Transmigrated as The Cannon Fodder Bride of The Villainess

Even though Qu Weiyin was surprised, she still followed Luo Jinxiao’s lead. With a wave of Luo Jinxiao’s hand, frost spread across the narrow opening of the cave, followed by layers upon layers of ice, sealing it tightly.

The raging fire burned outside, and the walls of the cave continued to tremble, but inside, it wasn’t hot. Only their bodies, pressed close together, radiated heat.

They were so close that Luo Jinxiao was practically embracing Qu Weiyin. The slender waist of the woman was tightly encircled in her arms, and the air in the cave was filled with a fragrance that belonged to neither of them, or perhaps to both.

Only when Qu Weiyin finally calmed down did she feel her heart pounding wildly. Luo Jinxiao was a little taller, so she had to tilt her head up slightly to see past Luo Jinxiao’s shoulder to the wall opposite them.

Time seemed to stand still. After what felt like an eternity, the commotion outside finally subsided. Through the ice-sealed entrance, they could faintly make out the enormous head of the Zhulong as it retreated into the distance.

Only then did the two of them breathe a sigh of relief. Qu Weiyin wanted to push Luo Jinxiao away, but the cave was so narrow that the distance between them was already as far as it could be.

“Why did you come back? Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Qu Weiyin raised her eyes, her phoenix eyes filled with anger.

“It’s a long story. After going down that cave, there were many forks in the path. I thought maybe I could find a way to reach you, so I tried a few of them,” Luo Jinxiao stammered, startled by Qu Weiyin’s fierce tone. She wanted to rub her head to ease the awkwardness but then realized her hand was still resting on Qu Weiyin’s waist.

She coughed hastily and straightened up.

Qu Weiyin was in no mood to argue. Her voice cold with lingering anger, she asked, “Can we get back?”

Luo Jinxiao nodded quickly, a smile appearing on her face. “I made marks along the way. The cave is narrow but interconnected, almost as if it was dug out. Could it be that the God’s Burial Ground wasn’t built by Gods, but by humans?”

Qu Weiyin glared at her and pushed her aside. “Why do you think the Gods perished, and why did the Upper Celestial Realm become ruins?”

With a twist of her slender waist, Qu Weiyin slipped out of Luo Jinxiao’s grasp and moved away. “The Gods were destroyed by internal strife and self-destruction. The God’s Burial Ground was never built by Gods, but by humans.”

“Just as not all cultivators are good, neither are Gods,” Qu Weiyin added, her expression indifferent.

Just as Luo Jinxiao was about to reply, another commotion erupted outside. Thinking that the Zhulong had returned, she reached for Qu Weiyin’s hand, only to have it swatted away.

Luo Jinxiao rubbed her hand, “Junior Shishu…”

“Don’t move. Those are people outside,” Qu Weiyin said, frowning as she looked at the ice-sealed entrance. “Are there others here?”

Luo Jinxiao could hear footsteps now too. She took two surprised steps forward and knocked on the ice. A fist-sized hole instantly melted through.

Looking through the hole, her eyes met Yan Ying’s.

“Idiot, your idiot sister is in here,” Yan Ying said, rolling her eyes.

Before Luo Jinxiao could figure out what was going on, Luo Ning rushed forward. “Sister!” she called out anxiously through the ice. “I finally found you! Are you hurt?”

“No,” Luo Jinxiao shook her head. She waved her hand, melting the ice door. Luo Ning squeezed through the opening and threw her arms around Luo Jinxiao.

“Sister, I couldn’t find you anywhere after I came down. I thought something terrible had happened! Thank heavens you’re alright.” Luo Ning’s face was pale, her eyes and teeth shining brightly in contrast.

“Enough of this. Do you think this is a good place to have a reunion?” Qu Weiyin interjected, watching them coldly. “Let’s go.”

With that, she turned and walked away down the tunnel. Luo Jinxiao hurriedly pulled Luo Ning along.

“What’s going on? Not only did you come down here, but how did you bring her along too?” Luo Jinxiao asked, tilting her chin towards Yan Ying as she kept a firm hold on Luo Ning’s hand.

“Watch your mouth, you fool!” Yan Ying glared at Luo Ning before looking away. “If it weren’t for this idiot…” she muttered, “risking her life for her dear sister, I wouldn’t be stuck in this godforsaken place.”

“Are you hurt?” Luo Jinxiao suddenly remembered something and pulled Luo Ning closer for a closer look.

“No, but we ran into that giant snake earlier. It breathes fire! I was almost roasted alive!” Luo Ning said with a smile, shaking her head like a rattle.

“Giant snake?” Yan Ying rolled her eyes dramatically and smacked her forehead. “That was a Zhulong.”

Luo Ning ignored her completely and continued to chatter excitedly to Luo Jinxiao, recounting everything that had happened since they descended.

It turned out they had landed on a different path. Without Qu Weiyin to guide them, their journey was fraught with danger. They were chased by giant pythons several times and only narrowly escaped being captured. And then, to top it off, they ran straight into the enraged, fire-breathing Zhulong.

Luo Jinxiao listened with a mixture of horror and amazement.

“We’re here,” Qu Weiyin announced suddenly. She took a step forward, and the tunnel opened up before them. It was no longer a pitch-black cave but a wide, long corridor paved with stone slabs. Everlasting lamps hung from the ceiling at regular intervals, their flames still burning brightly after thousands of years, illuminating the path ahead.

“This is where I arrived after coming down that passage,” Luo Jinxiao said, checking the markings on the wall.

“Junior Shishu Qu,” Luo Ning asked hopefully, “does this path lead out of here?”

Qu Weiyin shook her head, her answer quick and decisive. “No. This is the way to the real God’s Burial Ground. Those who are fated will find their way out. Those who are not…will die.” She spoke with a strange relish that sent a shiver down Luo Jinxiao’s spine.

“What?” Yan Ying exclaimed in shock, then gritted her teeth. “Luo Ning, you’re going to get us killed today!”

“Don’t blame me! I didn’t ask you to follow,” Luo Ning retorted.

“You—!” Yan Ying sputtered, speechless with rage. She finally threw her hands up in defeat. “Fine! Fine! It’s my own fault for getting involved with you two!”

Luo Jinxiao wasn’t listening to their bickering. Her eyes were fixed on Qu Weiyin. When Qu Weiyin had spoken of the God’s Burial Ground, her eyes had widened slightly. Could it be that there was something there she was looking for?

Luo Jinxiao kept her suspicions to herself and silently followed behind Qu Weiyin, leaving Luo Ning and Yan Ying to their squabbling.

The corridor wasn’t long, but the silence was unnerving. At the end of the path stood a wall. Before Luo Jinxiao could get a good look at it, Qu Weiyin placed her hand against its surface. A blinding golden light erupted, and the solid wall vanished without a trace.

Behind her, Luo Ning gasped. Luo Jinxiao looked down and saw that the plain stone slabs beneath their feet had transformed into gleaming white jade. The eerie everlasting lamps had become dazzling night pearls, bathing the surroundings in a radiant, otherworldly glow.

So it had all been an illusion. This was the real entrance to the God’s Burial Ground.

Before them lay a vast hall with a soaring ceiling. Faint, colorful murals adorned the dome above, their details obscured by time, yet still radiating an aura of majesty. As they stepped inside, a hushed silence fell over them.

Only Qu Weiyin seemed unfazed, as if used to such sights, and she walked straight to the center of the hall.

Despite its luxurious appearance, the hall was empty except for a throne-like structure in the middle. It was made of a translucent, crimson material, resembling a sculpted gemstone, and clashed sharply with the otherwise pristine white hall.

Luo Jinxiao felt her gaze locked onto the throne, unable to look away. The crimson light swirled before her eyes, gradually blurring her vision.

An unknown amount of time passed before she was jolted awake. She looked around frantically. The hall was silent and deserted, eerily empty. Luo Jinxiao frowned and called out softly, “Junior Shishu?”

“Luo Ning?”

“Idiot?”

There was no answer.

I must be trapped in another illusion, Luo Jinxiao thought grimly. What treasures could this God’s Burial Ground possibly hold to warrant such elaborate protection? She cautiously moved forward, searching for a way to break free from the illusion.

Suddenly, she noticed a figure seated upon the previously empty throne. It was a woman, her posture alluringly relaxed with her legs crossed and bare feet resting on the jade floor. Her skin was so flawlessly pale that it was difficult to tell where it ended and the white jade began.

“Luo Jinxiao,” the woman spoke, her red lips parting slightly, releasing a wave of intoxicating fragrance. She extended her slender arms, her eyes like silk threads, inviting and dangerous.

Her crimson robes cascaded around her like a blooming lotus flower. Luo Jinxiao found herself staring into her light red eyes, which were as alluring as poppies but hid a deadly intent.

Luo Jinxiao gasped. This was Qu Weiyin after she had succumbed to demonic cultivation.

She couldn’t tell if this was a memory from her past life or a vision of the present. All she knew was that fear threatened to consume her, leaving her no escape.

Seeing Luo Jinxiao frozen in place, Qu Weiyin smiled. She rose gracefully from the throne, her bare feet gliding across the jade floor. Her long, flowing robes trailed behind her like crimson smoke.

She approached, bringing with her a strange fragrance. As she drew nearer, Luo Jinxiao’s scalp tingled. She wanted to flee, but her legs wouldn’t obey.

The demonic Qu Weiyin was different from the woman she knew. She was a seductive, alluring temptress. She stopped before Luo Jinxiao, her cool, delicate hand reaching out to caress Luo Jinxiao’s cheek.

Luo Jinxiao trembled under her touch, then her smooth hand draped over Luo Jinxiao’s shoulder.

Panic surged through Luo Jinxiao. She struggled to regain control of her body, but it was no use. She could only watch helplessly as Qu Weiyin drew closer.

“Why won’t you look at me?” Qu Weiyin asked, her voice a mixture of hurt and fury that was impossible to resist. Her eyes, filled with a wounded pride, held Luo Jinxiao captive.

Luo Jinxiao fought against the strange emotions stirring within her. Her heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t know what to do.

Why is this happening? she thought desperately. She squeezed her eyes shut, praying for the ordeal to end.

But the illusionary Qu Weiyin had no intention of stopping. She pressed her entire body against Luo Jinxiao’s, her arm still draped possessively over her shoulder. And then, in a moment of terrifying intimacy, her lips brushed against Luo Jinxiao’s cheek.

In that instant, Luo Jinxiao felt like she might explode.

A confusing mix of emotions surged through her: shame, fear, and something else…something unfamiliar and exciting.

Qu Weiyin’s lips were surprisingly warm and soft, a stark contrast to the coolness of her hand. It was a touch that promised both pleasure and danger.

“Junior Shishu…” Luo Jinxiao breathed.

Suddenly, the sword Qu Weiyin had given her began to vibrate, emitting a high-pitched hum. It was like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over her. Luo Jinxiao snapped back to reality. With a surge of adrenaline, she shoved the “Qu Weiyin” away from her with all her might.

She gasped for breath, her body trembling with exertion and fear. It was like waking from a vivid, unsettling dream.

“Qu Weiyin” fell to the ground. Luo Jinxiao drew her sword and swung, but the “Qu Weiyin” on the ground suddenly wrapped her arms around herself, on the verge of tears.

Her breathtakingly beautiful face, now twisted in such a pitiful expression, was almost impossible to resist.

“Don’t kill me,” she pleaded.

“Stay with me,” she whispered.

Luo Jinxiao almost lost herself to the illusion again. She shook her head fiercely, banishing the flicker of sympathy from her heart.

“Stay with you? In your dreams!” she shouted.

With a decisive swing of her sword, the illusion shattered. The grand hall reappeared before her, this time with everyone present. However, it was clear they were all trapped in their own illusions.

Yan Ying was hacking wildly at a pillar, a stream of curses pouring from her lips. “You useless idiot! You fox spirit! What right do you have to make her follow you everywhere?!”

Her words devolved into incoherent rambling. Luo Jinxiao leaned back, stifling a sneeze.

Her intuition told her that despite the lack of specifics, Yan Ying was definitely ranting about her.

I’ll deal with her later, she decided, leaving Yan Ying to her rage for the time being. She turned to look for Qu Weiyin but couldn’t find her anywhere. A wave of anxiety washed over her. She ran towards the throne in the center of the hall.

As expected, Qu Weiyin was there, half-kneeling on the ground. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs.

Luo Jinxiao assumed Qu Weiyin had also been pulled into an illusion. She rushed over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Junior Shishu?” she asked gently.

Qu Weiyin didn’t respond. Her shoulders continued to tremble. Luo Jinxiao reached for her hand and felt the dampness of her robes.

She was crying.

The realization that this seemingly invincible Demon Lord was capable of tears tugged at Luo Jinxiao’s heart.

How do I get her out of this? she wondered desperately. She called out to Qu Weiyin again, but there was still no response.

Finally, she made up her mind. She grabbed Qu Weiyin’s wrist and pulled her up. Caught off guard, Qu Weiyin swayed and almost lost her balance.

Without hesitation, Luo Jinxiao opened her arms and pulled Qu Weiyin into a careful embrace.

Both of them stiffened immediately.

Whenever Luo Jinxiao had cried as a child, all she had craved was a comforting hug. But she never received one, not once. Now, she realized, a hug could be surprisingly effective.

Gradually, Qu Weiyin’s body calmed, her trembling ceased, and she stopped crying. Her hands hung limply at her sides.

“Junior Shishu, just hold on a little longer. I’ll find a way to break this illusion,” Luo Jinxiao said, gathering her spiritual energy in her palms. Silver light flickered between her fingers.

“When did I ever say that this level of illusion could trap me?” Qu Weiyin’s calm voice broke the silence. Luo Jinxiao’s spiritual energy dissipated instantly, and she instinctively jumped back.

Her face flushed with embarrassment and a hint of defensiveness.

And then, a wave of heat engulfed her as Qu Weiyin turned to face her. Luo Jinxiao wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

Way to make a fool of yourself, she thought miserably.

Qu Weiyin’s expression was carefully composed, but the tear stains on her cheeks betrayed her, proving that she had indeed been affected by the illusion.

“Junior Shishu…” Luo Jinxiao stammered, unsure what to say.

“It’s nothing. I merely saw my family and relived some old memories,” Qu Weiyin said lightly. She glanced at Luo Jinxiao, then turned away to look at the throne.

Behind her, Luo Jinxiao shifted her weight from foot to foot, regretting her earlier carelessness.

Unbeknownst to Luo Jinxiao, Qu Weiyin’s calm facade crumbled as she turned away. Her face paled, and she raised a hand to her chest, pressing her fingers against her heart, which was now beating erratically.

Her eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions. She took a deep breath, as if trying to regain control of herself.

And yet, there was a flicker of something else in her eyes, a lingering warmth as if she were savoring the memory of that unexpected embrace.

“Sister, look out!” Luo Ning, having just broken free from her own illusion, cried out in alarm.

Luo Jinxiao reacted instantly, leaping aside just as Qu Weiyin’s Crescent Star Sword transformed into a streak of red light. The sword flew from her grasp, impaling a group of giant pythons that had charged into the hall, pinning them to the wall.

One of the thrashing tails caught Yan Ying, snapping her out of her daze and sending her sprawling to the ground.

The Zhulong followed close behind the pythons, its massive, grotesque head squeezing through the entrance. It let out a deafening roar, unleashing a wave of foul-smelling air that washed over them like a tidal wave. Luo Jinxiao reacted instantly, raising her hands to conjure a wall of ice that shielded them from the brunt of the attack.

Luo Ning rushed to her side, and together they braced themselves against the Zhulong’s fury.

Yan Ying, now fully alert, took in the scene before her and scurried over to Luo Ning, a string of curses on her lips. The peacock perched on her shoulder spread its wings and soared towards the Zhulong, aiming for its eyes.

As chaos reigned around them, Qu Weiyin remained strangely still. She frowned, her gaze shifting between the rampaging Zhulong and the throne behind her.

She clenched her right hand, her expression one of intense internal struggle.

If I take it, if I claim the divine artifact, I can finally avenge myself. I can end all of this.

I need power. I need to be as strong as I was in my past life.

But what about the girl…? Qu Weiyin glanced at Luo Jinxiao. The young woman stood firm, her robes fluttering around her, her long hair whipping in the wind created by the Zhulong’s fiery breath. The creature’s glowing eyes illuminated her delicate features, making her skin glow and her lips seem impossibly red.

So foolishly reckless.

Qu Weiyin made up her mind and turned towards the throne.

“Sister!” Luo Ning screamed, her voice filled with terror.

Qu Weiyin whirled around. The Zhulong, unable to break through their defenses, had resorted to spewing fire in all directions, threatening to incinerate everything in sight.

Luo Jinxiao, struggling to maintain the ice barrier, let out a roar of her own. Her spiritual energy surged, filling the hall and momentarily holding the Zhulong at bay. A fine layer of frost began to spread, encasing the hall in a protective layer of ice that the flames couldn’t melt.

Qu Weiyin’s eyes widened in disbelief. When did Luo Jinxiao become so powerful?

But even Luo Jinxiao’s impressive display of power couldn’t hold back the monstrous beast forever. The Zhulong, corrupted by demonic energy, continued to unleash its fiery wrath. Luo Ning, unable to withstand the onslaught any longer, collapsed to her knees. Yan Ying quickly shielded her with her own body. Now, only Luo Jinxiao remained, a lone figure battling against the raging beast.

Qu Weiyin, her expression a mixture of fury and concern, swept forward, pulling Luo Jinxiao behind her. Golden light erupted from her hand, swirling towards the Zhulong’s head like a mythical dragon emerging from the sea. At that moment, the peacock let out a shrill cry, distracting the beast and the Zhulong roared in pain as the bird’s sharp beak found its mark. Blood splattered from one of its glowing eyes, showering Qu Weiyin with blood.

Qu Weiyin didn’t flinch. She muttered a spell under her breath, and the Crescent Star Sword, suspended in mid-air, began to grow, transforming into a shimmering platform that hummed with power.

The Zhulong, now completely consumed by rage, charged into the hall, its massive tail crashing against the floor. It spun in a frenzy, its enormous body a weapon of destruction. Yan Ying dragged Luo Ning behind a pillar for safety.

“Let me go! I have to help Sister!” Luo Ning cried, struggling against Yan Ying’s grip.

“Idiot, are you crazy?!” Yan Ying shoved her back against the wall. “Junior Shishu Qu has her back! She doesn’t need your help!”

Meanwhile, Luo Jinxiao and Qu Weiyin stood side-by-side, deflecting the Zhulong’s flames and searching for an opportunity to strike. But the creature was simply too massive, its movements too unpredictable.

With a powerful swing of its tail, the Zhulong sent Luo Jinxiao flying. Qu Weiyin shoved her out of harm’s way, but Luo Jinxiao lost her footing and crashed into the ruby throne.

The impact cut her hand, and her blood dripped onto the crimson gemstone, blending seamlessly with its surface.

As Luo Jinxiao tried to get up, the throne began to shake violently. She cursed under her breath. When she looked up again, the throne was gone. She lay sprawled on the ground, staring at the spot where it had been. In its place, a sword, forged from the purest white jade, protruded from the white jade floor.

The sword had a gentle appearance, and its blade surprisingly blunt. It looked more like a delicate work of art than a weapon, its edges smooth and harmless.

A profound silence descended, so deep that Luo Jinxiao could hear the sound of her own breathing. Her gaze remained fixed on the sword. A vision flashed before her eyes: a snowy landscape, a blood-soaked sword plunged into the pristine white, the blood slowly being absorbed by the blade, leaving only a flurry of crimson snowflakes dancing in the air.

Solitude. Power.

The vision vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and the sounds of the world rushed back in. Luo Jinxiao realized with a start that she was now holding the sword.

It felt like an extension of herself.

She turned her head and saw Qu Weiyin still locked in battle with the Zhulong. The sword in Luo Jinxiao’s hand, as if accustomed to such scenes, remained still, its surface growing cold.

Luo Jinxiao experimentally swung the sword. A wave of pure white energy shot out from the blade, striking the Zhulong’s side. The attack carved a deep gash into the creature’s flesh, a wound that instantly froze over, preventing it from healing.

The Zhulong roared in pain, its movements growing more frantic. Luo Jinxiao marveled at the sword’s responsiveness and power. With a surge of exhilaration, she lunged forward. As the blade made contact with the Zhulong’s flesh, it sharpened, transforming into a razor-sharp edge that sliced through the creature’s defenses as if it were a mere thread. With one swift movement, she cleaved the Zhulong in two.

The beast thrashed wildly, its lifeblood spilling onto the jade floor. Qu Weiyin stared at Luo Jinxiao, her eyes wide with astonishment. She glanced at the sword in Luo Jinxiao’s hand and clenched her fist.

“Crescent Moon Sword,” she murmured. Seizing the opportunity presented by the Zhulong’s weakened state, she directed her own sword towards the creature’s head. With an earsplitting roar, the Zhulong collapsed, its massive body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. It twitched feebly for a few moments before falling still.

The light faded from its eyes, and its body slowly turned to stone.

Luo Jinxiao sighed in relief, collapsing to the ground, panting as she looked at the sword in her hand. Could this be the divine artifact Qu Weiyin was searching for? It’s certainly powerful.

She looked up to speak to Qu Weiyin, but the words died in her throat. Qu Weiyin was staring at her, her eyes cold and filled with killing intent.

Luo Jinxiao instinctively shrank back. Does she think I took the sword for myself?

But I didn’t seek it out. There was no contract…

She opened her mouth to explain, but Qu Weiyin had already walked over, grabbing her by the collar and lifting her up. Her phoenix eyes blazed with anger, her knuckles white from the force of her grip.

“Junior Shishu, I didn’t…” Luo Jinxiao began, but Qu Weiyin cut her off.

“How did you form a contract with it?” she demanded, her voice dangerously low.

“I didn’t!” Luo Jinxiao stared at her in bewilderment. She looked down at the sword, which now seemed perfectly ordinary, and shook her head frantically.

“It’s an ancient artifact! You wouldn’t be able to even lift it without a contract!” Qu Weiyin growled, her anger so intense that she seemed ready to kill Luo Jinxiao on the spot.

If I kill her, I can claim the sword for myself.

A contract, once forged, can only be broken by the scattering of one’s soul.

Qu Weiyin’s grip tightened, and the color drained from her eyes.

Luo Jinxiao felt a surge of terror as she realized Qu Weiyin was about to kill her. She turned her head away, avoiding Qu Weiyin’s gaze.

“Junior Shishu Qu!” Luo Ning, sensing danger, rushed to pull them apart. Qu Weiyin didn’t move, but a flash of golden light erupted, binding Luo Ning and Yan Ying with invisible restraints.

The murderous aura surrounding Qu Weiyin intensified. The tip of the Crescent Star Sword pressed against Luo Jinxiao’s throat. In a moment of desperation, Luo Jinxiao whispered, “Junior Shishu…”

She didn’t fight back. She didn’t run. She simply spoke Qu Weiyin’s name.

Qu Weiyin’s eyes flickered with surprise. She stared at Luo Jinxiao, her grip on the sword slowly loosening.

They stood so close that they could feel each other’s heartbeats—one frantic with fear, the other…different.

After what felt like an eternity, Qu Weiyin finally released her grip. Her arm fell to her side, and the Crescent Star Sword flew back to its sheath with a soft hum.

Luo Jinxiao staggered back, clutching at her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. That was too close, she thought, her heart still pounding. I almost died by Qu Weiyin’s hand again.

But this time, the fear was mixed with something else. Something that felt almost like…relief?

“Take your sword. Let’s go,” Qu Weiyin said harshly. She turned and walked towards where the sword had been pulled from, her figure gradually fading.

Luo Jinxiao, still recovering from the encounter, hurried after her, dragging the bound forms of Luo Ning and Yan Ying along.

“Sister, what happened to Junior Shishu just now? It was terrifying!” Luo Ning whispered.

Luo Jinxiao shook her head, forcing a light tone. “Maybe she’s just getting old and having mood swings.”

When they opened their eyes again, they were back in the dense forest where Chang Siyu and the others were wandering. Upon seeing Qu Weiyin, they rushed over.

“Junior Shishu Qu! You’re alright! Thank heavens! We were about to send word back to the elders to request reinforcements. It’s a miracle you’re safe!” Chang Siyu’s relief was genuine. Then, he noticed Luo Jinxiao trailing behind Qu Weiyin, and his smile faltered. “Oh. She’s alive too.”

Luo Jinxiao rolled her eyes. There’s no need to sound so thrilled about it.

“Send word back. Tell them we don’t need reinforcements. And take a headcount. See if anyone’s missing,” Qu Weiyin said calmly, not looking particularly pleased.

Chang Siyu assumed she was just tired and cheerfully obeyed. Lu Fanzhi rushed over and threw her arms around Luo Jinxiao, her voice thick with tears. “Jinxiao! You’re alright! I thought you were dead! This Upper Celestial Realm is a dangerous place. Are you hurt?”

She fussed over Luo Jinxiao, checking her for injuries. Her gaze landed on Yan Ying, and her expression turned flat. “Oh. She’s alive too.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Yan Ying snarled, rolling up her sleeves.

“Alright, alright,” Luo Jinxiao said, gently prying Lu Fanzhi off of her. “We’re all okay. What about you? Did you run into any trouble?”

Lu Fanzhi was shaking her head when Chang Siyu approached Qu Weiyin with a grave expression. “Junior Shishu Qu, we’re missing someone. A new disciple, Wei Ziran. We haven’t received any word of him from the sect either. Should I send out a search party?”

“No need,” Qu Weiyin said, shaking her head. “He’s not here. Next time, make sure you not only verify the identities of those accompanying us but also confirm their presence.”

Chang Siyu nodded in confusion.

“Let’s go. We shouldn’t stay here long. Return to the Wuhui Sectt,” Qu Weiyin announced. She turned and walked away without another word.

The journey back was a stark contrast to their lighthearted arrival. Exhaustion hung heavy in the air, and most of them collapsed onto the back of the Qingluan, falling asleep almost instantly.

Although Luo Jinxiao was tired, her mind was too heavy to rest. She sat alone at the bird’s tail, gazing into the distance.

It was already midnight. The vast sky stretched out before her, a vast expanse dotted with countless stars that twinkled like scattered diamonds. The Milky Way flowed across the heavens, a river of light, and beneath it, white cranes soared through the night sky.

A full moon hung behind her, like a silver disc, making her seem even smaller.

She looked down at the sword in her hand, still unable to comprehend its power. It was a divine artifact, capable of granting immense strength, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had stolen something precious from the Demon Lord.

And then there was the illusion in the God’s Burial Ground. Even now, the memory of it sent a blush creeping up her neck.

Why did I have to have that illusion? She pinched herself, trying to banish the thought.

As if summoned by her touch. A red skirt appeared beside her, and long legs folded as Qu Weiyin sat down cross-legged.

A faint floral scent wafted around. Luo Jinxiao couldn’t help but think of the fragrance in the illusion and quickly moved aside.

“What, are you afraid of me?” Qu Weiyin asked coldly.

Luo Jinxiao didn’t dare answer, shaking her head rapidly instead.

“Stubborn,” Qu Weiyin scoffed. She produced a flask of wine from seemingly nowhere and brought it to her lips. A single drop of the amber liquid escaped her mouth and trailed down her chin. Luo Jinxiao suddenly felt parched, and she quickly averted her gaze.

This is bad. That illusion has completely messed with my head.

Calm mind, pure heart, see beauty without desire. That is the path to enlightenment, she chanted silently to herself.

“Junior Shishu, is there any way… to give this sword back to you?” Luo Jinxiao asked softly. Qu Weiyin had clearly been searching for this artifact. Keeping it for herself, knowing how much it meant to Qu Weiyin, filled her with a strange sense of guilt. “Besides, you know, dying?” she added quickly.

Qu Weiyin’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. She looked at Luo Jinxiao, the moonlight reflecting in the young woman’s clear, earnest eyes.

She quickly looked away, a humorless laugh escaping her lips. “You really are an idiot.”

“It’s fine. A divine sword chooses its master. It chose you. It’s yours now,” Qu Weiyin said with a sigh, taking another swig of wine.

Luo Jinxiao smiled, relieved. She scratched her head thoughtfully. “Junior Shishu, I recently read a technique in Yixin Jue and tried it out. It’s quite useful. Just wait.”

Before Qu Weiyin could respond, Luo Jinxiao closed her eyes and began to murmur the spell. A wave of silvery-white energy flowed from her fingertips towards Qu Weiyin. The bloodstains from the battle with the Zhulong vanished without a trace.

Qu Weiyin looked down at herself, pausing before saying. “Why do you always occupy yourself with such strange and useless techniques?” she finally asked.

“I read about it in a book. I thought it was interesting,” Luo Jinxiao replied with a grin.

They sat in silence for a while longer. Qu Weiyin finished her wine and set the flask aside.

“Junior Shishu, I have another trick,” Luo Jinxiao said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She winked at Qu Weiyin, closed her eyes, and muttered another spell. When she opened her eyes, she gestured towards the empty wine flask.

“Try it.”

Qu Weiyin picked up the flask, her brow furrowed in confusion. She shook it gently. To her surprise, it was full again.

She took a cautious sip, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “It’s delicious. What is this?”

“It’s my master’s wine. He keeps it hidden in the cellar and never lets me touch it. But I snuck in and figured out a way to… borrow it without him knowing,” Luo Jinxiao confessed with a mischievous grin.

“Elder Liu’s wine? I’ve asked him for some countless times, but he always refuses. Not bad,” Qu Weiyin said, her mood seemingly lighter. She took a long drink from the flask.

“Junior Shishu, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Luo Jinxiao said.

“Ask away,” Qu Weiyin replied.

“Those illusions… do they mean anything?” Luo Jinxiao asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“I don’t know,” Qu Weiyin said with a shrug. “They’re just manifestations of our deepest fears and desires. Nothing special.”

Luo Jinxiao nodded slowly, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. There’s no way what I saw was a desire, right? she thought frantically. And it definitely wasn’t a fear.

“Why do you ask? What did you see?” Qu Weiyin asked, turning to face Luo Jinxiao.

Their eyes met, and the scenes from the illusion flooded Luo Jinxiao’s mind again. She quickly looked away, her entire body burning with shame.

“What is it? Was it something scary?” Qu Weiyin asked, sounding concerned. She had seen what those illusions could do to a person. Some never recovered. She worried that Luo Jinxiao, with her relatively low cultivation level, might be deeply affected.

“No, it wasn’t,” Luo Jinxiao blurted out, shaking her head vehemently.

“Was it about the future? Or perhaps…something you desire?”

Luo Jinxiao shook her head even harder, as if trying to dislodge the very thought.

“Then what was it?” Qu Weiyin pressed, her brow furrowed with impatience.

“It was nothing, really! Just…weird, nonsensical things. It doesn’t matter. Excuse me, Junior Shishu, I think I’ll just…rest my eyes for a bit.” Luo Jinxiao scrambled to her feet and made a dash for it, only to be yanked back by a firm hand on her arm.

“Junior Shi—”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Qu Weiyin snapped, pushing Luo Jinxiao back onto the Qingluan’s broad back. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to be trapped in an illusion? That God’s Burial Ground is filled with untold dangers, and not all of them are easily defeated. If you don’t confront this now, it could have serious consequences later.”

“Ah, well, what if…what if someone found out about how I got this sword?” Luo Jinxiao asked, grasping at straws.

Qu Weiyin, who had been about to warn her of that very thing, paused. “Yes, you’re right. Don’t breathe a word of it to anyone. Just say it’s a spiritual weapon you summoned. Understood?”

“Thank you, Junior Shishu.” Luo Jinxiao smiled obediently, trying to crawl away, but Qu Weiyin pulled her back with one hand.

“Don’t even think about changing the subject,” Qu Weiyin said, her tone brooking no argument.  She shifted so that she was kneeling in front of Luo Jinxiao, effectively trapping her. She raised two fingers, and a stream of pale golden energy flowed from them, penetrating Luo Jinxiao’s mind.

Images flashed before Qu Weiyin’s eyes:

White feet stepping lightly on a jade floor, a red skirt trailing behind, leaving a graceful arc of color.

A woman’s seductive figure gently leaning on a young girl, her soft hands caressing her.

Red lips moved, whispering words Qu Weiyin couldn’t hear. They drew closer, promising warmth and something more. Pale eyes, the color of smoke and honey, gazed out from beneath half-lidded lids, filled with a potent mix of desire and something darker…

Qu Weiyin’s eyes flew open. She shoved Luo Jinxiao away and scrambled back, her face flushed, her heart pounding in her chest. She stared at Luo Jinxiao, completely at a loss for words.

“Junior Shishu, let me explain! I don’t know how…” Luo Jinxiao began, scrambling to her feet and reaching for Qu Weiyin.

Qu Weiyin flinched away as if burned. “Don’t touch me!” she snapped, her voice uncharacteristically high-pitched.

Her mind was racing, a chaotic mix of confusion and something else…something that felt suspiciously like longing. Heat crept up her neck, staining her cheeks a delicate shade of pink. She couldn’t even meet Luo Jinxiao’s gaze.

She, Qu Weiyin, the formidable Demon Lord, reduced to this…

Before Luo Jinxiao could utter another word, Qu Weiyin spat out a single, furious, “Get away from me!” Then, with a flick of her wrist and a whispered word, she vanished into thin air.

Luo Jinxiao buried her face in her hands, feeling utterly miserable. Well, that went well, she thought miserably. I’ve only gone and made the Demon Lord my enemy.

This time, I really might be doomed…