“What’s going on with you Zong siblings? Weren’t you just here to inspect our arrangements? Why are you attacking our guest?” Ji Chuling said irritably.
The two people who had suddenly appeared were none other than Zong Lei’s children, the ones who had attacked Mo Xuanli were his son, Zong Ziming, and his daughter, Zong Xuezhen, who had chased after them.
Zong Ziming quickly leapt back to a safe distance, glaring at Mo Xuanli with displeasure.
Mo Xuanli calmly sheathed his sword, showing no intent to pursue the matter.
“I’m so sorry, so sorry, truly! My brother was too impulsive. He meant no harm, he just wanted to spar after hearing so much about Young Master Mo’s reputation.” Zong Xuezhen stepped forward and bowed apologetically before hurriedly introducing them all.
Zong Lei’s children were both remarkably good-looking. Zong Ziming carried himself with unshakable arrogance, his expression sharp and defiant, his air of superiority reminded Mo Xuanli somewhat of Zhao An.
Zong Xuezhen, on the other hand, looked gentle and graceful, her eyes soft and glistening with a watery sheen that evoked pity. Here, Ji Chuling was ethereal and stunning, Si Chun elegant and proud, He Zixuan dignified and refined; Zong Xuezhen might not shine as brightly as they did, but her beauty was the kind that seemed utterly harmless.
“Miss Xuezhen, no need to worry, my brother’s quite magnanimous,” Jingzhan said, ever the gallant admirer of pretty faces. But his sharp tongue followed right after: “Besides, not just anyone can hurt Xuanli. Next time, best make sure you know the difference in strength before picking a fight.”
His words immediately provoked Zong Ziming. “He’s only at the Nascent Soul stage! I’m about to break through myself and I didn’t even use my full strength just now!” As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Si Chun, who had been standing silently in the back.
“Oh? My brother may be at the Nascent Soul stage, but who said his power is limited to it?” Jingzhan replied with a grin.
Mo Xuanli, who preferred to keep a low profile, could only feel exasperated.
“Save it for the Immortal Convention,” He Zixuan interjected, stepping forward to stop them. “We’re here to visit the patient.”
Ji Chuling pouted and cast a glance at He Zixuan before turning to Zong Ziming. “There are already plenty of people here. If you and your sister have nothing else to do, you should go. Our Hidden Gods Clan is living quite well here, we don’t need any further concern from you.”
Naïve as she was, Ji Chuling wasn’t stupid. Over the past few days, this brother and sister pair had been coming by often, claiming it was to show hospitality but in truth, Taixu Hall clearly wanted to curry favor with the Hidden Gods Clan. She had even overheard the Hall Master speaking with her grandfather about arranging a marriage alliance. The intent was far too obvious, and Ji Chuling disliked it immensely. After all, the Hidden Gods Clan didn’t just form alliances with anyone, and her grandfather had refused outright. Fortunately, Zong Ziming hadn’t bothered her personally, he seemed more interested in the clan’s cultivation methods so she simply ignored him.
Zong Xuezhen gave an embarrassed smile and seemed to want to pull her brother away.
But Zong Ziming’s gaze swept the group, and he suddenly asked, “Tianzhao Sect and Tianyuan Sect seem quite close. Why are you acting together?”
At that, He Zixiao, who had been ignored the whole time, immediately jumped out. “Who’s close to them? We’re here to check on our own disciple! Who knows what this womanizing ghost is doing here, maybe eyeing some beauty?”
Jingzhan’s mouth twitched. “I told you, I’m just here accompanying my brother.”
Then Zong Ziming turned toward the true target of his attention. “And you, Miss Si, are you following Baili Jingzhan?”
Si Chun finally turned to look at him, her brows slightly furrowed, her expression as cold as ever. “What’s that got to do with you?”
The words were sharp and blunt.
Zong Ziming’s face stiffened, he hadn’t expected Si Chun to embarrass him so openly in front of everyone.
Jingzhan chuckled. “Oh, I wouldn’t dare provoke anyone from Chuxue Pavilion.”
Now the implication was obvious. The always-cool, aloof Si Chun who disliked being around men had come here together with the very person she usually couldn’t stand. The only possible reason was Mo Xuanli.
Zong Ziming had fallen for Si Chun at first sight. He didn’t like Ji Chuling’s kind of innocent purity, he liked proud, indifferent women who looked down on him. But no matter how he tried to please her, Si Chun never even spared him a glance. And now, seeing her with another man, how could he possibly swallow that anger?
“So what you’re saying is… Miss Si and Young Master Mo are quite close?” Zong Ziming’s displeasure was evident, and everyone could see what he meant.
Si Chun’s temper flared immediately. Even Jingzhan, who knew the truth, fell silent. He was aware of the real relationship between Mo Xuanli and his master and didn’t dare say anything, it felt like betraying a girl’s feelings.
Ji Chuling, on the other hand, was oblivious. Her thoughts were still stuck in the days of their shared adventures, and thinking they made a good pair, she laughed lightly. “Of course they’re close, very close.”
Ji Chuling didn’t know that Si Chun had once been rejected; to her, it was just teasing between friends. But for Si Chun, it was deeply awkward.
Just then, Mo Xuanli stepped forward. His voice was calm and light, but carried undeniable authority. “Jingzhan and Si Chun came along to discuss matters concerning the demon clan. Both Xiuran and I have encountered their attacks, and they too have had their share of run-ins. They came to gather more information. Is there anything wrong with that?”
Si Chun felt a warmth rise in her chest.
Jingzhan raised a brow and smiled. “Exactly. That’s the reason.”
Zong Ziming, however, snorted coldly. “I doubt that. Still, I should remind you, Mo Xuanli, you’ll soon have a marriage contract. You’d best not get too close to other women, or I won’t let you off easily.”
The moment he said that, everyone who knew Mo Xuanli was stunned and Mo Xuanli himself froze.
“What did you just say? Marriage contract? Me?” Mo Xuanli’s mind was full of question marks.
The most embarrassed person at that moment was Zong Xuezhen, who almost cried out, “Brother!”
But Zong Ziming didn’t stop, he went right on, “My father has already decided. Our Zong family will form a marriage alliance with your Zixiao Sect. You and my sister will become cultivation partners. That means you’ll be half a member of our family, and you’d better treat my sister wholeheartedly, otherwise, as her elder brother, I won’t go easy on you.”
When he finished, the whole place fell silent.
Before Mo Xuanli could even speak, Si Chun and Jingzhan said in unison, “Impossible.”
Jingzhan grinned. “Your father decided? Just him? And you’re taking it as settled already? My friend, are you all right? Announcing things before they’re even confirmed, you’re not exactly doing your sister’s reputation any favors.”
But Zong Ziming didn’t seem to see anything wrong. “Zixiao Sect has no objections. Once my father finishes the conference, he’ll discuss it with Elder Luofeng. Mo Xuanli doesn’t have parents, so his master naturally decides such matters. My sister’s qualifications are excellent, he has no reason to refuse. And the benefits my father’s offering are significant.”
Jingzhan burst out laughing, slapping Mo Xuanli on the shoulder. “He said your master’s going to discuss it! I can’t, this is too much!”
Mo Xuanli’s face had already darkened.
Jingzhan added, “Honestly, don’t even wait for an answer. I’ll bet you anything his master won’t agree. Not for all the treasures under heaven.”
“That’s not up to you,” Zong Ziming snapped coldly. “Why wouldn’t a master agree to something good for his disciple?”
“Are you stupid?” Jingzhan said, exasperated. “Even if it’s good, shouldn’t the person involved have a say?”
“What’s wrong with my sister? She’s more than worthy of him!”
Zong Xuezhen was on the verge of tears, but her soft nature made it impossible for her to stop her brother.
Si Chun couldn’t stand it any longer. She even felt a bit sorry for the poor girl being forced into this.
“You’d better not waste your time,” Si Chun said coldly. “He already has someone he likes a lot. Even if you beat him to death, he’d never form a bond with anyone else.”
“Who?” Zong Ziming asked sharply, suddenly tense. “Don’t tell me they’re here right now.”
“They’re not anyone present,” Si Chun replied directly. “And none of us could ever compare to them.”
That statement stunned everyone. Among the women here were some of the most dazzling figures in the cultivation world, if none of them could compare, then just what kind of person could she be?
Jingzhan looked at Si Chun in surprise, as if realizing something. Smiling, he said, “Exactly, beautiful and powerful. My brother’s been completely bewitched by them for ages, chasing after them every day. How could he possibly look at anyone else?”
“Who?” Ji Chuling looked utterly confused. She had been thinking of pairing up Si Chun and Mo Xuanli, but now it seemed Si Chun didn’t have that intention at all. And when she had mentioned it to Li Xiuran before… oh right, Li Xiuran had also told her not to go around playing matchmaker.
Jingzhan gave a mysterious smile. “You’ll find out in the future.”
At that moment, Mo Xuanli had gone from initial shock, to cold displeasure, to now…. his entire face flushed bright red.
Zong Ziming had just opened his mouth to say something when Zong Xuezhen interjected, “Young Master Mo, I’m sorry for making things awkward for you. It was just Father’s idea, you… you don’t need to mind it. Don’t listen to my brother’s nonsense.” With that, Zong Xuezhen ran off in tears.
Although Zong Ziming was displeased, he was relieved enough that Si Chun wasn’t involved. He snorted coldly and went to chase after his sister.
With those two gone, the group could finally visit the patient. But along the way, Ji Chuling and He Zixiao couldn’t resist asking nosy questions, making Mo Xuanli’s head ache terribly.
Just as they reached the door, someone came out.
Seeing her, Mo Xuanli brightened and stepped forward. “Senior Sister.”
Yun Yue’s face broke into a smile the moment she saw him. “Junior Brother Xuanli, you’re finally back. Let me see, no injuries, and you’ve reached the Nascent Soul stage. Wonderful, truly wonderful. Though I imagine Nan Zhi won’t be too happy about that.”
Mo Xuanli had always felt a sibling-like bond with Yun Yue. After all, she had been the first in Zixiao Sect to show him genuine warmth and care like a gentle older sister looking after her younger brother.
“Senior Sister, your injuries…” Mo Xuanli frowned slightly.
Yun Yue smiled lightly. “Just some internal damage, that’s all. Chuling often calls me for follow-ups, though honestly, I could handle it myself. But it’s also a good chance to check on Young Master Li. When he saved us that time…” Her expression faltered briefly. “Elder Qianren asked us to see if we could be of help, but truly, the Hidden Gods Clan’s medical skills are remarkable. From what I just saw, Young Master Li’s recovering quite well.”
As she spoke, the impatient He Zixuan brushed past her with a curt, “Excuse me…” and walked in, lowering her gaze briefly as she glanced at Yun Yue.
Ji Chuling, ever oblivious, was guarding against the wrong person, so clear and careful about her suspicions, yet blind to the real threat by her side.
When He Zixuan went in, Ji Chuling quickly followed and called for Mo Xuanli to hurry up.
Yun Yue patted Mo Xuanli’s shoulder. “Go on. I’ll head back and keep an eye on Nan Zhi so she doesn’t push herself too hard in cultivation. We’ll talk later.”
Mo Xuanli nodded and led the group into the room.
Yun Yue turned to leave. But just as she stepped outside the courtyard gate, she heard raised voices. Curious, she leaned to the side for a look and saw the Zong siblings standing together.
Then—slap!
Zong Xuezhen struck Zong Ziming hard across the face.
The force made him stagger back a step. His face twisted with fury, his whole body trembling but he didn’t strike back.
Zong Xuezhen’s expression was cold now, her demeanor sharp and ruthless.
“You’ve really lost your mind over Si Chun, haven’t you? How dare you meddle in my affairs? Since when is my reputation yours to throw away?”
“Little sister… I was just worried that brat wasn’t sincere with you. See, didn’t my test just expose your rival in love?”
“Whether he has a rival or not makes no difference to me, I don’t care,” Zong Xuezhen snapped. “Father and I only want his power. You disrupting our plans, how does that help us? Father told you to get close to Ji Chuling, yet you’ve done nothing. Do you think we can make the Taixu Hall the number one immortal sect without outside help? You’re as brainless and useless as that mortal mother of yours, pathetic.”
Zong Ziming’s face turned dark. “Little Sister, Father forbade us from mentioning that.”
“Hmph!” Zong Xuezhen snorted coldly, flung her sleeve, and summoned her contracted beast to carry her away.
Zong Ziming stood there, clutching his cheek, watching her leave. Only after his breathing steadied did he turn to go, just in time to collide with Yun Yue, who had been walking past the chained walkway.
“You’re from Zixiao Sect, Yun Yue, right?”
Yun Yue looked a little frightened and barely managed to steady herself. To someone like Zong Ziming, who fancied himself heaven’s favored son, that reaction was nothing new.
“Did I hurt you?”
Yun Yue shook her head, saying nothing.
Zong Ziming thought for a moment and said, “I’ll walk you out. I actually have something to ask. You’re close with that Mo Xuanli, right? Do you know who he’s in love with?”
And so Yun Yue, half unwilling, was led away by Zong Ziming.
Inside the courtyard, Li Xiuran had already heard Mo Xuanli’s voice. The moment he saw him, he tried to get out of bed but was immediately stopped by two women.
Mo Xuanli stepped forward. “Brother Li…”
Li Xiuran, pale-faced, managed a small smile. “I knew you’d be here soon.”
Right after he said that, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
He Zixuan immediately grew anxious, and Ji Chuling’s face filled with worry as she explained, “It’s the stagnant blood from his internal injuries. Once he spits it out bit by bit, he’ll get better.”
Mo Xuanli said, “Brother Li, let me take a look.”
“Alright,” Li Xiuran nodded.
Mo Xuanli waved his hand, a golden light enveloping the man. Li Xiuran closed his eyes to sense the flow of energy. After a short while, the golden light faded.
Mo Xuanli frowned slightly in thought. “If he expelled all the blood at once, would he recover faster?”
“Yes, but it’s difficult,” Ji Chuling replied, frowning. “Grandfather said it could be forced out by someone else, but the person’s strength has to be perfectly controlled, too much or too little could cause secondary injuries.”
Mo Xuanli paused, not speaking.
Li Xiuran, however, immediately understood. “You think you can do it, don’t you? You want to help me?”
“I do want to help you,” Mo Xuanli said with a smile, “but I never said I was confident I could.”
Li Xiuran lifted his chin. “But I want you to try. I’m sick of lying here, I’m going to suffocate if I stay in bed any longer.”
He Zixuan immediately objected. “No way. He just said it’s dangerous! Do you want to make your injury even worse?”
Li Xiuran replied, “Senior Sister, if I rely on myself, the stagnant blood will come out slower and slower, and my condition will only drag on. Might as well give it a try. Besides… things are about to get busy soon, and I don’t have the patience for this.”
Ji Chuling’s expression shifted slightly. She knew what Li Xiuran meant, he was referring to the upcoming operation to root out the spy. The others didn’t know, but Li Xiuran, who had earned the trust of the Hidden Gods Clan, naturally did. Still, he had sworn a blood oath and couldn’t reveal anything.
“Oh, I get it,” Jingzhan laughed. “You also want to join the Immortal Convention and compete with us, huh? Makes sense, without you, Xuanli would take first place uncontested. That’d be boring.”
“Already conceding before we’ve even fought?” Li Xiuran quipped.
“He gave in quite easily,” Si Chun said with disdain.
The group chuckled lightly, the tension easing a bit. But Li Xiuran still looked at Mo Xuanli. “Let’s just say I want a fair match with you. Give me a chance to recover properly. If I get hurt worse, I’ll accept it, it’s better than feeling stuck in between.”
“What if… he intentionally hurts you?” He Zixiao blurted out.
“Zixiao!” He Zixuan immediately scolded.
Mo Xuanli didn’t mind. He said seriously, “I really don’t have a hundred percent confidence.”
“I trust you. Go ahead,” Li Xiuran said.
Mo Xuanli turned to Ji Chuling. She nodded. “Then try it. I’ll go call a clan physician to stand by.”
Soon, the physician arrived. He frowned at first and shook his head. “For this to work, cultivation, spiritual sense, mental focus, and trust all need to be perfectly aligned. You two… are both at the early Nascent Soul stage… well, that’s actually suitable. And you share the same person’s inheritance… In that case, give it a try.”
The others stood guard as Mo Xuanli struck Li Xiuran’s body with just the right force. Light flared around them. Mo Xuanli felt his God Nine Transformations tremble slightly in response to the God-Slaying Sword aura within Li Xiuran. It actually helped, increasing their resonance.
Soon, Li Xiuran began vomiting blood in great mouthfuls. The people around grew tense, watching anxiously, until finally all the dark blood was expelled. Only then did Mo Xuanli withdraw his energy.
The physician hurried forward to examine him, then finally exhaled in relief. “It worked. Boy, your luck’s remarkable. To have such a friend to help you.”
“He’s not just some friend,” Li Xiuran said weakly, smiling. “He’s my brother. Right, Xuanli? You felt it too, didn’t you? We’re perfectly in sync.”
Li Xiuran didn’t understand the deeper reason behind that resonance, but Mo Xuanli did. Still, he didn’t deny it. He had always admired Li Xiuran, and he nodded. “Yes.”
“Hey, hey, trying to steal him away now?” Jingzhan joked. “Careful, if someone hears that, they might get jealous.”
At once, Ji Chuling and He Zixuan’s faces turned awkward.
“You talk too much,” Si Chun muttered, stepping in to stop him.
“Ah, looks like my ranking in the Immortal Convention is going to drop again,” Jingzhan said lightly. “Good thing Qian Yue and Qingrong aren’t here, or I wouldn’t even make the top three.”
“You think we’re all dead?” Si Chun snapped. “I’m not conceding that easily.”
“My Senior Sister Nan Zhi is also quite powerful,” Mo Xuanli said with a smile.
“That’s true, I can vouch for that,” Li Xiuran said, grinning.
After some laughter, everyone sat down again to talk. Mo Xuanli hadn’t lied to the Zong siblings earlier, he had truly come to discuss matters concerning the demon clan.
From the Void Spirit Secret Realm, to Star-Stepping City, to Linxun Town, to Longan Port, and now to the Hidden Gods Clan, traces of the demon clan had appeared everywhere. There were also many mysteries surrounding the Spirit Gathering Array and the fragments of the God-Slaying Sword.
Li Xiuran took out his own celestial-grade weapon, Dingtian Sword. Mo Xuanli immediately sensed something familiar embedded in it, a piece of black gemstone, as if fused into the blade itself.
He froze. It was a fragment of the God-Slaying Sword.
Li Xiuran had taken it out openly, since this fragment was no secret, the demon clan already knew of its existence. There was no need to hide it.
But Mo Xuanli and Jingzhan, who knew his own sect possessed one too, couldn’t reveal that fact.
“Looks like they’ve set their sights on you,” Mo Xuanli said gravely.
“That’s why we’re letting Xiuran stay and cultivate here in the Hidden Gods Clan,” Ji Chuling explained. “It’ll help him master the sword intent of the God-Slaying Sword more quickly.”
Li Xiuran nodded. “Ever since I absorbed the sword intent, that’s been the plan. But you’re the unlucky one, wherever you go, the demons show up. Still, at least you’ve gained something from it, thanks to your master.”
“You’ve both turned misfortune into fortune. I’m jealous of those extra benefits,” Jingzhan said with a grin. “We poor souls just end up getting hurt.”
“Qian Yue’s report said the most important thing now is finding the spy,” Mo Xuanli said seriously. “The Immortal Convention will likely be tied to that goal. I expect chaos so everyone needs to stay alert.”
“Really?” Jingzhan said in surprise.
Li Xiuran and Ji Chuling both looked at Mo Xuanli in astonishment. Li Xiuran smiled faintly, no wonder he admired Mo Xuanli. Even without knowing the specifics, he could still piece things together.
After chatting a bit longer, the physician brought medicine and instructed Li Xiuran to rest. Thanks to Mo Xuanli’s help, he would recover in a couple of days, though he wouldn’t be able to see visitors for now.
Ji Chuling rose to see the guests off.
Suddenly, He Zixuan handed Li Xiuran a protective charm. “Here, take this. It’ll protect you and help you recover faster, so you can win glory for our sect at the Immortal Convention.”
Li Xiuran froze, looking a little awkward. The charm was clearly the kind one would give to someone they had feelings for. Still, He Zixuan’s reason sounded perfectly proper.
When he lifted his head, he saw the gentle affection in her eyes.
The two gazed at each other, and Ji Chuling couldn’t stand it anymore. “Li Xiuran, aren’t you going to thank your Senior Sister for her kindness?” she said pointedly.
Li Xiuran, embarrassed, thanked them. He Zixuan cast a glance at Ji Chuling and said, “Xiuran, we’ll wait for you to come back.”
With that, she took her younger brother and left.
“A real battlefield of love,” Jingzhan muttered under his breath. “Quite the show.”
“Let’s go,” Mo Xuanli said. “Xiuran, take care of yourself. We’ll see you again at the conference.”
“Wait, Xuanli, I have something to tell you privately,” Li Xiuran said suddenly, his tone turning serious.
Though the others were puzzled, they still gave the two of them the room.
Mo Xuanli looked confused, and Li Xiuran suddenly raised his sword and held it horizontally in front of him. “Do you have anything to say?”
The two stared at each other for a while before Mo Xuanli raised his own divine weapon, the God Nine Transformations.
“I need the fragments of the God-Slaying Sword. Once all the fragments are gathered and the sword is restored, I’ll be able to cure my illness. So, when I’ve collected the other fragments, could I borrow the one you have? I’ll return it once I’m healed. Or, if you want, I’ll even give you the entire God-Slaying Sword, it’s clearly fated to be yours, since you’ve inherited its sword intent.”
Li Xiuran was taken aback. “You’re ill? Should we have someone from the Hidden Gods Clan take a look?” In truth, the fragment he held had given him a faint resonance with the sword’s intent, especially when Mo Xuanli had treated his injuries, he could sense the presence of other fragments.
Li Xiuran’s first reaction was concern for Mo Xuanli’s health, which made Mo Xuanli both touched and guilty. It felt as though he kept deceiving those who trusted him.
But trust was fragile, he had learned that as a child.
Better not to give beautiful bonds the chance to break. Feelings weren’t meant to be tested.
“No need. I know my own body well. You could say that no one who’s examined me has been able to find anything, but a master once told me that the God-Slaying Sword could save me. Still, given the current situation, what matters most is fending off the demon invasion. Only a handful of people know I have a fragment, and they’re all people I trust. As long as we keep it secret, the demons won’t find it.”
Li Xiuran nodded. “Right. I won’t pry, don’t worry. We’re brothers. If you need it, just take it but we’ll have to keep it from the Hidden Gods Clan. They’re pretty protective of that thing.”
Mo Xuanli couldn’t help but laugh, warmth rising in his chest.
The fourth fragment.
When he left the room, he found Jingzhan still waiting, looking bored.
“You haven’t left yet?”
“Just wanted to make sure you two weren’t up to something shady behind my back,” Jingzhan said with a grin, though his eyes were sharp, he’d clearly noticed something was off between them. “Need my help with anything?”
Mo Xuanli hesitated. If Li Xiuran hadn’t discovered the secret, he wouldn’t have said anything at all, knowing could be a dangerous burden.
“Something secret, huh?” Jingzhan said cheerfully. “Forget it then. I’m no good at keeping secrets anyway. But if you ever need me, just say the word.”
Mo Xuanli felt a small warmth in his heart. When had he become surrounded by such kind people?
“I won’t get into details,” he said, “but I can tell you this, I’m searching for the fragments of the God-Slaying Sword. I have to find them all before the demons do.”
Jingzhan didn’t press further. Instead, he slung an arm around Mo Xuanli’s shoulders and whispered conspiratorially, “Don’t know if you’ve heard, but here’s a bit of good news, you don’t need to worry about the demons gathering all the fragments. One of them’s in our sect. Even if they find out, they’ll never break through the protective formation.”
Mo Xuanli’s eyes widened, another shock.
The fifth fragment…
He didn’t mention borrowing it. Clearly, Jingzhan wasn’t in a position to make that decision. He’d wait until he had the others first.
“Aside from Xiuran’s fragment, I don’t know where the others are,” Jingzhan went on. “Our sect treats ours like an heirloom treasure.”
“Heirloom?” Mo Xuanli asked curiously. After all, to his knowledge, a fragment looked no different from a rock most of the time.
“Of course! My uncle’s spiritual sword was forged from that fragment, same kind of situation as Li Xiuran’s, though Xiuran’s is inlaid while my uncle actually forged his own spirit sword.” Jingzhan spoke with pride. His uncle was Immortal Baili Jin, a living legend of the cultivation world. Though he hadn’t ascended, his power was said to rival that of the gods.
“You’ve definitely heard my uncle’s name before, right?” Jingzhan said, then noticed Mo Xuanli zoning out and nudged him. “What’s with that look?”
Mo Xuanli replied calmly, “Of course I’ve heard of him. He’s too famous not to. Which is why, honestly, it doesn’t impress me anymore.”
“You brat… getting more arrogant by the day,” Baili Jingzhan said, ruffling Mo Xuanli’s hair again.
“Even one fragment’s already hard enough to find. Not to discourage you, but it’s really not that easy to gather them all. Whatever you’re planning, why not spend that time with your master instead—”
Before he could finish, they heard Ji Chuling and Si Chun’s voices ahead.
Si Chun was listening to Ji Chuling complain, apparently, Ji Chuling had decided to treat her like a close sister.
They both stopped talking when the men approached.
“Just speaking of you, Mo Xuanli,” Ji Chuling said with a smile.
“Oh? I thought you were busy complaining to Si Chun about your romantic rival,” Jingzhan teased.
Ji Chuling frowned. “Don’t talk nonsense. I was only asking who Mo Xuanli’s sweetheart is.”
Mo Xuanli froze, his expression instantly stiffening, not knowing how to respond.
“What’s there to hide? You’re a man, if you like someone, you should be open about it. Otherwise, you’ll just end up tangled in some arranged marriage from one of those scheming clans.”
“Tsk, tsk, you just don’t get it,” Jingzhan said. “Some loves can’t be open.”
Si Chun glanced at the uneasy Mo Xuanli. “Don’t tell me… you’re not together yet?”
Jingzhan was startled. “You’re not?”
“Really? You mean you haven’t confessed or you did, but got turned down?” Ji Chuling asked curiously.
Mo Xuanli rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “That’s… not yet… sigh… let’s just not talk about it.”
“So it’s true? You two really aren’t together yet?” Jingzhan said in disbelief. “It’s been so long!”
“Useless,” Si Chun couldn’t help but remark.
Ji Chuling patted Mo Xuanli comfortingly on the shoulder. “You’re such a good person, it’ll work out, don’t worry.”
“Please, spare me,” Mo Xuanli said, bowing his head in mock surrender. “My master should be finishing up soon. I’ll go pick him up.”
The moment he said that, Si Chun and Jingzhan both gave him looks full of sympathy.
Mo Xuanli immediately shut his mouth and took off on his sword.
“Hey! Try confessing already, it’ll definitely work! I just told you, don’t waste time, an hour of spring is worth a thousand in gold! Don’t you want to win your beauty soon?” Jingzhan shouted after him with a grin.
Mo Xuanli covered his ears and flew even faster.
Si Chun shook her head helplessly, said her goodbyes to Ji Chuling, and left.
Later, Ji Chuling went back and told the others about this amusing scene.
Li Xiuran’s expression turned complicated. “So, the Zong family’s plan isn’t going to work out.”
Ji Chuling suddenly said, “Their family even wanted to form a marriage alliance with me.”
Li Xiuran’s face changed instantly. “What!”
Seeing his reaction, Ji Chuling couldn’t help but press her lips together in a small smile. “Don’t worry, I already refused.”
Li Xiuran cleared his throat. “He’s not worthy of you.”
“Then who is?” Ji Chuling asked.
Li Xiuran was momentarily speechless. “You’re the Divine Goddess of the Hidden Gods Clan, ordinary people can’t compare.”
“So, it would have to be someone recognized by the Hidden Gods Clan?” Ji Chuling asked with meaning.
Li Xiuran shifted uncomfortably. “I’m… really tired. I’m going to sleep.”
…
Meanwhile, Gu Baiqing was listening to Zong Lei speak, his thoughts momentarily stalling.
“What do you think?” Zong Lei’s overly enthusiastic tone made Gu Baiqing feel uneasy.
“I didn’t expect Hall Master Zong to like my disciple so much,” Gu Baiqing said calmly.
“But of course,” Zong Lei replied. “Among the younger generation, only Xuanli and Li Xiuran from the Tianzhao Sect stand at the top. And I happen to admire Xuanli more. So young, yet already at the Nascent Soul stage, forged his own spirit-grade weapon, inherited a legacy from the Void Spirit Realm, such a remarkable disciple! I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d like to have him as a son-in-law. I just thought I’d act before others do. Don’t worry, I’m not asking him to marry into my family, I know the Zixiao Sect wants to nurture him well. I’ll do everything in my power to help him. Whatever our Taixu Hall can provide, you and your disciple need only ask. Oh, and I even have a treasured Ascension Pill left behind by Immortal Baili Jin.”
As he spoke, confidence flashed in Zong Lei’s eyes, as though he already considered the matter settled.
The Ascension Pill, a legendary elixir said to help a cultivator in the Tribulation Stage ascend to immortality. It didn’t guarantee success, but it greatly improved one’s chances. Most importantly, it was likely the only one left in the world.
Gu Baiqing’s expression remained calm, but inwardly he understood everything in an instant.
If the blood oath Zong Lei had made Mo Xuanli swear were paired with this marriage proposal, it would be a lethal combination. Clearly, the old fox had been scheming after his disciple for a long time.
A merfolk, a true dragon, indeed, a treasure beyond measure. No wonder Zong Lei was willing to go all out. After all, he’d likely never use that pill himself, almost all cultivators stagnated at the Tribulation Stage for life. He didn’t fancy himself a prodigy; only someone like Gu Baiqing, who’d reached that realm at a young age, had a real chance of ascension. So Zong Lei was using the pill to trade for something far more valuable.
An alliance with the Zixiao Sect and a talented, brilliant son-in-law. He hadn’t chosen Li Xiuran, likely because Li Xiuran was already being courted by both the Tianzhao Sect and the Hidden Gods Clan, each of whom had daughters of their own. He wouldn’t stand a chance there, so he’d decisively set his sights on Mo Xuanli instead. A sly old fox indeed.
“Although I’m his master, I don’t interfere in his personal choices. Talking to me about this won’t help,” Gu Baiqing said coolly.
“Huh? But you’re his master.”
“I’m his master, not his parent. Even parents can only offer advice, not make decisions.”
“Hall Master Zong, if you’re truly sincere, then let the young people interact and decide for themselves. If my disciple’s interested, I won’t object. But if he’s not, no one should force him,” Gu Baiqing said plainly.
Zong Lei’s smile faltered, but he still managed to say politely, “Then please, just mention it to him so he’s aware. You haven’t met my daughter yet, but she’s truly outstanding. If they were to be together, they’d be a perfect match, beauty and talent, heaven-made pair.”
Gu Baiqing’s brow furrowed slightly. “We’ll see where fate leads. If that’s all, I’ll be taking my leave.”
Zong Lei quickly smiled again and personally escorted him to the door.
Just as they reached the main square, flashes of swordlight danced in the air.
Then, in an instant, one of them shot straight toward him.
“Master!” Mo Xuanli called out, breathing heavily, eyes fixed on Gu Baiqing as if seeing him could finally calm the chaos that had been weighing on his mind all day.
“Hey, Xuanli, we’re not done yet!” Chu Fei shouted unhappily, descending after him.
“Chu Fei, enough. We’re leaving,” Gu Baiqing said, unwilling to linger especially with Zong Lei hovering nearby, trying to engage Mo Xuanli in conversation.
Zong Lei, seeing they were about to leave, didn’t dare stop them. He simply gave Mo Xuanli a warm, friendly smile. Mo Xuanli, however, looked visibly uncomfortable.
On the way back, Chu Fei, too impatient to stroll, dashed ahead, leaving master and disciple walking side by side.
“Master…”
“Xuanli…”
They spoke at the same time.
“You first, Master,” Mo Xuanli said.
Gu Baiqing asked, “What were you going to say just now?”
Mo Xuanli replied, “I wanted to ask why you came out at the end.” The situation had left him uneasy, could what the Zong siblings said be true?
Gu Baiqing didn’t hesitate to recount Zong Lei’s proposal.
Mo Xuanli’s face immediately darkened.
“They’re certainly sincere but also very calculating. I’m sure you can see that. I’ve never met Zong Xuezhen, so I can’t say what kind of person she is.”
“I’ve seen her,” Mo Xuanli said. “I ran into her just now when I went to visit Li Xiuran.”
Gu Baiqing knew this relationship arc didn’t exist in the original story, but he still couldn’t help asking, “And what do you think?”
Mo Xuanli instead asked, “How did Master respond to him?”
Just as they reached the chain bridge, Gu Baiqing stopped and said, “That’s your own business, you’re the one who should make the decision. It all depends on whether you like her. But he did say something that made sense: you’re doing very well now, and I’m sure there are plenty of people wanting to marry off their daughters to you. Your second senior uncle has probably been getting quite a few such offers lately. But don’t worry, none of us will interfere with your decision. You don’t have to consider anyone else’s opinion, just do what makes you happy.”
As he said this, Gu Baiqing suddenly smiled. The child once despised by everyone, even at this point in the original text, others had looked down on him, thinking he was too sinister but the Mo Xuanli before him now was truly excellent. The thought filled Gu Baiqing with an inexplicable pride.
Mo Xuanli didn’t understand the meaning behind that faint smile; he felt a little uneasy, and finally reached out to tug at Gu Baiqing’s sleeve.
The afterglow of the sunset bathed the floating island in warm light, softening the figure before him into something almost ethereal.
There were always such moments when Mo Xuanli’s heart and soul were utterly captured by his master, when he wished he could hold him openly in his arms.
“Master,” Mo Xuanli said softly, “I have no father, no mother, no family. I have only you. You can decide anything for me. My future… my happiness, only you can determine that.”
