The Villainous Demon Lord’s Handbook for Success: Rebirth - Chapter 43

Achieving the state of union between person and sword had always been an exceptionally difficult feat since ancient times. How could Ning Fuyi have ever expected this divine sword to take matters into its own hands based entirely on her thoughts? However, she could not stop it even if she tried, forcing her to duck behind a tree in embarrassment.

Chu Qingqiu’s expression was complex. She lowered her hand, and Ning Fuyi immediately felt someone grab her arm, pulling and dragging her out from behind the tree. Ning Fuyi was thus exposed clearly in front of Chu Qingqiu, prompting her to let out a cough as she pretended it was nothing. “Deity, I am practicing my swordplay.”

“Oh?” Chu Qingqiu’s voice rose slightly at the end, her peach blossom eyes sweeping over her with no discernible emotion. “Practicing your swordplay? Instead of heading to the back mountain, you have managed to practice all the way down to the foot of the mountain.”

“Here,” Ning Fuyi flipped her hair and scanned the surroundings, barely squeezing out a sentence, “the scenery is good.”

Chu Qingqiu did not say whether she believed her or not. Parting her lips slightly, she instructed the bewildered Qiu Yi beside her, “Go and help her out.”

“Yes,” Qiu Yi said, shooting a glare at Ning Fuyi before hurriedly stepping into the thickets of grass, grabbing the arm of the woman from earlier to help her up.

The woman had clearly been knocked somewhat dizzy by the divine sword’s blunt strike. She swayed in place for a short while before finally recovering her senses. Reaching out to pluck the dry grass stuck in her hair, she managed to force out a smile.

“The Deity’s welcome is truly unforgettable,” she said. Pulling her crumpled silk sash from the grass, she pinched it with her slender fingers, causing the sash to restore itself to its original shape before resting over her arm once more.

“The disciples of the sect are unversed in swordplay, resulting in numerous lapses of etiquette,” Chu Qingqiu said, shaking her head as her gaze involuntarily landed on the woman’s reddened forehead. “This injury is a minor one.”

“A minor injury,” the woman said, waving her hand nonchalantly. Pulling a jar of ointment from somewhere, she applied a smear, causing her forehead to become smooth and unmarked once more. She then blinked at Chu Qingqiu.

She was actually casting a coquettish glance. Ning Fuyi watched as her eyelids twitched rapidly.

A rushing sound cut through the sky as a speck of light appeared a hundred miles away, looking as though it would pierce the woman’s head again in the blink of an eye. Ning Fuyi hurriedly leapt into midair, grabbing the divine sword that still intended to continue the beating. Person and sword wrestled with each other, presenting an exceptionally lively scene.

Clutching her chest, the woman ducked to the side, her large eyes looking alternately at Chu Qingqiu and Ning Fuyi, her heart still hammering with lingering fear.

“Xiangsi!” Ning Fuyi finally roared in anger, forcefully stuffing the weapon back into her Yinian prayer beads to end the struggle.

“Your noble sect’s method of practicing swordplay is truly unique,” the woman smiled again. Covering her chest with her delicate hand, she looked at Ning Fuyi with curiosity, though she quickly averted her gaze. “We were interrupted just now. Deity, please.”

“All right,” Chu Qingqiu said, ignoring Ning Fuyi. She gave a low response and extended her hand to the woman once more.

This time, because they were closer, one could see clearly that the two were not rubbing palms. Instead, they had placed their index fingers upon the wrist, allowing a few silver threads to pierce the skin to check the pulse.

So she was merely checking her pulse. Ning Fuyi realized she had misread the situation. Her cheeks turned slightly red, and she looked away.

“Have you finished practicing your swordplay? Why have you not left yet?” Qiu Yi snapped at her from the side.

“I simply will not,” Ning Fuyi said with a superficial smile. Seeing that Qiu Yi was about to start another argument, Chu Qingqiu narrowed her brows and swept a stern glance over the two of them, causing Qiu Yi to fall silent instantly.

As the silver threads penetrated deeper, the smile on the woman’s face vanished. Her expression turned grim, and she looked at Ning Fuyi and Qiu Yi, appearing hesitant to speak.

“You two, head back,” Chu Qingqiu signaled to them.

“Hurry up and leave,” Qiu Yi said, grabbing Ning Fuyi and dragging her unwillingly a few chang away. Only then did she find a spot to hide, pricking up her ears to listen.

“Who is that person?” Ning Fuyi asked, frowning as she watched the two women standing face-to-face.

“Jiang Li of the Wushan Jiang Clan, one of the four major clans,” Qiu Yi answered in a muffled voice.

The Wushan Jiang Clan was the only one among the four major clans that primarily cultivated healing arts. They possessed hundreds of collateral branches distributed throughout the entire world. Without exception, every member of the Jiang family practiced medicine. Therefore, although most members of the Jiang family only possessed an immortal body cultivation level, they held immense prestige in the martial world due to their commitment to saving lives.

Furthermore, Ning Fuyi had heard the name Jiang Li before. She was the most skilled medical immortal within the Jiang Clan, capable of preserving a thread of life for any patient as long as they had not stopped breathing entirely.

Ning Fuyi offered a soft grunt of acknowledgment.

On the other side, Jiang Li finally retracted her silver threads and her hand, speaking up, “The Deity’s channels and meridians have all been injured by demonic energy. Although it will not endanger your life for the time being, your immortal channels are as shredded as cotton lint. If you do not recuperate and nurse them properly, your life could be in danger.

Furthermore,” Jiang Li hesitated, “I also detected another injury within the Deity’s body. It has been there for some days and appears to be a backlash from a powerful force. This force is far too immense; I have practiced medicine for a thousand years yet have never witnessed its like. This type of wound will flare up periodically, and when it does, it feels as if thousands of steel nails are piercing your bones. Deity, this is critical.” Jiang Li found it difficult to continue.

This level of pain was unbearable for ordinary people, and it could not be eradicated completely. She had witnessed numerous high-cultivation practitioners commit suicide because of it.

Therefore, looking at the elegant woman standing before her, it was difficult to imagine how she had silently endured such agony without letting anyone notice.

“I am aware. There is no need to concern yourself with that matter; you only need to help me resolve my current injuries,” Chu Qingqiu said, her expression unchanging, before adding another sentence, “As quickly as possible.”

Jiang Li let out a sigh. A physician did not force a patient, so she could only comply.

In the past, she had only heard that Deity Chu Ling was unsmiling and possessed unfathomable strength. She had never expected that meeting her today would reveal a person highly distinct from the rumors, yet far more captivating to investigate.

“I have some elixir here that possesses miraculous effects for relieving pain,” she said, reclaiming her smile as she retrieved two tightly filled bottles and handed them to Chu Qingqiu.

Chu Qingqiu accepted them with words of gratitude, turning her body slightly. “Please.”

The two of them walked side-by-side, one cold and silent, the other smiling delightfully, presenting a highly pleasing sight to the eye. They walked slowly past Ning Fuyi, who had failed to overhear anything.

Qiu Yi followed behind Chu Qingqiu with her head lowered, while Ning Fuyi stood in place for a moment before moving her feet to keep up.

The path up the mountain was very long. Chu Qingqiu did not fly with her sword, walking with Jiang Li the entire way instead. Jiang Li possessed a talkative and lively disposition, finding everything novel upon arriving at the Yunji Sect and asking about whatever caught her eye.

Most of those questions were answered by Qiu Yi, with Chu Qingqiu speaking up only occasionally. Yet, despite this, Ning Fuyi felt a sense of heaviness in her chest. She stared blankly at the steps, nearly tripping herself a few times.

“This statue is quite amusing. It looks like a donkey. Who cast it?” Jiang Li asked in surprise, pointing at a bronze statue by the roadside. “Placing it here within the bird-song and fragrant flowers of the Yunji Sect feels exceptionally out of place.”

“Ning Changfeng,” Chu Qingqiu answered briefly.

“Why?” Jiang Li reached out her delicate hand to touch the donkey’s head.

“To ward off evil,” Chu Qingqiu said.

Jiang Li wore an expression of sudden realization. Her gaze inadvertently drifted to Ning Fuyi, who had been following them the entire way, and dimples appeared on her cheeks. “This disciple is still young, but she is quite beautiful. Her features resemble Sect Master Ningtian by seventy percent. This must be Ning Fuyi, right?”

Chu Qingqiu nodded, turning left at the fork in the road to lead Jiang Li toward the Jingshan Palace.

“The sword she holds seems quite good,” Jiang Li said thoughtfully, rubbing her smooth forehead.

Jiang Li had only come here for Chu Qingqiu, and healing injuries was a matter that should not be publicized. Therefore, they did not alert the others to welcome her. Nevertheless, Chu Qingqiu still summoned some immortal attendants of the sect to the Jingshan Palace, ensuring the environment would not be completely deserted for her guest.

Ning Fuyi kept her distance throughout the walk, but upon approaching the vicinity of the Jingshan Palace, she was blocked by Qiu Yi. Scanning her up and down, Qiu Yi remarked, “We have already reached the Jingshan Palace. What are you still following us for?”

“Who said I am following you? This is the path leading to the Xuanliang Court. I am merely heading there to practice,” Ning Fuyi said, lifting her head with a light smile.

“You are shameless.”

“Young Sect Master,” a pleasant call laced with laughter suddenly sounded from ahead. Ning Fuyi looked up, discovering that Jiang Li had halted her footsteps at some unknown point, turning around to smile at her. “I have crossed paths with Sect Master Ningtian a few times. If you do not mind, why do you not come inside and sit with us?”

After the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, Ning Fuyi sat alongside Qiu Yi outside a pavilion filled with tea and pastries. Two immortal attendants poured tea for them before withdrawing behind their backs.

Ning Fuyi took a sip of tea, ignoring the glistening moisture on her lips as her eyes stared intently at the two women inside the pavilion.

This Jiang Li had claimed she had words to say to her, yet since entering the palace, she had only been talking continuously to Chu Qingqiu. The two were chatting about an unknown topic, and Jiang Li was smiling radiantly.

Although Chu Qingqiu did not say much, the atmosphere remained highly harmonious.

“I say, Young Sect Master,” Qiu Yi’s mocking voice sounded, “those pastries are for you to eat, not prayer beads for you to count. You have completely rolled that square cake into a sphere.”

Only then did Ning Fuyi avert her gaze from the pavilion. The edges of the square cake in her hand had indeed been smoothed out by her fingers, so she reached out to place it onto Qiu Yi’s plate.

Before Qiu Yi’s cursing could sound, she simply pinched the square cake and stuffed it into Qiu Yi’s mouth, blocking her speech.

While Qiu Yi muttered muffled curses on this side, Jiang Li popped a piece of dried fruit into her mouth on the other side. Rolling her round eyes, she leaned closer and said, “Deity, I suddenly recall someone mentioning that the relationship between the Deity and the Young Sect Master is not harmonious. Yet, looking at it now, the Young Sect Master appears to care deeply for the Deity.”

Chu Qingqiu’s hand holding her teacup paused slightly. Raising her eyes, she met Ning Fuyi’s gaze directly, causing her mind to leap as she lowered her eyes once more.

Her red lips parted slightly, “Rumor has it that Medical Immortal Jiang Li enjoys inquiring into the trivial matters of the six realms. Seeing you today proves it is indeed the case.”

Hearing this, Jiang Li blinked and sat up properly. “As a physician, I interact with numerous people, so I enjoy listening to other people’s affairs. Otherwise, merely focusing on treating illness and saving lives would be far too tedious.”

She quickly redirected the topic, chatting about the architecture of the Jingshan Palace. However, as they conversed, she suddenly sensed that something was wrong. Immediately turning solemn, she reached out her hand to check Chu Qingqiu’s pulse, letting out a low gasp of surprise.

“Someone come quickly.” Before her voice could fall, Ning Fuyi, who had been sitting outside the pavilion just moments ago, transformed into a streak of light to appear before her. Her pink lips were pressed tightly together, and her beautiful eyes were sharp as she supported Chu Qingqiu’s arm.

She appeared to have developed this reflex during their time in the Divine Fall, arriving out of habit at a speed that was a fraction faster than Qiu Yi, who had just rushed over.

“Master!” Qiu Yi said anxiously, before she could even swallow her mouthful of pastry.

“The Deity’s immortal channels are unstable. Help her back to a windless location immediately; I must conduct a diagnosis and treatment quickly,” Jiang Li said with a serious expression, completely altering her earlier demeanor.

The moment her words fell, the two of them hurriedly assisted Chu Qingqiu to her feet. However, Qiu Yi was exceptionally nervous, at a loss for what to do. Furthermore, the space inside the pavilion was narrow, making it difficult to move.

“Step aside,” Ning Fuyi pushed Qiu Yi away. Placing Chu Qingqiu’s arm over her shoulder just as she had done in the Divine Fall, her left hand lightly encircled her waist, and her body suddenly vanished from the spot.

The event took place so suddenly. After setting down the half-unconscious woman, Ning Fuyi was pushed out of the room. Subsequently, she watched as a vibrant green light erupted within the chamber, and the scents of medicine and flowers wafted through the cracks of the door, interspersed occasionally with the smell of blood. Yet, not a single sound emerged from within, causing her heart to tighten involuntarily.

However, she did not allow it to show on her face. In contrast, Qiu Yi beside her was weeping tears and sniffling, murmuring about the unforgettable kindness of her master, crying as though Chu Qingqiu had already passed away into immortality.

A long time passed, continuing until the sun set in the west, the moon shone brightly amidst sparse stars, and countless lanterns were lit. Only then did the room fall into silence. Jiang Li’s exhausted voice sounded from within, stating that Chu Qingqiu could not see anyone at the moment and instructing them to leave first.

Once the sounds outside the door faded completely, Jiang Li finally rose from the floor, so exhausted that she lacked even a fraction of her usual immortal aura. She casually used her silk sash to wipe away her sweat, assisting the transparently pale Chu Qingqiu to a seated position.

Just now, she had witnessed firsthand the agony of being pierced through the bones by thousands of steel nails. Yet, the woman before her had kept her teeth clenched to endure it silently, refusing to let out a single cry even when she nearly lost consciousness midway.

Jiang Li could not comprehend why she insisted on enduring such a burden entirely alone, yet her admiration for her was absolute.

“In truth, the Deity does not need to remain this resolute at times. Although you hold the noble status of a Deity, you are ultimately not a god. Furthermore, even gods require the care and solace of others. Enduring this entirely alone is far too painful,” Jiang Li could not help but say anyway.

Chu Qingqiu did not answer, merely brushing away her messy hair to reveal her clear features.

“However, I have already repaired your immortal channels, and I will continue to treat your injuries over the next few days. Once your channels and meridians return to normal, with immortal energy protecting them, the pain will also lessen,” Jiang Li said, her tone recovering its lightness, perhaps because they had successfully crossed the danger.

“I see that the Young Sect Master does not appear to have left yet; she is currently wandering around downstairs,” Jiang Li said, looking out the window and blinking.

“Her temperament is simply like that, always loving to oppose me,” Chu Qingqiu said, closing her eyes as her voice remained thin as a thread.

“The way I see it, she does not look like she is opposing you,” Jiang Li said, a smile breaking across her lips as she joked half-playfully, “but rather, she likes you.”

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