After the lively gathering, an even deeper loneliness settled in.
As the crowd dispersed, the courtyard fell so quiet that only the sound of breathing remained.
Yet, Xu Wanci's expression remained unchanged, the gentle smile at her lips just as serene as when others were present.
Petals from the Illusory Beauty Tree fluttered in the wind, and one landed softly in her palm.
As if snapping out of a daze, the curve of her lips gradually smoothed.
She lowered her gaze, studying the Three-Leaf Lotus at her waist intently before allowing another faint smile to surface—one far more genuine than any she had shown in front of others.
In the Rain Ink Pavilion,
Jiang Ze's heartbeat stuttered for a fleeting moment at the sight of that smile, only to slow to an almost imperceptible pace the next.
His eyes darkened, the air around him growing so frigid that even the teacups in the pavilion frosted over.
Yet, he didn’t look away.
His gaze remained fixed on Xu Wanci—watching as she set down the Three-Leaf Lotus, as she picked up her spirit sword once more, as she practiced her forms deep into the night without the slightest hint of fatigue.
Just as relentless as before the Sect Competition, just as reckless with her own well-being.
Finally, Jiang Ze averted his eyes.
What did it have to do with him?
His expression indifferent, he turned to leave.
But then, an almost imperceptible wisp of scattered spiritual energy drifted past.
Even a Great Ascension cultivator might not have noticed the momentary stagnation in the spiritual flow, yet it made Jiang Ze halt in his tracks.
His lips pressed into a thin line, the vast night obscuring all emotion, leaving only his icy, bone-chilling advice:
"Three fingers as the guide, stabilize the core energy."
In the courtyard, Xu Wanci heard the transmitted voice and adjusted accordingly. Her swordplay instantly became smoother.
After completing a set of the Breeze Sword Art, she sheathed her spirit sword and bowed toward the direction of the Rain Ink Pavilion.
"My gratitude for Young Master Jiang Ze's guidance."
Hearing her words, Jiang Ze was abruptly reminded of how she addressed others—those informal, intimate titles, so unlike the honorifics she used for him.
His fingers twitched slightly, as if by accident, before he remarked indifferently:
"If you wish to address me differently, this Venerable would not mind."
Xu Wanci's expression didn’t waver. She merely bowed again and said,
"Propriety must be upheld."
Jiang Ze's voice carried no trace of concern as he replied flatly,
"As you wish."
Yet, the moment he spoke, thick frost spread across the inner walls of the Rain Ink Pavilion.
Ten days later, Chu Qingchuan finally refined the Limitless Flame, completing the second volume of the Thousand Elixirs Transformation and successfully forming his Nascent Soul.
The phenomenon that followed was like wildfire, engulfing half of the Taiqing Sect.
Unlike Xu Wanci’s gentle, life-nourishing celestial phenomenon, Chu Qingchuan’s manifested in roaring flames, so intense they seemed to scorch the spiritual energy of those nearby.
With two disciples achieving Nascent Soul and both triggering celestial phenomena, even the ordinary disciples of the Taiqing Sect seemed to bask in an air of jubilation.
At dawn, Xu Wanci finally emerged from meditation.
Over the past days, she had spent her mornings practicing swordplay and her nights in deep cultivation.
Aside from brief moments of rest, she had devoted nearly every waking hour to training.
And yet…
It was still too slow.
She closed her eyes, veiling the flicker of impatience within them.
Though her innate talent was exceptional and her daily cultivation was diligent, such extraordinary progress—far surpassing ordinary cultivators—was still insufficient for her.
The crises she would soon face would undoubtedly be more numerous than before.
She had to become strong enough.
And then there was Chu Qingchuan.
After completing the latter half of the "Thousand Elixirs Transformation" a century ahead of time, his cultivation speed had grown even faster than in the original timeline.
She had anticipated this the moment she revealed the location of the Limitless Flame.
But in the Wuwang Secret Realm, she had no other choice.
The original text only detailed the whereabouts of the Jade Soul Bellflower and the Limitless Flame. To appear thoroughly familiar with the secret realm, she couldn’t afford any slip-ups.
Thus, she had no choice but to let Chu Qingchuan obtain the Limitless Flame early—this way, she could secure the Jade Soul Bellflower flawlessly, achieve her Nascent Soul breakthrough, and trigger celestial phenomena.
Only then would the Fifth Elder dare not divine her fate.
But if Chu Qingchuan’s cultivation advanced too quickly, the crises from the original plot would likely arrive ahead of schedule.
If only there were a spiritual treasure that could accelerate cultivation…
As if struck by a thought, Xu Wanci’s fingertips twitched slightly:
If she remembered correctly, the Void Mustard Seed would soon appear.
The Void Mustard Seed was a miniature secret realm—an expanse of emptiness containing boundless spiritual energy, enough to sustain a cultivator’s progress all the way to the Mahayana stage.
Cultivating within it was five times faster than in the outside world.
In the original timeline, the celestial phenomena from Chu Qingchuan’s Nascent Soul breakthrough had drawn too much attention, alerting the sect master of the Tianxuan Sect and prompting him to send envoys to probe the Taiqing Sect.
To test whether Chu Qingchuan was truly the prophesied Child of Destiny, they sabotaged him during an outbound sect mission…
Yet in the end, their interference inadvertently led him to obtain the Void Mustard Seed.
At this thought, Xu Wanci slowly opened her eyes:
This time, it was she who achieved her Nascent Soul breakthrough before the Wuwang Secret Realm, and she who triggered the celestial phenomena.
Chu Qingchuan, meanwhile, formed his Nascent Soul within the Taiqing Sect, his breakthrough unnoticed by other sects.
So…
This time, would the Tianxuan Sect’s target be her—or Chu Qingchuan?
In the Tianxuan Sect.
Sect Master Li Qinglin sat on the main throne of the grand hall, his expression icy.
Recalling the celestial phenomena he had witnessed days prior, he snorted coldly:
"Merely a disciple breaking through to Nascent Soul."
"And they had to do it within the Tianxuan Sect’s territory."
"What’s there to boast about? As if our sect lacks Nascent Soul disciples."
His voice dripped with resentment:
"Celestial phenomena or not, the cultivation world is fraught with peril—who knows if they’ll perish the next moment?"
"That old fool Ning Menglan had better protect his disciple well."
Once, the Tianxuan Sect had ranked among the ten great sects of the cultivation world. But over time, it declined, now reduced to a mid-tier sect sharing a city with countless other factions.
Li Qinglin’s lifelong ambition was to restore the Tianxuan Sect to its former glory.
Hearing this, guest elder Lv Tianyun’s hand paused as he lifted his teacup.
Gaunt and frail, his hair and beard half-white, he exuded an aura of decay—as if death loomed near.
Setting down the cup, his voice carried a chilling undertone:
"Sect Master, I've heard that the one who achieved the Nascent Soul breakthrough isn't Chu Qingchuan, whom we've been monitoring all along, but rather a Taiqing Sect disciple named Xu Wanci."
Li Qinglin abruptly set down his spirit tea, his expression shocked:
"Not Chu Qingchuan?"
Without waiting for Lv Tianyun's reply, he continued with visible unease:
"Such profound and astonishing celestial phenomena could only manifest for one blessed with extraordinary destiny."
"Could it be that the Taiqing Sect has two Children of Destiny?"
He immediately shook his head after speaking:
"Impossible. Within centuries, two Children of Destiny could never be born simultaneously."
"Yet we've observed Chu Qingchuan for so long—the abundance of destiny upon him is undeniable to both of us."
Hearing Li Qinglin's unsettled words, Lv Tianyun's voice suddenly grew firm:
"Sect Master, if there's only one true Child of Destiny, then what is there to fear?"
"Our plan will not fail."
"The Tianxuan Sect will surely restore its former glory."
As he spoke, Lv Tianyun rose and bowed respectfully to Li Qinglin:
"Allow me to investigate on your behalf and determine which of them is the genuine Child of Destiny."
Li Qinglin quickly lifted him with a surge of spiritual energy, his face filled with gratitude:
"To have Elder Lv is truly Tianxuan Sect's fortune!"
"Then I entrust this journey to you, Elder."
By noon, Xu Wanci had already cultivated for an entire morning.
Ever since Shen Wenxin learned of her daily cultivation routine, she had taken to visiting the Ten Thousand Swords Peak frequently.
It wasn't that she lacked manners or came uninvited—it was simply that Xu Wanci's cultivation regimen was too reckless with her health. Shen Wenxin had once attempted to follow the same schedule, only for her spiritual energy to grow restless from prolonged circulation. It took her a full day's rest to recover.
Yet no one could persuade Xu Wanci to slow down, so Shen Wenxin could only visit during breaks, keeping a watchful eye. Even if she could coax Xu Wanci into resting for just one incense stick's worth of time, it would be worth it.
The gift of the Falling Petal Strings alone was enough for her to revere Xu Wanci as a benefactor.
Moreover, she genuinely admired her temperament. Whenever she was near her, Shen Wenxin felt her mind grow still, as if her very state of mind had broadened slightly.
Still, for some reason, an inexplicable sorrow lingered in the air here.
Lost in thought, Shen Wenxin lifted her gaze to Xu Wanci, who had just sheathed her spirit sword. She opened her mouth to ask something but suddenly recalled her master's warning.
Her lips parted and closed before she forcibly sealed them shut.
Well, her master surely meant no harm.
She would simply follow his instructions—speak less, act more.
With that, she eagerly stepped forward and offered a cup of spirit tea to Xu Wanci:
"Wanci, you must be tired. Have some tea to replenish your spiritual energy."
Xu Wanci glanced at Shen Wenxin's bright-eyed expression before lowering her gaze and accepting the tea:
"Thank you. Next time, I can manage on my own."
She didn't dislike liveliness—she just... could never truly belong to it.
Shen Wenxin hastily waved her hands:
"It's nothing, really! No need for thanks."
"Besides, isn't it convenient to have someone ready to serve tea while you practice swordplay?"
"I really enjoy—"
doing this for you.
Xu Wanci’s grip on the teacup tightened slightly, as if something had crossed her mind. For a fleeting moment, the aura around her was so sorrowful it could bring one to tears.
In the next breath, she had composed herself, burying all traces of grief and nostalgia beneath a calm exterior.
She raised the teacup and drained it in one go.
After setting it down, she took two steps forward, her voice carrying a faint, almost imperceptible bitterness:
"Thank you."
"But there’s no need for this in the future."
Shen Wenxin watched Xu Wanci’s retreating figure, inexplicably overwhelmed by a wave of shared sorrow.
Ning Menglan, who had arrived at the doorway, observed the scene with growing complexity in his heart.
He could clearly sense the shift in Xu Wanci’s demeanor, which only deepened his astonishment:
Back when Xu Wanci practiced her sword…
The Immortal Venerable Qingyan hadn’t merely watched or offered guidance—he had even… poured tea for her?
That was the Immortal Venerable Qingyan, a figure revered above all others, half a step into divinity.
Yet he had indulged her to such an extent, favored her so deeply…
Every time Ning Menglan thought he had grasped the full weight of Xu Wanci’s place in the Immortal Venerable’s heart, something would happen to prove him wrong.
Though…
His gaze drifted to Shen Wenxin standing nearby, and his eyelids twitched involuntarily:
Such unintentionally piercing remarks—only she could deliver them so effortlessly.
At that moment, Shen Wenxin noticed him and quickly turned to bow:
"Greetings, Sect Leader."
Xu Wanci also bowed gracefully:
"Greetings, Sect Leader."
In Ning Menglan’s eyes, Xu Wanci had now become the most pivotal figure for the Taiqing Sect’s destiny.
Seeing her bow, he hurriedly used his spiritual energy to stop her:
"There’s no need for formalities."
Remembering his purpose, Ning Menglan stepped further into the courtyard and spoke with a tone of gentle persuasion:
"Wanci, your cultivation has reached the Nascent Soul stage. Staying within the sect and training day and night might hinder your mental state."
"Why not take on some missions and travel down the mountain? Consider it a way to clear your mind."
He knew how relentlessly Xu Wanci had been cultivating lately, barely pausing even when Jiang Qiuning and the others visited—their presence offering only brief respite.
Too much of anything was harmful.
During the sect’s grand competition, she had been the same. Back then, though concerned, he hadn’t intervened.
At the time, he still hadn’t been certain.
He could only see the depth of Xu Wanci’s devotion to the Immortal Venerable, but he hadn’t dared to infer the reverse.
But now…
Xu Wanci’s importance to the Taiqing Sect was too great—so great that he couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering even the slightest harm.
Yet, given Xu Wanci’s fervor for cultivation, a mere suggestion like this would likely not sway her.
So before she could respond, he added:
"This has been the tradition since the founding of the Taiqing Sect."
"But if Wanci dislikes the idea, I’ll make an exception for you."
Hearing his words, Xu Wanci froze for a moment before nodding:
"I’ll go."
Ning Menglan exhaled silently at her answer.
He understood. What moved her wasn’t his offer to break the rules—it was his mention of tradition.
Ever since learning there was hope for the Immortal Venerable’s revival, she had strived to appear… no different from anyone else.
He could guess her reasons, and it only deepened his guilt.
Yet to reignite her will to live, he—or rather, they—had no choice but to proceed this way.
No matter what he truly felt inside, his outward demeanor remained dignified yet approachable. He handed over a selection of carefully chosen tasks, most of which carried little to no danger, and offered them with a warm smile:
"Here are some assignments. Wanci, take a look and see where you'd like to go to clear your mind."
Xu Wanci accepted the list, quickly scanning it before her gaze settled on the entry in the corner—the Gathering Shadow Forest.
In the original story, this was where Chu Qingchuan had obtained the Instant Pocket Dimension.
She peeled off the spiritual glow marking the task and looked up at Ning Menglan with firm resolve.
"I’ll go to the Gathering Shadow Forest."
Ning Menglan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly at her choice.
The mission itself wasn’t particularly dangerous, but the forest was dark and eerily silent—hardly an ideal place for lifting one’s spirits.
Still, he had only just managed to persuade Xu Wanci to agree. Best not to push further.
Just then, Shen Wenxin cautiously sidled up to Xu Wanci. Spotting the task—hunting a sixth-grade Phantom Beast in the Gathering Shadow Forest—her eyes lit up.
"Wanci, I’m a sound cultivator. My techniques counter Phantom Beasts perfectly."
"Let me go with you!"
Ning Menglan shot Shen Wenxin a stern glance but only said,
"Wenxin, remember your master’s instructions."
Speak less, act more.
As he returned to Guiyuan Peak, a disciple hurried over with news:
"Sect Master, Elder Lv Tianyun, the guest elder of the Tianxuan Sect, has come to visit."
Ning Menglan’s expression tightened briefly.
The Taiqing Sect and Tianxuan Sect hadn’t interacted in decades.
What could Lv Tianyun possibly want here?
Composing himself, he waved a hand.
"Then invite Elder Lv in at once."
In the Guiyuan Hall, Ning Menglan greeted Lv Tianyun with warm courtesy.
"It’s been too long, Elder Lv. You’re as distinguished as ever!"
Lv Tianyun bowed slightly, shaking his head with a sigh.
"You flatter me, Sect Master Ning. Nowadays, I—"
"Enough of that." He chuckled heartily, levitating a spirit treasure toward Ning Menglan with a surge of qi. "I came to congratulate the Taiqing Sect on gaining two new Nascent Soul Dao Lords."
"Dao Lords who reached Nascent Soul at just over a century old, both accompanied by celestial phenomena during their breakthroughs." His face brimmed with admiration. "Sect Master Ning, your fortune is truly enviable."
Ning Menglan remained unflappable, gesturing for Lv Tianyun to take a seat before replying lightly,
"Merely luck on their part."
"Don’t let them hear such praise, Elder Lv, or their pride will soar beyond the heavens."
Lv Tianyun laughed politely, then feigned solemnity.
"Chu Qingchuan’s talent is peerless, and his character is steady and upright. Many venerable ones have taken notice."
"Sect Master Ning, you ought to treat him well—strict when needed, but never neglect care. Otherwise, some venerable might just snatch him away."
Ning Menglan waved a hand, grinning.
"With advice like that, it seems I should start doting on my only personal disciple!"
Lv Tianyun smiled before continuing,
"And what of Xu Wanci? Does she have a master?"
Ning Menglan’s eyes narrowed faintly, but his expression smoothed over in an instant as he replied jovially,
"The Taiqing Sect has always been considerate of its disciples. Now, it’s up to which esteemed master can win her heart and make her willingly take them as her mentor."
Lv Tianyun carefully observed Ning Menglan’s expression, and upon getting the answer he wanted, he smiled and shifted the topic:
"I’ve long heard that the Huaquan wine of the Taiqing Sect is renowned throughout the cultivation world. This time, I must drink to my heart’s content!"
Ning Menglan waved his hand, and a disciple entered the hall carrying spiritual wine.
With a light chuckle, he said, "Today, Elder Lv and I shall not part until we’re thoroughly drunk!"
After returning to the guest quarters prepared for him by the Taiqing Sect, reeking of alcohol, Lv Tianyun waved his hand to isolate the space. His expression turned cold as he addressed the disciple beside him:
"Did you find out?"
The disciple reported everything they had uncovered in half a day.
Hearing this, a sinister smile curled on Lv Tianyun’s lips:
"Who is the Child of Destiny? We’ll soon find out."
The next day.
At the foot of the Taiqing Sect’s mountain.
Shen Wenxin glanced at Xu Wanci on her left, then turned to look at Chu Qingchuan and Jiang Qiuning on her right, her expression odd.
The relationship between these three…
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, she instinctively wanted to lighten the mood but suddenly remembered her master’s words.
The phrase "What a coincidence" was quietly swallowed back.
At that moment, Chu Qingchuan cleared his throat, breaking the silence:
"Junior Sister Xu, Junior Sister Shen, so you’ve also taken on the mission to the Gathering Shadow Forest."
"This works out well. If we cooperate, we’ll surely capture the Phantom Beast."
After speaking, he instinctively glanced at Xu Wanci, his gaze cautious.
These past few days, he had been busy refining the Primordial Flame, completing the second volume of the Thousand Elixirs Transformation, and forming his Nascent Soul.
He hadn’t yet had the chance… to thank her.
If not for her that day, he would never have obtained the Primordial Flame.
Just then, Jiang Qiuning, standing beside him, spoke up:
"He just formed his Nascent Soul. I was worried about the trip to the Gathering Shadow Forest, so I came along."
But as she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Xu Wanci, never straying for even a moment.
Hearing her words, Chu Qingchuan quickly averted his eyes and turned to Jiang Qiuning, his expression tender and affectionate.
Jiang Qiuning also seemed to notice something, raising her head to look at him gently.
Yet, the moment their eyes parted, both instinctively glanced at Xu Wanci from the corners of their vision.
Xu Wanci stood where she was, her eyes slightly lowered, her left hand gently and lingeringly caressing the three-leaf lotus at her waist, utterly indifferent to whatever was happening around her.
Meanwhile, Shen Wenxin, watching the "intimate" display between Chu Qingchuan and Jiang Qiuning, dared not speak a word, strictly following her master’s instructions. Still, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly:
"Senior Brother Chu and Young Mistress Jiang are truly devoted to each other!"
But then…
She glanced at Jiang Qiuning, who had subtly moved to stand beside Xu Wanci, and blinked in confusion:
For some reason, something felt… off.
An hour later, aboard the flying vessel.
Jiang Qiuning watched the swiftly moving vessel, her brows furrowing imperceptibly.
Below them lay a bustling city, perfect for a leisurely break.
Moreover, after being on the flying vessel for so long, Wanci’s body surely needed rest.
With this in mind, she approached Chu Qingchuan, who was controlling the vessel, and said softly:
"Qingchuan, you’ve just formed your Nascent Soul. You shouldn’t overexert yourself. Why not stop the vessel and rest for a while?"
"Phantom beasts only emerge at night. A short rest won't delay our mission."
Chu Qingchuan felt slightly bewildered:
Controlling the flying boat with spiritual energy was hardly taxing—just an hour's work, how could it be exhausting?
Yet, faced with Jiang Qiuning's concern, he obediently landed the vessel in the clearing outside the city walls.
Shen Wenxin observed the scene, propping her chin on her hand as she marveled inwardly once more:
The young mistress Jiang truly dotes on Senior Brother Chu...
Before she could finish the thought, she saw Jiang Qiuning stride swiftly to Xu Wanci's side, her face etched with worry as she fussed over her:
"Wanci, you've been on the flying boat for so long—aren't you tired?"
"Would you like some pastries or a cup of spiritual tea?"
"Up ahead is Luoyu City—they have all the latest silks and hairpins. Why don't we take a look and relax a bit?"
Xu Wanci turned to Jiang Qiuning and replied softly,
"Thank you, Qiuning."
"But there's no need. I'm perfectly fine."
To her, the world beyond was no different from within the Taiqing Sect.
Her gaze lowered slightly, resting on the three-leafed lotus with its usual tenderness:
"You all go ahead and explore."
"I'll wait here for you."
At her words, Jiang Qiuning swiftly changed tack:
"Now that I think about it, Luoyu City doesn't have anything particularly special. I'll stay here with you."
Chu Qingchuan watched Jiang Qiuning's affectionate demeanor toward Xu Wanci, his expression stiffening imperceptibly.
Then, as if struck by sudden realization, his attitude shifted entirely. His eyes brimmed with emotion as he looked at Jiang Qiuning:
She must be treating Xu Wanci so kindly because of the karmic debts he owed her.
After all, her initial visits to the Sword Peak had been to express gratitude on his behalf.
For his sake, she was willing to endure jealousy, suppressing her own displeasure to be gentle with Xu Wanci...
The more he dwelled on it, the more tender his gaze toward Jiang Qiuning became.
Shen Wenxin observed the scene, her confusion deepening. In just an hour, she suddenly felt... the dynamics between these three had grown utterly perplexing.
After intermittent travel, the group arrived at the Gathering Shadows Forest as night quietly descended.
Faced with the dark, whispering thicket, Shen Wenxin immediately stepped forward to shield Xu Wanci—only to be abruptly pulled aside by a surge of spiritual energy.
Jiang Qiuning's expression was gentle yet concerned:
"Fellow Daoist Shen, your cultivation is still shallow. You should stay toward the rear."
Turning, she addressed Xu Wanci with earnest focus:
"My cultivation is the highest here. Let me lead the way."
Xu Wanci blinked slowly.
"I should go first."
She knew the original plot—once inside the formation, no harm would come.
Chu Qingchuan, blessed with formidable fortune, would emerge with nothing worse than injuries.
But Jiang Qiuning and Shen Wenxin were different.
She had to reach that tree before they did.
Her voice softened:
"I wish to test my limits."
Though visibly worried, Jiang Qiuning didn't argue.
Only Chu Qingchuan lingered at the back, watching the three women, inexplicably feeling like he had no place in their conversation.
The group ventured deeper into the shadowed woods.
In the oppressive silence, glimpses of the phantom beast flickered past—far swifter than any sixth-tier creature ought to be.
And so, step by step, they were lured toward the forest's heart.
Watching Xu Wanci walking ahead, Shen Wenxin frowned and said:
"If we keep searching like this, who knows how long it’ll take to find it. Why don’t I just force it out with my spirit zither?"
"After all, the Gathering Shadow Forest doesn’t have any overly powerful spirit beasts. At worst, we’ll capture them one by one!"
Xu Wanci’s gaze fell upon a tree whose bark pattern differed slightly from the other trees in the forest. She reached out and lightly tapped the trunk.
At that moment, the century-old full moon suddenly appeared.
Feeling the sudden, overwhelming suction force pulling at her hand, she spoke calmly:
"Stop."
The formation’s level was too high, and Xu Wanci’s voice was so composed that no one noticed anything amiss.
The three of them tensely scanned their surroundings, yet they couldn’t detect any trace of the phantom beast.
Jiang Qiuning whispered, "Wanci, you—"
Before she could finish, she saw Xu Wanci’s hand vanish into the tree just five steps away.
Jiang Qiuning immediately gathered all her spiritual energy, yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t reach her.
Chu Qingchuan and Shen Wenxin rushed over as well.
By now, half of Xu Wanci’s body had already been pulled into the formation, yet her expression remained gentle and serene.
"This formation only allows one person to enter or exit."
"Wait here for me."
Seeing the redness in Jiang Qiuning and Shen Wenxin’s eyes, she added firmly:
"I’m only going in because I’m curious about this formation."
"There’s no need to worry."
Shen Wenxin’s eyes burned crimson as he watched Xu Wanci disappear into the tree trunk, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled.
"Wanci… she did this for us."
A formation so advanced that none of them had sensed its activation—just how perilous must it be?
Xu Wanci had stepped into it alone, ensuring their safety outside.
