Chapter 62: Being Shot While Lying Down¹

Her cheeks turned slightly pink, and the mingled scent of Huang Hanyan’s body and sweat was particularly enchanting. Ye Wenxin could not help but take another sniff.

It was a sweet fragrance that belonged to a maiden, exuding the scent of female hormones. However, it seemed that Huang Hanyan misunderstood Ye Wenxin’s action and instinctively took a step back.

“Oh, by the way, I haven’t congratulated you on becoming an inner disciple… Wait, why are you an outer disciple?” It was only at this moment that Huang Hanyan noticed Ye Wenxin’s attire, clearly that of an outer disciple.

“My aptitude isn’t that great, you know. So, you’ll have to work twice as hard to make up for my deficiencies,” Ye Wenxin continued to jest with a straight face, and Huang Hanyan, realizing her mistake, quickly agreed, “I’ll work even harder.”

However, from her expression, it was evident that Huang Hanyan was still puzzled by Ye Wenxin’s lack of talent. Nevertheless, she did not press further, and the two of them sat quietly, enjoying the gentle breeze in contentment.

“By the way, I recently obtained a mystic-tier manual, but after looking through it, I realized it’s not suitable for me.” Ye Wenxin remembered the manual she received after becoming the recruitment assembly’s top candidate. The cultivation method it contained required the use of weapons, while the Flower Burial she had learned required none at all.

Now, with the addition of the Soul Suppressing Eighteen Needles, her need for swordsmanship was even lower.

“Mystic-tier?” Huang Hanyan was quite surprised, her eyes showing a hint of anticipation. However, she quickly remembered something and pushed back the mystic-tier manual Ye Wenxin had already taken out.

“Wenxin, I can’t accept this.”

“Just take it. Even if your cultivation is high, it’s not ideal to lack any techniques. This mystic-tier manual is quite suitable for your training,” Ye Wenxin continued to persuade. Although she and Huang Hanyan could not officially become master and disciple, it did not prevent her from having a mentor-like affection for her.

“Thank you, but this gift is really too valuable. You might need it in the future…” Huang Hanyan still refused, well aware of her biggest problem after studying for half a year. However, she also understood that the value of this gift was beyond comparison with any pills.

“Hanyan, this is a trade. If you find better manuals in the future, you can also show them to me.” Ye Wenxin reluctantly resorted to her old trick, feeling somewhat helpless.

She used to be accustomed to being a bad person, but she never imagined that being a good person would be so difficult. She found herself having to explain her goodwill to others countless times just to be accepted.

“Wenxin, why are you so good to me?” Huang Hanyan still refused to accept, her gaze meeting Ye Wenxin’s, observing those clear and selfless eyes.

From childhood to adulthood, as a member of the Huang family’s side branch, she had never received any special treatment. Everyone who treated her well had ulterior motives. If Ye Wenxin were a man, Huang Hanyan would have thought that her kindness was a pursuit.

But Ye Wenxin was a girl, and even more so, just a child. Her kindness was too pure, and Huang Hanyan was afraid that she would not be able to handle Ye Wenxin’s goodwill.

“I already told you, I’m investing now, and you can repay me in the future.” Ye Wenxin also did not understand Huang Hanyan’s complicated life circumstances, let alone her current thoughts.

“But do I really have what you want?” Huang Hanyan shook her head. She knew too well the value she held. Apart from this body, she did not possess anything of value.

“Your thinking is too extreme. What I value is your future. You’re the disciple chosen by the Demon Lord, your talent is unparalleled, and your future achievements won’t be inferior to anyone.” Ye Wenxin had to change her perspective. Although she did not want to mention Demon Lord Gu Qingcheng’s name, it seemed that only that name could explain the boundless value that Huang Hanyan possessed.

“The Demon Lord…” Huang Hanyan’s lips curved into a bitter smile, as if recalling something unpleasant.

“What’s wrong? Are you implying that there are other hidden reasons behind joining the Azure Wings Sect?” Ye Wenxin found Huang Hanyan’s expression peculiar. Huang Hanyan had sought to become Ye Wenxin’s disciple out of desperation, but now, halfway through, she had become associated with the Azure Wings Sect, leaving Ye Wenxin puzzled about what had happened.

“Well, actually, I had already made up my mind to become a demon cultivator at that time. But while I was waiting for the Demon Lord, I met someone.” Huang Hanyan paused for a moment, ultimately deciding to reveal the secret she had been holding onto.

“Who did you see?” Ye Wenxin silently waited for the answer with bated breath.

“I don’t know her name. She was very beautiful, even comparable to Fairy Fengya.” Huang Hanyan described the appearance of the woman she had seen, and Ye Wenxin quickly searched for candidates matching this description.

Without a doubt, there were only two people in the Wind and Moon Palace who could rival Fairy Fengya’s beauty.

One was Demon Lord Gu Qingcheng, and the other one, was Ye Wenxin’s goddaughter Liu Churan.

“What happened next? What happened between you two?” Ye Wenxin seemed to have already guessed the outcome. It was likely that Liu Churan had employed some means to persuade Huang Hanyan to change her mind and join the Azure Wings Sect.

“That woman told me that the Demon Lord enjoys the company of women. At that time, I was desperate and said I didn’t care about morality anymore. She also told me that the Demon Lord was capricious and ruthless, but I still claimed not to care. However, she seemed determined to keep speaking ill of the Demon Lord and promised me that if I didn’t join the Wind and Moon Palace, she would give me a qualification.” Huang Hanyan recalled this bizarre story, knowing that no one would believe her even if she spoke out.

It was absurd for someone from the Wind and Moon Palace to speak such rebellious words against their own sect. But she felt that if she told Ye Wenxin, Ye Wenxin would believe everything she said.

“So, this qualification allowed you to directly join the Azure Wings Sect?” Ye Wenxin’s voice trembled slightly, mixed with a sense of powerlessness.

“Yes, and that’s why I came to the Azure Wings Sect.” Huang Hanyan nodded, turning to look at Ye Wenxin, only to find her expression grim.

“You must think the story I told is ridiculous, right? If you think it’s fake and don’t believe it, it’s alright,” Huang Hanyan reassured, knowing that her story would be difficult for most people to accept. But the truth was that the story was entirely true.

“If it’s her, she might really do something like that,” Ye Wenxin sighed lightly, but she saw Huang Hanyan looking at her with confusion, as if she did not understand what Ye Wenxin meant.

“If I’m not mistaken, the beautiful woman you encountered was the former Saintess Liu Churan.” Ye Wenxin recalled that endearing yet detestable goddaughter, remembering the day she had been bound by the Immortal Sealing Ring in that fanatical manner.

Perhaps her heart had long harbored the desire to possess Demon Lord Gu Qingcheng. But her acting skills were too good. If Ye Wenxin had not been bitten by Liu Churan, she honestly would not have expected that her goddaughter did not want to honor her, but rather wanted to keep her bound to her side for life.

The more she thought about it, the more Ye Wenxin shivered, feeling an unknown fear creeping over her.

“Liu Churan? Then I understand… After all, there are rumors in the Martial World that the Demon Lord is ruthless and cold-blooded, willing to even use her own adopted daughter as a human furnace. It’s no wonder that when I saw her, I felt that she was naturally charming. Even I, as a woman, could sense it.” Huang Hanyan could not help but sigh, and the more Ye Wenxin listened, the more she felt that something was off.

She could accept that she was numb to killing people, but Ye Wenxin was fiercely protective of her disciples and close ones. If anyone dared to bully her people, Ye Wenxin would annihilate their entire clan without hesitation. The idea of using Liu Churan as a human furnace was simply outrageous.

“Where did you hear such unreliable rumors?” Ye Wenxin’s tone was tinged with anger. She had worked hard to build Demon Lord Gu Qingcheng’s image, and she could not bear to see it tarnished by such ugly gossip.

But Huang Hanyan seemed to think that Ye Wenxin was frightened, so she hugged her tighter. “Don’t worry, it’s just rumors in the Martial World. Since Liu Churan made a promise to me, she shouldn’t let the Demon Lord find out about it.”

Ye Wenxin was speechless. If it were not for her good relationship with Huang Hanyan, she would probably have been kept in the dark forever. Liu Churan had definitely done more than once to sow discord among her disciples in order to keep her close.

The more she thought about it, the more Ye Wenxin trembled. She was on the verge of Qi Deviation, and Huang Hanyan, sensing her trembling, hugged her even tighter.

“Don’t be afraid, I’ll protect you thoroughly. Even if the Demon Lord finds me, I won’t let you get involved.” Huang Hanyan finally realized that Ye Wenxin was just a thirteen-year-old child. Seeing her slender and delicate figure, she saw a reflection of her past self.

Unfortunately, back then, she had not been offered such a warm embrace.

But now, Huang Hanyan could provide warmth to Ye Wenxin in her arms.

However, it seemed that this reassurance calmed Ye Wenxin’s restless blood somewhat. She took out a Heart-Cleansing Pill and swallowed it, finally calming down.

The feeling of being betrayed was unbearable, even if it came from Liu Churan out of love. That kind of love was too heavy, and Ye Wenxin could not bear it.

“I’m fine, it’s just an old problem acting up.” Ye Wenxin explained the reason for her trembling to Huang Hanyan, who was looking at her with concern.

“That’s a relief, but what kind of pill did you take? It looks very impressive.” Huang Hanyan’s attention was drawn to the Heart-Cleansing Pill that Ye Wenxin had just taken. She could not help but notice that after just a short time apart, Ye Wenxin’s pills seemed to be getting more and more advanced.

“It’s called the Heart-Cleansing Pill. Its principle is somewhat similar to the Body Tempering Pill, as it helps cleanse the body of impurities. By the way, I’ve also successfully refined the Body Tempering Pill recently, as well as some second-grade pills. You can take some of those too.”

Ye Wenxin subconsciously avoided the topic of the Heart-Cleansing Pill. If anyone with a little knowledge saw it, they would realize that the Heart-Cleansing Pill was a fifth-grade pill. So, she quickly diverted Huang Hanyan’s attention by offering her other pills.

“No need, I still have plenty of the pills you gave me last time.”

“In that case, save them for later. I’ve been busy lately too, so I don’t know when I’ll have time to refine pills again.” Ye Wenxin did not hesitate to hand the pills to Huang Hanyan. Ever since she discovered she could control ten pill furnaces at once, she could refine over a hundred pills at a time. Even with second-grade pills now, she could easily produce over a hundred pills in an hour.

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1. – (fig.) to get unjustly ridiculed, attacked, implicated in sth etc while just being present (Internet slang) ↩︎