AUOF - 78

The big-eyed creature carried Cui Wan’ning rather roughly on its back, while Ji Hengyu whistled to summon Yuxue, lifting Sang Li onto it. One in front and one behind, they sped through the air.

Neither of them paid any attention to Yan Jinglou, who trailed behind them, his resentment manifesting as a force that churned the clouds into a murky haze.

Sang Li naturally ignored his petty grievances, slumping weakly against Ji Hengyu’s chest, while he held her securely from behind.

The effect of the elixir was minimal—it had stopped the pain, but waves of exhaustion continued to wash over her. She didn’t want to appear vulnerable in front of Ji Hengyu, so she forced herself to stay upright by sheer willpower.

Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, her head was suddenly pressed down firmly, and she was pushed further into his chest.

“Sleep.”

His clear, cold voice blended with the wind. Sang Li briefly froze before slowly closing her eyes.

Ji Hengyu lowered his lashes slightly, unsure if she had fallen asleep. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke softly: “What I said to Yan Jinglou earlier… it wasn’t sincere.”

Though drowsy, Sang Li couldn’t fully relax at such a critical moment. Hearing this, she lifted her lashes slightly. Her vision was obstructed, allowing her to see only half of his face and the gaze that fell upon her.

Her heart stirred. “I know.”

Ji Hengyu’s brow relaxed slightly. “Good.”

An indescribable feeling welled up in Sang Li’s chest, tickling her insides.

She wasn’t foolish. In such a perilous situation, the more indifferent Ji Hengyu appeared toward her, the safer she would be. Why then… did he feel the need to explain himself?

Was he afraid she’d misunderstand?

Unable to resist, Sang Li stole another glance at him. This time, Ji Hengyu didn’t look back at her. His distant gaze rested far ahead, his face calm and expressionless.

She lowered her eyes to the hand resting on her waist.

Ji Hengyu held her tightly enough to keep her secure without causing discomfort, and she hadn’t noticed until now that his hand had been wrapped around her waist all along.

Traces of blood lingered on his fingertips—whether his own or someone else’s, it was unclear.

That streak of crimson highlighted the jade-like perfection of his fingers, even the subtle sheen of his nails. His sleeve shifted slightly, revealing an inch of red, serpentine-patterned curse markings that exuded an eerie allure.

In the past, Ji Hengyu had always concealed his arms and wrists, rarely exposing them. Unconsciously, Sang Li touched her own arm, where an identical mark lay.

It was the symbol of their entwined curses.

She hadn’t noticed before, but now that she had, a strange unease spread through her body.

A burning, itching sensation crept from her waist, spreading across her entire body. Feeling uncomfortable, she squirmed slightly, attempting to shift away. But before she could escape his grasp, his hand tightened, pulling her back firmly.

“Sit still.”

Ji Hengyu’s tone carried an unyielding insistence.

Sang Li’s neck flushed red, and she froze, too embarrassed to move.

Fortunately, this awkwardness didn’t last long. The clouds thinned, revealing the mountainous landscape below. At the highest peak among the ranges stood the infamous Wuding Sect of the cultivation world.

Yuxue descended lower, giving them a clearer view.

The mountain barrier rippled like waves spreading outward, encircling the entire mountain range. Leading the charge were the outer sect disciples, followed by the inner sect disciples, and behind them stood the elders and guardians of the sect.

The entire sect was vast and imposing, yet facing them alone was Lu Qinghe.

Lu Qinghe’s current state was also far from normal. He resembled a crazed beast, devoid of reason, wreaking havoc on everything around him.

“Let’s go.”

Ji Hengyu urged Yuxue forward, retracting its wings as it dove into the battlefield alongside the big-eyed creature.

The scene was utter chaos.

Blades clashed with spells, shaking heaven and earth. The frenzied cultivators, blinded by bloodlust, failed to notice the intruders entering the fray.

“Form the array!”

At the eldest disciple’s command, the formation masters activated their arrays. A Taiji formation descended from the sky, trapping Lu Qinghe.

“Fire arrows!”

Taking advantage of his evasion, the archers atop the rooftops drew their bows to full tension. Countless arrows rained down like a storm, piercing through trees and stone steps alike.

Under these circumstances, rescuing Lu Qinghe safely was laughable.

Sang Li leapt onto the big-eyed creature’s back and patted it. “Go! Retrieve the Floating World Bell!”

The big-eyed creature let out a loud cry, flapping its wings as it prepared to fly forward. Suddenly, Cui Wan’ning, who had been feigning unconsciousness, sprang into action, jumping off its back and fleeing into the crowd.

The three of them immediately grew alert and chased after her.

Yan Jinglou blocked Ji Hengyu’s path, preventing him from pursuing.

Only Sang Li managed to chase after her successfully.

Amidst the chaos of clashing swords and flying debris, Cui Wan’ning struggled to escape. To avoid being caught in the crossfire, she occasionally grabbed nearby cultivators to use as human shields.

“Cui Wan’ning, do you really think you can run anywhere?”

Sang Li, riding the big-eyed creature, cut her off.

Cui Wan’ning panted heavily, skillfully using others to block incoming attacks.

Whoosh!

A sharp arrow pierced through a bystander’s neck, splattering blood across her delicate features. Cui Wan’ning tilted her slender neck, her gaze eerily calm.

“All who hear my voice shall be under my control!” She flung a handful of pollen, her gaze resembling that of a leech lurking beneath water. “Kill her.”

The low-level cultivators, unable to resist the venomous蛊(poison), charged toward her in a frenzy.

Seizing the opportunity, Cui Wan’ning turned and ran toward the high platform, kneeling before the commanding disciple. Her blood-streaked hands clutched desperately at his robes. “Master, please save me! That demoness has conspired with the Mirror Demon to kill me. Can you allow me refuge within your sect?”

She already possessed an appearance that evoked pity. Now, with tears streaming down her cheeks and an aura of fragility, she resembled a wilting lily.

And lo and behold, amidst the crowd stood none other than the Mirror Demon!

The commanding disciple was startled. While arranging for Cui Wan’ning to be escorted inside, he sent word to report the situation.

As Cui Wan’ning’s retreating figure disappeared from sight, Sang Li paused momentarily before leaping off the big-eyed creature. “Big Eyes, quickly hide in my sleeve.”

The big-eyed creature let out a confused whimper, tilting its head.

She stroked its wings gently. “I need to go inside, but you must be afraid of returning there. You can hide in my sleeve, where you won’t see anything and won’t feel fear.”

Its pupils contracted, golden eyes reflecting the looming mountain gate behind them.

To it, this place was no different from a prison.

Buzzing with apprehension, the big-eyed creature swiped away those approaching with ill intent, summoning its courage. “Gurgle… not afraid, gurgle… stay with you.”

Sang Li smiled warmly. “You’ve protected me before, and now I want to protect you. Some fears don’t need to be overcome.” She said, “After today, you’ll never have to return here.”

The big-eyed creature’s eyes lit up. With a heavy nudge against her shoulder, it transformed into a wisp of black mist and hid itself within her sleeve.

Unwilling to tangle with the swarm of cultivators, Sang Li unleashed the Huagu Ling into the air, using its momentum to leap over the walls and enter the sect.

No sooner had her figure vanished than Yan Jinglou ceased his battle. With a single strike, he broke free from the纠缠(entangled) cultivators blocking his path, carving a way for himself. Transforming into black mist, he pursued her relentlessly.

Seizing the opportunity, the malevolent force shattered the mountain gate. The Wuding Sect was completely overrun.

Flames spread, and evil miasma filled half the sky. The malevolent force’s presence echoed with piercing screams throughout the land.

He slaughtered indiscriminately, his vision awash with crimson.

The blood staining him became a karmic burden, granting him greater power while simultaneously stripping him of his right to reincarnation as a human.

Ji Hengyu stood at a distance, observing it all.

Ji Wu had recovered significantly. Witnessing this scene, he sighed silently. “What a pity. This person possesses the Seven Lives Jade Bone, a celestial blessing. If he had cultivated properly, he could have ascended to immortality within a thousand years, becoming a star official at the very least. Even if he remained mortal, he would have been reborn seven times as an emperor.”

But alas, slaughter leads to corruption, corruption breeds malevolence, and malevolence clings to the soul. Even if a fragment of his spirit remains, his next life will be one of suffering, forever deprived of peace.

Ji Hengyu’s expression flickered slightly as he asked, [Can you move?]

[Do you underestimate me? Those eleven puppets practically worship me as their father. How could they possibly bring me down?]

Uninterested in his boasting, Ji Hengyu instructed, “Retrieve the Floating World Bell and protect Lu Qinghe. I’ll go find Sang Li.”

Ji Wu: [Alright, alright. You’re the master—I’ll do as you say.]

Ji Wu materialized, soaring into the sky to break through the annoying arrow formation. Forming a crimson whirlwind, he enveloped the malevolent force, seizing the Floating World Bell hidden on its body. After tossing the bell to Ji Hengyu, Ji Wu followed closely behind the malevolent force, acting as a shield.

After obtaining the bell, Ji Hengyu gave it a gentle shake.

Traces of Lu Qinghe’s blood remained on it. He entered the bell’s memories, browsing through them briefly before raising an eyebrow in understanding. “...So that’s how it is.”

Quite the romantic.

Ji Hengyu stored the bell and followed the trail into the Wuding Sect.

________________________________________

The architecture of the Wuding Sect was meticulously arranged according to the principles of the Taiji Bagua Array.

At the center of the Bagua diagram stood the Ancestral Hall, housing the memorial tablets of past sect leaders.

Cui Wan’ning had fled on foot, running all the way from the outer courtyard to the rock maze outside the Ancestral Hall.

Sang Li pursued her relentlessly. Seeing her attempt to pull off another “golden cicada sheds its shell” trick, Sang Li lost patience. Transforming the Huagu Ling into an icy ribbon, she ensnared Cui Wan’ning’s arm and yanked her back with force.

Cui Wan’ning continued to struggle desperately. “Let me go—!”

The woman was as cunning and wicked as ever, even in her final moments, attempting to drag Sang Li down with her.

Sang Li’s sharp mind refused to fall for such a scheme!

She tightly bound Cui Wan’ning and now only awaited Ji Hengyu to bring the Floating World Bell.

In the blink of an eye, a gust of palm wind attacked from behind. Sang Li sidestepped, but her neck was caught in the other’s large, icy hand.

Her gaze met his suppressed fury and disdain.

Sang Li heard the creaking sound of her bones tightening. The suffocation felt like drowning, accompanied by a sharp tearing pain.

The moment he loosened his grip, Cui Wan’ning scrambled toward the mountain array.

Sang Li didn’t give her a chance to escape. The Huagu Ling, which had been restraining her arm, split into another strand, wrapping around Cui Wan’ning’s neck.

The force pulling from behind caused Cui Wan’ning to stumble awkwardly, nearly falling to the ground. Her forehead struck a sharp rock, blood gushing forth and staining half her face.

Yan Jinglou’s eyes grew colder. “Release her.”

With her throat constricted, Sang Li struggled to speak.

She opened her mouth, her voice strained and hoarse: “Let… me… go.”

The instant her words fell, Yan Jinglou tightened his grip further.

The sudden loss of breath brought tears streaming down her face, her complexion turning red and blue. Still, she refused to yield, tightening her grip on Cui Wan’ning even more.

When Cui Wan’ning let out a cry of unbearable pain, Yan Jinglou, his expression twisted, slowly withdrew his hand.

As air rushed back into her lungs, Sang Li gasped like a stranded fish returning to water. She panted heavily, coughing and choking, tears splattering everywhere.

Yan Jinglou turned to help Cui Wan’ning up, but Sang Li, having just caught her breath, gave her no chance. Using the Huagu Ling, she attempted to regain control over Cui Wan’ning. Seeing through her intentions, Yan Jinglou flicked a spell that struck her wrist.

The pain of her broken bone forced her to withdraw her hand and lose control of the Huagu Ling.

Cradling her fractured wrist, she watched as he shielded Cui Wan’ning, his gaze dripping with murderous intent.

Suddenly—

A gust of wind surged.

Ji Hengyu entered the hall alone.

Yan Jinglou’s eyes sharpened, his knife-like nails aiming for her chest.

Behind him came the malevolent force and countless sect disciples, their battle cries echoing in their ears. There was no time left.

Ji Hengyu opened his palm, revealing a blood-stained crimson jade hairpin—

The very one Cui Wan’ning had used to attempt suicide.

He dripped the blood onto the Floating World Bell, and the pain in his chest emerged almost simultaneously.

The nail hadn’t fully pierced through yet.

Ji Hengyu tossed the Floating World Bell toward the two of them.

Ding ling.

Ding ling.

The sound of the bell chiming was so melodious and pleasant.

She saw Yan Jinglou’s fierce, wrathful brows close at hand. The bell obscured the fleeting shock in his eyes.

“No—!”

Cui Wan’ning’s pupils trembled, and her entire body lunged forward.

But it was in vain. When the bell’s chime ended, the three of them were pulled into the realm of false memories.

Scrolls unfurled before them like cascading waterfalls.

The first scene showed three thousand years ago, Xiaochong Mountain.

Seeing the familiar landscape, Yan Jinglou froze, momentarily forgetting to withdraw the nail-like fingers embedded in her chest.

“No, no!”

“Don’t look! Ayan, I beg you, don’t look.”

“Let me out—!”

Cui Wan’ning collapsed into sobs, desperately trying to seize the Floating World Bell suspended in mid-air.

But once the memory realm began, it wouldn’t stop.

She scrambled and crawled, clutching Yan Jinglou’s leg tightly, sobbing and pleading: “Ayan, don’t look, this is fake! Ayan! It’s fake!!! Hurry and kill her, she’s deceiving you!”

Yan Jinglou seemed to be in a daze, his entire body wooden and unresponsive.

Yet his eyes still moved, slowly wandering with the rolling scrolls.

Then, Yan Jinglou slowly withdrew his hand from her body.

Sang Li groaned as she stumbled back two steps. With a crunch, she casually reset the broken bone in her hand.

Cui Wan’ning’s gaze was venomous, like a poisoned dagger. Hatred and fear robbed her of reason, and with a desperate mindset, she retrieved a hidden weapon, screaming as she lunged at her.

Before she could approach, the big-eyed creature leapt out, pinning her under its wings, the weapon rolling to the side.

Sang Li was utterly exhausted. Clutching the reopened wound in her abdomen, she sat to the side, quietly watching the memory scrolls alongside Yan Jinglou.

She was curious too. What kind of unforgivable deeds had she committed to make Cui Wan’ning hate her so much?

Countless lifetimes ago, Cui Wan’ning was born into humble origins.

Her father was a drunkard, and her mother favored her only son, neglecting her. Finally, when Cui Wan’ning was ten, she was sold to a brothel to raise dowry money for her younger brother.

These scenes unfolded before their eyes, causing Sang Li to wrinkle her brow in discomfort.

Looking again, she saw her stop resisting, collapsing on the ground in pitiful sobs. This stirred a complex mix of emotions within Sang Li.

Soon, an elegant carriage appeared before Cui Wan’ning, who was struggling fiercely to break free.

At the sight of the carriage, Yan Jinglou’s entire body tensed.

He didn’t blink, didn’t breathe, staring unblinkingly at the images flashing across the scrolls.

The lifted curtain revealed a youthful face.

The girl was barely seven years old, with twin braids. Though it was already spring, her neck was still wrapped in fluffy fox fur, making her cherubic face even more endearing.

When this face appeared, Sang Li saw the man beside her shudder violently, as if struck by lightning.

She was somewhat surprised too.

This face bore a resemblance to her own real appearance, almost identical to how she looked as a child.

Who was this?

The real Luo Wanwan?

“She looks pitiable. If you’re willing, come with me.” The young girl, likely visiting such a place for the first time, spoke solemnly despite her red ears and shifting gaze, betraying her unease.

Everyone fell silent.

Finally, a maid descended, showing a token and coldly ordering the madam—

“Our young mistress has spoken. Why haven’t you released her yet?”

The madam recognized the identity on the token, bowing deeply and nearly kneeling. “Ah, it’s the young mistress of General Luo’s household. Since the young mistress has spoken, we dare not keep her.”

The young mistress of the Luo family…

So that was indeed Luo Wanwan.

Cui Wan’ning had reincarnated many times, and the scrolls floated aimlessly, showing her past lives.

Yan Jinglou had no interest in her mundane daily life. In his urgency, he grabbed the scroll, flipping through it roughly and hastily, until finally, he found her memories after entering the household.

“The name ‘Zhaodi’ isn’t good.”

It was summer in Xiaochong Mountain. The young girl, dressed in emerald green, sat at a desk.

The carved window beside her was open, flowers spilling into the courtyard.

The maid standing next to her was tall and slender, noticeably healthier than when they first met. Though not stunningly beautiful, she was quite refined.

Luo Wanwan dipped her brush in ink, writing characters. “Let me think. Today is Xiaoman (Grain Buds). Life is hard to achieve perfection, but Xiaoman is enough to bring peace of mind. How about naming you ‘Xiaoman’?”

The maid’s eyes reddened slightly, brimming with gratitude. “I’ll do as the young mistress says.”

“No, not my words. Yours.” Luo Wanwan shook her head repeatedly, the jade tassel hanging from her hair swaying uncontrollably against her face. “Outwardly, you are my maid, but inwardly, you are my elder sister. More than status, I want you to be happy in my presence.”

The young girl in the scroll smiled warmly, just as a flower branch peeked into the window, casting warmth into her smile. Everything seemed brighter.

Cui Wan’ning stared blankly, somewhat lost in thought. She had long forgotten this memory.

She had almost forgotten that it was Luo Wanwan who gave her a new life, who taught her how to live properly, who made her realize that she was loved.

How had it come to this in the end?

Cui Wan’ning could no longer recall her original purpose. She no longer wanted to be dirt beneath others’ feet; she wanted to be someone above.

Yan Jinglou’s breathing was uneven, his trembling fingertips continuing to turn the scrolls.

In Cui Wan’ning’s memories, he saw himself, and Luo Wanwan.

They met, became acquainted, and shared an unspoken affection. She was like a witness, recording everything with her own eyes.

The maid hiding in the shadows was like a rat in the dark, secretly observing the love and care showered upon her by the family, gradually transitioning from envy to jealousy, and then step by step into hatred.

Sometimes, consumed by jealousy, she would secretly dilute the medicine given to her. During each meeting, she would talk about the scenery outside, describing everything that made her envious.

Day after day, the situation finally took a drastic turn.

Luo Wanwan’s pulse grew faint. The imperial physician said she wouldn’t survive the New Year.

That day, Luo Wanwan concealed her illness and spent her last Mid-Autumn Festival with him before sending him off to Guixu Mountain.

The lantern carrying her wish was released, only to be retrieved by Xiaoman later.

Yan Jinglou felt as though he were dying.

His heart raced chaotically, each scene slicing through him like a dull blade.

But he dared not blink, dared not speak, torturing himself by forcing himself to continue watching.

In Cui Wan’ning’s memories, Luo Wanwan was like a flower that gradually withered away.

While he eagerly anticipated returning from Guixu Mountain with the elixir to save her life, she had already lost her tomorrow.

By the time he learned of Luo Wanwan’s condition, she was already on her deathbed.

The soul-capturing pearl he painstakingly brought back was like that lantern, easily falling into Cui Wan’ning’s hands.

The frail figure on the bed was as thin as a cicada’s wing. She didn’t use the pearl to extend Luo Wanwan’s life but selfishly concealed it, watching her take her last breath, close her eyes, and be placed into the coffin amid the wails of her loved ones.

At that time, Luo Wanwan… was only sixteen years old.

The taste of blood filled his throat, tears mixing with blood seeping between his teeth.

His towering frame nearly collapsed, held up only by sheer willpower.

The scrolls slowly rotated.

Xiaoman hid in the now-empty courtyard, holding the soul-capturing pearl, her greedy gaze nauseating.

“If I eat it, I can become immortal... I can escape this lowly existence.” Fear and guilt toward Luo Wanwan made her mutter incessantly, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Wanwan, forgive me... forgive me, Wanwan. I don’t want to live like this anymore. You are loved and cherished by everyone, but I have nothing.”

“Master came to see me today, saying my mother is here, wanting to find me a husband. They asked if I wanted to go home. I don’t want to go home, nor do I want to marry. I don’t want to live a hard life.”

“Wanwan, you’ve enjoyed love and luxury all your life. Everyone adores you. You’ve had enough. I... I can only do this, only this...”

“I want to become immortal. I want eternal life. I want no one to ever bully me again.”

She swallowed her tears, bringing the soul-capturing pearl closer, opening her mouth to swallow it.