Chapter 68
The visitor was Chu Qing, the steward of the Chu family.
Unexpectedly, the Chu family, which has always been flamboyant, had a rather simple entourage this time. Not only was Chu Qing dressed simply and looked humble, but there were also only a handful of people following behind him.
It's important to understand that choosing the Mountain and Sea Never Sleeps City as the starting point for the Thousand Mountains Trial is not as simple as it sounds.
Aside from the opinion of Qi Baiya, the city lord of Shanhai Never Sleeps, we also need to consider his entanglements with Yan Wurong, the acting sect leader of Banbi Sect, as well as Ning Jiao's relationship with Feng Qingli, the sect leader of Qingniao Yiyehua, which is located next to Shanhai Never Sleeps...
Many past events have occurred, and if even one person had vehemently opposed the matter, things would not have gone so smoothly.
For example, the original plan was to have all eleven sects gather at Qingyi Academy, but now the location has been changed.
Besides these, there were various trivial questions, even doubts about Sheng Ningyu's identity... However, none of these things, which would be of paramount importance to others, caused the slightest disturbance.
When Feng Xiaosheng received Sheng Ningyu's praise, he laughed with a reserved yet smug expression, raised his chin, and said with a sidelong glance, "I haven't earned this title of 'Young Lord' for nothing all these years."
Sheng Ningyu blinked, and as she wished, said, "This world cannot do without the young lord."
Feng Xiaosheng was completely satisfied.
With the secret assistance of Yuan Bushu and others, and the intervention of Old Fengjun, the people from the eleven sects finally agreed to go to the Mountain and Sea Never Sleeps City. "Xie Qianjing is right. The matter of your natal sword was indeed the work of Ning Jiao. But her methods are crude. The fact that it spread so quickly and even attracted countless people to the Ghost Market must mean that there is someone behind the scenes pushing things along."
At this point, Feng Xiaosheng couldn't help but feel secretly relieved: "Fortunately, you left quickly that day, otherwise it would have taken a lot of effort to leave now."
The person behind this is unknown. If it really is Chu Yuandao who is not dead...
Feng Xiaosheng vaguely remembered that when Chu Yuandao died, his cultivation had reached the eighth stage of the Heavenly Pivot Realm.
If he truly did not die, his cultivation level would be so profound that it would be beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
But Feng Xiaosheng still didn't understand.
"If that's the case, then what is the purpose of the person behind it going to such lengths to disrupt the situation?"
Just as Feng Xiaosheng was confused, another gentle voice rang out.
"Young Master is caught up in the situation, but he has forgotten one thing."
Spiritual energy slowly condensed in the air, outlining a silver halo, from which specks of ink plum blossoms spilled out, and the next second, the fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.
The fragrance and unique charm waft in.
Feng Xiaosheng already knew about the relationship between Xiang Bieyun and Sheng Ningyu, so he softened his expression and nodded to Xiang Bieyun: "Sect Leader Xiang, I have long admired your name."
The group greeted each other, and Xiang Bieyun returned the greeting with a slight smile. After taking her seat, she said, "What you all said just now was all from the perspective of Mingyue. However, others do not know Mingyue's identity. They only know that there is a 'reincarnation of the Sword Master' in the Mingyue Pavilion on the coast of the East Sea."
At this moment, only the four of them were present. Meeting Shang Xiang Bieyun's gaze, Sheng Ningyu suddenly realized something and said, "Sister Ayan, do you mean that person actually wanted to use the remains of their natal sword to test the authenticity of 'Reincarnation'? So, assuming that person is Ning Jiao, she and the one who created 'Reincarnation' are not the same group?"
Xiang Bieyun said, "I think that's roughly how it started."
“But now, it’s probably not that simple,” Feng Xiaosheng said. “There are rumors circulating that, under the guise of the Thousand Mountains Trial, someone is trying to stir up trouble by saying that ‘some of the broken sword fragments have been absorbed into the Thousand Mountains Trial.’”
Han Yuyi agreed with Feng Xiaosheng's words. She looked at Sheng Ningyu with a hint of worry in her eyes and said, "As far as I know, many people are extremely interested in this matter, including Yu Wusheng. He appeared at Gui Canglou that day because he wanted to compete for the spirit bone."
Yan Ruchao happened to lift the curtain and heard this, his expression immediately turned even colder: "Overestimating yourself."
The master of Gui Canglou sat down next to Han Yuyi, looked at Sheng Ningyu's nonchalant appearance, and couldn't help but frown: "Don't let your guard down."
Sheng Ningyu naturally agreed, feeling relieved.
When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it.
It's just a spirit bone; it's not like she's never lost one before.
On the contrary, Feng Xiaosheng appeared reassured, but in private he frequently came to see Sheng Ningyu.
"These are messages your junior brother asked me to convey."
Sheng Ningyu looked at the stack of flattened letters in front of her, both amused and puzzled: "Why didn't he just tell me directly?"
"I'm just afraid you'll find it annoying."
Feng Xiaosheng threw down the stack of things, walked over and sat down next to Sheng Ningyu, but stopped dealing with official business and instead focused on looking at Sheng Ningyu.
“That person is lurking in the shadows, and none of us know his true identity or the scheme he's plotting.” Feng Xiaosheng paused and said, “Even if we think our plan is thorough, we can’t guarantee it won’t go wrong.”
Sheng Ningyu stared at her intently for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Feng Xiaohong." She raised her eyebrows, turned her wrist holding the hairpin, and the sharpness that had been concealed reappeared.
"Although I don't like this title, don't forget, I am the Sword Master."
All swords under heaven revere her.
Feng Xiaosheng was taken aback.
yes.
Since they met, she always wanted to be as good to her as possible. Even though she said she believed Sheng Ningyu could handle things on her own, she still couldn't help but worry about her.
But as Mingyue said, she is the Sword Master.
With a single sword, mountains and seas are leveled; even the sun and moon bow down to him.
Even now, without her sword and spiritual essence, and sealed away for a hundred years, the sword in her heart remains unbroken.
This is the real Sheng Ningyu.
Feng Xiaosheng looked up and saw the person opposite her tossing the white jade-colored spiritual bone up and down, looking extremely carefree, as if they didn't care about the slight pain at all.
“Even now, with only half a spirit bone…” Sheng Ningyu withdrew her hand, grinned at Feng Xiaosheng, and her eyes showed more arrogance than carefree.
"Even with only a fragment of spirit bone, I could still go to the Demon Seed Illusionary Realm. Now that I have half a spirit bone, what are you afraid of?"
"Besides," Sheng Ningyu raised one eyebrow at Feng Xiaosheng and hooked her hand around hers.
It is done with the right hand.
"Even if something else happens... aren't you all still here?"
Feng Xiaosheng stared blankly at the hand, forgetting all the words of persuasion she had just heard.
And so, along the way, no one raised any objections to Sheng Ningyu's decision.
And now, we have finally arrived at the Mountain and Sea Never Sleeps City.
Sect leaders such as Feng Xiaosheng and Yuan Bushu had already paid their respects at the City Lord's Mansion. Chu Qing carefully bypassed the crowd, and when his gaze fell on Sheng Ningyu, he froze on the spot.
She wore a mask, but Chu Qing knew what had happened inside the Bright Moon Pavilion at Sea, so he could naturally guess Sheng Ningyu's identity.
Sword Master...
That bright moon that shines over the fourteen continents.
Sheng Ningyu was blocked, but she wasn't annoyed. She nodded to Yuan Shuhe and the others, then looked at Chu Qing, raising one eyebrow: "What is it?"
Uncle Chu Qing, it's been a long time! Did you come to see me for something?
His voice and appearance were flamboyant, with a carefree spirit unlike that of people from the Three Realms. Yet, this was precisely the kind of person who acted gently, never making things difficult for them, and never looking down on people with such low cultivation levels as himself.
If he had gone to find the Sword Master back then...
Chu Qing was momentarily overwhelmed with emotion, but he quickly composed himself. The elderly steward respectfully bowed to Sheng Ningyu and said, "Immortal Lord, the Patriarch requests your presence."
Sheng Ningyu vaguely recognized the old man, and seeing his humility, she felt quite moved.
Times have changed. Even the once-imperishable Chu family has now learned to keep a low profile.
However, since her identity was not revealed, Sheng Ningyu was naturally happy not to expose it.
"Manager, I am not worthy of your kind invitation."
Her words were a jumbled mess, but Sheng Ningyu was too lazy to think about them anymore.
Chu Qing had anticipated this. He raised his hand to set up a soundproof array and lowered his voice, saying, "Immortal Lord! Your body has not yet recovered. The Thousand Mountains Trial may be somewhat dangerous for you."
Sheng Ningyu nodded perfunctorily, but then lifted her foot to take a detour.
Chu Qing knew she didn't care, so he gritted his teeth and did something he shouldn't have done.
"Immortal Lord." His voice was somewhat aged and weathered. "I am Chu Qing."
Chu Qing?
Sheng Ningyu was stunned for a moment. She searched through her memory and actually found the name.
but……
Sheng Ningyu turned her head in confusion and glanced at the person behind her.
Chu Qing didn't seem this old back then.
Chu Qing didn't know what Sheng Ningyu was thinking, but recalling the past, he could roughly guess some of it.
Chu Qing didn't finish speaking.
He froze on the spot, his face suddenly turned deathly pale, and he began to tremble, his lips shaking, as if he had seen a ghost.
"You, you..."
"Hmm?" Sheng Ningyu let out a puzzled whisper. Sheng Ningyu was naturally not afraid.
However, the guard's words were swallowed back down. His face was contorted with pain, and he seemed to be suppressed by a powerful force. Pain gripped his chest, and he knelt on the ground.
Sheng Ningyu suddenly turned around and saw Xie Qianjing standing a few steps away. Behind him, the high-level demonic cultivators led by Shang Shuang were all figures who could stir up trouble, but at this moment, in front of Xie Qianjing, they were all as obedient as lambs.
Seeing Sheng Ningyu looking over, Xie Qianjing's cold expression suddenly relaxed, and he smiled slightly at her with his eyebrows curved.
Chu Qing, from the Chu family.
Seeing Chu Qing's expression as if he had seen a ghost, what else could Sheng Ningyu not guess?
She walked a few steps to Xie Qianjing's side and calmly asked, "Should we kill him?"
Xie Qianjing was taken aback, seemingly not expecting her to be so direct. He raised his hand and made a loose circle around her side, then lowered his head and said, "I just saw you seem to be catching up with him."
Sheng Ningyu shook her head: "Just strangers."
With a slight movement of his right hand, he had already grasped the sword hilt.
But at the same time, someone placed their hand on the back of her hand.
"No rush." Xie Qianjing smiled at her, then looked in that direction. The demonic cultivators behind him understood his meaning and immediately stepped forward to take Chu Qing and the others away.
It is unknown what methods were used, but the entire process was completely silent, and Chu Qing did not utter a single word.
Sheng Ningyu didn't care whether this person lived or died, or perhaps, if it was really as she thought, then Chu Qing deserved to die anyway.
Aren't you going in?
Sheng Ningyu said to Xie Qianjing, "My senior brother and the others went to the city lord's mansion a long time ago."
Xie Qianjing took her hand and said, "No rush, I'll take you to the entrance of the trial."
The demons behind them had scattered at some point, leaving only the two of them walking side by side.
It was likely that Xie Qianjing used a spell to confuse people and appearances. Despite the crowds along the way, no one noticed the two of them, and no one came to inquire.
But in the end, it can only be a part of the journey.
At the entrance, disciples from various sects were waiting, along with several elders from different sects in charge of managing the area, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Xie Qianjing released his hand and gazed at Sheng Ningyu: "Go."
He had just let go when Sheng Ningyu hooked his hand back.
"That's all you said?" Sheng Ningyu raised her eyebrows and her tone became much louder. "If you're so perfunctory, be careful I don't forget you later when I remember something."
The demonic energy on that piece of spiritual bone had not yet dissipated. Sheng Ningyu had another purpose in entering the Thousand Mountains Trial: to see clearly whether it was possible to trace back to the past.
She was also curious about what exactly happened back then.
He suddenly stopped talking, stood quietly in place, and stared at Sheng Ningyu with his eyes downcast.
Those eyes were pitch black, without the slightest light, like a deep, dark night.
But Sheng Ningyu was not afraid at all. She pulled Xie Qianjing's hand forcefully and asked, "Don't want what?"
"Don't smile at people casually," Xie Qianjing said in a low voice. "And don't compliment people on their looks casually either."
What are these requirements?
Sheng Ningyu was completely confused, but this time Xie Qianjing showed no intention of explaining.
He turned to leave, but after only a few steps, a binding spiritual force came from his wrist, forcefully stopping his steps.
Xie Qianjing was not incapable of breaking free, but he still turned back.
He raised his wrist, and someone drew a circle around it with spiritual power. A "rope" was tied to the circle, and the other end of the "rope" was held in the hand of that person.
Seeing him look at her, she gave a smug smile, the tassels on her lotus crown swaying beautifully.
Those were the hair accessories he personally selected, and the hair he had combed for her this morning.
Xie Qianjing smiled and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
He seemed to be in a good mood.
Sheng Ningyu paused, then asked suspiciously, "Aren't you angry that I'm tormenting you like this?"
If it were someone else, Sheng Ningyu thought, given her temperament, she would probably be impatient.
However, the ruthless and bloodthirsty demon lord in the eyes of outsiders shook his head and said good-naturedly, "I'm not angry."
Sheng Ningyu said, "These days I've been bothering you to comb my hair all the time, whether I have something to do or not, and you're not angry at all?"
Xie Qianjing chuckled softly. He raised his hand as if he wanted to do something, but in the end he only straightened the tassels next to her hair.
"Don't be angry."
The young man smiled gently, as if he had no temper at all.
Sheng Ningyu looked up at Xie Qianjing's actions, and after a moment, she suddenly smiled.
"Xie Qianjing." Her voice rose, without any hesitation or lowering of her tone.
"I still can't remember, and I'm still not sure what I was thinking before."
Sheng Ningyu recalled her conversation with her senior brother Yan Ruchao on the spirit boat.
Yan Ruchao said, "In any case, this Xie is a member of the demon race, and he is shrouded in mystery. In addition, he has the identity of the Bodhi Xie clan from years ago. Being with him will do you no good whatsoever."
At that moment, Sheng Ningyu was munching on a pastry that Xie Qianjing had specially made for her. She didn't know what method he had used, but she seemed to be able to taste a little bit of sweetness.
Upon hearing this, she waved her hand dismissively: "It's nothing, I don't care."
Yan Ruchao raised his eyebrows: "He will bring you a lot of trouble. I have heard that some demons, after becoming demons, do not recognize their own family, and their love, hate and morality are reversed. Look at Jin Xianyao, who clearly seems to be the only remaining bloodline of the Xie family, but Xie Qianjing does not care at all."
Sheng Ningyu paused in her eating of the pastry.
"Senior Brother, say it again."
Yan Ruchao: "After becoming a demon, he no longer recognizes his own family."
"No, not that! The next sentence!"
"Love, hate, and moral principles are reversed?"
Yan Ruchao shrugged. He was a wild and unrestrained person. He came here only to remind his junior sister. After achieving his goal, Yan Ruchao got up to leave and lazily added, "Often, the person you love most when you are normal becomes the person you hate most after you become a demon."
"Senior Brother!"
Sheng Ningyu suddenly looked up, her glassy eyes almost glowing. "Xie Qianjing once said he wanted to kill me!"
Yan Ruchao's words suddenly stopped. He leaned down, squinted at Sheng Ningyu, and a vein throbbed at the corner of his eye: "Sheng Ningyu, what are you so happy about now?"
Sheng Ningyu's grin suddenly froze.
Yes, what is she happy about?
Sheng Ningyu pondered this question for a long time.
But at this moment, she seemed to know the answer.
As the chimes echoed, the sea of people surged and roared.
Everyone was talking, and amidst the clamor and noise, it was almost impossible to distinguish anyone's voice.
"...I don't know what I'll remember this time, or what debt I'll have to repay."
Disciples from all sects crowded forward, just like the bustling world of mortals.
This timing is probably not very suitable.
Sheng Ningyu originally wanted to postpone it, but for some reason, when she met Xie Qianjing's eyes, she inexplicably felt like she wanted to say everything.
It was as if a voice in her heart kept urging her to hurry up, even faster.
What a strange feeling.
It seemed as if something had been spreading from her heart to her entire body a long time ago, and by the time Sheng Ningyu realized it, it had already enveloped her completely.
Like the fingertips he always gathered, like the hair he carefully styled for her, like the wounds he gently bandaged for her... like the blade he always raised and then put down.
Looking at the white-robed immortal lord whose expression had become blank, Sheng Ningyu inexplicably added a jumbled sentence.
“And I feel that no matter when… Xie Qianjing, as long as I know you.” Sheng Ningyu raised her head and stared at him intently.
"I think I'll probably fall in love with you."
The world is vast and boundless, and all living beings are as insignificant as floating dust.
Sheng Ningyu is known as the "Sword Master of Bright Moon" not only because of her elegant and outstanding swordsmanship, but also because of a sentence from her master, Ning Guihai.
[With nothing in my heart, I drift gracefully like the moon.]
Sheng Ningyu has a penchant for wandering the mortal world with a sword, but that doesn't mean she enjoys trouble.
On the contrary, Sheng Ningyu was naturally heartless. Unless someone happened to be right in front of her, she never liked to meddle in other people's affairs, and she disliked being disciplined by others.
But Xie Qianjing is different.
Heaven and earth were originally silent, but in an instant, clamor arose.
It's not just a superficial appearance, nor is it just a coincidence.
When she saw him, it was like when she was taking a nighttime stroll with a candle, leaning over to push open the window, only to be greeted by the spring light of the world.
Xie Qianjing chuckled softly, opening his mouth as if to say something, but then she said, "No, that's wrong."
Sheng Ningyu stared intently at the stunningly handsome young man before her, then suddenly smiled and said, "Xie Qianjing, the more you talk about it, the more I feel... now we can drop the word 'probably'."
Xie Qianjing's gentle smile faltered. His fingertips trembled almost uncontrollably, but he quickly regained his composure.
“I understand,” he said softly. “For you, many things…”
Many things are left undone, and many people are more important than him.
The Great Dao is vast, and life is fleeting. In the eyes of this Sword Master, are there any differences between the things in the world?
Perhaps there was such a thing in the past, but now that their statuses are so different, she probably regrets having had that entanglement with him.
But even so, so what?
Xie Qianjing thought, since he is a demon, isn't it perfectly normal for a demon to do things that are contrary to morality and incompatible with the world?
Thinking about it, Xie Qianjing smiled gently again, but did not continue what he had just said. He smiled and said, "It's getting late, you should go."
Sheng Ningyu stared at him, then suddenly smiled.
"No, Xie Qianjing, you don't understand."
She had initially been somewhat wary, wanting to heed her senior brother's instructions and carefully consider her wording, but in the end, she failed.
“I really…” Sheng Ningyu grabbed Xie Qianjing’s collar. Seeing that this man seemed calm and composed, but in reality seemed to have lost his soul, he stumbled as she pulled him, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
"The most urgent thing is for you to know." Sheng Ningyu paused for a moment, then grasped his fingertips that were hanging down his collar, and, imitating him before, cupped them in her palm.
"Xie Qianjing, from beginning to end, I have always loved you."
Xie Qianjing's expression remained unchanged, but his movements were a beat slower.
Amidst the clamor around her, it took Sheng Ningyu a long time before she heard a soft response.
Xie Qianjing once again appeared as an untainted immortal, but this time, his eyes had become much deeper, finally revealing a hint of strange obsession.
"In that case, Jiuzhong'er can talk more in the future."
He still didn't quite believe her, thinking she was lying again.
Sheng Ningyu smiled and thought to herself, "No rush."
Humans are as insignificant as ants, while immortals may live for a thousand years, yet their encounters are but a fleeting moment.
But whenever and wherever I see him.
The bright moon reveals the true nature of the mortal world.
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Author's note: Mingyue is a straightforward person.
Before the male supporting character makes his official appearance, we always have to give Nicholas Tse some face!
Next, listen to the sounds of breaches occurring everywhere (x)
As usual, a comment and receive a red envelope! [Sunglasses]
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