A Night Market’s Revelry and a Royal Secret

Brilliant starlight adorned the lonely night sky, while the continuous mountain ranges were illuminated by the lights emanating from the Xuan Nv Sect. The training grounds, usually filled with surging spiritual energy and clashing forces, seemed to draw a celestial blanket over the daytime’s fierce intensity and sharp edges as night fell, settling into a deep slumber.

Though the night sky stretched above, the grounds below were ablaze with light, as if transported to the mortal realm. A different kind of clamor, a vibrant cacophony, now surged and swelled across the training grounds.

Portable stalls, both large and small, dotted the training grounds. Some were covered with coarse cloth and paper lanterns that swayed, casting warm yellow halos. Others simply hung small glass lamps, refracting kaleidoscopic colors. Still others used a few suspended luminous stones, emitting an eerie, cold white glow that, while somewhat unsettling, seemed to complement the tranquil night.

Stalls!

They were myriad and tightly packed. Some vendors pushed carts with wheels. Others simply propped up a thick oilcloth with two bamboo poles, creating a small, sheltered space with a few tables and chairs to serve as a makeshift stall. Some, not bothering with elaborate setups, merely spread a piece of coarse cloth on the ground and displayed their sundry wares upon it.

This place resembled a night market, yet the goods for sale were far from ordinary. A rich, savory aroma, mingled with the scent of spirit beast meat, wafted through the air. Spirit beast meat often possessed medicinal properties; even from lower-grade beasts, it could nourish the body and vital essence. Every dish carried spiritual energy and a sweet fragrance. Sweet soups and pastries were also available.

Disciples running these stalls brought delicacies from their hometowns, finding both a nostalgic connection to home and a small income. Though the sect provided regular supplies, earning a little extra was always welcome.

With food stalls came other merchants, naturally.

Bargaining voices rose and fell in a lively chorus:

“Senior Sister, could you lower the price on this Tier 2 Gale Talisman? I’ll trade five low-grade spirit stones and a bottle of Qi Recovery Powder for it!”

“Hmph! Junior Sister, that’s rather unscrupulous of you. How dare you ask for eight spirit stones for this broken flying sword? Look, the tassel is completely frayed!”

“Candied hawthorn! Candied hawthorn skewers, made with century-old hawthorn and spirit honey!”

“Come take a look! New clothing from Wanxiu Manor!”

Even within this blessed land of immortals, where snow-capped mountains remained frozen for millennia, the clamor and vibrant atmosphere of human life could not be quelled. Cultivators, after all, were still human. Where there were people, especially many people, there would inevitably be a lively, worldly atmosphere.

This night market, no, it wasn’t just disciples here; there were elders too. And even—

“Oh, my, isn’t this our esteemed Sect Master? Is it truly beneath your dignity to accept Pavilion Master Xian’s treat for some snacks?”

At this moment, Grand Elder Qing You and Pavilion Master Xian Chengyue of the Scripture Pavilion were seated at a small food stall, awaiting Mu Qingli. By the time Mu Qingli finally lifted the curtain, arriving belatedly, the dishes had long been served and were already growing slightly cool.

Ignoring Qing You’s sarcastic remarks, Mu Qingli merely offered an apologetic nod to Xian Chengyue.

“My apologies, Pavilion Master Xian, for keeping you waiting so long. I stumbled upon some insights regarding a cultivation technique and became a little too engrossed in my research, which is why I’m late.”

“It’s no matter. We’re just having a casual bite, so there’s no need to be so formal.”

“My apologies…”

Mu Qingli gave a slight nod of apology before slowly taking her seat.

It wasn’t that the Xuan Nv Sect lacked dedicated dining halls or private rooms; Xian Chengyue simply disliked such environments.

“Pavilion Master,” Qing You observed, glancing around. Though the area was bustling with people, the atmosphere here felt constrained, notably colder than the boisterous stalls nearby. Everyone ate in silence, a palpable sense of apprehension in their demeanor.

“Indeed, Pavilion Master,” Mu Qingli agreed, starting to add, “Regarding—”

Xian Chengyue sharply cut them off, her voice stern.

“One, as Sect Master, you spend your days aloof, never truly connecting with the disciples. Another, as a Grand Elder, how can you truly understand them? How can you guide them? How can you know what the disciples need? Why are they afraid? Why do they dare not open their hearts? It’s simply because you are strangers to them, unfamiliar! Xia Ning!”

Xian Chengyue suddenly turned, looking towards a table of disciples nearby.

“Present! Greetings, Pavilion Master Xian! Greetings, Grand Elder! Greetings, Sect Master!”

The disciples at the adjacent table abruptly rose, standing rigid and straight, as if they too had transformed into the bamboo poles supporting the stalls.

“There’s no need to be so stiff. How have things been recently?”

A gentle smile graced Xian Chengyue’s face. The disciple named Xia Ning relaxed slightly.

“Heh heh, thank you for your concern, Pavilion Master Xian. I’ve been free of illness and misfortune lately, just waiting for my cultivation to naturally reach its peak and achieve a breakthrough!”

“That’s excellent. By the way, this is my first time at this stall. Do you have any recommendations? The owner seems a bit reserved, unable to relax. She was stammering as if I were some terrifying figure, even though I’m a bit old. I just casually ordered a few small dishes.”

“Well then, I recommend the noodles made by Junior Sister Lu Shuyao! They’re incredibly delicious! Add some chopped green onions, a bit of spirit beast meat, and some braised sauce, and they’re wonderfully savory! It’s truly unforgettable! I find myself thinking about Junior Sister Shuyao’s braised noodles all day long. It’s just a pity that Junior Sister Shuyao isn’t very talkative and is a bit withdrawn; otherwise, her stall would definitely be booming!”

“Alright, I’ll take your word for it and give it a try. Everyone, there’s no need to be so reserved. We aren’t so rigid that we can’t bear to hear disciples enjoying themselves. Cultivators are human after all. Humans need self-control, but not repression. Just relax. A bit of coarse language or profanity won’t hurt in such a setting. This is a time for joyful revelry. Come, eat freely—ah, I’ll even join in. Hmm—damn it all, eat up, what are you all gawking at!”

As her words fell, a burst of laughter erupted all around, instantly shattering the previously constrained atmosphere. Even Shuyao, who had been quietly busy, let out a chuckle, her lowered shoulders trembling slightly.

In that moment, Xian Chengyue was like a warm sun melting ice.

Mu Qingli and Qing You glanced around, their perpetually stern expressions softening. It seemed, for a moment, they had considerably relaxed.

Soon, Shuyao brought over three bowls of noodles.

“Pavilion Master Xian! Grand Elder! Sect Master! Th-th-these are the noodles I made. Although they can’t compare to exquisite delicacies, I… I’m confident they won’t taste bad!”

Her words were still a little hesitant, but noticeably less so than before. Mu Qingli observed the rapidly changing atmosphere around them, and in a daze, it was as if she recalled how she used to interact with her own master…

Xian Chengyue stirred the steaming noodles in her bowl, the aroma swirling as she spoke in a soft, steady voice.

“I once believed that cultivators should draw a line between themselves and the mortal world, seeking transcendence and severing worldly ties. The distinction between immortals and mortals was, in essence, a fundamental truth.”

The savory scent of the noodles rose with the steam.

“Yet, these seven emotions and six desires are ultimately etched into our very blood. Worldly roots are hard to sever, human connections difficult to break. We are, in the end, still human. Even an immortal capable of moving mountains and filling seas remains fundamentally human.”

The noodle soup reflected her slightly narrowed gaze.

“If one cannot even discern their own true nature, how can they uphold their original heart on the path of cultivation? Humans are not inert stones or withered wood; they require the nourishment of worldly life. But you two…”

Her gaze swept over Mu Qingli and Qing You.

“…are so preoccupied with maintaining your immortal demeanor that you’ve forgotten the very essence of being human.”

The delicate green rim of the bowl clinked, the sound cutting through the night.

“The foundation of the Xuan Nv Sect has always rested upon these disciples. If you cannot even understand the grassroots, how can the sect speak of flourishing and thriving?”

Then, Xian Chengyue picked up some noodles with her chopsticks, slurped them into her mouth, chewed, swallowed, and spoke.

“Let’s eat first; we can discuss other matters after we’re done. I imagine you, Qing You, also came here putting on airs. Now you hardly visit this place anymore. Do you feel it’s beneath you?”

Qing You picked up her bamboo chopsticks, stirred her noodles, and simply said softly: “I’ve been too busy…”

“That’s just a grand excuse, nothing more.”

Xian Chengyue then turned her attention to Mu Qingli.

“What’s the point of always guarding that place? Get out and walk around more. Qing You took your authority, but she didn’t take your legs. Even with her holding the reins of power, can you not regain the hearts of the disciples? The changing of elders is like the waxing and waning of plants. Elders, after all, must eventually pass the torch. You possess cultivation and youth; sooner or later, you’ll outlive old relics like me. After a few more cycles, what could Qing You possibly do to you then? You’re truly stubborn.”

“Pavilion Master!” Qing You, displeased, glared at Xian Chengyue. “Are you still my master or not? Why are you teaching others things to scheme against your own disciple?”

“So now you remember I’m your master? Hm? How long has it been since you came to see me?”

“Wasn’t I under the impression you were in secluded cultivation? Besides, didn’t you say you wouldn’t interfere in disciples’ disputes, yet you—”

“I do as I please. If you’ve got the skill, try taking my position as Pavilion Master.”

Qing You fell silent, opting to lower her head and eat her noodles.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingli… had a sudden realization!

‘That’s right!’

‘The future belongs to these disciples!’

‘If I can win over the hearts of these disciples, wouldn’t it be effortless to overthrow Qing You later on?!’

“Thank you for your guidance, Pavilion Master!” Mu Qingli thanked her happily, then picked up her bowl and chopsticks and began to eat.

After a while, all three had finished their meals.

“Alright, esteemed Pavilion Master. Shouldn’t you get to the main topic now?” Qing You’s tone held a hint of dissatisfaction and urgency.

“Speaking of which, I still don’t know what happened?” Mu Qingli also seemed somewhat bewildered.

“Ji Xue, the eldest daughter of the current Empress. Her aptitude is mediocre, and she hasn’t made any progress in royal cultivation techniques after more than ten years of practice. Originally, it was the Empress’s intention to send her here to live. But now, the situation is a little more complicated.” Xian Chengyue did not speak these words aloud but transmitted them directly through spiritual sense.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“The Nine Heavens Phoenix Flame Art essentially involves nurturing a fire phoenix within one’s body. It transforms the cultivator’s Dantian into a Nirvana Furnace, drawing upon the spiritual fires of heaven and earth as fuel, and, through the circulation of spiritual energy, gives birth to a wisp of innate fire phoenix essence.”

‘This essence spirit evolves with advancements in cultivation; its fully spread wings can incinerate rivers and boil seas, while its clear, long cry purifies inner demons. Ultimately, when form and spirit unite, the cultivator becomes the fire phoenix, soaring straight to the Nine Heavens, wielding the very source of all flames.’

Xian Chengyue, with her vast experience and countless cultivated techniques, instantly discerned the essence of the cultivation art.

“Ji Xue’s internal fire phoenix failed to take shape, and the root cause lies here—”

Xian Chengyue tapped her finger against the coarse ceramic bowl, which still held the residual warmth of noodle soup.

“The depths of her meridians have long been permeated by a chronic, potent poison. The poisoner’s methods are exceedingly subtle, injecting only imperceptible doses each time.” The remnants of the insidious agent at the bottom of the bowl gleamed with a dull, oily sheen under the light. “Had she not achieved Foundation Establishment overnight, allowing me to conduct a thorough investigation, I likely would have remained oblivious.”

“Poison?” Qing You frowned. “A poison so potent that even the Pavilion Master couldn’t detect it… this person’s mastery of poison has likely reached an extraordinary level.”

Mu Qingli couldn’t interject, so she simply listened.

Xian Chengyue continued, “Ji Xue’s cultivation has always been stagnant; her attempts to gather spiritual energy dispersed on their own. It’s perfectly normal, given that the poison has been eroding her foundation, making it impossible to nurture a fire phoenix. This is likely another instance of infighting within the imperial family.”

Xian Chengyue nodded, her grave expression reflected in the remaining noodle soup.

“This poison is called Spirit Paralysis. It clings to the meridians like a maggot to bone, causing three-tenths of one’s spiritual energy to dissipate with every cycle. While an ordinary disciple expends ten-tenths of their strength to break through, she would need double that.”

“Pavilion Master, surely this isn’t the main point? If that were the case, you wouldn’t have allowed Ji Xue to return to the Hall of Clarity.”

“Indeed. What follows may very well concern the Xuan Nv Sect. Since you are now the decision-makers, I… I wish to tell you about another discovery I made.”

“Another discovery?” Qing You didn’t understand.

“Ji Xue’s Anomaly. Her successful Foundation Establishment means that Ji Xue has achieved minor accomplishment in the Nine Heavens Phoenix Flame Art, having initially condensed a fire phoenix.”

“Isn’t this a good thing? To succeed in Foundation Establishment despite the poison, this child must possess extraordinary talent. Since the poison has been found, the next step is to prescribe the right antidote. Won’t our sect then have another disciple with a promising future?”

“That’s very well said.” Helping the eldest daughter of the current Empress to remove the poison and break through her cultivation would be a monumental achievement. If they could establish ties with the imperial family, the Xuan Nv Sect’s student enrollment would surely stabilize, and they might even receive financial support.

Qing You was currently overwhelmed by the criticisms directed at the Xuan Nv Sect. Even after some belt-tightening and seeking new revenue streams, it ultimately wouldn’t be sustainable long-term. Although Qiu Yue had joined the sect, Qing You vaguely guessed Qiu Yue’s true intentions. However, Qiu Yue’s financial support was indispensable for the Xuan Nv Sect.

Qing You was now calculating how to benefit from both sides. Lin Wan’er absolutely could not be handed over; a disciple of such exceptional talent was the Xuan Nv Sect’s guarantee for the future. If they could now gain the imperial family’s assistance, the Qiu family would no longer pose too great a problem for them.

“Ji Xue did indeed nurture a fire phoenix… but this fire phoenix… for some unknown reason… has taken human form.”

Both Qing You and Mu Qingli’s faces simultaneously creased with questioning bewilderment.

“What does that mean?”

“Does that mean… she’s pregnant?”

“Is this… pregnancy?”

“…No, not exactly.” Xian Chengyue shook her head. “It’s just that Ji Xue’s Nine Heavens Phoenix Flame Art has undergone an anomaly, taking on the appearance of an embryo during human pregnancy. And, it even has a heartbeat.”

“Huh?”

“In other words, that fire phoenix is currently mimicking Ji Xue’s body meridians. Now that it has a heartbeat, it will likely develop sentience soon… and transform into a different appearance. It’s very possible this is a historical transformation of the Nine Heavens Phoenix Flame Art. And this change has only occurred within the Xuan Nv Sect.”

‘Direction!’

‘This implied what? A cultivation technique having different cultivation directions meant the imperial family’s descendants had an additional choice. Inheriting a cultivation technique inherently signified power and validation. However, not everyone was suited for this particular technique. A new direction could allow future imperial descendants to cultivate, significantly enhancing the imperial family’s strength and solidifying imperial power!’

‘It could be said that as long as they seized this opportunity well, attributing the credit to the Xuan Nv Sect, the imperial family would essentially become their strongest ally!’

Qing You’s breathing became somewhat rapid. With imperial funding, she could quickly envision how the Xuan Nv Sect would flourish and once again shine—

“But…”

A ladle of cold water was suddenly splashed, instantly extinguishing Qing You’s fiery enthusiasm.

“But what?” Qing You was impatient, even a little worried, because Xian Chengyue’s expression was not good.

“…Within Ji Xue’s body, there is a Profound Yin Qi, and the fire phoenix being nurtured should naturally repel this Profound Yin Qi. Yet, for some unknown reason, they have merged together…”

At this point, Xian Chengyue’s gaze held a peculiar intensity.

“Why… would Ji Xue have Profound Yin Qi within her body?”

“Wow… you, Mu Qingli, you… how could you lay hands on a disciple?” Qing You’s scornful gaze landed on her.

“What?! Explain yourselves clearly! Don’t make it sound like I impregnated someone! What do you mean, what did I do?! I can’t even enter the Hall of Clarity! What could I possibly do?! I—”

Suddenly, Lin Mo’s face flashed through her mind.

“…Lin Mo, oh Lin Mo, did you… impregnate the Imperial Princess?!”

“Mu Qingli, I misjudged you… Hand over the Sect Master position. This is… truly outrageous! How could you be an old ox eating tender grass?!”