After Forgetting Two Exes - Chapter 9

The three of them walked over to Xuan Huai.

Shi Yuan tried to defend himself: “Xuan Huai, everyone’s level of understanding is different. This contest doesn’t count. Why don’t we switch again tomorrow?”

Xuan Huai’s voice was indifferent: “I will not trouble you further.”

Shi Yuan would not let it go: “How can that be? At least let me contribute my part, right?”

Xuan Huai gave a faint smile that didn’t reach his eyes: “Can you guarantee that you will come every day, rain or shine? Can you guarantee that you won’t flee the moment you see Ling Ran, hiding in some celestial province for months or years without coming out?”

“You!” Shi Yuan was hit where it hurt, grinding his teeth in frustration.

Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling listened to their conversation and exchanged glances, both breaking into smiles. One was active and the other quiet, one noisy and the other calm; they were actually quite harmonious. It made sense now why they were friends.

Shi Yuan deflated: “Fine, you have a point. It is more effective to stick with one person’s cultivation method consistently.”

Ji Xun Yue quickly comforted him: “Martial Uncle, I will remember your painstaking efforts.”

However, she felt more regret that the easy, lazy cultivation time had passed so quickly.

By then, the sky grew even darker. Xuan Huai took out an amber-colored precious pearl and activated it with a gesture. The pearl emitted a desolate, quiet light, floating into the air to illuminate the path down.

Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling walked in front, heading down the steps. Xuan Huai and Shi Yuan followed behind on foot, not using celestial arts to slack off.

Shi Yuan remarked: “You are quite thoughtful, even remembering to bring the Crimson Soul Pearl.”

At the mention of the treasure’s name, Ji Xun Yue’s footsteps faltered. She asked in a feigned casual tone: “This glowing bead is called the Crimson Soul Pearl? What an impressive magical artifact.”

Shi Yuan beat the others to the answer: “Of course it is impressive. Your Master took it from a Nine-Feathered Phoenix in the Frost-Frost Forest over three hundred years ago.”

Xuan Huai added calmly: “Beyond providing light, the Crimson Soul Pearl can be used to control temperatures during alchemy.”

Ji Xun Yue’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected to hear Xuan Huai personally admit to one of his past deeds so soon.

The Frost-Frost Forest was located north of the Immortal Realm and belonged to no specific realm. It served as a place where the descendants of many ancient demonic beasts were sealed. Although it was a seal, the beasts could move freely inside. Since the strongest beasts there were only at the average level of the Immortal Realm, the forest had become a trial ground to prove one’s strength.

If trained properly, these beasts could also become excellent mounts. Thus, over three hundred years ago, upon hearing that a Nine-Feathered Phoenix had given birth, Ji Xun Yue wanted to catch a hatchling to raise.

But when she arrived, she found countless demonic beasts along the way whimpering like small animals after being beaten, having lost all their former majesty. The Nine-Feathered Phoenix had even had its Crimson Soul Pearl, nurtured for a thousand years, snatched away, leaving it devastated.

She lost all interest in hunting on the spot and left in a huff. The next day, Xuan Huai had sent over a plume from the phoenix to flaunt his achievement, which had made her blood boil.

As the past stuck in her throat like a fishbone, Ji Xun Yue suddenly felt a surge of anger. For a few moments, she had actually felt that Xuan Huai wasn’t her enemy. This was better; it saved her from overthinking.

Ji Xun Yue sulked, though she wasn’t entirely sure what she was angry about. Zhong Ling noticed her mood and peeked at her from time to time with a worried expression. Xuan Huai also sensed her abnormality and remained silent.

The atmosphere grew heavy as they stepped back into the sect, each occupied with their own thoughts. After watching Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling head toward the kitchen, Xuan Huai and Shi Yuan went to the back hall.

Shi Yuan asked curiously: “Why did Jinyue suddenly stop talking? Is it because of the cultivation?”

Xuan Huai put away the Crimson Soul Pearl, glanced at him, and asked plainly: “Over three hundred years ago, why did you suddenly call me to the Frost-Frost Forest?”

Seeing him change the subject, Shi Yuan was confused: “I just thought the Crimson Soul Pearl would be helpful for your alchemy,”

Xuan Huai stopped in his tracks and asked: “What did you do in my name?”

Shi Yuan’s pace faltered as he looked at him in shock. Under the moonlight, Xuan Huai’s expression was as cold as ice.

He finally understood why Ji Xun Yue’s gaze toward him was always so complex, filled with probing hostility and occasional softness.

Shi Yuan opened his mouth but said nothing, seemingly unable to find an excuse.

Xuan Huai stated the truth coldly: “A thousand years ago, you got drunk and forced the flowers of Shen Yuan to bloom, leaving my name behind by mistake. After that, what else did you do?”

Shi Yuan remained silent for a long time before whispering: “I am sorry.”

Xuan Huai’s expression was calm; it was hard to tell if he felt anger or some other emotion. His friendship with Shi Yuan was an unexpected occurrence. Twelve hundred years ago, when he saw the man who had once been betrothed to Ji Xun Yue come to Cangxing Province to ask for wine, he had, by some strange impulse, not refused him. He wanted to know what kind of person the man she later loved was.

A thousand years ago, Shi Yuan had caused trouble in Shen Yuan using his name and confessed after sobering up. Only then did he learn that after Ji Xun Yue and Shi Yuan broke their engagement three thousand years ago, she chose to forget. Just as she forgot him, she forgot Shi Yuan, settling peacefully in a corner of the Demon Realm from then on.

He hadn’t held it against Shi Yuan; he even harbored a sliver of hope that this might be a chance to cross paths with her again. Even though he had met her first, thousands of people in this world knew of her love and hatred for Shi Yuan, yet no one knew she had once loved him.

But Ji Xun Yue had ignored the provocations sent in his name; he was never in her eyes. Now that his wish had finally come true and he was reunited with her, it was due to Shi Yuan’s meddling. He did not know whether to be happy or sad.

Xuan Huai suppressed all his emotions and asked calmly: “Since you wanted to avenge her coldness, why did you use my name?”

Shi Yuan lowered his eyes, his tone dejected: “Because she doesn’t remember. I didn’t want her to know that I still haven’t forgotten her.” He followed up immediately: “Now that things have come to this, I will clarify everything to her.”

“No need,” Xuan Huai said instinctively. Seeing Shi Yuan’s surprise, he quickly explained: “Since you don’t want her to know, let it end here.”

Was he afraid she would leave after knowing the truth, or was he afraid she and Shi Yuan would rekindle their old flame?

Xuan Huai asked: “Shi Yuan, why did you two… break the engagement back then?” It was a question he had thought about a thousand times, and now he finally dared to ask it.

Shi Yuan was silent for a long while. The past rushed into his heart, turning into a bitter smile on his lips. “Because she didn’t like me.”

On the other side.

Back in the kitchen, Zhong Ling finally asked cautiously: “Senior Sister, what is wrong?”

Ji Xun Yue calmed her mind and curled her lips into a smile: “I was just thinking about how I couldn’t grasp the essentials on my first day of cultivation. It’s a bit frustrating.”

Zhong Ling’s brows knit together, looking more worried than her: “Master will teach us tomorrow. Do not worry, Senior Sister!”

Ji Xun Yue laughed: “If Martial Uncle heard that, he would be heartbroken.”

Zhong Ling felt embarrassed, her face turning red: “Martial Uncle is a good person; he just feels a bit unreliable.”

Ji Xun Yue asked: “Then what kind of person do you think Master is?”

Zhong Ling was lost for a moment, tapping her chin as she thought: “Master always has a cold appearance, so I thought he was very strict. But when he taught me this afternoon, he was actually very gentle. He just doesn’t like to smile much, unlike Martial Uncle who is so enthusiastic.”

Ji Xun Yue nodded and said nothing. Her junior sister had a good opinion of Xuan Huai, and so did Yu Qian Chan, even if her friend hadn’t said it explicitly. Moreover, Yu Qian Chan was Xuan Huai’s savior; she likely knew much of the truth but hadn’t spoken up.

The truth… what exactly was it?

In the kitchen, Zhong Ling asked: “What would Senior Sister like to eat tonight?”

Ji Xun Yue put away her thoughts and looked at the available vegetables: “Anything is fine. Whatever you make is delicious.”

As the two were dividing the work to prepare the sect’s dinner, Xuan Huai arrived. Ji Xun Yue was cleaning vegetables and stopped her work to look at him.

Xuan Huai glanced at her and then looked away: “Shi Yuan has gone back. Just prepare your own dinner.”

Zhong Ling was very surprised and gave a hesitant reply. Ji Xun Yue furrowed her brows slightly but didn’t speak. Shi Yuan had actually left? She hadn’t heard him mention any urgent matters.

Xuan Huai gave her another brief look, then turned and left.

Late at night, in the Qionghua Palace of the God Realm.

Yu Qian Chan put down her brush and looked up at the visitor, teasing: “How rare. You never used to visit me even when you were bored; it seems you are just too lazy to travel far. Why are you here so late?”

Ji Xun Yue sat down at the tea table as if she owned the place: “There is no wine to drink in the Yunxing Sect. I came to ask you for some.”

Yu Qian Chan smiled and instructed the waiting Immortal Lan Xi to fetch a jar of wine, then continued her writing. Ji Xun Yue wasn’t in a hurry, propping her chin on her hand and staring blankly at the furnishings in her friend’s palace.

Once the wine was served, Yu Qian Chan rose and sat beside her, pouring a cup for each of them. She asked: “How is Zhong Ling?”

“I can’t tell much. She has always been sensible and hides her emotions. I’m worried she took Shen Zhi Yao’s words to heart and is grieving privately.”

Yu Qian Chan comforted her: “Perhaps this is a trial Zhong Ling must go through to become stronger.”

Ji Xun Yue agreed, then asked seriously: “A-Chan, was it you who saved Xuan Huai? Why have I never heard you mention it?”

“I was afraid you would start prying if you heard. His identity is unique; I shouldn’t say too much.”

“You don’t want me to keep asking?”

Yu Qian Chan was noncommittal, giving a shallow smile: “Since you are here, why not find the answers yourself?”

Ji Xun Yue rubbed her fingers against the wine cup, deep in thought. Yu Qian Chan asked: “So you know Xuan Huai’s identity? But his demonic power is weak, and he suppresses it intentionally. How did you find out?”

“I,” Ji Xun Yue hesitated, quickly changing the subject: “Do many people know about this?”

“Not many in the God Realm know. It shouldn’t leak out. After all, Xuan Huai’s identity is sensitive; it wouldn’t be appropriate for the outside world to know.”

Ji Xun Yue nodded: “Speaking of which, the flowers of Shen Yuan will bloom again at the end of the month. That would be a good opportunity.”

She intended to spread the news and confirm it personally. Even though she had heard Xuan Huai admit to the past provocations, she wanted to be sure one more time. Why was it that every time she saw him, she still didn’t want to believe he was the rival who had targeted her for a thousand years?

Yu Qian Chan understood: “You want to use this to test Xuan Huai? What if you actually find evidence?”

Ji Xun Yue shook her head; she hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. Previously, her plan was naturally to make it public and humiliate him. But he was now Zhong Ling’s master; she didn’t want her junior sister to be sad, so she likely couldn’t make too big a scene. Despite thinking this, was her softening heart really just because of her junior sister? Looking at that clean, detached figure, did she really want to see him tarnished?

Ji Xun Yue collected her thoughts and shifted the topic: “Regarding the murders of cultivators you encountered, I am willing to help you.”

Yu Qian Chan wasn’t surprised and smiled: “Then I must thank you on behalf of the Immortal Realm.”

“I’m not that selfless. I just dislike this trend. I don’t expect everyone to be perfect, but they shouldn’t do evil,” Ji Xun Yue said lazily. “Have you decided on your plan? What do you want me to do?”

“The previous batch of cultivators has been practicing for three hundred years. There will be a competition and exchange on the first of next month. Go participate and show some of your strength to catch their attention.”

Ji Xun Yue was thoughtful: “The first day of the fourth month? Their fastest should only be at the Second or Third Realm, right?” She opened her palm, casually summoning some spiritual power. Pure and strong, the energy condensed into a solid form like a cloud. “But even my weakest strength is already at this level.”

Yu Qian Chan laughed: “Ordinary cultivators take at least a hundred years to reach the Second Realm. For you to have a level close to the Second Realm in just a month is indeed a bit exaggerated.”

Ji Xun Yue shrugged: “Even if I’m willing to stay and pretend to cultivate for decades, who knows how many more cultivators will be deceived in those years?”

“There have always been exceptionally gifted cultivators, just not quite to this degree. But records are meant to be broken; it’s not a big deal.”

Ji Xun Yue considered for a moment and asked: “But if my cultivation jumps significantly within a few days, won’t Xuan Huai be suspicious?”

Yu Qian Chan smiled: “Aren’t you going to the lower realm? Later, I will find an excuse to have Xuan Huai go into seclusion for alchemy. Then you can just say your trip to the mortal world gave you a sudden realization. That would make it slightly more reasonable.”

Ji Xun Yue recalled that she hadn’t mentioned the trip to the lower realm to Yu Qian Chan yet. Yu Qian Chan realized the slip in her words and gave a mysterious smile.

“It seems I will have to stay here for a while longer.” Ji Xun Yue took a sip. “Your fine wine is going to suffer.”

“I would welcome you even if you came every day,” Yu Qian Chan laughed. “As long as you don’t smell like a drunkard and give yourself away.”