Bai Cang pressed his thin lips together tightly, his gaze fixed intently on Qiao Xuan as he spoke each word slowly: “If you follow me, not only will you become my Demon Queen, but everything I have will be yours. I will never treat you like a mere spirit pet… He doesn’t treat you well, but I will.”

Hah, who said my master doesn’t treat me well? He’s way better than you!

Nestled in his master’s palm, Qiao Xuan looked into Bai Cang’s eyes. In those deep violet pupils, there was a cold and intense obsession, and perhaps even a trace of deep, hidden pain and resentment. Bai Cang was still trying to convince him…

At that moment, Qiao Xuan sighed inwardly. He had made his rejection so obvious, yet Bai Cang, despite lowering his pride, refused to give up. Why? Could his sacrifice from that past life really leave such a lasting impression after all these years?

But I am no longer Qing Xun.

After finally surviving his tribulations, he had no interest in becoming Qing Xun again. He didn’t even like to think about that life anymore, let alone relive it.

Qiao Xuan turned his head away, refusing to look at Bai Cang any longer.

Bai Cang’s hands clenched tightly, veins bulging on his forehead. His heart burned with fury and agony. The young man who once had eyes and a heart only for him, who would always return to his side no matter what, had truly cast him aside.

Even when Bai Cang humbled himself, pleading repeatedly, Qiao Xuan was indifferent.

He was no longer that small boy who could be won over with a bite of food or a new set of clothes.

But Bai Cang could not accept this outcome.

He had waited for nine hundred years.

Nine hundred years of life and death struggles, sacrificing everything, all for the sake of reviving Qing Xun.

Now, he had finally found him.

There was no way Bai Cang would tolerate him recognizing someone else as his master!

A flash of crimson appeared in Bai Cang’s eyes, and suddenly, he attacked Yun Ting Shu.

“You refuse the peaceful way, so let’s do this the hard way!”

Fine, I’ll capture you first. As long as I don’t kill you, your spirit pet will still be mine!

Yun Ting Shu seemed prepared for this. Without a change in expression, he drew Qiao Xuan behind him with his left hand, while raising his right to meet Bai Cang’s attack head-on.

A powerful surge of energy swept through the surroundings!

Qiao Xuan was shocked, trembling in fear, barely able to move. They’re fighting! It’s really happening!

Who’s winning?

Bai Cang’s face turned pale, disbelief written all over his features. This man had taken his full-strength blow head-on and hadn’t even taken a step back—Bai Cang himself was the one injured.

Expert fights were often decided in an instant. Unable to gauge Yun Ting Shu’s full strength, Bai Cang let out a low growl, and in response, countless demonic cultivators closed in!

Qiao Xuan flapped his wings anxiously. Great, now they’re ganging up on us. This is why I told my master earlier not to negotiate or fight this demon head-on.

Yun Ting Shu’s voice was icy: “Since the Demon Lord has no intention of showing hospitality, there’s no reason for us to stay.”

With that, he swept his hand, sending a wave of radiant white light blasting through the area, knocking away the demonic cultivators. Only Ji Xiao and Kui Yuan barely managed to hold their ground. Yun Ting Shu glanced down at Bai Cang, then, in the blink of an eye, vanished into the sky, taking Qiao Xuan with him.

Bai Cang watched them leave, his gaze dark and cold. He wiped the blood from his lips.

Don’t think for a moment that this is over.

Qing Xun, I will never give up.

…

In just a few breaths, Yun Ting Shu carried Qiao Xuan out of the desolate, gloomy Western Desolation. The sky cleared, becoming bright and clean once again.

To be honest, Qiao Xuan hadn’t expected his master to be this powerful…

Not only could he match Bai Cang in strength, he could easily fend off an army of demonic cultivators and escape without breaking a sweat…

Wait a minute.

If that’s the case, why did Master accept the invitation to stay in the first place?

He could’ve taken me away right from the start!

So… could it be that Master was just a little unhappy with me running off and wanted to teach me a lesson?

Realizing this, Qiao Xuan immediately deflated.

Yun Ting Shu looked down at Qiao Xuan and said, “Why aren’t you being bold now?”

Qiao Xuan was so embarrassed that he wanted to bury himself underground. He suddenly remembered how he had tried to hide inside his master’s robe earlier—how reckless he had been! But back then, he hadn’t known how strong his master was! If he had known, he wouldn’t have panicked so much!

Qiao Xuan remained silent.

Still, was Master planning to take him back to Heaven?

Going back meant punishment, and then returning to Xuan He Valley to resume endless cultivation…

Although after everything that had happened, Qiao Xuan understood the importance of cultivation, and he knew his master’s teachings weren’t wrong, it was just so hard to put into practice…

Cultivation wasn’t something that could be done overnight. To be able to stand up to people like Bai Cang and Hua Lan… well, that would take at least several hundred, if not thousands of years. The worst part was that he might never get there, no matter how hard he tried. Talent wasn’t something you could force, as he had learned painfully in his life with Jiang Wei Qing…

Back then, if he couldn’t ascend, he would’ve been killed.

Now, if he didn’t become a High God, he couldn’t leave the valley.

Talk about tragic!

There were plenty of celestial beings in Heaven who lived free and easy lives. Sure, some chose to shut themselves away to cultivate, but that was their choice. Who said you had to become a supreme cultivator just to be allowed out? Besides, cultivating in isolation wasn’t always effective. Didn’t the strongest deities all undergo countless trials and experiences?

But if he didn’t go back and ended up in danger again, would he have to rely on Master for help?

Why was he always so unlucky?

It was all because of those troublesome exes!

Qiao Xuan found himself in a dilemma.

After thinking it over for a while, he decided to try one more time. It was dangerous to be alone, but with his master by his side, it should be fine, right?

With that thought in mind, Qiao Xuan transformed back into his human form, landing beside his master. He looked up at him with a pleading expression and said softly, “It was wrong of me, I know the importance of cultivation now, but… before we go back, could you take me to Nanyue first? I promise I’ll focus on cultivation as soon as we return!”

Yun Ting Shu looked at him calmly, not saying a word.

Qiao Xuan grew anxious under his master’s gaze. He had already caused such a huge mess, and now he was asking his master to take him out again. It was really too much to ask. Of course, his master probably wouldn’t agree…

Sigh, if he really refused, Qiao Xuan would just have to return to the valley and wait for another chance to sneak out later…

Just as Qiao Xuan lowered his head in disappointment and was about to say, “If it’s not possible, I’ll—”

Before he could finish, he heard his master’s soft sigh above him. “Alright.”

Qiao Xuan blinked, stunned. His master agreed!

Looking into Qiao Xuan’s surprised and delighted eyes, Yun Ting Shu shook his head. “Why are you standing there in a daze? Didn’t you want to go to Nanyue?”

Snapping out of it, Qiao Xuan immediately hugged his master’s waist. “Master, you’re the best!”

…

A month later, in the capital of Nanyue.

A horse-drawn carriage slowly made its way through the city gates.

Qiao Xuan lifted the curtain and peeked outside. Three years had passed since he last came here, but everything still felt so familiar.

The streets were bustling with people of all kinds—men, women, children, and elderly—some locals strolling by, some scholars riding past on horseback, and even some women flaunting themselves as they walked through the crowd. The air was filled with the lively energy of everyday life, the smell of food wafting from the street vendors. This was the human world he loved so much!

The aroma of street food drifted by, and Qiao Xuan took a deep breath, a nostalgic smile on his face.

It had only been three years since his seventh life tribulation ended.

Three years might seem long, but compared to his seven lifetimes of trials, it was nothing at all—so short that it all still felt recent. Everything and everyone he had known back then were still here…

Qiao Xuan withdrew his gaze and sat back down, sneaking a glance at his master.

For the past month, they had been traveling, visiting mountains and rivers along the way before finally arriving in the capital of Nanyue. His master had remained quiet the whole time but never restricted Qiao Xuan’s movements… But Qiao Xuan had promised that after this trip, he would obediently return to Xuan He Valley to focus on his cultivation!

Qiao Xuan knew this place well. He took his master to the best inn in the capital and, with his own money, reserved two of the finest rooms.

After settling in, Qiao Xuan accompanied his master upstairs. As they reached their rooms, he smiled sweetly and said, “Master, you can rest here for a bit. I’m going to check out what we should have for dinner tonight.”

Yun Ting Shu, his face partially hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat and veil that concealed his silver hair, gave a faint smile. “Alright.”

“Okay, I’m off then.” Qiao Xuan said, walking away while looking back repeatedly. Only when his master had entered the room and shut the door did he turn around and dash out of the inn.

Yes! Finally, he had some time alone!

Although he could fly using spells, this city was full of ordinary people, and he didn’t want to cause a scene. So, instead, he ran through the streets, quickly making his way to another neighborhood.

Following his memories, Qiao Xuan arrived at the entrance of an old residence. Looking at the familiar yet somewhat worn-out door, he took a deep breath and knocked a few times.

Soon, an elderly man with white hair and a beard opened the door. He looked at Qiao Xuan curiously and asked, “Who is this young man looking for?”

Seeing the unfamiliar old man, Qiao Xuan’s heart sank. He asked slowly, “Is this the Qin family’s home?”

The old man shook his head. “No.”

Qiao Xuan was stunned, his expression filled with disappointment.

It had been a thousand years since his first life tribulation, and everything from back then had long turned to dust. Though the events of the Rong family had left him with some regrets, they were so far in the past that Qiao Xuan had let them go. The seventh tribulation, though, had only ended three years ago. Three years was such a short time that it all still felt as fresh as yesterday.

He had thought that this time, maybe he would have a chance to hold on to something…

But even here, the people were gone.

It wasn’t his home anymore.

Bowing respectfully, Qiao Xuan said, “I apologize for the disturbance.”

He turned to leave, accepting that no one from the Qin family was left.

But just then, the old man called after him, “If you’re looking for the Qin family, I might know where they are.”

Qiao Xuan spun around in surprise.

The old man sighed. “The Qin family’s son died during Prince Jin’s rebellion, but his sister sold the house to me and moved to the foot of Nanlu Mountain to open an inn. She’s quite famous now for her wine brewing. If you ask around near Nanlu Mountain, you’ll find it.”

A spark of hope lit up in Qiao Xuan’s eyes. He bowed deeply again and said, “Thank you so much, sir.”

The old man smiled. “No need for thanks.”

Qiao Xuan couldn’t wait another moment. He rushed off but realized that Nanlu Mountain was quite far away. Walking would take at least two hours, and using his flying sword would attract too much attention… Just then, he spotted a scholar leading a horse. The scholar didn’t seem wealthy, his clothes faded and worn, and he was murmuring to himself while reading from a book.

Qiao Xuan walked up to him with a smile and took out a gold ingot. “Would you be willing to sell me your horse?”

The scholar’s eyes widened in disbelief. His skinny horse wasn’t worth nearly this much money. Had he stumbled upon a rich young fool or someone who didn’t understand the value of things?

Afraid Qiao Xuan would change his mind, the scholar quickly snatched the gold and handed over the reins. “Deal.”

Please, don’t change your mind!

Qiao Xuan was in a good mood. What was one gold ingot? He could have given the man two and still not cared. He mounted the horse and rode off toward Nanlu Mountain.

Following the directions he got from a few passersby, Qiao Xuan soon found the inn.

It was mealtime, and the inn was bustling with business. People came and went, and as Qiao Xuan looked up at the signboard, he saw three flowing, graceful characters: Zong Yun Lou (Cloud-Surfing Inn).

These characters were so familiar. Qiao Xuan smiled in surprise.

After a brief pause, he stepped inside.

The inn was filled with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the clinking of dishes. The patrons were a mixed crowd—some were traveling martial artists, others were common laborers, there were women with children, and even scholars and students. Despite their differences in status, everyone got along, united by the common purpose of eating and drinking.

Qiao Xuan sat quietly at an empty table and observed.

Soon, a lively girl, about eighteen or nineteen years old, came bustling out. She was fresh-faced and pretty, not pale, but full of energy and life. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and she moved quickly and efficiently, carrying two jugs of wine with ease.

Qiao Xuan smiled as he watched, lost in thought. The girl seemed to be doing well. Truthfully, after his sudden death back then, and seeing how the crown prince’s family had fallen out of favor, he had been worried that the girl might have been implicated. It was difficult for a young woman to survive alone in such a chaotic world.

But, walking through the city and arriving here, he saw that none of his fears had come true. The crown prince had ascended the throne, Prince Jin’s rebellion had been crushed, and the people were living in peace. His sister was doing fine, even opening her own inn.

Everything would be fine, whether he returned or not.

Qiao Xuan quietly ordered a pot of wine from one of the waiters.

Not long after, Qin Jingbai brought it out herself. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she smiled at him, dimples appearing on her cheeks. She seemed to find Qiao Xuan quite handsome and said, “What a handsome young master. Is this your first time here?”

Not bad. She’s grown bolder over the years. But judging by her appearance, she actually looked a little older than him now…

Qiao Xuan chuckled quietly.

Just then, someone called for her, and Qin Jingbai, still smiling, quickly turned and rushed off to serve more customers.

Qiao Xuan lowered his head and took a sip of the wine. It was quite good. He was just about to finish his drink and leave when he heard a commotion nearby.

It turned out that a group of unruly young men had arrived and were harassing Qin Jingbai.

“Miss Qin, come sit with us! I’ll buy all the wine you have left tonight!”

“Yeah! Young Master Wang here has money to burn!”

“Why don’t you follow Young Master Wang? He’ll make sure you live in luxury. No need to work so hard here.”

Qiao Xuan’s anger flared up, and he was about to intervene when he heard whispers from the people around him.

“Where’d these idiots come from? Don’t they know what happens when you mess with Miss Qin?”

“No worries, just sit back and enjoy the show. There’s no shortage of idiots these days.”

“Hey, daughter, watch how your Qin sister handles these fools. When you grow up, I’ll send you to learn a few moves from her so you won’t get bullied.”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

With a few loud thuds, the troublemakers were quickly kicked out of the inn. Qin Jingbai didn’t even break a sweat, and she calmly resumed serving drinks with a bright smile.

Qiao Xuan rubbed his forehead. Hmm, back when he was still around, this girl was shy and only knew a few basic self-defense moves. It seemed she had gotten much stronger over the past three years…

Still, he felt annoyed by what had happened. He didn’t want to let those jerks off so easily.

Watching their retreating figures, their faces full of anger and hatred, Qiao Xuan discreetly moved his fingers, casting a few simple spells. The men froze for a moment, then suddenly screamed in terror and ran off as if their lives depended on it.

Qiao Xuan narrowed his eyes. The illusion spell was simple but more than enough to deal with these mortals. From now on, they’d see any woman as if they were seeing a ghost.

Satisfied, he was about to finish his wine when his gaze sharpened.

A young man had walked into the inn, wearing a plain gray Daoist robe with a wine gourd at his waist. His hair was tied loosely with a wooden stick, and his features were handsome yet relaxed, exuding a carefree air. However, deep within his dark gray eyes, there was an underlying sense of detachment, as if he held little regard for the world around him.

Seeing the young man, Qin Jingbai’s face lit up with joy. “Brother Lu! What brings you here?”

Qiao Xuan immediately turned his head, not wanting to be noticed by this person.

But the young man had already glanced at the fleeing troublemakers. His sharp gaze suddenly locked onto Qiao Xuan!