The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 47

Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow. Why does one crisis follow another?

As soon as she arrived at the inn, Fang Zhiluo rushed to greet her, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

“Our sect has sent Grandmaster Wuwei,” Fang Zhiluo said anxiously. “The other three sects have likely dispatched Tribulation Transcendence cultivators as well.” She disliked the Demon Clan’s arrogance and didn’t want the two races to clash in war.

Yun Xiao’s heart sank. This is escalating toward conflict.

If the Four Great Sects merely wanted answers from the Demon Clan, why send Tribulation Transcendence cultivators?

She asked sternly, “Have the Four Great Sects sent anyone to the incident site to verify the facts?”

“Disciples have already been dispatched.”

Yun Xiao didn’t hide the mockery in her eyes. “So, the facts haven’t been verified yet? And without verification, you’ve mobilized forces to interrogate the Demon Clan? Is this how the Four Great Sects operate?”

“The disciples stationed nearby reported that someone personally witnessed a bl00d-soaked demon emerging from Clearwater Town,” Fang Zhiluo countered, gradually realizing that the Four Great Sects’ actions had indeed been rash.

Yun Xiao’s words cut like a knife: “You were passing through at the time. Does that make you one of the executioners who slaughtered the entire town?”

Fang Zhiluo’s face turned deathly pale. Her lips trembled, but she couldn’t find any words to refute the accusation.

Yun Xiao strode upstairs, her mind racing. After much deliberation, she retrieved her Communication Talisman and informed Hu Kun about the suspected Demon Clan massacre in the town.

If Hu Kun had truly taken her words to heart, he would launch a thorough investigation.

Until the truth was uncovered, as long as Hu Kun maintained his composure, the Four Great Sects would have no leg to stand on.

Fang Zhiluo stood before Yun Xiao’s door for a long time, her eyes filled with complex emotions. The events of the past few days had driven them further apart.

The words she wanted to say caught in her throat. She swallowed them back down and left in dejection.

As night faded, sunlight streamed through the window cracks, gently awakening the figure lying on the couch.

Yun Xiao lazily opened her eyes. Seeing it was still early, she closed them again.

Moments later, the sky outside darkened. Ominous clouds blanketed Afterglow Island, and a howling wind rattled the windows, filling Yun Xiao with unease.

Knock, knock. A knock sounded at the door.

“A’Xiao, Grandmaster Wuwei and the others have arrived. They wish to see you.” Fang Zhiluo’s voice was deliberately soft, careful not to disturb Yun Xiao.

Yun Xiao sat up, cast a Dust Cleansing Spell, and changed into a fresh Magic Robe before slowly approaching the door and opening it.

Following Fang Zhiluo, she entered the private room at the end of the corridor.

The Tribulation Transcendence cultivators from the Four Great Sects were gathered, as if preparing to conduct a joint trial.

Finding an empty seat, she seized the initiative. “Before you speak, consider your authority to question me. Had I known you would act this way, I wouldn’t have wasted my breath explaining anything.”

Her words darkened the faces of the four cultivators present.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Fang Zhiluo hesitated before finally speaking. “We were wrong to accuse the Demon Clan without first investigating the truth.”

Yunhua slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet. “Immortal Fang Jie is siding with the demons!” he sneered.

Before Fang Zhiluo could respond, he continued, “I’ve always said Yun Xiao can’t be trusted—she’s not one of us!”

Fang Zhiluo felt a mix of shame and guilt, avoiding Wuwei’s gaze. Yet he didn’t regret his earlier words.

Setting aside sectarian loyalties, the Four Great Sects had indeed acted unjustly in this matter.

Yun Xiao’s gaze swept past Fang Zhiluo. He shouldn’t have spoken those words. These four Old Bastards valued their pride above all else and had no concept of admitting their mistakes.

With deliberate slowness, Yun Xiao raised her hand. Under the puzzled gazes of the crowd, she struck Yunhua’s right cheek with a resounding slap.

Smack! The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the air, leaving a red handprint on Yunhua’s face.

Meeting Yunhua’s furious glare, Yun Xiao said calmly, “You’re being too noisy.”

Her sharp gaze swept across the four men, her voice turning icy. “Don’t try to play the ‘us versus them’ card with me. If I truly sided with the Demon Clan, you’d all be dead before you knew it.”

Yunhua clenched his fists, ready to charge at her, but Yuheng grabbed his arm.

Forcing a smile, Yuheng tried to smooth things over. “Gentlemen, let’s calm down. We’ve all misunderstood Fellow Daoist Yun. She’s nothing like those arrogant Demon Cultivators. Fellow Daoist Yun is a woman of great principle; otherwise, she wouldn’t have revealed the secrets of the Heavenly Origin Realm to us.”

Yun Xiao was more than a match for several of them combined, and she possessed the Thunderclap Orb, a deadly weapon. If they pushed her to side with the Demon Clan, the Four Great Sects would be the ones to suffer.

Moreover, Yun Xiao hadn’t revealed a single clue about where to find the Breathing Earth. If they angered her now, she might abandon them to search alone, or worse, take the Demon Clan with her.

Yun Xiao snorted coldly. “Let me correct you—don’t generalize. The Demon Clan may have its faults, but haven’t you always clung to the belief that ‘those not of our kind harbor different intentions,’ using it to ostracize them?”

Ignoring the four cultivators’ darkening expressions, she continued, “Take this incident, for example. If the culprit behind the massacre of an entire town came from one of your four sects, would you barge in with such arrogance before even investigating the truth?”

The four cultivators choked, clearly realizing they wouldn’t.

Yun Xiao was about to press further when Fang Zhiluo tugged at her sleeve.

Out of sight, out of mind, she thought, turning her head away to avoid looking at the four cultivators.

Yunhua, already simmering with suppressed anger, saw Yun Xiao’s deliberate disregard and his fury surged anew. Gritting his teeth, he spat, “After all this talk, you’re still defending the Demon Clan.”

Yun Xiao smiled, her tone defiant. “And what if I am? What’s wrong with that?”

Seizing on her words, Yunhua declared dramatically, “Did you all hear that? She’s siding with the Demon Clan! This so-called search for the Breathing Earth might just be a trap targeting the Four Great Sects!”

Fang Zhiluo cut in sharply, “Cloud Blossom Tribulation Immortal, be careful what you say. Words without evidence are slander.”

Yunhua couldn’t defeat Yun Xiao, but his cultivation level surpassed Fang Zhiluo’s. He immediately unleashed his spiritual pressure on her, his voice sharp and severe: “Impudence! By seniority, I am your elder. Is this how you address your elders?”

His eyes burned with undisguised contempt as he sneered, “Who in the Heavenly Origin Realm doesn’t know you’re Yun Xiao’s paramour? Your Azure Cloud Sect has long been in league with her.”

A cold glint flashed in Yun Xiao’s peach-blossom eyes. She yanked Fang Zhiluo behind her and activated her newly acquired Soul Piercer, aiming it directly at Yunhua.

Yunhua felt as if ants were gnawing at his Divine Sense, the pain excruciating. He channeled his Spiritual Power to retaliate, but Wuwei’s hand clamped down on his shoulder, restraining him.

“Yunhua,” Wuwei said, his voice firm, “Fuyao’s cultivation is only a minor tier below yours. As a rising talent, she willingly addresses you with respect, acknowledging you as her elder. As for your claim that our Azure Cloud Sect is allied with Yun Xiao, if you cannot provide concrete evidence, the Heavenly Evolution Sect must offer a formal explanation for this slander.”

Wuwei continued to block Yunhua’s counterattack, determined to make him pay for his reckless words.

Yunhua’s old injuries hadn’t fully healed. He had come here solely to vent his pent-up resentment, vowing to regain face before Yun Xiao and avenge his disciple.

The Soul Piercer’s attack was too powerful. Even though Yun Xiao had only used sixty percent of her strength, Yunhua’s Divine Sense defenses proved utterly futile.

Yuheng and Shangqing remained motionless. After all, Yunhua had brought this upon himself with his reckless words. It was only natural that Yun Xiao and Wuwei would teach him a lesson.

Seeing the color drain from Yunhua’s face, Yun Xiao retrieved the Soul Piercer into her Inner Space. This is a valuable treasure—I can’t afford to lose it.

Wuwei released his grip on Yunhua and retreated to his seat.

Yunhua withdrew two Medicinal Pills from his Storage Pouch and swallowed them, glaring defiantly at Yun Xiao. “I will never forget this humiliation!”

Yun Xiao shrugged dismissively. “Even if you had a hundred years, you still wouldn’t catch up to me. Hear this, everyone: even if I kill him, it will be nothing more than a private feud between us.”

She added as an afterthought, “Of course, if anyone from the Heavenly Evolution Sect is itching for a death wish, feel free to come at me. I’ll kill you one by one, or two by two—it makes no difference.”

She had never been one for meekness or piety. Why should she hesitate now that they had openly declared war?

After all, she had already gained experience once. The next time, she would only do better.

Shangqing, still eager for Ascension, immediately declared, “Fellow Daoist Yun, rest assured. Neither I nor the Kaiyang Sect will interfere in your personal feud with Yunhua.”

Yuheng nodded in agreement. “The Limitless Sect will also abstain.”

He was no fool like Yunhua, who never learned his lesson and dared to boast despite his inferior strength.

If the Heavenly Evolution Sect continued to invoke the alliance of the Four Great Sects, those four could easily become three.

Yun Xiao rose, brushed off her sleeves, and left under the watchful eyes of the four men.

Fang Zhiluo hesitated for a moment before following her. “Thank you,” he said.

Yun Xiao stopped and turned to face him. “In the end, Yunhua is merely venting his anger on you. Your sect needs you to protect it, and your master deserves your respect and gratitude. Speaking up for me will only put your sect in a difficult position.”

She didn’t want to speculate further on why Fang Zhiluo had sided with her. Their paths should end here.

Sensing the distance in her words, Fang Zhiluo insisted, “That won’t happen. Protecting my sect is indeed my unwavering duty, but you are also someone I cherish.”

Yun Xiao stepped closer, her tone pressing. “What if one day I stand in opposition to your sect or your master? How would you choose then?”

Seeing Fang Zhiluo hesitate, Yun Xiao scoffed, “So much for your preciousness.”

With that, she turned and walked away, her peach-blossom eyes filled with self-mockery.

Even knowing the answer, I still had to ask. Now that I have it, I should finally give up.

Watching Yun Xiao’s retreating figure, the doubt in Fang Zhiluo’s eyes gradually hardened into resolve.

She had already lost Yun Xiao once. If the day Yun Xiao spoke of ever came, she would protect her at all costs, even with her own life.

Recalling her suspicions toward Yun Xiao these past few days, she swallowed the words that had risen to her lips. She would answer Yun Xiao with her actions.

After the two women departed, Shangqing settled back into his seat, hesitating before speaking. “What do you all think? Fellow Daoist Yun seems quite dissatisfied with our methods. If we persist, we risk provoking her.”

Yunhua sneered, “It’s hardly for an outsider to dictate how the Four Great Sects operate. Or has your pursuit of that illusory Ascension made you lose your backbone, old man?”

Privately, Yunhua opposed the Four Great Sects aligning with Yun Xiao. Yet his remaining rationality reminded him that everyone present—and indeed, all Tribulation Transcendence cultivators—yearned for Ascension as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, his lingering anger surged anew. He declared sharply, “We can’t keep letting her lead us by the nose. If she truly possessed the great righteousness she claims, she wouldn’t be hiding the location of the Breathing Earth.”

His words struck a chord with the others. Indeed, if Yun Xiao had revealed the Breathing Earth’s whereabouts, these old fogeys wouldn’t have been subjected to her scathing rebuke.

Wuwei, the first to react, sneered, “Cloud Blossom Tribulation Immortal, it seems you’re not as righteous as you claim. Today, you’ve repeatedly tried to sow discord between us and Fellow Daoist Yun. Isn’t this all because you still resent her for killing your disciple?”

Knowing denial would be futile, Cloud Blossom Tribulation Immortal admitted frankly, “Yes, he was my most promising disciple. If it were you, you’d likely have done worse.”

He clenched his fists, grinding his teeth. “I only regret that my cultivation is inferior to hers. Otherwise, I would have made her pay with her life for my disciple’s death.”

Shangqing’s eyes flashed with impatience. “Enough,” he snapped, cutting through the tension. “Your disciple killed her mother first, then repeatedly hunted her down. You should be grateful she didn’t vent her anger on the Heavenly Evolution Sect.”

Yuheng chimed in, “Brother Shangqing speaks truly. If your Heavenly Evolution Sect hadn’t lured us here with false Ascension insights, your sect might have…” He trailed off, offering no further elaboration, merely intending to remind Yunhua of the reality.

Yunhua’s face flushed crimson with anger, yet he couldn’t muster a single compelling retort.

That day, the Heavenly Evolution Sect had deployed four Tribulation Transcendence cultivators, yet they still failed to gain the upper hand against Yun Xiao. This demonstrated the sheer extent of her power.

This was precisely the truth he most desperately wanted to deny. Compared to Yun Xiao, this Demon Cultivator, his vaunted Innate Talent amounted to nothing.

He had been defeated by the very Demon Cultivator he had once scorned.

After a moment of contemplation, Wuwei’s deep voice resonated, “For the next few days, we will remain stationed here, awaiting the reports from the disciples sent to investigate.”

Shangqing and Yuheng remained silent, their silence signifying agreement.

With three of the Four Great Sects having already declared their positions, Yunhua’s opinion now seemed irrelevant.

Seeing that the four leaders were delaying their expedition to punish the Demon Clan, Yun Xiao knew her words had struck home. Alternatively, they might be hesitant to provoke her while she held the key to the Breathing Earth’s location, choosing to bide their time.

Regardless of their motives, her objective had been achieved.

After a moment’s contemplation, Yun Xiao sent a Communication Talisman to Fang Zhiluo, asking her to come to her room.

Firstly, she needed Fang Zhiluo to protect her while she interrogated Jin Yuanzi and Old Second Qiu. Both were slippery characters, and she couldn’t afford to give them any opportunity to cause trouble.

Secondly, Fang Zhiluo could serve as a witness.

Remembering the misunderstandings surrounding her relationship with Fang Zhiluo, she also sent a message to Yuheng, hoping to prevent Cloud Blossom Tribulation Immortal from making wild accusations later.

Receiving Yun Xiao’s message, Fang Zhiluo’s mood brightened instantly. But when she saw Yuheng standing at Yun Xiao’s door, a complex mix of emotions flooded her heart.

Swallowing the bitterness in her mouth, she reminded herself to be content. The fact that Yun Xiao had asked her to come meant she was special to her.

With Yun Xiao’s permission, she pushed open the door and entered the room, Yuheng following close behind.

Yun Xiao stated bluntly, “I need to interrogate their Primordial Spirits separately. I require both of you to protect me.”

Yuheng and Fang Zhiluo nodded in unison.

Without delay, Yun Xiao first erected a barrier around the room. Then, she activated the Soul-Suppressing Bottle. Only when Jin Yuanzi’s voice, begging for mercy, echoed from within did she speak slowly, “I’ll give you one chance. Tell me how you stole the Heavenly Origin Realm’s Luck, and I’ll release you.”

Jin Yuanzi asked skeptically, “Why should I trust you?”

Yun Xiao replied calmly, “Because I can make your souls scatter even faster.”

“Jin Yuanzi, don’t forget your family is still in our Master’s hands,” Old Qiu reminded him.

Jin Yuanzi’s pupils constricted, but he feigned indifference. “What do I care about their lives? Just let me out first—I’m afraid he’ll destroy me before you do.”

Fang Zhiluo, unaware of Yun Xiao’s exact plan, channeled spiritual energy into her palm, ready to strike if Jin Yuanzi tried any tricks.

Yuheng, seeing Yun Xiao’s confidence, remained silent, focusing on protecting her.

The moment Yun Xiao removed the Soul-Suppressing Bottle’s lid, two orbs of light shot out in succession.

“Hahaha, you really are a fool!” Jin Yuanzi sneered.

The last word was cut short as he spotted the Soul-Binding Rope hurtling toward him. He tried to dodge, but Yun Xiao’s Divine Sense ambushed him, thwarting his escape.

Having restrained Jin Yuanzi, Yun Xiao activated the Soul Piercer, aiming it directly at Old Qiu.

After being confined in the Soul-Suppressing Bottle for so long, Old Qiu’s strength had dwindled to the early stages of Tribulation Transcendence, leaving him unable to withstand the Soul Piercer’s attack.

Seeing Yun Xiao activate the Soul-Suppressing Bottle again, he raged, “How can a Demon Cultivator be so cunning?”

Yun Xiao rolled her eyes. “If I didn’t have a few tricks up my sleeve, how could I have given you the chance to escape?” She channeled more Spiritual Power into her hands, watching with amusement as Old Qiu struggled against the Soul Piercer, trapped beneath the Soul-Suppressing Bottle. “Come on in.”

Old Qiu exhausted every means at his disposal, unable to shake off the Soul Piercer or resist the Soul-Suppressing Bottle. Defeated and resentful, he was once again drawn into the Soul-Suppressing Bottle.

Fang Zhiluo anxiously scanned Yun Xiao from head to toe, confirming she was unharmed before her tense shoulders relaxed.

Yuheng exhaled a breath of stale air and retreated to sit aside, eager to learn how the Primordial Spirit could steal the Heavenly Origin Realm’s Luck.

Indeed, Zhuo Ying had told him about Yun Xiao’s words at the Limitless Sect that day. Several other Tribulation Transcendence cultivators from the sect had been present as well.

Having depleted a significant amount of Spiritual Energy, Yun Xiao nonchalantly retrieved two Top-Grade Spirit Fruits to replenish her reserves.

After discarding the fruit cores, she strode forward and planted her foot firmly on Jin Yuanzi’s chest, glaring down at him. “I know your weakness is held by your so-called Master, and you’ve resolved to die rather than yield.”

A sinister smile twisted her lips. “But I have ways to make you wish for death, yet be unable to find it.” With that, she channeled the Soul Piercer directly toward Jin Yuanzi’s brow.

Jin Yuanzi’s cultivation had been weakened by the Soul-Suppressing Bottle, and Yun Xiao now unleashed forty percent of her full power. His agonizing screams echoed through the heavens.

Yun Xiao, unwilling to endure the torment, sealed her hearing.

Thirty breaths later, Jin Yuanzi’s howls subsided, and the crimson-gold radiance enveloping him dimmed by more than half. Now, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily obliterate his soul.

“Still playing tough, huh?” Yun Xiao mused, stroking her chin with mock seriousness. “I’ve only read about deep-frying in books, never seen it in person. Today’s the perfect day to practice on you.”

Jin Yuanzi croaked weakly, “You… you’re a Demonic Cultivator.”

Fang Zhiluo, witnessing this side of Yun Xiao for the first time, felt no fear. Instead, she believed Yun Xiao’s actions were justified.

Dealing with stubborn opponents like Jin Yuanzi required extraordinary measures.

She took two steps toward Yun Xiao and said softly, “I’ll have the innkeeper fetch a large iron cauldron right away.”

Their synchronized performance made Yuheng’s lips twitch violently. He vowed never to provoke Yun Xiao again.

This was a woman even Demonic Cultivators feared.

A flicker of disbelief crossed Yun Xiao’s eyes. This… is still the Fang Zhiluo I know? Shouldn’t she find me cruel?

She glanced at Fang Zhiluo for a few breaths, seeing only sincerity and barely concealed affection.

Shifting her gaze, she kicked Jin Yuanzi again. “You dare call me a Demonic Cultivator? Siphoning people’s Luck to fuel your cultivation? Neither righteous cultivators nor the Demonic Race would tolerate your kind.”

Before Jin Yuanzi could retort, she ordered, “Have the waiter bring a pot.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Seeing Fang Zhiluo about to leave, Jin Yuanzi cried out in desperation, “I’ll talk! I’ll talk!”

He didn’t fear death for himself, but he couldn’t bear to implicate his family. “Once the Heavenly Ladder is repaired,” he pleaded, “can you spare me?”

Afraid Yun Xiao would refuse, he added, “I can swear a Heavenly Dao Oath or pledge allegiance to you as my Master. Just give me a chance to return home. My parents are still waiting for me.”

Yun Xiao felt no pity. Whether Jin Yuanzi had been coerced or willingly chosen this path, he should have considered the consequences the moment he took his first step.

Yet Jin Yuanzi’s words reminded her that his mastermind would likely seek revenge once he learned she had thwarted his plans.

It was perfect timing, as she also wanted to uncover who was scheming against the Heavenly Origin Realm. With Jin Yuanzi as her guide, she could save herself some trouble.