Chapter 1

“The Yin-Yang Union Gu is of utmost purity and ferocity, utterly incurable. Once the Gu poison takes effect, the victim will bleed from all seven orifices and explode to death. However, despite its ruthlessness, the poison can be neutralized if the afflicted finds someone with the opposite constitution to dual cultivate with before the poison erupts. But… if I recall correctly, you possess a Full Yang constitution, don’t you?”

“Tsk tsk tsk, Full Yang constitution means you’ll need to find someone with a Full Yin constitution to cultivate with. Too bad such a person doesn’t exist in this world. You’re on your own—consider this the price for dirtying Senior Sister’s skirt.”

The man’s mocking voice echoed in her ears. Xiao Xihe’s tightly shut eyelids trembled slightly before she abruptly woke with a start.

The horizon was tinged with the pale light of dawn. The campfire before her had long since died out, while the wild chestnuts buried in the earthen pit beside it still emitted a faint warmth and delicate fragrance. Xiao Xihe stared at the chestnuts for a long while, her heartbeat gradually steadying.

…Just a dream.

She exhaled in relief, only to sink back into melancholy—

Though the events had been a dream, they were also a reality that had truly occurred. The person who had spoken those words to her was none other than the obsessive admirer of the female lead in the cultivation novel *The Immortal Venerable and the Demon Lord’s Final Battle at Kunlun Summit*—the very same person who had poisoned her.

Ten days ago, she had transmigrated into this novel, becoming an insignificant nobody in the Union Sect.

Though she was a nobody with no notable talent for cultivation, at least she had all her limbs intact and could run and jump freely—far better than remaining a conscious vegetable in the real world. Moreover, this nobody not only shared her name but also her face, so she didn’t even need to adjust. The only downside was… in the story, she was cannon fodder.

In the original plot, her character had accidentally stained the female lead’s dress, earning the wrath of the female lead’s deranged admirer, who promptly poisoned her with the Yin-Yang Union Gu. Unable to find a Full Yin constitution partner to dual cultivate with, she died a month later when the poison erupted, bleeding from all seven orifices.

By the time she transmigrated into this body, the Gu poison had already been administered. Now, ten days had passed since the poisoning. According to the original plot, she had only twenty days left before the poison would take her life.

Having just regained a new lease on life, only to face the grim reality of a thirty-day countdown, Xiao Xihe was nearly driven mad—especially when she recalled the gruesome details of the poison’s effects in the novel. She almost wished she could return to the real world immediately. Just as she was about to resign herself to waiting for death, she suddenly remembered: while Full Yin constitutions were exceedingly rare, they weren’t entirely nonexistent. In fact, the original novel featured one such individual—

Xie Zhaixing, the Demon Lord of *The Immortal Venerable and the Demon Lord’s Final Battle at Kunlun Summit*, the story’s greatest antagonist.

In the novel, Xie Zhaixing was capricious and unrestrained, killing anyone who displeased him on a whim. When in a foul mood, he would plunge the entire World of Cultivation into chaos and bloodshed. Yet, despite his nature, his striking beauty and overwhelming power had earned him a legion of admirers within the cultivation world—including the novel’s female lead.

“What’s there to like about a volatile, murderous arsonist?” Xiao Xihe muttered under her breath before sighing gloomily.

Under normal circumstances, she would have fled at the mere mention of such a dangerous figure, avoiding him at all costs. But now, to save her own life, she had no choice but to seek him out.

Yes, she had decided to find Xie Zhaixing—the only known Full Yin constitution in existence.

Although, judging by Xie Zhaixing’s character, doing this would be akin to seeking death, Xiao Xihe couldn’t resign herself without trying. Besides, based on Xie Zhaixing’s personality, there might still be a glimmer of hope.

Xie Zhaixing was obsessed with fine cuisine, to the point of fanaticism. The reason the various immortal sects had successfully sealed him away was because they had slipped a spiritual medicine that weakened his cultivation into his food. As the fifth-generation heir of the Xiao family’s culinary arts, Xiao Xihe was confident in her cooking skills, capable of preparing both traditional dishes and Western desserts.

Moreover, from her ten days of experience in this world, she had concluded that it was a culinary wasteland. Although Xie Zhaixing loved food, he probably hadn’t tasted anything truly exquisite. If she could win over his stomach, it might just be her breakthrough.

“Whatever happens, it’s better than doing nothing. Let’s take the gamble!” Xiao Xihe sighed deeply, pocketed the remaining chestnuts, and continued her journey.

After she left, a small squirrel cautiously approached the fire, picked up a chestnut she had missed, and after one bite, impatiently devoured the rest, shell and all.

By noon, Xiao Xihe finally reached the foot of Kunlun Mountain.

Kunlun Mountain, one of the three legendary spiritual mountains in the World of Cultivation.

At its peak lay the Kunlun Sect, the dream of every cultivator. And behind the peak, in the Shady Valley, was where the man she sought—Xie Zhaixing—was imprisoned.

Xiao Xihe took a deep breath, found a secluded spot, and began rummaging through her Cosmos Sack.

Before fleeing, she had stolen many treasures from the Union Sect, including this Cosmos Sack, which could hold three large mansions. Inside were not only the other magical artifacts she had pilfered but also various ‘essential supplies’ she had gathered along the way—her entire fortune packed into one small bag.

After some searching, she pulled out a bottle of Drunken Beauty, a unique concoction of the Union Sect. By concentrating after ingestion, one could assume any appearance, maintaining it for at least five years without an antidote. Even a Great Vehicle cultivator wouldn’t be able to detect the disguise.

Disciples of the Union Sect often used this potion to transform into the preferred appearance of their targets to facilitate dual cultivation and enhance their progress. But here was the question: what did Xie Zhaixing like?

Recalling the plot, Xiao Xihe realized he had no particular preference for any style. The only thing he had ever expressed fondness for was a demon beast called the Azure Rabbit—solely because its meat was delicious.

She couldn’t possibly turn into a rabbit, could she? Xiao Xihe’s lips twitched. Since she didn’t plan to rely on looks to persuade him, she simply altered her facial features slightly, making herself distinct from her real appearance.

After changing her face, she donned an Invisibility Cloak and set off up the mountain path.

She had done thorough research before coming to Kunlun, so she easily navigated the trails, avoiding the patrolling Kunlun disciples as she made her way toward the Shady Valley behind the peak.

According to the story, the Shady Valley was surrounded by barriers and formations, topped with a massive seal created by the combined efforts of the major immortal sects. The layers of protection were so dense that anyone who stepped into the valley, regardless of their cultivation level, would lose all their powers and become an ordinary mortal.

But those who practiced the Union Sect’s path were an exception.

However, Xiao Xihe’s cultivation was extremely low, so whether she had it or not made little difference, and she didn’t care much about it. Since the protective barrier within the valley was strong enough, only ordinary Kunlun disciples were stationed outside—which worked perfectly for Xiao Xihe. She tightened her Invisibility Cloak, held her breath as she slipped past the Kunlun disciples, and finally stepped into the valley.

A strange, eerie wind blew against her face, knocking the cloak’s hood off. Xiao Xihe hurriedly pulled it back on and glanced behind her guiltily.

Good. The disciples hadn’t noticed.

She quietly exhaled in relief, her heart pounding as she cautiously moved forward.

Inside Shady Valley, towering trees blocked out the sky, and sunlight never reached the ground. The air was thick with the damp, musty scent of decay. Xiao Xihe’s shoes were soaked through as she stepped on the soft, wet fallen leaves. Trembling, she pressed on, growing more nervous the deeper she went. Several times, she nearly turned and ran, but the thought of her purpose here forced her to suppress the urge to flee.

Shady Valley was vast. She walked for a long time before passing through a small stretch of forest. Just as she was wondering how to find Xie Zhaixing, a mocking voice suddenly rang out from nearby—

“They say the Demon Lord’s cultivation is unparalleled, but I don’t see it. Otherwise, how could he have been locked in this sunless place for thirty years?”

“Not just his cultivation—he’s not even as handsome as the rumors claim. He doesn’t hold a candle to our senior brother, not even one-tenth as good-looking.”

“Honestly, he’s pretty average.”

…Why were there other people here? Xiao Xihe was startled for a moment before remembering that the original novel had briefly mentioned how some outer disciples of the Kunlun Sect would take advantage of Shady Valley’s suppression of Xie Zhaixing’s cultivation to gather and taunt him whenever they pleased.

Back when she was reading the novel, Xiao Xihe couldn’t understand it—despite being imprisoned in Shady Valley, Xie Zhaixing was still feared by everyone. So why did these outer disciples dare to provoke him so casually? And yet, Xie Zhaixing never lost his temper, acting as if he couldn’t care less. This only emboldened some disciples to grow more insolent, though their boldness never went beyond verbal jabs—they wouldn’t dare do anything more.

Suppressing her confusion, Xiao Xihe crept forward quietly. Sure enough, after rounding a large tree, she spotted two Kunlun disciples and, standing opposite them, Xie Zhaixing in his black brocade robes.

The moment she saw Xie Zhaixing’s face, her first thought was—Are these two Kunlun disciples blind? How could they think Xie Zhaixing was average-looking? Average?! Her second thought was—

Damn it, I should’ve made myself prettier before coming here.

The two Kunlun disciples were still chattering away, while Xie Zhaixing leaned lazily against a tree, idly toying with a leaf. Then, suddenly, he lifted his gaze in her direction.

His sharp, narrow eyes carried a hint of fierceness and defiance. Xiao Xihe’s heart skipped a beat in fright—until he casually looked away again, continuing to fiddle with the leaf in his hand. Only then did she realize he hadn’t actually noticed her.

Xiao Xihe quietly steadied her breathing. By the time she calmed down, the two disciples were still yammering on, and she couldn’t hold back any longer.

Seriously, she was here to ask the Demon Lord for help. If his mood soured because of these idiots, wouldn’t her chances of success plummet?

Thinking this, she quietly picked up a small rock and hurled it at one of them.

“Who’s there?!” The struck disciple spun around in anger.

Shady Valley was silent, filled only with towering trees.

The disciple froze, suddenly feeling a chill creep down his spine.

“Senior Brother, what’s wrong?” the other disciple asked hurriedly.

“N-nothing…” The senior brother turned his head, only for Xiao Xihe to hit him again.

He whipped around, but there was still nothing behind him. He swallowed hard, suddenly overwhelmed with tension. The person beside him, affected by his odd behavior, also grew uneasy, “W-what’s going on?”

“What are you panicking about!” The senior brother glared at Xie Zhaixing, “Was it you?”

Xie Zhaixing scoffed, crushing the leaf in his hand. The scant juice stained his well-defined fingers, and the other three inexplicably shuddered, as if it were their heads being crushed.

“Senior brother… let’s just go. This guy is really creepy,” someone couldn’t help but suggest retreat.

The senior brother forced a cold laugh, leaving behind a weak threat, “We’ll settle this later,” before turning to leave. The others hurried after him, trying to maintain their dignity but looking more like they were fleeing in panic.

Xiao Xihe watched their frantic retreat and couldn’t help but smirk in satisfaction. Just as she was feeling pleased, a lazy voice sounded beside her, “Still hiding?”

“Ah!” Xiao Xihe yelped, startled into falling onto her backside. Her hat tumbled off again as she stared in terror at Xie Zhaixing, who had appeared silently beside her.

Xie Zhaixing scoffed, his narrow eyes filled with faint disdain, “So timid, yet you dare to venture alone into Shady Valley?”

Xiao Xihe swallowed nervously. She wanted to ask how he’d spotted her, but then realized—when she’d thrown the stones, she’d been directly facing him. He must have noticed her then.

She forced a weak smile, “D-Demon Lord… hello.”

Xie Zhaixing raised a brow, “Here for revenge?”

“…No!” Xiao Xihe frantically waved her hands.

Xie Zhaixing narrowed his eyes, saying nothing, yet the pressure around him became almost tangible.

Xiao Xihe gulped again, about to speak when he suddenly leaned in close.

As his handsome face loomed larger before her, her heart nearly leaped out of her chest. Her mind blanked for a moment before exploding with frantic thoughts—

No way, no way, is he about to kiss her? She hadn’t even done anything yet, and he was already interested? But in the original story, he was indifferent to women! Or had thirty years of isolation driven him mad…

“What’s that smell?” he asked.

Xiao Xihe blinked, “Huh?”

“Like chestnuts.” For the first time, Xie Zhaixing’s eyes held something resembling genuine interest.

Xiao Xihe blinked again, then pulled a few roasted chestnuts from her pouch, “It is chestnuts.”

Xie Zhaixing took them, his slender fingers effortlessly cracking open the shells.

After tasting one, he mused, “Easy to peel. Sweeter than usual roasted chestnuts.”

“I brushed them with oil and sugar, roasted them without direct flame, so they’re more fragrant,” Xiao Xihe explained, then pulled out half a leftover roasted sweet potato, “This is still good even when cold.”

Xie Zhaixing took a bite and finally gave her a second glance.

Of course—trapped in this culinary wasteland, he’d never tasted real delicacies! Xiao Xihe felt newly encouraged and was about to dig out more treats when Xie Zhaixing cut her off, “Speak. Why are you here?”

His question deflated her enthusiasm slightly. She answered cautiously, “I was hoping… you could help me with a small favor.”

“I can’t leave,” Xie Zhaixing said, the corner of his eye lifting slightly.

Xiao Xihe quickly added, “It’s just a small favor that doesn’t require you to leave Shady Valley.”

“Oh?” Xie Zhaixing toyed with the chestnut shell in his hand.

Xiao Xihe looked at him pleadingly: “I… was hoping you could dual cultivate with me a few times.”

Xie Zhaixing’s hand stilled, and he gazed at her calmly. “What did you say?”

Xiao Xihe nearly turned to flee under his stare, but remembering she’d be done for in twenty days if she left, she reluctantly abandoned the idea of running. “I-I’ve been poisoned with the Yin-Yang Union Gu, and with my Full Yang constitution, I need to dual cultivate with someone of Full Yin constitution to survive. If possible—”

Before she could finish, Xie Zhaixing crushed the chestnut shell in his hand to dust.

“What did you say?” Xie Zhaixing’s lips curved slightly, his tone even more composed.

Xiao Xihe: “…”