Moonlight Mystique

Bai Shuo was a clever person. She would rather use her wits than resort to magic—not that she had much magic to begin with. So when Qing Yi deliberately waited for her beneath the Nine Splendors Pavilion, she knew her earlier instructions to Chong Zhao had been in vain.

Perhaps when Qing Yi had asked her about the origin of the jade flute that day, she could still feign ignorance. But now that she knew A-Zhao had once entered the imperial city of the mortal realm, further deception was pointless. She had appeared in that foreign city—not only Mu Jiu but even immortals like Bei Chen and Shou An knew she hailed from Piaomiao and was Chong Zhao’s fellow disciple. If Qing Yi bothered to investigate Chong Zhao’s mortal identity, the assassination attempt in the imperial city would no longer remain a secret.

For an immortal to assassinate the Purple Star was an act of defiance against heaven. By the laws of the Immortal Realm, the punishment was death.

Bai Shuo never imagined that the immortal she had casually saved with her jade flute would bring such catastrophic trouble upon Chong Zhao.

Now that things had come to this, she could only gamble—the Great Marsh’s legacy spanned sixty thousand years, and it was renowned for its benevolence.

"Bai Shuo of Piaomiao greets Lord Qing Yi." Before Qing Yi could speak, Bai Shuo stepped forward and bowed.

Qing Yi looked at her, the heaviness in his eyes easing slightly. "Why no longer deceive me?"

Since Bai Shuo had chosen honesty, perhaps there was still a sliver of room for negotiation.

"As Your Excellency can see, I’ve only managed to cultivate half-immortal status. By all accounts, I’m merely an outer disciple of Piaomiao."

Qing Yi hadn’t immediately seized her for interrogation, and Bai Shuo breathed a sigh of relief.

"If you’re a disciple of Piaomiao, why did you deceive me into bringing you to Phoenix Island?"

"You deceived me too. I didn’t know you were the Phoenix Emperor’s grand-disciple and the Eastern Radiance Deity’s great-grand-disciple," Bai Shuo muttered under her breath before suddenly speaking up. "That day, Your Excellency offered me a mountain talisman to repay my life-saving favor. Might I now request something in return for that talisman’s worth?"

"You wish for me to cease investigating the jade flute?"

"No. I wish for Your Excellency to hear a story." Bai Shuo raised her head, her expression pleading.

Qing Yi paused, then nodded.

Bai Shuo turned, gazing at the distant silhouette of the Carefree Pavilion, and began.

"Long ago, the General’s Manor in the mortal imperial city welcomed twin daughters—the elder Bai Xi, and the younger Bai Shuo. The elder was dignified and serene, betrothed to the crown prince from childhood, while the younger was mischievous and willful, engaged to the prime minister’s heir, Chong Zhao..."

The night stretched long and silent outside the Nine Splendors Pavilion, with only Bai Shuo’s voice filling the air. Most immortals who had ascended from mortality rarely reminisced about their past—millennia of immortal pursuits rendered mere decades of mortal life insignificant. But for Bai Shuo and Chong Zhao, whose immortal cultivation had been brief, those mortal years felt far more real.

After an unknown length of time, Bai Shuo turned back to Qing Yi.

"The Chong family was executed to the last. I begged my father to save A-Zhao, and from then on, we left the mortal realm behind and entered Piaomiao. Lord Qing Yi, A-Zhao is inherently kind-hearted—not a rebellious murderer. But after suffering such a sudden tragedy, he bore resentment toward the mortal emperor and thus trespassed into the imperial city, committing a grave mistake."

Bai Shuo recounted their brief mortal years but omitted everything that had happened after they entered Piaomiao.

Qing Yi stared at her, realization dawning. At last, he understood why Bai Shuo had always seemed familiar.

He had met her before. Years ago, when the Yao Race had wreaked havoc in the mortal Mu Xiao Mountain, he had rescued two unconscious mortal girls. Time had passed, and he never imagined those two would one day tread the path of immortality and find themselves in such circumstances."From what I know, the Purple Star descended to the mortal realm, governing diligently and loving his people, recognizing talent and employing it wisely. He never executed loyal ministers," Qing Yi frowned. "That... the Chong family's prime minister plotted rebellion, leading to their entire household being executed—it wasn't an unjust case."

Bai Shuo's expression showed no surprise. "Yes, my father once told me that Chancellor Chong raised a private army and indeed harbored rebellious intentions."

Qing Yi was taken aback. "Chong Zhao didn't know?"

Bai Shuo shook her head. "Back then, A-Zhao was just a youth. His entire family was slaughtered, and he lost all his kin overnight. If I had told him the truth then, it would have driven him to seek death."

Qing Yi looked at Bai Shuo in astonishment. Though she had achieved Immortal Ascension, Bai Shuo had only lived a little over twenty years in the mortal realm. When Chong Zhao was young, so was she. Yet she had led Chong Zhao through their escape, found the immortal mountain, and stepped onto the path of the Dao. Her steadfast Heart-Nature surpassed even that of ordinary Immortals.

Had it not been for her shallow immortal fate and lack of innate talent for cultivation, this young woman before him would have been the most suited to attain the Great Dao.

At this thought, a trace of regret flickered in Qing Yi's eyes.

"If he doesn't know the truth, his hatred and obsession will fester in his heart, making it impossible to rid himself of his Heart Demon. Even if he cultivates immortality, he will never achieve the Great Dao," Qing Yi shook his head. "You're clever enough to know your method only saved him temporarily."

"The path of immortality spans eternity, while a mortal lifetime passes in the blink of an eye. I originally thought that by the time A-Zhao ascended, decades would have passed—enough time for countless emperors to come and go in the mortal realm. Who could have imagined..." Bai Shuo spoke dejectedly.

"Who could have imagined his cultivation talent would be once-in-a-millennium, allowing him to become an Upper Immortal in just three years, even daring to defy the Heavenly Dao and slay the Purple Star?" Qing Yi finished for her.

Bai Shuo nodded helplessly.

In truth, all of this was her doing. Back then, when they encountered the dying Song He on Fire-Ice Island, had Bai Shuo not saved him with her spiritual blood, Song He wouldn't have extracted an Immortal's Golden Core to give to Chong Zhao in exchange for his freedom. Without it, Chong Zhao could never have become an Upper Immortal in just a few short years.

"Then what about this?" Qing Yi waved his hand, revealing a broken arrow in his palm. Seeing Bai Shuo's surprise, he added, "This is Fu Ling's Cloud-Fire Arrow from Cold Spring Palace. I found it in the imperial city's Dragon-Protection Array. If Chong Zhao assassinated the Purple Star to avenge his family, why would he be involved with the Yao Race?"

"That's not the case," Bai Shuo hurriedly explained. "Back then, when I fled my wedding, A-Zhao left the imperial city to search for me and unintentionally saved Fu Ling. At the time, he didn't know Fu Ling wasn't mortal. The Cloud-Fire Arrow appeared in the Purple Star's palace because Fu Ling was repaying a debt of gratitude."

"I see."

Qing Yi sighed softly. He had initially suspected that some Immortals and the Yao Race had secretly conspired to kill the Purple Star and disrupt the mortal realm's Luck. He never imagined it would turn out like this.

"Upper Immortal Qing Yi, I will definitely tell A-Zhao the truth about the Chong family's execution and help him let go of his hatred and resentment. Please don't inform the Celestial Court's Immortals that he was the one who broke into the imperial city to assassinate the Purple Star," Bai Shuo pleaded, her eyes fixed on Qing Yi.

Qing Yi remained silent for a long time before finally flicking his wrist and storing the Cloud-Fire Arrow in his sleeve. "The Celestial Court's Immortals already know of this matter. I must give Immortal Jin Yao an explanation."

Bai Shuo's face paled. "Upper Immortal!""I will inform the Immortal Lord of the whole story, explaining that the Immortal who attempted to assassinate the Purple Star entered the imperial palace merely to settle a mortal grudge, without any collusion with the Yao Race or intent to disrupt the Three Realms. There is a distinction between Immortals and mortals. Since he has already ascended, it is akin to being reborn. As long as he is willing to let go of his obsessions, our Great Marsh Mountain is prepared to vouch for him. No one will ever know the identity of the Immortal who tried to assassinate the Purple Star. From now on, he will simply be Chong Zhao, a disciple of the Misty Sect, the young Immortal Lord who turned the tide for the Immortal Clan at the Phoenix Martial Banquet, and the one bestowed with spirit by Immortal Lord Jin Yao."

Qing Yi's words were gentle yet resolute. Bai Shuo was stunned.

"Lord Qing Yi... you believe everything I just said?"

"Why wouldn't I? You've only been Immortals for a few years. The truth of this matter can be easily verified. If you're lying to me, it would only be temporary—what purpose would that serve?"

"Why?"

Qing Yi looked puzzled as Bai Shuo murmured, "We have no ties to you, my lord. Why would you go to such lengths for A-Zhao...?"

In truth, Bai Shuo would have been grateful if Qing Yi had simply chosen not to expose the matter. She never expected him to be willing to vouch for A-Zhao before Jin Yao in the name of Great Marsh Mountain.

Qing Yi paused, falling silent for a moment. His gaze drifted into the distance, his eyes filled with nostalgia, as if recalling someone.

"My Junior Martial Uncle once said that whether human, Immortal, or Yao, in this life—no matter how long or short—there will always be moments of wrongdoing. Giving someone a chance can spare the world many regrets."

Qing Yi looked down at Bai Shuo. "I believe a young man who could inspire you to forsake mortal glory and endure life-and-death trials with him cannot be evil. That is why I am willing to give him this chance."

Bai Shuo's eyes reddened, her throat tightening with emotion. For a moment, she couldn't speak.

For years, she and A-Zhao had left the mortal world behind, stepping into the vast Immortal Realm. They had endured ridicule and injustice. Along the way, she had played the fool, maneuvering with cunning, all to protect Chong Zhao and ensure his survival—it was what she owed him.

In her heart, what difference was there between this once-dreamed-of Nine-Layered Immortal Realm and the mortal world? Both were filled with strife, ambition, and schemes. Only now did she understand the truth in those tales of the Dao's ultimate justice and the fairness of heavenly principles.

In this world, there was a mountain called Great Marsh, and within it were people capable of such deeds.

"Enough. The grand banquet is in two days. Immortal Lord Jin Yao will summon him to the Celestial Palace to bestow his spirit personally. He is no longer that weak young man. Tell him the truth—there is no need to cling to the past grievances of the mortal world."

Qing Yi smiled, giving Bai Shuo a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to enter the Nine Splendors Pavilion.

Bai Shuo nodded vigorously, wanting to say something but ultimately finding words too inadequate to express her gratitude.

She let out a long sigh, her gaze inexplicably drawn to the corner of the Carefree Pavilion nearby.

She had thought... that the one waiting in the Nine Splendors Pavilion to demand answers would be him.

She had gone to see A-Zhao, teased the blacksmith and the little fox, yet dared not approach the one who was so close at hand.

She had traveled all the way to Phoenix Isle, not only out of concern for A-Zhao's safety but also to ask that person one question in person.

Was her little disciple still there?

No, Bai Shuo knew. If Mu Mu were still here, he would have come to her after seeing that cup of spirit tea brewed with water from the Jade Pool.

A wave of sorrow washed over Bai Shuo, the delayed grief threatening to bring her to tears.

Suddenly, a faint tremor stirred in her spiritual core, a searing warmth spreading through her. Bewildered, she raised her hand to touch it—the long-absent Dark Moon Mark flickered briefly before vanishing.

What was this...?

Bai Shuo jolted. How could she have forgotten!She had formed a Divine Soul contract with the great demon. As long as the demon refined the Bodhi wood, she would sense it. That night on Misty Island, she had unintentionally interrupted Fan Yue's refinement of the Bodhi wood with her spiritual blood, summoning him—and then he became Mu Mu!

If she tried the same method again, would Mu Mu return?

Without hesitation, Bai Shuo sliced her palm and pressed it against her forehead.

In a pavilion on Phoenix Island, Nan Wan stood solemnly by the window. Shou An hurried in and whispered a few words into her ear.

"What? Is it true?"

"Absolutely. I went to Misty Island myself and used illusions to deceive several disciples there. I discovered that on the night the Purple Star was assassinated, Chong Zhao coincidentally left the East Sea. When he returned, he was injured. Senior Brother, do you remember? The Heavenly Palace issued a secret order stating that the Immortal who assassinated the Purple Star had help from the Yao Race. That day in the stone hall of the foreign city, I saw with my own eyes that he wore armor forged from demonic flowers."

"Daring to assassinate the Purple Star and disrupt the Luck of the mortal realm—he truly is a lapdog of the Yao Race!" Nan Wan roared in anger. "I will report this to Master immediately!"

As Nan Wan hurried away, a strange smile flickered across Shou An's face. A flash of spiritual light later, Fu Ling revealed her true form.

"Fools." Fu Ling curled her lips, glancing toward the direction of Pine Crane Hall.

"Chong Zhao, oh Chong Zhao, you always said Immortals and demons are different. Let's see how you'll react when the whole world sees you as a demon."

In the inner hall of Xiaoyao, candlelight flickered gently as Fan Yue sat cross-legged in deep meditation. The Bodhi Heart Flame burned in midair, slowly transforming into a beam of spiritual light that shot into the seven-pointed star array on his chest.

Nourished by the Divine Power of the Phoenix Emperor, this Bodhi wood was pure in Spiritual Qi, making its refinement effortless for Fan Yue.

Just as the final wisp of spiritual light was about to settle into his chest, the Bodhi wood flashed and fell to the ground with a clatter.

Once again, the refinement was interrupted. Fan Yue's expression darkened, and a splitting headache struck him. He clutched his temple, a flicker of struggle passing through his eyes.

At that moment, something plummeted from above and landed right on top of him.