#34: Preparations

Shi Luoyi didn’t actually have much confidence in convincing the sect leader and the elders.

The marriage of a mountain lord was a significant event. She had just dissolved her engagement with Wei Changyuan, and now she was proposing to marry Bian Lingyu. If they claimed to be in love, who would believe it? Even the kind-hearted elders who cared for her well-being wouldn’t easily agree—perhaps they’d only tell her to think about it for a few more years.

But Shi Luoyi couldn’t afford to wait. If her inner demons flared up again, she would become a demonic cultivator.

To be cautious, before setting out, she first took Bian Lingyu to the Pill Pavilion to meet Han Shu.

Before entering, Shi Luoyi instructed Bian Lingyu: “You and Hui Xiang wait here for me.”

Bian Lingyu waited outside with Hui Xiang.

Hui Xiang had something weighing on her mind, and her emotions were complex. Seeing the youth’s jade-like countenance, his aloof and otherworldly demeanor, he seemed cold and serious no matter how she looked at him—completely unlike someone who would agree to such an absurd proposal from Shi Luoyi.

Yet, he had indeed agreed.

Hui Xiang wasn’t very familiar with Bian Lingyu, not as close as she was with Wei Changyuan. But Shi Luoyi was the child she had watched grow up, and she feared that this matter might spiral out of control and hurt her young mistress. Thus, she decided to speak up.

“Has Master Bian ever heard of Dao Lord Shi Huan?”

Bian Lingyu glanced at her sideways. His long eyes were like ink drops, carrying the chill of early spring. It seemed as though he could see through Hui Xiang’s thoughts in an instant, remaining silent for a moment.

Hui Xiang sighed, feeling a bit sympathetic toward him, but still voiced her concerns: “Dao Lord Shi Huan’s wife was frail and mortal. When she was on the verge of death, the Dao Lord nearly went against the heavens to change fate. He suppressed his cultivation to avoid ascending, risking his life to obtain divine medicine, dropping a small realm in cultivation, yet he still couldn’t save her. For all these years, the Dao Lord has never been able to move on, nor could he ascend again. In the end, for the sake of sentient beings, he fell into eternal slumber in the Delusion Sea.”

“Young Mistress’s temperament is like Dao Lord Shi Huan’s—simple and stubborn. Though I am foolish and useless, I don’t wish for my young master to follow in her father’s footsteps, exhausting everything to keep you by her side. I know Master Bian doesn’t intend to harm her, so please guard your heart well and don’t let her fall in love with you, alright?”

Bian Lingyu didn’t know when Hui Xiang had figured it out, but having his feelings known didn’t bother him in the slightest. He calmly replied: “I never intended to let her know.”

Hui Xiang could tell he was speaking the truth and felt somewhat reassured.

There was nothing more she could say at this point.

Because the straightforward sword cultivator emerged holding a bottle of medicine. Shi Luoyi asked, “What were you two talking about? What shouldn’t be known?”

Hui Xiang glanced at Bian Lingyu and said, “We were saying that the truth about the marriage shouldn’t be known to the sect leader.”

Bian Lingyu silently agreed. He immediately noticed something was off about Shi Luoyi, his gaze falling on her abdomen.

Shi Luoyi hadn’t expected him to be so perceptive—or perhaps it was just a coincidence. Since returning from the barren mountain, she had been in a good mood. Smiling, she pointed to her belly and joked, “Of course, we can’t let the sect leader know. Bian Lingyu, do you want to feel our child inside my belly?”

Hui Xiang nearly choked.

Bian Lingyu remained relatively calm. He clearly remembered that day—he hadn’t been inside Shi Luoyi at all… Her eyes had been blood-red, her expression both pitiful and fierce, clearly under the influence of her inner demons. However, Bian Lingyu had remained fully lucid. Knowing she might regret it later, he had steadfastly guarded himself at the last moment, enduring with great restraint to prevent things from worsening.

Bian Lingyu quickly understood and asked, “Xining Pill?”

“You’re really clever,” Shi Luoyi praised him. “It seems you’ve read plenty of alchemy books. If only you could cultivate—if you did, you’d definitely surpass even Bian Qingxuan.”

Hui Xiang noticed the icy youth’s indifference melting slightly. His long hands remained hidden beneath his cloak, not overstepping to touch her belly.

Shi Luoyi assumed he still didn’t want to touch her or show interest in the realistic pill. “Let’s go. Everything should be fine now. With a child on the way, even if they oppose us, it won’t matter.”

Hui Xiang was almost frightened to death by their boldness. The sword cultivator’s bluntness and arrogance were terrifying! For a moment, she truly thought Shi Luoyi and Bian Lingyu had actually done something.

Thankfully, they hadn’t. Thankfully.

________________________________________

Shi Luoyi anticipated that the trip to Qingzheng Hall wouldn’t go smoothly. She brought out the Mountain-Seal Stamp left by Shi Huan, summoning both the sect leader and the eight great elders.

The sect leader’s expression darkened as he glared at the Mountain-Seal Stamp in Shi Luoyi’s hand.

Seeing the fleeting jealousy in his eyes, Shi Luoyi couldn’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and amusement. The sect leader had always been inferior to her father. In his youth, when Shi Huan refused to take the position of sect leader, he had seized the opportunity. To gain support, the sect leader personally forged a Mountain-Seal Stamp, presenting it to Shi Huan with the promise that the stamp would carry the same authority as the sect leader himself. This earned him recognition from the others.

This was proof of the sect leader’s humility and cowardice in his youth. Shi Huan, upright and honorable throughout his life, had never used the stamp out of respect for his senior brother. In her past life, Shi Luoyi had deeply respected her elder sect uncle and had refrained from using the Mountain-Seal Stamp no matter how difficult things became.

Now, seeing the sect leader’s barely concealed gloominess, Shi Luoyi began to understand why he had treated her the way he did in her past life instead of simply killing her. The sect leader had lived his entire life in the shadow of jealousy toward Shi Huan, never achieving breakthroughs.

Clearly, the sect leader saw her as a younger version of her father. He wanted her to endure the same frustration and humiliation he had experienced back then. By praising Bian Qingxuan and relentlessly belittling her, he felt as though he was suppressing Shi Huan himself.

Cultivators needed a catalyst to overcome their obsessions.

Perhaps the day she died in disgrace would also be the day the sect leader achieved his breakthrough.

But in this life, even if she were to die, she wouldn’t allow the sect leader to have his way.

After hearing Shi Luoyi’s intentions, everyone present exchanged glances, falling into silence. Although sword cultivators were known for their thick skin, this… having a child already? Wasn’t this too outrageous?

Only Han Shu remained silent. Shi Luoyi had already discussed the matter with her beforehand. While shocked by the sect leader’s malice toward Bu Ye Mountain, Han Shu was originally a friend of Shi Huan’s and naturally sided with helping Shi Luoyi return home and awaken her father.

Thus, Han Shu stepped forward to vouch for them: “Since there’s already a child, Sect Leader, why not bless their union?” The Xining Pill was precious, and even the sect leader couldn’t discern its authenticity.

Another elder frowned: “Luo Yi, do you truly love this mortal?”

Shi Luoyi nodded and turned to look at Bian Lingyu.

At this moment, she should have held Bian Lingyu’s hand or kissed him to prove their unwavering love. But looking at his godlike face and meeting his gray, glass-like eyes under the gaze of everyone present, she hesitated, unable to bring herself to act.

Bian Lingyu coolly watched her, then glanced at her withdrawn hand.

In this world, love and the lack thereof were the hardest things to conceal.

Shi Luoyi stood awkwardly: “….” Well, it should be fine. At least they already had a child.

The sect leader’s slightly sinister gaze shifted between Shi Luoyi and Bian Lingyu. Without a word, he shot an ice spear directly at Shi Luoyi’s belly.

Shi Luoyi never expected the sect leader to attack. The ice spear looked incredibly sharp, though it moved slowly. Amid her shock and confusion, she instinctively reached for her blade to block it.

But before she could act, a slender hand grasped the ice spear.

Bian Lingyu held the ice spear and looked at the person seated above: “Why does Sect Leader wish to harm her?” He didn’t have Shi Luoyi’s brazenness to speak of protecting their child.

Something fabricated wouldn’t evoke any feelings in him.

Shi Luoyi was on edge, thinking Bian Lingyu had gone mad. That ice spear could easily sever his hand—he was just a mortal, how dare he recklessly intervene! She hurriedly checked his hands: “Are you alright? Why did you reach out!”

The icy palm of the youth now rested in her grasp.

Bian Lingyu turned his head to look at her, feeling the warmth of her palm. His fingers involuntarily curled slightly. However, she didn’t notice, too focused on her anger. Only when she saw no wounds on his hand did she relax, glaring at the sect leader.

“What is Elder Shibo trying to do?”

The sect leader explained: “Don’t be alarmed. I only feared that you were harboring resentment over the Wei family’s broken engagement and were treating this matter lightly as a result. But now, seeing him willing to risk injury to protect you, I understand your intentions. In that case, if you wish to marry, there will naturally be no objections.”

As expected, the ice spear fell to the ground, dissolving into mist.

The other elders also seemed to have an epiphany.

Shi Luoyi broke out in a cold sweat, inwardly cursing the old man’s cunning. If not for Bian Lingyu’s quick thinking, she would have fallen for his trick—even having a child wouldn’t have guaranteed their marriage!

The sect leader continued: “If you wish to return to Bu Ye Mountain for the wedding, it is appropriate. However, your father suppressed many demonic beasts there. Given the ferocity of the beasts, your youth, and the fact that your Dao partner is a mortal, I must honor my promise to your father to protect you. After your marriage, you should still return to Ming You Mountain so that I may continue to oversee your safety.”

Shi Luoyi looked at him and smiled: “Very well, thank you, Elder Shibo.”

The sect leader had been observing her reaction, initially suspecting that Shi Luoyi might already know something. Seeing her readily agree to return, he began to doubt his own paranoia, wondering if she truly knew nothing.

Shi Luoyi and the sect leader each harbored their own thoughts, but at least the matter of returning to Bu Ye Mountain for the wedding was settled.

This time, Shi Luoyi had no intention of giving Bu Ye Mountain back to the sect leader—she already had a plan in mind.

As they stepped out of the hall, Hui Xiang approached: “How did it go?”

Hui Xiang’s gaze fell on their intertwined hands. Shi Luoyi glanced down and noticed that Bian Lingyu hadn’t pulled away, clearly keeping his promise to cooperate with her. But Shi Luoyi didn’t dare take advantage of him—she still remembered his warning: if she dared provoke him again, one of them would die first.

She couldn’t die, but she feared that Bian Lingyu might not be able to bear the humiliation. Quickly, she let go of his hand.

She nodded to Hui Xiang.

Still puzzled, Shi Luoyi asked Bian Lingyu: “Did you see through the sect leader’s scheme earlier? Why did you reach out to grab the ice spear? That was very dangerous.”

Bian Lingyu withdrew his hand, the lingering warmth of her palm still on his fingertips. He remained silent for a moment before replying shortly and coldly: “Yes, I saw through it.”

Shi Luoyi couldn’t help but scold him softly: “Even so, you shouldn’t have done it. What if you were wrong and the ice spear was real? Don’t do that again next time.”

Bian Lingyu glanced at her, then turned his face away, completely ignoring her.

Hui Xiang sensed that he was suppressing a hint of cold anger. At first, she didn’t understand why until she heard Shi Luoyi say: “You acted so well that even the sect leader believed it! I was supposed to handle it, but I’m not good at this kind of thing.”

Hui Xiang finally understood.

No wonder Bian Lingyu was angry. How could Shi Luoyi fail so miserably at pretending to adore him, yet still tell him not to do it again?

This wasn’t just anger—it was a sadness that even someone as aloof as him couldn’t control.

However, Bian Lingyu’s cold fury didn’t last long. With the sect leader’s decree in hand, they could now openly return to Bu Ye Immortal Mountain.

The engagement was arranged hastily, and there were many preparations to make, so they had to leave today.

When they returned to Bu Ye Mountain with Hui Xiang, Shi Luoyi felt a bit dazed.

On the surface, she hadn’t been home for three years, but in reality, it had been more than sixty years since she last saw Bu Ye Mountain.

But a sword cultivator’s temperament doesn’t dwell on sentimentality. Remembering that this was Bian Lingyu’s first visit, she smiled and said to him: “Let me show you around Bu Ye Mountain! I wasn’t lying—it really is beautiful.”

Atop the mountain stood a majestic immortal palace. While the mortal realm was still experiencing the chill of early spring, Bu Ye Mountain was warm and welcoming. Countless ice lotuses bloomed at the summit, while wildflowers flourished halfway up the mountain.

Shi Luoyi was as excited as a child who had been away from home for a long time, pointing things out to Bian Lingyu: “There are hot springs up there, clear springs and lakes within the mountain, and spiritual beasts all over the rear mountain. Some have even cultivated into spirit creatures. My father never harmed them, so they live here and cultivate.”

Bian Lingyu didn’t interrupt her, quietly listening as she spoke.

“Do you know why Bu Ye Mountain is called ‘Bu Ye’? It’s because it’s the place closest to the moon. Above the immortal palace, it feels like you can pluck the moon with your hands. Beneath the moonlight, it’s as if there is no night.”

Her joy was infectious, and he followed her gaze. Bu Ye Mountain truly was a pure and sacred place. No wonder the sect leader envied it, and no wonder it nurtured a girl like Shi Luoyi.

“And where is your home, Bian Lingyu? Where did you live before?”

“Heaven’s Blaze Ravine.”

“What a strange name. Is it a city in the mortal realm?”

No—it was a cage scorched by heavenly fire, a place where he had been imprisoned for seven hundred years as a child. There were only evil spirits and skeletons, endless yellow sand, and not a single blade of grass.

Only when his tail grew would his mother come to that house, and he would finally see a living person.

Bian Lingyu’s tone remained calm as he answered Shi Luoyi, without any trace of hatred or fear toward Heaven’s Blaze Ravine. But that place was far from beautiful, and there was nothing worth sharing with her. Shi Luoyi pressed him with a few more questions, but seeing that he didn’t want to elaborate, she let it go.

On their way back to the immortal palace, countless spiritual beasts and sentient spirit creatures surrounded Shi Luoyi, flying around her. They were excited, spreading the news: “Miss Luo Yi has returned!”

“The Fairy of Bu Ye Mountain is back!”

Soon, even two simple Grass Spirits perched on her shoulders. They eagerly vied for her attention, creating quite the lively scene.

“Fairy, is it fun outside Bu Ye Mountain? How have you been these past few years?”

Shi Luoyi shook her head. As unwelcome as she had been in Ming You Mountain, she was equally beloved here in Bu Ye Mountain.

Only upon truly returning to this place did she recall what she had been like sixty years ago.

She remembered the bits and pieces that had been stripped away from her over the years by the sect leader and Bian Qingxuan.

Bian Lingyu watched her from the side, lowering his eyes. If she hadn’t encountered them back then, perhaps everything would have been different.

That day, she shouldn’t have picked him and Bian Qingxuan out from among countless corpses.

The wedding was rushed, so everything had to be kept simple.

The entire mountain’s spirits received orders and sprang into action, busily decorating with great enthusiasm. They were quite naive, not questioning why Shi Luoyi’s Dao partner had suddenly become Bian Lingyu.

Shi Luoyi was also busy. She racked her brains, crafting one spiritual crane after another to invite her father’s friends.

Only in this way could she reclaim Bu Ye Mountain on the day of the wedding. She was so busy that she didn’t even have time to look after Bian Lingyu, so she simply summoned Ding Baiye to assist.

Knowing it was a fake marriage, and with Hui Xiang having warned Bian Lingyu beforehand, Bian Lingyu—already a cold and self-disciplined person—only intended to help her reclaim Bu Ye Mountain. That is, until the fox spirit responsible for arranging the rooms came to show him the bridal chamber.

“The fairy is still making spiritual cranes and said you could take a look instead. Does Master find it satisfactory?”

The fox spirit’s voice was high-pitched and flirtatious.

Bian Lingyu raised his eyes and saw a sea of bright red decorations. The most striking and exquisite feature was the bed, behind which stood a semi-concealing screen painted with fish playing among lotus flowers. There was also a bath large enough for two people.

Incense burned on the table, and with just one whiff, Bian Lingyu knew something had been added to it.

The fox spirit grinned, speaking in a human-like voice as if boasting: “The bed isn’t big, but it’s sturdy. Master can rest assured—it won’t break under use. The incense won’t harm the body; it’ll strengthen it. Little Bai and the others said that since Master is currently...inconvenienced, he might need this.”

Bian Lingyu gripped the armrest tightly, trying his best to remain calm.

Shi Luoyi clearly didn’t understand the concept of “knowing people and assigning tasks appropriately.” How could she let a fox spirit handle the arrangements? What did a fox spirit know?

“Change it,” he said after a moment of silence, his voice low. “Get rid of all this.”

He had never entertained any illusions about what was possible. From the very beginning, he had no such expectations.