Chapter 13 Exceptional Excellence (Part 1) This is her, unparalleled in her excellence…
The morning light was like silk, and the sky was just beginning to brighten.
Lin Feiran sat on the rooftop, regulating her breathing and spiritual energy. A ray of early sunlight pierced through her closed eyes, illuminating the fine beads of sweat on her forehead.
Her spiritual meridians were stagnant. When the spiritual energy she received passed through them, it was like a clear spring flowing through a dry and cracked valley. After a moment of soaking, it would disappear without a trace. If she wanted to circulate her spiritual energy for a complete cycle, it would take her three times as long as others. She was already used to it.
On the day she escaped from Sanqing Mountain, she risked using the Wind and Snow Sword, which made her parched veins even more shrunken. She had prepared herself for a long period of recuperation, but after using that bottle of Spring-Clearing Pill, only ten days later, her spiritual veins have already recovered completely.
Lin Feiran withdrew his hand, exhaled a breath of stale air, and then stroked his ribs.
The wound from Xiao Chongshan's stab, which was originally gruesome and exposed bone, is now just a faint, barely visible scar. The arrow wound on his shoulder, which almost pierced through him, has also mostly healed.
That was Zhang Chunhe's Flowing Light Arrow.
The fact that three pills of Dianchun Pill have such an effect shows that Ru Xian's medical skills are remarkable. If that's the case, could there be a way to cure her spiritual veins as well?
As the sun rose, Lin Feiran stood up, his gaze falling on the center of Xingzhi Palace, where the interconnected bridges and palaces, like stars surrounding the moon, were Ruxian's residence.
She gazed at it, her fingertips constantly stroking the porcelain vase in her hand, pondering and weighing her options.
After the grand banquet, she was brought to this palace to live, and it has been ten days since then. Every day, a young boy comes to bring her medicine, including scar removal cream and spiritual dew, both of which are good medicines for recuperation and nourishing the spiritual veins.
He clearly knew about her serious injury long ago and had guessed that she was not Mingyue, but he not only did not expose her on the spot, but also patiently waited for her to explain. He easily believed her when she used the excuse of being a chivalrous person, and then took the lead in turning the page on this strange matter, leaving everyone to doubt but not speak out.
If he doesn't speak, then she is Princess Mingyue from the human race, and what do the doubts of others matter?
She even suspected that even if she didn't explain anything at the time, he would have found a way to explain why royalty, who were born with congenitally severed meridians, could tame swords.
Thinking of this, Lin Feiran couldn't help but think of Taihui and others. There are very few people in the world who are willing to do things without any profit. At least the Demon Lord is definitely not such a kind person.
Taihui and the others were after the sword bone, but what about Ruxian? What was he after?
As he pondered, a figure in indigo landed steadily on the edge of the roof and said slowly, "I heard from the attendant that Your Highness is in good health and can discuss matters. The Lord has specially sent me to invite you. I wonder if Your Highness has the time?"
The newcomer had long, flowing black hair, a slender waist, and long legs. Half of his face was covered by a silver mask, revealing a pair of narrow eyes that stared straight at her, though his gaze seemed slightly weary. He was none other than Xun Feifei, the envoy of the demon race.
Seeing Lin Feiran close his eyes in thought, he conjured a golden butterfly from his fingertips: "This is the Lord's secret letter."
Dragons are trapped in shallow waters, tigers are imprisoned in deep mountains. I would rather be a canal digger, taking only a drop of water, not a gushing spring.
Since he personally invited me, I have no choice but to go today, even if I don't want to. Besides, even if he doesn't come, Lin Feiran will definitely go to find him.
Over the past decade, she has consulted numerous renowned doctors, all of whom have said that she was born with stagnant meridians and her illness is incurable. It is already a miracle that she was able to break through to the state of forgetting oneself. Her path of cultivation in this life has to be stopped with regret, and she should not think of anything else.
But if everyone says so, should she believe it too?
At the grand banquet that day, Ru Xian showed her another possibility. The human realm was hopeless, but the demon realm was a completely different world. What if he happened to be able to cure it?
She would go for this glimmer of hope.
She said, "I would like to trouble you to lead the way, Left Envoy."
Xun Feifei wasn't curious about the secret letter, and simply nodded slightly: "Come with me."
Xingzhi Palace is located in the center of the demon capital Lancheng. Its interior is interconnected, and any road can lead to Xingzhi Palace. Xun Feifei chose the shortest one.
He glanced at the girl to his right and said, "When you talk to the Lord, just be sincere. There are some things he doesn't mind, and he knows far more than you think."
Lin Feiran was somewhat surprised to hear this. These words were quite direct, almost implying that Ru Xian already knew she was an imposter. But she had only met Xun Feifei once, so how could she have received his advice?
Despite her confusion, she thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Left Envoy Xun."
Xun Feifei's indifferent voice came from the front again.
“I promised someone that I would give Princess Mingyue a few words of advice, and I don’t want to break my promise. Although you are not Mingyue, you can be considered her for now.”
Lin Feiran suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Even though she was mentally prepared, she was still caught off guard by being exposed so casually.
Xun Feifei stopped and looked down at her, her eyes deep and unfathomable: "Surprised? Guess where I've been these past ten days."
As Lin Feiran's mind raced, her previously pounding heart gradually calmed down: "Since the Left Envoy is already certain that I am not Mingyue, then there is no need to guess where I went these past ten days. However, it seems that the Left Envoy has not yet discovered my true name."
The Lin family rose from humble beginnings and collapsed more than ten years ago. Who would remember the little girl who was left behind when the family fell? Now, apart from the troublesome Daohe Palace, probably very few people remember the name Lin Feiran, let alone know what she looks like now.
Xun Feifei crossed her arms and looked at her, saying slowly and deliberately, "It is indeed very difficult to detect."
The resentment in his words was so strong that it could almost drive away evil spirits.
"Mingyue" has an unusual identity, but the Venerable One instructed that only he could investigate this matter personally, so Xun Feifei set off from the Demon Capital on the second day of the grand banquet.
He started his investigation with the wolf clan's young master who had lost his mind, tracing it back to Ze Yu, the mermaid clan's young master who had conspired with him.
Ze Yu was as stubborn as a dead duck, but fortunately, there was a dignified and innocent human woman beside him. Whenever the topic of "Mingyue" suffering alone in the demon capital came up, she couldn't bear to lower her head. So Xun Feifei added fuel to the fire and managed to get the city of Luoyang out of this woman.
The bustling city of Luoyang was a vibrant and lively place. Through his tireless and relentless investigation, he discovered that a osmanthus cake vendor recognized her portrait. However, he did not know her identity. The vendor asked him to wait a while, saying that a young man surnamed Wei often came with her to buy cakes.
Xun Feifei waited for several days, rain or shine, but did not see the so-called young man. Under his silent gaze, the stall owner forced half a bag of osmanthus milk cake on him as an apology. He became even more silent and had no choice but to throw down a few copper coins and turn to leave.
Not only did they not see anyone, but they were also forced to buy half a bag of cakes.
Xun Feifei looked at Lin Feiran, thinking that she still had to report back later, and suppressed her resentment: "I'll just ask you directly, what's your name?"
Lin Feiran was slightly taken aback. "My name is Lin Feiran."
Which one is "outstanding"?
"...not Wenfei, but naturally so."
Xun Feifei reacted for a moment, then tilted her head and said, "You can just say it's the 'Feiran' in 'Feiran Zhuojue' (outstanding and remarkable). I attended a private school."
Lin Feiran did not reply.
Xun Feifei didn't ask any more questions. When the two arrived at the door, he raised his hand and pointed to Gao Jing in front of the door: "It's best to tidy up your appearance before meeting the Venerable Master."
Lin Feiran stood in front of the mirror, which was the size of her body and reflected her perfectly.
It was a rather tall figure in black, with a beautiful face and clear eyes. His appearance was not ordinary, but his overly quiet demeanor made him appear somewhat reserved and pale.
Her dark attire did not bring her any sense of menace; on the contrary, it accentuated her tranquility, like a deep, flowing river or a vertical shadow.
This is her, Lin Feiran, whose excellence is hard to match.
*
"Lin Feiran, where are you?"
"Lin Feiran, Lin Feiran, by the power of the law, appear at once..."
"Lin Feiran, it's been ten days. Do you know how I've spent these ten days?!"
At the foot of Pingku Mountain, a group of blue-robed cultivators rested by the stream. Finally, unable to bear the arduous journey of the past few days, they began to complain loudly, attempting to call back the person who had fled the mountain for so long through this method of calling back the soul.
They finally stopped, exhausted. Out of the corner of their eyes, they glanced at Wei Changzai, who was adjusting the All-Encompassing Compass not far away, and whispered among themselves.
"I think Lin Feiran is most likely dead at the foot of some mountain. Who can withstand a single arrow from the chief?"
"Damn it, if she hadn't injured so many people with her Wind and Snow Sword Intent that day, I wouldn't have had to do the menial task of going down the mountain to find people. I'm a Class A disciple!"
"Even their direct disciples, if they weren't happy, have already left the mountain. What are you, a mere Grade A disciple, compared to them?"
After speaking, the man's gaze swept over Wei Changzai and Ji Changying, and then landed on a young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes who was frowning as he read a letter. He pouted and said, "Who said that? Jiang Jin is also a personal disciple, but he and Lin Feiran are mortal enemies. He must have volunteered."
Before they could verify, they saw Jiang Jin burn the letter crane in his hand and stride toward Wei Changzai. The group grinned. Jiang Jin was not only a mortal enemy of Lin Feiran, but also of Wei Changzai. They didn't want to provoke him, so they stayed by the stream to watch the show.
"Wei Changzai, I have something to say to you," Jiang Jin said bluntly.
Wei Changzai lowered his eyes to watch the movements of the Myriad Manifestations Compass. Upon hearing this, he did not even raise his head and said in a clear voice, "Junior Brother, please speak."
He may appear polite, but in reality, he is extremely aloof and arrogant.
Jiang Jin had long seen through his temperament, and only snorted coldly, crossing his arms and looking at him: "My master sent me a letter. You must be interested in the contents of the letter. As long as you honestly answer one question for me, I will reveal a little bit to you."
"I have no interest in the secret correspondence between master and disciple."
Jiang Jin raised an eyebrow: "You're not interested in anything related to Lin Feiran?"
Wei Changzai paused, then looked up to examine him: "In which aspect?"
Jiang Jin pondered for a moment. The letter instructed him not to reveal the operation, but it did not say that he could not reveal anything outside of the operation. So he confidently said, "Her life or death."
Wei Changzai stared intently at him, then sighed softly after a moment and looked away at the compass: "Junior brother, if you have nothing to do, you can explore the southeast direction again."
Jiang Jin choked, then asked in a low voice, "Let me ask you, what exactly is your relationship with Qiu Tong now? It's fine that you terminated your contract with Lin Feiran, but why did you take a fancy to Qiu Tong? What's wrong with Senior Sister Pei?!"
Wei Changzai did not want to argue, but remembering something, he turned back to look at him again: "There is a quarter of an hour of rest time. Junior brother, why don't you take this time to practice the Mind-Calming Mantra? Having your mind full of love and affection will ultimately be of no benefit to your cultivation."
As always, Jiang Jin ended the meeting on bad terms, without even making a ripple in the search party. He picked up his sword and hurried south.
Although the spectators did not hear the conversation between the two clearly, they could not help but chuckle and turn around, just in time to bump into Ji Changying, who was walking out of the reeds.
He wore a Taoist robe, his black hair casually tied back with a wooden hairpin, and carried a white rabbit in his hand. The setting sun shone through the bamboo hat he wore, casting dappled light that made him appear gentle and approachable.
Upon seeing the two, he smiled, a small mole under his lip adding a touch of beauty to his gentle face: "Junior brothers, do you have any medicine for your injuries?"
Yes, yes!
Everyone at Daohe Palace respected and loved this senior disciple.
Several people surrounded Ji Changying, vying to chat with him.
"Senior Brother, you don't know this, but Lin Feiran's sword intent in the snowstorm has injured so many fellow disciples. It's truly despicable."
Ji Changying smiled, her eyes bright: "Junior Sister already knows the Wind and Snow Sword?"
The disciple nodded and then shook his head, muttering, "She wasn't that powerful. Oh, and she almost tore the jade plaque down!"
"So she's the one who caused the crack on the jade plaque. No wonder, Junior Sister is always so heavy-handed." Ji Changying lowered his head to treat his wound, his hands never stopping, and sparse rays of sunlight fell on his cheek. "I heard that Elder Qingyu stabbed her with a sword?"
The man immediately perked up: "That's right! A single sword strike aimed straight at her ribs, clean and swift. It's just a pity that her Little Heavy Mountain sword was shattered, and for the time being, no one can repair it. Elder Qingyu is heartbroken and has not left her home yet."
"So, even elders know the taste of sorrow," Ji Changying said with a smile as she rolled up the gauze in her hand. "Thank you for the medicine."
He released the rabbit, washed his hands by the stream, and then approached Wei Changzai, who was fiddling with the All-Encompassing Compass.
"Junior brother, do you have the location of Junior Sister Lin today?" Ji Changying approached and saw that the pointer on the compass was still swaying and had not stopped for a moment.
Wei Chang shook his head.
Ji Changying said with concern, "This Myriad Manifestations Compass is a treasure of the mountains. Even finding a burrowing rat would take less than a day. But now... I hope my junior sister won't be in any danger?"
“She’s fine.” Wei Changzai raised his eyes. “As you know, she has always loved reading and knows a little about all sorts of strange spells. It’s possible that she used that to disturb the compass.”
"How can you be so sure?" Ji Changying asked curiously.
Ji Changying was Zhang Chunhe's eldest disciple and Wei Changzai's true senior brother. He had also raised Wei Changzai and Lin Feiran from a young age, so the two had always had a good relationship.
Even so, Wei Changzai looked at him carefully for a long time before rolling up her sleeves to reveal a cinnabar mole on her right arm.
Ji Changying leaned closer to examine it, a hint of surprise appearing in her eyes: "Love-longing beans?"
The top of Liuzhu Pavilion contains eighteen volumes of forbidden books. They are not evil arts that harm others or oneself, but orthodox techniques. They are just not conducive to disciples' cultivation of the Heavenly Path and the Human Path, so they are sealed up there.
One of the volumes is titled "On the Sorrow of Love," which contains a technique called "Love-longing Beans," which means that longing burns the heart and a single bean can cause injury.
Take three drops of blood from each of their hearts, mix them together, and plant them in their heart veins. Once they have grown, they will be felt even from thousands of miles away.
Ji Changying said leisurely, "Junior brother seems aloof and upright, yet he has read every single forbidden book."
Wei Changzai's expression was calm, almost ruthless: "Didn't you see it at a glance, Senior Brother? The purpose of creating magic is to be used by people. This is neither a sinister magic nor do I have any intention to harm anyone. So what if I saw it and used it?"
Ji Changying shook his head and laughed, "Of course not. There are countless methods, and none are unusable. When did you plant it?"
After a moment of recollection, Wei Chang said, "Many years ago."
That was the first time he and Lin Feiran had a disagreement, and they parted on bad terms. He didn't look for her, nor did he need to; he knew she would come back sooner or later.
But we still have to wait and see what happens "sooner or later".
During the waiting period, he was restless and could not enter a meditative state, which really affected his cultivation. After the two reconciled, he planted the love beans at night.
The bean planter's heart is filled with countless knots, feeling what others feel, thinking what others think, and contemplating life and death together.
In this way, we won't have to waste several days of cultivation time waiting in the future.
Ji Changying stood up, put her bamboo hat back on, and stood with her back to the light, her shimmering eyes curving upwards: "Junior brother, what if we can never find her?"
Wei Changzai lowered his eyes, and scattered dappled sunlight fell across them. He said, "Those who share the same path will ultimately arrive at the same destination, though their routes may differ."
With two clicks, the compass needle finally came to a stop.
"East to southeast." He walked past Ji Changying and was about to set off when a paper crane flew down, caught fire upon contact, and a familiar voice came from within.
"Chang Ying is here. Return to the mountain gate immediately. There is important news to report."
Ji Changying looked at Wei Changzai, embers scattering between his fingers, his smile undisguised: "Master summoned us urgently, but this compass just happened to react. What should we do, junior brother?"
Wei Changzai lowered his head in deep thought, and Ji Changying couldn't help but wonder if no one had told him that if a person was still alive but the Myriad Manifestations Compass was not responding, it was either because a Venerable of the Divine Travel Realm was covering it up, or because she was no longer in the human realm.
Wei Changzai finally raised his eyes and set off south: "I trouble you, senior brother, to lead the rest of the disciples back to the mountain first."
"Junior brother, what about you?"
Wei Changzai simply said, "I will return as soon as possible."
Ji Changying nodded with a smile: "Okay, junior brother, take care on your journey."
There's no need to spell it out; he's naturally biased towards his junior sister.
A note from the author:
This story does not feature extreme good guys and bad guys, such as Qiu Tong and Tai Hui. Each character has their own motives and reasons for their actions, including Wei Changzai. As previously mentioned, the male lead and second male lead are not psychologically healthy; however, this is only the beginning, and their stories haven't been fully explored yet. The same applies to other characters. Furthermore, this story has many foreshadowing elements; none of the characters introduced so far are unimportant, and their true significance will be gradually revealed as the plot unfolds.
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