Ruin Her Reputation?

For a moment, everyone present, especially the demonic cultivators, had the same first thought: run.

For the past few hundred years Qin Ximo had secluded herself in the Qingjian Sect to cultivate and rarely went out.

Those who had personally experienced the incident centuries ago were either dead or in hiding, and a new generation had replaced the old.

Although this generation grew up hearing legends and the name of Qin Ximo, seeing with one’s own eyes is always more convincing than hearsay.

Golden Core cultivators had seen powerful opponents before.

No one would deny the strength of Golden Core practitioners; after all, enduring and being refined by a heavenly tribulation requires both luck and ability.

The Ninefold Golden Core realm meant one had at least endured nine terrifying heavenly tribulations.

Those nine tribulations grew stronger each time, and only those who actually passed such trials could truly feel their danger; hearsay alone could never convey their horror.

Qin Ximo was precisely such a terrifying figure who had passed nine tribulations.

Among those present, few believed they could withstand something even more fearsome than a heavenly tribulation or resist that woman’s sword.

Lu Qianyun ground her silver teeth together; Qin Ximo’s offhand words stabbed into her like steel needles, and the faintly aching feeling was like when she had just been appointed Holy Maiden of the Hehuan Sect.

Lu Qianyun had been chosen as Holy Maiden only because of her special constitution.

By custom, her elevation to Holy Maiden would be spread by the Hehuan Sect through various channels, intentionally or not.

Soon afterward, many people came calling.

Successive Hehuan Holy Maidens had been considered rare double-cultivation immortal bodies in others’ eyes; spending a night with one could advance a cultivator’s progress — a small matter compared to other gains.

The yuan-yin within her body could help others break bottlenecks with ease, even more effective than legendary elixirs.

Though there were other benefits, this alone made many cultivators swarm after her.

At only fourteen, Lu Qianyun was put on display like merchandise, for others to ogle.

Those pointing looks and the unabashed, crude commentary were everywhere.

People spoke freely about her body in front of her and even began to parcel out the yuan-yin she would possess when matured.

That humiliation was like a knife, repeatedly tearing at her heart.

But like everyone else born under a cruel sky, she had no choice but to bear the pain and endure.

How could she not feel heartache?

Even to this day she would return countless times in the night to that memory.

Even to this day she would return countless times in dreams where the faces became more twisted.

How painfully similar was that ache to what she felt now?

From beginning to end Lu Qianyun believed herself to be a person who must repay every slight; she carved the names of those who had shamed her into her very bones.

When Qin Ximo’s fame spread throughout the entire Xuantie Immortal Court and even reached a few other immortal courts, Lu Qianyun’s great-grandfather had not yet been born.

There was no hatred or grievance between them; before this she had only seen Qin Ximo’s blurred portrait.

Deep down she even longed to become, one day, a reclusive immortal woman like Qin Ximo.

But that was merely wishful thinking.

Lu Qianyun was the Hehuan Sect’s Holy Maiden — a demonic cultivator.

Her future would either be a miserable death or becoming a reviled demonic villain.

She could not become someone like Qin Ximo.

Since that was impossible, she would have to destroy her.

Facing Qin Ximo’s cold and even dismissive words, Lu Qianyun only gave a faint smile.

Then she continued, “Immortal Qin, the cultivation world today has already entered the age of dwindling spiritual law.

The Nascent Soul lineages have been cut off.

Even if you are astonishingly talented, are you not still unable to find a path to break through to Nascent Soul?”

Qin Ximo remained silent.

She heard the words clearly, and they were reasonable.

But so what?

Demonic cultivators were demonic cultivators.

Even if what they said was true, their intentions were always malicious.

If so, better to cut them down with one sword, instead of letting them enter the ruins and cause trouble later.

Most demonic cultivators practiced dangerous and twisted methods, difficult to guard against.

Furthermore, everything within the ancient ruins was unknown and perilous.

Qin Ximo did not dare underestimate the danger.

As the sword in its scabbard was drawn out another inch, the pressure on everyone intensified.

They could not see what was happening, yet the scabbard alone felt as though it held crushing power.

Its deliberate sword intent made their hearts tremble.

They could not win.

If they faced her directly, there was no possibility of victory.

Neither numbers nor schemes mattered before absolute strength.

Some people already regretted becoming involved in this matter.

The ancient ruins were dangerous, and they had come only hoping for a slim chance.

But now, before even entering the ruins, they might lose their heads and be buried here forever.

“Immortal… Qin!”

Lu Qianyun secretly activated a magical artifact.

Bearing the crushing pressure, she continued, “I can guarantee that within this ruin, there is definitely the Nascent Soul method you seek!”

Qin Ximo let out a soft, cold laugh.

“You expect me to believe the words of a demonic witch?

If there is something I want, I will go in and take it myself.

As for you demonic cultivators, enter if you like.”

Lu Qianyun felt her breath becoming strained.

Her eyes reddened, and her jaw grew numb.

Even so, she forced the words out, “This is not to save those so-called demonic alliance members.

If they all die, I would be delighted.

I am protecting myself and the disciples of the Hehuan Sect beside me.”

“This ruin was left behind by a predecessor of my Hehuan Sect.

Only disciples of the Hehuan Sect can obtain the heritage within.

Immortal Qin, your swordsmanship is unmatched, and your cultivation is strong.

But even you, if placed in ancient times, would be nothing unusual.

The things in this ruin—if they do not pass through me—no matter who you are, you cannot take them out.”

The moment she spoke these words, not only did Qin Ximo stop releasing her sword intent, everyone present erupted.

The demonic cultivators, rogue cultivators, and orthodox disciples all began to curse the women of the Hehuan Sect.

“You filthy fox women dare to deceive us!”

“Lu Qianyun! Did you not say that the treasures would belong to whoever could seize them? What is the meaning of your words now?”

“I knew it! Demonic cultivators cannot be trusted! You Hehuan sluts lie with every word!”

“Lu Qianyun, my sect master values this matter greatly! Everything taken from the ruins must be given to her first! You dare—”

“Why would I not dare?”

Lu Qianyun swept her gaze across those who hurled vile insults at her and laughed coldly.

“At the smell of potential profit, you flock here like hyenas to steal what my sect’s predecessor left behind.

I may be a demonic cultivator, but even I keep some measure of pride.

The shameless ones are you!”

Qin Ximo slightly frowned.

It felt as though she had been insulted as well.

However, most ancient ruins in the past had no owners, and their lineages had long been severed, so no one questioned competing for them.

But the Hehuan Sect had already demonstrated many times that they were connected to this ruin.

“So what do you want?”

Qin Ximo spoke.

Instantly the surroundings fell silent.

Lu Qianyun exhaled gently and said, “Immortal Qin, if you want the Nascent Soul method, I can grant it to you.

Anything else you desire in the ruins, take as you like.

I ask only one thing: within the ruins, please protect the disciples of my Hehuan Sect and me.”

Qin Ximo had thought Lu Qianyun would make an excessive demand.

But hearing this, she was slightly surprised.

This request was not unreasonable.

However, as the head of the righteous path, to act as a protector for demonic witches—her reputation would suffer.

She thought for a moment.

Weighed the gains and losses.

Then nodded slightly.

“Agreed.

But only within the ruins.

After we leave, we remain righteous and demonic enemies.”

A faint, nearly invisible smile appeared on Lu Qianyun’s lips.

“With your word, Immortal Qin, I am at ease.

Then I shall open the gate to the ruins.

The dangers within are extreme.

Many puppets, mechanisms, and formations may still be active.

If you truly trust in yourselves, remain cautious.

Do not die before you even begin.”