PID Chapter 81

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Once again kofi thanks to Pixi!!

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Tian Ge Sect’s Lie Ying had come rushing in for an answer and, clearly having no intention of lingering, left just as quickly. However, the person now standing before them didn’t seem in a hurry to leave. Instead, he smiled and said, “Looking closely, I would have thought the two of you were blood relatives. I didn’t expect you to be Dao companions.”

 

With that, he finally cupped his hands in a polite gesture and introduced himself: “I am Wen Qing Shui of Lingxiao Sect.”

 

Lingxiao Sect—another leading sect within the Immortal Alliance. Two visitors in a row from such influential sects made it clear that while Chu Jinglan had joined Yingyue Sect, the Immortal Alliance wasn’t sitting idly by. Unable to recruit him directly, they had turned to marriage alliances instead.

 

Speaking of Lingxiao Sect, Jun Bushu was also one of their members. If he planned to enter the Nine Secret Treasure Tower as well, he should have already arrived since they had all departed from Rainbow Butterfly Town around the same time.

 

For now, representatives from various sects and families were still arriving sporadically at the Wang family’s territory. Some disciples were traveling or stationed elsewhere and would arrive later depending on their proximity. Wen Qing Shui was likely one of those who had come directly after receiving the news.

 

Wen Qing Shui carried himself with elegance and spoke with measured composure. However, unlike Jun Bushu—who moved slowly with his hands tucked into his sleeves and exuded a sickly yet sharp aura—Wen Qing Shui’s demeanor was calm because of his confidence. His steady gaze reflected someone who always felt in control.

 

Yue Ming crossed his arms and gave him a sidelong glance. “You’ve asked your question already. Why are you still here? Hoping for a cup of tea?”

 

“I only beat you once last time,” Wen Qing Shui replied with a shake of his head and a sigh. “Surely that’s no reason for you to act like a firecracker every time you see me. You’ve beaten me before too.”

 

Yue Ming bared his teeth in irritation before turning to Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo. “Don’t be fooled by how proper he looks—he’s not exactly a true gentleman. He’s full of schemes. If he really wanted to know whether you’re Dao companions, he could’ve just asked Jun Bushu instead of coming here himself.”

 

“How is one not a gentleman when conducting oneself properly?” Wen Qing Shui replied without losing his temper, maintaining an air of good-natured patience. He then addressed Chu Jinglan: “Jun Bushu sent me a message saying that the two of you might be able to help him overcome his tribulation. As his senior brother, it’s only natural for me to visit and thank you both in advance.”

 

Wen Qing Shui and Jun Bushu were disciples under the same master, though their cultivation paths were entirely different—Jun Bushu’s talent for divination was rare and unmatched.

 

Smiling politely, Wen Qing Shui added: “Besides, saying a few words here gives me something to report back later.” He then offered some advice out of goodwill: “Since joining Yingyue Sect, there have been more than just two or three families considering marriage alliances with you. However, after my visit along with Lie Ying from Tian Ge Sect, I believe others will think twice before coming to bother you.”

 

After finishing his statement, Wen Qing Shui cupped his hands again in a courteous farewell before strolling away at an unhurried pace.

 

Yue Ming watched him leave with an exaggerated grin before turning back to Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan. “There are some things that will definitely be mentioned again when our sect leaders arrive with the main group—but since people from other sects are already coming by so quickly, let me give you an early heads-up.”

 

“A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Once the geniuses of various sects enter a secret realm, if they end up isolated, the risks they face will multiply exponentially. Sometimes, certain factions even form teams not to compete for treasures but specifically to hunt down the talents of rival sects,” Yue Ming explained.

 

If possible, every sect would prefer to keep their prodigies tied to their waistbands, shielding them from all danger. But no cultivator can avoid trials—temperament and combat skills must be honed through experience. Even the most pampered geniuses cannot be raised as sheltered birds in gilded cages.

 

“The Immortal Alliance has done this to the Cloud Peak Six Sects before, and the Cloud Peak Six Sects have done it to the Immortal Alliance. Other factions are no different,” Yue Ming continued, his expression darkening as he spoke of these grim realities. “Of course, within the Immortal Alliance, sects compete for dominance, and within the Six Sects, each one wants to be the top sect. Even among their own people, these kinds of things happen. The cultivation world is full of danger—survival of the fittest.”

 

Xiao Mo looked at Yue Ming with surprise. Yue Ming crossed his arms and said, “Why are you looking at me like that? I may be combative, but I’m not stupid.”

 

“I didn’t think that,” Xiao Mo replied. “I just noticed your expression—you’ve suffered from this yourself?”

 

Yue Ming rubbed the hilt of his sword and said grimly: “When I was at Golden Core stage, I encountered a large-scale ambush in a secret realm. In short, once we enter the Nine Secret Treasure Tower, we need to quickly regroup with our leaders and avoid trusting anyone who suddenly shows up in front of us. Chu Jinglan is undoubtedly the most dazzling talent among all the young prodigies in the cultivation world right now.”

 

After finishing his warning, Yue Ming carried his sword back to his quarters. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan returned to their room as well. The lesson about being cautious in secret realms wasn’t new to them—they had learned it well during their journey from the Lower Realm.

 

Xiao Mo thought for a moment. Since there was still some time before the Nine Secret Treasure Tower opened, he decided to raise his outward aura to Golden Core stage. This way, he wouldn’t appear so weak and stand out unnecessarily.

 

Chu Jinglan nodded in approval.

 

“As for the Dao companion mark,” Xiao Mo added, “if it helps you avoid trouble for now, let’s keep it. If you ever find someone you truly care about in the future, you can just say I was your shield. Once enough time has passed, it’ll be easy to explain.”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t respond verbally, so Xiao Mo assumed he agreed. What Xiao Mo didn’t know was that Chu Jinglan’s thoughts at that moment were:

 

My true heart’s desire is already standing right in front of me.

 

There was one thing Xiao Mo hadn’t mentioned—his identity wouldn’t remain as an inner demon forever.

 

Originally, Xiao Mo had planned to leave some messages for Chu Jinglan before departing and then return to check on him someday. But as more of his memories unlocked, he found himself uncertain.

 

First, it seemed he had implicated Chu Jinglan in some way; second, his past actions had been extremely dangerous.

 

Given these new circumstances, some of his previous plans were no longer viable. However, there was one thing he could do regardless of whether his memories were fully restored.

 

He needed to find an opportunity to gauge Chu Jinglan’s attitude toward overcoming his inner demon tribulation.

 

If Xiao Mo could sacrifice himself willingly for Chu Jinglan’s tribulation, it would be far simpler—but tribulations can only be overcome by the original body itself. If Xiao Mo couldn’t return later and simply told Chu Jinglan You can kill me—it won’t hurt me, would Chu Jinglan believe him?

 

There’s no better time than now—the topic flows naturally from their conversation. Xiao Mo continued speaking while carefully observing Chu Jinglan’s expression: “When you reach Divided Spirit stage or even Great Perfection—or perhaps when you become Return to Void—by then, if you say something like this yourself, others will surely believe you.”

 

At these words, Chu Jinglan’s face suddenly changed.

 

Without overcoming his inner demon tribulation, advancing to Great Perfection was impossible.

 

Xiao Mo kept his gaze fixed on Chu Jinglan and took note of every shift in his expression. He couldn’t help but feel moved—Chu Jinglan’s reaction proved that their bond wasn’t one-sided. Chu Jinglan truly regarded him as a close friend as well.

 

Xiao Mo softened his voice amidst Chu Jinglan’s sudden shift in aura: “Chu Jinglan, you’ve noticed it too, haven’t you? I’m quite special, aren’t I?”

 

Chu Jinglan’s hands clenched tightly into fists. He didn’t understand why Xiao Mo was suddenly talking about future cultivation levels or what hidden meaning might lie behind his words. His entire body tensed in that instant, like a vigilant beast that had been provoked, emitting a low growl of resistance from deep within his bones.

 

Xiao Mo kept his gaze steady and calm, sensing Chu Jinglan’s unease. He spoke carefully and gently: “I have a feeling that even if you overcome your inner demon tribulation, I won’t be harmed. Perhaps… I might exist in a different form.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s tone and expression turned icy cold: “No evidence—just a feeling?”

 

Xiao Mo’s eyes flickered slightly. “Some unique beings are born with an intuition. I—”

 

“It’s impossible to gamble your life on something as vague as intuition.”

 

Chu Jinglan interrupted him sharply, nearly digging into his palms with his nails: “I don’t want to talk about this.”

 

“…But the inner demon tribulation must be overcome eventually.”

 

Chu Jinglan stared at him, speaking each word with deliberate weight: “What if I refuse to overcome it?”

 

Xiao Mo opened his mouth but found himself speechless. His first attempt at probing had been unexpectedly successful—he completely understood Chu Jinglan’s stance now. For the sake of Xiao Mo’s life, Chu Jinglan was willing to give up overcoming his tribulation.

 

[Ding! Mental attack successful. Points +1000!]

 

This time, Xiao Mo wasn’t confused by the system notification: Ah… oh no, he’s really upset.

 

He felt deeply moved and grateful but also conflicted—an overwhelming mix of emotions. As he looked into Chu Jinglan’s eyes, Xiao Mo found himself momentarily unable to speak.

 

With such strong resistance from Chu Jinglan, ordinary fabricated explanations would never convince him. How am I supposed to handle this?

 

—

 

The next day, light snow fell over the Wang family’s territory. The previous night’s snowfall had accumulated on Pine Hill Estate, blanketing everything in silver and adorning the landscape with shimmering ice crystals—a beautiful sight. After the snow stopped, Xiao Mo sat at the stone table in the courtyard, clearing the snow off the table and chairs with a sense of melancholy.

 

The courtyard gate was left open when Yue Ming rushed in energetically: “I’ve thought of a great idea! Chu Jinglan, come spar with me—wait, where is he?”

 

The courtyard was empty except for Xiao Mo sitting alone at the table. It was unusual for Chu Jinglan not to be by his side.

 

Xiao Mo sighed softly: “He’s inside.”

 

“Not practicing sword techniques or keeping you company—is he meditating?” Yue Ming asked curiously.

 

Xiao Mo glanced toward the house briefly: “I don’t know.”

 

Yue Ming picked up on something unusual and asked cautiously: “Did something happen?”

 

“I made him angry,” Xiao Mo admitted. “I spent all night thinking about it but still haven’t figured out how to explain.”

“Angry?” Yue Ming asked in surprise. “Then—”

 

Before he could finish speaking, the sound of a door opening interrupted him. Chu Jinglan strode out of the house and walked directly to Xiao Mo’s side. With a flick of his hands, he shook out a snow-white, soft fur cloak. Judging by its texture, it seemed to be made from the pelt of some spirit beast—fluffy, warm, and incredibly comfortable.

 

Chu Jinglan swiftly draped the cloak over Xiao Mo’s shoulders, tying the strings quickly but gently. Without saying a word, he turned around and walked back into the house, closing the door behind him.

 

It wasn’t a slam—just a calm, steady closure. The door shut quietly, not even disturbing the snow piled on the roof.

 

Yue Ming: “…”

 

Xiao Mo, now bundled up in the plush cloak with his cheeks nestled against the soft fur, reached out to touch it. His expression grew even more melancholic.

 

Cultivators weren’t affected by ordinary cold or heat unless it was extreme. The temperature from this light snowfall was hardly unbearable. Yue Ming glanced at Xiao Mo wrapped snugly in the cloak and then at the table beside him: there was a small hand warmer radiating heat, a cup of spiritual tea kept warm with spiritual energy, and an assortment of spiritual snacks and dried fruits.

 

At first glance, it looked like someone leisurely enjoying tea and snacks while admiring the snow.

 

Yue Ming’s eyelid twitched as he pointed at the items on the table. “Chu Jinglan prepared all this?”

 

Xiao Mo softly stroked the cloak. “Mm.”

 

“If you hadn’t said anything, I would’ve thought he was the one who upset you and is now trying to coax you with good food and drink,” Yue Ming remarked knowingly. “Alright then, no big deal—I’ve never seen someone act so ‘angry’ like this before. He really is something.”

 

Xiao Mo sighed faintly. “You don’t understand—the problem is very big.”

 

Yue Ming tapped his fingers against the table. “Care to explain?”

 

Xiao Mo hesitated before replying: “It’s not something I can easily share with outsiders.”

 

How would I even explain? That I want him to kill me but he refuses? Saying that out loud would make people think I’ve lost my mind.

 

Yue Ming casually picked up a piece of pastry and popped it into his mouth. The treat was soft, fragrant, and filled with spiritual energy. After swallowing it, he commented: “The pastries are good—no hidden sand or tricks in them. My review is complete. This is just a typical lover’s quarrel; fight at the head of the bed and make up at its foot. I won’t interfere.”

 

Feeling reassured, Yue Ming called toward the house: “Chu Jinglan! Come out and spar with me!”

 

For a moment, there was no response from inside. Then, after a brief pause, the door slowly opened again. Chu Jinglan stepped out with his sword in hand.

 

However, his gaze first landed on Xiao Mo. His lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say something but then pressed tightly together as he looked away instead. Turning to Yue Ming, he said simply: “Let’s go.”

 

The two walked to the center of the courtyard while Xiao Mo remained seated at the stone table. Though he didn’t feel cold, he thought for a moment before picking up the hand warmer anyway and quietly watching them spar.

 

Yue Ming had initially assumed that whatever argument had occurred wouldn’t affect their sparring session—but he quickly realized he was wrong. Today, Chu Jinglan’s moves were particularly fierce; his strikes were sharper and more ruthless than usual.

 

At first caught off guard by this intensity, Yue Ming soon brightened up with excitement. For someone like him who thrived in battle, this was exactly what he wanted!

 

Moreover, while Chu Jinglan’s attacks were more aggressive than usual, they weren’t reckless—each move remained precise and masterful.

 

The snow had stopped falling from the sky long ago, but their sword energy stirred up loose snow on the ground into swirling flurries. Chu Jinglan moved with agility and grace—like a crane stepping lightly across snowy mud.

 

Last night, Xiao Mo had spent hours contemplating how to approach their conversation but ultimately found no solution. Instead, he unlocked another chain in his sea of consciousness and retrieved another memory.

 

Though not critical to any grand schemes or plans, this memory depicted him sparring with Chu Jinglan in their past life. Their sword styles had been entirely different but equally formidable.

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help recalling how Chu Jinglan had fought him after recovering his Nascent Soul cultivation in this life—their duel between original body and inner demon had been exhilarating. Whether it was sword in their past life or flute in this one, every match against Chu Jinglan left Xiao Mo feeling utterly satisfied by their skillful exchanges.

 

Xiao Mo held the hand warmer, the chill of his fingertips gradually replaced by warmth. He asked the system, “You said I wasn’t supposed to be an inner demon—what was I meant to be?”

 

“Before you lost your memory, you specifically instructed that this time you didn’t want Chu Jinglan involved in the mission. You wanted to handle things on your own, so the identities prepared for you were all unrelated to Chu Jinglan.”

 

Xiao Mo watched Chu Jinglan’s sword clash with Yue Ming’s and replied, “Yet I ended up as an inner demon.”

 

“That’s because the broken remnants of the old Heaven’s Will interfered when it detected your transmigration,” the system explained, its tone tinged with frustration. “It didn’t want you to succeed in crossing over. When it realized it couldn’t stop you entirely, it tampered with your identity instead. This time, I failed to block its interference.”

 

“I had no choice but to immediately apply for a sub-quest tailored to your inner demon identity, ensuring that you wouldn’t truly die but would instead receive a new identity reward upon completing the sub-quest.”

 

It was clear that the system had done its best in this tug-of-war.

 

“Becoming an inner demon meant making Chu Jinglan hate me, forcing him to kill me with his own hands—a fate where killing would also destroy his heart,” Xiao Mo murmured softly as he watched Chu Jinglan’s figure amidst the snowy landscape. “It seems Heaven’s Will really despises us.”

 

In the snow-covered courtyard, Chu Jinglan’s sword pressed against Yue Ming’s neck—the outcome was decided.

 

By the end of their sparring session, Yue Ming was practically holding his breath. Now that they had stopped fighting, he exhaled deeply and pressed a hand against his chest. Glancing at Chu Jinglan, he muttered under his breath: “Alright, I believe you’re angry—your aura is terrifying.”

 

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Chu Jinglan might be on the verge of breaking through to mid-stage Nascent Soul. No way… seriously? Is he really advancing this fast?

 

Yue Ming shook out his arms and grinned: “Ha! But it was a great fight.”

 

He strode straight toward the stone table, intending to grab a cup of spiritual tea. Meanwhile, Chu Jinglan remained standing where he was—neither moving forward nor staying back.

 

It wasn’t until Xiao Mo gave him a gentle smile and a subtle signal with those moonlit eyes of his that Chu Jinglan finally relented.

 

Pressing his knuckles lightly, Chu Jinglan eventually took slow steps toward Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo poured a cup of spiritual tea and handed it to Chu Jinglan. But instead of taking it immediately, Chu Jinglan lowered his gaze and looked at him.

 

Xiao Mo said softly: “I won’t bring up yesterday’s matter anymore.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s eyes flickered slightly before he finally spoke: “Really?”

 

Xiao Mo held out the tea with a bright smile: “Yes. Take a sip and calm down—don’t stay mad.”

 

Looking into Xiao Mo’s cheerful eyes, Chu Jinglan felt his shoulders—tense from an entire night of frustration—finally relax. He reached out and accepted the tea from Xiao Mo’s hands. In the snowy weather, a single sip of hot tea could warm him all the way through.

 

[Ding! Mental attack successful. Points +1000!]

 

This time, it wasn’t anger but relief—the tension in his spirit had finally eased.

 

Yue Ming stood nearby, smiling silently. See? These two don’t have any real problems. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone stay mad in such a clingy and awkward way. Tsk.

 

Xiao Mo, on the other hand, was thinking: If I truly can’t stay with Chu Jinglan for much longer, then during the time I do have left, there’s no need to make him unhappy or lower his spirits.

 

But the inner demon tribulation must be overcome.

 

I’ll find a way to minimize its impact on Chu Jinglan, Xiao Mo thought. After all, as his friend, I care about his feelings too.

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter