rule 12

Chapter 1 Wedge

The Ziwei Ruins had been open for several days now, and the number of cultivators lingering at the entrance had only increased.

A group of new arrivals hurriedly approached, but were quickly stopped by some well-meaning peers.

"Hold up, fellow cultivators! You shouldn't go in right now! The major sects are currently working together to hunt down the Jade Demon, Bai Siyao. You might get caught in the crossfire and suffer the consequences."

The young cultivator who had just arrived turned pale with shock. "The Jade Demon is here too? What is that demoness planning this time?"

"Of course, she's after the treasures of the Immortal Palace. It's said that there's an ancient relic inside the Ziwei Ruins called the Mirror of Reincarnation, capable of moving mountains, stirring seas, and defying the heavens themselves. If it falls into the wrong hands, rivers of blood will flow, and the world will be thrown into chaos."

This grim declaration made the young cultivator's heart tighten. "If such a powerful treasure is seized by that demoness, won't the entire cultivation world be thrown into turmoil?"

"Exactly! That's why all the major sects have stationed people at the entrance, determined to kill Bai Siyao within the ruins."

Cultivators who were too fearful to enter but unwilling to leave gathered around, discussing the situation.

"That demoness has committed countless atrocities. She should've been killed long ago."

"Indeed. I've heard she lost her parents when she was young and only survived thanks to her clan's protection. But when she perfected her cultivation, the first thing she did was wipe out her entire clan—even the family dog didn't escape."

"Remember Zhou Yuehuai from the Seven Stars Sect? Back when that demoness was still at Danxia Palace, they were close friends. Who knows what she did to offend her, but in the end, her entire sect was annihilated."

"The most tragic case has to be Immortal Lord Ning of Danxia Palace. He was relentlessly pursued by that demoness. Refusing to submit to her, he was struck by her treachery, causing his meridians to reverse, nearly driving him mad. To this day, he still hasn't fully recovered and endures constant torment."

One after another, tales of her crimes were shared, so many they were impossible to fully recount.

An older cultivator sighed deeply upon hearing these stories. "Speaking of which, I saw her in her early years when she was still known as Jade Immortal. She was the beloved disciple of the Danxia Palace Master, with unparalleled talent and breathtaking beauty. The 'Jade' in her name suited her perfectly. Who could have known she would end up like this..."

The Jade Immortal became the Jade Demon, and those who had once admired and pursued her now burned with righteous fury, eager to see her destroyed.

But how did it come to this? It all began when Bai Siyao became a disciple of Danxia Palace.

"Bai Siyao successfully passed the Heaven's Road trial and caught the eye of Master Cen, who accepted her as his final disciple. At that time, she was the talk of the entire cultivation world. The Heaven's Road of Danxia Palace only produces one successful disciple every ten years, and each one has been a prodigy in both talent and temperament. These disciples go on to become pillars of Danxia Palace."

"And sure enough, Bai Siyao built her foundation upon entering the sect and reached the Golden Core stage within twenty years, nearly matching Immortal Lord Ning's record. Everyone believed she would be the next prodigy of Danxia Palace."

"Then how did she fall into demonic cultivation?" the young cultivator asked, puzzled. Danxia Palace was one of the three great sects, and as the final disciple of Master Cen, her future should have been nothing short of brilliant. There seemed no reason for her to turn to demonic practices.

The older cultivator sighed again. "It was fate, a twisted one at that. She happened to encounter Immortal Lord Ning."

"So, the rumors were true?" A knowledgeable cultivator raised an eyebrow. "That demoness and Immortal Lord Ning once..."

Before he could finish, a devotee of Immortal Lord Ning cut him off angrily. "Nonsense! Immortal Lord Ning had nothing to do with her. It was all her one-sided obsession!"

"Exactly! She shamelessly pursued Immortal Lord Ning, but he never reciprocated. Don't slander him by implying otherwise!"

Ning Yanzhi, the current Master of Danxia Palace, was born with a sword spirit and was the number one sword cultivator of his time. From a young age, he had been a genius admired and respected by countless men and women. No one would tolerate any disrespect toward him.

"Calm down! We didn't mean any disrespect; we were just discussing the past."

"Indeed, everyone knows that Immortal Lord Ning is above reproach. We had no intention of defaming him."

After smoothing things over, the bored cultivators continued their gossip.

"After Bai Siyao became Master Cen's disciple, she and Immortal Lord Ning became fellow disciples. With his peerless grace, it's no surprise she developed feelings for him after spending so much time together. But Immortal Lord Ning was solely focused on the Dao and paid her no attention. In her frustration, Bai Siyao's heart turned dark, and she cast a love gu curse on him."

"Fortunately, Immortal Lord Ning was vigilant and exposed her treachery. He asked Master Cen to expel her from the sect. Bai Siyao, deeply agitated, feigned remorse and took the opportunity to strike Immortal Lord Ning with a sneak attack. The blow shattered his sword heart, leaving a lasting wound."

The storyteller let out a long sigh. "After this, Immortal Lord Ning's sword heart was broken, nearly driving him mad. Bai Siyao used the chaos to escape Danxia Palace and became a traitor to the sect. Master Cen, heartbroken over the loss of his two beloved disciples, passed away soon after."

These old tales, when contrasted with the present, only deepened the sense of tragedy.

"Love truly is a harmful thing. If Bai Siyao hadn't succumbed to her desires, imagine the glory Danxia Palace would have achieved today. Immortal Lord Ning, free from the injury to his sword heart, would have reached even greater heights, and Danxia Palace would surely have become the foremost of the three great sects."

"If they had reciprocated each other's feelings, it would have been a love story for the ages. A matchless genius and a peerless beauty—a perfect pair! But alas, the goddess had feelings, yet the king had no dreams."

"Bah! Stop spewing nonsense. With that demoness's twisted nature, does she deserve such a comparison?"

"In that case, doesn't it make her even more despicable? She nearly brought Danxia Palace to ruin."

"Women can never accomplish anything. Their heads are always filled with love and lust, and she even fell into demonic cultivation because of it! How disgraceful!"

This remark immediately sparked outrage among the female cultivators present. "Bai Siyao's low character is her own fault. What does that have to do with all women?" "Even if Bai Siyao has committed countless sins, she's still the leader of the demonic path. And what great achievements have you made?"

"As if men don't lose their heads over jealousy and rivalry. Haven't we seen you lot fighting over lovers just as much?"

In the midst of the quarrel, the ground suddenly shook violently.

"Not good, the barrier is about to break!"

The cultivators stopped arguing and scattered in panic.

The disciples guarding the entrance of the ruins rushed forward under the guidance of their elders, using their powers to reinforce the barrier.

But it was too late. The barrier covering the ruins trembled and then shattered with a deafening crash.

A beam of purple light shot into the sky, only to be intercepted by several figures.

As the light dispersed, the silhouette of a woman in purple was revealed.

Her graceful figure and jade-like features stood out as she floated in the air, her robes billowing around her like a celestial being descended to earth. Her demeanor was so ethereal that she seemed more fitting of her old title, the Jade Immortal, than the fearsome demoness she had become.

"Bai Siyao," a handsome young man in green robes and a bamboo crown blocked her path, "as a traitor to your sect, surrender and come back with me to Danxia Palace to face your punishment!"

Despite the fierce battle she had just endured, the female demon appeared completely at ease, the slight trace of blood on her sleeve only adding to her air of carefree elegance.

Her gaze lingered on the young man's face before the corner of her mouth curved into a smile. "So, Senior Brother Huo, you're the one leading the group today. And what of Senior Brother Ning? Doesn't he want to kill me himself?"

"I don't deserve to be called your senior brother," Huo Chongxiao, the head of Danxia Palace, said coldly. "There's no need for Senior Brother Ning to dirty his hands. Besides, he has no desire to see you."

Bai Siyao let out a light laugh, her smile mocking. "I figured he wouldn't want to see me."

Before anyone could decipher the meaning behind her words, she flicked her sleeve, and a brilliant light erupted from her body. A gleaming ancient mirror flew out, radiating golden light.

"You all keep saying that you're after this, right? Well, here it is. Come and take it if you can."

With those nonchalant words, shards of jade filled the air like falling snow, and a sudden, fierce wind swept through the crowd.

Chapter 2 Youth

"An illegitimate child, pretending to be chaste! Bring it to me!"

Before she was fully awake, Bai Siyao was shoved to the ground with great force, the item in her hand snatched away in an instant.

She rubbed her ears, thinking to herself, Who dares act so insolent in front of me? If I don't destroy your entire family, I would be unworthy of my title as the demon lord, cursed by the world for over a thousand years!

Her gaze lifted and met the eyes of a young man filled with malice. She paused, her expression turning odd.

"Big brother?"

The young man, busy inspecting the spiritual talisman, responded without even looking up. "Big brother? Do you think you're worthy of calling me that? Look in a mirror first!"

"Exactly," echoed one of his lackeys, emboldened by his master's arrogance. "Address him as 'Young Master'!"

The lackey then gently reminded the young man, "Young Master, 'chaste and virtuous' doesn't really apply here. She's just a girl, not some village woman being abducted."

"Is that so?" The young man pondered for a moment, "Then should I say 'pure as jade'?"

"Not quite..." The lackey gave up correcting him. Fine, let him say whatever he wants. As long as he's happy.

Bai Siyao was momentarily speechless, her gaze sweeping around the room. The familiar yet strange surroundings caught her eye.

A wide hall, rows of orderly desks, and at the center, three flamboyant words written on a plaque: Wen Dao Xin.

Though a thousand years had passed, she recognized it instantly. This was the Bai family's academy, where she had once studied Daoist arts until she left home at fourteen. And the young man before her was none other than her cousin, Bai Mengxing, who had always enjoyed bullying her.

So, what happened? Had she been pulled into an illusion of her youth by the Reincarnation Mirror?

No, that didn't make sense. Illusions usually targeted one's inner weaknesses. The Bai family had long since turned to ashes; she no longer had any attachment to it.

As her thoughts wandered, Bai Mengxing finished rifling through her things, stuffed the spiritual talismans into his pocket, and beckoned his lackeys. "Let's go!"

But before leaving, he didn't forget to warn her, "If you dare tell the teacher, you're finished!"

Bai Siyao: "..."

She remembered now. This was something that had happened in her final year with the Bai family.

Because her parents had passed away when she was young, she was often bullied, especially by her cousin, Bai Mengxing, who would steal her work whenever he couldn't complete his own.

Those spiritual talismans were due for class the next day, and every part of the process—from crafting the talisman paper to preparing the ink—had to be done by hand. It was time-consuming and laborious, and now that Bai Mengxing had taken hers, there was no way she could redo them in time overnight.

A thousand years had blurred her memory, but she faintly recalled what happened next. Oh, that's right. She had left a mark on the talismans, and during the teacher's inspection, Bai Mengxing had made a fool of himself, much to the displeasure of his father.

Her uncle, Bai Dingchang, was a hypocrite—righteous on the surface but a conniving schemer underneath. He had remained outwardly calm, but secretly manipulated events so that when the emissaries from Danxia Palace came to recruit disciples, she had made a fool of herself in front of them, missing her chance to enter the prestigious sect. It was that incident that had forced her to risk her life on the Treacherous Road to Heaven.

As these memories surfaced, Bai Siyao sighed.

Her retaliation had been clever, but she had been too young to realize the most important truth: it didn't matter whether someone had evidence to accuse her. Malice between people didn't need proof, nor did it need reason.

The world claimed she had razed her family to the ground over a minor grievance. Most of those rumors were false, but one thing was true: she had endured plenty of injustice within the Bai family. But in the real world, she had already endured enough. This was just an illusion—there was no reason to continue suffering. After being a demon lord for over a thousand years, Bai Siyao had long forgotten what it felt like to endure.

Bai Mengxing, now carrying a pocket full of spiritual talismans, whistled happily.

He knew Bai Siyao would have finished her work, and now he didn't have to worry about tomorrow's assignment. That wretched girl! No parents, no background—who knew if she was even a real member of the Bai family. She always acted so arrogant, as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. What was there to be proud of? It's not like being the teacher's pet would get her anywhere. When it came to real Daoist abilities, he was the one with true talent!

As Bai Mengxing was lost in thought, he suddenly stumbled, falling face-first into the ground with a loud thud.

"Young Master!" His lackey hurried to help him up.

The fall wasn't light—Bai Mengxing had landed hard on his knees, which immediately turned blue, and his nose, smashed against the floor, began bleeding profusely.

He touched his face, panicking. "Blood… blood…!"

The lackey quickly pinched his nose, "Don't move, Young Master, it'll stop soon."

Although Bai Mengxing was inept, he had already reached the stage of drawing Qi into his body. A bit of nosebleed was nothing serious, and it quickly stopped.

He wiped his face carelessly and then turned angrily toward Bai Siyao, shouting, "You wretched girl, did you do this? Oh, you dared to trick your elder brother! I'll tell the teacher right away!"

Bai Mengxing was always like this. Whenever he felt embarrassed, he would shift the blame onto someone else. Normally, Bai Siyao would deny it, they'd argue, and it would end when he had vented his frustration.

But this time, Bai Siyao calmly admitted, "Yes, I did. So what?"

She added thoughtfully, "By the way, you mixed up your words again. It's not 'chaste and virtuous,' it's 'respect for elders.' If you can't even get these terms right, what will happen when you practice Daoist techniques? You might end up reversing your meridians by mistake. You'd better go back and read more, instead of causing trouble. Otherwise, it'll be dangerous if you practice the wrong technique."

Bai Mengxing hadn't expected her to be so bold. He froze, then his anger flared. "How dare you! You're just an illegitimate child! If it weren't for the family's charity, you would have died outside long ago. Now you dare lay hands on me? If I don't teach you a lesson, you won't understand why the flowers bloom! Catch her!"

His lackeys, fueled by an unspoken excitement, charged toward Bai Siyao like feral dogs.

But Bai Siyao stood still. As they reached her, one by one, they tripped and crashed into the surrounding tables and chairs.

The lackeys, thinking they had been tripped by each other, blamed one another before getting back up and trying again, only to tumble into a heap once more.

Even the most foolish could tell something was wrong.

Bai Mengxing shouted, "You wretched girl, what have you done?"

Bai Siyao innocently spread her hands. "I'm just standing here, minding my own business. How can you accuse me of anything, big brother?"

Bai Mengxing wouldn't believe it. His earlier fall was proof enough! "You—" He took two steps forward, only to stumble again and nearly knock out his teeth.

Realizing that his lackeys were useless, Bai Siyao smiled and walked toward him step by step. Bai Mengxing finally felt a pang of fear and, trying to sound fierce, warned her, "If you dare touch me, I'll tell my father! Someone! Help!"

But since he had already sent everyone away to steal her things, no one was coming.

"Stop! Don't hit me! You wretched girl! You illegitimate child! Ugh... it hurts... I'm sorry, stop… please!"

Fifteen minutes later, Bai Siyao walked out of the academy, feeling refreshed.

She suddenly realized the Reincarnation Mirror was rather thoughtful. It had placed her in this illusion just so she could vent her frustrations. Quite considerate, really.

Chapter 3 The Monster Is Born

The Bai family school was located to the west of the Bai Estate, with its eastern gate leading to the estate's side entrance, and to the west, the largest marketplace in Qingyun City.

Upon leaving the school, Bai Siyao did not return to the estate but headed straight to the bustling market.

Contrary to what many believed, she was a demon with a serene and self-reconciled mind, untroubled by inner demons.

Had her youth been difficult? Well, it was over now, so why dwell on it? With her current cultivation surpassing all expectations, even a simple stomp could send tremors through the cultivation world. As for those who had once bullied her from the Bai family, they had long since turned to dust, not even worthy of a fleeting thought. So, why did this illusion feel so peculiar?

Typically, an illusion had two purposes: either to attack one's mental weaknesses and shatter the Dao heart, or to show the person their deepest desires, ensnaring them.

Yet, for Bai Siyao, this fragment of her past offered neither.

How strange. The Reincarnation Mirror was an ancient treasure, surely it possessed more power than this? Wasn't it said to have the ability to move mountains and seas, to defy the heavens and alter fate? Puzzled, Bai Siyao decided to explore the market. Qingyun City was a vast metropolis where both mortals and immortals lived together, and the more people, the easier it was to spot any flaws.

The market was unexpectedly crowded, with vendors and passersby jostling shoulder to shoulder, their cries for attention filling the air.

As Bai Siyao surveyed the scene, her frown deepened.

She couldn't detect anything wrong—it was as if these people were truly alive.

Could this not be an illusion after all? Then what could it be? A self-contained world within the Reincarnation Mirror? Unable to find an answer, Bai Siyao casually chose a tea stand and sat down to contemplate.

She absentmindedly took a few sips of tea when suddenly, a lively girl's voice reached her ears.

"Senior Brother, we've been walking all day! Let's take a break!"

A familiar male voice replied with a teasing tone, "You just like the look of the tea snacks and want to try them, don't you?"

Caught red-handed, the girl pouted playfully, "Oh, come on!"

The senior brother, half helpless and half indulgent, said, "As if I could say no to you. Order whatever you like—my treat."

With a cheer of delight, the girl eagerly called for the waiter.

Bai Siyao turned her head at the sound and saw a young man and woman sitting at the next table, both dressed in similar apricot-colored robes. The girl, around fifteen or sixteen years old, had delicate, charming features with a hint of youthful innocence. The man—someone Bai Siyao had just seen before closing her eyes—was none other than Huo Chongxiao! But he appeared much younger.

Her first instinct was to cover her face. If Huo Chongxiao had entered the illusion with her, revealing herself now would certainly cause trouble—her cultivation hadn't fully returned yet. But as she continued listening to their conversation, she paused.

She also recognized the young girl. It was Huo Chongxiao's junior sister, Yue Yunqiao. The two had grown up together and were very close. Unfortunately, Yue Yunqiao had died in a demon-hunting mission shortly after joining the sect, a tragedy that had changed Huo Chongxiao's personality forever.

If this man truly was Huo Chongxiao, encountering the junior sister he had longed for would have stirred deeper emotions. Yet, here he was, as lighthearted as ever.

Could it be that he remembered nothing? Or was he, too, part of this illusion? With these questions in mind, Bai Siyao continued to listen closely.

Yue Yunqiao, ever lively, prattled on about the tea snacks before shifting the topic.

"Senior Brother, we've been investigating for days now and still haven't found anything. Is there really a demon in Qingyun City?"

Huo Chongxiao took a sip of tea and replied, "The missing people from the city are all young men, women, or children—the perfect sacrifices for a demon."

"But couldn't it just be human traffickers?"

"You're not wrong, but if it were traffickers, the compass wouldn't have reacted. This was reported by demon hunters—it's likely true."

In the cultivation world, besides the major sects and clans, there were numerous rogue cultivators. Many made a living hunting demons, and when they encountered something beyond their capabilities, they sought help from the sects.

In reality, Bai Siyao had no knowledge of Huo Chongxiao ever coming to Qingyun City at this point in time, nor had she heard of any demon sightings. Was this illusion fabricating events?

A sense of foreboding crept over her.

"In any case, this is highly unusual. We must proceed with caution," Huo Chongxiao said, finishing his tea and paying the bill before leading Yue Yunqiao away.

Bai Siyao thought for a moment, tossed a few coins onto the table, and followed them.

The two left the market and headed south, to the part of the city where people from all walks of life mingled—a densely populated area.

Huo Chongxiao knocked on a door, which was opened by a woman with swollen, red eyes who looked at them in confusion. "Who are you?"

"Ma'am, we were recommended by Immortal Liu," Huo Chongxiao explained. Immortal Liu must have been the demon hunter who reported the case. Realization dawned on the woman, and she quickly gestured for them to enter. "Oh, please come in, Immortals. Forgive the state of our humble home."

Huo Chongxiao smiled politely. "Not at all, thank you for having us."

The door closed behind them.

Bai Siyao, with her weakened abilities, couldn't hear their conversation from outside. After some thought, she pulled out a stack of talismans from her robes, selecting one to fold into a paper crane.

Blowing gently on it, she whispered, "Go."

The crane shimmered with spiritual light, transforming into a small insect that flew to the crack beneath the door, allowing the voices inside to reach her ears.

"Da Ya disappeared that night. It's all my fault. I knew it wasn't safe outside, but I didn't go to fetch her. Now she's gone."

"Which route did she usually take home? What time did she usually return?"

"She always took Goat Horn Street—it's busier near the taverns. Da Ya was such a good girl; she always came home after work, never later than the second watch."

Huo Chongxiao asked a few more questions before requesting one of Da Ya's personal belongings.

The woman, her eyes filled with hope, asked, "Immortals, will my daughter come back?"

Huo Chongxiao fell silent for a moment. "We haven't found any clues yet, so I can't say."

The woman began to sob softly. "People say she was taken and eaten by a monster."

After offering a few words of comfort, Huo Chongxiao and Yue Yunqiao left.

"What now, Senior Brother?" Yue Yunqiao asked.

Huo Chongxiao thought for a moment. "We'll wait until nightfall and summon her spirit."

By this time, the sun was setting. Bai Siyao decided to stick with them instead of returning home, following them from a distance.

The pair retraced Da Ya's route through Goat Horn Street, finally stopping at a deserted corner.

"Senior Brother, I feel a strong presence of yin energy here."

"Then this is the spot. Take out the items."

"Okay."

Yue Yunqiao pulled out her talisman pen and ink while Huo Chongxiao drew a simple summoning circle on the ground.

As night fully descended, he burned the handkerchief taken from the grieving woman in the center of the circle.

Black smoke curled into the air, and the summoning circle began to react. Something invisible gathered around them, but as time passed, no further manifestation occurred. Huo Chongxiao's expression grew increasingly grave.

Bai Siyao's brow furrowed as well. The summoning circle had sensed a presence, which confirmed Da Ya's death. But the fact that no full spirit had appeared after such a long time indicated something unusual.

The Danxia Palace's summoning technique could easily summon the spirit of an ordinary person. If the spirit didn't come, it meant either the soul had been destroyed or it was being held captive.

There really was a demon in Qingyun City!

How dare a demon act so brazenly in the presence of the Great Demon herself?! At that moment, something flickered behind Yue Yunqiao, unnoticed by both her and Huo Chongxiao.

In an instant, Bai Siyao formed an invisible sigil with her fingers and muttered, "Watch out!"

Chapter 4 It's so easy to lie

Upon hearing the sudden voice, both the senior brother and junior sister were startled.

Fortunately, Huo Chongxiao reacted quickly. As soon as he saw the black mist forced out by the incantation, he drew his sword and blocked it. Bai Siyao rushed forward and pulled Yue Yunqiao behind her just in time.

The black mist was swiftly shattered by the sword aura.

Yue Yunqiao, still shaken, instinctively clutched Bai Siyao's sleeve. "Wh-what was that?" she stammered.

"A Chang ghost," Huo Chongxiao replied, still feeling a trace of fear.

A Chang ghost is a vicious soul formed when a person's spirit becomes lost after being harmed by a demon. The term "being a Chang ghost's accomplice" comes from this phenomenon.

This Chang ghost was quite skilled and well-hidden. Had it not been forced to reveal itself, it might have possessed Yue Yunqiao without anyone noticing.

With only basic Qi refinement abilities, Yue Yunqiao had come along to broaden her horizons. If she had truly been possessed, it could have damaged her soul, and the consequences would have been unimaginable! Huo Chongxiao, thinking of this, gratefully glanced at the good-hearted person who had intervened. "Thank you for your assistance, miss... uh..."

To his surprise, it was such a young girl. Why was she wandering the streets at this late hour? Seeing his expression, Bai Siyao was relieved.

It seemed this boy truly didn't recognize her!

Snapping out of his thoughts, Huo Chongxiao apologized, "Forgive my rudeness. I am Huo Chongxiao, a disciple of Danxia Palace. May I ask your name, miss?"

"My surname is Bai. I am the second in my family."

"Are you from the Bai family?"

Receiving confirmation, Huo Chongxiao smiled. "Ah, so you're one of us."

The Bai family was a subordinate clan of Danxia Palace, under its protection and command. They could indeed be considered part of the same faction.

After exchanging names, Yue Yunqiao warmly took her hand. "Miss Bai, thank you so much for earlier! If it weren't for you, I would've been in big trouble!"

When Bai Siyao first joined Danxia Palace, she had gotten along well with Yue Yunqiao. Seeing her now brought back fond memories. She smiled and replied, "No need for thanks, Fairy Yue. I was just passing by."

"Oh, come now, we're all on the same side. No need to call me 'Fairy.' I'm a bit older than you, so why don't you just call me 'Senior Sister'?"

Since she was from the Bai family, Yue Yunqiao assumed Bai Siyao would eventually join Danxia Palace. It didn't hurt to call her Senior Sister in advance.

Feigning hesitation for a moment, Bai Siyao soon agreed.

Addressing each other more familiarly would certainly help build a rapport, right?

After their exchange, Huo Chongxiao, showing concern, asked, "Miss Bai, what are you doing out here alone at this hour? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Looking at the familiar face of Huo Chongxiao, Bai Siyao couldn't help but feel nostalgic. Once upon a time, he had been so kind-hearted. But later, he became solely focused on the great cause of eradicating demons, neglecting everything else. She blamed the death of Yue Yunqiao for the immense blow it had dealt him.

Her eyes shifted as she put on a troubled expression. "I…"

Seeing her pitiful look, Yue Yunqiao immediately patted her chest. "If you need help, just say the word. We'll help you with whatever we can."

Bai Siyao lowered her head and whispered, "It's not a big deal... I just had a little argument with my elder brother at the academy today, and now I'm too scared to go back..."

"What kind of problem is that?" Yue Yunqiao, pampered from a young age, couldn't comprehend. "You're so well-behaved. It must've been your brother's fault. Even if someone gets punished, it'll be him, not you! What are you afraid of?"

Huo Chongxiao, however, detected something more and gently pulled Yue Yunqiao aside. "Junior Sister, every family is different. You can't generalize."

He then turned back to Bai Siyao. "Miss Bai, how about we accompany you back home? You've done us a great favor, so it's only right that we express our gratitude in person. Perhaps your family elders will reconsider punishing you when they see us."

"Really?" Bai Siyao's face lit up briefly, but she quickly tempered her excitement. "That might not be appropriate. You two still have important matters to attend to."

"It's fine, it won't take much time."

Bai Siyao shook her head, her tone considerate. "You just encountered a Chang ghost, so it's likely that a demon has already sensed you. If you delay because of me, it might jeopardize your mission."

Yue Yunqiao, now uncertain, looked to her senior brother for guidance.

After a moment's thought, Huo Chongxiao proposed, "If that's the case, how about you come with us, Miss Bai? If we're lucky and find a key clue, you'll be credited for your help, and your family elders won't hold your earlier offense against you."

"That's a great idea!" Yue Yunqiao clapped her hands. "You're so sensitive to demonic energy, spotting that Chang ghost so quickly. With your help, we'll be much more efficient!"

Bai Siyao smiled. "Really? I won't slow you down?"

"My senior brother is with us—what's there to be afraid of?" Yue Yunqiao encouraged. "If you make a contribution, we'll report it. When you take the entry exam for Danxia Palace, you'll be given priority. How wonderful is that! Right, Senior Brother?"

Huo Chongxiao nodded. This mission was of a low difficulty level, and since Bai Siyao seemed capable, adding her to the team along with Yue Yunqiao didn't seem like an issue.

Bai Siyao gratefully clasped Yue Yunqiao's hand. "Thank you both so much. I'll do my best to help."

She was inwardly delighted. After seeing Huo Chongxiao's stern, battle-hardened demeanor for so long, it was almost refreshing how easily he could be deceived.

The three returned to their task.

Huo Chongxiao collected the remaining demonic energy on a talisman, destroyed the summoning array on the ground, and sighed. "Da Ya has already been killed. Poor girl, her mother must be devastated."

"When did demons start appearing in Qingyun City?" Bai Siyao asked.

"We received a report from a demon hunter last month," Yue Yunqiao replied. "They found evidence of five or six cases, the earliest dating back to three months ago. Given how large Qingyun City is, a few missing people didn't stand out much."

"And these demons are very good at concealing themselves. We couldn't detect any lingering demonic energy around, and if not for the reaction from the compass, we might have been fooled," Huo Chongxiao added, his expression troubled. "We've found traces of demonic energy, but there's so little of it, I'm not sure if it'll be enough to track."

"Let's try it anyway," Yue Yunqiao said. "Senior Brother, I'll stand guard for you."

Huo Chongxiao nodded, taking out an ancient-looking stone lamp and reciting an incantation.

This was Danxia Palace's tracking technique. Bai Siyao understood his concern—given his current level of cultivation, that tiny bit of demonic energy probably wouldn't suffice.

Just as he was about to burn the talisman, she suddenly spoke up. "Young Master Huo, let me hold the lamp for you. If I add my spiritual power, the effect might be stronger."

Huo Chongxiao considered her suggestion and found it reasonable. He handed her the stone lamp.

Bai Siyao held the lamp, discreetly forming a hand seal before injecting her spiritual power into it.

When the talisman tainted with demonic energy neared the lamp, it erupted into flames with a loud "whoosh," releasing a trail of black smoke that pointed in a specific direction.

Huo Chongxiao's eyes lit up. "It worked!"

Feigning excitement, Bai Siyao handed the lamp back to him. "Great! Shall we chase after it?"

Huo Chongxiao identified the direction and took the lead. "Let's go!"

Following behind, Bai Siyao allowed herself a soft smile. After all, she had been cursed as a demon for over a thousand years—such little tricks were child's play for her. Unfortunately, her cultivation had been suppressed heavily, and she had no idea how to restore it.

Chapter 5 Wedding Night

The three of them followed the trail of demonic energy out of the city.

Surrounding every city are sprawling farmlands, supporting the population with their bounty, and Qingyun City was no exception.

They arrived at a farm, guided by the stone lantern, and were startled to hear festive music coming from within.

"A wedding?" they wondered.

"Senior brother, is this where the demonic energy originates?" Yue Yunqiao asked.

Huo Chongxiao glanced at the stone lantern and nodded. "Indeed, the flame burns even brighter than before."

The demonic energy they had tracked was already sparse. The only reason for the increased flame was the presence of a stronger source nearby.

"What should we do?" Bai Siyao asked with an air of naïveté.

"Let's investigate," Huo Chongxiao sighed. "There are many people here. If something happens, it could be a disaster."

Yue Yunqiao firmly agreed, "Senior brother is right. We can't just sit back and do nothing."

Naturally, Bai Siyao had no objections.

Huo Chongxiao extinguished the stone lantern, tidied up his appearance, and suppressed his cultivation, disguising himself as a wandering rogue cultivator.

"Sister, do you have the jade talisman with you?" he asked.

Yue Yunqiao responded by pulling out a jade pendant. "I've got it right here!"

After a moment's thought, Huo Chongxiao produced a string of three copper coins and handed them to Bai Siyao. "Miss Bai, we don't know what we're dealing with yet. This is a protective charm made by my master—keep it with you at all times until we leave. Understood?"

Bai Siyao took the charm, feeling a mix of emotions. Huo Chongxiao used to guard against her, and now she was receiving his protection. It felt strangely surreal.

With everything in order, the three made their way toward the farm.

They were soon noticed by a group of villagers. An old man, flanked by several younger men, approached them. "Please stop here, travelers."

Huo Chongxiao smiled warmly and stepped forward. "Greetings, elder."

He had a dignified appearance and a polite manner that instantly put people at ease. Yet, the old man remained stern, asking, "Where do you hail from, and what brings you here?"

"We are disciples from Yongzhou, traveling under our master's orders. By chance, we found ourselves at your doorstep today. Unfortunately, we missed our intended lodging and were hoping to spend the night here," Huo Chongxiao explained.

"That would be inappropriate," one of the younger men interjected hastily. "We're hosting a wedding tonight, and it wouldn't be proper to entertain guests. You should try the next village."

Huo Chongxiao hesitated, "Well..."

Suddenly, Bai Siyao stumbled, nearly falling.

Yue Yunqiao quickly caught her. "Sister Bai!"

Huo Chongxiao's mind raced, and he blurted out, "My junior sister is ill. I'm afraid she won't be able to travel any further. Please, allow us this small favor."

Bai Siyao's youthful appearance, her pale complexion, and the dim light all made her seem particularly delicate.

After exchanging a few glances, the villagers reluctantly agreed. "Fine. We'll make room for you, but please don't wander outside and disturb the bride."

"Thank you," Huo Chongxiao said gratefully.

They were led to a remote courtyard and settled in a room belonging to the old man's son, who was not home. The old woman of the house brought them hot water and food after they arrived.

Once the door was closed, Huo Chongxiao inspected the room, confirmed there was nothing suspicious, and set up a protective barrier. He exhaled in relief. "We're safe for now."

Yue Yunqiao praised, "Sister Bai, you were quick-witted. If not for you, we wouldn't have made it inside."

Bai Siyao blushed, embarrassed. "I was just hungry and lost my balance…"

"Regardless, we're in now," Yue Yunqiao turned to Huo Chongxiao. "Senior brother, what's our next move?"

The music continued faintly in the distance, indicating that the celebration was taking place far away. The elderly couple's house was positioned to keep an eye on them, and the village seemed to harbor a great deal of suspicion toward them.

"Let's eat first," Huo Chongxiao suggested. "You haven't achieved the state of fasting yet, so you shouldn't go hungry."

Yue Yunqiao pulled out some food from her storage bag, still warm, and shared it with Bai Siyao. Meanwhile, the food brought by the old woman was fed to Huo Chongxiao's spirit bird.

After a brief rest, Huo Chongxiao retrieved several puppets. "Let's go. We're going to take a closer look at this wedding."

He breathed on the puppets, transforming them into replicas of the three. The doppelgängers sat and lounged around the room while Huo Chongxiao used a spell to carve an opening in the wall, creating a hidden passage.

He led the way, followed by Yue Yunqiao and Bai Siyao.

Huo Chongxiao handed them each a paper doll with different designs. "Here, take one."

They infused the paper dolls with their spiritual energy, and each was disguised in a different form.

"This is really useful," Bai Siyao remarked, pretending to be naïve.

"This is just basic puppet technique. You'll learn it once you advance," Yue Yunqiao said with a smile.

Huo Chongxiao's disguise was that of an ordinary man, Yue Yunqiao appeared as a young scholar, and Bai Siyao transformed into a girl in a red jacket, resembling a father with his two children.

Huo Chongxiao picked up a branch, transforming it into a gift box, and with a mischievous grin said, "Come along, children. Let's go crash this wedding."

Yue Yunqiao huffed, "Senior brother, stop teasing us!"

Laughing heartily, Huo Chongxiao led the way toward the sound of the music.

Following behind, Bai Siyao couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It had been so long since Yue Yunqiao passed away that she had almost forgotten what Huo Chongxiao's carefree laughter sounded like. In her memories, he was either out hunting demons or locked away in the training hall. When they did meet, his expression was always grim.

Huo Chongxiao had no part in her grudge with Ning Yanzhi. They barely knew each other, and after she betrayed the sect, there was no reason to explain anything to him. Now, every encounter between them ended in a fight, turning them into enemies.

Watching Huo Chongxiao's lighthearted demeanor now, she almost felt sorry for him. When this illusion ended, would he feel an even deeper sense of loss? Losing someone once was painful enough, but to lose them again after a fleeting reunion—wouldn't that just deepen the wound?

This thought flickered briefly before Bai Siyao shook her head with a bitter smile. How absurd. Shouldn't she be the one most deserving of pity?

The three of them soon arrived at the brightly decorated farmhouse, where drums beat and banners flew. Dozens of banquet tables were set up, and the atmosphere was filled with celebration.

Huo Chongxiao led them to the gift table and presented the box.

The account keeper looked at them suspiciously. "And you are...?"

"Distant relatives," Huo Chongxiao answered with a heavy accent, smiling sheepishly. "We traveled a long way and only just arrived."

"Is that so?" The account keeper turned to inquire, but Huo Chongxiao's expression remained calm and sincere.

With the auspicious hour fast approaching, the account keeper had no choice but to hurriedly accept the gift. "So many guests today—I apologize for the lack of proper hospitality. Please join the others over there for the ceremony."

"Much obliged!" Huo Chongxiao chuckled, guiding his "children" into the crowd.