Wanxi Rebirth - Chapter 50

The scent of sandalwood filled the room, calming the mind.

Qin Suoliu curled up, inhaling the fragrance, listening to the even breathing of the snake demon beside her. She had been lying there for about half an hour but couldn’t fall asleep. With a sigh, she turned over and sat up, picking up the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel from the bedside table.

Although the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel was a blood-contract artifact that could be absorbed into the contract holder’s dantian, ever since Yue Tingxi discovered that a fragment of Qingyu Shanren’s spiritual consciousness resided within it, she usually kept it outside her body.

Qin Suoliu probed the artifact and went straight to seek the Salvation Balance.

Since it already knew about their past, aside from the previous life, perhaps it could reveal other things as well.

Soon, she sensed faint spiritual fluctuations not far away.

Someone was sparring?

Her intuition urged her to fly over. She saw golden and cyan lights moving rapidly within an enormous barrier.

It seemed like a pure, extreme-speed sparring session—the arena remained intact, every strike landing precisely on the opponent’s weapon.

Qin Suoliu focused carefully and could barely catch a few moves, her heart racing.

It was Qingyu Shanren sparring with the Salvation Balance—and they were evenly matched!

Noticing her arrival, the golden and cyan lights split, standing at opposite ends of the white jade, gold-patterned sparring platform.

“…This little girl isn’t sleeping in the middle of the night, what’s she doing here?” Qingyu Shanren clicked her tongue and sheathed her pale cyan long sword.

The Salvation Balance clapped her hands; the platform returned to normal. She gently pulled the young mistress’ consciousness over.

Qin Suoliu bowed to them both, then looked at the Salvation Balance with a serious expression. “I have an important question for you, senior.”

“Sure, I was just tired from sparring anyway,” the Salvation Balance replied, winking at Qingyu Shanren. With a wave, she transported Qin Suoliu’s consciousness to a quiet chamber where they wouldn’t be disturbed.

With Qingyu Shanren absent, Qin Suoliu felt relieved and got straight to the point. “Can you see the past lives of the same person?”

“That’s a very delicate question,” the Salvation Balance said, looking at her with interest. “Why don’t you first tell me whose past lives you want to see?”

“My own,” Qin Suoliu said.

“The past cannot be fully pursued. Seeing past lives requires a certain opportunity. Why do you insist on knowing?”

Qin Suoliu summarized: “I keep having extremely vivid nightmares about my connection, bond, and life-and-death experiences with Tingxi sister. This isn’t the first time. I’ve confirmed they aren’t from my previous life, yet I can’t see them as mere nightmares.”

“If they are also from ‘some life’ of mine, I wish to recall the events clearly, so I can avoid stepping into such a disastrous situation again.”

She didn’t yet understand the principle of the world’s consciousness retrogression, but if she could reverse once, perhaps another chance would occur in unknown time.

As for why these memories didn’t persist like the previous life, that was the doubt she wanted to consult the Salvation Balance about.

The two of them looked at each other, and the Salvation Balance suddenly smiled.

“As a reference, huh? Not a bad opportunity,” she said. “But you must understand—if the same people and environment are experienced repeatedly in different ways, memories can become confused.”

“When that happens, people tend to focus on major turning points in ‘past lives’ and overlook subtle details in the present, causing fatal oversights. So, my advice is simple: forget them as nightmares. Focus on the present and cherish those around you.”

Qin Suoliu fell silent, deep in thought.

She had experienced this in the demon realm in her previous life. Back then, she was desperate, collecting information with few soul-protecting artifacts, leading to her consciousness being polluted by those memories.

Now, she could find protective artifacts in the Qin family’s treasury. Once Lan Fengqing refined the Soul Purifying Pill, she would have extra assurance to maintain her true mind, unaffected by past memories.

“But you are persistent. Even if I sincerely advise you, I doubt you’ll listen,” the Salvation Balance said with a light laugh. “So here’s the usual rule: once your cultivation reaches the required level, come back for this dangerous request.”

Her consciousness was gently expelled from the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel. Qin Suoliu opened her eyes and looked at the sleeping Yue Tingxi, placing the artifact back.

She then sat on the meditation mat and began cultivating.

Inside the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel:

“What did she tell you?”

“Nothing.”

“You literally expelled her consciousness. She’s cultivating through the night; how could it be nothing?” Qingyu Shanren found it hard to believe. “Did it involve the world’s consciousness? Or the laws of heaven?”

“If anything, it’s about your ‘Jade Cabbage,’” the Salvation Balance said with a playful smile. “But I refused her. Before her Out-of-Body stage, she won’t get any information from me.”

“I’m past the Out-of-Body stage, yet you still won’t tell me,” Qingyu Shanren sneered.

“Flattering, flattering. Must guard secrets while mingling with you—it’s only fair,” the Salvation Balance said, smiling. “Are you rested? Let’s continue sparring.”

The next morning, seeing Qin Suoliu in good spirits, Yue Tingxi mentioned inviting Luo Yansha along.

Qin Suoliu had previously been jealous of Luo Yansha, but after venturing into the Iris Whale illusion with Tingxi sister and practicing dual cultivation several times, she no longer overthought it.

Noticing Yue Tingxi’s caution, she said: “From now on, if anything is important to you, tell me immediately.”

She couldn’t completely avoid jealousy, so she stopped there.

Yue Tingxi also found it hard to explain why she didn’t mention it last night—doing so might have upset Qin Suoliu.

Luckily, Qin Suoliu didn’t ask further. After breakfast, Yue Tingxi took her to Luo Yansha’s residence, repeating instructions about disguises and departure times.

Luo Yansha acted obediently in front of Qin Suoliu.

When Yue Tingxi left to prepare, Luo Yansha grabbed Yue Tingxi’s sleeve in excitement: “We’re going with the Young Mistress?!”

“Yes. I’m studying martial arts with the Young Mistress and need practice. Don’t worry about us—just focus on your own cultivation,” Yue Tingxi lied confidently.

Luo Yansha studied her carefully.

“…Tell me the truth, Tingxi. You haven’t… become that kind of ‘clingy’ with the Young Mistress, have you?!”

Yue Tingxi froze.

Thinking about practicing dual cultivation nightly with Qin Suoliu, she didn’t know how to answer.

Moreover, they were only “dual cultivation allies,” not even romantically involved.

Her silence was an answer. Luo Yansha, noticing her evasive gaze, was at a loss for words.

Wanting to avoid making things awkward, Yue Tingxi quickly found an excuse to leave, reminding Luo Yansha to bring the egg at the agreed time.

On the way, she pondered what her relationship with Qin Suoliu truly was:

Benefactor and beneficiary? Victim and redeemer? Relaxed dual cultivation allies? Intimate former rivals?

She couldn’t figure it out, then recalled the dream where the Young Mistress “stole a marriage proposal.”

…Perhaps that was also a possibility, though she didn’t think Qin Suoliu would go to such lengths.

Pushing aside these thoughts, Yue Tingxi headed toward the Nine Li Xiang Flower Field.

Whenever confused, she came here to smell the familiar flowers and calm herself.

Once composed, she returned to her residence to continue studying how to refine the Salvation Balance.

The Salvation Balance waited for her call. Upon sensing her spiritual signal, it sent a strand of golden spiritual energy, playfully wrapping around her fingertip for observation.

Honestly, Yue Tingxi still didn’t understand what this golden spiritual energy was.

It was neither elemental energy nor a derivative like water or poison energy.

Without knowing its structure, she couldn’t refine it.

After pondering, she decided to ask Qingyu Shanren directly after returning to the mountain. Failing that, she’d carry the Salvation Balance with her when facing the Out-of-Body tribulation, hoping to use its heavenly power for inspiration.

As Chan Ying once said, cultivation is the best way to pass time. Yue Tingxi tried to merge her spiritual energy with the golden energy, and before she realized it, evening had arrived.

It had just rained in the afternoon; now the sun shone again. As she stepped outside, the heat and humidity surged—the scent she knew the Young Mistress disliked most.

“Time to go,” a familiar voice called from behind.

Yue Tingxi turned and was dazzled by a figure in red.

Everyone knew Qin family’s young mistress usually wore purple. During the disguise as “Ni Wangshu,” Qin Suoliu wore red instead.

The color was equally eye-catching, with two silver crescent moons on her sleeves, slightly toning down the flamboyance.

“This is from Gray Moth, consider it a kind of disguise,” Qin Suoliu explained, noticing Yue Tingxi’s gaze. “‘Isolation’ magic is in effect. Within ten steps of me, it will cover you.”

After packing, they met Luo Yansha with the egg and rode a hidden flying carriage to Xi Mountain.

With disguise and concealment, Luo Yansha clutched the egg nervously. She knew about the millennia-long human-demon pact but was still amazed by the precautions taken.

Seeing the mountain approaching, clouds blending with the sky, she relaxed, marveling at the scenery.

A quarter-hour later, the carriage entered Xi Mountain unobstructed.

Yue Tingxi realized Qingyu Shanren’s words—“Xi Mountain’s protective barrier is always open for you”—weren’t empty. Even the Young Mistress’ carriage passed freely.

“First, we’ll visit the ‘ancestor,’ Qingyu Shanren,” Yue Tingxi told Luo Yansha. “She also needs to check the Bibang egg.”

At the slope, they met two familiar faces before seeing the elder.

“Little Tingxi!?” an older white-haired woman exclaimed, rushing forward to ruffle her hair.

A slender dog tail wagged happily from beneath her skirt.

“She actually returned a while ago, picked fruit, then went down the mountain,” Chan Ying, half-snake, hung from a tree, stroked her chin, and exclaimed, “Yo! Isn’t this Sha Sha?! What brings you here?”

Luo Yansha was surprised to see a snake demon as a familiar face. She had been afraid of snakes but recalled this one often visited her clothing store, generous and kind, even giving spiritual stones as tips. Seeing its silver ringed body, she felt less afraid.

Qin Suoliu stood quietly, observing their lively chatter, recalling an unfinished dream about returning to the mountain.

A faint sniffing sound brought her back.

“…You… are Azhi?”

Since Yue Tingxi had confessed to each other, Gray Moth’s magic didn’t mask scent this time. Even with incense, Yun Ruan recognized her.

Yun Ruan was strict with her young ones. Qin Suoliu, as “Azhi,” was one of them and had even napped on Yun Ruan’s body once.

She gently pinched Qin Suoliu’s joints. “Your appearance doesn’t match your bones. Disguised? Did something happen?”

Yue Tingxi quickly explained the disguise to avoid rumors during her extended stay.

“Good!” Yun Ruan relaxed and guided them to the elder’s cabin.

Luo Yansha handed over the egg.

“Bibang egg, feed with top-grade fire energy daily. In less than half a month, it will hatch,” Qingyu Shanren said, glancing at Qin Suoliu. “The mountain’s fire-aligned demons are mostly in seclusion. The few small ones aren’t qualified. Have your companion help.”

Yue Tingxi relaxed, seeing the elder treat Qin Suoliu with neutrality.

Yun Ruan, interested in the egg, moved to assist Luo Yansha, while Chan Ying chatted excitedly with her.

Yue Tingxi sat for her own examination, obediently letting the elder probe her cultivation.

“…If you persist, your tribulation is in about ten days to half a month.” Soon, Qingyu Shanren finished.

She turned to Qin Suoliu. “Demon tribulation has heavenly cause. You cannot interfere.”

Qin Suoliu nodded perfunctorily.

If Yue Tingxi couldn’t withstand it, she would still intervene.

Qingyu Shanren didn’t believe Qin Suoliu would obey anyway. She tapped the table. “Sit. Let me check your situation.”

Regarding the Shuohan Flower, Qingyu Shanren already knew from Yue Tingxi. It was destined for lightning tribulation. She considered how to transplant it to Xi Mountain for confinement.

Qin Suoliu’s soul was impure, but otherwise, she was fine. She sat calmly, eyes naturally on Yue Tingxi.

Qingyu Shanren restrained herself, focusing on examining Yue Tingxi.

“…You actually resonate with this flower.”

After a while, she concluded, somewhat sarcastically: “Both have pure fire energy, strong will and delusions, bound by similar constraints.”

The flower’s constraint was on energy and space; the Young Mistress’ on the mind.

“Focus on improving your cultivation and refining the Shuohan Flower,” the elder added, “No need to worry if it doesn’t bear fruit.”

Qin Suoliu thanked her formally, then Yue Tingxi led her away.

“The elder… is always like this with people she dislikes,” Yue Tingxi explained on the way back.

Qin Suoliu recalled being “Azhi” and enjoying the elder’s affection.

But she had been afraid of Qingyu Shanren’s cold demeanor then, often hiding in Tingxi sister’s arms. Now, occasional cold treatment felt like karmic retribution.

“I’ll work on getting her to like me,” she said.

Yue Tingxi was startled. “No need…” she started to explain that the elder’s attitude would take time to change, but Qin Suoliu grabbed her sleeve.

“Look, Xi Mountain is purple.”

They reached a cliffside path. Qin Suoliu pointed to the horizon where the mountains met the sky.

The sunset bathed the sky in purple-red hues.

Instinctively, Yue Tingxi said, “Tomorrow won’t rain. Good weather.”

The summer sun was hot but not humid—just the weather the Young Mistress liked.

Before nightfall, Yue Tingxi and Qin Suoliu prepared their bedding.

Stone bed and soft couch were joined, each taking half.

For dual cultivation, the bath tub was set up in the chamber.

Yue Tingxi also brought borrowed books. After receiving Luo Yansha’s message, she closed the chamber door, lit spiritual lamps, and reviewed techniques with Qin Suoliu.

While reviewing, she felt an itch on her neck. Without turning, she knew Qin Suoliu had begun practicing directly.

The prepared bath tub went unused all night.

Being in her own home, she didn’t need to hide. One slip, and her usual restraint was completely released.

Her water energy, usually a fine stream, tonight concentrated at the tip of her tail.

She could feel the Young Mistress struggling inside the snake tail, but curiously, Qin Suoliu didn’t stop, only letting her hair brush against her face.

“Sorry…”

When Qin Suoliu finally fell asleep from exhaustion, Yue Tingxi held her, still not understanding the meaning behind that single apologetic word.

If you want, I can also provide a polished, natural English adaptation that reads more like a novel rather than a literal translation. This would make the interactions between Yue Tingxi and Qin Suoliu flow more smoothly for English readers.

Do you want me to do that?

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