After obtaining a special stone, Mo Xuanli decided to use it to forge a spirit sword that would belong solely to him. But the required materials could only be found inside the Void Spirit Secret Realm. Although he was still only at the mid Foundation Establishment stage, he had already stepped onto the demonic cultivation path, greatly increasing his strength—making the secret realm no longer so dangerous to him.
Yet a certain desire was growing daily in his heart—
How to make Master his.
He knew his master’s character—getting his master to willingly lie submissively beneath a man was absolutely impossible, especially with the bond of master and disciple between them.
But he no longer had the patience to slowly melt his master’s heart. What’s more, once his master learned his true identity, he would undoubtedly kill him without hesitation. He couldn’t take that risk, nor did he want to lose the best opportunity he had now. So, he wanted to claim his master as soon as possible—by whatever means necessary.
The chance came quickly. In the Void Spirit Secret Realm, after finding the three materials needed to forge his spirit sword and gaining an inheritance, he suddenly encountered a demon clan ambush that triggered a riot of the realm’s spirit beasts. A series of crises unfolded, and Mo Xuanli seized the moment—when his master came to rescue him, he orchestrated an “accident” in which he was attacked by the demons.
He knew his master’s nature—out of guilt for making a mistake, and for the sake of saving his disciple’s life, even if unwilling, his master would lie down.
Thus began the path of master-disciple dual cultivation.
…
Gu Baiqing gazed at the massive forest ahead, recalling the original plot, and inwardly sighed at how scheming the disciple in the original story had been. Luckily, the plot had already been altered by him.
He quietly calculated his next steps when suddenly a gust of wind swept past.
In an instant, two flashes of sword light collided.
Turning his head, Gu Baiqing saw four people landing from the air.
Closest to him were Chu Fei and Mo Xuanli.
Opposite them were two people in red-and-white Daoist robes, a flame emblem at their waists—the insignia of Tianyuan Sect, foremost among the Four Great Immortal Sects.
“I just came to greet my brother—no need to be so on guard.”
“Apologies. It’s been so long since I last saw Baiqing—once I did, I wanted to test my skills against him.”
The two newcomers were strikingly handsome, looking much alike. The older exuded a cultured, refined air; the younger, a casual, roguish one. They were the two sons of the Tianyuan Sect’s leader—eldest son Baili Jingcheng and second son Baili Jingzhan.
Baili Jingcheng was a rather well-acquainted friend of Gu Baiqing’s; in their youth, they often traveled together. Aside from a few guardian elders of Zixiao Sect, Baili Jingcheng was one of the few who had entered Gu Baiqing’s inner circle. Gu Baiqing found him intelligent and knew he understood how to get along with someone like himself—without making him feel uncomfortable. Their cultivation levels had been on par, making them friendly rivals. After the Immortal-Demon War, however, Gu Baiqing’s strength had skyrocketed while Baili Jingcheng’s progress slowed, and their interactions became less frequent.
In the original story, Mo Xuanli had been absurdly jealous of Baili Jingcheng, though in truth the man was already married and had a dual-cultivation partner. Now he was essentially Tianyuan Sect’s second-in-command, handling most of the sect’s affairs—a dependable and upright man.
His younger brother, Baili Jingzhan, was more than ten years his junior. Despite the age gap, the brothers got along well, with the elder often keeping the younger’s free-spirited nature in check.
This time, Jingcheng was here to oversee Jingzhan’s trial in the Secret Realm.
When they spotted the Zixiao Sect group, Jingcheng had wanted to see if Gu Baiqing was present; naturally, Jingzhan tagged along.
Usually, when they met, they would spar, but this time Gu Baiqing didn’t lift a hand. Instead, his junior brother and a young disciple rushed out, surprising Jingcheng.
“Baiqing,” Jingcheng greeted with a smile.
“Jingcheng. It’s been a long time. How have you been?” Gu Baiqing replied, keeping his tone polite yet distant, as the original character would.
“I’m still the same. But you… I’d heard you suffered a loss of cultivation after failing your lightning tribulation. Then suddenly I heard you’d destroyed Ten Thousand Swords Island—still just as formidable. That’s wonderful.”
From anyone else, such words might have been mocking, but paired with Jingcheng’s open smile, it was genuine concern.
Gu Baiqing said, “There has been some impact, so this time I won’t be able to spar with you.”
Jingcheng was shrewd and knew there must be a reason, so he didn’t press, only letting his smile fade slightly. “I won’t spar either—I’m here to watch over my younger brother. And this is…?”
He looked toward Mo Xuanli, his gaze appraising. “Your personal disciple?”
Gu Baiqing felt a flicker of tension and glanced at Mo Xuanli, but the youth stepped forward naturally and bowed. “Disciple of Elder Luofeng—Mo Xuanli.”
“A talented youth—promising and capable,” Jingcheng praised. “No wonder Baiqing accepted you as a disciple.”
Though he praised him, there was a trace of puzzlement in his eyes as he studied Mo Xuanli.
Mo Xuanli immediately bowed again in modesty. Gu Baiqing’s expression grew slightly complicated, but he didn’t overthink it—after all, in the original story, Mo Xuanli had never let his disguise slip before his identity was revealed. Without that level of acting skill, he would never have survived.
While they were exchanging greetings, a voice came from another direction.
“Baili Jingcheng, you really do love spouting pleasantries. Since you became young sect master, you’ve grown more and more fake.”
Jingcheng’s smile didn’t change, but Jingzhan’s brows drew together. Everyone turned toward the sound.
Beside Zixiao Sect’s flying vessel, another vessel slowly approached. It bore a flame emblem as well, but in gold.
At its prow stood a fat man in gold-and-white Daoist robes, one leg forward, a luxuriously decorated spirit sword slung over his shoulder—his posture radiating arrogance.
“Still can’t spit ivory from a dog’s mouth, He Zixiao. Is this how your Tianzhao Sect teaches manners?” Jingzhan said with disdain.
“Heh, don’t make me laugh. You, a lecher who flirts with every girl in sight, talking about manners? We just met some girls from Chui Xue Xuan—they’re looking for you.”
Jingzhan’s expression shifted, his usual suave demeanor cracking. He coughed lightly. “Better than you, who grovel to people who ignore you.”
He Zixiao’s face turned purple with rage. He yanked a throwing knife from his belt and flung it at Jingzhan.
Jingzhan was about to react when a figure suddenly flashed in front of him—wielding a battered, aura-less sword still in its scabbard—and knocked the spirit weapon dagger aside with just the sheath.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward them.
“You…” He Zixiao was furious. “Who gave you permission to interfere!”
Mo Xuanli slowly lowered his sword, cupping his hands in a simple salute. His face, no less handsome than the Baili brothers’, stirred jealousy in He Zixiao’s heart.
“The two young masters of the Baili family came to visit my master, which makes them guests of Zixiao Sect. Since Young Master He wishes to harm a guest of Zixiao Sect, how could I stand idly by? I must ask that Young Master He not make things difficult.”
Mo Xuanli’s words were reasonable and proper, yet He Zixiao was still seething. After all, given his status as crown prince of the Tianzhao Sect, unless the other party was the sect master’s personal disciple or someone of the Baili brothers’ standing, who would dare talk back to him?
“What the h*ll are you? Don’t think being a personal disciple makes you something special. You’re just a mid-stage Foundation Establishment brat—how dare you butt in! I heard you came back from Ten Thousand Swords Island empty-handed. That joke’s already spread all over the cultivation world. Just because those Baili brats praised you twice, your tail’s up in the sky? So eager to play protector?”
For all his boorishness, He Zixiao was surprisingly well-informed. When he insulted people, he knew exactly where to poke the wound.
Gu Baiqing was holding in his temper—he was a senior, an elder, so he couldn’t trade blows with a junior. He had to keep up appearances, but inwardly he was shouting, Mo Xuanli, don’t you dare back down—go teach him a lesson! Chu Fei was the same: stifling his anger, extremely displeased, but knowing only Mo Xuanli could act here.
Unfortunately, the current Mo Xuanli wasn’t demonized yet—his temperament was completely different. Hearing such words, he didn’t get angry; only the tight grip on his sword betrayed his emotions. Maybe it was because, deep down, he had never expected anyone to protect him—so even though Gu Baiqing had shielded him a few times, he hadn’t gotten used to it. By instinct, he didn’t use his status as a personal disciple to pressure people; he would only defend the sect’s honor, not create trouble for it over personal pride.
So when He Zixiao finished speaking, Mo Xuanli didn’t reply—he only gave him a cold look.
Baili Jingzhan raised an eyebrow, having figured out Mo Xuanli’s nature, and was about to step forward when, all of a sudden, a wave of icy killing intent swept from behind. A flash of cold light shot toward the Tianzhao Sect’s flying boat faster than even he could react.
Standing at the very front, Mo Xuanli merely shifted a step to the side, as if he knew to make way for the oncoming chill.
Baili Jingzhan frowned slightly—Mo Xuanli’s reaction was actually sharper than his own. This Foundation Establishment cultivator kept surprising him again and again.
A heavy sword cut straight through the crowd toward He Zixiao, followed closely by a purple-gray figure moving as fast as lightning.
The person followed the sword’s path, slamming toward He Zixiao like a giant hammer.
He Zixiao was so startled he tumbled backward, landing heavily on the deck. With a pained “Ow!”, he looked up to see a woman standing on the boat’s rail, heavy sword in hand, staring coldly down at him.
“Filthy mouth—slap it!”
Nan Zhi’s words were followed by a palm strike from a distance that flipped He Zixiao over.
Chu Fei chuckled.
Gu Baiqing almost slapped his thigh in applause. No wonder she’s Chunyang Pavilion’s senior sister—Nan Zhi, valiant and dashing. She’s pure security on legs.
Mo Xuanli would never dare do such a thing—was it because this master of his hadn’t given him enough confidence?
Gu Baiqing couldn’t help reflecting. Seems like it’s partly my fault. After all, in Mo Xuanli’s eyes, this master might give him away at any moment… can’t really blame him then.
“I’ve long heard of Senior Sister Nan Zhi’s name—didn’t expect you to be this formidable.” Baili Jingzhan praised, “Even I probably wouldn’t be your match.”
“Senior Sister.” Mo Xuanli called out, intending to remind her—he knew Nan Zhi’s temperament. When she fought, she could be just like Chu Fei, not caring about consequences.
This had just been a verbal spat, but if it escalated to a sect conflict before entering the secret realm, that wouldn’t be favorable.
Nan Zhi gave a cold snort and warned, “From now on, watch your mouth. No one may bully a disciple of Zixiao Sect, no matter their rank. If you disagree—fight!”
He Zixiao clutched his face, shouting angrily, “Guards! Guards!”
Gu Baiqing thought this brat really had a death wish—in both the original story and now, he was cannon fodder material.
A few disciples quickly rushed over. The man at their head helped He Zixiao up. “Young master, you…”
“Beat her for me!” He Zixiao pointed furiously at Nan Zhi.
The man lifted his sword—but the moment he saw Nan Zhi’s face, he went pale, frozen like a mouse before a cat.
Nan Zhi’s brows knit tightly. Her voice dropped by eight degrees. “It’s you… So you’ve wormed your way into Tianzhao Sect?”
“Senior Sister Nan Zhi…” the man’s voice trembled. Suddenly, his eyes darted toward Zixiao Sect’s flying boat, as if searching for someone. When he saw Chu Fei and Gu Baiqing, his expression turned ugly, and his body began to shrink back.
Gu Baiqing, sensing some gossip, asked Chu Fei beside him, “What’s going on—an acquaintance?”
Chu Fei replied, “Looks a bit familiar, but I can’t remember. My disciple really seems angry though.”
Over on Nan Zhi’s side, she suddenly gave a low laugh, pointing her heavy sword at the man. “He Jing, I told you—next time we meet, I’ll kill you. Come on, draw your sword.”
“Nan Zhi, don’t joke around. I’m an inner-sect disciple of Tianzhao Sect now—you can’t just attack me. And besides, over a woman? You don’t need to go that far. She didn’t even die!”
Nan Zhi’s eyes widened, killing intent surging.
Even Gu Baiqing and the Baili brothers could tell something was wrong.
Baili Jingcheng cautioned, “Baiqing, Chu Fei—if you don’t stop her, your disciple might really kill someone.”
The Four Great Immortal Sects had good relations; whatever they said, if she struck a fatal blow, the second senior brother might have a hard time explaining it.
But… Gu Baiqing and Chu Fei weren’t about to intervene. Nan Zhi’s temperament was such that if she acted, she had a solid reason. Since they didn’t know the backstory, they wouldn’t casually speak up. And from the look of that man, Gu Baiqing felt he wasn’t a good sort anyway.
Seeing the two clearly uninterested in stopping things, Baili Jingcheng could only sigh helplessly. He turned to He Zixiao across the way. “You’d better stop this fast—otherwise there’s going to be a corpse.”
But how could He Zixiao possibly listen to someone from the Baili family? Instead, he jumped up, looking ready to unite against a common enemy.
At that, He Jing let out a sigh of relief, and in an instant, he and five others encircled Nan Zhi.
Nan Zhi gave a cold sneer and charged straight into their formation. In just a few moves, she had them all crying out in pain.
The commotion naturally drew the attention of others.
At that moment, two more figures—one male, one female—appeared on the deck of the Tianzhao Sect’s flying boat. The man, seeing that Nan Zhi was about to injure someone, struck instantly. His attack was completely different from the others’—much more formidable. Nan Zhi noticed, and found it difficult to pull back in time to defend herself. Just then, another purple-gray figure flashed to her side.
Nan Zhi curved her lips into a smile and smoothly shifted position in perfect coordination.
A metallic clang rang out as sword light flashed and spiritual energy clashed violently.
“Stop!” a woman’s voice called sharply.
Everyone stopped in unison.
When Nan Zhi turned her head, she saw that the sword in Mo Xuanli’s hand beside her was already broken.
The man who had crossed swords with him looked quite surprised. He was holding a sword radiating an entirely different kind of spiritual energy—a closer look revealed it to be an immortal-grade weapon.
“Sorry, I… I didn’t mean to break your sword. You’re not hurt, are you?” the man said quickly.
Mo Xuanli, however, showed no anger. During their brief clash, he had sensed that the man had no intent to harm Nan Zhi—only to stop the fight.
“It’s fine. Just an ordinary iron sword—against an immortal weapon, breaking is inevitable.”
Seeing Mo Xuanli so easygoing, the man smiled, then seemed quite surprised. “An iron sword? Your cultivation seems similar to mine, yet you’re this skilled… May I have your name?”
“Mo Xuanli, disciple under Elder Luofeng.”
“Li Xiuran, inner disciple of Tianzhao Sect,” the man replied, cupping his hands in greeting.
While the two exchanged introductions, the woman who had shouted for them to stop came over. She clearly held some authority—right away, she scolded: “What are you all doing? Our relationship with Zixiao Sect isn’t bad. Are you trying to rebel? All of you, stand down!”
“Big sis! That woman bullied me!” He Zixiao, seeing his sister arrive, thought his backing had come. He hurried forward, tugging at He Zixuan’s sleeve to complain, then turned to Li Xiuran who had arrived with her: “Li Xiuran, aren’t you strong? Go beat them up!”
Li Xiuran looked helpless, shrugged, and clearly didn’t want to get involved—he even seemed more interested in pulling Mo Xuanli aside to discuss compensation. Mo Xuanli naturally said it wasn’t necessary. Though he was poor, he had plenty of iron swords.
Watching from the side, Gu Baiqing suddenly noticed Li Xiuran, and his expression turned a bit subtle. In the original version of events, Li Xiuran’s role was somewhat like Baili Jingcheng’s.
Here, Li Xiuran and Mo Xuanli were meeting for the first time. They got along well at once, seeing eye-to-eye, and built a good rapport. Li Xiuran would later come to like Mo Xuanli, but unfortunately, Mo Xuanli’s heart was wholly set on his master. Li Xiuran could only hover at the threshold of brotherhood, and was even sometimes used by Mo Xuanli as a catalyst to stir his master’s feelings—enough to actually make the original master jealous.
Later, when righteous and demonic paths became irreconcilable, Li Xiuran was the only one who could face Mo Xuanli head-on in the late stages and still escape unharmed. His cultivation soared as if blessed by cheats, and his immortal weapon was said to be the only one found in the past ten years on Ten Thousand Swords Island—his luck was outrageous.
If Mo Xuanli were destined to bend, Gu Baiqing, as an elder, felt Li Xiuran was a good match—also an orphan who had wandered since childhood, sharing many common experiences. Most importantly, Li Xiuran’s sunny nature could warm Mo Xuanli’s heart, scarred by the world. And, as described in the original, Li Xiuran wouldn’t care about Mo Xuanli’s background—he merely detested his later complete descent into demonic ways.
A righteous, good man.
Gu Baiqing couldn’t help but gossip inwardly as he watched their first meeting.
But suddenly, for just a moment, he felt almost uncontrollably drawn—his gaze locked entirely on Li Xiuran, as if the man carried an invisible radiance.
