Chapter 20.2

Zhao Wuchen paused, then personally stepped forward to lift the lid of the pot. A cloud of steaming white vapor rushed out, followed by the rich aroma of rice.

Xiao Xihe’s throat moved slightly, her heart pounding so violently it felt like it might burst from her chest.

Upon seeing a pot of plain congee, a flicker of disappointment flashed through Zhao Wuchen’s eyes. Just as he was about to speak, a tall figure blurred past him. By the time he regained his senses, Xie Zhaixing was already standing before the clay pot, his eyes brimming with murderous intent: “Xiao… Xi… He! You actually dared to come…”

Hearing her own name from his lips was akin to the most terrifying ghost story in the world. Xiao Xihe looked at him in horror before forcing herself to lower her head, trembling inwardly as she muttered, Didn’t you already decide I was coming? Why are you still angry now that I’m here…

Liu An’an didn’t know who Xiao Xihe was, but seeing Xie Zhaixing’s reaction, she immediately sensed trouble and instinctively tightened her grip on the hand of the person beside her.

Xie Zhaixing stared fixedly at the plain congee in the pot. In the next instant, the stove suddenly exploded, the flames controlled by Spiritual Power scattering into the air with crackling sparks. The crowd was terrified, wanting to flee but not daring to move, trembling fearfully by their own stoves instead.

Seeing his reaction, Zhao Wuchen understood immediately and summoned a disciple from his sect to inquire, “Which Fellow Cultivator previously used this stove?”

Xiao Xihe felt death creeping closer with each passing moment.

The disciple in charge of the selection hurriedly replied, “Sect Leader, these stoves are freely used. This disciple doesn’t know who used it.”

“Isn’t there a participant roster? Quickly check!” Zhao Wuchen urged.

The disciple acknowledged and hastily retrieved the roster to cross-check each name. Zhao Wuchen, impatient with his slow progress, took over the task himself.

As each name was matched to a stove, Xiao Xihe felt like she was losing her mind, even tempted to rush forward and confess everything… Thanks to the Demon Lord’s sinister glare, she managed to regain her composure in time.

After the last name was claimed, Zhao Wuchen frowned. “The number of names on the list matches the number of people present. That stove… is an extra one.”

Xie Zhaixing lifted his gaze expressionlessly. “She’s here.”

Xiao Xihe: “…” No, she’s already left!

Zhao Wuchen hesitated. “But the total number of participants is accounted for. Everyone is present. The person you’re looking for isn’t among them, so why would—”

“Sect Leader!” A disciple suddenly stepped forward.

Xiao Xihe and Liu An’an exchanged glances, both silently thinking, This is bad.

Zhao Wuchen turned to the disciple. “What is it?”

“This disciple… previously brought two people here,” the disciple said hesitantly.

Xie Zhaixing’s gaze turned icy. “Who?”

Before the disciple could answer, Xiao Xihe spoke up first. “It was us.”

Xie Zhaixing immediately turned his attention to her.

Xiao Xihe’s skin prickled with goosebumps, but she maintained a calm expression. “We wanted to borrow a stove to prepare medicine for the Young Sect Leader. We didn’t expect so many people here and worried the chaotic smells might affect the efficacy, so we left.”

“That’s right, we came but then left,” Liu An’an quickly added.

Xie Zhaixing stared at Xiao Xihe for a long time—so long that she nearly turned and fled—before finally speaking in a low voice, “The prescription hasn’t been finalized yet, has it?”

Xiao Xihe swallowed hard. “The specific treatment plan hasn’t been decided yet, but that doesn’t prevent us from preparing some mild restorative medicine for the Young Sect Leader’s health.”

“Yes, we’ve prepared all the medicinal herbs, but who knew it would be so chaotic here,” Liu An’an said with a slight curl of her lips, looking up at Zhao Wuchen. “Sect Leader Zhao, could you please set up a pot in front of our room when you have time? We need it to brew the medicine.”

“Of course, I’ll have someone fetch it immediately.” Zhao Wuchen glanced at a nearby disciple, who hurried off to comply.

Xiao Xihe forced a slight smile, only to see Xie Zhaixing approaching her.

…Don’t come any closer! Xiao Xihe stared at the increasingly near handsome face, desperately trying not to faint on the spot.

Finally, Xie Zhaixing stopped two steps away from her and raised his hand toward her crown. Xiao Xihe hastily retreated: “What are you doing?”

“Verifying whether you’re lying,” Xie Zhaixing fixed her with a piercing gaze, the killing intent in his eyes intensifying. “If you are…”

Xiao Xihe automatically filled in the unspoken threat and shivered involuntarily. After a long pause, she managed another strained smile: “How does the Demon Lord plan to inspect me? By reading my memories? Though my cultivation isn’t high, I reached Foundation Establishment five years ago. I’m afraid I can’t consent to that.”

Having been in this world for several years now, she’d learned some basic principles. Back in Shady Valley, when Xie Zhaixing had pressed his hand to her forehead, he had indeed verified her truthfulness by reading her memories. But at that time she hadn’t even reached Qi Refining stage, her spiritual consciousness so weak it was practically nonexistent, making the inspection harmless.

Now at Foundation Establishment stage, even if her spiritual consciousness wasn’t strong, it would desperately resist any unauthorized intrusion. If he forced his way in, her consciousness would certainly be damaged—at best leaving her an idiot, at worst destroying her soul completely.

Unless she willingly submitted to inspection… but that was impossible!

Hearing Xiao Xihe’s refusal, Xie Zhaixing’s eyes narrowed slightly, his oppressive aura growing heavier: “And if I insist?”

“No!” Liu An’an rushed between them, spreading her arms to shield Xiao Xihe. “Little junior sister has been my father’s favorite disciple since she joined our sect ten years ago! You can’t harm her!”

Xie Zhaixing frowned: “Ten years ago?”

“Yes, what of it?” Liu An’an asked nervously.

After a long silence, Xie Zhaixing looked back at Xiao Xihe: “You said earlier you reached Foundation Establishment five years ago.”

“Is there a problem with that?” Xiao Xihe swallowed hard.

Xie Zhaixing studied her for a long moment before suddenly turning away with a sweep of his sleeve.

Xiao Xihe forced another stiff smile, but before she could fully relax, Xie Zhaixing’s voice echoed across Sword Mastery Sect:

“All members of Sword Mastery Sect are forbidden from leaving. Violators will be executed without mercy!”

“Xiao Xihe, your Gu Poison has at most two months left. I’ll wait here those two months. If you know what’s good for you, come to me. If I have to find you…”

True to his habit of leaving threats half-spoken, Xiao Xihe was now beyond terror.

Zhao Wuchen sighed: “Fellow Cultivators, please don’t take offense. The Demon Lord is simply anxious to find someone.”

“No harm done,” Liu An’an replied with forced politeness before leading Xiao Xihe away.

When they returned to the luxurious guest quarters prepared by Sword Mastery Sect, their moods were entirely different from before.

The moment the door closed, Liu An’an couldn’t contain herself: “Hypocrite! He didn’t say a word when you were nearly killed, only remembering his manners after Xie Zhaixing left! What kind of person is that? When we return, I’ll report today’s events in detail to Father. Never again will we come when Sword Mastery Sect needs help!”

“The Sword Mastery Sect is one of the Ten Immortal Sects, yet they’re now obeying Xie Zhaixing like this. He must have offered them something,” Xiao Xihe said calmly. “Probably something related to Zhao Shaoqing. The heart of parents knows no bounds—only matters concerning him could make Zhao Wuchen compromise like this.”

“Zhao Shaoqing’s impending death is an indisputable fact. Even if my father came, he could at most extend his life by a few days. Could Xie Zhaixing possibly defy fate for him?” Liu An’an sneered. Turning around, she noticed Xiao Xihe still standing at the door and immediately looked concerned. “Junior Sister, are you alright?”

“Hmm?” Xiao Xihe looked up and smiled. “What could be wrong? The crisis is already resolved, isn’t it?” Thankfully, each new face came with a different voice, which had barely managed to fool them.

“But you’re trembling,” Liu An’an pointed out.

Xiao Xihe: “…”

“Were you scared just now?” Liu An’an asked sympathetically.

After a long silence, Xiao Xihe grimaced. “I was terrified…”

Liu An’an gave her an ‘I knew it’ look and hugged her.

After offering a few words of comfort, Liu An’an recalled Xie Zhaixing’s earlier words and tried to analyze the situation. “Actually, I think there might still be room for reconciliation between you two. After all, it’s been so long, and he’s still searching for you. He even mentioned the Gu Poison on you, which shows he cares… By the way, what Gu Poison?”

Xiao Xihe hesitated for a moment before explaining everything.

Then Liu An’an fell into an even longer silence.

Xiao Xihe looked at her expectantly. “Do you still think there’s room for reconciliation?”

“…Find a way to escape.” Making the Demon Lord serve as a Cauldron for over two years and then leaving without a word—for someone as proud as him, it was an unbearable humiliation. The fact that he hadn’t gone on a killing spree already showed remarkable restraint.

Xiao Xihe: “…I’d love to run.”

The problem was, she couldn’t!

Having fallen into Xie Zhaixing’s trap, Xiao Xihe tossed and turned all night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his dark, furious face. She finally managed to fall asleep at dawn, only to dream about him again.

In the dream, Xie Zhaixing had discovered her identity. After staring at her expressionlessly for a moment, their surroundings shifted to a deep valley filled with countless vengeful spirits, their ghastly faces twisted with malice as they glared at her, as if eager to devour her alive.

Realizing what Xie Zhaixing intended to do, Xiao Xihe panicked. “Y-you—calm down…”

“Xiao Xihe, after fooling me for so long, it’s time to pay the price,” Xie Zhaixing said coldly before shoving her into the crowd of vengeful ghosts.

Her body out of control, Xiao Xihe tumbled into the horde. Countless ghosts with gruesome deaths lunged at her, their sharp, blackened nails tearing through her skin and flesh, their gnashing teeth sinking into her.

“No!” Xiao Xihe screamed and jolted awake.

Liu An’an, still asleep, leaped up in fright. “What? What happened?!”

Xiao Xihe stared at her, breathless with fear, while Liu An’an stared back, equally startled. The two sisters remained silent for a long time before Liu An’an finally snapped out of it. “Nightmare?”

“…Yeah.”

Liu An’an flopped back onto the bed, closing her eyes for a moment before saying, “It’s late. We need to go check on the young master’s pulse.”

“Alright.”

Xiao Xihe pulled herself together, freshened up, and followed her out.

It was early morning, and along the way, they encountered many Sword Mastery Sect disciples performing their morning exercises. Most cultivators stood tall with clean, clear skin—aside from their own temperamental old master—maintaining their appearance at the peak of youth. Even if their features weren’t particularly refined, at first glance, they all looked like dashing young men. Combined with their synchronized swordplay, the sight was undeniably dashing and graceful.

Xiao Xihe pretended to walk past without a glance, though in reality, her peripheral vision had already taken in the scene countless times. Even the psychological shadow Xie Zhaixing had left in her dreams dissipated under the radiance of these little suns.  

How wonderful. Even if she wasn’t in the mood for romance right now, being able to feast her eyes on such a sight every day was more than enough. She was falling more and more in love with this world.  

Despite the uncertain future ahead, Xiao Xihe stepped into Zhao Shaoqing’s quarters with a heart full of optimism.  

And the next moment, she locked eyes with Xie Zhaixing.  

Her: “……” Why was Xie Zhaixing here too?  

“Demon Lord, why are you here as well?” Liu An’an blurted out directly.  

Zhao Shaoqing, reclining weakly on the bed, coughed lightly, his slightly disheveled hair falling unnoticed. “The Demon Lord was entrusted by my father to examine my condition.”  

“Does Sect Leader Zhao not trust my junior sister and me?” Liu An’an frowned. “Besides, does the Demon Lord even know medicine? Are you sure he can treat you?”  

She usually knew when to hold back and prioritize self-preservation, but when it came to her own field, she inherited some of Liu Jiang’s stubborn temper.  

Zhao Shaoqing hadn’t expected her to question him outright and was momentarily at a loss, pursing his lips in hesitation. Xie Zhaixing, however, remained unhurried. He turned and took a seat at the table to sip tea—only to frown and set it down after one taste.  

*Such a childish palate, yet he pretends to enjoy tea.* Xiao Xihe kept her expression neutral, then glanced back at Zhao Shaoqing’s slightly awkward expression.  

*Oh, my poor dear, look how torn he is.*  

Xiao Xihe cleared her throat and gently patted Liu An’an’s back. “Since Sect Leader Zhao invited the Demon Lord, he must have his reasons. Let’s just do our best.”  

“But treating illnesses is most compromised when two healers interfere. What if his condition worsens?” Liu An’an argued.  

Xiao Xihe hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to take a step toward Xie Zhaixing.  

Just one step.  

Xie Zhaixing glanced at the distance still separating them, his brow imperceptibly furrowing.  

“Demon Lord, would you mind sharing your prescription with us? We need to adjust our treatment plan accordingly,” she ventured, speaking to him for the first time.  

Xie Zhaixing lifted his gaze to hers. “No.”  

*If only I could beat him up…* Xiao Xihe forced a smile and helplessly looked at Liu An’an.  

Liu An’an wanted to argue further, but at the critical moment, she remembered the grudge between Xiao Xihe and Xie Zhaixing. Her inner scales teetered between the patient and her junior sister before guiltily tipping toward the latter.  

The room fell into a brief silence until Zhao Shaoqing finally spoke up. “The Demon Lord didn’t prescribe anything. He just gave me a Spirit Pearl to carry for protection.”  

With that, he extended his palm, revealing a faintly glowing jade pearl.  

Xiao Xihe blinked. “What is this?”  

“I’m not sure,” Zhao Shaoqing admitted awkwardly.  

Xiao Xihe reached out to take it.  

Just as her fingers were about to touch the pearl, Xie Zhaixing’s voice drifted lazily over.  

“Fire Marrow Glazed Ice. A single touch is fatal to those with a Full Yang constitution.”

Xiao Xihe’s fingers trembled slightly.

Xie Zhaixing didn’t miss her hesitation. His gaze sharpened instantly, only to see her calmly pluck the bead away without changing expression.

Nothing happened.

…She knew this bastard was testing her. Xiao Xihe broke out in a cold sweat, feeling like she couldn’t take this anymore.

Though she’d cursed Xie Zhaixing thousands of times in her trembling heart, she had to maintain a composed facade. After pretending to examine the bead for a long while, she turned and handed it to her second senior sister: “I can’t tell what this is.”

Liu An’an took it and studied it for a moment, equally baffled.

As the two huddled together to observe the bead, Xie Zhaixing’s gaze remained fixed on Xiao Xihe’s face, the pressure unrelenting. Xiao Xihe was nearly driven mad. Just as her calm facade was about to crumble and she was considering how to divert his attention, an inner sect disciple entered carrying a tray.

“Young Sect Leader, it’s time for your morning meal,” the disciple said, visibly nervous upon catching sight of Xie Zhaixing from the corner of his eye.

Zhao Shaoqing nodded slightly, and the disciple lifted the lid from the small tureen on the tray. A rich aroma of meat and spices immediately filled the air. Xie Zhaixing suddenly felt his stomach churn, his face turning grim in an instant: “What is that?”

“R-Reporting to the Demon Lord, it’s… it’s meat porridge,” the disciple stammered in reply.

“Disgusting.” Xie Zhaixing’s expression darkened as he swept his sleeve and left in a huff.

Watching his hurried departure, Xiao Xihe was utterly bewildered—

The smell was a bit strong, sure, but not enough to be disgusting. Why did he look like he was about to vomit?