The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 44

Yun Xiao had put their past behind her…

Old Qiu resembled a chicken with its neck wrung, his murky eyes filled with regret. Had he known Yun Xiao could deduce their ultimate goal from a mere fragment of conversation, he would never have uttered a single word.

Sensing the malice radiating from Old Qiu, Jin Yuanzi shifted away, fearing the old man would vent his anger on him.

The three of them had been sent on a mission: to plunder the Heavenly Origin Realm’s Luck within a millennium and return to report on time.

Yun Xiao was right—he lacked Old Qiu’s audacity. Afraid of being discovered by the Heavenly Origin Realm’s cultivators before he had fully developed, he had chosen to proceed cautiously, testing the waters first.

This cautious approach had left his Cultivation three major realms lower than Old Qiu’s.

The other member, Hong Gu Yun, was similar to him—a cautious type who believed in playing it safe.

Now, he could only hope Hong Gu Yun would sense something amiss and flee in advance. Otherwise, Yun Xiao’s prediction would come true: Hong Gu Yun would end up here, joining their “reunion.”

Remembering his family still held hostage by their master, Jin Yuanzi steeled himself and sent a telepathic message to Old Qiu: “Do you have any way to contact Hong Gu Yun? If he’s captured too, our master’s years of planning will be ruined. What will happen to our families then?”

Old Qiu sensed Jin Yuanzi’s hidden meaning and replied in a deep voice, “She’s too guarded, and the Soul-Suppressing Bottle is too domineering. I can’t establish contact.”

He shot Jin Yuanzi a disdainful glance. “Let’s hope he’s not as foolish as you.”

Outside the Soul-Suppressing Bottle, Yun Xiao waited in vain for Old Qiu’s response, realizing he wouldn’t answer her question.

Under normal circumstances, Old Qiu would have used this opportunity to make demands, just like Jin Yuanzi.

But since he hadn’t, only two possibilities remained:

1. The matter of seizing the Heavenly Origin Realm’s Luck was too critical for Old Qiu to reveal.
2. Old Qiu had other concerns, such as a weakness being held by the mastermind behind the scenes.

Cutting off her thoughts, Yun Xiao reapplied the seals on the Soul-Suppressing Bottle. She glanced sideways and saw Zhuo Ying and Fang Zhiluo staring at her with undisguised intensity.

Sipping her Spirit Tea, she said calmly, “Don’t listen to that old bastard’s threats. The mastermind may have his Zhang Liang’s schemes, but we have our own ways to climb over the wall. Among these three Primordial Spirits, only Old Qiu’s cultivation is somewhat higher. Now that he’s trapped in the Soul-Suppressing Bottle, he’s powerless to act.”

Zhuo Ying, however, was less optimistic than Yun Xiao. She worried, “What if the last Primordial Spirit senses something amiss and escapes early? Where would we find him then?”

Yun Xiao stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment before making a decision. “In that case, I’ll go myself. Do you know Ruan Yurong’s whereabouts?”

“I’ve already sent disciples to investigate,” Zhuo Ying replied, shaking her head slightly. “No word yet.”

Fang Zhiluo frowned, disapproving of Yun Xiao’s plan. “Ruan Yurong is still a disciple of the Kaiyang Sect. Even if you have good reason, to avoid unnecessary conflict, you should inform the Kaiyang Sect beforehand. It would be best to have someone from their sect accompany you.”

“Immortal Fang Jie speaks wisely,” Zhuo Ying agreed. “The Four Great Sects shouldn’t be at odds right now, especially with the Demon Clan eyeing us hungrily.” As she spoke the last half of her sentence, Zhuo Ying slowed her pace, carefully observing Yun Xiao’s reaction.

Seeing Yun Xiao’s expression remain unchanged, Zhuo Ying breathed a sigh of relief, relieved that Yun Xiao wasn’t siding with the Demon Clan.

Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly. No wonder I felt like I’d forgotten something—I forgot to inform the Demon Clan.

She rested her cheek in her hand and asked lazily, “Have there been any unusual movements from the Demon Clan recently?”

Zhuo Ying, already aware of Yun Xiao’s position, replied truthfully, “The disciples stationed at Market City have been sending back reports to the Sect. They say that since your conflict with the Heavenly Evolution Sect, the Demon Clan has become extremely active in the city, clashing with humans on several occasions. The situation is far from optimistic.”

Fang Zhiluo nodded in agreement. “The Azure Cloud Sect has received similar reports. Several of our disciples have already been injured in clashes with the Demon Clan.”

“You might not like hearing this,” Yun Xiao continued, leaning back in her chair, “but the current state of relations between humans and demons is partly our own fault. We can’t deny our responsibility.”

She paused, then added, “Think about it. Whether it’s the Primordial Spirit’s draining of Luck or the breaking of the Heavenly Ladder, we never informed the Demon Clan. By isolating them like this, how could we expect them to remain content? If the roles were reversed, wouldn’t you feel the same?”

Her tone shifted, becoming more objective. “Of course, the Demon Clan has grown arrogant in recent years, seeking to expand their territory. Combined with various frictions and prejudices, this has pushed them to consider tearing up the peace treaty and declaring war on humans.”

Her words struck at the heart of the matter. Zhuo Ying found herself momentarily speechless, unable to formulate a rebuttal.

Fang Zhiluo lowered her gaze, the Master’s words echoing in her ears: “Those not of our kind harbor treacherous hearts.” Even after centuries as his disciple, he still uttered these words so casually. What hope could others have?

Reflecting on the past five hundred years, she recalled how the Four Great Sects had never informed the Demon Clan of major events in the Heavenly Origin Realm. This behavior, as Yun Xiao pointed out, revealed the sects’ unconscious exclusion of the Demon Clan.

If Yun Xiao hadn’t exposed this truth today, Fang Zhiluo would have dismissed the Demon Clan’s actions as wolfish ambition and a betrayal of their word, never considering any fault on the human side.

Having grown up in an era of peace, Yun Xiao abhorred war.

After a moment’s thought, she suggested, “If I were you, I would summon the Demon Clan Leader, first clearly state my position, and then discuss how our two races should coexist.”

Remembering the Heavenly Evolution Sect’s disdain for the Demon Clan, she added, “Of course, if you still believe you’re in the right, disregard my suggestion. Once war begins, there are no true victors. Regardless of the outcome, casualties and losses are inevitable.”

Before Zhuo Ying could reply, Yun Xiao rose and asked, “Have the Xu Clan representatives arrived yet?”

Interrupting her thoughts, Zhuo Ying replied, “They arrived five days ago and are waiting for you in the guest rooms.”

Remembering the information Old Xu had revealed, she shamelessly inquired, “I wonder how much Enlightenment Tea Immortal Cloud Xiao possesses. The Limitless Sect would also like to exchange for some.”

Five hundred years ago, Yun Xiao would have definitely denied having any, knowing that possessing such a treasure would invite trouble.

But now, her cultivation was strong enough to allow her to roam the Heavenly Origin Realm freely. She generously replied, “That can be arranged.”

Zhuo Ying suppressed her elation, maintaining a steady tone. “Shall I send a message to Old Xu to come discuss the details with you?”

Yun Xiao immediately sat back down in her chair and nodded.

Rushing to initiate a trade would indeed be beneath her current status.

The “Old Xu” Zhuo Ying mentioned, Xu Yangzi, arrived swiftly. He praised, “I’ve long heard of Fellow Daoist Yun’s early success. Seeing you today confirms it.”

Having been in the Heavenly Origin Realm for so long, this was the first time Yun Xiao had received praise from an elder cultivator. Though slightly awkward, she felt a warm glow of satisfaction.

Unable to suppress the upward curve of her lips, she returned the compliment, “Your sect’s junior has extraordinary innate talent. Given time, he will surely reach the pinnacle.”

This was no flattery. The moment she saw Xu Yi, she recognized that his innate talent surpassed even Meng Jiang’s.

If the Xu Clan hadn’t sent Xu Yi to the Limitless Sect, he likely wouldn’t have escaped the Primordial Spirit’s clutches.

“It is my junior’s fortune to receive such high praise from a young friend like you,” Xu Yangzi said, noticing Fang Zhiluo’s lack of intention to leave. Recalling Xu Yi’s message, understanding dawned in his eyes.

He erected a barrier, retrieved the prepared Divine Wood, and sent it floating toward Yun Xiao with a surge of spiritual energy. “To be frank, this Fusang Divine Wood was obtained by the Xu Clan from a Secret Realm. If my lifespan weren’t nearing its end and I didn’t need Enlightenment Tea to break through my bottleneck, I wouldn’t have offered it in exchange.”

Fusang Wood, rumored to aid cultivators in comprehending the power of space-time!

Yun Xiao eagerly opened the jade box. From its appearance and aura, it was indeed Fusang Wood.

She examined the cut end—remarkably fresh. It seemed the Xu Clan had successfully cultivated the Fusang Tree.

Without further investigation, she closed the box, retrieved a pound of unroasted Enlightenment Tea from her Storage Space, and presented it to Xu Yangzi.

Expecting only half a pound in exchange, Xu Yangzi was surprised by Yun Xiao’s generous offer. It seemed she possessed a substantial supply of Enlightenment Tea.

Choosing not to comment on this, Xu Yangzi accepted the tea gratefully. “This old one thanks Fellow Daoist Yun.”

“No need for thanks,” Yun Xiao replied casually. “It’s an equal exchange. This Fusang Wood is worth the price.” If the Xu Clan could find a way to cultivate the Fusang Tree, so could she.

Though her personal Medicine Garden couldn’t compare to Breathing Earth, with enough effort, the chances of successfully cultivating the Fusang tree remained promising.

Xu Yangzi, sensing Yun Xiao’s intentions, hesitated briefly before adding the Xu Clan’s cultivation techniques.

This unexpected bonus delighted Yun Xiao, prompting her to gift Xu Yangzi another half-jin of Enlightenment Tea.

Seeing this, a faint smile flickered across Fang Zhiluo’s eyes.

Having cultivated to Yun Xiao’s level, just a step away from Ascension, she shouldn’t be incurring such debts of gratitude.

Yun Xiao’s lavish generosity made it clear she had no shortage of Enlightenment Tea.

Using half a jin of Enlightenment Tea to repay Xu Yangzi’s favor was a shrewd bargain.

Afterward, Yun Xiao exchanged ten more jin of Enlightenment Tea with the Limitless Sect.

Politely declining Zhuo Ying’s invitation to stay as a guest, Yun Xiao departed the Limitless Sect.

Fang Zhiluo trailed closely behind her, her voice hesitant. “Our Azure Cloud Sect also possesses considerable resources. Why not visit us next?”

If Wuwei and Bai Mofeng learned how much Enlightenment Tea Yun Xiao had given the Limitless Sect, they would surely nag her endlessly.

“No,” Yun Xiao replied. Noticing Fang Zhiluo’s stiff expression, she paused and explained, “I need to retrieve the final Primordial Spirit into the Soul-Suppressing Bottle as soon as possible. Delay could lead to complications.”

Hearing this, Fang Zhiluo’s expression relaxed. “I’ll immediately send a message to the Kaiyang Sect,” she said solemnly.

“I’ve already sent a message to Shangqing,” Yun Xiao said. “He warned me not to harm Ruan Yurong.” During a brief respite while exchanging Enlightenment Tea, Yun Xiao had used her Communication Spirit Jade to briefly inform Shangqing of her plans.

Shangqing, who still wanted to join her in searching for the Breathing Earth, didn’t object and even provided her with Ruan Yurong’s most recent known location.

Eager to waste no time, Yun Xiao teleported herself and Fang Zhiluo to Afterglow Island, as Shangqing had instructed.

Located in the western part of the Heavenly Origin Realm, Afterglow Island lay only a thousand miles from the Demon Clan’s territory. Once she secured the Primordial Spirit, she planned to make a trip to the Demon Clan.

Ignoring the saying “a local snake can overpower an outsider dragon,” Yun Xiao immediately unleashed her Divine Sense upon arriving at Afterglow Island to search for Ruan Yurong’s presence.

Not having met Ruan Yurong before posed no obstacle. The island had few female cultivators, and those with exceptional Innate Talent were even rarer. She quickly pinpointed Ruan Yurong’s location, and about a hundred miles away, she also detected Yu Hui’s presence.

Withdrawing her Divine Sense, Yun Xiao glanced at Fang Zhiluo, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Instinct told her Yu Hui’s appearance here was no coincidence. If her hunch was correct, Yu Hui was also after Ruan Yurong.

As an Elder of the Azure Cloud Sect, Yu Hui should have been at the sect at this time, not on Afterglow Island, over thirty thousand miles away.

After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke plainly, “Ruan Yurong is injured. Your Master is within a hundred miles of her.”

Fang Zhiluo’s eyes widened in astonishment. Why would her Master be here?

Suppressing her rising panic, she offered an explanation on Yu Hui’s behalf, “The Azure Cloud Sect maintains a garrison in this region. Perhaps something has happened there.”

To dispatch a Body Integration Elder to this location, the situation must be dire indeed.

Yun Xiao said nothing more, teleporting instantly to Ruan Yurong’s side.

Startled by Yun Xiao’s sudden appearance, Ruan Yurong glared defensively, her aura radiating power. “Who are you?”

Yun Xiao flicked a High-Grade Spring Return Pill—a modified version of her own design—into Ruan Yurong’s mouth, completely ignoring the woman’s flustered state. “I’m Yun Xiao,” she said casually. “You’ve probably heard of me.”

The moment she heard the name “Yun Xiao,” Ruan Yurong stopped gagging, her guarded expression replaced by confusion.

Of course she had heard of Yun Xiao—the terrifying existence capable of overwhelming seven or eight Tribulation Transcendence powerhouses simultaneously.

For someone of such immense power, killing her would be as effortless as crushing an ant.

Sensing the shift in Ruan Yurong’s demeanor, Yun Xiao leaned against a nearby tree, her peripheral vision lingering for a moment on the newly arrived Fang Zhiluo before subtly shifting away. “Tell me,” she asked, “what happened to you earlier?”

Ruan Yurong clenched her fists in anger, gritting her teeth as she said, “I was ambushed.” After a moment of careful recollection, she continued slowly, “The attacker’s cultivation was far superior to mine. By the time I reacted, my Storage Pouch had already been stolen.”

“Are you certain only the Storage Pouch was taken, and nothing else?” Yun Xiao asked with a hint of a smile. “Perhaps the Primordial Spirit residing in your Sea of Consciousness?”

Ruan Yurong’s lowered eyes betrayed her panic, her heart pounding wildly. She couldn’t understand how Yun Xiao knew her secret.

Could Yun Xiao have been the one who ambushed me earlier?

No, that didn’t make sense. If Yun Xiao had truly attacked her, there would be no need for this charade.

Swallowing hard, Ruan Yurong met Yun Xiao’s gaze and stammered, “How… how did you find out?”

Yun Xiao casually plucked a leaf and began toying with it, replying calmly, “Xie Yunfan of the Heavenly Evolution Sect and Meng Jiang of the Azure Cloud Sect are just like you. Their Primordial Spirits are using your host bodies to siphon others’ Luck.”

She pursed her lips and added, “Think about the Heaven’s Chosen around you. Haven’t you surpassed them? Has their Luck deteriorated?”

If Ruan Yurong hadn’t seemed so perceptive, Yun Xiao wouldn’t have said so much.

Fang Zhiluo also felt Yun Xiao was being unusually talkative. Her heart skipped a beat—was Yun Xiao developing feelings for Ruan Yurong?

Her gaze swept over Ruan Yurong. The girl was undeniably cute and charming, with a livelier and more outgoing personality than her own. They seemed to have plenty in common.

A bitter pang struck Fang Zhiluo’s heart. Did this mean Yun Xiao had completely moved on from her past feelings for her?

She recalled a saying from the Mortal Realm: “No love, no hate.” When one can face someone who once hurt them with composure, it means they’ve truly let go.

Confusion and panic surged through her, silently drowning out her lingering worries.

Afraid Yun Xiao might notice her distress and grow distant, she forced herself to turn away with feigned composure. “I’ll go find my Master.”

Watching Fang Zhiluo’s slightly hurried retreat, Yun Xiao assumed she was simply influenced by Yu Hui’s presence.

Upon reflection, Ruan Yurong realized Yun Xiao was right. Sometime ago, the cultivation progress of her peers had stalled completely. She occasionally overheard them lamenting, “So-and-so is having such bad luck lately.”

At the time, she hadn’t given it much thought, even feeling smug about her cultivation far surpassing that of her peers.

Now, she was being told that her peers’ stagnant cultivation and misfortune were all because of her. She didn’t want to believe it, yet she couldn’t deny it.

Ruan Yurong stumbled back a step, shaking her head and muttering to herself, “I… I didn’t know. If I had known sooner, I would have…”

A flicker of confusion crossed her eyes. Would she have refused? Could she have resisted the benefits Hong Gu Yun offered?

Yun Xiao, far from mocking Ruan Yurong, actually found her to be a person of genuine character.

Objectively speaking, if a Primordial Spirit had appeared before her, offering to aid her cultivation and even rescue her from dire straits, she too would have found it hard to resist.

So, any claims that she would have refused the Primordial Spirit if she had known it would harm those around her were simply false.

Pies don’t fall from the sky. If you’re struck by one, there’s only one reason: someone has ulterior motives.

Now deeply aware of this truth, Yun Xiao recalled her past smugness upon acquiring those treasures and wished she could slap herself. The more joy she had taken in claiming them then, the more speechless she felt now, running errands for their true owner.

Ruan Yurong’s eyes gradually hardened as she confessed, “Yes, Hong Gu Yun, who resided in my Sea of Consciousness, is gone. He left of his own accord, without coercion.”

If he had been coerced, her Sea of Consciousness would have been damaged.

Yun Xiao tossed aside the leaf in her hand and fixed her gaze on Ruan Yurong. “To be cautious, I still wish to examine your Sea of Consciousness. The matter of the Primordial Spirit stealing Luck concerns the entire Heavenly Origin Realm, and I must proceed with utmost care.”

Ruan Yurong hesitated briefly before nodding. “Very well.”

Given Yun Xiao’s cultivation level, the final remark was unnecessary. Yun Xiao had shown her sufficient respect, and she couldn’t afford to be ungrateful.

“Relax and don’t resist my Divine Sense’s entry,” Yun Xiao said softly, carefully extending her Divine Sense into Ruan Yurong’s Sea of Consciousness.

She avoided the dense, net-like structures within Ruan Yurong’s Sea of Consciousness, searched the area, confirmed the Primordial Spirit’s absence, and immediately withdrew.

Noticing Ruan Yurong’s pallor, Yun Xiao retrieved a Medicinal Pill and handed it to her. “This will alleviate the discomfort in your Divine Sense.”

Yun Xiao’s Divine Sense was several major cultivation realms stronger than Ruan Yurong’s. The fact that Ruan Yurong had endured this long without complaint spoke volumes about her extraordinary resilience, leaving even Yun Xiao in admiration.

Ruan Yurong didn’t feign modesty. She accepted the Medicinal Pill, took one, and swallowed it. Focusing her inner vision on the Thunder and Lightning coursing through her body, she asked in alarm, “Did you give me the wrong pill?”

Yun Xiao nervously rubbed her nose. “The pill is correct. It just contains some of my Thunder Spiritual Power. It’ll subside soon.”

Ruan Yurong paused, waiting for the pill to take effect. As her complexion gradually improved, she finally departed.

She didn’t seek out Fang Zhiluo. As an outsider, interfering might backfire.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Yu Hui and his disciple Fang Zhiluo had grown tense.

Fang Zhiluo relaxed his clenched fist hidden in his sleeve and urged, “Master, since childhood, you’ve taught me that protecting the Azure Cloud Sect is my duty. I’ve always followed your teachings diligently. What are you doing now? Do you want to plunge the sect into dishonor?”

Yu Hui roared, “Impudence! I am your master. You have no right to question my decisions!”

Fang Zhiluo took a deep breath, his tone resolute. “If you persist in your folly, I will report this matter to the sect and let them decide.”

Yu Hui threw back his head and laughed mockingly. “Fuyao, this is your true nature. I’ve already told you—the Primordial Spirit is not in my possession.”

The Fuyao of old would never have spoken such words to her face. This was all because of that beast Yun Xiao.

At this thought, her murderous aura surged, and without another word to Fang Zhiluo, she turned and left.

Watching Yu Hui’s retreating figure, Fang Zhiluo’s heart was in turmoil.

Should she chase after her? Doing so might provoke her Master’s wrath. Being reprimanded herself was a minor matter, but leaking this information would be a grave offense.

Could she have misunderstood her Master?

She withdrew her gaze and followed Yun Xiao’s lingering aura.

Yun Xiao leaned casually against the window, occasionally tossing a grape into her mouth with an air of contentment.

Spotting Fang Zhiluo, she said slowly, “I examined Ruan Yurong’s Sea of Consciousness. Hong Gu Yun—that Primordial Spirit—is gone.”

Fang Zhiluo unconsciously clenched her fists, the last sliver of hope extinguished.

Her Master’s cultivation far surpassed Ruan Yurong’s, and she had conveniently appeared near Ruan Yurong’s location. It was difficult to find any excuse for her Master’s actions.

After much deliberation, she still couldn’t fathom her Master’s motive.

Her Master cared deeply for the Azure Cloud Sect. If her true form were exposed, the other three sects would undoubtedly demand her surrender.

The mere thought of her Master becoming a target of condemnation sent a chill through her heart.

Yun Xiao noticed Fang Zhiluo’s expression and her own mood grew heavier. She offered comfort, “There’s no proof yet that your master is responsible. It might just be a coincidence.”

The last few words sounded forced, even to her own ears.

Setting down the grapes, she rose. “I’ll go bring Ruan Yurong here.”

As soon as Yun Xiao left, Fang Zhiluo was alone in the spacious chamber. She slumped weakly into a nearby chair, torn between struggle and confusion.

After a long moment, her trembling hand retrieved the Communication Spirit Jade. “Has there been any trouble at the Afterglow Island garrison?” she asked.

Bai Mofeng replied swiftly: “No reports received. Has Martial Aunt Fang discovered something?”

Fang Zhiluo’s face paled further. “Then has the Sect assigned my master to any missions near Afterglow Island recently?”

“None.”

The Communication Spirit Jade slipped from Fang Zhiluo’s grasp, landing on the floor with a dull thud, mirroring the weight in her heart.

No, I have to persuade my master to surrender Hong Gu Yun.

Hong Gu Yun’s ultimate goal is to seize the Luck of the entire Heavenly Origin Realm. If he succeeds, the realm will cease to exist.

She couldn’t let her master become the enemy of the entire Heavenly Origin Realm.