Master is Also Running Away from Marriage Today (Transmigration) - Chapter 37

Soon, the last two of the Four Great Immortal Sects Bodhi Crossing and Heavenly Sword Sect arrived.

 

Bodhi Crossing specialized in Buddhist cultivation, with profound attainments that earned them widespread respect. The Heavenly Sword Sect, on the other hand, was entirely composed of sword cultivators, boasting top-tier combat prowess. Before Lin Qingge emerged, they had consistently claimed victory in the Immortal Sect Disciple Competitions.

 

In recent years, as the demonic sects fell into chaos, Bodhi Crossing had turned inward, focusing on seclusion. This time, they only sent an ageless-looking monk as their representative. When the Demon-Subduing Conference officially commenced, the monk sat to the side in plain robes and kasaya, tapping a wooden fish, his face clearly expressing his intention to remain uninvolved.

 

The Heavenly Sword Sect sent their Grand Elder, Wang Qing.

 

Wang Qing was also a legendary figure. A sword prodigy who, like Lin Qingge, had risen to fame centuries ago in his youth. Now at the Unity Stage, he was considered a paragon among sword cultivators in recent centuries.

 

Wang Qing had rarely appeared in public in recent years. It was said his son was born with an incurable ailment, and Wang Qing had devoted all his efforts to prolonging the boy’s life. After all, cultivators rarely conceived, and Wang Qing had only obtained this son after several thousand years, naturally treasuring him like the apple of his eye.

 

No one knew why Wang Qing had come to this Demon-Subduing Conference.

 

Leading his sect on flying swords, Wang Qing arrived with eyes gleaming with restrained sharpness. The oppressive aura of a Unity Stage cultivator left everyone breathless. Whether intentional or not, Mu Ling couldn’t shake the feeling that Wang Qing harbored ill intentions especially when his gaze swept over the disciples of Qingyi Sect, a faint killing intent seemed to linger in his eyes.

 

But Mu Ling reasoned that Qingyi Sect had always kept a low profile and avoided trouble. Surely Wang Qing’s hostility was just her imagination.

 

What concerned Mu Ling more was the unrest within Qingyi Sect. Elite disciples led by Huang Meng had begun scheming in secret, frequently visiting other sects. Though Mu Ling bore supervisory responsibilities, these elite disciples were the beloved pupils of other peak lords, making it difficult for her to impose strict restrictions.

 

These days, Mu Ling mostly stayed in her room, feigning illness. On the rare occasions she appeared in public, she wore a veil. After all, the act had to be convincing. Meanwhile, the cultivators who had attacked the fox demon were still desperately seeking medical aid, and Mu Ling had no intention of helping them.

 

As for Lin Qingge, Mu Ling couldn’t fathom what had gotten into her recently. She had resumed her affectionate behavior, finding all sorts of excuses to linger in Mu Ling’s room. At first, Mu Ling hadn’t noticed anything amiss, but when she realized she had allowed Lin Qingge to comb her hair, she began a deep self-reflection:

 

Mu Ling, do you really deserve to have the future number one cultivator in the world comb your hair?

 

Her conscience trembled at the thought, berating herself for such audacity. Yet, when she saw the exquisite hairstyle Lin Qingge had crafted in the water mirror, the words of refusal stuck in her throat.

 

Wuwu, Qingge’s hair-styling skills are just too good! In fact, it seemed there was nothing Qingge couldn’t do well.

 

The meals were prepared by Qingge, her hair was styled by Qingge, and even the sect’s affairs were managed by Qingge. Mu Ling felt like an emperor in retirement having a capable successor who allowed her to enjoy an early life of leisure.

 

Mu Ling never once doubted Lin Qingge. Though her heart would race and her cheeks flush whenever Qingge drew near, Mu Ling only chastised herself for being swayed by beauty. It never crossed her mind that her model disciple might harbor any improper intentions toward her.

 

With this mix of guilt and joy in their hearts, the Demon Subjugation Conference was convened.

 

Mu Ling felt that the immortal realm’s Demon Subjugation Conference wasn’t much different from mortal gatherings.

 

It began with speeches from the leaders of various major sects, followed by the elders of Bai Xu Sect condemning the shamelessness of the Demon Sect. Then, discussions turned to strategies for attacking the demonic forces.

 

Mu Ling had been observing quietly from the sidelines until now, when she felt compelled to speak up: “Regarding the attack on the Demon Sect, our Qing Yi Sect has something to say.”

 

Over the past few days, Mu Ling had already explained the situation to Lin Qingge. Lin Qingge obtaining the Phoenix Tail Grass meant that everyone tacitly agreed the Demon Palace would subsequently fall under Qing Yi Sect’s control. This meant Qing Yi Sect would inevitably be on the frontlines during the assault. A life-or-death crisis for the ordinary disciples Mu Ling had brought along.

 

This was precisely why Bai Xu Sect had traded the Demon Palace’s ownership rights for the Phoenix Tail Grass to rope another sect into joining their demon-subjugation campaign. After all, whichever sect gained ownership would spare no effort in the battle to fully claim the Demon Palace.

 

Sometimes, unexpected windfalls might not be blessings. Mu Ling had corresponded with Zhao Yunshi, who agreed with her approach.

 

Thus, after Mu Ling spoke, Lin Qingge stepped forward and delivered the lines they had rehearsed: “I obtained the Phoenix Tail Grass due to personal grievances with the Demon Sect, unrelated to our sect. I’m willing to lead the vanguard in this campaign, but the Demon Palace should rightfully belong to whichever sect contributes most. Qing Yi Sect’s disciples vary widely in cultivation and are unfit for frontline duties. We voluntarily yield the Demon Palace to more powerful sects.”

 

The immortal sects present were accustomed to plundering. Rumors spoke of countless treasures hidden within the Demon Palace. Though aware of Bai Xu Sect’s scheme to drag others into the fray, many still coveted the palace. Some sects had already resented this juicy prize falling to Qing Yi Sect, never expecting such an anomaly. A sect willingly relinquishing its claim.

 

Lin Qingge’s words left the assembly momentarily silent. Below the platform, Huang Meng’s eyes flashed with panic.

 

The presiding elder of Bai Xu Sect, seasoned and quick-witted, swiftly regained composure. In their eyes, Qingyi Sect was merely a mid-tier sect unworthy of vanguard responsibilities. Pleased by their pragmatic concession, the elder seized the opportunity: “Which sect does your honorable sect propose should inherit the Demon Palace?”

 

Mu Ling and Zhao Yunshi had originally planned to return ownership to Bai Xu Sect, letting them choose another sacrificial lamb. But before Mu Ling could finish speaking, a loud voice interrupted from the crowd: “Wait! Peak Master Mu, I have something to say!”

 

It was Huang Meng.

 

Frowning, Mu Ling felt an ominous premonition.

 

Huang Meng led a young girl onto the platform, first offering Mu Ling an exaggerated bow before glaring at Lin Qingge with undisguised contempt: “I speak now to prevent Peak Master from being further deceived by villains.”

 

Lin Qingge’s pupils contracted sharply at the sight of the girl beside Huang Meng. Her hand instinctively tightened around her sword hilt as she glanced at Mu Ling.

 

Mu Ling didn’t return the look, her frown deepening as she studied the girl Huang Meng had presented.

 

Mu Ling still had some recollection of that girl. She was one of the four disciples named Meng Fang, whom she had rescued in Hong’an City when she first encountered Lin Qingge. Now, Meng Fang stood awkwardly pushed to the forefront before the crowd, her gaze fixed on Lin Qingge with unmistakable disgust and fear.

 

“Over the years, I’ve been trying to recover my lost memories. Senior Sister Huang Meng helped me find a remedy,” Meng Fang bit her lower lip, then pointed an accusatory finger at Lin Qingge. “Recently, fragments of my past have started coming back to me.”

 

“It was you who led us into the Eastern Forest back then! You were clearly in league with the demonic cultivators there!”

 

In an instant, the eyes of everyone in the hall turned toward Lin Qingge.

 

Lin Qingge lowered her head.

 

She had thought that after making the four girls ingest the pollen of the Forget-Me-Not Flower, their memories would be erased, and the matter would be buried forever. Never did she expect Meng Fang to expose it now, of all times.

 

Lin Qingge had no defense.

 

Huang Meng had bided her time for years. If she dared to strike at such a grand occasion, she surely had more tricks up her sleeve.

 

Lin Qingge wasn’t afraid of ruin or the scornful gazes of these cultivators. She had long been mired in filth; a little more wouldn’t matter. But now, she had something or rather, someone to lose: her master’s opinion of her.

 

What would her master think of her now?

 

Lin Qingge realized her sword hand was trembling. She had always been despicable, like a maggot hiding in the dirt. She had barely managed to crawl out, disguising herself, foolishly dreaming of drawing close to the light in her heart. Only to have her skin torn away without warning, her rotten core exposed fully to the sun.

 

Faced with such a scheming, filthy version of herself, would her master still allow her to stay by her side?

 

Would she be cast aside?

 

The mere thought of her master looking at her with disgust in the future made Lin Qingge’s heart plunge into an icy abyss. Suddenly, a crimson haze clouded her vision, her spiritual sea trembled, and the spiritual energy in her veins surged wildly.

 

This was the sign of her affliction!

 

A voice, unbidden, whispered in her mind: “Kill them all. Kill every last hypocrite here. None of them are any cleaner than you. Why should they have the right to judge you so righteously?”

 

But her master was here. The only anomaly, the only light in this filthy world.

 

No matter how tainted she was, she couldn’t let her master see her at her most repulsive.

 

Lin Qingge clenched her teeth, channeling all her spiritual energy to suppress the violent surge within her body.

 

Her eyelids lowered, beads of sweat falling like rain. Her face was deathly pale, her back slightly hunched. To others, it looked like the posture of guilt and fear.

 

“Look, Peak Master! Her reaction is practically an admission of guilt!”

 

Huang Meng hadn’t expected Lin Qingge to appear like this either. After a brief pause, she seized the opportunity to press her advantage.

 

Mu Ling struggled to process Meng Fang’s accusations. At first, she was stunned, but the sight of Lin Qingge’s state instantly tore at her heart, snapping her back to clarity.

 

“Qingge was still young back then. She was coerced by the demonic cultivators and had no choice but to do what she did. It doesn’t prove she was colluding with them. ” Mu Ling grasped Lin Qingge’s hand, finding it cold as ice, and her heart ached even more.

 

Mu Ling always remembered the first time she saw Lin Qingge. Back then, Lin Qingge had nearly been killed by a demonic cultivator. At the time, she had no spiritual power and was unaware of Mu Ling’s presence, so it couldn’t have been an act.

 

“Then why did Luo Shimei and the other three accidentally consume the pollen of the Lixu flower afterward?”

 

“That was just an accident.” Mu Ling pressed her lips together tightly. Back then, Lin Qingge had not a trace of spiritual power. How could she have slipped past Mu Ling in the middle of the night to go down the mountain and feed those four girls the Lixu flower pollen?

 

Though, admittedly, the whole thing did sound a bit too coincidental.

 

“I happen to have something to say about this matter,” suddenly spoke Wang Qing of the Heavenly Sword Sect, seated in a high position. “As you all know, my son’s body was frail, and I had been searching for ways to prolong his life. Thirty years ago, I placed him in Hong’an City to recuperate. Since human blood was required as a catalyst, I purchased several slaves to draw blood. These slaves were well cared for. No lives were harmed and I even promised them substantial wealth afterward. It was a mutually agreed arrangement. However, among the cultivators guarding my son, a demonic cultivator had infiltrated. Greedy for money, this demonic cultivator colluded with his own enslaved servant, deceiving women from the city into entering the underground tunnels while lying to my son, claiming these women were purchased slaves. My poor, naive son believed the demonic cultivator. Peak Master Mu happened to be in Hong’an City at the time and was misled by the demonic cultivator and his servant into thinking my son was complicit. In a moment of impulse, she killed my son.”

 

“I don’t blame Peak Master Mu,” Wang Qing glanced at Mu Ling before shifting his gaze to Lin Qingge beside her. “But now, I can’t bear to see Peak Master Mu continue to nurture a viper in her bosom. It’s time to expose this traitor once and for all.”

 

Wang Qing then summoned several mortals to testify, elderly men with white hair and beards, trembling as they confirmed that the Heavenly Sword Sect had indeed purchased many slaves from them back then.

 

Lin Qingge watched everything coldly, finally understanding the truth.

 

This had all been Wang Qing’s plan from the start!

 

Huang Meng was likely a spy planted by the Heavenly Sword Sect within the Qingyi Sect. Wang Qing had used dark arts to prolong his son’s life, but Mu Ling had killed his son, earning Wang Qing’s hatred for the Qingyi Sect. Since Mu Ling held a high position and Huang Meng couldn’t touch her, and Lin Qingge had been the one to lead Mu Ling into the tunnels that day, Wang Qing had ordered Huang Meng to sow discord and drive Lin Qingge into the back mountains to kill her. After seeing Lin Qingge turn misfortune into advantage, Huang Meng had lain low. Knowing that Meng Fang had also been involved with Wang Qing’s son, Huang Meng had gone to great lengths to restore Meng Fang’s memories.

 

The reason for striking during the Demon-Subduing Conference was threefold: first, to humiliate the Qingyi Sect before all the sects, as Mu Ling’s poor judgment had allowed a wolf into their midst; second, because the Heavenly Sword Sect’s disciples had lost to Lin Qingge in the sect competition, making her their greatest rival. Eliminating her would only benefit the Heavenly Sword Sect; and third, for control over the Demon Palace. If the Qingyi Sect felt guilty toward the Heavenly Sword Sect, they would have no choice but to relinquish the Demon Palace as compensation.

 

After Wang Qing’s distortion of the truth, the Qingyi Sect would owe him, and the best compensation at this stage would be the Demon Palace’s ownership.

 

But Wang Qing had miscalculated one thing. He hadn’t expected the Qingyi Sect to have no attachment to the Demon Palace’s ownership and even be willing to give it up. That was why he had ordered Huang Meng to interrupt Lin Qingge’s words.

 

Although Mu Ling hadn’t thought as deeply as Lin Qingge, she had witnessed the blood pool scene in the tunnels back then. She could recognize it as dark sorcery, especially since so many women had died in the city at the time.

 

Mu Ling never expected that Wang Qing, a respected elder of the Tianjian Sect, would use dark sorcery to prolong his son’s life. Even more shocking was his attempt to twist the truth and whitewash his son’s crimes!

 

“This evidence is fabricated. I saw the bones by the blood pool with my own eyes. You were using forbidden dark arts to extend your son’s life,” Mu Ling glared coldly at Wang Qing, feeling disgust toward someone for the first time. “You think you can overturn the truth by dragging out a few old men? How utterly shameless!”

 

Yet the entire hall remained silent. No one spoke up to support Mu Ling.

 

They all knew Wang Qing’s claims couldn’t withstand scrutiny, that his evidence was flimsy, and that he was a vindictive man of poor character.

 

But Wang Qing was an elder of the Tianjian Sect. The foremost swordsman in the world.

 

Moreover, many present privately didn’t see Wang Qing’s actions as excessive. While killing mortals was forbidden on the surface, in their hearts, mortal lives were insignificant compared to cultivators’. Those who became part of the blood pool were simply unlucky.

 

“Peak Master Mu, Elder Wang is a man of virtue and prestige. How could he deliberately frame your disciple? Besides, seeing you deceived by villains, he hasn’t even held you accountable for mistakenly killing his beloved son. Don’t be ungrateful!” A Tianjian Sect disciple shamelessly turned the tables and rebuked her.

 

Mu Ling said nothing. Clenching the mermaid silk in her hand, she surveyed the so-called righteous immortal sects gathered before her, feeling nothing but bitter irony.

 

What a disgusting world this was!

 

“The truth of the matter still requires careful deliberation. There may yet be misunderstandings,” Bai Fengqing broke the silence, his voice calm.

 

He cast a complicated glance at Mu Ling, who refused to meet his eyes. Though he rarely spoke up, Wang Qing showed him no courtesy in return.

 

“We appreciate Immortal Bai’s kindness, but our Elder Wang has mourned his son for years. With witnesses now present, this matter cannot simply be brushed aside.”

 

“Then what does Elder Wang propose?” Mu Ling sneered at Wang Qing. He had come prepared, and she had no immediate way to prove that they had used dark arts to prolong his son’s life thirty years ago. Worse, she had a sinking feeling that any evidence especially concerning the missing impoverished women had long been erased by the Tianjian Sect.

 

And her own testimony wouldn’t suffice. They’d twist it, accusing her of shielding Lin Qingge.

 

Wang Qing’s serpent-like gaze locked onto Mu Ling. “My son died young, his life cut tragically short. Were it not for Lin Qingge, he would never have met such a fate. Does Peak Master Mu still intend to protect such a villain?” His implication was clear, he wanted Lin Qingge dead.

 

“Elder Wang, Immortal Lin is young, exceptionally talented, and of noble character. She has always treated us mixed-spirit-root disciples with respect. Back then, she was coerced by dark cultivators. We beg you to show mercy.”

 

Before Mu Ling could respond, a mixed-spirit-root disciple spoke up in Lin Qingge’s defense only to be immediately silenced by their own master.

 

Yet as one disciple was muffled, another stepped forward. “Please, Elder Wang, show mercy.”

 

Every sect has its share of mixed spiritual roots, and in fact, those with mixed spiritual roots often make up the majority within a sect. Though they may not have the qualifications to sit on the grand stage, they are scattered in every corner; stable hands, maids, servants.

 

Gradually, the voices grew louder. Most of these people came from humble backgrounds, having exhausted every effort just to scrape by as outer disciples. Naturally, they understood the blood and tears of those at the bottom all too well, and they could empathize deeply. When these voices gathered together, they formed a force not to be underestimated!

 

These people dared not offend Wang Qing by questioning his flimsy evidence, so they could only humbly plead for Lin Qingge’s sake.

 

But Wang Qing was utterly enraged by their pleas!

 

Since when did lowly mixed spiritual root disciples dare to plead for someone in front of him?

 

“My son’s life. Do you think it can be offset by the pleas of you inferior disciples?” Wang Qing’s sinister gaze swept across the crowd as he let out a cold laugh. “If you want me to spare her, fine! Then defeat me. Make me submit, make me admit that Lin Qingge’s life is more precious than my son.”

 

The voices in the arena gradually quieted.

 

Everyone knew Wang Qing was the foremost sword cultivator in the world, nearly undefeated across the three realms.

 

At these words, Lin Qingge suddenly raised her head. Slowly, she drew her sword, her gaze fixed on Wang Qing in the arena. Just as she was about to step forward, Mu Ling grabbed her hand.

 

Mu Ling pressed a bowl of spiritual spring water into Lin Qingge’s palm.

 

“Rest and heal your injuries first,” Mu Ling said, her smile no different from usual.

 

Lin Qingge stared blankly at Mu Ling’s smiling face, expecting to see disgust or contempt, but found none. In that moment, her frozen heart seemed to come alive again. Dazed, she took the bowl and drank the spiritual spring water in one gulp.

 

But the moment she finished, her eyes widened in shock!

 

“I added something to the water. It’ll take about half an hour for your spiritual power to recover.”

 

“Qingge, rest for now,” Mu Ling sighed softly as she looked at Lin Qingge’s reddened eyes. She drew out her mermaid silk veil. “Since you’ve called me ‘Master’ all these years, it’s only right that I stand in front of you when trouble comes.”

 

Though Mu Ling knew Lin Qingge’s Heavenly Spirit Sword Art had the power to kill beyond her cultivation level and that in two years, Lin Qingge would sweep through the nine provinces with a single sword. Right now, Lin Qingge was only at the Golden Core stage. Even with her ability to fight above her level, she could at best hold her own against Mu Ling, who was at the Divine Transformation stage. Besides, Mu Ling truly loathed this despicable Wang Qing, who twisted the truth and pointed fingers at the innocent!

 

Mu Ling brandished her mermaid silk veil and coldly glared at Wang Qing in the arena. Coincidentally, Wang Qing was also sneering at her. “What’s this? Peak Master Mu also wants to make a move?”

 

Pursing her lips, Mu Ling launched herself at Wang Qing!

 

Though she attacked first, Mu Ling’s expertise did not lie in offense. She was well aware of her own shortcomings, and Wang Qing was a whole realm above her. When her initial strike missed, she began evading, only counterattacking occasionally.

 

Wang Qing, however, was a long-renowned sword cultivator. His flying swords wove into an impenetrable net, effortlessly blocking Mu Ling’s attacks. Like a cat toying with a mouse, he began striking at her, and no matter where she fled, she couldn’t escape. Soon, several wounds marred her body.

 

The crowd assumed Mu Ling was merely acting on impulse, but only she knew how clear-headed she was at this moment. She understood that Wang Qing hated her even more because it was she who had slain his son with a single sword stroke.

 

However, Mu Ling held the esteemed position of a peak master in the Qingyi Sect and was highly valued by the sect leader, Zhao Yunshi. Wang Qing couldn’t frame a peak master as easily as he had done with Lin Qingge.

 

That’s why Mu Ling stepped onto the stage.

 

She knew Wang Qing wouldn’t kill her, but he would inevitably be unable to suppress his hatred and would attack her. And once she was severely injured and on the brink of death, his personal vendetta in full view of the crowd would leave him in the wrong, and the others would no longer stand idly by.

 

She would endure severe injuries, then hand over the Demon Palace to Wang Qing. She could only hope that once Wang Qing got what he wanted; he would spare Lin Qingge.

 

This was the only way she could protect Lin Qingge!

 

As expected, just as Mu Ling had predicted, Wang Qing, unable to control his hatred, launched a frenzied assault on her. Mu Ling was soon covered in wounds, yet she ignored the others’ pleas to concede. Instead, like a madwoman, she charged at Wang Qing again and again.

 

On the viewing platform, Bai Fengqing watched Mu Ling’s state, his grip tightening on his sword hilt as he prepared to step in. But Bai Mufeng stopped him with a hand on his arm, his gaze flickering past Lin Qingge before settling on Mu Ling. Narrowing his eyes, he said, “Don’t interfere with Peak Master Mu’s plans.”

 

Lin Qingge had never felt time pass so agonizingly slowly. Not even when the former Demon King had thrown her into a pit of snakes to be devoured had she suffered this much.

 

She watched helplessly as Mu Ling was struck once, twice.

 

The voice of ‘her’ within her heart surfaced, its usual composure gone, replaced by a tone of barely restrained fury: “How much longer are you going to just watch?”

 

Lin Qingge closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and pulled the Heart-Eroding Lotus Seed from her qiankun pouch.

 

She didn’t want to become ‘her.’ She knew full well that swallowing this seed might mean she would no longer be herself.

 

She had once foolishly dreamed of remaining Lin Qingge, but now she understood ‘her’ feelings: this absurd world had never shown her mercy, whether she was Lin Qingge or Yan Qi.

 

Then let this world be destroyed as quickly as possible!

 

Lin Qingge shut her eyes and swallowed the Heart-Eroding Lotus Seed in one gulp.

 

With a boom, something exploded in her consciousness, and spiritual energy began surging wildly.

 

A trace of red appeared at the corners of Lin Qingge’s eyes, then gradually faded as her gaze grew sharper and clearer.

 

All her past memories flooded her mind. Fragments of bloodshed, struggle, and betrayal swirling chaotically until they settled on the bloodstained figure standing on the dueling platform.

 

Wang Qing struck again with his sword. Mu Ling had never felt pain like this in her life; even her spiritual sea trembled violently. Then, with a crack, the black cocoon within it seemed to split open.

 

One last hit.

 

In her dazed vision, Wang Qing’s attack came once more!

 

If she could just endure this final blow, she would be severely injured and fall unconscious, and she could save Lin Qingge.

 

But instead, Mu Ling fell into a cold embrace.

 

She looked up, catching a fleeting glimpse of Lin Qingge’s face, a familiar chill in the air around her.

 

Something wet and cold landed on Mu Ling’s cheek.

 

Qingge was crying?