Liu Qiang glanced at his empty storage pouch, his expression more solemn than ever before.
He cast a sidelong look at the lackey behind him, his beady eyes brimming with confusion:
"Why has Duan Ziwei suddenly… stopped throwing spirit stones around?"
In the past, whether Duan Ziwei was happy or angry, he loved pelting people with spirit stones—sometimes even tossing out magical artifacts and pills if they were lucky.
Over the years, Liu Qiang had honed his skills to the point where he could gauge Duan Ziwei’s mood just by glimpsing his back.
But lately—
Not a single spirit stone had come his way, no matter how much he sweet-talked. Duan Ziwei hadn’t even spared him a glance.
These past few days, he hadn’t even caught sight of him.
If this kept up, he’d be left with nothing but the wind to drink.
His lackey scurried up beside him, lowering his voice conspiratorially:
"I’ve heard Duan Ziwei has been cultivating nonstop lately."
"Are you out of your mind?" Liu Qiang scoffed, shooting him a dubious look before glancing skyward. "Spouting nonsense in broad daylight?"
Duan Ziwei—that good-for-nothing—cultivating?
He’d sooner believe the man was a Nascent Soul Daoist!
"It’s true!" The lackey insisted earnestly. "The disciples of the Five Elements Peak say that ever since Duan Ziwei returned from Qingzhu Peak, he’s been training day and night without rest!"
Liu Qiang halted mid-step, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
"Really?"
When the lackey nodded, he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Duan Ziwei must’ve been provoked by something on Qingzhu Peak."
"We humor him, but the elders and peak masters aren’t as patient as we are."
He clicked his tongue.
"Still, that day’s rosy clouds over Qingzhu Peak… I wonder what kind of pill the Seventh Elder refined to cause such an omen."
His lackey shook his head.
"I secretly asked around, but none of the disciples from any peak know the details."
"Of course the sect wouldn’t let word of something so confidential slip." Liu Qiang flicked his storage pouch dismissively and waved a hand.
"Come on, let’s hit the tavern."
"But Senior Brother Liu… don’t you have no spirit stones left?"
Liu Qiang yawned lazily. "We’ll owe them for now."
"Duan Ziwei’s cultivation spree won’t last more than a few days. Once he’s over it, I’ll squeeze a fortune out of him!"
Meanwhile, inside the Duan Residence, Duan Ziwei slowly opened his eyes after a deep meditation session. His gaze, once frivolous, now carried a newfound steadiness and resolve.
The Thousand Reversal Pill had affected him far more profoundly than an ordinary cultivator, given his lifelong indulgence in rare pills and spirit herbs.
After tempering his spiritual roots with the Duan Clan’s treasured artifact, his single water-attribute mid-grade spiritual root now placed him among the most gifted.
If he dedicated himself to cultivation, even the lofty realms of Mahayana and Transcendent Tribulation were within his reach.
Feeling the golden core mid-stage cultivation thrumming within him, the solemnity in Duan Ziwei’s eyes finally gave way to a spark of youthful triumph.
He rose cheerfully, instinctively reaching for his jade storage pendant—ready to scatter spirit stones in celebration.
Then, as if remembering something, he patted his own hand reassuringly.
"These all belong to Xu Wanci. Don’t be reckless."
Clasping his restless fingers, he lifted his gaze to the drifting clouds outside his window.
Whatever the reason, Xu Wanci was the only person who had ever treated him with kindness—without asking for anything in return.
Even his own father would never have chosen him over the Thousand Reversal Pill.
Duan Ziwei withdrew his gaze, determination hardening his expression.
He needed to cultivate even harder.
Only then could he protect those he cherished.
On Ruoxu Peak, Jiang Qiuning stood silently, watching Chu Qingchuan weave the Thousand Extinction Flames through the autumn forest.
The flames, capable of reducing mountains to ash, now danced like a docile pet in his palms, leaving even the fallen leaves untouched as they flickered between the trees.
Sensing her gaze, Chu Qingchuan closed his fist, extinguishing the flames before turning to her with a gentle smile.
"Qiuning."
Jiang Qiuning remained still, the faint curve of her lips tinged with something imperceptibly strained.
She understood why Chu Qingchuan had done what he did during the sect tournament—for the sake of cultivation, for victory, for the Blood Mist Spirit Fire, he had to win.
But that day, the livid burns marring Xu Wanci’s skin had been painfully vivid.
He knew how many injuries she had already suffered. He knew she would never have chosen the Blood Mist Spirit Fire for herself…
Jiang Qiuning exhaled slowly, burying the turmoil in her heart as she met the gaze of the man before her—his features as refined as jade, his eyes tender.
As always, she stepped forward to straighten his outer robe with delicate fingers, her voice soft.
"You’ve been cultivating much more than usual these past few days."
Her head remained bowed, her tone carefully neutral.
"Though cultivation is important, you mustn’t overexert yourself."
Chu Qingchuan, attuned to her every shift, immediately caught the subtle dissonance in her words.
A flicker of guilt passed through his eyes as he recalled his recent visits to the foot of Qingzhu Peak.
He pulled her into an embrace, his voice soothing.
"Qiuning, I’ve been preoccupied with the tournament and preparations for the Nameless Secret Realm. Once I return, I’ll devote all my time to you."
"Whatever you wish to do, I’ll be there. Alright?"
Jiang Qiuning listened to the warmth in his voice, her lashes fluttering slowly before she murmured,
"These past few days…"
You’ve worked hard.
Before she could finish, Chu Qingchuan interjected with a trace of unease:
"I only went to Qingzhu Peak to ask Xu Wanci about the second volume of the Thousand Pills Transformation."
Realizing his hastiness, he softened his tone.
"You know how urgently I need to reach the Nascent Soul stage…"
Jiang Qiuning nodded before he could elaborate. "I know."
Then, with practiced ease, she retrieved a storage pouch and handed it to him.
"The Nameless Secret Realm is treacherous. I’ve prepared some pills and talismans—they may prove useful."
Chu Qingchuan flashed her a charming smile. "My thanks, Qiuning."
His expression then turned earnest. "Don’t overthink things."
"Just remember—you’re the only one I want to spend my life with."
As for Xu Wanci… it was merely guilt.
He resolved to reassure Jiang Qiuning more in the future.
Relieved by her quiet smile, he absentmindedly swept his spiritual sense through the pouch.
His heart stirred at the sight of the high-grade pills and artifacts inside—even for the Jiang Clan’s young mistress, gathering these must have been no small feat.
Just as he was about to withdraw his senses, something caught his attention—a gown tucked in the corner, woven from thread spun by an eighth-grade Violet Silk Spider.
The dress shimmered in pale blue, embroidered with moon-white patterns so fine they seemed to glow. From collar to hem, every stitch was exquisite, woven with layers of protective runes.
Chu Qingchuan's movements paused slightly, his voice tinged with a trace of confusion:
"This dress..."
Hearing his words, Jiang Qiuning instinctively glanced at the storage bag in his hand. When she noticed the pale blue mark on it, her brows furrowed slightly.
Her mind had been unsettled lately—how could she have made such an obvious mistake?
Without drawing attention, she handed him another storage bag, then deftly took the one from his grasp and replaced it with the new one.
Her voice remained calm and composed: "I was in a hurry and grabbed the wrong one."
Chu Qingchuan instinctively looked down at the new storage bag in his hand. It still contained many elixirs, talismans, and magical artifacts, but...
They were far inferior to the ones in the previous bag.
He lifted his head, his voice slightly dazed: "So that storage bag was..."
Jiang Qiuning took a step back, her expression earnest:
"That was a storage bag I prepared for Xu Wanci."
"After her severe injuries, her body hasn’t fully recovered. The Boundless Secret Realm is fraught with danger—I can’t let her take unnecessary risks."
Her voice carried a hint of helplessness:
"But no one can persuade her to stay, so I can only make as many preparations as possible before she leaves."
With that, she gave him a light, cheerful smile:
"It’s getting late now. I’ll head to Swordpeak."
"Qingchuan, focus on your cultivation."
Chu Qingchuan watched her retreating figure, his gaze filled with bewilderment.
How could this be?
Jiang Qiuning wasn’t just refraining from feeling jealous of Xu Wanci—she treated her even better than she treated him.
What had happened?
At Swordpeak, as soon as Jiang Qiuning pushed open the courtyard gate, she saw Xu Wanci sitting in the yard, her gaze distant and unfocused.
Her steps faltered for a moment before she forced another gentle smile.
She approached Xu Wanci, making her voice as light and cheerful as possible:
"Wanci, I came to see you. How’s your recovery?"
Xu Wanci blinked slowly, turning to look at her. Her voice was hoarse from disuse:
"I’m fine."
Hearing her reply, Jiang Qiuning’s grip on the storage bag tightened.
Even at a glance, she could see how much thinner Xu Wanci had become, her complexion paler and more fragile than before.
After so many injuries, her body now carried a faint medicinal scent that lingered persistently.
If this could be called "fine," then what counted as not fine?
Jiang Qiuning blinked away the stinging in her eyes, forcing a soft smile:
"That’s good."
Then, she placed the storage bag on the dark jade table, her voice gentle:
"The Boundless Secret Realm is dangerous. I prepared some talismans and artifacts for you..."
She quickly added, as if afraid of being misunderstood:
"They’re just common spiritual treasures—nothing rare. Please don’t feel burdened."
Xu Wanci watched her quietly, her gaze serene and unreadable.
She didn’t even glance at the storage bag, her voice cool and polite:
"I have no use for these. Young Mistress Jiang should take them back."
Jiang Qiuning had anticipated this response when preparing the treasures.
But she also knew exactly how to make her accept.
Ever since that day at Ruoxu Peak, she had sensed the kindness still lingering in Xu Wanci’s heart, despite her despair.
"Wanci," she said earnestly, lifting her head, "My injuries from the spirit beast rampage were minor."
"But the Frost Orchid you gave me was worth more than a mountain of gold."
"I owe you a great karmic debt." She gently pushed the storage bag forward, her expression feigning selfish concern. "If you refuse, it might hinder my cultivation."
Thanks to the Frost Orchid, her already near-perfect spiritual roots had improved further, and her cultivation had smoothly advanced to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.
There were many ways to repay a karmic debt—she had willingly chosen the slowest, most tedious method, simply because it benefited Xu Wanci.
She didn’t dare hope for her own wishes to be fulfilled. She only prayed for Xu Wanci’s peace and health in this life.
Xu Wanci pressed her lips together at Jiang Qiuning’s words but said nothing in the end—neither refusing nor accepting.
She turned her head away slightly.
Jiang Qiuning knew this was her silent agreement and finally allowed herself a genuine smile.
But that smile faded the moment she noticed Xu Wanci’s right hand.
Xu Wanci was still clutching the Three-Leaf Lotus tightly. She had held it for so long that her entire hand was drained of color, her fingertips tinged with blue.
"Wanci, you..."
Knowing direct pleas would be useless, Jiang Qiuning took out a blue thread woven from thousand-year ice silkworm silk:
"This is ice silkworm thread—impervious to water, fire, and blades. You can use it to weave the Three-Leaf Lotus and wear it at your waist."
"Otherwise, it’ll be inconvenient in the secret realm. And if... if anything happens, the thread will protect the lotus."
Xu Wanci blinked slowly at her words, then pressed her lips together. Her voice carried sincere gratitude:
"Thank you."
Jiang Qiuning smiled brightly. "Let me weave it for you."
Finally, Xu Wanci uncurled her right hand. The Three-Leaf Lotus had left deep, bloodless gashes across her palm—her skin was pale as snow, the marks so dark they looked almost black.
Though they didn’t bleed, these wounds ached more dully than bone-deep slashes.
Jiang Qiuning’s heart clenched. Her hands trembled slightly as she studied Xu Wanci’s calm profile:
How much force had she used, for a Golden Core cultivator to injure herself like this?
Xu Wanci gazed softly at the lotus in her hand, her eyes brimming with sorrowful warmth. Her voice was uncharacteristically tender:
"I’ll do it myself."
Duan Ziwei stood silently at the gate, watching the scene unfold.
The young master of the Duan family, who had once thoughtlessly thrown money at every problem, was finally beginning to understand what Xu Wanci truly needed.
When he learned she was entering the secret realm, he hadn’t just haphazardly stuffed artifacts into a storage bag as usual.
He had carefully selected each item, even purchasing several treasures from the Qinbao Pavilion—including another ice silkworm thread.
While he stood there lost in thought, Xu Wanci finished securing the lotus and fastened it carefully at her waist.
Snapping back to reality, Duan Ziwei hurried forward:
"Wanci, I also prepared a storage... jade hairpin for you."
Afraid she’d refuse, he hastily mimicked Jiang Qiuning’s reasoning:
"About the Thousand Returns Elixir—I owe you karmic debt too. If you don’t accept this..."
"I’ll be so distracted thinking about the elixir and karma that I won’t be able to cultivate at all!"
Xu Wanci shook her head gently but firmly:
"Our karmic debt was settled long ago—with that piece of jade frost cake."
"That cake meant more to me than the elixir ever could."
Duan Ziwei pouted with a pitiful frown, but he had no idea how to retort. He could only press his lips together and mutter,
"But... but the Thousand Return Elixir is rarer."
Jiang Qiuning gazed at the jade hairpin in his hand, blinking thoughtfully. "Hairpins are too easily lost. A jade bracelet would be better."
Realizing she had spoken her thoughts aloud, she coughed lightly and corrected,
"What I mean is, if Xu Wanci refuses, it might affect Duan-gongzi's state of mind. Cultivation isn't just about karma—if one's temperament is damaged, it's hard to walk the path of cultivation for long."
"Coincidentally, I happen to have a storage jade bracelet here..."
In the Moyu Pavilion.
Jiang Ze watched the scene unfolding in the courtyard with detached indifference.
His cold gaze swept past the irritating figure of Duan Ziwei before finally settling on Xu Wanci.
Or rather, his eyes had never left her these past few days. Never left that person.
As he watched Jiang Qiuning fasten the jade bracelet onto Xu Wanci's wrist, his fingers twitched almost imperceptibly.
As if suddenly aware of something, he averted his eyes with a frosty expression, the air around him turning even colder.
Just then, a spiritual talisman arrived soundlessly.
With a flick of his spiritual energy, Jiang Ze caught it in his palm.
He unfolded the talisman, scanning the recorded details about the Boundless Secret Realm, his gaze lingering on the numerous dangers within.
Three breaths later, the talisman in his hand froze instantly before shattering into icy particles that vanished into the air.
In the courtyard, Jiang Qiuning heard the voice transmission in her ear, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes.
Reluctantly, she bid farewell to Xu Wanci and made her way to the Moyu Pavilion.
Standing before the figure cloaked in black robes, his form wreathed in dense mist, she bowed respectfully.
"Uncle."
Jiang Ze didn't turn around. With a wave of his left hand, one of the Jiang family's seventeen treasures—the Frostwind Mirror—landed in Jiang Qiuning's palm.
The Frostwind Mirror was an immortal-grade artifact, capable of reflecting all attacks below the Transcendence Realm. Even as the Jiang family's young mistress, she had never been permitted to wield such a divine instrument.
She looked up in confusion.
"Uncle, this is...?"
Jiang Ze remained silent. His gaze drifted back to the lonely figure in the courtyard, his attention fixed with an intensity even he didn't seem to notice.
After a long pause, his voice was cool and distant.
"Since you care for her so much."
Jiang Qiuning understood his implication, her eyes widening in shock.
Afraid he might change his mind, she clutched the Frostwind Mirror tightly and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Uncle."
After Jiang Qiuning left, Duan Ziwei also departed the courtyard.
The memory of Xu Wanci accepting his spiritual treasure played in his mind, filling him with such elation he felt as though he were floating.
By the time he snapped out of his daze, he had already scattered fifth and sixth-grade spiritual treasures all over the ground.
He scrambled to pick them up, muttering fondly,
"This is for Wanci... this is also for Wanci... everything is for Wanci!"
Meanwhile, in the Enforcement Hall.
Gu Yunqi thumped her chest confidently as she addressed the First Elder and Second Elder.
"Senior Brother, Senior Sister, don't worry. I absolutely won't scare Xu Wanci."
"Ahem, and I won't act without your permission either."
Seeing the First Elder's unchanging stern expression, a trace of helplessness flickered in her striking fox-like eyes.
"Fine, fine."
"I won't say a single word to her. Happy now?"
The First and Second Elders exchanged glances after her promise.
It wasn't that they didn't trust Gu Yunqi.
But over the past century, she had grown nearly fanatical in her pursuit of opportunities and fate.
The sheer weight of karma and fortune surrounding Xu Wanci had even stirred their own hearts—how could Gu Yunqi, already obsessed with such things, resist?
They had exhausted themselves these past days just keeping her in the Enforcement Hall.
But tomorrow was the day they would enter the secret realm...
After a silent exchange, they finally nodded in resignation.
This would have to do.
The next day.
Aboard the Jade Zenith Flying Vessel.
Ning Menglan sat at the stern, wearing an expression of long-suffering detachment.
Beside him were his direct disciple, Chu Qingchuan, and Shen Wenxin, disciple of the Listening Sound Peak's master and third-place winner of the sect tournament.
Further ahead sat the four elders—and Xu Wanci.
The First Elder meditated with practiced calm.
Both he and the Second Elder kept wary eyes fixed on the Third Elder, Gu Yunqi.
Xie Tingbai stood in his usual position, one that allowed him to observe everyone. Yet his gaze kept drifting toward Xu Wanci's direction.
Or rather, toward Xu Wanci and Gu Yunqi.
At the bow of the vessel, Xu Wanci sat quietly, one hand gently tracing the three-leaf lotus at her waist as she stared intently at the azure sky above.
That sky, so blue it almost brought tears to one's eyes.
Beside her stood a figure of noble yet icy beauty.
Gu Yunqi hadn't moved an inch for the past hour, her unblinking stare locked onto Xu Wanci with an intensity that suggested she wanted nothing more than to clutch her tightly and never let go.
She paid no heed to the countless voice transmissions urging her to return to the stern.
She hadn't said a single word—why should she move?!
Xie Tingbai listened to the Second Elder's increasingly feeble transmissions before casting another glance at Xu Wanci.
A moment later, he spoke softly.
"Second Elder, do you recall when I left the sect to wander a century ago?"
The Second Elder looked puzzled.
"Of course."
Xie Tingbai smiled faintly.
"At the time, I discovered an exceedingly rare secret realm and went to great lengths to obtain a long-lost recipe—the Thousand Transformations Elixir."
The Second Elder's voice rose in realization.
"A secret realm with such a treasure, lost for centuries—there must be countless other opportunities within!"
Xie Tingbai sighed.
"Alas, my cultivation was still weak then, and I sustained heavy injuries in the realm, forcing me to leave prematurely."
The First Elder added calmly,
"Then it seems this realm is worth revisiting."
Normally, such a conversation would have Gu Yunqi leaping to join.
But now, she didn't react at all.
Her frosty expression remained fixed on Xu Wanci, her mind consumed by a single thought:
Heh. Opportunity.
Heheh. A grand opportunity.
Heheheh. The greatest opportunity.
Xu Wanci could feel the weight of that piercing stare.
Yet her expression didn't flicker. Having walked the line between life and death countless times, her heartbeat didn't quicken even slightly under Gu Yunqi's scrutiny.
Her fingers brushed lightly over the three-leaf lotus as clarity settled in her mind:
If she remembered correctly...
Gu Yunqi, Third Elder of the Taiqing Sect, was one of the cultivation world's foremost masters of formation arrays.
Specializing in illusionary formations.
