Chapter 39: Xueqing's Identity

The Upper Realm. The World of Skywind. The Phoenix Clan. “Patriarch, just moments ago, the Young Mistress activated her Phoenix power. We’ve pinpointed her location in the Lower Realm,” an elderly woman with silver hair reported. “Where is Xueqing now?” a middle-aged man, clad in phoenix robes, urgently inquired. “The Young Mistress has gone down to the Lower Realm,” the old woman replied. “That child, she’s truly becoming more and more unruly.” The middle-aged man’s voice grew heavy. “Grand Elder, I must trouble you to make this journey yourself. You must bring her back.” “Yes, Patriarch.” *** Tianyuan Palace. The Grand Hall of the Palace Lord. Yang Lingchen found himself back in the Grand Hall, his head bowed. A hint of panic stirred within him. He wasn't sure if his Master would punish him, as he seemed to have caused quite a bit of trouble lately. “Greetings, Palace Lord,” the assembled cultivators bowed in unison. “Elder Ling, what is the meaning of this?” Dongfang Yunbing asked, her voice calm. “To answer, Palace Lord, I’m not entirely clear on the specifics,” Elder Lingchen replied. “When I arrived, I saw Yang Lingchen had just crippled Li Xinyi’s dantian, and Feng Xueqing was striking Dongfang Jie.” “Feng Xueqing striking Dongfang Jie?” Dongfang Yunbing’s brow furrowed in confusion. Her nephew’s cultivation was considerably higher than Feng Xueqing’s. “Aunt, that wretch must have used some kind of sorcery! That’s why your nephew was beaten like this!” Dongfang Jie quickly interjected. “Feng Xueqing, why did you strike Dongfang Jie?” Dongfang Yunbing asked, her tone even. “This boy dared to lay a hand on my man. Not killing him was already merciful,” Feng Xueqing retorted coldly. “Dongfang Jie, why did you strike Yang Lingchen?” A flicker of cold light passed through Dongfang Yunbing’s eyes at the mention of Yang Lingchen being struck. “This… your nephew heard he had killed Wang Xuanfeng and Li Tianxing, so I merely intended to teach him a lesson,” Dongfang Jie stammered, bowing quickly under Dongfang Yunbing’s sharp gaze. “Chen’er, are you alright?” Dongfang Yunbing’s voice softened. As Dongfang Yunbing’s words fell, Elder Lingchen, the Law Enforcement Elder, felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. In all his years, he had never heard the Palace Lord speak with such tenderness. He was relieved he hadn’t done anything to Yang Lingchen earlier. “This disciple is fine,” Yang Lingchen replied respectfully. “That’s good.” Dongfang Yunbing then continued, “I have some understanding of the matter between Li Xinyi and Yang Lingchen. Let this matter be concluded here. You may all withdraw.” “Yes, Palace Lord,” Elder Lingchen bowed and retreated. Dongfang Jie stood frozen, utterly bewildered. His aunt, who usually doted on him the most, was actually this boy’s Master. Meanwhile, Li Xinyi’s face was a mask of despair and resentment, her eyes fixed on Yang Lingchen with venomous hatred. “I won’t accept this! I will have my revenge!” A gush of blood erupted from Li Xinyi’s mouth, and she collapsed, unconscious. Yang Lingchen didn’t spare the woman another glance. What meaning did her venomous gaze hold now? Her dantian had been damaged by the Haotian Art; no one in the Tianwu Continent could save her. “You scoundrel, I helped you out today. Shouldn’t you show some appreciation?” Feng Xueqing chuckled playfully. “Absolutely. I’m ready to offer myself to you,” Yang Lingchen grinned. “I don’t want that!” “I’m hungry,” Feng Xueqing said in a sweet voice. “Come to my place. I’ll make you something delicious,” Yang Lingchen said, pulling Feng Xueqing towards the Cuiyun Pavilion. *** Cuiyun Pavilion. Feng Xueqing took a sip of red wine and said sweetly, “You scoundrel, how can your cooking be so delicious?” “If you like it, I’ll cook for you for a lifetime. I know many other cuisines too!” Yang Lingchen declared. “You said it! Don’t go back on your word,” Feng Xueqing playfully chided. “Of course. By the way, Xueqing, how did you suddenly become so powerful?” Yang Lingchen asked curiously. “What if I told you I’m from another world? Would you believe me?” Feng Xueqing blinked. “I would. Because you possess an ethereal aura that doesn’t belong to this world,” Yang Lingchen replied. “Actually, I’m from a very distant place. That place is called the World of Skywind,” Feng Xueqing said seriously. Yang Lingchen frowned. “The World of Skywind? Then how did you come to the Tianwu Continent?” “I stumbled upon the Tianwu Continent by chance. So, I sealed my cultivation, wanting to experience the journey from weakness to strength all over again,” Feng Xueqing explained. “Are you serious? Not joking?” Yang Lingchen asked earnestly. “Of course, I’m serious,” Feng Xueqing affirmed. “Then, what was your cultivation level before you sealed it?” Yang Lingchen inquired. “In short, it surpassed the laws of the Tianwu Continent. If I were to unseal my cultivation now, the rules of heaven and earth in the Tianwu Continent would be thrown into turmoil,” Feng Xueqing stated gravely. “You’re so powerful. Will you… will you ever be abusive?” Yang Lingchen asked with a worried expression. “That’s hard to say. If you treat me well, I won’t be abusive,” Feng Xueqing chuckled. “Xueqing, why don’t you stay here with me from now on? I have many rooms,” Yang Lingchen suggested. “You’re not trying to take advantage of me, are you?” Feng Xueqing said sweetly. *** Three days passed in a flash. During this time, Yang Lingchen and Feng Xueqing remained inseparable, their feelings for each other steadily deepening. Late that night, as Yang Lingchen was about to cultivate, he heard a knock on his door. He quickly opened it to find Feng Xueqing standing there, clad in a sheer nightgown. Her graceful figure, alluring curves, and ample bosom were veiled by a thin, translucent fabric, creating a tantalizing, almost ethereal sight. At this striking scene, Yang Lingchen nearly had a nosebleed. “You scoundrel, I want to sleep with you tonight. Is that alright?” Feng Xueqing asked, her eyes wide and sparkling. “Yes, absolutely yes!” Yang Lingchen nearly jumped with excitement. Was his wonderful life about to begin? “I like the feeling of you holding me, but you can only hold me. You can’t do anything else. Can you do that?” Feng Xueqing said sweetly. Only hold her? Wouldn’t that be torture? She was dressed like that, and he was only allowed to hold her while she slept? This was pure torment! This wasn’t fair! “No… problem,” Yang Lingchen managed to say with difficulty. Just holding her would be fine. One step at a time. Haste makes waste. “You scoundrel, you sound quite reluctant!” Feng Xueqing playfully chided. “How could I be? I’m overjoyed! Come in quickly!” Yang Lingchen pulled Feng Xueqing inside. “Xueqing, why don’t you take off your clothes to sleep? It’s good for your development,” Yang Lingchen suggested. “You scoundrel, what are you trying to do? I’m warning you, you can only hold me. Don’t try anything else, or you’ll face the consequences!” Feng Xueqing retorted playfully. “Don’t worry, my dear Xueqing. Your husband’s integrity is well-known,” Yang Lingchen quickly assured her. Soon, they lay in bed. Feng Xueqing fell asleep quickly. Yang Lingchen, however, found sleep impossible. With a beauty in his arms, yet unable to move, how could he possibly sleep? Late into the night. “You scoundrel, what is that?” Feng Xueqing mumbled sleepily. “Oh, just a moment. That’s my…” Yang Lingchen shifted slightly. “Alright, go back to sleep.”