Chapter 39

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Chapter 39

The sect would gather again two days later.

Traveling from the far south to the capital was no small feat. Even with an immortal sword and spirit horse riding the winds, it took a day and a half.

Seizing this opportunity, the two Palace Lords each brought a disciple, and together with Tu Xuixin, they journeyed to the capital to witness the grandeur of the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly.

Ji Yang and Gong Wu waited high up on the city wall. When they saw their revered masters, a wave of emotion swept over them.

"You’ve endured much; you’ve endured much," Yan Fangji was the first to express concern, tenderly stroking Gong Wu’s hair, his distress mirroring that of a true father. "The Demon Realm is too perilous. We took our time along the way to investigate and found several threats aimed at you."

"Wu’er, if you return with us, we’ve prepared an identity for you."

"You will assume the identity of Du Ju, the younger sister of your senior sister Du Ren, who has lived here since childhood." He turned to the other two Palace Lords, who nodded in agreement.

"Whether it’s your identity or your appearance and demeanor, over the next two days, we will work with your senior sister to refine everything, ensuring no one suspects a thing."

Du Ren exchanged a courteous nod with Gong Wu, recalling her previous generosity in sharing spiritual plums.

"I grew up in the capital and know that daughters of officials seldom entertain guests; even the servants have limited mobility."

"My father loathed the political scene, sending me far to the southwest to cultivate. Being able to assist you now feels like destiny!"

Her senior sister had a vibrant personality; she often disciplined the mischievous younger disciples, hardly resembling the sheltered daughter of a noble family.

Gong Wu expressed her gratitude repeatedly, thanking both Yan Fangji and Palace Lord Hua, until she finally turned her gaze to Tu Xuixin behind them.

Master had been watching her all along, and after imparting the most crucial instructions, he pulled Ji Yang and her into a firm embrace.

"From now on, you mustn’t wander off again, do you hear me?" His concern was palpable, his words tinged with grit. "If there are any foxes or keys, I will be the first to stand in the way. No one is allowed to take my disciple away!"

Ji Yang hesitated for a moment, but when he was embraced tightly, warmth filled his eyes, and he hugged back with all his strength.

"It’s been so long since I last saw you."

"They all said you died in the Demon Realm," Tu Xuixin said angrily, "I spat at several of them and told them not to curse you."

"If it weren’t for these Calling Shells, I would have rushed into the Demon Realm with Uncle to rescue you."

The seven of them checked into an inn together, talking nonstop along the way.

In the capital, inns were usually found on almost every street, but due to the upcoming Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly, there were no empty rooms left today unless Ji Yang had made an early booking.

Travelers from the mundane world arrived here, puzzled.

– When did the capital become this lively, and why are there so many young masters and ladies spending lavishly lately?!

They hurried there without stopping to eat or rest, and after organizing their luggage, they went downstairs to set a big table of dishes, asking the tavern boy to bring all the famous dishes of the capital.

Gong Wu’s smile froze as she remembered her rule about avoiding meat and fish.

Before she could swallow her saliva, the tavern boys came over with beaming smiles, bringing all sorts of delicacies, serving a variety of dishes from the north and south.

The landlady came over with a bright smile, bringing two jugs of hot wine. "This osmanthus duck and fragrant crispy chicken taste different from the ones outside! And this golden shrimp roll and all-color soup, please enjoy them all, distinguished guests!"

"Our kitchen chefs are all personally taught by the masters from the imperial kitchen, everyone who eats here will give a thumbs up!"

"Today is a rare occasion for our sect to gather happily," Yan Fangji said with enthusiasm. "Quickly bring out the seasonal delicacies! We want them all fresh—shad fish, mandarin fish, everything!"

"Okay, just wait a moment!"

Tu Xuixin sat closely beside Gong Wu and noticed his little disciple sitting there blankly, so he reached out to touch her forehead.

"What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy today?"

Ji Yang revealed the truth, telling them about the two sets of casting utensils from the Bamboo Theatre.

Upon hearing this, everyone expressed admiration and laughed heartily.

"That must have been tough for you! You have to avoid meat for half a month; you can only watch us eat!"

Tu Xuixin looked at her with pity and took the menu. "Little Orange, I’ll order you a dish… um, this one has shredded meat, and that one has lard."

"How about just some boiled greens?"

"It’s definitely made with chicken broth," Yan Fangji said, rarely showing a relaxed smile. All his former authority as the Palace Lord faded away. "At this time, you should envy your senior brother who follows the Path of Emotionless."

Meat refers to strongly flavored vegetables, such as garlic chives, which cannot be eaten at all.

Fishy foods include all types of meat and bones; even drinking soup is considered taboo.

Both are forbidden, which means all she can have is a little plain porridge and some boiled greens.

Ji Yang let his Uncle tease him and brought two bowls of rice porridge in front of Gong Wu, lowering his gaze. "I’ll join you."

Gong Wu took a sip and, while others chatted and laughed, quietly told him, "Just thinking about getting the Celestial Stairs umbrella makes my heart race."

"It also means avoiding meat for one hundred days—"

The young man glanced at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

"It seems it may not be possible." Gong Wu quickly changed her words, honestly adding, "Luckily, I have you to accompany me while I drink the plain porridge."

Before long, the conversation shifted to the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly, and several masters expressed their feelings about it.

First, this Immortal Assembly truly comes once in sixty years. It is said that the method of challenge is also extremely rare in the world, so being able to witness it is a great honor.

Second, there is the lucky formation; not only the younger disciples but even Yan Fangji, the one with the longest experience at the table, has never seen it.

Such a remarkable treasure has always remained in legends, and at one point, Tu Xuixin even doubted it was just a rumor spread by Jin Yan Tuo for appearances.

Just then, Ji Yang casually added, "Master, I want to go."

Everyone in the room froze, creating a sharp contrast with the guests at several nearby tables who were laughing and drinking.

Du Ren was eating a duck leg that nearly slipped from her grasp.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes!" Yan Fangji praised, "I was already thinking about this. Although I hesitated before because Moonfire Valley has been at the center of attention, it might be better to act hidden."

"But upon thinking it over, we never had a choice. It’s better to be proactive!"

He has always regarded Ji Yang’s talent with favor, and seeing the young man eager to take initiative filled him with ambition.

"Until the very beginning, you can still sign up, as long as there are two palace lords from our sect to verify it."

"Since you want to go, I will definitely support you. Once the banquet is over, I will prepare some elixirs and weapons for you!"

"Wait," Hua Tingxiao interjected, "I don’t oppose your participation, but according to the rules, each sect must send three disciples, and it seems like we don’t have many to choose from."

Several pairs of eyes exchanged glances, and the answer became clear.

Ji Yang, Du Ren, and Senior Brother Ji Kai from Liu Jia Palace.

Gong Wu sat beside them, holding her bowl of porridge, feeling a bit envious.

Ji Kai had been happily gnawing on a lamb bone, but upon hearing Hua Tingxiao’s words, his expression stiffened. He first turned to look at his master and then awkwardly smiled back.

"I… might not be able to go."

"Eh?" Du Ren said without thinking, "Senior Brother Ji, I heard you’re about to ascend to Opening Sun. You don’t need to be so modest, right?"

"Well," Yan Fangji cleared his throat, "He failed to break through, losing thirty percent of his cultivation. He is still healing."

Upon hearing the news about participation, even a smile appeared on Du Ren’s face.

At their age, they were eager and wanted to prove themselves.

No matter what dangers or troubles lay in wait at the Immortal Assembly, they were not afraid.

Tu Xuixin sensed something and looked towards Gong Wu.

The little girl gathered her courage and said, "Uncle, I want to go!"

Hua Tingxiao was momentarily stunned and opened his mouth to call Little Wu but was interrupted by Yan Fangji’s cough, which made him change his words, "Du… Ren, are you sure?"

When they met, all three palace lords saw the extraordinary progress of the two disciples from Tianhua Palace.

Not only had Gong Wu, who was previously the slowest to awaken, ascended to Opening Sun, but Ji Yang also hinted at breaking through again.

Their age combined with such cultivation could be called a prodigy in the Three Realms!

Hua Tingxiao has always had an appreciation for talent but thought that Gong Wu, just having turned seventeen, was still too young and was hesitant to agree.

He looked towards Tu Xuixin, who instead nodded readily.

"Take good care of yourself and also look after your senior brothers and sisters. I think that’s a good plan," Yan Fangji recalled. "I don’t know what the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly will be testing… but I have never heard of any deaths or injuries in previous sessions."

"I guessed long ago it might involve a secret realm or something like the Illusory Sea, where people can immerse themselves in dreams?"

"I think that would be too ordinary," Hua Tingxiao countered. "Such things can be tested within our own sect. If it’s at the Immortal Assembly, it would lose its specialness. Where’s the excitement in something held once every sixty years?"

Unfortunately, information related to it was tightly guarded, and they couldn’t guess much more.

But at least one thing was certain: Gong Wu would not die; she was the safest among the three participating disciples.

The several Masters didn’t have a strong desire for rankings but were happy to give their disciples a chance to show their skills.

Just as it seemed the topic was settled, Tu Xuixin put down his wine cup and suddenly said, "I have a guess."

Both Palace Lords turned to him, thinking this mischievous junior brother was about to say something unrealistic.

"I suspect the competition won’t focus on sheer strength but rather on mental and emotional realms."

"Because the Three Realms uphold ascending to immortality and building good relationships." He looked at the young disciples present, his pride showing as he spoke: "In this regard, I have confidence in all of you."

"You are not lacking compared to the offspring of those renowned sects. Moonfire Valley places virtue first and cultivation second, right?"

Yan Fangji patted Tu Xuixin on the shoulder.

"It’s rare to hear you say something sensible."

Tu Xuixin: "…?"

"Speaking of which, why did Subei suddenly decide to participate?" Hua Tingxiao suddenly asked.

Yan Fangji dismissed the thought, about to say he must want to test his skills, but upon seeing Hua Tingxiao’s expression, he held his tongue.

Ji Yang rarely smiled these days and simply stated the facts calmly.

"Last year, I had regrets; I even missed my Junior Sister’s birthday."

"I plan to take first place and make her smile."

When these words were spoken, everyone at the table fell silent once again.

Du Ren reflexively thought, isn’t this guy practicing the Path of Emotionless? When did being emotionless make him more considerate than those foolish senior brothers in Yuncang Palace?

Ji Kai’s attention fixated on the word "plan," feeling a bit stunned.

Big brother, usually when we say such things, it’s "I hope to take first place" or "it would be great if…".

How could you make it sound as natural as tonight’s porridge? Aren’t you being a bit too arrogant?

Hua Tingxiao, gossiping eagerly, exclaimed, "Little Wu, your senior brother dotes on you so much!"

Du Ren became tense again.

Master! Can you be a bit more reliable?

She is an unmarried girl; how embarrassed would she be with your teasing!

On the other side of the banquet, Gong Wu held her porridge, nodding with a radiant smile and proudly affirming, “Subei is the strongest!”

Du Ren silently set down her chopsticks, suppressing her inner frustration.

Indeed, members of this palace are both indulgent and proud, yet they each have their own merits…

It seems I was overthinking it all along!

As the banquet concluded and plans for the Immortal Assembly were finalized, Tu Xuixin instructed his two disciples to accompany him to a private room, bidding farewell to the others.

He appeared slightly intoxicated, but upon entering the room, his demeanor abruptly shifted to one of clarity. With a wave of his sleeve, he activated multiple layers of barriers.

Normally, even when discussing confidential matters or hosting gatherings like today’s feast, the masters typically set only one or two soundproof barriers.

But Tu Xuixin kept adding more, stacking four layers in total, isolating both sound and spiritual energy, ensuring that not even the faintest whisper could penetrate.

Ji Yang stood before Gong Wu and softly called out, "Master?"

"What’s happening?"

"Come, sit."

Tu Xuixin spoke with a serious tone, "I have something of great importance to tell you."

The junior brothers and sisters exchanged glances, then followed his instruction to sit on the other side of the low table.

They speculated that the discussion would revolve around the Demon Realm, clues about the Eye Serpent Plague, or secrets of the elusive cave.

However, Master fell into a prolonged silence, then shook his head as if contradicting himself, placing both hands firmly on the table.

"I suspect… I am a traitor," Tu Xuixin declared with a grave expression.

Ji Yang sank into deeper silence, while Gong Wu couldn’t hold back.

"Master, this matter… is like a woman being pregnant."

"Either it is or it isn’t. Can’t you figure that out yourself?"

Ji Yang had been harboring many doubts and was eager to voice them, but he never expected Master to say something like this.

"That’s why I say I suspect it!!" Tu Xuixin grew increasingly frantic. "I don’t even know if it’s true!!"

Gong Wu stepped around the table and tugged at Master’s sleeve. "Please don’t pull your hair; generally, when it comes to this kind of thing, it’s hard to know for sure…"

"Do you have any dealings with the Demon Realm?"

"No."

"Have you harmed anyone in our valley or done anything wrong?"

"Neither."

"Then why do you say…"

Tu Xuixin took a deep breath, his fists clenched tightly.

"The first thing that felt off was when I asked you and Senior Sister Lin to take out the trash."

He restrained his impatience, beginning to recount from the very start.

"That day, this thought just suddenly came to me, and it felt utterly inexplicable."

"Taking out the trash has always been scheduled, and I was always worried you might accidentally drown, so I never called for you, not even when I asked your senior brother. Why that day?"

Ji Yang’s eyes widened in realization, sensing something was amiss.

"Also, at Jin Yan Tuo," Tu Xuixin said, his brow furrowed. "He Zhao Li left the killing formation. I dove in to save you, but my palm seemed to push you aside, causing you to be struck by that poisoned needle."

Gong Wu clearly remembered this incident, but she hadn’t realized Master shared the same perspective.

Mentioning the past, Gong Wu paused for a moment, her voice low. "I thought it was just my bad luck, nothing to do with you."

"There are several other things that aren’t obvious, and the traces are hard to find," Tu Xuixin continued, taking out two paper scraps from his sleeve, his voice tense.

"Until I woke up and discovered this."

"I… might have pushed my disciple directly into the Demon Realm."

The two paper scraps, clearly unfolded and crumpled numerous times over the past six months, now looked nearly destroyed.

As soon as Ji Yang saw the paper scraps, he immediately took out the one he had been carrying, which he had also examined repeatedly during this time.

Tu Xuixin took the Demon Realm key from Ji Yang’s hand and spread it out in front of Gong Wu.

Four bows, four incense offerings, four rites, four kneels.

"Such an obvious issue: Ji Yang has never traveled outside, and in his eagerness to find you, it was easy for him to fall into a trap."

"But couldn’t I see it?"

Gong Wu felt a chill, understanding Master’s meaning.

"You… were possessed?"

Suddenly, she thought of Senior Sister Aoshuang, who had once been gentle and cheerful. That day, she had not only knocked her into Wan Shi Pool but had also deliberately uttered curse words, as if to justify her intent to kill her.

But could these events be connected?

Were they all the actions of the same person?!

Tu Xuixin set the paper scraps aside, holding his head in confusion.

"It has always been a clean possession at once; there’s no reason to subtly manipulate me like this."

"And he even skillfully arranged every detail, making it seem like I was the one plotting."

Before he could finish, Ji Yang and Gong Wu simultaneously stood up, automatically moving to adjust the screen in the corner.

"Master, pardon us."

"We need you to take off your clothes and have a look."

They quickly positioned the screen in the middle, with Gong Wu standing aside while Ji Yang helped remove Master’s clothing for inspection.

Tu Xuixin paused for a moment but quickly complied.

The most important thing was his eyes.

"I find that unlikely," Gong Wu said softly, facing away from the screen. "If the clues brother found are true, then He Zhao Li is very likely a follower of that Eye Cult, drawing essence and blood from diseases through the golden eye behind it, trying to seize power and fight."

"If Master has never trusted that Eye Cult…”

“There are no eyes,” Ji Yang quickly examined, stating, “No scars, no traces resembling eyes.”

Tu Xuixin felt a chill, awkwardly stretching out his limbs as he remarked, "This illness is quite a nuisance for outsiders."

"Wait, senior brother!" Gong Wu suddenly recalled a memory. "You need to look carefully, inch by inch, to see if there’s a small Paper Person that’s white or matches Master’s skin tone!"

"A small Paper Person?" Ji Yang suddenly remembered, "After your rebirth, you told me about rushing to Master Yan for a Paper Person."

With this clue, he concentrated all his spiritual energy into his eyes, meticulously scanning every inch from top to bottom for anything out of the ordinary.

Tu Xuixin had a sudden idea. "Disciple, I apologize, but you’ll need to help me scrub down to see if anything comes off."

As he spoke, he grabbed a towel, but Ji Yang suddenly shouted, "Don’t move!"

"Master, don’t move!!"

Gong Wu, facing away from the screen, grew anxious. "What did you see?!"

"Come here, it’s fine, Master is facing away from you," Ji Yang called her over. "Look closely at the right side of his shoulder blade!"

Tu Xuixin hesitated to move, growing anxious. "I don’t have any strange patterns on my back, do I?"

"Just moles, nothing unusual," Ji Yang said, lifting a very faint piece of paper on Master’s right shoulder. "But there is a Paper Person."

Gong Wu also leaned in to look, noticing a nearly transparent small Paper Person tightly adhered to Master’s right shoulder, and… a tiny corner had even embedded into the skin.

"Use the Curse of Exorcism to remove it," Tu Xuixin said without hesitation. "Use my shoulder; if that doesn’t work, just cut away the whole piece of flesh."

Ji Yang held his breath, silently reciting the incantation, carefully extracting the majority of the Paper Person along with the small edge that had merged into the skin.

Once the Paper Person was completely removed, all three individuals let out a sigh of relief.

That was a close call!

If they hadn’t spotted this Paper Person, who knows what kind of consequences could have followed!

If it had fully melded into Master’s body, and if it activated a curse in the future, Master would have been the next victim, suffocated by notes in his veins!

If it had really manipulated Master’s spiritual intelligence, quietly causing harm in subtle ways, or if it obscured his mind during crucial moments, who knows how many disasters would arise!

Last time Gong Wu discovered the Paper Person, there was open air all around, and when the scraps scattered with a clap, there was barely any evidence left behind.

Now, surrounded by multiple solid barriers, even if the Paper Person could float away freely, it couldn’t escape through the cracks.

Tu Xuixin quickly put on his clothes, taking the stiff Paper Person that Ji Yang had been holding and examining it closely.

"How strange, the silhouette he cut… looks exactly like mine."

"Could there be paper-cutting cultivators? Puppet cultivators? Or some other sorcery we don’t know about?"

"No, wait a moment." Ji Yang pressed down on his shoulder and said urgently, "Your brother is not dead."

"Your brother is in the Southern Abyss of the Demon Realm, and he is a respected official, having secret dealings with the Abyss Master."

"Master, could it be that your brother is—targeting you?!"

Tu Xuixin froze in place, appearing on the verge of tears yet also smiling.

"He really let go," Tu Xuixin murmured. "I almost… just almost…"

Almost carelessly pushed two of his disciples into an irreversible deadlock!

If Ji Yang hadn’t been lucky, how could he have escaped from the Demon Realm!

He gripped the Paper Person so tightly that he nearly turned it to mush.

Fortunately, the magic had secured the thin paper early on, preventing any accidents.

Now, the Paper Person served as the most direct evidence, and they could use it to trace back to the location of the spellcaster.

Next time they ventured into the Demon Realm, it would be the perfect guiding stone.

At this moment, Ji Yang slowly sat down and took a deep breath.

"Master, you have no idea how happy I am right now."

He had fine beads of sweat on his forehead, feeling completely relieved from his heart knot.

"That’s great! It really wasn’t you."