Chapter 308: Chapter 308: The Zhu Xian Sword, A Subtle Swap
Qingyun Sect. Green Bamboo Peak. At the rear mountain— "Where did Senior Sister go?" Zhang Xiaofan scratched his head, continuing forward. T
Qingyun Sect.
Green Bamboo Peak.
At the rear mountain—
"Where did Senior Sister go?"
Zhang Xiaofan scratched his head, continuing forward. Tian Ling'er watched him draw closer, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Senior Sister!"
As he approached, Zhang Xiaofan called out.
Tian Ling'er tightly covered her small, rosy lips, startled. For a moment, she thought he had discovered her.
Fortunately, he was merely calling out without knowing she was there.
After calling once, Zhang Xiaofan kept moving forward.
Seeing him gradually walk away, Tian Ling'er finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Words are vast; endure a little!"
Zhou Yi whispered softly into Tian Ling'er's ear.
Tian Ling'er's gaze remained fixed on Zhang Xiaofan, afraid he might suddenly double back. She dared not make a sound, only furrowing her delicate brows and biting her lower lip.
"Did Senior Sister go back alone?"
After circling around and finding no trace of her, Zhang Xiaofan was puzzled.
Tian Ling'er had finished her bamboo-cutting training two years ago. Coming to the rear mountain now was only to accompany him.
It was likely she had returned.
But she didn't even bother to tell him.
"I'll search one more time. If I still can't find her, I'll head back."
Zhang Xiaofan made up his mind to look around again.
"Senior Sister!"
"Senior Sister, where are you?"
…
"It's over… How will I go back? My mother will definitely notice! I'm doomed…"
Tian Ling'er leaned weakly against Zhou Yi's chest, her eyes red with worry and anxiety.
Her whole body ached.
If she went back now, they would definitely find out.
"Don't worry. You still have me, don't you?"
Zhou Yi smiled. "I'll heal you. You'll be fine."
As he spoke—
With a wave of his hand, a radiant glow enveloped them, bringing life to everything around them.
Tian Ling'er immediately felt an indescribable comfort spread through her body. Even her cultivation seemed to surge, and the burning pain she had felt began to subside. The wounds on her body rapidly disappeared.
"Here, wash your face."
Zhou Yi wiped her face gently with a towel, erasing her tear stains. Tian Ling'er, now revitalized, was full of life once again.
"Wow! Brother Zhou Yi, you're amazing!"
Tian Ling'er bounced excitedly, her eyes brimming with admiration and awe as she looked at him.
"You're just realizing that now?"
Zhou Yi chuckled. Not only had he healed her injuries, but he had also given her a slight boost in cultivation.
"All right, time to head back."
He ruffled Tian Ling'er's hair with a smile.
"Brother Zhou Yi, will you come again tomorrow?"
Tian Ling'er clung to his arm, reluctant to part.
"Of course!"
Zhou Yi grinned. "Not just tomorrow—if you want, I can come to your room tonight."
"Really?"
Tian Ling'er's eyes lit up, but then her expression dimmed as she shook her head.
"No… You can't. If you come looking for me, my parents will definitely find out."
"My father and mother are highly skilled cultivators!"
"If they see you in my room, they'll fight you to the death!"
"Brother Zhou Yi, as long as you come see me tomorrow, I'll be happy enough."
After lingering for a long while, reluctant to part, Zhou Yi finally vanished just as Zhang Xiaofan returned in the distance.
"Senior Sister!"
Zhang Xiaofan's eyes brightened when he spotted Tian Ling'er and quickly ran toward her.
"Senior Sister, where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere."
"I fell asleep," Tian Ling'er replied indifferently, absentmindedly following him home.
...
That evening.
During dinner, Su Ru noticed that Tian Ling'er seemed distracted. After the meal, she approached her with concern.
Zhou Yi's concealment had been flawless—she couldn't see any sign of what had transpired.
"Ling'er, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Mother."
Tian Ling'er brushed her off with a few vague words before hurrying back to her room.
"Something's definitely wrong."
Su Ru watched her leave with suspicion.
She knew Tian Ling'er had gone to the rear mountain with Zhang Xiaofan today. To figure out what had happened, she went to ask him directly.
Zhang Xiaofan, unaware of the situation, simply recounted what had occurred at the mountain.
"During the time Xiaofan couldn't find her, she definitely wasn't sleeping. Could Ling'er be in love? Did she sneak off to meet someone in secret?"
Su Ru pondered the possibility.
After all, Tian Ling'er was growing up.
Back in the day, Su Ru herself had sneaked out of Xiaozhu Peak in the dead of night to meet Tian Buyi for a secret rendezvous at the Grandmaster's shrine atop Tongtian Peak.
She decided that tomorrow, she would quietly follow Tian Ling'er.
If she was meeting a lover, she would surely return to the same spot.
By following her, she would find out the truth.
...
Inside the room.
After dinner, Tian Ling'er returned to her room and dove into bed.
Scenes of Zhou Yi kept replaying in her mind.
She hugged her pillow tightly between her legs.
"I wonder what Brother Zhou Yi is doing right now… Did he go back already?"
Her thoughts drifted. She both loved and feared him.
Suddenly—
A pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
Startled, Tian Ling'er almost screamed. But as she caught the familiar scent of the man behind her, joy surged in her heart.
"Brother Zhou Yi…"
She had just spoken when she quickly covered her mouth, glancing anxiously toward the door. She was afraid of being overheard.
Her room was close to Tian Buyi and Su Ru's quarters.
If someone heard her, it could only be them.
"Brother Zhou Yi, why are you here?"
She whispered nervously, both thrilled and worried. If her parents found out, things would be disastrous.
"I told you I'd come see you, didn't I?"
Zhou Yi buried his face in her silky hair, inhaling the faint, sweet fragrance of her scent, his excitement stirring.
"Brother Zhou Yi, I'm scared…"
Tian Ling'er trembled slightly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What are you afraid of?"
"Don't worry, they won't find out."
Zhou Yi nibbled on her earlobe, whispering softly, "I'll protect you."
He knew exactly what she feared.
Not just her parents.
But also… the serpents.
That was understandable—many feared them.
Especially the ones that had cultivated for centuries in deep caverns, exuding a terrifying aura of death.
Time slipped away.
Under Zhou Yi's patient reassurances, Tian Ling'er's tension gradually melted.
Her rigid body slowly softened in his embrace.
"Bro… Brother Zhou Yi, what if my mother comes looking for me…"
Tian Ling'er's voice quivered with hesitation.
"She won't."
Zhou Yi smiled, his voice carrying an undeniable conviction.
"Mmm..."
Tian Ling'er bit her hand anxiously, forcing herself not to overthink it.
Knock, knock, knock!
However, as if fate was playing a trick on them, before the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a sudden knock echoed at the door.
"Who is it?"
Tian Ling'er's body tensed up, her eyes filled with panic as she quickly asked.
"Ling'er, it's me."
Su Ru's gentle voice came from outside.
Zhou Yi's divine sense swept over the woman who was Fatty Tian's wife. He had to admit, Fatty Tian was truly fortunate.
Su Ru looked to be in her thirties, poised and graceful, exuding an air of elegance. She wore a light green dress, her hair adorned with a delicate jade-carved floral pin and a golden hairpiece. Her brows were like distant mountains brushed with ink, her skin as smooth and fair as jade, her phoenix eyes shimmering like water, and her lips curved into a soft smile—an absolute beauty capable of captivating countless souls.
Zhou Yi felt a surge of excitement, as if he had just experienced the realm of Chancellor Cao.
"Ah..."
Tian Ling'er gasped, her eyes filled with unease.
"Mother, I'm already asleep. Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing important. Since you're asleep, I won't disturb you."
With that, Su Ru turned and left.
"Whew..."
Tian Ling'er perked up her ears, listening closely to the fading footsteps before letting out a long sigh of relief.
"Brother Zhou Yi, what were you doing just now? You almost got me caught!"
Tian Ling'er pouted, unable to imagine what would have happened if Su Ru had barged in and seen them like this.
"I was just... caught up in the moment."
Zhou Yi chuckled sheepishly. He truly hadn't meant to stir trouble—he was just momentarily excited after seeing Tian Buyi's stunning wife.
"You..."
Tian Ling'er was just about to speak when Zhou Yi suddenly leaned in and whispered in her ear.
"Don't make a sound. Your mother has quietly returned."
"What?!"
Tian Ling'er's mouth fell open in shock, but she quickly covered it with her hands, not daring to make the slightest noise.
"Mother, seriously..."
Tian Ling'er grumbled in her heart, but she wasn't surprised—her mother was exactly the type to pull something like this.
Zhou Yi wasn't surprised either.
Though Su Ru now seemed gentle and reserved, she had actually been quite mischievous and bold in her youth—much like Huang Rong.
A little demoness back then.
Only after marrying did she transform into the refined Madam Guo or Madam Tian she was now.
"No movement... Was I just being overly suspicious?"
Su Ru mused to herself.
She had spoken so kindly just now on purpose—so she could double back unexpectedly. This was far more effective than barging in directly.
She listened carefully but only heard Tian Ling'er's slightly rapid breathing. No other presence.
Shaking her head, Su Ru quietly left.
With her cultivation level, it would be nearly impossible to deceive her through a mere wall.
If someone was sneaking around with Tian Ling'er, they would definitely be a younger disciple—and a young disciple hiding in the room could never escape her detection.
But Tian Ling'er's erratic breathing... she clearly wasn't sleeping.
"Could she be... reading some forbidden books?"
Su Ru pondered for a moment. That seemed like the only possibility.
"But where would Ling'er even get such books?"
She mentally sifted through the disciples of the Green Bamboo Peak, but there were no obvious suspects.
The next morning.
"Ling'er, I'm heading out. I'll visit you again when I have time!"
Zhou Yi said as he prepared to leave.
"Brother Zhou Yi, you have to come back soon!"
Tian Ling'er clung to him reluctantly.
"Don't worry."
Zhou Yi smiled and gave her a final treatment, ensuring her injuries were fully healed so no one would notice anything unusual.
Tian Ling'er watched Zhou Yi leave, her heart feeling empty.
But seeing that the sun had already risen, she quickly got up to clean the room, throwing her rain-soaked clothes and bedding into a bucket for washing.
Not long after...
Su Ru, having just woken up, saw Tian Ling'er washing her clothes and bedding. Her eyes flashed with understanding.
Now she was certain—Tian Ling'er had been reading forbidden books last night.
After all, Tian Ling'er was incredibly lazy—Su Ru had to wake her up every morning.
Yet today, the sun hadn't even fully risen, and she was already up doing chores?
Clearly, a guilty conscience was at play.
Trying to destroy the evidence.
"Ling'er, you're so diligent today!"
Su Ru approached with a smile.
"Mother!"
Tian Ling'er's heart skipped a beat, but then she relaxed, realizing she had already destroyed all the evidence.
She put on a serious face and said, "Mother, I've decided! From now on, I'll be just like you and never be lazy again!"
Su Ru's eyes narrowed slightly.
"It seems Ling'er has become addicted to these forbidden books… she even wants to keep reading them in the future?"
Su Ru gently ruffled Tian Ling'er's hair, speaking meaningfully, "There are some books that aren't forbidden to read, but you must not become obsessed. Your focus should be on cultivation. A restless mind is a great hindrance to your path."
"I understand!"
Tian Ling'er, confused by her mother's words, absentmindedly agreed.
After all, she didn't even like reading.
"As long as you understand."
Su Ru turned and walked away, though she continued to contemplate the matter.
There were many types of forbidden books.
Some were essential for men and women—those were fine to read, even educational.
But others were… twisted.
Reading them could corrupt a person's mind.
Su Ru decided she would keep a close eye on her daughter and find out what kind of books she had been reading.
And if necessary, she would personally select a proper forbidden book for her.
After all, Tian Ling'er was growing up.
She needed to learn some things.
Meanwhile…
At the rear mountains of Tongtian Peak, inside the Phantom Moon Cave.
Zhou Yi's figure appeared silently, standing before the Ancient Sword Zhu Xian.
With his abilities, there was no place in the Qingyun Sect that he could not walk freely. No secrets were beyond his grasp.
"This Zhu Xian Sword's material is ordinary, but it contains a wisp of true Zhu Xian Intent. It could be useful to me."
After a moment's thought, Zhou Yi drew the sword and fused it with his Martial Soul's Immortal Execution Sword. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he refined a near-perfect replica and placed it back where the original had been.
Though it was a counterfeit, it was actually superior to the original for the Qingyun Sect.
It could still activate the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, but without the risk of being corrupted by its baleful energy.
A fair trade.
Of course, Zhou Yi had gained far more—his sword's power had skyrocketed.
A true win-win.
With the ancient sword in hand, Zhou Yi vanished without a trace, unnoticed by anyone.
...
Southern Borders.
Here, the mountains differed vastly from those in the Central Plains—less serene beauty, more rugged majesty.
Under the scorching sun, an endless mountain range stretched into the horizon, its towering peaks interwoven like a natural fortress.
And within these treacherous peaks… lay the legendary Fenxiang Valley.
Beneath the valley's Profound Flame Altar, a fox spirit was sealed away, guarded by Elder Shangguan Ce.
As Zhou Yi stepped into the altar's third level, an eerie blue glow flickered across the frozen chamber.
Then, a dazzling light burst forth—
Revealing a massive white fox—towering as high as two men.
Bathed in the glow, its pristine white fur shimmered with an ethereal beauty, the silky strands as smooth as the finest silk of the Central Plains.
At a single glance, one would be captivated by its breathtaking elegance.
Zhou Yi stepped forward, scrutinizing the fox up close, a satisfied expression on his face.
"Who are you?"
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox spoke in a human tongue, its bright and intelligent eyes filled with wariness as they fixed upon Zhou Yi—an instinctive reverence mingled with fear.
This man... he wasn't from Fenxiang Valley.
Stronger than Shangguan Ce.
"I am Zhou Yi."
He reached out, running his fingers through the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox's fur—softer than the finest silk.
The sensation was incredible.
Far better than petting a cat or a dog.
"You're quite something."
Zhou Yi wasted no time with unnecessary words, getting straight to the point:
"I've taken a liking to you."
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox flinched at his words, instinctively trying to retreat from his grasp.
This man was dangerous.
She didn't even have the courage to resist.
The only thing she could do was back away.
"I know you have a son."
"What do you want? Don't you dare harm him! If you have the guts, come at me instead!"
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox bristled instantly, her voice rising in a furious snarl.
"Did I say I was going to hurt him?"
Zhou Yi was speechless.
"Besides, your son has already been struck by Shangguan Ce's Ninefold Frostbite Stingers. His life force is nearly extinguished—at most, he has only a few years left."
"Xiao Liu! Shangguan Ce!"
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox trembled, grief and hatred surging through her heart.
Suddenly—
She turned toward Zhou Yi, her eyes filled with desperate pleading.
"I know you're powerful. As long as you save Xiao Liu, I'll agree to anything!"
"I knew you were a smart fox."
Zhou Yi chuckled. "I'll free you, save your son. In return, you belong to me. Fair deal, isn't it? You're even getting the better end of it."
"Yes… Thank you, Young Master, for your mercy!"
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox quickly adopted a flattering tone.
She had no way out. Xiao Liu was on the brink of death. Zhou Yi was her only hope.
"Good."
Zhou Yi appreciated a fox who knew how to be sensible.
With a mere thought—
The Profound Flame Chains binding her shattered into dust, vanishing without a sound.
"Hiss!"
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox was stunned.
That was the Profound Flame Chain—yet it was destroyed effortlessly, without even a ripple.
This level of power...
Far beyond her comprehension.
No wonder she hadn't dared to resist before.
"Now, let me take a ride."
With a swift movement, Zhou Yi leapt onto her back, gripping her soft fur.
The feeling was exquisite.
"From now on, I'll call you Xiao Bai. Let's go!"
As he spoke, he channeled his divine abilities, restoring her injuries and the power that had been drained from her over the past three centuries.
"Many thanks for Young Master's benevolence!"
Xiao Bai was deeply grateful, but in her heart, her reverence for Zhou Yi only grew stronger.
Too powerful.
Too terrifying.
Yet, for Zhou Yi, it was nothing more than a casual gesture.
No longer hesitating, Xiao Bai unleashed her formidable demonic energy—
With a thunderous blast, the Profound Flame Altar crumbled to dust.
Molten lava surged forth.
Fenxiang Valley descended into chaos.
"Vile beast! Die!"
Shangguan Ce roared in fury, soaring into the air.
Yet before he could act, Xiao Bai, now restored to her peak, lashed out with her tail—sending him crashing into the ground, struggling to get up.
In truth, Shangguan Ce was strong.
But Zhou Yi had been suppressing him in secret, making it easy for Xiao Bai to overpower him.
After all, it was Shangguan Ce who had helped capture her in the first place.
"Damn it!"
Shangguan Ce staggered to his feet, his face ashen with humiliation and rage.
This was a disgrace of the highest order.
And to make things worse, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox had escaped.
As soon as Xiao Bai left Fenxiang Valley, she couldn't wait to ask:
"Young Master, do you know where Xiao Liu is?"
"No rush. He's fine for now."
Zhou Yi dismounted, turning to look at her.
"But right now, I'm not in the best mood."
Xiao Bai immediately understood what he meant.
Without hesitation, she transformed into human form.
She was slender and graceful, with curves in all the right places.
Her lips were soft.
Her eyes, mesmerizing.
Her nose, delicate.
Her brows, gentle and elegant.
Her beauty was like a flowing river of warmth, pulling one in, intoxicating and irresistible.
A beauty untouched by time—untarnished by wind or frost, only growing more radiant.
"Young Master…"
Xiao Bai's voice was sultry, her head lowering in bashful submission.
Her skin was like snow, her eyes like art, exuding endless charm and tenderness.
Zhou Yi pulled her into his embrace, claiming her lips without hesitation.
In that instant—
Xiao Bai's body trembled, her eyes widening.
Her head tilted back, lips slightly parted, as if caught in an overwhelming tide…
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