A Decade of Nightscape Lights

Finally catching the two little troublemakers, the North Star members rushed day and night to Nine Conch Mountain.

Qi Yunke was anxious to enforce the sect rules, Cai Pingchun was eager to administer family discipline, and Song Shijun was desperate to restore his son's cultivation. After some tug-of-war, the loudest voice—Song Shijun—prevailed.

In the medicine hut, Song Yuzhi sat cross-legged in quiet meditation, his hands clasped around a piece of ice jade. Qi Yunke, Cai Pingchun, and Song Shijun each extended a palm, hovering them over the three major acupoints—the crown of his head (Baihui), the center of his chest (Danzhong), and the Fengmen point on his back—as they steadily channeled their inner energy.

The simultaneous exertion of the three North Star sect leaders was no small matter. This vast, surging force surged like rolling tidal waves through Song Yuzhi’s body. If this energy were to rush directly into his dantian, it might indeed dispel the lingering Netherworld Chill, but his dantian and meridians would inevitably suffer severe damage.

Following Lei Xiuming’s instructions, Song Yuzhi carefully guided the elders’ energy toward his right palm, channeling it through the ice jade into his left palm, then directing it through the Tianxi and Qimen acupoints into his dantian. This way, the inherent scorching heat of the three streams of energy was gradually neutralized, merging into a single, harmonious, and refined force as it flowed into his dantian.

Beads of sweat formed on Song Yuzhi’s forehead as he slightly parted his palms by a few inches. Suspended between them, the ancient ice jade emitted a faint hum under the pressure of the immense energy.

As the incense on the table burned down, a sharp, crisp sound of jade cracking suddenly rang out. Cai Pingchun, standing closest to Song Yuzhi, was the first to notice and softly commanded, "Withdraw!" The three sect leaders simultaneously retracted their energy and adjusted their breathing.

At the same time, several crisp sounds of jade fragments hitting the ground echoed. The so-called "indestructible" ancient ice jade had shattered into pieces, scattering across the floor.

Song Yuzhi was drenched in sweat, his robes soaked through, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.

Qi Yunke said gravely, "Yuzhi, do not slack off. Immediately circulate your energy according to the 'Bone Marrow Cleansing Scripture,' focusing on the first three chapters to heal yourself and restore your meridians and dantian."

In truth, Song Yuzhi was utterly exhausted, nearly collapsing. But his inherently tenacious nature made him grit his teeth and begin circulating his energy without hesitation.

Song Shijun examined the shattered ice jade on the ground. "It seems that heretic from the Demonic Cult was honest after all. This ice jade is indeed a rare treasure in the world."

Seeing that although Song Yuzhi’s face was pale, the lingering grayish hue that had clouded his brow for months had finally dissipated, Qi Yunke relaxed. Seizing the moment while Song Shijun stubbornly remained in the medicine hut, he quickly pulled Cai Pingchun aside to interrogate their wayward disciple, Cai Zhao.

Cai Zhao had already endured a scolding from Ning Xiaofeng. Now, facing her father and master, she recounted her entire journey to the Demonic Cult in detail—omitting only the private moments between her and Song Yu and the secrets of the snowy peaks. It was as close to a full confession as she had ever given in her life.

"So, obtaining the Snowscale Dragon Beast’s saliva was all thanks to that boy’s help?"

"More or less."

"You chased after the Demonic Cult to repay his kindness?"

"Yes, but I didn’t end up helping much."

"Did he treat you well?"

"...Very well."

"Do you think he had ulterior motives?"

"Whether he did or not doesn’t concern me. I won’t be seeing him privately again."

Cai Pingchun and Ning Xiaofeng exchanged glances, both detecting the bitter sorrow in their daughter’s tone. The reprimands poised on their tongues remained unspoken. Surprisingly, Qi Yunke, who had been the most agitated earlier, sat quietly after hearing Cai Zhao’s words, staring blankly at the floor until Ning Xiaofeng called his name several times to snap him out of it.

"Little Zhao, come here." Qi Yunke pointed to the small stool in front of him.

Cai Zhao obediently went over and sat down."After this ordeal, do you now think that not all members of the Demonic Cult are monsters and demons, and that some among them even uphold righteousness with heroic spirit?" Qi Yunke asked gently.

Cai Zhao nodded.

"Do you remember when Ping Shu told you the 'Painted-Skin Demon' story as a child?"

Cai Zhao nodded again and spoke: "It's a faceless demon drenched in blood, addicted to devouring living human hearts and livers, accustomed to wearing human skin to deceive the world."

Qi Yunke said, "A Painted-Skin Demon wearing human skin is no different from an ordinary person. They also listen to operas, savor wine, joke around, and read novels. When moved, they too will applaud in admiration; when encountering absurdities, they become even more indignant than others. They might even wait outside the First Grade Pavilion for two hours just to buy a freshly roasted pigeon to satisfy a craving."

Cai Zhao's eyes widened, her mouth agape.

Qi Yunke continued, "After long companionship, it might even reveal its true identity. Then, one can't help but secretly pity it—being born a demon wasn't its choice, so how can we hate it indiscriminately?"

Ning Xiaofeng listened in stunned silence, while Cai Pingchun slowly straightened his posture.

"Before baring its blood-dripping fangs, it might even be more understanding and pleasant than a real person, making one feel utterly at ease."

Qi Yunke's eyes reddened. "Yes, it will eventually bare its fangs. It will eventually eat humans."

"The Painted-Skin Demon may not intend evil, but its very existence is 'evil.' Without consuming hearts and livers, it will die. Humans and demons are fundamentally different—we are, after all, human. Zhao Zhao, would you allow this demon to devour the hearts and livers of your loved ones?"

Cai Zhao understood the meaning behind Qi Yunke's words. Fighting back tears, she shook her head vehemently. "Master, I won't see him again!"

Qi Yunke smiled wearily yet relieved. "Zhao Zhao has always been obedient since childhood. Remember your master's words—it will eventually eat humans." With that, he dismissed her to rest.

After watching their sobbing daughter leave, Ning Xiaofeng glanced at her husband. Cai Pingchun took the hint and cautiously ventured, "Brother Yunke, back then..."

"Don't ask me," Qi Yunke murmured, covering his face with one hand. "Don't ask me, Xiao Chun. I know nothing, and you should ask nothing more." Suddenly noticing the deepening spring scenery outside, he lifted his head absently. "It's this season again—Ping Shu's favorite. The harsh winter fades, and one can pack up and travel."

Seeing his state, the Cai couple refrained from further questions and rose to take their leave.

Before they stepped out, Qi Yunke called to them. "Let Zhao Zhao's involvement with that heretical villain remain known only to us few. I'll speak to Yu Zhi myself. I promised Ping Shu that Zhao Zhao would live a life of joy and safety. Therefore, she must never face public censure."

Seeing his hidden pain and despondency, Ning Xiaofeng choked up. "Brother Yunke, Sister Ping Shu has been gone three years now. You... you're suffering too much..."

"Don't worry, the worst is already past," Qi Yunke waved them off. "Go and rest now."

Cai Pingchun and Ning Xiaofeng exchanged sighs and left hand in hand in silence for their quarters. Unexpectedly, as they reached their door, it swung open on its own. Two pale little hands reached out and yanked the couple inside without warning. Fortunately, Cai Pingchun recognized his daughter's grasp—otherwise, he might have reflexively twisted them with a bone-displacing technique.

"What now? Have you come to confess and atone for your grave mistakes?" Cai Pingchun feigned sternness, seating his wife beside him.

Cai Zhao widened her eyes dramatically. "If I confess and atone, does that mean Father won't punish me with family discipline?""Wishful thinking!" Cai Pingchun slammed the table heavily.

Cai Zhao smiled apologetically, "Exactly! I knew I'd be punished anyway, so what's the point of empty apologies? Of course I wouldn't do that. Dad, you've really misunderstood me."

"..." Cai Pingchun was speechless. "Then why are you here?"

Ning Xiaofeng remarked coolly, "Probably came to ask about Ping Shu."

Cai Zhao raised her thumb in admiration. "Mom, you're truly clairvoyant!"

While fawning with flattery, she picked up the freshly brewed teapot she'd brought and poured tea for both parents. "Dad, Mom, you heard what Master said earlier, right? His eyes were red—I think that story about the Painted-Skin Demon wasn't just idle talk. There must be more to it!"

Setting down the teapot, she sat on a small stool nearby. "Dad, Mom, tell me—back then, was Auntie... um, did she encounter a Painted-Skin Demon?"

Cai Pingchun frowned. "Matters concerning elders are not—"

"Even if you won't tell me, I can find out elsewhere." Cai Zhao maintained her smile.

"Fine, we might as well tell her. Little Chun, don't you realize who raised Zhao Zhao? When has Ping Shu ever failed to uncover something she wanted to know?" Ning Xiaofeng knew her daughter's nature all too well. "Actually..."

Cai Zhao leaned forward slightly, ears perked.

"Actually, we don't know much either," Ning Xiaofeng admitted.

"Mom!"

Cai Pingchun interjected, "No need to shout. Your mother truly doesn't know. But..." He glanced at his wife. "Before, Auntie traveled everywhere with your mother. Later, she started making excuses about the dangers of her destinations and stopped bringing her along."

"At first, I thought Ping Shu had met a sister out there, so I dragged your dad all over the world looking for her!" Ning Xiaofeng still felt indignant recalling it. "But later, it didn't seem that way. The person Ping Shu met outside... was probably a man."

"How do you know it was a man?"

"Isn't it obvious? When Ping Shu was with me, she'd always find me the prettiest hairpins, the most fragrant cosmetics, the most flattering fabrics... Ah, who could blame her for doting on me? I couldn't refuse even if I tried." Ning Xiaofeng looked immensely pleased, a faint blush rising on her jade-white cheeks as if she'd suddenly grown ten years younger.

Cai Zhao turned to her father. "Dad, look at Mom."

Cai Pingchun kept a straight face. "What's there to look at? Your mother hasn't said anything wrong. Stop interrupting."

Cai Zhao: Fine, I'll shut up.

"But during those two years, Auntie never looked for hairpins or rouge again. Instead, she asked the Shi brothers to forge a pair of Mystic Iron gauntlets. Judging by their size, they were meant for a man," Ning Xiaofeng recalled.

Cai Zhao straightened up. "So Auntie really... out there..." Could Mu Qingyan's guess actually be right?!

"As for the truth, I don't know." Ning Xiaofeng spread her hands. "You know how your aunt was—if she didn't want to talk, no one could pry anything out of her."

Cai Zhao sat stunned for a long moment. "...Then Uncle Zhou was truly wronged." Though she revered her aunt, the thought of Zhou Zhizhen's unrequited devotion made her heart ache. "When Auntie passed three years ago, Uncle Zhou even vomited blood."

Ning Xiaofeng sighed. "Who wouldn't agree?"

Everyone knew Cai Pingshu's life had been cut short, her frail body lingering for years. Everyone also knew her time was coming. Yet when Cai Pingshu's pulse finally stopped, Zhou Zhizhen was still overcome with grief. Staggering out the door, he vomited several mouthfuls of blood."I think..." Cai Pingchun suddenly said, "Brother Zhou knew more about this matter back then."

"What?!" Ning Xiaofeng and Cai Zhao exclaimed in unison.

Cai Pingchun continued, "Although no one knows what my sister did during those two years alone outside, I believe Brother Zhou had some inkling. Otherwise, he wouldn't have married and had children so quickly."

Ning Xiaofeng was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

A faint pain tugged at Cai Zhao's heart. "Uncle Zhou knew Auntie loved someone else and felt guilty toward him. To prevent her from continuing to feel this guilt, he followed her advice and married someone else."

Cai Pingchun sighed and nodded. "Zhao Zhao is right." Though seemingly taciturn and slow, he was actually sharp-witted. He had quietly guessed this hidden truth over a decade ago, which was why he never blamed Zhou Zhizhen for remarrying so quickly after Cai Pingshu was completely crippled.

"So that's how it was," Ning Xiaofeng realized. "No wonder I never felt Brother Zhou wronged Ping Shu."

Though not as perceptive as her husband, her natural intuition was keen. From the attitudes of Cai Pingshu and her brother toward Zhou Zhizhen, she had vaguely sensed something, which was why she treated Zhou Zhizhen with unusual warmth.

"Who was that person? Did he treat Auntie poorly?" Cai Zhao felt a pang of sorrow.

Ning Xiaofeng said, "Even Qi Yunke called that person a Painted-Skin Demon—definitely not a good person. But just now, Master said he wasn't entirely clear either. It didn't seem like he was dodging the question; he probably only knew bits and pieces."

"Is that person still alive? I wonder where he is now," Cai Zhao thought silently.

"Zhao Zhao," Cai Pingchun said, "Did you take Master's words to heart?"

Cai Zhao looked up and met her father's wise, understanding eyes before lowering her head again. "I did, Father."

"Exactly!" Ning Xiaofeng emphasized. "Master may be indecisive and lacking in responsibility, but his love and concern are genuine. Don't do anything to disappoint your elders."

Cai Zhao felt as if she were carrying a hundred-pound shackle, weighed down and disheartened.

Cai Pingchun spoke earnestly, "Zhao Zhao, you've been clever since childhood. By two or three, you never stepped where you'd tripped before in the courtyard. Before four, when we told you Sichuan peppercorns were too spicy, you refused to try even half a bite."

Ning Xiaofeng sighed. "Yes, back then, your aunt was especially happy, saying Zhao Zhao wasn't the type to seek out hardship and would surely live a smooth and steady life."

"Father, Mother, you don't need to say more." Cai Zhao raised her head. "I'll slowly forget those past few months. If one day isn't enough, then two. If two aren't enough, then a month, a year. I still have three years left in the Azure Tower Sect—I'll forget it all eventually."

Cai Pingchun looked at his sensible daughter and sighed inwardly. "I heard the Demonic Cult leader has helped many people. This debt of gratitude is best..."

Cai Zhao cut him off decisively. "If we're cutting ties, we should do it cleanly. Don't mention debts of gratitude—I'll repay it if the opportunity arises."

"What if the opportunity never comes?" Ning Xiaofeng couldn't help asking.

"Then I'll just default on it."

The usually smiling face of the young, beautiful girl now showed a nearly ruthless determination.

Ning Xiaofeng's heart skipped a beat, suddenly recalling the night before Cai Pingshu resolved to kill Nie Hengcheng.

Torrential rain poured, stars and moon obscured. She had tearfully begged Cai Pingshu to find more allies and never go alone.Cai Pingshu gave a bitter smile and retorted, "Who can we turn to for help? Brother Meng Chao was hacked to death by blades, Miao Jianshi perished with ten thousand arrows through his heart, the Zhuge Lie family of over a dozen met their end without a proper burial, the Five Heroes of the You clan were wiped out without a single survivor, and the Shi brothers are still recovering from severe injuries—not to mention all the brothers who died earlier at the hands of the Demonic Cult..."

"But there's still Brother Qi, Brother Zhou, and me and Xiao Chun..." Ning Xiaofeng sobbed incoherently.

"Master Zhou is bedridden with old injuries and can't even leave his bed. How could Brother Zhou abandon Jade Pendant Mountain Manor? Xiao Chun must also guard Fallen Blossom Valley to prevent the heretical villains from seizing the opportunity. As for Yun Ke..." Cai Pingshu shook his head with a wry smile. "Forget it. What difference would one more make? After Nie Hengcheng is executed, the martial arts world must not be left without successors."

"Then what should we do? Are we just going to throw our lives away? No, no, I won't allow it! Let's hide! Nie Hengcheng is old—let's hide deep in the mountains and forests, and only come out after he's dead, alright?" Ning Xiaofeng's tear-streaked face flushed red with distress.

"Nie Hengcheng has already made his threat clear: any sect or faction in the world that dares disobey him will be slaughtered one by one. Every day he lives, countless innocent people will die unjustly." Cai Pingshu comforted her gently. "Don't worry, Xiaofeng. My life is too precious—I won't die until I've taken Nie Hengcheng down with me."

"Is there truly no one left to help us?" Ning Xiaofeng refused to give up, grasping at straws in desperation. "What about... what about the person who gave you the Mystic Iron bracers?"

A faint crack seemed to appear in Cai Pingshu's composed expression. After a long silence, he finally said, "That person... no longer exists in this world."

Ning Xiaofeng remembered clearly—back then, Cai Pingshu's face had worn the same nearly ruthless, resolute determination.