Under the moonlight, the faint pink mist seeped entirely into Jiang Yue's body. Instantly, her wounds began to close, and the blood vanished from her skin. A strange, cold white light glowed in her eyes, casting an eerie aura across the darkened forest.
"Hehe…" A chilling smile crept across her lips.
"Yuexian!" A deep, stern voice called out suddenly, breaking the stillness.
Through the misty trees strode Ye Tiance, his face set in a cold scowl, his gaze locked onto Jiang Yue. Her expression grew vacant as she reached out a trembling hand, looking both desperate and pitiful.
"Master…please, save me…" she whispered, stumbling forward, but Ye Tiance recoiled, stepping back with evident disgust. His harsh retreat sent her plummeting into despair, and her face twisted in agony, though a hint of satisfaction glimmered in her cold eyes.
"Yuexian, she is my disciple!" Ye Tiance growled, his teeth clenched.
"Do you really care about her?" Jiang Yue's voice came out soft and sweet, but with a mocking edge.
Ye Tiance hesitated.
"You've had other disciples who died, yet you didn't mourn them," Jiang Yue continued softly, glancing down at her own body. "The youth—so full of life, so resentful—that's the perfect host for a demon puppet."
"Yuexian," Ye Tiance said in a steely tone, "things aren't like they used to be."
"Hehe…" Jiang Yue took a few steps closer, her delicate scent filling the air, luring him into a hazy daze. Though he forced himself to close his eyes, visions began to dance before him, like shadows of phantom beauties surrounding him.
"Are you trying to scare me with Ye Guying?" she whispered into his ear, as wisps of pink fog swirled around him.
"I'm warning you," he replied icily.
"Oh, really?" Jiang Yue's laughter was like a soft chiming. "Because of you, I've traveled across a thousand lands, taking thousands of souls to feed my hunger. Why would I stop now? There are so many souls out there, young ones who have just begun their journey…"
"You!" Ye Tiance's expression hardened as his brows drew together in fury.
"Oh, we're not so different, are we?" Jiang Yue taunted with a sly smile. "You accepted my clan's demon pills for your 'Sword Ring.' So, why pretend now?"
Ye Tiance remained silent. She reached out with a pale hand, brushing his chest lightly. "Relax. Tell Ye Guying that though I'm a demon, I never betray my allies. As long as he and I tread our paths together, we can both reach our goals. But if he dares to stand against me… I have ways to make him regret it."
"He won't be easily threatened," Ye Tiance muttered darkly.
"This isn't a threat," Jiang Yue purred, a strange smile flickering across her face. "It's simply an opportunity."
Ye Tiance stared at her coldly. "All right. My clansmen are held captive by Yun Xiao. If you can unleash your tricks to break them free, you'll have my cooperation—on two conditions: first, Yun Xiao remains unharmed, and second, Zhao Xuanran is protected."
"Intact?" Jiang Yue chuckled darkly. "Do you think Ye Guying still holds a candle for him?"
"That's none of your concern," Ye Tiance replied, clenching his jaw.
"Fine." Jiang Yue's eyes gleamed, her powdery white pupils swirling with desire as she looked toward the Sword Pavilion. "That youth's dantian seems perfect for cultivation."
"Like you—a mere shadow monster?" Ye Tiance asked, surprised.
"Of course. But he's exceptional… the way his aura exudes strength! A perfect specimen for my puppetry," Jiang Yue laughed softly, the sound like silk over steel.
Ye Tiance could only shake his head, watching her retreating form with a sinking feeling.
---
At the Sword Pavilion…
Three swordsmen—Chen Dong, Li Chenlong, and Shangguan Yu—stood solemnly before a white-clad youth, bowing in respect.
"Tonight was perilous, and the Sword Pavilion would have fallen had it not been for Yun Xiao's courage," Shangguan Yu said, casting a glance toward the young man.
The young swordsman stood still, his black hair gently framing his tranquil, noble face. His calm gaze belied the strength he had just displayed, a fierce spirit hiding behind a serene appearance. It was a stark contrast that only heightened his allure—a mortal wielding the sword as his sole guide, unbent and untamed.
"Yun Xiao is no weaker than Ye Guying," Shangguan Yu stated reverently to an azure-clad elder seated nearby. The elder nodded in approval.
"Senior Brother," Chen Dong murmured, voice filled with remorse, as he and Li Chenlong knelt before the azure-clad elder. "We are ashamed…"
"You may rise." Zhao Xuanran, a female disciple of great standing, helped them to their feet. "He has not held this against you."
Shangguan Yu's eyes gleamed. "The truth that's been buried must be revealed. It's time for the Sword Pavilion to restore its honor!"
With that, the three swordsmen departed resolutely, their purpose clear.
"Zhao Xuanran," Shangguan Yu called, his gaze fixed on Yun Xiao, "protect him well. With Yun Xiao, the Sword Pavilion shall endure."
"Yes." Zhao Xuanran looked at Yun Xiao, nodding with resolve.
"You may teach him the Blue Soul First Sword," Shangguan Yu continued.
Yun Xiao's eyes brightened. "The Blue Soul First Sword—is it a sword technique?"
"Yes," Zhao Xuanran confirmed. "A Yuheng-level technique."
In the Blue Soul Sword Sect, the Yuheng-level technique was legendary, passed down for generations, used to vanquish countless monsters. Even Ye Tiance coveted it.
"Today's battle was exhausting," Zhao Xuanran said, her tone softening. "Rest tonight, and I'll teach you tomorrow."
"I'm not tired," Yun Xiao replied, smiling. "I'd like to continue."
"Rest," she insisted, fixing him with a firm stare.
"Yes, Senior Sister…" Yun Xiao acquiesced.
Before she left, Yun Xiao glanced at the elder in azure. "Senior Sister, is there something in this world that could restore the teacher's Sword Soul?"
Zhao Xuanran paused, a touch surprised, then replied, "Perhaps in the Ten Thousand Swords Sea. But why would you wish to help him?"
"Because I want to," Yun Xiao answered simply, smiling with a quiet determination. "In life, I do only what I want to do. That's my way."
Zhao Xuanran looked at him for a long time, admiring his spirit.
---
Back in the forest, Ye Tiance's mind returned to the threat of Yuexian. Though powerful, she was an old enemy with methods steeped in shadow. Yet she was a master of deception and manipulation. In his heart, Ye Tiance braced himself for the storm that was about to unfold between him, Yuexian, and Yun Xiao.