A Tangled Web of Affections

Despite their potentially similar ages, Tan Qingxi, Qiu Yan, Duan Xi Shen, and Senior Aunt Xue each evoked distinct sensations in Xia Niansheng.

Qiu Yan exuded a captivating yet clear allure in her every gesture, coupled with an undeniable queenly demeanor that bordered on aggressive, possessive, and even somewhat pathological.

Yet, one was profoundly aware of the deep-seated malice within her.

This potent combination meant that even as one succumbed to her influence, an unconscious defiance simmered, sparking an impulse to defy and even overthrow her.

Duan Xi Shen, with her reserved, somber, and deeply aching presence, stirred a confusing blend of contradiction, regret, and unshed tears.

Xia Niansheng found himself unable to articulate his true feelings for her; after more than a decade of companionship and nurturing, claiming a desire for vengeance or her demise would be untrue, yet denying his hatred for her would be equally disingenuous.

Senior Aunt Xue, conversely, embodied propriety and tradition, a woman of unyielding, old-fashioned goodness at her very core.

However, it was precisely this rigid, somewhat antiquated persona as an elder, juxtaposed with her stunning beauty and voluptuous figure, that amplified the forbidden allure she possessed.

It felt almost like an unfair advantage.

Tan Qingxi, in stark contrast, radiated a refreshing aura, akin to a strong wind-driven rain cleansing the air, her intellectual temperament seamlessly blending with a shrewd glint in her eyes.

She reminded him of certain highly educated women from his previous life.

This, however, was merely his initial impression; her true self remained an enigma.

‘Hmm…’

Given that these four women were roughly the same age and belonged to the same generation, it was highly probable they shared intricate connections, perhaps even a complex web of past grievances and affections of which Xia Niansheng was unaware.

This led him to unconsciously draw comparisons between them.

At that moment, Tan Qingxi’s gaze, fixed upon Xia Niansheng, even held a subtle glint of cunning.

Xia Niansheng remained rooted to the spot, then, as if a sudden realization struck him, he spoke.

“Elder Tan, it seems you hold a particular interest in my master?”

Upon hearing his words, Tan Qingxi, to Xia Niansheng’s surprise, maintained an impassive expression, merely letting out a soft chuckle.

“Your master… possesses a peculiar habit of pushing away those who genuinely care for her.”

Having failed to extract any further information, Xia Niansheng’s countenance subtly changed at her pronouncement.

‘What could she mean by that?’

‘Was she merely remarking on Duan Xi Shen’s character flaws, or was she attempting to convey a more profound warning?’

‘Perhaps a warning about Duan Xi Shen’s eventual sacrifice of him during her ascension?’

She had discerned his unique constitution the very first time their paths crossed.

Moreover, Senior Aunt Xue had previously offered him veiled warnings regarding his master.

Thus, it was hardly surprising that Tan Qingxi possessed certain knowledge.

Unsure of her intentions, Xia Niansheng reasoned that since Tan Qingxi had unexpectedly opened this dialogue, he might as well use the opportunity to address some of his own lingering doubts.

“My master has always been exceptionally kind to me.”

This time, Tan Qingxi’s composure faltered; even the faintest stiffening of her facial muscles was acutely registered by Xia Niansheng.

If her preceding statement had indeed been a warning, then his retort should have provoked a look of mockery or derision from her.

Instead, her features tightened, and a noticeable discomfort flickered across her face when she heard him speak of Duan Xi Shen’s kindness.

This, unmistakably, was…

…jealousy.

Had he been in his modern world, Xia Niansheng would have entirely dismissed such a notion.

However, this was a game centered around a yuri theme.

Xia Niansheng concluded that his line of reasoning was indeed correct.

It appeared to be nothing more than the tangled web of love and hatred woven by their predecessors.

Over the past several days, Xia Niansheng had diligently consulted various scrolls pertaining to the Heavenly Spirit Sect, endeavoring to piece together the complex relationships of the preceding generation.

Within his mind, a rudimentary network of connections had begun to form, providing him with a general understanding.

By articulating his previous statement, Xia Niansheng had deftly seized control of the conversation.

“It seems, Senior Aunt Tan, that you harbor some misunderstandings regarding my esteemed master.

Should the opportunity arise, it would undoubtedly be best to resolve such matters in person.”

Xia Niansheng maintained a respectful facade, but after uttering a few perfunctory remarks, he made to depart.

Tan Qingxi’s eyes narrowed perceptibly.

Xia Niansheng’s previous words, though seemingly innocuous, were clearly laden with hidden meaning; the youth’s capacity for sharp rejoinders far surpassed her expectations.

His staunch defense of Duan Xi Shen indicated a far stronger bond between master and disciple than she had initially presumed.

Nevertheless, she would not allow her reason to be clouded; she had not come to quarrel with Xia Niansheng.

Tan Qingxi’s subsequent words brought Xia Niansheng to an abrupt halt.

“I possess knowledge of a secret concerning Duan Xi Shen, a secret that, it now appears, you are entirely unaware of.”

****

Xia Niansheng departed from Wonder Medicine Mountain.

The injuries to his upper right torso were considerably severe; even for a cultivator such as himself, a recovery period of ten days to half a month would likely be necessary.

During this vulnerable period, he would need to exercise extreme caution.

Yet, the outcome of the Grand Competition was now virtually assured.

While he was temporarily incapable of participating in the remaining matches, the formidable early Core Formation stage strength he had demonstrated ensured that no one would dare challenge him further.

After all, within the sect’s younger generation, the only cultivators who had reached the Core Formation stage were himself, White Snow Jade, and Zhu Yingying.

He had, in effect, already claimed the top position in this year’s Grand Competition.

Dragging his injured form, Xia Niansheng returned to Blood Sword Mountain.

Instead of immediately seeking an audience with Duan Xi Shen, he first retreated to the solitude of his own chambers.

His right hand incapacitated, Xia Niansheng deftly used his left to rapidly peruse the scrolls he had borrowed from the sect’s Scripture Pavilion days earlier, all pertaining to the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

He meticulously pieced together the narrative, aligning events with the timeline and the discernible attitudes of the various women involved.

At last, the intricate tapestry of love, hatred, and grievances from the preceding generation began to unfurl with clarity in Xia Niansheng’s mind.

It was a story both remarkably simple and exceedingly melodramatic.

Duan Xi Shen, Qiu Yan, and Senior Aunt Xue had all been personal disciples of the Heavenly Spirit Sect’s former sect master.

Both Duan Xi Shen and Qiu Yan had simultaneously developed affections for Senior Aunt Xue.

Although the world itself was configured as a yuri-themed game, within its underlying societal framework, yuri relationships were still considered unacceptable.

This was particularly true for a woman as traditional and conservative as Senior Aunt Xue.

Despite their unspoken affections, Qiu Yan and Duan Xi Shen had engaged in a quiet, decades-long rivalry.

And so, when the Heavenly Spirit Sect Master ascended, Qiu Yan ultimately rose to become the new Sect Master.

Senior Aunt Xue, in turn, assumed the role of an elder, providing support to Qiu Yan.

Duan Xi Shen, however, retreated entirely from public life.

Tan Qingxi, a contemporary of theirs, had also harbored feelings for Duan Xi Shen, only to be ultimately and decisively rebuffed by her.

Such was the general outline of the tale, though the finer details remained elusive.

Xia Niansheng couldn’t help but feel that the storytelling was remarkably subpar.

One loved another, who in turn loved a third; two of them vied for affection, yet the object of their desires remained resolutely heterosexual, resulting in none of the three ultimately finding companionship with each other.

Another steadfastly watched over her beloved, only for her affections to be unrequited, culminating in a harsh rejection.

These were cultivators capable of moving mountains and overturning seas, yet they remained hopelessly entangled in romantic entanglements.

‘Could they truly not exist without love?’ he mused.

With a sigh, Xia Niansheng set down the scrolls.

Their past affairs held no bearing on Xia Niansheng.

Yet, the secret Tan Qingxi had hinted at…

A conflicted expression flickered across Xia Niansheng’s features.

He knew he had to ascertain its veracity.

Just as this thought solidified, footsteps echoed from beyond his door.

The courtyard gate creaked open, then the main door…

The sounds drew ever nearer.

Finally, his own chamber door swung open.

On Blood Sword Mountain, such an action could only be attributed to Duan Xi Shen.

Standing in the doorway, Duan Xi Shen gazed at Xia Niansheng, her brow deeply furrowed, her face betraying unconcealed anxiety.

“Are you alright, Niansheng?”