Wanxi Rebirth - Chapter 62

“If I must speak, this plan is feasible, but the risks are extreme. If it fails, you will be stuck in Qingshan like Bashé, unable to go anywhere.”

Having witnessed her own “cabbage’s” experiences and choices along the way, and having always had some contact with the World’s Scale, the Qingshan resident was not as worried as Lan Kongming.

Still, this plan involved an ancient sealed great demon. If she were to attempt possession, it must succeed—failure would mean that the very existence of “Yue Tingxi” would be permanently erased by Bashé’s consciousness.

Yue Tingxi had already imagined the scolding she would receive if things went awry. Yet unexpectedly, the Qingshan resident supported her without hesitation, leaving her momentarily stunned.

“If you’ve truly made your decision, I’ll begin preparations,” urged the Qingshan resident. “However, this time opening the seal won’t require your Yuan Dan. Back then, it was the World’s Scale that led the sealing formation to imprison Bashé in Qingshan. Since we’re to act as pawns for the World’s Scale, it should contribute its share.”

Snapping back to reality, Yue Tingxi instinctively looked at Qin Suoliu.

“I have no objections,” Qin Suoliu replied even before she asked. “Just in case, please take a Soul-Purifying Pill before attempting it.”

She paused, but still promised openly in front of the Qingshan resident: “No matter when you intend to possess the demon this time, I will assist you fully… I have some prior experience with possessing a great demon.”

“Tut tut tut, that experience cannot be passed on!” the Qingshan resident teased, though her gaze toward Qin Suoliu was unexpectedly friendly.

Ever since they returned from the Xuan Shui Secret Realm with the World’s Scale, every incident involving her cabbage and the formerly corrupted young lady brought mockery from the Scale, tempered with insight. The Scale would point out differences between the young lady and other corrupted souls, her repentance, and the importance she placed on her cabbage.

—“Don’t let it be that in the end, they’ve long let go of past grievances, while you as the elder remain entangled and unable to free yourself.”

She truly saw it—these two youngsters were increasingly inseparable and more accustomed to prioritizing each other.

With the support of her two most trusted people, Yue Tingxi finally relaxed and nodded. “I’ve considered it. However, I only recently reached the Out-of-Body stage. My cultivation is not yet stable, so attempting it soon is inadvisable.”

“No matter. I’ll first take Xie Zhi to familiarize herself with Qingshan. You two can discuss your cultivation,” said the Qingshan resident, taking the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel from Yue Tingxi’s pocket and disappearing.

Yue Tingxi froze for a few moments before realizing that “discussing cultivation” referred to something else, and her face flushed.

Yet when she met Qin Suoliu’s calm gaze, it was like a cold shower, and her heat subsided.

The next moment, she saw Qin Suoliu approach, leaning over to place an icy kiss on her brow.

…Well, no matter how detached this person was as a Daoist, at least she wouldn’t neglect her.

“Shall we return to my dwelling to cultivate?” Yue Tingxi looked up at her. “With the Mustard Seed Ice Wheel taken away, no one can spy on us now.”

“As you wish,” Qin Suoliu responded softly, trying to make her voice gentle. “Since we’re back, do you want to greet everyone?”

“Go with the flow. Explaining it later when we meet is less awkward than seeking them out now,” Yue Tingxi said, recalling that they had only recently bid farewell formally to those they were close to. The thought of their sudden return seemed a bit comical.

She used a teleportation talisman, consuming some spiritual power, and after arranging everything, drank the hot tea prepared by the Qingshan resident to relax.

Qin Suoliu moved a chair beside her and summoned Grey Moth, updating Lian Fengqing on their situation so she could communicate directly via Grey Moth instead of going to the Qin mansion.

“Keep this confidential. Once this matter is settled, I need to go to the human realm to eliminate a few long-standing wrongdoers,” Qin Suoliu instructed.

“Of course, I’ll keep my mouth shut!” Lian Fengqing agreed. “By the way, who do you want to deal with? The Red Dust Hall too?”

“I haven’t decided yet, but if you have intel on the Red Dust Hall, I want it,” Qin Suoliu said.

“Fine, I’ll organize some and let Grey Moth deliver it,” Lian Fengqing said, her tone cheerful. “Recently, I had Grey Moth ‘scan’ a lot of unsavory events, not just in Qingshan, but also in Xuanjing City and other well-known sects. Grey Moth can infiltrate them too.”

“How is that possible?” Qin Suoliu asked in surprise.

“Perhaps because a female voice contacted me recently… probably the 7364 System you mentioned?” Lian Fengqing replied. “While the intruder was in seclusion, the system synced human realm intelligence with me—my chamber is relatively close to ‘Brother’ in seclusion.”

Indeed, don’t put all eggs in one basket—the world’s consciousness understood division of labor, though the new collaborator was an old acquaintance.

“7364 knows so much! Some intel is normally restricted to core members. My current status doesn’t allow me to use it, but I’ll hand it over to you—” Lian Fengqing trailed off, but her tone made her meaning clear.

“Thank you, I’ll make good use of it,” Qin Suoliu replied.

With no one else around, Yue Tingxi overheard the conversation.

“It’s hard to believe that centuries-old enemies can turn into reliable allies,” Yue Tingxi remarked. “Pity Lian couldn’t guess the 7364 System’s situation.”

“No rush. She’s curious. Since the 7364 System contacted her, she’ll eventually figure it out,” Qin Suoliu said. “Do you have anyone or any faction in the human realm you particularly dislike? I’ll deal with them too.”

“If I must say, there are some sects from my previous life,” Yue Tingxi frowned. “Those hypocrites claimed ‘eradicating demons’ as righteousness to massacre Qingshan! But now, like Lian, they’ve yet to reveal a reason to be killed…”

“No matter. Just tell me. I’ll investigate,” Qin Suoliu said.

Yue Tingxi recounted several sects as recorded in The Book of World Affairs.

“Good, I’ve noted them,” Qin Suoliu said. Seeing Yue Tingxi hadn’t finished her tea, she disguised herself as “Ni Wangshu” and retrieved a crookedly carved fox mask from her storage ring, gently rubbing it and putting it on.

“What’s this?” Yue Tingxi asked.

“A birthday gift from my little sister five years ago, carved by her,” Qin Suoliu explained. “She hoped that one day I could wear it in the human realm, roaming freely and performing chivalrous deeds.”

“Interesting… why a fox mask?”

“In the human eye, foxes and fox spirits are clever and cunning,” Qin Suoliu said, removing the mask and showing its lively upward-tilted eyes. “My little sister hoped that I would be like them—no matter the powerful enemies I face, I’d survive and the villains could only be frustrated.”

“Such a meaningful wish!” Yue Tingxi laughed, finishing her tea. “Let’s go home.”

On the way back, she thought to take a secluded path to avoid familiar faces.

…Then she ran into Chan Ying, who had just finished watering the orchard.

“Huh?! Didn’t you just leave?” Chan Ying exclaimed, rushing over and calling out, “Yuanruo! Sister Tingxi and they’re back again!”

Yuanruo today brought two puppies, one large, one small, one white and one spotted. The white one was bold, sniffing around Qin Suoliu.

Qin Suoliu patted the puppies and looked up at Yuanruo, feeling an unexpected sense of her mother.

They decided to gather at Chan Ying’s orchard, where Yue Tingxi, despite her embarrassment, explained the real reason for their return.

“…Thus, A Zi’s mother must care for her greatly to make such a decision.”

After listening, Yuanruo explained while holding the small white puppy, “Even though this one is now your age, in my heart she’s still a little one. If one day she said she must risk herself for a great cause, honestly, I’d first refuse and try to persuade her otherwise.”

“No room for negotiation?” Yue Tingxi asked again.

“Of course, but only if I see and recognize their capability can I reluctantly allow it,” Yuanruo sighed. “But this requires time and sufficient cultivation, and if the mother has suffered heavy setbacks and is stubborn, letting her ‘let go’ is very difficult.”

“So, instead of striving for her approval, A Zi should first accomplish something, like returning safely from danger. Then her heart will ease, and she won’t obstruct similar future plans, perhaps even aiding,” Yue Tingxi said, looking at Qin Suoliu.

Qin Suoliu, however, still felt nothing emotionally.

Now, she could only recognize that Yuanruo’s proposal was worth considering, without worrying about a mother who had made her decision.

“Do you mean we should let Lan… aunt believe we’re still in the Forbidden Library, and only return after exploring the Ghost Realm two years later?” Yue Tingxi summarized.

“That could work, but I can’t guarantee A Zi’s mother won’t check the formation during these two years,” Yuanruo warned. “If she discovers you’ve left early, she might immediately seek Qingshan. You’ll need contingency plans.”

“Of course, as long as your resolve is firm, I doubt the elder would let Lan forcibly detain you,” Yuanruo added.

“In short, A Zi should stay in the mountains to cultivate for now. Entering the Ghost Realm is still two years away,” Chan Ying nodded. “By the way, if you want to deal with the Ghost Realm’s resentment, Shasha the Bifang could help. You’d need to find a way to retrieve her from the Qin household.”

“Why make it sound like the Qin household is some den of thieves?” Yue Tingxi glared. “Let Shasha be. She wants a peaceful life, and we can’t guarantee our own safety in the Ghost Realm. We can’t risk her!”

“Not necessarily. I chatted with Shasha recently; she actually wants to be an adventurer. Just her roots and cultivation are poor,” Chan Ying said.

“I’ll ask her,” Qin Suoliu added. “I can transport her instantly from the secret realm. If danger arises, she’ll survive.”

But all of that was later—they first needed a Tribulation-stage expert and contingency measures for potential Ghost Realm dangers.

Assuming the Ghost Realm truly stored centuries of the World Consciousness’s accumulated resentment, it was uncertain whether Grey Moth’s isolating spells would continue to function there.

Carrying a basket of lychees from Chan Ying, Yue Tingxi used her tail to carry the basket and continued back to the dwelling with Qin Suoliu.

“How do you feel about this?” she asked en route.

“Yuanruo’s plan is reasonable,” Qin Suoliu said. “Emotionally… I can no longer sense anything.”

“But Lan Aunt is only your mother; no one can decide for you,” Yue Tingxi reminded her.

“I know. Even so, if given a chance to relive it, I would still leave the Forbidden Library with you,” Qin Suoliu whispered. “Five years brought disasters like in the previous life; we cannot wait twelve more.”

“Coincidentally, same here,” Yue Tingxi sighed. “I hope your mother comes only after I’ve successfully possessed the demon. Then I’ll have sufficient cultivation to protect you in the Ghost Realm.”

A Tribulation-stage cultivator was among the top in the human realm. Even the strongest sect’s elders who could move freely without seclusion numbered only three.

Qin Suoliu fell silent, finally saying, “I’ve troubled you.”

“What trouble? Our goals and enemies are the same, aren’t they?” Yue Tingxi snorted, swimming faster toward the dwelling.

Once home, she didn’t cultivate with the young lady immediately. Instead, she peeled lychees, selected the best ones for a bowl, and placed them before Qin Suoliu. She cooked some lychee in water with rock sugar.

The aroma quickly filled the air.

“You still like it slightly sweet?” Yue Tingxi asked, seeing Qin Suoliu nod. She added six sugar crystals to the lychee water.

Qin Suoliu wondered why she suddenly made lychee water.

Yet as the sweet drink warmed her stomach pleasantly, she realized—Sister Tingxi was still trying.

Anything that could restore her perception—be it a sweet drink, a dish, or a perilous adventure—Sister Tingxi would persistently attempt.

“Why are you daydreaming while drinking sweet water?” Yue Tingxi’s laugh brought her back. “Overthinking again? Don’t misinterpret—I just saw the fresh lychees today, recalled your childhood fondness for lychee water, and thought to make some. If you like, I can make more tomorrow.”

…A whim, indeed an emotion, not ordinary, but in line with “if it’s this person, they would certainly do it.”

Qin Suoliu nodded thoughtfully. “I like it. But lychees are expensive this season. Will Chan Ying be unhappy if we pick some tomorrow?”

“When you previously gave her so many spiritual stones as a gift, you didn’t worry about her guilt, did you?” Yue Tingxi laughed. “Don’t worry. If she complains, she’ll show it immediately, and we’ll stop then.”

They chatted cheerfully, one sentence after another.

Deep in Qingshan, Xie Zhi, now human, followed the Qingshan resident, unable to help but laugh.

“…What are you laughing at?” the Qingshan resident, long accustomed to numbness, asked.

“Nothing, really. Just seeing you so absent-minded, like someone newly sober still thinking of wine, it’s a bit amusing,” Xie Zhi managed to stop laughing. “But it’s good you’ve let go. Watching the young ones together makes them uneasy.”

“When do you think they felt uneasy with dual cultivation?” the Qingshan resident asked. “From my view, they enjoy it fully and ignore my spying.”

“That’s because they know you well, and even if you were angry, you wouldn’t interfere recklessly, right?” Xie Zhi crossed her arms, winking, then looked forward seriously. “I’ve guarded Xuan Shui Secret Realm long enough. Honestly, I don’t know how the sealed demon is now. Even though I helped seal it, my memory of her is vague.”

“When you sealed her, I was still a piece of Qingshan jade, not yet formed,” the Qingshan resident said. “Later, I heard rumors—she ‘was ruthless and silent,’ but her nature was purely indescribable…”

“Oh? In what sense?” Xie Zhi asked with interest.

“Other demons devour cultivators for power. She only saw the world as impure and sought to absorb everything to reshape order,” the Qingshan resident recalled.

“Some demons shared her ideals. The young girl from the Qin family devoured the nine-tailed fox Tu Shan Jinglan—one of them,” she paused, overlooking the cliff. “I found it absurd. Can a new world created by killing all truly have meaning?”

“I disagree and won’t allow her to emerge and wreak havoc. Hence, I trained diligently after forming, ultimately gaining control of Qingshan and overseeing the demon’s seal,” she continued. “Honestly, I might secretly sympathize with the girl’s idea.”

“I wish Bashé would be permanently erased—a poison bringing only death and disaster to the two races!”

“…It’s rare to see you so angry about matters outside Tingxi and the young lady,” Xie Zhi said in surprise. “But now I recall a bit. At the time, I had no judgment on her actions; sealing her was just following the Creator’s orders.”

“And now?” the Qingshan resident asked.

“Don’t worry. No matter what, I stand for peace and security between the two races,” Xie Zhi said with a smile. Her name, derived from the just Xiezhi beast, reflected fairness and justice.

“But you said you are the World Consciousness’s sword,” the Qingshan resident pressed. “If the consciousness is tainted, would you wield the sword against it?”

“That’s a misunderstanding. I must correct it,” Xie Zhi said, gazing steadily. “The ‘sword’ named Xie Zhi isn’t directed at the world, but at the World Consciousness itself. If one day I deem it profoundly wrong, bringing endless suffering, I will first strike it, erasing its existence.”

“Today, with Qingshan resident and Xie Zhi absent, do you want to try?”

Sitting lazily by the spirit spring, Yue Tingxi asked Qin Suoliu, “Like when you stayed with me in the Heart-Demon Tribulation Realm.”

Even Yue Tingxi grew sluggish when her expectations weren’t met, but she didn’t want to let this pass, letting Qin Suoliu come to her.

Qin Suoliu didn’t mind. Observing Yue Tingxi’s expression, she realized Sister Tingxi still remembered that time, so she said, “Okay,” manifested her nine-tailed fox form, and gently wrapped her tail around Yue Tingxi.

Ironically, since she became this “emotionless Daoist,” no matter how awkward dual cultivation got, she could remain calm and rational, operating her heart method throughout. Cultivation exchange efficiency improved.

She even observed Yue Tingxi’s reactions carefully to adjust next time.

Yet she noticed that Yue Tingxi would suddenly close her eyes at seemingly perfect moments. Knowing why, she didn’t ask.

Somehow, she asked Grey Moth: “Can you block the World Consciousness’s interference?”

Even if only for a brief moment, she wanted to respond to Sister Tingxi, hoping she could see a different expression on her face.

This chapter continues the careful, tender dynamic between Yue Tingxi and Qin Suoliu, while weaving in strategy for the upcoming risks in the Ghost Realm and insight into the motives and histories of supporting characters.

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