"Due to falling into demonic ways, the ancestor's Taiyin Divine Physique was corrupted, turning into the Taiyin Demonic Physique," Wen Yaxian's mother continued. "The demonic influence affected the family's strong cultivators, turning them into ruthless, inhuman killing machines."
"Though the ancestor and those corrupted were ultimately slain by righteous cultivators, the Taiyin Demonic Physique's curse persisted within the family."
"In subsequent generations, those who inherited the Taiyin Demonic Physique occasionally appeared. Since the physique is inherently yin, only females inherited it."
"We initially tried to prohibit those with the Taiyin Demonic Physique from cultivating, but some refused to resign themselves to an ordinary life. They secretly cultivated, nearly leading to the family's complete destruction."
"As a result, a family rule was established: all females were forbidden from any involvement in cultivation."
"But the Taiyin Demonic Physique seemed like a curse. After the rule was set, most of the family's offspring were female."
"In my father's generation, I was the only daughter. And in my generation, I have only Yaxian."
"Now I understand." Xiao Fan sighed, realizing how deeply the curse had plagued their family.
With most descendants being female and forbidden from cultivating, it was no wonder the family had declined.
Now knowing the truth, Xiao Fan regretted teaching Wen Yaxian cultivation, realizing it was a grave mistake.
"Auntie, I apologize for my thoughtlessness," Xiao Fan said, feeling guilty.
"It's not your fault. You didn't know," Wen Yaxian's mother replied. "I permitted Yaxian to become your disciple, never expecting she would inherit the Taiyin Demonic Physique."
Xiao Fan and Wen Yaxian's mother agreed to cease all cultivation teachings to Wen Yaxian.
Outside the Haotian Mirror.
"A Taiyin Divine Physique turning demonic? Fellow cultivators, has anyone heard of this?"
"We're watching events from thousands of years ago. This must be at least ten thousand years old. We've only been cultivating for a few hundred years; how could we know such ancient history?"
"Actually, I do know this story," one cultivator spoke up.
"Then hurry up and tell us. Stop stalling!"
"Alright, alright. I read about it in the records of my Heavenly Dao Academy. Ten thousand years ago, the Taiyin Divine Physique turned demonic, causing widespread disaster. The cultivation world formed an alliance to eradicate the evil, and my academy was part of it..."
He described the scenes vividly, as if painting a picture with his words.
Someone skeptically remarked, "You talk as if you were there."
The speaker laughed proudly, "These are well-documented in the Heavenly Dao Academy. We've been around for ten thousand years, always dedicated to saving the world and upholding justice. By the way, our annual recruitment drive starts on the ninth of next month. We invite all aspiring cultivators to send their children to our academy..."
"Get lost! You were just promoting your academy!"
"Yeah, no one's got time to listen to your advertisement!"
Despite their annoyance, the crowd believed his account of the Taiyin Divine Physique's fall. With the Heavenly Dao Academy's long-standing reputation, it seemed credible.
So, the ancestor of the Taiyin Empress had indeed fallen, corrupting the Taiyin Divine Physique into the Taiyin Demonic Physique.
However, considering Wen Yaxian's circumstances, she should have inherited the Taiyin Demonic Physique.
But as the revered Taiyin Empress, she showed no signs of demonic behavior. On the contrary, she was known for her benevolence and good deeds.
What had happened? Had Wen Yaxian been lucky enough to avoid the curse, or was there something else at play?
The crowd speculated that Xiao Fan might have played a role in this mystery.
Somehow, after seeing Xiao Fan's past sacrifices, they felt there might be hidden reasons for his eventual fall into demonic ways.
Everyone looked towards the Taiyin Empress in the sky, believing she might hold the answers.
The Taiyin Empress trembled, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. She had never known about the Taiyin Demonic Physique.
All along, she believed she had the Taiyin Divine Physique. Even when Xiao Fan imprisoned her, he claimed her physique could help heal and enhance cultivation.
"It can't be... It can't be..." The Taiyin Empress murmured, her voice trembling. "I have the Taiyin Divine Physique, not the Taiyin Demonic Physique!"
Seeing her denial, the Northern Nether Empress, Leng Ruoxue, laughed coldly. "See? I knew there was more to it!"
The Taiyin Empress's reaction clearly showed she was unaware of many things.
The Skyfire Empress watched with narrowed eyes, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Noticing this, the Taiyin Empress frowned, wondering what the Skyfire Empress meant.
But she quickly refocused on unraveling the mystery of the Taiyin Demonic Physique.
Despite the agreement to stop her cultivation, Wen Yaxian had secretly continued practicing. The drastic changes seemed to begin after she resumed cultivation.
Lost in hatred for Xiao Fan, she had never carefully considered these events.
Now, thinking back, she realized something was amiss.
Trying to calm herself, the Taiyin Empress reassured herself that it must be her imagination.
Taking a deep breath, she turned her attention back to the Haotian Mirror, hoping to uncover the truth.