wanted Tian Yao to believe that? All so that he would go save a person? Or were they going to use "Yan Hui''s reincarnation" to get even more benefits.........


    Yan Hui was filled with towering rage. She struggled with all her might in the attendant''s arms, but it was no use. She hadn''t cultivated long enough in this lifetime. She was too weak and couldn''t escape from those arms at all.


    "You dreamed about it?"


    It was a simple sentence. That voice had appeared countless times in Yan Hui''s dreams. If this was the past lifetime, Tian Yao would''ve never permitted someone to confine her with him so nearby because he knew her aura so well. He would''ve sensed her close by.


    But now he didn''t know about her besides his memories. She didn''t even have a slightest bit of similarity with who she was in her past life.


    She was so close yet could only miss him like this.......


    "It''s me," responded Chi Zhao.


    Yan Hui struggled no longer. She hung her head, ears and tail also drooping down. She had planned it so well but had underestimated the greed in people''s hearts.


    "Liar."


    Tian Yao''s tone was icy. It was like a sharp blade slicing through the stillness outside.


    The entire Red Wolves Clan sank into a deathly silence.

 CH Epilogue 2

    Yan Hui''s eyes lit up at that one word. From outside, Tian Yao''s voice was like ice: "Where is the person who told you all this?"


    Chi Zhao didn''t reply. The pressure from outside started to grow stronger and stronger.


    Yan Hui struggled hard in the attendant''s arms to make any bit of escape, but the attendant''s arms confined her too tight. Yan Hui clawed at his hands and hit his body with her tail. These movements made very small sounds. However, there was a very thick curtain separating her from the rest of the Red Wolves Clan. It was highly doubtful the people outside could hear it.


    Suddenly, there was the sound of a light footstep from outside. Yan Hui''s ears twitched.


    Tian Yao!


    Yan Hui''s inner voice called out so loudly that she swore even the death could hear it.


    There was a second footstep approaching the curtain. Yan Hui''s heart started to beat faster, and she could almost feel her eyes becoming warmer. There was no need to make another sound. Just her heartbeat alone would be enough for Tian Yao to hear her.


    I returned to find you!


    Another step.


    Closer and closer. To Yan Hui, these steps were like a call of fate. However to the Red Wolves Clan, those steps were like an overture from the Underworld.


    The attendant holding Yan Hui started to sense something wasn''t right. He stepped back in preparation to run. But right at that moment, a heat wave rushed in, bringing along with a gust of wind. The heavy tent the Red Wolves Clan resided in was overturned.


    That was how Tian Yao''s features were unexpectedly revealed to Yan Hui. His head of black hair wasn''t there anymore. Instead, it was white hair dusting his temples. It had long circulated around the jianghu that Tian Yao lost his love in his battle with Zhenren Qing Guang. In an instant Tian Yao''s hair turned white. Yan Hui never thought that seeing his white hair in person would add so much vicissitude to him.


    However he was still as stunning as ever.


    The heat of the aura blew the tent completely away and also easily blew away the spell cast on Yan Hui. Her figure blurred, and she was restored back to the appearance of a young girl.


    She looked different from her past life. There was nothing in common, but when her eyes met Tian Yao''s eyes, the two of them stood in silence.


    There was a silent understanding between them, a connection. Even though they had been separated by a reincarnation cycle and large difference in status, it was like that mutual understanding had never gone away.


    "Tian Yao......."


    Yan Hui only said those two words, but there was a corresponding flicker in Tian Yao''s eyes.


    Yan Hui wanted to move forward, but the attendant behind her was still holding her neck. Chi Zhao, who was behind Tian Yao, opened her mouth like she wanted to say something. However before she could say anything, there was an invisible force that froze her and the attendant in place.


    The attendant''s hand that clasped Yan Hui''s neck was no longer under the attendant''s control. It released its grip on Yan Hui by itself. The attendant couldn''t believe that he completely was unable to resist the invisible force. All of the Red Wolves Clansmen including the clan elder were frozen. They lifted off the ground and couldn''t channel their magic.


    Only Yan Hui stood firmly on the ground. A wave of power rushed out of Tian Yao, blowing away all the Red Wolves clansmen and surrounding objects in an instant. Like dead leaves, they were swept away to unknown parts.


    Everything seemed to become still in just a few moments. Yan Hui felt like she was standing in the center of the world. She watched Tian Yao slowly and steadily approach her step by step.


    There was nothing else that couldn''t stop them from meeting again.


    Tian Yao reached out and clasp her face. It was like time reversed back 15 years. He finally managed to pull her out of the abyss.


    He tightly hugged her close, and one hand wrapped around her neck. Tian Yao gazed down at Yan Hui. He hugged her like his love had never gone away and kissed her.


    It seemed liked there were lights revolving around them. This wasn''t a reunion after 15 years. This was more like back then at Qing Qiu when Yan Hui was staying in that small room and teasing him. Or perhaps it was when Tian Yao mistakenly thought Su Ying had killed her and rushed back to Qing Qiu, only to see Yan Hui right in front of him. Or maybe it was even more like that full moon night on Tong Luo Mountain when he unconsciously bit Yan Hui''s lips.


    15 years was already hard enough to bear. However the instant Tian Yao saw Yan Hui again, he realized that the time spent waiting was nothing more than a mere blink of an eye. It counted for nothing.


    He lived those 15 years to wait for their reunion. The flow of time for him only started when he saw her again.


    "Tian Yao," said Yan Hui. "I returned to find you." Her lips pressed against his. "I kept my promise."


    It was true. She had never broken her promises to him.


    Tian Yao hugged Yan Hui tightly like he wanted to press her into him. However, even at the peak of feeling like his love for Yan Hui was bursting out of him, Tian Yao still worried that he would hurt Yan Hui. He loosened his hold a little but also didn''t dare loosen too much. Tian Yao hugged her tight but also didn''t dare hug too tightly.


    Yan Hui could tell that Tian Yao''s battling thoughts were going to spoil the mood.


    She slightly pushed him away but then immediately looked straight into his conflicted eyes. Numerous emotions battled it out within. They were like an abyss that was pulling her in.


    "Tian Yao," she rationally said. "Say something, so I can hear you."


    Tian Yao pressed his lips tight against each other.


    Yan Hui poked at his lips: "Did you live too high and mighty these few years? Now you only know how to look at people and not how to speak to them?"


    Tian Yao just pulled Yan Hui back into his arms: "In these moments, being silent is good enough."


    Silently listening to his heartbeat. This way he could also hear his own heartbeat which is good enough.


    They didn''t know how long they silentlyy stood there like that. Suddenly a pressure quietly appeared and slowly peeled away Tian Yao''s surrounding aura. Only then did Tian Yao look up and see the Qing Qiu King walk over.


    Tian Yao slightly narrowed his eyes in annoyance.


    But it did make sense. The moment Tian Yao arrived, he attacked the Red Wolves Clan and didn''t even hold back his power. It was like he was trying to exterminate an entire clan. As the current Qing Qiu King ruling in a time of peace between the xian and demons, he naturally had to see what was going on.


    Tian Yao also understood that, but he still had an ugly expression. Magic coursed down to his hand and formed a fiery ball in his palm. He waved his hand, sending the ball down onto the ground. It was about three inches wide. "The Red Wolves Clan helped me find my wife."


    Yan Hui was a little shocked by that address. She looked up at Tian Yao and saw his expression was the same as ever. He continued to respectfully talk to the king: "Although they were greedy, they still made the effort. Deal with them as you see fit."


    Done talking, Tian Yao took Yan Hui up into the sky. He didn''t care at all how the situation down there would be handled.


    Yan Hui knew that the fire pearl Tian Yao left behind was a piece of his magic. If the Red Wolves Clan had a way to unlock it, then they had a good chance of rescuing their clansman from the Guang Han Sect''s formation.


    Tiao Yao said they were greedy but still put in the effort to contact him. Therefore, that pearl could be considered his thanks, and not directly helping them was his punishment.


    "Tian Yao."


    He had wrapped Yan Hui in his large robes to warm her up. It was also to protect her from the wind as they flew through the sky. Tian Yao looked down when he heard Yan Hui call his name.


    "Where are we going?"


    "Back home."


    "Did you prepare a home for me?"


    "Yes."


    Yan Hui felt her heart warm but she stayed silent for a few moments. She thought for a bit and then playfully asked: "Since when did I become your wife?"


    Tian Yao hugged her close. He slightly spoke into her ear: "Whenever you want to."


    Tian Yao had a residence for them both in Qing Qiu, but the courtyard was overgrown because there usually wasn''t anyone. For now, Yan Hui would have to stay in her former room, which had remained empty til now.


    After that, Tian Yao continued his preparations. He wanted to have a wedding reception with Yan Hui.


    It took only a day for the news that Yan Hui had returned and would marry Tian Yao to circulate around the entire world. Thus when Yan Hui woke the second day, she had just stepped out into the courtyard when a person barreled into her. Yan Hui found herself wrapped into a hug.


    "Master, Master!" Huan Xiao Yan''s voice had matured quite a bit, but her personality hadn''t changed a bit.


    Yan Hui looked up at the illusion demon to discover Huan Xiao Yan had become a 20-something year old married woman. It was like Yan hui and Huan Xiao Yan had switched positions from 15 years ago.


    "How old are you, yet you''re still running around?" A man''s voice came from behind Huan Xiao Yan. Yan Hui thought that voice sounded familiar and turned to look. It was a frowning Zhu Li quickly approaching. He pulled Huan Xiao Yan away: "You know that Yan Hui''s current body might not handle your hug! Also what about the baby?!"


    Huan Xiao Yan let Zhu Li scold her, but she paid him no mind. She continued to stare at Yan Hui with watery eyes.


    Yan Hui found this all strange: "When did you two foes end up together?"


    Zhu Li sighed in embarrassment. Then he looked at Yan Hui, but before he could make a sound, Huan Xiao Yan cut in: "This and that, and then we ended up together." The illusion demon wiped away a tear and then grabbed Yan Hui''s arm again. "Master, I missed you so, so much. Every time I missed you, I started writing a book about you. I wrote a lot of books."


    "........." Yan Hui''s lips twitched. Finally she broke into a smile but then started to reprimand the demon: "Speaking of this, come over here. I''m going to have a good talk with you about life."


    Huan Xiao Yan held back her tears: "Were the books not well written or not touching enough?"


    Yan Hui slightly smiled: "Since you''re pregnant, I''ll let you live this time."


    Zhu Li didn''t know if he should laugh or cry. They didn''t talk for long before a servant came over to say people have come to give Yan Hui gifts.


    Yan Hui was stunned. For the following two or three days, there was a constant stream of visitors coming from different places. She didn''t even recognized them, but they all brought gifts from some inexplicable reason.


    They said the gifts were to congratulate her marriage with Tian Yao. They also wrote letters to wish them well and congratulate her finding Tian Yao again. It made them believe there was still true love in this world. Yan Hui didn''t know if she should cry or laugh: "Now that there''s no war, everyone seems like they don''t know what to do with their time."


    Huan Xiao Yan spoke up from the side: "Look, Master! This is all from my contributions! I made you two become a famous couple in all the countries. After a few days, I''m going to release another book. This time, it''ll about the sweet times after your reunion!"


    Yan Hui: "........"


    Zhu Li had to urge Yan Hui for a long time before he could finally extinguish Yan Hui''s anger.


    What touched Yan Hui the most was receiving a package half a month before the wedding. It was a red robe with exquisite embroidery that would make people gasp in amazement. Pinned to the ceremonial robe was a note with three sentences---


    "The hard times are over. The good times are here. May you two live long and in bliss."


    Yan Hui recognized the handwriting. The note was written by Xian Ge.


    Xian Ge could no longer enter Qing Qiu. There wasn''t even a single trace of her in the jianghu, but Yan Hui knew from the note that Xian Ge was living well. Just like her, Xian Ge was living in quiet happiness.


    For an old friend, this was probably the best news.


    Yan Hui wore the robe Xian Ge made for her, preformed the ceremony with Tian Yao, and entered married life with him as his wife.


    Yan Hui thought about how she thought this life would pan out. It wasn''t wrong. When she turned 15, she indeed marry off to someone far away. It was just that she didn''t run away from the marriage in the end.


    Upon entering the bridal room, Tian Yao removed Yan Hui''s red veil. He looked down at Yan Hui whose makeup made her look more bright and romantic.


    He didn''t do anything, only quietly looking down upon her. It was like he could never get tired of looking at her. Yan Hui laughed and suddenly a question popped into her mind out of the blue: "Tian Yao, tell me, what if the past king didn''t leave behind my memories and I didn''t remember you? Or perhaps I''ll be like the Red Wolves Clan and got close to you for my own benefit? What would you do? How could you like me then?"


    Tian Yao laughed. He didn''t seem to think it was any issue: "That''s no matter. Whatever you want, I''ll give. If it''s for your own benefit, I''ll still give. If you want my flesh, it''s yours. If you want my bones, it''s yours." He continued, "If you like someone else, I''m willing to peel off my scales one by one for you to make into armor for the one you love."


    Those words seemed to make Yan Hui hurt. Her eyebrows furrowed, and Tian Yao held her hand. "Yan Hui, I don''t fear you trying to snatch anything away. What I fear is when I''ve prepared everything to give to you........you have no other request for me."


    Yan Hui was silent for a long time. Then she clasped Tian Yao''s face: "You don''t need any of those concerns. There''s a lot that I want! Don''t worry!"


    "Alright, whatever you want."


    Yan Hui suddenly smirked. She gave a little push and pressed Tian Yao down onto the bed: "I want you. Will you give that?"


    Tian Yao was completely pressed down under Yan Hui. He evenly said: "For the past 15 years, I recollect about the past every night. I only have three regrets." He quietly said, "One, I never fully said how much I love you." Saying that, he lightly kissed Yan Hui''s ear. Yan Hui trembled.


    "Two, I never looked close at the secret hidden in your eyes."


    His lips moved and kissed her eyelids. His lips felt soft and warm.


    "Three, I........"


    Tian Yao wrapped his arm around Yan Hui''s waist. With seemingly no effort at all, it was like Yan Hui''s world spun. When it righted again, Tian Yao was propped over her body: "I never once promised you......."


    "Harmonized Pair Cultivation."

 CH extra 1

    After Yan Hui and Tian Yao got married, they lived in Tian Yao''s residence in Qing Qiu. They spent their days in leisure, observing the clouds and tending to the flowers in the morning and fooling around in the afternoon. But the days were too peaceful. Yan Hui started to think she needed to find something to do.


    The second day after Yan Hui had that thought, Huan Xiao Yan came looking for her. The demon said there was a document Yan Hui had to get in order for an official to certify that she could live in Qing Qiu.


    It turns out in these 15 years, San Chong Mountain wasn''t a forbidden area anymore. Although there was still some animosity between the xian and demons, a few xian and demon cultivators fell in love with each other. Some demon cultivators brought their xian cultivator partner to stay. After there were a lot of these pairs, Qing Qiu set a new rule. For those xian cultivators who married in or chose by themselves to settle in Qing Qiu, they had to study for three months about demon history, get rid of any misunderstandings about demons, and understand demon customs to avoid any future issues.


    It was a good rule. The demon races were heavily smeared under 50 years of Qing Guang''s rule. Removing such negative attitudes had to be slowly peeled away to change the mindset.


    Yan Hui didn''t think much of it and nodded in agreement.


    Huan Xiao Yan was a little hesitant after seeing Yan Hui''s easy agreement: "The history teacher is very strict. He doesn''t care who you are and treats everyone equally. Master, if you really don''t want to learn, I''ll get Zhu Li to talk to the king. You''re a special case, so we can see if you can just get the document directly."


    Yan Hui waved her hand: "It''s just studying and learning a bit. There''s no need to use backdoor methods right from the start. It''ll be fine. I''ll study. You don''t need to help."


    Huan Xiao Yan glanced over at Tian Yao who was reading a book. Tian Yao sensed her looking at him and said without even looking up: "If she wants to study, then let her study. When she doesn''t want to study anymore, she''ll naturally return."


    Yan Hui fixed her eyes on him: "You''re underestimating me. Just you wait. After three months of studying, I''ll slap you in the face with the document."


    Tian Yao raised an eyebrow and put his book down. He looked at Yan Hui: "And if you don''t get it?"


    "Then you can do what you want."


    "Alright." Tian Yao agreed and picked up the book to continue reading.


    "Uh........." Huan Xiao Yan solemnly looked at Yan Hui and added: "There is a test after 3 months. If you don''t pass, then you''ll have to continue studying......."


    "No problem," said Yan Hui. "It''s just a test. You''re acting like no one has taken a test before. In any case, I was considered a child prodigy in this lifetime. There''s no way some demon history will be hard for me."


    Huan Xiao Yan''s mouth snapped shut and didn''t speak further. Only Tian Yao mildly added in while reading his book: "Yan Hui, actually you don''t understand much about demons."


    Yan Hui didn''t respond. Didn''t she already come in contact with a lot of demons already? She was already so close to that millennium dragon demon.


    Yan Hui laughed: "In my last lifetime at Chen Xing Mountain, I never failed a test. Wait and see you guys."


    Thus, Yan Hui signed up and started to attend class the very next day. The teacher was an expressionless female. Yan Hui''s current skill level didn''t let her see the teacher''s true appearance. However, a few of her xian classmates told her that the teacher was actually a writing brush spirit, one that was even icier than an snow demon..........


    "Take this book back and copy it 10 times."


    That was the first thing the teacher said on the first day. Yan Hui was caught off guard and couldn''t utter a word of objection when her classmates grabbed the books and started to head back. It looked like they were used to it.


    "Wait, wait." Yan Hui hailed one of the students. "Thats......that''s it?"


    "Yep." The classmate nodded. "It''s always been like that. Every day we come for role call, get our grades from the last class, and that''s it."


    "The teacher doesn''t lecture?"


    "That was it." The classmate waved the book and brush. "Go back and copy 10 times."


    Yan Hui: "..........."


    A mistake! From the first day after returning from class, Yan Hui thought she made a complete mistake!


    The demons didn''t know how to teach a class. They were used to hunting and fighting. Teaching relied on practicality, and no few demons steadied taught classes. Even if there were demons like they, they would go teach Zhu Li and his family. They wouldn''t be doing things like teaching common demon history to xian cultivators..........


    Yan Hui realized her mistake after taking out the brush distributed in class. It was said this book was written by the teacher on her spare time.......... Magic couldn''t be used. You had to copy it by hand 10 times in order for it to count! And the worst part of being tricked into this was learning by rote memorization and being assessed on this!


    That night, Yan Hui could only light a lamp and furiously copy while gritting her teeth and cursing in her heart. Tian Yao reclined on the bed and calmly watched her: "Want me to help?"


    "No."


    Yan Hui was resolute. There was no room for discussion at all. Thus, Tian Yao say another word.


    Yan Hui continued to copy the book, and she spent entire night copying it 10 times. Yan Hui couldn''t remember the last time she wrote so much. She finally finished by the time the sky started to lighten. She walked towards the bed, rubbing her sore wrist and neck, and looked down to see Tian Yao''s eyes were still open and watching her.


    Yan Hui was surprised: "You didn''t sleep?"


    Tian Yao didn''t say anything and lightly tugged Yan Hui onto the bed. Then he wrapped her in his arms: "I can only sleep like this."


    His arms were as warm as always. The moment Yan Hui fell into them, sleepiness immediately rushed over her. She drowsily mumbled: "Don''t wait up for me. You can sleep first."


    Tian Yao tightened his hug a little: "That''s too simply said."


    Yan Hui was gone for 15 years. Even though his body was completely intact, the hole in his heart couldn''t heal. She even gave back his neidan and heart protection scale, but actually what really gave him his strength and protected his scale was taken away by her.


    Tian Yao was only complete when he was holding her.


    Even though Yan Hui was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open, she still lightly patted Tian Yao''s back: "From now on, I''ll always be here."


    Tian Yao couldn''t lose her again, and Yan Hui felt the same way about him.


    Yan Hui had to wake up at around 5 am. Even though the writing brush spirit wasn''t teaching today, she liked to check the attendance and make circles around each student''s name. One circle indicated the student wasn''t late. A student have to have 10 circles in order to qualify for taking the test which was in three months.


    The writing brush teacher also liked to collect homework. For the 10 copies of the book assignment, she liked to examine the student''s handwriting. When she saw good calligraphy, her eyes would gleam with pleasure, and she would give full marks. When she saw bad calligraphy, she would only give it a token glance and give a failing grade.


    The teacher knew everyone''s handwriting very clearly, so the students couldn''t find someone to help them copy the book. All of the students came to class with tired eyes.


    Yan Hui wasn''t very confident in her handwriting. Fortunetly, the writing brush spirit wasn''t very harsh and gave Yan Hui a C grade. It could grudgingly considered an average grade. Yan Hui just released a pent-up breath when the teacher coldly flung a book in their direction: "Those who got full marks have to copy this five times. Everyone else has to copy ten times."


    It had been a long time since Yan Hui felt bleakness. At that moment, Yan Hui felt that feeling return.


    "When will this day end........."


    Yan Hui spend the next ten days copying books and sighing. Huan Xiao Yan watched from the side and said: "I''ll get Zhu Li to help you."


    Yan Hui''s eyes brightened: "He can still help me?"


    Huan Xiao Yan hadn''t responded when Tian Yao cut in: "It doesn''t matter if you want or don''t want the official document. I can take you anymore."


    Yan Hui was moved by his words: "Tian Yao......."


    "Don''t want to study anymore?" Tian Yao put down his book. "That''s alright. Then let me hug you for a few hours." He reached out a hand towards Yan Hui, "Come."


    Yan Hui: "........"


    "Didn''t you say if you didn''t get the document, I can do whatever I want?"


    Yan Hui gritted her teeth and hardened her heart. She picked up the brush against and continued to copy: "I''ll copy them!"


    Tian Yao let out a regretful sigh.


    Thus two months passed by like this. Yan Hui copied books every day and eventually got used to it. Copying 10 times was nothing now, and she even got B''s. The days towards the third month counted down. As usual, Yan Hui got up at 5 am to go to class. This time, the teacher flung out a book that was thicker than normal and coldly said: "Today is test day for completing this course. Copy this book 15 times and turn it in tomorrow. Those who don''t finish fail the course."


    What.........


    Today was the test?!


    There was no advance notice! And the test was to copy books! This was never heard of! What kind of group had tests like these?! Were the demons'' teaching mothods really that random?! The teacher was just doing this because she felt happy about people using her writing brushes right?!


    Yan Hui couldn''t stop those kinds of thoughts from popping in her head. While she was trying to push those thoughts down, she automatically picked up the book and return back home in a puff of smoke.


    Tian Yao was mediating in the room and saw her return with the smoke teleportation. Before he could say a word, Yan Hui charged into the study and furiously started to copy the book.


    What a joke! She worked so hard up to now! She wasn''t going to fail at the final task! This was no longer as simple as betting with Tian Yao!  She was also betting her pride!


    Yan Hui devoted her entire mind to copying the book. From afternoon to night, she continued to copy. Now it was deep into the night, and there were two more copies to go. However now her head started to get muddled. Yan Hui didn''t even know what part she was copying anymore. Even more, she didn''t know what the state of her handwriting was at this point. With each blink, it was getting harder to open her eyes back up. Finally, Yan Hui closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.


    When she suddenly woke up from her sleep on the desk, she got a shock. There was no time to count how many copies there were. Yan Hui just hurriedly scooped them into her arms and raced to class.


    She was uneasy the entire way. She only knew that the three months of effort were all wasted. Even though that was the case, she still wanted to hand the copies in. Then........Tian Yao could do whatever he wanted. Being unable to obtain the document was fate........


    Yan Hui never thought that when she handed the copies over, the teacher counted them and actually opened them to carefully review. More to Yan Hui''s surprised, the teacher nodded her head when she reached the last few pages and gave full marks.


    Yan Hui was a little confused. The writing brush spirit''s cold eyes finally regarded Yan Hui with a bit of praise: "You''ve done well, always improving. You wrote well. There''s strength in your style."


    So the teacher really was only looking at handwriting.........


    Wait, this wasn''t the time to focus on that part. Yan Hui shook her head: "I have 15 copies?"


    "Yes." The writing brush demon gave a curt nod and resumed her normal chilliness. "Tomorrow you''ll get the document. Next."


    Yan Hui couldn''t grasp what just happened, but she wasn''t so stupid as to keep questioning. She just clutched the book and return back home. Speaking of home, Tian Yao just so happened to be taking a small nap in the rocking chair in the courtyard. Yan Hui watched him for a while. Her gaze traveled down to his sleeve. There were some black ink stains on the fabric.


    Yan Hui suddenly understood what had happened. When she looked at the last few pages of the copies, the handwriting was very similar to hers. However, they had some cold vigor which her handwriting lacked. Yan Hui looked at Tian Yao some more and then sat where she stood, right in front of him.


    Yan Hui wasn''t sitting for very long before Tian Yao opened his eyes. The moment he saw Yan Hui, he reached his hand out towards her.


    Yan Hui was accustomed to his almost subconscious gesture. She sat on Tian Yao''s leg and let him circle his arms around her. The pair sat in the chair and leisurely rocked back and forth.


    "Tian Yao, did you help me copy the book?"


    "Yes."


    "Why? Shouldn''t you wait for me to not get the documentation, and then you can do whatever you want?"


    Tian Yao''s forehead lightly pressed by Yan Hui''s ear. His voice still had the rasp of sleep, but it was still very stirring: "All I wish for the rest of my life is to make you happy." He hugged Yan Hui a little tighter. "I''ll take you to wherever you want to go. I''ll help you get whatever you want. Chase after your dreams to your heart''s content. I''ll be the path you run on. When you''re tired and want to rest, I''ll be the harbor you can rest in."


    It was clearly just words, but Yan Hui mysteriously felt herself softening.


    "Then what did you originally want to do?"


    Tian Yao paused when he heard those words. Then he pulled Yan Hui''s face back towards him and lightly kissed her lips. They were warm, soft, and quenching. "Do you want little dragons?"


    Yan Hui''s cheeks instantly grew hot: "Little dragon people........"


    Tian Yao smiled: "Yes, you can also call them that."


    "Right now?"


    "If you want to........"


    Yan Hui was still lost in thought when she suddenly felt herself being lifted up into the air. She was startled: "It''s still morning!"


    "I didn''t sleep last night, and you didn''t sleep well. Think of it as catching up on sleep."


    Yan Hui could only helplessly laugh: "We don''t have to catch up!"


    Then her voice disappeared within the room. All that was left in the courtyard was the rocking chair still rocking back and forth in the sunlight. It was like a beautiful, idyllic painting.

 CH extra 2

    When dawn broke, Tian Yao entered from outside the courtyard, his hair a little messy. Yan Hui was guarding the courtyard door waiting for him, and upon seeing him return, she felt some slight resentment: ¡°Where did you go last night without saying a word?¡±


    Tian Yao took a large step forward. He embraced Yan Hui with not much of his strength, but he was still able to hug her firmly. Although Tian Yao hugging her from time to time had already become normal, Yan Hui was still faintly aware that Tian Yao¡¯s embrace today was a bit different from the past. She asked: ¡°Why are you acting like this?¡±


    With a hand, Tian Yao encircled her waist, and with the other, he gently patted the back of her head: ¡°For the upcoming few months, you need to take care of your body, and not spend your effort cultivating.¡±


    Hearing these words, Yan Hui was even more stupefied: ¡°Why?¡± From his embrace, she raised her head to look at him, ¡°For the upcoming few months, are there any big matters in the world that will happen?¡±


    Tian Yao glanced at her seriously, solemnly saying: ¡°There are.¡±


    Having not seen this serious expression of Tian Yao¡¯s for a long time, Yan Hui¡¯s palms tightened at once, unable to help her expression from sobering: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°A little longren will be born.¡±


    (TN: ÁúÈË ¨C lit. dragon person, mix of dragon and human)


    Yan Hui¡¯s serious expression did not immediately retract. She continued to look at Tian Yao with the attitude of wanting to hear some earth-shattering news, looking at Tian Yao for a long time¡­ and only then did her expression slowly reveal dumbfoundedness, her brain finally reacting to those words.


    Yan Hui was dazed, lowering her head to look at her own abdomen, then used a hand to cover up her lower abdomen in disbelief: ¡°A little longren¡­ is inside?¡±


    ¡°Mn.¡±


    Yan Hui just stood like this in that spot, blinking dazedly and lost in thought. She never thought that this day would come so suddenly, or that Tian Yao would¡­ personally tell her himself¡­


    ¡°When did you know?¡±


    ¡°Started to guess half a month ago.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been confirming.¡±


    ¡°When did you confirm it?¡±


    ¡°Last night.¡±


    ¡°So last night you¡­¡±


    Tian Yao nodded: ¡°I was too happy.¡± He pressed Yan Hui into his arms once more, unable to restrain the corners of his mouth from raising slightly, ¡°So I couldn¡¯t help but fly a few laps.¡±


    So happy that he went out to run wild¡­


    Yan Hui hit his back, and laughed out loud: ¡°Good for you!¡±


    ***


    The little longren in Yan Hui¡¯s stomach was not obedient.


    It didn¡¯t take long for Yan Hui to start throwing up. She was unable to be stained with the smallest amount of meat and fish; even if she smelled it she would throw up dizzily. It hadn¡¯t even been a few days, but Yan Hui actually looked much thinner.


    Tian Yao¡¯s heart hurt as he watched, but apart from adjusting Yan Hui¡¯s inner qi for her when she was throwing up dizzily, he was helpless. As time passed like this for a while, Tian Yao started to regret a little: ¡°Without the little longren, you wouldn¡¯t have to suffer anymore.¡± He said, ¡°There won¡¯t ever be another one.¡±


    Yan Hui laughed at him: ¡°I didn¡¯t even say anything, but being his father, you already started to dislike him.¡±


    Tian Yao hugged her and patted her back, not saying anything, as if agreeing tacitly.


    To him, only Yan Hui was everything. Whether or not it was a child or anything else, it could not hurt her. And now this baby wasn¡¯t even the slightest bit obedient, so he really started to dislike him as Yan Hui said.


    After finally getting through the time of morning sickness, Yan Hui began to feel restless. She always had nightmares, in which the scenes of Zi Chen and Ling Xiao¡¯s deaths occasionally appeared, and she would also dream of her own chest bleeding without end, and her heart that had been gouged out.


    Gradually, she started not to be able to fall asleep. When she closed her eyes, her subconscious would have those terrifying images. She didn¡¯t dare to tell Tian Yao, afraid that these shadows of the past that she saw in her dreams would cause Tian Yao to worry.


    But with the person beside him unable to sleep, how could Tian Yao not know? But Yan Hui didn¡¯t say anything, so he did not ask.


    On a night where Yan Hui tossed and turned and found it extremely difficult to sleep, Tian Yao called her awake, saying: ¡°Yan Hui, let¡¯s go look at the stars.¡±


    He brought Yan Hui to the top of one of Qingqiu¡¯s mountain peaks. There, it was unobscured, and the night was windless and moonless, with only the stars twinkling quietly as far as the eye could see.


    Tian Yao quietly embraced her in his arms and didn¡¯t speak much, allowing Qingqiu¡¯s night breeze to blow past the two of them.


    Within the night sky and the night breeze, Yan Hui slowly became weary. She started to blink her eyes along with the stars in the sky, and then slowly closed them.


    On the brink of being awake and falling asleep, she seemed to feel the warm chest behind her vibrating slightly. He spoke to her softly: ¡°Yan Hui, I will always be here.¡±


    Yan Hui then peacefully fell into a deep sleep.


    From then on, Yan Hui never had nightmares anymore, except she developed a ¡°bad¡± habit¡ª she had to have Tian Yao holding her from behind to fall asleep peacefully.


    Occasionally, when getting up in the morning, she even saw Tian Yao kneading his own arms, almost numb to the point of being unable to move. Originally when seeing this she felt a bit apologetic, but because the little longren in her stomach ought to be half of Tian Yao¡¯s responsibility, she felt at ease. Feigning generosity, she patted Tian Yao¡¯s arms: ¡°You¡¯ve been troubled. Wait for him to come out, and we can punish this little guy together.¡±


    Tian Yao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, so in the end, he had to nod to Yan Hui¡¯s already bulging stomach: ¡°Be more obedient.¡±


    Not long after that, the little longren really came out.


    This day went unexpectedly well. Yan Hui didn¡¯t even feel much pain.


    It was only when the little longren was wrapped up and brought in front of Yan Hui did Yan Hui take a glance at him. She blinked twice, and then glanced at Tian Yao beside her, her gaze jumping back and forth between the little longren and Tian Yao several times. At last, she opened her mouth:


    ¡°Apart from these two super cute little dragon horns, I really can¡¯t tell where this wrinkled little old man looks like I gave birth to it?¡± Yan Hui asked Tian Yao, ¡°When you were young, were you also like this?¡±


    While Tian Yao was speechless, Huan Xiaoyan on the side immediately blocked the little longren¡¯s ears with a cotton cloth: ¡°Why do you husband and wife speak like this? He will be sad hearing it!¡±


    Yan Hui pouted. She hugged the little longren and took the cotton cloth from Huan Xiaoyan¡¯s hands, gently wiping the little longren¡¯s eyes for him.


    As Yan Hui looked again, she felt that he wasn¡¯t as wrinkly as he was at first glance. Her heart settled down, and she lifted her head to look towards Tian Yao: ¡°Will he become better and better in the future?¡±


    Tian Yao nodded: ¡°He will.¡±


    The sunlight outside the window was just right, and Tian Yao¡¯s voice was also warm like the sun: ¡°Just like us.¡±


    Becoming better and better.

 Prologue

    The day Yan Hui was driven out of Chen Xing Mountain was made somewhat difficult by her.


    Actually she planned on quietly leaving without making a fuss. However in this world, it isn''t so easy for wishes to be fulfilled.


    When Yan Liang saw her silverware, quilt, and copied scriptures being rolled into a grass mat and kicked down 3000 steps, clanking and clonking, by Senior Disciple Zi Yue, Yan Hui actually wasn''t that angry.


    She only sighed in her mind. She had fought with Senior Disciple Zi Yue for many years. Why was Zi Yue''s head still not functioning correctly......Since she left those things behind, they were definitely worthless to her. Zi Yue taking her anger out on some scraps was definitely a waste of strength.


    Zi Yue stood at the monastery entrance like a baboon who had just won a battle. She looked down her nose at Yan Hui, immensely pleased with herself.


    Yan Hui yawned and waved her hand: "As long as you''re happy." She turned around and started to leave.


    Zi Yue coldly snorted: "Stop, I''m not done yet!" Saying that, she suddenly threw something down. It was a jade hairpin. It streaked past Yan Hui and fell onto the stone steps. In a split second, there was a crisp sound; it had broken into several pieces. Then they rolled away with a tinkling sound, leaving no trace behind.


    Yan Hui stared blankly. Her footsteps froze. She bent over and picked up the closest piece of the broken jade hairpin that had bounced near her.


    How could she forget this......

 CH 1

    After leaving the mountain for awhile, there were two things that troubled Yan Hui the most. First, from now on she could never eat the food Fatty Zhang made daily. Second was poverty.


    From when Yan Hui was little, she knew the pain of poverty. After being accepted by Ling Xiao as his disciple, every month Chen Xing Mountain gave her two silvers. They were like a regular balm for her mind. It got rid of her pain from poverty


    But when Yan Hui was expelled, everything she kept in Chen Xing Mountain''s storeroom was confiscated. When she was kicked out, the Shifus didn''t even let her keep her jian. Thus the Yan Hui that went down the mountain only possessed herself. She didn''t even have the money to buy a steamed bun.


    But now the situation has turned for the better. At the bottom of the mountain under the direction of a person, Yan Hui found a way to make money------ Jianghu''s Valorous Hunts [1].


    When Yan Hui looked at the hunt list, she luckily just happened to see a rich man''s post at the very top of the tasks: Search for and return the family heirloom stolen by a snake demon 100 years ago. Rewarding 88 taels......of gold [2]!


    88 taels of gold!


    It was enough hire several Fatty Zhangs to be a personal cook for six days and eat well! Yan Hui''s eyes were green with greed. She didn''t even think before ripping off the hunt.


    What was a 100-year-old snake demon? Back when she first met her former Shifu, she helped him kill an over 1000-year-old rattan spirit!


    Yan Hui borrowed money from a friend and bought a peach wood jian. She rushed to Tong Luo Mountain to kill the snake demon and take its gallbladder. She originally thought this was an extremely easy task, but!


    The expected demonic aura rocketed into a ruthless, giant snake demon! It actually came out! To scare her!


    She had been walking around this mountain for five, six, seven, eight days now. She didn''t even see a clever monkey. It was clear this mountain''s spirituality was nonexistent. Yan Hui thought if this snake demon had a smidge of sense, it wouldn''t stay here to cultivate.


    Yan Hui looked almost to the point of despair. With a look, she saw it was noon again. Her stomach was hungry again. She sat on a tree root and sighed in frustration. Right now the person she missed the most was the unsurpassable Fatty Zhang.


    When Yan Hui sighed, she felt the "tree root" under her butt move. She was astonished. She looked down and then discovered it wasn''t a tree root at all. Clearly it was a scale-covered snake skin!


    The demonic aura behind her filled the air. Yan Hui looked behind and saw the snake''s body was as thick as a water barrel. It was staring at her with a pair of raw-red eyes, watching her spit out apricots.


    Yan Hui immediately leapt up. She just grasped her peach wood jian when the snake demon''s tail wound around her body. It gaped open its mouth to bite her. Yan Hui didn''t avoid or dodge it. She cast a spell on the jian and stabbed it into the snake demon''s mouth.


    But the snake demon''s mouth was huge. Unexpectedly it swallowed the jian whole!


    If Yan Hui didn''t rapidly pull back her arm, then she wouldn''t have an arm left.


    Yan Hui was indignant: "You''re very impolite. That jian was bought with borrowed money!"


    The snake demon didn''t heed Yan Hui''s nonsense. It only wrapped around Yan Hui until its entire body was exerting strength. It intended to squeeze Yan Hui to death.


    Yan Hui was greatly suffering the loss of her peach wood jian and didn''t avoid it. She pulled together her body''s spirituality and met the snake demon force by force. Yan Hui deeply exhaled and her entire body burst with spiritual strength. It forcefully shook the snake demon apart.


    The snake demon suffered heavy injuries. It randomly turned around a few times on the ground to find a direction to flee. Yan Hui vaulted ahead and threw herself on its back. She deathly gripped the seven inches [3] between her legs and held onto its head. She gathered spiritual energy in her hand and ruthlessly thrashed it twice on its head: "Spit my jian out!"

 CH 2

    Because of her heartbeats, Yan Hui was dumbfounded for a long time.


    But what was puzzling was that Yan Hui had already snapped out of her long spell of absent-mindedness, yet the youth was still blankly staring at her.


    Yan Hui thought about it and was immediately filled with astonishment. Could it be......this boy was also touched by her?


    But if she remembered correctly, earlier she was soaked, and then she rolled around in a hay pile. Who knew how sorry of a figure she was cutting. Would the young man really be moved by her?


    Yan Hui secretly thought it was because her face was too entrancing.


    However Yan Hui gradually realized something was wrong with the boy''s eyes......


    The light in his eyes was too intense. He stared at her like a hawk staring at a rabbit, like a hungry wolf staring at an easy prey, like a prisoner on death row staring at the key unlocking his cell.


    "Hey." Yan Hui called out to him. It seemed like she woke him up from a dream. The young man blinked a few times, scattering the intense light. His eyes turned away, no longer meeting Yan Hui''s gaze.


    Yan Hui actually never looked away from him: "Are you that Old Lady Xiao''s grandson?"


    This young man looked at most 15 years old. He was slim. His complexion, whether it was because of sickness or malnourishment, was pale. His lips even had a blue tinge. He looked down and focused single-mindedly on the things in his hands. His calm look was completely different from before.


    The youth ignored her. Minding his own business, he walked in holding some bowls in his hands. He knelt down in front of Yan Hui and placed three bowls one by one on the floor.


    Yan Hui was confused. Wasn''t Old Lady Xiao''s grandson an idiot? But just earlier the light in the guy''s eyes looked......


    Why were there so many twists?


    "Hey......" Yan Hui''s voice just got out when the young man finished putting down the bowls and got up to leave.


    Yan Hui blanked for an instant. Her gaze swept over the rice porridge, pickled vegetables, and mantou. She immediately panicked, forgetting everything else. She hurriedly yelled at the youth''s back: "Wait, wait! That''s it? I''m still tied up! You want me to put my face in it?"


    Leaving after throwing the food there, did he think she was a pig?!


    The youth''s footsteps paused. He thought for a minute and then walked back. He knelt down in front of Yan Hui. Then he grabbed the bowl of rice porridge and placed it by Yan Hui''s mouth. Yan Hui was starved; when the youth tipping the bowl, she gulped it clean. Then she rudely ordered: "Stuff the mantou with the pickled vegetables."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Putting the empty bowls in the kitchen, the young man looked out the window at the bright moon in the sky. His expression was still a bit dull. His eyes seemed impenetrable to moonlight; they were like a hidden bottomless abyss where demons and beasts lived in purgatory.


    He looked down at his thumb which was injured by Yan Hui''s bite. Suddenly, he coldly laughed: "Leave? But you are my......"


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    After the youth left, Yan Hui pondered upon this very enigmatic person, but right now she really didn''t understand his circumstances. She really couldn''t come up with anything. While mulling over it with no answers, she started to drift off. However, she didn''t sleep well.


    Right next to the woodshed in the hen house, the chickens started to crow at one o''clock in the morning, cock-o-doodle-dooing and clucking. It was so noisy Yan Hui was getting agitated and couldn''t sleep.


    It wasn''t that Chen Xing Mountain didn''t have chickens, but rather they could be counted as part celestial chickens. They were aware of their status and would only seldom cry out, not like these lousy chickens......


    Yan Hui burrowed her head into the hay pile and covered it up, but the hay couldn''t block out sound. She started to secretly hate the chickens. When the opportunity came, she would definitely stew that nest of chickens into soup!


    After the sky lightened, the chickens didn''t call out as much anymore. She went back to sleep but was once again woken up. This time by a withered, coarse hand touching her......


    Yan Hui opened her eyes and saw a face full of wrinkles with muddy eyes. Its body was covered in an overwhelming scent of ash that almost choked Yan Hui. She shivered and retreated back: "Go away. I don''t want to see you I don''t want to see you."

 CH 3

    Yan Hui stayed in the woodshed for one more day. When evening came, the run-down courtyard suddenly became lively. Actually when really looking at it, it wasn''t very lively at all. Yan Hui listened to the voices. She could tell there were about 20 people there. If she still had the abilities she cultivated, she would''ve easily dealt with them and run, but......


    Yan Hui focused inwardly. Still as before, her internal breath was completely gone. The snake venom was actually somewhat strong.


    Thinking of this, Yan Hui once again switched her train of thought to that "idiot", A''Fu.


    All of the villagers thought he was an idiot and assumed he was one since childhood, but no matter how Yan Hui looked at it, she couldn''t see him as an idiot. He even had a bit of a sinister and calculating look.


    As for what could suddenly make an idiot smart, Yan Hui thought about it. That would probably only happen if a demon possessed a body, yet Tong Luo Mountain''s spirituality was nonexistent. As for demons that could cultivate here...she was afraid there was only one, the snake demon she stabbed yesterday.


    While she was thinking about how to deal with the snake demon without any cultivated skills, the woodshed''s door creaked open. It was the human trafficker from yesterday, Mrs. Zhou, who entered the room. A fake smile was plastered on her face: "Congratulations!"


    Yan Hui looked at her askance. Mrs. Zhou supported Yan Hui up and with a practiced motion tied another loop around Yan Hui''s wrist. Then like she was walking a dog, Mrs. Zhou held a long length of rope in her hand. She immediately cut the bonds tying Yan Hui''s legs together.


    "Come with me. I will take you to the wedding ceremony."


    She tugged on the rope to pull Yan Hui out. Yan Hui stood in the doorway, not moving.


    Mrs. Zhou''s smile slightly hardened: "Little miss, don''t think about playing any tricks. I''ve been in this business for a few years. Once you entered the village, there was no way out. Know your place and obediently come out to do the ceremony. Otherwise, I won''t be as nice as Old Lady Xiao! Whatever thoughts you''re having, I know them clearly."


    "You know what I''m thinking?" Yan Hui shot her a side glance. "If you know, then why aren''t you getting me a cloth to cover my head?"


    Mrs. Zhou stared blankly. Her hard smile didn''t go away. Astonishment filled her face. It was a comical sight. "What cloth?"


    "Red cloth! A veil! Being led out like this, it''s too embarrassing!"


    Mrs. Zhou clearly didn''t think that under these circumstances Yan Hui would care about this matter. She stared blankly for a long time then impatiently jerked on the rope. It made Yan Hui stumble. "Listen closely. Today is just to introduce you people. Later on, the entire village will help A''Fu watch you. We''ll see how far you can run then. Move it!"


    Damn it! This mountain was filled with bandits!


    Yan Liang felt extremely angry. In a moment of impulsiveness, she lifted a leg and precisely kicked Mrs. Zhou in the butt. Yan Hui ruthlessly kicked her out of the woodshed and onto all fours.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    After all the fussing was done, Old Lady Xiao sent everyone home after they were done eating.


    Yan Hui was in the bridal chamber. Actually it was just A''Fu''s room. It was simply a little cleaner than the woodshed with an additional room for a bed. She was sitting on the bed when her sharp ears picked up what Old Lady Xiao was explaining to A''Fu:


    "This little girl has a fierce temper. You must first kiss her, pacify her. Then touch her and take off her clothes. Be gentle. Don''t hurt her. But if she starts to resist a lot, don''t let her hurt you. If it gets too hard, call for Grandma. Grandma will talk to her for you. After tonight, everything will be fine."

 CH 4

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    After being exhausted the entire day, Yan Hui had hoped to sleep well. Contrary to her expectations, she was woken up when the sky was still dark by the rooster crowing outside. She shut her eyes and tried hard to block out the noise. It had to crow itself tired at some point, she thought. However, it was the same as last night. Once the chickens started crowing, there was no stopping for the rest of the night.


    In the early morning, Yan Hui got up from bed with dark circles. Once again she firmly swore that before she left, she would turn that rooster into soup.


    When Yan Hui got up, A''Fu, who was sitting in the corner, also stood up. He straightened out his clothes before walking over and standing in front of the bed. He bit his finger and rubbed the blood onto the bedding.


    Yan Hui raised an eyebrow after seeing his actions: "You''re still thinking about tricking the old granny. You treat her well. You''re still acting like you''re her grandson."


    A''Fu ignored her teasing: "It''s done. Let''s leave to get food. Stop wasting your breath."


    Yan Hui curled her lip: "When are you taking me to the treasure?"


    "I''ll take you when I go work in the field."


    Yan Hui nodded. Her heart suddenly had a funny feeling though she couldn''t say why. There wasn''t time to ponder on it before the grandma walked in. She beamed and rubbed Yan Hui''s face: "The little girl isn''t fussing anymore?"


    Since she was going to leave after getting the secret treasure anyways, Yan Hui didn''t feel like correcting the granny. She nodded and made a sound in agreement. Yan Hui walked out and looked back while closing the door. She caught a glimpse of the grandma leaning on the bed, one hand feeling the bedding and bringing her nose closer to smell it.


    Yan Hui felt nauseated and embarrassed by the sight. She promptly closed the door and left.


    She suddenly felt a little happy that it was her who was captured and not another girl. At least she had the skills to get away. If it was another person, she was afraid they would waste their entire life away here.


    After eating, A''Fu carried a hoe on his shoulder to do work. As promised, he also brought Yan Hui.


    The grandma was clearly much reassured after confirming Yan Hui and A''Fu had done the deed. She didn''t fuss too much before letting the two go off. Perhaps in Grandma Xiao''s eyes, the hymen decided a girl''s fate. Whoever it was given to then was also given the girl''s fate.


    For a moment, Yan Hui couldn''t tell if it was bad or good that the snake demon entered A''Fu''s body.


    When night came, Yan Hui was meditating in her room. She was trying to think of every method to bring back her inner breath, yet after striving for so long, it was still as empty as ever within herself . When she opened her eyes, it was already deep into the night. She was disappointed. The loss of her magic really made her lose her sense of security.


    She stifled the defeated feeling in her heart. She was just about to lay down when she realized A''Fu''s presence was missing from the room.


    Could it be this snake demon snuck out in the middle of the night to suck energy from people......?


    There was a sudden splashing sound. Curious, Yan Hui walked over to the window and pushed it open. Under the bright moonlight, she saw the youth in the courtyard. He was naked and taking a bath with the well water. The nights were still cold, and the well water was like ice. Yet he was completely unaffected. The bucket of icy well water poured over his head, but there wasn''t a single shiver.


    After being with him these past two days, Yan Hui felt, more and more, like this person was like stone. It didn''t seem like any external pain or discomfort affected him at all. However he wasn''t a stone, so it could only be that he was silently enduring it all.

 CH 5

    Night, a mountain peak, vegetation all around. An enormously large moon was suspended overhead, lighting up the snow. The space between heaven and earth was like a cage with a spell to make her lie asleep on the ground.


    Yan Hui laid on the ground. She felt bone-chilling cold, like it could pierce into her heart.


    She watched the snowflakes fall down onto her face. When they touched her skin, they quickly melted into drops of water and one by one rolled off her face.


    "Why......"


    She heard herself asking, but the strange thing was, she didn''t know what she was asking about. She turned her head and saw a hazy figure. Behind that hazy figure was the enormous moon, illuminating from behind. She couldn''t see the person''s face, but she could clearly tell the person was holding a jian.


    Yan Hui''s pupils contracted.


    The jian swung down!


    Yan Hui only knew she felt her heart clench. A sharp pain caused her entire body to tremble. Then......


    "Cock-a-doodle-doo!"


    She woke up.


    It was pitch black before her eyes. The room had the scent of firewood, a year-round smell for rural villages. Her heart was still beating frantically. Sweat soaked the hair around her temples.


    She absent-mindedly covered the area over her heart. It seemed like there was a sharp needle still making her feel pain.


    This nightmare was too real. So real, that it seemed like just yesterday she experienced that horrific scene. Snow-covered mountain. An enormous moon. And an indistinct figure. Yan Hui furrowed her brows. This figure, now she recalled, why did it feel so familiar? But after thinking about it, she couldn''t match the figure with anyone she knew.


    After thinking for a long time, Yan Hui suddenly collected her thoughts. What was she doing, treating a dream so seriously?

 CH 6

    Waiting for her inner breath to recover, Yan Hui was bored every day.


    As for why she was bored during the day.......


    Because every night Yan Hui would have a weird nightmare. She could see an enormous moon and a snow-covered mountain. The heavens and earth were tightly bound by a spell. There was also an indistinct yet strangely familiar figure.


    Every night, she would have this dream. Sometimes, even when she''d thought that she had clearly seen the face of the person in the dream, when she woke it was like a gust of wind blew it away. Everything was gone. All that was left was a fuzzy outline that she couldn''t wrap her mind around.


    Could it be that something in the village was tainted? It found her and brought dreams?


    Even so, why was she the one laying on the ground being killed?


    She couldn''t figure it out.


    Ever since arriving at this village, Yan Hui discovered that there were a lot of matters she couldn''t figure out.


    Everyday she tried hard to investigate the crippled man, but every time she tried to leave A''Fu''s side, she would always be stopped by him without a word or move.


    Yan Hui knew he wasn''t a snake demon but something else. It was inevitable she would be a little more wary; she didn''t want to let out that she had discovered something. She had also been beaten at her own game, so now she was waiting to see what he wanted.


    "Let''s go."


    She glanced at A''Fu who was standing in the courtyard with a hoe hoisted on his shoulder. She yawned, picked up the mantou and water, and started walking toward him.


    After a few days, A''Fu really seemed like a young peasant man who got married. Everyday, he went to the field to work. The only difference between him and others was that he brought her along.


    "Grandmother, I''m leaving." A''Fu turned his head and called out to Old Lady Xiao. She weakly nodded her head.


    Yan Hui also turned to look at Old Lady Xiao. In Yan Hui''s eyes, she saw that the old lady''s breath was slowly turning gray. Yan Hui couldn''t be more familiar with that color. Every time something impure floated by, Yan Hui would see their entire body emit this color.


    Old Lady Xiao''s body aura was still very light. However, not long afterwards, the aura will slowly darken. Finally, it''ll become the same black color as a ghost becoming a shadow. At that time, her life will end.


    Yan Hui turned back around and stared at A''Fu''s back. After being with him for a couple days, Yan Hui knew that A''Fu really cared for Old Lady Xiao. Yan Hui had no idea what matter had whetted his temper to be so silent and forbearing - but by thinking about it, she could have an inkling. In any case, it couldn''t be a happy matter. And now A''Fu, who had endured a misfortune, would once again have to experience the pain of loss in his lifetime......


    He was a mysterious guy and maybe had some ulterior motive toward her, but his life hadn''t been easy. Yan Hui walked while thinking. She pondered on it and then deeply sighed.


    A''Fu turned his head to look at her. Yan Hui lifted her head and met his gaze. Then she solemnly said: "Today''s five mantou, you eat three. I''ll eat two."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    After eating dinner, Yan Hui felt like the room was stuffy, so she climbed onto the roof to look at the stars. However it was a full moon. The moon was so bright it dimmed the many stars. Looking at the bright moon on the horizon, Yan Hui remembered the unusually large moon in her dream. For a moment, Yan Hui felt like she was in an illusion. She felt like there was something pressing against her stomach, suffocating her until she couldn''t breathe.


    She sat up and rubbed her stomach. She was just thinking about returning to the room to sleep when she unexpectedly saw A''Fu walk out of the room backwards.


    Yes, he was actually walking backwards, like something demented......


    What''s wrong with this demon......


    Yan Hui''s line of sight followed him. She saw him staggeringly leap into the woodshed and then exit with a bundle of firewood. Then he staggered out of the small courtyard. Although the entire chain of events seemed hard to do, A''Fu seemed at ease doing them. It was like he had done this before.


    Yan Hui was curious. She jumped off the roof and followed A''Fu.


    The moon was shining bright. It shone on A''Fu''s solitary yet capable figure as he walked toward the lake. He walked until he reached a slightly spacious place with no vegetation. Then he put down the firewood. He pulled out some paper to feed the fire and concentrated on starting a fire.


    In the split second the fire flared to life, Yan Hui saw A''Fu''s face was covered in sweat and extremely pale.


    What was he doing......why did it look like something heretical.......


    Yan Hui was really curious. It was unknown if A''Fu had heart palpitations or what, but he suddenly collapsed forward. The thin firewood that had just been lit went out.


    It seemed like he didn''t have the strength to get up. He curled up on the ground, jaw tightly clenched. It was exactly like he was suffering some inhuman pain.


    What kind of pain would make a person who normally didn''t react to pain suffer like this......


    Yan Hui couldn''t keep looking.


    She walked up. "Hey." She crouched down and looked at A''Fu''s face. Then she took the paper tinder in his hand. She originally planned to light the firewood for him, but she didn''t think that when she touched his hand,  A''Fu would suddenly seize her hand.


    "Wha......"


    Then Yan Hui only felt that her back hurt. She unexpectedly had been pushed down. Then her lips felt heat. This demon in the skin of a pretty boy took control of her mouth and bit her.......


    The author has something to say: That''s right. Bit her ¨r(¨s¨Œ¨t)¨q

 CH 7

    Yan Hui looked practically terrified as she stared at the person on top of her. She almost went cross-eyed.


    After a long time, her extreme shock faded, and she returned to her senses. She tightly clenched her teeth and started to struggle. However, she never thought that A''Fu would be so strong. He tightly held Yan Hui in his arms, firmly trapping her. The strength of this thin and weak youth was like he was grasping at the last straw between life and death. It made her resistance completely futile.


    But in the middle of her hard struggles, A''Fu''s teeth bit down. Yan Hui felt a sharp pain and then between her lips filled with the odor of blood.


    "Hurts!" Yan Hui garbled out a shout from her throat.


    However, after catching a whiff of the bloody odor, it was like A''Fu had been provoked. He released his teeth and forcefully sucked on the wound at the edge of Yan Hui''s lip. It was this action that made A''Fu''s bite completely turn into a kiss.


    Although he was only taking blood, it was enough for Yan Hui to go into a seething rage. She could overlook being bitten like some chew toy, but what kind of situation was this?!


    Even if there was advantage to be taken, it should be her taking advantage!


    This brat......


    Yan Hui bent her knees and used all of her strength to push up against A''Fu''s stomach and waist, shoving him away so that he sat up. Then she punched him in the face. It seemed like he was stunned for a moment. His head tilted to the side.


    Yan Hui took advantage of this opportunity and hurriedly flipped him over and climbed off.


    Before Yan Hui could regain her footing and run off, she felt a tightening around her waist. It was A''Fu holding onto her belt.


    Yan Hui froze in her steps and turned her head back to look.


    A''Fu knelt on the ground. One hand covered his heart, one hand tightly grasped her belt. His grip was so tight, his knuckles turned white. His entire body trembled. He was still under enormous pain, but his head seemed clearer than before.


    "Don''t go......"


    Yan Hui stared fixedly at him with shadowed eyes: "You''re holding onto my belt and saying those words. Does that mean if I refuse, you''ll pull off my belt and make me return butt naked?"


    "......"


    Although she said that, in the end Yan Hui didn''t move. A''Fu shuffled forward half a step on his knees, stopped in front of Yan Hui, and then hugged her waist. Like before, he tightly confined her. It was like a beggar pleading to the gods for help, not willing to let go of his last hope.


    He pressed his face against Yan Hui''s stomach. He pressed against her, feeling her warmth and carefully listening to her heartbeat.

 CH 8

    Yan Hui watched over Tian Yao the entire night and didn''t sleep at all. In the end, she learned that he had been plotting against her from the first day. She felt like a stupid cow, being led by the nose the entire time. She seethed with anger.


    She left the lake in the early morning with Tian Yao. After returning to the small courtyard, she climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her head, not caring about anything else.


    Grandmother Xiao was very ill and could not rise from her bed. Tian Yao stayed by her side and waited on her. He didn''t look after Yan Hui.


    Although Yan Hui was snuggled under the blanket, she tossed and turned and couldn''t sleep. Her mind kept recalling Tian Yao''s words. Ten years had passed since Liang Xiao accepted her as his disciple and brought her to Chen Xing Mountain to cultivate. In that period of time, she didn''t kill many demons, but she did encounter many and heard of countless others. There were endless varieties.


    But if you were to speak about dragon demons......


    Dragon demons twenty years ago......


    A bright light suddenly flashed in Yan Hui''s mind. Before, at the lakeside, her thoughts were too jumbled, so she didn''t remember. Now that her thoughts quieted and she could think, she suddenly remembered something she''d heard somewhere. Twenty years ago, the Master of the Guang Han Sect and her grandmaster, Zhenren Qing Guang killed a large demon together. As for the demon''s true self, some said snake, others said fox. The story was muddled with uncertainty. In the end, no one could say for sure if it actually happened or not.


    The two cultivators in the story had reached a high level, so naturally, no one dared to ask them. Thus, among the young disciples, the story morphed into a legend.


    Some said Master of the Guang Han Sect, Su Ying, had been deceived by the demon and fell deeply in love with him. When she found out everything was a lie, she ruthlessly struck and eliminated the demon for the world''s Great Dao. Some said that my sect''s grandmaster, Zhenren Qing Guang, was looking at the astrological signs and discovered that a demon entered the city. Thus, he joined hands with the master of the Guang Han Sect, and they vanquished the demon together. They also had an indescribable love-hate relationship between them two Such melodrama quickly became a scandalous topic in the city''s gossip.


    Yes, Yan Hui''s mind suddenly cleared. She remembered there was a day when a few of her fellow disciples huddled together to talk about this matter. It just so happened that Zhenren Qing Guang arrived at the disciples'' room to visit kin. A few of the girls were talking excitedly and completely didn''t realize he had arrived behind them.


    At the time, Yan Hui was sitting off to the side. She looked in surprise at the man who had already been cultivating for 100 years yet still looked youthful, Zhenren Qing Guang. Like a kid, he squeezed his head in to listen to the story.


    She heard her senior disciple say: "......but when Sect Master Su Ying saw that Grandmaster was hurt, she became angry. She waved her hand at that hateful demon. At the risk of her life, she saved Grandmaster."


    The person in the story, Grandmaster, stroked his chin: "Hey......why did the Grandmaster need saving?"


    The senior disciple didn''t look over: "Grandmaster got hurt earlier trying to save Sect Master Su Ying!"


    Yan Hui stood last in line. She saw Zhenren Qing Guang immediately say to Ling Xiao: "No, no, no. I''ve accepted so many disciples, but you are the most solemn. They are so cute. You''re being so fierce. You''ve scared them, so now they don''t dare finish. How am I supposed to hear the end of the story?"


    The year-round aloof and indifferent Ling Xiao would only put his hand on his forehead and sigh: "Shifu......"


    This was the first time Yan Hui saw their Chen Xing Mountain''s Daoist Spiritual Master up close. He was Ling Xiao''s shifu. He was the topmost cultivator in the cultivation world.


    The Yan Hui at the time felt if she was to become someone, she had to be like Zhenren Qing Guang: laid-back and calm, neither acquiescent nor overbearing, not frightened nor fearful.


    But unfortunately, before she could become such a person, she had already been driven out of the sect......


    Her thoughts drifted too far. Yan Hui hurriedly pulled her mind back.


    Yan Hui didn''t know if her Grandmaster, Zhenren Qing Guang liked the master of the Guang Han sect as the rumors said, but she knew the master of the Guang Han sect did like someone. Although this matter didn''t have the involved parties'' verification, it spread wide and far in the jianghu. The amount of people who thought it true were countless.


    It was said that the master of the Guang Han Sect used to like an ordinary person who didn''t cultivate. Later on, that ordinary person died. The master of the Guang Han Sect cultivated in seclusion from then on. It wasn''t until later on, when the Chen Xing Mountain called a cultivator meeting, that the master of the Guang Han Sect made an appearance. By her side was a youth who followed her closely.


    Some said that he was the reincarnation of Sect Master Su Ying''s lover.


    But in the heavenly cycle of reincarnation, finding the reincarnation of someone wasn''t as easy as just going to look for it. Yan Hui thought perhaps she had just found a similar looking person as a substitute.


    There, Yan Hui still wore the shattered jade piece from the broken hairpin.


    The Daoist priest''s eyes brightened: "Who is this?" He stared at Yan Hui and asked Mrs. Zhou.


    Mrs. Zhou glanced at Yan Hui. Mrs. Zhou still held a grudge against her: "Oh, the wife Old Lady Xiao bought for her grandson."


    The Daoist priest nodded: "Looking at this girl, her features are excellent. She has a good character and promotes a harmonious household. Grandmother, this wife was well-bought." Hearing his compliments, the grandmother smiles until her eyes squinted.


    Mrs. Zhou coldly snorted to the side: "Her face is good, but her temper isn''t."


    Yan Hui gently laughed and clenched her fists. She wanted Mrs. Zhou to appreciate her not-good temper again.


    "She does have a temper, but it matches rather well with the jadeite around this girl''s neck. [1]" The Daoist priest fixed his eyes on the jade around Yan Hui''s neck. "If the jade was handed over for this Daoist priest to work over, perhaps it will prolong the old lady''s life for another twenty years or so."


    When those words came out, the small courtyard instantly fell silent.


    Then everyone''s eyes fell upon the broken jade around Yan Hui''s neck.


    [1] It rather matches with the jadeite around this girl''s neck.

 CH 9

    In the courtyard, Mrs. Zhou and the Daoist priest froze in place after hearing Yan Hui''s words.


    It was quiet for a long time.


    In the end, it was the sound of Old Lady Xiao''s coughing that snapped Mrs. Zhou back to her senses. She shouted loudly: "Oh Heavens! This hussy dares to say such disrespectful things!" Saying this, she waddled forward two steps. "This old woman is going to teach you a lesson for Grandma Xiao......."


    She hadn''t finished speaking when Yan Hui coldly laughed. Yan Hui hadn''t even moved when she saw Mrs. Zhou suddenly twist her foot. Mrs. Zhou unexpectedly fell down and cried out. It seemed like she sprained her foot. She sat on the ground and hollered, unable to get up.


    Yan Hui''s brow slightly twitched. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a rock roll off to the side.


    Yan Hui originally planned to teach the human trafficker a lesson if she really did run up to take the jade......But to Yan Hui''s surprise, a rock starred in the key moment.


    Yan Hui turned her gaze toward Tian Yao. He was looking down and supporting the somewhat helpless and at a loss Old Lady Xiao. He really looked like a fool that didn''t know anything.


    The Daoist priest went to help Mrs. Zhou who was lying on the ground and yelling in pain. This time, Yan Hui kicked a rock and scored a direct hit on his knee. The Daoist priest cried out and fell in a pile with Mrs. Zhou.


    Yan Hui was contemptuous toward the two: "Heheh, since Daoist priest is so powerful that you can extend one''s life by ten years, then why don''t you chant some scripture now? Cure your bones and the shrew''s too."


    Mrs. Zhou cursed toward the sky.


    The Daoist priest actually didn''t say a word. He pulled and dragged Mrs. Zhou toward the courtyard exit. He muttered in an undertone: "Let''s go. This girl isn''t to be trifled with."


    Yan Hui watched the two stumble out. She ignored them and scoffed. Yan Hui turned her head, and she saw Tian Yao support the constantly coughing Grandma Xiao out of the courtyard and into her room. He didn''t even look at Yan Hui.


    From start to end, he didn''t have a single reaction. However, Yan Hui saw that the ground where he was standing had some pits where stones used to be.


    Yan Hui was actually shocked. She didn''t expect the demon to help her in this kind of situation.


    When night fell, the two stayed in the same room. Tian Yao sat in the corner to sleep as he had been doing. He didn''t bring up the day''s events. It was actually Yan Hui, who had been laying on the bed for a while, that couldn''t resist asking: "About what happened today, you''re actually not an unreasonable demon......even though you put a curse in the mantous."

 CH 10

    Yan Hui hadn''t finished speaking when the snake demon struck with his tail. He wrapped Yan Hui and Zhenren Qi Yun up into the air. It seemed like he was mad with anger and didn''t hear a single word.


    It seemed like the tail that Yan Hui cleaved into two had become a new weapon for the snake demon. One fork wrapped around Yan Hui, the other around Zhenren Qi Yun.


    The fork that held Yan Hui cast her away in mid-air.


    Yan Hui was frightened, but without her inner breath, she was completely incapable of protecting herself. She was like a toy that a child forcefully threw toward the ground. Stunned, she couldn''t regain her senses for a long time.


    Yan Hui unsteadily lifted her head. Only then did she see Tian Yao sure-footedly standing there. He was calmly watching the snake demon. To Yan Hui who had just been thrown down, he seemed like a statue, detached from the world.


    Yan Hui grabbed a fistful of his clothes and falteringly stood up: "You brat......" Yan Hui scolded: "You didn''t catch me."


    Only then did Tian Yao shoot Yan Hui a glance. Then he stepped aside, making Yan Hui unable to grab onto him: "Saving you is having high moral character. Not saving you is as it should be."


    Fuck you.......


    Hearing those familiar words, Yan Hui started in curse internally. The snake demon opened its mouth and started to charge at Yan Hui. It planned to directly swallow Yan Hui down into its stomach.


    Yan Hui didn''t hesitate in the slightest. She pushed Tian Yao. The two fell down on either side and simultaneously dodged the snake demon''s attack.


    "Listen to me!" Yan Hui sprawled on the ground and yelled at the snake demon, "I don''t want the hidden treasure! I just want to find the antidote for your venom!"


    "Do you think I''m that easy to trick? You''re definitely waiting for the chance to take away Qi Yun. I do not permit you Chen Xing Mountain people to hurt her even the tiniest amount again!" The snake demon raged, "Today, I will make this place your grave!"


    Done speaking, the snake demon once again lunged to bite Yan Hui. She didn''t have any inner breath and could only frantically twist and turn in the field pit to escape: "I didn''t plan on taking her again! And I''m no longer one of Chen Xing Mountain''s people!" Yan Hui yelled, "Also, Zhenren Qi Yun definitely wasn''t hurt by someone from Chen Xing Mountain!"

 CH 11

    The two parties sat. The scene was calm for a few moments.


    Yan Hui opened her mouth: "Let''s slowly go over the situation concerning Zhenren Qi Yun."


    The snake demon coldly snorted: "What''s there to go over?" His words still pointed at Ling Xiao as the culprit.


    Yan Hui took a deep breath to control her temper and said: "I don''t care what you think. In any case, I want to figure out all the ins and outs of this matter. First, tell me how you met Zhenren Qi Yun and how you kidnapped her to this village."


    "How could I kidnap her?!" The snake demon was so mad his words tumbled together. He glowered at Yan Hui. However, seeing Zhenren Qi Yun was still in Yan Hui''s hands, he restrained himself and said: "I met her at the edge of the demon territory."


    When these words came out, Yan Hui stared blankly: "The boundary of the demon territory? The border of Qing Qiu?" [1]


    --------------------


    50 years ago, there was a continuous war between cultivators and demons. It was Zhenren Qing Guang leading the xian in a stand against the demon race. They forced the demons into the remote southwest region, erected a heavenly sword at the border of Qing Qiu, and suppressed the demons. Since then, the demon race and cultivators have been separated on the two sides.


    After the war, the number of demons and spirits in Central Plains were greatly lessened. However, because the spirituality in Central Plains was much more than abundant in the remote southwest, daring demons still braved the dangers and crossed over the border into Central Plains.


    --------------------


    Over the course of the years, most of the demons Yan Hui encountered were these types.


    Usually, Yan Hui would hear of another demon running into cultivator territory. But now she was suddenly hearing of a cultivator running into demon territory, and it was Zhenren Qi Yun. Yan Hui couldn''t help feeling amazed: "Why was Zhenren Qi Yun found there? What state was she in?"


    "What state?" The snake demon stared at Yan Hui and coldly snorted. "Even worse than now." He tenderly looked at Qi Yun. "She was ice-cold and deathly pale. Even her eyelashes were covered in frost. With one glance, you knew it was the Hoarfrost Technique. Her inner breath was a complete mess."


    Yan Hui silently listened.


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    [1] The border of Qing Qiu

 CH 12

    Tian Yao and the snake demon agreed to meet at the lake near the mountain village first thing tomorrow morning.


    Tian Yao and Yan Hui returned to the small courtyard at dusk. Tian Yao didn''t say a single word. He just minded his own business and went to Old Lady Xiao''s room. He stayed by the grandmother''s side, only returning to his own room in the middle of the night.


    Yan Hui was meditating on the bed. She was striving hard to regain a little bit of inner breath just in case something happens tomorrow. However, by the time she heard Tian Yao push open the door, she still hadn''t regained anything.


    Yan Hui opened her eyes and sighed in disappointment. Thinking about how she had been useless for so long, she rolled around on the bed in anger.


    Tian Yao acted like he didn''t see anything. He walked over the desk, poured himself a cup of tea, and finished it.


    "My inner breath! My cultivation!" Yan Hui laid on the bed and wailed. "Why won''t it come back? Why won''t it come back?!"


    Perhaps because her wails were too annoying, Tian Yao wrinkled his eyebrows and shot her a glance. He opened his mouth and said: "Your wu xing is fire. Snake venom is inherently cold. Naturally it suppresses you." He finished talking and put down the cup. As usual, he walked toward the corner and sat against it. "Stop talking. Sleep quietly."


    Yan Hui opened her eyes. She flipped over and stared at Tian Yao: "You''re still sleeping there tonight?"


    Tian Yao returned Yan Hui''s look. The small lights by the desk just happened to reflect in his black pupils, like stars. "If not?"


    Yan Hui curled her lip: "If you didn''t have a pretty face, I would''ve turned your face into pulp a hundred times because of your tone." She swung her feet off the bed. While putting on her shoes, she said: "Come here. You''re sleeping on the bed tonight."


    Tian Yao frowned.


    Yan Hui finished putting on her shoes and went straight to the corner. She stood in front of him and looked down: "What, I''m letting you sleep in the bed and you''re still not satisfied?"


    Tian Yao leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He had an indifferent expression and ungraciously said: "Don''t want it."


    A light "smack" sound filled Tian Yao''s ear.


    Tiao Yao opened his eyes. He saw Yan Hui''s hand pressed against the wall by his ear. She lifted the other hand and patted his shoulder while laughing.


    The injury he received that morning radiated pain due to Yan Hui''s seemingly light pats. However, he''d already paid no heed to the pain of the flesh for a long time. He frowned and only said: "Don''t touch me." Because this position brought Yan Hui''s face close to Tian Yao''s, he also averted his head. "Stay further away from me."


    "You act so shy, like you''re being bullied by someone......" Yan Hui completely ignored Tian Yao. She innocently said: "I don''t want to touch you either, but you got injured saving me today. It makes me look like I owe you a favor, yet you''re still sleeping in the corner. Now it makes me look like I''m abusing you. Even though I''m usually a little overbearing and rough, inside I''m a kind-hearted and delicate girl. I don''t like to owe any favors, and I don''t like to mistreat people. Until your wound heals, I''ll allow you to sleep on the bed."

 CH 13

    It seemed like there was no end to the darkness. Yan Hui felt along the wall. If it wasn''t for the sound of Tian Yao''s footsteps leading the way, she feared she would''ve been lost by now.


    "Have you been here before?" Yan Hui was baffled. "It seems like you''re familiar with this place."


    A long time passed before Tian Yao, who was ahead, answered: "I''ve dreamed about it."


    Dreaming of it......also counted as being there?


    Yan Hui didn''t voice her question because she heard the repressed emotions in Tian Yao''s voice. It brought to mind the last time they went to the cave entrance. His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his complexion was deathly pale. Yan Hui inwardly mulled over this.


    This place had a sealed object. Yan Hui once heard a lecture given by a senior shifu. A seal was a type of imprisonment technique. The average person couldn''t touch or take the sealed object. The sealed object also couldn''t escape from it. Based off of its instrinsic nature, a seal itself was a type of barrier.


    And this place had another type of barrier. Everyone knew that a barrier was used as a defense, but the barrier here was strange. It made Tian Yao feel pain.


    She and the snake demon obviously didn''t feel anything when coming here. It was clear that the barrier was for a specific something, or, it could be said, set up by a certain someone. Right now, it was clearly obvious the barrier was most likely defending against Tian Yao.


    The object was hidden away in a remote place and protected by several barriers. The person who hid it here was protecting it on a comparable level to protecting against tomb raiders......


    Using the hand she had against the cliff wall, Yan Hui lightly knocked on the stone: "The spell here is very powerful. The person who casted it could be considered one of the top xian cultivators."


    Tian Yao didn''t reply.


    Yan Hui spoke again: "Oh Great Demon, when we were at the cave entrance, you said twenty years ago you passed through a tribulation of the heart. The person who made you go through it, could it be......" Yan Hui drew her words out. She probed out of curiosity and desire for gossip. "Su Ying, Master of the Guang Han Sect?"


    The sound of footsteps in front of her suddenly stopped.


    Yan Hui also stopped. They stood there for quite awhile. Ahead of her, a few words lightly floated back: "It was. What about it?"


    After standing there for quite awhile, she got confirmation. Yan Hui was actually shocked.


    Oh shit! It was really true! The gossip in Chen Xing Mountain unexpectedly wasn''t just rumors concocted and thrown together by disciples!


    Yan Hui''s heart was like it had been lit aflame by the love of listening to stories. She followed her desires and stepped closer to Tian Yao. She repeatedly asked: "It really is her? You two really had a secret period of predestined love that no one knew about?"


    "It has nothing to do with you." Tian Yao dismissed her and continued walking forward.

 CH 14

The tremors in the cave increased in intensity.

 CH 15

    Yan Hui looked around. However, all she saw was an enormous stone room. The surrounding cliff walls were encased in a thick layer of ice. The quakes and flips above didn''t shake this place up one bit. This place was probably the heart of the magic array.


    The ceiling of the enormous stone room was covered in sharp icicles. They seemed like they could fall at any time to pierce the surface of the tranquil lake. In the highest corner of the ceiling was a hole that was slowly expanding. Stone pieces continued to fall. It looked like Yan Hui fell from that hole.


    Following the course of events, that dragon demon should also be here. However, aside from seeing rocks, why wasn''t there anything else popping up and struggling?


    Could it be that the dragon demon doesn''t know how to swim and drowned in there?


    Yan Hui was still pondering on that when a golden limit suddenly began to emit from within the lake.


    The brilliant light overflowed the room to the point that the ice also shined a dazzling light. The magnificent sight even made Yan Hui, who had been cultivating for many years, forget to blink.


    The golden light began to transform. Yan Hui could slowly see the outline of a dragon appearing in the lake, curled up at the bottom. It was like the dragon had been in stasis for one thousand years, waiting for this moment to awaken and resurrect.


    Then not a moment later, the brilliant light reached its peak and suddenly vanished. Right before the golden light disappeared, Yan Hui got a good look at the "golden dragon" at the bottom of the lake. There indeed was a dragon down there. However, it was the pure white bones of a dragon!


    There was no flesh remaining. Its mouth was opened wide, as if there were countless words it wanted to yell out. Its teeth were sharp, emanating a sinister feel that incited terror.


    Yan Hui swallowed. There was no time to collect her thoughts before the brilliant light disappeared. The dragon bones also vanished along with it.


    Suddenly, Yan Hui felt a tight force on her ankle! Her pupils constricted, and she was suddenly forcefully yanked down.


    Yan Hui was caught off guard and fell backwards. The back of her head hit the ground hard. This made Yan Hui, who had already lost a lot of blood, become dizzy and confused for a period of time. When she finally slightly recovered, she discovered there was a person already laying on top of her.


    With loose black hair that was sopping wet, the person looked like a vengeful spirit that had fled the lake.


    Yan Hui was dumbstruck. She struggled to escape, but before she could do much, the person''s right hand grabbed Yan Hui''s wrist and pressed it onto the ground. His strength was frighteningly overwhelming.


    And his other hand was aiming for her shoulder. However, whether it was because he was confused or anxious, he suddenly pressed down on her chest......


    Soft flesh was ruthlessly pressed down upon.

 CH 16

    The wind howled. When Yan Hui opened her eyes, she had already left that dark cave.


    The sky overhead was bright, illuminating her surroundings. However, there was a continuous rumbling. Yan Hui turned her head to look. The mountain in the middle of the lake was slowly collapsing.


    Enormous rocks from the mountain tumbled down into the lake. The cacophony of thundering sounds seemed to agitate the lake''s undercurrents. They stirred up the lake from its originally clear waters into a muddy pool.


    At the moment, she had merely left the cave. She was still standing on the mountain, but she only stayed there for a few moments before the stones threatened to fall onto her. Yan Hui didn''t dare stay any longer. She drew qi toward her feet and flew up. However she was still lacking qi. She could only skim across the lake surface for a short distance before falling in with a splash.


    Yan Hui struggled in the water for a while before dragging her soaked body out of the muddy water and onto shore.


    She laid on the shore and coughed for a long time before sitting up, hugging herself. She gulped in rasping breaths and watched the enormous rocks tumble down the mountain. Then she grinned.


    Yan Hui couldn''t help feeling happy when she recalled that millennium dragon demon''s flabbergasted expression.


    She certainly wasn''t someone who would just obediently listen to another person''s orders.


    Yan Hui was secretly delighted. She suddenly heard a low rumble from over there. The earth shook. Even Yan Hui, who was sitting on the shore, felt the tremors. Following the sound, the lake waters that were lapping around her ankles started to retreat.


    Yan Hui stared. Her heart was uneasy. She hurriedly clutched her chest and ran up the slope. She stood on high ground and looked back. She saw an enormous whirlpool forming in that direction. It was sucking up all the lake water.


    Not long afterwards, there was another rumble. The entire mountain had collapsed, and it sank into the depths of the lake. In the middle of the kicked-up dirt, the lake water that was being sucked in was pushed out by the collapsing mountain. Its destructive power rushed toward the shore.


    Fortunately, Yan Hui had already run to higher ground. Otherwise, if she had been enveloped by this kind of wave in her current condition, it would have spelled disaster.


    There was no need to think about it. The dragon demon that was still in the mountain was probably already......


    Yan Hui frowned. Although the words she spoke in front of the dragon demon were ruthless, if he was really dead, then Zhenren Qi Yun''s situation would be hard to fix......


    Furthermore, when she thought about it more closely, what Tian Yao said to her in the cave: an enormous moon, a snow-covered mountain, and a person lifting a jian. They all matched her dream......


    Also what the dragon demon said about placing a curse on her was a lie.


    This pretty face had long gone pale from blood loss. His wet hair was plastered against his face. It made him seem incomparably frail and pitiful. However, his constantly clenched jaw still hadn''t relaxed.


    "He''s still alive." Yan Hui tipped her head back and drank some tea. Then she wrung out her wet hair. "He won''t die that easily."


    He looked like such a stubborn and uncooperative person. How could he let himself die an early death?


    The snake demon''s hand didn''t rest against Tian Yao''s wrist for long before the snake demon frowned. He stared wide-eyed in shock: "How......how did his inner breath become so strong?"


    Yan Hui raised an eyebrow: "In what way?"


    "It''s completely changed. It''s no longer an ordinary person''s." The snake demon investigated some more. "Wow, it is very odd. If we said he''s a demon, he lacks even a trace of demonic inner breath to be a demon. If we said he''s not a demon, with the current amount of inner breath......he can''t be considered a person either."


    Yan Hui mulled over it: "Let''s wait until he wakes up." Yan Hui stood up: "Do you have spare clothes? Mens or womens both work. My clothes are ripped and worn-out. They''re also dirty beyond belief."


    The snake demon had already started to single-mindedly treat Tian Yao''s wound. He didn''t even look over to respond: "Qi Yun''s room has some."


    Yan Hui took up the offer and swiftly went to Zhenren Qi Yun''s room. After returning to the small courtyard, Zhenren Qi Yun went straight back to her room by herself. Yan Hui knocked on the door before walking in, but Zhenren Qi Yun didn''t even look over. She just stood at the window and stared fixedly at a direction. It wasn''t clear what she was looking at.


    Yan Hui first asked: "Can I borrow your clothes?"


    Zhenren Qi Yun didn''t reply. Yan Hui knew Zhenren Qi Yun''s mind wasn''t clear right now, so she just twitched her mouth. She walked over to the cabinet and said: "Then I''ll go ahead and open your cabinet?"


    She said this only for manner''s sake. She didn''t expect Zhenren Qi Yun to respond, but the moment Yan Hui opened the doors, she heard a soft voice say two words: "Go back."


    Yan Hui stilled. She turned her head back to look at Zhenren Qi Yun, who was still looking off into the distance as before. She hadn''t moved at all. It was like Yan Hui had fantasized hearing those two words.


    Yan Hui probed: "What did you say?"


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    The wound Tian Yao had bitten looked frightening, and it hurt when touched. Yan Hui was in no rush to leave. She just sat cross-legged on the floor and started to meditate.


    She stayed there until nighttime. When the moonlight shone through the window onto Yan Hui''s clothes, a happy sigh from outside the room was heard: "He''s awake."


    Yan Hui also opened her eyes at this time.


    Yan Hui grasped her hands. She could feel her inner breath flowing through her four limbs and bones. She laughed, feeling extremely happy. Although her heart had a serious wound, with cultivation, it would heal in the span of only two months.


    She stood up and dusted off her clothes. Having her power back meant peace of mind.


    She bent her legs and happily jumped once. She was about to leave the room when she saw, to her surprise, that Zhenren Qi Yun was still standing at the window, looking out in the same direction like she had never moved.


    Yan Hui was momentarily curious. She walked behind Zhenren Qi Yun and followed her gaze out into the distance. However, aside from the gathering night, Yan Hui didn''t see anything.


    However, seeing the position of the moon, Yan Hui suddenly recalled.


    Looking at that direction, it was where Chen Xing Mountain was situated.


    Thinking more closely, a few days ago, Yan Hui first saw Zhenren Qi Yun in the mountain village. She was also like this, staring fixedly off into the distance. It was the same direction......what was she looking at?


    Or rather, what was she looking for?


    "Zhenren." Yan Hui turned her head and focused only on Zhenren Qi Yun: "Are you looking at Chen Xing Mountain?"


    Zhenren Qi Yun''s gaze slightly brightened, and she opened her mouth. She turned her eyes toward Yan Hui, and fixed her gaze on Yan Hui. Her lips slightly moved, but in the end, no words came out.

 CH 17

    Yan Hui exited Zhenren Qi Yun''s room just in time to see a topless Tian Yao sit up. Bandages were wrapped around his body.


    As if he could sense someone entering, Tian Yao lifted his eyes. His gaze met Yan Hui''s eyes without any surprise.


    For a split second, Yan Hui felt her heart "thump" and skip a beat. She saw a strange sight, gold light emitting and flowing around Tian Yao''s body. She could see the outline of his skeleton. It was the same golden light she saw emitting from the dragon bones in the icy lake back when she was in the cave.


    However the strange thing was, it seemed like only she could see this brilliance. The snake demon who was off to the side packing up the medicine box didn''t even look up.


    Yan Hui also didn''t say a word. She just sat by the table: "Since you''re awake, you should hurry up and treat Zhenren Qi Yun. Don''t delay." She poured herself a cup of cold tea. "After all, none of us can stand the sight of each other."


    Tian Yao''s gaze was dull. Although his voice was hoarse, he actually spoke with a placid tone: "The words you just spoke are incorrect."


    Was he implying he was going to screw her over, or was it......he had other plans for her?


    Yan Hui heavily set down the teacup and looked at Tian Yao.


    The snake demon finished packing the medicine box back up. He stood up and said: "His inner breath is still chaotic. I''m afraid he''ll have to continue resting tonight." Of course, the snake demon wasn''t really worried for Tian Yao. He was just afraid that with Tian Yao''s chaotic inner breath, he wouldn''t completely heal Zhenren Qi Yun. That would be problematic.


    Yan Hui simply stopped talking, turned her head, and left the room. She leapt and twisted her body in midair, landing on the roof which she laid down upon. She might as well do: out of sight, out of mind.


    Looking at the moon from the rooftop, Yan Hui idly recalled the past few days'' events. However the last two days had exhausted her. With the addition of her wounds, it wasn''t long before she started to become drowsy. However, the matter troubling her mind prevented her from completely falling asleep.


    Therefore, her eyes continued to struggle, constantly blinking.


    She didn''t know how long she was in a daze when she suddenly heard the sounds of water splashing.


    She sat up. She saw that the snake demon was in the courtyard. He was drawing water to wash clothes.


    A snake demon washing clothes......


    Yan Hui looked curiously for a while. She discovered that the clothes he was washing were Zhenren Qi Yun''s clothes. Yan Hui was baffled. She rolled over onto her stomach. She softly asked in the quiet night: "A Purification Technique would make it clean. Why are you hand-washing?"


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    The next day, early morning.


    Tian Yao was sitting on the daybed. Although he was still wan, his energy seemed one hundred times better than yesterday''s. Yan Hui glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.


    After retrieving his item, it looked like his healing speed had changed by a lot.


    The snake demon led Qi Yun out of her room and sat her down in front of Tian Yao. Tian Yao didn''t waste any words. He bit his finger until it bled, and then he grasped Zhenren Qi Yun''s hand. The snake demon worriedly asked: "You can really heal her?"


    "Expelling the Hoarfroast Technique with fire is the most common way to treat it. You ought to have known that."


    The snake demon frowned deeply: "Then will she feel pain?"


    Tian Yao raised his gaze and looked at the snake demon: "I don''t know."


    The snake demon clenched his teeth. In the end, he took a step back: "Heal her."


    Tian Yao drew a blood sigil on her wrist. Then he tapped her on the forehead with his finger. A flaming light instantly rose from her baihui point near the top of her head. It instantly vanished, but not long afterwards, that brilliance started to flow from her stomach.


    Chen Xing Mountain would often have Technique drills. Occasionally, they would also analyze how to break a Technique. Among those was a class on exactly how to break the Hoarfrost Technique. The disciples would cast the Hoarfrost Technique on a respected elder. Then while the respected elder explained how, he would also break it. By using his body as a demonstration, the disciples could carefully watch and learn.


    Yan Hui remembered that the respected elder dispelled the technique like this. It started in the baihui. By adding more fire qi, the Fire Phase would encompass the body.


    From head to toe, it would slowly expel the cold and frost.


    Although the Hoarfrost Technique cast on Zhenren Qi Yun''s body was powerful, the technique to break it ought to be the same. Using an equal amount of fire qi of the Five Phases would be enough.

 CH 18

    The snake demon knelt in front of the bed. He didn''t move for a long time.


    Yan Hui silently gazed at his back. She had no words to say.


    The one who broke the deathly stillness was unexpectedly the one sitting on the other side of the bed, Tian Yao: "I''m sorry......" His tone was low, and his aura was empty. It was obvious his body was still in bad shape.


    The snake demon remained silent for a long time before he stirred. His head drooped. He stroked ran his hands over the bed and came across a wooden hairpin encased in ice. This hairpin was worn by Zhenren Qi Yun earlier.


    It was probably the only thing that didn''t disappear along with Zhenren Qi Yun......


    The snake demon held the hairpin tightly in his hand. The coldness covered his hand in frost: "I don''t blame you......" The hand holding the hairpin turned white from his tight grip. "It was me......" His jaw was clenched deathly tight. It seemed like his voice was being squeezed out from his throat. "It was me!" Tears fell from his eyes. He bent and collapsed over the daybed. His entire body shook, and his voice was filled with sobs: "I caused her death. I caused her death......"


    Yan Hui heard his words, and she tightly clenched her fists.


    The snake demon''s sobs gradually got louder, like a child who had fallen. It sounded like his heart was breaking. He cried his lungs out, drowning out all other sounds.


    Yan Hui looked down. Her mind endlessly repeated Zhenren Qi Yun''s two words, "Stop him." She wanted Yan Hui to stop him.


    Zhenren Qi Yun died from the Hoarfrost Technique. Aside from her shifu, no one could cast the spell with that ferocity. No one else could cast it at such a degree. The person Zhenren Qi Yun wanted her to stop couldn¡¯t have been anyone else.


    Zhenren Qi Yun''s death couldn''t be blamed on Tian Yao, not on the snake demon, but should be blamed on......


    "Why!" His shoulders tensed, and the snake demon''s red eyes locked onto Yan Hui: "Why would Ling Xiao kill Qi Yun?!" He cried out angrily.


    Yan Hui''s face was pale. For a short period, she couldn''t get a single word out. She silently looked at the snake demon. It was a long time before she faintly said: "I can''t think of any reason."


    It was like the snake demon went crazy. He grabbed her shoulders and started shaking her. All the while, he kept asking: "Why would he kill her! Why kill her!?"


    Yan Hui only shook her head: "I don''t know."


    Her mind was a mess. For a moment it would be Zhenren Qi Yun''s ice-covered appearance. The next moment, it was Ling Xiao teaching her the sword-dance on the mountain peak since childhood. The next moment was when she was being thrown out of the monastery; Ling Xiao was coldly looking at her. But in the end, Yan Hui started to calm down. What stayed in her mind was Ling Xiao standing in front of her and holding her hand, saying:


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    [1] What allays sorrows, there is only Du Kang''s cup

 CH 19

    When Yan Hui woke up, she realized that she was lying on top of the burial mound.


    For a moment, she thought she had been tricked by some mischievous demons into venturing into the graveyards, like when she was young. Yan Hui was covered in cold sweat from fear. She frantically backpedaled away from the grave site and flusteredly dusted off her clothes. When she looked over, Yan Hui saw the young man sitting in front of the gravestone.


    It seemed like Tian Yao had also just woken up. He was sitting on the ground with one leg bent. His elbow was resting on his knee, and his fingers were massaging the place between his eyebrows.


    Hearing movement, Tian Yao raised his head. He locked eyes with the somewhat panicked Yan Hui. They stared at each other for awhile before snapping back to reality------


    Yesterday, they both got drunk off of the wine. Drunk out of their minds, they ran to the Old Lady Xiao''s fresh grave to kowtow......


    A lot of confused and chaotic images were rushing through Yan Hui''s mind. She shook her head to get rid of those useless images. She only had to know that she hadn''t fallen into the demon''s clutches.


    Yan Hui rubbed her temples: "Let''s go. I need to go back to sober up."


    Tian Yao stood up. Yan Hui thought he was returning with her to the small courtyard. She didn''t think that when she took a few steps forward, there wouldn''t be footsteps following behind. Yan Hui looked back. She saw Tian Yao picking two small, white flowers and then kneeling back down in front of the grave.


    He silently stuck the two flowers in the grave. Then he looked at the gravestone he made the day before. For a long time, not a word was said.


    A lonely youth, bleakly kneeling in front of a family member''s grave. Although she knew that in that body resided a formidable soul, Yan Hui couldn''t help feel the sorrow when looking at this scene.


    This dragon demon wasn''t a heartless monster.


    Following that thought, Yan Hui started patting all over her clothes, but she didn''t feel anything. Thus, she ripped off a piece of her own clothes. Then she picked up a stick from the ground and used her magic to burn one end into charcoal. Using the charcoal, she wrote "100,000" on the cloth to denote its value.


    She eagerly handed it over to Tian Yao: "Here."


    Tian Yao cocked his head. He looked at the cloth in her hand and then up at her face: "What is this?"


    Yan Hui had a slight cold after spending the night in the graveyard. She sniffled: "Aren''t we supposed to burn joss money? I made some for you. Burn it for your grandmother." Yan Hui magnanimously said: "Although your grandmother''s actions toward me weren''t scrupulous, I, in my heart, am a scrupulous person. In any case, I am her daughter-in-law. Consider this my gift to her."


    Tian Yao looked at the crooked numbers on the rag. He couldn''t help but be slightly speechless. His mouth twitched: "Will Yama, King of the Underworld, really accept that?"


    Yan Hui''s eyes didn''t even blink when lying: "He will."

 CH 20

Yan Hui suddenly learned such a huge secret. For a moment, she couldn''t believe it.

 CH 21

    After Yan Hui recovered her magic, she used the Propelling Sword Technique and rapidly left the small village in Tong Luo Mountain.


    However, her body hadn''t completely recovered. She grew tired and picked a spot by the brook in Tong Luo Mountain to rest.


    Although she said all those words to Tian Yao, after thinking about it, her heart was still uneasy. What if that dragon demon didn''t think it through and really did go to confront Zhenren Su Ying......


    If Zhenren Su Ying was really like what Tian Yao said, then wasn''t that the same as gouging out her heart and offering the heart protection scale on a silver platter?!


    Yan Hui swallowed and rubbed her cold chest.


    Perhaps she should go back and talk it over with that dragon demon......


    Yan Hui thought about it for awhile, but she couldn''t make up her mind. The sky slowly grew dark as she thought. Yan Hui easily snagged two fish from the stream. She gathered firewood and started a small fire by the stream. As she cooked the fish, she continued to mull it over.


    However, right when she finished cooking them, a person suddenly sat down right next to her.


    Without a single word or slightest bit of hesitation, the person took one of Yan Hui''s cooked fish and started to eat.


    Yan Hui froze, then turned her head: "How did you follow me here?!"


    The person couldn''t be anyone else besides Tian Yao.


    It was clear Tian Yao was hungry. He didn''t acknowledge Yan Hui''s words and continued to eat for awhile. It wasn''t until Yan Hui reached out to take back the fish did Tian Yao react and dodge to the side. He shot her a glance and said: "I walked."


    It was only then did Yan Hui remember that she still hadn''t undone the Tracking Curse he placed on her.


    However once she thought about it a second time, Yan Hui froze again.


    Although she didn''t use the Propelling Sword Technique for long nor fast, she was still flying......This guy could actually walk and catch up to her......What persistence.......Yan Hui massaged the space between her eyebrows: "I won''t help you. Didn''t I make that clear?"


    "You did." Tian Yao continued to slowly eat as he spoke, "However......" He finally looked at Yan Hui. The firelight bathed part of his face in light, but the other part remained in the darkness. His cold tone slipped up and revealed a trace of self-mockery: "Aside from following you, where else would I go?"


    His words were roguish and wicked, but when Yan Hui saw Tian Yao''s expression, she became speechless.

 CH 22

    For a few moments, Yan Hui was quite grateful that she had left the mountain village in Tong Luo Mountain.


    Otherwise, who knows how many villagers would''ve been scared to death when that unstoppable horde of demons rushed over.


    Yan Hui subconsciously withdrew into Tian Yao''s embrace so that he could hug her tighter. Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui who had retreated within herself. His lips twitched, but he made no other movement.


    The demons on the riverbank searched for a while but didn''t see anyone. One by one, they headed downstream. It wasn''t long before most of the demon army had left.


    The black shadows by the river''s edge were becoming sparse. There was only one left, close to where Tian Yao and Yan Hui were. It was still looking around for the scent. The two people in the river watched it closely.


    When the demon finally left to join the leaving army, the rock Tian Yao was holding onto suddenly dislodged. A stream of bubbles burbled up toward the water surface.


    Tian Yao hurriedly grabbed onto another rock to anchor themselves. However, it was too late to stop the bubbles heading toward the surface.


    The bubbles disappeared with a faint "popping" sound when they reached the surface.


    It was extremely quiet. Under the night sky, almost no one would hear it. However, the demon''s ear twitched. He looked at the bubbles popping on the water''s surface and narrowed his eyes. He started to walk over, getting closer with every step.


    Tian Yao grabbed Yan Hui''s hand and lightly wrote five words on her palm, "Kill it in one shot".


    He said it so simply. Yan Hui sweatdropped. In this situation, she had to be subtle and not alert the other demons to this demon''s death. Furthermore, she had to do this while holding her breath underwater.......


    Yan Hui thought about it. She drew a Telepathy Technique sigil on Tian Yao''s hand : "This seems difficult. If this doesn''t go well, I''m going to knock you out and hand you over to plead for my life. I''m telling you right now, so you won''t call me out later for not being righteous "


    "......" Tian Yao lightly said: "Telling me counts as you being righteous?"


    "At least I told you."


    Without waiting for Tian Yao''s response, Yan Hui stealthily condensed magic into her palm. Her body started to slowly heat up.


    Tian Yao felt the person in his arms becoming hotter, burning hot, but he didn''t let go. Contrarily, he held Yan Hui even tighter. He liked this boiling heat.


    He was originally a dragon who favored Fire out of the Five Phases. His body was suppose to be the same scalding temperature as this girl. However, now he constantly felt like he was in ice. Living was suffering.


    It was only when holding her, drinking her blood, that he could relax. Only then would he feel like living wasn''t so painful.

 CH 23

    They raced forward in a random direction. It wasn''t until Yan Hui felt her inner breath was running out and the Propelling Sword was wobbling did she stop out of necessity.


    She no longer had the power to bring them down in a steady descent. She cried out: "Cover your head!" They plunged into the forest at top speed.


    They crashed through countless branches before they were stopped by a large tree. Then they started falling down, one layer of branch at a time.


    Tian Yao was slightly heavier. He was the first to crash onto the ground. Before he could crawl away, Yan Hui crashed down onto his stomach. Tian Yao once again fell flat.


    The stolen jian from the demon came whistling through the air. It stabbed itself into the ground right next to Tian Yao and Yan Hui.


    The birds within the forest were startled by the two people''s appearance, flying off into the distance. The animals in the forest cried out in never-ending calls.


    Yan Hui laid on top of Tian Yao and laughed along with the animals'' cries. Her laugh seemed extremely happy. Yan Hui rolled off of Tian Yao. Now she was laughing while laying down on the ground.


    Dawn was just upon them. On the horizon were small rays of light breaking up the darkness.


    Seeing the sky starting to brighten, the animals'' cries also started to die down.


    She looked up at the sky. Not a word was said for a long time.


    In the end, it was Tian Yao who broke the silence: "Didn''t you say you were going to knock me out and offer me up in exchange for your life?"


    "I should''ve offered you up." Yan Hui''s tone was gloomy and cold. It didn''t seem like she was joking.


    Tian Yao turned his head and looked at her profile, but Yan Hui didn''t let him look. She sat up and drew her knees up. She grasped the hook that was still jutting out of her leg. She clenched her teeth, preparing to yank it out.


    However Tian Yao frowned when he saw her movements. He immediately turned over and sat up: "Don''t." He removed Yan Hui''s grip on the iron hook. "The hook has barbs. Do you want to rip out a chunk of your flesh?"

 CH 24

    Yan Hui remembered when she had just entered Chen Xing Mountain. Her relationship with Senior Disciple Zi Yue hadn''t soured yet. Zi Yue had a conceited personality, but her innate character wasn''t bad.


    When disciples entered Chen Xing Mountian, their diets were more strictly controlled than before they joined. Yan Hui was famished every day. At that time, as the Senior Disciple and as Yan Hui''s roommate, Zi Yue would secretly hide food for Yan Hui to eat. Although Zi Yue''s demeanor was a bit arrogant when she gave Yan Hui food, her character was good. Yan Hui was also grateful toward Zi Yue.


    However, not long after Yan Hui had entered the mountain, she got entangled with an imp. The impish ghost had been alone for a long time,but now it would frequently drag away Yan Hui to play. It harassed Yan Hui without any consideration to the setting or time. Yan Hui was extremely annoyed by it, but she didn''t know how to drive it away. To passerbys, Yan Hui would clearly be walking by herself when she would suddenly start gesturing and shouting to someone who was not there. Her extremely strange contact made everyone unwilling to associate with her.


    But Zi Yue would still give Yan Hui food every night. One time, Zi Yue brought over a heap of good things to eat. Yan Hui was staring at it in anticipation when the imp suddenly showed up. It made a huge fuss for Yan Hui to play with it. Yan Hui strived hard to ignore it, but the imp suddenly became furious. It laid down on the platter in Zi Yue''s hand and made a gesture at Zi Yue''s throat.


    It had a dark aura, a murderous chill. Its expression showed its intent to kill Zi Yue.


    That was Yan Hui''s last straw. A slap of her hand knocked away the food tray. Using the magic she just learned, Yan Hui caught the imp.


    But with Zi Yue''s arrogant personality, it rubbed her the wrong way to see someone treating her good intentions like that. In a flash of temper, Zi Yue grabbed Yan Hui. Yan Hui''s grip loosened, and the imp scampered away. Yan Hui was anxious to catch it and accidentally knocked over Zi Yue in her haste. Zi Yue was injured by her fall and started crying, but Yan Hui didn''t have the time to look after Zi Yue. She ran after the imp.


    In the end, Yan Hui dealt with the imp yet also earned Zi Yue''s hate.


    After the incident, Ling Xiao asked Yan Hui why she treated Zi Yue like so. Yan Hui stalled for a long time. It wasn''t until Ling Xiao''s expression became stern that Yan Hui hurriedly told him she could see ghosts.


    Even as a child, Yan Hui knew the ability was frowned upon. Some people would even think she was type of demon herself. Yan Hui was scared Ling Xiao would drive her away, but in the end, Ling Xiao didn''t do so.


    He flipped through many books and practiced many spells before finally accomplishing a spell to give to Yan Hui. He pressed it into Yan Hui''s body, which finally reduced many of her difficulties.......


    If it wasn''t for Ling Xiao, then her life up until now would''ve been miserable......


    But it turns out what gave her so many difficulties was because there was a heart protection scale inside her heat.

 CH 25

    Yan Hui turned her head and shot him a glance: "Still alive?"


    The moonlight swirled around her, revealing the clear outline of her face. Tian Yao gazed into her moonlit eyes. For a moment, he forgot to respond.


    Yan Hui frowned. She swung the peach wood jian back and whacked Tian Yao on the forehead with it. He was startled and only heard Yan Hui dismissively say: "If you''re dead, I''m not going to try to save you."


    Tian Yao was stunned for awhile. He foolishly held his slightly aching forehead. Suddenly, he emitted a deep and soft laugh.


    Yan Hui knitted her eyebrows: "What are you laughing at? Did I hit you too hard and knocked the sense out of you?"


    Tian Yao covered his forehead and softly chuckled for a long time: "This is the first time I''ve met someone like you."


    She clearly left him, yet she returned with no regard to the danger. In the midst of his despair, in the midst of adversity, she saved him......


    The most miraculous part was her actions had undoubtedly stunned him, but she didn''t know it herself.


    "What a bunch of nonsense." Yan Hui looked back in front of her. Her eyes focused on the ox-headed demon that she had swept back ten meters. Back then, she didn''t hold back any her magic. That''s why the ox-headed demon was still dizzily shaking its head.


    In the dark forest behind the ox-headed demon, there were black shadows scurrying back and forth, seizing the two up. Because of Yan Hui''s power when she knocked them back, they didn''t dare to rashly advance. Further back in the forest, there was more rustling sounds in the vegetation. It was clear more demons laid in wait for an opening.


    All around Yan Hui and Tian Yao were the demons'' murderous auras. Yan Hui tightly gripped her peach wood jian. Her expression was solemn.


    These past few days were filled with action. Although her magic had recovered, she hadn''t been able to keep much in reserve. It was enough to deal with one demon, but if they were to be attacked by a group of demons, her magic wouldn''t be enough to last for long.


    Today''s plan would have to be tricking the group of demons into retreating.


    Yan Hui focused her mind and concentrated magic in her dantian. She opened her mouth and said: "I''m from Chen Xing Mountain. You demons dared to enter the Central Plains and commit crimes. Are you tired of living?"

 CH 26

    When Tian Yao woke up, he discovered he was laying on a soft daybed.


    ------It had been a long time since he slept on such a soft and warm bed. He laid there for a long time. It wasn''t until he heard Yan Hui''s voice from outside the room did he recall his thoughts.


    "I want three orders of wontons. The meat kind with lots of meat. I want extra meat. Don''t skimp on the meat."


    "Alright. Would you like to add any soup or vegetables to your order?"


    "No. If you have any good alcohol, bring a jar."


    The waiter nodded and clattered down the steps.


    Tian Yao struggled upwards, but when he moved, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He helplessly laid back down. Yan Hui heard his movements and walked into the room to his side.


    She glanced at him: "Don''t try to be tough. I examined you. You have internal injuries, so just quietly lay there for a few days."


    Yan Hui didn''t need to say that for Tian Yao to realize the extent of his injuries. When he had been knocked into the tree by the burly demon, Tian Yao knew his wounds weren''t minor. He couldn''t even struggle up. It was just that he was so used to enduring pain. It wasn''t until he jumped into the river that the pain was too much for his body to handle. That''s why he fainted.


    He didn''t continue along with what Yan Hui was saying. Instead, he changed the topic: "Xian cultivators under the Dao avoid eating meat and drinking. Are you not concerned you''re harming your cultivation?"


    Yan Hui rolled her eyes: "You still have the guts to ignore me." She snorted, "If it wasn''t for me eating so much, do you really think I would''ve had the strength to haul your deadweight onto the bank?"


    Tian Yao moved his head around. His shoulders felt sore and swollen, as if someone had been dragging him. He asked Yan Hui: "You really did haul me out." His tone wasn''t skeptical but certain.


    Yan Hui really did drag him out. She also almost ripped his pants in the process......


    She cleared her throat. She turned her head and sat down by the table to get a drink of tea.


    The room was silent for a long time. In the end, Tian Yao broke the silence: "Didn''t you say you wouldn''t help me?"


    "I didn''t want to help you," Yan Hui pouted. "But I am a righteous and benevolent girl. How could I let someone be killed by demons in front of me......"

 CH 27

    "It''s said that cultivating at Guang Han Sect is extremely hard. Because the sisters'' parents were always gone, Su Ying had to arrange their entrance into sects herself, but she couldn''t get her sister in. That''s why Su E had to go to Chen Xing Mountain and enter Zhenren Qing Guang''s sect......" Yan Hui continued to talk about Ling Fei. Tian Yao, who was listening without any expression, stiffly cut her off: "How is this related to the fox demon?"


    Yan Hui knew Tian Yao didn''t want to hear anymore about Su E, so she didn''t continue. She went along with Tian Yao''s change of topic and talked about the fox demon.


    "What you said earlier was actually true. That night, I refused her pleas, but she didn''t leave. For the next few nights, she appeared in my dreams. Sometimes she would cry; sometimes she would plead. In the end, she wore me down......"


    Tian Yao raised an eyebrow: "You helped her get her daughter back?"


    Yan Hui glanced at him: "Do you really think I had that ability?" She continued, "Aside from the bad relations between me and Ling Fei, there was still the matter of the identity of the fox demon''s daughter. The reason why she was at Chen Xing Mountain is because the disciples discovered she was a demon and captured her. She was imprisoned in the demon prison. Me, a xian cultivation disciple, asking for a demon from Ling Fei? They would think I''m crazy."


    Tian Yao nodded: "Turns out, sometimes you do use your head."


    "......"


    Yan Hui naturally wasn''t as stupid as Tian Yao said.


    But that three-tailed fox demon wanted Yan Hui to free her daughter. Before Yan Hui agreed to help, she had already involuntarily started to keep track of when the disciples at Xin Xiu Peak changed shifts. By the time the fox demon wore Yan Hui down, she had already memorized the schedule Ling Xiao Sect had for the demon prison. She knew how many disciples there were per shift and when the shifts changed.


    Although Yan Hui was accepted into the sect at a late age, she learned extremely fast. She was the most outstanding disciple in her class.


    After learning the shift rotations, Yan Hui was able to sneak into Xin Xiu Peak''s demon prison during the shift change with only a minor disguise.


    But there was a hiccup when she let the demons loose.


    Ling Xiao had captured and brought back demons before. Yan Hui had also kept guard over those demons locked in cages. She assumed the cages in Xin Xiu Peak would be practically the same: one demon per cell, iron bars, an iron lock, and a few seals placed on the cage.

 CH 28

    unedited


    When talking about why Yan Hui was expelled from Chen Xing Mountain, part of the reason was because of letting the demons out. The other major reason is probably because of Yan Hui''s explosive temper......


    Ling Fei investigated the escape of the fox demons and very quickly determined the culprit to be Yan Hui. Yan Hui gritted her teeth and wouldn''t admit it was her even if she were beaten to death.


    After Bai Xiao Lu had been recaptured and cruelly punished, the girl in the end dizzily confessed it was Yan Hui.


    Ling Fei immediately ordered people to drag Yan Hui back to the prison to confess in person. Ling Fei also didn''t forget to invite some shifus recognized for their honor and credibility to watch the proceedings.


    When Yan Hui was brought in by some disciples, she saw the prison atmosphere was as solemn as if it were a Three Halls Court.


    Yan Hui snuck a peak around but didn''t see Ling Xiao. She immediately knew that Ling Fei was seizing this opportunity to use her own wrongdoings to deal with and punish her.


    The little fox demon was strung up in the prison cell. Her body was covered in wounds from the beatings. Yan Hui saw this and frowned. However, when she saw all the disciples and shifus all looked like they agreed with what was happening and even expected it to occur, Yan Hui could only stay silent and not react.


    Ling Fei stood calmly in front of Yan Hui. Her opening words were very strict: "Yan Hui, you colluded with the demon race. You released demons from Xin Xiu Peak''s prison. Do you admit your crimes?"


    Yan Hui was silent for a brief moment, trying to organize her words. Who would''ve thought that in that short moment, Ling Fei gave a signal to the disciple standing in the cell. The disciple nodded in acknowledgement. He pulled his arm back, and a whip lashed onto Bai Xiao Lu''s body.


    The lash was extremely painful, and the girl cried out in pain. She woke from her stupor.


    Bai Xiao Lu''s confused gaze roamed around the prison. When she saw Yan Hui, her eyes suddenly brightened. However, she saw the area was filled with xian and sensibly shut her mouth, not uttering a peep.


    Ling Fei noticed Bai Xiao Lu''s gaze. She coldly said: "Fox demon, repeat what you confessed in front of her."


    Bia Xiao Lu timidly glanced at Yan Hui. She clenched her jaw and, same as before, did not say a word.


    Ling Fei eyes chilled. The disciple in the cage raised his hand again.


    "Stop," Yan Hui shouted. "Yes, I released those fox demons."


    The shifus that were here to observe and judge started to quietly whisper amongst themselves.

 CH 29

    Yan Hui felt that the ghost of the three-tailed fox demon seemed off.


    She didn''t dare to be careless, so she spent the entire afternoon looking for a seldom frequented willow grove. She set up a spell array in the grove.


    Yan Hui sat in the middle of the spell array. She rubbed her hands together: "You stand watch at the border of the spell array. If you see the fox demon about to possess my body, then immediately kick away that rock by your side. Be fast. The fox demon''s ghost seems like a malicious spirit now. If I get possessed by her, then we both will suffer."


    "I''m not as slow as you." Tian Yao was clearly getting annoyed by Yan Hui''s repeated warnings. "Cast your spell."


    Yan Hui''s mouth twitched, but she didn''t continue arguing with him. She only closed her eyes and quickly recited a secret chant. Hardly any time had passed when a black aura started to materialize. It was like the fires of purgatory were scorching the earth.


    Tian Yao couldn''t see the black aura, but he could feel the temperature suddenly drop all around him.


    Yan Hui was so scared by the black aura that she didn''t want to continue the spell anymore. This vicious feeling.......she feared the fox demon was already an evil spirit.


    Right when Yan Hui started to internally quake in fear and give up, the fox demon suddenly appeared.


    The fox demon''s translucent soul floated in mid-air. Her body was dimly lit with a red glow. Her hair was loose and disheveled; her face was deathly pale and haggard. However, the demon''s eyes were lit with a vaguely murderous red light. Yan Hui couldn''t help swallowing in fear at the sight.


    In this world, the reincarnation cycle was freely entered. Those with a formidable enough will to remain as a ghost numbered less than one in one thousand. Out of those ghosts, the ones that become malicious spirits were less than one in ten thousand. In her life, Yan Hui had met many ghosts, young to old. Some wailed and grieved. Some enjoyed pranking the living. But she had never met a ghost that could strike fear in a heart without a single word before.


    She glanced at Tian Yao. It was a hint for him to be prepared at any moment to kick away the stone holding together the spell array.


    Tian Yao naturally didn''t need her hint. From the moment the three-tailed fox demon appeared, his foot had been placed right next to the stone.


    Although some would call Tian Yao a malicious spirit, he had never even seen a ghost before. When the three-tailed fox demon appeared, he simply only felt a bad feeling. The ghost''s aura was extremely ill-omened.


    The fox demon ignored Tian Yao and fixed her gaze on Yan Hui. She didn''t say a single word nor move a single muscle.

 CH 30

    To safeguard themselves against the risk of being attacked by demons, Yan Hui and Tian Yao took advantage of the daylight and traveled with a caravan. There was safety in numbers. Also, demons typically didn''t attack during the day.


    Yan Hui and Tian Yao arrived at Yong Zhou City before the gates closed. Yong Zhou was a major city in Central Plains. Goods going to the western or southern regions passed through Yong Zhou City. Many people lived here, good and bad.


    The sky was a dark yellow-orange by the time they entered. Yan Hui bade the caravan leader good-bye and then led Tian Yao toward the western part of the city. Seeing her actions, Tian Yao asked: "You lived in the mountains year-round. How are you so familiar with Yong Zhou City?"


    "I came in the past with shifu to take care of some demons. I made a friend. Later on, I would come here every time we left the mountain. Remember how I got kicked out of Chen Xing Mountain? Well, I came here to Yong Zhou City and loitered around for a few days. Yong Zhou City is big, and I''m not familiar with the whole place. But I can always find the path to her place." While she was talking, she spotted some government officials straight ahead.


    Yan Hui''s footsteps faltered for a brief moment. Tian Yao heard her mutter to herself: "I forgot about this......" The next thing he knew, there was a tug on his sleeve, and Yan Hui shoved him into an alley without a word of warning. After several twists and turns, she led him out into another path.


    It didn''t seem like Yan Hui was going to explain what just happened. Tian Yao asked: "You''ve also crossed the officials?"


    Yan Hui waved her hand: "Why would I provoke the officials? I just had a small incident here in the city. It''s not worth mentioning. It''ll delay us. Just follow me."


    Tian Yao didn''t pursue the matter.


    They walked several city blocks before reaching their destination. In front of them was a three-storied bordello.


    "My friend lives here."


    Tian Yao looked up at the building. In the middle hung a gigantic sign with three golden words emblazoned on it, "Wang Yu Lou". A balcony jutted out of the second floor. Two girls dressed in beautiful but revealing clothing sat there.


    So it was a friend from this kind of place.......


    Tian Yao didn''t move. He frowned. Yan Hui completely ignored him. She walked forward, looked up at the second-story, waved: "Sister Liu, Sister Xing!" [1]


    They arrived at a time when business was still slow. There weren''t many guests here yet. That''s why the two girls were gossiping with each other on the balcony. Hearing Yan Hui''s shout, they looked down. One of them stood up, eyes creased with laughter: "I was wondering who it was, coming in such a rush. Turns out it was the distinguished Sir Yan coming back."


    Tian Yao gave Yan Hui a slight look when he heard the girl''s address. Yan Hui saw his glance, but she didn''t bother to respond. She only laughingly responded back to the girls: "It''s been a while. Did you two miss me?"


    Yan Hui hadn''t finished talking when the other girl leaned on the railing and lazily laughed: "Oh, and with a person in tow. What family is this poor boy from, who Sir Yan tricked into becoming gay?"


    Tian Yao''s eyes narrowed even more.


    ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````


    Too bad Xian Ge won''t help. I wonder how Yan Hui will investigate the demon trade now.......


    [1] Sister Liu, Sister Xing


    [2] I beweep my suffering state


    [3] An anosmia sachet


    [4] It can conceal all auras

 CH 31

    As night fell, Wang Yu Luo started to get busy. The sound of classical instruments never ceased. It was lively scene full of music and dance. However the noise of the front courtyard didn''t disrupt the peace of the back courtyard. It was like the middle courtyard screened out the noise. It preserved the night''s tranquility in the back courtyard.

 CH 32

    Yan Hui rose early on the second day. She had just gotten up when a girl from Wang Yu Luo knocked on the door.


    The girl said that the son of Mayor Wang had arrived a while ago. He was waiting for Yan Hui in the pavilion by the pond.


    Yan Hui nodded in response. It was rare that she wasn''t annoyed by Fatty Wang''s clinginess. After she freshened up, she would go alone to meet him.


    Yan Hui felt that Fatty Wang''s feelings toward her were overboard. If she were to smile and chat with him, then he would spill out everything. However if she brought Tian Yao, then Fatty Wang would be jealous. That wouldn''t be good. Thus, Yan Hui didn''t call for Tian Yao to join her.


    Yan Hui approached the pond-side pavilion. The fatty, who was wearing lavish clothing, immediately stood up when he saw Yan Hui. As usual, he became flustered. Sweat started to form on his nose. He softly called: "Yan Hui, you''re here."


    "Mm, why are you looking for me?"


    Wang Peng Yuan looked at the girl who was standing off to the side. Wang Peng Yuan''s manservant called for the girl to leave with him. As a girl from Wang Yu Luo, she was clear on Wang Peng Yuan''s identity and didn''t dare refuse him. The girl glanced at Yan Hui. When she saw Yan Hui smile at her in reassurance, only then did the girl leave.


    Wang Peng Yuan waited until the two servants were gone before speaking: "I......I just want to talk to you."


    Yan Hui was extremely pleased with this. Talking was fine. She also wanted to talk to him.


    Yan Hui poured two cups of tea, one for her and one for Wang Peng Yuan. She planned to listen to him and then find an opportune moment to cut in. Then she could ask about what she wanted to talk about.


    "You go first. I''ll listen."


    Wang Peng Yuan nervously wiped his sweaty palms on his clothing. He put his hand in his pocket and started to feel around: "I, I actually prepared a small present for you this morning."


    Yan Hui was stymied: "There''s no need. Let''s just talk."


    "No, no......I''ve prepared this for a long time......You should take a look."

 CH 33

    Yan Hui exited the water pavilion. Suddenly she remembered that Tian Yao probably didn''t know where the mayor''s house was.


    She hurriedly left Wang Yu Luo to chase after him. But upon leaving, she saw that Tian Yao was waiting outside for her. He was facing the street with his hands behind his back.


    Right on cue, sunlight poured down. It made Tian Yao''s originally slim silhouette seem lofty, or perhaps after finding his dragon bones, he grew quite a bit......


    In that moment, she heard her own heart violently throb again, "thump, thump". Yan Hui shook her head and firmly hit her chest. "Don''t start acting up. Control yourself," she said. Yan Hui took a few deep breaths and slowly walked forward. "The mayor''s house is this way. That fatty is a coward. When you scared him, he definitely ran home......"


    Yan Hui strode forward. She turned her head back to look at Tian Yao and saw that he was wearing a mask that covered half his face. She was dumbfounded.


    The eyes behind the mask looked over. Tian Yao stared at Yan Hui. He roughly explained: "Under these circumstances, I can talk to you this way. Lead on."


    But Yan Hui retreated back two steps. She covered her face with her hands and peered through her fingers at Tian Yao: "Quickly take off the mask! Take it off, take it off!"


    "......" Tian Yao restrained himself: "Didn''t you say looking at my face......wasn''t good?!"


    "Then you should''ve gotten a black cloth and wrapped your entire head with it! What''s a half-mask going to do?! Have you heard of ''half hidden behind a pipa'' [1]. You''re doing this on purpose to tempt me, aren''t you!" Yan Hui boldly said. "I''m telling you, I''m a person under the influence of drugs! If you keep dressing half-revealed, then don''t blame me for whatever I do to you next!"


    "......" Tian Yao slightly gritted his teeth. He suddenly realized when facing someone as brazen as Yan Hui, he unexpectedly......didn''t have an ability to ward them off.


    Tian Yao sighed and took off the half-mask as Yan Hui wished. He untied the string, removed the mask with one hand, and turned his head to look at Yan Hui. The unruly fringe on his forehead fluttered in the wind: "Can you calm down now?"


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui; Yan Hui looked at Tian Yao. Then without warning, two red lines dripped from Yan Hui''s nose.


    It was......a nosebleed.


    Yan Hui used her sleeve to cover her nose: "I''ll walk in front of you. You follow me. Try not to let me know where you are." With her hand still covering her nose, Yan Hui walked in front of Tian Yao. Her steps were rushed like she was running for her life.


    "....." Tian Yao at Yan Hui''s flustered back. For a moment, he didn''t know whether to laugh or cry.


    He had lived for many years, but this was the first time seeing a love-stricken girl''s reaction be so exaggerated and......honest.


    Yan Hui covered her nose. Blood continued to flow, turning her sleeve red. Passersby stared at Yan Hui like she was an attraction. As Yan Hui kept walking, her anger kept growing. She was stewing with anger when she caught up to that fatty sneak, Wang Peng Yuan.

 CH 34

    "Let''s talk business," said Yan Hui. "I''ve always known that Qi Jue Group is upright yet unscrupulous. As long as money is paid, they will carry out the deed. However they know where to draw the line to not lose their righteousness and humanity. This fox demon lust fragrance business isn''t consistent with their style."


    Qi Jue group was a mysterious organization in the jianghu. Ten years ago, no one knew of this group. However in those ten years, they had gradually grown into an impressive information and assassin group.


    Famous reputation, deep connections. They also had spies in the xian sects, not just the jianghu. It was said as long as you had the money, you could even find out which concubines the emperor kissed last night. As for assassinations, from the royal court to the jianghu, Qi Jue Group would assassinate anyone as long as it wasn''t the royal family or members of xian sects. The rest had nowhere to hide.


    Tian Yao lived in the remote Tong Luo Mountain for the past ten years. He seldom looked into news from the outside. Even when he did, he cared about news concerning major xian sects. Tian Yao paid no mind to news concerning jianghu sects.


    It could be said he knew nothing about Qi Jue Group.


    As for Yan Hui, she had a general understanding about them as recent as last year, which was when she met Xian Ge.


    Wang Yu Luo was one of Qi Jue Group''s network in Yong Zhou City. Because Yong Zhou City was located in a geographically ideal area, people from everywhere flowed here. Naturally, information from everywhere also came. The girls, the servants, even the cooks and sweepers in the back courtyards of Wang Yu Luo were the eyes and ears of Qi Jue Group.


    Xian Ge, still holding the tea cup, thought for a bit and said: "Why don''t you first tell me where you heard this information?"


    "A fox demon that was killed entered my dreams. She wanted me to come here and save her daughter that was also captured for her blood." Reaching this point, Yan Hui smoothly added, "Speaking of, if Qi Jue Group is doing this, Xian Ge, you can ignore everything else, but help me with this. Ask on my behalf if Bai Xiao Lu, a little fox demon, can be released. That way her mom can be at ease. When I look at the mom, I can tell she''s close to becoming a malicious spirit. Although I don''t know where she has gone these past two days, but in a few days......"


    "I''m afraid I can''t." Xian Ge put down her cup and lightly tapped its rim. "I''ll tell you the truth. The lust fragrance is indeed made by Qi Jue Group, but it has never passed through my hands. I do know about this matter, but I must pretend like I don''t."


    Yan Hui frowned: "Why?"


    Xian Ge glanced at Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui didn''t look back. She only continued talked to Xian Ge: "Just do what I do, pretend like he''s dead. He has no connection with anyone in this world. Even if he hears something he wants to tell, he has no one to talk to." Yan Hui concluded, "His life is that lonesome."


    "......"


    Tian Yao found out once again Yan Hui''s words.......were irrefutable.

 CH 35

    Yan Hui didn''t know what Tian Yao was thinking when she was talking with the fox demons'' souls. She just talked to the head fox demon: "I want you guys to help. Are you willing or not?"


    The fox demon didn''t even hesitate. She looked right at Yan Hui: "What do you want us to do?"


    The eyes of every fox demon were filled with raging hate. It was like that hate could consume their souls.


    Yan Hui pointed at Tian Yao, who was standing outside the array. "I want you all to shield me and him."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Midnight.


    The bustling Yong Zhou City finally settled down.


    However, the activity within Heavenly Fragrance hadn''t died down yet. The courtyard was lit with lanterns, illuminating the area with a dull yellow. The fox demons were imprisoned on a flat patch of ground. Each fox demon was imprisoned in their own metal cage. The surrounding were free from any cover. If a fox demon were to stick out a leg, the patrolling xian disciples would be able to see.


    The xian disciples would whack the sides of the metal cage: "Why are you moving around? Do you want to go reincarnate?!"


    The fox demon could only withdraw their leg back within the cage and curl up into a ball, waiting for their time to die.


    That empty space was filled with nothing but stifling fear.


    Suddenly, a group of people wearing different clothes than the disciples walked in. The fox demons in the cages immediately became even more scared. They all knew the arrival of these people meant another fox demon would be taken away tonight.


    Bai Xiao Lu was huddled up in the corner of her cage. She looked at the three people approaching her direction with great fear. The people ended up standing in front of the cage next to her.


    "Unlock it," ordered the head person. Another person immediately took out the right key from a large rings of keys. The key was inserted into the lock. Bai Xiao Lu saw the eyes of the fox demon next to her widen, lips turning pale. The fox demon was so terrified, his body started to spasm.


    When the fox demon was grabbed by the people, Bai Xiao Lu buried her head in her arms. She couldn''t bear to look anymore.

 CH 36

    Every disciple in the courtyard bowed to Zhenren Su Ying. Another person hurried into the courtyard from another direction.


    He wore bright purple clothing with a tiger embroidered in gold thread. The thread glittered in the torchlight, making him seem very rich.


    "What trickery is going on?" The moment he stepped in, the man started to question. His voice was like thunder, "Why is there such a racket in the middle of the night?"


    When the disciples heard the man''s voice, they all neatly greeted him: "Master Feng."


    Turns out, this was the owner of Heavenly Fragrance and true power behind Qi Jue Group, Vice-Deputy Feng Ming. "Zhenren Su Ying?" When he saw the woman calmly standing in the middle of the courtyard, Feng Ming was slightly shocked. "Why are you here?"


    Su Ying turned and dipped her head: "Master Feng." Her voice carried her distinctive chilliness. "I was resting inside when I felt the aura was different, so I secretly came. I hope you don''t take offense." The words were an apology, but they didn''t seem apologetic at all.


    What status did Su Ying have? Even the one who sat upon the imperial throne would have to politely receive her words. Feng Ming immediately forced a smile: "Zhenren, what words are those? Zhenren, you paying attention to what''s happening within is a huge assistance for me. How could I blame you?" Feng Ming''s gaze swept over the surroundings to assess the situation.


    When his gaze looked over Yan Hui and Tian Yao, Yan Hui almost subconsciously blocked Tian Yao even more.


    She feared these people would be too sharp. What if Xian Ge''s anosmia sachet didn''t truly completely conceal auras......


    Luckily, Feng Ming''s gaze just skimmed over, and Su Ying hadn''t looked over in their direction. People with high status wouldn''t pay close attention to their underlings'' situation.


    "Have any fox demons escaped or any damage incurred?"


    Feng Ming asked the people near him. They replied negative. However, Zhenren Su Ying cut in: "There was simply a lot of slaughter here. The demons who unwillingly died are causing mischief, that''s all."


    But when they heard it really was ghosts, some disciples'' expression changed. A lot of them had at best captured a few minor demons within their clan''s territory in Central Plains. They still held some respect and fear toward this kind of mysterious talk. It was the same as their blind worship of Zhenren Su Ying, whose ascension cemented her qualifications and seniority.


    After all, a majority of cultivators would have no achievements to show for in their lifetime.


    When Su Ying sensed their fear, she lightly said: "When these demons lived, they couldn''t make any disturbances or tricks. Now that they are dead, there''s even less to fear. I have already laid an exorcism spell. Any evil demons, ghosts, or spirits will find it hard to get near. Disciples, you just have to monitor the fox demons in the cages."


    Feng Ming immediately said: "Since Zhenren Su Ying has spoken, you all can settle down. Do your work. It''s just a few wild ghosts. They can''t disturb us."


    The xian disciples all cried out in agreement.


    Feng Ming walked two steps over to Su Ying: "Zhenren, I coincidentally just wanted to look for you."

 CH 37

    Yesterday, the fox demons couldn''t be saved. The dragon horns also couldn''t be obtained. Yan Hui and Tian Yao returned with their tails in between their legs.


    Yan Hui mulled over it. She felt like she had to go back one more time, but with Zhenren Su Ying keeping watch over Heavenly Fragrance, Yan Hui didn''t dare casually use ghosts as a shield and stroll in again.


    If they accidentally met again like yesterday, she feared there would be no lucky escape this time around.


    The second day, early in the morning, Yan Hui went to find Xian Ge.


    This day, Xian Ge was up early. One hand held a tea cup. The other hand held a slip of paper, which she carefully read.


    When Yan Hui pushed open the door, she happened to see Xian Ge raise her tea cup to her lips. Xian Ge''s lips lightly rubbed against the cup, but she didn''t drink. She was focused on that piece of paper, unintentionally revealing an alluring and charming gaze.


    "Xian Ge''er." Yan Hui''s call finally caused Xian Ge''s naturally misty eyes to move from the paper to Yan Hui. Yan Hui bounded over a few steps and sat down by Xian Ge''s side. Yan Hui mischievously joked: "Hey, when men see such a beauty like you, how can they like another woman? If I were a man, there''s no need to use the lust fragrance on me. Just one look from you, and I''d fall in love."


    Xian Ge laughed: "You''re such a sweet talker. If you were a man, you would trick all the girls in the world and eat them up." Xian Ge glanced at Yan Hui. "Your sidekick is unexpectedly not with you today."


    "Sidekick? He''s clearly a follower I can''t get rid of. He''s injured right now and resting in the room. I didn''t call him to come with me."


    "Injured?"


    Yan Hui sighed: "Yesterday, we went to Heavenly Fragrance to investigate. In the end, we bumped into Zhenren Su Ying. Nothing was accomplished, and Tian Yao got hurt."


    "Then he''ll need to recover," said Xian Ge. She waved the paper in her hand. "But don''t think of it as nothing was accomplished. At least, my spy was successfully planted."


    Looking at the paper in Xian Ge''s hand, Yan Hui was stunned.


    Xian Ge continued: "The ruckus you made in the courtyard yesterday gave me this chance."

 CH 38

    Yan Hui slept in the second day. She didn''t even have time to think about what she was going to do today when a maid knocked on her room''s door. The maid was bringing her to see Xian Ge.


    Yan Hui just stepped over the threshold to go with the maid when the door of the room next door opened with a creak. Tian Yao just happened to be leaving his room.


    The clothes provided by Wang Yu Luo were much better than the cloth clothing he wore in the mountain village. After retrieving his dragon bones, Tian Yao''s constitution was getting better day by day. His body wasn''t sturdy quite yet, but at least he didn''t seem frail anymore.


    With one look, it was obvious he was an elegant gentleman, tall with a jade-like complexion.


    Yan Hui glanced at him. She immediately turned her head and sighed, even rubbing her chest: "How come this stupid drug hasn''t worn off......"


    Tian Yao heard her. His eyes rested briefly on Yan Hui''s face, but otherwise, he had no reaction. He only asked: "Where are you going?"


    Yan Hui still kept her head turned to not look at him: "Still worried I''m going to leave you behind?" She paused, "But you came just in time. Xian Ge''er called me over, probably to discuss something. Let''s go together. Saves me from repeating it to you afterwards."


    Tian Yao nodded. The two headed toward Xian Ge''s wing.


    They entered the room and went around the screen. Xian Ge saw Tian Yao walk in with Yan Hui. Xian Ge had no complaint. She only waved a piece of paper at Yan Hui: "Just yesterday I guessed that Zhenren Su Ying would have some troubles over the next few days. I didn''t think it would be so fast. The troubles have found her."


    Yan Hui turned to look at Tian Yao. His expression was placid with no waves of emotion. Yan Hui asked: "What troubles?"


    "The scholar that Zhenren Su Ying loves, Lu Mu Cheng, tried to kill himself the same night you two went to Heavenly Fragrance. He cut his own throat."


    Yan Hui was still digesting this news when Tian Yao suddenly asked a question from behind: "Then is the lust fragrance still being produced?"


    "Naturally, it can''t stop. Many noble officials have ordered it. Feng Ming needs to deliver it on time."


    Since it was like that, then Tian Yao''s horns were definitely still at Heavenly Fragrance.


    Yan Hui guessed two reasons why Zhenren Su Ying would personally come to Heavenly Fragrance. One was to get the lust fragrance as soon as possible. The second one was probably to take a look at the dragon horns. After all, when Tian Yao retrieved his dragon bones, he said it was impossible for Su Ying to not know what had happened. Zhenren Su Ying was still on guard against Tian Yao.


    But this time, Su Ying was worried about the scholar and left in a fluster. The protection around the dragon horns were bound to be at its weakest.


    Furthermore, Tian Yao was able to pinpoint the exact location of his horns when Yan Hui and him entered Heavenly Fragrance. This time, if they can enter, they can make a beeline straight to the horns.


    When the moment comes, Tian Yao can grab both horns at the same time. Then there would be no way to make the lust fragrance, so Feng Ming would naturally have no use for the captured fox demons. Maybe Tian Yao and Yan Hui wouldn''t need to save the fox demons. Feng Ming might just let them go.


    Yan Hui thought about this. She turned her head to look at Tian Yao. Four eyes met. A tacit understanding. She knew her thoughts were the same at Tian Yao''s thoughts.


    Thus, Yan Hui immediately opened her mouth: "I think the fox demon souls I gathered last time were thrashed by Zhenren Su Ying. I haven''t seen them these past two days. I don''t think I can use them this time around. Xian Ge, does your secret spy in Heavenly Fragrance have a way tonight to......."


    Yan Hui didn''t finish her words before Xian Ge laughed: "Say no further. Didn''t I already arrange everything for you? Look." Xian Ge took out two tokens from her sleeve.


    Tian Yao was just about to follow when Xian Ge suddenly opened her mouth. "Young man." Tian Yao turned his head. He saw Xian Ge take another sip and say, "Remember to protect her a little."


    Protect Yan Hui?


    This had never occurred to Tian Yao. Ever since meeting Yan Hui, Tian Yao from the start had only considered how to use her, how to scheme against her, how to make her do what he wanted her to do. Later on, he made her sympathize with him, then protect him, and go along with him to do other matters.


    In this time period, Yan Hui had always stood as the protector, helping him break out of his desperate situation, saving him from calamity.


    There was never a moment where it seemed like Yan Hui needed him to protect her.


    Thus, when Tian Yao heard those words, he was surprised. He didn''t respond. At this time, Yan Hui already started to call from down below: "Tian Yao, what are you stalling for? Keep up."


    Tian Yao politely dipped his head: "Farewell."

 CH 39

    Feng Ming''s sharp gaze swept over the courtyard. He turned to the servant: "Where are they?"


    The servant looked all around: "Strange......I just told two guardsmen to come here and assess the situation. How come they aren''t here?"


    Feng Ming''s eyes slightly narrowed when he heard that. He looked around the entire courtyard and then waved his hand to beckon another guard forward: "Get this courtyard surrounded."


    Yan Hui immediately lightly nudged Tian Yao with her elbow. She quietly whispered into his ear: "In a moment, I''m going to draw their attention. You take this opportunity while the courtyard isn''t completely surrounded to find your dragon horns."


    Yan Hui said those words so matter-of-factly. Truthfully, Tian Yao was already growing accustomed to this kind of planning. Because Yan Hui had magic now, she wanted to become stronger. She was more likely to face troublesome situations head-on. So of course, the dangerous matters should be left to her.


    But when carefully thinking it over, this wasn''t the proper nor right way. It wasn''t right for the strong be placed in danger for the weak. Yan Hui did this because that was what Yan Hui wanted to do. She wanted to.......protect people.


    Or in other words, protect him.


    Tian Yao''s gaze slightly faltered.


    Yan Hui had already used the Escape Earth Technique to leap out. All of a sudden, she landed in the courtyard''s southeast corner, which just happened to be opposite of where she came from. Yan Hui laughed: "Looking for someone? Looking for me?"


    For a moment, everyone''s eyes were drawn over to Yan Hui. Tian Yao didn''t hesitate. With a flip of his body, he vaulted over the wall.


    Yan Hui didn''t even look at Tian Yao. She directly started talking to Feng Ming: "Master Feng Ming, I''ve been looking forward to meeting you."


    Feng Ming''s dark gaze locked onto Yan Hui. Suddenly his lips quirked into a sneer. That sneer combined with his aquiline nose made him seem especially sinister and treacherous: "Insect, trying to trick me?"


    Feng Ming didn''t finish talking when he thrust out his arm. There was only a "boom". The wall that Tian Yao had just flipped over was struck by Feng Ming''s aura. It immediately collapsed.

 CH 40

    Feng Ming silently looked at Feng Qian Shuo for a period. Suddenly he gave a weird laugh: "Alright, alright. Since the elders and Clan Master are both worried, then in any case, I should not continue."


    Feng Ming turned his head and ordered his men standing off to the side: "Go kill all the fox demons imprisoned in the courtyard."


    Yan Hui was stunned by what she heard. Her mouth was even hanging open. Feng Qian Shuo calmly snatched the chance to speak first: "I''m afraid that wouldn''t be proper."


    "Oh?" Feng Ming narrowed his eyes. "In the great lands of Central Plains, it''s not proper for me to kill a few demons? Group Master, I''m afraid you''re over thinking things."


    "Ordinarily, I naturally wouldn''t hinder the deaths of a few demons, but Uncle......" Feng Qian Shuo advanced a few steps. His expression looked very awkward.


    "The demons of Qing Qiu indeed shouldn''t be provoked. You are occupied with Yong Zhou City matters and haven''t gotten around to inquiring Qing Qiu''s border matters. I''ve been keeping track of intelligence reports from our spies. There are many small xian sects at the border. Because of the disappearance of Qing Qiu''s princess, they have all been met with disaster. If you kill that many fox demons right now, it would be fine if you can keep it from Qing Qiu''s spies. But if it unfortunately gets found out......." Feng Qian Shuo shook his head. His expression was grave. He sighed, "Then I''m afraid it would be extremely improper."


    Feng Ming listened to those words and laughed, shoulders shaking. However, his expression was extremely frosty: "Then I will listen to my nephew''s words. What should I do?"


    "It would be better if I escort them outside of the city and leave them there. These demons no longer have their neidans and can''t fight back. The xian sects'' disciples will naturally take care of them. Then, the ones who killed the fox demons will be the disciples, completely unrelated to Qi Jue Group. Even if the demon race does find out, they can''t place the blame on us even if they wanted to." Feng Qian Shuo tapped the fan in his palm. His words were careless like he was playing around.


    Feng Ming muttered to himself for a bit: "Then I will have to trouble my nephew to help escort these demons out."


    Feng Qing Shuo smiled: "Uncle and I are family and in the same sect. It is no trouble for me to help Uncle out with a few matters." He turned and automatically ordered the person standing behind Feng Ming, "Go check how many fox demons are in the courtyard. When I leave, I''ll take them all away."


    The servant glanced at Feng Ming. Only then did Feng Ming nod his head. He waved his hand and said: "Go." The servant then bowed and left.


    "I have agreed to all of your requests. When you return, explain it well to the elders, so they won''t worry about Qi Jue Group''s matters. I will whole-heartedly assist you."


    A smile, so phony that the cheeks would become sore, was paired with even more phony words. Yan Hui felt goosebumps rising after hearing those words. Fortunately, Feng Qian Shuo was able to keep a surface politeness with Feng Ming: "I understand Uncle''s kind regards. Then I will leave now."

 CH 41

    While they were walking toward Wang Yu Luo''s main entrance, Yan Hui could see a red-clothed figure from far away standing at the entrance. It was craning its neck and watching them approach.


    Yan Hui took one look at the figure and said: "When all is said and done, the clan leader of Qi Jue Group really is special. A beauty like Xian Ge, even I may not be able to meet her in her room. But today, she actually receives you at the entrance."


    Feng Qian Shuo only lightly fanned himself and smiled. Then he stepped forward and called out: "Xian Ge."


    Xian Ge heard his call. Even Yan Hui, who was stood off to the side, could see the change of mood in Xian Ge''s eyes. However in the end, Xian Ge chose to silently dip her head and politely curtsy: "Xian Ge respectfully greet Clan Master."


    "It has been awhile. You''ve grown distant." Feng Qian Shuo gave a clear laugh. "Don''t stand at the entrance. Let''s go in." Done speaking, he was the first to step in.


    When Feng Qian Shuo''s figure lightly brushed past Xian Ge, her expression became slightly downcast. It was rare for Yan Hui to see her look gloomy.


    But Feng Qian Shuo paused one step in front of Xian Ge. He turned his head and looked at Xian Ge. He held out his hand: "It''s been too long since I''ve been here. Do you no longer want to hold my hand?"


    Xian Ge was startled. Then she placed her hand in his. His hand closed around hers. Feng Qian Shuo led Xian Ge along with a smile. His tender gaze even made several girls standing in the wings blush with envy.


    But probably no one was truly envious. Yan Hui watched them enter Wang Yu Luo, hand in hand. She couldn''t help remember a saying, a match made in heaven. That was them, a perfect pair.


    Then, Yan Hui had second thoughts. This man had one hundred concubines waiting for him in various places......She couldn''t help sighing and feeling regret on behalf of Xian Ge.


    Tian Yao, who was standing by Yan Hui, started to follow the pair into Wang Yu Luo. Yan Hui grabbed him back and then hurriedly released him. She started to rub at her numb palm.


    Tian Yao tilted his head and looked at her. He didn''t understand at all: "What is it?"


    "Why are you following after them?" Yan Hui asked, "Didn''t you see how picture perfect they were walking together?"


    Tian Yao strived hard to maintain his indifferent expression. Only the corner of his mouth twitched: "No."


    Yan Hui shot him a glance: "Looking at your face, it might become even more alluring than the Clan Master''s face one day, but when comparing your personality to his......Aside from someone like me who''s under the influence of drugs, no girl would want to walk with you."


    ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````


    Sad chapter for Yan Hui. To admit the person who saved you from hunger and poverty, who you also love, is probably a monster hurting others for their own gain is hard. I wonder how Tian Yao feels about this situation. It''s like what he had to go through with Su Ying.


    Also anyone watching The Legends (drama adaption of Ostentatious Zhao Yao)? It''s good! And it kinda has a similar background. Cultivators that pretend to be good and righteous are actually hypocrites and the true villains. Same author too, so that''s probably why haha


    And no release next week because I''ll be on vacation!!! Wheeeeeeeeee~~

 CH 42

    The next day early in the morning, Yan Hui got up and ate a huge breakfast. She adjusted her mindset and went to knock on Tian Yao''s door. After getting him, the two went together to seek out Xian Ge.


    On the way there, Tian Yao had already gotten into the habit of walking behind Yan Hui. This way, it prevented her from seeing him and spouting off some hoodlum words that he was no match for.


    Looking at Yan Hui''s back, it was as straight as ever. Every step had a swagger that ordinary girls wouldn''t have. It was like last night''s words didn''t strike her heart, didn''t hurt her at all.


    Even though it is Yan Hui, it appeared like she was good at covering up in some situations.


    When Xian Ge opened the door for Yan Hui, Feng Qian Shuo also happened to be inside. He was sitting in one of the chairs, waving his fan. He beamed at Yan Hui: "Coming to look for Xian Ge so early in the morning. Miss Yan Hui, do have a fancy for my Xian Ge?"


    "That''s right." Yan Hui answered naturally. "Clan Master Feng, are you willing to step aside?"


    Feng Qian Shuo folded his fan with a snap: "That''s out of the question."


    Yan Hui pursed her lips: "In any case, you already have one hundred concubines. You won''t miss a thing if you give Xian Ge to me." Yan Hui grinned at Xian Ge. "Isn''t that right, Xian Ge? Are you willing to come with me?"


    Xian Ge reached out and poked Yan Hui''s forehead. She was just about to chide Yan Hui when Feng Qian Shuo spoke: "I won''t miss a thing, but my heart and soul have already been taken by her." Feng Qian Shuo beckoned toward Xian Ge. She was stunned and obediently walked over. He wrapped her in his arms like a treasure: "Even if you are a girl, Yan Hui, you can''t steal from me."


    Yan Hui looked at Xian Ge''s slightly red face. She sighed internally. Xian Ge, oh Xian Ge. You''re so smart. How do you not know he''s just putting on a show for you to see, yet you actually are.......


    A glutton for punishment.


    Yan Hui turned her gaze. Tian Yao, who was by her side, stepped forward. He sat on the other side of the table. He wasn''t interested in what the other people were talking about but got straight to the point: "Heavenly Fragrance needs a treasure in order to make the lust fragrance. I want to take the treasure. Clan Master Feng, are you willing to help?"


    Once Tian Yao spoke, the mood immediately became more grave.


    It was then that Feng Qian Shuo looked at Tian Yao: "I forgot to ask yesterday. You are?"

 CH 43

    Yan Hui couldn''t help being confused: "Aren''t you a dragon demon? How do you know the nine-tailed fox demon clan''s magic?"


    Tian Yao blandly said: "50 years ago, the places in Central Plains with abundance spirituality were occupied by xian sects and xian cultivators. The demon races stayed in the southwest area. Qing Qiu''s boundary is between the two areas. The situation was fixed, but the affairs of the xian sects and demon races have nothing to do with me."


    Yan Hui blinked: "You didn''t go southwest?"


    "Didn''t want to," said Tian Yao. "I had already cultivated in a valley for a millennium. I didn''t want to move."


    Fair enough. Back then, there was a great war between the xian sects and demon races. Although the sects won Central Plains, they also suffered great losses. No one was interested in provoking a great millennium dragon demon.


    In this world, strength was the deciding factor.


    "I had been alone for 1000 years, but for that period of time quite a few demons unwilling to leave Central Plains found me. I didn''t chase them out. They regarded me as their shelter and still continued to cultivate in Central Plains."


    "So......"


    Tian Yao shot Yan Hui a glance: "Among the demons I sheltered, there were a few of the nine-tailed fox clan. In addition to cultivating, they would seek me out to compare techniques. Little by little, I learned their heart technique."


    Tian Yao had an unexpected past.

 CH 44

    Looking at her hand pressed against Tian Yao''s face, Yan Hui was internally struggling with how long she should keep her hand there. However Tian Yao instinctively reached out his hand and captured Yan Hui''s hand.


    His hand was also freezing cold like a brick of ice. Yan Hui told herself to pull her hand back. Otherwise, Tian Yao in a moment would pull her onto the bed.......


    But this thought hadn''t fully passed through her mind when Tian Yao''s hand exerted force as expected. Yan Hui was directly pulled onto the bed.


    Yan Hui was automatically hugged in his arms like a child looking for his mother. Shi Hui was held so tightly that she thought she could hear her bones creak.


    The last time Tian Yao was sick, Yan Hui hadn''t recovered her magic. She couldn''t fight nor escape. However now she had her cultivation''s magic. Pushing away Tian Yao in his current state couldn''t be any easier. But........


    She unexpectedly didn''t want to.


    This hug was like an ice block. It made her uncomfortable from head to toe. Yan Hui couldn''t sleep like this, but upon thinking upon it again, the person hugging her was ten times more uncomfortable than she was. Thinking of his lonely twenty years he spent alone in the past, Yan Hui could only deeply sigh.


    She reached out her hands and hugged him. She lightly patted his back: "Go to sleep, go to sleep. No more pain, no more pain."


    It was like coaxing a child.


    This was because of the lust fragrance, thought Yan Hui. Has to be the lust fragrance''s effect.


    After all, how could a heartless person like her suddenly start........feeling for someone?


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Next day, early morning.


    Tian Yao opened his eyes. He saw Yan Hui''s eyes were half open; her eyes had rolled upward until the whites of her eyes were showing. She was still mumbling: "Go to sleep, go to sleep. No more pain, no more pain."


    For a split second, Tian Yao wanted to kick this ugly looking demon off the bed.


    But he quickly resisted the urge.

 CH 45

    The screen disintegrated all over the floor. Tian Yao stood only one step away in front of the dragon horns. From the beginning, he was always in the dark. Su Ying''s words wouldn''t leave his head: "With your horns, look harder. Quickly go find the rest of your body parts. Then......"


    Heart protection scale. She still wanted his heart protection scale. She still hadn''t given up......Tian Yao''s eyes were like snow. His hands balled up into fists.


    At this moment, suddenly there was a loud sound from outside. Like a ball, Yan Hui was slammed in to the room, hitting Tian Yao''s back. He staggered. Yan Hui rolled to the side. She didn''t even have time to make a sound of pain. Yan Hui flipped on the spot, braced herself with her leg, and rushed back out.


    In a split second, Yan Hui formed a hand seal and flipped on to the back of the Blue Luan Bird that had also followed her into the room. She grabbed onto the base of its wings. Regardless of how much the Blue Luan Bird flapped its wings and jumped around, it couldn''t shake Yan Hui off its back.


    Yan Hui finally got settled on the bird and was able to look at Tian Yao who was slowly getting back up. Her temper immediately flared up: "Who are you pretending to be?! Some scholar contemplating some lame story?! The dragon horns are right in front of you! Go for it! Head down and charge!


    What are you standing there for?! Waiting for flowers to bloom?"


    Tian Yao had been hit by Yan Hui pretty hard. He coughed twice but was snapped back to focus by Yan Hui''s venting.


    It didn''t matter if Su Ying purposely left the dragon horns for him. It didn''t even matter what plans and schemes Su Ying had next. Tian Yao had to take those horns.


    They were originally part of him. They originally belonged to him. If he were to face off against Su Ying''s schemes, then he had to rely on his horns. He had to take back all of him which were sealed away. Not one piece could be missing.


    Tian Yao reached out his hand. His fingertips touched the tip of the floating horns.


    For a brief moment, a brief warmth starting from his fingertips spread through his veins. It flowed into his heart.


    The dragon horns were shuddering.


    Finally returned. They were finally part of him.


    Tian Yao reached out both hands. One hand touched a horn. Although he had no magic, gold light emitted from his palm. For a moment, the room was filled with spirituality. Even Yan Hui, who was fiercely battling with the Blue Luan Bird, sensed it.

 CH 46

    Yan Hui didn''t know what the situation outside was like. Her only thought was to track Feng Ming down and kill him to prevent his escape from stabbing them in the back.


    The warmth in her heart was growing stronger and stronger. For an unknown amount of time, that warmth spread throughout her body and into her limbs. Yan Hui let out a relaxed sigh. She could finally move.


    Yan Hui looked back. Tian Yao was still standing there with his eyes closed. Actually since last night when the moon was full, Tian Yao''s face had a sickly blue cast to it. It was like he had been frozen. But now, his face was rosier than before.


    He steadily stood there. It wasn''t sure if he was sensing the aura in his body or pondering over life. Yan Hui only needed to know that he was alright. Then she turned around to resume the chase.


    If Feng Ming managed to run into a busy area, then Yan Hui wouldn''t be able to use her Chen Xing Mountain magic......


    Thinking of this, Yan Hui gloomily lowered her head and rushed out. However in that moment, she unexpectedly ran into someone standing in the doorway. The man staggered at the impact and stumbled back a few paces.


    Yan Hui tensed up, but then she heard a voice say: "What''s with the rush?" Yan Hui stared. It was Feng Qian Shuo. She immediately released a pent up-breath. With the injuries Feng Ming had, there was no way he would live after encountering Feng Qian Shuo.


    Yan Hui had never experienced anything like the relationship between uncle and the nephew. But from the rumors in the streets, Yan Hui was sure Feng Qian Shuo hated Feng Ming to the point he wanted to rip his uncle apart alive.


    All power struggles were fought to the last breath.


    After relaxing, Yan Hui tensed up yet again. She looked behind Feng Qian Shuo. He laughed: "Miss Yan Hui, don''t look. Naturally, I''m sensible and won''t let the others come in to see you." Feng Qian Shuo lightly fanned his fan. "I just came to tell you my uncle has passed away. You can be at ease."


    This time, Yan Hui was put to ease.


    It looks like the soul sealed inside wasn''t far from turning into evil spirit. Yan Hui didn''t delay any longer and took one step forward. She gathered her magic and broke the seal on the bell. It rang and fell onto the ground. At the same time, a sharp wail cried out, nearly splitting Yan Hui''s eardrums.


    Yan Hui covered her ears: "So noisy!" She could only yell at the three-tailed fox demon. However, her abdomen tensed up when she yelled, so Yan Hui felt a tearing pain throughout her body. "Ouch! Stop yelling! Your daughter was saved."


    With that sentence alone, the evil presence in the room lessened a large degree. Yan Hui bent over clutching her stomach and lamented: "I really saved her. She''s at Wang Yu Lou in a room set up for her. That''s more than the other fox demons. You can follow me to see your daughter."


    The three-tailed fox demon finally settled down. She really wasn''t far from becoming an evil sport. Tattered clothes. Long, disarrayed hair. Ghastly-pallored face. And bloody tear streaks looking like cuts running down her face.


    The fox demon didn''t move an inch. She only stood there, staring at Yan Hui. It was to the point that Yan Hui''s stomach started to hurt even more.


    "Come with me. Follow me. If I''m tricking you, then you can take me away."


    Yan Hui didn''t need to use the Escape Earth method anymore. Tian Yao supported her up. Under the three-tailed fox demon''s careful gaze, they secretly left through Heavenly Fragrance''s back door and returned to Wang Yu Lou.


    Yan Hui pointed out the door next to her room to the three-tailed fox demon: "That one. She should still be inside." Yan Hui hadn''t finished when the door she was pointing at opened. Bai Xiao Lu stepped out and look at Yan Hui: "Sister Yan, you......you''re injured?"


    The little girl was worried for Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui''s heart softened. She looked to the side.


    The three-tailed fox demon that was on the cusp of becoming an evil spirit was already slowly recovering into her normal appearance. She gazed upon Bai Xiao Lu, eyes filled with indescribably love. All the bitterness and struggles had disappeared. There was only gratitude and distress that couldn''t be suppressed.


    Yes, how could there not be distress. This was probably the last time she would see her daughter. Now that she wasn''t clinging to the world, it was time to go and reincarnate. Some day in the future, her daughter would have to face harsh difficulty alone. Her mom......


    Was gone.


    The three-tailed fox demon''s black aura was becoming pure. She was starting to become how she looked the first time Yan Hui saw her.

 CH 47

    Yan Hui laid on her bed the entire night. The pain in her abdomen had lessened quite a bit. The next morning, she ate an entire mantou. However right when she was going to eat a second one, she hastily covered her mouth. She ran, half bent over, to a large basin and promptly vomited.


    Yan Hui felt like her stomach was trying to force its way out.


    The room''s door opened with a creak. It was Tian Yao. He heard her movements from next door. He saw Yan Hui puking like she had morning sickness and frowned: "What is it?"


    "Don''t make me talk." Yan Hui finished throwing up. She clutched her stomach and limply sat down on the floor. "Stomach hurts."


    Tian Yao sat next to her. He clasped her wrist and measured its pulse. Tian Yao frowned even more: "Your injury contains magic."


    "Well, duh." Yan Hui shook off Tian Yao''s hand and crept back to the bed. "If it didn''t have magic, then I would''ve been able to recuperate my inner breath during the night." Finished speaking, she reached toward the table to get a cup of tea.


    Tian Yao took two steps forward and suddenly pressed Yan Hui''s hand flat: "The tea isn''t good for the stomach, yet you still dare drink it."


    Yan Hui looked wide-eyed at Tian Yao. She said in innocent astonishment: "But I''m thirsty."


    Tian Yao ignored her. He didn''t say anything, only snatching away the cup in her hand and taking away the mantou on the table. Yan Hui was stunned. She slapped the table: "Give it back. What are you taking it away for?"


    Tian Yao didn''t even look back. Holding the edibles, he pushed the door open. When the door was about the swing close, only then did he turn to look back at Yan Hui: "Wait here."


    The food had been taken away. Idly waiting here wasn''t Yan Hui''s style. She clutched her stomach and hurried after Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui chased Tian Yao to the top of the stairs. He turned back to look at her. Perhaps because he saw she didn''t have any issues with walking that Tian Yao didn''t mind Yan Hui. He continued to the back courtyard, holding the food, and entered the kitchen.


    Breakfast had just ended. The chefs in the kitchen were prepping for lunch. No one was using the fire yet. Tian Yao walked right in and with practiced movements busied himself with the pots and pans storage area.


    Yan Hui moved closer to the doorway and watched him. She saw him pour out the tea and set aside the mantou. He washed the rice and then set the pot with rice on top of the fire to boil. He efficiently prepared the fish, removing the bones with just a few slices of the knife. Then with the back of the knife, he efficiently removed the spines on the back of the fish.


    Yan Hui heard the knife rapidly chopping on the board as Tian Yao minced the fish with a few slices of ginger. In another pot of boiling water, he blanched the fish to removed the fishy taste. Then he scooped the minced fish into the pot with the boiling rice. Three chopped scallions were added, and then Tian Yao slowly stirred the porridge.

 CH 48

    Yan Hui''s stomach hurt for three days. For those days, she practically didn''t touch any other food besides Tian Yao''s cooking. Every day when she heard Tian Yao''s door open next door, Yan Hui would rush out, block him, and impatiently say: "To the kitchen!"


    Tian Hui would give her a glance without a word. Then he really would turn and go......


    Yan Hui would eagerly follow. She could eat yummy things everyday and was extremely contented.


    Yan Hui''s body still hadn''t completely healed. Wang Yu Luo had good things to eat and drink, so naturally she didn''t think about leaving. Tian Yao also didn''t seem to be in a hurry to find his other body parts. He didn''t bring it up with Yan Hui, and Yan Hui also pretended to not know. She just treated this period of time as recuperation.


    She stuck by Tian Yao and ate for three days. Then suddenly a piece of news reached them.


    Feng Ming''s death had already spread in the jianghu. The announcement Qi Jue Group publicly made was that Feng Ming had fallen ill and suddenly died. But anyone with a brain wouldn''t believe that. The opinions in the jianghu differed on Feng Ming''s death. Most thought he was killed by his nephew in a power struggle. To be fair, there was nothing to naysay about that. However, there was a second opinion.


    One opinion was Feng Ming was killed by a Qing Qiu fox demon. Another opinion was Feng Ming was killed by a xian cultivator.


    Some guessed that the xian cultivator was a heretical cultivator. Others blamed it on Yan Hui.


    But fortunately this was all conjecture. No one could do anything about it.


    Yan Hui was drinking chicken soup made by Tian Yao when she heard the news from Xian Ge. Yan Hui finished the entire bowl down to the last drop before responding to Xian Ge: "Isn''t it all rumors? Don''t worry. Let them guess, guess away. The more the better. It''s fine if no news comes out. Now that some news has been revealed, it''s best that it''s like how it is now, half real and half fake. That way, people can''t tell which part is fake and which part is real. In any case, if I were the one gossiping, I would already be blaming it on Feng Qian Shuo."


    "Xian Ge, it''s better that you worry over Feng Qian Shuo than me. After all, I''m just a target of a few rumors. It doesn''t bother me." Yan Hui licked her spoon wishfully. She turned and looked at Tian Yao, who looked like he hadn''t been listening. "Is there no more chicken soup for today?"


    Tian Yao was playing chess against himself and paid Yan Hui no heed.


    Yan Hui scowled: "Stingy."


    "You already drank a lot today. If you drink more, your stomach will hurt." Xian Ge looked at Yan Hui''s greedy expression and couldn''t help giving some advice. "Giving you less to eat is for your own good. Don''t brush off the news I told you." She knocked on Yan Hui''s head. "You love to get into trouble. If you still want to wander the jianghu, then you need to take more care. Otherwise if someone gets hold of information that harms you, who will protect you?"

 CH 49

    Yan Hui always considered herself as decisive and not hesitant. Sometimes she was so much so that she came off as too blunt and a bit heartless.


    The day when Yan Hui left Chen Xing Mountain, every step down the long winding path recalled a memory. When Ling Xiao first brought Yan Hui to the mountain, he said: "Yan Hui, from now on, this will be your home." That memory was like a sleeping tiger suddenly leaping out to tear and mangle her.


    However, no matter how many memories surged up, no matter how hurt she felt, Yan Hui''s footsteps never paused.


    At that time, Yan Hui thought there probably wouldn''t be anything else in her lifetime that could stop her from walking away.


    But the world had strange and weird events that were hard to predict. When Tian Yao was earnestly looking at Yan Hui and saying those dependent words, Yan Hui felt like she couldn''t move her legs.


    Yan Hui unexpectedly found out she couldn''t abandon people that needed her.


    She could be heartless to herself, but it seemed like she couldn''t find that heartlessness toward Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui moved her gaze away from Tian Yao. In her mind she cursed that damned fox lust fragrance for not fading yet.


    "No, no matter what you say, in any case I''m not going to help you find your other body parts again. The jianghu already know about me releasing the fox demons. Even those are still just rumors, I probably attracted the attention of every sect, including Chen Xing Mountain. If I continue to stay with you, it won''t be good for you neither." Yan Hui hefted up her simply packed bundle and walked past Tian Yao out the room: "I''m leaving now. Don''t follow me."


    Although Yan Hui said those words, she didn''t use the Escape Earth Technique. She just walked down the steps a little faster than usual.


    Seeing this, Tian Yao didn''t hesitate at the slightest and wordlessly turned to follow after Yan Hui. He was reluctant to return to his room and pack. There wasn''t much to pack anyways.


    Aside from Yan Hui, there was nothing else to bring.


    Outside of their wing, Yan Hui suddenly stopped. She turned her head and fixed Tian Yao with a stare. He also stopped and expressionlessly stared back at her.

 CH 50

    Yan Hui was also startled by the sword movement. She knew her senior disciple was a solemn and upstanding person. However she would''ve never guessed he would become so short-tempered after only a few months. Only a few words were exchanged before he swung.


    Yan Hui hurriedly moved forward to block him: "Head Senior Disciple, calm down."


    Zi Chen''s anger blazed high. He gathered magic into his hand and pushed Yan Hui aside: "Move."


    Yan Hui hadn''t expected that and really was shoved aside.


    Tian Yao''s eyebrows furrowed at this sight.


    When Yan Hui steadied herself and turned to look, Zi Chen was striking at Tian Yao. Tian Yao slightly shifted. It was a small movement, yet Zi Chen''s sword completely missed Tian Yao. When Zi Chen was trying to reel in his momentum, Tian Yao raised his hand and lightly hit Zi Chen''s wrist on its weakest point. There wasn''t much power behind the blow, but Zi Chen''s entire wrist became numb.


    Zi Chen retreated. He clutched his wrist and sarcastically laughed: "An ordinary person."


    His words his their mark, and Yan Hui felt her face sting. She put up a stubborn front: "He''s, he''s just good at martial arts. He doesn''t have magic."


    Zi Chen didn''t want to hear Yan Hui''s chatter. He only glared at Tian Yao: "My junior''s messy aura is something you taught, isn''t it?" His eyes darkened. "What are your intentions?" Zi Chen''s tone was cold and flat.


    "Intentions?" Tian Yao steadily looked back at Zi Chen. Although Tian Yao had no magic, it didn''t affect his presence. "So what if her aura is because of my teachings? Ten years worth of your Chen Xing Mountain''s teachings can''t compare to a night of mine. I am not ashamed."


    Zi Chen was angered by those words: "Let''s see how long you can keep up that arrogance."


    Magic gathered around Zi Chen''s sword. The aura around it started to flow faster and faster. Even the naked eye could see the wind magic coating the blade''s edge.


    Zi Chen studied wind-related magic since young. Yan Hui could tell Zi Chen was going to truly face-off against Tian Yao. She looked all around in fear. Yan Hui kicked a rock that happened to be next to her. The rock hit Zi Chen''s wrist right where Tian Yao had struck earlier. Zi Chen was distracted by the pain and looked at Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui flashed and suddenly appeared behind Zi Chen. With a rapid movement, Yan Hui ruthlessly chopped Zi Chen''s neck with the side of her hand.

 CH 51

    It had been ten years since Yan Hui first greeted Ling Xiao as her shifu.


    For a person, ten years is a long time. Yan Hui had forgotten many things that occurred in those ten years. However, Yan Hui didn''t dare forget the day she met Ling Xiao.


    She remembered it was the beginning of summer. Yan Hui had no mother, and her drunkard of a father spent every day dead drunk in the house. He didn''t care a whit what Yan Hui did or where she went.


    Back then, Yan Hui thought that life was just muddled through. When the time came, she would be like the older sisters in the village and find someone to marry. Then she''d have a couple kids and raise them. And then she would watch the kids muddle their way through life too.


    The Yan Hui back then didn''t once think that she would meet someone called Ling Xiao.


    He was like a godly presence landing in the middle of her mediocre life.


    Ling Xiao had brought Zi Chen with him down the mountain to gain experience. They had chased an evil demon to the village entrance. Yan Hui just happened to be playing with some of the village children at the base of the great tree.


    The demon seemed to have been chased to the end of its rope. It immediately snatched up one of the children and on the spot ripped open the child''s chest. The demon plucked out the heart and gulped it down. All the other children were stupefied by the sight.


    Although the young Yan Hui would frequently see ghosts, she had never experienced such a bloody scene before. She immediately began to wail. One heart wasn''t near enough for the demon. It immediately reached out again and snatched up Yan Hui, who was closest to it.


    Without hesitation, it cut Yan Hui''s chest with its finger. Her blood spilled out and dripped onto the tree''s roots.


    Yan Hui felt herself dying. That was the first time she had come face to face with death. She saw a black aura start to rise from her own body. Yan Hui was so scared that her face was deathly white. It seemed like her heart had already stopped beating. But right at that moment, frost descended from the sky. Light from the Hoarfrost Technique spilled forth.


    Yan Hui watched an icy blade sever the demon''s hand, and she fell into a cold embrace.

 CH 52

    The grave of Yan Hui''s mother was on a small hillside outside the village. It was almost noon by the time the pair walked up the hill.


    It was a little hot, but that was precisely when the sky would be a stunning clear blue. Wild flowers bloomed everywhere. Yan Hui took a deep breath, walked up the hill, and saw the lone grave that had been unswept for so long. She silently stood there for a long time. Then she knelt down in front of it. However, it wasn''t a proper posture like when other people payed respects to a grave.


    Yan Hui had an innate undisciplined air. She wasn''t overly respectful, yet nor was she disrespectful.


    "Mother." She looked off to the side. There was another tombstone erected askew. It wasn''t straight like the tombstone Yan Hui was kneeling in front of. She pursed her mouth and called out, "Drunkard old man." She tapped her head against the ground, "Your daughter has returned to visit you two."


    Yan Hui carried a jar of wine bought from the village''s brewer madam. She uncorked it and poured it out in front of the crooked tombstone. "I''m lazy, so I''m not going to pull out the grass growing here. In any case, it''s going to grow back."


    Tian Yao had been silently listening for a long time, but in the end he couldn''t resist speaking over her: "Since you''ve come from so far, why aren''t you willing to just clean up the graves?"


    "When Mother passed away, we were so poor we couldn''t even afford a flimsy coffin. She was buried right under the grassy layer." Yan Hui wiped at the words on the gravestone. "What if the grass was grown by my mother?"


    Tian Yao silently listened.


    Yan Hui''s mother died early, so Yan Hui didn''t have many memories of her. However Yan Hui still remembered how she felt sitting by her mother''s side, watching her mom mend clothing and listening to her humming.


    Yan Hui never felt such tender protection from anyone else after that.


    After her mom passed away, her dad started to drink heavily. He was stuck in a drunken stupor all day long. Yan Hui as a result grew up like a wild child. Even though Ling Xiao eventually brought her to Chen Xing Mountain, no one could replace the warmth she felt from her mother.


    Yan Hui sat in front of the grave for a long time. Then she dusted her butt off and stood up: "Let''s go."


    Tian Yao turned to look at her: "To where?"


    Yan Hui rummaged around in her bag. There was a sound of jingling keys: "I''ve paid my respects to my parents. Of course we''re going to get the reward I nearly sacrificed my life for."


    Feng Ya Town was actually still a bit of a distance from Yan Hui''s village, but with the Propelling Sword technique, it was only half a day''s travel. For the first time, Yan Hui didn''t make a fuss about using the Propelling Sword with her tag-along. As long as Tian Yao didn''t keep asking her dumb questions, she could pretend to be stupid and silently take him along with her.


    In any case, he wasn''t hindering her in any way.


    With the Propelling Sword technique, they reached Feng Ya Town at nightfall. The pair seemed used to rushing down their journey and staying at inns. Although neither of them had been to this town before, they easily found an inn after reading the signs and asked for two rooms.


    Yan Hui originally planned on a calm and deep sleep tonight. But at midnight, she heard a rustling sound on the roof.


    It sounded like one person was chasing another right overhead.

 CH 53

    Yan Hui felt like the wait for the overseer of intel to arrive was agonizing.


    A thought slipped through her mind. If genuine fox lust fragrance needed the blood of a nine-tailed fox demon to be refined, and the nine-tailed fox demon princess had disappeared for such a long time....... Although Qinq Qiu was located in the southwest, that didn''t mean they didn''t have any influence in Central Plains. Yet they with all their influence couldn''t located the whereabouts of the princess.......


    Could it be that Su Ying had captured the fox demon princess? Furthermore, could it be that Su Ying had removed the princess''s neidan and used the blood to refine?!


    If that was the case, then the nine-tailed fox demon clan, who greatly valued blood relations, would bound to be extremely wrathful. The relationship between cultivators and demons had temporarily stabilized with great difficulty. Who knows, perhaps this might incite a great conflict.......


    The more Yan Hui thought about it, the more it frightened her. Fifty years ago, the cultivation clans and the demon clans fought. Although Yan Hui wasn''t part of it, just hearing what was circulated by others was enough to scare her.


    Even though the cultivation clans were able to hold onto Central Plains in the end and push out the demon clans, the chaos of the conflict created refugees everywhere. It was a deplorable situation. Both demons and humans faced retribution in the aftermath.


    The world took several decades of hard effort to restore order. If Su Ying''s own selfishness wrecked that, then that really is.......


    Yan Hui agonized over it and became more unsettled. In comparison to her anxiousness, Tian Yao calmly sipped tea besides her.


    A short period later, a foul-mouthed man was heard along with a muddle of footsteps that burst into the room: "I said letting the attendants always deal with customers is enough! Who cares about some important customer that insist on me attending them! I''m busy!"


    With those words, a thick eyebrowed and large eyed, burly man drunkenly walked in with a jar of wine. Without looking around the room, the man lifted his robes and sat muttering in a chair. The chair bore his weight, but it let out several ominous creaks. The man didn''t care. He just tilted back his head, thrust his feet out, and stretched out on the chair. Then he started to snore.


    Yan Hui was stunned by the sight. Tian Yao also slightly narrowed his eyes.


    The shopkeeper rushed into the room from behind and stood in front of the beggar-like man. The shopkeeper still kept his smiling demeanor: "Honored guests, this is our store''s intel overseer. His temperament is a bit strange, but he has some skill. The information you want to know......."


    The shopkeeper hadn''t finished speaking when the seemingly asleep burly man suddenly woke up. The burly man was indignant and kicked the shopkeeper''s butt, causing the shopkeeper to stagger and fall in Tian Yao and Yan Hui''s direction. The two moved out of the way, and the shopkeeper''s head hit the seat. He clutched his nose and didn''t get up for awhile.


    "Rubbish!" The drunk man yelled. "I know it all! What do you mean some skill?! I have great skill! From those that fly to those that crawl, I.......belch, I know it all!"


    Tian Yao immediately took over the man''s words: "Good sir, since you are so skilled, I don''t know whether or not sir perhaps knows what information I want."


    "I said I''m Know-It-All. I know it all!"

 CH 54

    Before when Yan Hui had no money, she set her heart on gaining money as fast as possible. Now she had money. It was enough to buy a house with a courtyard in this town and hire ten Fatty Zhangs as cooks, but she unexpectedly didn''t know what to do with it.


    Yan Hui lead Tian Yao to the best inn in town and got the best room from the innkeeper. While they were waiting for the porter to lead them to their room, a voice suddenly called out: "You guys are here too!" It was filled with irrepressible delight.


    At the sound of the voice, Yan Hui immediately felt a throbbing start in her head. She turned her head to look. As expected, it was Qing Qiu''s crown prince standing there.


    He was probably the person Yan Hui most didn''t want to meet. Yan Hui looked through him, as if she didn''t see him at all.


    The crown prince''s servant tried to hold the prince back, but the prince broke free after two or three attempts. He firmly walked toward Yan Hui: "No matter how I looked at it, it has to be you. Why do you pretend to not recognized me?"


    Yan Hui sighed. She planned to face this head-on, but then a person stepped in. It was Tian Yao standing in front of Yan Hui. He precisely blocked the crown prince''s path.


    The crown prince was shocked. Yan Hui was also shocked. She didn''t have time to collect her thoughts when she felt something warm on her wrist. Tian Yao had unexpectedly grabbed her wrist and started tugging her upstairs.


    Yan Hui gazed up at the back of Tian Yao''s head. She still hadn''t fully processed their current position up the stairs yet.


    Usually.......it was her leading the way.


    Perhaps Tian Yao sensed Yan Hui''s vacant gaze because he slightly turned back to look at her: The waiter is already ahead to lead the way. You don''t want to go back to your room?"


    The way he said it implied the waiter was very busy, that they shouldn''t waste other''s time......


    Yan Hui was still being tugged along by Tian Yao. The crown prince seemed to suddenly recover. He hurriedly moved to catch up. He followed behind Yan Hui and continued to ask: "Who''s that person? Why is he with you?"


    Tian Yao didn''t even look back and completely ignored the crown prince''s presence. Yan Hui didn''t respond either. Thus, the crown prince followed them upstairs. He persevered: "I truly continued to look for you after what happened back then. My nine......my clan believes in repaying kindness. You saved me then, so I will definitely repay you."

 CH 55

    Follow Tian Yao to demon cultivation?


    Yan Hui lightly looked at Tian Yao upon hearing those words. She treated it all as nonsense. Ever since she was brought to Chen Xing Mountain by Ling Xiao ten years ago, she cultivated the xian way. She, to her bones,was xian. If she were to cultivate the demon path, wouldn''t that be the same as breaking her bones apart and flushing her system out to the point of near death just to start the demon cultivation.......


    How much suffering would she have to endure? Only the insane would switch halfway to start cultivating with Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui immediately pursed her lips and tossed the thought to the back of her mind.


    Within the a few days, the news of Qing Qiu''s declaration of war had spread throughout the entirety of the Central Plains.


    Every single xian sect was shocked and stunned. They weren''t surprised about Zhenren Su Ying killing a nine-tailed fox demon princess without batting an eyelid. Rather, they were surprised that Qing Qiu, upon discovering this news, without delay declared war and threw the entire world into battle.


    All the xian sects were in turmoil. Some of the elders wanted Chen Xing Mountain''s Zhenren Qing Guang to take charge of the situation. However, Zhenren Qing Guang had been in seclusion for several months. Even Chen Xing Mountain''s own people haven''t see him. The xian sects lacked a leader.


    On the other hand, there was Zhenren Su Ying of the Guang Han Sect, who with her arrogant words, caused a war with Qing Qiu.


    In a short moment, there was a knife edge hostility between the xian sects and the demon clans.


    The town Yan Hui was staying in was still a little ways from Qing Qiu. But after two days, xian cultivators using the Propelling Sword technique could cover triple that distance. Yan Hui thought about it. She feared she wouldn''t be able to stay in this little town much longer. By the time night fell, Yan Hui had it all planned out. She intended to find Tian Yao and talk it out. If Tian Yao wanted to find his body parts to fight with Su Ying, then that was fine. But if it was to help the demon clans fight the Central Plains, then she had better separate from Tian Yao, the sooner the better.


    They were of different cultivation. In the end, she couldn''t be part of his scheme.


    Before she opened the door, Yan Hui heard the sounds of a quiet disagreement coming from outside the door. The was Qing Qiu''s crown prince, Zhu Li, arguing again with his old servant outside.


    "........look at the situation. If you still don''t go back, by the end of tonight it won''t be easy to leave that way, Your Highness!"


    "I told her I would wait three days."


    "Ah! Heavens! You little devil! If she wanted to leave, she would''ve left with you by now! What are you dilly-dallying for! Stop throwing a tantrum and obediently come back with this old servant please!"


    There a long pause before Zhu Li uttered: "We leave tomorrow."


    Still so stubborn. Yan Hui sighed and yanked the door open. She looked right at Zhu Li and said: "Go back tonight. There''s no use waiting until tomorrow."


    Zhu Li''s mouth opened and closed. In the end he only gritted his teeth together. He finally seemed a little childish in that moment: "In any case, I''m still going to wait for you until tomorrow before going."


    Yan Hui saw he was starting to double down. She knew people with that kind of temper couldn''t be swayed. Thus, she ignored Zhu Li and knocked on Tian Yao''s door. She called out: "Let''s go down to eat. I need to talk with you."


    Tian Yao was meditating in his room to regulate his inner breath. There wasn''t much for him to do here. Thus, when Yan Hui called, he came out.

 CH 56

    Although Yan Hui asked that question, everyone knew who she was referring to. Aside from Ling Fei, no one else was trying to stop her.


    Ling Fei saw Yan Hui''s face was dark with anger. It recalled that time in Xin Xiu Peak''s prison when she suffered a loss by Yan Hui. With this new hatred and old grudge together, Ling Fei''s anger also flared. She chillingly laughed: "You really meant it when you said you were going to cut off your former classmate''s tongue. Yan Hui, where is your humanity. Could it be you''ve already become a heretic cultivator?"


    "Malicious slander," spat Yan Hui. "The way I see it, keeping your tongue is also useless." She flung the bloodstained dagger at Ling Fei''s face.


    The dagger was fast like lightening, but Ling Fei was already prepared. She wave her hand. Her long sleeves deflected the dagger and sent it flying off-course.


    Ling Fei looked at Yan Hui with slightly narrowed eyes: "Last time you took advantage when I wasn''t ready and did a sneak attack. Did you really think this time I''ll lose to you?"


    She grasped the air, and a horsetail whisk appeared in her hand. She brandished the whisk, aura overflowing: "I want to see what other heretical sorcery you''ve learned since leaving."


    Ling Fei disappeared at the end of her words. Alarm bells immediately started ringing in Yan Hui''s mind, and she at once backed up a step to protect Tian Yao. However, Tian Yao also suddenly backed up too. He hurriedly called out: "Careful." He followed up with pushing Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui staggered forward a step and barely managed to dodge the horsetail whisk sweeping in from behind.


    Ling Fei reappeared one half step behind Yan Hui. But instead of continuing to attach Yan Hui, Ling Fei swept a severe gaze toward Tian Yao:


    "Unexpectedly discerning!"


    Following her words, the horsetail whist swept toward Tian Yao''s face. A cold blast accompanied it.


    Ling Fei is Su Ying''s little sister. Although she was sent at a young age to Chen Xing Mountain by Su Ying, Ling Fei still learned Guang Han sect''s heart techniques. Thus with that move, the entire room filled with an icy cold that penetrated to the bones and heart.


    Tian Yao''s magic hadn''t fully recovered yet. However he spent the last few days regulating his inner breath and gained some cultivation. It was enough to increase his speed much more than the average cultivator.


    When Ling Fei unleashed her magic, it was clearly within Tian Yao''s capability to dodge it, but he froze.


    Those memories that Tian Yao strived hardest to forget had already become wounds branded into his very soul. The chilled air Ling Fei''s whisk brought with it was like a blade stabbing straight into those wounds.


    An enormous moon. Snow flurries filling the air. These out-of-place sights untimely filled Tian Yao''s vision.  His pupils contracted. For a moment, he couldn''t move his feet. He watched the whisk slash, sending the frigid air magic aimed straight at his head!


    In that moment between life and death, Tian Yao saw that figure in front of him move. A hand shot out and fiercely grabbed the sweeping whisk.

 CH 57

    The small inn was filled with hostility.


    Terrified by the strength of Tian Yao''s attack just then, the Chen Xing Mountain''s disciples didn''t immediately make a move. Yan Hui stood, hand clutching her stomach, by Tian Yao across the disciples. She swept her gaze over their faces. She stopped at Zi Chen. She paused and then murmured to Tian Yao: "How much inner breath do you have left after attacking Ling Fei?"


    "None."


    Yan Hui grew solemn when she heard Tian Yao''s words. She only said: "In a few moments, I''m going to stall them. You leave." She took a step forward, but her collar was seized from behind.


    "Come back." Tian Yao''s voice was calm. He lightly glanced upstairs: "We can leave together."


    Zhu Li had been watching from up there behind a pillar the entire time. Their eyes met. Zhu Li''s gaze deepened and he stepped out.


    The old servant behind Zhu Li wanted to grab him back, but Zhu Li shook off his hand. When the servant saw Zhu Li reaching to unsheathe the jian tied at his waist, the servant anxiously pressed Zhu Li''s hand back down. He clenched his teeth and looked down at the disciples His eyes gleamed red and in a split second, his wrinkle-lined face became sinister.


    At the same time, Zi Chen suddenly turned his head to look upstairs: "Demon magic!"


    A pale fog immediately exploded from where Zhu Li and the old servant stood. In a few short moments, the fog filled the entire inn. In the chaos, Ling Fei''s pain-filled yet calm voice shouted out from the midst where the disciples stood: "Don''t panic. Get in position."


    At that time, Yan Hui felt a pressure on her wrist. She turned her head to look. It was that kid who was a head shorter than her, Zhu Li, who was holding onto her wrist: "Come with me."


    There was no time for Yan Hui to respond when she heard the surrounding wind start to whistle. In a blink of an eye, the fog in front of her started to curl. The wind screamed.


    Yan Hui was stepping on something soft. She looked down. She wasn''t standing on a cloud nor a sword, but rather it was a soft grey pelt.


    Zhu Li said by her side: "Don''t worry. Uncle Zhao is fast. Those people won''t be able to catch up. We will definitely be able to leave safely."


    Only then did Yan Hui realized she was standing on the back of an enormous fox demon.


    She didn''t have time to relax when she tensed up again: "Where''s Tian Yao?"  She flusteredly looked around for him only to discover he was already tranquilly sitting down behind her. His eyes were closed, and he was regulating his inner breath.


    Tian Yao looked up when he heard Yan Hui''s call. He didn''t say a word, but it was enough for Yan Hui''s expression to relax back down.

 CH 58

    Tian Yao knew where his dragon tendons were, but he wasn''t in a hurry to check it out.


    On one hand, San Chong Mountain was was guarded by the xian sects. Although there demons came to receive Zhu Li, there wasn''t a lot of them. They were enough to hold off the xian cultivators for a short while, but they had volunteered to do so. In this circumstance, Tian Yao was completely unable to closely investigate the mountain.


    On the other hand.......Yan Hui was injured. He lost his powerful helper. This was how Tian Yao convinced himself, but deep in his mind, a thought wormed out.


    He couldn''t let Yan Hui in her current condition to follow him into danger.


    That thought was so clear in his head, so clear that Tian Yao didn''t dare dwell on it. He skipped over it and also turned his gaze. He steadily sat back down on the fox demon''s back.


    Yan Hui thought it was strange: "You sensed your body part down there. You''re not going to take a look?"


    Tian Yao closed his eyes: "There''s no rush at the moment. San Chong Mountain is big, so discovering my dragon tendon''s whereabouts won''t be easy. Since this place is close to Qing Qiu, they might have some information. We''ll see if Qing Qiu has any news before planning further."


    Yan Hui thought what Tian Yao said was reasonable. Thus, she nodded and also sat down. Since they were free, she teased Tian Yao a little: "It''s kinda strange. Before when you discovered something like this, your eyes would light up like fire. Now are you unhappy we are finding things too fast? Going to be all calm and collected now?"


    Unhappy they were finding things too fast?


    No, he feared they weren''t finding things fast enough. He wished with all his heart to return to his former state in a blink of an eye.


    He wasn''t unhappy they were moving too fast. He just......


    Compared to earlier when there was nothing to do, had more misgivings......


    Darkness had already swallowed all light. Yan Hui and Tian Yao arrived to Qing Qiu in pitch-black darkness.


    When the large, gray fox demon landed, the tranquil forest in front of them was lit up with several points of fire. It was the demon clans lighting torches, quietly waiting for Zhu Li''s arrival.


    The gray fox demon''s body became wreathed in fog. Then after a flash of magic, it turned back into the stooped-back, old servant. He patted his stomach and took several deep breaths. He said to Zhu Li: "You little devil, this servant is getting old. I can''t handle this rough treatment anymore! Next time I request you consider my situation!"


    [1] Heir, the Seventh Prince ordered us to escort you back

 CH 59

    Tian Yao and Yan Hui calmly rested that night. The next day bright and early, Zhu Li knocked on Tian Yao''s door.


    Yan Hui''s and Tian Yao''s rooms were close to each other. When Zhu Li knocked, she actually was already awake. When she got up, servants from outside came in to serve her. Yan Hui wasn''t used to this kind of treatment. She wanted to dismiss them, but then one of the servants spoke: "Miss, you are going to meet the prince today. It''s best that you wear Qing Qiui''s hair style today."


    Yan Hui thought about it; it did make sense. After all, she entered another''s domain. It''s was already miraculous the demon clansmen weren''t discriminating against her for being a xian cultivator. For other matters, she should do as the natives so as much as she could.


    Thus she stood in front of the dressing mirror and allowed the servants to comb her hair and dress her.


    When they were done, Yan Hui covered her wound and looked in the mirror. She felt like Qing Qiu''s style suited her pretty well.


    Yan Hui exited her room. Zhu Li and Tian Yao were waiting for her in the courtyard. When Zhu Li saw her, his eyes instantly brighted, and his cheeks flushed red. He hurriedly looked away and with a shaking voice said: "You.......you suit......."


    "How''s your facial wound?" Tian Yao cut off Zhu Li. "It wasn''t bandaged last night?"


    Tian Yao picked a good topic. At his words, not only Yan Hui, but also Zhu Li himself didn''t further wonder why Tian Yao interrupted him.


    Yan Hui touched her chin: "The attendant who applied the medicine last night said they were scared of it interfering with today''s treatment, so they didn''t bandage it."


    Zhu Li nodded: "I came precisely to talk you two to the doctor. Right now the doctor is at my Third Uncle''s residence to treat his illness. I came by to get your wound treated, and it just so happened that Third Uncle also wanted to meet Tian Yao."


    Wanted to meet Tian Yao? Yan Hui mulled over it. That''s right, probably everyone in Qing Qiu wanted to meet Tian Yao.


    Zhu Li continued: ".......then we will meet the King of Qing Qiu."


    "Meet........who?" Yan Hui was stunned. "The king? Your king?"


    Zhu Li nodded.


    Yan Hui instantly was wary.

 CH 60

When he said those words, Yan Hui was surprised.

 CH 61

Today, Tian Yao and Yan Hui were going to meet the king.


    ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````


    [1] You''re the one with the weak body.........

 CH 62

    Qing Qiu''s king didn''t have any reaction towards Tian Yao''s reply. There was just a brief silence before the king spoke: "Your aura is overflowing, yet you struggled to retain inner breath within. Have you not regained your body?"


    "I''m still missing my dragon tendons and heart," calmly replied Tian Yao.  Since the king already knew what happened to him, Tian Yao had no reason to hide it. It saved him from explaining from the very beginning, and he also didn''t want to dance around the subject.


    "Before I found my dragon horns, it already was absorbing spiritual energy. However without my dragon tendons to pair with it, I can''t gather the energy to cultivate. Thus, I can''t contain my aura. It leaks out. The day before yesterday, we passed over Qing Qiu''s border. By chance, I discovered my dragon tendons are sealed in San Chong Mountain. To be honest, before that, I wanted to ask you the whereabouts of my tendons."


    The king slightly muttered to himself when he heard Tian Yao''s words: "San Chong Mountain is located at Qing Qiu''s borders. There''s countless amounts of seals of all sizes. It''s very likely your dragon tendons are sealed there." His eyes took on a distant look. "San Chong Mountain''s largest spell is the Sky-Splitting Heavenly Jian spell."


    Yan Hui was stunned when she heard that name. As a cultivator of Chen Xing Mountain, she couldn''t be more familiar with those words, Sky-Splitting Heavenly Jian spell.


    50 years ago, after the battle between Zhenren Qing Guang and Qing Qiu''s king, the land was split into two. Zhenren Qing Guan took his heavenly jian and sealed it in San Chong Mountain. He called it the Sky-Splitting spell; it was to cower the demon races. From then on, San Chong Mountain became the boundary that split the two nations.


    After the war came 50 years of peace until now. Since the war, Zhenren Qing Guang had been meditating at Chen Xing Mountain. He hadn''t grasped a jian since.


    And the heavenly jian that was left at the border became a symbol of military might in the minds of practically all xian cultivators. It represented the xian cultivators'' victory and boosted the moral of so many cultivators. It represented people sticking fast to righteousness to drive out evil.


    Back when Yan Hui first heard the story in a classroom at Chen Xing Mountain, she was still very young, but she still felt her blood getting fired up. She couldn''t help but rejoice over the xian cultivators'' victory.


    Although later when the xian sects became increasingly polarized, Yan Hui had already early on discovered the demons weren''t evil as always she had always been taught. However, she had never changed how she felt about the heavenly jian.


    "20 years ago, Qing Guang came again to the border. His movements were very secretive. No one knew he went there," said Qing Qiu''s king. "And now I think it may have to do with the seal."


    That''s right, when Su Ying betrayed Tian Yao, she invited Zhenren Qing Guang along.


    Su Ying was cautious. With her strength alone, it wasn''t completely certain she would be able to handle Tian Yao. That''s why she asked Zhenren Qing Guan for assistance.

 CH 63

Pu Fang originally had the boy with her give Yan Hui the acupuncture treatment. But after the night where they shared the pilfered chicken, she took the responsibility upon herself again.

 CH 64

    The torches sputtered and popped as they burned. A couple disciples from each sect sent to guard San Chong Mountain appeared in the forest. Everyone gathered around. The torches were so numerous that it seemed like the dark sky was lightening.


    Yan Hui followed the group of disciples she encountered to this area. She mingled into the ground, and used the person in front of her to block her from view; she also kept her head down. But from her position, she could clearly see what was happening.


    Pu Fang was trapped by the crowd. Her eyes were red, and long fangs protruded from between her lips. Her sharp fingernails also had faint traces of bloodstains from scratches. Demon aura surged from her body, and her chest heaved with rapid breaths. She was like a trapped animal, eyes filled with anger and despair.


    From the looks of it, Pu Fang was making her last stand. Yan Hui gritted her teeth. Aside from inwardly cursing Pu Fang for being so willful, there was nothing else Yan Hui could blame her for.


    In front of Pu Fang stood Ling Fei, who was wearing a veiled hat. The veil obscured her entire face. However, occasionally the breeze would lift the gauzy fabric. Yan Hui could clearly see the wounds left behind by the air blades Tian Yao used back in the inn. The wounds had scabbed over, and they looked like a mesh grid covering her entire face. It made Ling Fei look dark and frightening.


    Perhaps it really was because the wounds haven''t healed that Ling Fei lost some of her lofty, ice-cold arrogance. She seemed more testy and harsh when she spoke:


    "Before I came to San Chong Mountain, Zhenren Su Ying summoned me specifically to tell me to keep an eye out for any demons that plan to destroy the sky-splitting seal."


    When Yan Hui heard those words, she became apprehensive. She couldn''t tell if Su Ying told her younger sister what happened all those years ago, but it was true that she was wary of Tian Yao. Zhenren Su Ying wasn''t as calm and collected as Tian Yao thought. She was panicked about Tian Yao''s return for vengeance. Otherwise, why else would she summon Ling Fei?


    "I didn''t think that any demon would be suicidal enough to rush at the sky-splitting seal. Who would''ve though, tonight there would actually be one."


    From what was being said, was the sky-splitting seal somewhere in the vicinity..........


    "Speak, what is the purpose of the demon clans to find the sky-splitting seal?"


    Yan Hui thought those words were so stupid for someone, who was in the same generation as the shifus in Chen Xing Mountain, to ask.


    The demon clans and the xian sects were about to go to war. Aside from beating up xian cultivators, what other reason would the demon clan send someone to find the sky-splitting spell except to be a little more happier when beating up the xian cultivators?

 CH 65

    When they reached Qing Qiu, the sun had started to rise. Zhu Li immediately brought Pu Fang to the third prince''s residence.


    One reason being the third prince, Chang Lan, was sickly, so his residence was filled with medicine. The second reason being Pu Fang''s apprentice had already set everything up there.


    The group of people hadn''t even reached his residence when they saw torches lit along the path. It was the prince and the apprentice waiting for them. Although the third prince was blind, his other senses were much sharper than an ordinary person''s. The group was still far off when he smelled the reek of blood.


    "Go treat your master''s wounds." The prince instructed the apprentice. "Quick, bring her inside."


    The boy immediately rushed forward and took Pu Fang from Zhu Li. He rapidly carried her inside.


    The group followed behind Pu Fang. Yan Hui stayed in the very back of the group and didn''t try to rush ahead. It seemed like she wasn''t worried.


    Tian Yao stayed behind with Yan Hui. At this moment, no one paid her any attention. Only Tian Yao was looking at her: "You nearly threw away your life to save her. Now that she''s saved, you''re not worried?"


    Yan Hui didn''t even turn to look at him. She only said eight words: "In the end, it''s all up to fate."


    It sounded so bland and ruthless, but in such a bleak and helpless time, there was nothing more true than those eight words.


    She bet her life for a rescue that might not have even been possible. After a slight pause, Tian Yao said: "Yan Hui, you have a good heart."


    Only then did Yan Hui glance at Tian Yao: "Only saints have a good heart. I''m not. I just have some humanity, that''s all." Vanity, greed, envy, resentment, impulsivity, sympathy, martyring.


    To Yan Hui, she didn''t think she lived any nobler than anyone else. She lived her life like a common person, unable to escape from desires and emotions, unable to cast away her ostentation lifestyle. She just wanted to be a happy, ordinary person.


    Tian Yao silent looked at Yan Hui. He didn''t speak further.


    They treated Pu Fang''s injuries for three days. None of her apprentices were more skilled than her. In the end, her head apprentice cried at her sickbed: "Only shifu can heal herself......."


    But how could a doctor heal themself.


    Finally on the fourth day when the sunlight just lit the room, Pu Fang woke. She looked at the sunlight coming in from the window. In that direction lay the mountain range where San Chong Mountain was. She gazed there for a long time before finally closing her eyes.

 CH 66

    Yan Hui pushed the door to enter the room. The door creaked as it swung open. Tian Yao was inside drinking tea. He was slightly started by the sound. He turned to look at Yan Hui and immediate frowned.


    "You''re covered in dirt. What did you do?"


    "I dug a grave." Yan Hui walked into the room. She sat across from Tian Yao with a solemn expression. "When are you going to launch the surprise attack on the Sky-Splitting Seal?"


    Tian Yao set down his teacup and evenly replied: "The moon will be full in ten days. My dragon tendons will fall under my influence and cause the lava under San Chong Mountain to roil. At that time, we can draw out the xian sects'' guards. We''ll enter the spell array at midnight and retrieve my tendons within two hours. After that, we''ll destroy the spell and leave long before dawn breaks."


    "You know where the dragon tendons are?"


    "When I went to San Chong Mountain to bring back you and Pu Fang, I also discerned where they are. It was about 500 meters east of where you were but also hidden deep. It might be underground."


    Yan Hui lightly frowned: "Under San Chong Mountain is all lava. Are you saying that your dragon tendons might''ve been sealed in lava?"


    Tian Yao placidly took a sip of tea: "It''s nothing out of the ordinary." Speaking of this, he seemed much more natural than earlier. "Lava is extremely hot and also fiery. Sealing my dragon tendons there would be so convenient."


    "I''ll help you get them." Yan Hui said it firmly with no trace of hesitation.


    "Alright." Tian Yao had already planned for her to come along with him, so he wasn''t surprised. What made him curious was, "Why did you suddenly make that decisions?"


    He thought with Yan Hui''s personality, she would''ve delayed until the day of. Then she would just silent follow behind him and accompany him into aciton.


    Yan Hui paused for a moment. She then spoke with a slightly chilly voice: "Xi Feng cut his meridians in front of Pu Fang''s grave."


    Tian Yao was also silent. "Suicide?" It seemed like he also couldn''t believe it. "That cultivator?"


    Yan Hui nodded: "Yes, that xian cultivator."


    Tian Yao fell silent again.


    "I''m willing to enter the Sky-Splitting Seal with you. I''ll even help you break it, give you my heart''s blood, and also help you retrieve your dragon tendons. But........" Tian Yao saw a rare sight, murder flash across Yan Hui''s eyes. "You have to help me capture Ling Fei."

 CH 67

    "Can you go in it?"


    Suddenly, the boiling lava lake spewed out a blaze reaching the roof of the cavern. It was like it was underlining Yan Hui''s uncertainty. The blaze melted the rock of the ceiling, turning it into lava which fell down into the lake along with the blaze.


    Although they prepared early on, Yan Hui was still became apprehensive at that sight: "It''s too hot." She frowned. "I''m already using a lot of magic to protect my body from the heat. I don''t have enough leftover to enter the lava."


    "I''ll get the dragon tendons myself." Tian Yao''s red eyes shined even brighter. "First, we need to get the heavenly jian and break the Sky-Splitting Seal."


    Tian Yao stared at the center of the domed ceiling.


    Yan Hui followed Tian Yao''s line of sight........although the lava lake would periodically spew a column of fire, that spot had a continuous flame column that never ceased.


    Earlier, the smoke and steam blurred her vision. Only now did she take a close look and see in the flame column was the Heavenly Jian! It glowed red like molten gold.


    That was the first jian in the world.........


    Yan Hui was still stunned when a heatwave suddenly rushed over. It was aimed right at her neck.


    Tian Yao narrowed his eyes. He reacted extremely quickly and pushed Yan Hui aside. She stumbled. The next thing she heard was a "thump" as the heat blast hit the wall right behind where she was previously standing. There was a glowing crack where the heatwave hit the wall.


    Yan Hui looked back and felt more fearful. If it wasn''t for Tian Yao''s push, her head might be on the floor or more likely.........exploded into mist.


    This place was truly treacherous!


    At once, Yan Hui gathered her magic and didn''t dare to wander around.


    "It discovered there''s people."


    "Who?" Yan Hui asked. "The Heavenly Jian?"


    Tian Yao didn''t have time to reply when another heatwave came streaking over. Tian Yao pulled Yan Hui down to the ground. The heatwave once again heavily struck the wall behind Yan Hui. A long cracked formed and melted rock dripped from it. The red lava dripped to the ground.


    This second time was much hotter than the first!


    And this time, Yan Hui didn''t get the chance to see what happened to the wall behind her. When Yan Hui was yanked down to the ground, she didn''t have time to put a protection technique around it. She just heard a sizzling sound when her palm touched the ground, and she smelled her own flesh cooking......!

 CH 68

    The blue light from the ice spell make everyone''s heart feel chill, just like the day Yan Hui left Chen Xing Mountain. Icy air spilled from the spell. It was so much that even the boiling lava cooled and dimmed several degrees.


    Yan Hui was still lost in memories when a blue slight suddenly shot out of the spell array and into her abdomen. The blow caused her to stumble back three steps. Yan Hui caught herself right before reaching the edge and tumbling into the lava.


    In a blink of an eye, the suppressed Ling Fei disappeared without a trace.


    What was left in her place was an aura Yan Hui knew all too well. Yan Hui narrowed her eyes. A white-robed cultivator stood where Ling Fei laid by the disciples.


    His appearance was cold with the same imposing manner. It had been three months since she left, and entire change of a season. However, her shifu hadn''t changed a single bit. He looked like how he did 10 years ago. Time didn''t even a slightest trace on his face.


    "Senior brother......." Ling Fei gazed at Ling Xiao. The rim of her eyes immediately turned pink. "You came." It was like she had suffered some great abuse.


    Yan Hui couldn''t help coldly laughing when she heard those words.


    Her extremely disdainful laugh was heard by everyone. Ling Fei turned and looked at her. She sharply frowned and fumed behind gritted teeth: "This Yan Hui colluded with the demons a few months ago and didn''t admit she released them. And now, she''s even more involved with helping them do evil deeds. They came today to steal the Heavenly Jian, which goes too far." She glared at Yan Hui with hate. "Senior brother, you can''t be soft-hearted to this scum anymore like back then just because you were once master-disciple."


    Yan Hui couldn''t help laughing again --- Ling Fei said it like Ling Xiao cared they were once master and disciple.


    All of Chen Xing Mountain and even the entire xian sects all knew her former shifu was upright, fair, and selfless.


    Yan Hui tossed away the Heavenly Jian. The point sunk into the ground, and the blade hummed as it wavered. It was clear she threw it with some force. "I don''t want the Heavenly Jian. The one who released the demons was me, but I didn''t collude with them. What you say now about me helping the demons is correct, but I didn''t want to steal the Heavenly Jian." She looked unflinchingly at Ling Xiao.


    Master and disciple. Four eyes locked. Both with solemn expressions.


    "That is all I have to say. Believing it or not is up to you."

 CH 69

    When Yan Hui woke up, she breathed in air that wasn''t the stifling air in the Southwest.


    The air here was fresh and crisp. It was the familiar air she breathed as she grew up.


    Chen Xing Mountain.......


    Yan Hui immediately knew where she was, but her surroundings were dark and quiet. There was one solitary ray of light shining in from the top, casting muted and dappled shadows.


    Yan Hui looked around with slitted eyes. The sunlight somewhat dazzled her. She didn''t know exactly where she was in Chen Xing Mountain.


    She wanted to get up and walk a couple steps but discovered each of her limbs were shackled by heavy chains. When she moved her head, it felt like her neck was bound by heavy metal. She reached up a hand to touch it. Yep, it was a metal chain. She looked up. The five chains were fastened to the rim of the hole. There were also seals placed there too.


    Yan Hui tried to assess the magic in her body. As expected, she couldn''t sense her inner breath. It was probably sealed off. Using magic to fly out wasn''t an option. Fortunately, the chains were long and didn''t prevent Yan Hui from walking around in the prison.


    Yan Hui sat cross-legged. As matters stood, she didn''t know what Ling Xiao intended by bringing her back to Chen Xing Mountain.


    There was also Tian Yao who had been left in the lava. Was he really melted into dragon soup.........


    "Shifu!" Yan Hui was still lost in thought when Zi Chen''s voice was suddenly heard beyond the hole. His voice was rushed and anxious. "Shifu! The whipping punishment is too severe! Yan Hui is no longer Chen Xing Mountain''s disciple. Why don''t you let her go?"


    "How is it too severe?"


    When Yan Hui heard Ling Fei''s voice, she raised a brow. It sounded like there were quite a few people outside. Were a lot of people invited because Ling Xiao was going to whip her?


    "Yan Hui has already cultivated demon magic at an alarming rate. She even willingly helped the demon clans. If we allow this to continue, it will have harmful repercussions to the world. Since she came from Chen Xing Mountain, how is it inappropriate for Senior Brother to remove this harm?"


    It sounded quite reasonable.


    Yan Hui didn''t hear another sound from Xi Chen. He naturally wasn''t an eloquent speaker and didn''t know how to verbally spar with others.


    It was already quite a feat for him to speak out this far.


    It was silent for only a brief moment before Ling Xiao spoke: "It''s noon. Time for the punishment."

 CH 70

    Late at night, Yan Hui dreamed about Tian Yao again. He silently sat by her, accompanying her through the night. At night in her dreams, Yan Hui was vulnerable: "It hurts so much."


    Her words caused Tian Yao''s eyebrows to furrow. He remained silent for a long time before responding: "Do you regret coming to Chen Xing Mountain?"


    Even though her mind was muddled and in a mess, Yan Hui didn''t even hesitate to shake her head: "No regret."


    In her entire life, even if she had to experience pain 100x  worse, she had never once regretted it. When she was small, she met that elegant, white-clothed xian cultivator. She held his hand and followed him step by toddling step to Chen Xing Mountain.


    He was her savior, her family, and her unspoken dream that she had since small.


    Even though the man who gave her everything had already whipped that everything to shreds, the gratefulness and emotions were really still there. It was Ling Xiao who created the current Yan Hui. She would never regret meeting him, never regret coming to Chen Xing Mountain.


    The corner of Tian Yao''s lips slightly tightened. He didn''t talk anymore until Yan Hui fell deep asleep.


    Third day. Fourth day. Fifth day. Every day, the whipping continued. Every day, Yan Hui''s inner breath grew weaker and weaker. The night of the fifth day when Zi Yue came to send food, Yan Hui didn''t even have the strength to raise her head. The food was right in front of her. She could see it, but she couldn''t move her hand to get it.


    "There''s still four more days.......you''re going to be beaten to death like this."


    Yes, the soul-destroying whipping punishment destroyed the base for cultivation, but no one knew if the person would be beaten to death before the base was destroyed.


    "Head Senior Disciple has already knelt in front of shifu for three days now.........his face has already lost all color. But shifu is still unmoved. We........also can''t do anything about it."


    Yan Hui heard, and the corner of her mouth trembled into a smile. Ling Xiao.........really could harden his heart. When his mind was made up, no one could change it.


    Yan Hui closed her eyes and didn''t speak. Zi Yue saw she was unable to eat and drew the basket back up: "Before, I always thought that Head Senior Disciple favored you. That''s why I really didn''t like you. This time, I will help him. I''ll plead with him for shifu to change his mind."


    Zi Yue liked Zi Chen. Yan Hui had always known this. She listened to Zi Yue''s footsteps fade away and couldn''t focus on anything anymore. Her mind was in a haze, and she sank into nothingness.


    Five days of punishment have already passed. Yan Hui''s body was extremely cold, and it was because of that that Yan Hui discovered the heart protection scale was scaldingly hot. It was like her body''s last line of defense, giving her a sole bit of warmth.


    Yan Hui felt herself sinking into a mix of bitter cold and nothingness when her heart suddenly warmed up. That warmth spread throughout her body.


    "Yan Hui."


    She heard Tian Yao calling for her. It was different from the previous days of warm silence. What she heard today was more like the Tian Yao she knew.


    "Yan Hui, don''t give up." His voice floated in her mind. "Endure it a little more."


    His voice was like a hand, supporting the sinking Yan Hui. The heart protection scale grew hotter and hotter. It made Yan Hui involuntarily think that if Tian Yao had never suffered those injuries, his arms would probably be this warm........


    Yan Hui was suddenly really happy she got to know a person named Tian Yao. In this situation, he not only was able to make her feel mournful, but also was able to make her think about other matters.


    Same as before on the morning of the sixth day, Yan Hui was hauled up by the chains. She didn''t even open her eyes. She just silently waited for the pain to descend. However this time, the whip hadn''t descended yet when she heard a voices both far and close urgently cry out: "Master! Master Ling Xiao!"


    The person who came was anxious and panicky. Yan Hui couldn''t help opening her eyes at their cry to take a look. Today, no one came to see her be whipped. There was only that disciple who shakily rode the Propelling Sword technique to here and dismounted. He didn''t even firmly stand up when he started to report to Ling Xiao: "Master Ling Xiao, many of Qing Qiu''s demons attacked San Chong Mountain last night! They passed over it, and today are continuing ahead. The xian sects at the border are doing their best to fight back, but casualties are heavy! The border sects think they are headed toward Guang Han Sect!"


    Ling Xiao severely frowned at what he just heard.


    The demons had declared war upon Guang Han Sect. A battle would happen sooner or later, but no one thought that it would be this fast. Even more, no one expected the demons to pour their entire clan''s strength into assaulting Guang Han Sect.


    "Sect Leader Su Ying sent urgent news. Tonight, there will be a meeting to discuss the battle strategy."


    Guang Han Sect was far from Chen Xing Mountain. If they wanted to meet tonight, then right now was the best time to leave Chen Xing Mountain via Propelling Sword to arrive on time. Whipping Yan Hui would take a long time. If Ling Xiao left after that, then he would be late.


    Ling Xiao muttered to himself and then came to a decision: "Get Zhang Peak''s shifu, Ling Lei, to carry out today''s and tomorrow''s punishment. Also get Xin Peak''s Ling Fei to supervise. If I haven''t returned by the day after tomorrow, then Ling Fei will finish the remaining punishment."


    The disciple bowed in acceptance of the order. Ling Xiao looked at Yan Hui.


    In the end, he said nothing. He gathered his sleeves and stepped into the wind and away.


    A short while later, Ling Lei and Ling Fei arrived. Aside from Ling Xiao, Ling Lei was Chen Xing Mountain''s most powerful master. Him carrying out the soul-destroying whipping was fitting except that Ling Fei''s personality was forgiving. He very rarely was harsh towards his disciples. That''s why Ling Xiao wanted Ling Fei to supervise.


    Ever since her face was injured, Ling Fei''s vicious tendencies became even stronger. No one knew what she was going to do. Yan Hui sensed that something was going to go wrong. She pushed Zi Chen: "Quickly, go."


    Right at the time, Zi Chen had already released the chains on Yan Hui''s left hand. All that was left were the chains around her neck and right hand. Of course Zi Chen wasn''t willing to leave.


    Yan Hui''s pushes were of no use. She was going to beg him when suddenly their surroundings were lit with a blood-red light. The entire prison was filled with a murderous aura.


    Ling Fei activated the prison''s killing spell! Yan Hui was stunned. Ling Fei really wanted to kill them!


    Ling Fei originally did want to kill her back at San Chong Mountain.........


    "She wants to kill me. Head Senior Disciple, leave before the spell fully activates."


    Zi Chen ignored her. He finished drawing the seal on the chains on Yan Hui''s hand. They dropped with a clatter. All that was left was the chain around Yan Hui''s neck.


    In just these few, short moments, the red light brightened even more. The spell beneath them started to rotate. The powerful bright lights streamed out of the entrance above them.


    Yan Hui felt like every inch of her body was being sucked dry by the spell. It was extremely uncomfortable. She didn''t think that the spell would be so strong. On second thought, this prison was for those who did great wrong against Chen Xing Mountain. Zhenren Qi Guang set down this spell. Of course it would be powerful.


    Ling Fei, who was outside the prison, was also stunned. She saw the red rays of light shoot out and illuminate the sky blood-red. She originally only wanted to kill Yan Hui. Normally there would be some time before a spell activates. She wanted Zi Chen to leave the prison in that period of time.


    But who would''ve though this spell actually.........


    As Yan Hui and Zi Chen were in the prison, they didn''t know the situation outside. Zi Chen''s eyes were bloodshot. He hugged Yan Hui, the whip still in his hands. It was hard to draw the seal on the chains around Yan Hui''s neck. He formed a boundary spell around the two of them to protect themselves.


    But his boundary spell was already failing under the assault of the killing spell. It was clear he couldn''t maintain it for long.


    Zi Chen''s heart didn''t have a heart protection scale. He was just an ordinary commoner who cultivated the xian way. His magic was only stronger than his fellow disciples. It wasn''t enough to contend against the killing spell''s strength!


    Yan Hui''s worries accelerated: "Get out." She hoarsely screamed. "Leave!"


    Those words had just left Yan Hui''s mouth when Zi Chen''s barrier spell broke in response. Immediately, the murderous aura enveloped them. Blood started to flow out of Zi Chen''s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.


    Yet Yan Hui was unharmed. The heart protection scale was warm. For a moment, she thought it was the scale that was protecting her. Then she noticed small puffs of wind revolving around her. They dispelled the murderous aura approaching her.


    This gentle wind was Zi Chen''s magic........


    There were two strokes left to draw to complete the seal on the chains around Yan Hui''s neck, but Zi Chen already couldn''t support his own body. His head fell against Yan Hui''s shoulder.


    Yan Hui mustered up all her strength to support themselves. She could feel the blood flowing from Zi Chen run from her shoulder to her collarbone. Then drop by drop, it soaked into her clothes. "Head Senior Disciple......." Yan Hui was extremely shocked. Her voice trembled for the first time. "Don''t activate the spell!"


    Yan Hui used all her strength to hoarse scream toward the prison''s entrance hole: "Don''t activate the spell! Let him out! Let him go!"


    Ling Fei was standing by the entrance. She saw the core of the spell throw off gleaming red light. If she used magic right now to forcefully disrupt the core of the spell, it might stop the spell. However.........it might use up half of her cultivation.


    She hesitated. At this moment, Zi Chen couldn''t hold onto the whip any longer. He limply fell over.


    The seal on the chains only need half a stroke to be complete.


    "Yan Hui........" Zi Chen''s voice was weak. "I couldn''t........"


    Yan Hui shook her head. She was choked with sobs.


    Because the winds were still revolving around her body, Yan Hui didn''t feel the full force of the killing spell, but her body wouldn''t stop shuddering. It was like her soul was shaking.


    "......I couldn''t save you."


    "Don''t save me, don''t save me. I was wrong!" cried Yan Hui. Her face was covered in tears. "I was wrong, It''s all my fault. Ling Fei! I''m willing to die for it! Don''t punish Zi Chen! I''m begging you! Let him go!"


    Ling Fei heard Yan Hui crying out like a trapped animal. She slightly gritted her teeth and looked at her hand. Then she looked at the spell. At that moment, she heard Ling Lei''s rough voice from the sky: "What is going on?!"


    Other people would discover her.


    Discover she activated the killing spell and killed Zi Chen........


    Ling Fei panicked. She used the Escape Earth technique and disappeared.


    Ling Lei landed. There was no one else around. He looked down into the prison. His eyes were immediately seared by the red light emitted within. It was like being blinded by pain.


    Cultivators from other peaks also rushed over. All they heard was Yan Hui crying out in pain like a wounded animal.


    Zi Chen''s body in Yan Hui''s arms was already turning cold. Yan Hui''s voice was was completely hoarse. Although she screamed out with her entire body, only she could hear her raspy cries.


    Her voice was hoarse. Her eyes seemed nearly blind. She couldn''t see anything aside from the red surroundings.


    She was filled with despair. No one came to help. She couldn''t even help herself. She could only hold Zi Chen in her arms and watch as his magic slowly disappeared. Then the killing spell sucked dry his body, turning it to ash.


    Yan Hui''s arms held nothing.


    Zi Chen..........didn''t even leave behind a skeleton.


    But Yan Hui felt the last spell Zi Chen had cast on her. In his last moment, he was protecting her.


    Then, the winds revolving around her slowly stopped. Yan Hui knew that with her body in its current condition, without the winds protecting her, she would also become like Zi Chen in an instant. Nothing but ash.


    No one came to save Zi Chen, and no one would come to save her........


    So be it. No more fighting.........Yan Hui''s eyes immediately lost its spark.


    "Yan Hui." The heart protection scale slowly started to heat up, hotter and hotter. It was like a red-hot iron brand in her heart letting her know she was still alive.


    A dragon''s roar was heard off in the distance.


    It sounded quiet and distant, but it started to bring back the life in Yan Hui''s eyes.


    In a split second, the dragon''s roar reverberated through the air. Yan Hui was in the middle of the killing spell at the bottom of the prison pit, but she could feel the strength of that earth-shaking roar. It was like the entire continent trembled.


    "Dragon demon!"


    "It''s a dragon demon!"


    Outsides, the cultivators cried out in alarm, but to Yan Hui it was all static to be ignored. She only heard the third roar and felt an enormous pressure pressing in the prison.


    There was a cracking spell. The blood-red spell was split, and its red light faded away.


    A dragon suddenly swooped over the horizon, accompanied by a rush of wind and fire. It suppressed the spell''s power and cleansed the murderous aura.


    With the spell core cracked and the red light gone, the prison was plunged back into darkness. The moon shined overhead like earlier.


    Bleak moonlight shone into the prison. Tian Yao, clothed in black, stood alone in front of Yan Hui.


    Four eyes met. Yan Hui was in pitiful condition. Tian Yao looked handsome and sharp, like a god from the heavens or devil from the underworld. It was the same situation as the first time they had met. However, no matter what, it had all changed so much.


    He was no longer frail and uneasy. It seemed like he recovered that earth-shaking strength. He had become that type of person. But that type of person, upon seeing the beaten down Yan Hui, couldn''t completely hide how heart-broken he felt.


    Tian Yao bent over and placed his hands under her arms. He cradled her like a child: "I''ll take you out of here."


    She was always saving him.


    This time, Tian Yao would be doing the saving.

 CH 71

    Tian Yao held Yan Hui. Her body was ice-cold and had no strength. She was relying on him to support her up.


    Tian Yao knew how strong Yan Hui was, but now she was so weak.


    Tian Yao couldn''t help holding her tighter and pressing his now warmer body against hers. Like before when Yan Hui tried to warm him up, he was now trying to transfer some wisp of warmth to her in consolation.


    "Let''s go."


    It was like Yan Hui was awoken by those two words. She came back to her senses and hoarsely squeezed out three words out of her raw throat: "Head Senior Disciple......."


    If it wasn''t for her mouth being right by his ear, Tian Yao probably wouldn''t have heard those frail, mewling words.


    Tian Yao''s heart suddenly throbbed. It was like Yan Hui''s barely heard words had stabbed into his heart.


    "Don''t leave.....Head Senior Disciple behind here."


    Tian Yao looked around the prison but didn''t see a trace of the head senior disciple Yan Hui was whispering out. When the remembered the murderous aura in the prison and the now non-existent wind that was revolving around Yan Hui, he guessed what had happened.


    He was silent for a beat. Then he took a step forward while holding Yan Hui: "He''s no longer here."


    Yan Hui''s hand immediately grasped Tian Yao''s arm: "He''s here."


    At this moment, there were many xian cultivators gravely waiting around outside.  Who activated the prison''s killing spell was no longer the important issue. The most urgent issue was that a sole dragon demon broke into Chen Xing Mountain''s prison to rescue a prisoner.


    Some people shouted down at Tian Yao: "Where did you evil demon get the courage to break into my Chen Xing Mountain?"


    Tian Yao looked up: "Yan Hui, we need to go now."


    Yan Hui closed her eyes. She knew more clearly than anyone else if Zi Chen was here or not. What happened here left its mark in her heart. It was time to go. They couldn''t risk Tian Yao''s life here.


    It was time to leave Head Senior Discple alone here in this place........


    It felt like there was a hatchet chopping away at her heart. She gritted her teeth so hard that veins popped in her temples. She endured it for a long time. Then, she opened her eyes. There was a harsh light deep in her eyes. She hoarsely spoke: "Let''s go."


    Tian Yao didn''t hesitate. Leaping flames covered his body.


    There was still that last chain wrapped around Yan Hui''s neck. Tian Yao didn''t bother with the soul-destroying whip laying on the ground. He just grabbed the chain, and the fire around his hand scorched the metal. The chain was melted into two.


    Tian Yao delay a moment longer. With a sinister aura enveloping his entire body, he rushed into the sky.


    When they exited the prison and saw Chen Xing Mountain''s, xian cultivators below, Yan Hui slightly tightened her grip on Tian Yao''s clothes. Tian Yao looked down. He held Yan Hui in his arms and revolved back. They were in mid-air. Demonic aura encased them. One arm wrapped around her waist, sending his power into her.


    The warm power rushed into her throat and healed its hoarse raspiness. It allowed her to talk as she normally did: "Ling Fei." She shouted those two word behind clenched teeth. Her voice wasn''t that loud, but it seemed to spread throughout Chen Xing Mountain''s 28 peaks.


    At Xin Xiu Peak, Ling Fei heard Yan Hui shouting her name. She felt a chill in her bones.


    She looked in that direction. All she saw was a faintly glimmering, fiery figure floating in mid-air. She knew that Yan Hui from over there couldn''t see her. She also knew that Yan Hui couldn''t do anything to her in that current condition. However, in Ling Fei''s heart, there was a seed of guilty conscience that didn''t let her feel at ease. She couldn''t help tremble when she heard her name being called.


    "The blood debt you owe me today, one day, I will have repayment in blood! Any one of Ling Fei''s disciple I meet, I will kill.  Any one of Ling Fei''s items I find, I will destroy." Yan Hui spat those words out. Each word was emphasized. "From today forth, I, Yan Hui, will never reconcile with Chen Xing Mountain."


    Her hoarse voice with its hidden murderous anger silenced the xian cultivators.


    When Yan Hui was done speaking, Tian Yao gestured with his hand. A jian appeared in front of them.


    A xian cultivator took a look and immediately shouted: "It''s the Heavenly Jian!"


    "That dragon demon stole San Chong Mountain''s Heavenly Jian!"


    Tian Yao raised an eyebrow. He had an arrogant expression: "I never had an interest in your so-called heavenly jian. That being the case, you all are all mistaken. I will help you correct that mistake." He raised his hand with a raging fire in his palm. It''s heat was more intense than the lava in San Chong Mountain. He held the Heavenly Jian''s hilt in his hand.


    The jian started to vibrated. A low cry was heard from it.


    The jian blade was heated until it glowed red. Tian Yao pointed the jian down, and the blade immediately exploded into pieces in mid-air. Some of the xian cultivators didn''t dodge in time. The blade fragments sliced their clothes and skin.


    The cultivators were shocked beyond belief. Some cultivators were so provoke by Tian Yao that they were choked with anger. With a loud cry, they wanted to fight.


    Tian Yao paid them no attention. With a flash, he became a fiery dragon and flew along the wind into the distance. He was too fast. Even if they wanted to, the cultivators wouldn''t be able to catch him.


    Yan Hui laid on Tian Yao''s dragon back. The flames surrounding his body were clearly hot enough to destroy the Heavenly Jian. However when they wrapped around Yan Hui, it wasn''t even hot enough to singe her hair. To Yan Hui, it was like a warm blanket wrapped around her body, slowly warming it back up. This warmth was like the gentleness that Tian Yao never voiced.


    She closed her eyes and didn''t care about where Tian Yao was taking her. She fell asleep from exhaustion. She didn''t have the strength to think about anything.


    When Yan Hui woke up at noon, she didn''t know what day it was. Sunlight shone in through the window, illuminating the figure sitting by her bedside with a fuzzy halo.


    Yan Hui squinted her eyes.


    "Endure the pain." That person said. "It''ll be taken off right now."


    Yan Hui didn''t have time to process what was happening when there was a burning sensation on her neck. "Crack." The chain that had been wrapped around her neck for days was finally removed.


    Yan Hui didn''t react. Tian Yao, who had removed the chain, frowned: "There''s a scar left on your neck." He reached out his hand and touched it. From the pressure on his fingers, Yan Hui could tell that there were two scars indented into her neck. It was probably because the chains were worn for too long and chafed away the skin and flesh on her neck. Tian Yao said: "There''s rust on the chains, so your scars are dark. I''ll ask around Qing Qiu if there is someone who can remove scars."


    "Leave it." Yan Hui''s voice was raspy. "Don''t remove the scars."


    It was like a mark of humiliation to remind her there was someone who owed her a blood debt.


    Since this was such significant proof, then just leave it. This was also what she owed Zi Chen.


    Of course, Tian Yao knew what was on Yan Hui''s mind. He just silently listened, not commenting.


    He understood Yan Hui. That''s why he knew what was hardest for Yan Hui to bear wasn''t the scar. It was what she owed to others. Furthermore, what Yan Hui owed this time, she couldn''t return.........


    Tian Yao never knew how to comfort a person. And with Yan Hui''s current state, she probably couldn''t be comforted anyways. He silently sat by Yan Hui''s side for a long time. Finally, he just said one sentence: "Rest well."


    "Tian Yao."


    When he was turning to leave, Yan Hui called his name.


    Tian Yao looked back. He saw Yan Hui staring into nothingness. There was a long pause before she looked at him: "Thank you for coming to save me."


    The corner of Tian Yao''s mouth twitched, but he didn''t get a change to reply before Yan Hui asked: "Are all my muscles and bones broken?"


    "Not yet."


    "Will they heal?"


    "It''ll be difficult but not impossible."


    Yan Hui fixed her eyes on him. The gleam in her eyes were like polished silver, flickering with cold light: "Once I''ve healed, I want to cultivate the demon pathway."


    This was the first time Tian Yao had seen such an expression on Yan Hui''s face. After she was expelled Chen Xing Mountain, every situation Yan Hui faced was done with a nonchalant attitude. Thus, other people saw that as unruly and undisciplined. But this time, Tian Yao saw determination and resolution, and he also saw........


    Hatred.


    He was very familiar with that emotion.


    Back when he was at Tong Luo Mountain, he would every night he would dream of that incident. When he looked at himself in the mirror, that was the emotion he saw.


    It was the hatred of wanting to kill someone to vent the anger in their heart. It was the hatred that settled into the bones. There was no need to wail and declare it to the world. It was engraved into the heart and bones.


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui for a long time. Then, he nodded: "Okay."


    There was no questioning nor evasion.


    She wanted to heal her body; he would help. She wanted to cultivate the demon way; he would teach.


    Yan Hui turned her head back and closed her eyes. She said just one word: "Thanks."


    Tian Yao didn''t respond. He was just about to silently leave the room when Zhu Li with several medicine apprentices hurried into the courtyard. They walked into the room: "Yan Hui?"


    The apprentices circled around her bed and swiftly started to treat her.


    Yan Hui didn''t respond to Zhu Li. Thus, he anxiously looked at Tian Yao: "Today, there were a lot of injured soldiers on the front line. It wasn''t easy for me to get these apprentices here. Are we too late? Why hasn''t Yan Hui woken up yet?"


    When Yan Hui heard that, she suddenly croaked out: "Have the demon clans attacked Guang Han Sect yet?"


    Zhu Li was started when he heard Yan Hui. He turned to look at her: "You''re awake? How do you feel?"


    "Have the demon clans attacked Guang Han Sect yet?" Yan Hui focused soley on her own question.


    Zhu Li had no choice but to answer: "It''s not that easy. Even though Guang Han Sect is close to San Chong Mountain, there''s still 10 or so other sects between them. Crossing San Chong Mountain this time was done with the forefront troops to test the xian sects'' strengths. Yesterday night, those troops slowly withdrew."


    Yan Hui closed her eyes.


    Guan Han Sect''s crisis was already over. The various heads of other sects would also leave Guang Han Sect.


    Ling Xiao.........


    Probably had already returned to Chen Xing Mountain.


    Would her harsh shifu be angry or feel sad? His top disciple, her Head Senior Disciple, was dead.


    Ling Xiao was indeed back at Chen Xing Mountain. He stood for a long time on the mountain top where Yan Hui was held and whipped.


    The Heavenly Jian''s fragments were still here. The shards were deep into the earth. Some of them, due to the intense heat, had fused with the rocks. No one could clean it up.


    Ling Xiao stood in this mess and listened to others repeat what happened that night. Zi Yue knelt by the prison opening and silently wiped her tears. Ling Xiao helped her up with a hand. Then, he asked one more question:


    "Did you all personally see the dragon demon kill Zi Chen?"


    The reporting disciple froze. Then he immediately said: "Master Ling Fei.........said that''s what happened."


    Ling Xiao was silent for a mere moment: "And what did Yan Hui say?"


    "This.......she was saved by the dragon demon. Her words........maybe........"


    Ling Xiao didn''t want for the disciple to finish. With a sweep of his robes, he disappeared from the mountain top in a flash of light. A few moments later, he appeared in Xin Xiu Peak. The disciples there scarcely got a glimpse of Ling Xiao when he directly arrived at the main doorway. He didn''t raise his hand to knock. Instead, his aura sharply increased, and then he immediately used his power to forcefully thrust the doors open.


    Ling Fei was meditating cross-legged in the hall. When Ling Xiao suddenly arrived, she immediately started to quiver. Her inner breath nearly became chaotic.


    "Senior brother......."


    Veins pulsed in Ling Xiao''s forehead. It seemed like his anger had reached a peak, but in the end, he just looked at Ling Fei for a long time. He looked until Ling Fei slightly cast down her eyes. Then, he spoke: "You selfishly activated the killing spell, poisoning my disciple''s life. You are vicious and ruthless......." At the end of those words, Ling Xiao was gnashing his teeth.


    When he saw Ling Fei''s look of disbelief, he continued: "Chen Xing Mountain can no longer welcome you. You should voluntarily return to Guang Han Sect and beg Zhenren Su Ying for asylum."


    Those words implied he was driving her out of Chen Xing Mountain!


    Ling Fei was stupefied into silence. She stepped forward to ask Ling Xiao, but he had already disappeared from Xin Xiu Peak. It seemed like he didn''t want even hear her voice.

 CH 72

    The medicine apprentice finished examining Yan Hui''s wound. Before he left, Yan Hui took advantage of his presence and asked: "I want to cleanse my bones and essence to enter the demon pathway. With my body as it is, can it endure the process?"


    Zhu Li was immediately startled by those words: "Cleansing at this time to enter the demon pathway? You......."


    The head apprentice looked young. He also sounded young and innocent, but his words were clear and logical. He rationally spoke: "The majority of miss''s bones and muscles are broken. Normally under these conditions, we wouldn''t advise cultivating. Regardless if it''s xian or demon cultivation, both will be a burden on your body."


    Yan Hui remained firm: "Can I still cultivate?"


    When the apprentice saw how set Yan Hui was, he could only nod his head: "If miss insists, then entering the demon pathway isn''t impossible. As for cleansing your essence, now would actually be the best time. Your muscles and bones are broken. Even your xian cultivation base is mostly broken. Now would be the easiest time to get rid of the rest of it. It can directly become a demon neidan. Once your body heals, you could be considered as entered the demon pathway. You would become a demon."


    "Good." Yan Hui didn''t hesitate for even a moment. "Where''s a place near here that I can cleanse myself?"


    "More southwest of here is a forest. Enter it. There''s a river, the Black River which flows from Black Mountain. Its waters can cleanse you."


    The apprentice saw Yan Hui had no more questions and left the room.


    After the apprentice left, Zhu Li disapprovingly walked up to Yan Hui: "Southwest of Qing Qiu has even less people and even heavier miasma. With your body in this state, can you even withstand it?" He continued. "Can you take your time? Let your body heal before thinking about cleansing."


    Yan Hui shook her head. It was like no words could dissuade her.


    Zhu Li looked towards Tian Yao. He wanted Tian Yao to urge Yan Hui to change her mind. However, Tian Yao just silently stood there. His silence clearly said that he had no objections toward Yan Hui''s decision.


    Zhu Li was helpless and could only sigh: "There are many demons southwest of here. I have a token signifying the nine-tailed fox demon clan. I''ll give it to you to wear. Other demons won''t harass you then. It''s just that Qing Qiu needs everyone right now. I can''t send anyone to escort you........"


    Yan Hui shook her head: "I don''t need it, thanks."


    Tian Yao spoke up at this moment: "After you''re able to get out of bed and move around, I''ll accompany you."


    "Also no need." Yan Hui closed her eyes. It was like she refused it without a second thought. "I''ll go alone." She continued. "Since there are no demons to bother, let me walk this path alone."


    She wanted to be alone for awhile with no one else to disturb her.


    Zhu Li frowned.


    When he left the room, Zhu Li directly asked Tian Yao: "What happened at Chen Xing Mountain? How did Yan Hui get like this? You aren''t really going to let her go all alone to Black River, right?"


    "So noisy." Tian Yao didn''t even look at Zhu Li and continued walking out of the courtyard. "Tell me the route to Black River."


    Zhu Li clenched his jaw in anger: "Not a word said in explanation, but you tell me what to do. I''m not here to serve you two!" But when Zhu Li recalled Yan Hui''s ashen complexion, he fell silent.


    Before, she was such a free and unrestrained girl. Now, she was spiritless. It really.........


    Made one''s heart hurt.


    Five days later, Yan Hui was able to move about without help. She got a map to Black River from the apprentice and left without telling anyone.


    In the forest, Yan Hui casually broke off a branch. She looked at it in her hand for a long time. Then she tossed it into the air and used the Propelling Sword technique as usual. However, the branch only flew for about 10 meters before Yan Hui fell off. She stumbled and fell onto the ground.


    Her fallen state cut a sorry figure. Yan Hui crawled off and patted at the dirt on her clothes. She picked up the branch and looked at it for a long time. Then, she actually huffed out a smile. It was half mocking, half helplessly bleak. Her expression revealed the vicissitudes of life.


    So it turns out this is now times crawls into the corners of people''s eyes and carved itself into her cheek.


    To Yan Hui, the flying Propelling Sword technique used to be as easy as eating. But now, it was like the hand she used to eat was broken.


    Yan Hui gripped the branch but didn''t throw it. She used it to push aside the weeds and brambles along the path. She went on foot to reach her destination.


    She walked for an entire day and hadn''t reached Black River yet. Yan Hui picked an even area of ground by the path to rest. Coincidentally, it seemed like a demon had rested in that area just the night before. There were bits of firewood piled and also a few pieces of uneaten wild fruit.


    Yan Hui didn''t look down upon the site. She wiped down the fruit and ate them; she lit the firewood. Bundling up her clothes, Yan Hui laid down and slept.


    With regards to the condition of Yan Hui''s body, she was extremely tired. However, she didn''t sleep well. Her dreams were filled with a cacophony of voices, making her head ring with noise. In the middle of the clamor, a figure of a cultivator walked out. Yan Hui knew that it was Zi Chen. However no matter how long he walked, he never reached her side.


    Thus Yan Hui went forward. She ran with all her might towards Zi Chen: "Head Senior Disciple! You''re still alive, right? I was just having a nightmare, right?"


    The entire night, Yan Hui was just running towards that figure, but she could never reach him. She looked at him there, unable to touch.


    Sunlight shined into her eyes, breaking the darkness. The figure disappeared. Yan Hui woke up. She stared up at the swaying tree leaves for a while before snapping back to her senses. So it was all a dream in the end.


    A fantasy that nothing had happened.


    She squinted her eyes against the glaring sunlight for a long time. Then, she finally put out the fire, patted her clothes, and continued on her journey.


    It was quiet and peaceful. It was like she almost no longer felt that sense of loss and heartache.


    It look Yan Hui three days to walk what would''ve been a jaunt with the Propelling Sword technique. Those three days, Yan Hui considered herself lucky. There was always fallen fruit along the path to eat, suitable bamboo tubes to carry water, and dry tinder to build a fire.


    Aside from her restless sleep, Yan Hui thought she was suited for living in the countryside, especially because her luck was so good.


    When night fell on the third day, Yan Hui calculated the time. Although she would be able to reach Black River tonight, she wouldn''t have the energy to cleanse her essence. It would be better to get a good rest in a tree hole tonight to raise her vigor for tomorrow. It would also help with facing the pain of cleansing.


    Yan Hui was originally going to clean out the tree hole, but she discovered there really wasn''t anything to clean. The hole was pretty clean. There was also dried grass left scattered inside by some animal or demon. Yan Hui only needed to smooth out the grass before sleeping.


    Tonight''s dream was still noisy. Perhaps due to continuous days of tiredness all accumulated together, the voices tonight were especially loud. Before, she couldn''t clearly hear the voices, but now she could.


    Yan Hui was shocked into a cold sweat by the voices.


    Those voices were her own voice.


    It was her screams from that day in Chen Xing Mountain''s prison. Scream after scream repeated again and again, mournful and terrified. Yan Hui looked at Zi Chen''s faint outline. That''s when she realized he wasn''t going toward her. His back was to her; he was walking away from her. The direction where Zi Chen walked toward was filled with rushing red light. It was like the entire sky was a blood-red.


    Yan Hui knew what laid there. In the midst of her own mournful wails, Yan Hui ran towards Zi Chen. She wanted to grab him, call for him to stop. Don''t go to the red light. Just let the person who should be in that red light stay there themselves. Don''t save her, don''t care about her. Don''t put your life on the line.


    The one who should''ve died.......


    Clearly was herself.


    "Yan Hui."


    A loud voice suddenly called out. It jolted Yan Hui out of her dream.


    The sounds of the night rustled with the sound of the wind through the leaves and the chirps of insects. All was peaceful. It was so peaceful that Yan Hui could hear her heartbeat drumming. Her gaze relaxed and she swept unfocused eyes around her surroundings. That''s when her eyes froze on the face of a person standing there.


    That person was tightly clutching her shoulders with both hands. His eyebrows mirrored that tightness.


    "Tian Yao......."


    The name slipped through Yan Hui''s lips. Her tone was uncertain and full of skepticism. It was like she still couldn''t tell the difference between dreams and reality.


    This was the first time after bring Yan Hui back from Chen Xing Mountain that Tian Yao saw such a confused and helpless look. Her forehead was covered with sweat, and her body trembled. Those emotions she had kept hidden in her heart weren''t covered up in time and completely revealed.


    Tian Yao''s heart tightened: "I''m here."


    Yan Hui''s heart settled down quite a bit after hearing his response. She used Tian Yao''s strength to sit herself up. Tian Yao felt a little unwilling after seeing her sit up; that meant she no longer needed his support. However, he still released her shoulders.


    Yan Hui clasped her head in her hands and calmed down a little: "Why are you here?" Her voice sounded like normal now. She paused. It seemed like she suddenly figured it out.


    "No wonder, I was wondering why this journey was going so smoothly........"


    Tian Yao thought that Yan Hui would lash out at him. After all, he knew Yan Hui''s personality. She meant what she said. He slightly explained himself: "Even though Zhu Li gave the nine-tailed fox demon clan token, there still quite a few demon clans that don''t obey their orders. With your current condition, it really isn''t suitable for you to be treking alone......."


    "I understand." Yan Hui didn''t say a word in blame. She nodded her head. "Thank you for accompanying me like this."


    Tian Yao gave her space and respect. He arranged all of this and also took care not to leave a trace. He had to have spent a lot of care and attention to do so. Yan Hui wasn''t foolish. She could image the effort he put in. She paused and said again: "Thank you."


    The corner of Tian Yao''s mouth trembled. He slightly moved gaze: "There''s no need to thank me." It seemed like Tian Yao wasn''t comfortable saying these kinds of words. Thus, he said that while walking out of the tree hole. He stood there outside of the tree hole with his back to Yan Hui: "I also have a lot to thank you for. I haven''t thank you yet."


    Yan Hui was a little startled.


    Tian Yao slightly move his head over and saw Yan Hui''s blank expression. The moonlight illuminated his facial profile to perfection. The corner of his mouth slightly moved: "You probably don''t know what you''ve done for me."


    Saving him. Protecting him. Being his sword and shield.


    Up to now, Yan Hui didn''t realize.


    Tian Yao sat down. His back was ramrod straight, still facing Yan Hui. He focused outwards: "Tomorrow, you''re going to cleanse yourself. Rest well tonight."

 CH 73

    The next day early morning, Yan Hui and Tian Yao finally reached Black Mountain.


    A winding stream flowed from the mountain. It was so clear the bottom could be seen, not at all as dirty as its name implied.


    Yan Hui knelt down and reached one hand into the water. She had just placed her hand in when she felt her pain in her fingertips. It was like being cut open. The cultivation in her body flowed out and into the water.


    "This is it." Yan Hui drew her hand back and stood up. She turned to look at Tian Yao: "I don''t have much cultivation in my body. The medicine apprentices said about a six hour soak in the waters will be enough to cleanse me. Are you going to wait for me here?"


    Tian Yao nodded.


    However, Yan Hui just stared at him. After a long time of staring, Tian Yao slightly raised an eyebrow: "What is it?"


    "I need to go in naked."


    At those words, Tian Yao''s gaze tremored. He turned around and walked behind a tree off to the side. He clasped his hands and quietly waited there. He was only missing his dragon heart now. His hearing was already greatly enhanced with the return of his other body parts. He could hear the rustling sounds as Yan Hui took off her clothes. He could tell by the rustles which piece of clothing she was removing.


    The longer he stood their quietly, the more restless Tian Yao got. He gazed up into the sky. When Yan Hui entered entered the water with a splash, Tian Yao couldn''t stop himself from listening in that direction.


    When Yan Hui entered the water, she couldn''t help letting out a small gasp from the icy water and the force of its flow.


    That quiet sound caused Tian Yao to involuntarily look over. However right before he turned his head, he snapped back to his senses. He immediately straightened his head. He couldn''t understand what had happened to him.........


    He was like a vulgur peeper secretly watching a girl bathe.......


    Right when Tian Yao''s inner struggle was at the peak, there was a suddenly low cry from Yan Hui followed by a splash. Tian Yao froze and listened closely. There was no more sound of movement.


    It was then that Tian Yao suddenly looked over. Yan Hui''s clothes were piled by Black River''s riverbank, but there was no sign of Yan Hui in the river itself.


    Tian Yao hurriedly walked forward to the riverbank. In this short amount of time, he could no longer sense Yan Hui''s aura.


    Tian Yao''s forehead furrowed. He bent forward and put his hand in the water. He also felt pain in his fingertips, and shortly after that the sense of his cultivation, outside of his control, flowing away into the water.


    Tian Yao stayed there sensing for a while. There was no rush to pull his hand out. As he was stooped over the water, suddenly there was another force pulling on his fingers. It was tugging him down.


    This Black River didn''t just have the power to cleanse away cultivation. There was also some other power hidden below the surface. Tian Yao focused on the river water. It was still clear enough to see though to the bottom. There were no impurities. The hand that was immersed in water also wasn''t touching anything.


    However, with each passing second, Tian Yao could more clearly feel a force tugging down on his fingers.


    Was Yan Hui tugged down by this same force?


    To find where Yan Hui was, following the force down would be the fastest and most dangerous route. Tian Yao focused his gaze. He thought about it for only a split second, practically not at all, before following the force down into the water.


    Black River''s water flowed as clean and clear as always after Tian Yao fell in. There was no image of a person at the river bottom. It was like what just happened didn''t happen at all.


    When Tian Yao followed the pulling force, he was immediately tugged into a black space. The clear river waters had disappeared. All that was around him was blackness.


    Slowly, numerous spots filled the darkness. More and more, until it was all covered with the pinpricks. Then in a flash, they condensed into trees around him, the ground under him, and the person in front of him.


    Tian Yao was a little lost by the face that appeared right in front of him.


    Su Ying calmly looked back at him. Her voice matched her innate icy nature: "What is it?"


    Tian Yao looked around. The surroundings were very familiar. This was the valley he stayed in 20 years ago. He lived in half of the valley. From time to time, he would go to meet the other demons in the valley and discuss cultivation techniques. However after meeting Su Ying, he seldom returned to the valley.


    Tian Yao looked as the scenery for a long time. Finally, he looked at Su Ying.


    Su Ying slowly walked toward him: "Why are you looking at me like that? Even though I''m going back to Guang Han sect tomorrow, I won''t leave you."


    That''s right. 20 years ago, Su Ying said those words right before she left him to go back to Guang Han sect to the spell array. Su Ying walked forward and lightly hugged Tian Yao: "You have to remember to come to Guang Han sect in 10 days to marry me."


    That was the first time Tian Yao had been hugged by her. Back then, Tian Yao felt his heart overflowing with love. He was so happy that he wasn''t like someone who had cultivated for 1000 years. He was just like a foolish groom about to marry his future wife.


    Back in those days.......


    "Marry you? Then you split me into pieces and peel my scales? Create an immortality dragon-scale armor to give to the one you really love?"


    The Su Ying in his arms wasn''t horrified. She merely looked up with confusion: "What are you saying? The one I love is you."


    Tian Yao coldly laughed: "A weak illusion spell trying to charm my heart into loosing myself in the past." Fires leapt from his hands. He captured Su Ying''s head in his hands and directly lit her on fire. Immediately, her body melted away to ash. Tian Yao moved his hands and also throughout lit those ashes on fire. "Such a pity. You picked the wrong person."


    The surroundings returned to darkness. It was absolute stillness. Those pinpricks didn''t even reappear.


    Tian Yao took two steps in the darkness when suddenly bright moonlight shined down. He slightly lifted his eyebrows in surprise. Behind him was a tree, and in front of him was Yan Hui, illuminated by moonlight. She was holding a jian to protect him. Her head was slightly cocked, and the curve of her cheek could be seen. She cut a dashing sight.


    Tian Yao''s heart stopped. He stared at her silhouette.


    "I''ll protect you."


    When Yan Hui said that, Tian Yao couldn''t help his eyes from softening. The darkness in front of her seemed to hide countless plots and conspiracies, but she did not shrink away at the slightest. She bravely faced it all.


    Tian Yao walked up and stopped behind her. Yan Hui angled her head to the side and looked at him: "Stay by my side. Don''t wander around."


    "I can''t," said Tian Yao. "I''m going to save you."


    Yan Hui was surprised. She turned her head to looked him: "Save me?"


    Perhaps because this was an illusion, Tian Yao didn''t hide his emotions. He raised his hand and patted Yan Hui''s head: "Save you from your sorrow."


    Before Yan Hui could reply, Tian Yao looked down. He didn''t say another word before flames burst from his head. The image of Yan Hui was destroyed.


    Even though he knew this was all an illusion, Tian Yao''s heart still ached when he saw Yan Hui''s face shatter.


    After Yan Hui''s figure was thoroughly destroyed, Tian Yao''s gaze became solemn. He unleashed a murderous aura. The heat of his aura spread out from under his feet. When he took a step forward, the dark surroundings quaked.


    With every step, raging fires burned away the darkness.


    "Come out." His voice was extremely cold. It was like one thousand knives, really to stab the person hiding in this darkness. "If you keep hiding, don''t blame me for being impolite."


    With those words, he took another step forward. Another fire many times stronger than the previous one swept out from under his feet. It completely burned all of the dark surroundings with crackling flames.


    In a split second, the surroundings were lit up. However, the illusion spell was still there.


    Tian Yao looked up at the blue sky above. There were even some sprightly swallows flying overhead.


    In this illusion world, the air was filled with spirituality. From time to time, some people would fly overhead using the Propelling Sword technique. Looking around, there were 27 mountain peaks. Including the one he was standing on, there were 28 peaks in total.


    To save Yan Hui, Tian Yao went to Chen Xing Mountain for the first time. However, he already committed it to memory.


    "Yan Hui! Don''t run!" A young person called out and ran past Tian Yao. The young person reached out and grabbed a female clothed in gray clothes. She seemed out of place in this illusion world. "Why did you fight with Zi Yu again?! She''s your senior disciple. You ought to respect her!"


    The gray-clothed female turned around. Sure enough, it was Yan Hui. She blankly looked at the young man in front of her for a long time: "Head Senior Disciple."


    It seemed like Yan Hui didn''t realize she was out of place with the surroundings. Yan Hui foolishly looked at Zi Chen: "I dreamed.......that you died to save me......."


    Zi Chen lightly scolded her: "You''re spouting nonsense! This time, don''t think about getting past me. If you fooled me, I ought to let shifu know. We''ll see how he treats you!"


    Yan Hui shook her head: "Shifu doesn''t care about us."


    Zi Chen frowned: "Yesterday, you said you had trouble learning the jian. Today, shifu gave you a new one, yet you say shifu doesn''t care about us. You''re getting more and more ditzy! Everyday your imagination runs wild."


    Yan Hui had been staring at Zi Chen from the start. Finally, she nodded her head. "You''re right. It''s all my imagination. I just had a terribly chaotic dream." Saying that, a small smile broke out. "Later I''ll apologize to Senior Disciple Zi Yue. Then, help me with the jian later. Shifu gave me a new one, and I''m still not used to it."


    Zi Chen nodded. Yan Hui followed along with him as he started to walk away. She was still smiling.


    Seeing this, Tian Yao sharply frowned. He hesitatingly followed her for a long distance. He watched her accompany Zi Chen. In the end, he could no longer endure it. Tian Yao strode up and pulled away Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui looked back. Her smile still hadn''t faded away yet. She looked at Tian Yao with what appeared to be nonrecognition.


    It wasn''t unitl Tian Yao solemnly looked at her for a long time that Yan Hui disappointingly recalled something. The smile on her face slowly faded.


    "Let go," said Yan Hui. "I want to go with Head Senior Disciple."


    "You know this is an illusion."


    "Let go."


    Tian Yao didn''t pay any attention. He still tightly held onto her: "You can''t keep following him. You''ll get deeper and deeper into the illusion. The longer you''re here, the harder it''ll be to get out."


    Yan Hui shook her head. Her voice quavered: "Let go......."


    "I won''t let you go." Tian Yao captured Yan Hui in his gaze. He firmly said: "From the moment I met you, it was fate. From then on, I would never let you go."


    "Let me stay here." There were faint traces of sobs in Yan Hui''s voice. This was the first time she had cried every since leaving Chen Xing Mountain. "This place is good even if it''s an illusion. Let me stay here. Let everything be how it used to be." She tried to struggle free from Tian Yao.


    "Yan Hui." Tian Yao still didn''t let go. Even if his grip hurt her, he wouldn''t relax it a single inch. "This is all fake."


    "So what if it''s fake!" Yan Hui finally yelled out. "So what if it''s fake!"


    Yan Hui struggled extremely hard. Tian Yao''s gaze grew heavy. He forcefully tugged Yan Hui into his arms and let her do whatever. Nothing she did, whether kicking or pushing, seemed to alleviate her anger. Yan Hui even bit Tian Yao''s neck.


    She didn''t hold back any force. She bit until his neck was marked and bleeding, but Tian Yao silently allowed it. He didn''t let out any sound of pain.


    This pain was nothing. It was nothing compared to the deep, riddled pain they have both felt before in their hearts.


    But all will eventually be well.


    Tian Yao held Yan Hui and patted the back of her head. He quietly pacified her with extreme gentleness: "Yan Hui, all will be well."

 CH 74

    Gradually, Yan Hui''s movements slowed. She no longer kicked Tian Yao, and her teeth slowly loosened from Tian Yao''s neck. Blood stained her lips red, making them seem extra bright.


    Tian Yao felt Yan Hui''s rough breath against his neck. Compared to the pain from Yan Hui''s bite, this barely felt sensation made Tian Yao feel even worse. He slightly pushed away Yan Hui.


    "Back to reality?"


    Yan Hui didn''t reply for a long time. Tian Yao almost thought she had fallen asleep when Yan Hui bitterly laughed. "Why didn''t you let me lose myself in the illusion? At least this place didn''t have so many sinister plots. Even though I knew it was fake........"


    Tian Yao was silent for a brief moment before responding: "Don''t you want to avenge your senior disciple?"


    Yan Hui''s gaze grew a little colder.


    That''s right. Right now, that was what most motivated her to persevere switching to demon cultivation.


    She wanted Ling Fei to pay for the price of her actions.


    "Avenge for what? Nothing''s good about that." From somewhere came the sound of a crisp voice: "There''s no need to think all day about killing thing. In my illusion, everything is good. It''s so nice. Nothing here will hurt you. It''ll always be sunny. You''ll always be happy. Why are you so determined to leave?"


    Tian Yao''s expression sobered up. His eyes were cold. With a wave of his hand, he formed a fiery whip and lashed it toward where the voice was coming from.


    "Ah!" The flame suddenly hit a black fog. A child''s voice yelped, and the illusion broke apart in a split second. It was like the Chen Xing Mountain surroundings were burned away. They crackled into ashes and were carried away in the end.


    Outside of the illusion was a secluded palace with blue-lighted pillars. The palace was large and empty. As you looked up, there was only darkness. The ceiling couldn''t be seen.


    And where Tian Yao''s whip struck laid a little girl lying on the stairs. She was clutching her arm, clothes tattered. The little girl looked at Tian Yao and Yan Hui and tried not to cry: "You guys are bad! I made so many illusions for you, and you guys weren''t satisfied. And you even hit me! Bad people!"


    Tian Yao narrowed his eyes. He heard Yan Hui suddenly speak up: "It''s an illusion demon."


    Tian Yao looked over. Yan Hui still had traces of undried tears in the corner of her eyes, but the sorrow and despair was gone from her face. Even though her heart still harbored anguish, she was still the clear-heated Yan Hui in the face of danger.


    This was probably Yan Hui''s strong point.


    "Burn her hair, " told Yan Hui to Tian Yao.


    Tian Yao didn''t question it. He threw a fireball over. The pitiful little girl, who was still lying on the stairs and clutching her arm, immediately shot up. With a flip, she ran to hide behind the throne.


    She ran extremely fast. In almost a flash, her figure disappeared behind the throne. Even though it was Tian Yao''s fireball, it still could only strike against the throne.


    The little girl behind the throne seat clutched at her own hair and cautiously poked her head out. Then she fiercely glared at Yan Hui: "Old woman, you dare attack my weak point."


    Yan Hui ignored her. She only talked to Tian Yao: "An illusion demon''s magic is all in their hair. Burn her hair away, she can''t do any more evil deeds."


    "What evil deeds!" The little illusion demon was furious. "I clearly gave you such a happy illusion! What you saw was once a very happy moment in your life! And you even said I do evil deeds! I clearly let you return back to relive a happy time, alright!"


    "So much nonsense," said Yan Hui. "Cut out her tongue too."


    The little demon gritted her teeth. She touched some unknown mechanism behind the throne. The stone tile under Yan Hui suddenly disappeared. When Tian Yao saw Yan Hui was about to drop into a dark passage, he reached out and pushed her to the side. Yan Hui was pushed, but she didn''t fall over. Tian Yao didn''t stop there. With a flick of his hand, he launched another fireball.


    The illusion demon once again shrank behind the throne. However, she didn''t think that once the fireball struck the throne, it didn''t stop there. The fireball didn''t disappear. It actually exploded into a field of fire. The throne''s surroundings were ablaze.


    Even the little demon behind the throne was caught on fire.


    Her hair caught on fire. The little demon started to shriek. She ran out like a chicken whose butt caught on fire. She was patting at her hair as she ran. It just so happened the direction the young demon ran was where Yan Hui stood.


    Yan Hui watched the little demon on fire run over. Yan Hui dodged to the side but the little demon determinedly threw herself at Yan Hui: "Old woman! Today I''m going to take you back with me!"


    Yan Hui already didn''t have much cultivation left out. Earlier, she even soaked in Black River. She only had a pitiful amount of cultivation. Even though her wu xing affinity was fire, in this situation, being burned by Tian Yao''s fire had no good outcome for her.


    When Tian Yao what was happening, he snapped his fingers. The fire on the little demon''s body immediately went out.


    However, the demon had already leapt onto Yan Hui.


    Although the illusion demon was small, she was quite strong. Yan Hui was knocked down onto the ground. "Old woman! I''m going to claw your face off!"


    The two of them rolled over. Yan Hui at least became angry at those words: "Call me that once, I''ll let it slide. Call me that three times, even the Heavenly God won''t save you. Today, I''m going to rip your hair off and teach you how to be a good demon!"


    Yan Hui grabbed a fistful of the illusion demon''s hair. Not to be outdone, the demon also grabbed Yan Hui''s hair. The two rolled around on the ground, going at each other with their bare hands. No magic was used. There was nothing civilized in their manner. It was like a wild fight between two children rolling around on the ground.


    Tian Yao just blankly stared at the sight. He watched for a long time with clasped hands, just waiting for the outcome.


    In the end, Yan Hui probably realize fighting with a bratty kid was too embarrassing. She pushed at the demon''s chest, wanting to push the demon away. Who would''ve thought with that push, the little demon would suddenly become indignant: "Old Woman dares touch my chest!"


    Yan Hui was so mad she could spit blood: "You don''t have a chest! It''s flat like a back! I can''t even tell the difference!"


    The illusion demon was infuriated by those words. She reached out to choke Yan Hui.


    Tian Yao narrowed his eyes when he saw the illusion demon was going to endanger Yan Hui''s life. He was just about to move when Yan Hui used her superiority of a longer reach. At once, she gripped the little demon''s neck. In that moment, Yan Hui''s pinkie accidentally slipped through the ring hung around the little demon''s neck.


    "Ah!"


    The little demon cried out in fear.


    Yan Hui didn''t think much about it. She just noticed the illusion demon''s strength lessened, and so Yan Hui tossed the demon aside. Her throw was so strong that the necklace the demon was wearing broke. However, the ring stayed on Yan Hui''s finger.


    Yan Hui had just fought the world''s most classless fight. Her heart was still filled with fire. She crawled back up and rearranged her clothes.


    The little demon that was tossed way flipped in mid-air and landed steadily back on her feet. She glared at Yan Hui and spoke through gnashing teeth: "You shameful thing! How dare you touch my ring!" She didn''t even get all the words out when her expression became extremely strange. Her entire body started to tremble like it was cramping all over.


    Yan Hui looked at the ring on her little finger: "I''ll return it." She was just about to raise her hand to take it off when the little illusion demon''s expression suddenly changed. "Stop!" The little demon screeched. Her voice could raise the ceiling. "Don''t move!"


    Yan Hui flinched: "What are you yelling for?!"


    The illusion demon gritted her teeth: "The ring......can''t be taken off."


    "Why not?" Yan Hui looked at the plain ring on her finger. "I don''t want your things. I''ll return it."


    "Don''t give it back!" The little demon immediately stopped Yan Hui. She hesitated and thought it over several times before gritting her teeth: "That ring recognizes my master. Us illusion demons only recognize one master in our lifetime. If our master abandons us, then there is only death......."


    Yan Hui was stunned. She turned her head to look at Tian Yao. Then she responded: "So I''m your master?"


    The little illusion demon clenched her teeth and didn''t respond.


    Yan Hui said: "Knew down and call me Beautiful Master."


    The little demon stuck out her lip and didn''t say a word.


    Yan Hui went to take off the ring.


    The little demon immediately knelt down and practically prostrated herself: "I offended you just now. Beautiful Master, I was wrong."


    Upon see that, Yan Hui''s mouth curved, and a smile broke out. She looked back at Tian Yao. At first, she wanted him to see the little demon admitting defeat. However, she didn''t expect to see him watching her smiling expression.


    It was like he was always watching her, gazing at her. Letting her have fun, letting her vent, a face full of........


    Indulgence.


    Yan Hui''s heart sped up. It felt like she had some kind of disease. Tian Yao was a demon who experienced so much hurt and felt so much hurt. How was he able to look at her with that kind of expression?


    They were, at best, just allies. That''s all.


    Yan Hui tossed the thought aside and didn''t think about it anymore. She just walked two steps forward towards the still kneeling illusion demon: "What place is this? Why are you here? And why did you want to harm us? Is there some scheme?"


    It seemed like the little demon was acting out a corpse. She didn''t even lift her head and just laid there. Her voice was muffled: "What schemes would an illusion demon have? We illusion demons eat emotions. We kindly create illusions for people to lose themselves in. Then we eat the emotions people feel from being in our illusions. That''s how we get full."


    "This place is our palace. Above us, there was a battle 50 years ago between the demons and xian. An abyss was ripped into San Chong Mountain, and the earth shook. The tremor went southwest all the way until it reached Black River. We illusion demons clan lived under Black River year-round. The quake shrank Black River, and that shrank our livelihood. Problems came one right after another. In the end, the entire clan left. I didn''t want to leave, so I stayed behind. I''ve been here up till now."


    "50 years ago?" Yan Hui frowned. "Even though demons grow slowly, it''s not that slow like how you are right now. 50 years and you still have a child''s body........"


    "So what?" The illusion demon cut Yan Hui off. "When there''s a lot to eat, us illusion demons grow fast. When there''s less to eat, we grow slow. I didn''t have anything to eat these past few decades. Of course I grew slowly."


    Yan Hui frowned: "So when you finally caught me, you started to prepare to use me for food?"


    "Ya, but I absolutely treat everyone fairly. That guy there is so strong, but I also planned to eat from him. It''s just that us illusion demons have our own particular tastes. Some illusion demons make them feel fear. Some feed off of fear. Every illusion demon has there own preferred emotion, so every illusion we cast is different. I like to eat happy and cheerful emotions. It was such a pity that his happiness was so little that I couldn''t trap him."


    Tian Yao also had an illusion spell cast on him?

 CH 75

    At once Yan Hui became curious: "What did you make him see?"


    "It''s not what I made him see. I like to eat happy emotions, so what you guys saw were the perfect moments in your life. You saw your senior disciple. He saw........"


    "The illusion still isn''t broken. Do you want me to break it personally?" Tian Yao suddenly cut in before the little illusion demon finished. His words succeeded in diverting Yan Hui''s attention.


    "So this place is also an illusion?" Yan Hui was surprised. She narrowed her eyes at the little demon. "Are you still trying to scheme against us?"


    The little demon felt somewhat resentful and wronged by those words: "You already are wearing my ring. I can''t do anything to you!" She paused and looked down a fraction. Her expression was dark. "I created this illusion for myself........"


    Tian Yao gave no quarter: "Break it." He was always on alert around strangers, mistrustful as always.


    The little illusion demon gritted her teeth. She glared at Tian Yao and angrily said: "Fine! I''ll undo it! But it''s you who wanted me to!"


    With those words, she flourished her sleeves. The twinkling blue-pillard palace immediately started to waver. The lights started to him. The clean, glossy stone floor started to form cracks and split. Broken and crushed rocks appeared everywhere. The pillars were also badly damaged. Only the black mist above their heads remained. A look upwards caused a hard to suppress vertigo.


    Although this place was at the bottom of Black River, there was no water here. When the illusion was completely gone, Yan Hui felt a sudden chill.


    Yan Hui was still looking upwards at the black mist. She suddenly heard the little demon give a slight mocking sneer. It was immediately followed by a large robe draping over head.


    Yan Hui yanked the robe off of her head and saw Tian Yao had turned his back. His voice was strained and rough: "Wear it."


    Yan Hui looked down. That''s when she discovered.........shit.......


    She was stark naked!


    Yan Hui blushed. She hurriedly put on Tian Yao''s robe and rapidly tied it in place.


    The little demon off to the side started to laugh: "Why did you look away? Feeling awkward? You were the one who wanted me to remove the illusion!"


    Tian Yao clenched his hands into fists. His eyes narrowed, and a fireball immediately flew towards the laughing demon. The demon hurriedly dodged. The fireball smashed into the ground, leaving a gouge. The little demon repeatedly yelped: "I was following your orders! If you''re mad out of embarrassment, hit yourself! Why are you blaming me?!"


    Tian Yao darkly rebuked her: "Be quiet."


    Yan Hui finished arranging the robe. She glanced at Tian Yao out of the corner of her eyes. His ears were flushed red. Looks like he really was angry out of shyness.


    This kind of Tian Yao, Yan Hui......saw for the first time.


    The illusion demon leapt to Yan Hui''s side. She hid from Tian Yao and clutched Yan Hui''s arm: "You''re my master now, so you have to protect me. If I die, the ring will cut off your pinkie."


    Yan Hui was stunned when she heard that. She no longer cared with Tian Yao was shy or not. She immediately looked at the little demon: "What kind of custom is that?!"


    "I will do things for you, so of course you have the duty to protect me. Us illusion demons, aside from creating illusions to eat emotions, actually don''t have a lot of power. Compared to other demons, we don''t have much for self-defense. That''s why we want to attach ourselves to strong demons. If you don''t protect me well, then the price is the ring cutting off your finger."


    Yan Hui: "........what use do you have?"


    The little illusion demon thought about it: "I can cast illusions to give you good dreams."


    Yan Hui made a move to remove the ring: "Then you can go ahead and die. I''m going to protect my pinkie."


    The little demon freaked out and hurriedly clutched at Yan Hui''s hand: "I can let you see your senior brother every night!"


    Yan Hui paused her movements.


    "Who ever you want to meet, I"ll let you meet. What ever you want to dream tonight, I''ll let you dream." The little demon honestly looked at Yan Hui. "My name is Huan Xiao Yan. Please call me Dream Maker."


    Yan Hui was silent for a long time. Then she looked down: "Do you have other abilities?"


    "Wait until I get stronger. Then I can enter the minds of people to create an illusion and tamper with their memories. Only these past decades, I didn''t have much to eat, so I''m not very strong. It''s impossible right now."


    Yan Hui was baffled. She swept her gaze around the dilapidated palace. "50 years ago, the depths of Black River were already like this. You didn''t have anything to eat, so how come you''re not dead?"


    Huan Xiao Yan scratched her head in embarrassment: "I would''ve died. I''ve been hungry these 50 years, so I created an illusion for myself when the palace was at its former glory. I relied on eating my own emotions to live."


    Yan Hui fell silent at those words.


    Huan Xiao Yanwas also silent. But after a few short moments, she returned back to her angry state and shot Tian Yao a glare: "I stayed in my illusions, so I could be a little happy. You harsh and suspicious types want to strip my last bit of happiness away! Bad person!"


    Tian Yao acted like he didn''t hear a word and looked away in another direction. After a moment of silence, he spoke: "Since it''s like this, why didn''t you leave? Live somewhere else besides Black River?"


    "The tremor 50 years ago buried my parents here. I stay here to watch over their graves." Huan Xiao Yan pointed at the ring on Yan Hui''s finger. "But now you''re my master. If you insist on leaving, then I can''t continue living here."


    Yan Hui looked at her own hand: "Sorry, but I really must leave this place."


    Huan Xiao Yan pouted: "I know. I can see what is in your hearts."


    All three people fell silent after those words. The only sound in the destroyed palace was the rushing water overhead in the inky blackness.


    Finally, Tian Yao broke the silence. He asked Yan Hui: "Is all your cultivation washed away?"


    "There''s still some remnants left," replied Yan Hui. "But it''s just a matter of walking around in Black River."


    Tian Yao nodded: "So after leaving this place, taking a dip in Black River and coming back will be enough. There shouldn''t be much left."


    Yan Hui agreed and looked up at the seemingly endless blackness: "Outside awaits countless plots and schemes against us."


    31 miles away from Chen Xing Mountain, Ling Fei stood in front of Su Ying. She still wore the veiled hat so no one could see her face, but her aura revealed her gloominess. Su Ying sat in the host''s position in the hall, somewhat at odds with the majestic surroundings. She was currently embroidering flowers onto a blue cloak.


    Compared to Ling Fei''s gloomy aura, Su Ying was much more tranquil: "Killing Ling Xiao''s head disciple was truly overboard." Su Ying continued without raising her head. "Now we are like fire and water with the demon clans. Out of all the people, Zi Chen was a sincere cultivator. He was a broad-minded and just person. It''s hard to come by."


    Ling Fei''s heart tightened. She slightly gritted her teeth: "I also didn''t think that the spell.......would be so strong. I also........didn''t have time to react."


    That''s when Su Ying raised her head with disapproval: "Can you handle a spell cast by Zhenren Qi Guang?"


    Ling Fei was silent for a split second then angrily said: "It''s still a shame that it didn''t kill Yan Hui." She gritted her teeth. "No one expected that powerful dragon demon to save her."


    When those words dropped, Su Ying''s hand silently shook. The needle pricked her finger, and blood dripped onto the blue cloak. Su Ying silently wiped at the blood to keep it from Ling Fei''s notice. The strange thing was the blood dripped on the cloak didn''t absorb into the cloak. Rather, it was completely wiped away by Su Ying. Not a mark was left behind.


    "Oh?" Su Ying continued to embroider. "How strong was the dragon demon?"


    "It forcefully broke the soaring killing spell and melted the Heavenly Jian." Ling Fei paused for a moment before continuing: "Luckily it didn''t linger at Chen Xing Mountain."


    Su Ying put down the cloak. Her eyes were slightly cold. She thought it over before saving: "Since you returned, cultivate for these days while you''re here. Out of the three main sects, Guang Han Sect is the closest to Qing Qiu. Earlier, the demon clans crossed San Chong Mountain to do a probing attack. Although they didn''t reach our sect, we must increase our vigilance. The main entrance at the bottom of the mountain needs guards. For now, you''ll help me guard the gate. That way if there are any movements, I''ll have less to worry about."


    Ling Fei nodded.


    "Go ahead and pack. Then go to the gate and keep an eye on the boundary spell. The boundary hasn''t been crossed. It''s also the safest place."


    Ling Fei complied and left. Su Ying sat alone in the hall for a long time. Suddenly, she knocked twice on the chair''s armrest. Smoke wreathed on the floor, and a person kneeling on one knee appeared in it. He respectfully murmured: "Sect Master."


    "Go investigate," Su Ying''s eyes were cold. They were like ice. "The background of Chen Xing Mountain''s Yan Hui and how she''s involved with the dragon demon, Tian Yao."


    "Yes."


    The man in the fog immediately disappeared. There was no one else in the hall. Su Ying''s back, which had been ramrod straight, finally relaxed a little. She looked at the cloak in her hand in silence.


    After Ling Fei gathered her things, she planned to head down the mountain and unintentionally passed the courtyard''s lake. Guang Han Sect was frozen year-around. Thus the lake was also frozen year-around. The shore was also dusted with snow. A scholar stood at the shore. At that moment, Su Ying was draping the blue cloak she was embroidering over the scholar''s shoulders.


    The scholar didn''t even turn his head


    Su Ying didn''t say much. She just lightly said: "Guang Han Sect is unlike other places. Your wound isn''t healed yet. Mind your health."


    The scholar acted like he didn''t a word. He just stared fixedly at the lake in front of him. Su Ying stood with him for awhile and then left.


    Ling Fei knew about her sister''s infatuation with the scholar. She sighed and was about to leave when she saw the scholar carelessly grab the cloak and throw it onto the frozen lake. He turned and left the pavilion.


    Ling Fei was stunned. She advanced and looked at the scholar''s retreating back. Then she went and picked up the discarded cloak from the lake. In the burst of sunshine, she thought she saw a scale-pattern on the blue cloak. However when she took a closer look, she didn''t see anything.

 CH 76

    After bringing Huan Xiao Yan up the bank, Yan Hui immersed herself back in Black River to continue cleansing.


    The water tranquilly flowed on. Yan Hui watched her cultivation leach out and flow away with the water. 10 years of cultivation, all of her hard work, turned into smoke. Yan Hui''s gaze didn''t even waver an inch.


    Cleansing away cultivation was very painful, and it actually burdened the body. However, she just watched and didn''t utter a sound.


    Before, she would always remark about how Tian Yao was good at enduring. No matter his mood or pain, he always hid it all in his heart. He remained silent. But now, Yan Hui felt like enduring it was actually an automatic response.


    Because there was no other way. It had to be endured.


    Yan Hui knew that right now she was digging a knife into her own heart, cutting away at it. It was all to raise a fierce tiger inside that one day would come out. In the end, this internal tiger would grow big and become a man-eating beast.


    She didn''t have much cultivation left in her body. She didn''t stay long in Black River before all her cultivation was washed away. From now on, she was no longer a xian cultivator. She was going to cultivate the demon pathway and learn their magic. She was going to walk a path she never considered before.


    With her magic gone, Yan Hui for a moment felt powerless. She didn''t even have the strength to crawl to shore.


    Huan Xiao Yan was at the river bank carefully watching the water''s movement. When she saw it was about time and Yan Hui still didn''t appear, Huan Xiao Yan drew in a breath to call out. Off to the side, a figure dived in Black River headfirst. Just a few moments later, the figure came out.


    Tian Yao held Yan Hui in his arms. She had already passed out.


    Tian Yao hugged her for a long time. He just quietly looked at her and didn''t say a word. Huan Xiao Yan watched on anxiously.


    The illusion demon clan always stuck to a powerful demon to live. As a result, they developed an acute sense toward powerful demons. From the first moment Huan Xiao Yan saw Tian Yao, she knew he wouldn''t be easy to deal with. Before it was the illusionscape, so she didn''t worry about it. Now that she had to be with Tian Yao, it was hard for her to not be apprehensive.


    But Tian Yao was staring at Yan Hui for far too long. Huan Xiao Yan couldn''t hold it in any longer and softly asked: "Is she alright?"


    "No." He swept Yan Hui''s wet hair from her forehead. "But I''ll make her become better."


    Huan Xiao Yan was stunned by those words and rubbed her nose. When she saw Tian Yao finally start to carry Yan Hui back, she silently and cleverly followed behind without further words.


    When Yan Hui woke up, it was already the second day. She was back in the courtyard Zhu Li had prepared for them.


    Huan Xiao Yan was by her side. When Yan Hui opened her eyes, the demon moved closer. "You''re awake. Do you want to sleep more? First tell me what you want to dream about. I''ll cast an illusion for you."


    Yan Hui turned her head. Her voice was still raspy from waking up: "Don''t be so anxious to fawn over me. I don''t plan on killing you for now."


    Huan Xiao Yan curled her lip: "I''m hungry. You didn''t give me any emotions to eat. I''m hungry." Her eyes lit up light she just thought of something. "Don''t you hate that whats-her-name Ling Fei? I''ll let you dream about her. You can kill her hundreds of thousands of times in your dream. You''ll feel happy!"


    Yan Hui knit her brows: "Don''t let me dream about her."


    Huan Xiao Yan was about to speak when Tian Yao, who was also in the room, cut in. He changed the topic: "Your xian cultivation has all been cleansed away, but your broken bones and muscles still haven''t healed. If you want to cultivate the demon pathway, then you physically need to heal first."


    Yan Hui nodded: "Got it."


    "The medicine apprentice told me about an icy spring in Qing Qiu earlier. It can heal broken bones and muscle. I''ll bring you there tomorrow when you''re feeling better."


    Yan Hui tried to prop herself up. Huan Xiao Yan cried out: "Ah, you can''t!" She tried to block Yan Hui at the same time. "You need to rest!"


    Yan Hui avoided her and got off the bed. "I''m going now."


    Tian Yao just silent walked up. Right when Yan Hui was about to fall off the bed, he reached out a hand and steadily grasped her arm. He gave Yan Hui the support needed to stand up.


    Yan Hui looked up at Tian Yao. He didn''t wait for Yan Hui to say something before flatly saying: "I know I can''t stop you." He pulled at her elbow to wrap her arm around his own shoulder.


    "Get up. I''ll carry you there."


    In the end, he would never be able to stop her. It would be better to directly help her.........


    Yan Hui climbed onto Tian Yao''s back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. She softly sighed: "Tian Yao."


    "Hm?"


    "You ought to have been a very gentle person."


    Tian Yao was a little stunned and didn''t say a word.


    Huan Xiao Yan eagerly followed behind the pair: "Ah, you should just say he treats you very well and makes your heart beat. That''s enough. There''s no need for that ought to have been very gentle........"


    Yan Hui shot a look at Huan Xiao Yan. Huan Xiao Yan''s footsteps paused. Yan Hui disregarded her: "Don''t follow us. Go off and play."


    Huan Xiao Yan could only rub her nose and make a sound in acknowledgement. Then she hopped off to the side: "You''re even making me go away. I''ll find something to eat on my own."


    When she left, Yan Hui sighed. "This is as troublesome as suddenly giving birth to a little brat."


    "Having someone by your side for comic relief is a good thing."


    Yan Hui was a little startled when his light words fell in her ears. Then, she nodded her head: "When you put it like that, I agree."


    The cold spring was located behind the mountain where the king lived. Tian Yao walked on a small path, which wasn''t too long. After placing Yan Hui in the icy spring, he retreated to the undergrowth and quietly kept guard.


    The spring was icy cold but wasn''t piercing. Its power slowly seeped into the skin and started to heal her injuries. Yan Hui stared at the sky in boredom and posed a question for Tian Yao: "Qing Qiu didn''t want you to do something for them?"


    "I still haven''t gotten back my dragon heart. I can''t do much other things."


    When he brought that up, Yan Hui remembered Tian Yao still hadn''t found all his body parts. "Are there any clues on where it is?"


    "Yes."


    Yan Hui was curious and tilted her head to hear better.


    "It''s in Guang Han Sect."


    Yan Hui was shocked: "For real? How did you get that clue?"


    "I have all of my other body parts, so I know where my dragon heart is. There''s no need for other clues."


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment before frowning: "In Guang Han Sect.........in other words, Su Ying is personally watching over it?" This time to retrieve it, perhaps a head-on flight with Su Ying was inevitable. With Tian Yao''s current strength, it would be difficult, and who knows when Yan Hui would succeed in cultivating demon magic. She feared she would be of little help for Tian Yao. To get back the dragon heart might require waiting even longer.........


    "Right now, there''s an enormous barrier protecting Guang Han Sect at their entrance. My dragon heart is at the spell''s formation. Su Ying is using my heart to protect her sect." This time, Tian Yao''s voice wasn''t filled with hate at the mention of Su Ying''s name like it did before. It was like he was dully recounting some matter, without any emotion but determination to win. "Break the barrier. Find the center of the spell. My dragon heart will be there."


    After getting back the heart, Tian Yao will be complete...........no, there was still.........


    "What about the dragon scales?" Yan Hui cocked her head. She looked at Tian Yao''s back, who was sitting behind a tree. "You''re not going to retrieve your dragon scales?"


    Tian Yao was silent for only a moment: "Su Ying took them. I want her to return every single one."


    "And the heart protection scale?"


    Tian Yao didn''t reply. There was a long silence before he responded: "To me, there''s no difference whether or not I have that scale."


    Yan Hui rested her hand where her heart was. She felt the ever sturdy beat of her heart and said to herself: "You gave me my life."


    Tian Yao heard those words and slightly turned his head. He saw Yan Hui''s back and didn''t say a word.


    In the silence, there was suddenly the sound of pattering feet from a distance. Tian Yao looked into the distance. When he saw who was coming, he didn''t go on alert.


    In a few moments, Huan Xiao Yan arrived. She panted: "Master Yan, they said they caught a female assassin who was going to kill you!"


    Yan Hui was stunned by those words. Tian Yao''s eyes narrowed slightly. Yan Hui took a few steps out of the spring: "What female?"


    "A xian cultivator from Chen Xing Mountain. I think her name is Zi Yue, a senior disciple. She was discovered right when she crossed the border. No one else came with her. It seems like she went alone."


    Yan Hui stared blankly for a long time without returning to her senses.


    In the hall of Zhu Li''s residence, Yan Hui met Zi Yue, her would-be assassin. Zi Yue cut a sorry figure; her hair was in messy disarray. The demons had forced her to kneel on the ground. Yan Hui walked up from behind. Zi Yue raised her head to look and saw Tian Yao also accompanying Yan Hui. Immediately, the rims of her eyes turned red. She gritted her teeth and seemed like she was about to lunge at Yan Hui.


    However, the guards at her sides forcefully yanked her down.


    "Yan Hui!" Zi Yue was unwilling and screamed. "You bring bad omens!" Yan Hui heard, but her expression didn''t change at the slightest. "It''s all your fault! Head Senior Disciple died because of you! He died because he was trying to save you! Why are you still alive?"


    Yan Hui didn''t refute.


    "You are a terrible person! Do you know how much disgrace Head Senior Disciple suffered because of you?! You also made Chen Xing Mountain suffer so much disgrace too!"


    Finally, Yan Hui''s eyes flickered. She squatted down and stared straight into Zi Yue''s eyes: "Disgrace? Very good. Ever since I left Chen Xing Mountain with a broken body, I not only want to become Chen Xing Mountain''s disgrace but also want to be the shame carved on their face."


    Yan Hui''s words even made the furious Zi Yue stare blankly.


    Yan Hui continued: "Ling Fei knows better than anyone how Zi Chen died." She clenched her teeth tight. Every word seemed forced. "I also am wrong. I''m wrong for not killing Ling Fei by now."


    Zi Yue was stunned.


    Yan Hui stood back up, sleeves brushing against Zi Yue''s face. She turned to look at Zhu Li: "Let her go. Let her return to Chen Xing Mountain." She tilted her head and looked at Zi Yue with dark eyes: "Let her repeat every words back to every single person at Chen Xing Mountain."


    Including her shifu.


    It was nighttime, and the scene was like water.


    Ever since the demon clan''s guards escorted Zi Yue away, Yan Hui had been siting in her room in a daze. It wasn''t until late in the night that Yan Hui went to bed.


    Yan Hui thought that at first she wouldn''t be able to fall asleep. However once she closed her eyes, she sank into blackness.


    She had a dream. She dreamed Zi Chen standing close by in the blackness, quietly looking at her. He didn''t say a word nor move an inch. He was like those wooden dolls that Yan Hui and Zi Chen played with when she first entered Chen Xing Mountain.


    "Head Senior Disciple," she said. "Hereafter, I won''t acknowledge the sect, but I will always acknowledge you as my Head Senior Disciple." Yan Hui also stood in place without moving and just distantly looked at him. "I''ll take revenge for you."


    Zi Chen looked at her. His eyes had hidden worry.


    Yan Hui woke from her dream not long afterwards.


    She stared at the carvings on the bed and couldn''t fall back asleep. Her injuries started to flare up and burn with pain. Yan Hui decided she might as well not sleep, got up, and draped on some outer clothing. She walked on the path Tian Yao showed her in the morning to go soak in the icy spring.


    The frigid spring waters not only healed her injuries but could also calm her mind in times like this.


    There was no one around the spring, so Yan Hui took off everything and entered the water. In a split second, the cold water soothed the pain from her injuries.


    However, standing was too tiring. Yan Hui looked for someplace she could sit at the edge. She didn''t have to search long before she found a slender, smooth thing. It seemed like a branch that fell into the spring. Yan Hui sat down on it and looked at the moon, heaving a big side.


    Yan Hui sat there and rested her back against the bank. She slowly closed her eyes and fell into a slight sleep with no dreams.

 CH 77

    It was barely daybreak the next day. The first ray of light pierced through the forest and shined on Yan Hui''s eyes. She frowned and woke up. There were no dreams; this was the most restful sleep she had in a long time.


    Looks like it really was true that this spring not only healed injuries but also soothed the mind.


    "Master, Master! Master Yan!"


    From far away came Huan Xiao Yan''s voice: "Little Brother Zhu Li is looking for you everywhere in the couryard. Are you there?!"


    Yan Hui clearly replied: "I''m here. Stay there. I''ll be right there."


    She pulled herself out, grabbed her clothes, and draped them over her shoulder. As she walked to where she heard Huan Xiao Yan''s voice, Yan Hui also wrung her hair dry. She didn''t look back and therefore didn''t see the ripple in the spring water that appeared when she left.


    When she saw Huan Xiao Yan, she asked: "How did you know I''m here?"


    "You''re my master. You have my ring, so I can sense a general direction where you are." Huan Xiao Yan hopped around by Yan Hui''s side as they walked. She looked very happy. "Yesterday night, I secretly gave a lot of demons an illusion. They were really happy in their dreams. I got so full."


    "Did you let them wake up?"


    Huan Xiao Yan pouted: "They woke up. We have an arrangement. Tonight, I''ll give them more illusions, so they can have good dreams. They all really like my illusions." Huan Xiao Yan turned her head to look up at Yan Hui. "Master, do you really not want my illusions?"


    "I just want a good sleep with no dreams." The two chatted as they headed to Zhu Li''s residence. Yan Hui suddenly thought of something and turned to ask Huan Xiao Yan, "Did you cast an illusion on me last night?"


    Huan Xiao Yan was shocked: "No, what did Master dream of? That Ling Fei? Ling Xiao? Or is it that Zi Chen?"


    Yan Hui opened her mouth to reply when she saw Tian Yao slowly walking over. However, his posture today was a little strange. Yan Hui raised an eyebrow: "What happened to your leg?"


    Huan Xiao Yan widened her eyes and also asked: "Who crippled you?!"


    Tian Yao shot Huan Xiao Yan a look.


    The little demon silently hid behind Yan Hui after seeing that look: "Master, he looks like he''s going to kill........."


    "It''s nothing." Tian Yao ignored Huan Xiao Yan and only looked off into the distance. "I meditated for too long yesterday, and my legs locked up." Done talking, he continued on to Zhu Li''s residence.


    Huan Xiao Yan watched Tian Yao walk a few steps and moved closed to Yan Hui''s ear to tattle: "Master, he just told a lie to you."


    Of cource, Yan Hui also knew that. Before at Tong Luo Mountain, Tian Yao would meditate the whole day and night. He never said anything about legs cramping or going numb. It was clear from the start that he was lying.


    However, when Tian Yao didn''t want to say something, even prying his mouth open wouldn''t get a word out. Thus Yan Hui followed after him: "We''ll first go see Zhu Li."


    Zhu Li was carefully reading a book in the meeting hall. He raised his head at the sound of footsteps and saw Tian Yao and Yan Hui entering. Zhu Li handed the book over to Yan Hui: "These past days, I had people look for a rare book to start demon cultivation. However, this kind of situation is really rare. We looked for a long time before finding this book tucked away in the imperial library. Go ahead and take a look. After your body is healed, you can start practicing."


    Yan Hui took the book and saw on the cover two words, "Demon Bestowal". Yan Hui just gave her thanks when Tian Yao took the book form her hands. He flipped through it very fast, eyes brightening. However when he reached the end, Tian Yao frowned: "Where''s the rest?"


    Zhu Li was also stunned: "Is there more?" He took it and also flipped to the end. "There shouldn''t be. It goes to the ninth layer. It ought to be finished."


    Tian Yao explained: "For ordinary magic, nine levels is outstanding. The mastery of the magic in this book is very high. Every layer of magic is interlinked with each other, step-by-step. Following along with this conjecture, there are eleven layers." He continued, "It''s clear the author has a deep understanding. The cultivation is definitely deep. The writing wouldn''t stop halfway."


    Everyone present was dumbfounded by Tian Yao''s words.


    Zhu Li looked a little stunned: "You just flipped through it and can tell all that?"


    Tian Yao lightly said: "I once researched about writing cultivation books." He placed the book back into Yan Hui''s hands. "Even though it''s missing chapters, the nine levels it has is very exquisite. It''ll be very beneficial for you. When you''ve healed, we will study it together. Cultivate well. Even though you''re starting over, you might accomplish a lot."


    Yan Hui nodded and immediately calmly looked at Tian Yao for a long time. He asked her: "What is it?"


    Yan Hui turned her head and looked away: "Nothing."


    She just felt like Tian Yao was like an endless book.........


    That night, it was a new moon. The entire skill was filled with bright stars, and starlight sprinkled down on the forest. The night was more still than previous nights.


    Yan Hui took off her clothes and went to the spot she found in the spring last night. The strange thing was that she couldn''t find that tree branch in the spot. Yan Hui didn''t think much of it. She followed around the spring''s edge and felt around. She wanted to find that tree branch to sit on.


    All she asked for was a good night''s sleep.


    After walking a semicircle, her feet finally stepped on something. This thing was a little low. If she sat down on it, then she wouldn''t be able to breath. Yan Hui couldn''t see into the water at night. She thought about it and then decided to hold her breath and duck into the water. She wanted to see if she could pick up that thing and place it against the edge.


    But when she reached down and touched that thing, it actually moved!


    Even though it was only a movement, it still moved! It was like it shuddered!


    This thing was alive!


    Yan Hui was shocked and immediately floated to the surface. She took a deep breath and climbed out of the spring, sprinting to her clothes. She immediately wrapped her clothes around her.


    "You pervert!" Yan Hui shouted. "Get out!"


    There was no movement under the water. Yan Hui grabbed a rock and threw it into the spring. The rock made a loud splash, and Yan Hui continued to scream: "Come out!" The calm night was completely shattered.


    A short moment later, two bubbles appeared and popped. It was immediately followed by a flash of light. A familiar male figure appeared in the water.


    When Yan Hui saw Tian Yao, her face froze. Just earlier, she was soaking naked in the water. She even used her foot to step on some unknown part of his body. Even though Yan Hui was thick-skinned, but she still couldn''t help flushing. She became a little angry out of embarrassment: "Why were you in the water?!"


    Tian Yao''s hair was loose. His wet robe clung to his body. He walked out of the water, footsteps carrying the soft sounds of water. In the quiet night, there was a strange sense of allure: "I let you come to soak every afternoon." Tian Yao returned the question, "Why are you here at night?"


    When Yan Hui heard his words, she felt a rush of anger: "You''re blaming me? When I came, why didn''t you come out and say something?!" After saying that, a thought immediately sprang into her mind. "Wait........." She looked at Tian Yao in wide-eyed shock. "From your words, when I came last night.........is it possible that you were there?"


    Tian Yao turned his head. He looked at the sky. He looked at the ground. He looked at the rippling reflection of the sparkling stars in the spring.


    Yan Hui stared at Tian Yao for a long time and saw his tacit admission. She was immediately furious: "Fuck! What didn''t you come out last night?!"  No wonder why she couldn''t find her seat. Turns out that seat ran away........


    Tian Yao''s eyes finally moved and looked at Yan Hui: "Last night, I wanted to get out of the spring, but you already started to take off your clothes." He continued. "Did you really want to experience that awkwardness?"


    Oh! So it turns out he was considering her feelings!


    Yan Hui fumed behind gritted teeth: "Fine! I''ll ignore that you didn''t come last night. Then why were you still here tonight?! Are you waiting to see something or what?! Was it really not on purpose?!"


    Tian Yao looked at the furious Yan Hui who was spitting with anger. He looked for a long time and then sized her up. He lightly said: "Altogether, it isn''t a big deal. Much earlier, didn''t you see me take a bath?"


    That''s right. Tian Yao was taking a shower in the courtyard back at Tong Luo Mountain. Yan Hui did indeed see that.


    It didn''t seem like a major matter between the two of them. But, then why did Tian Yao''s words make her feel something she hadn''t felt in such a long time? It was like a shy and angry flame leaping from the bottom of her foot up to the sky. It almost burned her head off.


    Yan Hui only had that piece of clothing on, and so she roughly tied the belt around her waist and walked up to Tian Yao: "You come here." She started to roll her sleeves up. "We''re going to have a talk."


    Tian Yao didn''t move. He watched Yan Hui walk up to him. She raised her head and grabbed a fistful of his clothes. The upper part of his robe came loose. Only the belt around his waist kept the rest of his clothes on.


    Yan Hui slapped her hand against his chest and felt his developed muscle. She nodded in satisfaction.


    "Then don''t wear any clothes. Just talk to me naked. After all, it isn''t a big deal."


    Yan Hui raised her head and looked for Tian Yao''s reaction. She waited for a while before hearing an expelled breath. Tian Yao actually laughed.


    Yan Hui was stunned. Tian Yao was really standing there half naked under a sky full of star, laughing at her: "That''s the Yan Hui I know."


    Tian Yao took advantage of Yan Hui''s stunned state and walked past her to pick up the rest of her discarded clothing on the ground. He turned and handed them over: "Put on the rest of your clothes." He said, "Last night, I returned to my original form and curled up in the spring. You sat on my tail. I buried my head and didn''t see anything."


    So he motionlessly raised his tail for an entire night to support her and let her sleep.........


    No wonder why he was sore the next day.........


    He saw Yan Hui hadn''t accepted it, so he took her hand and placed the clothes in it. Then he turned and walked into the forest. He ducked behind a tree and put back on the robe Yan Hui had yanked down: "Go ahead and soak. I''m leaving first."


    He walked far for a while before looking back. It was quite a distance, but he could still see Yan Hui''s back. He knew Yan Hui couldn''t sense any movement from this distance. It was only then that Tian Yao dared to touch his chest where Yan Hui had felt. His chest felt hot and tingly. Even though his chest had been empty for many years, but at this moment, it seemed like he could feel his heart throbbing.


    His ears turned red and sucked in a deep breath. Then he looked up at the sky and slowly relaxed.


    Towards Yan Hui.........


    He looked down. In his chest was a warmth that he completely couldn''t control. Before, it wasn''t that he didn''t recognize it. It was just that now, he was so clearly aware of it.


    Towards Yan Hui.........


    He fell in love.

 CH 78

    After that, Yan Hui went to the cold spring every night, but Tian Yao was never there.


    After a few days, Yan Hui still wasn''t fully healed. However, compared to her previous condition, she was in a much state. She thought that after 10 more days, her muscles and bones would be completely healed. That cold spring was really potent.


    These days, Huan Xiao Yan giddily roamed around everywhere within Qing Qiu. She made friends everywhere. It was like she was making up for the past few decades of missed making-friends fun. Everyday during Huan Xiao Yan''s free time, she would bring back gossip for Yan Hui to hear.


    For example, Yan Hui being able to soak in the cold spring to heal actually wasn''t an easy matter.


    According to Huan Xiao Yan, this spring was made by Qing Qiu''s king especially for his human wife to extend her life. He found the most spiritually magical piece of land and used magic to gather the purest water with no magical bias. When the queen was still alive, only she could bathe in the spring. After the queen passed, only seriously injued nine-tailed fox demons were allowed to soak in the waters to heal.


    And the only reason why Yan Hui could soak in the waters is because that millennial dragon exchanged an unknown something with the king.


    It was Tian Yao who found an opportunity to step in.


    After finding this out, Yan Hui wanted to look for Tian Yao to thank and also to start studying "Demon Bestowal" with him. It was only by getting stronger that she could revenge others and also repay her debt.


    But no matter where Yan Hui looked these days, she didn''t see Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui meticulously looked for Tian Yao but still didn''t find him. Then she realized he was avoiding her. With their large gap in cultivation, even if Yan Hui gained the ability to see through things, she still wouldn''t be able to find Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui thought it was hilarious. Could it be that millennial dragon was shy because she pulled down his clothes? At that time, didn''t he have a very calm and collected expression?! What was he hiding for?


    She couldn''t think it through. Based on her personality of avoiding troublesome things, Yan Hui didn''t feel like concerning herself over him. Anyways........


    He would have to show up eventually.


    Anyways, he wouldn''t leave Qing Qiu, and he wouldn''t leave her. Yan Hui touched her chest. After all, she had his heart protection scale. It might be that right now she didn''t trust anyone, but she did trust Tian Yao.


    Today, Yan Hui was in her room reading "Demon Bestowal." In the book, there were many words she didn''t know well. Also, some of the heart techniques in the book were the complete opposite of the heart techniques she learned as a xian cultivator. She read for a long time, but it was all muddled. This was originally a book for demon cultivation. Perhaps without Tian Yao, she really couldn''t learn it.


    Yan Hui was worrying about this when Huan Xiao Yan suddenly charged in through her window. Huan Xiao Yan had grown used to roaming about as she wished in her illusion palace. She didn''t care where the main entrance was. As long as there was a convenient entrance, it was good enough for her. She didn''t follow the rules, and Yan Hui didn''t mind her. Yan Hui just shifted her posture and continued to study the book: "Don''t bother me. I''m reading."


    "Master, weren''t you going to look for Tian Yao these few days?"


    Yan Hui didn''t put down her book, but her ears did perk up at those words.


    "I just saw him."


    Yan Hui stayed silent for awhile. In the end, she looked over: "Where?"


    However Huan Xiao Yan asked back: "Weren''t you reading? I won''t bother you. I''m going back to ask for more cake."


    Yan Hui turned over, grabbed the back of Huan Xiao Yan''s collar, and turned her around. Yan Hui was originally going to keep asking, but when she saw the cake in Huan Xiao Yan''s hand, she was stunned: "What''s that?"


    "Moon cake. Master, have you not seen one before?"


    Of course Yan Hui had seen them before. It was just that the shape of Central Plain''s moon cakes were a little different than Qing Qiu''s moon cakes.


    Yan Hui asked in surprise: "Today is the Autumn Moon Festival?"


    Huan Xiao Yan nodded: "Yep."


    A tremor ran down Yan Hui''s body. She flipped off the bed: "What time is it?" She didn''t wait for the illusion demon to respond and ran to the window. The sky was already starting to darken. She asked as she hurriedly put on her shoes: "Where did you say you saw Tian Yao?"


    Huan Xiao Yan was stunned by Yan Hui''s agitation and numbly replied: "That path you normally take to go to the spring........."


    Huan Xiao Yan didn''t even finish before Yan Hui jerked open the door and hurriedly ran toward the spring.


    Today was the Autumn Moon Festival. It was when the moon was at the biggest it would ever be for that year. Tian Yao suffered every night of the full moon. Tian Yao would likely suffer through even more pain than usual tonight. Even though he found many of his body parts, it seemed like the pain he felt hadn''t lessened by much.


    By the time Yan Hui ran into the forest, the full moon was already starting to peek over the east mountain peak.


    There were many demons races that had a particular reaction to the full moon. Some would become especially calm, others especially irritable. That''s why even though Yan Hui was walking on a familiar path, the forest had a different feel than normal.


    The moonlight turned the forest hazy. Yan Hui was almost at the healing spring. She could faintly see an enormous animal rolling around on the ground. It so just happened that Yan Hui was completely focused on what she saw when suddenly a great force rushed at her out of the corner of her eye. Yan Hui was caught completely unawares and fell onto the ground.


    Its fur was prickly, and its breath reeked of blood. The smell assaulted Yan Hui''s nose. She didn''t even get a chance to see what type of demon had lunged at her when it went straight for her throat.


    Those hot teeth had already touched Yan Hui''s skin when in a flash, a dragon''s roar seemed to come from a distance.


    Yan Hui had already stiffened. In a blink of an eye, the demon that was pinning down Yan Hui disappeared. Off to the side came a pain-filled animal wail.


    Yan Hui crawled about 3 meters away in the opposite direction. Only then did she turned her head back to look. The moonlight cast shadows due to the trees. In the shadowy darkness, there were no demons seen clashing. Only the sounds of brutal hits could be heard, like a primal fight. However after a short period, there was no more trace of any movement.


    Yan Hui no longer had any magic in her body She squinted her eyes and tried to peer into the darkness to see what the situation was, but it was all for naught.


    She supported herself using the tree behind her and stood up. She called out: "Tian Yao?"


    There was no movement. She made up her mind and walked forward. Right when she moved, there was a sudden gust of wind from that direction. The dragon immediately soared upwards into the sky. Yan Hui looked up and watched the dragon soar into the sky. He had a clean, crisp silhouette against the enormous moon.


    However, he didn''t fly far before he started to struggle, falling from the sky. It was clear to the eye that he was struggling hard to steady his body, but the pain was too much. He couldn''t control it.


    There was a "boom". The dragon fell into the healing spring in front of Yan Hui. Water splashed everywhere, and the surroundings were thrown into wet disarray.


    Yan Hui broke into a run and sprinted to the spring.


    By the time Yan Hui reached the spring, Tian Yao had already struggled out of the water. The bright moonlight illuminated his entire body. Yan Hui stared wide-eyed at his beaten, injured body. She was shocked speechless.


    Was that a dragon?


    Every single scale had been peeled off. Every single place where scale once grew was now a wound. Some wounds were so deep that bone could be seen underneath. From head to tail, no a single inch of him wasn''t injured. There were too many wounds clustered all over his body. It was so much that one couldn''t help feeling their scalp tingling from dread.


    IT was only when Yan Hui saw this sight that she realized how much Tian Yao had downplayed how appalling was the technique used to gouge out the heart and peel the bones.


    He laid there, writhing on the ground. It was like the pain was so intense that he wanted to die.


    "Tian Yao........."


    Yan Hui called out his name and took a step forward.


    That call seemed to rouse Tian Yao. He turned his head and suddenly growled like he was warning her not to get closer, not to come over. He fixed his eyes on her. His tail swept forward like he was trying to hide his scarred body.


    Yan Hui gritted her teeth and staunchly looked at him: "Doesn''t my blood help you endure it a little?" She took two steps forward and stuck out her wrist. "Here."


    Tian Yao retreated. Yan Hui advanced.


    Long dragon whiskers waved in the air. The arc they waved seemed to be refusing Yan Hui''s approach.


    Yan Hui steeled her heart and bit her wrist to draw blood. The bite wasn''t deep, but it was enough for blood to well out. The smell of blood flowed out. In a short while, the blood smell permeated the area.


    Tian Yao started to become restless.


    Yan Hui continued forward.


    It was finally more than Tian Yao could bear. With a hiss, he pounced at Yan Hui. She didn''t dodge nor duck. Wind blew past her, lifting her black hair and robe.


    Tian Yao leapt in front of Yan Hui but actually only used his horns to push her back. He pushed her until her back hit a tree. Then he drew back, meaning to leave.


    Yan Hui didn''t even hesitate and reached out to grab his horns: "Drink my blood." It was almost an order. "If this can put you at ease, then pick this quick, easy method. It doesn''t hurt me, and I won''t lose that much blood."


    Tian Yao swung his head, but Yan Hui firmly held onto his horns.


    He suddenly opened his eyes and struggled to get free. He opened his ernormous mouth and roared at Yan Hui. The ground shook. His tail recklessly beat against the ground. It seemed to be partially out of anger at Yan Hu and also due to the uncontrollable pain.


    Yan Hui didn''t care. She took advantage of Tian Yao''s open mouth and smeared her bloodied wrist against his tongue.


    Her blood seemed to be a great temptation for Tian Yao. After all, this was the medicine that would bring relief to his extreme pain. It would be tempting to anyone.


    Tian Yao''s tail whipped around and broke a thick tree trunk. His head surged forward, and his sharp teeth stopped at Yan Hui''s neck.


    "That place won''t work." Yan Hui didn''t move. She just calmly continued, "I''ll die if you bite there. You can''t bite there." They were so close. She could hear the rumble in his throat. There was a violent internal struggle going on.


    Finally, his teeth left her throat. His nose touched Yan Hui''s chest and growled. It was like an animal giving a warning, yet it also had the coyness of a hurt animal seeking confort.


    Yan Hui force her wrist through the gaps in his fangs and rubbed her blood on his teeth.


    Tian Yao struggled. Yan Hui used almost all her strength to hold her head and slowly dripped her blood into his mouth. The warmth brought by her blood slowly entered in his body.


    The moon still hung in the sky, yet Tian Yao slowly calmed down.


    Yan Hui''s back rested against the tree, and Tian Yao''s head rested against her chest. He was such a formidable figure, but right now he looked like a sated, pampered pet. The two of them stood there in the night like a painting.


    An unknown amount of time passed. The moon was slowly covered up by a dark cloud.


    Tian Yao''s body gradually weakened. His body glowed and then in a flash transformed back into a human.


    The moment he turned back into his human form, Tian Yao started to fall towards the ground. Yan Hui hurriedly clutched at his waist and supported his body. That''s when she found out that Tian Yao was actually..........completely naked.


    It made sense when Yan Hui thought about it.......before when Tian Yao came out of the spring, he still had magic, and his mind was clear. Of course, he knew to form clothes to wear. However, now he was unconscious. There was no way he would remember to form clothes.........


    Yan Hui looked down at his naked body.


    "I guess this considers as finding you." Saying that, she struggled out of her outer robe and draped it over Tian Yao. Then she slid down into a sitting position, letting Tian Yao peacefully sleep on her legs.


    She looked at the moon peaking out from behind the cloud and heaved a sigh of relief. She stayed awake the entire night. For her, who no longer had any magic, this consumed a lot of effort.


    But she endured through the night until it was finally over.


    Yan Hui looked down at Tian Yao who was sleeping like a baby. She brushed at the sweat-dampened hair at his temples and recalled his wound-riddled body. Yan Hui couldn''t help murmuring: "So you went to the spring to also heal injuries........"


    ".......didn''t want to be seen......."


    Yan Hui was surprised. She didn''t clearly here what Tian Yao was muttering. It was like he was sleep talking. "What did you say?"


    "I didn''t want to be seen by you. The ugly me."


    Those muttered words for some reason suddenly transformed into a barbed whip. Pain lashed in Yan Hui''s heart. A bitter taste rose in the throat.


    So that''s why when she went to the healing spring, he didn''t want to come out. It was unexpectedly because he had that kind of image hidden in his heart.


    He raised his tail, so she could proper herself up on it and peacefully sleep through the night. When he hid his head underwater, was he hiding such an inferior image of himself.........


    Yan Hui stroked his cheek: "The truly ugly one was never you." Yan Hui continued, "The ugly one is the one that hurt you."

 CH 79

    The curtain of night lifted, and the dawn approached. Tian Yao slowly opened his eyes.


    Birds were singing and chirping in the distance. It was a fresh and crisp morning that seemed to wash away the dark and murky night. There was an itching feeling on Tian Yao''s face. He lightly brushed at it and discovered a strand of black hair wrapped around his fingers.


    Tian Yao''s eyes traveled up the strand of hair and saw Yan Hui''s bright and clean chin. The early sunlight shone its warmth upon her face. It made her entire body seem to radiate a peaceful warmth.


    Her back was propped up on a tree trunk, head slightly tilted back with mouth agape. Yan Hui''s breath was slow and steady, which meant she was in a deep, peaceful dream. Tian Yao was startled. He sat up and looked around. He actually slept the entire night using Yan Hui''s legs as his pillow.


    His movements startled Yan Hui into waking up. Her hand first grasped the air and then almost automatically grabbed Tian Yao''s hand: "What is it? Does it hurt again?"


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui''s hand. Then he again raised his head to look at Yan Hui''s face.


    He gazed for a long time at the sleepy-eyed Yan Hui. It took awhile before she fully woke up: "The sun is up?" She rubbed her eyes. "I finally managed to fall asleep."


    She stretched and moved her leg to get up when she stifled a groan. She immediately hugged her legs and didn''t say another word. When Tian Yao saw that, he silently turned around and squatted down with his back facing Yan Hui: "Get on."


    Yan Hui stared blankly at his broad back. However, she didn''t attempt to be courteous and instead climbed directly onto his back. When Yan Hui wrapped her arms around Tian Yao''s neck, he happened to see the dried bloodstains on her wrist. They were from when she haphazardly bit and wounded herself.


    His throat tightened and not a word could be let out.


    When Yan Hui settled herself, Tian Yao steadily started to walk. They slowly headed back.


    Yan Hui laid on his shoulders which have now grown broader. She absent-minded said: "Yesterday''s Autumn Moon Festival......." She started but now stopped to think about how to phrase it, so it didn''t poke at Tian Yao''s wound. Tian Yao prompted her to continue.


    "Were you scared?"


    "No, not at all," she replied. "It''s just that..........are you like that every year at this time?"


    "Before was even worse."


    Yan Hui was unexpectedly unable to reply at those words. She stayed silent for a long time. Then, she stroked his head: "It''ll get better once we find your dragon heart. We''re close."


    She lightly caressed his head. In the thousand years Tian Yao lived, this touch was more gentle than any spring breeze he had felt before.


    Thus, under her unbelievably gentle touch, Tian Yao''s eyes drooped down. His gaze was soft.


    Although it was already autumn, he didn''t feel the slightest bit of chill.


    Before Tian Yao, still piggy-backing Yan Hui, reached Zhu Li''s residence, they ran into Zhu Li himself. Zhu Li was wearing much more formal clothes than usual. He was leaving in a rush, but when he saw Tian Yao carrying Yan Hui, he immediately stopped: "What happened?" He asked more, "I didn''t see you two at the Autumn Moon Festival. Now you''re unexpectedly like this? Yan Hui, did your wounds get worse?"


    Yan Hui smoothly lied: "I meditated for too long last night. My legs are numb."


    Tian Yao''s expression couldn''t help freezing for an instant at those words. The base of his ears also flushed a little. He lightly coughed, swept his gaze over Zhu Li, and took the rare initiative to ask Zhu Li: "Why are you dressed like that?"


    That question accurate sliced into the conversation. Yan Hui also looked Zhu Li up and down: "Is the nine-tailed fox demon clan copying the ordinary people and going to court?"


    "Qing Qiu doesn''t have a court." Zhu Li shot her a look. "Today, my sister is coming back. We all have to go greet her."


    Yan Hui raised an eyebrow: "Sister?"


    "My uncle''s daughter. These past years, she''s been in Central Plains. Oh, by the way, there''s going to be a banquet tonight at the palace......" As Zhu Li was talking, the sound of a brass horn was heard in the distance. The old servant behind Zhu Li urged: "You brat, you''re going to be late!"


    "Got it," said Zhu Li. "I have to go now. Remember to come to the banquet!" Without a second glance at Yan Hui and Tian Yao, Zhu LI urgently rushed on with the old servant.


    Yan Hui pondered over it. Zhu Li''s uncle''s daughter. Then that was the crown prince''s daughter. With that kind of identity, why was she always in Central Plains? Furthermore, her identity wasn''t blown. She must be someone with a lot of tricks and strategy.


    And now someone who had been staying in Central Plains was returning to Qing Qiu. It probably was because the demon clans'' crossing San Chong Mountain gave the cultivation sects a huge shock. Central Plain''s situation must be very unstable........


    When they reached the room, Tian Yao had just set Yan Hui down when she looked off to the side. The "Demon Bestoyal" book was laying on the bed where she had thrown it when she urgently left last night. Yan Hui''s eyes lit up. She didn''t even wait for Tian Yao to straighten his back before grabbing his arm. She held on tight like she was afraid he was going to run off.


    Tian Yao looked up. He saw Yan Hui clutching the book and staring at him with bright eyes. She said, "Didn''t you agree to teach me how to cultivate heart techniques with this book?"


    Tian Yao was silent for only a moment: "Are all of your bones and muscles healed?"


    "Not completely. But I can start learning about magic."


    With a flip of his hand, Tian Yao gripped Yan Hui''s arm. He squeezed it twice and then nodded: "Alright, you can start. Tomorrow......."


    "No, start right now." Yan Hui immediately cut him off. "I can''t wait a moment more."


    "Okay."


    Tian Yao took the book and opened it to the first page. He studied it and then asked: "Did you read the book yet?"


    "Read it all."


    "Which parts do you not understand?"


    The two of them started to discuss and lost track of time. The sky had already darkened when Huan Xiao Yan broke through the window and bounced in. She yelled: "Time to eat! Zhu Li is calling for you guys to come eat!"


    At that moment, Yan Hui was mediating on the bed. Her aura had been circulating around her body for the entire day. She opened her eyes but didn''t respond to Huan Xiao Yan. Instead, she asked Tian Yao: "I feel like my jingmai channel is going to wrong way. Is this right?"


    "The reason why you feel that way is because you''re using the xian cultivation standard to judge. What you need to do now is forget everything you had learned."


    Yan Hui was startled. At this moment, she untimely remembered every detail of xian cultivation that Ling Xiao had taught her over these past 10 years. She became lost in her thoughts but was forced back to her senses when Huan Xiao Yan called out, "Master, are you not hungry?"


    "Oh." Yan Hui stood up. "Let''s go. Let''s see what a nine-tailed demon clan''s banquet is like."


    Since the last time she saw Qing Qiu''s king, this would be the second time Yan Hui was going to the mountain peak where his palace was located.


    The aura here was different from before. Tonight, there was a more festive feel in the enormous tree. The little foxes'' mouths were filled with red fruit. Some were happily eating. Others were rolling the fruit around everywhere.


    Yan Hui and Tian Yao were led into the tree palace by an attendant.


    The door opened. The enormous tree was still as spacious and empty as before. However, this time there were seats placed up on the wall and going up all the wall to the top. Yan Hui tilted her head to look up. About every 10 meters up the wall, there was a transparent platform held there by magic. Female palace fox demons were singing and dancing on the platforms. The fox demon attendees watched on with enjoyment.


    The attendant led Yan Hui and Tian Yao up the spiraling passageway along the wall. They were heading for the top. At every level, the fox demons there would curiously sized the two of them up, but most of them were focusing on Tian Yao.


    A millennium dragon, if not me with an unfortunate turn of fate, perhaps would be an equal match to Qing Qiu''s king. For the demon clans where the strong ruled, not one person wouldn''t be interested.


    Tian Yao didn''t even look at them. He just continued onward without a side glance. It was like he attached no importance to them.


    On the other hand, Yan Hui was looking all around. She wasn''t paying attention to where she was walking. In a moment of inattention, she tripped and started to fall forward. Tian Yao moved even faster than Huan Xiao Yan, who was following behind Yan Hui. He reached out and caught Yan Hui.


    Clearly........his eyes were never watching her.


    Right before reaching the top, the servant politely led away Huan Xiao Yan to go play at a lower level. Yan Hui and Tian Yao stepped onto the highest platform.


    It was just one step onto the platform, but immediately the field of vision expanded. The entirety of Qing Qiu, including the far away San Chong Mountain, could be seen. The stars above them looked so close that they could be plucked down.


    All the fox demons who held power in the clan were present. However, Tian Yao only inclined his head toward Qing Qiu''s king who was sitting there. Then he ignored everyone else, walked to an empty seat at the side, and sat down.


    Yan Hui was about to follow him when she saw the person sitting by the king''s side. She froze in shock.


    That person was different than the other fox demons who loved to dress in white. That person was dressed in a gorgeous and dazzling red robe. Her stunning and beautiful looks were enough to steal away one''s soul.


    "Xian......." Yan Hui scarcely dared to murmur. "Xian Ge?"


    Although Yan Hui''s voice was soft, everyone present weren''t normal people. Naturally, they all heard the name Yan Hui had blurted out. Everyone looked on with great interest at the two people. Qing Qiu''s prince''s deep voice broke the silence: "What a coincidence. Is my daughter an old friend of Miss Yan Hui?" He smiled. "Xian Ge, why don''t you tell your father how you met Miss Yan Hui?"


    Xian Ge.......


    She unexpectedly was the daughter of Qing Qiu''s crown prince, sister to Zhu Li. She was the one who had always stayed in Central Plains with many tricks and strategies......


    Yan Hui was still shocked.


    Xian Ge sat there and gave a soft laugh, as alluring as always: "Miss Yan Hui at that time was dressing as a man. She was dallying about with me. After all the dallying and flirting, we got to know each other well."


    With those words, everyone sitting on the platform laughed.


    Xian Ge looked at Yan Hui, partially sighing and smiling: "I recently heard Yan Hui arrived at Qing Qiu. I thought we might be able to meet this time, but I didn''t expect it to be under these circumstances........Yan Hui," called Xian Ge. Her smile seemed a little helpless. "You''re still shocked. Do you blame me for hiding truth from you?"


    Yan Hui paused for a moment at those words and then immediately shook her head: "There''s nothing to blame. You never once hurt me."


    Not only did Xian Ge never hurt her, Xian Ge actually helped her many times.


    Xian Ge smiled at those words. She saluted Yan Hui with a cup of wine: "Yan Hui always had an open and wide heart." Xian Ge drank the cup and said no more. Under these circumstances, it wasn''t a good place to say more.


    Yan Hui silently walked to where Tian Yao was and sat down.


    She incessantly thought back to the past. Thinking about it, it did make sense. Before she thought Xian Ge''s place was mysterious. Now with her identity revealed, it was to be expected---why she was so easily able to give Tian Yao an anosmia sachet, why she was so soul-shakingly beautiful.


    It was all because she was a nine-tailed fox demon.

 CH 80

    It was halfway through the banquet. Qing Qiu''s king put down his jade wine cup. When the cup touched the saucer, it rang with a crisp sound. It was a soft sound, but it spread through the entire tree. Everyone paused in their drinking and looked toward their king.


    The moon had reached the top of the tree and just so happened to illuminate the king''s back. It was like the Heavens had given him a crown. He was so noble and brilliant that the attendees couldn''t look straight at him.


    "Qing Qiu hasn''t feasted in long while. Nevertheless, we have held a banquet in the middle of war. I feel helpless and ashamed." Qing Qiu''s king spoke a few modest phrases. Immediately, some of the clansmen in the lower tiers shook their head in quiet protest.


    Qing Qiu''s king continued: "50 years ago, the demons and xian cultivators fought. It split the north and south into two parts. Us demons clans and the xian sects had a temporary peace. Although I thought the southwest was a bit desolate, for the sake of peace and our bloodlines, I believed we could live here and quietly cultivate even though we never considered living here before. But now, Central Plain''s xian sects no longer want us to live in the southwestern corner to cultivate and grow. They are pressing in and killing our clan members. Their methods are ruthless and extremely malicious."


    Qing Qiu''s king''s tone was always very indifferent. However now, there was a murderous tone that sank into the skin.


    Yan Hui recalled Su Ying''s method to refine the fox lust fragrance. She felt a little fear because of this murderous tone, but at the same time she couldn''t help feeling resentment.


    That lofty and untouchable Su Ying acted that way 20 years ago towards Tian Yao. Now 20 years later, she was acting the same way towards other demons. Most likely she would never see a demon''s life as truly a life. That''s why Su Ying was able to act so maliciously.


    The demons sitting in the lower tiers had already long ago held simmering anger towards Central Plain''s cultivators. Many of them slapped the tables and smashed the cups in anger.


    The crown prince stood up and bowed to the king. Then he immediately turned around and addressed the attendees below: "My clan''s soldiers hadn''t fought since those 50 years. However, it''s not that they cannot fight." He paused then spoke again with ringing words. "Who is willing to join me in crossing San Chong Mountain and fight into Central Plains?"


    From below immediately came a deafening cheer.


    Compared to the fired-up demons below, the nine-tailed fox demons at the topmost layer seemed very cool-headed. Tian Yao silently sat in the corner and sipped wine.


    Yan Hui coldly took in the sight. She finally understood. This banquet was to welcome back the princess in name only. Its true purpose was for the clans to pledge troops.


    It was to stir up morale and win over the people''s hearts.


    It seemed like a large-scale attack from the demons was imminent.


    Yan Hui heard the demons start to chant "Vengence" in a heated roar. Her heart was filled with all kinds of emotion. She had cultivated for 10 years under the xian pathway. Now fate pushed her into the middle of a scene of demons pledging troops.


    What you encountered in life was truly unpredictable.


    Yan Hui raised her eyes and looked toward the distant Xian Ge who was garbed in red. Xian Ge sensed someone was looking at her, and she eyes also moved to look at Yan Hui.  The two of them looked at each other. Xian Ge lightly smiled and waved the cup in her hand. Yan Hui also took up her cup, raised her head, and drank it all in one gulp.


    Food and drink had been abundant. The performances had stopped. Qing Qiu''s king faded into invisibility. The demon clans left the banquet. The nine-tailed fox demon princes bid each other goodbye and also left.


    Yan Hui had just stood up when Xian Ge walked over: "Want to talk?"


    Yan Hui shot her a look: "Of course." Then she turned and left Tian Yao with instructions: "Go and watch over Huan Xiao Yan. She''s a wild child. Don''t wait until she drinks too much and gets into some kind of mischief. It''ll be troublesome when someone comes to me to complain tomorrow."


    Tian Yao opened his mouth, but Xian Ge had already taken Yan Hui''s arm. "Let''s go," said Xian Ge. They disappeared from the platform.


    Tian Yao''s extended hand only grasped a light breeze. He clenched his hand into a fist and suddenly felt for some reason a little angry at the returned princess.


    Or perhaps it could be said.........


    Envy.


    She so justly and easily took Yan Hui away.........


    In the distance where Yan Hui and Xian Ge walked, Yan Hui paid no mind to Tian Yao''s state of mind. Xian Ge brought Yan Hui onto a thick branch and then laughed: "Someone''s getting angry at me."


    Yan Hui turned her head: "Who''s mad at you?"


    Xian Ge smiled but didn''t answer. She just brought out two jars of wine: "Let''s sit and chat."


    Each with their own jar, they sat on the tree and gazed up at the moon. Xian Ge''s red robe was blown somewhat loose in the wind. Its sleeves fluttered in the breeze, creating an enchanting sight.


    Yan Hui looked over and saw Xian Ge take a gulp of wine. She couldn''t help asking: "Before, didn''t you not drink wine and only drank tea? How come you started drinking wine after returning?"


    Xian Ge looked at Yan Hui and laughed: "Oh Yan Hui, it wasn''t that I didn''t like drinking but rather I couldn''t." She explained, "Actually, I love drinking, but I drink too much. I saw worried someone would see through me. That''s why I had no choice but to substitute wine with tea to trick myself."


    Yan Hui gulped down some wine: "Then what about Feng Qian Shuo? Bofore you liked him a lot. Was that all an act, and you don''t like him after coming back to Qing Qiu?"


    Xian Ge''s smile froze and gradually faded away: "I am a Qing Qiu spy planted in Central Plains." She continued, "The nine-tailed fox demons have a deep bloodline. The clan doesn''t hold a deep trust in other demons aside from our own kind. That''s why for secret matters, only those blood-related can do it. I am a chess piece thrown into Central Plains. I secretly entered Qi Jue Group, searched out news of Central Plains, and used methods to send that information back to Qing Qiu." Xian Ge gave a mocking smile: "I stayed in Central Plains and became part of Qi Jue Group. I even became the mistrustful Feng Qian Shuo''s confidant. But everything I was in Central Plains was fake."


    "Identity, past, and even my aura," said Xian Ge. "But my heart was moved. I wanted it to be fake too, but only that part of me was real."


    Yan Hui paused before replying: "Then why did you come back? Qing Qiu and Central Plains are on the brink of war. This is precisely the time when information is needed. Xian Ge, you clearly could''ve stayed in Central Plains longer with your planted identity."


    If it was that deep a love, then even an extra day there would be like it was stolen to Xian Ge.


    Xian Ge shook her head: "When the demon clans crossed San Chong Mountain and attacked their way to Guang Han Sect, the xian sects in Central Plains didn''t receive any information about that. Ling Xiao went to Qi Jue group and reprimanded Fang Qian Shuo for not doing his job well. It was only then that I found out Fang Qian Shuo and Qi Jue group were linked with Ling Xiao."


    Yan Hui was also shocked by those words.


    Was Feng Qian Shuo one of Ling Xiao''s chess pieces in Central Plains?


    Yan Hui thought hard about it. Last year, Feng Qian Shuo''s uncle, Feng Ming held the power in Qi Jue Group, but Feng Ming was never able to get rid of Feng Qian Shuo. Before, everyone in the jianghu thought that Qi Jue Group''s elders were protecting Feng Qian Shuo. Moreover, Feng Qian Shuo was exceedingly smart and good at hiding his strengths and biding his time; that''s how he was able to escape the plots. But now looking at it, was it also because Ling Xiao was quietly in the background supporting him..........


    Did Ling Xiao involve himself in Qi Jue Group''s affairs to get to Qi Jue Group''s intel?


    Yan Hui never heard anything about that in Chen Xing Mountain. Ling Xiao even more wouldn''t have said anything. He quietly made a move and recruited Feng Qian Shuo. What was it all for.......


    Yan Hui even more couldn''t understand her former shifu.


    "After that, Ling Xiao directly involved himself with Qi Jue Group. It became hard for me to send information from Central Plains to Qing Qiu. My father feared my identiy would become exposed, and the xian cultivators would harm me. Jiu Feng hurriedly wrote for me to return. I had no excuse to refuse........"


    Yan Hui fell silent for a moment at what she heard: "Feng Qian Shuo let you leave?"


    Xian Ge bitterly laughed: "Naturally he couldn''t let me go. I knew too much of Qi Jue Group''s affairs, too much of Central Plain''s intel. No matter what, he would never let me go."


    "Then you........."


    "Faked my death." Xian Ge took a gulp of wine. Her expression turned frustrated when she said that. "From now on in Feng Qian Shuo''s world, Xian Ge of Qi Jue Group is thoroughly dead."


    Yan Hui was silent. Those simple words made the situation seem so easy and simple. However for Xian Ge, it was probably a difficult thing to do.


    She had to kill herself in the eyes of the one she loved and completely remove herself from his life, never to meet again.


    Although Xian Ge was still alive, to Feng Qian Shuo, she was only a memory now.


    Yan Hui sighed, but Xian Ge smiled: "However when I ''died'', I saw Feng Qian Shuo''s forever smiling expression actually change. I''m actually pretty proud." She continued, "Knowing that I also touched is heart is enough. That caring look he had is enough to last me a lifetime, like a jar of wine I can never finish drinking."


    Yan Hui remained silent for a long time. Aside from drinking the wine, she had nothing to say.


    Xian Ge turned her head to look at Yan Hui. She looked for a long time: "Yan Hui, your personality has quieted down a lot. Before you would''ve exploded hearing me talk about this. You definitely would''ve pushed and pestered me not to waste time, that if we couldn''t be together, then just forget about him and freely live my own life."


    Yan Hui shot Xian Ge a glance: "Would I really have said that?"


    Xian Ge pulled Yan Hui''s hand until it was resting on over own shoulder: "You would''ve even hung off my shoulder while saying that, like a little hoodlum."


    Yan Hui thought about it and then laughed. She didn''t remove her hand from Xian Ge''s shoulder. Hugging Xian Ge''s shoulders, Yan Hui found a little bit of spark inside her and lamented: "These worldly matters are always fickle. Who hasn''t had a time when they were worn down? I also understand. There are some matters that we just can''t change. Even if my temper was better and if you were prettier, we can''t escape or fix our current situation. Just like right now how you can''t forget about Feng Qian Shuo, and I can''t kill Ling Fei."


    Xian Ge looked at Yan Hui. She saw Yan Hui''s lips had curved into a smile. "Now, all we can do is do what we can and endure the rest. There is no other alternative. Perhaps this is a tribulation to teach me how to be clever or a lesson."


    Xian Ge patted Yan Hui''s hand that was still draped across her shoulders: "I have a rough idea about what happened with your Head Senior Disciple. The word in the jianghu is that you and Tian Yao joined forces and killed Zi Chen in the prison cell."


    Yan Hui snorted in disdain. Her eyes were cold.


    "But I know that you wouldn''t have done that."


    Yan Hui''s expression was cold: "Do you know anything about Ling Fei''s current circumstances?"


    "She was expelled by Ling Xiao and returned to Guang Han sect."


    "Alright, it''s good those two sisters are together now." Yan Hui laughed. "Now I don''t have to go to two places to seek them out."


    Xian Ge momentarily paused at those words: "However, I think Ling Xiao has another plan." She paused again. "When he came to Qi Jue Group to reprimand Feng Qian Shuo, I overheard some words. A few months ago when you were kicked out of Chen Xing Mountain, Ling Xiao actually always had people watching over you. When you were at Yong Zhou City, Ling Xiao specifically told Feng Qian Shuo to keep a close eye on you. I think he actually isn''t unconcerned about you........"


    "So what?" Yan Hui cut off Xian Ge before she could finish. Yan Hui looked off into the distance. Her voice was strangely flat: "Head Senior Disciple is already dead."

 CH 81

    The commotion Tian Yao made last night was too severe. Trees were broken. Earth was ripped up. The surroundings today were still a mess. However, the waters in the icy spring had already become clear and clean. It didn''t look any different than the previous days.


    Yan Hui knelt by the water and look at her reflection in the water. Her mind swirled with what Xian Ge had just told her. They raced around in the thoughts. She suddenly reached out and swatted at her own reflection. Then without even taking off her outer robes, Yan Hui dove in.


    The spring was actually very deep. Yan Hui held her breath and kept swimming down. Her mind was filled with the image of Ling Xiao teaching her xian magic and cultivation. For the past 10 years, he was there every moment, accompanying her. Yan Hui continued to swim down like she wanted to spend every ounce of strength.


    10 years of memories revolved through her mind like a carousal. She squeezed her eyes shut and let herself sink to the bottom. She stayed here until the suffocation made her chest hurt. Then Yan Hui shot up to the surface and gulped in a deep breath of air.


    The sudden rush of fresh air turned her vision black for a split second.


    Her head was above water, and then Yan Hui relaxed the rest of her body. She floated on top of the spring water like a withered leaf.


    The night sky was filled with dazzling stars. Yan Hui closed her eyes and tried hard to clear her mind. Perhaps she was too tired because her mind really did clear not long afterwards. She quickly sank into darkness. Just a few moments later, Yan Hi saw a dark figure standing there in front of her.


    This time after seeing that dark figure, she didn''t try to chase after it. She just stood where she was and looked: "Head Senior Disciple." Her voice was extremely quiet. "Sooner or later, I will avenge you."


    When Yan Hui said those words, the figure that was quietly standing there seemed to frown. His face was worried.


    She didn''t know what he was concerned about, but then suddenly her body swayed. Yan Hui immediately woke up.


    She opened her eyes and saw she was wrapped in a very warm embrace.


    Tian Yao''s forehead was tightly furrowed. His lips were pinched together, and he didn''t say a sound. It made Yan Hui concerned: "What is it?"


    "I thought........" Those two words spilled out of his mouth without control. Tian Yao realized he sounded anxious and immediately stopped talking. He turned his head and released Yan Hui. Tian Yao stood up. He patted at his clothes before mildly saying: "It''s nothing."


    Yan Hui looked at the spring. She then looked at the awkward Tian Yao and guessed: "You thought I committed suicide?"


    Tian Yao turned to leave: "It''s good that it wasn''t anything serious."


    "I won''t do something like that." Yan Hui didn''t care that Tian Yao''s back was facing her. She looked at the night sky. "I didn''t do it the day you rescued me from Chen Xing Mountain, so from then on I won''t do it either. I''m staying alive because I have more important things to do."


    Tian Yao''s footsteps paused. He slightly turned his head to look out of the corner of his eyes at Yan Hui.


    To his surprised, she was smiling. Yan Hui left the spring and walked toward him. Her tone was a little lighter: "As for you, were you always following me?"


    Tian Yao lightly coughed: "You can continue soaking. The earlier you heal, the better......." Saying that, he took a step to avoid her, but his sleeves was lightly caught by Yan Hui. Tian Yao was a little stunned. He turned to look at Yan Hui.


    "Although we both said there''s no need to thank each other," Yan Hui gazed at Tian Yao as she talked. Her bright eyes seemed to reflect the multitude of stars. "But I still have to say it. I''m really thankful that at times like these, you are here."


    Tian Yao''s eyes seemed to also be lit up with stars by her words.


    Yan Hui released her hand and freely swung about: "You go back. I''m going to keep soaking."


    It wasn''t until Tian Yao saw Yan Hui entering the spring that he snapped back to his senses. He silently turned and left. He entered the dark forest and under the starlight clenched his fist-------


    Actually, those words clearly should have been said by him.


    How thankful he was to meet a person named Yan Hui. How fortunate he was to meet that kind of person........


    Xian Ge returned to Qing Qiu, but there wasn''t much for her to do every day. Yan Hui would go soak in the spring at night. In the day, she would study "Demon Bestowal" techniques with Tian Yao. There was only time around dusk for Yan Hui to chat and eat with Xian Ge.


    Today, the two of them were eating dinner when once again Huan Xiao Yan came in through the window again. Her eyes lit up when she saw the table full of food: "I also want to eat! I''ve been hungry the whole day!" She reached her hand towards the food.


    Yan Hui raised an eyebrow and smacked Huan Xiao Yan''s hand with a pair of chopsticks. Yan Hui glanced at Huan Xiao Yan''s face which looked like it was about to cry. However, Yan Hui took no pity: "I looked forward to this meal the entire day. If you dare to grab any, then I''m going to take off your ring."


    Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth and felt wronged: "I was also hungry the whole day and had nothing to eat. I''m feeling a little dizzy."


    As the two of them were talking, Xian Ge had already waved over an attendant to bring over another bowl and pair of chopsticks. She laughed: "The little illusion demon you raised has personality. I like it. I''m sure she''s been hungry the entire day, so don''t make things difficult for her. Let her eat with us."


    Yan Hui snorted: "I didn''t eat at all because I''ve been practicing. Did this brat not eat because someone sewed your mouth shut? She probably played too much and forgot......."


    "I didn''t play!" Huan Xiao Yan''s mouth was already filled with food. She chewed and talked at the same time: "I was listening to stories."


    Xian Ge smiled: "What story was it that you listened for the entire day?"


    Huan Xiao Yan inhaled the food. Then she looked at Xian Ge with large eyes: "Miss Princess, I heard there''s a man in Central Plains that was absolutely captivated by you. Now that you''re back in Qing Qiu, he thinks you''re dead. He''s in a fugue every day and has no more dignity."


    Xian Ge''s face immediately froze when she heard those words.


    Yan Hui slapped down her chopsticks and reprimanded: "You need a spanking! Don''t say garbage while we''re eating!"


    "I wasn''t saying rubbish! They were all saying it!"


    "Who is spreading this?!"


    Xian Ge shook her head and stopped Yan Hui: "Let her speak. What else did they say?"


    Huan Xiao Yan rubbed her nose: "They talked for a long time today. It''s a long story starting from when Miss Princess left Central Plains. Then they said when Miss Princess returned to Qing Qiu, that man held your ''body''. It had already been several days but he didn''t let people touch. He wouldn''t let your body be buried nor for anyone to get close. He said he wanted to protect you. Your body was already rotting and smelling, but he wouldn''t bury you. No matter how much other people begged, he didn''t listen. He was deranged like he went crazy." Huan Xiao Yan continued, "I heard he has one hundred concubines, but now he doesn''t pay attention to a single one."


    Yan Hui turned to look at Xian Ge at those words. Xian Ge, who always had a smiling expression which confused others, now looked stricken. Her eyes were vacant, and she was absent-mindedly looking into the distance. Her lips were pressed into a flat line.


    In the end, only Huan Xiao Yan ate with satisfaciton.


    Yan Hui waited until the attendants cleared the table before asking: "Xian Ge, how do you feel after hearing Feng Qian Shuo acting like that?"


    Xian Ge finally stirred after hearing Yan Hui''s question. She mockingly smiled with bleakness: "Saying I wasn''t touched would be a lie. But what''s the use even if I was touched?" She cast her eyes down.


    "Qi Jue Group is an intelligence organization which also does assassinations. With this kind of business, what Feng Qian Shuo hates the most is betrayal. The second is deception. And I exactly did his most two hated things. So.........its better to let him think I really died. This way, the best image of me is kept in his heart. At least this way when he thinks of me in the future, he won''t remember..........how repulsive I was."


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment before immediately laughing. She patted Xian Ge''s shoulder: "Xian Ge, don''t feel bad. I''m still here."


    Xian Ge smiled, but her face was still somewhat pained: "I''m not hurt." She continued, "But I''m afraid he''s hurting."


    Yan Hui placed her hand on Xian Ge''s shoulder and lightly patted it several times. A long time passed before Yan Hui spoke up: "It''ll get better."


    It didn''t matter whether it was an injury of the body or heart, time would heal hurts as long as you didn''t die.


    The mood in Qing Qiu became more and more strained. Everyone knew a big battle was coming and was forming their own plans. Yan Hui didn''t care about what others thought. She just blocked it all out and focused on cultivating.


    Tian Yao turned to be an exceptionally good teacher. Under his guidance, Yan Hui''s cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.


    Once again casing Propelling Sword, Yan Hui used demon magic to urged the sword on. She rocketed up into the sky and flew high for a long time before finally coming back down. She steadily landed in front of Tian Yao, face flushed with a healthy glow. Her shining eyes looked at Tian Yao: "I can fly again!"


    When Tian Yao saw how happy Yan Hui was, he couldn''t help also smiling: "You knew how to before, so you always will know how to."


    Yan Hui knew that. However, there just wasn''t enough time. Her current cultivation level was still far from what it used to be. But if she continued to practice like this, then maybe she could over take her previous 10 years of cultivation in just one year.


    Xian Ge and Yan Hui were eating dinner together again when Xian Ge lightly brought up: "Your appearance seems much more gorgeous."


    Yan Hui was stunned. She waited until she went to the healing spring before taking a look. That''s when she discovered her eyebrows and eyes seemed to have changed a little after those 10 days of demon cultivation. It actually looked..........


    More pretty and flirtatious.


    Her body..........really seemed to suit demon cultivation.


    Yan Hui concentrated entirely on cultivating. Tian Yao also didn''t waste his time. He would mediate with Yan Hui every day. He was also circulating his inner breath. Without his dragon heart, Tian Yao''s magic was very unstable. Since his heart was in Guang Han Sect, Tian Yao had to prepare himself to battle with Su Ying under these circumstances.


    Tian Yao''s concern was hidden away deep inside. He knew better than anyone that at his current strength with no one else to assist, a battle with Su Ying would be..........extremely difficult.


    At this time, a suddenly piece of news came from San Chong Mountain. Its explosive contents caught Qing Qiu completely unprepared.


    Guang Han Sect''s Su Ying led several hundred xian cultivators, crossed over San Chong Mountain, and attacked into Qing Qiu. There was a battle at the southern part of the mountian with the demon cultivators. The demon guards were caught unawares and retreated in defeat.


    What shocked everyone was that for every demon soldier Su Ying caught, she would rip out there neidan. Their corpses left abandoned in the wilderness.


    The nine-tailed fox demon clan was incensed. Immediately, two princes were sent to the front lines. Qing Qiu lack manpower, so Xian Ge, who had been idle every since returned, was also sent along with her uncles to the front lines. They were to hold off Guang Han Sect in a surprised attack.


    When Yan Hui heard this piece of news from Zhu Li, she became concerned over Xian Ge''s safety. Tian Yao suddenly rapped on the table: "Are you certain Su Ying herself is leading the xian cultivators?"


    Zhu Li frowned and was a little angry at those words: "Do you really thing we Qing Qiu are useless? If it wasn''t for Su Ying, then our troops wouldn''t be faced with defeat again and again. And their neidan wouldn''t be ripped out!" He angrily slammed on the table. "Guang Han Sect''s Su Ying is truly evil! If she falls into my hands........."


    Without waiting for Zhu Li to finish, Tian Yao cut in: "Does Qing Qiu have more troops available to send out?"


    Zhu Li was startled: "What are you doing to do?"


    Cold light flickered in Tian Yao''s eyes: "Enter Guang Han Sect and take back my dragon heart."

 CH 82

    Yan Hui and Zhu Li were taken back by Tian Yao''s words. Tian Yao''s eyes were somewhat cold, but his voice was very steady:


    "If Su Ying really came to Qing Qiu to battle with several hundred cultivators......Although there are many xian cultivators in Central Plains, the number of those proficient at xian magic isn''t necessarily high. Su Ying for sure brought highly skilled cultivators. Otherwise no matter how strong she is, she wouldn''t be able to attack the demons'' camp without high losses. And she launched a surprised attack. To prevent retaliation from the demons at San Chong Mountain, she definitely brought many troops to keep watch. Based on this, there will be a lot of emptiness between San Chong Mountain and Central Plains. Other xian sects won''t place guards at their own gates. In addition, 20 years ago Guang Han Sect surrounded itself with a barrier spell. It''s like their guards won''t be too attentive."


    Tian Yao continued: "This is about the best time to steal back my dragon heart."


    Zhu Li grew more shocked as he listened. It seemed like he still hadn''t fully taken it all in.


    However, Yan Hui clearly understood Tian Yao. He didn''t even have to finish before Yan Hui got it. She immediately frowned and said with apprehension: "Could this another one of Su Ying''s plots?" She deliberated, "Although Guang Han Sect is the closest out of the top three sects to San Chong Mountain, Su Ying''s status is really high. She isn''t sitting in place and managing the sect but rather leading cultivators for a surprise attack. No matter how I think about it, it doesn''t seem right."


    Tian Yao looked at Zhu Li: "So we need to see if their intel is the absolute truth."


    Zhu Li understood that part. He immediately jumped up and ran out: "I''m going right now to verify!" He reached the door when a thought pop up: "If it is true and Qing Qiu can''t spare anyone, then I''m going with you guys to Guang Han Sect to help!"


    Yan Hui watched Zhu Li run out before turning to Tian Yao: "If Su Ying truly came to Qing Qiu, are we really going to bring Zhu Li to Guang Han Sect?"


    Tian Yao shook his head: "His cultivation isn''t enough. He''ll be a hindrance. Even without Su Ying at Guang Han Sect, I can only protect you with my current power. Adding another person would be a burden."


    Yan Hui stared at him: "Then how are we going to get rid of Zhu Li?"


    Tian Yao gave her a look: "He can''t catch up to us."


    Yan Hui was silent. Not a moment later, Zhu Li hurriedly ran back. He started talking right when he got through the door: "The intel is definitely true. Her arrival has some strange circumstances. It''s like they came not to attack us demon clans but rather to take our clansmens'' neidan........"


    Zhu Li hadn''t finished talking when Tian Yao wrapped his arm around Yan Hui''s face. Zhu Li saw a white light flash and heard the wind roar. In a blink of an eye, the two figures that were standing there were gone.


    Zhu Li was stunned. He foolishly stood there for a moment before snapping back to his senses. He took two steps outside and saw the trailing streak of a white light in the sky.


    Zhu Li stamped his feet in a rage: "Despicable! I helped you out of the kindness of my heart! And you dare leave me behind!"


    Tian Yao and Yan Hui were flying on a cloud. They didn''t hear Zhu Lio venting his anger at all. Actually, the two of them didn''t even think about how Zhu Li felt after being abandoned. Yan Hui just thoughtfully said: "Su Ying came from the demons'' neidan........" Her eyebrows furrowed. "Tian Yao, do you still remember when we were at Heavenly Fragrance if those demons'' neidan were also removed?"


    Tian Yao made a sound in confirmation.


    "From their perspective, when they handed the demons over to ordinary people to guard over, cutting out the neidan was a reasonable move. The suspicious thing was those neidan disappeared."


    The fox demons said the demons'' neidan were sent to Chen Xing Mountain. Catching fox demons started long before Yan Hui was expelled, but Yan Hui never saw a trace of any demon neidan while she was still there.


    "Su Ying came to Qing Qiu to get more neidan. What do they want so many for........." Yan Hui gritted her teeth: "Unless they''re using it for heretical cultivation."


    "Since Si Ying is now doing such a thing, then there is definitely a reason for it," said Tian Yao. "Even though right now we don''t know why they want it, it''ll be exposed one day. What we can do for now is start preparing for that day."


    The arm around Yan Hui''s waist had a steady strength. Even though they were high up in the sky, there wasn''t a slightest tremor. Its steadiness could put a mind at ease.


    It was at this moment that Yan Hui suddenly remembered something Tian Yao said to her. If 20 years ago the one I met was you, what would''ve happened.


    Before, Yan Hui had no guess about this "if". But now that she suddenly remembered, if 20 years ago Tian Yao met her, if the one Tian Yao met was her..........


    Then she absolutely would never let down that such a gentle Tian Yao.


    Naturally, Yan Hui wouldn''t voice that out loud. She only asked him: "Will the barrier around your dragon heart be the same as the other barriers, needing my blood to break it?" Changing Tian Yao''s heart to how it used to be probably wouldn''t happen. The only thing she could do now is help Tian Yao change back to his original form.


    Searching anywhere and everywhere.


    "Guang Han Sect''s barrier has to be broken first before we can enter. Once that barrier breaks, the cultivators that were left behind will definitely come out in full force. Since we don''t have any backup and your cultivation is still weak, you must remember to follow close to me once we reach Guang Han Sect. We''ll find my dragon heart as fast as possible. Get in and get out."


    "Got it."


    With Yan Hui''s agreement, the wind blew harder around them. Their speed had increased. In a blink of an eye, they passed San Chong Mountain, and almost right afterwards, Yan Hui could see the year-round snow-capped mountain of Guang Han Sect in the distance.


    There was a golden light from the barrier emitting from the base of the mountain and enclosing the entire mountain. The mountain''s peak rose up to lofty heights. The barrier''s golden light was brilliant and glorious. The entire sight was breathtaking.


    Tian Yao focused on the mountain. He suddenly bent over, landing them right at the base of the mountain. The force of their decent caused a dust plume to raise up under their feet. It felt like the earth shook a little.


    He released his hand, and Yan Hui naturally fell back to behind him.


    Tian Yao placed his hand on the golden barrier. His demon magic immediately forced itself against the barrier. The flow of magic increased and caused Tian Yao''s and Yan Hui''s clothes and hair to toss about in the wind. A light in Tian Yao''s eyes gleamed bright, and his aura dramatically thickened. It seemed to shape itself into a sword, stabbing into the barrier. Inch by inch, it slowly cut through.


    There was an ere-piercing ripping sound from the barrier. The cultivators within Guang Han Sect finally noticed something was going on. A pair of cultivators flew over with Propelling Sword to see what was happening. When they saw what was going on, the cultivators hurriedly raced back to the mountain to report.


    Tian Yao didn''t even spare them a glance. There was only the wind stylishly billowing his clothes, his aura shaped into a sword stabbing through the barrier. Right after a hole was ripped, the barrier immediately crumbled.


    Yan Hui looked up and watched the golden barrier rain down in a shower of golden flakes. It was like a heavy snowstorm of golden snow.


    Tian Yao looked back at Yan Hui in the middle of the golden shower. More and more Guang Han Sect cultivators gathered in the background.


    Guang Han Sect was one of the Big Three of the xian sects, so it had many cultivators. In a few short moments, a crowd had assembled in the sky. It looked like the 100,000 celestial troops wielding magic weapons to deal with the demon monsters from the fairytales.


    They were extremely outnumbered. They were like a solitary pair facing against the entire world.


    "Scared?" Feeling the immense force and murderous aura of the troops behind him, Tian Yao asked Yan Hui a rare question.


    Yan Hui smirked, revealing a canine tooth. She hadn''t smiled like that in a long time. Her eyes were bright, and her tone was somewhat frivolous: "What the meaning of scared?"


    Tian Yao also smiled when he saw how Yan Hui was: "I don''t know either."


    He grabbed Yan Hui''s hand and pulled her to his side to protect. He faced the hostile looks of the countless cultivators in the sky and started walking in Guang Han Sect.


    Tian Yao didn''t need to specifically search out where his dragon heart was now. With every breath he could sense it. His heart''s aura was flowing out from somewhere underneath the mountain. It was like an invisible string leading him on. His chest, which had been empty for 20 years, seemed to start heating up. As he kept walking, his footsteps became faster and faster.


    From the cultivators in the sky finally came out the most senior ranking on in left in Guang Han Sect: "What evil monster are you?!  How dare you break into Guang Han Sect!"


    Yan Hui looked up at those words. She wasn''t familiar with Guang Han Sect, but she did know of Meng Yun, a female cultivator who was always by Su Ying''s side. Within the cultivation sects, she was someone with a fairly high ranking.


    Tian Yao didn''t pay Meng Yun any attention.


    Meng Yun saw Tian Yao paid no heed, so she drew out her horsetail whisk and shouted: "Start the array!" Guang Han Sect''s cultivators immediately started to form an enormous magic array that revolved overhead above Tian Yao.


    The array''s murderous aura enveloped Tian Yao and Yan Hui from above. Yan Hui frowned: "It''s a killing spell."


    Tian Yao rather disdainfully snorted: "Insignificant." He opened his fingers, sleeves billowing, and demon magic surged outwards. He didn''t even look upwards, but his attack wasn''t messy nor random. In fact, it directly headed towards the middle of the magic array.


    Meng Yun''s eyes widened. She rushed to block Tian Yao''s attack, but to her surprise, she was knocked flying away by it. Her body along with Tian Yao''s magic struck the middle of the array where the cultivators were assembled. They were knocked down from the sky and fell onto the ground. The killing array formed by 100 cultivators was broken.


    In the cultivation pathway, there is a huge strength disparity; there is no chance of a confrontation. In a fight between a cultivator one level higher than his opponent, the higher leveled cultivator would crush the lower leveled one as easy as crushing an ant. 100 cultivators were just like 100 ants. It took some time but no effort.


    Tian Yao also once stood at the peak of the world before his downfall. But right now, he was no longer the same person.


    But once he got back his dragon heart.........


    Tian Yao''s steps halted in front of an ancestral hall at the base of the mountain.


    He coldly looked with narrowed eyes at the person guarding the entrance. Yan Hu''s line of sight was blocked by his back. When she poked her head out to see, she stiffened when she saw the person. Her eyes immediately revealed her overflowing urge to kill.


    "Ling Fei." She gnashed her teeth with rage.


    That person was still wearing the veiled hat. She also still wore Chen Xing Mountain''s clothes. It seemed like she didn''t believe that Ling Xiao truly expelled her. She seemed confident that she would return and become once again Xin Siu Peak''s master.


    She was just waiting for Ling Xiao''s anger to subside. She was just lying low at Guang Han Sect, that''s all!


    She was still living well and didn''t receive even an ounce of punishment. Thus when the wind blew aside the veils and Ling Fei met Yan Hui''s eyes, Ling Fei still didn''t feel the slightest bit of guilt or avoidance. She still felt loathing and hatred.


    After causing Zi Chen''s death, she was still so........


    Self-righteous and self-confident.


    Yan Hui coldly smiled: "We came so urgently that I forgot Xian Ge told me she was here." By the end of her words, Yan Hui''s voice was like ice.


    Yan Hui knew that although she was progressing rapidly on the demon cultivation pathway, she was still far away compared to Ling Fei''s level..........


    "Yan Hui?" Ling Fei also coldly sneered. When meeting an enemy, one couldn''t avoid fuming with anger. "Dredging out a living with the demon clans is already a lowly thing. Now you want to unheave Guang Han Sect?" She brandished a horsetail wisk. "You overestimate yourself."


    When Yan Hui heard those words, the image of Zi Chen taking his dying breath in her arms slowly started to form in her mind.


    She glared at Ling Fei with red eyes. Her hand that was holding Tian Yao''s hand tightened its grip to the point that Tian Yao felt pain.


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui: "Yan Hui."


    Yan Hui didn''t budge her line of sight. She rigidly stared at Ling Fei like she was itching to pounce over and rip her to shreds.


    "What you couldn''t do before, today I will help you do."


    Yan Hui''s eyes slightly tremored. Ling Fei coldly snorted: "Arrogant, you told me before that I hadn''t changed a single bit, that I would be defeated by you!" She brandish her whisk and another barrier immediately formed around the hall. She shouted towards the sky. "Help me form Guang Han Sect''s Demon Killing Array!"


    The formation of the xian cultivators int he sky immediately changed. They formed a completely different array. This array formed a six-petaled snowflake. In a split second, from the center of the array spewed out flurries of snowflakes that filled the air.


    Tian Yao observed the array''s formation, and his eyes became even colder.


    His lips curved, and he grimly laughed: "20 years later, I finally get to see this spell once again."


    Yan Hui was shocked back to her sense.


    20 years later?


    20 years ago, Zhenren Qing Guang assisted Su Ying with suppressing Tian Yao using.........this exact magic array? Did Zhenren Qing Guang give this spell to Guang Han Sect?

 CH 83

    In just a few moments, the formation made by the Guang Han Sect''s cultivators immediately immediate a killing aura, which was accompanied by an even more biting frigid wind. It clawed at Yan Hui''s skin.


    Tian Yao glanced at the formation, and his eyes slightly dimmed: "Yan Hui." She turned at his quiet call and saw his face had a slight pallor. He said, "This formation is suppressive for me."


    Yan Hui frowned at his words.


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui: "My dragon heart is in the hall. I''ll rip apart the hall''s barrier and block the cultivators outside. You seize the chance to go in and get my heart." He continued, "Now that you''re cultivating the demon pathway, with your strength you can break whatever seal is on it."


    What.........did those words mean?


    Yan Hui didn''t have time to consider them when Tian Yao lowly said: "Get ready."


    In this situation, it wasn''t the time to ask him. Yan Hui hurriedly squashed her question and refocused with rapt attention. She warily looked at Ling Fei, who was also prepared and ready. Yan Hui waited until she heard Tian Yao say: "Go." At that word, Yan Hui immediately shot forward like an arrow.


    Tian Yao followed in close behind. Those two always had a tacit understanding between them. Even though only a few words were exchanged between them, both did exactly what the other wanted without needing to think about it.


    Yan Hui pretended to attack Ling Fei. There already was a grudge between them, so when Ling Fei saw Yan Hui charging over, Ling Fei immediately attacked several times with red eyes. Tian Yao took the chance to rush to the hall''s barrier. Guang Han Sect''s cultivators in the sky saw the situation. Those cultivators involved in the formation weren''t able to disengage from it. Those that weren''t involved in the formation most likely didn''t have a high enough cultivation level. By the time they reacted and bent over to stop Tian Yao, he had already ripped a hole in the barrier.


    The very moment the barrier ripped, Yan Hui stopped fighting. Without another word, Yan Hui''s figure flashed away from Ling Fei''s attack and reappeared in another flash within the barrier.


    Tian Yao urgently proceeded to move to where Yan Hui once was and blocked Ling Fei from pursuing Yan Hui.


    With a brandish of his wide sleeves, Ling Fei felt a wave of heat assault her senses.She originally cultivated water magic, which was opposed to fire in the Five Phases. Ling Fei was face-to-face with a murderous, flaming Tian Yao. She couldn''t help feeling like she was in a very thorny situation.


    The flames around Tian Yao''s body slowly condensed within his hands until they formed a jian that glowed hotter than the sun. He blocked the barrier with the jian in hand. He didn''t say a word in warning not to step closer, but it clearly transmitted to everyone.


    Ling Fei realized something while she was fighting Yan Hui-----that brat had cultivated the demon pathway astonishingly fast, but she didn''t have enough time. Compared to Yan Hui''s cultivation level before, her current level was far below that. Before when Yan Hui was a xian cultivator, it was possible she was even with Ling Fei''s level, but now Yan Hui wasn''t even a worthy opponent. Yan Hui relied on a surprise attack with a few clever tricks just now to be evenly matched. If the fight went on a little longer, Ling Fei was positive she could rip Yan Hui into so many pieces not even a shred would be left.


    Furthermore with the rate Yan Hui was learning demon cultivation, it would be best if Ling Fei could completely eliminated Yan Hui today. That would avoid endless trouble in the future.........


    Ling Fei darkly looked at Tian Yao. The horsetail whist in her hand was slowly accumulating power.


    Her older sister, Su Ying, loved her dearly. Knowing that Guang Han Sect''s technique was grueling, Su Ying didn''t teach much to her. It was only the Killing Demon technique that Su Ying repeated urged her to learn.


    Ever since the Guang Han Sect erected the barrier around the mountain, every single new disciple had to learn the Killing Demon technique. The formation for it was large and had an intense murderous aura. Those whose cultivation fell behind by just a little wouldn''t be able to form it.


    But after learning it, Ling Fei''s water magic could reach its highest potential within this formation.


    Ling Fei waved her whist. Immediately razor-sharp snowflakes fluttered down like needle-point arrows. The light gleaming on their razor edges was dazzling. Multitudes of these ice arrows aimed directly at Tian Yao.


    However Tian Yao had no different reaction upon seeing this. He didn''t even twitch an eyebrow. He just smirked: "The first repetition. It hasn''t changed a bit."


    Ling Fei was a little surprised by his words, but she didn''t let it show. With another move of her whisk, the ice arrows streamed down onto Tian Yao. Tian Yao manipulated his magic, and his raging flames morphed into a fire dragon that wound around his body. The ice arrows melted into water that pitter pattered onto the ground like a downpour of rain.


    Ling Fei sharply frowned and cast more water techniques. The snow that had built up behind her morphed into a snow dragon and fought with Tian Yao''s fire dragon which was still wound around his body.


    There were never ceasing sounds of clashes in the fight. Even though Tian Yao was standing in the middle of the battle, he didn''t even flinch.


    Ling Fei grew anxious and waved her whist at the ground. The snow on the ground was turned into multiple ice jian. They flew toward the fight, all aiming at Tian Yao. Under the press of attack, Tian Yao was forced to ward them off with his own jian.


    Actually, Tian Yao still thought this scene looked very familiar. It was because 20 years ago, Tian Yao went to "save" Su Ying who ended up a "risky situation". He had lept forward and hugged her only to be stabbed in the stomach by her jian.


    That was the softest point in his body. Only someone he loved would be able to get close to that area.


    Su Ying skewered him.


    But now there was nothing that would skewer him because there was nothing he wanted to protect.


    Tian Yao shattered the ice jians. His aura intensified and swept away the surrounding ice and snow. The frigid cold enveloping him was also banished. He looked to where Ling Fei but shockingly discovered she had disappeared. She vanished in that split second he had looked away.


    Tian Yao suddenly had an ominous premonition. It was like something was squeezing his chest. He looked behind him and saw Ling Fei had undid the hall''s barrier and already entered...........


    Yan Hui was inside........


    She currently didn''t have the ability to protect herself against Ling Fei!


    When Tian Yao realized that, it was like being ruthlessly stabbed. His murderous gaze sharpened. He launched his jian with a low shout. It sprung forward, wreathed in leaping flames, to strike down Ling Fei.


    The jian was heading straight at her shoulders. Ling Fei struck it down with a muffled grunt.


    But when she saw Tian Yao walking toward her like a malevolent Asura, her courage broke. She flusteredly formed a hand-seal. The barrier was repaired.


    Tian Yao was stuck on the other side of the barrier.


    Even though Ling Fei went past the barrier, she still trembled on the ground in fear at Tian Yao''s gaze which seemed to rip her to shreds.


    Tian Yao placed his hand on the barrier. It looked like he planned to rip apart once again.


    But this time, Cultivator Meng Yun flew in with cultivators from a nearby sect for assistance. They interfered in mid-air, stopping Tian Yao''s movements to rip the barrier.


    Tian Yao was infuriated. Red flames started to leap deep within his eyes.


    Ling Fei took advantage of the distraction to crawl to her feet. She pressed a hand against her bleeding shoulder and staggered deeper into the hall. She knew that even though one hand couldn''t be used, she could still kill Yan Hui. Besides, it wouldn''t take too much power.


    She msut kill Yan Hui here...........wipe away all trace! Yan Hui must have no chance to tell the truth about what happened that night to Zi Chen. As long as Yan Hui was dead, it didn''t matter if that dragon demon outside knew the truth.


    After all, no one believes a demon''s words.


    Yan Hui was already deep inside the hall. Since her cultivation wasn''t at a high enough level, naturally she didn''t know what the situation was like outside. She only sensed the barrier''s aura fluctuate for a moment. It felt like the barrier opened for a moment, but she didn''t know who opened it. To make it worse, she didn''t know if someone entered and who it was if someone did enter.


    It would be good if it was Tian Yao, but if it was a xian cultivator.........


    Yan Hui quickened her pace.


    From the outside, the hall looked like it was on the ground level. But as she walked further in, the light got dimmer and dimmer. The steps lead her deeper down inside like this hall had dug into the earth.


    It wasn''t that there weren''t any splits in the road, but Yan Hui''s intuition led down winding paths. IN this underground space, even Yan Hui could sense the dragon heart''s aura here.


    Perhaps Tian Yao''s arrival also induced some changes to the heart. Yan Hui followed the aura until she finally reached a stone room. There was a obelisk within serving as a backdrop to an item.


    The dragon heart was completely different to what Yan Hui had ever imagined. It revolved within raging flames, which made it hard to discern its true shape.


    This was........


    Tian Yao''s heart.


    The heart he lost 20 years ago.


    Yan Hui walked up to it and reached out a hand to touch, but she was blocked by a force. Sure enough, there was a seal on it.


    She recalled what Tian Yao told her. She was learning demon cultivation, so even though there was a seal, she could undo it. That meant that she technically could''ve undone all of the other seals on Tian Yao''s body part. It was just she had xian cultivation before, so she couldn''t.


    Yan Hui decided to set aside that thought for later. She took out a small knife and planned to draw out some of her heart''s blood to break the seal. She would get the dragon heart first before thinking more about that.


    However who would''ve thought that the moment Yan Hui just pierced her chest so that one drop of blood flowed out, from behind suddenly came a wave of murderous aura.


    Yan Hui''s pupils shrank. Even though her cultivation level wasn''t high enough, she still had years of fighting experience. She hurriedly moved sideways to avoid the attack and fell into a roll. The small knife she originally was going to use to draw her blood was tucked back into her sleeve. Yan Hui cautiously creeped along the ground. Her burning gaze locked into the person who just arrived. Yan Hui was prepared to engage at any time.


    Ling Fei had lost her veiled hat long ago. Her ugly scar-filled face was exposed, which made her look more sinister. Her shoulder was still bleeding, and the blood loss made a face a shade paler. However she still coldly smiled at Yan Hui with that terrifying face: "Yan Hui........" She called, "This time don''t even think that someone is going to come save you."


    The word "save" from Ling Fei''s mouth was like a lash from the Soul-Destroying Whip onto her heart. It hurt Yan Hui so much her heart tensed up.


    Yan Hui gritted her teeth: "Ling Fei, you really have no conscience to say those words so easily."


    Ling Fei laughed: "Of course it''s easy." She waved her whisk. "I''ll have nothing to fear after killing you."


    A blast of cold magic rushed towards Yan Hui. Yan Hui awkwardly avoided it and dodged behind the stone obelisk.


    She had to get that dragon heart! Yan Hui knew the longer she dragged this out, it would become more unfavorable for both her and Tian Yao. But right now, it was already hard for her uninjured body to go up against Ling Fei. Yan Hui feared that even if she managed to draw out the dragon heart, she wouldn''t get the chance to hand it over to Tian Yao.


    Yan Hui continued to dodge as she tried to come up with a countermeasure.


    Suddenly when Ling Fei''s xian magic hit the dragon heart, the seal quivered. It immediately reflected her attack back. Ling Fei was shocked and didn''t avoid it in time. Her attack actually flung her back against the stone wall.


    Yan Hui''s eyes brightened at the sight. Her plan was formed. Yan Hui immediately started to mockingly sneer: "Ling fei, you''ve cultivated at Chen Xing Mountain for so many years, but no matter how much you pretend to be superior and put on airs, you can''t hide that you''re naturally stupid."


    Ling Fei''s eyes reddened at Yan Hui''s taunts. She fiercely stared down at Yan Hui.


    Compared to her older sister Su Ying, Ling Fei was beyond light-years inferior. She was labeled as Su Ying''s little sister in this world. The symbol of good relations between Guang Han Sect and Chen Xing Mountain wasn''t Ling Fei, Master of Xin Xiu Peak. Her self-worth was so weak. It was like if Su Ying was the moon, then she was a tiny star in the sky.


    That was her hidden pain. Everyone at Chen Xing Mountain knew that, but no one dared to voice it.


    "You admired Ling Xiao for many years, but what qualifications do you have for Ling Xiao to like you back?" Yan Hui smirked, revealing a small canine. It made her look wicked, "You just want to kill me because Ling Xiao never liked you. If he heard from me the truth that you were the one who killed Head Senior Disciple, he won''t not only not like you. He might even hate you. Your minuscule reputation will be ruined."


    "Shut up"


    Ling Fei screamed and once again launched another attack at Yan Hui. Yan Hui hurriedly ducked to the side. Xian magic brushed past where Yan Hui just was and slammed into the wall. Yan Hui closely gauged the attack''s power. This time she stood closer to the dragon heart and said to Ling Fei"


    "Even if there''s no one criticizing you, that''s just because you''re Su Ying''s little sister. It''s only because you have a sister like that that people would want to lift you up high even though you''re trash." Yan Hui narrowed her eyes with disdain, "What good are you?"


    "Shut up!" Ling Fei was incensed. Another xian attack launched at Yan Hui. Yan Hui dodged towards the dragon heart. However this time Ling Fei was wild with rage. Wave after wave of xian attacks launched at Yan Hui. Even the surroundings could no longer be seen under the onslaught.


    Yan Hui seized the chance to hide behind the dragon heart. Ling Fei launched three attacks in succession without even looking. Her attacks were immediately reflected back.


    Shock broke through her anger far too late. There was no time to dodge. Three icy magic attacks hit her squarely on the body. Ling Fei was knocked to the ground, and she spit out blood.


    Yan Hui immediately stood up from behind the heart when she saw the scene. Demon magic revolved around her hand. With one strike of her hand, she could wipe out Ling Fei''s life. But at this moment, Yan Hui hesitated when she saw Ling Fei''s utterly ruined Chen Xing Mountain''s robes.


    Yan Hui could kill Ling Fei. She was sure of her own intentions. She needed to kill Ling Fei. It wasn''t for herself. It was for her Head Senior Disciple that was murdered by such a cowardly and malicious person.


    She paused because 10 years of memories spent at Chen Xing Mountain spun in her mind. If she killed Ling Fei, then she truly could never go back. She would be a deceptive and traitorous person who genuinely entered the demon pathway, killed a fellow sect member, and unfairly beaten and wiped out a master.


    With her own hands, she would take herself from those 10 years and..........kill it.


    She wouldn''t regret it, but it would be a pity.


    In that split second when Yan Hui was lost in a daze, Ling Fei leapt up. She looked a sorry sight with her entire body stained with bood. Ling Fei fiercely grabbed Yan Hui''s shoulder and pushed her back until Yan Hui''s back slammed onto the obelisk.


    Ling Fei''s voice was shrill: "Did you really think I would be defeated like this?! Did you really think I would die by your hand like this?!" She looked deranged and crazy. "In your dreams!"


    She screeched and drew the flexible jian from her waist.


    Yan Hui''s eyes focused. She was gathering the strength to throw off Ling Fei when Ling Fei gathered up all her cultivation to pin Yan Hui in place, so there was no opportunity for Yan Hui to struggle. Ling Fei skewered Yan Hui in the chest with her jian.


    Yan Hui only felt a sudden chill in her chest. There wasn''t time for her to feel pain when the obelisk and the ground beneath them suddenly started to quake.


    It seemed like Ling Fei didn''t even notice the shaking. She looked wide-eyed at Yan Hui: "You''re dead." She said, "You''re dead. No one will know I killed Zi Chen. I can still return to Chen Xing Mountain, still be Xin Xiu Peak''s master!"


    Yan Hui''s body limply slide to the floor.


    She looked at Ling Fei who was at the brink of sanity. She suddenly remembered Su Ying who had dismembered Tian Yao. Yan Hui thought, maybe this pair of sisters always has some kind of insane idea close to the surface.


    Hurting people.........hurting themselves.

 CH 84

    The flexible jian withdrew from her chest. Yan Hui just felt a chill and the blood in her flowing out. It made her feel really uncomfortable.


    When Yan Hui raised her hand, Ling Fei thought she was trying to use magic to stem the blood flow. Ling Fei''s eyes hardened. There was no way she was going to give Yan Hui a chance to recover. She once again brought the jian down. Yan Hui couldn''t avoid it. She watched the jian tip come down to once again stab her, but this time an enormous wave of power came from behind before the jian reached her chest. It stopped the jian and froze Ling Fei''s movement. There was no way for it to move at all.


    Ling Fei screamed in frustration. She wanted to stab Yan Hui again. Her scar-covered face was malevolent.


    However no matter how much magic she put behind her blow, Ling Fei couldn''t move the jian anymore forward.


    Ling Fei became angry: "Who is stopping me?!" She looked up and saw the dragon heart on top of the obelisk. Its flames were growing bigger. It grew hotter and hotter until the entire room was bathed in a fiery light.


    The ground shook and heavily rumbled. The ceiling started to crack. Broken rock chips fell. Ling Fei didn''t know what was going on. The ground swayed so much she had to step back.


    Yan Hui stayed on the ground. There was no more strength in her limbs, but her stabbed heart was still beating hot. She watched Ling Fei retreat with narrowed eyes. She took the opportunity to wipe some of heart''s blood in her hand, and using the last of her strength, she slapped her blood-stained palm onto the burning dragon heart.


    Her blood didn''t cover the heart''s golden light. The heart trembled, and another rumbling sound was heard. Yan Hui just felt a strange power rush through her heart. It felt like it was crashing through her limbs and bones.


    However, Ling Fei didn''t care about the peculiarities around her. She only felt that she couldn''t let Yan Hui come out alive. When she saw Yan Hui stand up, Ling Fei raised her jian up once again to kill Yan Hui.


    Ling Fei shouted, jian going against the power of the dragon heart''s flames. She chopped down at Yan Hui, but suddenly the dragon heart burst out a glaring light. It nearly blinded Ling Fei. She stopped because of the light. When the light receded, she suddenly felt a chill in her heart.


    A sharp pain quickly followed.


    Ling Fei looked down. Yan Hui was holding a small knife, which was stabbing into Ling Fei''s chest. Blood flowed out, trailed down the knife blade, and dripped onto the floor.


    "Yan Hui........" Ling Fei shouted and gnashed her teeth in fury. She completely was unwilling to accept this. "You dare........"


    Yan Hui looked at her with cold eyes: "This is actually yours."


    With a wet sound, the knife was pulled out of Ling Fei''s chest. It was like Yan Hui had run out of strength. She staggered back a step and fell to the ground.


    The dragon heart''s light became even brighter. More and more rocks fell from the ceiling.


    Ling Fei was covered in blood. She was supporting herself up, still refusing to fall. She walked up one step and stubbornly raised her jian. She waved it at Yan Hui: "I''m going to kill you........"


    Ling Fei took another step forward when suddenly a large rock fell from the ceiling. It smashed onto her head, and her body crumpled. It tipped towards Yan Hui. Yan Hui had no more strength to avoid it and was pressed down under Ling Fei''s body. Layers upon layers of rock rained down like they were going to be buried alive.


    All the rocks that fell onto the heart were melted to ashes by the heart''s flames.


    Not a few moments later, the entire room collapsed with a roar!


    Up on the surface, the barrier around the hall disappeared. Tian Yao, who was fighting hard against the cultivators in the sky, turned his head in distraction. He saw the hall behind him crumble into dust.


    Tian Yao''s chest felt scorching hot. Even thought he was far from the hall, he saw a glitter with the glow of the sun rising from the dust.


    The cultivators in the sky were also astonished by the scene. They saw the golden spark fly out of the collapsed hall and streak toward Tian Yao. They didn''t clearly understand what they saw, so they didn''t try to stop the light. Some cultivators even thought the light was one of Guang Han Sect''s secret treasures. When the light slammed onto Tian Yao''s body, some even cheered. But almost immediately, they realized something was wrong and fell silent........


    Because that dragon demon didn''t disappear when the light struck him. It was the light that disappeared.......


    His chest which had been icy cold for 20 years finally started to warm up. The sound of his heart beat was heard once again. Warm blood flowed through his limbs, warming up his body from the inside out.


    However, Tian Yao wasn''t very excited about regaining his dragon heart. He really wasn''t moved by it. He looked back again. There was no one nor nothing emerging out from the ruined hall.


    "Yan Hui........" He murmured those two words. Tian Yao didn''t care about those hostile hundred cultivators in the sky. With a turn of his head, he started walking towards the ruins.


    After finding his dragon heart, he could feel all living things. However with with his sharpened senses, Tian Yao could only faintly sense Yan Hui''s weak aura.


    It was buried beneath those layers of rock..........


    Tian Yao knew Yan Hui had a strong-minded temper, knew she had a care-free attitude. He could imagine with Ling Fei out for her life and her needing to break the seal and retrieve the dragon heart, Yan Hui perhaps would.........fight to the death.


    And he once again hadn''t helped her at all. Once again didn''t save her.


    Clearly, Yan Hui was betting her life, but he.........


    He had just gotten back his heart, but the first emotions he felt were chaotic and extremely painful.


    Tian Yao bent down, and for a period of time, he actually forgot he could again use most of the magic he once used. He started to use his hands to dig through the rubble. Then, Tian Yao finally realized that it would take years to did through this by hand. That''s when Tian Yao used his magic to burst revolving  flames into being. The flames created air currents that blew into enormous gusts of wind. Dirt, stone, and brick, everything was swept into the sky.


    The cultivators in the sky were in disbelief by the sight. The additional cultivators brought in as back-up asked Meng Yun: "What does the dragon demon what?"


    Meng Yun wrinkled her forehead: "It doesn''t matter what he wants. Stop him!"


    When she said those words, the Killing Demon formation in the sky started to wildly fluctuate. The snow came down so hard it blurred the view. The winds created by the revolving flames gradually lessened, and the debris it picked up fell back down. There seemed to be a fire in Tian Yao''s eyes that burned red-hot.


    "Whoever stops me will die."


    Tian Yao tilted his head with red pupils like flames. The aura around his body stirred, and the foot-high snow that covered the ground everywhere melted into water. Gurgling water flowed to low points in the ground. Guang Han Sect''s cultivators in the sky still didn''t stop the formation.


    Tian Yao continued to press on with his magic. The dragon heart he regained violently throbbed in his chest. A fire burned deep in his black eyes.


    Immediately the world froze. The falling snow stopped. The white clouds stopped. In this stillness, an invisible heatwave carried over broiling temperatures to the cultivators. It immediately collided with the formation formed by the hundreds of cultivators.


    Every cultivator part of the formation felt burning pain all over their body. A few cultivators wanted to play tough, but very quickly their skin started to burst into blisters from that invisible heatwave. In the end, some cultivators couldn''t handle the power of the heat. They fainted on the spot; all that was heard was a "thud".


    Guang Han Sect''s Demon Killing Formation broke in response. The hundreds of cultivators creating the formation fell from the sky like shreds of white paper.


    The other cultivators didn''t make a narrow escape. All of the cultivators, aside from the few select head cultivators, had blistered skin and shrieked in pain.


    Meng Yun and the other top cultivators were all shocked by the sight.


    "I''m afraid we are all no match for the dragon demon. Fighting here today isn''t a good idea!" When one of the head cultivators said that, Meng Yun only nodded. "We''ll retreat to San Chong Mountain for now. They have a lot of cultivator forces keeping guard."


    Naturally, some of the cultivators there weren''t in accord. Tian Yao, who was still down on the ground, heard their words. The aura around Tian Yao''s body stirred once again. The heat immediately rocketed up. It made the cultivators, who were still staying in place, retreat back. The miles of snow on Guang Han Mountain disappeared.


    Meng Yun confusedly crawled to her feet. It was like she was confused where the heatwave knocked her to. She heard Tian Yao''s dark voice which sounded like it was coming from a far distance: "Tell Su Ying." As he spoke, Meng Yun couldn''t help breaking out into a cold sweat. "The debt she owes Tian Yao 20 years ago will be collected by him."


    No other voice followed. Meng Yun cast Propelling Sword Technique, determined a rough direction, and immediately fled.


    The base of Guang Han Sect finally quieted down. There were no more noisy screams of cultivators disturbing the area.


    Tian Yao stood on the ruins. With a wave of his hand, the ruins of the hall turned to ash. Underneath the ash was collapsed rock and dirt.


    Tian Yao couldn''t confirm how deep Yan Hui was buried. At least with the revolving flames'' winds, he could clean up the sand and stones. Finally, Tian Yao caught a whiff of blood. It wasn''t anyone''s blood. It was Yan Hui''s blood.


    He was happy he found Yan Hui''s whereabouts, but then his heart twisted. It felt like being stabbed by a sharp needle.


    There was no time to think about anything else. He bent down and used his hand to move the rocks and dirt away, layer by layer. Finally, he saw clothes underneath. Tian Yao hurriedly scraped away all the rocks. What he saw was Ling Fei on top of Yan Hui, crushing her.


    When Tian Yao saw this, his vision went dark. He had still harbored a hope that Ling Fei didn''t find Yan Hui. Maybe Yan Hui broke the seal before Ling Fei found her. Maybe the hall''s collapse was due to Yan Hui breaking the dragon heart''s seal.


    But now he saw this before his eyes. This meant Yan Hui suffered so much before breaking the dragon heart''s seal.


    Tian Yao didn''t even want to touch Ling Fei''s corpse. He used his revolving flames to flip Ling Fei out of the earth and tossed her aside. The flames dug into the dirt and covered up the body.


    Finally, Tian Yao saw Yan Hui who had been buried underneath. When he saw how she looked, his throat choked. He felt sick at heart, hurt and sour pain. Panicked emotions overflowed.


    The wound on Yan Hui''s chest still hadn''t clot. Blood still seeped out. It wasn''t a minor wound. Her breathing almost couldn''t be seen.........


    Tian Yao placed his hand on Yan Hui''s chest and sent magic in. He could clearly feel the temperature of her heart and the heart protection scale. With the heart protection scale, he could sense a hidden power in Yan Hui''s heart.........


    Tian Yao''s eyes rested on Yan Hui''s chest for just a moment before immediately moving them away.


    Magic poured into Yan Hui''s heart. The flowing blood quickly clot. However, the injuries to her flesh wasn''t something Tian Yao''s magic could heal.


    His hand left her chest. Yan Hui coughed and opened her eyes. The look in her eyes were misty, but they cleared when she saw Tian Yao''s face. Yan Hui coughed and choked out the dust in the throat. She suddenly laughed, voice somewhat hoarse:


    "I did it, Tian Yao."


    Emotions bubbled up in Tian Yao''s throat and blocked it up. He silently looked at Yan Hui for a long time: "Yes."


    Yan Hui smiled, eyes crinkling. Even though the corner of her mouth was still stained with blood, it couldn''t mar her bright and beautiful smile: "All thanks to me, eh?"


    Tian Yao picked Yan Hui up from the pile of dirt and rock. He didn''t let go. He cradled her head with one of his hands, resting it against his neck: "Yes." He said,


    "All thanks to you."


    Thanks to this world for having Yan Hui.


    Regaining his heart finally made him understand what it meant to lose one''s head with fear, what it meant to feel a rush, what it meant to lose something and find it again.

 CH 85

    Now that Tian Yao had found Yan Hui, there was not reason to stay a moment longer at Guang Han Sect. He was just about to leave with Yan Hui when he suddenly sensed something and paused.


    Yan Hui noticed something was different about Tian Yao and slightly opened her exhausted eyes: "What is it?"


    Tian Yao looked back at the towering Guan Han Mountain: "My dragon scales'' aura is here." He focused. After getting back his dragon heart, he didn''t need to move at all. Tian Yao just need to sense with magic. The dragon scales'' aura snaked along Guang Han Mountain. A few moments later, a white cape floated over like it was drawn along by an invisible force. It stopped in front of Tian Yao and hovered in place.


    Yan Hui looked over and frowned in confusion: "That''s the dragon scales?"


    "Su Ying cast a spell on it." With a simple thought, Tian Yao made the cloak drape over Yan Hui.


    She asked: "You''re not going to........" She frowned and tried to figure out the right phrasing, "Wear it?"


    "First leave it on you. It will work with your heart protection scale and help your wound. We''ll talk about the rest back at Qing Qiu."


    Hearing Tian Yao''s firm words, Yan Hui didn''t have anything else to say.


    When Tian Yao said those words, a rustling sound was heard. An ordinary person, who looked to be in a sorry state, staggeringly  out from behind a large boulder: "Are you two demons from Qing Qiu?"


    Although his face was smudged with stains, it didn''t hide his clean, pale complexion. The new person hurried towards Tian Yao but twisted his foot in the rush. The man didn''t cry out in pain, but instead he got back up and eagerly looked at Tian Yao: "Are you two from Qing Qiu?" Even though the man was in a rush, his voice was still gentle.


    Tian Yao didn''t even look at the man. It was evident Tian Yao already knew the man was there before but didn''t care.


    Magic pooled under Tian Yao''s feet. It looked like he was about to soar away at any moment. It was Yan Hui who tugged at Tian Yao''s lapel: "There''s something strange about that man. He''s clearly an ordinary person, yet he doesn''t have the smallest injury despite being in these circumstances."


    Even though Yan Hui did see what Tian Yao did, she saw the sky was emptied of cultivators and Guang Han Mountain was a mess. She could guess what happened. Tian Yao unleashed quite a large amount of magic. However, this new person who walked and even twisted his foot was completely unscathed in this environment.


    "Of course he''s uninjured." Tian Yao voice was a little cold. "He body has a very strong barrier cast by Su Ying."


    Yan Hui was shocked. Su Ying cast a barrier..........


    She turned her head and sized up the man. Although his clothes were dirty, its material wasn''t what an ordinary person could get. However, the man''s scholarly aura couldn''t be concealed.


    Could he be..........the mortal scholar Su Ying loved? For this man, Su Ying peeled off Tian Yao''s scales and scattered and sealed his body parts in all directions.


    Yan Hui couldn''t help looking up at Tian Yao''s face. Faced with the man who indirectly caused his current fate, it seemed like Tian Yao didn''t even what to look at that man. He didn''t even want to touch that man, but Tian Yao also didn''t take his anger out on the man either.


    When the scholar saw Tian Yao didn''t want to pay any attention to him, he hurriedly moved up. He completely didn''t care that before him were two demons that could take his own life.


    "My name is Liu Mu Sheng. Just now, I heard you two mention Qing Qiu. Are you from Qing Qiu? Are you Yun Xi''s clansmen?"


    Yan Hui raised an eyebrow at that name. Yun Xi was the nine-tailed fox demon princess that Su Ying killed. It was said that Yun Xi fell in love with a scholar after coming to Central Plains, but the scholar turned out to be the one Su Ying was looking for. In the end, Yun Xi was even murdered by Su Ying. Her neidan was removed and blood extracted all to refine the fox lust fragrance........


    Although in the end the fox lust fragrance wasn''t successfully refined..........


    "I''m not from Qing Qiu." Tian Yao was cold toward the scholar. Saying that, he was about to leave again when Liu Mu Sheng hurriedly moved forward again and grasped Tian Yao''s elbow, not carrying about consequences. Tian Yao was carrying Yan Hui, so he didn''t have a free hand to shake off Liu Mu Sheng. "It doesn''t matter if you''re not part of Qing Qiu. Just now I heard you two were going to Qing Qiu. May I dare ask, Sir, if it is convenient, if you can take me too?"


    "It''s not convenient." Tian Yao''s response was cold. He stimulated the magic in his arm and easily pushed Liu Mu Sheng away. The aura around Tian Yao''s feet increased. Liu Mu Sheng, who fell down, saw this and repeatedly yelled: "


    "I''m just an ordinary person with no scheme. I just want to leave this difficult place. I hope Sir can help me!" No matter what Liu Mu Sheng said, Tian Yao wasn''t moved at all. The scholar gritted his teeth and extremely unwillingly revealed, "To be honest, the head of Guang Han Sect, Su Ying, adores me and is devoted to me. Even though Sir is a demon, perhaps you have heard of what Su Ying has done for me........." He paused. His words sounded like they were squeezed out between gnashing teeth.


    The scholar was silent. Tian Yao was even more silent.


    No one knew better than Tian Yao what Su Ying had done to others in order to capture the heart of the one she loved.


    "I won''t bring up the rest. Sir, take me to Qing Qiu. Perhaps you can use me as blackmail to Su Ying." Liu Mu Sheng looked downcast, revealing embarrassment and grief, "I''m willing to be Qing Qiu''s chess piece, but not willing to stay at Guang Han Sect a moment longer.......I hope that Sir........will help me." It was difficult for him to say it. When he finally got it out, Tian Yao still had no reaction. Liu Mu Sheng''s hopes sank. He was sure this demon wouldn''t take him away.


    Sure enough, Tian Yao cast Propelling Wind and soared up into the air. The wind tugged at Liu Mu Sheng''s hair and clothes. His head hung low, like he had no more will to live. However at this moment, a large gale blew through and lifted him up.


    The scholar''s head spun. When he opened his eyes, he was already flying in the sky. The wind buffeted against him as he closely followed behind Tian Yao.


    "From today hence, be a good chess piece."


    Tian Yao''s voice lightly floated back. Liu Mu Sheng heard but didn''t reply.


    He already said what he wanted to say. Every word came deep from the bottom of his heart. None were false. Except for a few personal things, all was revealed. That was how much Liu Mu Sheng wanted to leave Guang Han Mountain. It was all because of Su Ying. The reason why he really wanted to go to Qing Qiu was because of Yun Xi.


    Because Qing Qiu was where she was born and raised. He wanted to see her hometown even though..........Yun Xi was no longer there.


    After getting back his heart, Tian Yao''s speed was even faster. As he crossed San Chong Mountain, he didn''t even think it was worth killing the xian cultivators stationed there. He just directly whistled over the mountain. The cultivators saw him streak past, but none of them could catch up with them. They helplessly watched Tian Yao come from Central Plains and return to Qing Qiu without a scratch.


    Right before they landed, Zhu Li got the news they had arrived. Also chasing along with him was the flustered-looking Huan Xiao Yan.


    They hadn''t gotten close when Huan Xiao Yan started to repeatedly yell: "Master! Master! Are you alright?!"


    She was an illusion demon with her ring on Yan Hui''s finger. She was the first to sense Yan Hui''s aura weaken when Yan Hui received that serious blow. However, Huan Xiao Yan was too far. She didn''t know what was happening where Yan Hui was and couldn''t go find Yan Hui. She could only frantically run around in circles for the longest time.


    Tian Yao carried Yan Hui back to her room and placed her on her bed. The first thing Huan Xiao Yan did was rush over: "You''re not going to die, right? You''re not going to die, right?"


    Huan Xiao Yan was so noisy that Yan Hui woke up and cracked open her eyes: "So noisy. You woke me me." Her voice was rough, but it was much better than before. The dragon scales co, which were turned into a cape, covering her truly did help her wound heal a lot.


    Huan Xiao Yan let out a breath: "It''s good you''re not going to die. An illusion demon''s first master dying brings bad lucky. I just left our palace. My happy days are still ahead. I don''t want you to die and doom me to an unlucky life."


    When Yan Hui heard that, she felt like something was caught in her chest. This feeling wasn''t going to kill her, but it really stifled and hurt her chest.


    It was good that at that moment Tian Yao hoisted up Xuan Xiao Yan by the back of her collar and tossed her out of the window without even a look. That helped Yan Hui vent her anger.


    Tian Yao slightly peeled back the dragon scale cape and took a look at her wound. He turned to Zhu Li and said: "Call the doctor."


    "I did long ago." Zhu Li unhappily said. "I knew that you two could come back covered in wounds! I said that I would come with you two, but then you came up with a way to leave me behind! Really messed up........."


    "Find a place for that person." Tian Yao didn''t even listen to Zhu Li''s words before cutting him off and giving him another job.


    Zhu Li grew unhappy at getting cut off. He was just about to berate Tian Yao when he turned to look at the person. Zhu Li frowned: "Why did you bring an ordinary, mortal scholar to Qing Qiu? I already deigned to take care of you two, and now you want me to take care of an ordinary person!" Zhu Li was angry by the end of his words.


    Tian Yao shot him a glance and mildly said: "He is Liu Mu Sheng."


    Zhu Li laughed at that: "Who is Liu Mu Sheng? Is Liu Mu Sheng worthy enough to serve me? Is Liu........." He paused and turned to look at Liu Mu Sheng. "You are......."


    Liu Mu Sheng was quietly standing off to the side and didn''t say a single word.


    Then Zhu Li looked at him in wide-eyed shock. Zhu Li turned and looked at Tian Yao: "You''re certain?"


    Tian Yao was pressing down on Yan Hui''s wound, using magic to alleviate her pain. He was completely focused on that and didn''t reply to Zhu Li. Thus Liu Mu Sheng stepped up and gave a bow to Zhu Li: "I am Liu Mu Sheng."


    Zhu Li still looked at him with shock. Zhu Li stayed stunned for a long time until finally sobering up: "Come with me."


    Liu Mu Sheng looked blankly and turned to look glance at Tian Yao. Tian Yao didn''t even look back to talk to him: "Didn''t you want to be Qing Qiu''s chess piece? They will help you."


    Liu Mu Sheng left with Zhu Li after hearing that.


    For a short time, the room was quiet.


    Yan Hui closed her eyes and laid down for awhile. After that, she slightly opened her eyes and watched Tian Yao, who was still sitting by her bed and pouring magic into her wound: "My injury is much better. There''s no need to use more magic to heal it."


    "Just wait until the doctor comes."


    Yan Hui quietly looked at Tian Yao for awhile. Then she laughed: "Right now, I''m your benefactor who is finding back your body parts. The treatment is definitely different. In the beginning, you stabbed my heart to get my blood. You didn''t even blink an eye. I wouldn''t never thought you would heal me after stabbing me."


    Yan Hui''s words were somewhat mocking. Tian Yao''s lower jaw tightened. He slightly pressed his lips together: "Back then, I didn''t have enough power. Now........"


    "What about now?"


    The doctor walked in, so Tian Yao didn''t continue the conversation.


    Now, he would do all he could to protect her.


    Even if the future was rough and filled with storms, he wouldn''t let Yan Hui suffer again.

 CH 86

    Qing Qiu''s doctor was very shocked when he came and examined Yan Hui''s wound. He only said one sentence: "The wound almost completely healed itself." He just prescribed two types of calming medicine for Yan Hui before leaving.


    Yan Hui''s heart was only influenced by Tian Yao''s scales and his magic. No wonder why Su Ying wanted his armored scales for Liu Mu Sheng to wear. It was able to heal a wounded heart so fast. For an ordinary person, this indeed would be like a miraculous life-saver.


    After the doctor left, Tian Yao quietly stayed by Yan Hui''s side and didn''t leave. Yan Hui didn''t go back to sleep either. She kept her eyes on Tian Yao and silently watched him. The room''s atmosphere was somewhat stiff. Yan Hui thought a little and asked: "That Liu Mu Sheng........what are you going to do with him?"


    Tian Yao lightly looked at Yan Hui: "That''s for the nine-tailed fox demon clan to decide."


    Yan Hui couldn''t help being surprised by what she heard. She inspected Tian Yao''s expression for awhile before saying: "You don''t feel any hatred towards him?"


    "Although the enmity between Su Ying and I are because of him, in the end it has nothing to do with him. Hatred toward that person is out of the question. However, I don''t want to see him. That''s all."


    "But looking at Liu Mu Sheng, it seems like he harbors a strong hatred towards Su Ying. He actually wanted to come to Qing Qiu even if that meant being a chess piece." Yan Hui was silent for a moment. "Su Ying murdered so many demons, killed so many people. She had scheme after scheme, but she still couldn''t live the life she wanted to have........."


    "When you say it like that......." said Tian Yao. "It sounds pretty happy."


    Yan Hui gave him a look but didn''t add to what she said.


    When night came, Yan Hui dizzily fell into a dream. All around her was swirling blackness, but she faintly see that there was a swaying gray light up ahead. She walked towards it. As Yan Hui continued to stare at the light, she could finally see the person clearly.


    Black hair. Grasping a jian. Still wearing Chen Xing Mountain''s clothes. He looked like how he always did. He stood there with a ramrod-straight back.


    "Head Senior Disciple." Yan Hui stopped in place when she clearly saw his face. She just stood with that distance between him and looked. She no longer flusteredly chased after him. Yan Hui quietly looked at him for a while then actually quirked her mouth into a smile. She was relaxed: "Head Senior Disciple, look, I revenged you. I killed Ling Fei. You can move on in peace."


    Zi Chen just stood there and looked at Yan Hui. His expression was sorrowful.


    Yan Hui''s smile became a little stiff when she saw that: "You''re not happy?" She asked, "Why? I avenged your injustice. I settled the hatred and unwillingness from that day at Chen Xing Mountain. I broke off my 10-year ties with Chen Xing Mountain and left the xian cultivation pathway. I even listened to your words and came to Qing Qiu. I started to live with the demon clans........." As Yan Hui talked, she smiled. "I rarely used to listen to you."


    However under Zi Chen''s still distressed frown, the smile Yan Hui forced out faded away again.


    "But why aren''t you happy? Are you not happy for yourself or for me?"


    Zi Chen didn''t reply. His figure became fainter and fainter in the swirling darkness until Yan Hui woke up. It seemed like she could hear an almost unheard sigh in her mind, but when she opened her eyes, she was still in her room. Nothing had changed.


    The reality of her surroundings made her dream seem even more fake. But even though she knew it was fake, Yan Hui couldn''t go back to sleep.


    The moonlight outside her window was just right. Yan Hui''s thoughts were in turmoil. She might as well no longer stay inside. Draping on her outer clothing, she headed towards the spring.


    When Yan Hui was almost at the spring, she sensed a dragon aura settled in that area, but she didn''t try to avoid it. She just calmly continued towards the spring. She could sense Tian Yao, so that meant he would''ve sensed her long ago. Since Tian Yao didn''t try to avoid her, she had even less reason to avoid him.


    Yan Hui reached the spring but didn''t see hide nor hair of Tian Yao. She called out: "Tian Yao." The spring''s water rippled, and a dragon spine broke the water''s surface. It was covered in blue-green scales. Some of the scales were still twisted and torn, which looked sinister. However, those wounds were now covered up by the scales and out of sight.


    The long dragon body moved in the water. The back sank under water again before Tian Yao''s head raised up out of the water.


    The night of the Autumn Moon Festival was too chaotic. All Yan Hui remembered was mud and blood. Even though she had fed her blood to Tian Yao to drink, she didn''t take a good look at Tian Yao''s dragon head.


    Eyes like a finishing touch. Whiskers fluttering in the wind. Horns straight and tall. He really looked as formidable as the legends say.


    "Why are you here?" The dragon didn''t open his mouth, but his voice was heard in Yan Hui''s mind.


    "Couldn''t sleep, so I took a stroll." Yan Hui cocked her head and looked at him for a long time. Her fingertips moved, and she curiously asked: "I suddenly want to feel you."


    When Tian Yao heard those words, his mighty head rigidly reared towards the sky for a moment. It seemed like an inner struggle. Following which, he dipped his head back down and stretched to Yan Hui. He closed his eyes.


    Sure enough, Yan Hui didn''t hesitate. She raised her hand and placed it right on the dragon''s head. Soft fingertips started from the horns and slide down to the nose, drawing a playful circle at the end. Yan Hui smiled in amusement at her own actions. She laughed out loud, and Tian Yao opened his eyes.


    Yan Hui touched his horns again: "Last time I touched these, I was too rushed. I didn''t really feel them, but this time I do. Your head is really hard." Saying that, she moved her fingers to his whiskers again. She grabbed it and rubbed it. Then she ran her hand from the base to the tip, "How come your whiskers disappear when you turn into human form? It feels pretty good touching it."


    Tian Yao''s whiskers moved and avoided her hand: "Go soak in the spring. I''ll leave."


    He was about to get up when Yan Hui hurriedly waved her hand: "Stay. You just got your scales back. You probably need a good soak in the waters. I just came here to sit, not to undress. Why are you so shy." Yan Hui patted his head. "Relax, I won''t take advantage of you."


    Tian Yao: "........"


    Thus, his dragon body sank back underwater. Only his head was visible, which he rested on the shore. Yan Hui sat by his side. She removed her shoes and socks and soaked her feet in the spring''s waters.


    It was autumn, so the chirp and cries of insects were much less than a summer night. It was especially quiet at night. Yan Hui playfully splashed her feet in the water, filling the night with the sound of water. She looked at the night sky and sighed: "Thinking back, we seemed to have journeyed quite a bit. But sitting peacefully together like this, it seems like we haven''t journeyed that much."


    No one would refute that. The two of them on their journey gambled with their lives at all times. The tacit understanding between them two was far beyond any other person. However, this understanding wasn''t because they chatted with each other a lot. It seemed to be because they had a natural understanding of each other.


    Tian Yao didn''t reply. Unknown to him, his tail was automatically swaying back and forth in the water at the same rhythm Yan Hui was swaying her legs in the water. It was a leisurely and happy rhythm.


    "Tian Yao, have you thought of what you would do after you got revenge and killed Su Ying?"


    The swaying dragon tail slowed down and then stopped. Tian Yao stayed silent for a long time. Then his voice appeared in Yan Hui''s mind: "I haven''t thought about it."


    Yan Hui let out a long sigh towards the sky again: "I had another dream about Head Senior Disciple today. He just stood in the black swirls and looked at me from afar. No movement, no smile. I told him I killed Ling Fei, but he didn''t have an especially happy expression."


    Tian Yao consoled Yan Hui: "It was just a dream."


    Yan Hui was silent and touched her heart: "Tian You, do you still remember that it was your heart protection scale that pulled me from the gates of hell? That''s why I can see ghosts." She said, "I have never dreamt a meaningless dream. Even if the first time was, then the second time wouldn''t be. The third time even more wouldn''t be." Yan Hui looked down, ".........Head Senior Disciple didn''t leave peacefully at all. He probably really doesn''t approve of me killing Ling Fei, entering the demon pathway, and abandoning those 10 years of learning the xian cultivation methods."


    "So do you regret killing Ling Fei now?"


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment: "You know, when I was facing off with Ling Fei, there was an opening where I could''ve used my knife to behead her. But I actually hesitated for a moment." Yan Hui mockingly laughed at herself. "I realized when I saw Chen Xing Mountain''s clothes on her that I couldn''t completely remove myself from those 10 years. Even though I''ve come to where I am now, I didn''t want to part with it. I guess that feeling is like what those ordinary people say is homesickness. Even though the meaning is far from it, but that''s the most suitable word."


    "And in that moment, a hole was punched in my heart. In that kind of situation where only one could live, the hatred was really deep. I killed Ling Fei without the slightest bit of regret." She said, "Su Ying is well-known in the cultivation world. No matter what wrongs Ling Fei did, as long as she is Su Ying''s little sister, Su Ying will protect her. No one in the cultivation world can punish Ling Fei and make her pay a life for a life. That''s why in that situation, I had to do it. In that moment when my knife plunged into her chest, I knew how freeing those two words, ''releasing hate'', felt like."


    "I guess getting revenge on such a big grudge feels like that. I got my revenge, and my hate was all released. My grudge against Ling Fei ended like that. The world has one less person I hate, but up till then, it also had one less person I loved. No matter what I do, I can''t save and get him back.........." Yan Hui raised her head and sighed. Her voice was bitter, "Head Senior Disciple became a scar on my heart. I can''t cure him."


    Tian Yao stayed silent for a long time after hearing Yan Hui''s words: "Yan Hui." He called out with focus. Yan Hui snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him.


    "I will heal your scar."


    Those resounding and powerful five words shocked Yan Hui. For a moment, the quietness of the forest was alarming.


    "If you say that the real revenge is not killing another but is to heal yourself, then I will help you heal your wounds."


    Yan Hui blankly gazed at Tian Yao for a long time. Then she patted Tian Yao''s head and smiled: "You understood wrong. I meant the real revenge is killing your enemy and then healing yourself."


    Because those who made a mistake would have to be punished. If there was no one to mete out the punishment, then Yan Hui would do it herself.


    "However, I''m looking forward to you wanting to heal he scar on my heart." Yan Hui thought a bit, "But since I said that I wouldn''t take advantage of you, then I''ll take care of your wounds in the future." Yan Hui rubbed Tian Yao''s head. "Don''t worry. I''ll work hard to heal you."


    She said that last part like a joke, but under her gentle caress, Tian Yao lightly closed his eyes.


    Actually, she didn''t have to work hard.


    Doing as she wanted and going through the motions a few times was enough.


    Because she long ago already healed so many of his wounds..........

 CH 87

    Early the next day, Qing Qiu''s king summoned Tian Yao to the palace. Zhu Li came to convey the message. He also wanted Yan Hui to go.


    Yan Hui was surprised: "Me?" She had entered the demon pathway, but her cultivation still wasn''t that refined. What meaning was behind the king''s summons? Could it be he was so short on men that even she had to be called to duty.........


    Tian Yao also frowned when he heard that: "Her wound isn''t healed."


    Zhu Li nodded: "The king knows. That''s why a flying fox came." He had just said that when a streak of light arced over. A five-tailed fox landed by Yan Hui''s bed. It crouched down on to the ground and waited for Yan Hui to sit on its back.


    Yan Hui was silent upon seeing this but still sat on its back.


    The group wen tot Qing Qiu''s royal palace, but only Yan Hui and Tian Yao entered the enormous tree palace. Even Zhu Li had to obediently wait outside.


    Qing Qiu''s king was sitting in the hall as before. His hand was lightly supporting his cheek, and his eyes were closed. It was hard to tell if he was contemplating or if he was resting. The situation made Yan Hui unsure if she should say something or not.


    In front of a formidable demon in the chilly silence, perhaps very few people would not feel ill at ease, not only Yan Hui.


    As for Tian Yao, perhaps he was one of the few: "King." He greeted the king. It was one word, but it was no different than him greeting any other person.


    Qing Qiu''s king finally opened his eyes and swept his gaze over Tian Yao. Then he looked over at Yan Hui and sized her up. That look was very strange. Clearly before when she came with Tian Yao, the king never sized up the "idle" her.


    "Zhu Li gave you ''Demon Bestowal''. What layer has your cultivation reached?"


    Yan Hui didn''t understand why the king''s first question was directed towards her, but she still replied: "I already reached the second level. With harder work and practice, I might reach the third level in a few days."


    "You''ve made fast progress, a rare aptitude."


    Yan Hui was a little overwhelmed by receiving the king''s praise. However since he brought it up, Yan Hui decided on continuing on the line of conservation: "If I may dare, Zhu Li said ''Demon Bestowal'' was found in the palace''s library collection. Right now, ''Demon Bestowal'' only reaches the ninth layer. Does the king know where the unfinished magic techniques are?"


    Qing Qiu''s king remained silent for a moment: "The ninth layer of practice in ''Demon Bestowal'' is enough. Any more, it won''t be any good for you."


    Yan Hui was stumped for words. From the meaning of those words, the king clearly knew there were several more layers in "Demon Bestowal". Furthermore, he knew the specifics of the missing contents, but he actually said it like that.......


    "Have you found all your body parts?" Qing Qiu''s king moved his eyes to Tian Yao and at the same time started the conversation.


    As for the question asked, to Yan Hui it seemed like a very obvious question. Yan Hui found it strange that the Qing Qiu King couldn''t tell whether or not Tian Yao''s body was complete. Even more strange was that Tian Yao paused before answering.


    "I''m already complete," replied Tian Yao.


    When Qing Qiu''s king heard this, he actually stood up and slowly walked towards Tian Yao: "News from Central Plains said you committed a massacre at Guang Han Sect?"


    Yan Hui was a bit startled by those words. She turned to look at Tian Yao. Yan Hui really didn''t know the specifics of what happened back there. However since that day Tian Yao dug her out of the dirt and rubble, Guang Han Sect had been quiet. It can be speculated that the sect''s situation wasn''t good.


    But Yan Hui didn''t think that it would be..........a massacre?


    "Ah." Tian Yao''s mouth curved into a faint sneer. "Did that count as a massacre? Central Plains'' cultivators really over exaggerate what a massacre is." Tian Yao lightly remarked, "They didn''t lose that many people."


    The Qing Qiu King''s eyes naturally had a cold light. That light in his eyes intensified. Even though he wasn''t looking staring at Yan Hui, it was enough for Yan Hui''s heart to tremble. Her hands and feet became cold. The king''s voice carried a light chill: "A millennium dragon demon only has that much mere strength?"


    Yan Hui was shocked. What did Qing Qiu''s king mean?


    Tian Yao had just got his heart back, and he, all by himself, used his strength to suppress all of the disciples guarding Guang Han Sect. This was already a shocking display to everyone, yet to Qing Qiu''s king, it was --mere strength?


    However, Tian Yao didn''t reply to this round of questioning.


    Yan Hui was confused by this round of questions and answers. Yan Hui couldn''t help saying to the king: "Tian Yao just found his dragon heart back. The magic in his body hasn''t completely........"


    "Yan Hui." Tian Yao cut her off. He turned and looked at her, "Go ahead and wait for me outside."


    This was actually.........the first time Tian Yao had such a request towards her. They had always shared all information between the two of them. What she knew, Tian Yao definitely would know. What he knew, she definitely would know. That was why they understood each other so well. That was the reason why she so trusted Tian Yao.


    But now, Yan Hui suddenly understood in a flash that it turns out Tian Yao was hiding something from her.


    A secret he couldn''t tell her.........


    Yan Hui just glanced at Tian Yao but didn''t stay confused for long. She just said, "alright", and turned and left.


    Outside of the enormous tree palace, Zhu Li had left to do something. He wasn''t waiting out side. Yan Hui waited for awhile before getting bored and taking a leisurely walk along the winding paths.


    The wound on her chest hadn''t completely healed yet. She walked for a bit and rested for a bit. She didn''t care how far she walked, and she didn''t memorize her route. Just like that, she aimlessly roamed around. Sometimes a little fox demon would run past her, and Yan Hui would playfully pet them. But even though she was moving around, her mind still couldn''t help going back to what secret Tian Yao was hiding from her.


    From that conversation, Qing Qiu''s king was just saying that Tian Yao actually didn''t find back all of his body. However, aside from the heart protection scale in her heart, what else was he missing?


    Could it be that the heart protection scale in heart was absolutely necessary for Tian Yao''s body? It was necessary for his body''s magic to be fully expressed?


    Yan Hui thought about it but came to no conclusion. After all, if Tian Yao wanted to hide something about his dragon body from her, then it would be hard to find any information from elsewhere.


    But no matter how much she thought about it and guessed about it, Yan Hui remained sure of one thing. Tian Yao wouldn''t harm her.


    At the very least, when Qing Qiu''s king asked Tian Yao if his body was complete, Tian Yao replied that it was.


    He didn''t want to take the heart protection scale from her body.


    As she thought and walked, Yan Hui stumbled upon a small residence.


    Yan Hui looked in surprised at the residence tucked deep within the palace area. She looked around. All of the demons that lived the palace''s mountain top lived in the forest. Even Yan Hui hadn''t seen the king go anywhere else. Then why was there a residence here? Could it be.........this is where Qing Qiu''s king lived?


    "Don''t go over there." Yan Hui was still guessing when white fox demons leapt up to her feet. Some of the ones that couldn''t talk yet bit at her clothes. Some blocked the path in front of her and said with a baby voice: "That''s Princess Yun Xi''s courtyard. The king doesn''t like people going near the princess''s courtyard."


    Yan Hui was stunned. This was the residence of the princess that Su Ying had murdered?


    Apparently the king truly really did love that princess. All of the princes had been sent off the mountain to live. Only the daughter remained on the mountain and kept him company, but now.........


    Yan Hui looked at the courtyard and saw a male figure inside the courtyard walked by the entrance.


    When she looked closely, it turned out to be Liu Mu Sheng, whom Zhu Li had lead away yesterday.


    "How come you''re here?" Yan Hui blurted out.


    Liu Mu Sheng, who was using broom to sweep up the dead leaves at the entrance, raised his head. He was slightly surprised upon seeing Yan Hui: "Miss?" He somewhat perplexedly swept his gaze across Yan Hui''s chest. "Is your wound healed?"


    "It wasn''t a bad wound."


    Liu Mu Sheng nodded and smiled: "That''s good. You demon clansmens'' bodies heal fast."


    "I''m not a demon clansmen." Yan Hui paused and look unflinchingly at Liu Mu Sheng. "A few months ago, I was a xian cultivator."


    Liu Mu Sheng was stunned. He quieted and waited. Yan Hui thought over it: "However, that''s not important. Now I am a demon. Like you, I''d rather live in Qing Qiu than in Central Plains." Yan Hui pointed at the residence behind him, "Did Qing Qiu''s king allow you to live there?"


    "It was me who begged the king to let me stay here." Liu Mu Sheng looked back at the residence. His mouth curved into a light smile, "This is where Yun Xi lived before. Thinking about that this is where she laughed and where she cried, I even more don''t want to leave this place. Before, she would tell me that if she ever could return to Qing Qiu, then she wanted to have flowers and bushes planted in her courtyard because before she just wanted to have fun and didn''t have time to take care of her courtyard. Now, I finally can help her care for it."


    Yan Hui could tell that this scholar really deeply love that nine-tailed fox demon princess. Because when he mentioned Yun Xi''s name, his eyes would light up.


    And now his eyes were shining brighter. Yan Hui could just imagine how low Liu Mu Sheng had sunk staying at Guang Han Sect.


    Yan Hui suddenly remembered when she and Tian Yao went to Heavenly Fragrance to retrieve his dragon horns. She used the technique Tian Yao taught her to snoop in on Su Ying but was discovered. However right at that moment, a servant came to report that Liu Mu Sheng tried to commit suicide and took Su Ying away.


    In a way, Liu Mu Sheng indirectly used his life to save her''s and Tian Yao''s.


    Because if the Tian Yao back then had been discovered by Su Ying, what happened afterwords wouldn''t have happened.


    And clearly Liu Mu Sheng would rather die than live under Su Ying''s control. However, unfortunately his attempt wasn''t successful. He also was a pitiful person.


    "I really want to thank the king for being so magnanimous." Liu Mu Sheng said, "I had already prepared myself to never see anything related to Yun Xi again." He lightly smiled. "Thank you and that sir too for bringing me from Central Plains to here."


    Yan Hui was silent. It was quite awhile before she finally replied, "You''re an enormous factor for restricting Su Ying.......Qing Qiu won''t always ignore that you''re here cleaning Princess Yun Xi''s courtyard."


    "I know." Liu Mu Sheng continued to sweep up the dead leaves in the corner. "As Qing Qiu''s chess piece to deal with Su Ying, it''s exactly what I''ve been looking for. Ever since I found out Yun Xi had been cruelly........" He was a scholar who had never held a weapon; his hands were clean. However, he gripped the broom so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "The Liu Mu Sheng of back then died. From then on, I lived an inhuman life. Now that I''ve entered Qing Qiu, even if it''s as a chess piece, I feel like I had snatched back my life."


    "Qing Qiu wants to use me. Then, please use me. What harm is there in giving myself up." There was an intense hate in his voice. "I just request that Su Ying..........doesn''t have an good death."

 CH 88

    Tian Yao had retrieved his dragon heart from Guang Han Sect, but the fight between the front-line demons and the cultivators Su Ying was leading still continued. Su Ying had carved out many demons'' neidan. Finally today at dusk, news came. Su Ying got the letter informing that Guang Han Sect had been raided. Only then did she retreat at last and rush through that night to return to her sect.


    However with that piece of news the envoy brought was accompanied by another piece of news ----


    The nine-tailed fox demon''s heir-apparent''s daughter, Xian Ge, had been captured by Su Ying in battle.


    There was no more news of Xian Ge after that. No one knew if she had been killed or if her neidan had been cut out because no one had seen her corpse. Su Ying also hadn''t released a hint of information. She quietly captured Xian Ge.


    The instant Yan Hui heard the news, her first thought was Su Ying definitely knew Tian Yao had taken away Liu Mu Sheng. That''s why Su Ying did something like that. It was to check and balance Qing Qiu.


    The nine-tailed fox demon princes were too strong to capture. That''s why she captured Xian Ge. The nine-tailed fox demons, who placed heavy attachment on bloodlines, definitely wouldn''t ignore Xian Ge.


    Su Ying''s move wasn''t unwise.


    When Yan Hui heard the news from Zhu Li, Tian Yao was also there. He glanced at Yan Hui: "Do you want to go save Xian Ge?"


    "Yes." Yan Hui firmly affirmed but followed with a shake of her head, "But I can''t go." She looked at Tian Yao, "Right now, you can''t guarantee you''ll win against Su Ying, right?"


    Tian Yao silently agreed.


    Yan Hui looked at the silently frowning Zhu Li: "The nine-tailed fox demon clan hadn''t declared their stance yet, haven''t they?"


    Zhu Li immediately replied: "I would go rescue her with no thought of the danger, but........" He paused and looked down, "The king hasn''t said anything."


    With all said and done, it was as Yan Hui said. The nine-tailed fox demon clan was keeping silent.


    Yan Hui said: "As long as Liu Mu Sheng remains in our hands, Su Ying won''t dare to do anything toward Xian Ge." She looked down. "The only thing to do now is plan and wait to see what game Su Ying wants to play. We only need to quietly make a move."


    Tian Yao didn''t make a sound while Yan Hui talked. When she finished, he lightly rapped twice on the tabletop: "You''ve matured quite a lot. You''re not so rash anymore."


    Yan Hui smiled, but her expression was a little sour: "If this is maturing, then I would rather the Heavens not give me a chance to mature in this life."


    Tian Yao didn''t speak again. Yan Hui looked into the distance. In her heart, she knew that since Su Ying captured Xian Ge, there was a good chance Su Ying wanted to exchange Xian Ge for Liu Mu Sheng. For Qing Qiu, Liu Mu Sheng was the check and balance toward Su Ying. However, he might not be as important as one''s own family. Xian Ge might be able to come back safe and sound.........maybe.


    The moon was shining bright deep in the night. Su Ying stood amide the ruins of the hall at the foot of the mountain.


    Ling Fei''s corpse was wrapped in white cloth and laid out in front of Su Ying. Su Ying pulled away the cloth around Ling Fei''s face. This was the first time she saw Ling Fei''s face since returning to the sect. What she was was Ling Fei''s face filled with terrible wounds, a pitiful figure, and a chest covered in bloodstains. Her eyes were still open. Su Ying saw Ling Fei''s expression was filled with unwillingness and hate.


    Cultivator Meng Yu was standing by Su Ying, and she saw Su Ying''s fingers which pinched the cloth were slightly trembling. Meng Yun dipped her head in remorse and sorrow: "........At that time when Zhenren Ling Fei entered the hall''s barrier, I also wanted to go too. But that dragon demon was guarding the entrance. I couldn''t get close........" Meng Yun was sorrowful. "Zhenren.......don''t be too sad."


    Su Ying was silent for a long time: "Don''t be too sad?" She murmured Meng Yun''s words with a cold tone.  "I have very little family in my life. My parents passed away early. Su E is my closest relative. I thought cultivating to the highest level would protect her and let her live a peaceful and worry-free life. But now........" Her voice paused. "You actually somehow want me to not be too sad."


    "I left Guang Han Sect for a mere few days. Half of the disciples'' channels were severely damaged. They may not be able to cultivate again. Mu Sheng was taken away by that dragon demon, unknown if he is alive or dead. And my little sister died with her eyes wide open and a score still unsettled!"


    Towards the end of her words, Su Ying''s naturally cold voice started to tremble and rasp. A blizzard raged in the depths of her murderous eyes: "That traitorous Yan Hui, malicious demon dragon, and those demons in Qing Qiu.........." She gritted her teeth. It was like she could cut through bone. "They will pay for blood with blood."


    The words had scarcely finished when Meng Yun felt a gale whip around Su Ying and immediately bring Su Ying into the horizon. It drew a pearly white streak in the sky, heading towards Qing Qiu.


    Guessing what the furious Su Ying was going to do, Meng Yun chased after her: "Zhenren! Don''t be rash!" But the still wounded Meng Yun couldn''t catch up. She watched the white streak disappear form her sight. Meng Yun turned back and to Guang Han Sect and immediately summoned a disciple: "Quick! Go to Chen Xing Mountain and ask Daoist Priest Ling Xiao to come! Sect Master is filled with grief and went to Qing Qiu by herself!"


    Back at Qing Qiu, Yan Hui couldn''t sleep well tonight because of Xian Ge''s capture. As her usual practice, she went to the cold spring, and as usual, she saw Tian Yao in his original dragon form soaking in the spring.


    Tian Yao''s head rested on the bank. He listened to Yan Hui''s footsteps from afar come close. He opened one eye when Yan Hui approached and immidately closed it again as always.


    The dragon head shifted over. The place where his head had rested was warmed by his own body heat. As per their custom, Yan Hui sat on that warmed spot and propped herself against the dragon head. The chilly autumn air would seep into a person, but Yan Hui didn''t feel a hint of cold sitting there.


    "Tian Yao."


    "Hm."


    "If Qing Qiu isn''t willing to exchange Liu Mu Sheng for Xian Ge," Yan Hui paused. "Do you think Su Ying will kill Xian Ge?"


    "I don''t know."


    "You said I matured," said Yan Hui. "But when my head empties, I can''t help thinking that Su Ying act like how she killed other demons. She''ll first kill Xian Ge and then dig out her neidan.........When I think about it, I can barely sit still." Yan Hui took a deep breath and gazed up at the sky. "But even if I can''t sit still, I still can''t do anything."


    Tian Yao was silent.


    "I''m not going to think about it. In the end, I still can''t think of a solution." Yan Hui patted her head and quietly sat there, looking up at the sky. Suddenly, a question flashed through her mind. She turned and looked at Tian Yao, "Tian Yao."


    Her voice was more serious than usual: "Speaking of, what about your neidan?"


    Tian Yao suddenly opened his closed eyes. His dragon head slightly shifted to look at Yan Hui.


    "Demons all have neidan. You''re not an exception, right?" Yan Hui looked at him. "But then how come I never heard you mention it?"


    Tian Yao had no answer.


    As they gazed at each other in silence, from the sky suddenly came a frighteningly cold wind. The surrounding''s temperature plummeted. In a split second, the vegetation frosted over and withered, just like if winter had suddenly arrived. The animals in the forest rushed around in confusion and wailed.


    Tian Yao, who was still in the cold spring, instantly turned back into a human.


    A white light streaked over. Tian Yao severely frowned. There wasn''t time for him to say anything before yanking Yan Hui to the side in avoidance. Ice needles pelted down in a heavy stream. Tian Yao could only endure it and create a fire barrier around them to melt the needles. However, it seemed like his magic strength wasn''t enough. Only a few moments had passed, yet Tian Yao''s fire barrier was becoming thin where the ice needles concentrated its attack.


    In some places, even holes started to appear. It was clear to the eye that the barrier was breaking.


    Tian Yao''s figure flashed and immediately hugged Yan Hui in his arms. Using his body as a shield, Tian Yao blocked the ice needles with his back.


    Tian Yao''s embrace was weak and thin like before. His arms had strength, and his chest had broadened. In his arms was a scalding warmth. Protected in his arms, Yan Hui actually forgot all for a moment.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t know the situation. She knew the ice needles were coming down hard and fast. That''s why she knew that even though Tian Yao had retrieved all his body parts, he was still using his life to protect her.


    All of the ice needles turned into water three inches away from Tian Yao''s back. They pattered onto the ground. Surprisingly, none of the needles had pierced his back.


    The white light in the horizon had already fallen. Standing in the dense underbrush of the forest, Su Ying looked at the two people who seemed to be wrapped in an embrace. Her expression was like frost. When she saw that the ice needles hadn''t hurt the two, her hands moved without stop. More magic was sent through the air; dense clouds gathered in the sky. Thunder roared with earth-shaking strength like it had come from the highest level of The Heavens.


    It fiercely struck down upon Tian Yao and Yan Hui.


    Tian Yao gathered his magic and focused it all upon protecting Yan Hui. He didn''t expect that after the earth-shaking thunder, there wouldn''t even be a moment to catch their breath. Fiercely coming down upon them was an icy jian with a eye-splitting glare


    Tian Yao was forced to release Yan Hui.


    Su Ying hadn''t blinked once. With a flash of her figure, she struck at Yan Hui with a jian. Her intent was to cleave Yan Hui in two.


    However right before the jian''s tip reached Yan Hui, there was a dragon''s roar. The azure dragon''s tail suddenly swept over and struck Su Ying''s body. She took a heavy hit.


    The force of the blow sent Su Ying flying into the trees. Many trees were broken from the force of her flight.


    An enormous azure dragon was protecting Yan Hui.


    The forest fell back into quiet. A seemingly unharmed Su Ying stood there in the moonlight-bathed destruction. Her expression was cold, and her eyes promised murder. She looked like a xian cultivator who had descended from the Heavens to kill demons and rid the world of evil. It was a cold sight that froze the breath in one''s lungs.


    The two sides stood in confrontation.


    With those few attacks, Yan Hui already understood the situation. For Su Ying, those attacks didn''t amount to much. However for Tian Yao, he was forced back to his original form.


    It was painfully obvious. The current Tian Yao was not a well-matched opponent for Su Ying.


    "Dragon demon Tian Yao." The meter-long jian in Su Ying''s hand rose. "With your current strength, don''t even think you can stop me from killing the one who killed my family."


    However even thought the situation was like this, Tian Yao wasn''t panicked. He just wrapped Yan Hui within his tail for protection. He looked at Su Ying and said with a deep voice, "Once within Qing Qiu''s borders, who cares if you''re Guang Han Sect''s master?"


    With those words, demon fire lit up in the surroundings. Within in a few moments, all the princes of the nine-tailed fox demon clan appeared. Power of a nine-tailed fox demon pressed down from the sky. It awed and intimidated those present.


    Yan Hui looked up. The Qing Qiu King himself had actually come.


    She turned to look at the solitary Su Ying who was surrounded by demons. Su Ying''s expression was as cold as always.


    Yan Hui suddenly had a stray thought about what kind of person Su Ying was. Yan Hui had never thought that Su Ying would be so angered by Ling Fei''s death that she would charge in alone into Qing Qiu. But now thinking about it, Yan Hui understood.


    This was a person who, in order to save the one she loved, enticed Tian Yao and then tore open his muscles and tendons and peeled his bones. This was a person who, in order to obtain the heart of the one she loved, committed all manner of crimes. She did all she could for the one she loved but never once thought about what the one she loved wanted.


    She loved so selfishly and fanatically. She cultivated ice and snow magic. However, her own heart was like purgatory lava. For her own love, she would destroy the world.


    This kind of person was the most terrifying but also the most lamentable.

 CH 89

    The fox fire lit up Qing Qiu''s entire night sky and overpowered the moonlight. No one in the mountain''s forest spoke, but the atmosphere was extremely heavy.


    In midair, Qing Qiu''s king coldly asked: "You are Su Ying?"


    Su Ying looked up into the sky. The briliance surrounding the king was dazzling to the eyes, but Su Ying didn''t blink. She just stared right at him: "And what if I am?"


    With those five words, an enormous pressure heavily pressed down. Yan Hui already started cultivating again. However compared to everyone present, her cultivation level was really too weak. Immediately she felt a pressure in her chest but couldn''t even let out a groan. Her legs felt weak. The intense pressure forced her directly down towards the ground.


    Tian Yao transformed from his dragon form back into a human. He didn''t hesitate to wrap Yan Hui in his arms and cover her ears with his hands. It gave her warmth while at the same time helped Yan Hui block a lot of the pressure.


    In a flash, Su Ying''s magic was suppressed. She immediately released an icy barrier to protect herself.


    "You came alone to my Qing Qiu, yet you think you can escape unscathed?" The king''s voice was chilly. "Reckless."


    When Qing Qiu''s king said those words, Tian Yao immediately clasped Yan Hui and leapt backwards into the cold spring. Before Yan Hui and Tian Yao completely sank into the water, a white light rushed out of the king''s sleave and touched the ground. Just like a cool breeze sweeping the ground, the grass and bushes, everything, bent.


    Su Ying''s gaze became even frostier. Her barrier''s light increased sharply and competed against the king''s power. The enormous xian power and demon power met in attack. The resulting light was blinding, and it produced a loud rumbling sound. The vegetation was destroyed. In an instant, the vast forest was disintegrated and became an overgrown piece of land.


    The strike of the two formidable magics was like the power of an earthquake.


    After the light and rumbling, the surroundings once again fell silent. Su Ying stood in the middle of a pit of sunken ground. The earth and rocks were cracked. Su Ying stood ram-rod straight in the center like a thorn stabbing upwards. What changed was only that her lip colour had pale to a hard-to-conceal white.


    "Since I dared to come, I''ve already thought of the consequences," said Su Ying. She moved her gaze to the cold spring where Yan Hui and Tian Yao hid. "No matter the consequences, I will never left off those two."


    Saying that, the shore of the spring was suddenly covered in a layer of frost. Ice crystals formed in the water.


    Tian Yao was protecting Yan Hui. It was difficult to avoid the knife-sharp crystals, and they were forced out of the water. However the moment they broke the water''s surface, an enormous, earth-shattering xian power immediately rushed forward to sever Yan Hui''s and Tian Yao''s head.


    As the power rushed over, from the side suddenly charged over two people. With a wave of their sleeves, Su Ying''s icy killing magic was turned aside. Those two people were Qing Qiu''s princes. They stood in front of Tian Yao and looked at Su Ying with a sneer: "Did you really think to trick Qing Qiu''s people?"


    Seeing the situations, Yan Hui, who was still in Tian Yao''s arms, thought of Princess Yun Xi, whom Su Ying murdered. The princes and the king present probably hated Su Ying to their core. Tonight in a fit of impulsiveness, Su Ying would probably pay a bitter price........


    However this thought was still forming in Yan Hui''s mind when suddenly, a xian aura hurried over in the sky from a distance.


    If it was anyone else, Yan Hui probably wouldn''t be able to sense it. However, this xian aura was something Yan Hui couldn''t be even more familiar to. Yan Hui, still in Tian Yao''s arms, turned her head to look in that direction. Not a moment later, a xian cultivator, wearing white robes with wide slealves, arrived with the Propelling Sword technique. The cultivator landed by Su Ying''s side.


    Yan Hui''s gaze fell on the cultivator and lingered there for a long time.


    Ling Xiao........


    He actually came. Furthermore, he came alone. No one else followed. But thinking over it, it did make sense. Aside from cultivators with their tier of power, who else could cross over San Chong Mountain so quickly and enter Qing Qiu.


    Su Ying turned and looked at him. Her eyes trembled, and she seemed touched: "I acted rashly. You had no need to follow me.......and burden yourself with me."


    Exactly, with this kind of circumstance, Ling Xiao actually rushed over........


    To save Su Ying.


    "Zhenren Su Ying, there''s no need to be polite." Ling Xiao said that, but his tone itself was polite to Su Ying. He didn''t make much small talk and look around to clearly see the situation.


    Aside from Qing Qiu''s king and a few princes in the air, there were Tian Yao and Yan Hui. Ling Xiao''s gaze quickly fell on Yan Hui not by accident. However, it only paused there for a moment before moving on.


    It was like seeing an insignificant stranger.


    Yan Hui couldn''t help tightening her grip on Tian Yao''s arm. Tian Yao looked down and saw her lips were slightly trembling. He didn''t know if it was because she was cold or due to stirred up emotions.


    Still looking down, Tian Yao circulated his magic to make his embrace even warmer and ease Yan Hui''s tremors.


    "The daughter of Qing Qiu''s heir, Xian Ge, was taken taken captive during a battle." Ling Xiao''s gaze was somewhat cold. He didn''t waste any words but rather went straight to the point. He handled it with his usual style. However, Yan Hui felt like the chilliness around his body was even colder than before.


    "Before I left, I instruction someone to keep watch of the time. If after two hours Zhenren Su Ying and I don''t return to Central Plains, my subordinates will take actions. They will cut out her neidan, scoop out her heart, drain her blood, and leave her corpse out under the sky."


    All of Qing Qiu''s princes were silent at Ling Xiao''s words. The mood was agitated. Some looked towards the heir. Some looked towards the king.


    None of them were willing to let Su Ying go, but Xian Ge''s life was in the enemies'' hands.......


    Ling Xiao was done talking. He supported Su Ying, and without saying another word, he turned to use Propelling Sword to leave.


    Yan Hui couldn''t endure her stirred-up emotions anymore and blurted out: "Using Qing Qiu''s nine-tailed fox demons'' strong bloodline ties as blackmail, is this Zhenren Ling Xiao''s so-called righteous xian cultivation pathway?"


    Ling Xiao slightly paused when he heard Yan Hui''s words.


    Su Ying moved her gaze and lightly looked at Ling Xiao. His expression hadn''t changed the slightest. He didn''t even glance at Yan Hui before using Propellig Sword and rising up into the air. Yan Hui clenched her jaw when she saw those two were going to leave. Qing Qiu''s princes still hadn''t stopped them. Su Ying actually waved her hand to signal Ling Xiao to stop.


    "Hold on." She turned around and looked at Qing Qiu''s king. "I want to exchange Qing Qiu''s Xian Ge''s life with Liu Mu Sheng who Qing Qiu had captured. Does Qing Qiu''s king agree?"


    The scene fell silent again. Although the princes'' were extremely angry, none of them dared to give in the urge to speak. All of them silently waited for their king to speak.


    Let alone the princes, Yan Hui also was furious and resentful.


    After a long time, the king''s voice finally came from the sky: "In three days, there will be an exchange at San Chong Mountain."


    That implied he would left them leave tonight, and then they would return Liu Mu Sheng to Su Ying in exchange for Xian Ge to live.


    Su Ying nodded. There was nothing else to say, and she followed Ling Xiao away. Their figures receded into the distance. All that was left was a gradually fading streak of light in the sky.


    "I!" Qing Qiu''s heir knelt down. His face was filled with grief and guilt. "I am guilty! I caused Qing Qiu to be humiliated!"


    Qing Qiu''s king looked towards the cold spring. With a wave of his hand, the vegetated that had been blasted with demon magic was revived back to life. Some places sprouted new grass and vegetation. Broken brances regrew with astonishing speed. The cold spring''s waters flowed with brilliant water. It was like the violent clash had never occured.


    "Nothing is equal to our nine-tailed fox demon''s bloodline." The king''s voice was light and had no reproach for the heir. His figure disappeared into the night.


    After that, Tian Yao still holding Yan Hui landed back down around the spring.


    Yan Hui quietly stood there with a dipped head for a long time. When Tian Yao thought that Yan Hui had fallen into a silence that she wouldn''t break, she suddenly gave a hollow laugh, both bitter and cold. "Tian Yao, do you know how much I once loved Ling Xiao........He was the only one that I could see out of thousands of people."


    Tian Yao was completely unguarded when he heard those words. He felt his heart throb. Clearly there was no attack, yet there was a constant anguish. With every beat of his heart, there was also a stabbing pain permeating through every inch of his chest.


    He silently listened and endured the pain. He endured it like how he had endured pain before. He pressed it down and acted like it didn''t exist.


    "When Head Senior Disciple was suffering through that pain yet still protected me, I was practically kneeling on the ground in hope. I was hoping he would come save Head Senior Disciple, save me, save the last remaining expectation of him in my heart. But he didn''t come."


    "But today, he came from so far, and regardless of the methods, he saved Su Ying........" Yan Hui coldly laughed. "Tian Yao, it turns out the person I adored could disappoint me so much."


    Tian Yao looked down at Yan Hui, whose head drooped down. He involuntarily raised his arms and wrapped them around Yan Hui''s back. Yan Hui''s head rested against his shoulder.


    "Don''t adore him anymore," said Tian Yao. "Don''t even remember that you once adored him."


    Yan Hui bitterly laughed: "That''s 10 years worth of memories. How am I going to forget that?"


    "There will be many 10 years in your life later on."


    Yan Hui shook her head: "But there will never be a person like that again."


    "There''s me."


    Those two words Tian Yao had blurted out without thinking shocked both people.


    Yan Hui suddenly raised her head and looked at Tian Yao. She saw his eyes were also opened wide, like he had been scared by his own words. In his pupils, Yan Hui saw her own expression. It was also startled.


    "Tian Yao........" Yan Hui slightly stepped back. "You......."


    The franticness in his eyes lasted for only a moment before Tian Yao immediately calmed back down. He steadily said: "There''s me to look for you. There''s me to teach you how to forget those past 10 years."


    Yan Hui''s startled gaze calmed back down. She blinkingly looked at Tian Yao for awhile. Her originally unsettled emotions settled down a lot. She patted Tian Yao''s shoulder: "Alright, I noticed that when you saw Su Ying just now that you weren''t as bitter as before. It looks like you have some experience in letting go of emotions. Then let''s consider this as part of your treatment to curing my wound."


    Yan Hui smiled. "It''s been eventful. I''m going to go back and sleep." She turned to leave.


    Tian Yao silently watched Yan Hui''s back for a long time. Not knowing why, he suddenly had the urge to sigh in dejection........

 CH 90

    The news of Su Ying''s night attack quickly spread until everyone knew. By the time Yan Hui woke up, the servants in Zhu Li''s residence had already whispered several versions to each other.


    Among the versions, there were many that said Ling Xiao had adored Zhenren Su Ying for many years and came to save Zhenren Su Ying from her perilous situation. Yan Hui only silent ate when she heard this.


    After sleeping on it, Yan Hui calmed down and clearly understood that there was nothing wrong with Ling Xiao coming to save Zhenren Su Ying. He used Xian Ge''s life as blackmail because to him, she was a demon, an enemy. On the other hand, Su Ying was a symbol for the cultivation sects. It was understandable what he did to save Su Ying''s life.


    The reason why Yan Hui couldn''t accept this was because on one hand, after so many years, Xian Ge was one of her few close friends. She naturally was very upset that Ling Xiao wanted to kill Xian Ge. On the other hand, it was because she was disappointed........


    Disappointed that Ling Xiao was able to make it in time to save Su Ying. However, back then he wasn''t able to make it back in time to Chen Xing Mountain to save Head Senior Disciple.


    Yan Hui knew she was just venting her anger. She was able to reason and analyze her emotions, but she wasn''t able to control her anger towards Ling Xiao.


    Thinking of this, the next mouthful of food Yan Hui took had a strange feel. She felt her mouth grow hot, and a message suddenly appeared in her mind: Feng Qian Shuo invites Miss to meet him one mile in the forest towards the southeast.


    Yan Hui''s eyebrow twitched. This was a message from Feng Qian Shuo. He actually planted a hidden spy in Qing Qiu and was able to relay a message in these kinds of circumstances! This Qi Jue Group really was crafty.


    However thinking about it, Feng Qian Shuo had risen up with Ling Xiao''s assistance. He helped Ling Xiao with matters, and Ling Xiao obtained who-knows-how-many pieces of intel from the jianghu. Meeting her now........Yan Hui looked down. Suddenly, recalled what she heard from Huan Xiao Yan before. Feng Qian Shuo, thinking that Xian Ge was dead, had clutched her "corpse" and derangedly  wouldn''t let people touch. Then this time he came to........


    Yan Hui set down her chopsticks and turned to leave. She had just walked out the door when she ran into Tian Yao.


    He saw she was leaving without planning to invite him alone. His eyes slightly moved: "You''re not going to cultivate today?"


    Yan Hui looked over: "I''m going to the cold spring to bathe. I''m planning on recuperating my body first. Don''t follow me." Yan Hui left after saying that without taking another look at Tian Yao.


    Tian Yao glanced at her back and said: "The magic aura in your mouth hasn''t completely dissipated yet. Don''t talk to anyone on your way there."


    "Uh!" Yan Hui turned her head back. Her lips curled and she said with no choice: "Come along then. Don''t get discovered."


    This time when Yan Hui turned and left, Tian Yao slightly smiled.


    That''s right, he just wanted to follow her.


    Yan Hui reached the meeting place Feng Qian Shuo set and waited there. Not a while longer, a cloaked man stepped out from behind a thick tree trunk. When he saw Yan Hui, his mouth curved into its usual smile. However compared to his flirtatious expression from before, it was less carefree and more worry-filled.


    "Miss Yan, it''s been a while since we have met. I trust that you have been well."


    "I haven''t been well, but I''m already better." Yan Hui made a brief reply and then cut straight to the point. "Let''s get to it. What did you call me here for?"


    Feng Qian Shuo became serious: "It''s about Xian Ge."


    Yan Hui''s back straightened a little at those words.


    "I already know about the deal between Su Ying and the nine-tailed fox demons. Three days from now, Xian Ge and Liu Mu Sheng will be exchanged and returned to Qing Qiu. I want Miss Yan to help me at that time," said Feng Qian Shuo. "Miss, are you willing to or not?"


    "Tell me first exactly what you want me to help with."


    "I want Xian Ge to return to Central Plains and live under my protection for the rest of her life."


    Yan Hui was silent upon hearing this. She held her chin in her hand and contemplated while saying: "Leader Feng, I''ll be frank with you. You did help me with the Heavenly Fragrance shop matter. As far as I''m concerned, I owe you a favor. However compared to Xian Ge, you are not my friend. I am Xian Ge''s friend. When considering a matter, naturally I''ll be on her side. In three days, Xian Ge and Liu Mu Sheng will be exchanged. There doesn''t seem to be any harm with her returning to Qing Qiu. However in three days, you want me to help you, hand Xian Ge over to you, and have her return to your Qi Jue Group. There doesn''t seem to be anything good about that." Yan Hui looked at Feng Qian Shuo. "Again I ask you, why should I help you?"


    "Because Xian Ge had already betrayed Qing Qiu''s nine-tailed fox demon clan." The cold light in Feng Qian Shuo''s eyes sharpened into a sword. It made people who saw it tremble. "Returning to Qing Qiu definitely won''t be a good ending for her."


    Yan Hui was very shocked by that: "Xian Ge........" She actually took a step foward. "When did Xian Ge betray Qing Qiu?"


    "Nine-tailed fox demon Princess Yun Xi went missing in Central Plains, following which she was murdered by Su Ying. Qi Jue Group knew this piece of information long ago. Qi Jue Group also knew that Nine-tailed fox demon Zhu Li came to Central Plains to look for Yun Xi. Wang Yu Luo is the most important one of my my Qi Jue Group''s information network. Xian Ge acted as the head of Wang Yu Luo. Aside from my personal intel, everything will pass through Xian Ge. There is no way she wouldn''t know that kind of information."


    "If Xian Ge wasn''t a nine-tailed fox demon, hiding this information wouldn''t be so wrong. Not letting this intel out would spare the xian cultivators'' reputation. However, Xian Ge is a nine-tailed fox demon. She is of their blood yet didn''t send the information back to Qing Qiu. Even when Zhu Li arrived with his servant to Qi Jue Group for information, not a single piece of Yun Xi''s news was given out."


    As Feng Qian Shuo talked, Yan Hui''s eyes grew wider and wider.


    That''s right. How did she miss this?


    Back then when Yan Hui and Tian Yao ran into Zhu Li, he was near Qi Jue Group''s village base looking for information. Xian Ge concealed and didn''t reveal the intel. Even though at that point Yun Xi was already dead and couldn''t be brought back to life, she at least could''ve sent that news back earlier for the demons at Qing Qiu to know.


    But she didn''t do that........


    Why........


    Yan Hui looked at Feng Qian Shuo. When she saw him, Yan Hui suddenly realized why. Xian Ge actually love Feng Qian Shuo that much. Just to stay by his side a little longer, she actually dared go against her own identity and cover up such alarming news.


    If it wasn''t for the news of Princess Yun Xi''s death leaking out, then Qing Qiu and the cultivators wouldn''t so quickly become irreconcilable forces. At least on the surface, there would be peace. Xian Ge also wouldn''t have been urgently recalled back by Qing Qiu''s heir........


    Xian Ge, she........


    Seeing Yan Hui''s shocked speechless face, the light in Feng Qian Shuo''s eyes slightly dimmed. He looked down: "Seems like I don''t need to say more. You also know why Xian Ge''s actions implies."


    Yes, Yan Hui knew. This meant that Xian Ge loved a mortal man who helped xian cultivators handle matters. Furthermore, she hid the death of her own blood-related aunt.


    She betrayed Qing Qiu, betrayed the nine-tailed fox demon clan.


    Betrayal of the bloodline was perhaps the most taboo for the nine-tailed fox demon clan.


    "Now, can you ask what harm is there with Xian Ge returning to Qing Qiu?" said Feng Qian Shuo. "If the people in Qing Qiu are idiots, then they will never realize this. Then naturally there would be no harm with Xian Ge staying at Qing Qiu. However Miss Yan, do you know why when Su Ying cross San Chong Mountain and launched a surprised attack, why the nine-tailed fox demon clan sent two princes and Xian Ge to the front lines? Qing Qiu guards the weak. The little fox demons grow up under the king''s protection. Have you heard which of Qing Qiu''s heir and lords are being sent to meet Su Ying and where?"


    Yan Hui silently shook her head.


    "None." Feng Qian Shuo''s expression was cold. "The nine-tailed fox demon clan suspects Xian Ge. Not to mention, Qing Qiu''s king let the heavily surrounded Su Ying and Ling Xiao go in order to get back Xian Ge........"


    No wonder why!


    No wonder why the atmosphere at Xian Ge''s welcome banquet was strange. No wonder why Xian Ge had nothing to do after returning to Qing Qiu while everyone else was run off their feet with matters. No wonder why after Su Ying and Ling Xiao left, the heir apparent remorsefully said to the king: "I am guilty."


    All of Qing Qiu''s princes saw Xian Ge as a "traitor." And to get back a "traitor", Qing Qiu''s king actually lost the opportunity to kill two xian cultivators and come out on top of the battle!


    Yan Hui was shocked speechless. It was only after putting together the slightest of slight details that she understood. It turns out after all this time, there was this kind of reasoning hidden.


    "Miss Yan, if you are Xian Ge''s friend, then in times like these, you should help her. Don''t let her return to Qing Qiu. If she returns, even if she lives, will the rest of her life be well?"


    Yan Hui remained silent for a long time. In the end, she gritted her teeth: "What about you? If Xian Ge returns with you, will the rest of her life be well?"


    Feng Qian Shuo looked at Yan Hui for a moment and then unexpectedly smiled: "Miss Yan, do you know what I abhor the most?"


    "Xian Ge once told me. You hate betrayal the most."


    "That''s right. However, when I found out that Xian Ge was a nine-tailed fox demon who was sent by Qing Qiu as a spy, I was wild with joy. Her still living is the best information to me."


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment: "If you spirit away Xian Ge, Su Ying won''t let you off. Qing Qiu also won''t let you off. Where will you be able to protect Xian Ge after that?"


    Feng Qian Shuo''s eyes flashed: "That part needs Miss Yan''s help. Saying thus, will you assist me in two days time?"


    Yan Hui fixed her eyes on him: "Will you clean up your 100 concubines?"


    Feng Qian Shuo broke out into laughter: "They are chess pieces I placed over the past years to secretly grow my power under my now dead uncle''s own nose."


    Hearing that, Yan Hui basically already agreed. She started to nod her head when she suddenly thought of another thing: "I''m naturally willing to save Xian Ge. However, right now you are asking for my help. I want you to promise me something first. Then I''ll help you to the best of my ability in two day''s time."


    "Oh?" Feng Qian Shuo raised an eyebrow. "Speak, Miss Yan."


    "I know that you are helping Ling Xiao," said Yan Hui. "What is he planning? Can you tell me?"


    Feng Qian Shuo''s slightly darkened: "That matter........is a long story." He paused. "If Xian Ge safely enters my residence, then I will write down everything from the beginning with detail and hand it over to you."


    "Alright. It''s a deal."


    "You can''t take it back."

 CH 91

    The autumn chill was carried into the body by the autumn wind.


    On the day both Qing Qiu and Su Ying agreed upon, the xian forces and demon forces met in front of San Chong Mountain by the enormous abyss that magic had ripped open 50 years ago. The two forces were split onto two difference roads on either side of the mountain.


    Yan Hui and Tian Yao were standing within the demon clansmen. Qing Qiu''s heir had already brought Liu Mu Sheng to the head of the group. Su Ying and Ling Xiao were standing opposite. When they saw Liu Mu Sheng, only then did Su Ying beckon with her hand. The xian cultivators parted onto two sides and brought out a heavily chained up Xian Ge.


    Her hands were tied behind her. She also wore heavy chains on her feet. Those chains also had a magic seal on them, which flickered with her every step.


    Seeing Xian Ge like this, the demons would let out aggrieved sounds from time to time. Xian Ge might not have any more chains, but she was still the demon clan''s princess. But now she was brought out by the xian cultivators in prisoner''s clothing. The demons couldn''t help but be furious.


    "Guan Han Sect''s Su Ying," the heir raised his voice. "The one you want is here. Why don''t you quickly remove Xian Ge''s chains?" Saying this, the heir pulled Liu Mu Sheng forward one step. Su Ying''s gaze slightly tremored at the sight. With a flash of light in her hand, the seal on Xian Ge''s chains was immediately deactivated.


    "Let''s do the exchange." Su Ying''s voice was also raised.


    Thus, the heir of the nine-tailed fox demon clan said to Liu Mu Sheng, "Go."


    Liu Mu Sheng silently started to walk towards the bridge that the xian cultivators had created with magic. He looked down, not letting anyone see his expression.


    At the same time, Xian Ge started walking towards the demon''s magic bridge. The two of them reached the middle of their bridges at the same time. However, when everyone''s eyes were focused on the moment, no one noticed behind Su Ying was a female cultivator whose magic was secretly condensing in her hand.


    The cultivator was in the back of the ground. With a sudden movement, magic smashed at the demon''s bridge right below Xian Ge''s feet.


    The demon''s bridge shuddered, and Xian Ge stumbled and nearly fell.


    Su Ying''s gaze sharpened and she looked back towards the crowd of xian cultivators. At the demon''s side, Yan Hui saw the situation and loudly berated: "Guang Han Sect''s Su Ying is actually going back on her own word!" The demons were already alarmed when Su Ying fell. When they heard Yan Hui''s words, the already furious demons erupted into a noisy clamor.


    Yan Hui coldly snorted: "You want to get a person back but aren''t willing to release a person! There''s no such easy matter in this world!" She moved, hastily circulating the demon magic within her body. She flew up to grab Liu Mu Sheng back.


    Su Ying orignally planned to snatch Xian Ge back, but when she saw Yan Hui''s move, her face froze. There wasn''t time to say anything. Su Ying made a lightening fast gesture with her hand and sent a killing xian magic towards Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui didn''t have a ability to block Su Ying''s xian magic, and so she didn''t even try. She just risked it all to get Liu Mu Sheng and drag him back. At the same time, the lava in the abyss was suddenly stirred up by an unknown someone''s magic. With a boom, the lava rushed up and slammed into the xian cultivator''s bridge, breaking it. At the same time, that geysering lava also block Su Ying''s killing magic from reaching Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui didn''t even glance at the situation. She just held onto Liu Mu Sheng and ran with lowered head back to the Qing Qiu side. She didn''t fly nor use magic. They just stumblingly ran on like they had been hit by Su Ying''s spell, injured and unable to use magic.


    Su Ying saw Liu Mu Sheng being brought away by Yan Hui. Of course, she couldn''t let that happen. Su Ying immediately flew towards them to grab Yan Hui.


    At the same time, Tian Yao made a move and briefly came into contact with Su Ying. She fumed behidn gritted teeth: "Dragon demon, stop messing with my business!" Tian Yao coldly smiled: "It''s your busineses that is a mess."


    Su Ying''s face was filled with hate, but she couldn''t seize Tian Yao with just one strike.


    Yan Hui yelled towards Qing Qiu''s heir: "Quick, bring Xian Ge back!"


    The heir didn''t wait for Yan Hui to finish before making his own move. After the brief fight between Su Ying and Tian Yao, Su Ying saw the heir take action. She turned her head back and yelled: "Ling Xiao!"


    There was no need for Su Ying''s orders. Ling Xiao had already early on saw what was happening and planned to recapture Xian Ge back.


    The main players on both sides had made their own moves. Now the demons still standing on their side could no longer hold back the years and years of accumulated sullen hate towards the xian cultivators. With an earth-shaking howl, they lunged towards the other side of San Chong Mountain. The cultivators were forced to take a stand.


    The two sides were immediately embroiled into a chaotic fight.


    In the midst of the chaos, the fallen Xian Ge was struggling to rise. Suddenly from the side came an arm and powerfully wrapped around Xian Ge''s waist.


    Xian Ge was startled, but in the next moment she recognized who that arm belonged to. She turned her head in almost disbelief. The one who came was wearing black robes and a wide hat that obscured the face. The aura around the person was a mess. One moment it was demon, the next a xian cultivator.


    In the fight, it didn''t matter whether xian cultivator or demon, none could tell who it was in the chaos.


    Xian Ge looked at his haggard face. It was like all of her cries became lodged in her throat: "You......."


    "I came to save you."


    One sentence. Five words. Such conciseness, yet it easily caused Xian Ge''s eyes to redden.


    The chaos of the battlefield didn''t allow for much time of tenderness between the two. With a cold expression, Ling Xiao sent a xian spell hurling towards Xian Ge. However when the spell got close to her, a blast of demon magic broke the xian spell.


    Qing Qiu''s heir stood in front of Xian Ge. His broad back blocked Xian Ge. In the midst of the confused battlefield, he heavily shouted: "Leave!" That word was spoken so low that it was almost unhearable.


    Xian Ge turned to look. She saw her father, who had protected her since childhood, standing in front of her. In the chaotic battleground, he stood there as before, giving her the safest report.


    Xian Ge opened her mouth and called out "Father." That word had never been so filled with grief and anguish.


    But there wasn''t time for Xian Ge to look at the broad back. Feng Qian Shuo pulled Xian Ge up and carried her horizontally in his arms. He wrapped a cloak around her, and they immediately faded away from sight. It was unknown where they went.


    The nine-tailed fox demon clan''s heir didn''t even glance behind. Only his grip on his broadsword gradually tightened because he knew his daughter may face a long and arduous journey. They may never meet again in this life.


    Ling Xiao hurled another spell over, but the heir easily blocked it with a wave of his broadsword. The demon coldly smiled: "Is the leader of Chen Xing Mountain''s strength just this much? You worked hard for your cultivation sects, but it doesn''t seem like you put it your all!"


    Ling Xiao slightly narrowed his eyes at those words. He glanced to the side and saw Yan Hui doing her best to evade Su Ying all while dodging around the battlefield with Liu Mu Sheng. His fist slightly clenched harder. Ling Xiao forced his gaze back and coldly snorted:


    "The heir of Qing Qiu''s nine-tailed fox demon clan is quiet soft-hearted towards your daughter who betrayed the clan."


    The heir narrowed his eyes and charged at Ling Xiao to behead him with a deep shout. The two once again engaged in a fight. However this time, Ling Xiao fought and retreated at the same time. He was getting closer to where Yan Hui was.........


    Even though he was a distance away, Ling Xiao could tell Yan Hui was fully using demon heart techniques. Although he was mainly unfamiliar with demon magic, he could tell from the parts that he was familiar with that it was definitely taught to her by that dragon demon, Tian Yao. As Yan Hui used demon magic, her demon aura was faintly mingled with a dragon demon aura. Although that aura was faint to almost not showing, Ling Xiao could clearly sense it.


    And if he could sense it, then Su Ying definitely..........


    Ling Xiao hadn''t finished the thought when Su Ying, who was fighting against Tian Yao, coldly snorted: "I was wondering why you are so weak now. Turns out you didn''t take your neidan back yet. Why? Are you using that girl to grow it?"


    Su Ying''s voice wasn''t quiet. Yan Hui was on the ground protecting Liu Mu Sheng. They were racing towards the inner part of Qing Qiu, yet she heard those words. She couldn''t help pausing and looking towards the sky. It looked like Tian Yao was incensed by what Su Ying said.


    He made a seal with his hand. Behind him, the lava in the San Chong Mountain''s abyss responded to his call. It twisted into a fire dragon and rushed at Su Ying.


    Su Ying coldly snorted: "With out a neidan, you''re fighting in vain against me!" Once she said those words, there was a crisp sound in mid-air. The lava dragon Tian Yao had called turned into a block of ice. It broke in the sky, and pieces rained down.


    Yan Hui saw Su Ying cast a spell to kill Tian Yao. At the same time, she heard a loud sound of magic clashing from where Ling Xiao was. She looked over and saw Xian Ge had already disappeared. Yan Hui knew that Feng Qian Shuo had succeeded in taking Xian Ge away.


    Xian Ge was no longer here. Yan Hui made a quick calculation and said a word of apology to Liu Mu Sheng. She immediately drew out her dagger and placed it across his neck. They stood in the forest: "Su Ying!" Yan Hui shouted, "If you make another move, I''ll kill this scholar!"


    Sure enough, Su Ying paused at those words. She looked down. Yan Hui''s dagger had already lightly cut Liu Mu Sheng''s neck. Red blood flowed down his neck and stained his collar.


    Without her knowledge, Su Ying''s body started to tremble at the sight. She stopped her attacks.


    Yan Hui said: "You say he''s the reincarnation of the one you loved. You must have looked hard for him." Yan Hui smiled. "Who knows if I kill him that you''ll have the luck to find his reincarnation 20 years later."


    Su Ying''s hand slightly trembled.


    "Leave Qing Qiu," said Yan Hui. "Pretend like what happened here didn''t happen. Otherwise........" Yan Hui curled her lip and seemed to indifferently make the cut on Liu Mu Sheng''s neck even bigger. "You''ll just help him become a corpse."


    Su Ying''s eyes suddenly became gloomy. She tightly gritted her teeth.


    After a long silence in the sky: "I''ll retreat." Su Ying said, "Don''t hurt him."


    Those three words unexpectedly caused Liu Mu Sheng to coldly smile. He looked at Su Ying, who was in the sky, with extreme mockery. Su Ying pretended to not see that look and silently retreated.


    It looked like she was going to leave Qing Qiu''s border.


    Yan Hui just barely started to heave a sigh of relief.


    She slightly loosened her grip on the dagger. In the middle of the palpable anticipation, under Yan Hui''s feet suddenly formed an ice formation spell. Yan Hui was stunned. She heard Tian Yao''s panicked warning in the air: "Move!"


    Liu Mu Shen suddenly reacted. He moved his neck to directly hit it against Yan Hui''s knife edge.


    Yan Hui didn''t have time to move it out of the way. She saw the knife was about to cut open Liu Mu Sheng''s windpipe. A hand suddenly reached out from the side and firmly gripped Yan Hui''s dagger. Blood flowed from the palm of the hand and dripped onto the ground.


    No one was able to injure Su Ying in the battle. However to save Liu Mu Sheng, her hand was cut open by Yan Hui''s dagger.


    "You want to commit suicide again?" asked Su Ying. "Don''t use methods that hurt yourself to hurt me."


    Liu Mu Sheng icily mocked: "As long as it hurts you, I''m willing to use any method."


    The corner of Su Ying''s mouth trembled. Her expression was grieved.


    Yan Hui looked at Su Ying, who was almost within reach. In the middle of her shock, she suddenly heard what sounded like a violent impact off to the side. Yan Hui looked over. It was the normally calm Tian Yao using magic to forcefully strike against the edge of Su Ying''s magic. It was preventing him from getting close to Yan Hui.


    The ice formation suddenly lit up, and Yan Hui''s entire body was immediately caught within.


    Outside of the formation, the Tian Yao''s stunned and panicked expression also disappeared.........

 CH 92

    When Yan Hui woke up, it was already deep into the night. In the air, there was a seemingly lack of aura that was somewhat familiar to Yan Hui. This was.........Chen Xing Mountain''s aura.......


    Yan Hui opened her eyes and saw the stars through the trees'' outlines. She glimpsed firelight out of the corner of her eyes. Yan Hui turned to look and saw Su Ying half-kneeling on the ground. Her hand was covering Liu Mu Sheng''s neck. He was laying flat on the ground. A heavy icy aura spilled out from between Su Ying''s fingers. It looked like she was healing Liu Mu Sheng.


    What happened before Yan Hui fell unconscious slowly became more clear. She struggled to get it, but she discovered she was bound by some unknown power. Just moving a finger was very difficult.


    After searching within, Yan Hui knew her inner breath cultivation was still there, but she was completely unable to utilize it. Su Ying definitely put some kind of seal on her that she doomed to be unable to unseal. Once she recognized the reality, Yan Hui quickly accepted it. After all, Su Ying didn''t take advantage of the fact she was unconscious to kill her. Therefore, Su Ying wouldn''t kill her a little while later either.


    Yan Hui started to ponder on Su Ying planned to do. Su Ying took both Liu Mu Sheng and her. This place had Chen Xing Mountain''s aura. It seemed like Su Ying rushed towards Chen Xing Mountain, but this place was about three miles away from the mountain. Then why didn''t Su Ying go straight to Chen Xing Mountain instead of stopping halfway?


    Yan Hui glanced at Liu Mu Sheng again and realized why in a split second. His eyes were tightly closed, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat that reflected the firelight. His lips were white, and his face had an ashen tone. It looked like something had gone wrong with Liu Mu Sheng''s body.


    Yan Hui remembered back then that she only have Liu Mu Sheng a superficial wound to make him bleed. Even though he later forcefully hit the edge of the blade, in the end Su Ying stopped him.


    A mortal''s body.........really was a weak and fragile thing.


    "Mu Sheng?" Su Ying suddenly spoke up. "Does your body still feel unwell anywhere?"


    Liu Mu Sheng opened his eyes with bewilderment. He looked all around, but when he noticed Su Ying''s hand was placed on his neck, Liu Mu Sheng raised his hand and pushed her arm away. Even though he was so weak, he still wanted to push her away: "Get lost."


    Su Ying slightly looked down and pretended to not hear him: "You should''ve kept wearing the cloak I gave you. Even though it can''t protect you form wounds, it can still prevent you from falling seriously ill."


    Yan Hui recalled the cloak''s origin at those words. Her heart slightly hurt, and she coldly laughed: "Zhenren Su Ying is so generous towards others, very magnanimous. It''s just a pity that the cloak will never be worn by him again."


    Su Ying had focused all her attention on Liu Mu Sheng''s body. She didn''t notice that Yan Hui had woken up until Yan Hui started talking. That''s when Su Ying coldly shot a glance behind herself.


    Yan Hui continued: "Since Tian Yao found his dragon scales, the scales will never fall in your hands again."


    Su Ying looked at Yan Hui: "I''ll make him hand them over."


    Yan Hui narrowed her eyes and severely said: "Don''t even think about hurting Tian Yao again."


    Before Tian Yao was entranced by Su Ying. This time, thought Yan Hui, she would protect him. She would definitely protect him very well.


    As if hearing the deep, hidden feelings in Yan Hui''s heart, Su Ying looked over and fixed her gaze on Yan Hui. Her eyes narrowed, and she sneered: "You have feelings for the dragon demon. How laughable."


    Even though Liu Mu Sheng was still dazed, he still heard what those two were saying. He understood it all and grabbed Su Ying''s hand: "That cloak.......actually was........snatched by you? It''s a dragon''s.......scales?"


    Su Ying still lightly replied even though she was questioned in such a way: "It''s just a monster. I skinned him to prolong your life. What''s wrong with that?"


    Such a light tone made Yan Hui''s heart twist. A fire erupted in her chest. However, she didn''t get the chance to say something when Liu Mu Sheng, who like on the brink of death, suddenly got up. He loudly yelled: "So what if it was a demon!" He forcefully pushed Su Ying: "Get out of here! I don''t want you pretentious xian cultivators to save me!" He couldn''t support his own body after those words, so he fell heavily onto the ground.


    Su Ying stood there. Although she was pushed by Liu Mu Sheng, her face had an ugly expression like she had been slapped instead.


    "I am Yun Xi''s husband......." Liu Mu Sheng laid on the ground with unfocused eyes. It seemed like he was mumbling to himself. "I am also part of a demon clan."


    Su Ying just in that way quietly looked at him and quietly listened to him say, "Just kill me. I''m also a demon."


    Su Ying was quiet for a long time. When Yan Hui thought Su Ying wouldn''t speak again, Su Ying reached out a hand and touched Liu Mu Sheng''s neck. Her voice a bit rough: "You''re sick. Don''t talk like that."


    Liu Mu Sheng was already unable to push away the arm. However, he still shifted away his head to avoid Su Ying''s touch. His inner disgust towards Su Ying revealed itself on his face.


    Su Ying''s hand froze in midair. Finally, she silently took it back and didn''t speak again.


    The night quieted down.


    Although Liu Mu Sheng''s breath was originally erratic, it slowly became more regular. It looked like he had fallen asleep. Yan Hui took up a position. They probably wouldn''t move tonight. She just idly glanced at Su Ying''s back and then closed her eyes to sleep.


    Yan Hui didn''t feel the slightest bit of pity towards Su Ying who had her kind intentions rejected. She just thought Su Ying had brought it all onto herself.


    Yan Hui woke up early next day. When she opened her eyes, she just happened to see Liu Mu Sheng sit up. It looked like his wound was much better. Probably most of that was due to Su Ying''s magic. He wiggled his fingers and then looked at Su Ying who slept leaning against a tree.


    Liu Mu Sheng watched Su Ying for a long time. His thoughts were unknown. Then, he immediately stood up.


    Yan Hui blinked. She still couldn''t move. She didn''t know what Liu Mu Sheng was going to do. Yan Hui silently watched with mouth agape as he quickly approached Su Ying. He picked up the icy jian Su Ying had leaning by her side.


    If Yan Hui still didn''t understand what he was going to do by this point, then she had lived in vain.


    Equivalent, if Su Ying still hadn''t woken up when someone took her jian, then she probably also had lived in vain. But her eyes were still closed, so the only reason could be she was faking it. She wanted to know what Liu Mu Sheng would do when she was asleep........


    Almost without hesitation, Liu Mu Sheng clenched his teeth, hardened his normally weak scholarly expression, and stabbed Su Ying in the heart.


    With a wet sound, blood started to flow out. It dyed Su Ying''s chest a bright red.


    Liu Mu Sheng''s eyes brightened when his blow landed. He forced the blade in with more strength. This time, that made Su Ying''s body tremble a little. She opened her eyes. They were bright, but in the depths of her eyes was an unforgettable sorrow.


    Liu Mu Sheng was stunned.


    Su Ying bitterly laughed: "Are you shocked that my blood is red?" She said, "In your eyes, my blood ought to be black, right?"


    Liu Mu Sheng gritted his teeth and suddenly pulled the jian back out. Su Ying tightly clenched her teeth like the pain had reached its peak. When he say Su Ying sat there and didn''t move, Liu Mu Sheng turned and reached a hand out to the still frozen Yan Hui: "


    "Miss Yan, I hurt her. I''ll take you away."


    Yan Hui didn''t reply because she knew escaping Su Ying wasn''t that easy. In this world, probably only Liu Mu Sheng could so easily stab Su Ying, withdraw the blade, and escape unscathed.


    "So you plan to escape from me like this!" It looked like Su Ying couldn''t endure it anymore. Her voice suddenly rose with a sharp tone. Her tumbled voice was piercing. "You once said that you wanted to grow old with me. You once wrote my name on your palm. You said you would always hold it in your hand and keep it in your heart!"


    Su Ying''s words were full  of sorrow, yet Liu Mu Sheng had no reaction to it. Yan Hui couldn''t help blurting out: "How could the scholar''s past life''s disgustingly sweet actions be so tacky........."


    At this point, Su Ying was completely lost in her own world. She got up and suddenly rushed towards Liu Mu Sheng to grab his lapels. She repeatedly questioned him: "Did you forget it all? Did you completely forget? You once promised me many times that you would love me forever. You once said you would use all the pleasant things in life to remember me by, but you!" She clutched her bleeding wound like she was begging him. "How did you become like this? Why can''t you treat me like you did before?"


    Liu Mu Sheng didn''t even look at her: "I''m not the one you loved nor the one that loved you."


    Yan Hui added: "The one you were talking about is already dead."


    "Nonsense!" That word was like a thorn from Su Ying''s heart. "Shut your mouth!" She waved her hand and an enormous magical pressure pressed down on Yan Hui''s body. For a few moments, Yan Hui felt like the pain on the chest made it hard to breath and speak.


    However, Liu Mu Sheng unsympathetically continued, "What she was wasn''t wrong." Liu Mu Sheng paused between each word. "The one you''re talking about, that general, was already beheaded on the battlefield."


    Even though her chest hurt to the point where it was hard to speak, Yan Hui was still shocked.


    On the jianghu, it was only known that Su Ying once loved an ordinary man and that man died of old age. It was completely unexpected that the man.........was beheaded on the battlefield........Then even though he died so clearly, Su Ying still tricked Tian Yao. She wanted his dragon scales to make armor for what.........


    Yan Hui hadn''t finished that though when Liu Mu Sheng said: "20 years ago when you left Guang Han Sect to unknown whereabouts, that person was already killed on the battlefield."


    20 years ago......unknown whereabouts........Yan Hui pondered on it. She faintly became aware. Could it be that time just by chance coincided when Su Ying was tricking Tian Yao to gain his trust? Then just as Su Ying tricked Tian Yao and obtained his dragon scales to make dragon scale armor, that general actually was in that short time beheaded in battle by another person.........


    That probably was what happened. If Su Ying was there to protect, then a mortal person wouldn''t be able to kill the one Su Ying was protecting.


    Then this good fortune.......was fooling and messing with people.


    Yan Hui was thinking this when Su Ying actually brightly looked at Liu Mu Sheng: "Do you remember what happened in your past life? Did the spirit pearly I found for you let you remember your past memories?"


    Liu Mu Sheng knitted his forehead: "It was only a few dreams......."


    Su Ying placed her hand over her chest to stop the blood flow. Her expression calmed down a little: "You''re just treating me like this because you don''t remember the past yet." She said, "When you remember it all, everything will be well."


    Su Ying recovered her mood: "Let''s go to Chen Xing Mountain."

 CH 93

    Su Ying brought Yan Hui and Lu Mu Sheng into Chen Xing Mountain. Yan Hui thought she would have mixed feelings when they passed through the main gate. However when they actually walked through, there wasn''t much for her to reminisce one.


    She didn''t have any extra thoughts to spare for this place.


    Some of the disciples were discussing matters with Su Ying. As those people were talking, Lu Mu Sheng suddenly asked Yan Hui: "Did Su Ying commit many atrocious acts against Tian Yao before for my sake?"


    Yan Hui paused for a brief moment before responding: "Beyond atrocious." Her reply was half sighed. "But it actually isn''t very related to you. She dismembered him and placed a seal on the scattered pieces for your previous incarnation as a general. She wanted to make a dragon-scale armor to grant him immortality."


    Lu Mu Sheng''s lips tightened, and his expression abruptly became cold. There was no time for him to respond when Su Ying finished ordering people to take Yan Hui into the dungeon. Lu Mu Sheng was taken to another place.


    Yan Hui glanced back and saw Su Ying was following her. Su Ying''s expression was as chilly and indifferent as ever.


    Inside Xin Xiu Peak''s prison, Yan Hui was placed in a cage and hung in midair by her hands.


    Su Ying walked into the cage, and with a wave of her hand, she dismissed the disciples present. The prison was dark. Only the wall behind Yan Hui had a barred window where light could shine in. The light lengthen Yan Hui''s shadow, and Su Ying stepped right on her shadow.


    Yan Hui smiled: "Is Zhenren Su Ying going to lynch me?"


    Su Ying stayed expressionless: "You revived the dragon demon, killed Su E, and betrayed the xian cultivators. These crimes are enough for you to die many, many times over. Whatever is done to you won''t be considered lynching."


    "Tian Yao originally should''ve been like how he is now. The xian cultivators ought to be betrayed, and your sister, Zhenren Ling Fei, deserved to die. What I have done is reasonable and fair. Why would you say that I ought to die, I should die?"


    "Even if the earlier reasons didn''t exist, the fact you harbor a dragon demon''s heart protection scale and neidan is enough for you to die. 20 years ago, you were about to die. This life of yours was stolen and will eventually be returned."


    Su Ying didn''t wait allow for Yan Hui to even open her mouth when light revolved around her hand. A dagger formed out of ice appeared in Su Ying''s hand. She approached Yan Hui and rested the blade''s edge against Yan Hui''s chest.


    Yan Hui''s expression didn''t even flinch. Her voice remained steady: "Even if you cut out the heart protection scale, you won''t be able to complete the dragon scale armor."


    Yan Hui didn''t finish speaking when Su Ying smiled: "You don''t need to stall for time with me." She continued, "Do you think the dragon demon will rush over to save you? The Tracking Technique he planted on you was removed by me long ago. No one knows that I brought you to Chen Xing Mountain."


    Yan Hui''s heart sank at those words.


    "Furthermore, even if it wasn''t for the heart protection scale, I wouldn''t leave the neidan in your heart for you........."


    Boom! There was a muffled sound. Fresh air suddenly entered the prison. Su Ying knitted her eyebrows but didn''t look back. The dagger aimed down at Yan Hui''s heart.


    Right before the dagger entered the heart, it was stopped by a force.


    It was the same type of ice magic, but unlike Su Ying''s magic, it formed a block in front of Yan Hui.


    The dagger was pushed away, and the chains around Yan Hui were broken. Yan Hui was scooped into an embrace.


    Yan Hui hadn''t felt this light and frosty hug in a long time. It tightly hugged her close and pressed against her chest, not letting anyone come close.


    Yan Hui heard Su Yihng question from behind: "Ling Xiao, are you going to throw away the plans for this girl?"


    Ling Xiao didn''t respond. He just brandished a gesture and launched a move against Su Ying. The attack in this narrow prison struck a loud sound. Yan Hui wasn''t able to see anything that happened. She just sensed a moment later there was ice magic cast under her feet.


    Yan Hui sensed herself being pulled further and further away. An unknown amount of time passed before the surroundings finally started to settle down.


    The one holding her suddenly let go. Yan Hui retreated a couple steps and finally got a good look at her surroundings.


    It was unfamiliar vegetation and streams. She didn''t know where adn what hidden forest they were in. In front of her was Ling Xiao, whose lips had slightly paled. He looked at Yan Hui and spoke: "You actually dared to cleanse your essence and cultivate demon magic!" His voice was a little hoarse. To Yan Hui''s ears, it sounded sharp and coarse, extremely sarcastic.


    "Why not?" Yan Hui coldly laughed. "Should I be delighted to be whipped by you and then become a cripple?"


    Ling Xiao''s gaze slightly narrowed: "You cultivated demon magic quite fast......."


    "So is Cultivator Ling Xiao going to whip this disgraceful person 81 times?" countered Yan Hui. "Or are you going to go straight to killing this unworthy disciple?"


    Ling Xiao looked away from the mocking Yan Hui: "Leave Central Plains. Don''t go to the southwest Qing Qiu either. The two sides are about to go to war. Overseas is a xian island that is apart from these worldly affairs. You should go there and take refuge for now."


    Yan Hui didn''t understand what she was hearing: "Cultivator Ling Xiao, you and I have no relation now. Is my negligible life worth caring about?"


    Ling Xiao pressed his thin lips together: "There is no relationship. It''s merely based on our former shifu-disciple relation........"


    "No need," said Yan Hui. "Those four words, former shifu-disciple relation, is too much. I can''t assume that. You''re better off forgetting those 10 years. You want me to be someone who runs away at the critical moment. I also can''t do that. I''ll pretend that you never said it. As for Qing Qiu, there''s someone there who I want to protect. I want to face whatever hardships and sufferings together with him."


    When Ling Xiao heard those words, his downcast eyes suddenly raised up: "You must go to the overseas xian island."


    "Ah......." For a moment, Yan Hui actually couldn''t hold back a sneer. "Absurd. Why must I go? Because you order it?"


    Ling Xiao silently looked on with heavy eyes, yet in his hands xian magic already started to condense. Yan Hui saw he was illogically going to take action! She stared blankly for a moment. At first she thought her own magic was resisting her, but then she realized the seal Su Ying had placed on her was still there. For now, she completely couldn''t use any magic.


    "The overseas xian island is where I was taking you. Therefore, you must go." Ling Xiao reached out to grab her. Yan Hui retreated backwards, and he actually let her dodge. However as Yan Hui continued to retreat back, Ling Xiao would advance forwards, pressing in closer and closer.


    Yan Hui frowned: "I don''t want to go to whatever overseas xian island. I promised someone that I would protect him. Since I already said that, then I don''t plan to go back on my words." Yan Hui stared straight at Ling Xiao. "I don''t want to be like how you were."


    He clearly once said that Chen Xing Mountain would become her home, but then in the end he chased her out. He clearly once said he wouldn''t let her face the hardship of wandering and drifting around, but now looking at it, he was the who made her wander and drift around.


    Ling Xiao''s complexion paled at those words. His lips slightly trembled. A long time passed before he said: "That dragon demon, Tian Yao, isn''t as good as you think. He''s doing it all for that neidan in your chest!"


    "So what if it''s for the neidan!" Yan Hui bluntly retorted. "At least Tian Yao cares about me for than anyone else. At least he hasn''t thought about taking back the neidan so far. Maybe once he hid things and schemed against me and was going to discard me like a used chess piece in the end. But now, he doesn''t do any of that towards me."


    Yan Hui wasn''t someone who couldn''t clearly see the circumstances. Back when Qing Qiu''s king asked Tian Yao if he had finished retrieving all his body parts, perhaps it was because the king could tell that Tian Yao hadn''t retrieved his neidan. However, Tian Yao''s reply was that he retrieved it all. That meant he didn''t plan no touching what was in Yan Hui''s heart.


    "I''m well aware of how Tian Yao treats me. Zhenren Ling Xiao doesn''t need to concern himself about it." Yan Hui paused. "But as for you, do you still care about your own disciples?"


    Ling Xiao was silent for a moment: "Today, I must take you away."


    He advanced. Under his footsteps was a spell. Ice and snow clung to the ground and bound Yan Hui''s feet and legs, so that she couldn''t move an inch. Ling Xiao reached out to grab her. Yan Hui was unable to dodge. Without a second thought, she immediately struck his shoulder.


    Ling Xiao stifled a grunt.


    He paused. It was only then that Yan Hui saw bloodstains on his white Chen Xing Mountain''s robes. Blood was seeping up from his inner robes.


    Was it........an injury inflicted by Su Ying when he was taking her away..........


    Yan Hui stopped her movements. Suddenly, a crisp voice rang out from her own hand: "Master, don''t worry! I''ll take you away!"


    Following Huan Xiao Yan''s shout, Yan Hui felt her legs lighten. Ling Xiao''s magic that bound her feet down had broken. She also felt like her body had become much lighter. Yan Hui felt an almost powerless-like magic wrapping around her and lifting her into midair. Gradually, the forest where they were disappeared. Ling Xiao was still there, clutching his shoulder and not completely recovered.


    They flew away for an unknown distance before Huan Xiao Yan stuck her head out besides Yan Hui. Huan Xiao Yan''s body materialized, and she flew alongside Yan Hui: "Good heavens, that scared me to death! We really barely came back from the dead after all the twists and turns!"


    Yan Hui wasn''t in the mood to correct Huan Xiao Yan''s wrong wording. Her mind was filled with Ling Xiao''s wound. She turned to look at Huan Xiao Yan: "When did you follow me?"


    "Master, you''re alive this time because of me," boasted Huan Xiao Yan. "Last time, you and dragon demon Tian Yao secretly went to Guang Han Sect, and you nearly came back as a corpse, right? After that, I paid close attention to you. This time when you went to the battlefield, I slept in your ring and quietly accompanied you. When you were captured by Su Ying and then by Ling Xiao, I was with you all the way. I just couldn''t find the right opportunity to save you. But now was a great chance. You saw how smart I was. I just needed the slight chance, and I could save you. You''re not going to praise me?"


    Yan Hui nodded: "I''ll praise you." She said, "It''s all thanks to you."


    Otherwise, if she was brought to some overseas xian island by Ling Xiao, then how much would she have to praise Tian Yao........

 CH 94

    Yan Hui was rushed back to Qing Qiu still wrapped in Huan Xiao Yan''s magic. When they passed San Chong Mountain, Huan Xiao Yan got in touch to Zhu Li''s people, and Zhu Li sent over some demons to receive them. Within a few days, the two of them returned to Qing Qiu.


    They had just touched down when Yan Hui looked straight at the still approaching Zhu Li and asked: "Where''s Tian Yao?"


    Zhu Li''s expression was solemn: "We didn''t know where Su Ying took you. Tian Yao was anxious, so he went to look at Guang Han Sect........"


    Yan Hui felt her heart freeze when she heard those words. Ling Xiao had taken her away. Thus, Su Ying had no more business at Chen Xing Mountain. Before, Tian Yao had gone to Guang Han Sect and raised a ruckus. There probably were many things for Su Ying to address as the sect leader. She definitely would bring Lu Mu Sheng back to Guang Han Sect. If Tian Yao and Su Ying ran into each other........


    Yan Hui''s heart tightened: "I have to go after Tian Yao."


    Zhu Li stopped her: "Your cultivation is nothing to Su Ying. My father and Third Uncle already after him."


    Qing Qiu mobilized two princes. Even though the Third Prince''s eyes weren''t good, his cultivation level was quite high. With those two, even if they couldn''t beat Su Ying, bringing back Tian Yao was a likely matter.


    The fear was.........before they reached Guang Han Sect.........Tian Yao and Su Ying would have already met.........


    In fact, Yan Hui''s fear came true. Tian Yao indeed arrived at Guang Han Sect before the two princes and crossed paths with Su Ying. Or in other words, the moment when Su Ying returned to Guang Han Sect, he went looking for her.


    When Tian Yao thought about Yan Hui in Su Ying''s hands, not knowing if she was dead or alive, he couldn''t patiently endure it.


    Yan Hui saved him so many times, did so many things for him. But every time Yan Hui suffered, he seemed to always arrive too late, couldn''t save her, couldn''t help her..........


    Tian Yao stood on the snowy mountain top and saw Su Ying''s white xian light croming from the horizon. With a wave of his sleeve, magic crashed against that light. Su Ying returned the attack with a blast of her own.


    She came down from the sky and landed on another side.


    Lu Mu Sheng was protected behind her. Su Ying colding looked at Tian Yao was a steady gaze. She smiled in mockery: "Dragon Demon Tian Yao, did you overestimate your capabilities and come to my sect to die?"


    Not seeing Yan Hui behind Su Ying, Tian Yao narrowed his eyes: "Where''s Yan Hui?"


    Su Ying''s expression was very indifferent. She moved her gaze as if not caring the slightest: "Dead."


    When Tian Yao heard that word, for an moment he didn''t understand what he just heard. It wasn''t until that work resonated in his mind for a while that he slowly started to understand. Then close behind that he felt in his recently reacquired heart an indescribable paint. It was like a dull knife grinding down on the softest part of his heart, separating muscle and dripping with blood.


    In those moments of pain, Tian Yao wished he had never found his heart.


    The pain surpased anything he felt on full moon nights.


    He despondently looked at Su Ying.


    From behind, Lu Mu Sheng also stared in disbelief at Su Ying.


    Su Ying just indifferently said: "I gouged out her heart and took your heart protection scale and neidan. Then I abandoned her corpse in the wilderness." She continued, "Don''t even think about finding her again."


    For a moment, the scenes of the short times he had with Yan Hui flashed in Tian Yao''s mind. He remembered when Yan Hui stood in front of him in the moonlight and blocked all of the murderous auras. He remembered Yan Hui crying in his arms in the illusion demons'' palace. He remembered Yan Hui feeding him blood during the mid-autumn festival, letting him use her knew as a pillow, watching over him through the night..........


    Tian Yao remembered just a few days ago Yan Hui sat by his side, and they soaked in the cold spring. They played in the waters. She would laugh, call his name. She even said from now on she would be his heart protection scale and protect his heart.


    Now.........


    Tian Yao momentarily felt like his body had no strength. However after feeling powerless, he felt a hard to describe deep grief burning in his chest,raging into anger. He lifted his head and looked straight at Su Ying. Tian Yao''s eyes had turned red. He appeared terrifying.


    "Want to kill me?" Su Ying was disdainful. "20 years ago you couldn''t. Now, you still can''t."


    Tian Yao recklessly charged at her before she could finish. Demon magic surged forward with earth-shaking power. There was no defense in place. He was single-mindedly focused on attacking Su Ying.


    Tian Yao''s attack was so fierce that although all his weak points were exposed, Su Ying was unable to find a chance to hurt him. Because she was also protecting Lu Mu Sheng, it was difficult for her to make a move.


    However, it was extremely difficult for Tian Yao to injure Su Ying.


    Finally, it was actually Lu Mu Sheng who shouted out from behind Su Ying: "Kill me!"


    Tian Yao didn''t refused at the slightest. Without a word, he raised his hand and changed his attack to aim at Lu Mu Sheng. Su Ying turned back to look at Lu Mu Sheng with varying degrees of anger and pain. She had no choice but to return to Lu Mu Sheng''s side to protect him.


    For a moment, there was a weak spot.


    Tian Yao reacted extremely quickly. It clearly was an attack aimed at Lu Mu Sheng, but halfway there, it changed direction and aimed at Su Ying! However in the end, Su Ying''s cultivation was far beyond Tian Yao''s level. Without his neidan, Tian Yao''s movements were still too slow. Su Ying saw through his trick. Thinking that no one would attack Lu Mu Sheng, Su Ying had overlooked protecting him.


    She immediately turned back. With a turn of her hand, the attack was suddenly sent back at Tian Yao''s chest, which had no heart protection scale to guard him. It looked like Tian Yao was unable to dodge the attack..........


    What no one expected what for Lu Mu Sheng to rush out from behind Su Ying''s back and throw himself towards Tian Yao. Su Ying didn''t have time to withdraw her attack, and it slammed directly on Lu Mu Sheng''s back!


    There was a meaty thud. That was the sound of his internal organs exploding. Lu Mu Sheng suddenly collapsed onto Tian Yao. Blood immediately started to flow out of his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It was a terrifying sight.


    It all happened too quick. Su Ying didn''t react. Even Tian Yao didn''t react. He caught Lu Mu Sheng and dazedly looked at the already limp scholar.


    Su Ying looked at her own hand. Her xian aura dissipated like mist, actually forget to guard herself against Tian Yao: "No.........."


    Tian Yao gazed down at Lu Mu Sheng. He stood, stunned in place, and listened to Lu Mu Sheng''s words: "The cloak to replenish my life........is made of your scales......She hurt you for me." Lu Mu Sheng spoke with halts and pauses. His aura was extremely weak, and his voice was so faint that it almost couldn''t be heard.


    "Now I''ll be your scales. I don''t need her charity and love......" Lu Mu Sheng took two deep breaths, but he breathed in less air than he breathed out. Blood continued to flow out of his eyes and ears. "What I owe you, I have returned."


    "No.......no........" Su Ying took a trembling step forward to take Lu Mu Sheng.


    Suddenly, it was like Lu Mu Sheng could see Su Ying from behind coming closer. Somehow he found the strength to push on Tian Yao to take three steps forward and avoid Su Ying''s grasp.


    "Burn me," said Lu Mu Sheng. "Don''t leave anything left for her."


    He fixedly stared at Tian Yao, who finally reacted. Before Su Ying could use her magic, Tian Yao''s hand was wreathed in flame, and the flames encircled Lu Mu Sheng.


    "No!" Su Ying raised her hand. She wanted to use her magic to extinguish Tian Yao''s flames. However, this time Tian Yao sent a burst of magic from the side and knocked away her away. The force sent her skidding 100 feet away.


    By the time she recovered to try and save Lu Mu Sheng again, it was too late.


    Lu Mu Sheng, wreathed in orange flames, stood at the cliff edge.


    Tian Yao''s flames burned so fiercely that not even a 100-year demon could endure it. Lu Mu Sheng was just a weak scholar, but in the midst of flames, he had no trace of suffering and pain. He just looked towards the sky and smiled. Right before he fell from the cliff, Tian Yao heard his last words:


    "Yun Xi, I''m finally coming to you."


    The fiery body dropped from the cliff. In the whistling wind, Lu Mu Sheng''s body was thoroughly burned into ash. They blew away to areas unknown by the strong wind.


    Su Ying watched Lu Mu Sheng''s ashes by carried away. Her usual icy mien was no more. Instead it trembled and crumbled: "No, don''t! Come back! Come back!"


    She walked to the cliff edge and extended her hand. However aside from the year-around strong winds around Guang Han Mountain, nothing touched her hand. Not even a speck of ash landed in her palm.


    "I looked for you for so many years! I looked for you for so long!" It seemed like Su Ying''s heart was shattered by the pain. "Ah!" She sounded like a wounded animal howling in pain. "Ah!"


    In this world, aside from her pain, it was like there was nothing else.


    But when the pain passed, Su Ying suddenly looked back from the edge. She hatefully fixed her eyes on Tian Yao: "You killed him!" It sounded like she wanted to rip Tian Yao apart. "You killed him!"


    To tell the truth, even if Tian Yao didn''t give Lu Mu Sheng that blaze, Lu Mu Sheng still wouldn''t have lived after received that blow from Su Ying. However Tian Yao didn''t even hesitate when admitting: "So what if I killed him?"


    Tian Yao looked at Su Ying with a murderous gaze that still hadn''t receded. To him, Su Ying''s hands were stained with Yan Hui''s blood. Even if he would walk away from that hatred from 20 years ago, but Yan Hui.........He must have retribution.


    Xian aura revolved around Su Ying. Snow flurried around her, and a gale tugged at her hair. She looked like a lunatic who had been robbed of love. That icy calm was no longer there. That aloofness was no longer there. Her eyes were filled only with loathing and murder.


    Tian Yao''s body raged with flames.


    The snow and flames around the two people pushed out into an enormous circle. Where the two met were violent collisions. It was the collision of the two people pushing all their cultivation.


    It was like making up for that missed life and death battle 20 years ago.


    However since Tian Yao still didn''t get back his neidan, a few moments later it was like his strength wasn''t enough. The range his flames burned started to slowly shrink.


    Looking at it, Tian Yao''s flames were about to be engulfed by the surrounding snow and wind. Suddenly in the distant horizon appeared two lights. They abruptly broke through Su Ying''s snow-ladened wind and turned into two people. One used a barrier to block Su Ying''s magic. The other supported Tian Yao.


    The two newcomers didn''t saw a word. It seemed like they had an understanding due to their bloodline. One took Tian Yao and shot out of Su Ying''s magic range like an arrow. The other suddenly pulled back and rapidly followed. In a blitzkrieg strategy, Tian Yao was taken away from Guang Han Mountain.


    In the middle of the raging snow, only Su Ying remained. She didn''t give chase. She just looked up at the falling snow and stood in silence.


    Her only family member was dead. Her only love was dead.


    Now, aside from her magic, she had nothing else.


    The Seventh Prince looked back and saw that Su Ying wasn''t chasing after them. He let out a breath: "Guang Han Sect''s Su Ying has cultivated a strong magic. If it wasn''t for using all our cultivation, we might not have safely made it out."


    The Third Prince carried Tian Yao. Although he couldn''t see, his senses surpassed others: "It isn''t that her cultivation is strong. It''s likely she was using all her cultivation." The Third Prince''s ear angled toward Tian Yao, "What did you discuss with her?"


    Tian Yao was carried on the prince''s back. He just dipped his head and blankly looked at the white cloud carrying them under their feet.


    "Yan Hui is dead."


    He said those four words not like he was talking about Yan Hui, but rather like he was talking about himself.


    That despair hide that deep a grief.


    The two princes were silent at those words. They also didn''t know about Yan Hui''s situation, and more so didn''t know what to say.


    The trio rushed back to Qing Qiu. They had just landed when they were surrounded by people. Tian Yao''s head was still down, looking at the ground. It seemed like he had nothing else to live for. Suddenly from far away, he heard a very familiar shout: "Tian Yao!"


    His ears twitched. He instantly raised his head and saw Yan Hui pushing aside people to get through.


    In that moment, it was like Yan Hui''s body was lit with flame. It lit up the darkness in his eyes. Aside from Yan Hui, it was like Tian Yao could see no one else.


    "Tian Yao, did you run into Su Ying? Did you fight? Are you hurt?"


    Yan Hui impatiently asked as she ran towards him.


    Tian Yao continued to silently gaze at her. It wasn''t until Yan Hui was three steps away from him tha the took one large step forward. He tugged her hand, forcefully pulling her into his arms, and wrapped his arms around her waist. He cupped the back of her head. Without giving her a chance to protest or say no, Tian Yao almost impatiently kissed Yan Hui.


    He licked her lips, and didn''t allow any resistance before entering her mouth. His kiss was hungry. Under the many eyes of everyone, Tian Yao tightly hugged and deeply kissed Yan Hui.


    He couldn''t let go.


    Tian Yao thought, he probably could never let Yan Hui go.


    It was far beyond what he had thought. He cared about her, loved her, needed her.......

 CH 95

    The kiss was very deep. Tian Yao held Yan Hui so tightly that she almost couldn''t breathe. When Yan Hui started to push Tian Yao away because she couldn''t endure it anymore, it was like he finally came back to his senses. He released her lips, letting her breathe. However, his hands were still unwilling to let her go.


    He wanted to hold her, feel her heaving chest and rapid heartbeats. He wanted to confirm that Yan Hui was still alive, truly alive and by his side.


    He returned to his sense with great difficulty. Yan Hui lifted her head and stared blankly at Tian Yao.


    Four eyes met. The two people stood there in silence.


    In the end, Zhu Li stepped up and broke the strange silence: "This.....this is a public place!" His voice slightly shook. "Let go!"


    Yan Hui snapped back to her senses. She hurriedly pressed at Tian Yao''s hands which still held her. She wanted to get free from his embrace. However, he used a little more strength and pulled her back into his arms. Her chest pressed against his chest, and her head rested on his shoulder.


    "You''re still alive," said Tian Yao. "You''re still safe and sound."


    Yan Hui was stunned by both his words and by his clinging actions: "Yes......yes, I''m still alive and well." She craned her neck back. "But you......." Tian Yao didn''t wait for Yan Hui to finish her words before hugging her even tighter. He patted the back of her head like he was coaxing a small child.


    "Everything is alright now."


    He seemed to let out a pent up breath. It was unclear whether those four words were said for him or for her.


    Yan Hui fell silent at those words. She didn''t ask any more questions and simply reached out to pat Tian Yao''s back.


    The late autumn nights are very cold.


    Yan Hui didn''t understand the restlessness she felt in her body, especially the hot sensation on her lips. Her mind was stuck on what happened in the morning when Tian Yao suddenly kissed her.


    Her heartbeat was like when she ate the fox lust fragrance in Yong Zhou city.


    Huan Xiao Yan lightly floated to Yan Hui''s side: "Master." She softly called in Yan Hui''s ear, but it still made Yan Hui jump. "What is it?"


    "You look like an animal in heat."


    Yan Hui''s face turned red. She lightly coughed and sat up: "Um, the last two days were a mess. I haven''t properly thanked you for helping me out." She looked Huan Xiao Yan up and down. "Did you grow up a little?"


    "Of course." Huan Xiao Yan proudly spun around in midair. "You just realized I grew up? Ever since leaving the illusion demon palace, I''ve been busy making all kinds of illusions for Qing Qiu''s demons. Those who don''t sleep well all want me to help. I grew fast on eating their emotions. Now casting illusions on demons one hundred times more powerful than me is even possible!"


    Yan Hui more closely sized Huan Xiao Yan up. It seemed like it really was the case. Before the little demon looked like a child. Now she was a pretty teenager.


    "But Master, we didn''t finish what we were just talking about......." It was clear Huan Xiao Yan wasn''t interested talking about herself. She turned the conversation back to the original topic. "Today when Dragon Demon Tian Yao kissed you," She lifted her eyebrows and assumed a very understanding air, "was it very nice?"


    Yan Hui glanced as the demon. Huan Xiao Yan thought she was going to be chided, but to her surprise, Yan Hui thought about it and thoughtfully rubbed her lips: "It was pretty nice........"


    "..........." said Huan Xiao Yan. "Master, you not being aloof really was beyond my expectations. I don''t know how to respond now."


    Yan Hui laughed: "However, ignoring how my body feels, my heart still doesn''t fully believe it."


    "What''s there not to believe? It really happened."


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment: "I believed that Tian Yao would never love another woman in his life. After all, he was badly hurt in the past......."


    Huan Xiao Yan curled her lip: "Isn''t that because he isn''t able to love men?"


    Yan Hui: "........."


    Huan Xiao Yan grinned: "I''m kidding, Master." She rolled her eyes and thought a little. "Master, you probably don''t know, but before when we were in the illusion demon palace, I also cast an illusion on Tian Yao. He saw the two most unforgettable moments in his life. One moment was probably from 20 years ago when that other woman pledged her love to him, but what Tian Yao felt was strong bitterness and hate. Later, he saw another moment. It was about you."


    Yan Hui was shocked: "Me?"


    "He saw you under moonlight, standing in front of him with a jian. Even after the illusion was gone, his heart was still filled with emotion." Huan Xiao Yan scratched her head. "I think that the best moment in Tian Yao''s life was meeting you when he was at the end of his rope."


    Meeting her.......


    When he was at the end of his rope.


    Yan Hui could practically feel her chest warm up in the chilly night.


    Turns out, she actually held such an important place in someone''s heart. Turns out, she actually was needed like this. She never thought her own disappointing, worthless life would be so irreplaceable to a person.


    Just thinking about it, she felt,


    So good.


    Fortunately, there was someone called Tian Yao in the world.


    In an instant, Yan Hui felt somewhat stirred up. She immediately put on her shoes and ran out the door without putting on her outer robe. Huan Xiao Yan was baffled by Yan Hui''s sudden dash. She chased after Yan Hui and yelled: "Master! Where are you going?!"


    "I''m going to find Tian Yao! I want to see him!"


    Huan Xiao Yan stopped when she heard those words and ruefully shook her head: "Twitterpated." But when she turned her head, she saw Zhu Li dejectedly standing behind a pillar. The pillar''s shadow obscured his figure, so that it was hard to see him.


    Huan Xiao Yan rubbed her chin in thought. Then she walked up and patted Zhu Li''s shoulder: "Little prince." She brightly smiled at him. "Do you want to be with my master in your dream? I can give you that dream. You just have to let me eat your emotions at night."


    "No need." Zhu Li brushed away Huan Xiao Yan''s hand. "It''s fine like this."


    He turned and left to go back to his own courtyard.


    Huan Xiao Yan looked at his lonely back. She thought about it and then chased after him: "But right now you look pitiful like a dog who was splashed with water."


    "I don''t."


    "Mm, you''re even dragging your feet. You''re dispirited, and your expression is crumbling."


    "Shut your mouth."


    "If I shut my mouth, will you be happy?"


    "That would be good."


    "........" Huan Xiao Yan opened her mouth again. "I just shut my mouth for a moment. Are you happy now?"


    Zhu Li eyes almost rolled into the back of his head: "Are you teasing me?"


    Huan Xiao Yan blinked and bluntly said: "Yes."


    "........." Magic gathered in Zhu Li''s hand. "Come here. Let''s talk."


    "Bad person! I was only teasing you because I saw you were in a bad mood. Why do you want to hit me because I''m teasing you? I don''t accept it!"


    "If you don''t accept it, then let''s fight!"


    "Fine!"


    Yan Hui, who had gone far, didn''t know what state the courtyard turned into due to the fight. She single-mindedly ran towards the cold spring.


    Tian Yao was immersed in the spring in his dragon form. When he heard Yan Hui running over, he lightly lifted his head but didn''t turn back into his human form.


    "Tian Yao." Yan Hui stopped in front of him, slightly gasping for breath. The dragon head moved in front of Yan Hui as if asking what was the matter.


    But Yan Hui, still somewhat gasping for air, hugged Tian Yao''s neck. Tian Yao was startled. His dragon eyes suddenly widened.


    Yan Hui hugged him and said: "You like me, right?!"


    Tian Yao''s tail suddenly rose out of the water.


    Yan Hui buried her head on top of his head: "Become mine, okay?!"


    For an instant, Tian Yao was stunned by those words. Close behind that, a light revolved around his entire body. Immediately, a person appeared in the cold spring. His restrained gaze leaked out a faint light revealing his normally hidden emotions.


    Yan Hui took a step forward: "Become my person, okay?! I also like you!"


    The light in Tian Yao''s eyes slowly dimmed. He just calmly looked at Yan Hui. Yan Hui, who was quietly being looked at for a while, became a little uncertain: "Before, you asked me what would''ve happened if 20 years ago the one you met was me. At that time, I knew you started to feel for me, but I had no affection for you. But recently, I started thinking more about that question, what if I was the one you met 20 years ago."


    Yan Hui steadily looked at Tian Yao: "I don''t dare say anything else, but if the one you met 20 years ago was me, you would only need to sincerely be with me. Then I would sincerely give my all to you. There will be no deception nor betrayal."


    Actually, if the best moment for Tian Yao was meeting Yan Hui when all was bleak, then for Yan Hui, her best moment was having Tian Yao when she had nothing else.


    They didn''t know when each other became a irreplaceable barrier in their hearts.


    The scattered starlight in the cold spring''s waters reflected in Tian Yao''s eyes. He still didn''t say anything.


    Yan Hui waited for awhile until her patience was used up. In the end, she took another step forward. She hooked her hand around Tian Yao''s neck and bit his lip. She left a deep mark and started to act like a rogue: "I don''t care. I kissed you. I hugged you. I''ve seen parts of your body that I should and shouldn''t have seen. In any case, I took your innocence. Say it, be mine."


    Tian Yao couldn''t keep a straight face at those words. He dipped his head, looked away, and smiled.


    "That was really you, Yan Hui."


    Yan Hui hooked her hand around his neck and fixedly stared at him: "Stop laughing at me. If you don''t become mine tonight, I''m not letting you leave."


    Tian Yao laughed. He laughed for a long time before nodding: "I''m yours." He repeated it again. "I''ll be yours."


    Only then did Yan Hui smile. Her pretend serious face immediately softened: "You can''t regret it."


    Tian Yao looked down at her: "That''s probably what I want to say to you.

 CH 96

    Although Yan Hui and Tian Yao had confessed to each other, they weren''t in a rush to further their relationship because of the tense situation between the xian cultivators and the demon clans. Their interactions didn''t change from before. Yan Hui cultivated even harder after hearing Tian Yao burned Liu Mu Sheng. She knew Su Ying was going to harbor a grudge over that and sooner or later would seek out Tian Yao for revenge.


    But Yan Hui didn''t understand: "Why would she trick out and say I was already dead?"


    Tian Yao replied: "Probably to make me give up on looking for you. She likely didn''t think that Ling Xiao would let you go and let you return to Qing Qiu."


    As for why Ling Xiao wanted Yan Hui to stay way from the xian-demon dispute and why Su Ying didn''t want Tian Yao to look for Yan Hui, the two of them didn''t go into detail.


    Tian Yao didn''t elaborate his neidan matter with Yan Hui, and she didn''t ask him any probing questions. They had their own tacit understanding. No words needed to be spoken in their trust.


    Compared to the silent, intense battle preparations by the demon clans, the other side of San Chong Mountain was a mess.


    After Su Ying charged into Qing Qiu by herself, the word in the jianghu was Liu Mu Sheng''s indescribably tragic death and Zhenren Su Ying''s madness. She didn''t send out people to seek revenge nor prepare for battle. She just isolated herself in Guang Han Sect and didn''t come out of seclusion.


    The other leader of the xian cultivators, Zhenren Ling Xiao, was even harder to track down. No one knew where he went. Not a single person in Chen Xing Mountain could find a trace of him.


    Of the three leading xian sects, Zhenren Qi Yun and Zhenren Ling Xiao were gone without a trace and Zhenren Su Ying wasn''t coming out of seclusion. Thus for now the sects were without a leader. When the demon sects started to attack San Chong Mountain, the sects were practically faced with defeat after defeat. At this time, news came from Central Plains that demons had launched a sneak attack on Chen Xing Mountain.


    There were 28 peaks; two of them had been flattened in the battle. None of Chen Xing Mountain''s disciples knew which demon did it.


    The cultivators in Central Plains were alarmed. After all, Chen Xing Mountain was located in the interior of Central Plains. If the demons could sneak attack Chen Xing Mountain, then what place in Central Plains was safe.......


    The demons who received the news were also stumped.


    Qing Qiu''s king wasn''t personally making the decisions for the battlefield. Usually, the country''s heir headed the discussion with several princes and then implemented the plan. After the sneak attack on Chen Xing Mountain, the heir asked around who ordered the attack. None of the princes answered. The heir even especially sent people to ask Tian Yao, but naturally the reply was negative.


    The news was strange, but in the end, it was something that happened in Central Plains. After a few days, no one cared about it. The demons hoped Central Plain''s affair would become messier and messier.


    But after those two days, there was more news from Central Plains that the demons couldn''t ignore-------


    Zhenren Qing Guang had come out of seclusion.


    When that intel came out, the disordered xian army immediately calmed down. All of the demons were stunned.


    Yan Hui heard the news from Zhu Li. She was stunned and sat there with no reply for a long time.


    Zhenren Qing Guang came out of seclusion? How was that possible.........


    If it was according to her previous thoughts with Ling Xiao and Su Ying always leading the xian forces against the demons in battle, then Zhenren Qing Guang would always stay in seclusion. It was possible that Ling Xiao and Su Ying kept him imprisoned. But now, Zhenren Qing Guang actually came out.......


    Could it be because of Su Ying''s negligence in her grief over Lu Mu Sheng''s death, or was it something to do with Ling Xiao?


    Yan Hui didn''t understand it. She originally thought after Zhenren Qing Guang came out, he would pick up the peace of 50 years and quash the xian-demon dispute. After all, this was a difficult to obtain peace that happened after his battle with Qing Qiu''s king 50 years ago.


    But what happened was different from what Yan Hui thought.


    After he left seclusion, Zhenren Qing Guang immediately invited the head of every sect to Chen Xing Mountain. Even Su Ying, who wouldn''t come out of seclusion for the past few days, was ordered over by his people.


    Immediately following that, Central Plain''s xian sect started to organize and plan again. Every sect had been given a mission. It was like they finally found their backbone. They started to lay out defenses around San Chong Mountain and targeted attacks at specific areas.


    The situation in the front line became increasingly worrisome.


    Instantly, everyone in Qing Qiu was even busier than before. Even Zhu Li from time to time would disappear. Tian Yao also started to receive various arrangements. Sometimes it was to break a difficult to break formation. Sometimes it was to deal with several difficult sect leaders.


    Tian Yao would bring Yan Hui along every time. For him, dealing with spell formations and xian cultivators were easy, but Yan Hui lacked experience using demon magic in battle against people. Bringing her to the frontlines was a good chance to practice.


    This time, an enormous spell formation suddenly appeared in a small village. The village was behind San Chong Mountain near Central Plains. Qing Qiu''s princes were involved in battles in their own respective areas, so they couldn''t personally address the issue. Thus, the mission fell onto Tian Yao.


    When Tian Yao heard where the formation was, he hesitated on bringing Yan Hui. However at this time Yan Hui reached the fifth level in "Demon Bestowal". She couldn''t break through and lacked the practice to fully comprehend it. Yan Hui thought Tian Yao''s hesitation was strange: "Is there something different about the place this time?"


    Tian Yao was silent for a moment: "It''s your hometown."


    Yan Hui was stunned: "Oh." She said, "Is there something about why I can''t go?"


    "I''m afraid on the battlefield you''ll be lost in the past."


    That indeed was the place where she grew up and the place where she met Ling Xiao. It was that place where she once pledged to the white-clothed xian cultivator that she wanted to learn xian cultivation. From then on, she would fight the demons and rid the world of evil. She would uphold righteousness and protect the common folk.


    Tian Yao didn''t voice his thoughts, but Yan Hui knew what was on his mind. She just laughed and said: "Then this time I''ll leave my past behind me." Her smiles disappeared, and she solemnly asked: "When are we going?"


    "This afternoon."


    "I''m going to adjust myself. Get me when the time comes."


    "Okay."


    Yan Hui turned and left. When she got back to her room, she sat down cross-legged and planned to adjust her mood to her best state. Just then, Huan Xiao Yan bounced in from the window. She yelled out: "Master, Master! Someone from outside sent a piece of paper! Do you want to see it?"


    Qing Qiu had a clear-cut rewards and punishment system. After accompanying Tian Yao to the battlefield several times, she would occasionally receive rewards and official title documents from Qing Qiu''s upper rulers. Yan Hui naturally paid these no mind. She lazily replied with closed eyes: "Leave it. I''m going out today. I''ll look at it tomorrow."


    Huan Xiao Yan''s eyes lit up. For now, she completely forgot about that whatever paper stuff. She immediately bounded to Yan Hui: "You''re going to go fight again? Take me too! I also want to gain experience! Recently there''s been too many demons that can''t sleep. They''re all worried about the war. In their dreams, I''ll cast an illusion where they have a victorious battle. They''re definitely happy about that, so I can stuff myself. Look, these few days I grew even taller and bigger!" Huan Xiao Yan praised herself, "I have also changed with the times!"


    "Yes." Yan Hui praised her a little. "Remember to watch over the house." Then she paid her no more attention.


    Huan Xiao Yan knew that was all the attention she was going to get. She bit her lip, not fully accepting it. She looked around and then sneaked off to the side.


    In the afternoon, Tian Yao turned into a dragon, and Yan Hui sat on his back. They headed to the enormous spell formation.


    This time Tian Yao frowned when they reached the village''s surroundings. He circled around in the air, not landing.


    Yan Hui asked: "What is it?"


    Tian Yao examined the formation for a long time: "The formation is strange."


    Yan Hui was stunned. For Tian Yao to say a formation was strange, then it must really be strange: "Then what......."


    She hadn''t finished when she felt a strong force from the still far away formation. It was pulling her down. Yan Hui planned to hold onto Tian Yao, but when she reached out to him, she discovered he was gone. She didn''t know when he had disappeared. Yan Hui suddenly started to fall.


    She immediately steadied herself in midair so that she could stably land. Just when she was about to stand upright, Yan Hui heard Tian Yao''s voice by her side: "Yan Hui."


    Yan Hui raised her head. It looked like Tian Yao had also just landed. He looked around: "We''ve been pulled into the formation. For now, let''s look for its center." Done speaking, he started to walk. When Tian Yao saw Yan Hui wasn''t following, he stopped and looked back: "What is it?"


    He looked at Yan Hui for a long time. Then he held out a hand: "You''re not coming?"


    Yan Hui hesitated and didn''t reach for his hand. Suddenly from behind came a murderous aura. Yan Hui didn''t have time to dodge. Tian Yao wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to the side, dodging a sharp wood branch piercing up from the ground. He waved his hand and set the branch aflame until it turned to ash.


    Yan Hui slightly relaxed after feeling Tian Yao''s warmth and seeing his magic. Tian Yao looked down at her: "What happened to you back there?"


    Yan Hui shook her head: "Nothing, just felt something off."


    Yan Hui followed after Tian Yao. When they reached a fork in the road, there was an enormous dead tree there. That was the tree that had sealed Tian Yao''s soul. It was there that Yan Hui met Ling Xiao and also unexpectedly released Tian Yao''s soul.


    From a certain point of view, she met two people that day 10 years ago. One that could be seen, and one that couldn''t be seen.


    Fate really was strange.


    Tian Yao''s footsteps suddenly stopped. He looked back at Yan Hui: "Are you thinking about the past?"


    Yan Hui shook her head: "Just thinking that fate is strange. How it just so happened your heart protection scale entered my heart."


    Tian Yao was silent for a moment and then straightened his expression: "Yan Hui." He continued, "Acutally, I never told you. What is actually in your heart that lets you live isn''t the power of my heart protection scale. It''s just a heart protection scale. It can fill in the hole in your heart so you won''t die. But it definitely won''t let you ''live''. What enables you to live is my neidan."


    "I guessed that already." Yan Hui fell silent for a moment. "Tian Yao......."


    She just started to talk when the ground by her foot suddenly started to tremor. Once again, a sharp branch pierced through. Yan Hui quickly flew up to dodge the branch, but suddenly an enormous force from above pressed her down onto the ground.


    Tian Yao again brandished his hand to completely burn the sharp branch. However from behind him came densely back branches that shot towards him like an arrow. Tian Yao burned them again and again. He started to frown soon afterwards. Then from all around immediately appeared the branches. They pierced towards Tian Yao at the same time. Tian Yao''s flames shaped themselves into a circle to burn the surrounding branches. However, a few branches still pierced his body.


    For a moment, Tian Yao''s face contorted in extreme pain.


    Yan Hui panicked, and she immediately went to support Tian Yao: "You........" She said only that one word when she saw the branches piercing Tian Yao''s body start to grow, following his bone structure. They swelled inside him and broke through his skin. Thorns appeared in his palm.


    Yan Hui felt herself go numb at the sight.


    She heard Tian Yao speak through clenched teeth: "Without my neidan, I can''t burn the branches inside my body."


    Yan Hui stared blankly. Tian Yao suddenly turned his head and looked at her: "Yan Hui.......if I asked you if you were willing to return my neidan to me, how would you respond?"


    Yan Hui looked at him for a moment and then immediately responded: "I''ll return it to you."


    "Alright," said Tian Yao. "Then return it to me."


    The branch in Tian Yao''s branch suddenly grew and rushed at Yan Hui''s heart. At the same time, Yan Hui heard a "pop" in her ear. Immediately her face hurt. "Master, wake up! Don''t just randomly promise things to people in dreams!"


    Yan Hui''s eyes suddenly snapped open. Huan Xiao Yan was sitting by her side. Yan Hui was laying down on the ground by the enormous dead tree. However the piercing branches weren''t there, and neither was Tian Yao........

 CH 97

    Yan Hui immediately reacted: "That just now was an illusion?"


    "Of course it was! Everything in this formation is an illusion! It''s so real it can almost kill." Huan Xiao Yan slapped away the knife in Yan Hui''s hand. "You were about to stab yourself in the heart with the knife just now!"


    The knife fell with a clatter. Yan Hui''s eyes followed the noise. It was only then that she realized she had been tightly clutching the knife.


    Yan Hui was a little fearful of what just happened but at the same time also glad Huan Xian Yan came along. She looked around their surrounds: "Where''s Tian Yao?"


    Huan Xiao Yan shook her head: "I was only able to call you out of the illusion because I was hidden in your ring. I don''t know where he fell. This formation''s power is too strong. I think the person who cast it is paying attention to another person. That''s why I was so easily able to wake you. As for Dragon Demon Tian Yao...........I''m afraid it''s not going well."


    Yan Hui clenched her teeth at those words: "We''re going to find him."


    "Who are you going to find?"


    A voice suddenly appeared in the sky. Yan Hui looked up in shock and saw Su Ying standing in that dead enormous tree that was burned 10 years ago. Su Ying looked down at Yan Hui. Compared to her past high and mighty, aloof look, this time the look in her eyes lightly revealed a blaze of hate. It made Su Ying look less like a xian cultivator and more like a demon.


    "You want to find the dragon demon?" Su Ying coldly laughed. "There''s no need to look. He''s right here." Su Ying waved her hand. From the sky came a dragon''s roar. An enormous blue dragon suddenly fell from the sky and smashed down onto the ground. His entire body twitched as if in enormous pain.


    Yan Hui was stunned: "Tian Yao!"


    Su Ying said: "Yan Hui, did you think the dragon demon wholeheartedly treat you well? He protected you up to now, let you enter the demon cultivation pathway, and helped you cultivate. It was all to awaken his neidan''s power in your heart, so that he can retrieve it at a suitable time. Did you know that?"


    "I knew that."


    But what use was know that? Yan Hui also knew how much Tian Yao had suffered these 20 years. She knew how much he hated his powerless self. She knew how much he wanted to gain back his former power. But she also knew that when Tian Yao clearly had the moment to take back his neidan, he said that his body was already complete.


    He didn''t do anything to harm her.


    Yan Hui wasn''t dumb. Only a few sentences were needed for her to know what the past Tian Yao wanted. But for her, the current Tian Yao gave it all up.


    Su Ying''s eyes hardened: "Quite astute, but no matter. In the end, you two won''t be able to to escape my formation. A dragon demon with no neidan, and you who doesn''t know how to use the neidan''s power........" Su Ying disdainfully smirked. "Don''t even think about setting a foot outside this formation."


    Yan Hui''s gaze instantly darkened at those words. A dragon demon without a neidan and her with a neidan........then if she returned the neidan to Tian Yao, then at least he would be able to leave this formation.


    Yan His was thinking along those lines and about to take a step forward when suddenly she felt her arm tighten. Yan Hui looked back. For some reason, Huan Xiao Yan''s face seemed blurry. It wasn''t until Huan Xiao Yan suddenly pinched her that Yan Hui abruptly woke up.


    Huan Xiao Yan saw Yan Hui''s face was a little blank. Thus she raised her hand and patted Yan Hui''s face a couple times: "Master, you were in an illusion again! You can''t believe anything in this formation!"


    Yan Hui only then turned her head to look at the scorched, enormous tree. Su Ying''s figure in the tree and the suffering Tian Yao on the ground were gone.


    And her hand was over her heart, five fingers curled into claws. It actually looked like she was about to gauge out her own heart.


    Yan Hui slightly broke out in cold sweat. Upon entering this illusion formation, its illusions simply couldn''t be guarded against. Each time was more terrifying than the last. Furthermore, it could see straight into her heart and cause her to make a decision and act. She had Huan Xiao Yan to escape the two illusions, but Tian Yao.........


    Yan Hui gritted her teeth. She said to Huan Xiao Yan: "You aren''t led astry by the illusion formation?"


    "I''m an illusion demon!" said Huan Xiao Yan. "We are the creators of illusion techniques! Although.........I may not have that strong of a magic, I have the natural ability to see through illusions."


    Yan Hui muttered a plan to herself and then ripped off part of Huan Xiao Yan''s sleeve. Huan Xiao Yan grew angry, but Yan Hui had already used it as a blindfold to cover her eyes. "You lead the way," said Yan Hui. "Finding Tian Yao is up to you."


    Huan Xiao Yan was surprised: "Master.......you gave me such an important task......."


    "I belive in you."


    Yan Hui reached out a hand. Huan Xiao Yan looked at it and clenched her teeth: "Alright! Today, I definitely will lead you to Tian Yao!"


    "Tian Yao......."


    "Tian Yao."


    That voice kept resonating in his ear. Tian Yao opened his eyes and saw Yan Hui looking at him in worry.


    When Tian Yao glanced at her, Yan Hui supported him up. "Are you hurt?"


    Tian Yao assessed his body and shook his head: "It''s no matter."


    "We seemed to have fallen into the formation. The only plan now is to look within in the formation itself for its center, so we can break it." Yan Hui turned her head to look all around. Then she stared in one direction: "There''s a weird aura there. Can you sense it?"


    Tian Yao looked where Yan Hui was pointing and then looked back at her: "There''s no need to lure me there. You can say it directly, what do you want?"


    Yan Hui was shocked and slightly puzzled: "What are you saying?"


    Tian Yao dropped his head and smiled: "I''m only being so polite because it''s Yan Hui''s face. Otherwise........" His eyes became cold. "If you continue to pretend, I''m afraid I won''t be so polite."


    At those words, Yan Hui, who was still supporting Tian Yao, suddenly darkened her expression. An ominous glint instantly showed in her eyes. Her hand that was clutching Tian Yao''s arm turned into a dried vine to bind down his arm. Her face also slowly transformed into tree bark before finally becoming completely unrecognizable.


    Tian Yao''s face was ice cold. His entire body burst into flames and instantly turned the wood into ash.


    Tian Yao patted down his clothes. He stood up, looked around, and immediately captured Su Ying who was in the enormous dead tree.


    "Where''s Yan Hui?"


    Su Ying''s eyes were dark. She sneered: "You really care for her? Dragon Demon Tian Yao, you actually have deep feelings for her." She continued, "You still haven''t learned from what happened 20 years ago? You aren''t scared Yan Hui isn''t conspiring against you?"


    "I''m just afraid Yan Hui isn''t conspiring against me enough." He downplayed it. However for someone who had experienced what happened 20 years ago, the meaning behind it was heavy.


    Su Ying was also silent for a moment. Then she nodded: "Alright, then I''ll let you see her." She waved her hand, and immediately Yan Hui was revealed hanging from a branch of the enormorus tree.


    Yan Hui''s eyes were closed, and blood poured out of all oriffices on her face. There was a large hole in her chest, too dark to see inside.


    Tian Yao''s pupils suddenly contracted at the sight: "What did you do to her?"


    Su Ying mildly remarked: "When I captured her, I also caught another demon with her. Let''s have her talk to you." Done speaking, Huan Xiao Yan was thrown in midair to Tian Yao''s feet.


    Tian Yao was stunned. Huan Xiao Yan crawled to her feet. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying: "I........I went with Master to look for you.......that bad woman cut out Master''s heart. Master, Master can''t live much longer........hurry and save her."


    Tian Yao''s mind was a mess. He heard Su Ying lightly say: "I''ve already taken your heart protection scale and neidan. You and her will die in this formation."


    Tian Yao clenched his jaw, and his eyes suddenly turned red. A scalding flame directly aimed at Su Ying. However by the time the broiling flames reached where she stood, Su Ying had already disappeared. The flame only burned the rope that Yan Hui hung from.


    Before Yan Hui dropped onto the ground, Tian Yao rapidly rushed over and caught her in his arms.


    Her body was ice cold like there was hardly any warmth left. Even though she fell into Tian Yao''s arms, she never once opened her eyes. Her breaths were so shallow they could hardly be sensed.


    "Yan Hui?" Tian Yao called out. Yan Hui didn''t respond. Tian Yao gritted his teeth and help Yan Hui''s hand. Magic recklessly rushed into Yan Hui''s body.


    "I will bring you out of here," said Tian Yao. "Don''t be scared."


    At the same time Tian Yao was pouring cultivation into Yan Hui''s body, Huan Xiao Yan, who had been lying spiritless on the ground, suddenly stood up. Her gaze was cold. Ice automatically formed underneath every step she took.


    Huan Xiao Yan''s appearance started to change until it settled on Su Ying''s appearance.


    She approached Tian Yao from behind, and raised an ice dagger in her hand. It was aimed straight at Tian Yao''s neck!


    There was a lightning flash! A whistling sound suddenly rent the air. A blaze of fire streaked through midair and just so happened to smash right on Su Ying''s ice dagger. The ice blade melted, so water dripped onto Tian Yao''s neck. Tian Yao was shocked. His mind cleared up a little. At this time, an urgent call suddenly rang out in the sky:


    "Tian Yao, stop!"


    Flames rained down like raindrops. Su Ying vanished amidst the falling flames, and Tian Yao felt a shove on his shoulders. He was thrown onto the ground. Tian Yao looked with a startled, blank expression and saw an alive and well Yan Hui thrown across him. Although she was frowning, there was no blood streaming from her face. Her chest was also fine. Yan Hui ruthlessly pinched his face: "Wake up! That isn''t me!"


    Tian Yao looked at Yan Hui. He didn''t utter a sound. Yan Hui again pinched his face: "Quickly wake up!"


    "I''m awake," said Tian Yao. He was again chided by Yan Hui. "Then quickly take back your magic!"


    Tian Yao looked down at that words. Only then did he see the "Yan Hui" he poured magic in was a piece of dead wood.


    The wood was slowly starting to come to life and take the form of a person.


    Tian Yao immediately withdrew his magic. As for the dead wood that already took the form of a person, it raised its hand to attack the two people. Yan Hui saw this and dragged back Tian Yao to run. As they ran, Yan Hui questioned Huan Xiao Yan who floated along side them: "Have you sensed where the formation center is?"


    "Not yet!" said Huan Xiao Yan. "I just sense that the aura is strong, but not where the center is at all."


    After she said that, ice needles started to stream down. Tian Yao immediately sheltered Yan Hui in his arms. With a wide wave of his sleeve, a shining barrier of flames encircled them.


    Su Ying coldly looked down at the trio from the sky. Her expression was uglier compared to before: "You trifling illusion demon dares to mess with my plan." Her eyes hardened. Suddenly the ground where the three people stood started to tremor. Huan Xiao Yan, who wasn''t in Tian Yao''s arms, was immediately thrown to the edge of the barrier.


    Yan Hui wanted to go after Huan Xiao Yan, but the illusion demon was already bound up in vines by then. The rattan vines tightened around her like snakes. The vines started to grow barbs, like they were going to rip apart Huan Xiao Yan.


    Tian Yao unexpectedly suddenly removed the flame barrier. He narrowed his eyes and murmured to Yan Hui: "Give me some blood." Then he bit Yan Hui''s finger.


    Yan Hui felt pain at the tip of her finger. Immediately blood welled up and touched Tian Yao''s lips. He formed a hand seal, and a fiery dragon appeared in the horizon. It charged at Su Ying, who immediately use magic to block it. To everyone''s surprise, Tian Yao made a move and charged at the enormous tree. He fiercely slammed down a hand seal onto the tree.


    The midair fight between the fire dragon and Su Ying suddenly stopped.


    A crack suddenly appeared in the enormous tree, and at the same time a crack suddenly appeared in Su Ying''s face.


    Su Ying''s movements paused. The fire dragon immediately wrapped around her body. Raging fires immediately burst around her, and the dead tree also immediately burst into flame.


    When Yan Hui saw the situation, she immediately started to cut the vines binding Huan Xiao Yan. The little demon''s body was already all cut up by the barbed vines. She hurt to the point of crying. Yan Hui hugged Huan Xiao Yan, lightly patted her head, and coaxed her a few times. Only then did Huan Xiao Yan stop crying and said: "I was wondering why this illusion formation was so strong. It turns out Su Ying was risking her life; she tied with life with the formation! No wonder why she was everywhere."


    Tying her life with the formation.........


    Su Ying........didn''t want to live anymore.

 CH 98

    Su Ying didn''t want to live anymore. Yan Hui understood her thoughts and actually smiled: "I think it''s pretty great that she thinks that way."


    Huan Xiao Yan raised her head and looked at Yan Hui. She was silent for a moment before saying: "But there are so many methods if you don''t want to leave. Why did she have to link her life with an illusion formation? If she wanted to commit suicide, then that would be fine. If she wanted to fight you two, then there completely wasn''t any need for such complex methods like the illusion formation."


    Thats right, Su Ying definitely had something up her sleeve.


    Yan Hui held out her hand and said to Huan Xiao Yan: "Hide inside the ring."


    Huan Xiao Yan said: "You don''t want me to help anymore?"


    "You''ve already helped a lot."


    Huan Xiao Yan was especially sensitive to illusion formations. Since she said the aura there was strange, then there definitely was something wrong here. And this place, aside from the enormous tree, was only occupied by Su Ying. That''s why Tian Yao firstly used the fire dragon to attack Su Ying, and then secondly he personally burned the dead tree. Of the two, one of them was for sure to be tied to the formation''s center.


    Now that it turns out Su Ying linked her life with the formation, then the formation''s center was for sure on her body. However when Tian Yao attacked the enormous tree, Su Ying''s expression was clearly more worried than when she herself was attacked. There definitely was something fishy about that tree.


    After Huan Xiao Yan hid inside the ring, Yan Hui flew over and landed by the enormous tree. Su Ying had also extinguished the fire dragon at the same time. Yan Hui said: "You deal with her. I''ll burn the tree."


    Without a word, Tian Yao flew into the sky and started fighting with Su Ying.


    Su Ying saw Yan Hui using blood at the intermediary to light the tree on fire. Her gaze immediately stared off into space, jaws clenched. It looked like she was enraged to the max. Su Ying didn''t want to fight with Tian Yao, but from the start he continued to interfere with her. He wasn''t going to let her stop Yan Hui.


    Su Ying was incensed; her aura swelled. The formation filled with an icy atmosphere. The flames on the enormous tree seemed to be bound in ice.


    Yan Hui felt cold as if ice needles were piercing her skin. Only the burning heartbeats of her heart kept her body warm.


    Yan Hui stuck her hand in the crack that formed in the enormous tree earlier. She breathed out a hot breath, and a dense mist spiraled out. The palm of her hand once again burst with fire magic. She directly set the enormous tree on fire from within the crack. The blaze, like lightening, split the enormous tree in half!


    And inside the tree were twisting vines that shaped themselves into a figure of a man standing within.


    Yan Hui was shocked by the facial features the vines twisted themselves into: "Liu Mu Sheng......."


    Su Ying actually created a Liu Mu Sheng puppet out of vines and vegetation inside the enormous tree.........Could it be she was trying to bring him back to life?


    That''s why she staked her life on the formation. She wanted to kill Yan Hui and Tian Yao and use their blood essence as magic to bring the puppet back to life?


    Isn''t that completely a heretical magic used by heretical cultivators?


    Yan Hui was extremely astonished. She also saw a pearl shining brightly in a vine in the chest area.


    What was it?


    Yan Hui frowned. She started to reach out a hand to touch it when it was like Su Ying, who was still in the are, suddenly seemed to go crazy. The magic around Su Ying''s body surged and directly froze Tian Yao in the air. She yelled and raced towards Yan Hui: "Don''t touch my spirit pearl!"


    She was approaching fast. Yan Hui couldn''t avoid Su Ying at all and so simply plucked the spirit pearl out of the puppet''s chest. She held it in her palm and looked at Su Ying: "Bring it on." She continued, "I touched it. What are you going to do?"


    Su Ying urgently stopped in front of Yan Hui. Her hair was a mess, and her xian aura was gone. The sense of declining power gave a aura of defeat.


    "Return the spirit pearl to me." Su Ying held her hand out. "It has no use to you."


    Spirit pearl? Yan Hui suddenly remembered when Su Ying captured both her and Liu Mu Sheng. While they were on the road, Su Ying once asked Liu Mu Sheng if he remembered the past. At that time, she did mention the spirit pearl. Was this the thing to let Liu Mu Sheng remember his past life..........


    Then after his death, this pearl would contain the slight memories he had regained. Su Ying wanted to create a puppet with this pearl inside, so that the puppet would have the past-life general''s memories........


    Since it was like that, then the pearl indeed was very important to Su Ying. Because aside from the memories inside that pearl, there was no other trace in the world of her and the general''s love for each other.


    Yan Hui clutched the pearl in one hand and held out her other hand at Su Ying: "What about the formation center? Let me and Tian Yao out."


    Su Ying had a gloomy look but made no move: "Even if I let you go today, one day you still won''t be able to hold onto your heart. There will be a person who gouges it out."


    Yan Hui smiled bitterly: "Then I''ll just wait and see what happens on that day. But today, I don''t want to talk to you about this." Her fist tightened, and a crack was heard. A fine line appeared on the spirit pearl''s surface.


    Su Ying''s expression immediately changed: "I''ll let you two go."


    Yan Hui unflinchingly added: "Let us go first."


    Su Ying dropped her gaze: "Okay." Her hand went back into her sleeve. Yan Hui quietly waited for her to take out the formation''s center when suddenly an ice-shattering sound rang out in the sky. It was closely followed by Tian Yao''s shout: "Move!"


    Yan Hui and Tian Yao always had a tacit understanding. He wanted her to dodge, so she threw herself to the side without a second thought. Su Ying''s eyes had an ominous glint. In her hand was a long jian that was stabbing towards where Yan Hui was standing. And at that spot, a long thorn also pierced out. If Yan Hui hadn''t dodged, that thorn would have skewered her through.


    Yan Hui was stunned, but when she saw Su Ying looking at her with hatred, Yan Hui slapped the hand holding the spirit pearl onto the ground: "This is what you wanted."


    Su Ying was startled.


    It sounded like the pearl shattered. The spirit pearl''s inner glow spilled out. Countless images floated through Yan Hui''s mind.


    All the images were unfamiliar to Yan Hui, but she did recognize the woman in them. The woman was the Zhenren Su Ying right in front of her. The man in the images also looked familiar. He looked like Liu Mu Sheng but also not like Liu Mu Sheng.


    The man wore black iron armor. He cut a bloody, lonesome figure in the middle of a wasteland. Then after seeing Su Ying.........


    These were the memories of Su Ying and Liu Mu Sheng''s past life........


    The light from the pearl illuminated Su Ying. It was clear she was also seeing the images. She was completely stunned. As the images rotated through, spring passed to autumn, and all of Su Ying''s life with the past-life general was revealed. Together, they stood tall and took the long view. Together, they boated around the jianghu. Together, they played chess in their leisure.


    Each image was so real like that they occured just yesterday.


    Su Ying''s lips trembled: "He actually already remembered it all." She continued, "He actually already remembered it all.......He clearly remembers everything! He lied to me! He clearly remembers everything from his past life! It wasn''t just a little bit from his dreams. It wasn''t just a few fragments. It was everything........"


    It seemed like Su Ying had received a huge blow: "He remembered it all, but in the end he still wanted to be with that fox demon. He......." Su Ying fell silent for a moment, lips trembling. She bit her lip until it dripped with blood.


    Liu Mu Sheng remembered all of his previous life''s memories. However even though he remembered, he still pursued Princess Yun Xi, still resented Su Ying, and still wasn''t willing to be with her again.


    For Su Ying, this undoubtedly ripped apart her last shred of delusion towards Liu Mu Sheng.


    It wasn''t that Liu Mu Sheng didn''t remember. It was that he didn''t love her.


    He just became another person after reincarnation. Then........


    He fell in love with another person.


    Tears gathered in Su Ying''s eyes. The tears slowly started to become turbid until finally taking on a bloody color. She gnashed her teeth in anger and stared at Yan Hui with eyes that looked split. The bloody tears overflowed and made her look like a monster from the underworld:


    "Why did you make me see that?" Su Ying seethed at Yan Hui. "Why did you smash his memories?!"


    An enormous murderous aura and xian power pressed down. Yan Hui felt her body become numb. She couldn''t even budge an inch.


    "Die!" cried Su Ying. Her five fingers immediately turned into sharp ice talons. Her hair turned snow white in split second. Her pupils also became very pale. Her entire appearance looked like an ice monster.


    She ferociously swiped at Yan Hui. It looked like she wanted to slice Yan Hui into slivers.


    At this moment, from her back came a sharp, brittle sound.


    Su Ying''s movements paused. She looked down. A long jian pierced through her chest.


    Her body already wasn''t a normal body. Her entire body had turned into into ice. After the jian pierced her chest, her body even more quickly started to become ice. Even her face started to form ice thorns. She herself couldn''t move anymore.


    Only her eyes in her eye sockets moved. In the end, they settled down on the shattered spirit pearl pieces.


    At the very last moment of her life, Su Ying had a sudden thought. Back then at the snowy wasteland, perhaps she shouldn''t have saved Liu Mu Sheng. If she didn''t save him, then she would still be the lofty and aloof xian cultivator, indifferently looking down at the world with a cold eye. There would be nothing in the world that would disturb her xian pathway.


    But........


    Now looking back, the happiest times of her life was when she was with the general. If those times never happened, even if she cultivated up to the 100th level, she still wouldn''t be able to escape the dullness of life.


    In this life, she did so many things. She thought she loved Liu Mu Sheng. But it turns out, she did it all to return to the happiest times of her life. However in the end........


    In the end, the heavens didn''t give what was desired.


    Tian Yao, standing behind her, pulled out the jian. Su Ying''s body shattered as a result. It completely became ice chunks littered on the ground.


    The ground shook. The scenery of their surroundings started to blur. The snow on the ground retreated, and the vegetation remained as before. The enormous tree by them was still there. As the for the atmosphere of the area, it no longer had the formation''s aura. They finally exited from Su Ying''s formation.


    And on this earth, there was no more Zhenren Su Ying of Guang Han Sect.


    The numbness in Yan Hui''s body was still there. She escaped by the skin of her teeth and was still a bit shocked. Right on time, Tian Yao stood in front of her and held out a hand. Yan Hui dazedly looked at it for awhile before holding his hand.


    The warmth from his hand made her realized what just happened really was real.


    Zhenren Su Ying was dead.


    Gone from this world.

 CH 99

    Yan Hui turned her head towards Tian Yao: "She''s dead."


    "Yes, she''s dead." Tian Yao''s expression wasn''t any different than usual. The jian in his hand disappeared into the air. He only said, "Let''s go. The formation is broken. We should return to Qing Qiu."


    "You don''t........have any other thoughts?"


    Other thoughts? Tian Yao turned to look at the enormous tree. Perhaps a little bit. After all, he lived between hatred and despair for 20 years because of Su Ying. However, the Tian Yao he was now.........


    "She''s already no longer significant." Saying that, Tian Yao looked back at Yan Hui. He lightly touched Yan Hui''s chest above her heart and involuntarily murmured: "Every time I think of what she did to me and unexpectedly saved you in turn, I actually feel a little grateful......."


    Yan Hui was stunned. A bright laugh was suddenly heard at this moment.


    The two of them turned towards the voice. Yan Hui was immediately astonished.


    A long-haired cultivator wearing loose and wide-sleeves robes was walking down the hillside. He wore a hat, and his hair reached his knees. His smiling face was clear and handsome. There was an elegant aura about him.


    The person approaching unexpectedly was........someone Yan Hui only met a few times, Zhenren Qing Guang.


    "Speaking of, Dragon Demon, shouldn''t I be the one to thank?"


    Zhenren Qing Guang spoke with a perpetual smile. He smiled at Tian Yao and then immediately turned and sized Yan Hui up and down. His gaze finally stopped at her chest.


    Tian Yao immediately stepped in front of Yan Hui to block the gaze. His face was grave and his bearing guarded.


    Zhenren Qing Guang actually didn''t pay any attention to Tian Yao''s actions. He just continued to lightly smile like he discovered some very funny situation: "To tell the truth, I''ve been looking in a million places. I never once thought it was staying here within my reach for 10 years."


    Yan Hui stared blankly at those words.


    The thing Zhenren Qing Guang was looking for..........


    "For the sake of my once Chen Xing Mountain disciple, I won''t personally take the neidan." Zhenren Qing Guang reached out a hand with a smile. "Come, give it to me. I''ve waited 20 years."


    He wanted the neidan in Yan Hui''s heart!


    Turns out, It wasn''t Su Ying who wanted to the neidan. It was actually Zhenren Qing Guang!


    Su Ying schemed to hurt Tian Yao 20 years ago. Zhenren Qing Guang wasn''t there only to assist her. Rather, he also had a part in the conspiracy too.........


    Yan Hui couldn''t help clutching her chest and backing up a step. Tian Yao narrowed his eyes, and a murderous aura burst out.


    Qing Guang smiled and shook his head. "You two killed Su Ying because she was too sentimental and wanted too much. I''m not like her." His gaze hardened. "I only want the neidan."


    With those words, he suddenly disappeared. Yan Hui completely couldn''t see his movements. She just saw the jian reappear in Tian Yao''s hand and sweep towards the left. Zhenren Qing Guan still wasn''t visible, but an enormous power smashed onto Tian Yao''s jian.


    Tian Yao gritted his teeth, veins slightly popping out on his forehead. Flames burst around his body, but his magic wasn''t enough to resist. Tian Yao only resisted for a moment before the power suddenly reversed. It pressed down on Tian Yao''s head until he was forced to kneel on one knee and unable to get up.


    Before Yan Hui could react, she was suddenly hit from the side by a burst of magic. Yan Hui was instantly sent flying into the enormous tree, smashing a crater into the tree.


    Dust and splinters burst out with a bang. Then Yan Hui and the debris slowly fell to the ground.


    Yan Hui choked on the dust and coughed. Hot blood sprayed out.


    Zhenren Qing Guang lightly walked towards Yan Hui. He arrogantly looked down at her: "If you came up yourself, then wouldn''t you have spared yourself all this suffering?"


    Tian Yao used all his strength to struggled at Qing Guang''s words. His flames fought against the pressure against his head. However the results were still the same as before: a moment of resistance before once again being firmly pressed down.


    Qing Guang switched his attention and glanced at Tian Yao: "As a demon, what use is being a millennium dragon demon if you don''t have a neidan?" At the end of those words, the pressure on top of Tian Yao''s head suddenly increased. There was a muffled sound. Some unknown bone in Tian Yao''s body broke. He was ruthlessly pressed into the ground. Zhenren Qing Guang smiled: "You''re just a snake under my hand."


    It look Yan Hui an enormous amount of effort to lift her heavy eyes. She felt a swell of emotions upon seeing the sorry state Tian Yao was in.


    She should have returned the neidan to Tian Yao. Tian Yao recovered his body, clearly regained his original appearance. If he had his neidan, then how would he be in his current sorry state, how would he be injured by Zhenren Qing Guang to this degree, completely without power to resist.........


    Zhenren Qing Guang didn''t pay any more attention to Tian Yao. He turned his head and glanced at Tian Yao: "Little girl, your expression seems completely unconvinced?"


    Yan Hui looked down and said nothing. Qing Guang smiled: "You don''t have to accept it. Your life was originally a stolen thing. If it wasn''t for my disobedient disciple, Ling Xiao, not following orders, you would already be dead by now."


    It was like Yan Hui''s mind was illuminated in an instant.


    What did that mean?


    20 years ago, Ling Xiao......


    Was Ling Xiao involved with the Tian Yao matter 20 years ago? What did Ling Xiao do 20 years ago to let her give her the unlikely chance to be here today?


    There was no time give to let Yan Hui guess.


    Magic gathered at Qing Guang''s fingertips. His eyes looked like they were trying to see into Yan Hui''s heart. Yan Hui just gritted her teeth, grabbed a handful of dirt, and flung it into Zhenren Qing Guang''s eyes. Even though Zhenren Qing Guang used magic to block in the incoming dirt, he hesitated for a moment.


    Yan Hui took that chance to sneak off to the side and leapt to Tian Yao''s side. She unhesitatingly started to prepare to dig out her heart''s neidan, wanting to return it to Tian Yao.


    Tian Yao stared. Then he said in surprise and anger: "Stop!"


    Zhenren Qing Guang was also shocked. He narrowed his eyes, and in a flash, he landed in front of Yan Hui. Yan Hui started circulating her magic to resist him. When Zhenren Qing Guang sensed Yan Hui''s aura start to move, his face hardened. He raised his hand and broke her actions, not giving her the slightest bit of chance to resist. With a snap, he broke her arm. Yan Hui''s arm dangled down with no strength. Qing Guang raised his hand and wrapped his fingers around her neck. Then he raised his arm until Yan Hui''s feet no longer touched the ground. She powerlessly dangled there like a rag doll.


    "You cultivated demon magic?" There was a subtleness in Qing Guang''s tone. "Who taught you?"


    Yan Hui didn''t answer. Qing Guang''s hand tightened.


    Tian Yao hatefully clenched his teeth when he saw Zhenren Qing Guang''s actions. Dragon scales started to appear on his face. He actually wanted to change to his original form.


    With a simple wave of Qing Guang''s free hand, an invisible force firmly pressed Tian Yao down onto the ground. Although Tian Yao changed back into his dragon form, all it did was stir up a wind that tugged at Qing Guang''s sleeves and long hair.


    Qing Guang let the azure dragon howl and struggle, but he didn''t even glance at Tian Yao. He only said to Yan Hui: "I don''t like people who have too many thoughts about me. If you were honest, I would''ve left you an intact corpse." He tightened his grip, and Yan Hui''s face immediately turned purple. He still had a smile, gentle but without any warmth. "But you were not obedient."


    His hand tightened even more, and his other hand touched Yan Hui''s chest.


    Tian Yao''s roar shook the skies. Suddenly, his dragon tail broke free from Qing Guang''s binds. It swung over from above and forcefully thrust Qing Guang aside. At the same moment, the sachet Zhenren Qing Guang always wore emitted a bright and dazzling light.


    Tian Yao''s tail wrapped around Yan Hui who had just started to fall. He looked towards Qing Guang''s direction and shockingly saw a person''s figure appearing in the bright light. That figure came with a wind and snow aura. The figure added another blow on top of Tian Yao''s blow, causing Qing Guang to retreat even further back.


    From the backlight, Yan Hui felt a little despondent at seeing the person''s back.


    Ling Xiao........


    How was he here......


    "Ah....." Qing Guang straightened up. "My disiciple''s skill is very high. Even the sachet can''t contain you anymore."


    Ling Xiao didn''t respond to Qing Guang''s words. He only turned his head and looked at Tian Yao who was protecting Yan Hui: "Take her away."


    Tian Yao was actually thinking the same thing; his aura started to circulate. Zhenren Qing Guang smiled and slightly bent over: "Leave? Ling Xiao, oh, Ling Xiao. Out of all my disciples, you were the most serious." Qing Guang paused. "And you were the most naive." His gaze became severe, "Who out of all of you can go?"


    With those words, a gale started to blow and became a wind wall around the enormous tree. Tian Yao had no choice but to wrap around Yan Hui and protect her with his body. He couldn''t move a bit.


    Ling Xiao looked back at Qing Guang withy icy eyes: "Shifu."


    Zhenren Qing Guang shook his head: "When you attacked me for your disciple, I don''t dare recognize you as my disciple anymore. After flattening two of Chen Xing Mountain''s peaks, it''s rather a pity."


    Flattening two of Chen Xing Mountain''s peaks? The news in the demon clans was that demons attacked Chen Xing Mountain.......could it really be because Zhenren Qing Guang and Ling Xiao fought........


    Ling Xiao was silent. He always had the habit of being quiet and not saying much in front of Yan Hui. Now, he still didn''t say much. He waved his hand, and immediately an ice and snow formation formed under his feet.


    Qing Guang smiled at the sight: "I taught you your magic. You lost to be earlier and stayed in the sachet for many days. Do you still think you can win?"


    Ling Xiao remained unmoved. He didn''t even glance backwards. He just summoned his magic and leapt forward to engage in battle with Qing Guang.


    The two of them moved fast. Their figures blurred and collided with each other inside the wind wall. The area was filled with the strength of magic.


    Tian Yao raptly observed the flow of auras within the wind barrier. Finally, he discovered every time Ling Xiao was thrust aside by Qing Guang, Ling Xiao slammed into the same place of the wind wall every time. That area also had a much weaker wind power than the rest of the wall.


    Ling Xiao........was using his own body to open up a path in the wall.


    Tian Yao''s tail was still tightly curled around Yan Hui. However, she should still watch Ling Xiao by raising her head. He and Qing Guang were in the midst of an all-out battle.


    It was like back when she was small and saw Ling Xiao for the first time. He had heroicly saved her from the clutches of a monster.


    He was like a god, banished from the xian.


    "You''re too involved with people." Zhenren Qing Guang''s tone was somewhat impatient. "You''re wasting too much of my time."


    With those words, the wind wall immediately started to spin even faster. The wall also spun up tiny wind blades from the ground, attacking Tian Yao. Tian Yao retreated and blocked the blades when from the side came a huge gale that thrashed his tail. Yan Hui was sent flying into the sky.


    Qing Guang glanced to the side while fighting Ling Xiao. With a wave of his hand, a wind blade was flung at Yan Hui, heading towards her heart.


    Tian Yao wanted to go save her, but it was too late. At that moment, Ling Xiao made a move! There wasn''t even a hint of hesitation when he wrapped Yan Hui in his arms. The wind blade struck Ling Xiao''s back. Yan Hui suddenly smelled the scent of blood.


    Yan Hui''s eyes abruptly widened. She couldn''t help letting out a short gasp.


    The hands that wrapped around her quickly tightened: "Don''t be scared."


    Compared to comforting, Ling Xiao''s tone was more like an order. It was like the voice Yan Hui had heard in her ear for the last 10 years: "Train hard." "Don''t be lazy." "Can''t take shortcuts."


    For a moment, Yan Hui felt a sourness in her nose.


    The force of the wind blade was very strong. With the thud of the blade, Ling Xiao started to fall fast. He plummeted to the ground, and the impact dug out a gouge in the earth. In that gouge, Ling Xiao still cushioned Yan Hui with his body.


    He sat up and looked at Yan Hui who was in his arms. Then he stood up in front of Yan Hui as a shield. Ling Xiao''s back was straight even though it was dripping with blood. His ice jian formed in his hand. Ling Xiao looked through the dust and chillingly watched Zhenren Qing Guang who was still in the sky.


    Even though Ling Xiao couldn''t win, he never once thought about giving up.


    "Why are you protecting me?" Yan Hui''s aura was a little weak. She quietly asked, "You were always protecting me. Am I right?"


    It was unknown whether Ling Xiao didn''t hear her or if he didn''t plan on replying. Either way, he just turned back and looked at her.


    For a moment, Yan Hui unexpectedly filled with countless questions to ask him. She urgently wanted to hear his replies: "Was Zhenren Qi Yun killed by you? Did you scheme the xian-demon war? Was forcing me out of the xian sect done to protect me? Was breaking my bones to prevent me from cultivation demon magic also done to protect me?"


    She had so many questions to ask Ling Xiao , so many answers she wanted to hear from him.........


    Ling Xiao didn''t say a word. He turned his head back, and his xian aura surged.


    "Yan Hui." He said:


    "I never regretted accepting you as a disciple."


    Yan Hui''s pupils shrank.


    She saw Ling Xiao''s icy snow aura wrap around himself and turn into a jian. He leapt up to face Zhenren Qing Guang, decisively not even looking back.


    There was a bright light in midair. At the same moment, Tian Yao''s tail wrapped around Yan Hui. Then Tian Yao charged and hit that part of the wind wall that Ling Xiao had weakened.


    "Don''t........."


    "Wait!" Yan Hui yelled: "Wait a moment, Tian Yao!"


    Tian Yao naturally didn''t wait. His horns broke the wind wall, and he took Yan Hui beyond the broken wall. Yan Hui took a final glance back and saw a burning white light in the sky. Ling Xiao''s figure completely disappeared in the light.


    He sacrificed his life just to give her a sliver of a chance to live.


    Shifu........


    She didn''t get a chance to say shifu for the last time........


    Actually even though she experienced so much, Yan Hui wanted to tell Ling Xiao something. 10 years ago, from that 10 years to now, she never once regretted calling him shifu.

 CH 100

    Tian Yao, dragon body still wrapped around Yan Hui, broke through the wind wall. They fell onto the ground in a heap. In the next moment, Yan Hui heard a loud sound. She looked back and saw Zhenren Qing Guang''s wind wall had completely dissipated. Zhenren Qing Guang was still in mid air, clutching his chest. His face was deathly pale like he had suffered a major injury.


    And Ling Xiao.........


    There was no trace of him.


    Zhenren Qing Guang looked over. When he saw Yan Hui and Tian Yao were still there, his eyes immediately hardened. He sneered: "Ling Xiao thought going all out would save you........" He just said those words when from a distance came a rush of demon power.


    Qing Guang turned to look. It was the demons'' main army bearing flags. A thick demon aura could already be sensed from a distance.


    Tian Yao''s gaze sharpened. He gathered the last of his strength and in an instant flashed into the thick of the army. His aura was immediately obscured by the collective, heavy demon auras.


    Qing Guang already sustained heavy injuries. He closed his eyes at once, and without another tremble he disappeared with a flash of white light.


    That night, the news of the battle between the xian and demons spread everywhere---the strongest xian barrier behind San Chong Mountain was broken by Dragon Demon Tian Yao. The demon army advanced more than 3 miles into Central Plains. Zhenren Qing Guang was severely hurt. Zhenren Su Ying and Zhenren Ling Xiao had disappeared in chaotic battle.


    The xian cultivators in Central Plains were greatly alarmed.


    The demons were wild with joy. Countless demons voluntarily wanted to give Tian Yao and Yan Hui rewards. For awhile, their names were cheered loud and clear.


    However when the two returned from Central Plains, the next thing they did was seclude themselves in their room.


    Yan Hui lifelessly sat in the room. At all times the image of Ling Xiao forming the jian and leaping upwards played in her mind. His last words that he never regretted having her as a disciple was like a spell that couldn''t escape her mind.


    She still wasn''t clear what happened after she left Chen Xing Mountain. Perhaps 20 years ago.........what happened back then? In the end, Ling Xiao didn''t reveal even the slightest bit.


    But she knew regarding Ling Xiao, her thoughts always seemed to be wrong.........


    Just a few days later, Zhu Li suddenly brought some news. He said some demons brought back a snake demon that cleansed his essence from Central Plains. The snake demon said he had important news to report to the princes. Furthermore, he mentioned he wanted to see Tian Yao and Yan Hui.


    A snake demon who had cleansed his own essence?


    After Yan Hui heard that, she washed her face and finally left the room.


    Yan Hui was shocked after seeing the snake demon: "It''s you."


    It was the snake demon who loved Zhenren Qi Yun........the last time Yan Hui saw the snake demon, she had just been kicked out of Chen Xing Mountain. It was actually because of him that she met Tian Yao. In a blink of an eye, it didn''t seem like that much time had passed. However what was experienced in that period of time was too much to explain clearly and still ongoing.........


    The snake demon''s expression remained very calm after seeing Yan Hui. He just nodded at Yan Hui, and then he nodded at Tian Yao behind her: "I came to talk about Chen Xing Mountain''s matters."


    The crown prince frowned: "A snake demon who washed his marrow to cultivate the xian pathway. Now you come to me with a xian aura to discuss Chen Xing Mountain''s matters? You first tell me why I should believe your words?"


    The snake demon silently looked at Yan Hui. Long moments passed before Tian Yao spoke up: "He can be considered a former acquaintance. For now, let''s hear this so-called words."


    The hall was silent, and then the snake demon spoke: "After you two left Tong Lou Mountain, I cleansed my essence in Central Plains. I entered the xian pathway, infiltrated Chen Xing Mountain, and became a disciple. After I advanced, I entered the 28th Peak''s group and became an inner disciple."


    They were simple words, but it wasn''t hard to imagine the long, difficult challenges he faced in that time. Perhaps it wasn''t even easier than the journey Yan Hui had.


    "I investigated the cause of Zhenren Qi Yun''s death." The demons in the hall started to grow restless at his words. That was because aside from Tian Yao and Yan Hui, no one else was certain if Zhenren Qi Yun was indeed dead. The snake demon didn''t pay any attention to the other people. He just continued to look right at Yan Hui: "Qi Yun indeed died by Ling Xiao''s hands. However, the main culprit isn''t Ling Xiao." A cold light appeared in the demon''s eyes. "It is Qing Guang."


    "Several months ago, Su Ying gave a nine-tailed fox demon''s neidan to Qing Guang."


    The demons in the hall were in an uproar. The crown prince''s gaze grew heavy. There was no need to say it out loud for everyone in the room to know whose neidan it was ----- Princess Yun Xi.


    Su Ying really..........didn''t waste a single bit of the demons that fell in her hands.......


    "After Qing Guang received the neidan, Chen Xing Mountain called a xian sect conference. Every head of a sect arrived. However, the true purpose of the banquet was for Zhenren Qing Guang to determine the dissidents. He wanted to restart the xian-demon war at that time."


    "Why?" Yan Hui didn''t understand. "Why wasn''t easy to keep the 50 years of peace. Why would he personally want to destroy it?"


    The snake demon''s expression was apathetic: "Think about Chen Xing Mountain''s heart techniques and also how your shifus teach their disciples. If they wanted peace between demons and xian, would they call demons evil?"


    Yan Hui''s heart tightened. The past years of how Chen Xing Mountain''s shifus taught their disciples and the disciples'' attitudes towards demons all at once appeared in her mind. She thought about the snake demon''s words if the disciples were deliberately taught like this. Couldn''t this also be considered..........a signal of war preparations?


    There more Yan Hui thought about it, the more her heart tightened in fear.


    Actually.......Zhenren Qing Guang didn''t want 50 years of peace. He wanted 50 years to rest, reorganize, and prepare for war.......


    "Qi Yun was the head of one of the three big xian sects and completely didn''t agree with Qing Guang''s methods. However by then, Qing Guang had already secluded himself to cultivate using the nine-tailed fox demon''s neidan. The situation was discussed between Ling Fei and Qi Yun. In the end, they argued. Su Ying wanted to get rid of Qi Yun on the stop to prevent any future troubles. Ultimately, Ling Xiao and Su Ying worked together to injure Qi Yun. Ling Xiao cast a curse spell on Qi Yun, so she would forget who she was and become a stupid person. Only that made Su Ying spare Qi Yun''s life." The snake demon paused. "I never thought that it would be us in the end to make her remember the past and cause the curse to activate......."


    The demons in the hall were a bit dizzy from the news, but Yan Hui was extremely clear on the meaning. Qing Guang was the mastermind behind the scenes. And when the situation started to go downhill, it was Su Ying who wanted to kill Qi Yun, but Ling Xiao chose to let Qi Yun go.


    Yan Hui remained stunned for a long time: "This matter.......how do you know about it......"


    "Just a few days ago, the Chen Xing Mountain shifu who accepted me into his inner sect died on the battlefield. He told me the story before his dying breath. At that time, he was drunk and went outside to take a break. He just so happened to come across what Ling Xiao and Su Ying did to Qi Yun. Su Ying aptly wanted to kill him too. It was also Ling Xiao who saved his life. He originally planned to never tell another person, but he always felt that he let down Qi Yun, let down his own morality."


    The snake demon didn''t care about how Yan Hui was feeling and continued on: "If you don''t believe my words, then you can compare what happened after Chen Xing Mountain''s banquet. After that, there was a great hunt and murder of fox demons in Central Plains. It''s said that the jianghu sects wanted fox demon blood to refine into pills for the nobility."


    Yan Hui personally experienced that matter. She was more clear on the entire process than anyone else.


    "After the fox demons were captured, the cultivators cut out the demons'' neidan. Everything is sent back to Chen Xing Mountain, but no one knows where the neidans go after arriving. That''s because the neidans are transformed into Qing Guan''s cultivation to help him advance and reach another level."


    "However, the xian-demon war broke out sooner than planned. Qing Guang''s cultivation reached a critical point, and he couldn''t come out of seclusion. He needed large amounts of neidan to help. Thus, Su Ying commanded an attack on the demon clans that guarded San Chong Mountain to carve out their neidan."


    Yes, that''s right.........


    Every matter, every situation, all matched up.........


    "But then not long ago, Ling Xiao returned and for unknown reasons suddenly surprised attacked Qing Guang who was in seclusion. It forced Qing Guang, who still hadn''t reached the next level, to leave seclusion."


    She knew, Yan Hui knew why Ling Xiao would suddenly do that.


    Because right before that, Ling Xiao captured her away. After he saved her from Su Ying, he wanted to her hide away at a xian island........He wanted her.........to protect the neidan in her heart. He knew Qing Guang wanted her neidan. That''s why Ling Xiao wanted Yan Hui to run away, to hide. But she........


    Wasn''t willing to.


    That''s why Ling Xiao went and launched a surprise attack on his own shifu. That''s why he went in an all out battle against Qing Guang. It was all to protect the faraway, clueless, subborn, and obstinate her.


    When Ling Xiao wanted Yan Hui to hide away on the xian island, she even asked him--- "Zhenren, do you still care about your own disciple?"


    Did he care?


    He did care.


    Even though in the end he left everything without explanation, he did leave behind one last sentence. He never once regretted accepting her as his disciple.


    Even though she had a fuzzy love for him, adored him, shamed him, embarrassed him, did many hurtful things to him, and said many hurtful words to him, Ling Xiao still never regretted accepting her as a disciple.


    For a moment, Yan Hui felt like the ground dropped away from her. She could only lean on Tian Yao, who silently supported her to keep her upright.


    Following that, Yan Hui didn''t pay attention to whatever else the snake demon talked about. Her ears were filled with buzzing, and she, still muddleheaded, was supported back to her room by Tian Yao. She didn''t even look at Tian Yao before the room''s door closed.


    She could sense Tian Yao always looking at her face with worry and silent forbearance. However she couldn''t make herself say to him, "It''s okay. I''m fine. Don''t worry."


    In her despondence, she couldn''t control body, movements, and even her own expression.


    She rigidly walked into the room with a blank expression and immediately bumped into the bookcase in front of her. The bookcase immediately started to tip towards Yan Hui when a hand came from the side and supported the bookcase up. The bookcase returned to its original position, but the books and ornamental vase on the shelves all fell onto the floor.


    The vase shattered with a crash.


    Yan Hui automatically looked down. In the mess of books on the floor, she saw a letter slowly floating downwards. Written on it in big letters was "To Yan Hui". Underneath that was two tiny cinnabar words----


    "Qian Shuo"


    Feng Qian Shuo.......


    A memory broke though Yan Hui''s muddled mind. It was back when she met with Feng Qian Shuo. She would help him take Xian Ge away if afterwards he would tell her everything about Ling Xiao''s schemes.


    Feng Qing Shuo agreed.


    Then......


    This was a letter he sent? In this letter was Ling Xiao''s......everything?


    The corners of Yan Hui''s mouth tightened. She almost hurriedly knelt down. She didn''t care if she knelt down onto the broken porcelain shards. They pierced through her skin, and blood flowed out.


    Tian Yao felt a chill run though him. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms. However, he saw her name on the letter. Yan Hui''s body couldn''t stop trembling, and her face continued to pale until it became deathly white........

 CH 101

    Yan Hui just belatedly realized she had been overlooking many issues.


    The most basic and important of those issues was that she had Tian Yao''s neidan and heart protection scale. But how did those two things get into her? They wouldn''t have flown into her body after Tian Yao sent them flying away. There was nothing that coincidental in the world.....


    "Tian Yao, did you know......." Yan Hui sat on the bed. Tian Yao rolled up her pants and helped her pick out the shards piercing her knees. He raised his head to look at her upon hearing her despondent voice after reading the letter.


    "Your neidan, heart protection scale, and even my life were saved by my shifu." She continued, "20 years ago, it was him who placed your neidan and heart protection scale in me when I was about to be abandoned by my mom. He saved my life. He had a moment of compassion, and he saved my life......."


    She said whatever came to mind. Her thoughts were a mess, but it didn''t stop Tian Yao from understand her.


    "20 years ago, you fought against Su Ying and Qing Guang. Qing Guang kept up the formation, and Su Ying severed your body. You tossed away your neidan and heart protection scale. Ling Xiao was also there. Qing Guang ordered Ling Xiao to find them, and he did. However on his way back, he came across me, born with a heart defect and nearly abandoned by my own mother. He used the heart protection scale to repair my defective heart and the neidan to maintain my life........"


    Yan Hui suddenly remembered way back in the past when she was little. Her alcoholic dad kept harping on that "she was blessed and had good luck." At that time, Yan Hui didn''t understand. She just knew that having such an alcoholic dad was unfortunate.


    But now she understood that what her dad said was right. She was blessed. She did have good luck.


    Because when she was clearly about to die, a xian cultivater came along and bestowed upon her a great favor by chance. Then 10 years later, Ling Xiao came back to her village to deal with a demon and saved the clueless her.


    He saw as she grew, Tian Yao''s neidan started to seep out a demon''s aura. He had another moment of compassion and took her in as his disciple. He taught her xian techniques, constrained the demon aura within. In those 10 years that she lived in Chen Xing Mountain, Qing Guang never saw through her origin, never dug out her heart, and gave her a miserable death.


    Ling Xiao prevented her from drifting about, homeless and miserable. He protected her and took care of everything.


    All that he said he would do, he achieved.


    He wounded Zhenren Qi Yu because he wanted to save her life.


    He plotted to start a xian-demon war because he wanted to hinder it from within.


    He whipped her 81 times because cultivating the demon pathway caused the demon neidan within her to recover. Dragon aura had started to seep out. Su Ying and Qing Guang would kill her when they saw that, and Ling Xiao feared he wouldn''t be able to protect her.........


    He knew how hurt Yan Hui would feel after knowing about this. That''s why from beginning to end, he kept silent. He always had mercy in his heart even with dealing with demons. He always had gentleness hidden in his heart. Even until his death, he shouldered it all on his own.


    Yan Hui tightly clenched her hands into fists until her fingernails dug into her palm. Blood flowed out.


    Tian Yao had just finished silently wrapping her knees when he looked up and saw her bloodied palms. Then he looked further up and saw her despondent, ruined gaze. He couldn''t say any comforting words. He wanted to wanted to wrap his hands around hers, to give just the tiniest bit of warmth. But then he realized........he couldn''t hold her hand.


    He was ashamed to touch her because he had never felt such deep frustration before.


    The frustration stemmed from his helplessness when he wanted to fight against Qing Guang. It also stemmed from the current situation where he couldn''t reach Yan Hui''s heart.


    Even though Tian Yao was right in front of Yan Hui, compared to her shifu who silently did so much for her, Tian Yao felt completely incapable and.......


    Despicable.


    Yes, despicable.


    From the start, the one who conspired for Yan Hui''s heart protection scale and neidan was him. The one who used Yan Hui as a tool to break the formation and get her blood was him. The one who deceived Yan Hui into thinking she only had the heart protection scale was him. The one who tricked Yan Hui into learning demon techniques was also him.


    This entire time, he schemed against her, used her, landed her in the middle of extremely life-threatening situations.


    However, Yan Hui always saved him, protected him, and defended him with no second thoughts.


    He didn''t do anything for her. Even now, he stupidly couldn''t say even one comforting word.


    How did someone like him be even qualified to touch her.......


    "Tian Yao......." Yan Hui buried her face in her hands. "Let me be alone for awhile."


    Yes, he should let her be alone because even if he was by her side, he still wouldn''t be able to do anything.


    Tian Yao left the room and quietly closed the door. Right before the door completely closed, Tian Yao couldn''t help peeking into the room. He saw Yan Hui, who didn''t cry despite the extreme hoarseness betraying her voice, cover her face. All alone in the room, her shoulders shook.


    The door closed with a click. Tian Yao looked down. For a moment, he loathed his powerless self. His loathing far surpassed when he was betrayed 20 years ago by Su Ying.


    Tian Yao clenched his hands into fists. His figure flashed and reappeared outside of Qing Qiu''s palace, right in front of the enormous tree entrance. The fox demon guards blocked Tian Yao from entering. However, before the guards could open their mouths, the door to the palace creaked open. The voice of Qing Qiu''s king floated out: "Let him in." The voice wasn''t the least surprised. It was like the king foresaw Tian Yao coming to seek him out.


    Tian Yao saw the king sitting on the throne when he entered the room. Sunlight shined down on the king, making his facial features slightly indistinct. In that pool of sunlight, it was like the king could ascend to become an immortal at any moment.


    Tian Yao got straight to the point: "50 years ago, you fought against Qing Guang. How was his strength?"


    The Qing Qiu King didn''t avoid the question. Rather he directly answered: "Without a neidan, you are no match."


    Tian Yao clenched his hands: "Aside from that, is there another way? Perhaps we could jointly........"


    This time the king lightly waved his hand and broke off Tian Yao''s words. He got up and slowly walked towards Tian Yao: "Do you know why the demon clans retreated to the southwest behind San Chong Mountain 50 years ago?"


    Tian Yao fell silent at the king''s words.


    50 years ago, the rumor was Qing Qiu''s king and Qing Guang were equally matched and both suffered in the battle. However, the truth was.......


    To the victor goes the spoils, the loser gets nothing.


    "In that battle 50 years ago, Qing Guang was also seriously hurt. The cultivation sects also didn''t have the strength to continue on. Thus the mountain was split, and there was a stand still. We had a temporary peace for 50 years." The Qing Qiu King continued, "I heard that in those 50 years, Qing Guang used neidan to cultivate. He was also supplemented by Chen Xing Mountain''s spirituality. It can be assumed that his skill has surged far ahead. On the other hand, Qing Qiu lies in the southwest with scarce spirituality. Although 50 years isn''t a long time to me, it is enough to cause a large gap in terms of cultivation."


    The king paused and turned to look at Tian Yao: "Qing Guang needed a lot of neidan in thse past 50 years to reach his desired cultivation level. However to reach the final layer, he needs an extremely powerful neidan to cultivate successfully. Do you know why Qing Guang was willing to take the risk to get your neidan but never once fought you?"


    50 years ago, Tian Yao never took part in the xian-demon war. However if Qing Guang wanted to find him, it wasn''t that Tian Yao couldn''t be found. But then why did Qing Guang choose to provoke Qing Qiu instead of seeking just him out.........


    Tian Yao looked down and remembered back to the day when he briefly fought against Qing Guang. His gaze slightly shook: "His wuxing affinity is wood. He cultivates wood techniques."


    Tian Yao''s natual wuxing affinity was fire. After cultivating for a millennium, his vast dragon aura was scorching hot. He was Qing Guang''s natural enemy.


    "There is no one else in this world more suited for fighting Qing Guang than you," said Qing Qiu''s king. "If it wasn''t for Guang Han sect''s blizzard technique binding you, then you would have definiately beaten Qing Guang 50 years ago."


    However back then, Tian Yao wasn''t interested in participating in the world''s battles. He had been cultivating for 1000 years. There was no fight nor struggle that he hadn''t seen before. At that time, he was merely dedicated to cultivating, waiting for that one day to soar into the heavens. He knew what was happening in the world but had no interest.


    "Dragon demon Tian Yao." The king stood in front of Tian Yao and lightly pointed at his heart. "For this, you''ll need your neidan."


    Tian Yao looked down: "This is........ the only thing that I can''t do."


    The king silently took back his finger.


    "Any other method will do."


    Qing Qiu''s king remained silent, but then he finally spoke: "If you don''t have your own neidan, then use someone else''s as a substitute. South of here lies many monsters'' lairs. Among those lairs is a clan of snakes. They weren''t willing to submit to me 50 years ago. Since then, my clan has gone on many punitive expeditions to that rocky forest. All who didn''t submit were dealt with. To this day, only the Snake King Gou lives in that maze of lairs. His neidan ought to match yours."


    Tian Yao didn''t hesitate to nod in agreement: "I''ll get it."


    "That snake king is cunning and evil. If even my sons couldn''t capture him, then it''s even more dangerous going into the nest. You don''t have a neidan, so you might not be able to win against him."


    Tian Yao turned to leave and left only a quiet declaration: "If I can''t win, then there''s no need to return."


    Qing Qiu''s king looked at Tian Yao''s back: "You should fully heal your leg before going." Then the king disappeared.


    Tian Yao paused before exiting. There was a tearing pain in his lower leg. The pain had been there ever since returning from Central Plains. It was from that day when Zhenren Qing Guang pressed him down onto the ground and broke his bones. Magic had twisted around the wound ever since Zhenren Qing Guang injured him.


    These past few days, Tian Yao had been accompanying Yan Hui and completely forgot about his wound. And other people had forgotten to pay attention to him........

 CH 102

    After going to the cold spring, Tian Yao headed towards Yan Hui''s courtyard. He looked inside but didn''t plan on going in. He saw Huan Xiao Yan and Zhu Li propped up against Yan Hui''s window, looking in.


    Zhu Li asked Huan Xiao Yan: "Is your illusion magic working?"


    Huan Xiao Yan had already grown into a young, elegant lady. Paired against the young Zhu Li, they looked like childhood sweethearts. Huan Xiao Yan harrumphed when she heard Zhu Li''s question: "I''m pretty strong now, alright? I might even be able to confuse your king with my illusions. The illusion I''m casting right now will let Master return to the happiest moment in her life. She''ll definitely rest well in her dreams tonight."


    "What are you making her dream about?"


    When they heard Tian Yao behind them, the pair jumped up in fright from the window. Huan Xiao Yan became a little apprehensive when she saw Tian Yao''s solemn face. She subconsciously hid behind Zhu Li: "Um.......from a long time ago. It''s when Master was being carried back by to Chen Xing Mountian by Zhenren Ling Xiao.......They were walking in the forest, and her Head Senior Disciple was walking along with them too......"


    Tian Yao was quiet.


    "We''re going to go now, so we don''t disrupt her dream." Saying that, Huan Xiao Yan grabbed Zhu Li, and they instantly ran away.


    Tian Yao quietly stood there for a moment. Then he finally took a step, pushed open the door, and walked into Yan Hui''s room. He sat by Yan Hui''s bed and used the moonlight through the window to see her face. It seemed like something good was happening in her dream. Her lips were curved into a slight smile, and her deathly pale face finally had a healthy flush.


    She was really peaceful in her dream.


    Tian Yao couldn''t help putting his hand over hear heart. The heart protection scale and neidan in her heart resonated with him. For that moment, his heartbeat and Yan Hui''s heartbeat synced together. Tian Yao closed his eyes, and he suddenly entered Yan Hui''s dream.


    Ling Xiao was giving Yan Hui a piggyback ride, and she quietly laid on his back. Her head rested on his shoulder as he walked on. Walking by them was a young Zi Chen. Whenever Yan Hui looked over, Zi Chen would warmly smile. "Junior disciple, we''re about to reach Chen Xing Mountain."


    Yan Hui didn''t respond, and Zi Chen didn''t hold it against her.


    The trio continued to walk on the forest path. It was like they were on a never ending trail. Ahead of them, the green of the trees and the brown of the death paled into a white light. They were walking in a glow of light.


    Tian Yao took back his hand and opened his eyes. The setting in his mind immediately vanished. Yan Hui still laid on the bed. There was slight wetness in the corner of her eye, which glittered in the moonlight.


    Tian Yao curled his finger and lightly brushed against her eye, rubbing away the tear.


    He got up and left the room. He stood alone in the courtyard for awhile. The moonlight illuminated his lonely outline.


    When Yan Hui woke up the second day, she saw Huan Xiao Yan propped up against her window. "Master, how was your sleep?"


    Yan Hui returned to her senses and realized it was all a dream. She was silent, but then she sat up: "It was a lovely dream."


    Huan Xiao Yan happily said, "Then tonight I''ll continue to cast an illusion for you, okay? Last night you were so happy in your dream."


    Yan Hui thought about it for awhile but then shook her head: "No need."


    "Why?" Huan Xiao Yan didn''t understand at all. "Before when I wanted to let you dream about your Head Senior Disciple, you also refused. It clearly lets you be at east for a little bit........"


    It was because the more beautiful the dream was, the more stark reality feels after waking up. Yan Hui got up from the bed: "I''ll recover from it. It''ll just take a little time."


    Yan Hui had just put on her shoes when Zhu Li''s hurried footsteps were heard from outside. "A female disciple from Chen Xing Mountain came looking for you," said Zhu Li. "The one that was captured before for trying to kill you."


    Yan Hui was stunned.


    Zi Yue........


    Yan Hui never thought she would see Zi Yue in this kind of situation. Zi Yue''s figure looked like a mess, and her face revealed she had gone through some kind of difficulty. Zi Yue looked nothing like the conceited senior disciple Yan Hui knew in Chen Xing Mountain. Zi Yue''s eyes were much more dull and muddy than before.


    Zi Yue didn''t smile or yell upon seeing Yan Hui. She merely stared at Yan Hui for a long time. She appraised Yan Hui as Yan Hui did the same to her.


    "Why are you here?" asked Yan Hui.


    "I know shifu is dead."


    Yan Hui''s hands tightened into a fist. After a flash of pain in her heart, she guessed why Zi Yue had come. Yan Hui hoarsely said, "I don''t care if you believe me or not, but I didn''t kill shifu. Tian Yao wasn''t involved either. It was......."


    "Qing Guang." Zi Yue looked down. "I know."


    Yan Hui was stunned. She watched Zi Yue take out a small scroll from within her sleeve. Zi Yue handed it over: "Shifu''s death has reached Chen Xing Mountain. When us disciples were clearing out shifu''s room, we found this."


    Yan Hui silently took the scroll and gently opened it.


    "This is when Qing Guang needs large amounts of neidan, 20 years ago to now," said Zi Yue. "At first, I didn''t know what this was. I handed it over to Qing Guang when he returned heavily injured, and I nearly lost my life. It was the disciples doing all they could to save me that let me escape Chen Xing Mountain. On the road, Qi Jue Group told me about all of shifu''s plans these past 10 years......."


    Yan Hui was even more shocked by that: "Qi Jue Group......why would they do that?"


    "You haven''t been at Chen Xing Mountain, so you don''t know that the matter of the higher cultivators of Chen Xing Mountain using demon neidan to cultivate was circulating in the jianghu. Many cultivators were alarmed by that. Even the beginners of cultivation know this is a heretical cultivation technique. It was just that everyone blocked the senior cultivators and didn''t dare speak about it in front of them. I once also whole-heartedly believed in the senior cultivators, but now this matter........"


    After Ling Xiao''s death, Qi Jue Group spread the rumors of what Qing Guang had been doing until everyone knew about it. Such a ruthless method to spread the word.......


    Rumors and gossip can be blown greatly out of proportion. Compared to the honorable way of announcing the news, this method stealthily leaked out a small amount of information. It made people guess which hurt the person of discussion the most. No mater how strong Zhenren Qing Guang was, he couldn''t stop the mouths of everyone.


    Even if Qing Guang had heavenly abilities, once the words ''heretical cultivation'' took plant, he would become cut off from everyone else.......


    Yan Hui suddenly realized why Ling Xiao helped Feng Qian Shuo and got invovled in jianghu''s matters. Turns out it was all done in preparation to rip off Qing Guang''s mask.


    Although Ling Xiao had killed demons for past years, he still clung to his own beliefs. From beginning to end, he never once thought demons were evil. He didn''t just want to save her but also other disciples. He always cared for the common folk.


    "That scroll records when Qing Guang absorbs neidan. I''ve compared the information on there many times while traveling. For every date written, there was always a mass murder of demons around that time. Before it was two times a year. Now it''s every two months." Zi Yue''s gaze was heavy. "The next time will be even sooner. Every time Qing Guang absorbs neidan, he has to go into seclusion. That''s when he''s at his weakest."


    Yan Hui raised her head and locked Zi Yue in her eyes: "When do you think will be the next time?"


    "A rough estimate, 27th of the next month."


    Still about 20 days left........


    Yan Hui rolled up the scroll and walked out the door. She handed the scroll over to Zhu Li: "Assign someone to carefully calculate the dates in this. They have to be accurate. Tell the heir to tighten up the offense. If there are any casualties, do everything to bring the bodies back. Don''t let the xian cultivators take the soldiers'' neidans."


    But thinking about it, the more the news spread about Qing Guang using neidans for heretical cultivation, the less xian cultivators would be willing to take out the soldiers'' neidans.


    Right now Qing Guang was seriously injured by Ling Xiao. He would need a lot of neidan to regulate and adjust his inner breath. As long as they could control the amount of neidan, then they could delay Qing Guang''s recovery so much that it would affect his advancement. Another attack might be the optimal opportunity to get rid of Qing Guang.


    Ling Xiao wanted to protect the common people, but he wasn''t able to finish that. Therefore, Yan Hui would finish it for him.


    Zhu Li remained for stunned for a long time after hearing Yan Hui''s words. He finally recovered his senses and left with the scroll.


    For a moment, Yan Hui suddenly felt like she didn''t have the time to process her feelings. Ling Xiao didn''t save her so she could spends her days in dazed grief grieving his death. He sacrificed his life so she could bravely live.


    Yan Hui turned to look at Zi Yue: "Senior Disciple, thank you for coming."


    Zi Yue was silent for a moment: "Yan Hui, do you know why I didn''t like you before?"


    Yan Hui remained quiet and waited for Zi Yue to continue.


    "Because even though you were kicked out of Chen Xing Mountain in such a humiliating manner, you didn''t let the people who disliked you feel a single bit of joy. Shifu saved me that day at the mountain gate. After you left, I complained to him that you were heartless. You lived here for 10 years, yet you didn''t even look back." Zi Yue''s eyes slightly reddened as she recalled that day, but her mouth curved into a slight smile. "Shifu had always been a man of few words. However that day, he told me that was the attitude that you should have."


    Staunch, stubborn, always with a straight back. Even if alone, still able to walk the unknown road to its end.


    That was the kind of person Ling Xiao hoped for her to be.


    Her heart suddenly tightened. Yan Hui looked down and smiled: "I won''t disappoint shifu''s wish."


    Done talking with Zi Yue, Yan Hui stepped out and took a deep breath in. Huan Xiao Yan bounded over to her side and circled her two times: "Master, you seem more lively now."


    Yan Hui nodded: "I''ll get more energy back, day by day." She turned and suddenly realized something was missing from her side. She was puzzled for a few moments and then asked Huan Xiao Yan: "Where''s Tian Yao?"


    Huan Xiao Yan was eating a mantou. She blinked two times at the question: "Tian Yao didn''t tell you yesterday?"


    "Tell me what?"


    "I heard people talking about it today. He went to Qing Qiu''s south side to the snake monsters'' lair to catch the snake king." Huan Xiao Yan didn''t understand Yan Hui''s shocked expression. "Tian Yao went into your room yesterday. I saw him sit by your bed for awhile. He didn''t wake you up and tell you? Huan Xiao Yan continued to mutter, "I heard the snake king is very powerful. Even Qing Qiu''s princes who had cultivated for 500 years couldn''t catch it......."


    The words were still coming out of Huan Xiao Yan''s mouth when Yan Hui used the Propelling Sword technique and left like the wind.

 CH 103

    Vast forests with soaring trees can be found in Southern Qing Qiu. The sunlight was practically blocked from reaching the undergrowth. Yan Hui, who was flying in the sky, couldn''t see any tracks leading to the lairs. She could only enter the forest and search from the ground.


    Yan Hui hurriedly search in anxiety, but she found no traces. However, far up ahead came a loud noise. The ground shook. Yan Hui''s heart tightened, and she immediately started towards that direction. She had only taken a few steps when the earth shook even harder. It seemed like whatever was making the ground shake was running her way. Yan Hui could barely keep standing.


    The ground in front of her suddenly bulged up. The large trees were uprooted and toppled over. An enormous black demon coiled up from under the ground. Yan Hui stared wide-eyed. It was a nine-headed snake demon!


    But three of its head were gone. Its entire body was covered in blood, and the remaining six heads were hissing in pain.


    With a twist the six heads looked at Yan Hui in unison. Then with a hiss, the nine-headed snake demon struck at Yan Hui.


    Its mouths gaped open like it was going to swallow her in one gulp.


    Yan Hui was shocked at first, but then she immediately calmed down. She stood firm and gathered her inner breath. She circulated the heart technique she learned in Demon Bestowal around her body. She waved her hand, and a fire ball was launched at the snake demon.


    The nine-headed snake demon didn''t dodge or flinch. One of the heads stiffly swallowed the fireball down. Another head in a blink of an eye extended until it was right in front of Yan Hui. Fangs earily gleamed in the gaping maw, and its fishy breath was enough to make one retch.


    Yan Hui narrowed her eyes. She was just about to go all out against the demon when suddenly a fiery light appeared overhead. A person dropped down from the sky, arriving with the weight and power of thunder. A jian pieced through the snake''s head and sealed its mouth shut. The person stood in front of Yan Hui, demon aura pulsing outwards and pushing the snake demon 33 meters away.


    Yan Hui blankly looked at Tian Yao whose eyes flashed red. He leapt up, went after the snake, and started the fight where the snake had been pushed to. Poison covered the snake demon''s withering body, and its six heads never ceased moving. Finally, one of the heads seized an opening and swallowed Tian Yao whole, jian and all.


    Yan Hui''s mind whited out. She was just about to race forward to save Tian Yao when she saw a blaze of fiery light emit out of the snake''s belly. The snake demon wailed and then immediately exploded into a fine mist. It was completely obliterated.


    The mist made everything vague and fuzzy, but the gleam of a long jian could be seen within.


    "Tian Yao......."


    Yan Hui absentmindedly took a step forward. There were footsteps sin the mist, steadily walking out. Tian Yao emerged from the mist. He was covered in blood, and his left arm hung limply by his side. Blood flowed down his finger tips and dripped onto the ground. The fiery jian in his right hand slowly vanished until only a subtle light was left in his palm.


    It was the snake demon''s neidan.


    Yan Hui was in no mood to pay any attention to the neidan. She ran towards Tian Yao and anxiously asked: "How are your injuries?"


    Tian Yao didn''t say a word. It wasn''t until Yan Hui was standing in front of him that he started to lean. Yan Hui automatically reached out to hug him and support him upright. She could hear his harsh breaths and smell the reek of blood and snake venom. However Yan Hui didn''t feel disgusted at all. She only felt......


    Distressed.


    Incomparably distressed.


    Yan Hui only had to think about it a little bit on her way here before knowing why Tian Yao would come here alone. If it wasn''t for him being unable to take back his own neidan, then there would be no reason for him to take the snake''s neidan. If he had his own neidan, then he wouldn''t be in this condition.


    He ought to be soaring in the sky, making everyone cower under his displeasure.


    "Yan Hui." Tian Yao suddenly laughed in Yan Hui''s ear. "You came again."  He patted her head with gentleness, ruefulness, and some other hidden emotions. He said, "Don''t risk your life for me. I''ll protect you."


    The head on Yan Hui''s shoulder became a little heavier. Tian Yao had passed out.


    Yan Hui was silent, and then she somewhat heavily patted his back. Her voice was choked: "First protect yourself. Then we''ll talk."


    Yan Hui went to a place with clean water and washed Tian Yao''s face. Then she pulled off his outer clothing and washed it in the water. Yan Hui was still scrubbing at the clothes when Tian Yao woke up behind her.


    He slightly opened his eyes and saw Yan Hui bathed in sunlight. She was focused on washing the clothes in her hands. When water would occasionally splash onto her face, she would wipe it away. Her expression look natural. There was no depression nor despondence. Her eyes didn''t have the grief that lingered on after Ling Xiao had died.


    For a moment, the scene before his eyes was like an illusion. They were just an ordinary couple in the world. It would be best if the only thing Yan Hui had to worry about today was not wanting to wash the dishes and tomorrow not wanting to cook. Living an ordinary life with a bit of indolence.......


    Perhaps because the gaze behind her was too strong, Yan Hui look back. She was a bit surprised and asked Tian Yao: "What is it? Why are you looking at me with such kind eyes? It''s creepy."


    Tian Yao coughed: "Are you helping me to wash my clothes?"


    "You were swallowed by that nine-headed snake demon and then exploded out. You smelled......all that was need was a sprinkle of water, and you would be just like fertilizer. If I didn''t wash them, there''s no way I could carry you back."


    Tian Yao nodded and was silent.


    Yan Hui wrung out the clothes and hung them on a tree branch. With today''s hot sun, the clothes should quickly dry out. After arranging the clothes, Yan Hui walked over and sat by Tian Yao''s side.


    Yan Hui''s arm lightly touched his arm. She also stayed silent. They peacefully sat there, listening to the burbling stream, and watching the occasional bird fly overhead.


    Tian Yao couldn''t hold it back any longer and asked: "Why did you come?"


    Yan Hui spoke: "I dreamed about shifu and Head Senior Disciple. It was when they were taking me to Chen Xing Mountain. That was the luckiest moment in my life. Shifu gave me a piggy-back ride. Head Senior Disciple was worried that I was missing my home, so he tried tell me so jokes that really weren''t funny to amuse me." Yan Hui laughed as she talked.


    Tian Yao looked down but also lightly chuckled along with Yan Hui.


    "I really wished that the path would continue on forever, that it wouldn''t end." Yan Hui paused. Her arm pressed a little tighter against Tian Yao. "But then someone told me someone was bullying you, so I woke up."


    Tian Yao was stunned. When he finally processed what the words meant, his eyes lit up. Tian Yao looked over at Yan Hui, but her head was tilted and resting against his shoulder. She said, "The last part was fake. I made it up to make you happy. It didn''t really happen."


    "........"


    Hearing Yan Hui''s words was like riding a cloud when seriously injured.......up and down........


    Yan Hui could sense that Tian Yao stiffened. She laughed like a child whose practical joke succeeded: "But once I remembered that you were waiting for me, I came out of the dream. In that moment, I didn''t want to have that kind of dream anymore. When I thought that my actions hurt the great dragon Tian Yao, I got mad at myself." Yan Hui reached out and grasped Tian Yao''s hand. She interlaced their fingers together: "I clearly said that I would protect you."


    "Yan Hui......."


    "First listen to me," said Yan Hui. "My memories of the 10 years with shifu are vivid in my mind. Any fragment of them can make my heart ache. To me, Ling Xiao is 10 years of my heart. He is my shifu, the one I looked up to, the one I admired. This kind of person throwing away his life for me.......I was stuck in pain and grief these past two days." Yan paused and sat upright. She looked at Tian Yao, "But I know that one day, I will move on."


    Humans were always that strong of an animal. Wounds will heal. Pain will pass.


    "I can walk out this haze myself, but I''ll need time. Tian Yao, are you willing to accompany me during this time?"


    If one were to say what was Tian Yao''s most wonderful moment, it would be meeting Yan Hui when he was at the end of his rope. If one were to say what was Yan Hui''s most wonderful moment, it would be having Tian Yao when she had nothing left.


    Tian Yao didn''t respond for a long time. It was so long that Yan Hui was starting to think his mind had wandered elsewhere. Tian Yao''s mouth slightly curled......and he actually laughed.


    Yan Hui was a little dumbfounded at his sincere smile: "What did I say.......that was so funny......."


    "So cute."


    "What?"


    Thus Tian Yao repeated: "Yan Hui, when you say that so earnestly, it''s so cute." It made his heart race and his mind blank out.


    Yan Hui was a little stunned. She coughed and covered up her red face: "You talk. What were you going to say?


    "You''re holding my injured hand."


    Yan Hui was dumbfounded. She looked down and finally realized her fingers were intertwined with his injured left hand. She felt pain in her heart and also a huge jolt of embarrassment. She promptly let go: "If it hurts, then say something. If you endure it, how am I supposed to know......."


    Yan Hui hadn''t finished talking nor completely withdrawn her hand when Tian Yao used his injured hand to pull Yan Hui forward. He made her fall into his arms and then hugged her.l


    Yan Hui stayed startled for a long time. Then, her cheeks started to slowly warm up.


    Although they both confessed to each other, there were very few intimate moments between them. It was like they had grown accustomed to the friendship manner between them. Normally, holding hands let alone hugging was rare.


    In the current situation, the two of them didn''t have time to think if anything was amiss between the two of them. Now with Tian Yao''s hug, Yan Hui flusteredly thought that they had been acting too innocent with each other........


    Tian Yao wasn''t hugging Yan Hui with the suffocating vice used on full moon nights. It also wasn''t the surprised hug when he thought Yan Hui had died. This was a gentle hug that slowly trickled affection. This was a tender hug that they have never done before.


    "Yan Hui, there was an issue with your question."


    Yan Hui was surprised: "What?"


    "I''m willing to do anything for you. Just let me be with you."

 CH 104

    They set out to return to Qing Qiu. Tian Yao brought the nine-headed snake''s neidan with him to seek out Qing Qiu''s king. Yan Hui also went with him. She didn''t have any other purpose than wanting to ask the king a question.


    "Since Tian Yao can refine the snake king''s neidan, then can Tian Yao and I switch neidan''s?"


    On the way back, Yan Hui hadn''t brought up the neidan matter. It wasn''t until this moment than Tian Yao heard her thoughts. He somewhat blankly looked at her.


    "I''ll return Tian Yao''s neidan to him and use the snake''s neidan to maintain my life," said Yan Hui. "Isn''t that the best of both worlds?"


    "No." Tian Yao immediately solemnly declined. "It''s dangerous."


    Yan Hui continued to debate with Tian Yao. The Qing Qiu King cut in: "The nine-headed snake is naturally vicious and did many evil deeds in its life. It also cultivated using evil methods, and its body is covered in poison. Even if you successfully use its neidan, you''ll always have poison circulating in your body. Not to mention, the snake''s neidan isn''t enough to maintain one''s life. A dragon demon''s neidan is the most valuable treasure in the world. There is no easy replacement for such a precious thing."


    Qing Qiu''s king had just finished speaking when Tian Yao emphasized his point: "Don''t think about this matter again."


    Yan Hui was silent for a moment: "Then what about you?" She continued, "The nine-headed snake''s neidan is filled with toxin, so what about you? Are you really going to put that kind of thing in your body?"


    "I can still live without a neidan," said Tian Yao. "I just need it to gain an edge over Qing Guang in battle, but I don''t require it."


    Yan Hui pressed her lips together. Tian Yao didn''t give Yan Hui a chance to argue back and turned towards Qing Qiu''s king: "I can here to ask a question. You fought against Qing Guang 50 years ago. Do you know of a weakness?"


    The Qing Qiu King''s gaze slightly grew grave: "Time."


    Tian Yao quietly waited for further words, but it turns out Yan Hui was the one who spoke: "Next month on the 27th is when he is at his weakest."


    Tian Yao was a little surprised by Yan Hui''s words. Although Yan Hui wasn''t happy with Tian Yao''s strong refusal, she still spoke: "Zi Yue fled from Chen Xing Mountain to Qing Qiu. She brought with her Ling Xiao''s records of the past 20 years when Qing Guang needed large amounts of neidan to boost his cultivation. He is always at his weakest the day before absorbing the neidan. If we make a move at that time, we might be able to kill him."


    Tian Yao gaze grew sharper: "Then I won''t tarry here any longer. After placing the neidan in my body, there''s still a period of adjustment that''s needed."


    He was just about to turn to leave when Qing Qiu''s king suddenly spoke: "You should carefully study the ''Demon Bestowal'' book that Yan Hui has."


    Tian Yao looked back. Yan Hui was also clueless.


    "Qing Guang cultivates using the ''Demon Bestowal'' method."


    Tian Yao and Yan Hui were shocked by those words. Yan Hui suddenly recalled that day where they fought by the enormous tree. Qing Guang did subtly mention her cultivating via ''Demon Bestowal''. Turns out........


    Zhenren Qing Guang lived at Chen Xing Mountain, but he wasn''t cultivating the xian method! It was actually the demon method!


    And the demon method he was actually......the same as hers!


    This piece of news was too shocking. Yan Hui was so stunned that a long time passed before she spoke again: "So it''s like this.....then why is the ''Demon Bestowal'' scroll in Qing Qiu? And.....will I also need to absorb neidan later? Before I was able to cultivate the usual way."


    "The ''Demon Bestowal'' you have stops at the ninth level. In that range, ''Demon Bestowal'' has the same cultivation methods as the usual methods. But if you go beyond that level, then it''ll be like what Qing Guang does....."


    Tian Yao frowned: "How many more levels are there?"


    "The 12th level is the peak."


    Tian Yao frowned even harder at those words. Yan Hui still remembered when Tian Yao flipped throw ''Demon Bestowal'', he said it wasn''t finished. However he estimated that it would only reach 11 levels. Turns out there are actually 12 levels.......


    The pair silently listened to the rest of the Qing Qiu King''s words. "The further you advance, the hard it is to cultivate. 50 years ago, Qing Guang wanted my neidan. He needed a strong neidan to break through to the 12th level. 20 years ago, he wanted Tian Yao''s neidan for the same reason. Til now, he still hasn''t cultivated to the last level."


    It was already formidable that Qing Guang reached the 11th level. If Qing Guang finished through the entire scroll, then there might not be anyone in the land who could oppose him......


    Silence filled the palace for a long time. Finally it was Tian Yao who broke the silence: "How do you know so much about ''Demon Bestowal''?"


    The king didn''t immediately respond and remained quiet. Yan Hui was starting to think he wouldn''t reply when the king suddenly said: "It was written by my beloved wife who has now passed away."


    The Qing Qiu King''s wife........


    Is it the rumored king''s true love, a mortal woman? The one who was dying of old age, danced one last dance, and vanished into thin air........


    But wasn''t she just a mortal, ordinary woman......


    The king lightly remarked when he saw Yan Hui''s startled expression: "The first time I met Nei Zi, she wasn''t an ordinary, mortal woman. She was the same as Qing Guang, stuck cultivating the 11th level of Demon Bestowal and unable to breakthrough. When she met me, she wanted to take my neidan. Later on, she was willing to give up her lifetime of cultivation and turn into an ordinary mortal for me. She lived for 100 years and then turned into dust, returning to heaven and earth."


    In those few sentences, the king narrated the beginning to end of their story. Perhaps there were a few emotion only the king could experience, but it wasn''t hard to imagine what kind of person his wife was. She gave up so much for him. No wonder why the king still called her "beloved wife" when recalling her after so many years.


    "Qing Guang was Nei Zi''s disciple. The year that Nei Zi gave up her cultivation, Qing Guang still wanted to cultivate. He was obsessed with "Demon Bestowal" and didn''t want to give it up. Thus, he stole the last three levels and when to Chen Xing Mountain to cultivate. He had a deep loathing towards the demon clans and vowed to eradicate them. 50 years ago, his magic was very strong. I managed to stop him and split the world into two halves. Xian and demons held this temporary peace. And now Qing Guang wants to create chaos again. According to custom, since he is Nei Zi''s disciple, I ought to join you in your fight......"


    The Qing Qiu King paused and slightly raised his hand. Under the beams of sunlight, his hand seemed slightly transparent.


    "But there is a fixed number in the reincarnation cycle. Although I''m seen as the country''s kind, I haven''t become an immortal. Destiny awaits. The time heaven has granted me on this earth is near its end. The magic within me is gradually returning to heaven, earth, and living things. Now that this body is but an empty shell, I will pass on within the next few days."


    Qing Qiu''s king........


    was near the end of his life.......


    Yan Hui was stunned. She started to think back to Qing Qiu''s activities in the past few days. Its king really wasn''t in the midst of things. Most of the efforts were led by the heir. Under the current circumstances, if the king died, the demon clans'' morale would take a large hit. This news needed to be covered up.


    "Dragon demon Tian Yao." The king''s voice slightly lowered. "The demon clans can only rely on you now."


    Yan Hui clenched her first and looked at Tian Yao. His gaze was grave, and his expression was also solemn.


    Even though they seldom met Qing Qiu''s king after arriving at Qing Qiu, all the demon clansmen treated the two of them with the utmost respect. They lacked nothing in terms of treatment and provided quarters, food, etc. The king had to be behind all of that. He had to have known one day there would be a situation like this.......


    That was why the king questioned Tian Yao if he had retrieve his entire body back. There was a reason behind that.


    "My sons and I have already clarified the arrangements. If you can defeat Qing Guang, save the demon clans from the turmoil, then the Qing Qiu''s king position will be abdicated to you."


    Make Tian Yao a demon king?


    Tian Yao frowned at those words: "I don''t need to be king." Saying that, he slightly looked towards Yan Hui, "I will fight against Qing Guang. Not for the demon clans nor for the position of king. I fight to protected a person''s heart."


    For a moment, Yan Hui''s heart felt warm. The warmth coursed out of her heart and flowed throughout her entire body.


    "For this period of time, I''ll adjust to the neidan and study "Demon Bestowal". I may come to you to discuss some aspects. I hope the king will overlook any annoyance I cause." Saying that, Tian Yao nodded towards the king and left.


    Yan Hui looked at the king on this throne. She saw hidden worry in his normally cold gaze. She tensed but didn''t let it show on her face. Yan Hui just bade the king goodbye and turned to follow Tian Yao out.


    Outside of the palace, Tian Yao continued to walk ahead. Yan Hui silently followed behind. They silently walked like this until they left the mountain and almost reached the cold springs. That''s when Tian Yao suddenly spoke up: "Yan Hui, don''t make anymore plans about the neidan in your heart."


    He finally turned to look back at her: "That is your life." He continued, "And it''s also mine."


    Yan Hui just continued to keep her silence.


    When they reached their residence, Yan Hui handed over "Demon Bestowal" to Tian Yao. He said, "I''ll  transcribe it. You keep this it and continue to cultivate. Even though it''s only a short amount of time until next month, being able to reach another level and protect yourself will still be a good thing."


    Yan Hui agreed with that.


    Tian Yao finished copying "Demon Bestowal" in the afternoon and took it away. When night make, Tian Yao said he was going to meld with the neidan, so he wouldn''t be back to eat dinner with her. Thus Yan Hui called Zi Yue and planned to chat with her about what has happened at Chen Xing Mountain.


    But the two of them once had grudges with each other. They only said a few things and were still trying to adjust the mood when Huan Xiao Yan joyfully bounded in. Her smile disappeared when she saw Zi Yue and sensed the xian aura. Huan Xiao Yan somewhat timidly hid by Yan Hui''s side.


    "This is my senior disciple," said Yan Hui automatically. "Don''t be scared."


    Zi Yue pressed her lips together and didn''t say anything. She merely took another bite of food.


    Huan Xiao Yan made a sound and then softly said to Yan Hui: "Master, I just understood the illusion formation that Su Ying cast on you and Tian Yao."


    Yan Hui was a little startled by Su Ying''s name. She said, "What about it?"


    "The illusion formation Su Ying cast on you two. I comprehend it! My magic went super high! You want to see?"


    Huan Xian Yan was still talking when Zhu Li hurriedly ran inside. "Yan Hui, there were sudden huge movement near the cold springs. It''s around where Tian Yao was. We don''t dare get close. Can you......."


    Yan Hu put down her chopsticks when she heard it was about Tian Yao. She rushed away before anyone could call out.


    Huan Xiao Yan''s fingertips had just illuminated with magic when Yan Hui ran out. The illusion demon immediately angrily yelled at Zhu Li: "What''s wrong with you! I was just about to show off! Then you rushed in and ruined it!"


    Zhu Li was also anxious and yelled back: "What can your crappy illusion magic do anyways!" The contempt in his voice made Huan Xiao Yan swell up with anger. When Zhu Li turned to leave, Huan Xiao Yan swatted the back of his head. She yelled: "From now on, you''re my servant! You will be obediant and obey me!"


    Zhu Li''s eyes stared into the distance, and he stood in place. Then his eyes dulled. He turned back to Huan Xiao Yan and said: "Yes, Master."


    Zi Yue''s grip on her chopsticks slightly loosened as she watched what was happening. She stared at the two demons in stunned silence.


    Huan Xiao Yan smiled proudly at Zhu Li''s actions. She patted his head: "Good. Now, I''m tired of walking. Carry me."


    "Yes, Master."


    Once on Zhu Li''s back, Huan Xiao Yan looked back at the open-mouthed Zi Yue: "Tomorrow I''ll let this silly kid wake up from my spell. Remember to keep this our secret."


    Zi Yue just nodded. Huan Xiao Yan yelled "mush" and then "go forth", and Zhu Li carried her away.


    Zi Yue came back to her senses once the demons left. The longer she stayed here, the more she felt that what the shifus taught at Chen Xing Mountain about how "demons and monsters were evil" was extremely inaccurate.


    How could a race be so simply defined with good or evil. It was merely if one was advantageous or disadvantages towards oneself.


    Looking back at the xian sects'' beliefs, they really were ignorant.

 CH 105

    When Yan Hui rushed over to the cold springs, she saw the surroundings were already a mess. Trees were broken, and the springs'' waters were turbid. Some of the treetops were also on fire. If something wasn''t done, this area would go up in flames.


    Yan Hui didn''t see any trace of Tian Yao yet. Even though she was anxious, Yan Hui still first used the spring water to put out the blazing treetops.


    The sun had already set, but the moon still hasn''t risen over the mountain peak yet. Everything was dark. Yan Hui covered her eyes with demon magic and started to look for Tian Yao among the trees.


    She searched for a long time before finally seeing a flash of firelight in the forest. Yan Hui immediately focused in that direction and headed over. As she was running over, she also heard hurried sounds of someone walking.


    He was forcing his way through the underbrush, and Yan Hui could clearly heard him bumping into tree branches.


    Yan Hui gave chase, calling out the entire time. She was even starting to go a little hoarse. But the person in front just wouldn''t stop. From the sound of his footsteps, it didn''t seem like he was in bad shape. Even though he wasn''t running fast and was a bit hurried, his footsteps were steady. He probably didn''t experience any big problem, but then why did he keep running?!


    Yan Hui continued to chase. They almost ran all the way to the palace when Yan Hui angrily stopped: "What are you running for?!" She seethed, "You stop right there!"


    And the running sounds actually stopped.


    Yan Hui felt a little crushed. She had accompanied him for so long, seen so many different sides of him. And now he was unexpectedly avoiding her, acting like a little kid who did something bad and hiding from his mom to avoid a spanking.


    Yan Hui felt somewhat helpless but mostly wanted to laugh. She pretended to be angry: "Come here."


    It was silent over there. It seemed like hesitance. Finally, slow footsteps were heard coming through the the underbrush. He was going towards Yan Hui.


    In due course, the moon had already revealed herself. It was like misty water undulating within the forest. Tian Yao had his head tilted and somewhat unnaturally stood in front of Yan Hui. On his head were two little horns that appeared some unknown time ago. They were different than the impressive horns his dragon form normally had. These two little horns were like a little child''s fingers and didn''t stick up far from his head. It was like the suddenly appeared with a "puff" on his forehead.


    Yan Hui''s gaze immediately fell on the little horns. Then she bit hard on her lips to keep a "puff" of laughter from escaping.


    "What is that?"


    Tian Yao turned his head and sighed: "Horns......."


    "Ha......." In the end, Yan Hui couldn''t hold in her laughter. Tian Yao helplessly looked at her. Yan Hui reached out, held those two little projections, and squeezed one of them: "It feels.......a little soft......"


    Tian Yao held her hand and spiritedly said: "Yan Hui......."


    "I''m just going to squeeze the other one......."


    "........" Tian Yao was silent for awhile. "Only squeeze it once."


    He barely finished speaking when Yan Hui raised both hands. Each hand squeezed once. She was clearly enjoying herself.


    When Tian Yao saw how happily Yan Hui was messing with his horns, he didn''t stop her. He just stood there and let her play with his extremely strange horns. He waited for Yan Hui to finish playing and take back her hands before turning his head away: "Don''t stare......"


    Yan Hui teased him: "You''re a majestic millennium dragon demon. You just grew two small fleshy horns, yet you''re already avoiding me like this?"


    Tian Yao didn''t plan on explaining and remained silent. In that moment, the area around his heart flashed with burning light and spread to his neck. From there, it burned its way up through his blood vessels and onto his face. There, it traveled around his face before finally taking the shape of a dragon scale and settling on his face.


    Tian Yao tightly clenched his teeth the entire time, not letting out a single sound. But after the blaze in his blood vessels subsided, the dragon scale mark it burned into this skin remained. The mark stayed on his cheek, and it make Tian Yao look a little......terrifying.


    Yan Hui was shocked.


    Tian Yao looked down and covered his face with his hand: "It''s the beginning of melding with the nine-headed snake''s neidan. It''s still not complying. It''ll be better after two days." His voice was a little hoarse.


    They had been together for so long. There was no way Yan Hui didn''t understand him. When he was enduring extreme pain and wanted to pretend that everything was alright, his voice would be like that.


    The Yan Hui from before would bulldoze that and call him out on his lies, clearly you are in pain so why don''t you lay in my arms and cry?


    But now, when Tian Yao doing his best to protect her life and protect her mood, the one kind thing Yan Hui could do is to help him succeed. Don''t bulldoze his lie that everything was alright.


    "Are the fleshy horns caused because the neidan hasn''t adapted yet?" Yan Hui smiled and pretended like nothing happened. "I must say, growing horns that short on your head has its own special style!"


    Tian Yao sighed again at her words. When he turned to look back at Yan Hui, there was a warm smile in his eyes: "If you like, even if they disappear, I''ll make them come out for you."


    Yan Hui agreed without any hesitation: "Alright, if you don''t magic them out, then I''m going to plant mushrooms on your head."


    Tian Yao laughed: "Okay. You be in charge of planting, and I''ll be in charge of growing. What ever you want to see, I''ll grow."


    Yan Hui also laughed: "I''ll wait for that day."


    Tian Yao quietly looked at her for awhile. Suddenly his heart had another blaze of fire. He turned away and headed towards the cold spring: "The neidan still needs to adjust." His voice was somewhat hoarse but still stayed steady. "I need to go to the cold springs to meditate and adjust my inner breath......"


    He hadn''t finished talking when Yan Hui took a step forward and hugged him from behind.


    Tian Yao was stunned. The power of the nine-headed snake''s neidan, which stirred and agitated his blood, was immediately suppressed by a force. He no longer felt as terrible.


    Yan Hui''s body had his neidan''s aura. To Tian Yao, being close to Yan Hui was like a life-saving elixir. It could bring him out of the abyss.


    She was always the strength that was saving him..........


    Yan Hui just hugged him like this with her arms around his waist. She lightly rubbed her face against his back.


    Tian Yao blankly stared. Even though his heart had echos of pain, he could feel a warm and fuzzy feeling at the bottom of his heart: "What is it?"


    "No-........" Yan Hui paused. She heaved a sigh, "I just suddenly felt that I really like you, Tian Yao."


    Tian Yao looked down and held her hands. The moonlit scene was quiet. He didn''t say anything. Yan Hui also didn''t say anything. The just silently stood there and savored the rare, peaceful night. Even in the burning fire light in Tian Yao''s heart subsided, Yan Hui still didn''t want to let go.


    In the end, it was Tian Yao who lightly patted Yan Hui''s hand: "Return and rest early. Tomorrow intensify your cultivation of ''Demon Bestowal''. Otherwise you''ll be tired tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    Yan Hui accompanied Tian Yao back to the cold springs. She watched him enter the water and immerse himself within. She stood by the shore for awhile before silently leaving.


    But she wasn''t going back to her room. Instead, she turned and went to the imperial palace.


    Even though Tian Yao did all he could to cover up his situation, but there was no way Yan Hui didn''t know what was going on.


    The nine-headed snake''s neidan gave Tian Yao a huge amount of burden and suffering. Otherwise, the cold spring area wouldn''t have turned into such a huge mess before he was able to enter the water. Even before at the time when Su Ying was still there, Tian Yao suffered a lot at the Autumn Festival, but still restrained his demon magic. He didn''t light the trees on fire back then.


    The nine-headed snake''s neidan wasn''t a good choice for Tian Yao.


    Never before has a person been permitted to enter the royal palace so late at night. Thus, the fox demons who lived around the area came out to take a look. They poked their heads out and curiously looked at Yan Hui.


    Yet when Yan Hui reached the entrance, the two guards outside didn''t move to stop her. One of them even opened the palace''s door for her. The guards bowed and invited her in.


    Yan Hui stood in the entrance and gave the guards a weird look. The guard respectfully said: "The king ordered if Miss Yan Hui came by in the next few days, then to allow her to enter."


    Yan Hui nodded at that and entered the palace.


    Qing Qiu''s king knew that she would come again. Even though he was near the end of his life and his powers were weak, but he was still keener than anyone else in the matters of foresight and people''s thoughts. Perhaps it could be said he saw the matters of the world clearer than anyone else.


    Yan Hui was inside the palace, but she didn''t see the king within. Instead there were a few fireflies floating in front of Yan Hui. When she took a step towards them, they floated forward a step.


    Like this the fireflies slowly led Yan Hui to another part of the enormous tree. A small door was slightly ajar, and the fireflies flew outside. Yan Hui followed after them. She saw the pathway was no longer really a pathway. It was a tree root. Yan Hui walked on the tree root path and ended up a cliff that projected outwards.


    Yan Hui remembered the first time Zhu Li took her and Yan Hui to the palace, they saw this cliff from the bottom of the mountain. The king was standing there at the time, looking off into the distance. This place was probably also where the king''s wife died.......


    Tonight''s sky was deep without a star or cloud in the sky. There was only the bright moon in the sky, making the nightscape crystal clear.


    Yan Hui saw the king was standing at the very edge of the cliff. The wind swept around, and it pulled his clothes and hair into disarray. The king had been a resolute and decisive man his entire life, but in the peace of the night, he seemed delicate like the wind could blow him away at any moment.


    San Chong Mountain could be seen via moonlight in the distance. Qing Qiu laid visible beneath his feet.


    "King." Yan Hui didn''t advance any further. She stood at the base of the cliff and spoke: "I have a question to ask you."


    The king slightly looked back to indicated he was listening.


    Yan Hui solemnly said: "50 years ago, you fought against Qing Guang. You know better than anyone his strength. I want to know if Tian Yao adapts to the nine-headed snake''s neidan, what are his changes of winning against Qing Guang?"


    Qing Qiu''s king look back into the distance and mildly said: "None."

 CH 106

    Qing Qiu''s king response was a firm negative. That one word was like a hammer blow on Yan Hui''s heart.


    "Not even......" Yan Hui found it difficult to speak. "One sliver of chance?"


    The king paused before speaking: "You saw Qing Guang''s strength back in Central Plains. How does the nine-headed snake demon compare?"


    Yan Hui shook her head as her heart sank down to the bottom. She knew clearly that there was no comparing the snake demon with Qing Guang.


    Even without looking back, Qing Qiu''s king sensed Yan Hui''s disappointment: "Exactly so."


    Yan Hui remained silent and didn''t say anymore. Actually before she arrived, she already had a feeling she would get that kind of answer. However, people always have a fantasy. She also wanted to fulfill Tian Yao''s wish to never again mess with the neidan in her heart.


    "Tian Yao is a millennium dragon demon. Even though he has accumulated a lot of wisdom and researched a lot about magic, he doesn''t have the magic accumulated throughout a millennium. He can''t take a single blow from Qing Guang." The king continued. "Melding with another demon''s neidan is a painful process with little gain. If he wasn''t so set on not taking back his neidan, I wouldn''t have suggested that alternative. Tian Yao and Qing Guang''s wuxing are naturally opposed against one another. If there was no Tian Yao in this world, then there would be no one else who can stop Qing Guang''s plot. If Tian Yao dies in the battle against Qing Guang, the neidan in your heart can''t be protected anymore. If Qing Guang takes the neidan and cultivates to the 12th level, I fear......there will be no place for demon clans in this world."


    The king''s words weren''t rushed. The meaning they conveyed pressed down on Yan Hui''s mind.


    "I understand," said Yan Hui. She understood his meaning.


    Don''t wait for Tian Yao to try every method except for the one taking back the neidan. He wouldn''t give up, or perhaps it could be said they wouldn''t give up. They could only walk to the end of the path with no other road to try.


    Between Yan Hui and Tian Yao, inevitably one of them would make a decision. As for who would have that right, Qing Qiu''s king left it up to Yan Hui to think about that.


    Yan Hui didn''t give a reply at that moment. She just dipped her head towards the king: "I''m leaving for the night."


    "Mm," the king nodded in response. He wasn''t in a rush for Yan Hui to return the neidan this very night.


    Yan Hui headed towards her room after leaving the palace. Even though she was far from the cold springs, she could still occasionally see a blaze of fire and hear a dragon''s deep, repressed hiss.


    Tian Yao was in a lot of pain.........


    That nine-headed snake''s neidan wasn''t at all a beneficial method.


    Yan Hui clenched her fist and jaw. She reached her room in silence.


    The next day, the sun rose in the sky as usual. The weather is unchanged by a mere mortal''s problem. Yan Hui sat by her bed and blankly stared up at the sky for a long time. She felt like a trapped animal, unable to escape its cage and surrounded by difficulty.


    She liked Tian Yao. She liked him so much that she wanted to spend every day of the rest of her life by his side. She liked him to the point that she would feel happy and fortunate to just hold his hand and wander around regardless if they had a home or not.


    She hoped she could always be by his side, see the rise and fall of every future day with her eyes, and listen to the changing days with her ears.


    Tian Yao was too alone. She was the same.


    They are people who were once abandoned by the world, but then they met each other. However they were in a "You die, I live" relationship.


    Yan Hui quietly sat with eyes downcast for awhile. The next time she raised her eyes, she unexpectedly saw Tian Yao standing outside her window. His complexion was a bit wan, and there were purple shadows under his eyes. It looked like he suffered a lot last night.


    Tian Yao was also a little surprised when their four eyes met. He immediately dipped his head and turned to return to his room.


    "Tian Yao." Yan Hui hurriedly called after him. He looked back. She beckoned him over and then picked up ''Demon Bestowal'' from her bedside. "Come explain this to me. I don''t understand this part."


    Tian Yao entered Yan Hui''s room just like that.


    The two strange horns on his head were still there. Yan Hui still thoroughly felt them upon seeing the horns. Tian Yao no longer cared where Yan Hui''s hand were on his body because no longer where they touched, happiness would spread from his heart into his body.


    It was like being placated.


    "Which part?" Tian Yao held ''Demon Bestowal''. His voice was still a bit hoarse.


    Yan Hui glanced at the book and then looked back at Tian Yao: "How strange. The moment you entered, I understood all of it."


    Tian Yao wasn''t mad after finding out he had been played with. He just slightly smiled and looked at Yan Hui with unruffled calm: "You''re not focusing on cultivating? Slacking off?"


    That''s right. She was goofing off and taking the time to steal a few more peeks off him.


    "Who said I''m slacking off!" said Yan Hui. "Yesterday, I heard some people say there''s a method of cultivation that lets you cultivate very fast. It''ll be good for the both of us. You want to hear it?"


    Tian Yao watched her with a faint smile: "What is it?"


    Yan Hui leaned in close to Tian Yao''s ear: "Harmonized Pair Cultivation."[1] She smiled, revealing a tooth. "Sir Tian Yao, would you like to try with me?"


    The formerly calm Tian Yao''s ears immediately turned red. He turned his head away and lightly coughed. It seemed like one cough wasn''t enough as he coughed yet again. Then he immediately stood up like Yan Hui''s bed was burning his butt.


    Yan Hui looked at his face and cried out: "Ah, the two weird horns on your head turned pink!"


    Tian Yao became more shy at those words. He turned his head and wanted to leave even more. Yan Hui promptly grabbed his sleeve, and Tian Yao almost dragged her onto the floor. Yan Hui bumped into something and cried out in pain. Tian Yao immediately went to support her.


    His eyes swept over Yan Hui, but before he could open his mouth, Yan Hui burst out in laughter. She hadn''t laughed so brightly in such a long time. She laughed so hard that her stomach hurt and stayed doubled over for a long time.


    Tian Yao chided her: "You''re so happy at causing pain. You did xian cultivation for so many years, yet you never cultivated your temper. You love to tease people."


    Yan Hui wiped away the tears from laughter: "You actually believed your weird little horns turned pink ahahaha........" Tian Yao was helpless. Yan Hui grabbed his arm and waited until her laughter died before looking up at Tian Yao. "Or........did you really believe that I wanted to do Harmonized Paired Cultivation with you?"


    Yan Hui looked up at Tian Yao with shining eyes. The curve of her lower jaw was sleek and smoothly flowed down the curve of her neck and to her heaving chest.


    Tian Yao remembered back to when they were at Tong Luo Mountain in the village. He was taking a bath in the courtyard when Yan Hui pushed open the window and saw his bare body. At that time, he had no thoughts towards Yan Hui. He also just saw his body as merely a mortal''s body that he was inhabiting. However, Yan Hui actually had a nosebleed at that time.


    Tian Yao also remembered that the blood dripped down onto her chest and not straight onto the ground.


    She was a girl with that kind of heaving chest.........


    Thus, Tian Yao silently started to avert his eyes. However before he could look away, Yan Hui slapped both of her hands on either side of his cheeks, so he couldn''t look away. She forced him to look right at her and slowly said every word: "Tian Yao, do you want to do Harmonized Pair Cultivation with me?"


    Tian Yao just felt like his heart was beating faster than ever before. Not just his ears, even his neck was turning red now. If someone at this moment said the two strange horns on his head were red, he would believe it without a shred of doubt!


    Thinking about it, he wanted to have her! Completely, thoroughly wanted her!


    But in this kind of time in this kind of climate, Tian Yao had to force down the agitation in his heart. He closed his eyes and then opened then again. They were much clearer than earlier. "Yan Hui......."


    But Tian Yao never thought that Yan Hui would be so daring. Not only did she not listen, she stared straight at him and interjected: "Think about it." Then she wrapped her arms around his neck, stood up, and kissed him right on his lips.


    His lips and tongue were burning hot, and Yan Hui''s were the same.


    Yan Hui hugged him tight until their breathing become unstable. Only then did she let go of him.


    There was no more impudent action. After the kiss, their lips separated, and Yan Hui continued to silently hug Tian Yao''s neck. Teasing was teasing, playing was playing. Yan Hui still knew what actions were appropriate or not. Yan Hui was clear about the current political atmosphere........


    Tian Yao discovered there was something strange about Yan Hui. He frowned and asked: "What is it?"


    Yan Hui rubbed her head against his neck. She smiled: "Nothing. I just thought we were being too innocent. I want to touch you more, more and deeper." Saying that, Yan Hui suddenly paused. "Speaking up, Tian Yao, you talked about your past a few times. I kind of what to see what you looked like before."


    Before he met Su Ying, he didn''t have to bear all the humiliation and hatred. What did he look like then? What did a free and easy Tian Yao look like? How majestic was he?


    "Another day........"


    "Tell me about it now."


    Under her persistence, Tian Yao told Yan Hui to sit back down. Then he covered her eyes with his face: "Alright, I''ll let you see for a little."


    Thus under the influence to Tian Yao''s magic, Yan Hui saw a scene of mountains and a river flowing through from a high-up perspective. It was a majestic and grand sight. She saw him roaming the world, saw him use the mountains as a bed to rest upon.


    He was the most recent demon to obtain immortality. He could move up into the sky and down through the ground, limitless.


    Tian Yao removed his hand from Yan Hui''s eyes.


    Yan Hui looked at the current Tian Yao and then reached up to squeeze his horns. This time she only smiled and said: "Go back and rest. Let''s cultivate together in the afternoon. I''ll train the Demon Bestowal way, and you meld with the snake''s neidan."


    Tian Yao couldn''t question further as he saw Yan Hui''s expression wasn''t abnormal anymore. He merely nodded and agreed, "Ok."


    Late that very night, Yan Hui again went to the palace back to the same spot as last night. She looked at the king''s back and calmly said: "I want to return the neidan to Tian Yao. Please assist me with this."


    Yan Hui knew how Tian Yao regarded her. She also knew how painful it felt to lose someone important.


    But.........


    The heart had a thousand things to say, but sometimes in reality boiled down to one word, but.........


    [1] Yan Hui leaned in close to Tian Yao''s ear: "Harmonized Pair Cultivation."


    Pretty sure this means sexual cultivation lololololol

 CH 107

    Although Yan Hui had made up her mind to return the neidan to Tian Yao, doing so in reality would be difficult.


    Tian Yao''s personality was explicit. He wouldn''t want the neidan. Therefore before the neidan was placed back in his body, he absolutely couldn''t find out about the plan. The Qing Qiu King gave Yan Hui a spell that could made Tian Yao sleep for 6 hours. All Yan Hui had to do during those 6 hours was take out the neidan in her heart and then put it into his heart.


    "I''ll give you a spirit pearl," said the king. A pearl, which was emitting a faint glow, floated from the king''s direction to in front of Yan Hui. "The pearl has abundant spiritual power and can temporarily the neidan''s power. It will replenish your life for one month. After returning the neidan, it''s unavoidable that Tian Yao will find out. He will be very upset and mad, prone to making a mistake."


    The king even considered Tian Yao''s emotions........


    Yan Hui bitterly smiled.


    For the future of the demon clans, as the king of the Qing Qiu, he couldn''t allow Tian Yao to make any mistakes before his own death. However towards Yan Hui, the amount of consideration put it seemed much less in comparison.


    But that was as it ought to be.


    Yan Hui looked down and watched the pearl slowly enter her chest.


    "After taking out the neidan, the spirit pearl will naturally activate."


    Yan Hui rubbed her chest: "And I only have one month?........"


    The king was silent for a moment before speaking: "This pearl should have successfully accumulated spiritual power. It originally was in Lu Mu Sheng''s body."


    Yan Hui was stunned by those words. This pearl.........was what Su Ying wanted to use for Lu Mu Sheng to regain his past life''s memory. "But.........didn''t that pearl shatter?" She broke it during her fight with Su Ying.


    "Correct, so this really isn''t the original pearl. This pearl gathers spiritual energy from the earth and also records memories to help people remember their past lives. In this boundless world, perhaps this is the only pearl. Before when Lu Mu Sheng entered Qing Qiu, I sought out the pearl in his body and made an imitation. That is why my remaining magic is gone."


    Yan Hui remained silent for a long time after hearing those words: "You made the spirit pearl........because you wanted to find your wife?"


    The Qing Qiu King seemed greatly amused by Yan Hui''s words. He smiled and looked off at the moon: "Even in my dream I look for her."


    It was a tranquil night. Yan Hui didn''t speak further. It was the king who broke the silence: "I won''t meet her again in this life. That fate has already ended. It is difficult to go against Heaven''s will, and I can''t demand for it. I only hope to see departed friends on the road in the Underworld."


    Yan Hui dipped her head: "Your wife will definitely be waiting for you."


    "But when I think of her waiting there for me for so many years, I also hope that she could move on earlier." The king looked at Yan Hui. "Giving the pearl to you can be considered the last of my meager contribution. Miss Yan Hui, we owe you a lot in this war."


    "It doesn''t matter who owes or doesn''t owe." Yan Hui looked down. "This is what I wanted to do for my former shifu''s wish."


    If there really was someone who was unworthy of another in this matter, it would be her who was very much unworthy of Tian Yao.


    He had to be tricked and abandoned. He had to realized that his future would be spent alone in his grief........Just thinking about that made Yan Hui feel heartbroken and........


    Really unworthy of him.


    Without further words, Yan Hui studied the spell from Qing Qiu''s king and then left the palace.


    The next day Yan Hui spent the entire day in her courtyard staring up at the sky. She thought about many things that day. She was thinking that the day she gave the neidan back to Tian Yao, she had to start counting down her remaining days of life. It seemed like the one month''s time wasn''t enough to think back on all her memories.


    Yan Hui suddenly realized there were actually many places she hadn''t visited, many things she hadn''t done, many words she hadn''t said.


    Yan Hui was lost in thought into the afternoon. Huan Xiao Yan, sitting on top of Zhu Li''s shoulders, came riding into Yan Hui''s courtyard. She happily waved at Yan Hui: "Master, Master! Look, look! Aren''t I so mighty and strong now!"


    Huan Xiao Yan grabbed Zhu Li''s hair, actually treating one of the Qing Qiu''s young princes like a horse.


    Yan Hui was shocked at the sight. She asked Zhu Li: "What despicable thing did you do that you''re willing to be bullied by that brat?"


    Zhu Li had no reaction.


    Huan Xiao Yan jumped down from Zhu Li''s shoulders and looked up to say: "He can''t hear anything right now. He''s under my very, very strong illusion spell. He won''t understand anything someone is saying. He only listens to me."


    Yan Hui stared blankly: "You........" She suddenly remember when she hurriedly left to find Tian Yao, Huan Xiao Yan was saying something about learning a strong illusion spell, understanding the secret behind Su Ying''s spell formation.


    Yan Hui immediately became alert and stood up, circling around Zhu Li twice. After seeing he really had no reaction, she said: "Make him crouch down."


    Huan Xiao Yan said: "Crouch down."


    Zhu Li crouched down.


    Yan Hui eyes widened a little: "Make him do the splits!"


    "Splits!"


    Thus Zhu Li did the splits!


    Yan Hui gasped out a "Whoa!" Huan Xiao Yan also followed with a "Whoa!" That boy was surprisingly flexible!


    A servant was passing by the courtyard. Huan Xiao Yan still protected Zhu Li''s face and hurriedly yelled: "Get up! Get up!" Zhu Li stood up. Huan Xiao Yan looked up at the color of the sky: "Oh no, I can''t play with him anymore. I think he had something important to do today."


    Saying that, she snapped her fingers. The light in Zhu Li''s eyes immediately came back. He was surprised to see Yan Hui. Then he turned and was surprised to see Huan Xiao Yan too. "How.......Ah......" Zhu Li slightly bent over "Why do my legs hurt.......What happened......."


    "Today is the last day of the month. Did you say you had something to do on that day?" Huan Xiao Yan didn''t answer his question but instead changed the topic. Zhu Li was stunned and asked: "Today is the last day?"


    Yan Hui nodded.


    Thus Zhu Li raised the him of his clothes and hobbled out of the courtyard. He didn''t even leave any time to say bye.


    Huan Xiao Yan waited until he was far away before bursting out into laughter. She turned towards Yan Hui and stuck out her tongue.


    Yan Hui only said: "You didn''t do anything excessive right? If he hears something from another person and wants to peel your skin, don''t blame me for not protecting you."


    "No problem. If he tries to peel me, I''ll just cast another illusion spell on him."


    Huan Xiao Yan said it so casually. Yan Hui''s mouth twitched. She didn''t plan on paying the illusion demon anymore attention, but then she suddenly remembered something. Yan Hui''s focused her gaze on Huan Xiao Yan.


    "Master, I''m going to go now. Continuing to use illusion spells control someone is pretty tiring. Tonight I''m going to eat other''s dreams to replenish."


    "Wait there."


    Yan Hui yelled at the demon. Huan Xiao Yan was stunned and turned to look at Yan Hui. She didn''t understand why Yan Hui''s expression was so solemn.


    Yan Hui stared at Huan Xiao Yao and steadily assessed her. Qing Qiu''s king had the consideration to give Yan Hui a month to live, so she could maintain living past the battle between Tian Yao and Qing Guang. However if she gave the neidan to Tian Yao, would he notice it when cultivating? Also losing the neidan was bound to hurt her body. When Tian Yao saw her, wouldn''t he notice that she was near her limit?


    All that said, after giving the neidan back to Tian Yao, merely living and appearing in front of Tian Yao wouldn''t be enough. She had to properly appear in front of him. Furthermore, Tian Yao couldn''t discover anything was wrong with her, and furthermore, he couldn''t discover that something was different about his body than before.


    To do all that, perhaps he would have to be in a fantasy---- He had to believe he hadn''t retrieved the neidan. He had to believe the Yan Hui in front of him was still as healthy as before. It was only this way that he could go fight Qing Guang without any worries.


    "Huan Xiao Yan." Yan Hui called the demon''s name. Huan Xiao Yan was a little stunned by that. She couldn''t help somewhat cautiously asking: "Master.....what is it?" She had never seen Yan Hui talking to her like this before and felt worried. "Is there......some bad news you have to tell me?"


    "I do need to tell you something," said Yan Hui. "But no mater how unhappy you are, you have to promise me after hearing it......" Yan Hui''s grave expression softened after seeing Huan Xiao Yan''s nervous expression. She tousled Huan Xiao Yan''s head. "Promise me you won''t cry."


    But from that moment on, Huan Xiao Yan had a slightly feeling of crying.


    Yan Hui brought the illusion demon into her room. Huan Xiao Yan was struck dumb after hearing Yan Hui explain the entire situation. She blankly stared at Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui opened her mouth, but before she could get a comforting word out, Huan Xiao Yan''s tears already started to fall down her face.


    Yan Hui sighed: "Didn''t we agree that you wouldn''t cry."


    Huan Xiao Yan hurriedly covered her mouth, but she couldn''t stop her tears from flowing out. Her sobs were muffled: "But........Master, for such a big matter......you.......you......."


    "It doesn''t matter how big it is," said Yan Hui. "You have to rationally think about it. Compared to all of the demon clans, my matter isn''t all that big. You have to be obedient, work with me......."


    Yan Hui hadn''t finished when Huan Xiao Yan put her hands down. The demon looked at Yan Hui through tear-filled eyes: "But you''re going to die." She cried like a little child. "But after doing that, you''re going to die. Wah........this is a big matter. I don''t care. I don''t care how you compare to all the demon clans. I just know you''re going to die. You''re going to die........"


    Huan Xiao Yan cried so broken-heartedly that Yan Hui couldn''t console her. Her words were drowned out by the illusion demon''s sobs. She could only cover Huan Xiao Yan''s mouth and tightly hug her. Yan Hui feared that Tian Yao would pass by at this time and over hear the plan. She repeated murmured in Huan Xiao Yan''s ear: "Don''t cry........don''t cry.......it''ll be okay......it''ll be okay."


    Under Yan Hui''s soothing, Huan Xiao Yan''s sobs slowly subsided. Only then did Yan Hui release Huan Xiao Yan from her arms: "You have to be strong. Throw away feelings. Just look into my eyes and answer me. I have many things to do. Will you help me?"


    Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth and was silent for a long time. Finally, her red eyes looked at Yan Hui, and she nodded.


    Yan Hui was her master, but Yan Hui never told her to do anything before. This was Yan Hui''s one and only request, but it might be her last.

 CH 108

    Yan Hui still felt a little uneasy about using Huan Xiao Yan''s illusion magic to entrance Tian Yao. Thus, she found an opportunity to first test out Huan Xiao Yan''s powers.


    After Huan Xiao Yan learned the truth, she cried the entire night. Her eyes were slightly swollen the next day. However, she still followed Yan Hui''s test because she herself was unsure how much of an illusion she could cast on Tian Yao. Her magic would have to be buried deep, especially when thinking about how much stronger Tian Yao would be after getting his neidan back.


    Since they decided on doing this, then they had to do their best. They would seize this opportunity to plant the seed of Huan Xiao Yan''s illusion. This seed would utilized Tian Yao''s own cultivation to circulate throughout his body and take root deep inside. That way when the critical time arrived, it would simplify the process.


    Huan Xiao Yan and Yan Hui settled on a time. The next day, Yan Hui invite Tian Yao over to her room to clarify some parts of "Demon Bestowal" and give some pointers.


    Although it wasn''t long ago when Yan Hui used that same excuse to take advantage of Tian Yao, he still came. He held "Demon Bestowal" in one hand, looking like he was going to properly teach her.


    Yan Hui somewhat distractedly looked at him.


    Tian Yao waited for awhile, but he didn''t hear Yan Hui make a sound. He turned to look at her and smiled: "Are you going to tease me again?"


    Yan Hui was silent, but then she also smiled: "Your strange horns are gone."


    "Melding with the nine-headed snake''s neidan these past two days had an effect."


    Yan Hui nodded. Then she reached out and pointed at a part that she truly didn''t understand very well: "Help me with this part." Thus Tian Yao didn''t tease her anymore. He looked down and studied that passage. His lips slightly moved as he softly murmured the words as he read. Tian Yao was focused on the book, and his guard was completely down even with Yan Hui right by his side.


    Yan Hui listened to his murmurs and immediately understood why Tian Yao was so easily taken down by Su Ying''s and Qing Guang''s plot 20 years ago. It was because in front of someone he loved, he really had no defenses. His weakest points were revealed to her; his softest parts were right in front of her.


    It would be so easy to hurt him.


    "Tian Yao." Yan Hui suddenly called Tian Yao''s name. In that moment when he turned to look at her, the ring on Yan Hui''s hand, which contained Huan Xiao Yan, instantly flashed. Huan Xiao Yan came out of the ring in a puff of smoke and went through Tian Yao''s chest, heart, and out.


    "You won''t see Yan Hui when you come back tonight."


    Huan Xiao Yan''s voice lingered in the room and disappeared by the end of those words.


    Tian Yao''s eyes lost focus for a moment but then just as quickly refocused. He looked at Yan Hui as if Huan Xiao Yan had never appeared in his midst. "What is it?" he asked.


    Yan Hui raised her chin and suddenly left a light kiss on his cheek: "I just all of a sudden wanted to kiss you." She smiled at him. "Is that okay?"


    Tian Yao was surprised, and he blushed. He looked into Yan Hui''s eyes were a slightly deep gaze: "Next time you have to tell me first. Like this........" Saying that, his lips slowly got closer to Yan Hui''s lips. "I want to kiss you."


    Tian Yao said that, but he didn''t give Yan Hui a chance to respond before covering her mouth.


    Lips and tongues tangled together. They separated after a short while.


    Yan Hui remembered that Huan Xiao Yan was probably still somewhere in this room, possibly watching them. She felt a little uneasy and coughed a few times. Then she found an excuse to send Tian Yao away.


    In the end, Tian Yao not finding out an illusion spell was cast on him was enough.


    A short while after Tian Yao left, Yan Hui was confident he didn''t sense anything different about himself. That was when she called out the little demon: "Huan Xiao Yan."


    The illusion demon appeared from the side of the bed right by Yan Hui. Her sudden appearance like a shadow scared Yan Hui. However this "shadow" had eyes filled with tears and a face full of grief.


    Yan Hui looked at Huan Xiao Yan and sighed: "What is it now?"


    "Master, when Tian Yao kissed you, he felt so happy."


    Yan Hui felt her heart twist like it had been punched. Then bitterness and pain mingled with that tiny bit of happiness she couldn''t hold back. The emotions leaked out.


    "Master, you were also very happy."


    That''s right. She was also very happy.


    Yan Hui was silent. Even more tears filled Huan Xiao Yan''s eyes: "Is there no other way? The Qing Qiu King is so powerful. Let''s ask him to think of another way, okay? A way that''ll let you live......."


    Yan Hui rubbed her head and didn''t say a word.


    When night fell, Tian Yao returned from the cold springs. Huan Xiao Yan summoned up her courage and blocked Tian Yao''s path. However before she could say a word, her eyes turned red.


    Tian Yao immediately frowned at the sight.


    Yan Hui was standing right behind Huan Xiao Yan at that moment. She pinched the illusion demon''s waist. Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth and finally opened her mouth: "Have you seen my master?"


    Huan Xiao Yan looked distressed and even asked this kind of question. Tian Yao''s frown deepened: "Yan Hui isn''t in her room?"


    Yes, she wasn''t in her room. She was right behind Huan Xiao Yan, but it seemed like Tian Yao couldn''t see her. He only asked: "Have you asked others? Did no one see where she went?"


    It looked like Huan Xiao Yan had reached the limit of her actin skills. She only looked down and shook her head.


    That expression made Tian Yao''s forehead knit. He took a step foward and walked past Huan Xiao Yan. He even brushed past Yan Hui but didn''t even glance back. Yan Hui turned and watched his backside. She left out a breath, looked up at the moon, and praised Huan Xiao Yan: "You did well."


    But Huan Xiao Yan wasn''t a bit happy with the compliment.


    That night, Tian Yao questioned Zhu Li and looked everywhere for Yan Hui. He was burning with anxiety when the residence''s owner passed Tian Yao a piece of paper Yan Hui had left in her room. On the paper was written that she went to Qing Qiu''s king to consult him on "Demon Bestowal". She would return tomorrow.


    Then Tian Yao went straight to the palace without resting.


    Yan Hui had already greeted the king earlier. The king pointed out a room in the enormous tree to Tian Yao. Thus, Tian Yao quietly stood guard outside the room. He didn''t leave nor make a sound.


    He thought Yan Hui was inside cultivating.


    Yan Hui was actually in the palace''s twisted and complicated pathways, watching Tian Yao from afar. Then she followed one of the little foxes and used another door to enter the room.


    She waited until daybreak before pushing open the main door.


    Tian Yao''s expression didnt'' change much upon seeing Yan Hui. He just stepped forward and asked her: "Did your cultivation go smoothly?" He didn''t bring up how anxious he was last night when he couldn''t find Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui gave an open-mouth smiled, revealing white teeth. It seemed like she was in a good mood. when Tian Yao saw her happily smiling, he felt like the sun was shining a little brighter. He slightly smiled, "You made good progress?"


    "Yep." Yan Hui pulled at Tian Yao''s hand and led him down the palace. "The ''Demon Bestowal'' is indeed written by the king''s wife, and the king indeed was married to her. With just a few words, he clarified it." Yan Hui''s tone was buoyant like she truly was very happy. There wasn''t the slightest trace of worry.


    Yan Hui acted so well that she almost tricked herself.


    She acted so well like she could always be with Tian Yao, like she accomplished what Tian Yao waited the entire night for her to do.


    She acted so well like she wouldn''t knock Tian Yao unconscious tomorrow and cast even greater lies on him.........


    Late that night past 1 a.m., Tian Yao was fast asleep in his room. Yan Hui sat by his bed, and the person who was standing by his bed was none other than the Qing Qiu King, who had never left his palace before.


    "Your Majesty can do it now," said Yan Hui.


    The king took the dagger she offered. His eyes slighted dropped and he said, "Apologies." The tip of the dagger pierced Yan Hui''s chest. The king''s gaze became graze. He didn''t blink as he carefully stabbed into her chest.


    Yan Hui shuddered, and her face paled like it was bloodless. She wanted to clench her hands in pain but realized she didn''t have to strength to do so. If it wasn''t for Huan Xiao Yan supporting her from behind, Yan Hui may not even have the strength to sit upright.


    In the next moment, a blazing red pearl was carefully plucked out of Yan Hui''s chest. In contrast, Yan Hui was like a colorless doll. Her face immediately turned white.


    The room instantly felt quite a bit warmer.


    After the dragon demon neidan left Yan Hui''s body, it was attracted to Tian Yao''s aura. It moved about in the Qing Qiu King''s hand in jerky motions. It was like a restless little kid eager to return back home.


    Thus when the king opened his hand, the neidan shoot forward like an arrow released from the bow. In a split second, it slammed into Tian Yao''s chest but didn''t enter the heart.


    No trace was left behind. After some time, even the room cooled back down to the usual temperature. However, Tian Yao''s expression kept changing. It was like his original neidan was battling it out with the snake monster''s neidan in his body. It''s needless to say the end result. Tian Yao''s complexion returned to the usual, which signaled his original neidan had prevailed.


    The millennium dragon demon, Tian Yao, was finally whole.


    He finally returned to who he originally was.


    Now a light flashed in Yan Hui''s blood-stained chest. It was the spirit peal, given by the king, taking action.


    From now on, her life would start the one month countdown.


    The fate between her and Tian Yao was slowly coming to an end........


    Before Tian Yao woke up, Huan Xiao Yan lightly touched his head and said: "After you wake up, you won''t notice any differences compared to yesterday."


    Yan Hui''s eyes never left Tian Yao''s face. Perhaps it was her imagination, but it seemed like the sleeping Tian Yao momentarily frowned a little.


    Yan Hui used almost all her strength to reach her hand out and touch the space between his eyebrows: "It would be good if we would trick him for his entire life."


    Behind Yan Hui, Huan Xiao Yan''s face was very unhappy: "Master, my magic can''t last that long. His neidan is so strong........I don''t even know if I can hold on for one month."


    "Don''t you like creating happy dreams for people, so you can eat their emotions?" said Yan Hui. "For the next month, I''ll let you eat your fill."

 CH 109

    After Tian Yao woke up early the next day, he felt something was strange about his body. However the even more strange thing was that he couldn''t say exactly what was strange.


    Once Tian Yao left his room, he saw Zhu Li siting in the hallway and waiting for him. Zhu Li was holding a small porcelain bottle in his hand. Upon seeing Tian Yao, he stood up and handed it over: "This is medicine the king wanted me to give you. He said it''ll bring you a lot of benefit with your recently melded snake monster''s neidan after taking it. It''ll boost your cultivation for a month."


    Tian Yao was surprised. He didn''t understand why the king would suddenly send over medicine but still accepted the bottle: "Give my thanks to the king."


    "Ok. I have things to do, so I''m going to go now."


    Zhu Li left and then turned around to go to Yan Hui''s room. He frowned in distress upon seeing Yan Hui laying down in bed with a deathly pale complexion: "What exactly was what you gave me to give to Tian Yao? Why did you have to pretend it was from the king?"


    Yan Hui slightly smiled: "Just something to ease Tian Yao''s mind......."


    They were just ordinary medicines to boost the body and inner breath. She gave them to Tian Yao as a reason for why his dragon aura increased, so he wouldn''t know it was from his neidan. Instead he would think it was from taking the pills. With that thought set, then Tian Yao wouldn''t have the slightest shred of suspicion. It was only that way he would confidently advance forwards.


    Zhu Li frowned even harder after hearing how weak Yan Hui''s voice was: "What''s wrong with you? I didn''t see you for one day, and you suddenly weakened to this state?"


    "It''s fine as long as I don''t look like this in front of Tian Yao."


    "What exactly........."


    "Aiya, stop asking!" Huan Xiao Yan reached her limit and broke off Zhu Li''s words. She chased him out of the room and said with reddened eyes: "Master already had a hard enough time last night. She doesn''t need to talk about such painful things. You just need to instruct everyone not to mention how Master looks right now in front of Tian Yao. That''s it."


    Zhu Li was sullen: "Why can''t they bring it up? Why can''t you just tell me what''s going on?"


    Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth: "Alright, I''ll tell you. After you know, you can''t tell anyone, especially Tian Yao, even if you get beaten to death."


    "What can''t you not tell me?"


    Huan Xiao Yan hadn''t finished talking when suddenly came Tian Yao''s voice from outside. She instantly paled as she saw Tian Yao walk closer. She wasn''t sure how much he had heard. Huan Xiao Yan look at him in a panic, completely at a loss of what to do. Suddenly from within the room came the sound of Yan Hui stretching: "Tian Yao?"


    Tian Yao glanced at Huan Xiao Yan and then turned to enter Yan Hui''s room.


    Huan Xiao Yan''s heart beat furiously. She peaked into the room from the outside. Yan Hui was on the bed and holding her hands out to Tian Yao for him to pull her out.


    Yan Hui''s face was pale, but her lips curved into a slight smile. Tian Yao utterly didn''t notice her deathly pale complexion. He asked: "It''s almost noon. Why did you sleep for so long today?"


    "You were in my dreams," said Yan Hui. "I didn''t want to wake."


    Tian Yao crouched down. He said while putting on Yan Hui''s shoes for her: "You can see me when you''re awake too."


    "It''s not the same."


    "How so?"


    "The Tian Yao in my dreams has already ascended into an immortal. He was the greatest dragon, majestic and very awe-inspiring. He roamed everywhere and lived free and easy." Yan Hui paused. "He didn''t suffer under the fetters of the secular world."


    Tian Yao finished putting on Yan Hui''s shoes for he. He smiled at her words and looked up at her: "And you?"


    "Me?"


    "Where are you7?"


    He didn''t care about what he had become. He only cared about where she was afterwards.........


    Yan Hui felt like a needle had pricked her heart. After that twinge of pain, she slightly leaned forward and pointed her finger at Tian Yao''s heart: "By that time, I was in here."


    Tian Yao held her hand: "You were already in there long ago."


    Yan Hui''s lips curled upwards. She seized the opportunity to flicker her finger upwards and placed it under his chin. She flirted: "Sir''s mouth is filled with sweet words."


    By now, Tian Yao already knew how to match her: "Would the young lady like to taste?"


    "Let me taste a really sweet one." Yan Hui''s face moved closer.


    Tian Yao went from below, upwards, like he was looking up at the sky. He lightly kissed her mouth: "Alright......." Saying that, he captured her mouth.


    It was very sweet for Tian Yao, but for Yan Hui, it was secretly quite bitter.


    The spirit pearl was in her body. Therefore, Yan Hui knew better than anyone just how bad her condition actually was. She sensed that the "one month" Qing Qiu''s king said was perhaps a bit too optimistic.


    The day afterwards when Yan Hui looked into the mirror, she actually saw a gray aura around herself.


    It was the aura of death. She would clearly see it around mortals who were slowly declining. She saw the aura ever since she was small. It was the exact same aura around Tian Yao''s grandmother back at Tong Lu Mountain. Her aura grew darker and darker every day until she died. Every since Yan Hui was little, she knew that the death aura would appear around her one day. However back then, that possibility seemed so remote, so she didn''t feel that bad.


    However, finally the day arrived where she saw the gray aura around her in the mirror. Yan Hui couldn''t help feeling scared and frightened.


    Yet her death aura wasn''t quite the same as what appeared around an ordinary mortal. She was supposed to be stillborn. It was the heart protection scale Ling Xiao brought and Tian Yao''s neidan that saved her life. From that moment on she lived a half-ghost, half-human life. She relied on the good fortune of the neidan to not have an trace of decay.


    Even though Qing Qiu''s king gave her the spirit pearl, once the neidan was removed, the gray aura around her multiplied like crazy.


    After the first day the gray aura appeared, it became darker on the second day. By the third day, the aura had exponentially swelled.


    Yan Hui didn''t think she would last a month.


    That''s why Yan Hui would go see Tian Yao every chance she got until the last moment. Sometimes she would follow him to the cold springs. While he cultivated, she would quietly sit by the side and watch him. She still felt happy even not doing anything.


    Yan Hui few asleep a few times under the tree and only woke up when it was time to go back. But by then, she didn''t have the strength to stand up. She would snap her fingers and smile at Tian Yao: "My legs are numb. Sir, give me a piggy back ride."


    Tian Yao never refused these requests. Perhaps it could be said Tian Yao never refused any of Yan Hui''s reasonable and unreasonable requests.


    Sometimes during the piggy back ride, Yan Hui would notice the moon was shining very prettily. Then she would tug at his clothes and say: "Sir, accompany me to view the moon."


    "Okay."


    "I don''t want to fly. You take me there."


    "Okay."


    After a few times like this, even Yan Hui started to feel like she was being spoiled too much. She asked Tian Yao: "You don''t feel like I''m becoming someone who can''t care for themselves?"


    Tian Yao thought about it: "Mm, it''s pretty similar."


    ".........Then what do you think about that?"


    "Is there something wrong with that?" said Tian Yao. "I can do whatever you don''t want to do. You can be as presumptuous and conceited as you want. You have me to fulfill your desires."


    Thus, Tian Yao transformed into his dragon form. Yan Hui laid down on his head between his two horns. She stared up at the star-filled sky. There was no one else around. It was so peaceful that only the wind blowing in her ears could be heard.


    Yan Hui smiled: "I suddenly feel like a princess."


    "You are a queen."


    In that moment. Yan Hui really felt like a queen, traveling with her king around the world and looking down at the people.


    But in a few days, Yan Hui could no longer see her own face in the mirror. Her reflection was complete covered by the black, twisting aura. Her own reflection made her seem like some ghost from the underworld that had accidentally stumbled into the thriving living world.


    Yan Hui knew that meant she didn''t have much time left. She couldn''t last a month.........


    However the good news was that the time when Qing Guang needed large amounts of neidan had moved up quite a bit. The frontline of battle relayed the news that the xian sects were starting to gather neidan from demons.


    But this time, there wasn''t many people who were willing to try hard to get the neidans Qing Guang needed.


    The news that Qi Jue Group spread had spread reached critical importance. Qing Guang was unable to give an explanation to everyone who was collecting neidan. As a result, many xian sects were at odds with him. No one wanted to listen to the command of a suspected heretical cultivator, especially if they may die as a result.


    Qing Guang was thus relatively kept isolated from matters for a period of time.


    Taking advantage of the rift between Central Plain''s xian sects and Chen Xing Mountain sect, Qing Qiu''s heir immediately planned a large scale assault. The demon clans crossed San Chong Mountain and easily entered Central Plains. They headed straight to Chen Xing Mountain.


    This attack had the backing of Qing Qiu''s king.


    Qing Guang couldn''t get enough neidan and was unable to advance his cultivation. If no one was willing to listen to his orders, then the fastest method was to take matters in his own hands. He would get the neidans himself.


    The concentrated attack of demon soldiers was like a feast to Qing Guang. All he had to do was reach out and take it.


    After Qing Guang left Chen Xing Mountain, that meant he was gone from his most familiar area. That gave Tian Yao a greater chance of success once he starts the fight against Qing Guang.


    Tian Yao marched out with the army once the plan was set. However, Yan Hui wouldn''t accompany him this time. He thought with her personality she would try every possible method to go with him. However, this time Yan Hui fell out of step with him. She sent him off at the doorway: " I still haven''t reached the seventh level of ''Demon Bestowal''. If I go and Qing Guang sets his sights on me, won''t that give you all a lot of trouble? I''ll just wait here for your victorious return."


    "I will return."


    Yan Hui lightly smiled: "I know you will."


    Tian Yao turned and left.


    Once Tian Yao was gone, Huan Xiao Yan appeared and supported Yan Hui. In the eyes of everyone, Yan Hui''s eyes were sunken in, and she looked haggard.


    Huan Xian Yan said: "Master, I can''t be too far from Tian Yao to keep up the illusion spell, but you don''t have to go. With you like this......."


    "I''m going." Yan Hui looked down at her hand that looked like withered wood. Her voice trembled a bit, "I''m scared I won''t last and be able to catch a last glance of his return after winning."


    She wanted to have him in her eyes until the very last moment.

 CH 110

    Huan Xiao Yan and Yan Hui went with the rear of the army and entered Central Plains.


    There wasn''t much xian sect resistance along the way because the sects thought Qing Guang might be a heretical cultivator. The animosity between the sects and Chen Xing Mountain were greater than Yan Hui thought they were.


    Yan Hui gazed at the far away Chen Xing Mountain which was growing closer with each step. She unexpectedly didn''t feel much towards it. Yan Hui''s eyes only sharpened when she saw Qing Guang''s figure appear in that direciton. Huan Xiao Yan tugged at Yan Hui. They weren''t in the middle of the soldiers.


    A large gale whipped up with Qing Guang''s appearance. Trees and vegetation swayed. The demon soldiers started to prepare themselves, but none of them expected piercing vines to come up from underneath the ground. The vines suddenly impaled upwards, and soldiers who didn''t dodge fast were skewered. Some died right on the spot.


    Huan Xiao Yan carried Yan Hui and leapt to midair, dodging the attack.


    But the vines didn''t let them off. One of the vines was like it was sentient. It swung upwards like a whip and wrapped around Huan Xiao Yan''s ankle. Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth. She was just about to slash at the vine with a dagger when suddenly a heat wave came from ahead of the troops.


    The flames were like a blade that swept across the earth. The vines on the ground were sliced down. After that fire spell, all that was left was black, scorched earth.


    It was only then that Huan Xiao Yan dared to lower Yan Hui down. The demon soldiers also stood firm. Some started to treat their own wounds, and some started to carry away the corpses of their fellow soldiers. It was a messy situation all around. Some of the soldiers looked towards the front as Yan Hui was doing. Tian Yao, standing tall and firm, was facing off against Zhenren Qing Guang. All their powers clashed intangibility between the two of them. The injured soliders caught in the middle were in painful anguish.


    In the power struggle between giants, the lowly commoners were never given a second thought.


    If Yan Hui was healthy enough to stand by Tian Yao''s side today, perhaps she wouldn''t have had that realization. The help of the giants will also be the help of the commoners. The death of the giants will also be the death of the commoners.


    Yan Hui loved someone who was like that, high up and above all.


    Yan Hui smiled. Huan Xiao Yan didn''t understand: "Master......what is it?"


    "Nothing." Yan Hui shook her head. "I just suddenly thought how lucky I was that I actually got to meet him in this life. It''s magical how we came together."


    Huan Xiao Yan''s mouth had a slightly bitter set: "I don''t understand. Master, clearly you aren''t doing well right now. How is this lucky? The Heavens aren''t being fair."


    "You haven''t been out of your illusion demon palace for long," said Yan Hui. "Perhaps one day you''ll also meeting someone like that. He''ll make you feel like meeting him is the luckiest thing ever. He won''t make you feel resentful and dissatisfied about unfair matters anymore because as long as you''re with him, you''ll be happy. Even if you''ve reached you''re limit, you''ll be happy."


    Huan Xiao Yan shook her head and said: "I don''t want to meet someone like that. It''ll be too pitiful. I don''t want......."


    Those words were just said when suddenly there was a huge aura shift up ahead. It was Tian Yao and Qing Guang finishing their confrontation. In the end, It was Qing Guang who made a move first, and they started to fight. The bulk of the demon army started to rapidly retreat.


    They had already achieved their purpose of luring Qing Guang out of the mountain. Staying there would be like a target offering up neidans for Qing Guang.


    The enormous magic fight going on tore apart the clouds in the sky and split the ground. The weather started to change. Perhaps the battle fifty years ago between Zhenren  Qing Guang and the Qing Qiu King was just like this.


    Tian Yao had recently studied "Demon Bestowal". Although the techniques beyond the ninth levels weren''t there, the first nine levels were written in the book. Tian Yao could anticipate the patterns of Qing Guang''s attacks. However after two exchanges, Qing Guang also realized that.


    Qing Guang coldly laughed as their swords crossed: "Did that nine-tailed fox king give you ''Demon Bestowal'' to read......"


    Tian Yao didn''t respond.


    Qing Guan turned and left only a shadow in front of Tian Yao. Qing Guang actually appeared behind Tian Yao and swept his blade at Tian Yao''s neck. But Tian Yao didn''t even turn his head. The aura around his body immediately intensified. From far away, it looked like a star had appeared in the sky. The dazzling, burning brightness forced Qing Guang away.


    Qing Guang heavily retreated back about 330 meters. The vines from the ground caught him.


    The corner of his lips had a hint of blood, but his eyes gleamed as he stared at Tian Yao. The craziness in his eyes was no longer concealed.


    "You actually got it back," Qing Guang murmured. He suddenly laughed out loud. His figure flashed, and in a blink of an eye, he crossed the 330 meters to appear right in front of Tian Yao. This time, he angled his enormous sword and ferociously attacked. His sword swung at Tian Yao''s chest: "You actually got it back, ha ha ha ha!" He laughed, "Coming here wasn''t a waste of time."


    Tian Yao furrowed his brows. He attacked Qing Guang again.


    Qing Guang stood still in midair and formed a spell formation under his feet: "You actually got back your neidan. Can you completely crush me now? Dragon Demon, I was able to use Su Ying''s magic to defeat you. Today will be the same."


    Tian Yao only listened to half of what Qing Guang said. He was stunned: "What did you say?"


    Qing Guang grinned: "I said, I''ll take the neidan in your heart today."


    Tian Yao''s complexion suddenly paled.


    "What did you say?" He didn''t dare believe what he heard and asked again. His tone was grave, and he spoke slowly. The scene of Yan Hui''s room where he overheard Huan Xian Yan saying he wasn''t supposed to know suddenly appeared in his mind. What he started to suspect was like a blade stabbing into his heart. The pain was like his heart and lungs ripping apart.


    With that realization, Tian Yao turned around, intending to go past Qing Guang.


    But of course Qing Guang wasn''t going to let Tian Yao go. The spell formation activated and trapped Tian Yao in it.


    Tian Yao''s rage flared at being stopped. Magic gathered in his palms. The strength of a millennium dragon demon faced off against Zhenren Qing Guang''s magic. It shattered Qing Guang''s formation. Right away, Qing Guang summoned another formation to prevent Tian Yao from leaving. A second formation came down from the sky. It was even harder to break than the first one.


    With the neidan finally in his grasp, there was no way Qing Guang would just let to walk away.


    Naturally, the shorter amount of time the neidan was in Tian Yao''s body, the better. If he let Tian Yao go, then he would face great difficulties in the future!


    Qing Guang pulled out his jian and started to execute complicated maneuvers. He fiercely struck out at Tian Yao again and again. Not a single bit of magic was withheld.


    Tian Yao was torn with anxiety and completely wasn''t in the mood to fight Qing Guang. After a few exchanges, he started to think about breaking the formation. When the battle reached the edge of the formation, Tian Yao suddenly looked downwards. There were actually two people still standing there on the scarred earth. They were outside of the formation but still lingered close by.


    Unexpectedly, the duo was....... Huan Xiao Yan and Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui stood outside of the formation. When they were trying to leave earlier, Qing Guang''s large formation suddenly appeared on the ground. She couldn''t move fast enough, and one of her hands was caught in the formation. It was trapped too deep in the formation. No amount of pulling could release her hand. Yan Hui''s other free hand clutched her chest. Her back was hunched over. It seemed like she didn''t have the strength to stand upright.


    Her head was dipped down, so no one coudl see her features. However, it was because of that Tian Yao could imagine what kind of pain she was in.


    And Huan Xiao Yan stayed by her side to support her. Huan Xiao Yan worriedly whispered something in Yan Hui''s ear. Yan Hui only shook her head.


    Finally, Huan Xiao Yan gritted her teeth and pretended to no longer hear Yan Hui''s words. She looked up at Tian Yao who was facing Qing Guang''s relentless attacks. Huan Xiao Yan''s eyes were filled with tears. She beggingly screamed up at him.


    Tian Yao couldn''t hear Huan Xiao Yan through Qing Guang''s heavy blows. However, he could read her lips.


    Huan Xiao Yan was saying: "Save her!"


    Tian Yao''s heart tightened. He was about to move when Qing Guang wound up another round of attacks. Qing Guang also glanced down and was surprised when he realized what he was seeing. His lips curled in an evil sneer: "You want to save her?"


    The spell formation suddenly started to press downwards. The edges of the formation were like knives, and it started to cut into the ground. The area right outside of the formation immediately became like a trench.


    Huan Xiao Yan cried out in alarm. She immediately flew upwards with Yan Hui in her arms to prevent Yan Hui from falling into the abyss.


    Tian Yao''s eyes widened. His aura started to roil, and a flame started to burn in his eyes. Blue veins popped out on his forehead. He gave a deep shout, and his jian moved so fast than even Qing Guang couldn''t see it.


    Qing Guang just felt a chill on his chest. Immediately blood started to spill out from the wound. The power of Tian Yao''s flames pushed him back 33 meters. The flames didn''t stop and burned his chest.


    However, Tian Yao didn''t even glance at Qing Guang. He turned and sliced through Qing Guang''s formatio.


    Yan Hui finally pulled her hand free. Huan Xian Yan was still carrying her. Just as the illusion demon was going to fly upwards, Tian Yao reached out and was going to pull her........


    But right at that critical moment, Qing Guang''s eyes suddenly locked into that scene. He completely ignored the wound on his chest and brandished his hand. The ground suddenly started to move and close up!


    Tian Yao watched helplessly as the pair couldn''t escape the rapidly shrinking crack in the ground. He just heard a rumble as the abyss in the ground sealed back up. Huan Xiao Yan''s panicked face was buried along with Yan Hui''s already very emaciated body. It seemed like in the last moment, Yan Hui looked up at him and said something, but it all happened too fast........


    Everything was a blur. Tian Yao didn''t clearly see nor hear anything.


    The force of the earth slamming together was so great that a bulge formed at the seam. Tian Yao was also knocked back by that very same force. Just like that, he had to watch Yan Hui and Huan Xiao Yan be buried alive.


    "No........"


    It sounded like something wrenched out of the bottom of his heart. Silence immediately fell on the field. For a short time, Tian Yao forgot he had magic, forgot he was an all-powerful dragon demon. He actually bent over, knelt down onto the ground, and hugged that mound of dirt.


    Dirt stained his clothes. Tian Yao looked pitiful.


    And right at that moment, Qing Guang suddenly appeared from behind. His eyes were ice-cold without a single shred of warmth. He raised his jian and immediately stabbed at Tian Yao''s heart.


    All of a sudden, the ground where Tian Yao was kneeling sunk inwards. Tian Yao became lower in the ground, and Qing Guang''s stab swished by Tian Yao''s ear instead. Flames started to emit from the earth. A wave of heat exploded outwards, knocking away Qing Guang. The fresh mound of dirt that was just formed by the sealed abyss became a crater.


    In that crater was a whimpering, sobbing Huan Xiao Yan. She was clutching something in her arms.


    Tian Yao blankly stared at Huan Xiao Yan. There wasn''t a single trace of Yan Hui''s aura in that crater.


    Huan Xiao Yan raised her head when she heard Tian Yao walk over. She looked at him and forced her sobs to stop: "Master used the last of her power to protect me." Huan Xiao Yan couldn''t hold it in anymore and wailed: "She left only this behind."


    Huan Xiao Yan opened her arms and revealed a glowing dragon scale. It was Tian Yao''s......heart protection scale.


    Tian Yao despondently reached out and touched the scale. It was the same temperature as Yan Hui, yet also so hot that he could barely hold it. He suddenly remembered that day when Yan Hui said she had a dream where he reached the peak of cultivation and became an immortal. He had asked,


    "And you?"


    "Me?"


    "Where areyou?"


    "I was in here."


    I was in here.


    So that''s what it meant........


    So.....that''s what it meant......


    For a moment, Tian Yao felt like he had been flung in the abyss full of monsters. Even the very air was stinging his skin, drilling into his bones, chewing through his innards. Right now, that pain was tunneling through him.


    The pain 20 years ago of being dismembered was nothing compared to this. The pain these 20 years when the moon was full was nothing compared to this.......


    From behind came a sharp, murderous aura like arrows. Tian Yao endured that aura. It was like he needed that pain in order to wake him back up. It pulled him out of that stifling, frightening abyss.


    Tian Yao looked back at Qing Guang with scarlet eyes. His aura swirled into a near imperceptible red dot on his forehead between his eyes.


    Even though Tian Yao was just looking at Qing Guang, that gaze was like a fist striking deep into the depths of Qing Guang''s heart. Qing Guang couldn''t help feeling somewhat terrified.


    In his long life, Qing Guang had never felt this kind of emotion before when facing any one of his opponents. Trembling........in fear.


    The flames around Tian Yao''s body was no longer bright but rather became dark. They were like black flames from the Underworld. However in contrast, his hair turned white from the root down to the tip.


    Scales started to appear on his face. He was like a sinister spirit from the Underworld that had broken through three boundaries to glare down upon Qing Guang.


    The jian still pierced Tian Yao''s back, but he didn''t notice the pain at all. He turned and broke the blade. Half was left still in his back, but it was slowly forced out by the layers of scale appearing on his skin.


    Tian Yao turned and reached out to grab Qing Guang, who was trying to dodge. However, even though Tian Yao''s movements were slow, his black flames still ensnared Qing Guang. There was no way for Qing Guang to escape.


    Tian Yao wrapped his hand around Qing Guang''s neck.


    Black flames race down his arm and reached Qing Guang''s neck. The flames spread onto Qing Guang''s body until his entire person was aflame.


    Qing Guang struggled in the blaze: "This can''t be.......I can''t accept this....." His voice was drowned out by the flames. From the inside to the outside, he was completely destroyed by the burning flames. Not even a speck of ash was left to fall.


    But even when Qing Guang was burned into nothingness, the flames in Tian Yao''s hand didn''t stop. Black flames appeared around his feet and started to burn. His scales were set aflame, but Tian Yao didn''t move at all. It was like he also wanted to burn away.


    Huan Xiao Yan was so frightened by the sight that she didn''t even dare to cry. She hurriedly cried out: "Don''t do it! Don''t do it! Master said she''ll return to find you!"


    The words reached Tian Yao. He shifted his gaze and looked at Huan Xiao Yan: "She''ll come find me?"


    "If you die, then you won''t remember her! You won''t have any memories! As long as you remember her, Master said that she will find you!"


    Tian Yao looked down. In his hand was the azure heart protection scale. It was still blue-green unlike the rest of his scales which had darkened. The black flames slowly disappeared.


    Where are you?


    I was in here.


    Tian Yao accepted back his heart protection scale. He was no longer as frightening, but his white hair remained.


    "I will also find her."


    The End.


    50 years later.


    There was a strange little girl in a village. She was a prodigy. No one taught her how to read and write, yet she knew how to do so. When her father was alive, she always insisted on changing her name. Not only did she insist on changing her first name, she also insisted on changing her last name. Her dad refused and would hit and scold her. However, his actions had no effect on the girl. Now, the girl''s father had passed away, and the girl''s mother had passed away when the girl was small. All the girl took when she left the village was a small bundle.


    She said her name was Yan Hui. She was going to find a person. That person was her husband. His name was Tian Yao.