Gu Baiqing glanced at Lu Sulan’s retreating figure. Seeing her depressed expression, he couldn’t help but sigh silently.
Perhaps Wu Hongxi’s temperament was indeed unusual for a mortal girl of this era. So when others saw her situation, they made no protest at all. On the contrary, in the snippets of gossip, all the blame fell on Wu Hongxi.
“Little Zhou treats the Wu family girl so well—we all see it as neighbors. Truly attentive, gentle, considerate. If my daughter found such a fiancé, she’d wake up smiling in her sleep. Who would still need to trouble the Immortal?”
“No helping it. Wu girl was born rebellious, not normal, always thinking about venturing outside, even practicing martial arts. If not for Little Zhou knowing her since childhood and liking her, what family would dare let such a girl marry in?”
“The Zhou family’s pastries are the best and most expensive in town. I heard my daughter say that each time, Little Zhou personally made pastries and brought the freshest batch to Wu girl. Wu girl still wouldn’t appreciate it. Some styles are very hard to make, but my daughter said it wasn’t right to spurn such devotion. Yet Little Zhou persisted for years, while Wu girl only grew more distant. Hard to please indeed.”
“One time, Little Zhou even went to the finest dress shop in Tianxian Prefecture to buy her two dresses—one pale yellow, one light pink—perfectly suited for a girl, worth ten taels of silver. But Wu girl never wore them once, insisting instead on the ordinary red dresses made in town. Tell me, an unmarried girl, no longer a child, wearing such gaudy colors—what sense is that? She just has to go against the grain, treating Little Zhou’s kindness like donkey liver and lungs.”
“And there was one time most baffling of all. On Wu girl’s birthday, Little Zhou, afraid of displeasing his aunt again, directly asked what gift she wanted—no matter how valuable, he’d buy it. What a good man! At first Wu girl refused and said she wanted nothing. In the end she did say—but guess what she asked for?”
“What?” The crowd was curious.
“A dagger, a short blade.”
“Heavens, that’s not the daughter of a normal family at all!”
“Exactly. Little Zhou tried to persuade her for a long time but she wouldn’t listen, insisting on that wretched thing.”
“And the result?”
“In the end, Little Zhou gave her rouge and powder instead—very expensive too, the kind you can’t even buy in Tianxian Prefecture, specially brought from the capital. But look at her… has she ever once touched rouge or powder?”
Everyone mocked, saying Wu Hongxi must have her mind clouded with lard, unable to tell right from wrong.
Gu Baiqing frowned slightly at the gossip, feeling deep sympathy for Wu Hongxi. Even though they had only met once, he had some understanding of this straightforward girl. Back when they ate together, pastries were served, yet Wu Hongxi never touched them—clearly, she disliked sweets.
The first time they met, Wu Hongxi was wearing a red dress. Now again, she appeared in another red dress. She obviously liked the color red.
A short knife or dagger was indeed the kind of heartfelt gift Wu Hongxi would ask for.
Given Wu Hongxi’s temperament, she had probably told Little Zhou countless times, rejecting him just as many times. Yet Little Zhou still insisted on his so-called “being good to Wu Hongxi.” What was worse, people around her kept pressing, “He’s so good to you, how can you not be moved? How can you still reject him? Why are you so picky?” But who could truly understand what Wu Hongxi felt inside?
“Despicable…” Mo Xuanli suddenly said.
Gu Baiqing looked at him in surprise. “Why do you say that?”
“To bind her in the name of loving her, making everyone believe the man is deeply devoted while the woman is nothing but a stone that cannot be warmed. Yet in truth, the man has always been selfish, only loving himself, never listening to a woman’s words, unwilling to hear or understand her. He insists on believing he’s making sacrifices, that she should feel grateful and accept him. If she doesn’t, she’s deemed ungrateful. Worse still, everyone around shares that view, and they even try to use divine powers to control her. Utterly despicable.”
Gu Baiqing was so astonished he almost wanted to applaud Mo Xuanli. Curling his lips into a smile, he said, “Agreed.”
Mo Xuanli gave a small smile. “Master, shall we help her?”
This left Gu Baiqing momentarily stunned. In the original text, Mo Xuanli had planned to use Wu Hongxi, to see if a miracle truly occurred so he could seize the clue. But his master had stopped him, holding to the principle that mortals should not be dragged into non-human affairs.
Who would have thought that this time it was Mo Xuanli who took the initiative? Gu Baiqing didn’t believe that with Mo Xuanli’s intelligence, he didn’t know using Wu Hongxi would be the fastest route. But since he chose otherwise, Gu Baiqing was glad.
“Want to play the hero saving the beauty?” Gu Baiqing teased.
Mo Xuanli was taken aback, just about to speak, when his shoulder suddenly grew heavier—it was Three Bean, who had come strolling over.
Exchanging a glance, Mo Xuanli and Gu Baiqing both turned their gaze to Three Bean, who was licking his paw.
Inside the temple, Little Zhou was fervently making his wish with a face full of devotion, when suddenly a tricoloured cat broke through the roof, landing squarely on him, interrupting his prayer. In the commotion, the crowd rushed to catch the cat. But how could they seize such a nimble creature? Hopping and darting, the cat threw the temple into chaos, even causing those holding Wu Hongxi to stumble and fall.
Wu Hongxi recognized the cat at once as the one she had seen with those two earlier in the day. Realizing the Daoists were helping her, she seized the chance to escape, running far before stopping to catch her breath.
Just then, two figures descended behind her. Turning, Wu Hongxi’s face lit up with joy. “I knew it was you two. Did you find anything out?”
“Not yet,” Gu Baiqing said, lifting Three Bean in his arms. “What about you? Just now, when that man was praying, did you sense anything?”
Wu Hongxi shook her head. “No. He prayed only a short while—how could it have any effect? But thankfully you saved me. I was truly afraid I’d become one of those half-human, half-ghost creatures.”
Her expression dimmed. “I never expected them to be waiting to drag me back for sacrifice, acting like I’m the one possessed, insisting on exorcising me, unwilling to believe me at all. I originally thought I could hold out until you solved the problem.”
It was indeed painful when even one’s own family refused to stand by you.
“What do you plan to do now?” Gu Baiqing asked.
“I can’t dare go back, but I also can’t abandon them and just run off. How about this—I’ll help you. If you don’t resolve this, and I end up caught by them, in the end I might fall victim too. If that’s how it ends, I’d rather die fighting than live like that.” Wu Hongxi sniffed and stubbornly declared.
Mo Xuanli considered. “If we find nothing tonight, tomorrow we’ll go investigate those who’ve changed. When the time comes, can you guide us?”
Wu Hongxi’s eyes brightened. “Of course, leave it to me. Which inn are you staying at? I’ll stay at the same one—easier for us to act together.”
That question left the two men instantly speechless.
Mo Xuanli quickly reacted. “If you stay at an inn, won’t you be recognized right away? It’s a small town—everyone knows everyone, especially someone as well-known as you.”
Wu Hongxi immediately realized. “Oh, you’re right. Looks like I need to find someone to take me in.”
So the two decided to first send her somewhere safe before returning to the temple.
Who could have guessed that Wu Hongxi would choose to seek shelter with Lu Sulan—the very person her family had recently quarreled with. This was different from the original story, where after saving Wu Hongxi, they hadn’t concerned themselves with where she stayed, only arranging to meet again later.
“Actually, Sister Lan and I get along well. Since she just quarreled with my family, and they’re upset, Sister Lan will surely be willing to help.” Wu Hongxi grinned.
Gu Baiqing thought for a moment, then took the chance to ask, “Earlier, we heard some rumors about the Wen family…”
“Oh, if you two Daoists could help find someone, that’d be great. Sister Lan’s pitiful too—she’s liked Brother Wen Jiang for so many years. At first, the Wen family looked down on her. After all, Brother Wen Jiang was the most learned scholar in town, bound for the imperial exams and destined to be a top scorer. But at some point, the Wen family’s attitude completely changed. They suddenly treated Sister Lan very well, acting as though they were ready to betroth her to their son. But I heard Brother Wen Jiang didn’t agree. After a period of turmoil, something happened.
“One day, Linxun Town was abuzz with the news: the two of them had been caught in a compromising situation in an inn. So, with the deed already done, it was fortunate Brother Wen Jiang was willing to take responsibility. The two families then happily arranged the wedding. After marriage, Brother Wen Jiang treated Lu Sulan well enough. But not long ago… Wen Jiang disappeared.”
“Not long ago—how does that line up with the time when the jade statue of the Immortal appeared?” Mo Xuanli suddenly asked.
Worthy of the male lead indeed—he connected the dots right away. Gu Baiqing’s effort to nudge the line of thought wasn’t wasted; since he couldn’t directly remind him, giving hints sideways was the next best thing. The sooner this was resolved, the fewer people would suffer.
Wu Hongxi froze for a moment, then thought it over. “Now that you mention it, the jade statue seemed to appear just a few days before the wedding. Later… before that auntie whose wish came true, it was Brother Wen Jiang going missing.”
At this, Wu Hongxi blurted in shock, “Could it be related to the jade statue of the Immortal? But I haven’t heard of anyone going missing.”
She suddenly remembered. “Right—Uncle Zhu also disappeared. This…”
“It may not be connected. I’m just gathering related information,” Mo Xuanli quickly replied.
Wu Hongxi’s face showed worry.
As they spoke, the three arrived at the Wen household. Wu Hongxi knocked and explained her reason for coming. Before long, Lu Sulan came out to receive her.
Her expression was unpleasant, but she agreed, and took Wu Hongxi inside.
Only then did Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli return to the Immortal Temple. Even now, there were still people fervently praying. Though he knew they wouldn’t gain anything tonight, Gu Baiqing couldn’t find a reasonable excuse to stop Mo Xuanli from investigating, so he simply stood to the side, listening to others’ wishes.
Listening on, Gu Baiqing’s brows knit slightly. Many who came to seek blessings from gods and immortals weren’t truly praying for others, but rather hoping the people they cared about would live according to their own expectations. Even if those expectations were entirely self-formed—full of arrogance and selfishness, meant only to satisfy themselves—they still appeared devout, as if it were all for the other person’s good.
“Master, please go rest. This disciple can stand watch alone,” Mo Xuanli said.
He was attentive; seeing Gu Baiqing’s frown, he knew what he was sighing over.
“Let’s both go. It’ll be dawn soon.” Gu Baiqing glanced at Mo Xuanli’s face, clearly weary. After all, using the formation earlier had drained too much. With his demonic bloodline sealed, his body naturally couldn’t keep up.
Mo Xuanli hesitated, but still chose to leave together with his master. Away from home, he didn’t want to be apart from him; it made him uneasy.
Once back, Gu Baiqing gave the bed to Mo Xuanli to rest and chose to sit in meditation himself.
Seeing his master insist, Mo Xuanli could only obey. Too exhausted, he soon drifted into a daze. “Master, call me if anything happens.”
“Alright.” Gu Baiqing responded casually.
He then kept his senses on the sounds outside. Not long after, dawn was breaking, when the building—which should have been quiet—suddenly grew noisy.
Thanks to Mo Xuanli’s soundproof barrier, Gu Baiqing hadn’t heard a thing until he stepped out and was nearly deafened by the racket that seemed about to tear the building down.
“Baili Jingzhan, get out here! If you don’t, I’ll tear this place apart!”
Leaning on the second-floor corridor, Gu Baiqing watched the commotion. Below, a young man stood in the hall with a weeping woman, the surroundings already wrecked. The brothel’s mortal guards were all strewn across the ground, while the madam and courtesans trembled in fright.
The scene looked exactly like someone catching a cheater.
Before long, a man came strolling down the stairs, yawning, pulling on his outer robe as he went. It was none other than Baili Jingzhan.
He had agreed to stay here because, in the original plot, they were supposed to encounter this key character at the brothel. Though he had considered staying elsewhere and coming the next day to trigger the plot, in the end he thought better of it—better not to risk missing it.
Now that Jingzhan was here, he had to find a way to keep him around.
Baili Jingzhan was still the same as ever—slouchy, roguish. Spotting the visitors, he broke into a wicked grin, leaning against the banister with a cocky air. “Well, who do we have here? Turns out it’s Young Master Zhou of Wushuang Sect. And what business do you have with me?”
“You actually dare ask me that?” Young Master Zhou was stunned by his shamelessness. His look all but shouted: Can’t you see my little sister standing right here?
“Brother, don’t be like this.” Miss Zhou looked at Jingzhan through her tears. “Young Master Baili, my brother isn’t…”
“What are you wasting words with this heartless scoundrel for? Today I’ll teach him a good lesson! Does he think the Zhou family is powerless, or that Wushuang Sect is easy to trample?” Young Master Zhou barked. “Baili Jingzhan, if you’re a man, then treat my sister properly—”
Jingzhan ruffled his hair, looking annoyed. “Again? Miss Zhou, do me a favor and explain things to your brother, will you? I’m busy, I really don’t have time to fool around with you two.”
Her face went pale. Young Master Zhou nearly exploded with rage. “Busy? Busy with what? Drinking with courtesans? Chasing women?”
Jingzhan’s expression shifted slightly, his tone cooling. “Miss Zhou, please take your brother and leave. Clear things up so he doesn’t keep making a scene.”
But Miss Zhou spoke in a daze: “Jingzhan, are you really this heartless? Weren’t we… always so close? Do you really feel nothing at all…”
“You’re a fine lady, but I’m unworthy.” Baili Jingzhan bowed formally. “Please, Miss Zhou, go back.”
That left her stunned and heartbroken, while Young Master Zhou was furious beyond words.
“Attack!”
Jingzhan could see there was no avoiding it. He lazily drawled, “Oh, one thing. I should remind you—this is the Mortal Domain. Don’t go overboard.” The Mortal Domain was the realm under the rule of human emperors, with little trace of the cultivation world. Here, one avoided using spells recklessly, so as not to disturb the people and destabilize the state.
“I don’t need to go overboard. My fists are more than enough to beat you down. Just remember—you asked for it, don’t go crying about rules after you’re beaten.”
With that, Young Master Zhou lunged at him.
Watching from above, Gu Baiqing never expected to get caught in the crossfire.
At first, Jingzhan was clearly toying with his opponent, letting the fight spill from the first floor to the second, as if giving Young Master Zhou some face. For Gu Baiqing could tell—if Jingzhan fought seriously, he could flatten him within three moves.
After dozens of moves, Jingzhan saw it was almost enough and was about to finish the fight, but the opponent seemed to realize he was being toyed with and flew into a rage, swinging his spirit weapon—the Vajra Hammer—straight at him. This time Jingzhan had to dodge, because the other had already lost control and was pouring spiritual power into the weapon.
But not far away, Gu Baiqing could only see Jingzhan’s back, not what was happening in front. Just as Jingzhan leapt aside, a giant iron hammer came hurtling toward him with crushing momentum.
“Careful!” Jingzhan realized too late that a mortal might get hurt. He struck back in a rush but couldn’t catch up to the Vajra Hammer.
Young Master Zhou also panicked, yanking at the chain attached to the hammer to pull it back.
Gu Baiqing, thinking he should never have gotten so close to watch the fight, was just about to step back and avoid the hammer when suddenly a chill swept up his back.
【Demonization Value +1】
Gu Baiqing froze. Before he could even react with surprise, a white figure flashed in front of him, blocking the way. A single hand stretched out, and with a bang, the Vajra Hammer was caught firmly.
A few muffled cracks rang out.
The hammer shattered into three pieces in the newcomer’s grip, clattering onto the ground.
Young Master Zhou, still holding the chain, stood dumbfounded.
Jingzhan landed as well, staring blankly at the figure. “Mo Xuanli?!”
The name was, of course, one Young Master Zhou had heard before.
“You… why did you break my spirit weapon!” Young Master Zhou finally came back to his senses and hurried forward. “This is—”
“It’s not your life-bonded sword, so what does it matter? But just now, you nearly hurt my… older brother.” Mo Xuanli’s cold voice dropped, and a suffocating pressure instantly fell over them. Young Master Zhou shut his mouth on the spot, because in that moment he felt something terrifying in the other’s aura. Even Jingzhan, off to the side, was surprised to see Mo Xuanli truly angry for the first time.
Wait… older brother?
Mo Xuanli shook the broken fragments from his hand, then turned back to look at Gu Baiqing. Waking in an empty room from a dream, panicking to find no one there, then rushing out to sense someone attacking his powerless master—everything had left Mo Xuanli shaken.
Gu Baiqing, meanwhile, still hadn’t recovered from the blow of his demonization value rising yet again, when he heard Mo Xuanli’s low voice, carrying a faint trace of grievance: “Brother, why did you come out alone without waking me?”
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