The Mountain Lord's Daughter

Chapter 6: chapter 6



From that night onward, I no longer returned to the manor.

Perhaps because my internal injuries had never been treated, and my spiritual power was locked away, in the middle of the night, I once again fell into a strange dream that I often had when I was a child.

In the dream, I was still in swaddling clothes, with the sound of cloud birds chirping crisply in my ears. Every time the wind blew and the leaves fell, the jade bells in the corridor would chime softly.

But gradually, the sound of the cloud birds was replaced by a heartrending cry, filled with endless pleading, as black mist spread across the sky, and flames burned everywhere.

I was deeply moved by this sorrow, and it became difficult to control the overwhelming pain, until a pair of gentle, cool hands gently covered my ears. Only then did the pain begin to fade away.

I had a strange feeling that these were the hands of my mother, whom I had never met.

There was a constant argument in my ears, but I couldn't make out the words clearly. I could only vaguely hear the terms "plague," "demonic evil," "Crossing Doom City," and "seal"... Finally, there was a sobbing question: "How could you bear to…"

What could they have meant by "bear to"?

I strained to hear the rest, but suddenly felt as though I were drowning, a suffocating sensation that overwhelmed me. The world fell into silence once more.

This sensation of drowning was so real that it almost caused me to wake up gasping for air. Why did I keep having this dream? My father had always said that my mother was just an ordinary woman, weak in health, who died after giving birth to me.

Was the person in the dream truly my mother? What did my mother have to do with the demonic city, Crossing Doom City?

These questions were like a fog obscuring the truth before my eyes, and a voice in my mind told me that to uncover the truth, I would have to go beyond the barrier, to Crossing Doom City.

As I stood frozen in place, I heard a voice near me saying, "Young Madam, you're awake."

Another voice corrected her sternly: "Shihu, you can't call her that yet."

I focused my eyes and realized that two unfamiliar faces had appeared in the room.

They were both wearing green and white robes, looking to be around sixteen or seventeen, their hair tied up in maid hairstyles.

People sent by the Yue family? I took a deep breath, recalling this matter.

In my past life, the Yue family had also sent me a betrothal gift along with two maids.

At that time, I was sure that Pei Yujing would come, so I hated the marriage bestowed by the empire and was preoccupied with my father's uncertain fate. I didn't accept the betrothal gift and didn't even meet the two maids.

But this time, I was meeting them face-to-face.

Something was different, I thought to myself.

The maid who spoke earlier said, "Young Madam… Miss Zhan, do you feel unwell anywhere?"

I realized that my internal injuries had been treated; I only needed to rest. The physician must have visited already. I shook my head and then asked, "What are your names?"

"The maid's name is Shihu."

The more composed maid, who had corrected the first one, said, "My name is Bai Rui."

I glanced at the sky and realized it was nearly noon.

Chen Ye was waiting outside with the betrothal gift. When I opened the door, I saw two phoenixes pulling a carriage filled with magical artifacts.

I was a little surprised. The Yue family was this generous?

I remembered that the people from the Yue family didn't have a good relationship with Yue Zhiheng, and I didn't expect them to put much effort into preparing the betrothal gift.

But as I casually scanned the contents of the carriage, I noticed several precious magical items already placed on it.

These items were truly an unexpected blessing. I had been planning to find a way to escape with the Zhan Shu Mirror and my family members locked up in the prison. What could be better for someone like me, whose spiritual powers had been sealed, than a bunch of powerful magical tools!

Sending these things... was Yue Zhiheng being overly confident? Did he think I couldn't escape, or that I simply wouldn't accept them?

I still remembered the first time I heard Yue Zhiheng's name, from my father's mouth. The mountain lord had looked at the panicked fleeing civilians and sighed, "This young man is ruthless and cunning, yet incredibly gifted. If he is given time, he will undoubtedly become a formidable opponent."

Who would have thought that his words would come true? Within just a few years, Yue Zhiheng had risen to become one of the empire's most influential figures, the emperor's deadly executioner.

I couldn't help but ponder. My father always said that someone with such a deep mind wouldn't be so arrogant.

I gritted my teeth. Fine. If he's so sure that I won't accept it, this time I will.

Since she had been given a chance, she had to seize it no matter what.

"Please thank the Lord and Madam Yue on my behalf."

Chen Ye didn't expect Yun Wei to accept, and after a moment of hesitation, he led his men away.

Once they left, Yun Wei, accompanied by two maids, began to examine the items on the phoenix carriage.

As a Spirit Master, Yun Wei wasn't very skilled with magical instruments. She noticed that most of the magical artifacts had a faint ice-blue lotus pattern and asked the two maids, "What is this?"

Bai Rui, who was not from the Yue family, didn't know much about forging either. It was Shi Hu who spoke up and explained, "All magical instruments forged by the Young Master will bear this mark."

Upon hearing this, Yun Wei immediately felt uneasy. She quickly put down the magical artifact with the lotus pattern. She didn't dare underestimate Yue Zhiheng, so she had no choice but to select a few potentially useful items from the pile of magical artifacts without lotus patterns.

"Pack up the rest for now," she instructed.

The three of them worked late into the night, and only when Shi Hu remembered that Yun Wei was supposed to marry the next day did she softly urge Yun Wei to rest.

Bai Rui brought water and followed Yun Wei into the inner room. When she saw that Shi Hu was still busy organizing, Bai Rui slowly closed the door and approached Yun Wei.

Yun Wei sensed something was off, and with a swift movement, she raised her hand and pressed her glass fan against Bai Rui's throat, asking, "Who are you?"

Bai Rui hadn't expected Yun Wei, as a Spirit Master, to be so keen. The magical fan was sharp, and with one wrong move, it could easily cut her skin. Lowering her voice, Bai Rui said, "Miss Zhan, my mother was once a disciple of Mount Changya, Xue Yunmeng. I don't know if you recognize the name. Elder Qi, upon hearing that you were being forced into marriage with that rogue, specially arranged for me to be placed in the Yue family to help you find a chance to escape."

As she spoke, Bai Rui no longer had the gentle expression from earlier. Her brow furrowed in determination, and her demeanor was calm yet resolute. Upon closer inspection, one could also detect the unmistakable aura of a spirit cultivator who had awakened her spiritual veins.

Yun Wei didn't expect to meet someone from her own side. She put the fan down and, unable to hide her anxiety, asked, "How are the people from the Immortal Sect? What about my father? Is he well?"

Bai Rui lowered her gaze, her eyes heavy with sorrow.

The Mountain Lord was in poor health. The kind and benevolent Lord of Mount Changya had visited Crossing Doom City countless times to rescue the people, and over the years, his health had deteriorated severely. After the battle between the Immortal Sect and the dynasty, to ensure the safe departure of the people from the Immortal Mountain, the Mountain Lord had even sacrificed his cultivation and consumed a life-extinguishing pill.

Bai Rui continued, "After that battle, we were separated from Penglai. Although the Elders united to save the Mountain Lord's life, he has been in a coma ever since."

Because of this, the Elders could no longer help save Yun Wei and Zhan Shu Jing.

However, hearing news of her father's survival was more precious than anything else. In her past life, Yun Wei had known the sacrifice her father had made, and though she had worried and feared for him, she had to force herself to hold back her emotions, all for Zhan Shu Jing, locked away in the dungeon.

Now that she knew her father was still alive and the Elders were working together to treat him, Yun Wei finally felt a sense of relief. She could finally let go of the heavy burden on her heart.

As long as he was alive, the spiritual pills could be restored.

Bai Rui glanced at the magical artifact in Yun Wei's hand and frowned. "Miss, the capital is under martial law, and tomorrow, you're supposed to marry that scoundrel from the Chitian Bureau. Do you have any plans?"

Yun Wei replied, "My brother and my clan are still in the hands of the dynasty."

If they acted rashly, the first to suffer would be Zhan Shu Jing. Although Yue Zhiheng had given her a spiritual pill before his death, his mood was erratic, and his cruelty was well-known. Yun Wei could never gamble with Zhan Shu Jing's life.

She preferred to believe that at the time, Yue Zhiheng had been tortured beyond recognition, or that there was some deeper conspiracy behind his actions.

After all, only someone completely insane would do something like digging up a spiritual pill.

Bai Rui seemed to know that the matter concerning Zhan Shu Jing was tricky. Fortunately, before coming here, the Elders had already discussed their strategy. She had brought something with her.

Bai Rui took out a small jade box, about the size of a fingernail, from her pocket. Inside it was a transparent pill.

"This is a Demon Puppet Pill."

Yun Wei was surprised that the Elders had asked Bai Rui to bring this item. She had seen the Demon Puppet Pills when she was young. They, along with various demonic objects, were sealed away in a high tower, all confiscated from Crossing Doom City. According to the rules of the Immortal Sect, no one was allowed to use the "improper items" from Crossing Doom City.

"The Elders said that if Master Pei can't rescue you, we'll have to find a way to give Yue Zhiheng this pill. The dynasty is too powerful. Right now, the only one who can safely release your clan and Master from their captivity is Yue Zhiheng, the head of the Chitian Bureau."

The Immortal Sect was pushed to the brink, and in desperation, they even resorted to using the Demon Puppet Pill. It was a decisive move, one that showed they were surrounded on all sides, with no other options left.

Yun Wei stared at the pill in her hand, unsure whether to feel pity or sadness.

She knew that anyone who consumed the Demon Puppet Pill would become an ignorant, unfeeling puppet within six hours—completely at the mercy of others. No matter how strong their cultivation, they would be powerless to resist the pill's demonic effects.

This was indeed the best solution to rescue her brother and the others.

Bai Rui suggested, "Tomorrow is the grand wedding. Yue Zhiheng's attention will likely be on guarding against Master Pei, so I can take the opportunity to slip the pill into his wine or food when he's not paying attention."

Yun Wei shook her head. "It won't work. The Demon Puppet Pill has a scent. As soon as he smells it, he won't drink."

Bai Rui sniffed the pill and indeed detected a faint fragrance. It wasn't strong, but with Yue Zhiheng's skills, he would definitely be able to tell.

Bai Rui was momentarily at a loss. After a long pause, she looked at Yun Wei, her gaze lingering on her bright red lips. "Miss, why don't you make a sacrifice? I noticed that the scent of this pill is quite similar to lip balm."

"…" Yun Wei's expression stiffened, and her eyes widened as she looked at Bai Rui.

She gazed at this young girl, roughly the same age as herself, and never knew there were such talents in Longya Mountain.

Bai Rui added, "Oh, I wasn't raised in Longya Mountain. I grew up in a border district with my father."

The borderlands were filled with all sorts of people, and one had seen everything—cheaters, swindlers, and all kinds of schemes. Children in these places grew up with boldness and weren't afraid to use any means necessary.

"No… I won't!" Yun Wei felt that the words were nearly forced out between her clenched teeth.

Bai Rui looked at her disapprovingly. "For spirit cultivators like us, purity doesn't matter. What matters is how we survive."

Yun Wei was exasperated. "It's not that reason."

"What is it, then?" Bai Rui pressed, unwilling to give up on the idea of using the pill. Yun Wei laughed bitterly in frustration. "Why do you think Yue Zhiheng would…"

Would he actually kiss her? Was he insane?

Bai Rui fell silent and furrowed her brows. "Doesn't he avoid women?"

Yun Wei thought for a moment and nodded.

Then she shook her head again. She recalled the three years spent as Yue Zhiheng's partner. They weren't exactly devoid of moments spent in bed together. At her most furious with him, she even attempted to kill him.

But he was always vigilant. No matter how late she waited, the moment her hand moved, he would grab her wrist and toss her hand aside.

With his eyes closed, he would sneer. "Save it, Miss Zhan. I'm not done living yet. I don't want to die just yet. If you move again, I don't mind tying you up to sleep."

She had once suspected that Yue Zhiheng didn't actually sleep when lying next to her, and wondered if he was awake, scheming some trickery.

More often than not, they didn't sleep on the same couch.

Perhaps weary of the constant vigilance, she remembered that it was still midsummer when she received a letter from Yue Zhiheng. The letter unfolded in the air, a magical scroll.

The letter read:

Miss Zhan, the dynasty is overwhelmed by demonic chaos, and Chitian Bureau is busy. I will no longer return home at night. You may handle things as you see fit.

Three years as partners, and their relationship was colder than ice and snow. Yun Wei never saw any signs of affection from him toward anyone. The only clue she had was from his grandmother, who mentioned the existence of a Miss Qu.

But Yun Wei had never seen how Yue Zhiheng interacted with Miss Qu.

So—

Yun Wei looked back at the Demon Puppet Pill. This twisted idea might only work if Miss Qu came to the rescue. Otherwise, her face twisted in strange frustration. Could it be that she had to force it?

She really couldn't imagine that scenario. When she came back to her senses, Yun Wei frowned. She realized she had been led astray by Bai Rui. She had never heard of a Spirit Master being able to overpower a cultivator, let alone successfully restrain them!


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