The Villainess Always Tries to Seduce Me - Chapter 43

By the time the trio arrived, the thunder within Bright Existence Hall had ceased. Yet the scene before them was one of utter devastation: shattered tiles littered the ground, and a massive, bottomless crater had been blasted into the once-pristine white jade courtyard, its depths emitting billowing waves of scorching heat.

Several blue-robed Immortal Cultivators stood calmly beside the crater, methodically arranging formations to repair the ground. Dozens of Immortal Servants scurried back and forth, clearing away debris and replanting the ravaged flowerbeds.

“Junior Brother Yan,” Mo Liuzheng called out, grabbing a passing blue-robed cultivator by the arm. She leaned in to whisper, “What happened here?”

The cultivator, whose eyes were as tiny as sesame seeds embedded in a mooncake, clasped her sword in a respectful salute. “Senior Sister Mo,” she replied, “Sect Leader Mingcun and Sect Leader Bai had some kind of dispute. Sect Leader Bai flew into a rage and attacked.”

“Were there any injuries?” Mo Liuzheng pressed.

“No, fortunately. Only the Sect Leaders and Elders were present. They sensed the situation escalating and took defensive measures early on.” The cultivator’s face remained pale with lingering shock.

Mo Liuzheng and Qi Rongyin exchanged glances, as if about to speak, but seeing Yun Chuanzhi, they wisely remained silent.

Perhaps they’re afraid I’ll report anything unflattering they say, Yun Chuanzhi thought. Unbothered, she stepped forward and asked, “Where are the Sect Leader and Sect Leader Bai now?”

The male Immortal Cultivator, either due to her small eyes or poor memory, mistook Yun Chuanzhi for a fellow disciple and bowed respectfully, addressing her as “Senior Sister.”

“The Sect Leader is furious and currently alone on the roof of Bright Existence Hall, likely calming her temper.” The cultivator pointed to the large crater in the ground. “As for Sect Leader Bai, she stormed out in a rage, flying away from here with a whoosh.”

He shrugged helplessly. “I have no idea where she went.”

“Alright, thank you.” Yun Chuanzhi nodded, waving goodbye to Mo Liuzheng and Qi Rongyin, whose expressions were complex. “I’m going to find Sect Leader Bai. Farewell.”

“Farewell,” Mo Liuzheng replied with a smile, waving back, but her eyes lingered on the ceramic jar in Yun Chuanzhi’s hand, full of reluctance.

Yun Chuanzhi chuckled and tossed the jar to her. Mo Liuzheng caught it with a flourish of her sleeve, her face lighting up with joy. By the time she looked up to thank Yun Chuanzhi, the girl’s slender, bamboo-like figure had already vanished into the flower thicket.

Yun Chuanzhi claimed to be searching for Bai Fenghuo, but in truth, she wandered alone through a secluded part of the mountain, arms crossed, surrounded only by the shadows of flowers and the chirping of insects, immersed in tranquil stillness.

Even if she knew Bai Fenghuo’s whereabouts—which she didn’t—she couldn’t possibly catch up to her without the Wind Manipulation Technique.

She had considered asking an Immortal Cultivator to escort her down the mountain, but a sudden thought made her hesitate.

When she first arrived at Mount Everlasting, she had assumed Bai Fenghuo and Bai Xiaochen were sworn enemies, locked in a bl00d feud. But after the Youji City incident, she realized the truth was far more complex.

Bai Fenghuo clearly trusted Bai Xiaochen; otherwise, she wouldn’t have sought her support in a moment of crisis. And Bai Xiaochen cared for Bai Fenghuo, as evidenced by her pale face when she heard of Bai Fenghuo’s predicament.

So why were these two now at odds, like fire and water?

Yun Chuanzhi tilted her head, gazing up at the golden-gilded roof of Bright Existence Hall. She took a tentative step forward, then quickly stopped.

Don’t interfere in others’ karma, she reminded herself, shaking her head. This had been her survival mantra during her decades in Avici City. Every being had its own destiny; outsiders should simply respect it.

Why bother with all this? The world has never shown her any kindness. It would be far more pleasant to go back, find some snacks, and lie down on her couch.

Yun Chuanzhi lowered her lashes and retreated into the shade of the trees. Sunlight struck the roof of Bright Existence Hall, shattering into a shower of golden fragments that scattered across the ground like scattered gold.

She sighed and stepped into the glittering expanse.

Due to the recent conflict, Bright Existence Hall wasn’t as heavily guarded as usual. Yun Chuanzhi easily slipped inside, following the Immortal Servants who moved in and out of the hall.

This was her second time entering Bright Existence Hall, and she was already familiar with its layout. She quickly found the staircase and began to climb.

Bright Existence Hall had seven floors, with the staircase spiraling upward. The steps were steep and high, and by the time Yun Chuanzhi reached the third floor, she was already panting heavily. By the time she dragged herself to the top, her legs were trembling uncontrollably.

Being a couch potato is nice, but I really need to move around more often, Yun Chuanzhi vowed silently. Next time I get into a mess like this, I’ll be better prepared.

The seventh floor of Bright Existence Hall housed the library, filled with towering bookshelves as tall as ancient trees. The shelves were packed tightly together, overflowing with countless ancient texts and precious volumes. Yun Chuanzhi felt like she had stumbled into a labyrinth, wandering aimlessly like a fly trapped in a maze.

In the end, it was Blackie who came through. She found a bookshelf with a loose base, and with a gentle twist of an ancient tome on the top shelf, the bookshelf slowly sank into the floor, revealing a dimly lit secret passage.

“There’s even a mechanism,” Yun Chuanzhi murmured in awe. As she passed through the mechanism, both she and the puppet on her shoulder let out louder gasps of astonishment.

From the ground, they had assumed the dome of Bright Existence Hall was merely a massive golden structure, impressive but ultimately functional. But now, inside the dome, its true brilliance became apparent.

The golden dome wasn’t solid at all; it was a shimmering, pale-gold barrier. Up close, the barrier appeared as smooth and still as water, yet it wasn’t as ethereal as a barrier spell. When touched, it seemed to ignite with fireworks within its thin, translucent surface.

Yun Chuanzhi touched it only once. The once-still barrier instantly froze like a frozen bubble, rapidly spreading with golden frost-like patterns. Upon a second touch, it became as hard as bronze or iron.

“Yun Chuanzhi?” A voice colder than the frost patterns echoed behind her. “What are you doing breaking into Bright Existence Hall again?”

At the sound, Blackie darted back into Yun Chuanzhi’s sleeve. Yun Chuanzhi turned to meet Bai Xiaochen’s gaze. The woman stood tall and elegant, holding a strange box in her hand, her eyes betraying her exhaustion. “What’s happened to Bai Fenghuo now?”

“Bai Fenghuo is fine,” Yun Chuanzhi quickly shook her head. “I came up here on my own.”

“You?” Bai Xiaochen scrutinized Yun Chuanzhi from head to toe, then pointed a finger at the barrier behind him. “Touch that again, and you’ll be reduced to ashes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Yun Chuanzhi followed her gaze to the barrier, then turned back to Bai Xiaochen, raised her hand, and punched the barrier hard.

The frost flowers within the barrier instantly melted, transforming into countless blooming blossoms. Sunlight streamed through the colorful petals, filling the vast domed space with swaying floral shadows.

Yun Chuanzhi grinned at Bai Xiaochen, who remained speechless for a moment before letting her wrist drop limply.

“How did you know this barrier wouldn’t kill you?” Bai Xiaochen asked, her hands clasped behind her back as she walked to a desk piled with miscellaneous items. She straightened her robes with a graceful gesture and settled into her seat.

“To be honest, Sect Leader, I’ve seen similar structures before,” Yun Chuanzhi said. At a glance, she recognized that the barrier was carved from millennia-old ice, with intricate patterns drawn using spiritual energy during its creation. Beyond displaying the four seasons, it also revealed a night sky filled with stars.

The only person on Mount Everlasting with such a fondness for these things was the late Sect Leader Mingcun. Yet, it was unexpected that this former leader had also been a romantic at heart, crafting such a magnificent hall ceiling solely to appreciate the changing seasons.

“You truly are a remarkable person,” Bai Xiaochen remarked, holding the wooden box in her hand, her gaze drifting into the distance. “No wonder my headstrong Junior Sister has taken such a liking to you. You’ve come here for Bai Fenghuo, haven’t you? Rest assured, I know her temperament well. I won’t hold a grudge against her.”

Yun Chuanzhi glanced at the stone statue in the corner, half-crushed by a forceful grip, and paused.

Then she said, “I came not only for Sect Leader Bai, but also because after serving by her side for several months, I’ve developed some doubts. I wished to seek your guidance on these matters, Sect Leader.”

“Bai Fenghuo’s Immortal Servants are just like her—recklessly bold,” Bai Xiaochen said, her gaze sweeping past the ancient mechanical components scattered across the table, her phoenix eyes sharp and commanding. “I grant you permission to ask, but knowledge comes at a price.”

“You recognize the ice palace made from millennia-old ice and crafted a helmet that could make the mute speak. It seems you’re quite skilled in Artifact Refinement and mechanisms,” Bai Xiaochen said, using spiritual energy to float the wooden box to Yun Chuanzhi.

“Then take a look at this box. Can you repair it?”

Yun Chuanzhi accepted the rustic wooden box. Its craftsmanship was crude, as if carved casually in someone’s spare time. The box depicted two women in flowing robes and elaborate hairstyles, chasing each other with candied hawthorn skewers.

The taller figure had cold, sharp features like Bai Xiaochen, while the shorter one, though more lively and delicate, bore an unmistakable resemblance to Bai Fenghuo.

Yun Chuanzhi produced her tools and swiftly disassembled the box. After a quick glance, she understood the mechanism and replaced its central pivot.

When reassembled, the box seemed to contain a musician, emitting a gentle, flowing melody.

“It’s fixed,” Yun Chuanzhi said with a smile, presenting the box. Bai Xiaochen listened to the music, her expression momentarily dazed before a rare smile touched her lips.

“Ask your question,” she said gravely.

“Does the Sect Leader know that Sect Leader Bai did not kill the Former Sect Leader?” Yun Chuanzhi asked directly.

“She is my Junior Sister. Of course I know,” Bai Xiaochen replied. “Besides, with my Master’s cultivation level, even ten Bai Fenghuos couldn’t have harmed her.”

“Then why did the Sect Leader say you blamed her?”

Bai Xiaochen was momentarily speechless. She lowered her gaze for a long moment before speaking, as if dissecting something within herself. “This Venerable did indeed blame her.”

“I knew she was powerless to change what happened, but at the time, Master had died tragically. Before her death, Bai Fenghuo was by her side, not me. I resented that.”

“Moreover, from the moment Bai Fenghuo joined the Sect, she seized all the attention and affection. Lively and beautiful, with extraordinary talent, she could surpass a year of my effort with just a few days of practice. To avoid being left too far behind, I had to cultivate day and night, barely maintaining my dignity as Senior Sister.”

“I became Master’s disciple at a young age. She was an exceptional person—both teacher and mother to me—and I revered her deeply. Back then, I was her only disciple, and her gaze and care were focused solely on me. But when Bai Fenghuo appeared, everything changed.”

“He became the Sect’s rising star, the young Sect Leader, while I remained the nameless Eldest Senior Sister. Master’s attention was now divided, no longer exclusively on me. Over time…”

“This resentment erupted when Master passed away. Before her death, she had been my everything. After she died, I nearly lost all hope and had a terrible argument with Bai Fenghuo, saying things I didn’t mean.”

“Perhaps that’s when Bai Fenghuo began to hate me. Later, when the people of Celestial Emperor City accused her of murder and imprisoned her in the Heavenly Prison to be tortured, I didn’t appear. By the time I saw her again, her personality had completely changed, becoming as vicious and deranged as a vengeful ghost.”

Bai Xiaochen’s voice was soft, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. As she finished speaking, a faint glimmer of tears flickered in her eyes, only to vanish quickly, restoring the calm composure befitting a Sect Leader.

Yun Chuanzhi listened silently, her expression as composed as if hearing an ordinary story. Only after Bai Xiaochen finished did she ask, “May I ask, Sect Leader, why you didn’t appear at that time?”

The corner of Bai Xiaochen’s raised eyebrow curved slightly. “If I had appeared then, who would have retrieved the secret decree Master left behind to ensure her survival?”

Yun Chuanzhi nodded.

From this account, it seemed that apart from the youthful jealousy and misunderstandings, there was no true hatred between the two. It was merely a case of one being too stubborn to speak her mind and the other having an equally stubborn temperament, leading to this tragic outcome.

“Thank you, Sect Leader, for listening to the words of a mere Little Immortal Servant,” Yun Chuanzhi said, bowing deeply.

Bai Xiaochen raised a hand in a gesture of restraint. “This Seat has never spoken of these matters to anyone. Now that I’ve finally unburdened myself, my heart feels much lighter.”

Even cultivators possessed the seven emotions and six desires—love, hatred, anger, and infatuation. After all, they were human, not truly immortal.

Having learned what she sought, Yun Chuanzhi quickly took her leave. Bai Xiaochen flicked her sleeve, touching the barrier, and a shower of golden leaves cascaded from the ceiling like autumn foliage, mingling with the sunlight streaming through the dome to create a golden glow on the floor.

Mo Liuzheng, who had been hiding behind the door, emerged with a cup of tea and approached the table. “Master…” she murmured.

“This Seat had long grown weary of arguing with her, but her words are always like poisoned daggers, cutting deep,” Bai Xiaochen said with a faint smile.

Mo Liuzheng chuckled. “That Little Immortal Servant is quite intriguing, and remarkably bold to come alone and question you.”

“It’s not boldness; she’s simply learned This Seat’s temperament well. She knows that even if I’m displeased, I won’t harm her,” Bai Xiaochen said, bringing the teacup to her lips. “She’s perceptive and fearless, unlike most people.”

“Let’s hope her presence can soften Bai Fenghuo’s heart, even a little,” Bai Xiaochen added.

Yun Chuanzhi traversed mountains and rivers, exhausting herself to reach only the Hundred-Zhang Cascade. As she left the hall, she realized she should have asked Bai Xiaochen for a ride, but Bright Existence Hall was too high, and she swore she’d never climb it again.

Fortunately, she ran into Cheng Jinshu wandering near the cascade, allowing her to return to the Kun Dan Sect before nightfall. Dusty and weary, she knocked on the Spring Encounter Pavilion’s gate, where Bai Fenghuo was indeed waiting.

Bai Fenghuo glanced at Yun Chuanzhi’s arrival with a faint smile. “Forgot about you again,” she murmured.

Though her words were casual, the curve of her red lips betrayed her deliberate neglect. Yun Chuanzhi clenched her fists in anger, but remembering the adage “don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” she forced herself to relax.

Forcing a gentle smile, she replied, “It’s fine. I made it back.”

“If you’re angry, just vent it. Why hold back?” Bai Fenghuo reclined lazily on her beauty couch, scoffing softly. “After all, there are plenty who hate This Seat. One more won’t make a difference.”

“Why would I hate you?” Yun Chuanzhi picked up the shattered cup from the floor and handed it to the puppet working diligently nearby. Avoiding the spilled water, she walked to the window and was about to speak when the surrounding lights suddenly went out.

The daylight outside couldn’t penetrate the room, and Yun Chuanzhi, unaccustomed to the darkness, found herself plunged into pitch blackness.

“Sit down,” Bai Fenghuo commanded. Yun Chuanzhi suddenly felt nervous, her hands gripping the hem of her robe as she slowly settled onto the edge of the beauty couch.

A moment of silence hung in the air. Then, a weight suddenly settled on Yun Chuanzhi’s shoulder. Someone had leaned their head against her right shoulder, a faint warmth and fragrance spreading around her.

“This Seat is weary,” Bai Fenghuo murmured, her voice like a sigh.