The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 40

Her hand hovered half an inch from her heart. Just a little further, and she could destroy this uncontrollable organ.

The sudden sound of Yun Xiao’s voice startled her, her eyes filled with confusion.

She shook her head with a bitter smile. Yun Xiao couldn’t possibly be here, nor would she ever seek her out unprompted. It must be a hallucination.

“Fang Zhiluo, A’Luo, come out,” Yun Xiao’s voice carried a note of urgency. She knew this was wrong, but she couldn’t control herself.

She had to admit it: she didn’t want Fang Zhiluo to come to harm. She wanted Fang Zhiluo to be safe and well.

Realizing this, she plunged headfirst into Fang Zhiluo’s Defensive Formation, teleporting to the entrance of the Cave Abode.

A glance out of the corner of her eye revealed Fang Zhiluo’s hand hovering half an inch from her chest, a surge of concentrated Spiritual Energy swirling in her palm. Yun Xiao’s heart skipped a beat. In a panic, she yanked Fang Zhiluo’s hand away, her voice trembling with fear and shock: “Are you insane? If you strike with that palm, your entire body will be destroyed!”

Fang Zhiluo lowered her lashes, glancing repeatedly at her hand held by Yun Xiao, unable to conceal her hurt: “You were the one who said anything uncontrollable should be excised.”

Yun Xiao choked, releasing Fang Zhiluo’s hand and pacing back and forth in frustration.

The harsh words that had risen to her lips died unspoken as she caught sight of Fang Zhiluo’s shattered, desolate expression.

Fang Zhiluo is a madwoman right now, Yun Xiao thought. What if she takes my angry words seriously and hurts herself again?

After two deep breaths, Yun Xiao finally managed to calm herself. Softening her tone, she said, “Our bodies and skin are gifts from our parents, not to be harmed lightly. If they knew you were impulsively hurting yourself, they would be heartbroken.”

Fang Zhiluo turned away, refusing to let Yun Xiao see her disheveled state. Her voice choked with emotion as she insisted, “No, they wouldn’t. They wouldn’t care.”

If they truly cared, why would they have abandoned me in the freezing wilderness as a child?

Even if they had their reasons, why haven’t they come looking for me all these years?

A flicker of regret crossed Yun Xiao’s eyes. If I’d known her parents were such a raw wound, I wouldn’t have mentioned them.

She quickly added, “Then think of your Master. Think of all the people who care about you.”

Fang Zhiluo wiped away her tears and turned to Yun Xiao, her gaze unwavering. “What about you?” she asked intently. “Do you care about me?”

If I say yes, I’ll betray Cangwu’s essence bl00d, Yun Xiao thought. But if I say no, what if Fang Zhiluo hurts herself again?

After careful consideration, Yun Xiao decided to change the subject. “He gave me a clue. If we find three pieces of Breathing Earth, we can repair the Heavenly Ladder. Then both of us can ascend to the Upper Realm.”

Hearing this, a flicker of disappointment crossed Fang Zhiluo’s eyes, but it quickly hardened into resolve. “I’ll help you find the Breathing Earth. We’ll ascend together.”

The words “ascend together” resonated in Yun Xiao’s heart, sending ripples through her composure.

Forcing herself to ignore the phrase, she replied calmly, “Alright.”

Repairing the Heavenly Ladder wasn’t her sole responsibility anyway; having help was a good thing.

“Rest and recover well. I’m leaving now.” With that, she hurried away.

Before she could exit the Defensive Formation’s perimeter, she looked up to find Yu Hui glaring at her.

“Why are you here?” Yu Hui turned an angry gaze toward Fang Zhiluo, who had followed Yun Xiao out. “Did you bring her here again?”

Yun Xiao was about to answer when Fang Zhiluo cut her off.

“Yes,” Fang Zhiluo said, standing protectively beside Yun Xiao, his intentions clear.

While the Sect had no explicit rule against inviting friends to one’s Cave Abode, this place was the Forbidden Zone of the Back Mountain, concealing secrets unknown to outsiders. It was no wonder their Master was furious.

She could tell that her master disliked Yun Xiao. If he knew that formations were as nothing before Yun Xiao, he would never allow her to remain at the Azure Cloud Sect.

Her master didn’t understand Yun Xiao. Even if Yun Xiao had truly uncovered the Azure Cloud Sect’s secrets, she would never reveal them to outsiders.

The Soul-Suppressing Bottle in Yun Xiao’s possession contained two Primordial Spirits, conclusive evidence to persuade the other Three Great Sects.

For both personal and public reasons, Yun Xiao couldn’t leave the Azure Cloud Sect now.

Yun Xiao’s heart raced uncontrollably again. Five hundred years ago, she had already understood how important the Sect and her master were to Fang Zhiluo. Yet now, Fang Zhiluo was lying to her own master for Yun Xiao’s sake?

Even if there were other considerations involved, she was still deeply moved.

Yu Hui stared intently at Fang Zhiluo, remaining silent for a long time.

Fang Zhiluo lowered her head in anxious confusion. Her master was clearly furious.

Sensing Yu Hui’s anger, Yun Xiao stepped diagonally forward, deliberately blocking Yu Hui’s line of sight. She smiled and said, “It seems the Azure Cloud Sect isn’t as united as the rumors suggest. Aren’t you deeply dissatisfied with your Sect Leader’s decisions?”

“Yun Xiao,” Fang Zhiluo hissed, frantically gesturing with her eyes for Yun Xiao to stop provoking Yu Hui.

A flash of malice crossed Yu Hui’s eyes as she sneered, “Demons will always be demons. They’ll never learn how to be human.”

This struck Yun Xiao’s raw nerve. Instead of anger, she chuckled, “You were reborn as a human, yet after nearly a thousand years, you still haven’t learned how to respect others.”

She lifted her gaze, her eyes half-closed, no longer suppressing her aura and oppressive presence. “In terms of cultivation, I surpass you. As for status, I am currently a distinguished guest of your Azure Cloud Sect.”

Ignoring Yu Hui’s livid expression, Yun Xiao extended a hand, palm open, and asked, “So, by what authority and position are you speaking to me right now, hmm?”

With her face pressed into the ground beneath Yun Xiao’s foot, Yu Hui’s fury surged. She coldly demanded of Fang Zhiluo, “Is this the friend you’ve made?”

Fang Zhiluo’s face paled, her brow furrowed. Her master’s words were deeply humiliating, and Yun Xiao’s anger was justified.

She stole a glance at Yu Hui, then quickly averted her gaze. Her master clearly believed she had said nothing wrong.

Fang Zhiluo had hoped that after her master’s old ailment healed, he would no longer be swayed by external opinions. Instead, his recovery had made him even more obsessed with his reputation and increasingly stubborn.

Suppressing her thoughts, Fang Zhiluo replied softly, “Master, Yun Xiao is my guest, and more importantly, a guest of the Azure Cloud Sect.”

Yu Hui sneered and nodded, grinding her teeth. “Fine. I truly raised a fine disciple.” Before the words could even finish, she stormed away in anger.

If I don’t eliminate that damned Demon Cultivator, my obedient disciple will never return to her senses.

Fang Zhiluo’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, already dreading her master’s inevitable scolding.

She glanced apologetically at Yun Xiao. “Don’t take Master’s words to heart. She’s just… just venting her anger on you.”

Yun Xiao shrugged indifferently. “I haven’t lost anything.”

Recalling Fang Zhiluo’s instinctive reaction earlier, Yun Xiao hesitated, then changed her mind. “I’m leaving now.”

She had no right to judge the dynamic between Fang Zhiluo and her master, so she kept her thoughts to herself.

Only after Yun Xiao’s figure disappeared from sight did Fang Zhiluo withdraw her gaze.

After a moment’s hesitation, she used the Light Body Technique to reach Yu Hui’s Cave Abode.

As soon as she stepped inside, a teacup hurtled toward her.

She sidestepped it effortlessly.

The teacup shattered on the ground, the dull crash resonating heavily in her heart, weighing her spirits down further.

“Hmph, daring to undermine my authority in front of an outsider?” Yu Hui’s eyes burned with fury, her voice rising involuntarily. “Fuyao, your wings have truly hardened.”

Before Fang Zhiluo could respond, Yu Hui scoffed, “Of course. You’re a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator now. In terms of cultivation, even your master would have to bow to you.”

Hearing these familiar words, Fang Zhiluo felt a surge of irritation for the first time.

Her master always said these things whenever she was angry with her.

In the past, Fang Zhiluo would carefully apologize, repeatedly assuring her that she would always be her master and that she would never forget the kindness of Yu Hui and the Azure Cloud Sect.

But for some reason, this time she didn’t want to appease her master.

Having made up her mind, Fang Zhiluo met Yu Hui’s angry gaze with a steady voice. “Master, if Yun Xiao hadn’t revealed that the Heavenly Ladder was broken, we might never have discovered why we couldn’t ascend. You understand the situation with the other three sects better than I do. If they learned of this, would they honestly inform us?”

Yu Hui waved her hand dismissively. “How can you be sure she’s telling the truth? Those who are not of our kind can never be trusted.”

As she spoke, Yu Hui caught the sorrow in Fang Zhiluo’s eyes and coldly turned away.

Seeing this, Fang Zhiluo could no longer deceive herself. This was what her master truly believed.

She had previously thought Yu Hui’s words were directed solely at Yun Xiao, but now, recalling the conversation, she realized her master had been criticizing her as well.

Forcing back tears, her voice trembled as she spoke, “Whether it’s true or not, the Sect Leader and Grandmaster Wuwei will decide. Yun Xiao has no reason to deceive us.”

Yu Hui slammed his hand on the table and rose to his feet, pointing a finger at Fang Zhiluo. “So, you truly don’t see me as your master, do you?”

Fang Zhiluo’s nose burned with suppressed emotion. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but the cold glint in Yu Hui’s eyes stopped her. She turned and hurried away.

She knew she wasn’t a good disciple. No matter what she did, her master always found fault.

Yet she truly kept his teachings in her heart, and she never forgot the responsibilities she carried. To protect her fellow disciples, she had repeatedly stood on the brink of death.

For a moment, she wondered if the kindness the Azure Cloud Sect and her master had shown her could only be repaid with her death and the dissipation of her cultivation.

Until then, would she be forced to carry the weight of these two debts?

What about herself? She longed to live as freely and unrestrainedly as Yun Xiao.

Two days later, the Sect Leaders of the Three Great Sects gathered at the Azure Cloud Sect, along with their Tribulation Transcendence cultivators.

Before even taking their seats, Shangqing eagerly asked Bai Mofeng, “Where’s Brother Wuwei? He claimed someone from your Azure Cloud Sect had glimpsed the Heavenly Secrets.”

The moment Bai Mofeng spoke, all eyes in the room turned to him.

Even though the eight Tribulation Transcendence cultivators had suppressed their spiritual pressure, Bai Mofeng still felt its weight. He forced himself to remain calm, bowed respectfully to Shangqing, and then addressed the group one by one. “Grandmaster Wuwei will arrive shortly. As for the latter matter, I must confess that the one who glimpsed the Heavenly Secrets is not a member of our Azure Cloud Sect.”

He deliberately paused for dramatic effect. “This person is known to all of you here,” he added, turning to face Wan Xuan. “Especially to your esteemed sect.”

In recent days, vassal families had been flocking to the Heavenly Evolution Sect. Wan Xuan had been busy appeasing these families while also guarding against the other three sects trying to exploit their misfortune.

Today’s gathering was primarily an opportunity for Wan Xuan to demonstrate to the other three sects that the Heavenly Evolution Sect was far from collapsing.

Bai Mofeng’s pointed remark immediately put Wan Xuan on guard. Though his expression remained impassive, his voice carried an unspoken authority. “Brother Bai, speak plainly. While the Jade Flood Dragon’s attack has indeed dealt a severe blow to the Heavenly Evolution Sect, our deep foundations and the resilience of our disciples ensure we will never be easy prey.”

Bai Mofeng explained calmly, “Sect Leader Wan misunderstands. I merely meant that this person shares a profound connection with your sect.”

He turned to address the entire assembly. “This person is none other than Immortal Cloud Xiao, the Tribulation Immortal.”

Ignoring Wan Xuan’s darkening expression, he continued, “Immortal Cloud Xiao, favored by the heavens, learned that three Primordial Spirits capable of draining Luck had infiltrated the Heavenly Origin Realm. As everyone knows, Heaven’s Chosen are blessed with both Innate Talent and exceptional Luck. The heavens cherish such individuals most dearly. By draining the Luck of these Heaven’s Chosen, these malevolent Primordial Spirits are draining the very Luck of our Heavenly Origin Realm.”

Wuwei, arriving late, took over the explanation. “Xie Yunfan of the Heavenly Evolution Sect and Meng Jiang of the Azure Cloud Sect have both been possessed by these Primordial Spirits.”

He had no intention of concealing this matter. First, such secrets could only be kept hidden for so long. Better to reveal the truth openly than let malicious rumors spread. Second, only by involving the Azure Cloud Sect could the Three Great Sects take this threat seriously.

Wan Xuan rose in fury, demanding, “Words mean nothing! What proof do you have? Or is this just a ploy by the Azure Cloud Sect to ally with the Jade Flood Dragon and seize sole dominance?”

Yun Xiao, who had just arrived, overheard his words and immediately retorted with a laugh, “Your Heavenly Evolution Sect’s brains must have stopped growing when they should have started. Now they’re just embarrassing themselves at the wrong time.”

She strode past everyone, as if they weren’t even there, and settled into the main seat. Placing the Soul-Suppressing Bottle on the tea table beside her, she gestured with a pout. “There’s your precious evidence.”

Remembering something, she removed the bottle’s seals and shook it vigorously. “If you’re not completely annihilated, make a sound!”

Old Qiu’s booming voice echoed from within the Soul-Suppressing Bottle: “What do you want to release me?”

Yun Xiao picked at her ear, replying casually, “Tell me where your other companion is hiding, and I might reluctantly let you out for a breath of fresh air.”

“Since you know the Heavenly Ladder of the Heavenly Origin Realm is broken, you must also know that you can’t ascend to the Upper Realm until it’s repaired. Release me, and I’ll tell you how to fix it.”

Old Qiu snarled, “Jin Yuanzi, you traitor! I’ll destroy you first!”

Yun Xiao rested her chin on her hand, gazing thoughtfully at the Soul-Suppressing Bottle. “After your souls are scattered, will the Luck you absorbed return to the world?” She rounded up the calculation, concluding, “That would essentially be returning it to the Heavenly Dao.”

Jin Yuanzi roared with laughter. “Delusional! That Luck has already been claimed by me!”

Satisfied with the answer, Yun Xiao reapplied the seal to the Soul-Suppressing Bottle.

She swept her gaze across the assembled crowd, speaking casually, “I’m informing you all to prevent anyone from exploiting this situation and instigating war between our clans. Believe it or not, I’ve said what needs to be said. Of course, you’re free to turn a deaf ear, as long as you’re willing to bear the consequences of your self-deception.”

These people’s intentions were easy to guess. Like Wan Xuan, they all suspected a conspiracy between Yun Xiao and the Azure Cloud Sect.

She had proven herself once, compelled by the Heavenly Dao. She would never do so again.

Once she located the final Primordial Spirit’s hiding place, she wouldn’t mind retrieving it herself, reuniting all three Primordial Spirits within the Soul-Suppressing Bottle.

They had all heard Jin Yuanzi and Old Qiu’s words, which had halved their doubts.

Lu Bo rose and fixed his gaze on Yun Xiao. “How can the Heavenly Ladder of the Heavenly Origin Realm be repaired?”

He had examined the manual in Mu Tian’s possession and still felt something was amiss.

Having interacted with Yun Xiao twice before, he found her sharp tongue grating, yet her character far surpassed Xie Yunfan’s. Based on this alone, he was inclined to believe Bai Mofeng’s claims by about seventy to eighty percent.

Yun Xiao didn’t mince words. “Gather all three pieces of Breathing Earth.”

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Breathing Earth was an exceedingly rare Heavenly Treasure; finding even a single piece would be considered extraordinary luck, let alone three.

Anticipating Lu Bo’s next question, Yun Xiao stood up. “I do have some leads, but I don’t trust any of you.”

Shangqing grew anxious. “Then tell me, what will it take for you to trust me?”

Like Wuwei, he had been awaiting Ascension for over a century. Now that he finally had a concrete lead, he refused to let it slip through his fingers.

“Simple,” Yun Xiao replied. “First, we need to root out the last Primordial Spirit hiding within the Four Great Sects. Second, you must swear a Heavenly Dao Oath. I have no intention of searching for the Breathing Earth only to have to guard against my own teammates.”

The Heavenly Dao had only given her a general direction. Yesterday, she had consulted maps in the Azure Cloud Sect’s library, but the Domain in that direction was vast. She and Fang Zhiluo alone would likely search for years without success.

If someone was offering to do the legwork, she saw no reason to refuse.

Shangqing sighed in relief, then pressed, “Then tell me, how do we find this Primordial Spirit?”

Yun Xiao exchanged a glance with Bai Mofeng.

Understanding her cue, Bai Mofeng spoke calmly, “The individual possesses exceptional Innate Talent, their Cultivation advancing rapidly without ever encountering a Bottleneck. Meanwhile, other talented disciples within their Sect find their Cultivation stagnating, and even their Luck has diminished severalfold.” As he spoke, he observed the Sect Leaders’ expressions.

Among them, Xu Zhenghong of Kaiyang Sect’s eyes flickered momentarily, confirming Bai Mofeng’s suspicions.

Understanding Bai Mofeng’s implication, Yun Xiao sat back in her chair, a half-smile playing on her lips as she glanced at Shangqing. “Your chance has come.”

“What do you mean? Is that Primordial Spirit hidden within our sect?” Receiving no answer from Yun Xiao, Shangqing immediately turned to Xu Zhenghong.

In an instant, all eyes in the room converged on Xu Zhenghong.

Knowing he couldn’t hide the truth any longer, Xu Zhenghong sighed. “Our sect does indeed have a disciple with extraordinary innate talent. Their cultivation speed is so rapid that their peers can’t help but envy them.” His face clouded with worry. “It’s true that some disciples from the same cohort have encountered bottlenecks in their cultivation. As for their luck, I cannot say.”

Suddenly remembering something, he fixed his gaze on Fang Zhiluo, who had remained silent. “If I recall correctly, Immortal Fang Jie, your cultivation also advanced at an astonishing pace.”

With that, he turned to Yun Xiao. “Your bone age is also remarkably young. Both of you, shouldn’t you provide a reasonable explanation?”

Shangqing shot Xu Zhenghong a venomous glare. How did this idiot become a Sect Leader?

Questioning Fang Zhiluo might be understandable, but questioning Yun Xiao, who was favored by the Heavenly Dao? That was just asking for trouble.