Vindicated After a Wrongful Death - Chapter 16

A half-quarter hour later, Xiang Zhongjing withdrew his right hand. He parted his lips, his tongue lightly grazing the newly manifested seal on the back of his hand. His eyes curved and his lips were a vivid red, making him look every bit the captivating spirit.

“It is mine now.”

The snow wolf, having had its Life-and-Death Seal forcibly shattered only to be bound by Xiang Zhongjing’s Master-Servant Seal, didn’t understand what had happened. It squatted on the floor in a daze, letting out two confused whimpers.

Man Qiuxia’s face was a mask of numbness. He remained expressionless for a long time before finally sucking in a cold breath, his senses returning.

“You… you really shattered Su Cansheng’s…” he said, his voice laced with disbelief.

The wine was beginning to cloud Xiang Zhongjing’s mind. He stretched lazily, reclining against the couch. He laughed softly as he spoke, his eyes appearing misty with two faint red marks at the corners. The shadows of his lashes fell over his face, making him look even more alluring.

“If you don’t believe me, you can go to Su Cansheng and see for yourself.”

Man Qiuxia still found it impossible to accept that a Xiang Zhongjing without spiritual power could forcibly shatter the Life-and-Death Seal of Su Cansheng, the Sovereign of the Three Realms. Yet, the seal on the back of Xiang Zhongjing’s hand could not be faked.

“How did you do it?” Man Qiuxia asked with difficulty.

Xiang Zhongjing leaned on his side, his head resting on his arm, his eyes full of drunken blurred light. Like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank, he smiled mischievously and whispered in a small, airy voice, “I’m not telling you.”

Man Qiuxia: “…”

Man Qiuxia had originally been shocked by how the contract was formed, but seeing Xiang Zhongjing’s drunken, dazed state, his own breathing hitched for a moment.

Witnessing such a vivid, sensual scene, Man Qiuxia realized just how foolish his earlier thoughts of manipulating this “foolish shell” had been. Over the years, Man Qiuxia had seen countless beauties of every variety, but no matter how beautiful someone was, he would find them hideous after an hour at most.

Everything in the world changes. After sixty years, even the deepest affection would be ground away by the passage of time.

But in Man Qiuxia’s eyes, Xiang Zhongjing was different.

Even after all these years, the image of Xiang Zhongjing’s sword piercing the heavens remained branded in Man Qiuxia’s memory. No matter how beautiful a physical form might be, it could never match the soul-stirring brilliance of a single look from Xiang Zhongjing.

Man Qiuxia stared intently at Xiang Zhongjing’s flushed face. Driven by some inexplicable impulse, he leaned forward. Just as he was about to speak, a fierce burst of demonic energy suddenly surged from the side, aggressively attacking him.

Man Qiuxia’s brow furrowed. He turned his head coldly, his protective spiritual power transforming into silver needles that floated around him. A flash of cold light dissipated the demonic energy instantly.

Where the snow wolf had been lying, there was now a white-clad youth crouching on the ground. He bared his teeth, letting out an “a-woo” growl at Man Qiuxia in what appeared to be a threat.

Man Qiuxia raised an eyebrow. “That snow wolf… it transformed?”

Xiang Zhongjing opened his eyes halfway. His glass-like pupils peered out from beneath his lashes as he smiled. “Really?”

The snow wolf had originally been an ordinary pup. Because it had accidentally saved Su Cansheng’s life, Su Cansheng had raised it from a young age. Since a wolf without demonic power has a very short lifespan, Su Cansheng had showered it with spiritual herbs as if they cost nothing, forcing it to become a spirit beast.

But that was as far as it went.

The snow wolf’s bloodline was impure. Even if it swallowed the core of a Great Circle cultivator, it would never break through to the Heavenly Rank. Even Xiang Zhongjing hadn’t expected that after signing the Master-Servant Seal, this stupid wolf would actually take human form.

Xiang Zhongjing propped himself up on the edge of the bed and beckoned to the snarling wolf.

The youth immediately ran over on all fours, but since he had just gained a human body, he wasn’t used to it. After just two steps, he stumbled and fell, face-planting and rolling several times before stopping in a ball at Xiang Zhongjing’s feet.

The snow wolf scrambled up and squatted on the floor. His hands remained pressed to the ground like paws, his fluffy ears twitching slightly, and his beast-like pupils gazed at Xiang Zhongjing with a bright sparkle.

Xiang Zhongjing leaned down, hooking his hand under the wolf’s chin to inspect him. “You actually look quite a bit like your former master,” he said with a half-smile.

Man Qiuxia caught an accidental glimpse of the wolf’s face and immediately whipped his head away. A moment later, he covered his eyes, and two trails of blood actually leaked from between his fingers, dripping slowly down the back of his hand and onto his sleeve.

He was wounded by the ugliness.

Xiang Zhongjing: “…”

Xiang Zhongjing sighed and said to the wolf, “Change back.”

The wolf gave an “a-woo” and returned to the size of a small wolf, nuzzling affectionately against his palm. This silly wolf didn’t even seem to realize its master had changed, rolling around on the floor lightheartedly.

Xiang Zhongjing sent it out to play. It took a while for Man Qiuxia to stop the bleeding. Once his vision returned, he went right back to staring at Xiang Zhongjing’s face.

Xiang Zhongjing hid the seal on the back of his hand and leaned his chin on his palm, yawning. “When does the Beast Taming Grand Ceremony begin?” he asked vaguely.

Man Qiuxia answered immediately, “In six days.”

“I want to participate.”

Man Qiuxia’s fingers paused as he wiped the blood from his lashes. He looked at him strangely.

“Sovereign Su is proud. He certainly won’t let it be known that his spirit beast was stolen,” Xiang Zhongjing tapped his cheek lightly, smiling. “Tell me, if I use the snow wolf to enter the ceremony, what will Sovereign Su’s reaction be in front of everyone?”

Man Qiuxia: “…”

“You truly are heartless,” Man Qiuxia said gloomily.

Xiang Zhongjing laughed until he fell back onto the soft couch. He rolled over, wrapping himself in the quilt. While laughing, he murmured like someone in a dream, “This is only the beginning.”

He whispered a few more nonsensical words before finally succumbing to the wine and falling into a heavy sleep.

Man Qiuxia had wanted to pinch his cheek while he was asleep, but remembering Xiang Zhongjing’s vengeful nature, his hand trembled and he didn’t dare. He sat by the bed for a while to enjoy the view before wandering off.

***

The next morning, Xiang Zhongjing woke up with a hangover. He sat on the bed in a daze for a long time before suddenly realizing what Su Cansheng meant by “Your sword is in Shuangxian City” before he left last night.

Shuangxian City?

Sixty years ago, when Xiang Zhongjing was being sealed, he had used the last of his spiritual power to send his sword toward Jin Chuling. But the stone coffin closed the very next moment, and he knew nothing of what followed.

His sword had already developed its own consciousness, but in the hands of Jin Chuling, there was no telling how it had been tormented.

“No,” Xiang Zhongjing muttered. “I have to rescue my sword first.”

As soon as he woke, Man Qiuxia pushed the door open, carrying a pile of brightly colored clothes.

Xiang Zhongjing casually tucked his messy hair behind his ear. “Where is Shuangxian City?”

Sixty years ago, that city didn’t seem to exist.

Man Qiuxia had spent the night organizing the clothes into twelve outfits based on the time of day. He picked one out and handed it to Xiang Zhongjing, saying absentmindedly, “Shuangxian City is right here in Wujin Road.”

Xiang Zhongjing raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t Wujin Road only have one city?”

“Shuangxian City is just a fancy name. In reality, it’s just a gambling house inside a miniature world.”

Man Qiuxia flicked a hair ribbon embroidered with roses. The ribbon seemed to have a mind of its own, flying over and weaving through Xiang Zhongjing’s ink-black hair, braiding it into a fishtail before tying itself into a neat knot at the end of the wavy strands.

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t have to do a thing. He propped up his head, looking sleepy. “A gambling house?”

“Mhm.” Man Qiuxia draped the clothes over Xiang Zhongjing’s shoulders. With a light pat, the intricate, extravagant robes replaced what he was wearing. “Are you going?”

Xiang Zhongjing’s brow furrowed. The thing he loathed most in life was gambling. Staying in a gambling house for even a quarter hour would make him irritable enough to slice the tables apart with a sword.

But his sword was suffering…

Wait.

Xiang Zhongjing frowned. “Wasn’t it captured by Jin Chuling? Why is it in a gambling house?”

Who would be suffering in a gambling house?

Man Qiuxia looked him over with satisfaction and produced a veil to put on his face. This veil was different from Man Qiuxia’s; Man Qiuxia wore one so he wouldn’t have to look at others, while Xiang Zhongjing’s was to prevent others from seeing him.

“Your sword is so fierce. Aside from you, who could control it?” Man Qiuxia said. “He probably doesn’t know you’ve left the secret realm yet. Do you want me to send someone to give him the news?”

Xiang Zhongjing thought for a moment before shaking his head. “No need. Just tell me where Shuangxian City is, and I’ll go myself.”

“There is a stone archway in the south of the city. Just walk through it.”

Seeing Xiang Zhongjing walking out slowly, Man Qiuxia feared he might not return. He quickly threw out a hook: “I’m going to find spiritual medicine for your hand today. Don’t forget to come back!”

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t look back, simply raising a hand to signal he understood.

The rain that had plagued Wujin Road for half a month had finally stopped. The sun was intense. Xiang Zhongjing held an umbrella, walking leisurely toward the south of the city.

In the sky above, a shadow like a swimming snake flickered momentarily, reflected on the long street. Xiang Zhongjing paused and glanced up at the sky.

A giant snake soared through the clouds, crossing Wujin City in an instant and landing at the residence where Su Cansheng was staying for the ceremony.

Jin Chuling dove from the air, transforming into human form upon landing. He kicked the door open with a bang, his voice cold and menacing. “Where is Su Cansheng?! Get out here!”

Su Cansheng’s attendants rushed to stop him, but Jin Chuling brushed them aside with a palm strike, sending them crashing into the walls and coughing up blood.

Jin Chuling had no patience for small fry. Anyone who dared block him was met with a strike. He practically fought his way into the heart of the residence.

After such a commotion, Su Cansheng finally emerged from his closed room, his expression more indifferent than ever. He stood on the steps, looking down at Jin Chuling with eyes full of loathing. “What are you doing here?”

Jin Chuling had jumped into the Sandu Secret Realm. Since he wasn’t Gu Congxu, he had naturally suffered severe injuries. However, the man was mad; he had used a soul-burning secret technique to force his body to heal and had searched outside the realm all night without finding a single clue.

Once Jin Chuling went mad, he lost the ability to think clearly, but since this involved Xiang Zhongjing, he managed to maintain a shred of composure. Learning that Su Cansheng had returned to Wujin Road, he guessed the man must know something, so he rushed over without stopping.

“Where is Xiang Zhongjing?”

Su Cansheng’s lips were pale. He said coldly, “Do you think I would tell you?”

Upon hearing this, a look of frantic joy suddenly appeared on Jin Chuling’s face. “You really do know!”

The loathing on Su Cansheng’s face deepened. “Can’t you see he doesn’t want to see either of us?”

“That’s you,” Jin Chuling said without blinking, his crimson pupils full of obsession. “We are already Dao companions. He will forgive me.”

Su Cansheng looked at him coldly. “You two never performed the rites, nor do you have the reality of companions.”

Jin Chuling snapped, “If he wants it, I’ll give it to him. Do I need you to teach me?”

As he spoke, Jin Chuling finally noticed something wrong with Su Cansheng. He raised an eyebrow. “Your Life-and-Death Seal was shattered by someone?”

Su Cansheng’s consciousness was damaged, and his cultivation had dropped significantly. He forced down the metallic taste of blood in his throat, saying impatiently, “Get lost.”

Seeing this reaction, Jin Chuling was even more certain of his guess. He laughed out loud without restraint, his eyes full of mockery. “Su Cansheng, even you have a day like this?”

Su Cansheng closed his eyes. “I am suffering the consequences of my own actions. You aren’t doing much better.”

Jin Chuling didn’t care to compare miseries. He asked again, “Where is he now?”

Su Cansheng said, “You’re so capable, find him yourself. See if he will forgive you.”

Jin Chuling snarled, “You…”

He was about to explode in rage, but then, as if thinking of something, he suddenly grew quiet.

“He doesn’t know many people in the Three Realms,” Jin Chuling muttered to himself. “If he isn’t with Man Qiuxia, he must be in Shuangxian City.”

He finished with a loud laugh. “I was stupid. Why did I even ask a useless waste like you such a simple question?”

Without even looking at Su Cansheng’s humiliated expression, he transformed into a snake and vanished.

After Jin Chuling left, Su Cansheng returned to his room expressionlessly. Once the door was closed, he could no longer hold it back and clutched his mouth, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

A Life-and-Death Seal with a spirit beast is extremely difficult to shatter. Xiang Zhongjing didn’t have the cultivation for it.

It seemed Xiang Zhongjing’s relationship with that dragon was quite profound.

Xiang Zhongjing turned his head and sneezed. He looked up at the old, vine-covered stone archway in front of him, asking in confusion, “This is the gate to Shuangxian City?”

The area south of the city was a barren wasteland. In the center of the vast space stood a single, dilapidated stone archway surrounded by rocks and weeds. It didn’t look like the entrance to a gambling house at all.

Gu Congxu poked his head out of his sleeve. “There is a very strong spiritual aura. It’s a miniature world.” He paused, then explained, “The same principle as the Sandu Secret Realm.”

Xiang Zhongjing hadn’t realized the secret realm was also a cultivator’s miniature world. He asked, “Is the Sandu Secret Realm yours?”

Gu Congxu shook his head. “It belongs to my master.”

Xiang Zhongjing raised an eyebrow. “But if a cultivator perishes, wouldn’t their miniature world collapse?”

Hearing the word “perish” made Gu Congxu’s heart ache. He was silent for a long time before saying mopey, “My master’s soul has not yet dispersed. He hasn’t perished. I… I won’t let him.”

Seeing that Gu Congxu’s mood had darkened, Xiang Zhongjing didn’t say more. He reached out to pat the little dragon in his left sleeve. “Good Sanneng, we’re going in.”

Hearing that child-soothing tone, Gu Congxu almost bit him. “I’ll eat you!”

Xiang Zhongjing couldn’t stop laughing. He closed his umbrella and stepped leisurely into the stone archway.

It felt the same as entering the Linglong Tower—a moment of dizziness. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in the barren wasteland.

The roar of a crowd suddenly hit his ears. Xiang Zhongjing looked around and found himself in the middle of a brightly lit street. Before him was a massive building that looked even more extravagant than the Wujin Building.

It was night within the miniature world. Countless lanterns of all shapes and sizes hung from the tall building. Upon closer inspection, there were even innumerable lights floating in the sky. Above the entrance hung a golden plaque with three flowing characters: Shuangxian City.

People were coming and going through the doors. Xiang Zhongjing walked up the steps. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he heard a thunderous shout from inside.

“Betting on big or small?!”

Xiang Zhongjing: “…”

Xiang Zhongjing gripped his umbrella so hard the wooden handle nearly snapped.

Gu Congxu had been confused about why he looked so miserable, but he soon realized that a gambling house—a place requiring endless choices, was a literal hell for someone with Xiang Zhongjing’s pathological indecisiveness.

Xiang Zhongjing wanted to cover his ears. He said painfully, “Why must such a god-forsaken place exist in this world?”

Gu Congxu: “…”

Gu Congxu asked hesitantly, “Does your sword… like to gamble?”

Xiang Zhongjing’s face was blank. “He loves it.”

Xiang Zhongjing didn’t want to stay here a second longer. He grabbed a nearby attendant. “Is Qiong Nianyi here?”

The attendant was a wooden puppet with a vacant expression. After a moment, it pointed toward the gambling table in the very center of the hall, which was surrounded by a dense crowd.

“Lord Qiong is over there.”

Xiang Zhongjing released the puppet, his brow furrowing.

Lord Qiong?

Xiang Zhongjing looked at this city filled with lanterns and suddenly had a bad feeling.

Gu Congxu sensed his agitation. “What’s wrong?”

Xiang Zhongjing said woodenly, “If this gambling house was really opened by Twenty-One, I am going to chop his head off.”

Gu Congxu: “…”

Not far away, a crowd was gathered around a gambling table. A man with disheveled clothes sat in a chair with his legs crossed. His posture was lazy, and he held a long pipe decorated with small dice, blowing out clouds of smoke.

This man was a gambler through and through. His pipe had dice tassels, and even his hair crown was shaped like the “Five Woods” used in gambling games. Almost every accessory on his body was related to gambling.

Qiong Nianyi exhaled a cloud of smoke and tilted his head. Under one eye was a mark that looked like the six-dot side of a die. The dice hanging from his earrings spun lightly, also revealing two sixes.

He smirked at the man sitting opposite him. “Sect Leader Yi, if this round is ‘big’ again, you’ll have to leave your son here for me to play with.”

The hot-tempered Sect Leader Yi stripped off his outer robe, glaring. “I won’t lose this round!”

Qiong Nianyi laughed. “What I love most is the way you humans talk so big right before you lose. It’s very entertaining.”

As he spoke, he lightly flicked open the dice cup, revealing three sixes inside.

Qiong Nianyi’s eyes flickered, and the dice on his earrings began to spin again.

He said with a smile, “You lost.”

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