Chapter 43
Flowers bloom like Bodhi, a scene of boundless compassion.
However, this same Bodhi Xie family, after the birth of their newborn child, was met with the hasty arrival of the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
A demonic star descends from the heavens, ultimately bringing about great calamity.
The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is mysterious and unpredictable, with its whereabouts unknown.
They had divined the "Great Calamity of the Stars," and had helped cultivators avoid monster calamities and natural disasters on several occasions. They had also divined the birth dates of powerful figures in the cultivation world on numerous occasions, and had even identified a prodigy on several occasions simply by looking at their faces.
Legend has it that each generation of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master inherits a copy of the "Fragment of Heavenly Numbers." This book is usually blank, but once characters appear, it signifies a momentous event that will shake the heavens and earth.
Upon hearing the news that the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion had personally arrived, the head of the Bodhi Xie Clan personally came forward, only to learn of this unexpected turn of events.
"A demon star has descended from the heavens..."
The head of the Xie family murmured repeatedly, but finally fell silent.
The Pavilion Master of Tianji Pavilion, on the contrary, took it very lightly: "Between heaven and earth, gods and demons exist in a single thought. This single thought can bring disaster or encounter mysterious opportunities. The direction of the heart, the distinction between good and evil, are all just a matter of a fleeting thought."
He comforted the head of the Xie family and suggested that "those who live hidden behind a screen will only see a handful of people in their lives. Only by staying away from worldly disturbances can one avoid the calamities of the mortal world."
Ultimately, Xie Qianjing grew up in the Xie family. Relying on his powerful cultivation talent, he became the most dazzling prodigy of his generation. After only a few moves, he was given the title of "Bodhi Immortal Lord" for his miraculous Snowflake Silver Silk technique.
However, even his biological parents were not close to Xie Qianjing. Apart from occasionally being sent to Linghuanwu to study, he spent almost all his time cultivating in the snow pavilion on the mountain peak where he was all alone, and he did not care about worldly affairs.
Only these elderly folks knew about this.
When the Xie family's harboring of demonic seeds was exposed, it had far-reaching consequences. Not only was the Xie family razed to the ground overnight by the uncontrollable demonic seeds, but many disciples of the Chu family who rushed to quell the chaos were also caught up in it.
Therefore, the Phoenix Clan did not intervene.
Feng Jun watched coldly, not caring about the truth or falsehood of the matter, only hoping that those people could eliminate the demon seed as soon as possible.
But to everyone's surprise, the demonic seed was not completely eradicated; instead, it reappeared in the fourteen continents time and time again.
Feng Jun had also suspected the Chu family, but on the day the "Eleven-Bead Demon Seed" erupted in the Mitian Realm, the Chu family patriarch, Yuan Dao Zhenren, was also injured in his soul and eventually died with his meridians shattered.
This incident only made the situation seem even more murky.
Fortunately, the Phoenix Clan is a lineage of gods, and outsiders would not easily dare to offend or disturb them. So the Phoenix King simply stopped investigating and entrusted the important affairs of the clan to the younger generation and elders, and lived a peaceful life with his partner.
Even though this action deepened the cracks in his fragile heart.
But no matter what, Feng Jun never expected to see an old friend here.
"The eleventh continent, the Bodhi Xie clan, Xie Qianjing."
...Xie Qianjing.
Feng Jun still remembers that he always stood behind his elders with Mi Li, like a Bodhi lotus growing in a cold pond on a mountain peak, surrounded by snow that could not be melted.
Even without seeing her face, just standing there, one can imagine her elegance and charm.
Feng Jun had never seen Xie Qianjing's full face either, but the moment the young man in front of him spoke, he believed him.
The child who was once as pure and clear as crystal should have had a cool and aloof appearance.
Back then, Xie Qianjing would lower his eyes and obediently call him "Uncle Feng" amidst the slight swaying of the beaded curtain. But now, Xie Qianjing has become a demon whose every move can suppress all living beings.
Perhaps his lifespan was truly nearing its end, for when he actually witnessed this scene, Feng Jun was far less calm than he had imagined.
"Xie Qianjing, Xie Qianjing... you actually survived."
His loss of composure lasted only a moment; Feng Jun quickly regained his previous dignified demeanor.
He is a demon.
Recalling the prophecy, Feng Jun was shaken, and his eyes, which had just shown a fleeting emotion, now held more vigilance and deep thought.
When he spoke again, Feng Jun's gaze fell on each person in the hall, finally sweeping past Feng Xiaosheng before focusing intently on the person in front of him.
"Gods and demons are different. Xie Qianjing, now that you are a demon cultivator, you should not interfere in the affairs of my Phoenix Clan."
As the Phoenix Lord's voice echoed in the hall, a spiritual power tens of millions of times stronger reverberated within it, spreading for thousands of miles.
Even Feng Xiaosheng's expression changed several times.
However, Xie Qianjing remained as calm as ever.
His eyes remained unwavering, his expression calm, and he spoke casually.
"I thought that Feng Jun would want to know how to remove the demonic markings on Lady Lanxi's body."
With just one word, everyone around was astonished!
"Your Majesty, this..."
The Phoenix Clan elders who had rushed over all looked at the person at the head of the table with surprise and doubt. If it weren't for their years of subservience to the Phoenix Lord, they probably would have questioned him in the hall!
This is a magic rune!
Feng Jun suddenly raised his head. He suppressed the hatred and pain in his heart, but he could no longer control his expression.
Feng Xiaosheng frowned.
She could roughly guess that Xie Qianjing must have a backup plan behind her back, but she did not expect that this backup plan was related to Feng Jun and Lady Lanxi.
So, Lady Lanxi wasn't physically weak, but rather... possessed by demonic energy?
This was news that even she, the young lord, had not been able to find out, which showed how well the Phoenix Lord kept it a secret.
This also shows that the Demon Lord Xie Qianjing is truly cunning and treacherous.
“If he is referring to ‘demonic markings,’ then it means that Lady Lanxi’s demonic energy is not ordinary, but rather that she was once chosen as a demonic seed and nearly died. This is why demonic energy eroded her day and night, and over time, demonic markings appeared on her skin.”
As Feng Xiaosheng relayed the situation to her, Sheng Ningyu analyzed the current circumstances. Finally, she exclaimed, "This demonic cultivator is truly remarkable for being able to withstand the majesty of the Phoenix Lord and go alone to conspire with him."
Feng Xiaosheng grew increasingly unhappy as she listened.
She didn't know why, but she had deliberately omitted Xie Qianjing's name when she was narrating earlier. Now, hearing Sheng Ningyu praising Xie Qianjing, she felt even more awkward.
Sheng Ningyu looked at her, smiled gently, and said no more.
Feng Xiaosheng immediately chimed in: "Once the demonic markings on the Phoenix Clan God Lord's wife are revealed, it will be a major event that will cause endless discussion throughout the cultivation world, enough to overshadow the strange occurrences when the demonic seed descended."
With a pastry in her mouth, Sheng Ningyu leaned against the pavilion in the courtyard, gazing at the distant, layered mountains, and let out a relaxed laugh.
It's been seven days.
She has been recuperating in the Phoenix Clan for seven whole days.
"Your uncle will not allow you to reveal this."
Sheng Ningyu changed her address, but Feng Xiaosheng seemed not to understand at all.
She looked at the pastries in Sheng Ningyu's hand and said calmly, "That's not up to Feng Jun."
Seeing Sheng Ningyu looking at him, Feng Xiaosheng raised an eyebrow: "What?"
Sheng Ningyu stared at her for a while, then suddenly burst into laughter, bending over backwards and dropping the pastries she was holding onto the ground.
Feng Xiaosheng: "..."
With a dark face, she angrily snatched the fruit plate from Sheng Ningyu's face: "You're not allowed to eat anymore!"
They ate her food and then laughed at her!
Feng Xiaosheng pretended to hit her, and Sheng Ningyu quickly dodged.
"Okay, okay, I won't laugh anymore."
Sheng Ningyu took a while to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
She raised her hand without thinking and used her right hand instead.
The wooden bracelet that Lady Xiang had given her had long since vanished into thin air in that sword strike in the Demon Seed Illusion. It was because of the constraint on this wooden bracelet that her hair suddenly turned completely white that day.
Now, her hair has been restored, but without the wooden bracelet to restrain it, the wounds on her wrists have become more and more obvious.
The scars stretched out in all directions, and there were still bleeding wounds that had not yet healed. The bones in his hands protruded, and his wrists were thin and bony.
Feng Xiaosheng's laughter suddenly stopped, and the corners of his mouth that had been turned up froze on his face, gradually disappearing.
How did it end up like this?
She remembered that Sheng Ningyu used to love beautiful things the most.
She and her family always had to be dressed neatly and cleanly, and even their hair had to be styled into different buns.
She dislikes having any stains on her body, nor does she like having any scars.
She wore the blue and white robes of a Sword Pavilion disciple, and as she passed by in the wind, her flamboyant and unrestrained presence was like the brightest moonlight in the sky.
...
Feng Xiaosheng remembers.
She remembers everything.
My fingertips slowly reached for the crisscrossing scars, but before I could even touch them, I started to tremble.
"It doesn't matter."
Sheng Ningyu sighed inwardly.
This is her seventh day in the Feng clan.
She clearly intended to talk things out with Feng Xiaosheng, but every time she saw her, she always softened her heart.
Sheng Ningyu couldn't bear to see Feng Xiaosheng so upset.
That was true then, and it is true now.
Sheng Ningyu finally smiled and said nonchalantly, "I can show you. They're just some scars, nothing to hide."
Trembling fingertips finally landed on the ugly scar.
Feng Xiaosheng lowered her eyes and traced the scar carefully, as if afraid that if she pressed too hard, she would tear open her skin and expose the broken bones inside.
The autumn colors are perfect, the sunlight is clear and flawless, but the gentle breeze carries a sense of solemnity and desolation.
Feng Xiaosheng did not look up for a long time.
Sheng Ningyu's gaze fell on her, and through her, he saw many years.
It may be a fleeting moment, or a brief dream.
Similarly, she would feel nostalgic when she saw them.
I miss the carefree days when I didn't have to shoulder any responsibilities, the carefree days when someone would cover for me no matter what palace rules I broke, and the days when everyone around me was laughing and joking, with no major grudges between us...
Alone, she reminisces about those years that others considered foolish and ignorant.
But now, things are different.
Hua Liuyan, whose face was once just a blur, became the sect leader of half the sect. Senior Brother Fei Fou took charge of Yunwang Palace and also found his own Daoist partner. Chu Chang'an inherited the Chu family of Donghai.
Junior Sister Ning Jiao became Qi Qingya's wife, but she also hid a side of herself that was unknown to her. After Feng Qingli inherited the Azure Bird Leaf Flower, her actions became increasingly chaotic and unpredictable...
And what about Feng Xiaosheng?
She became the young ruler of the Phoenix Clan.
The spoiled look in her expression has turned into composure, the domineering nature of the past has become noble, and even the bad temper of turning around and walking away at the slightest disagreement seems to have been worn away by time.
She seemed to be the close friend Sheng Ningyu remembered, someone she used to mess around with every day, yet she also seemed to be just a stranger with similar features as the years passed.
There are too many things between them.
But Sheng Ningyu always remembered one thing.
Contrary to her domineering and arrogant demeanor, when Feng Xiaosheng is truly heartbroken and sheds tears, she is always silent.
She never forgot.
The free left hand finally rested on those trembling fingertips.
"Actually, although these scars don't fade, they're quite beautiful after a while. Look, these scars here, segment by segment, don't they resemble the jade hairpin branches of the old Sword Pavilion?"
Sheng Ningyu made a lighthearted joke, but after a while, Feng Xiaosheng still didn't look up.
The hand covering his palm trembled even more violently.
...Did I say something wrong?
Sheng Ningyu said with distress, "It's really okay, I don't feel any pain anymore."
But she was in pain.
Excruciating pain.
The pain was so intense that I wanted to tear that person's heart out and cut it into a thousand pieces.
Ever since the moment Feng Xiaosheng met Sheng Ningyu, he has been thinking about one thing.
If she hadn't argued with her back then... If she had stayed by Sheng Ningyu's side in that vast realm where eleven demon seeds were buried, with her protecting her, would everything have been different?
At least... at least the Phoenix Clan would never kick someone when they're down, nor would they dare to stand idly by.
The past, which could never withstand close scrutiny, now resonates with countless echoes.
Feng Xiaosheng felt a surge of pain and hatred in his heart, but his face remained expressionless.
Instead, she curled her lips into a smirk, raised her eyelids, and scoffed coldly: "You got hurt because you misjudged people. Whether it hurts or not is your own business."
Sheng Ningyu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, and joked, "This is not just about whether it hurts or not. You don't know, my fear of the dark was almost cured by lying in that coffin for sixty years."
Upon hearing this, the relaxed atmosphere vanished instantly, and Feng Xiaosheng fell silent once again.
Sheng Ningyu: "..."
Sorry to bother you.
She brought up something she didn't want to talk about.
Just as she was thinking about how to skip the topic, a gentle spiritual energy came from her wrist.
"Don't move."
Saying "What does this have to do with me?", Feng Xiaosheng actually grabbed Sheng Ningyu's hand and gently wrapped it around her wrist. His fingertips touched the newest wound and he carefully used his spiritual power to repair it.
This was torn open by Sheng Ningyu herself and buried directly into the spiritual bone; it has not yet fully healed.
She could tell that Sheng Ningyu didn't trust others, so she didn't call the Phoenix Clan doctor to diagnose her. But now, Feng Xiaosheng really couldn't hold back anymore.
Feng Xiaosheng: "The auction at Gui Canglou is about to begin, and I will be going."
The implication seemed to be that he didn't intend to take her along.
Sheng Ningyu did not argue. She asked lightly, "Speaking of which, how are those two children from the Chu family?"
Feng Xiaosheng said, "I left them with the Phoenix Clan. After some time, I will naturally send them back to Qingyi Academy. Whether the Chu family comes to pick them up or not is their business."
The incident involving the demonic seed caused a great stir, and many sects within the Qingyi Academy temporarily brought their disciples back.
As the two talked, the wound under his palm healed considerably, at least it was no longer peeling back. Feng Xiaosheng nodded in satisfaction, but the next second, he seemed to remember something and murmured to himself.
"Your identity can't be kept secret for long."
Sheng Ningyu accepted this situation well.
"I'll keep it a secret as long as I can; I don't expect to be able to keep up the act forever."
She absolutely had to return to Qingyi Academy.
It was not only for the sake of the spirit bone, but also for her incomplete memories.
However, Sheng Ningyu hadn't yet figured out how to tell Feng Xiaosheng about these things.
Or perhaps, she wasn't sure whether she could tell Feng Xiaosheng about this.
Sheng Ningyu thought of something and reminded him, "Chu Chang'an values that disciple named Chu Le very much. If he stays in the Phoenix Clan, he might cause trouble."
Feng Xiaosheng scoffed, "If he hadn't valued it, this matter would have been much easier to resolve."
A hint of disapproval flashed across Sheng Ningyu's pale face. She pursed her lips, her voice tense: "If not, how do you intend to resolve this?"
Feng Xiaosheng abruptly stopped speaking.
She looked at Sheng Ningyu, her best friend.
Clouds drifted across the sky, slowly obscuring the clear sun.
Dressed in gorgeous and exquisite clothes, Feng Xiaosheng withdrew her hand inch by inch.
Today, she specially changed into Shao Jun Ni Chang to see Sheng Ning Yu.
Precious crimson gemstones dangle from the red hem of her dress, while delicate phoenix totem patterns adorn her shoulders. Red tassels hang down, and the tinkling of her ornaments makes her appear as if a phoenix is gracefully soaring.
However, Sheng Ningyu did not praise her at all today.
Not a single word.
Feng Xiaosheng sat upright in his seat, forming a stark contrast to the white-clad man opposite him who was leaning against a pillar and acting erratically.
She was like a statue forgotten by the world. As the sunlight was obscured by the clouds, all the vibrant life slowly faded from her, and her lips gradually sank, finally settling into the most perfect arc.
One, an arc belonging to Feng Shaojun.
"So, what does Immortal Lord Sheng think I should do?"
Even if Sheng Ningyu was slow-witted, she could sense something was wrong from the words "Immortal Lord Sheng". She blinked and looked at Feng Xiaosheng, not avoiding her gaze. After a while, she laughed.
She leaned back and lazily raised her voice, "I thought Young Master Feng would also threaten them and skin them alive."
Feng Xiaosheng was startled, then his face suddenly turned pale, almost transparent.
"I...I didn't know at the time..." Her tone sounded panicked and weak, broken and intermittent, as if something was stuck in her throat.
Sheng Ningyu felt a pang of pity, but still did not offer any words of comfort.
Since some problems exist, simply avoiding them is useless.
Recalling Feng Jiutian's words, Sheng Ningyu felt a pang of self-mockery.
These things are thorns in Sheng Ningyu's heart.
She knew she shouldn't have done that.
If she suspected that Feng Xiaosheng had changed his nature, she should have said these things even less.
But Sheng Ningyu couldn't help it.
She really didn't know what Feng Xiaosheng was thinking.
This young lord showed her great care and treated her very well. As a result, no one in the Phoenix Clan dared to act recklessly in front of her. Even the most disciplined elders had not dared to appear in front of her in the past few days.
However, Feng Xiaosheng excluded her from some things.
For example, the story of Feng Jun, and the spirit bones of Gui Cang Lou.
Feng Xiaosheng did not let her know the whole story.
Perhaps she shouldn't have asked the question so bluntly.
But Sheng Ningyu thought that she was probably still the same Sheng Mingyue from back then.
It's just that what was once completely intolerable has now become something that can be tolerated for a while.
As for anything more, I simply cannot tolerate it.
Thinking about it this way, Sheng Ningyu found her own personality somewhat amusing. She chuckled to herself, her eyes crinkling into a smile, her eyebrows raised in a confident and unrestrained manner.
In the dim light, one can glimpse the splendor of the Sword Master of yesteryear.
She toyed with the wine glass in her hand, not even glancing at Feng Xiaosheng, but shook her head slightly, her tone rising with a hint of cynical disdain: "For five whole days, Young Master has never let me leave the house."
"Could it be that our young lord, on a whim, intends to imprison me in the Phoenix Clan and keep me here to settle scores slowly?"
They have been friends for many years after all.
Sheng Ningyu had completely guessed the darkest and most sinister thoughts in the mind of the young Phoenix Lord in front of her.
Sheng Ningyu met her eyes and calmly asked, "Then what do you want?"
What do you want?
Feng Xiaosheng leaned on the table, opened his mouth, then closed it again, and drooped his head helplessly.
Countless images swirled in her mind.
The wound winding along his wrist, the blood covering his body, the broken spiritual bones, the empty side of his waist devoid of his natal sword...
Sheng Ningyu has already suffered too much pain.
This is only what she can see.
What happened to Sheng Ningyu in places she couldn't see?
Feng Xiaosheng didn't even dare to think about it.
Her spiritual bones are incomplete, and she doesn't even remember who hurt her. Otherwise, why wouldn't she dare to return to the Sword Pavilion?
She just wanted her to stay.
Stay here, by her side.
At least, as long as the Phoenix Clan's young lord is around, Sheng Ningyu can live in peace.
Sheng Ningyu stood up and walked to Feng Xiaosheng, bent down, and looked at her with an unprecedentedly serious expression.
"Feng Xiaohong, I'm not as fragile as you think."
Feng Xiaosheng raised his head, stunned and speechless.
"Young Master, our guests have arrived."
A hoarse voice came from outside, and almost at the same time, a silver ribbon reached in from the air outside the pavilion, and the surrounding wind caused the snow-white garments to fall to the ground.
"Young Master." Xie Qianjing stood in front of Sheng Ningyu and said gently, "The Phoenix Lord has important matters to discuss and has summoned the Young Master."
Feng Xiaosheng subconsciously looked at Sheng Ningyu.
With business at hand, Sheng Ningyu put aside her previous entanglements. She stepped forward, took Xie Qianjing's hand, and gestured to Feng Xiaosheng that she was alright: "You go ahead, I have something to say to him."
Feng Xiaosheng's mind was in turmoil. No matter how unwilling she was, after the argument just now, she dared not stay any longer.
Otherwise, wouldn't that confirm those malicious remarks?
Feng Xiaosheng closed his eyes briefly before finally saying, "I'll go first and come back to find you later."
After speaking, the crimson hem of his robe suddenly ignited like a cluster of flames, then dissolved into the air.
Sheng Ningyu stared at the spot where Feng Xiaosheng had disappeared for a while, and then belatedly realized that the little phoenix did not seem to be wearing that snow-white crane cloak today.
...
Surrounded by the crowd, Feng Xiaosheng felt as if she had forgotten something.
Just before she stepped into the main hall, in a flash, she suddenly remembered something.
The "substitute case" that caused Chu Jiye to lose face at the gate of Qingyi Academy that day, which caused such a great uproar that even Feng Qingli of Qingniao Yiyehua sent a message to inquire about her, seemed to involve Xie Qianjing.
What did he say back then?
"Ha, an unmarried Daoist partner..."
Feng Xiaosheng gritted his teeth and spat out these words, his face turning completely gloomy.
Cunning and treacherous!
They have ulterior motives!
They have ill intentions!
Taking advantage of her ugly... barely passable face, she seduce others!
What do you mean by "discussing important matters"? Ha, as expected of the Demon Lord, what a clever tactic!
However, no matter how angry Feng Xiaosheng was at this moment, he could no longer change the fact that Xie Qianjing had met Sheng Ningyu.
At this moment, Feng Xiaosheng had already arrived at the front of the hall. Many people inside the hall heard the announcement. Feng Xiaosheng didn't have time to go back. She could only pull out a piece of paper kite on the spot with a dark face, grit her teeth and use her spiritual power to engrave a few words. Then, she transformed into a sky full of paper kites and flew away in one direction.
The Grand Elder inside the hall frowned deeply, but because he had something to discuss at the moment, he had no choice but to hold back.
"I oppose concealing the fact that Lady Lanxi of the Phoenix Clan has fallen into demonic possession."
...
"Just now, I saw that you and Young Master Feng both looked displeased."
Xie Qianjing walked behind her, let her hair down, and started combing it again.
He easily styled her hair into a beautiful shape, and then pulled out a carved wooden lotus hairpin from somewhere and put it on her head.
Sheng Ningyu smiled and said, "It was just a small argument."
She didn't ask, but Xie Qianjing behind her took the initiative to speak and tell her about his whereabouts over the past few days.
“I arrived in the Phoenix Clan three days ago. I intended to come and find you, but I happened to overhear the Phoenix Lord's Temple discussing your affairs.”
Seeing that Sheng Ningyu's attention had been drawn to him, Xie Qianjing raised his eyebrows and his beautiful eyes sparkled with laughter.
His voice was clear and melodious, like shattered jade falling into a stream, instantly putting people at ease.
Before she finished speaking, a pile of crimson letter kites poured in from all directions. Sheng Ningyu stopped them with her sword sheath and they fell to the ground with a clatter, like a carpet of red plum blossoms.
Sheng Ningyu's lips twitched, as if she had almost anticipated something.
However, before Sheng Ningyu could put it away, a jade-like hand was one step ahead of her, picked one up and handed it over.
"It seems to be the young master's spiritual power. The rush must be something urgent."
Xie Qianjing is a treacherous person! Beware of his attempts to sow discord!
She slowly turned her head, just in time to meet Xie Qianjing's slightly furrowed brows and innocent face.
Sheng Ningyu: "..."
-----------------------
Author's Note: Feng Xiaosheng: I knew he was extremely treacherous!!!
After all, the only reason a die-hard fan would break down is for her real sister-in-law (not really).
There wasn't any major conflict between Xiaohong and Mingyue; it's just that they hadn't seen each other for a long time, and both had changed a bit, so a slight estrangement was inevitable. Plus, their views differed somewhat. Once the misunderstandings were cleared up, they could work together to resolve things! [Sunglasses]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com