The Sword Sect arrived at dawn, just as the sun emerged, painting the clouds in hues of rosy gold. At the forefront stood the Sword Sect Leader, Yi Xunzhou, broad-shouldered and imposing, his stern features giving him an unapproachable air.
When he spotted Yu Zhiling, Yi Xunzhou let out a disdainful snort.
Yu Zhiling: "?"
Yun Zhi whispered beside her, "The first time you attended the Heroes' Assembly, you broke his sword."
Yu Zhiling: "..."
She suddenly remembered—during her tribulation, while traversing the Heart Demon Realm, Xiang Wuxue had mentioned that Yu Xiao Wu (Little Five) had caused trouble all three times she participated in the grand competition.
Clearing her throat awkwardly, she fidgeted and said, "Well… long time no see."
Having been greeted, Yi Xunzhou, now a seasoned sect leader far removed from his hot-headed youth, maintained his composure and replied gravely, "Thank you for your intervention, Immortal Zhuoyu."
Yu Zhiling waved it off. "No need, just doing my part."
Yi Xunzhou nodded and stepped onto the city walls, surveying the scene below. The city remained peaceful, but beyond the walls, blood stained the earth, trees lay uprooted, and the aftermath of the Four Killing Formation’s eruption had left the outskirts in ruins.
Yu Zhiling moved beside him, scratching her nose sheepishly. "At the time, it was urgent. I had no choice but to use that formation—I couldn’t wait for you."
Yi Xunzhou showed no anger, merely agreeing, "You did the right thing."
His frown was reserved for the demonic fiends. "Are these wraiths from the River of No Return?"
Yu Zhiling nodded. "Yes. They must be remnants from the Demon Lord two centuries ago. But… where did he get so many?"
Yi Xunzhou shook his head. "You might not know this, but the Demon Lord was born of demonic essence. His bloodline carries immense malevolence. Wraiths like these spawn in dark, miasma-rich places—they’re simply manifestations of condensed evil energy."
Yu Zhiling understood. The thick demonic aura beneath the River of No Return was likely due to You Zhou’s tampering, allowing these wraiths to emerge over the past two centuries.
Yi Xunzhou’s brow remained furrowed. "Zhuoyu, my concern is this—if the Demon Lord has been at large for so long, would he only leave wraiths under this river?"
He turned to meet her gaze, his expression grim. "What if there are more elsewhere?"
Yu Zhiling had already considered this the night before, so she wasn’t startled.
Gazing at the devastation in the distance, she replied calmly, "His goal is to shatter the Four Killing Stele and unleash the Abyss of Demons. To do that, he’ll first target me, Wu Zhaoyan, and Yun Zhi. He’ll likely strike the Yingshan Sect, the Wu family, and the Yun family. We should start by scouring the areas around these three places—leave no stone unturned."
"This time, his aim was me and Yun Zhi. But since Yun Zhi was rescued, and he failed to force me to use the third Frostwind Slash, his plan fell through. I’m not sure if he’ll try again."
At the mention of Frostwind Slash, Yi Xunzhou sighed. "The fatal flaw of the Enlightened Heart Path—have you never thought to refine it?"
Yu Zhiling shook her head. "This path requires burning one’s spiritual energy. The Frostwind Slash’s power is immense, but to unleash a strike that transcends realms, a price must be paid. It can’t be changed—altering it would no longer be the Enlightened Heart Path."
Such was the balance of gain and loss.
Yi Xunzhou relented. "What will you do next?"
Yu Zhiling asked, "Can you handle things here?"
"We can. The chaos outside the city will be dealt with. Do you have plans?"
Yu Zhiling nodded. "Yes. I need to return to the Spirit Veil Path—there’s something I must do."
Yi Xunzhou didn’t press her to stay. "Safe travels. Be careful."
After exchanging a few more words, Yu Zhiling vaulted over the wall. In the distance, Yun Zhi and Wu Zhaoyan were directing the Sword Sect disciples in ushering the civilians back into the city. She intended to bid them farewell before setting off alone.
But after only a few steps, a hand shot out from a nearby alley and yanked her inside.
Yu Zhiling reacted instantly, her sword already drawn to strike—
Only for her lips to be captured in a kiss. Her blade halted just shy of the offender’s neck. Recognizing the familiar face, she barely stopped in time, her heart leaping into her throat at the near-miss.
She shoved him away. "What are you doing?! I almost cut you down!"
"I needed to speak with you alone, Master."
Mo Zhu wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close as he kissed her again, parting her lips with practiced ease.
Awkward the first time, but far more skilled the second.
Yu Zhiling let out a muffled sound, her hands pressing against his shoulders—only for him to stifle a pained grunt.
She immediately withdrew, afraid of aggravating his injuries, flustered and unaware of the amusement flickering in Mo Zhu’s eyes. Instead, he hoisted her higher, one hand cradling the back of her head as he deepened the kiss, their breaths mingling.
Yu Zhiling’s ears buzzed, her blood roaring as her legs weakened, forcing Mo Zhu to steady her.
Footsteps approached. Panicked, she pushed at him, but Mo Zhu didn’t stop, instead guiding her backward through an open door.
The residents had fled in haste, leaving it unlocked. Once inside the courtyard, Mo Zhu shut the gate and lifted Yu Zhiling onto a stone table—high enough that she didn’t have to strain, making it easier for him to kiss her.
Outside, voices passed by.
"Where’s Yu Xiao Wu?"
"Last I saw, she was speaking with Sect Leader Yi."
"And Mo Zhu? I saw him earlier—where’d that brat disappear to?"
"Probably helping with the civilians. Stop prying."
"Since when did you start defending that kid?"
Yun Zhi chuckled but said nothing.
Their footsteps faded, leaving the courtyard consumed by fervent kisses.
Yu Zhiling’s vision blurred, her arms instinctively looping around Mo Zhu’s neck.
She used to think of him as an untouchable snow lotus—aloof, pristine, unapproachable.
But now she knew better. He was no snow lotus, but a bewitching red spider lily, intoxicating and irresistible, drawing her in until she was ensnared.
She lost track of time, only snapping back to awareness when Mo Zhu’s lips trailed to her ear, the sudden jolt of pleasure making her gasp.
"Mo Zhu!"
Yu Zhiling shoved him away, heedless of his injuries this time.
Mo Zhu’s lips were flushed, his eyes dark with desire.
Yu Zhiling’s face burned hotter, her lips slightly swollen, her pulse racing.
Undeterred, Mo Zhu cupped her face, leaning in again—but Yu Zhiling twisted away in alarm, his kiss landing on her cheek instead.
Unfazed, he simply redirected to her ear.
Bracing her hands against his chest, Yu Zhiling stammered, "C-cool down for a moment. About last night… I can explain."
“No need to explain, I understand.” Mo Zhu lightly pecked her flushed cheek, his voice low and husky. “Master has fallen for me—I understand. I thought about it all night, and this is the most fitting response I can give you.”
His answer was that he, too, had fallen.
Even more deeply than she had.
“Mo Zhu, wait.”
He was far too close. Yu Zhiling shifted slightly on the stone table, scooting back to put some distance between them.
She exhaled slowly, patting her chest as if to steady her racing heart.
Mo Zhu chuckled softly, bracing his arms on either side of her and leaning in, enveloping her in his embrace.
“Master is truly beautiful.”
Yu Zhiling: “!”
The shameless serpent swiftly stole another kiss.
“Mo Zhu!” Yu Zhiling smacked his shoulder hard, the sound sharp and crisp.
Mo Zhu sucked in a breath through his teeth. “Ah—that hurts.”
He didn’t seem to be faking it, his brows furrowed. Yu Zhiling knew exactly how strong she was and immediately straightened up in concern. “Did I hurt you? I didn’t hold back my strength.”
The master had taken the bait. The scheming disciple began reeling her in, leaning down to kiss her again, this time capturing her lips in a gentle suck.
“A little sweetness makes the pain go away.”
Yu Zhiling: “……”
Yu Zhiling: “You—you scoundrel!!!”
Mo Zhu’s eyes brimmed with amusement, pecking at her lips like a woodpecker, watching as her face flushed crimson with embarrassment. She wanted to flee, but with him blocking her path and his injuries making her hesitate to push or strike him, she was trapped.
He took full advantage of his master’s affection and soft heart, basking in her furious scolding, his own heart melting into a puddle.
Happiness—overwhelming happiness.
Mo Zhu tugged his wriggling, escape-seeking master back, pressing his forehead against hers. “No more kisses. Just stay with me a little longer.”
Yu Zhiling stammered, “Y-you—stay away from me.”
“Alright.”
Mo Zhu obediently leaned back slightly, though his arms still caged her against the stone table.
Yu Zhiling covered her mouth, her expression wary.
Mo Zhu grinned. She was unbearably adorable—whether it was the powerful, brilliant version of her in battle or the carefree, reckless Yu Xiao Wu in daily life, he adored every part of her.
Still muffling her words behind her hand, Yu Zhiling mumbled, “Yesterday, I… I only kissed you because you looked like you were about to cry. I didn’t want you to cry, so I… I…”
She was rambling nonsense. The truth was, she had wanted to kiss him. His reddened eyes had made him look so aggrieved, and that grievance had been her fault. Guilt, mixed with her own feelings for him—perhaps compounded by the adrenaline of battle—had made her act impulsively.
Mo Zhu nodded. “Mm. Master kissed me out of pity. But Master doesn’t kiss anyone else—only me.”
Yu Zhiling: “……”
Yu Zhiling cracked. “What’s with that tone?! What’s wrong with me kissing you? Are you saying I shouldn’t? Who else are you saving those lips for, huh? You’re only allowed to be kissed by me!”
Her unreasonable side was just as endearing. Mo Zhu chuckled, softening his voice to coax her. “Of course you can kiss me. Only Master. And I kissed you back—so sweet.”
Yu Zhiling’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wow, you—it’s like you’ve unlocked some hidden talent! Who taught you how to flirt like this?!”
Mo Zhu had never been taught. This was just who he was.
He gently pulled her hand away from her mouth, interlacing their fingers. His long lashes lowered as he gazed at their joined hands.
“This is how my parents were. When you love someone, you cherish them, spoil them, indulge them. Everything they say is right. Whatever they want to do, you accompany them. Never be cold or angry with them. Sweet words, attentiveness—their happiness comes first. Isn’t that how it should be?”
Yes. Absolutely.
His understanding was flawless—a natural-born perfect husband.
Yu Zhiling raised her free hand in a thumbs-up. “Family upbringing is the best education. Parents are a child’s greatest role models. Mo Zhu, you’re a shining example!”
Mo Zhu beamed, squeezing her hand and leaning in slightly. “Then… does Master find me satisfactory?”
In every way, he was perfect—diligent, talented, a skilled cook, capable of earning merit points for her, handsome, and even-tempered. Mo Zhu was the world’s most flawless disciple.
Yu Zhiling nodded vigorously. “Mhm!”
Mo Zhu’s throat bobbed as he stared into her eyes, hesitantly asking, “Then… can we take our relationship a step further?”
A step further?!
How much further did he want to go?!
Yu Zhiling stammered, “We’ve only kissed… Don’t push your luck…”
But saying that felt like taking advantage and refusing responsibility—especially since she had been the one to initiate both kisses.
Mo Zhu lowered his head, their fingers still entwined. His voice was soft. “Mm.”
Yu Zhiling: “…………”
Yu Zhiling reminded herself that times had changed. Male green teas were everywhere, especially pretty ones like Mo Zhu—where looks equaled righteousness, making everything they did seem genuine.
But he wasn’t actually upset. He was just playing her.
Steeling her resolve, she tried to pull her hand free. “I—I have work to do. I need to go to Lingyou—”
Before she could finish, a shadow flickered before her. His hands cupped her face, and his lips captured hers once more.
Yu Zhiling had kissed Mo Zhu twice before, witnessing his progress from awkwardness to slight proficiency. Yet he had always been gentle with her. Now, it felt like he wanted to devour her—sucking at her lips, a silvery strand of saliva trailing between them. She almost wondered if he’d draw blood.
She didn’t dare push him, afraid of aggravating his wounds, so she could only grip his arms.
How long had they been kissing? Long enough for the jade token at her waist to flash three times—likely Yun Zhi and the others searching for her.
Her breath grew ragged, a cough building in her throat. She bit down hard, and Mo Zhu loosened his hold just enough for her to turn away, coughing softly.
He rubbed her back, still hovering close, confident she wouldn’t retaliate.
“Master, it’s just a kiss.”
Yu Zhiling glared. “You’re doing this on purpose!”
Mo Zhu’s eyes were faintly red, his expression calm, yet she could see a trace of sorrow in them.
“Yes. On purpose.”
Yu Zhiling straightened. “You said I didn’t have to take responsibility!”
Mo Zhu murmured, “I said I didn’t need a title. What I meant by ‘further’ was…”
His cool fingertips brushed her cheek as he drew near, whispering coaxingly, “In the future… if I want to kiss Master, will you let me?”
“If I want to do more… will you allow it? Master enjoys it too.”
Her body had melted into his embrace, her hands instinctively clinging to him to keep from slipping.
Her breaths had been just as unsteady, her occasional responses sending him into raptures.
Suddenly, Yu Zhiling shoved him away, covering her mouth as she bolted out the courtyard gate.
She didn’t give him an answer, but her actions did.
She really did like it—that was why she couldn’t face it.
Yu Zhiling dashed all the way to the alley’s entrance. The area was deserted. She patted her burning cheeks and fanned herself with her hands.
In the silence, the sound of her heartbeat grew even more pronounced.
Yu Zhiling glanced around. No one was coming. She leaned against a nearby wall, took out a bronze mirror from her Qiankun pouch, and examined herself. Her lips were slightly swollen, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes shimmered like autumn water. Anyone who saw her would know exactly what she had just been doing—especially since Mo Zhu’s lips were also broken in one spot. The two of them absolutely couldn’t be seen together today.
That little brat was getting more and more skilled—his master couldn’t resist him. Yu Zhiling covered her face with a muffled whimper, kicking the ground absentmindedly. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the approaching footsteps.
"Xiao Wu?"
Yu Zhiling instinctively responded, "I’m here."
She lowered her hands and met Yun Zhi’s gaze.
For the first time, Yun Zhi’s eyes lingered impolitely on her lips. He blinked.
Yu Zhiling quickly snapped back to her senses and spun around. "I—uh—just ate something spicy. Really spicy! Lingyue City’s stir-fried spicy bean threads. Have you tried them? They’re insanely hot."
Yun Zhi awkwardly averted his gaze, stammering, "N-no, I haven’t. I can’t handle spicy food."
Yu Zhiling laughed stiffly, still facing away. "Hahaha, you’re missing out on so much fun then."
Yun Zhi mumbled, "Yeah, I guess so."
Their conversation was painfully forced. Yu Zhiling couldn’t take it anymore.
"I’ve got something to do. I’m heading to Lingyou Path. You and Wu Zhaoyan should stay here and rest."
Yun Zhi knew where she was going and that there was no danger left there, so he nodded. "O-okay."
Yu Zhiling bolted, vanishing in an instant.
Yun Zhi exhaled, his cheeks slightly warm. As a dignified immortal from Zhongzhou, he had never witnessed such a scene before. Though he’d never been involved with a woman, he wasn’t completely ignorant.
Just as he turned to find Wu Zhaoyan, he spotted a figure approaching from the end of the alley.
Dressed in black with a high ponytail—it was unmistakably Mo Zhu.
The broken spot on Mo Zhu’s lips was obvious, as if someone had bitten him. Though not as swollen as Yu Zhiling’s, his lips were noticeably puffier than usual.
Yun Zhi: "..."
Mo Zhu bowed slightly. "Immortal Yun Zhi."
Yun Zhi looked away, pointing in the direction Yu Zhiling had fled. "Your master went to Lingyou Path."
Mo Zhu nodded. "Thank you, Immortal."
Left alone in the alley, Yun Zhi sighed.
He had known the two of them were close, but he never imagined things had progressed this far.
The demonic creatures in the River of No Return had long been cleared out. Yu Zhiling stood by the riverbank, hesitating over how to cross.
There was still a formation at the bottom of the river. Both entering and exiting required Mo Zhu to deactivate it—but her little disciple wasn’t here now.
Yu Zhiling sighed, staring into the abyss-like waters. She took a deep breath, psyching herself up to dive in and disable the formation.
"Let me do it."
The sudden voice startled her so badly she nearly fell into the river.
"Careful, Master."
A hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her back before quickly letting go.
Yu Zhiling immediately put a step between them, rubbing her nose. "What are you doing here?"
Mo Zhu replied, "I was worried about you going alone."
Yu Zhiling looked at him like he was a peacock flaunting its feathers and turned away. "What’s there to worry about? No one can hurt me."
Mo Zhu chuckled lowly, swiftly removing the Qiankun pouch, jade token, and little snake pendant from his waist and handing them to her.
"Master, keep these safe for me. I’m going down now."
Yu Zhiling clutched the items, avoiding his gaze. "Be careful."
Mo Zhu knew she was still flustered, so he didn’t tease her further.
"Mm. Wait for me."
Even if he hadn’t said it, she would have waited.
Mo Zhu leaped into the River of No Return, shifting into his demon form as he dove toward the depths.
Yu Zhiling stared at the chubby little snake pendant in her hands. It had looked adorable hanging from him—whether in his human or serpent form, she always wanted to ruffle his hair.
She poked at the pendant, smiling unconsciously as she remembered Mo Zhu wearing it.
Her lips were still slightly swollen, the tingling sensation lingering. She touched them, suddenly recalling that she had bitten his lip hard enough to break skin. Did it hurt?
Yu Zhiling shook her head. "Why should I care if it hurts? He kissed me first—he brought it on himself!"
Just then, Mo Zhu burst out of the water.
Yu Zhiling jumped back, startled again, staring wide-eyed at the drenched youth before her.
"You’re back so soon…"
"I missed you, so I hurried." Mo Zhu grinned. "You’re right, Master. I kissed you first—you had every right to bite me."
Yu Zhiling threw the items in her arms at him. "Get lost!"
She turned away, hearing the rustling of fabric as he changed clothes—anything tainted by demonic energy had to be discarded. They ruined an outfit every time they crossed this river.
Mo Zhu finished quickly. Without looking at him, Yu Zhiling split the river and froze its surface, leaving a narrow path. The two of them crossed in a flash.
From the land of eternal night to the realm of endless day, the luminous pearl at her waist dimmed in response to the light.
Yu Zhiling stole a glance at Mo Zhu’s lips. She had bitten him hard enough to break skin.
Thankfully, given Mo Zhu’s temperament, he probably hadn’t let Yun Zhi or the others see. Otherwise, her reputation as a master would be beyond saving.
"I didn’t mean to bite you that hard… but you kissed me so fiercely…"
Her voice trailed off, but Mo Zhu heard her clearly.
He stepped closer. "My fault. I’ll be gentler next time."
Yu Zhiling quickened her pace, ignoring her shameless disciple.
Knowing she had business to attend to, Mo Zhu followed quietly. "Master, can you sense the Skyward Lotus?"
"...Mm."
Her soul still needed one more Skyward Lotus. Yu Zhiling had a vague sense of its location, and Ying had mentioned it to her once before.
The sacred ground of the Skyward Lotus lay deep within Lingyou Path.
Twenty li south of Jinghong Village, past its protective barrier, was the holy land that shielded the village.
In the desolate sands of Lingyou Path, only two places harbored life.
One was Jinghong Village, bustling with people, no different from the towns of Zhongzhou.
The other was the sacred Skyward Lotus grounds—a sanctuary that guarded the village, enclosed by a barrier only its inhabitants could pass.
Yu Zhiling stopped, her gaze falling on a solitary mound outside the barrier.
"Master, do you want to see?"
Yu Zhiling opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
She lowered her head, murmuring, "I want to know… if what he said was true."
Mo Zhu knew who she meant.
You Zhou had claimed that Jiang Yingchen was dead—buried beside Rong.
Yu Zhiling stepped forward, walking toward the barrier.
"Perhaps only the skyward lotus here can give me some answers."
