The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 41

Yu Hui rose from her seat, her voice icy. “Sect Leader Xu, are you trying to protect your sect’s disciple by falsely accusing my disciple? Aside from Immortal Xie Jie, who became a prisoner of war, Azure Cloud Sect was the first to lead the charge. Yet now we face baseless suspicion. Does Sect Leader Xu truly believe our sect has no one left to defend it?”

This matter concerned Azure Cloud Sect’s reputation and prestige. Bai Mofeng, like Yu Hui, was determined to defend it, though he lacked her fiery intensity. With a stiff expression, he said, “Whether the accusation is true or false, Sect Leader Xu, why not summon this disciple here for you to investigate personally? If it proves false, you can still accuse Azure Cloud Sect later.”

Shangqing glared at Xu Zhengzong and ordered, “Bring the disciple here.”

Xu Zhengzong’s face flushed crimson. Bound by respect for Shangqing, the Supreme Elder of his sect, he dared not openly defy him. He sent a message back to his sect.

The reply came: Ruan Yurong had left the sect half a month ago, with no fixed return date.

This gave Xu Zhengzong an excuse: “You’ve all heard—it’s not that I’m refusing, but we simply can’t find her on short notice.”

Fearing Yun Xiao would exclude him, Shangqing smiled. “Fellow Daoist Yun, rest assured. Once the disciple returns to the Sect, I will personally examine her Sea of Consciousness. If a Primordial Spirit is indeed hidden there, we’ll need to trouble you to make a trip here to help us draw it out.”

Xu Zhengzong opened his mouth to object, but fearing Shangqing’s wrath, he swallowed the words back down.

Even if a Primordial Spirit is present, he thought, we can’t hand her over to Yun Xiao. The Sea of Consciousness is too delicate. If the Primordial Spirit resists, it could cause irreversible damage to Ruan Yurong’s Sea of Consciousness.

The Sect had invested too many resources in Ruan Yurong to let it all go to waste.

Yun Xiao’s gaze swept past Xu Zhengzong, her expression impassive. “I possess top-grade spirit herbs capable of repairing the Sea of Consciousness.”

Wuwei chimed in, “Indeed. I’ve already requested Spirit Prime Tribulation Immortal of the Pill Sect to refine a medicinal pill. She assured me that after taking the pill and recuperating for three to five years, Ruan Yurong will fully recover.”

In other words, even if her Sea of Consciousness had been damaged, a top-grade spirit herb could reverse the damage.

Xu Zhengzong understood perfectly that Yun Xiao and Wuwei were trying to reassure him.

While the Sea of Consciousness could indeed be repaired, the damage would inevitably hinder her cultivation progress. If Ruan Yurong could adjust her mindset in time, that would be ideal. But if she couldn’t, her potential would be ruined.

Of course, this couldn’t be said openly. Xu Zhengzong forced a smile and said, “That’s wonderful news.”

“I’ve said what I needed to say. I’m leaving now,” Yun Xiao declared, turning to walk out of the hall.

When Fang Zhiluo followed, she stopped and glanced sideways. “Tend to your injuries first. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to depart.”

She needed to return to the Ice Plains to check on Cangwu. The search for the Breathing Earth wasn’t urgent.

Besides, the Four Great Sects wouldn’t trust her to go alone, fearing she might try something underhanded.

Hearing this, Fang Zhiluo couldn’t find a reason to make Yun Xiao stay and could only watch her leave.

Back in the hall, she overheard Wan Xuan speaking indignantly.

“The Jade Flood Dragon injured thirty members of our Heavenly Evolution Sect and kidnapped Immortal Xie Jie! We can’t let this go unavenged. Not only would I refuse, but the rest of the sect would never allow it either!”

Fang Zhiluo stopped, turned to Wan Xuan, and suggested, “She hasn’t gone far. You can still catch up to her if you hurry.”

Wan Xuan’s face flushed crimson with shame and fury. He glared at Fang Zhiluo and demanded, “Immortal Fang Jie has repeatedly defended that Jade Flood Dragon. Is this because you harbor resentment toward the Heavenly Evolution Sect, or has your Azure Cloud Sect been colluding with the dragon all along?”

He nodded in sudden realization. “I see now! This talk of a Primordial Spirit stealing Luck—it’s just a scheme to eliminate the Heaven’s Chosen from our three sects!”

A cold glint flashed in Fang Zhiluo’s eyes, but Yu Hui cut in before he could respond.

“Sect Leader Wan, tread carefully with your words. If you accuse the Azure Cloud Sect of colluding with the Jade Flood Dragon, provide concrete evidence,” Yu Hui stepped forward, standing beside Fang Zhiluo, her oppressive aura palpable. She emphasized each word, “Otherwise, your baseless accusations will be considered slander against our Azure Cloud Sect.”

Xu Zhenghong tried to interject, but Shangqing’s glare silenced him.

Lu Bo, seated on his chair, frowned slightly. How did Wan Xuan even become Sect Leader?

Suppressing his displeasure, he said gravely, “The Jade Flood Dragon has inflicted grievous losses upon our Heavenly Evolution Sect. She has been under immense pressure recently. I trust you will all understand.”

Though Lu Bo was a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator, Yu Hui couldn’t press the matter further, despite her dissatisfaction. She nodded and said, “Since you’ve spoken, this junior dares not disobey.”

Her words carried no trace of respect.

Lu Bo ignored her, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Tribulation Transcendence cultivators. He asked in a deep voice, “What are your thoughts on the broken Heavenly Ladder?”

Shangqing spoke first: “According to the manuals passed down from our ancestors, it’s indeed abnormal that no one has ascended to the Upper Realm in over a thousand years. Until now, we old fools never considered the possibility of something going wrong with the Ascension passage.”

Yuheng stroked his chin and nodded. “Brother Shangqing is right. Compared to other possibilities, the broken Heavenly Ladder is the most plausible explanation.”

Wuwei snorted softly. “Sect Leader, tell them.”

Bai Mofeng respectfully acknowledged the command. “To be frank, two days ago, the Peak Lord of our Artifact Peak questioned Senior Yun about the Primordial Spirit’s absorption of our sect disciples’ Luck. Senior Yun stormed out of the main hall in anger, only to be blocked by a bolt of Heavenly Lightning.”

Bai Mofeng offered a wry smile. “Senior Yun was furious and reported the matter. Grandmaster Wuwei and I were both reprimanded, and the Peak Lord of the Artifact Peak was struck unconscious on the spot.” As he finished, he cast a meaningful glance at Wan Xuan and Xu Zhenghong.

Serves them right for repeatedly questioning our Azure Cloud Sect and Senior Yun.

Wan Xuan and Xu Zhenghong, as Sect Leaders, possessed exceptional intelligence and temperament. They immediately understood the meaning behind Bai Mofeng’s gaze, and their expressions darkened.

“It seems the Heavenly Ladder is indeed malfunctioning,” Lu Bo said, taking the initiative since he couldn’t rely on Wan Xuan. “What are your thoughts on the matter of the Breathing Earth?”

This question was directed at the Tribulation Transcendence cultivators present, as they were the most urgently concerned.

Fang Zhiluo, having taken her seat, replied truthfully, “Yun Xiao has agreed to let me accompany her.”

Shangqing, unwilling to be outdone, immediately declared, “I will represent the Kaiyang Sect.”

“Then I will represent the Limitless Sect,” Yuheng quickly added.

This journey to find the Breathing Earth wasn’t just about being the first to learn of its discovery; it was also an excellent opportunity to cultivate favor with Yun Xiao.

Glimpsing the Heavenly Secrets was proof enough that Yun Xiao was favored by the Heavenly Dao. Befriending such a person could only bring benefits, never harm.

As for their previous unpleasantness, given Yun Xiao’s temperament, her failure to press the matter now likely meant she wouldn’t pursue it further.

With the other three sects having already chosen their representatives, the Heavenly Evolution Sect couldn’t afford to be left behind.

Ignoring Wan Xuan’s complex expression, Lu Bo declared, “Then I’ll represent the Heavenly Evolution Sect.”

As the representatives from the three sects dispersed, only the Azure Cloud Sect members remained in the main hall.

Bai Mofeng, his face etched with worry, hesitated before asking, “Martial Aunt Fang, your injuries?”

Wuwei retrieved a Medicinal Pill from his Storage Ring, explaining, “This is a Minor Revolving Pill, an excellent remedy for internal injuries.”

He had only obtained three such pills in total, having already used one himself. Giving this one away would leave him with just one remaining.

Fang Zhiluo, well aware of the Minor Revolving Pill’s rarity, said gratefully, “Thank you, Martial Ancestor.”

Her external wounds had already healed, leaving only internal injuries. Taking this pill would completely restore her internal health.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Wuwei said, his gaze fixed intently on Fang Zhiluo, brooking no argument. “You must gather all three pieces of Breathing Earth and repair the Heavenly Ladder.”

The inability to ascend had become his obsession. If repairing the Heavenly Ladder was possible, he would gladly give up not just one Minor Revolving Pill, but even another if necessary.

These words were merely an attempt to reassure himself.

He had waited far too long.

Fang Zhiluo understood the critical importance of repairing the Heavenly Ladder. This wasn’t just about her own Ascension; it concerned the very foundation of the Heavenly Origin Realm.

Whether for personal gain or the greater good, she had to devote every ounce of her strength to finding the Breathing Earth.

Her eyes burned with determination as she vowed, “This junior will spare no effort in finding the Breathing Earth and ensuring the Heavenly Ladder of the Heavenly Origin Realm is restored.”

Wuwei nodded with a smile, left a Medicinal Pill, and vanished in a flash of teleportation.

Bai Mofeng, still burdened with unfinished business, bid farewell to Fangzhilu and Yu Hui before departing with Chu Hui.

Recalling her Master’s public defense of her, Fang Zhiluo felt both gratitude and guilt. She confessed, “Master, I was wrong earlier. Please forgive me this time.”

Yu Hui turned sharply, her voice stern. “You are now the Supreme Elder of our Sect. Wan Xuan’s accusations against you are an attack on the Azure Cloud Sect itself.”

She glared at Fang Zhiluo. “Act accordingly.”

Watching Yu Hui’s retreating figure, Fang Zhiluo’s heart churned with complex emotions.

Meanwhile, Yun Xiao had teleported to the Ice Plains. Seeing that the protective barrier around the Cave Abode remained undisturbed, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She sent a telepathic message to Xiangyun, wanting to inquire about Cangwu’s seclusion.

Xiangyun emerged, her graceful figure swaying as she pouted. “Where have you been? It’s been ages since you came to see me.”

“Be serious,” Yun Xiao said, taking out a prayer cushion and sitting down. “How’s Cangwu doing?”

“Still the same,” Xiangyun replied listlessly, twirling her sash. “Judging by his condition, he won’t be out of seclusion for at least another year and a half.”

She crouched down, gazing pleadingly at Yun Xiao. “Who would ever come to this godforsaken place? Why don’t you take me with you? I want to go out and play.”

Without hesitation, Yun Xiao refused. “No. You need to stay here and keep Cangwu company.”

She wasn’t worried about Xiangyun harming Cangwu. Before leaving, Yun Xiao had placed a binding seal within Xiangyun’s body. If Xiangyun harbored any ill intentions toward Cangwu, the seal would detonate, causing her to self-destruct.

The light in Xiangyun’s eyes faded quickly as she muttered, “I’m a fish, after all. How can a fish spend years on the Ice Plains?”

Yun Xiao remained unmoved, her expression impassive. “When the ice melts, it’ll be water. Then you won’t have to soak in the water every day.”

The thought of spending another year and a half on the Ice Plains completely drained Xiangyun’s spirits.

I should have run away sooner.

Seeing Xiangyun’s dejected state, Yun Xiao hesitated, then plucked two High-Grade Spirit Herbs from her personal Medicine Garden and handed them to Xiangyun.

Xiangyun’s eyes lit up at the sight of the Spirit Herbs, her despondency vanishing instantly.

Yun Xiao withdrew her hand, still holding the herbs, and warned, “If anything happens, contact me immediately.”

Xiangyun nodded vigorously. “No problem.”

Only then did Yun Xiao give Xiangyun the Spirit Herbs. She then extended her Divine Sense to survey the surrounding five hundred li, detecting no immediate danger. Reassured, she finally departed.

Having exhausted her daily teleportation limit, she was forced to settle in Ice City for the night.

Two days later, she received a message from Fang Zhiluo asking for her location.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Yun Xiao revealed her whereabouts to Fang Zhiluo.

As soon as she sent the message, regret washed over her.

Calling Fang Zhiluo shameless? This is even more shameless than what he did!

Who stays in contact with their ex-girlfriend after cutting ties?

To be accurate, she wasn’t even his ex-girlfriend. She never even agreed to be with him in the first place.

The more she thought about it, the more she regretted her decision. Yun Xiao stared at the wine flask in her hand for a few breaths, hesitating whether to move to another location.

If I leave now, wouldn’t that mean I’m afraid of Fang Zhiluo?

He’s the one who owes me. Why should I feel guilty?

Yun Xiao tilted her head back and took a sip of Ice Plum Wine, her face radiating pure enjoyment. This wine truly lived up to its reputation as a specialty of Ice City—it was undeniably delicious.

Half an hour later, Fang Zhiluo entered the private room, guided by a servant. She found Yun Xiao sprawled languidly on the couch, her cheeks flushed crimson and her eyes glazed with a dreamy haze.

A gentle breeze stirred the pale green gauze curtains, partially veiling Yun Xiao’s radiant face, creating an ethereal beauty beyond description.

Fang Zhiluo unconsciously softened her steps as she approached the couch. Bending down, she reached out a hand to gently touch the person before her, her eyes overflowing with tenderness. “A’Xiao,” she murmured softly, “I’m here.”

When Yun Xiao didn’t resist her touch, Fang Zhiluo delicately traced the contours of her eyebrows and eyes with her fingertips.

Her hand finally came to rest on Yun Xiao’s soft, rosy lips, the color in her eyes deepening as her fingertip pressed against those tender lips.

Yun Xiao gazed at Fang Zhiluo for a long moment, then asked with childlike innocence, “Where did this beauty come from?”

Noticing the fingertip on her lips, she unconsciously licked it, tilting her head and grinning foolishly at Fang Zhiluo. “Sweet,” she mumbled.

As if struck by lightning, a tingling sensation spread from Fang Zhiluo’s fingertips to her heart, rippling through her like waves.

To confirm this, Yun Xiao opened her mouth again and drew Fang Zhiluo’s finger into her mouth.

Fang Zhiluo shuddered, a hint of desire flickering in her eyes.

She had always cherished intimacy with Yun Xiao, both five hundred years ago and now.

Even if this was just a fleeting dream, she wished it could linger a little longer.

Yun Xiao quickly released Fang Zhiluo’s finger, shaking her head and muttering to herself, “No, you’re not her. You can’t be.”

The thought of Yun Xiao sharing such intimacy with other women during their five-hundred-year separation filled Fang Zhiluo’s heart with jealousy and bitterness.

Struggling to suppress the urge to question her, she deliberately leaned close to Yun Xiao’s ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids, and whispered, “Who is she? Is she prettier than me?”

From their very first encounter, Fang Zhiluo had caught the look of awe in Yun Xiao’s eyes.