Chapter 187 Capture "So, it's the sword tassel."...

A few hours ago.

After her cultivation level increased, Qiao Yanshen no longer felt dizzy as before; she only dared to open her eyes when she reached her destination. A chill swept over her, and she rubbed her temples, looking around.

The familiar tea table came into view, and my gloomy mood seemed to lighten a little.

Instead of going to the main hall, they took a long detour to Frostblade Peak?

Under Qiao Yanshen's questioning gaze, Yan Xueya sat down at the tea table without offering any explanation. She stood there, unsure what to do, until after a while, a woman's deep voice reached her ears:

"Are you waiting for your teacher to make you tea?"

Qiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I dare not. I was just curious why Master brought me here." She took a few steps forward and sat down opposite Yan Xueya. A teacup was actually pushed in front of her by spiritual power and became warm in the blink of an eye.

Isn't Master an ice spirit root?

The thought had barely crossed her mind when Yan Xueya, as if knowing what she was thinking, said, "Too hot?" Then, as the steam dissipated, Qiao Yanshen raised his hand and gently touched the cup, only to find that the tea had gone cold again.

So that's how it is. I was prejudiced and misled by the frost and snow just like everyone else.

Ice and fire coexist within Master.

Qiao Yanshen picked up the tea, carefully and subtly shrank back in her chair, and said softly, "We should go to the Four Spirits Peak or the Profound Order Peak." She was now a sinner.

To everyone's surprise, Yan Xueya frowned and snapped, "You know where you're going! Why did you expose your demonic possession?"

"If we don't make a move..."

Yan Xueya made her swallow her words again: "Alright, just like your junior sister, two peas in a pod. The person who set this up is very clever, knowing that you wouldn't stand idly by while your fellow disciples suffer. It seems they know you very well."

Qiao Yanshen laughed, "How could that be? Does Master mean that others might just stand by and watch someone die?"

Silence answered her question instead of words. Qiao Yanshen raised his eyebrows in surprise, seemingly not expecting it to be true.

“Many people have their own stance and interests,” Yan Xueya sighed. “It’s rare to see someone as foolish as you, to the level of children like you.”

She didn't continue the conversation on that topic, but instead changed the subject: "They're probably getting impatient too. I brought you here alone first to talk to you about something."

Qiao Yanshen nodded, gesturing as if he were listening attentively.

"Humans and demons have been enemies for generations, so the punishment you receive will not be light. The sect leader has not returned for a long time, and his absence this time has aroused much suspicion. I alone cannot completely protect you—but you can leave here."

Yan Xueya took something out of her bosom and placed it on the table. It looked like a document and unfolded itself in front of Qiao Yanshen. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a map—encompassing everything from the Sixth to the Seventh Region, with lively and concise lines that instantly depicted the jagged terrain.

There was a mark on the map, as if it had been burned out. After confirming the handwriting, Qiao Yanshen had a guess in his mind.

This was drawn by Master himself.

“If things really get to the worst, I will come to save you when the moonlight is brightest,” Yan Xueya said in a low voice. “At that time, take this map with you, leave Emperor Taihui for the time being, and hide in the place marked on it. Remember, once you find this place, burn the map and don’t leave any trace.”

Are there any other issues?

At this moment, Qiao Yanshen looked up, and their eyes met, revealing what they were thinking.

A smile appeared in Yan Xueya's eyes. "It seems you also know that some people won't just stand by and watch you be punished. That's the most likely scenario, and I believe she—they—are all very clever and capable of catching the real spies for me."

A true spy...

"Master doesn't think it was me? Even after witnessing those demonic energies with his own eyes, does he still think I'm innocent?" Qiao Yanshen's pupils trembled slightly, and he clenched the hem of his clothes.

The woman raised her hand and lightly tapped her forehead, seemingly somewhat displeased. She appeared to be recalling something from the past, and after a moment spoke:

"Didn't I tell you before? I believe you, I've always believed you. I watched my children grow up, it's none of other people's business to tell them right from wrong. Just because they're fools doesn't mean I am."

She stood up.

"Alright, hand over your sword and token, put the map in your sleeve, and you'll be wearing the spirit-sealing chains later, so be careful not to let anyone notice anything amiss."

-

The biting frost and snow transformed into chains, pressing the youth to the ground and binding him tightly.

A tall figure slowly emerged from the night.

Yan Xueya sheathed her sword, stared coldly at Luo You, and said in a deep voice, "It really is you." At this moment, the other disciples also arrived. Seeing that the senior sister, who was rumored to have fallen into demonic ways during the day, was standing beside Yan Xueya unharmed, they were very puzzled.

When True Lord Mingji arrived, he didn't capture a demonic cultivator, but rather a rogue cultivator.

Under Yan Xueya's oppressive aura, they didn't discuss anything, but simply watched from the sidelines. The guards who had chased them all the way from Xuanxu Peak didn't dare to breathe, fearing that Yan Xueya would start blaming them at any moment. They remained silent, thinking they should play the victim.

This was exactly what Yan Xueya wanted.

The woman's voice, amplified by spiritual energy, soared through the night sky like a tigress, deep and powerful:

"These are the demons who have infiltrated my sect."

Having said that, she lifted Luo You up and ran her index finger across his wrist—

What flowed out was not blood, but thick, watery black mist!

The demon-slaying sword drew from its sheath on its own, carrying an aura of fury as it held itself against Luo You's neck. A moment of silence fell, followed by a soft crack as the shackles were severed and rolled to the ground.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Shen Lixia jumped down from her sword, stealthily making her way over to Qiao Yanshen and taking his hand. The latter felt a warmth seep into his sleeve, his expression softening as he smiled and returned the handshake. Tang Huairou and the others followed, still slightly out of breath from the chase.

Yan Xueya gave Shen Lixia a meaningful look, finding it amusing.

As she had expected, her disciple wouldn't just wait for Qiao Yanshen to be severely punished. Since Qiao Yanshen had already recounted his encounter on Bailu Peak to her in detail when he handed over his personal belongings, Yan Xueya knew that Luo You must still be in the sect.

If these Nascent Soul cultivators were to search, they would inevitably alert the enemy. It would be better to wait for the disciples to investigate on their own without realizing it, thus creating a commotion and giving her a reason to escape from everyone else's sight. Under the guise of disciplining the disciples and punishing the sinner, she could personally come and capture Luo You.

Qiao Yanshen had not expected that Yan Xueya would be invited.

About fifteen minutes ago, the two met and quickly finalized their plan.

They are just waiting to lure you into their trap.

A faint voice sounded from behind: "It must have taken a lot of effort to prove your innocence, True Lord Mingji."

Shen Lixia trembled upon hearing this, stiffly turning around to find that it was the two people she had been cricketing with earlier—the sect leader of the Wuji Sword Sect and the palace master of the Xihe Palace. Behind them, two more figures appeared, one in green and one in red, who were naturally Yue Qifeng and Yun.

They seemed to understand each other perfectly, and looked over at the boy simultaneously, giving him a slight smile.

“We have to thank the two young men for their efforts,” Yan Xueya replied calmly. “Sect Leader Pei, you are living a life that is getting worse and worse than a child’s. You should retire as soon as possible.”

“You’re so sharp-tongued.” Pei Zhao rolled his eyes. “But the fact is that she has fallen into demonic ways. Even if she doesn’t currently have any intention of becoming a demonic cultivator, we still need to be careful and not act recklessly.”

She raised her chin, seemingly pleased with herself for once again outmaneuvering Yan Xueya, but a chill swept across her cheek, nearly shaving off a lock of her hair.

The clear sound of a sword being drawn pierced the night sky, startling Tu Sheng into retreating. Some onlookers, eager for more drama, muttered under their breath, "Let's fight! Let's fight!"

Yun Qingyao, who was standing next to them, felt a sharp pain in her forehead and quickly interrupted them: "So, before we thoroughly investigate the spy's intentions, we have discussed it and unanimously decided to send someone to look after you, our disciple. Furthermore, you are not allowed to leave the sect. Is that acceptable?"

Yan Xueya's expression improved slightly, and she snorted coldly, "Don't push your luck any further."

This can be considered as the other party giving themselves a way out. Now, apart from the crimes of killing fellow disciples and plotting against humans, and given Qiao Yanshen's firm stance, at least there is no longer any danger to his life, and the matter of abolishing his cultivation can be postponed. Perhaps he will only be confined to his quarters.

We've bought some time; it's not too late to find a solution gradually over the next few days.

Then, she turned to Qiao Yanshen, her voice softening: "Thank you for your hard work. Leave the rest to us, go and get some rest."

"Know her, keep an eye on her." Yun Qingyao tossed a ring to Yun Zhixiao. "This ring contains a sliver of my divine consciousness. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

They were still unsure how many demons had infiltrated the Taihui Sect. What they were seeing now was likely just a prelude; they would have to continue investigating, and it was unclear how long that would take. She had usually given Yun Zhi many precious magical artifacts, which allowed him to escape even from a Nascent Soul cultivator. With the addition of a wisp of her divine sense today, he should be extremely safe.

Yun Zhixiao took the ring and nodded. "I understand, Mother."

Pei Zhao smiled and said, "I will be spending the next few days with Palace Master Yun. I imagine you two will be separated for long. When Palace Master Yun arrives, I will come too."

She waved to Qi Feng, then together with Yan Xueya, she restrained Luo You.

The figures of the group flickered and disappeared completely into the night.

The students who had come to watch the spectacle gradually dispersed. A few, seeing that Qiao Yanshen had breathed a sigh of relief after his suspicions were cleared, were very happy and stuffed all the fruit they had brought to eat while watching the play into the young man's arms. It was autumn now, the season of abundant harvests on the trees and in the fields. Pears, plums, and persimmons filled Qiao Yanshen's arms, making Tang Huairou and Lu Changqing unable to suppress their laughter.

After the others left, there was a moment of silence, then a yawn suddenly broke the silence. Simmons stretched her arms, listening to the rustling sounds coming from her body, and said, "Let's go rest."

She casually took a plum from Qiao Yanshen's arms, saying, "I'm so sleepy I'm seeing stars." She didn't know why someone as averse to trouble as herself had come to go on this crazy trip with them.

They all seem honest most of the time, but when it comes to doing bad things, they each have their own unique talents!

She started to like this group of people.

Lin Yuxian nodded, raised her hand to rub her eyes, "It's so good that Senior Sister Qiao is safe and sound..."

"Junior Sister Qiao has another residence, right?" Yue Qifeng blinked. "Our master has given the order, and we cannot disobey..."

Qiao Yanshen smiled and said, "There is no separate courtyard, but there are a few empty rooms. Senior sisters can choose one."

Yue Qifeng remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering whether an illegal building could be erected within an hour. It wasn't a matter of etiquette; it was simply that she had lived a secluded life for a long time. Since childhood, her master had sent her to a small wooden cabin deep in the mountains to focus on sword practice. Growing up, she had developed a habit of not being comfortable living with others.

Besides Yunzhixiao.

They had worked together for a long time, even before they were close, they had gone on missions together and had to share a roof. Gradually, they got to know each other. Yue Qifeng felt at ease with her, he didn't have trouble falling asleep, and he didn't worry about being disturbed.

Now that this has happened, Qiao Yanshen naturally can't go back to that dormitory to rest.

At this moment, Simmons spoke up: "It's no big deal. There's another courtyard next to my house. You can stay there. It's also up in the mountains. If anything happens, you won't be able to run away."

They talked to each other. Shen Lixia came closer, took another wild fruit from Qiao Yanshen's arms, wiped it, and took a bite. Her face contorted in disgust at the sourness.

"Ptooey, ptooey..."

She abruptly turned her head, swallowing the fruit, leaving a lingering sour and bitter taste in her mouth, as if something like an octopus was still lingering there. After the bitterness subsided, Shen Lixia looked up, but was slightly stunned.

Wu Zhuyue stood some distance away from them, lost in thought. Her brows showed no sorrow, only a cold and distant air, just as they had when they first met. Yet, beneath this chill, two undried tear tracks shimmered faintly in the moonlight.

Shen Lixia sighed, then took a pear from Qiao Yanshen and tossed it to Wu Zhuyue. The white-clad youth instinctively caught the brown autumn pear, a fleeting look of confusion crossing his eyes.

"Eat up. We can think about tomorrow's problems tomorrow. Get some rest."

"Nothing irreversible has happened yet, has it?"

Seeing the awkward silence, Yi Xiaohan spoke up.

—Inside the main hall of the Four Spirits Sect, all the cultivators who came to watch or supervise the competition were gathered here.

They were all pillars of the contemporary cultivation world. Apart from some who were tasked with safeguarding the future of their sects, they could be said to represent the most powerful force of humanity at present. The hall was brightly lit, illuminating the tightly bound sinner in the center. Her pale skin and bloodshot eyes appeared even more glaring in the light.

Especially the crisscrossing stitches on his face, like scarlet centipedes wriggling, perfectly embody the saying that even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily, as if implying that the demon race has an inexhaustible supply of life, which arouses disgust in people's hearts.

Upon hearing her words, a cultivator curled his lips and said with a hint of sarcasm, "If it really causes irreparable consequences, your Taihuizong can forget about holding the Grand Competition in the future."

The other cultivator was more conciliatory, saying helplessly, "Stop arguing, you've been arguing all the way here, just calm down."

Before them, a tall woman looked down at the criminal who had finally been captured. Her gaze slowly passed over the man's long, black hair, then lingered on his red eyes, which were hidden by his eyelashes and blinking. She sighed softly, and her snow-white hair fell down in a flurry, almost obscuring her eyes and brows.

Yan Xueya had no interest in paying attention to their arguments.

The Frost Sky Sword in her hand stopped humming and trembled slightly, sensing its master's emotions. The tip of the sword pressed against Luo You's throat, forcing her to raise her head.

However, the young man, who had remained silent the entire way, now showed no fear on his face. She glanced around at everyone in the hall, smiled with interest, and finally fixed her gaze on Yan Xueya's sword.

Frost Sky Sword.

When Yan Xueya ventured alone into the Demon Realm to wreak havoc, she was still unconscious. However, being born of the same lineage as other demons, she quickly acquired this memory from her fellow demons.

In her memory, the woman before her was nothing like she was now, like a towering mountain, unshakeable by anything. Back then, she wielded this incomparably sharp sword as if she herself were one with it, slaying every demon that appeared in her sight. The expressions of people in extreme resentment and pain are always so similar, just as she had felt within Si Liuhua's soul.

It's not an unleashed madness, nor the unwavering perseverance to break through a thousand armies.

Rather, it is fragile.

It's like losing everything important, so you swing your sword recklessly until the last drop of blood is drawn from your enemy or yourself.

At times like this, people are actually very vulnerable. This was essentially a high-stakes gamble that disregarded life and death, except that Yan Xueya won.

He worked tirelessly through the night, his hair and beard turned completely white, and he slew millions of demon soldiers, his sword pointing directly at the mouthpiece of the demon realm, yet his body and mind withered and decayed.

Her people trembled at the sight of the sword, but she felt only pleasure—the pain of losing something precious was something she could never tire of watching. How fascinating.

Why have I never seen Luo Yang make such an expression before?

The sword's blade was silvery-white, imbued with a deep chill. Above it, a faint, dim red hue hung from the hilt.

Luo You paused for a moment, then seemed to realize something: "I know, you are True Lord Mingji—you are the famous True Lord Mingji."

She laughed, staring intently at the sword tassel.

“I recognize this.”

Yan Xueya was taken aback for once, and lowered her voice: "You recognize...this?" She looked at the sword tassel in disbelief, and when she confirmed that Luo You was referring to this item, her eyebrows trembled slightly.

"you......"

"That person... do you know how long it would take to kill her?" Luo You raised an eyebrow with amusement. "Quite capable, managing to infiltrate our ranks and silently eliminate an entire army. Fortunately, we discovered her early..."

"She was clutching something tightly and wouldn't let go. But since she's dead, nothing else matters."

Luo You smiled slightly, her voice soft and gentle.

"So, it's a sword tassel."