After Forgetting Two Exes - Chapter 15

The three of them first returned to Qinzhou to say goodbye to Ling Ran, and then went back to the Immortal Realm, heading for the Lingxiao Palace in Taiwei Province.

Lingxiao Palace was the place where the affairs of the Immortal Realm were managed. Four elders took turns presiding there, handling the daily reports; they would only gather to deliberate on matters of great importance.

Hearing that Elder Mu Yin was presiding today, Ji Xun Yue felt a slight sense of relief. Of the four elders, three originated from the six major immortal sects, but Mu Yin was the exception. The prestigious sects had long since formed an inseparable network through the exchange of resources and marital alliances; thus, although only three sects had produced elders, all six benefited collectively.

Compared to the other three, who often showed favoritism, Mu Yin was far more impartial. Of course, the four elders managed the Immortal Realm by the mandate of the God Realm; they naturally knew how to balance matters so as not to provoke widespread resentment that might reach the ears of the gods.

After the guards at Lingxiao Palace announced them, Xuan Huai’s group finally met Mu Yin. The three stood below the dais while Mu Yin sat above, separated by a hanging curtain that obscured her expression. After the formalities, Zhong Ling stepped forward and explained the purpose of their visit.

Compared to her timid self on her first day in the Immortal Realm, Zhong Ling’s voice still carried a slight tremor of nervousness, but she was generally much more composed. Mu Yin did not speak immediately. Through the curtain, Ji Xun Yue saw her fingers tapping the armrest of her chair, clearly deep in thought.

After a moment, Mu Yin spoke: “Zhong Ling, considering you confessed of your own accord and no great harm was done, you are sentenced to one month of solitary confinement to reflect on your mistakes.”

The solitary confinement she mentioned was not a simple matter of staying behind closed doors; rather, it involved being sealed within a barrier, unable to move or perceive the passage of time. Ji Xun Yue cast a worried glance at Zhong Ling. Yet, Zhong Ling accepted the punishment with a calm expression. Her junior sister appeared fragile on the outside, but her heart was far stronger than she had imagined.

Thinking the matter had concluded, Ji Xun Yue was surprised when Mu Yin continued: “Zhong Ling, do you know why cultivators must sever their mortal ties?”

Zhong Ling looked up, startled. “Because one should not be mired in the past, nor should one harbor personal attachments.”

“If a person meets those two conditions, do you think they need to sever those ties?”

Zhong Ling thought for a moment. “I do not know. But the human heart is prone to change; the present does not represent the future. Therefore, I understand the significance of this celestial regulation.”

“What if someone could guarantee they would always meet those conditions?”

Zhong Ling asked in confusion: “Elder, I do not understand what you mean.”

“You only need to answer with your honest thoughts.”

“If one can keep the secret forever, then naturally, there is no need to forget.”

Mu Yin asked: “Zhong Ling, what kind of person do you think you are?”

Zhong Ling froze, unsure how to answer. Mu Yin continued: “I have seen hundreds of cases like yours. I have often wondered if a regulation that focuses on suppression rather than guidance is truly useful. At the same time, those who manage to keep their secrets hidden forever are not few. If outsiders cannot tell if a person has severed their ties, then what is the point of the severance?”

Not only Zhong Ling but Ji Xun Yue was also bewildered. Why was Mu Yin saying these things?

Mu Yin stood up. “Use this month to think clearly. Decide for yourself whether you wish to sever your ties or not.”

Though it was a punishment, she was giving Zhong Ling a chance to choose again? Ji Xun Yue looked at her in disbelief. Zhong Ling was equally speechless with shock, only finding her voice after a long pause: “Thank you, Elder! I will surely reflect deeply on your question.”

Mu Yin’s voice turned cold: “Remember, regardless of your choice, this matter must remain your secret alone. Even to those closest to you, you must not reveal it. Furthermore, if you err again, your only end will be the destruction of your soul and the loss of your path.”

Zhong Ling’s expression became solemn. “I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Elder.”

Mu Yin raised her hand and cast a spell; a bolt of lightning struck Zhong Ling, and she vanished instantly.

“Come back in a month to collect her.” Mu Yin flicked her sleeve and left immediately.

By the time Ji Xun Yue realized she should say thank you, Mu Yin was already gone.

Leaving Lingxiao Palace, Ji Xun Yue walked side by side with Xuan Huai. She remarked: “I never expected such an ending. In any case, the power to decide is in Junior Sister’s hands. It is better than a cold, rigid regulation.” She truly hoped the month would pass quickly so she could see her junior sister again.

Xuan Huai gave a light laugh in response.

“If Master hadn’t arrived in time, I wouldn’t have known what to do.” Ji Xun Yue stopped and looked at him seriously. “Also, thank you, Master, for saving me.”

This seemed to be the first time she had shown genuine sincerity toward Xuan Huai. Over the past twenty days, though they interacted normally, memories of the past often sparked suspicion and made her stay on guard.

Xuan Huai said: “You and Zhong Ling are both my disciples. It is my duty to look after you.”

Ji Xun Yue broke into a smile, suddenly feeling a sense of closure. Between the matters of Qing Li and Zhong Ling, and everything she had witnessed personally, she was willing to believe that Xuan Huai was not a person of ill intent. She no longer wanted to hold the past against him. Yet, she still wanted to know: since he was so detached and calm, what had caused him to harbor a grudge against her for a thousand years?

Xuan Huai added: “But in truth, we did nothing. This was a trial unique to Zhong Ling. I believe that after these events, she will become more steadfast.”

Ji Xun Yue nodded in agreement and then asked curiously: “Master, what did you talk about with Fang Qingchen and the others?”

“I simply told them to stop harboring such crooked thoughts.”

Ji Xun Yue grew pensive. “Now, all three of us have offended the Yanming Sect.” This was truly a consistent style for their sect.

Xuan Huai gave a faint smile. “Do not worry.”

Meeting his smile, Ji Xun Yue suddenly realized something. For this next month, it seemed she would be alone with Xuan Huai.

That night, Ji Xun Yue went to the God Realm again. Before discussing the day’s events, Yu Qian Chan suggested they go for a walk. After the heart-pounding events of the day, a relaxing stroll sounded good.

They rowed to the center of Qingluan Lake. All was quiet except for the sound of the water lapping against the boat. The two sat across from each other. Yu Qian Chan had brought a jar of wine and poured a cup for each. Ji Xun Yue held her cup, staring silently at the surging waves as her thoughts drifted.

When she returned to reality, she sighed: “In the end, severing ties cannot solve all problems. I just didn’t expect Mu Yin to be so generous.”

Yu Qian Chan gave a mysterious smile. “Why do you think Mu Yin did that?”

Ji Xun Yue furrowed her brow. “Could it be?” Had Mu Yin herself not severed her mortal ties?

Yu Qian Chan remained noncommittal. “Some secrets must be kept in the heart. Regardless of Zhong Ling’s choice, I hope she can do that. Now she can finally put the past behind her and look forward.”

“I heard that before the regulation was established, many people descended privately and disrupted the mortal order. That’s why the rule was created.”

“After all, the God Realm originally wanted to cultivate a group of loyal warriors. However, their personal desires were too strong; they took the gods’ favors but fought among themselves until the heavens and earth were in chaos.”

Ji Xun Yue lowered her eyes. “But why are so many people allowed to find loopholes?”

“Ultimately, whatever fruit grows from the fate they’ve attained is their choice. The regulations are there; how they choose is their business,” Yu Qian Chan said plainly. “Even if ties are severed, the seven emotions and six desires remain; conflicts in this world will never cease.”

Ji Xun Yue clinked her cup with her friend’s and sighed: “A-Chan, I am not sure if I have truly taken your maxims to heart.”

Yu Qian Chan said: “Though celestial fate is hard to predict, many things will have the same ending whether you interfere or not. Your intervention will only bring you pain.”

As her friend said, in the matter of Zhong Ling, she had been an observer from beginning to end. Immortals and mortals are different, but they share a common origin; however, gods and mortals are destined for different paths.

Ji Xun Yue’s gaze was far-reaching, her tone firm: “Even so, I find the experience rewarding.”

Yu Qian Chan gave a shallow smile, acknowledging her choice. The night wind was chilly as the two sipped their wine, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. When the cups were empty, Ji Xun Yue finally spoke: “When will you have Xuan Huai go into seclusion?” Now that the descent was over, she could start working on Yu Qian Chan’s request.

“Tomorrow will work.”

“Speaking of which, Fang Qingchen wanted Xuan Huai’s help to refine Winter-Withered Grass. I wonder if it’s related to this matter.”

Yu Qian Chan grew thoughtful. “It seems this matter is becoming increasingly complex. I will need you to put in more effort.”

At the mention of the Yanming Sect, Ji Xun Yue frowned. “The six major sects look glamorous, but behind the scenes, they not only bully the weak but even harm their fellow cultivators. Those disciples who betray their sects, hoping to take a shortcut only to lose their lives, are both pitiable and detestable.”

In ordinary sects, masters and disciples usually get along well, but if cultivation doesn’t go as planned over time, some always try to switch to more prestigious sects. Similarly, the six major sects are full of talented and ambitious cultivators. For ordinary disciples, accepting that their strength is inferior is a great test of character; being too obsessed with comparisons makes it easy to stray into dark paths.

Yu Qian Chan nodded. “Both sides are willing to take risks in the pursuit of power. We cannot let this continue.”

Ji Xun Yue asked hesitantly: “If I betray my sect, won’t I be branded with a bad reputation? What if my junior sister misunderstands?” And how was she supposed to tell Xuan Huai she wanted to leave?

“If you want to tell her, I won’t stop you. After all, I am the one who asked this of you; I cannot make things too difficult for you.”

“What do you plan to do once we have the evidence?”

Yu Qian Chan paused, then said calmly: “Simply to change the weather in the Immortal Realm. Some people have occupied the elders’ seats for far too long.”

It seemed this matter had been brought before the elders before but was suppressed. One wondered how many people would be implicated in the end.

Ji Xun Yue propped her chin on her hand and said seriously: “Lord Imperial Princess, do I get a reward for this?”

“Does Zhong Ling not count?”

Ji Xun Yue laughed. “Are you selling people now?”

Yu Qian Chan picked up her cup and looked at her with smiling eyes. “Then how about this thousand-year-old Liquid Moonlight wine?”

“The Princess should just keep it as a debt for now.”

Yu Qian Chan shook her head helplessly, which was a silent agreement.

Ji Xun Yue added: “Once this is over, I will return to the Demon Realm.”

“Is the matter between you and Xuan Huai resolved?”

Ji Xun Yue propped up her head, looking bored at the moonlit lake. “I have simply decided, on my own, not to hold a grudge anymore.”

She hadn’t even realized when her hostility toward Xuan Huai had vanished. As long as he fulfilled his duties as a master to Ye Jinyue and Zhong Ling and possessed basic conscience, whatever he did to Ji Xun Yue as the Demon Sovereign was irrelevant.

Drowsiness gradually took hold, and she yawned. “We’ve finished talking; I should head back.”

“By the way, Huo Chengfeng sent a letter yesterday and asked me to pass it to you.”

Ji Xun Yue took the letter. She had only scanned the beginning when her eyes widened and her sleepiness vanished. “Fu Jingchuan,”

Yu Qian Chan looked at her in confusion. “What happened?”

Ji Xun Yue handed the letter to her. “I need to return to the Demon Realm for a moment.”

Yu Qian Chan nodded. “Go ahead.” After Ji Xun Yue left, Yu Qian Chan opened the letter. After reading a few lines, she couldn’t help but smile.

Outside the Frost Moon Palace in the Demon Realm.

It was Zhu Shao’s turn to stand guard tonight. He looked troubled and said to another person at the door: “Demon Lord, the Sovereign’s time for ending her meditation is uncertain. You should head back first.”

Fu Jingchuan shook his head. “No, I must see her at least once.”

Zhu Shao sighed helplessly.

“You’ve seen me now. You can go back.” The doors of Frost Moon Palace suddenly opened, and Ji Xun Yue walked out with a cold face.

“Sovereign!” Zhu Shao was startled; he hadn’t noticed when she returned.

Fu Jingchuan shouted joyfully: “Sister Yue!”

Ji Xun Yue frowned and interrupted him: “I told you not to call me that!”

The light instantly faded from Fu Jingchuan’s handsome face. He said dejectedly: “Sovereign.”

“What do you mean by standing guard outside my palace for four days? And what do your words mean?” Ji Xun Yue felt helpless and asked, supressing her anger.

“I just wanted to see you. I didn’t say anything,” Fu Jingchuan said innocently.

Ji Xun Yue pressed her hand to her forehead and let out a long sigh. Fu Jingchuan’s father was Fu Xiao, one of the nine demon generals under her command. Fu Jingchuan was a few hundred years younger than her; when he was young, he learned from A-Yin to call her “Sister.” Since being saved by her during the Great War, he had developed feelings for her.

Ji Xun Yue felt both angry and amused. “You told Huo Chengfeng that I used to drive you away whenever you came, but since I haven’t shown up for days this time, maybe I have feelings for you?”

Fu Jingchuan kept his head down. “It was just a speculation.”

“I told you not to waste your efforts on me. I cannot possibly,” Ji Xun Yue saw his low spirits and couldn’t bring herself to be too harsh.

“Yue… Sovereign, since you don’t have anyone you like, why can’t you consider me?”

Ji Xun Yue blurted out: “How do you know I don’t have anyone I like?”

As soon as she said it, not only the two men before her, but she herself froze. And the first face that popped into her mind was actually Xuan Huai’s?!

Fu Jingchuan was dazed. “If Sister Yue has someone she likes, then I naturally won’t disturb you anymore. Just like back then,”

“Back then what?”

Fu Jingchuan shook his head dejectedly. “Nothing.”

Ji Xun Yue said plainly: “You should go back.” Fu Jingchuan gave a soft reply and left, looking lost.

Ji Xun Yue closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a wave of annoyance. Fu Jingchuan probably never knew that he was the person Ji Ling Yin had a crush on since they were young. Years ago, Ji Ling Yin had asked her to save Fu Jingchuan first; before she could return, she received news of her sister’s death. She didn’t hate him; she just didn’t want to see him.

Ji Xun Yue said: “Zhu Shao, if he does anything out of line again, notify me immediately.”

Zhu Shao nodded. “Yes.”

Ji Xun Yue rubbed her brow. The wine was going to her head, and she was exhausted. She had no energy to think; she just wanted to get back and have a good sleep.