Chapter 84: Setting off, the Great Hall of Light
This time, Jia Yin finally looked over at them.
Everyone wondered what answer Qiao Wan would give.
Even the other Four Spirits stopped to listen.
Qiao Wan answered cautiously, "We have met a few times."
Jia Yin calmly averted his gaze.
As expected.
"Younger martial sister, our master is very worried about you," said Mu Xiaoxiao nervously tugging at her skirt. "Back then... on the execution platform, our master deeply regretted it. Both our master and Elder Martial Brother thought you were dead. They didn't expect you to still be alive. It's really great!"
Mu Xiaoxiao's gaze fell on the emblem of the Cen family on Qiao Wan's garment, and she smiled, "Let's go back to Kunshan with us..."
"If our master knew that you are now working as a servant in someone else's house... they would feel even more guilty."
"The death of Elder Xiao, I believe younger martial sister didn't mean it. If you're willing to come back with me, we can plead with the Precept Hall together. It's better than being servants here."
The news of Qiao Wan's murder of Elder Xiao, Xiao Zhongyuan, was once again brought to light.
Everyone was astonished. Almost forgetting that Qiao Wan is quite a formidable character.
And, Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at Jia Yin and said, "This person is not a good person."
Even when Demon Emperor Jia Yin was called "not a good person" in front of everyone, he didn't react much.
With Mu Xiaoxiao's words, everyone's gaze fell on Qiao Wan .
They were curious, and wanted to know more.
Mu Xiaoxiao's "sympathetic" gaze made Qiao Wan feel a bit uncomfortable, as if she couldn't survive without Kunshan, and she angrily left the mountain and ended up as a servant maid in a pitiful state.
Avoiding the girl's gaze, Qiao Wan spoke in a distant tone, "I have already left the sect, so I can no longer be called a younger martial sister to a taoist friend."
Mu Xiaoxiao trembled and quickly waved her hand, "I know that younger martial sister, you are upset, but I didn't mean anything else. I sincerely want the best for you, please don't be angry."
The girl hesitated, bit her lip, and added, "One day, you will understand."
At that moment, the man who had been observing quietly finally spoke up.
"Qiao Wan is not a servant of the Cen family," Jia Yin said, looking intently at Qiao Wan . "She is my subordinate."
"My subordinate doesn't need your cheap sympathy."
Jia Yin glanced lightly at Mu Xiaoxiao .
With just a simple glance, like a calm and deep sea, Mu Xiaoxiao felt like she was being scolded, frozen in place.
The demon in front of her is the Lord of All Demons, who at a young age overthrew the previous Demon Emperor and united the various demon tribes in the demon realm with thunderous force, causing awe among the demons.
Although he has been busy fighting since taking power, giving off an impression of being unfocused, he made others forget that he is the Demon Emperor.
To sit on this position, he relied not only on his strength.
Under his gaze, Mu Xiaoxiao's face turned slightly pale.
Her thoughts seemed to be exposed under the sunlight, completely revealed, no matter how much she tried, she couldn't hide anything from him.
He had seen through all the tricks of luring the enemy, too many times.
Although he was only a honey badger, he had an impressive title of "Demon Emperor". He was powerful and looked pretty good. Countless female demons wanted to be part of his harem.
Some tried to be gentle and kind, hoping to change the honey badger. Others tried to be bold and attractive, hoping to catch his attention. And there were those who tried to be innocent and mysterious, playing hard to get to make him interested.
There was also a daring and beautiful fox demon who snuck into the harem.
Although this Demon Emperor was a bit cruel, compared to the Venerable One Miaofa, he still cared for his fellow demons and showed some compassion. He didn't kill the fox demon on the spot.
After escaping from the palace with her life, the fox demon dropped to her knees and cried.
It was too terrifying. She would never attempt to seduce this honey badger with strange tastes again.
Damn it, the palace of this honey badger was filled with piles of bones!
Other people would send beautiful women into the harem, but this honey badger is sending itself as a spoils of war into the harem.
Mountains of white bones, including men, women, young and old, and all kinds of monsters. The taste is so heavy, it's disgusting.
Compared to the attractive and cunning fox spirits of the demon clan, Mu Xiaoxiao's thought of "I am proud and unique, I don't like you" seems very shallow and ridiculous.
It's not even worth his second glance.
"When the taoist friend arrived, he didn't hesitate to make a move against the little phoenix, regardless of right or wrong..." Mu Xiaoxiao raised her stubborn head, "Wan'er is my younger martial sister, as an elder martial sister, I naturally can't rest assured."
Jia Yin calmly asked, "Do you want to seek revenge for him?"
Mu Xiaoxiao lifted her head, her eyes clear and determined, "I just want to seek justice for the little phoenix!"
Jia Yin said, "Come."
Come... for what?
Everyone was stunned.
Mu Xiaoxiao was stunned too.
Jia Yin finally shifted his gaze onto Mu Xiaoxiao and said, "I'll give you a chance for revenge."
As soon as the words fell, five dragon shadows roared again like thunder and lightning!
With their powerful claws, they headed straight for the small and delicate girl in front of them.
Mu Xiaoxiao was shocked and took a step back, frozen in place.
But these five dragon shadows showed no mercy at all. With a roar, the soft and charming girl was immediately thrown away.
With a "crack," she fell to the ground.
Her neat and tidy hairdo came undone, and blood flowed from her face and body. The pretty little lady was left battered and bruised by the five dragon shadows.
"Is this what you call seeking justice?" Jia Yin glanced at the disheveled Mu Xiaoxiao , his gaze neither proud nor cold. The disheveled girl simply wasn't worth his attention.
"Instead of focusing on me, why don't you take a look at the phoenix behind you?"
As soon as these words were spoken, even the "Four Spirits" who had long disliked Feng Wangyan couldn't help but curl their lips when they looked at the man lying on the ground.
It was too tragic, truly heartbreaking.
Finally, someone couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Miss Mu! Instead of wasting time arguing here, go save people!"
"Feng Taoist friend is almost dying!"
Mu Xiaoxiao was taken aback, she turned her head to look at Feng Wangyan , then glanced at the crowd with different expressions. She felt like she was thrown into a pan, flipping and sizzling, her face burning with pain.
At that moment, Jia Yin looked away and withdrew his imposing presence, decisively saying one word, "Let's go."
He was speaking to Qiao Wan .
Qiao Wan asked, "Where are we going?"
"To Xiu Quan," he replied.
With just two simple and clear words, he revealed his intention.
The young man was at Cold Mountain Yard for a check-up. When he saw the proud figure at the door, he couldn't help but feel joyful and greeted, "Your Majesty."
After confirming that the man was unharmed, Jia Yin lifted an eyelid and made a nonchalant sound, "Hmm."
The master and servant reminisced, and Mrs. Cen led Qiao Wan to the side room for treatment.
"How do you feel?" Qiao Wan asked Mrs. Cen.
The woman looked older and had a few tiny wrinkles at the corners of her eyes when she smiled.
This was a side effect from the previous treatment of repairing her veins.
Qiao Wan slowly clenched her fists and answered truthfully, "I have a bit of a headache. My mind is clear one moment and cloudy the next. Sometimes I feel in control, other times I don't."
And also, maybe because of the swirling dark energy in her mind, there seemed to be a voice speaking in her mind, its sound muffled and distant like it was shrouded in mist.
It was a bit like when she connected her mind with Mei Kangping before.
But this voice, compared to Mei Kangping, was different, very gentle.
Qiao Wan held her forehead and pondered for a moment, her face becoming more serious.
Having learned from Mei Kangping's past experience, even though this voice hadn't persuaded her to do anything yet, she couldn't let her guard down and ignore it.
Mrs. Cen sighed, "Unfortunately, I'm not skilled in sensing the spiritual realm, so I can't help you find out the reasons behind this."
Just fixed the meridians and now my consciousness is acting up again. It's really frustrating.
"Xin Yi, have you heard of Second Young Master?"
Qiao Wan thought for a moment, "Venerable One Miaofa?"
Mrs. Cen nodded, "Venerable One Miaofa is a highly skilled Buddhist master. Qingyou plans to take you to the Great Hall of Light. Would you like to go with him?"
Qiao Wan was taken aback.
So it's Venerable One Miaofa, the legendary most beautiful woman in the Buddhist sect. Her temper matches her beauty, fierce and resolute. She despises evil and treats demons ruthlessly. She is known for swiftly dealing with them.
Now she is a demon herself, and Cen Qingyou is taking her to the Great Hall of Light for treatment. Qiao Wan quietly trembled inside.
While they were talking, they suddenly heard Mu Fang's voice at the door.
It was Mu Xiaoxiao, accompanied by Feng Wangyan, seeking medical help.
Feng Wangyan was badly injured and had delayed seeking treatment, causing him to regress in his progress.
Mrs. Cen went to examine Feng Wangyan's injuries, leaving Qiao Wan and Mu Xiaoxiao sitting together.
Mu Xiaoxiao adjusted her dress silently and said softly, "Younger martial sister."
Qiao Wan replied, "Taoist Friend Mu."
Mu Xiaoxiao forced a smile and looked at Qiao Wan with mixed emotions.
She couldn't understand, feeling a bit lost.
Even the master and Pei Chunzheng were like that...
At the thought of this, perhaps feeling wronged, tears welled up in the young girl's eyes.
She had remembered quite a few fragments of those memories. Clearly, before, the master and Pei Chunzheng only had eyes for her. Why did their gaze suddenly shift entirely to Qiao Wan?
Compared to Qiao Wan, what was she lacking?
Her appearance was even more beautiful than hers, her personality softer and more likable.
Not only the master and Pei Chunzheng, but even the "Four Spirits" of the Cen family clearly preferred her a bit more. What was she lacking compared to her?
"Martial Sister Qiao Wan, I don't understand," the girl suddenly looked up, locking her gaze onto Qiao Wan's face and biting her lip. "Why do the Four Spirits all prefer you? Even the Demon Emperor is willing to help you."
Qiao Wan glanced at Mu Xiaoxiao.
The girl had big, round eyes and rosy cheeks, with fair skin that was smooth like a peach. Although she couldn't clearly remember her past life, she didn't seem much different from the soft female protagonist in her memories.
No girl could resist the temptation of staying up in bed to read a novel at night. When Qiao Wan used to read novels, she didn't think much and rarely paid attention to the logical reasoning of the plot and characters.
These delicate girls like Jiaojiao were specifically created for people, designed to be the most convenient characters. They would cry or laugh but had no independent personality. They relied on others like a climbing plant.
If they were taken out of the original story and viewed separately...
Qiao Wan scratched her head, not believing that there could really be those silly and naive soft little pushovers in the world.
She glanced at Mu Xiaoxiao, and suddenly realized.
The girl in front of her was no longer the stereotypical female lead from the books. She had her own thoughts, her own cunning, and knew how to use her advantages to please others. She could also feel jealous and do whatever it took to attract attention and admiration from others.
She was a person with desires and emotions.
The original character of Mu Xiaoxiao was destined to be a pampered canary. As long as she pleased men and clung to their thighs, she could get what she wanted and be protected along the way. The so-called troubles were just a chaotic battleground for people to fight over.
Qiao Wan couldn't say which way of living was better. Life was too tiring. If given the chance, she would also like to lay low and be taken care of effortlessly.
But relying solely on others without having her own value made her feel insecure.
Qiao Wan pursed her lips and pondered.
Compared to relying on others for everything, it's safer to take control of your own life.
Even though in the past, people always say "salty fish", but in this world, everyone is trying their best to live and take control of their own lives.
The girl in front of her clearly lacks a sense of security, so she is restless and trying her best to grab attention from others.
Qiao Wan remained silent for a while, shook her head, and gave some advice: "That is not your true value."
The timid and soft girl is not the real her, nor is it her true value. It's a "persona" that Mu Xiaoxiao has deliberately portrayed to please others.
"When you truly be yourself, there will be people who dislike you, but there will also be people who like you, but at least this love and hate are real."
Advice is best taken if you can listen to it, but if you can't, it's no use forcing it. Everyone has their own way of living, and others have no right to interfere.
Qiao Wan sat for a while, but she still wasn't used to being with Mu Xiaoxiao. She got up and said goodbye, and just as she was leaving, she bumped into Mrs. Cen.
Qiao Wan politely nodded and passed by Mrs. Cen.
Inside the room, Mu Xiaoxiao was surprised by what she heard.
She still felt unwilling.
She liked her master, liked the little phoenix, liked Pei Chunzheng, liked Xiao Huan.
They liked her the way she was now, and she didn't want to lose their affection.
She looked at Qiao Wan as she walked away, then looked back at Mu Xiaoxiao who was still in a daze inside the room. Mrs. Cen stepped into the door.
Before entering, she heard a commotion inside.
So she didn't go in, but waited outside the door until they finished talking.
After meeting Mu Xiaoxiao's gaze, Mrs. Cen sighed and smiled bitterly.
What Qiao Wan said made some sense.
In her lifetime, she had only focused on trying to win the affections of that young man, but unfortunately, she had used up her whole life without succeeding.
One day, the girl in front of us will understand. If she continues to struggle and never stands up like a morning glory, she will regret it.
But maybe, this girl needs to fall hard from a high place, until she is completely broken, only then will she understand this truth.
**
That evening, there was news from Shichun Hall that they decided to hold a celebration feast.
Firstly, to reward the Four Spirits and the servants of the Cen family.
Secondly, to fulfill their promise. The group was nearing the gathering of the practitioners, and Pei, Xiao, Mu, and others had to rush back to Kunshan. Qiao Wan agreed to go with Cen Qingyou to the Great Hall of Light.
As for the third reason, it was to establish a connection with Jia Yin.
After all, the Lin family and the rebel forces of the Demon Emperor were planning to destroy the entire Cen family. This account had not been settled yet.
When the Demon Emperor arrived at the Cen residence, the remaining members of the Lin family immediately turned pale upon hearing this news. They cursed the Cen family for being heartless and cunning, but they didn't dare to delay due to their guilty conscience. They quickly gathered their belongings and fled.
Jia Yin, a man who has no interest in anything other than fighting, is unenthusiastic about the olive branch extended by the Cen family. On the other hand, Xiu Quan, a man with a smile on his face, eagerly agrees.
With a single glance, the man sees through his subordinate's thoughts, remaining silent and choosing to indulge them.
"Tomorrow, I will be returning to the Yao Clan with His Majesty," the young man stretches his legs lazily and sits comfortably on the porch, looking up at the bright full moon with a slightly bitter smile.
"In the Cen residence, every day is one day less," he says.
Jia Yin glances sideways at Xiu Quan, silently sitting on the railing.
"Don't you want to stay?" Xiu Quan forces a smile, "I must continue to serve His Majesty, even if I don't want to leave."
Usually, bosses would give their subordinates a two-day break out of consideration, but Jia Yin simply responds with a cold "hmm," approving the idea of "serving His Majesty."
Jia Yin says, "There is no possibility between you and her."
Xiu Quan is momentarily stunned, only then realizing who the man in front of him is referring to.
"His Majesty figured it out?"
The man looked up at the round moon in the sky, with a sense of pride and indifference. "She already has a husband, you and her are not a good match."
Xiu Quan glanced at the man sitting on his own fence, his smile turning slightly awkward.
Let's not talk about whether it's a good match or not.
He had been wanting to complain about it for a long time!!
His boss, although tough and not talkative, was good to his subordinates and had generous benefits. He even had holidays every month. He was tolerant and kind towards demons. However, he always seemed to be very strict about trivial matters that made no sense.
For example, even when talking on flat ground, he would find a stone to stand on!
This is the dignity of the Lord of All Demons. It must not be lowered below others.
If the Lord of All Demons was a little overbearing in his actions, it would be understandable.
But his boss, on the other hand, strictly followed the rules and not only behaved well among the demon clan, but also showed respect to carriages, flying swords, and pedestrians in the human realm. He never bullied men or women, and was a proper law-abiding fairy.
After finding out that the Demon Emperor was interested in someone else's wife, he, being a person of integrity and good values, decisively killed any lingering thoughts in his own heart.
The young man held a jug of wine and silently took a sip, tilting his head back.
The moonlight was gentle, like a woman's kind and bright eyes.
Mrs. Cen had grown old, but he still loved her.
Yesterday, when he arrived at the southern courtyard, the woman smoothed her grey hair and smiled at him, asking if she still looked like a dog.
Not anymore.
He had never seen such a beautiful person before.
Now, he would treat this as a gentle dream he had.
The big yellow dog hung its ears down and let out a whimper.
Though the big yellow dog, who had once walked into the forest with its tail between its legs, had now become the Demon Emperor's right-hand, he was still lonely. He still liked humans, especially gentle ones.
At this moment, Qiao Wan, sitting cross-legged on the ground, was drinking with Baihu Ershisan and the other "Four Spirits."
After three rounds of drinks, the group of respected men couldn't take their eyes off Qiao Wan's face, which showed a mix of strange, stunning, and fearful emotions.
Who would have thought that the once ordinary little maid would turn into such a beautiful woman.
With her two mountain-like dark eyebrows, fair skin, and clear eyes like autumn water, the girl's face and body were covered in both fresh and old wounds. However, she appeared determined and captivating, like a faint plum blossom under the moonlight.
Although she couldn't be considered as a stunning beauty in this world of cultivators where beautiful women were plenty, her appearance was enough to deceive a few naive young men.
"Second Young Master, don't you think?"
After all, she had always been Cen Qingyou's personal maid, and the group of respected men didn't hold back from teasing.
Cen Qingyou looked up at Qiao Wan and blushed slightly, saying, "Xin Yi is indeed good-looking."
He didn't have any other thoughts, just that typical embarrassment that young people often have.
And, if we talk about beauty, his master is the most beautiful person he has ever seen.
With a noble appearance, like a white lotus from Buddhist scriptures, and captivating like the scent of peach blossoms.
But...
Thinking of his own master's imposing and inviolable demeanor, Second Young Master silently clenched his teacup.
After making a few jokes, everyone set aside this matter and embraced wine jugs, drinking until they were completely intoxicated, stumbling around.
When Qiao Wan walked into the courtyard to catch her breath, she coincidentally ran into a tall figure in the corridor.
The young man was dressed in bright yellow clothes, with his black hair tied up in a high ponytail, holding the Snow Fright Sword, silently sitting in the corridor.
Upon hearing the movement nearby, his eyebrows lowered, and the moonlight in his eyes seemed to reflect the melting spring snow.
Seeing Qiao Wan, Pei Chunzheng unexpectedly took the initiative to speak.
"Qiao Wan."
And then there was silence.
Upon learning that the little maid was indeed Qiao Wan, he became stiff and speechless.
Pei Chunzheng closed his eyes and furrowed his brow.
He only felt guilt towards Qiao Wan, because he had agreed to be with her because of Xiaoxiao.
He didn't love her.
Knowing that she was still alive and well was enough for him.
Her being alive was the best.
She's alive...
The fingers in the young man's sleeve slowly tightened.
He wouldn't be tormented by her anymore.
But something was still stirring in his heart, like a tangled thread tightly wrapped around it.
Pei Chunzheng pushed down this feeling and gradually calmed down.
The young man's expression was indifferent, and his worries were hard to discern.
Qiao Wan glanced at Pei Chunzheng and suddenly felt uncomfortable and uneasy. She unconsciously straightened her posture.
She remembered how he had helped her wipe away the blood from her fingertips, and how he gently combed her hair with a comb.
The liking that had bloomed back then was genuine, but it was taken away by Elder Martial Brother and hidden under the covers, not daring to be seen. It felt uncomfortable and embarrassing, and that was also true.
But now she doesn't want to worry about so much. Now she wants to quickly resolve the problem of the demon energy and become stronger.
She wants to become stronger.
If there's a chance, Qiao Wan also wants to investigate the origins of her current body.
From beginning to end, she never saw herself as the empress of the demon realm. It feels like being a regular college student in your past life, then suddenly becoming a member of the British royal family. It feels strange and difficult to accept.
This isn't her.
However, she can't continue to turn a blind eye to the matters of the demon realm.
Qiao Wan remembers that Mei Kangping mentioned that her father is named Mei Yuanbai , but he never mentioned anything more specific.
If there's a chance, she wants to start by investigating her body's father.
Thinking about this, Qiao Wan politely nodded at Pei Chunzheng and stepped aside.
Pei Chunzheng seemed surprised and stiffened.
After a short breeze, Cen Qingyou arrived and called her back.
Pei Chunzheng sat rigidly on the porch, watching the two figures leaving side by side. The cold aura of the Snow Fright Sword seemed to seep into his chest and organs bit by bit.
The young man slowly bent his back. After a moment, he contained the scattered demonic energy from before and straightened his posture.
The next day, Mu Xiaoxiao and the people from Kunshan returned to Kunshan from Qizawa Province.
Cen Qingjia, the eldest brother, would handle the matters of the Cen Mansion, while Cen Qingyou led Qiao Wan to the Great Hall of Light!
