Ji Wang took an incredulous step forward as Xu Wanci destroyed the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus.
Having stayed by her side for less than a month, he had already deeply witnessed her relentless dedication to cultivation.
Despite barely recovering from severe injuries, she had thrown herself into ceaseless training day and night. If not for others stopping her, she wouldn’t have rested even for a moment.
That was why he understood just how crucial the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus was to her—so crucial that even though her spiritual sea remained damaged, he hadn’t stopped her from using her divine sense.
But why?
Ji Wang watched the scattered motes of light dissipate, his gaze lost and bewildered:
Why would she reject such a rare opportunity already within her grasp?
Did Xu Wanci not realize?
If she missed this chance, she might never find another Twin Yin-Yang Lotus again.
Her spiritual sea might never fully recover.
Did she know what that meant?
It meant her cultivation could stagnate forever at the Nascent Soul stage.
Ji Wang stood frozen, staring at Xu Wanci bathed in the fading glow.
Her profile, illuminated by the light, carried an ethereal purity. She stood with her eyes closed, a serene smile gracing her lips.
The Twin Yin-Yang Lotus—a treasure capable of shaking the entire cultivation world—slowly, irrevocably, dissolved in her palm.
Countless specks of light gently descended upon the slumbering villagers. The Peach Blossom Village, trapped for a thousand years, was finally free.
Ji Wang clenched his fists, emotions surging unbearably within him:
It was… for these mortals.
These fleeting lives, insignificant as dust to cultivators.
At this moment, he felt nothing but awe.
Never in the cultivation world had a cultivator been willing to go this far for mere mortals.
He stood silently, and somewhere in his dust-covered Dao heart, a faint glimmer ignited.
As the light faded from the peach grove,
Ji Wang saw clearly the exhaustion hidden beneath Xu Wanci’s calm exterior.
Forcing her divine sense had worsened her spiritual sea’s injuries. Her face grew paler, her aura frail.
Instinctively, he reached out to steady her.
Then, in that instant, he sensed something—vast, yet unlike any spiritual herb or treasure.
Soul-laden motes of light surged from the peach grove, weaving into a radiant silver ribbon that danced joyously toward Xu Wanci.
He extended his hand, and a single mote brushed past his fingers—so faint, yet impossible to ignore.
Spiritual energy rivaling the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus poured relentlessly into Xu Wanci’s body.
The darkened grove blazed as bright as day under the soul’s luminescence.
Xu Wanci felt her spiritual sea mending, her dantian’s energy churning, her meridians expanding. A flicker of disbelief crossed her face.
From the moment she understood the true nature of the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus, she had abandoned any thought of claiming it for herself.
She could never bring herself to destroy so many lives for the sake of a so-called opportunity.
When she destroyed the lotus, she had prepared to leave, gravely wounded.
But she never expected Peach Blossom Village to give her such a priceless gift in return.
This was an even greater fortune than the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus, yet Xu Wanci felt no joy—only sorrow as she watched the dissipating soul-light:
What had she done?
She had merely returned what belonged to the villagers.
And yet, they had given her something so precious.
A mortal’s soul could be purer, brighter, than any cultivator’s.
Xu Wanci slowly opened her eyes. Petals, carrying the faintest fragrance, drifted past her like a farewell from the villagers who had lingered for a millennium.
A thousand years ago, a cultivator had trapped mortals in Peach Blossom Village to nurture the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus.
A thousand years later, Chu Qingchuan had stumbled upon it, plucked the lotus prematurely, and doomed the village.
Now, she had come, severed the lotus that bound the villagers’ lives, and granted them freedom.
She turned, a communication talisman already in hand.
Having been tempered by the Twin Yin-Yang Lotus, the villagers’ newly restored spiritual roots would likely grant them decent talent.
Whether they chose to cultivate or live ordinary lives was theirs to decide.
Xu Wanci crushed the talisman.
The Taiqing Sect would arrive within days.
Her steps were slow but resolute as she walked out of the peach grove.
After this, her Dao heart grew even firmer.
She would continue as before—cultivating with all her might, fighting to survive.
Xie Tingbai watched Xu Wanci pass him by before finally snapping out of his daze.
He paid no mind to the pure soul energy or how one might obtain such fortune.
His gaze remained fixed on her retreating figure, his voice uncharacteristically lost:
“Why?”
Centuries ago, he had asked the same question.
The answer then had been: ‘The strong prey on the weak—that is the law of heaven.’
So he had clawed his way to becoming the strongest in everyone’s eyes.
Now, the woman before him answered:
“The cultivation world he sacrificed his soul to save… should not be like this.”
Xie Tingbai shut his eyes.
For the first time in centuries, his heartbeat roared in his ears—wild, unrestrained.
He no longer wished to suppress it.
At last, he had found his answer.
When he opened his eyes again, his gaze—once gentle yet distant—burned with unwavering focus on the figure in blue.
For Xie Tingbai, earning someone’s trust was never difficult.
He had long mastered the art of concealing his indifference, disguising himself as an approachable friend, a mentor to be relied upon.
So it took little effort to convince all the villagers of Peach Blossom Village.
Little Guai’s eyes sparkled with anticipation for life beyond the village.
Though reluctant to leave their homes, the others trusted Xie Tingbai’s judgment and began packing with resigned sighs.
Settling in a city under the Taiqing Sect’s protection, with talented villagers joining its outer sect, was the best outcome they could hope for.
Once the villagers were settled, Xie Tingbai adjusted his robes and walked slowly back to the peach grove from the night before.
Amid the falling blossoms, a slender figure stood silently, her gaze distant and sorrowful.
Ignoring Ji Wang nearby, Xie Tingbai stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
Seeing a few peach blossom petals land on Xu Wanci’s left shoulder, he instinctively raised his hand to brush them away, only to pause mid-motion and slowly lower it again. Instead, he flicked his fingers slightly, using spiritual energy to gently sweep the petals aside.
Xie Tingbai, who always appeared composed and unflappable in front of others, found himself at a complete loss for words when facing Xu Wanci now.
After a long silence, he finally spoke softly, "These souls have been trapped here for centuries. Now that they’ve been freed, it’s a blessing."
"Their descendants have already broken free from the control of the Twin Lotus of Yin and Yang. I suppose they have no regrets left."
Xu Wanci tilted her head slightly, glancing at Xie Tingbai beside her, and replied in an equally quiet voice,
"Perhaps."
When Xie Tingbai met her gaze, his breath and heartbeat stuttered.
In the past, he had only seen calm detachment in those eyes—or, at most, a glimpse of sorrow and desolation beneath the surface.
But now, in their depths, he saw an unfathomable gentleness and kindness.
A tenderness that had nothing to do with her status as an immortal. It was simply hers.
How could someone so gentle be so merciless only toward herself?
Thinking of the unhealed wounds that never seemed to leave Xu Wanci’s body, Xie Tingbai lowered his gaze.
A dull ache rose in his chest, making him frown.
After a few breaths, he abruptly asked,
"What if there hadn’t been those soul energies?"
No one had known that this place held so many pure souls, nor had anyone guessed that their energy could heal injuries to the consciousness.
So when Xu Wanci chose to destroy the Twin Lotus of Yin and Yang, the most likely outcome had been severe, irreparable damage to her spiritual sense—hindering her cultivation permanently.
Xu Wanci’s voice betrayed no emotion as she gazed at the peach grove ahead and answered plainly,
"Then I would have kept searching."
Xie Tingbai took a step forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her. "And if you never found anything?"
Xu Wanci’s tone remained steady. "I would have kept searching."
"Sooner or later, I would have found something."
Her voice grew firmer. "The Great Dao offers three thousand paths. There’s always a sliver of hope."
"Isn’t that so?"
Xie Tingbai stood rooted in place, his emotions more tangled than ever.
He knew exactly what she meant by that "sliver of hope." He also knew it was nothing but an illusion.
But…
Did he wish it were real?
It was a question he had never considered before, yet now, he couldn’t bring himself to answer.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to.
That person would never return.
All he had to do was wait patiently.
The thought brought a faint, tender smile to his lips.
"Wanci, how is the recovery of your spiritual sense now?"
Xu Wanci blinked slowly, her voice carrying a trace of weariness.
"There’s no need for concern, Elder Xie."
"All my injuries have healed, and my cultivation has even improved slightly."
"Words alone aren’t proof." Xie Tingbai extended his hand, palm upturned, and held it before her. "Given how often someone claims to be ‘fine’ while still injured, I’d prefer to verify for myself."
Xu Wanci was, in many ways, a model patient who followed medical advice obediently. She placed her wrist precisely three inches above his palm.
Xie Tingbai channeled a thread of spiritual energy to examine the flow of her qi and spiritual sense. After a moment, he exhaled in relief and chuckled.
"The hidden damage to your consciousness and dantian has been repaired. You’re only a step away from reaching the Divine Transformation stage."
"With talent like yours, you’d rank among the very best in the entire cultivation world."
"You flatter me, Elder Xie." Xu Wanci’s eyes showed little joy. Thinking of the trials ahead, she replied calmly, "My current strength… still isn’t enough."
It was far from enough.
After the Taiqing Sect had settled all the villagers of Taoyuan Village, Xu Wanci turned back for one last look at the now-empty settlement. Then, without hesitation, she strode away.
She had loved the beauty and tranquility of this place, the leisurely pace of life here—but she couldn’t stay. There was still too much left to do.
She had to keep fighting against fate itself.
Once they left Taoyuan Village, Xie Tingbai glanced at the woman beside him and asked lightly,
"Where does Wanci plan to go next?"
Xu Wanci stared at the now-dull boulder ahead, her lashes lowering in thought.
The original novel mentioned several natural treasures that could enhance one’s cultivation. Though their grade might not be the highest, they were perfectly suited for someone at the late-stage Nascent Soul level like her.
Not far from Qingyuan City, there should be a minor secret realm…
Just as she was lost in contemplation, the sky abruptly changed.
The cloudless blue expanse was suddenly overtaken by vast stretches of violet light—radiant and overwhelming, as if dyeing half the cultivation world in its hue.
Within the violet glow, a wisp of heavenly aura flickered briefly.
This was… the sign of a supreme treasure’s emergence.
A treasure infused with the power of the Heavenly Dao!
A breath later, the violet light faded, and the sky returned to blue, as though nothing had happened.
Xu Wanci’s expression instantly grew solemn.
A treasure heralded by violet light.
The original novel had mentioned it—but not now.
It was supposed to appear thirty years later.
Back then, Chu Qingchuan had re-entered the Endless Secret Realm, obtained the Limitless Flame, and successfully completed the second volume of the Thousand Elixirs Transformation.
Even after reaching the Divine Transformation stage, he had been no match for the enemies from the demon realm—let alone the Demon Sovereign, the strongest among them.
At that time, a supreme treasure of heaven and earth had manifested.
A treasure so adept at concealment that no one could detect its presence—the Formless Divine Stone.
The Formless Divine Stone, a treasure embodying the power of the cosmos, appeared only once every few millennia. It could make words into reality.
Whether one sought wealth, talent, or cultivation—as long as it aligned with the Heavenly Dao’s laws, the stone could grant it.
Legends said it had appeared three thousand years ago, elevating a Tribulation Transcension cultivator straight to the Shattered Void stage, making them the undisputed strongest in the world.
Bear in mind, cultivators who reached the Shattered Void stage could be counted on one hand across the entire cultivation world.
The Formless Divine Stone was far more valuable and useful than even the Inkfrost Sacred Orchid.
In the original novel, countless diviners had risked their lives just to identify the treasure.
As for its location, the best they could determine was "the far western lands."
Hundreds of Tribulation-stage experts scoured every inch of the western region, yet none could find the Formless Divine Stone.
A treasure the entire cultivation world failed to locate had appeared effortlessly in Chu Qingchuan’s path.
He obtained it with ease and used its heavenly power to leap from the early Divine Transformation stage all the way to the late-stage Great Ascension realm.
A full six major realms in one step.
With the Thousand Elixirs Transformation technique and the divine artifact, the Refinement Tome, he could even hold his own against mid-stage Tribulation cultivators.
A Great Ascension prodigy under two hundred years old.
From then on, he became the undisputed number one in the cultivation world.
Once, all traces of the Clear Radiance Immortal Lord had been erased from him—his cultivation techniques, the magical artifacts and divine tools like the Refinement Divine Tome were now attributed solely to his name.
Whenever people saw him, they would only address him with reverence: "Young Lord Taiwei."
Thinking of this, Xu Wanci frowned almost imperceptibly.
It was because she had revealed the location of the Limitless Flame to Chu Qingchuan ahead of time.
After obtaining the Limitless Flame, he no longer remained stagnant at the Nascent Soul stage for years due to cultivation constraints, as he had in the original narrative.
During this period, while carrying out missions outside, he had likely seized numerous fortuitous encounters and might have even advanced to the Divine Transformation stage.
Thus, the appearance of the Formless Divine Stone had been accelerated.
As a result, the original plot had been completely disrupted, and the advantage she once held from knowing the story was gradually fading.
Yet, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Rather than relying on foreknowledge, she preferred to grow stronger through her own efforts.
The Formless Divine Stone…
If she could obtain it, even if her cultivation didn’t improve as much as Chu Qingchuan’s had in the original story, she could still leap past the Divine Transformation stage and ascend directly to the Great Ascension realm.
That would save her a century—or even longer—of arduous cultivation.
More importantly, though the Formless Divine Stone was exceedingly rare, Chu Qingchuan had encountered little resistance when he acquired it.
She knew its location, and her spiritual sense and cultivation were sufficient to enter that hidden realm.
So, why couldn’t she be the one to claim it?
Xu Wanci’s expression remained calm, but her mind was already made up.
Just then, the communication talisman on Ji Wang’s person suddenly glowed.
Seeing the message urging him to return to the Limitless Sect immediately, he furrowed his brow slightly but remained unmoved.
At the same time, Xie Tingbai’s communication talisman also lit up.
He glanced at the words inscribed upon it, his expression unsurprised.
Noticing Xu Wanci’s silence, a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes.
With a faint glance at Ji Wang, he spoke in a gentle tone,
"As an elder of the Limitless Sect, you have undoubtedly benefited from the sect’s resources. If you avoid returning when the sect needs you, it may hinder your Dao heart and disrupt your karmic balance."
Before Ji Wang could respond, he continued,
"With the Taiqing Sect here, no harm will come to our disciples. There’s no need for concern, Elder."
Xu Wanci also spoke softly,
"I’ve been under Elder Jiyun’s care these past days. If my presence delays important matters of the Limitless Sect, I would feel deeply uneasy."
Hearing her words, Ji Wang fixed his gaze on her for a long moment before finally saying with resolve,
"Give me two days. I’ll return to you then."
After Ji Wang left, Xu Wanci turned to Xie Tingbai beside her.
In the world of cultivation, she trusted no one.
The temptation of the Formless Divine Stone was too great for any cultivator to resist. She dared not gamble—she would go alone.
With this thought, she averted her eyes and murmured,
"Elder Xie, I—"
Xie Tingbai seemed to already know what she intended to say. Before she could finish, he gently interrupted,
"Can you guarantee your safety?"
Xu Wanci’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. The next moment, she turned to face him squarely.
"I can."
Xie Tingbai chuckled softly, then leaned slightly closer, enunciating each word deliberately.
"I don’t believe you."
"Wanci, when it comes to your assurances about your own well-being, I doubt anyone in the entire Taiqing Sect would take them at face value."
At his words, Xu Wanci’s brow creased almost imperceptibly.
Xie Tingbai’s cultivation far surpassed hers. If he insisted on accompanying her, she had no way to refuse.
Just as she was pondering how to evade him, he straightened again, his expression turning solemn.
He extended his hand, and a pill materialized in his palm.
"This is the Heavenly Spirit Pill. If you… perish after consuming it, it will reconstruct your body a thousand miles away and transfer your soul."
"With the strength of your spiritual sense, as long as you’re cautious, you can escape even under the scrutiny of a Tribulation Transcension elder."
This pill was equivalent to a second life.
It was the failsafe he had spent centuries refining for himself.
But now, he only wished to ensure her safety.
Xu Wanci understood the pill’s significance. She met his gaze earnestly.
"This journey holds no danger."
"If there’s no danger, then why refuse it?" Xie Tingbai’s eyes held a faint smile. "It’s just an extra pill to carry—hardly enough to weigh you down."
"If you insist on declining, then I’ll have no choice but to accompany you."
Seeing her furrowed brow, he suppressed the urge to smooth it with his fingers and lowered his gaze.
"Back then, it was only because of your guidance that I succeeded in refining the Thousand Returns Pill and advanced my cultivation."
He raised his eyes again, his gaze sincere and tender. "This karmic debt—if you refuse the Heavenly Spirit Pill, it may hinder my Dao heart."
"Indulge me this once. Let me have peace of mind."
Faced with his kindness, Xu Wanci lowered her head and silently took the pill from his hand.
After all, she wouldn’t need it.
She could return it to him once she came back to the Taiqing Sect.
But still…
She turned away, her voice barely audible.
"In the Myriad Blossom Valley of the Yuanling Secret Realm, there is a flower unlike the others. Within its stamen lies a hidden realm containing a single drop of Clarity Water."
The Clarity Water held enlightenment power. With just one drop, Xie Tingbai’s chances of ascending to the Tribulation Transcension stage would rise to sixty percent.
Since the original timeline hadn’t yet completely unraveled, if he hurried, he should still be able to obtain it.
Without another word, she strode away from Qingyuan Mountain.
Xie Tingbai stood where he was, watching her leave with a gaze more complicated than even he realized.
Of course he desired treasures.
He knew that by following Xu Wanci, he could glimpse rare artifacts before any Tribulation Transcension elder—perhaps even claim them for himself.
But…
Listening to the beat of his own heart, he slowly closed his eyes.
This was his only chance to earn her trust.
He couldn’t bear to disappoint her.
With the Heavenly Spirit Pill, at least her life wouldn’t be at risk.
That was enough.
A self-deprecating smile touched Xie Tingbai’s lips.
He had been trapped at the Great Ascension stage for centuries. Even with the Thousand Returns Pill, he had only progressed to the late stage.
That final step toward Tribulation Transcension remained just out of reach.
The Clarity Water was precisely the spiritual treasure he needed most.
How could Xu Wanci be so… so tenderly ruthless in drawing this line between them?
He opened his eyes, resignation flickering briefly within them.
What else could he do?
He would simply have to persist.
One day, he would attain his wish.
As his communication talisman glowed once more, Xie Tingbai collected his thoughts.
Three had set out together. Now, only one returned.
Thinking of the scene that would await him upon returning to the Taiqing Sect—where the sect leader and elders would see him alone—Xie Tingbai let out a helpless sigh.
He could only hope the furious sect leader wouldn’t expel him.
Before leaving, he glanced in the direction Xu Wanci had gone, unconsciously taking a step forward.
But then, catching himself, he halted. In silence, he turned and vanished into the shadows.
