Gu Baiying fled in a panic.
His hurried departure made Zanxing wonder if she had said something wrong. However, at the moment, her primary concern was not Gu Baiying’s feelings but the Xiao Yuan Pearl in her chest that kept her feeling uneasy.
Shaoyang Zhenren had instructed her to accompany Gu Baiying to the treasure trove to find the Sacred Tree. As Gu Baiying mentioned, the treasure trove not only contained the Sacred Tree but possibly also hidden fortune. If it’s a matter of destiny, then naturally, Mu Cengxiao should be the one to reap the rewards. But if she were to seize them instead�� Zanxing looked at her palm, where a red flower bloomed enchantingly, exuding a strange allure.
She had already altered many predetermined paths, and as a result, the “Heavenly Dao” seemed to punish her by turning the precious Xiao Yuan Pearl into an ominous demonic object. Thus, a genius youth with a rare treasure in his possession instantly became a remnant of the demonic clan with ulterior motives. The outcome would be drastically different.
This can’t continue, Zanxing thought as she slowly clenched her palm. The human and demon clans were mortal enemies. Rather than being discovered and wrongfully blamed, it was better to confess early. However, how to explain it tactfully required careful preparation, preferably with someone to discuss it with first.
Zanxing immediately thought of Gu Baiying.
From their days traveling together, it was clear this boy was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, contradictory in his words and actions. Although he was arrogant and reckless, he was also kind-hearted and responsible, a person of clear-cut emotions. More importantly, Gu Baiying held a high position in the Taiyan Sect, and they had a decent relationship. Given the treasure map and Fairy Qinghua’s connection, Gu Baiying probably wouldn’t go to extremes against her. Perhaps they could find a way to expel the Xiao Yuan Pearl from her body, achieving a happy ending for all.
It seemed she needed to find an opportunity to be frank with Gu Baiying, Zanxing thought to herself.
That night, Zanxing’s courtyard in the Miao Kong Palace was crowded with fellow disciples who came to visit her.
Meng Ying had improved her cultivation during the trial in the Li’er Country’s secret realm and had been in seclusion for some time. In Wufan City, Mu Cengxiao’s God-Slaying Sword had dealt a fatal blow to the Mirage Woman, and the already damaged blade showed a hint of spiritual energy. Cui Yufu was busy inscribing new runes on the divine sword. As for Men Dong, he had been through quite a few shocks, but fortunately, he found many spirit herbs in the Li’er Country’s secret realm using his Immortal Spirit Aperture and stored them in his Qiankun Bag. Li Danshu was overjoyed and visited Daoist Yueguang daily to obtain spirit herbs for alchemy.
Now, upon hearing that Zanxing had awakened, everyone came to her courtyard to visit her.
Gu Baiying was also dragged over by Tian Fangfang, reluctantly sitting in the farthest chair from Zanxing, as if Zanxing were covered in thorns.
“I brought some elixirs and medicinal herbs that are good for body refinement and increasing spiritual energy.” Meng Ying placed a box on the table. “When you fought the Mirage Woman, you burned your spiritual energy. Although the Sect Master said the damage was minimal, your body was already weak, so you should take care to nurture yourself.”
This was probably the longest sentence Zanxing had ever heard Meng Ying say since she got to know her.
After sharing life-and-death experiences, everyone’s relationship had become much closer. And when it came to their trip to Wufan City, they all felt lingering fear.
“The demoness was cunning, even the Snake Shaman fell for her tricks. Luckily, Junior Sister’s mind was pure and untainted by illusions, allowing her to burn her spiritual energy and save us all,” Tian Fangfang remarked.
Men Dong rolled his eyes. “This has nothing to do with purity of mind. The Snake Shaman clearly said it was because he couldn’t see Zanxing’s past or future, and thus the Mirage Woman couldn’t create illusions.”
His reminder made everyone recall the Snake Shaman’s earlier words about Zanxing in Wufan City.
“Strange,” Meng Ying said, looking at Zanxing. “If it’s not a matter of spiritual power, then what could it be? Also, the Snake Shaman said Junior Sister shouldn’t exist in this world—what does that mean?”
Everyone’s expressions grew serious.
The Snake Shaman’s words echoed in their minds: “A person who shouldn’t exist in this world is destined to be erased by the Heavenly Dao.” Destiny was unpredictable; many cultivators fought against it only to end up accepting a harsh fate.
For cultivators, destiny sometimes meant a lifetime.
“Ahem, I guess it’s like this,” Zanxing coughed twice and said seriously, “Back then, when I went to Pingyang Town with the Young Master for the selection competition, I accidentally fell into a water gully and encountered a demon beast called ‘Yu.’ With my cultivation level at that time, it should have been a dead end. But who knew my will to survive was so strong that I ended up killing the demon beast and made it back to shore. I was supposed to die, but somehow, I survived.”
She rubbed her knee, where a soft cushion was placed, and continued, “Because my face was injured by ‘Yu,’ I had no choice but to join the Taiyan Sect, which was beyond my original plan. So, my destiny was rewritten.”
Mu Cengxiao pondered, “That does seem to be the case.” He had seen Zanxing fall into the water gully and then survive to join the Taiyan Sect from beginning to end. He nodded in agreement, “So it seems.”
“I see,” Tian Fangfang said. “But if that’s the case, does it mean that Junior Sister needs to return to Yue City and marry the Young Master of Yue City to get back on the proper ‘Heavenly Dao’ path?”
Just as she finished speaking, a loud bang was heard. Everyone turned around to see Gu Baiying slamming his porcelain cup onto the table, his face dark with anger. “What kind of Heavenly Dao is so vulgar that it concerns itself with people’s marriages and offspring?”
His sudden outburst left everyone speechless.
Zanxing tried to smooth things over, “Senior Uncle, I…”
Gu Baiying looked at her with scorn, “What, do you still want to go back and be the City Lord’s wife?”
Why was he suddenly so sarcastic? Zanxing replied, “…I don’t have that intention at the moment.”
“At the moment?” The boy’s expression darkened.
“…I won’t have that intention in the future either.”
He snorted, but his expression softened a little.
Tian Fangfang’s gaze shifted between the two of them for a moment before he silently picked up his tea and took a sip.
Zanxing was unsure why Gu Baiying was suddenly concerned about her lifelong affairs, but this was not the first time this temperamental little senior uncle had acted unpredictably. She’d get used to it.
After a while, everyone chatted and then began to leave as it was getting late. Gu Baiying was walking out last when Zanxing suddenly grabbed him.
“Senior Uncle.” Zanxing leaned closer to him.
He took two steps back, eyeing Zanxing warily. “What’s up?”
“Earlier, when we were in the Li’er Country’s secret realm, you promised me that you would teach me illusion techniques once we returned to the sect,” Zanxing reminded him. “You must keep your word.”
At that time, when they were trapped in the barrier and couldn’t get out, Gu Baiying had mentioned it to comfort the pretending-to-cry Zanxing. He didn’t expect Zanxing to still remember it.
“You…”
“Since we have no urgent matters right now and it will be some time before we head to the treasure trove, how about you teach me illusion techniques tomorrow morning at Chu Hong Terrace?” Zanxing grabbed his arm.
The girl’s clear, bright eyes and open demeanor made him feel increasingly uneasy. Gu Baiying brushed off her hand and quickly said, “Got it,” before hurrying out of the courtyard.
Zanxing watched his retreating figure and sighed.
If they were alone tomorrow, she should be able to talk about the Xiao Yuan Pearl.
She hoped that after hearing the whole story, he would still remain as calm and composed as he was now.