Moonlight Mystique

Chapter Thirty-Five

With a single grasp from Fan Yue, the pitch-black world instantly brightened, and the two found themselves inside a cave.

Without a second thought—before even getting a clear look at what was inside—Bai Shuo swiftly pulled out seven or eight protective talismans and slapped them onto herself, smoothly ducking behind Fan Yue.

Before she could even finish her series of actions, two voices rang out simultaneously.

"Ah!"

"Who's there?"

Not evil spirits?! Bai Shuo caught a whiff of a cloyingly sweet fragrance, reminiscent of an Immortal’s aura. She quickly peeked out from behind Fan Yue, craning her neck to look deeper into the cave. There, she saw an enormous stone bed.

At that moment, two figures were tangled together on the bed—a man and a woman, their robes in disarray. The woman, startled by the intrusion, hastily pulled her clothes over her half-exposed body, while the man calmly straightened his robes and stood up.

Good heavens! In this blessed Immortal’s sanctuary, such scandalous affairs were taking place?!

Bai Shuo was eager to get a better look, but a pair of hands covered her eager eyes. She didn’t even need to think—it was her little disciple blocking her view.

"Ah, come on, Mu Mu, let me see, just a peek…"

Before Bai Shuo could pry Fan Yue’s hands away, a cold voice spoke.

"Bai Shuo?"

The man from this shameless pair knew her? Bai Shuo froze, then shoved Fan Yue’s hand aside and stretched her neck for a better look. This time, she clearly saw the faces of the two in the cave.

She recognized both of them—two very familiar faces.

The woman was none other than Er Li, a disciple from the inner island. As for the man… Bai Shuo swallowed hard, her heart as bitter as if she’d swallowed coptis root… What was he doing here?

Zhe Sang—the first disciple of Sect Leader Song Feng, Er Yun’s betrothed, and her old nemesis. No, Zhe Sang had no personal grudge against her. He was A-Zhao’s old nemesis.

Zhe Sang had once been the Senior Brother of Piaomiao, ranked first among the Twelve Cloud Disciples. Though he hadn’t yet ascended to the rank of Immortal Lord, after a century of cultivation, he was still the most outstanding among the disciples. In the eyes of Piaomiao’s members, he was the undisputed successor to lead the sect. Song He and Song Feng had long since arranged the marriage between Er Yun and Zhe Sang. Three years ago, Chong Zhao saved the former Sect Leader Song He and inherited his spiritual power, entering Piaomiao as a Mortal. This shattered the peace of Piaomiao Island.

Chong Zhao possessed extraordinary talent in cultivation. Once he attained Immortality, within just a year, he became a Cloud Disciple and won the admiration of many fellow disciples. Er Yun also held him in high regard. Zhe Sang had already been dissatisfied with Song He’s decision to accept Chong Zhao as a disciple on his deathbed, believing that a mere Mortal had merely stumbled into Immortality by chance. After Chong Zhao joined, Zhe Sang made things difficult for him at every turn. Eventually, after Chong Zhao returned injured from a trial, Zhe Sang—disregarding his status as the first disciple—challenged him to a duel, declaring that the loser would leave Piaomiao.

Though Chong Zhao’s spiritual power had advanced rapidly, after only a year of cultivation, how could he possibly be Zhe Sang’s match? Internal strife within the sect was naturally forbidden by Song Feng, but Zhe Sang swore an oath on his Immortal core, forcing Chong Zhao into the duel. Left with no choice, Chong Zhao accepted.

To all the disciples, the outcome of this match had seemed a foregone conclusion. But Zhe Sang lost. Later, he left the island in anger and was never heard from again.

Bai Shuo never imagined that two years later, she would encounter Zhe Sang again under such circumstances.

Hadn’t he been devoted to Er Yun, even going so far as to challenge A-Zhao for her sake? How had he so quickly moved on to canoodling with Er Li? Ah, the affections of these youngsters were thinner than paper…If Senior Sister Er Yun found out that her number one little lapdog had rolled into bed with her betrothed, even if she didn’t want to marry Zhe Sang, she’d probably cough up a mouthful of blood from sheer rage...

Bai Shuo was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly poked the little wooden block beside her, startling herself. How could she have forgotten about her little disciple? Zhe Sang wasn’t some mediocre disciple—if he detected the demonic qi on Fan Yue...

Bai Shuo’s mind raced as she plastered on a smile and bowed respectfully to Zhe Sang.

"Bai Shuo greets Senior Brother Zhe Sang. It’s been a long time—I hope you’ve been well?"

"Well enough, thanks to you," Zhe Sang snorted softly, his gaze darkening as it settled on her.

Bai Shuo was taken aback. When Zhe Sang had left the sect, she had been nothing more than an outer sect medicine apprentice. Even inner sect disciples barely knew her, let alone Zhe Sang, the head disciple of Liuyun. She had assumed he recognized her only vaguely, but his tone made it sound like they had some deep-seated grudge.

Ah, of course. Though she was just a lowly medicine apprentice, everyone knew she was A-Zhao’s old acquaintance from the mortal world. Zhe Sang hated A-Zhao—and by extension, her.

Bai Shuo subtly tugged her little disciple behind her, smiling even more earnestly. "I’m flattered Senior Brother still remembers me. It’s been so long since you returned to the island. The inner sect disciples say the Sect Leader often speaks of you. You must be weary from your travels—no need to delay your return on my account."

"Oh? How considerate of you." Zhe Sang sauntered toward her.

"Not at all, not at all." Bai Shuo feigned a yawn, her guard up. "It’s late, and the night is cold. Perhaps we should all rest. Don’t worry, Senior Brother!" She raised a hand. "I was just out gathering herbs tonight—didn’t see a thing. Please, carry on. I won’t disturb your... leisure any further."

As she spoke, she backed toward the cave entrance, pulling the little wooden block along, only to hear a derisive laugh.

"I heard you’ve taken over the medicine hut in place of the old turtle. No wonder I lost back then. Who would’ve thought two mortals the Sect Leader picked up at random would turn out like this—one a genius in alchemy despite lacking spiritual power. You helped Chong Zhao during that match, didn’t you?"

Bai Shuo froze, turning to Er Yun. The latter flinched but refused to back down, lifting her chin defiantly.

Now Bai Shuo understood Zhe Sang’s hostility. He knew.

Two years ago, during that match, Chong Zhao had just reached Foundation Establishment and was no match for Zhe Sang. Desperate, Bai Shuo had stolen a spiritual plant the old turtle had hidden and used her own spiritual blood to refine a second-grade immortal pill for Chong Zhao. Overnight, his injuries healed, and he defeated the overconfident Zhe Sang.

No one had ever found out—until Zhe Sang learned from Er Yun about Bai Shuo’s alchemical skills and pieced together the karma of that day.

It seemed tonight wouldn’t end peacefully.

Bai Shuo sighed softly, her earlier deference gone. She turned to Er Yun, her voice gentle but pointed. "Senior Sister Er Yun should be cultivating in the back mountains, preparing for the disciple competition at month’s end. It’s odd to find you here at this hour."

"Bai Shuo, you—!" Er Yun’s face twisted in anger.Since childhood, she had secretly admired Zhe Sang, but Zhe Sang was betrothed to Er Yun and was the next in line to become the Sect Leader. She could only admire him from afar. Three years ago, Zhe Sang left without a trace, and she often seized opportunities to leave the island in search of him, though her efforts bore little fruit. Several months ago, during one such excursion, she encountered a disheveled and despondent Zhe Sang. Overjoyed, she not only gave him all the Spirit Pills she had secretly hoarded for his cultivation but also flattered him, even revealing Bai Shuo’s talent for alchemy.

Only then did Zhe Sang realize that Chong Zhao’s sudden surge in spiritual power back then must have been Bai Shuo’s doing. He had truly believed Chong Zhao was a prodigy, but it turned out he had won through underhanded means. Without hesitation, Zhe Sang returned to Piaomiao. How could a waste who relied on Spirit Pills compare to him? This time, he would surely drive that Mortal out of Piaomiao and win back Er Yun. As for Er Li, she was merely a pastime to alleviate his boredom.

“Are you threatening me?” Zhe Sang’s eyes darkened. Er Li grew uneasy and timidly tugged at his sleeve, only for him to brush her off. A trace of resentment flickered in her eyes, but she dared not speak.

“Not at all. Bai Shuo is just a lowly medicine apprentice—how would she dare threaten Senior Brother? Since Senior Brother has returned to Piaomiao, your heart must still long for Senior Sister Er Yun.” Bai Shuo glanced at the two of them. “I imagine Senior Brother wouldn’t want to hear idle gossip either.”

“It seems Chong Zhao has truly gained influence in my absence. Even an outer sect medicine apprentice dares to spout nonsense in my presence…”

Before he could finish, Zhe Sang suddenly struck, hurling a surge of immortal power at Bai Shuo. Caught off guard, Bai Shuo took the full brunt of the attack. Had she not plastered herself with protective talismans earlier, she would have been reduced to pulp.

“Zhe Sang, you—?!”

Zhe Sang gave her no chance to speak, swinging his sleeve again. Bai Shuo frantically reached into her Qiankun Bag for something to save her life, only to grasp at empty air. A flash of immortal light streaked toward her, and she shut her eyes in terror.

This is it—I’m done for!

The solid force of immortal power struck the ground, cracking it open. Bai Shuo felt someone tightly embrace her as they tumbled to the ground. When she opened her eyes, she saw her little disciple holding her protectively, while he himself had been struck by the immortal power and lay unconscious.

“Mu Mu!” Bai Shuo quickly checked Fan Yue’s breathing and sighed in relief when she found he was merely stunned by the force.

Good disciple—your Master didn’t dote on you for nothing!

“Demonic Qi?!”

Before Bai Shuo could recover, another bolt of Jing Lei struck beside her.

She looked up to see Zhe Sang narrowing his eyes, fixed on the youth beside her.

When Fan Yue had shielded Bai Shuo, a corner of his Incarnation Talisman had torn, leaking a faint wisp of Demonic Qi.

Oh no! We’ve been discovered!

“Well, well, Bai Shuo. How bold of you—a disciple of the immortal sect, yet colluding with the Yao Race!” Though faced with a Yao, Zhe Sang showed no fear. He could tell the youth’s Demonic Qi was weak—merely a newly transformed minor demon.

“Perfect. It’s been a while since I returned to the sect. Killing this little demon and dragging you to the inner island will make a fine surprise for Master.”

Zhe Sang raised his hand to strike Fan Yue.

Bai Shuo sprang to her feet, shielding Fan Yue behind her, and pulled a firecracker from her Qiankun Bag. “Stop! Or I’ll crush it!”In Bai Shuo's hand was the "Sky-Shattering Thunder," a common artifact for disciples of the immortal sects in times of danger. Though it had little offensive power, once activated, its immortal energy would shoot straight into the heavens, creating a spiritual glow visible for hundreds of miles. Zhe Sang never expected that Bai Shuo, a half-immortal, would possess an Inner Sect Disciple's Spiritual Artifact.

"Senior Brother Zhe Sang, he's just a little tree spirit I picked up while gathering Spiritual Plants. Even if the Sect Leader finds out I took him in, the worst that could happen is I’d be expelled from Piaomiao. But think carefully—if Senior Sister Er Yun were to witness this... lively scene..." Bai Shuo gestured toward the terrified Er Li. "Even with a hundred mouths, you might not convince her..."

"You!" Zhe Sang's brows furrowed in anger, his expression darkening. He stopped attacking, and for a moment, the cave fell into a stalemate.

"Senior Brother Zhe Sang, I just want to focus on refining medicine in the herb hut. I don’t want trouble, nor can I afford it. You’re the Sect Leader’s first disciple—why risk your reputation for the sake of a mere half-immortal like me?"

Zhe Sang glared at the "Sky-Shattering Thunder" in Bai Shuo’s hand and snorted coldly.

Seeing an opportunity, Bai Shuo quickly added, "If you’d be so kind as to overlook Mu Mu’s true nature, I’m willing to swear an immortal oath never to speak of tonight’s events to anyone."

Zhe Sang narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, "I could help you conceal this little spirit’s identity... but in return, you must do something for me."

Bai Shuo froze.

Er Yun pushed open her door to find a familiar figure standing beneath the tree in the courtyard. Her steps faltered, her expression complicated as she sighed softly and approached.

"Senior Brother." The Immortal Lord beneath the tree turned—it was Zhe Sang.

News of his return to the island had spread throughout Piaomiao. After three years away, Zhe Sang’s spiritual power had grown significantly, and his once-arrogant demeanor had softened into humility and courtesy. He treated all disciples with kindness, even earning Song Feng’s approval for his transformation. Now, with Piaomiao lacking strong figures, Zhe Sang’s return was timely.

Yet, Er Yun was the only one on the island who felt distressed upon hearing of his return. Their betrothal had been arranged since childhood. Though Song He had taken Chong Zhao as a disciple before his passing, the engagement had never been dissolved. Her heart now belonged to Chong Zhao, and she could never marry Zhe Sang. For days, she had wanted to clarify things with him, but guilt over their shared past made it impossible to find the words. She had avoided him—until today, when Zhe Sang sought her out.

"Junior Sister, three years apart, yet you remain unchanged." Zhe Sang was delighted to see her after so long and raised a hand to pat her shoulder, but Er Yun flinched away.

Zhe Sang paused, awkwardly withdrawing his hand.

"Senior Brother, I..." Er Yun hurriedly began.

Zhe Sang sighed. "It seems we’ve grown distant after so long apart. Master mentioned you were injured during your recent training outside the island. This is centennial Ganoderma dew—it will aid your recovery."

He pulled a porcelain vial from his robes and offered it to her.

Seeing how deeply Zhe Sang still cared for her, Er Yun found it even harder to speak her mind. But some things had to be said. She accepted the vial...

"Senior Brother, there’s something I need to—"

"Junior Sister," Zhe Sang interrupted gently. "Earlier, I went to see Master and asked him to dissolve our engagement."

Er Yun stiffened, almost doubting her ears. She looked up in surprise to find Zhe Sang gazing at her with warmth."I already knew your feelings three years ago. We grew up together—how could I bear to see you troubled? The marriage arrangement back then was merely the wish of our Junior Martial Uncle and Senior Martial Uncle. Now that your heart belongs to another, I am willing to bless you and Junior Brother Chong Zhao."

Seeing the reluctance in Zhe Sang's eyes, Er Yun felt a pang in her heart, her eyes reddening as she struggled for words.

Zhe Sang patted her head lightly and, without another word, turned to leave...

"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhe Sang!" Er Yun shouted at his retreating figure.

Zhe Sang paused mid-step but did not look back, continuing on his way.

As Zhe Sang disappeared into the distance, Er Yun was deeply moved, her days of worry finally lifting as a smile graced her face. Unseen by her, Zhe Sang's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes flashing with mockery and coldness.

In the medicine hut, the old tortoise bustled about busily, while Bai Shuo sat dazed under a tree.

"Hey, girl!" A flick to Bai Shuo's forehead snapped her out of her reverie. The old tortoise stood with hands on hips, looking displeased. "Can't you see how busy I am? Stop daydreaming and come help!"

"Oh." Bai Shuo responded absentmindedly, obediently entering the hut to fetch firewood.

Her unusual compliance drew a surprised tut from the old tortoise, who then rolled back into the hut to continue his work.

The flames danced in the medicine cauldron as Bai Shuo half-heartedly added spiritual plants, her expression calm but her mind in turmoil.

Zhe Sang had been back on the island for half a month, and the Inner Sect Disciple competition was just days away. Time was running out—what should she do?

If Chong Zhao hadn't gone into seclusion, Bai Shuo might have had someone to confide in. But he had retreated to the back mountain, and there was no telling when he would emerge.

Perhaps she should tell the Sect Leader everything. After all, Fan Yue had saved Senior Sister Er Yun on Fire-Ice Island and vanquished the evil spirits, helping the Misty Sect through a crisis...

Just as Bai Shuo resolved to act and rose to her feet, she bumped into someone, her vision swimming. It was Fan Yue, standing beside her, eagerly offering spiritual plants.

A shadow-binding curse was etched on the young man's wrist—Zhe Sang's doing. Bai Shuo had originally planned to secretly send Fan Yue away and deny everything, but Zhe Sang's meticulousness had thwarted her. He had placed a restriction on Fan Yue, confining him to the outer island.

Meeting Fan Yue's clear, trusting gaze, Bai Shuo suppressed her thoughts.

No, if the Sect Leader discovered Fan Yue's identity... A Lord of the Moon Hall stripped of his demonic powers, caught in the conflict between immortals and demons—who knew if the Sect Leader might hand him over to the Heavenly Court for reward? Moreover, aside from A-Zhao, only the Lord of the Moon Hall knew the truth about Song He's fall into demonhood. What if he wanted to bury that secret forever...?

After the incident with Song He, Bai Shuo no longer held the same reverence for the immortal Dao.

If not for Fan Yue, she and A-Zhao would have died long ago on Mu Xiao Mountain—how could they be here today?

Zhe Sang merely sought to use that thing to boost his spiritual power and defeat A-Zhao. The disciple trials were imminent, and even if he obtained it, his power couldn't increase drastically in just a few days. If she could just hold out until A-Zhao emerged from seclusion...

Countless thoughts raced through Bai Shuo's mind until, with a decisive stomp, she made up her heart.

In the Yao Realm, the main hall of Cold Spring Palace.

The bright moon hung high as Fu Ling strode in, her body still stained with fresh blood, her aura thick with killing intent. Zhen Yu sat upon the throne, raising an eyebrow at her return.

"You're back?"

"Yes, Palace Lord."

"Did you accomplish what I tasked you with?""Mission accomplished." Fu Ling's expression was cool as she waved her hand. A guard beside her stepped forward holding a box that emitted a faint red glow. It was unclear what lay inside, but the entire container trembled slightly.

With great care, Fu Ling opened the Yao box. Inside lay a fist-sized fragment of a Yao artifact. Though incomplete and damaged, this single piece radiated such powerful demonic energy that all the Yao in the hall found it difficult to breathe.

Zhen Yu's eyes lit up. With a flick of his wrist, the box flew into his grasp. He lifted the artifact, unable to resist running his fingers along its surface.

"The Yao Tiger Clan has long been in decline—what right do they have to guard the Gathering Yao Banner? What a pity that this divine artifact of the Yao gods should be scattered across the land, with none able to witness its power to command all Yao-kind."

A century ago, when the Ten-Tailed Heavenly Fox ascended to godhood, the Yao Realm was left without a successor to the throne. He divided the Gathering Yao Banner into four pieces and hid them across the realm. Now, a hundred years later, these fragments were held by Cold Spring Palace, Bright Moon Hall, Silent Mountain, and the Yao Tiger Clan.

"With two of the fragments already in Your Highness's possession, it won't be long before you conquer Bright Moon Hall and Silent Mountain, reunite the divine artifact, and become the Yao Emperor to unite the realm," Fu Ling declared clearly.

"Well said!" Zhen Yu laughed heartily, his gaze shifting to Fu Ling below the dais. "You've destroyed the Yao Tiger Clan and retrieved the Gathering Yao Banner for this palace, achieving a great merit. Name your reward—whatever you desire."

"Fu Ling seeks a boon from Your Highness—to take someone under my wing in Cold Spring Palace."

"Oh?" Zhen Yu was surprised. "Someone who caught your eye must be remarkable. Which Yao sect's disciple is this?"

"An Immortal," Fu Ling said slowly.

The hall fell silent. Zhen Yu's attention shifted from the banner fragment to Fu Ling. "An Immortal? For a celestial to turn demon is an act the world condemns. What Immortal would dare such a thing?"

"He doesn't know yet." Fu Ling curled her lips into a smile as she gazed beyond the hall, through the sea of clouds, toward the distant direction of the East Sea.

"But I believe he will eventually become one of Cold Spring Palace's people."