Moonlight Mystique

Chapter Thirty-Six

The candlelight burned quietly in the inner hall, and the jade slips beneath the luminous pearl walls emitted a faint spiritual glow. A slender figure peeked cautiously outside the hall doors—it was Bai Shuo. She quietly pushed open a corner of the door and swiftly entered the inner hall, stopping beneath the jade slips.

Bai Shuo glanced around. The night was silent. She reached out toward the jade slips, but the moment her fingers touched them, a beam of spiritual light shot out from the slips and struck her. A celestial net descended from above, ensnaring her entire body and suspending her midair.

Before Bai Shuo could even react, the inner hall suddenly blazed with light. The doors swung open, and Er Yun led a procession of inner sect disciples inside. The disciples summoned their immortal swords, pointing them directly at Bai Shuo.

Bai Shuo’s pupils constricted. Damn, I’ve been caught? But wait—didn’t Zhe Sang say he’d dismissed all the disciples guarding the hall?

“Bai Shuo? What are you doing here?” Er Yun was equally surprised. After lying in ambush all night, she hadn’t expected to catch Bai Shuo.

“It’s a misunderstanding, Senior Sister Er Yun! I was just here to clean the inner hall.”

“Clean the inner hall? At this hour?” Er Yun’s expression turned skeptical.

“I—” Bai Shuo stammered, still scrambling for an excuse when a voice suddenly cut in from the side.

“Junior Sister, don’t let her fool you.” Zhe Sang stepped out from behind the disciples, his tone indifferent. “A medicine servant from the outer island sneaking into the forbidden inner hall in the dead of night—do you really think she came to clean? It’s obvious she intended to steal the Mountain-Suppressing Jade Slips.”

Seeing Zhe Sang appear and the disciples poised as if lying in wait, Bai Shuo’s heart sank.

This is bad. I’ve been set up! Zhe Sang deliberately lured her here to take the jade slips.

But didn’t Zhe Sang want to cultivate the spiritual techniques recorded on the slips? If he wanted to punish her, all he had to do was report Mu Mu to the Sect Leader. Harboring a member of the Yao Race was enough to get her expelled from Piaomiao.

“Bai Shuo, why did you try to steal the jade slips?” Er Yun’s eyes darkened.

“I—I—” Bai Shuo couldn’t figure out Zhe Sang’s motive for framing her, her forehead beading with sweat in panic.

“A half-immortal like her would gain little from the slips. Clearly, she’s acting under someone’s orders.”

Zhe Sang narrowed his eyes and spoke abruptly.

Bai Shuo was stunned. Has this guy lost his mind? I haven’t even exposed him yet, and he’s already confessing?

“Under someone’s orders? Senior Brother, you mean…?”

“Junior Sister, the Mountain-Suppressing Jade Slips contain the spiritual power condensed by our sect’s predecessors. If someone absorbs that power, it could equal centuries of cultivation. She has no use for it, but for Junior Brother Chong Zhao, it’s a different story.”

Zhe Sang’s words struck like a thunderbolt. Bai Shuo’s pupils shrank as she finally understood his scheme—he was trying to frame A-Zhao!

Right now, Mu Mu was just a small, unintelligent Yao. Even if the Sect Leader discovered Bai Shuo had sheltered a Yao, out of consideration for A-Zhao, the worst punishment would be her expulsion from Piaomiao. In the sect’s eyes, A-Zhao had kept his distance from her since joining the island. As long as the Sect Leader was inclined to be lenient, harboring a Yao wouldn’t implicate A-Zhao.

But now, she had attempted to steal Piaomiao’s Mountain-Suppressing Jade Slips—a far graver crime than sheltering a minor Yao. Moreover, as a half-immortal, she couldn’t even activate the jade slips. Stealing them would be pointless unless she was acting under orders…

She and A-Zhao had entered Piaomiao together and were old acquaintances from the mortal realm. Who else could have compelled her but A-Zhao?

Caught red-handed, Bai Shuo truly had no way to talk her way out of this.

This exiled chief disciple of Liuyun, absent for three years, is utterly vile and cunning! It was her own fault for being foolish, thinking herself clever after outwitting the evil Bodhi once on Fire-Ice Island, as if intelligence could fill one's stomach.

Bai Shuo felt bitterness in her heart when Er Yun suddenly spoke up.

"Senior Brother, please mind your words. Although Junior Brother Chong Zhao and Bai Shuo were acquaintances from the mortal realm, since joining our sect, he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation without interfering in island affairs or maintaining contact with Bai Shuo. With his aptitude, he attained the rank of Immortal Lord in merely three years. With such talent, why would he need the Mountain-Suppressing Jade Slip?"

Finally, someone reasonable! Bai Shuo's spirits lifted. "Senior Sister speaks wisely!"

"Junior Sister, appearances can be deceiving. Junior Brother Chong Zhao has only been our sect disciple for three short years. Do you truly believe he had no secret dealings with this Bai Shuo? Or that his rapid progress came solely from his own cultivation?"

Er Yun frowned. "What does Senior Brother imply?"

"Why not ask this little medicine girl what Chong Zhao truly relied on to defeat me two years ago?"

At Zhe Sang's words, all eyes turned to Bai Shuo.

"If you hadn't refined medicinal pills for Chong Zhao that night, allowing his spiritual power to surge overnight, how could I have lost that duel?"

The disciples erupted in murmurs, exchanging doubtful glances. Two years ago, Zhe Sang had already touched the threshold of Immortal Lord, while Chong Zhao had just reached Foundation Establishment. Even with the former Sect Leader's spiritual Legacy, the gap between him and Zhe Sang's two centuries of cultivation should have been insurmountable.

Even Er Yun showed doubt and anger—though whether her anger stemmed from Chong Zhao using Bai Shuo's pills to win, or from his continued secret association with Bai Shuo, remained unclear.

"Senior Brother Zhe Sang, a loss is a loss! You were the one who proposed that duel. However much it rankles, you can't make baseless accusations!" Bai Shuo shouted. "I'd only just begun learning alchemy then—there's no way I could've refined a second-grade Spirit Pill potent enough to make A-Zhao defeat you overnight!"

Forcibly elevating an Immortal's cultivation required nothing less than a second-grade Spirit Pill—something the newly-joined Bai Shuo couldn't possibly have achieved. Had she possessed such alchemical genius, not just their sect but even the Heavenly Court would have sought her out.

Bai Shuo lied through her teeth. No matter how clever Zhe Sang was, he'd never suspect her of possessing strange spiritual blood. Only the old turtle knew she could refine second-grade pills now—even their sectmates believed she merely assisted in producing third-grade pills.

Er Yun's expression softened slightly as she composed herself. "Indeed, Senior Brother. If Bai Shuo had such capability, she wouldn't remain a half-immortal. As for past events..." She paused, sighing. "Please let it go."

Remembering the tangled history between the three, the disciples now regarded Zhe Sang with hesitation.

Zhe Sang stiffened, unprepared for Bai Shuo's tenacity. With a cold humph, he said, "This matter was merely my speculation. We'll learn the truth when Junior Brother Chong Zhao emerges from seclusion. However..." His gaze sharpened on Bai Shuo. "You cannot deny stealing the Mountain-Suppressing Jade Slip tonight. With the Phoenix Martial Tournament approaching and talents emerging across the Three Realms, even with his current power as an Immortal Lord, securing victory won't be easy for Chong Zhao. Junior Sister, the tournament's champion gains entry to the Heavenly Court—who wouldn't covet such a chance to ascend overnight? What if this drove him to covet the jade slip?"Er Yun's expression froze for a moment. Her second uncle had placed the hopes of their entire sect on Chong Zhao, wishing with all his heart that he would bring glory to Piaomiao at the "Phoenix Martial Banquet." But Junior Brother Chong Zhao was injured...

Though Fan Yue had taken Er Yun's memories, she vaguely remembered that night when they fought evil spirits—Chong Zhao had suffered severe injuries, which was why he went into seclusion to cultivate. Only she and her second uncle knew about this. Junior Brother had always valued the honor of their sect more than his own life. Absorbing immortal power for cultivation was a major taboo in immortal sects, and her second uncle would never allow him to use the spiritual energy of the Jade Slip to heal. If Junior Brother Chong Zhao had momentarily lost his way...

"If it weren't for Chong Zhao, how would Bai Shuo, a mere half-immortal, dare to commit such a treasonous act?"

"Senior Brother Zhesang, don't blame everything on A-Zhao. A-Zhao and I have had little contact since he joined the sect..." Bai Shuo frowned and began to speak, but Zhesang flicked his sleeve, and a flash of spiritual light tore open the front of her robe, causing a bamboo flute to fall out.

The flute was translucent like jade, shimmering with a faint spiritual glow.

"Little contact? Then why would he craft a Foundation Establishment Spiritual Artifact for you?"

Spiritual artifacts carried the spiritual essence of their creator. Others might not recognize it, but Er Yun, who often cultivated with Chong Zhao, was intimately familiar with the aura on the jade flute.

Crafting a spiritual artifact consumed immense spiritual power. The fact that Bai Shuo carried this flute spoke volumes about her importance to Chong Zhao.

Er Yun's expression shifted. In truth, she had seen this flute before on Fire-Ice Island, but her memories of that night had been taken by Fan Yue, leaving her with no recollection of the matter.

Bai Shuo stiffened and quickly clutched the swaying flute at her chest. "This was just a gift from A-Zhao for protection. Senior Sister Er Yun, don't misunderstand..."

Seeing the disciples swayed by Zhesang's words and even Er Yun's wavering expression, Bai Shuo knew she couldn't let the theft of the Jade Slip be linked to Chong Zhao. If this matter were settled as such, Chong Zhao would be scorned by the Three Realms. Three years ago, she had caused A-Zhao to lose his family and home—she absolutely couldn't drag him into this again.

"My theft of the Jade Slip tonight has nothing to do with A-Zhao. It's..."

At worst, she would perish together with her enemy and expose the black heart of Piaomiao's top disciple!

"Bai Shuo!" Just as Bai Shuo was about to speak, Zhesang's voice turned cold, his furious shout cutting her off. "Stealing the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip is no trivial matter. You'd better think carefully."

Bai Shuo's pupils contracted as she saw Zhesang raise his hand, a faint talismanic incantation flickering at his wrist.

The Shadow-Following Curse! The curse Zhesang had placed on Mu Mu! If she revealed that everything tonight had been forced upon her by Zhesang, Fan Yue's Yao Race identity would become known to all of Piaomiao.

A half-immortal who harbored a Yao—no matter what she said, no one would believe her!

The words Bai Shuo had been about to shout stuck in her throat, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Seeing Bai Shuo fall silent, Zhesang smiled faintly. "However, I've heard from Junior Sister that you've worked hard refining Spirit Medicine for the sect over the years. If you reveal who instigated you to do all this, and if their motives were pitiable—if it was all for someone else—the Dao is merciful. I will plead with Master to spare your life."

"Bai Shuo, why did you steal the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip?" Er Yun asked solemnly. She didn't want to tie such a grave crime to Chong Zhao, but with everyone watching, if she didn't get to the bottom of this tonight, she wouldn't be able to justify it to the sect.

"Fine, I'll say it..." Under the pressure of everyone's stares, Bai Shuo finally spoke.

A faint smile appeared on Zhesang's lips.

"It was for myself."Bai Shuo's voice echoed through the silent inner hall, causing Zhesang's lips to stiffen as he abruptly turned to face her.

"Senior Sister Er Yun, you know my immortal roots are shallow. I took the jade slip for my own cultivation."

"Nonsense! A half-immortal like you wouldn't even know how to activate a jade slip—" Zhesang began angrily.

"Who says I don't know how?" Bai Shuo raised her head defiantly. "By offering my heart's blood as sacrifice, even a half-immortal can seize the spiritual essence of an artifact."

Her words silenced the entire hall. Forcibly stripping an artifact of its spiritual power—this was demonic cultivation!

"Ridiculous! Even if this evil method could make you an Immortal Lord overnight, you'd never progress further. No cultivator would choose such a dead-end path!"

"Without immortal roots, I can never become an Immortal Lord anyway. Given this chance to ascend instantly, why wouldn't I take it?" Bai Shuo replied calmly. "What's so great about being a half-immortal? Bullied everywhere, enduring scorn daily! Ask any of them—who wouldn't want to be a Liuyun disciple, respected by all?"

She pointed at the assembled disciples. The crowd exchanged uneasy glances, averting their eyes, while Er Yun secretly sighed in relief.

As long as Bai Shuo's theft of the jade slip wasn't connected to Chong Zhao, Er Yun couldn't care less about her dirty schemes.

Zhesang clenched his hidden fist tightly. He'd plotted all night to use this incident to expel Chong Zhao from Piaomiao, never expecting Bai Shuo would rather die than implicate him!

This foolish woman!

"Bai Shuo, stealing the mountain-guarding jade slip is a capital offense!" Zhesang growled, his eyes dark with malice.

"I know. But I'd rather gamble than remain a bullied little herb gatherer. Getting caught is just my bad luck—do what you will with me!"

Bai Shuo plopped down casually in the immortal net, adopting an unrepentant slouch.

"You! Since you seek death, don't blame the immortal sect for being merciless. Guards! Bai Shuo has betrayed her master and stolen our sect's treasure. Take her out and—" As Zhesang began pronouncing the punishment with furious relish, an aged voice interrupted.

"If she's confessed to stealing the jade slip for personal cultivation and confirmed Chong Zhao's innocence, then the fault lies with her alone."

Song Feng emerged from the inner hall. Disciples hastily sheathed their swords and bowed.

"Greetings, Sect Leader."

"Uncle."

"Master." Zhesang immediately composed himself, offering a respectful salute.

"Bai Shuo, was your statement the truth?" Song Feng waved his hand, releasing Bai Shuo from the net. She fell to the floor as he fixed her with a stern gaze.

He'd sensed the jade slip's disturbance immediately and had been present in the inner hall all along, only revealing himself now.

"Sect Leader..." Having lived on the outer islands, Bai Shuo had only met Song Feng once before—three years ago when she'd rescued Song He. Facing his interrogation, she paled and knelt, not daring to look up. "This disciple acted selfishly and committed a grave wrong."

"The Dao of immortality is arduous by nature. Without the destined roots, one simply cannot ascend. Your talent lies in alchemy—you could have become an excellent pill refiner. But one wrong choice has led you astray." Song Feng sighed. "In recognition of your service to Piaomiao these three years, I'll grant you one chance."

"Master!" Zhesang's expression changed, but before he could protest, Song Feng's mild glance silenced him. Swallowing his words, Zhesang stepped back."The Xuanbing Cave in the back mountain is where our sect disciplines Inner Sect Disciples. If you can endure three days of the freezing punishment within the cave, it will be the mercy of the Dao and the will of heaven. Should you survive after three days, I shall release you from Piaomiao."

Enough. Bai Shuo's eyes were clear—this child harbored no greed for immortal authority. She shared a deep connection with Chong Zhao, and likely knew of his injury. Her theft of the jade slip tonight was probably for Chong Zhao's sake... But with so many witnesses, she had violated a major taboo of the immortal sect. Without punishment, it would be hard to maintain discipline.

Wasn't the third day from now also the day of Piaomiao's disciple competition? And the day A-Zhao would emerge from seclusion? Now an Immortal Lord, breaking open the Xuanbing Cave would be no challenge for him. The Sect Leader's words clearly left her a sliver of hope.

Bai Shuo, who had thought death was certain, heard this and bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you, Sect Leader."

"Whether it is heaven's will depends entirely on your fate. Go now." Song Feng waved his hand, and disciples stepped forward to escort Bai Shuo out of the inner hall.

Having narrowly escaped death, Bai Shuo obediently followed without a word.

Inside the hall, Zhesang's eyes burned with fury. How could he not see that the Sect Leader valued Chong Zhao? This arrangement was clearly to appease him. If Bai Shuo died, Chong Zhao, currently in seclusion, would surely sense it. At such a critical juncture in his cultivation, any damage to his Dao Heart could lead to Qi Deviation. That was why Song Feng had spared Bai Shuo.

But he had returned to Piaomiao precisely for Chong Zhao. Even if tonight's events couldn't implicate him, this insignificant half-immortal who had ruined his plans must die.

"Master, I heard Junior Brother Chong Zhao has attained the rank of Immortal Lord, securing our sect's place in the upcoming 'Wutong Martial Banquet,'" Zhesang suddenly spoke up in the hall.

"Indeed," Song Feng nodded. "After centuries, Piaomiao can finally return to Phoenix Island and witness this grand event of the Three Realms."

"Having been away from Piaomiao for so long, there is one matter I seek your permission for, Master."

"What is it?" Song Feng was taken aback.

"During my years of training abroad, I gained an Epiphany after slaying a Vicious Beast in the North Sea. I, too, have now attained the rank of Immortal Lord. I wish to bring glory to Piaomiao at the 'Wutong Martial Banquet.' Three days from now, during the Liuyun disciple competition, I request a rematch with Junior Brother Chong Zhao. If I am fortunate enough to win, I ask for your permission to represent Piaomiao at Phoenix Island."

As Zhesang finished speaking, the entire hall was stunned. Slowly straightening from his bow, his spiritual power surged around him, unmistakably at the level of an Immortal Lord.

Outside the hall, Bai Shuo's steps faltered, and she turned back in disbelief.

Suddenly, she swiftly pulled a small paper figure from her Qiankun Bag and tossed it behind a pillar. Before she could do anything else, she was dragged away by the disciples.

Yao Realm, Cold Spring Palace.

Fu Ling was meditating in the hall when a spirit feather imbued with Immortal Qi flew straight in.

Her eyes snapped open as she caught it. After a quick glance, she tossed the feather into a nearby brazier, a smirk curling her lips.

A maid, noticing her good mood, asked curiously, "My Lord, what has pleased you so?"

"Nothing much. Just that a dog I saved on a whim has put on quite a show for me."

"My Lord, are you referring to that immortal sect disciple we rescued in the North Sea years ago? What was his name again... something Sang... from some rundown sect in the East Sea..."

"Piaomiao," Fu Ling's eyes gleamed with hidden meaning. "Truly a rundown place."