Chang Yao was also pondering this very question.
When should she kill Song Jixue?
It was too easy; it seemed possible at any moment, yet she was in no particular hurry.
Song Jixue, burdened by the feather poison and carrying a "useless" person with no spiritual power, traveled slowly. They reached the Central Provinces only at dusk. Along the way, numerous carriage convoys could be seen, and upon entering the city, they found it teeming with cultivators.
Most were disciples of the two great immortal sects, Shengjian and Fengtian. The attire of red inner robes and white outer robes was the hallmark of medical and alchemical cultivators from the great sects. These cultivators all bore solemn expressions, whispering to those beside them while holding herbs and elixir pills.
The temperature fluctuated greatly at night. Song Jixue had Chang Yao wear a cloak, pulling the hood low to hide her completely. Holding hands, the two walked toward the city exit, avoiding the crowds.
Chang Yao looked curiously toward the gathering of disciples from the two great sects and whispered, "Have they already begun summoning medical cultivators to the Central Provinces?"
The Fei of the West Sea had only just emerged; the plague would not spread instantly, but the seeds had been planted. It was only a matter of where it would erupt first. This news had only spread during the day, yet by evening the Central Provinces had gathered a massive number of medical cultivators, showing how seriously the situation was being taken.
Song Jixue glanced in that direction as well. "They are all disciples of the Fengtian Dingxiu Gate."
The Fengtian Dingxiu Gate taught medical cultivation to the world. Every Gate Master was typically the recognized Medical Saint of the cultivation world. Coincidentally, the current Gate Master, Ye Zhiqing, had lost in cultivation rank to the wife of Kunlun’s Lord of Dayin Mountain. Thus, the title of the world’s foremost medical cultivator was snatched away by Kunlun.
Following that battle, Ye Zhiqing suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Xia Sangyi and went into lifelong seclusion, vowing not to emerge as long as Xia Sangyi lived.
Ye Zhiqing's disciples had knelt and pleaded for days to no avail, eventually leading to a rift with Kunlun.
However, their resentment was primarily aimed at Dayin Mountain. Chang Yao caught sight of several figures walking toward the Dingxiu Gate disciples and paused, whispering, "Shall we take a detour?"
Song Jixue hummed in agreement, but just as they turned, a smiling voice called out from behind: "Jixue."
Chang Yao knew they couldn't leave now.
The newcomer’s footsteps were faint, almost non-existent, yet given the cultivation of the two, they were bound to notice. It was a detail executed with such precision that it made avoidance impossible.
"I was just speaking of you with Qiguang, and in the blink of an eye, I see you and Chang Yao passing by."
Song Jixue lowered his gaze slightly and looked up as he turned, his expression neutral as he faced the young man in white robes and a gold belt.
The current leader of the cultivation world, the youngest Sect Leader of the Fengtian Sect, Fu Ji.
This man was the benchmark of the cultivation world; his appearance, temperament, and cultivation were all beyond reproach. Two years ago, he inherited the position of Sect Leader and subsequently the role of Immortal Leader. All the immortal sects from the four seas had gathered in the Central Provinces to congratulate him—a memorable spectacle.
Within two years, the Fengtian Sect, led by Fu Ji, had actively exorcised demons and slain monsters. Each deed was enough to make the younger generation envious and admiring for years. He had amassed immense prestige in a short time; no one remained unconvinced of his merit.
Chang Yao was unconvinced, but she wasn't human, so it didn't matter.
However, her husband's relationship with this young Immortal Leader was quite subtle.
Though Song Jixue maintained a peaceful facade, Chang Yao could sense he disliked Fu Ji, and it had been that way for a long time.
Furthermore, another person stood beside Fu Ji: Lord Yunshan’s third senior brother, Qiguang.
Qiguang didn't even spare Song Jixue a glance; his handsome face was written over with impatience.
The poor relationship between these two fellow disciples was common knowledge. The friction began before Song Jixue ever became the Sect Leader of Yunshan. Qiguang was deeply dissatisfied with him inheriting the leadership and had spent years away from the sect. Even if he returned to Kunlun, he would not enter Yunshan; his rejection was blatant.
Several disciples approached and bowed respectfully. "Lord Yunshan, Mistress of the Mountain."
Song Jixue stepped forward to shield Chang Yao unobtrusively. He listened as Fu Ji spoke: "The Lord of Dayin Mountain already informed me of your feather poisoning. He was truly worried about you, so I waited here specifically for you."
He then glanced at Qiguang. "We also know about Yan Zibian. Rest assured, the vital intelligence he traded his life for will not be wasted. True Lord Feili of the Xuantian Sect in the West Sea has confessed and is currently held in the West Sea water dungeon. I happen to want to discuss this with you."
Fu Ji made an inviting gesture. The young man in white and gold was exceptionally handsome; though his looks fell slightly short of Lord Yunshan’s, his temperament was far gentler and more approachable. He possessed a natural affinity that easily earned the trust of others.
Song Jixue’s brow furrowed slightly with impatience; he was unwilling to go with Fu Ji. Fu Ji then looked at Chang Yao and said, "I recently obtained a Soul-Warming Pill from the Xiyuan Spiritual Cave. It dispels cold, maintains warmth, and nourishes Qi. It is very suitable for Chang Yao."
"No need," Song Jixue said tonelessly, his patience exhausted. "Let’s go."
Qiguang said displeasedly, "What kind of attitude is that?"
His tone was sharp, suggesting he might draw his sword to fight at any second.
Song Jixue raised an eyebrow, not bothering to be polite either. Fu Ji stepped between them and laughed off the tension. "Alright, alright. Jixue has always been like this; I’m used to it. Regarding True Lord Feili, I have an object I must show you."
"However, that object carries too much evil energy. Those below the Soul-Spirit realm may find it difficult to stand in its presence. I must trouble Chang Yao to wait outside for a moment."
Chang Yao looked up slightly, her hood sliding back a bit, meeting Fu Ji’s elegant and warm face. His dark, bright eyes showed a clear sense of apology.
In previous years, Chang Yao had often suspected that this man’s gentleness was a facade, but every time she was proven wrong. Eventually, she gave up trying to figure him out; after all, she only looked at Fu Ji in the first place because of Song Jixue.
"Go ahead," Chang Yao said, looking back at Song Jixue. "I’ll wait outside."
Only then did Song Jixue follow Fu Ji toward the Fengtian Sect disciples.
Night had fallen, and the city lights were lit.
Even if the West Sea was already gripped by panic, the Central Provinces remained serene and beautiful. Only among the cultivators who knew the truth was the atmosphere slightly heavy.
The street vendors continued to hawk their wares, and the food stalls were full of color and aroma, luring Chang Yao closer step by step.
She ate at a barbecue stall for quite a while. The stall owner was grinning from ear to ear, diligently grilling skewers for her. Chang Yao took off her hood. The night wind felt cool. With one hand holding her food and the other smoothing down her wind-blown hair, she ate slowly since it was her last skewer.
Coincidentally, three or five Fengtian Sect disciples arrived at the neighboring stall.
"Boss, three bowls of jelly cake to go," the leading youth said, handing over some silver.
"Coming right up!" the boss replied.
There were two men and three women, all young, dressed in Dingxiu Gate disciple uniforms. They were chattering incessantly.
At first, Chang Yao paid them no mind, until the title "Lord Yunshan" drifted into her ears.
"...Senior Sister just said the Sect Leader is talking with Lord Yunshan. How come I didn't see when he arrived?"
The youth rolled his eyes. "Pfft, what’s so special about people from Kunlun?"
"Shh! Lower your voice, that’s Lord Yunshan you're talking about," a girl with freckles on her face whispered, making a silencing gesture.
The youth who had paid laughed. "Junior Sister, what are you afraid of? Our Dingxiu Gate's relationship with Kunlun has never been good anyway."
The freckled girl whispered, "Isn't that just a grudge with Dayin Mountain? Lord Yunshan is the Sect Leader of a mountain..."
Before she could finish, she was interrupted by an arrogant youth: "So what? My father told me he only became Sect Leader because he picked up the position his senior brothers didn't want. Every one of his senior brothers comes from a great clan. He’s the only one of lowly birth; even his master, True Lord Chengjing, doesn't favor him. He only became Sect Leader because those senior brothers were too disdainful of the position to take it and let him have it instead."
The freckled girl’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Chang Yao bit her bamboo skewer and glanced sideways. The youth seemed very pleased with the girl's reaction. With a mix of disdain and pride, he continued, "My father told me this himself. Our Fengtian Sect is the undisputed number one immortal sect, and our Sect Leader is the head of all sects. Since becoming Lord Yunshan, he has repeatedly been disrespectful to our Sect Leader, acting arrogantly because of his title. It’s no wonder his senior brothers don't like him and won't even return to Yunshan."
"What... so Lord Yunshan is that kind of person..." the other two girls said with some pity. "I thought he was just like the rumors said..."
The youth interrupted again: "The rumors are all lies. You’ve just been deceived by his looks. What use is being handsome if your heart is crooked? Hmph."
The freckled girl said sadly, "Then the stories about Lord Yunshan and his wife are also fake?"
"Oh, you girls are so gullible!" the youth said in exasperation. "If his wife hadn't lost her spiritual meridians to save him back then, would someone like him have ever agreed to marry? 'A loving couple'—it’s all a lie. Someone like him wouldn't know..."
"Three bowls of brown sugar jelly cake, ready!" the boss called out.
"Fine, stop talking." The older youth took the cakes and gave the boy a look. People nearby were starting to watch the scene, and the boy was getting carried away. "Hurry and take the food back to your Senior Sister, or she’ll start nagging if we're late."
The teenagers then changed the subject and left, laughing.
Chang Yao retracted her gaze and continued eating in a leisurely manner.
Suddenly, a slender figure approached and handed silver to the vendor: "I'll have one portion."
"Yes, yes, coming right up." The vendor became busy again, turning to grab ingredients.
The woman at the stall held a light green silk fan to cover her face, revealing only a pair of seductive eyes. She glanced at Chang Yao beside her and let out a thin, low chuckle.
"The Lord of Wujiu doesn't seem hurried at all," Painted Skin whispered into Chang Yao’s ear. "Shouldn't this kind of matter be handled as quickly as possible?"
Chang Yao also smiled. "You want to do it?"
"I wouldn't dare! How could I steal your job?" Painted Skin giggled. "I'm just giving you a friendly reminder. Lord Yunshan is currently injured and has no defenses against you. Don't be soft-hearted when it’s time to act. After all, you’ve been a couple; it would be understandable if you couldn't bring yourself to do it at the critical moment."
"The Demon Emperor likes you quite a bit," Chang Yao said, her head tilted, staring intently at her. "Even though you’re rather useless, he’s willing to keep you by his side. Would killing a confidant of the Demon Emperor make him angry enough to retaliate? I’m feeling a bit hesitant."
The corner of Painted Skin's eye twitched, and she quickly backed away. "Don't be angry. None of us want the Earth Ghost Gate to be resealed. If Lord Yunshan dies before that happens, then this matter... Ah!"
Before she could finish, Painted Skin felt a burning pain on her face. She screamed, clutching her face. When the vendor looked back, he only saw blood on a light green fan, while the owner of the fan had already turned and fled.
Chang Yao smoothed a lock of hair by her temple and smiled at the bewildered vendor. "She gave her portion to me."
When Song Jixue emerged from the building, he saw his wife sitting under the eaves across the street eating skewers. A pile of bamboo sticks lay beside her, showing she had eaten quite a bit.
As he approached, Chang Yao, chewing on the half-stick of her last skewer, blinked at her husband.
She said muffle-voiced, "Last one."
"Is it good?" Song Jixue asked.
Chang Yao nodded, glancing at Fu Ji and Qiguang behind him.
"Sect Leader! Sect Leader!" a disciple ran frantically down the corridor. "Something is wrong! Junior Brother Jueming has caught the plague!"
Fu Ji frowned and immediately followed.
"Shall we go see?" Chang Yao signaled with her eyes. "A cultivator catching the plague inside the Central Province city seems a bit strange."
Song Jixue took her hand and followed as well.
As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they heard wretched wailing from inside. Someone shouted, "Catch him! Don't let him run out!"
"Junior Brother Jueming!"
"Senior Brother! Waaah—"
Fang Jueming was covered in red rashes, and his skin was rotting and peeling off. He screamed in agonizing pain, rolling on the ground. Dark energy swirled around him as he smeared blood and flesh across the floor; his form was becoming a blurred mess.
"Sect... Sect Leader..." He was already blind in one eye. After barely recognizing the newcomer, he was filled with both joy and despair. When he opened his mouth, his throat was so burned that his breath came out as smoke. "Save..."
Fu Ji did not hesitate for a second. He stepped forward, forming a seal with one hand as spiritual power flickered. However, the white smoke Jueming exhaled turned black instantly. At a speed faster than Fu Ji could react, it transformed into several black insects that swarmed the boy’s body, devouring his flesh and blood. In an instant, he became a desiccated corpse.
"Don't touch it!" Qiguang stopped Fu Ji, his expression grim. "Blood-Mist Insects. It wasn't the plague."
The freckled girl watched this scene in horror, covering her mouth and backing away, tears streaming down her face. Suddenly, she felt a burning pain in her throat. Scalding white smoke leaked from between her fingers.
Screams of terror rang out again, from her companions and herself.
Several more people were devoured by the Blood-Mist Insects. This time, Fu Ji and Qiguang managed to intervene before the disciples died, but each was left with rotting flesh and bloodied forms.
Chang Yao let out a soft cry and turned to throw herself into Song Jixue’s arms. "That’s so scary."
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