Chapter 101

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Chapter 101: Deep Affections

“Ming He, you are outrageous!”

The woman in red attire, fiery as flames, stood beside Dream Sea, her lips stained with blood, her striking features radiating pride. Her gaze was cold and filled with offended anger; she was none other than the young leader of the Demon Race, Ji Wu Xu, who had appeared in the ancient cave dwelling.

“Young Leader,” Dream Sea’s expression changed slightly upon her sudden appearance, bowing her head respectfully.

“Am I wrong to kill a snake that has tried numerous times to end my life?” Ming He smirked defiantly, unafraid. She thought of Ji Wu Xu as just another young leader, not one of the human race.

“Or do you wish to die with me?” She raised an eyebrow, her expression provocative, her heart filled with rage after witnessing her fellow disciples perish. It wasn’t her fault for being angry; after all, Mo She and Ji Wu Xu had stirred trouble brazenly at this time.

“She is of the Demon Race; only I, the Young Leader, can decide her fate. Your reckless act of killing her is a provocation to my authority.”

Ji Wu Xu’s expression was icy, her presence overwhelming. She looked at Mo She, who, after being drained of life, reverted to her form as a soaring snake, nearly blocking the entire secluded hollow. Her gaze was calm and deep with a chilling lack of compassion, only anger at the violation of her dignity.

Mo She, fully aware of Ji Wu Xu’s Blood Oath and yet still daring to act against Ming He, clearly had no regard for her life. Such a subordinate, even if Ming He hadn’t killed her, Ji Wu Xu would personally deal with. She didn’t need foolish protectors who only brought trouble.

But now that Ming He had killed her first, that was unacceptable.

“The authority of the young leader of the Demon Race truly is high and mighty,” Ming He scoffed lightly, her brows curved. “But do I need to care? Look at me; do I look afraid at all?”

Confident in the existence of the Blood Oath, Ming He felt Ji Wu Xu couldn’t do anything to her. Therefore, she exuded a boldness, showing no fear, her gaze cold as she bypassed the two, cradling Qin Chu Yi to her chest, turning to leave.

“Ming He,” Ji Wu Xu called out, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. Then she glanced at Qin Chu Yi, her expression frosty, suddenly laughing joyfully, “Do you know what pill Mo She fed your Senior Sister?”

Upon seeing Ming He abruptly stop, turning with a cold demeanor, Ji Wu Xu smiled with delight, relishing in her small victory. Then, as she faced Ming He’s questioning gaze, she slowly sat back down in the spot where Dream Sea had been, clearly not intending to answer her concerns, expecting Ming He to lower herself and plead.

“Senior Sister,” Ming He ignored Ji Wu Xu’s superior and self-assured demeanor; instead, she looked down at Qin Chu Yi with urgency. Earlier, the distance had kept her from seeing Mo She’s flirty proximity to Qin Chu Yi and she had no idea that she had also fed her a pill.

“How are you? Do you feel unwell?” Ming He summoned a strand of Star Power to protect Qin Chu Yi’s heart, channeling spiritual energy throughout her body. Seeing nothing unusual about Qin Chu Yi, she felt slightly relieved, cupping her face with worry, suspecting Ji Wu Xu’s deceit.

“Ming He,” Qin Chu Yi murmured softly, her consciousness wavering between clarity and haze, feeling an unnamed fire rise within her, swirling through her body like flames, turning her cheeks a deep red. Ming He’s cool hand had an irresistible allure to her, almost magnetic.

She clung to Ming He’s hand, reluctant to let go, as the warmth spread through her, overpowering her rational thoughts. As a Young Master of the Ancient Clan, she had read extensively within her clan’s collection of books, gaining insights beyond what most could comprehend. Therefore, in this moment, she began to vaguely realize the origin and intent of the pill, yet her voice fell silent, unsure how to convey this to Ming He.

“Hmm.”

Qin Chu Yi ran her fingers along the hand that brushed against her cheek, the flames within her surging stronger. Her reason was nearly dissolving completely. She softly whimpered, feeling like a little beast in need, instinctively seeking Ming He’s cool touch for relief.

“Senior Sister.” Ming He’s gaze softened slightly as she observed Qin Chu Yi’s damp hair against her face, her exquisite features flowing with emotion, reminiscent of the clouds at dawn.

This version of Qin Chu Yi was unlike any Ming He had seen before—not the lonely and cold figure, nor the gentle and warm one. At this moment, she exuded an enchanting allure that captivated everyone around her.

“Hand over the antidote.” Ming He allowed Qin Chu Yi to nestle closer in her arms. Lifting her gaze, her expression shifted from warm to cold, like a chilling winter breeze.

With her noble background and extensive knowledge, Qin Chu Yi, while not matching Ji Wu Xu in status, was still significantly well-positioned. Thus, with a subtle shift in her emotions, she understood the pill’s effects. The unintended events of the original story still occurred; even though the perpetrator and the target had changed, the inevitable remained.

“Ji Wu Xu, the Blood Oath states you and any Demon Race cannot act against me, yet it doesn’t say I can’t act against you.” After waiting in silence for a response, Ming He narrowed her eyes, her tone fierce as she declared, “At worst, we can perish together. I just wonder if you wish to be buried here in this hollow with me?”

She tightened her hold on Qin Chu Yi to ensure her safety, while her other hand rested on the sword’s hilt, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Inside, her emotions roiled, yet her demeanor remained calm and resolute; she had learned to conceal her intent as well as to remain composed.

She was taking a gamble, betting that Ji Wu Xu, in her arrogance, wouldn’t care for her own life. Ji Wu Xu underestimated her; thus, how could she willingly share the fate of going to the underworld with someone she regarded as an ant?

“You…” Ji Wu Xu’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, her eyes brimming with unfettered murderous intent. As the young leader of the Demon Race, she had never been threatened like this before—especially not without a chance to retaliate.

This was the greatest provocation to a young leader. She glared at Ming He, wishing she could kill her right then and there, but she could not act. The black-clad cultivator had openly protected Ming He, and the Blood Oath she had established only served to benefit Ming He.

In a life-and-death situation, within the cave dwelling, she had suffered the full brunt of Ming He’s unreserved sword techniques. With her consciousness fading, she could only follow the black-clad cultivator’s orders, feeling as if she was being manipulated.

After returning to her clan, she had tried to investigate the origins of the black-clad cultivator, but found nothing at all. That figure seemed so elusive, and moreover, she did not possess all the authority within the Demon Race…

Ji Wu Xu’s aura grew increasingly cold as she faced Ming He, whose own pride and fierceness matched her own. After a tense silence, Ji Wu Xu finally relented, “There is no antidote.”

“Mo She is of the Soaring Snake Clan, and her serpent nature is inherently lustful. The pill she fed to Young Master Qin contains the essence of a soaring snake’s gallbladder; its purpose is to bewitch the soul and intoxicate the heart. There is no remedy other than dual cultivation.”

Ji Wu Xu’s smile flashed brilliantly, illuminating the entire secluded hollow, though her eyes remained cold and distant. “Do as you please; I, the Young Leader, will not stay. Until we meet again.”

With those words, her expression darkened, half her face obscured in shadow. She exchanged a fleeting glance with Dream Sea before vanishing like the wind, disappearing from Ming He’s sight in an instant.

Ming He clenched her fists as she watched them leave. She knew Ji Wu Xu spoke the truth; the proud young leader of the demon race would not stoop to lying to someone as insignificant as her.

Soaring snake’s gallbladder, a poison that bewitches the soul and intoxicates the heart—there was no antidote.

Ming He’s heart trembled as she lowered her gaze to Qin Chu Yi, whose face had grown even redder, her skin flushed from her earlobes to her neck, like the fiery hues of a blood-red sunset.

She reached out to touch Qin Chu Yi’s cheek, her skin burning hot. Qin Chu Yi murmured softly, gripping Ming He’s hand tightly, her brow furrowed as if unwilling to let go.

“Senior Sister, I’ll take you back to the sect.”

Ming He leaned close, whispering into Qin Chu Yi’s ear, her voice gentle yet trembling. Then, with swift steps, she dashed out of the cave as dawn broke, the blazing sun hanging high in the sky, casting its radiant light over everything.

The journey to Floating Cloud Sect was long, and Ming He had yet to break through to the Wind Master realm. At her current speed, it would take her half a month to return. But Qin Chu Yi couldn’t wait that long.

What should I do?

Ming He gazed up at the endless flowing clouds, her nails digging into her palm, leaving faint marks. She hated her own weakness. She had been striving to grow stronger, but it never seemed enough.

“Clang!”

The clear ring of a sword shattered Ming He’s despair, like the triumphant call of a horn. The white long sword at Qin Chu Yi’s waist seemed to sense its master’s peril; it unsheathed itself and hovered in the air. Noticing Ming He’s hesitation, it gently tapped her with its hilt.

“Are you suggesting I ride you for a Sword Flight?” Ming He asked, her voice blank as she stared at the characters “Chi Li” etched on the hilt. Her eyes brightened—this was Qin Chu Yi’s life’s flying sword.

“Ding.”

The Chi Li sword chimed softly, swaying slightly as if urging her on.

“Alright.”

Ming He smiled faintly under the glaring sunlight. With a light step, she leaped onto the sword, cradling Qin Chu Yi tightly in her arms. One hand held her close, while the other formed a gesture to channel her spiritual energy.

The Chi Li sword soared through the clouds, its blade gleaming as it left a trail of white light, intertwining with the brilliant flow of the heavens.

……

At the Artifact Peak of Floating Cloud Sect.

Ming He watched Qin Chu Yi, who sat weakly in a high chair, her expression tense. She turned to the woman before her, her heart heavy. “Senior Sister Mu, is there any way to cure the poison in my Senior Sister?”

She had already guessed the answer from Mu Li’s furrowed brow and the way she suppressed her spiritual energy, but she clung to hope, unwilling to accept the truth.

“I’m sorry, I cannot help Chu Zhen,” Mu Li replied, her smoke-colored robes swaying as she shook her head, her expression somber. “The poison within her is too potent; no ordinary spiritual medicine can suppress it. Even my Master would be at a loss.”

Ming He frowned. Mu Li was the leading alchemist of Artifact Peak, and her Master was the Peak Master. Together, they were among the most skilled in Floating Cloud Sect, if not the entire Eastern Region. If they couldn’t help, was it truly as Ji Wu Xu had said—no cure at all?

“Is there really no other way?” Ming He refused to give up. Qin Chu Yi was a prodigy; she didn’t deserve to be subjected to such a humiliating poison. It was an affront.

“There is none,” Mu Li said softly, her gaze downcast. She had devoted herself to alchemy to save lives, yet now she couldn’t even help her own fellow disciple.

“I see. Thank you, Senior Sister Mu, for your efforts.” Ming He bowed deeply, then gathered Qin Chu Yi into her arms and walked down the forested path of Artifact Peak, her heart heavy with confusion and despair.

“Ming He, take me back to Moonlight Courtyard,” Qin Chu Yi whispered, clutching Ming He’s robes. She felt as though she were melting under the heat of her own desire, her body damp with sweat. This was her most vulnerable state.

“Alright.” Ming He’s eyes softened with concern, knowing that Qin Chu Yi, ever proud and aloof, would never wish for others to see her in such a vulnerable state.

With a light touch of her toes, she darted swiftly, pushing open the courtyard gate of Moonlight Courtyard and entering Qin Chu Yi’s chamber. Gently, she laid her down on the bed.

“Senior Sister,” Ming He murmured, unsure how to ease her pain. She allowed Qin Chu Yi to grasp her hand and press it against her cheek, seeking solace in its coolness, as though it were ice.

Qin Chu Yi’s forehead was damp with sweat, her hair clinging to her face. Her clothes clung to her figure, revealing her delicate form through the fabric.

She lay on the bed, gazing up at Ming He from a slightly lower angle, her eyes reflecting both pain and a deep, unspoken sorrow.

“Do you know what I wanted to tell you that day?” Qin Chu Yi suddenly whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, her dark eyes glistening with unshed tears, her feelings no longer able to be contained.

“What?” Ming He’s heart raced as her pupils constricted. She lowered her gaze and saw Qin Chu Yi’s lips part slightly, yet her voice was barely audible, as if she were speaking to herself.

Ming He’s emotions surged, and almost instinctively, she bent down, pressing her ear to Qin Chu Yi’s lips, eager to catch her words. But instead, Qin Chu Yi captured her earlobe between her lips, sending a rush of sensation flooding through Ming He’s heart.

Ming He froze, stunned, before finally meeting Qin Chu Yi’s gaze, wanting to ask what she was doing. But when she opened her mouth, no sound emerged.

Qin Chu Yi’s eyes churned with emotion, like the depths of the Deep Sea, stirring powerful waves. Suddenly, she smiled at Ming He, her entire expression filled with longing.

Her white robes were disheveled, her skin flushed, and in the dim light, she resembled a captivating spirit, more enchanting than Ji Wu Xu, as if she could turn the world upside down.

“Senior Sister, you…” Ming He finally regained her senses after a long pause. Before she could finish, she felt a strong pulling force as Qin Chu Yi tugged at her collar, drawing her closer.

Ming He’s body collided with the edge of the bed, and in the next moment, she fell onto the soft quilt, lying at the same height as Qin Chu Yi, her head resting on the jade pillow.

Her heart pounded so loudly it felt as though the entire Snowfall Peak could hear it. She pressed against the quilt, trying to rise, but Qin Chu Yi pulled it away, causing her to fall back onto the bed.

“Ming He,” Qin Chu Yi called softly, flipping over to pin her beneath her. She leaned in, her warm breath brushing Ming He’s neck, her clear eyes drawing closer. “I like you.”

“You like me too, don’t you?” Qin Chu Yi’s smile was radiant as she observed Ming He’s dazed expression. The flames of desire still burned within her, threatening to consume her rationality, yet she held back.

Qin Chu Yi’s gaze lingered on Ming He’s lips, a flicker of darkness in her eyes. As she leaned down, she touched the softness she had dreamed of so many times. Having understood her feelings from the depths of her heart, she had imagined their next kiss countless times, and now it was finally happening.

I like you.

When Ming He heard these words, her pupils constricted, and her heart leapt. She looked up to find Qin Chu Yi’s eyes so close, filled with unrestrained affection and desire.

Her love was the kind that yearned for a bond as Dao partners.

Ming He realized this truth, her emotions surging as she finally understood the oddities of her interactions with Qin Chu Yi—her inexplicable anger, her unreasonable shyness, and the smiles and tenderness she only showed in her presence.

As the softness at her lips continued to shift, Qin Chu Yi watched her, frozen in a daze, her mouth slightly open. Seizing the moment, Qin Chu Yi surrendered completely to her longing, though it felt unfamiliar and hazy, it conveyed the depth of her feelings.

After a long moment, Qin Chu Yi finally released her, taking a breath. The flames within her had grown uncontrollable, consuming her rationality and consciousness. She grasped Ming He’s hand, fighting through her desire as she spoke, “Ming He, I feel awful.”

“Please help me, won’t you?” Qin Chu Yi’s lips curled with an irresistible allure as she guided Ming He’s hand to her body, her clothes partially undone, revealing her unmatched beauty.

“Senior Sister,” Ming He glanced away, unable to meet her gaze. With a firm resolve, she bit her lip, rose, and gently pushed Qin Chu Yi away. “Calm down.”

She looked into Qin Chu Yi’s dazed eyes, speaking each word clearly, “You are Qin Chu Yi.”

Qin Chu Yi was the Young Master of the Qin Clan, the leader of the Ancient Clan, an extraordinary genius who had stirred the vast wonders of the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb, and the Cold Moon above the nine heavens—she should not be controlled by a mere pill.

Ming He knew that the Qin Chu Yi from the original story had also lost her reason and consciousness, ensnared by the seductive poison. Yet the woman before her was different; she was not bound by the script.

The Qin Chu Yi she knew possessed unmatched grace and wisdom; she was cold yet proud, gentle yet brilliant. She was the clear moon amidst the heavens, guiding her through the darkness to see the endless starlight. Ming He knew she had long since broken free from the narrative’s constraints.

Therefore, Qin Chu Yi should not fall into despair.

Ming He frowned, searching her mind for a way to dispel the poison. The once all-powerful Star Lock seemed utterly ineffective at this moment.

Ji Wu Xu had stated firmly that there was no antidote, but Ming He refused to accept it.

She did not practice alchemy, yet she understood the principle of mutual creation and restriction inherent in all things. There must be a solution.

She thought back to the original storyline, now fading in her memory. In that version, Qin Chu Yi had not fallen victim to the love poison of the demon protector Mo She.

In the original tale, without her presence, Qin Chu Yi had already met Su Cheng Feng during her time at the Liu Yun Sect.

However, as the Young Master of the Ancient Clan, aside from Mo She’s love pill crafted from the soaring snake’s gallbladder, what other elixir could stir her desires? Moreover, ordinary individuals couldn’t even approach Qin Chu Yi, let alone harm her.

A realization dawned on Ming He, her eyes lighting up with clarity.

In the original plot, Qin Chu Yi had indeed been afflicted by a love poison similar to her current state, but beyond the schemes of lesser beings, there was also her own cold poison to consider.

That Qin Chu Yi had not encountered her, nor had she obtained the Star Lock, leading to the failure of the Liu Yun mission. Later, when the cold poison flared, it mingled with other toxins, eventually transforming into an aphrodisiac for reasons unknown.

Cold poison.

Ming He’s eyes sparkled. If the cold poison could have been a catalyst in the original plot, could it now serve as an antidote?

In the interconnectedness of all things, nothing was impossible.

Ming He steadied Qin Chu Yi, pressing against her back to target the necessary acupoint. As she channeled the Star Power to protect her heart, her voice was clear and steady, “Senior Sister, I will draw out the cold poison in your body to suppress the love poison. Please endure for a moment longer.”

Fearing that a single glance at Qin Chu Yi might weaken her resolve, she closed her eyes and began her incantation. As the light faded from her sight, she thought she heard Qin Chu Yi let out a soft sigh.

It was proven that Ming He’s intuition was correct. Qu Lingyun had once said she possessed exceptional insight and unique ideas, with the potential and ability to carve a path. Qu Lingyun was not mistaken.

“Phew.”

Ming He exhaled, looking at Qin Chu Yi, “Senior Sister, the love poison in your body has been resolved. You should be alright now.”

Her brows lifted with joy as she suppressed the fatigue from expending her spiritual energy. “Senior Sister, get some rest. I’ll keep watch over you. We can talk about everything else when you wake up.”

“Hmm.”

Qin Chu Yi nodded, allowing Ming He to tuck her in comfortably. She closed her eyes, her lips unable to hide a tinge of bitterness.

She certainly knew she was Qin Chu Yi, and that Qin Chu Yi would not be controlled by a mere pill, no matter how the flames of desire burned at her reason and awareness. If she truly wanted to resist, it was not impossible.

From the moment the dark cave illusion began, she knew of Dream Sea’s existence. That illusion was one she had willingly fallen into; because Ming He, within that dream, adored her so deeply, she couldn’t bear to leave.

Knowing what Mo She’s pill was and that Ming He was nearby, she hadn’t fought back. After all, how could a severely injured Mo She and a mirage beast specializing in illusions control her?

She simply did not want to resist, as she was Qin Chu Yi, who liked Ming He. Because of her feelings, she willingly allowed herself to be swayed by desire and thus fell into Mo She’s cunning schemes.

Because this way, she could gather the courage to utter that phrase, to embrace and kiss her under the influence of love poison, to practice dual cultivation with her.

But Ming He was unwilling; Ming He had rejected her. Was it because she did not like her?

As Qin Chu Yi pondered this, a deep bitterness filled her heart. Ming He’s warmth still wrapped around her, but her heart felt submerged in turbulent, frigid waters.

Ming He did not see the bitterness at the corners of Qin Chu Yi’s lips, nor did she grasp her thoughts. She merely sat by the bed, her expression gentle. When she had carried Qin Chu Yi inside moments ago, she noticed that the paper previously on Qin Chu Yi’s desk remained untouched.

She thought Qin Chu Yi had read the paper and then sought her out to save her life, but now, it was clear that since coming from the central region back to the Eastern Region, Qin Chu Yi’s first action had been to find her.

It turned out that she was so important to Qin Chu Yi.

A gentle smile touched Ming He’s lips, her brows lifting with joy.

As she confirmed that Qin Chu Yi had fallen asleep, Ming He gently traced her features. The woman’s breathing was steady, her face slightly flushed. Her brows held affection, her nose quivered slightly, and her features remained exquisite. She cherished every hue of her.

This was the woman who loved her, the one she loved in return, the one she wanted to become her Dao partner in the future.

Since she desired to bond as Dao partners, there were certain things that had to wait until their ceremony was complete.

Reluctantly, Ming He continued to caress Qin Chu Yi’s face, her heart finally recalling the fact she had overlooked earlier.

Su Cheng Feng had not appeared for a long time. He had never been by Qin Chu Yi’s side or interacted with her aside from that hasty glance in the courtyard at Qingyun Peak during their time at Liu Yun Sect, and there had been no follow-up since.

And now, Qin Chu Yi was hers!