098 Reincarnation

Murong Qiandai cast a faint glance at Yun Feiyue and said slowly, "Martial arts and the path of immortality do not conflict. If you are willing, you can still practice both. You are currently at the eighth stage of martial arts; cultivating the path of immortality can be mutually beneficial."

Yun Feiyue gave a noncommittal hum, neither agreeing nor refusing, and put the book away.

Murong Qiandai stretched lazily and rose slowly. "I am tired today; I shall rest. Do not run around if you have nothing to do; stay within the Murong estate."

Yun Feiyue could not fathom what Murong Qiandai meant, and she felt quite perplexed.

"Grandfather, I am in a hurry to return."

"Back to the Mo family?" Murong Qiandai’s tone was clearly unkind, and a cold sneer curled his exquisite lips. "I don't know what is worth remembering in that dilapidated place. I do not wish for you to be so attached to it."

Yun Feiyue frowned, feeling annoyed.

"Isn't that overstepping your bounds? We only share a bit of blood relation; without that, we would be strangers. We haven't seen each other in the past twenty years, yet now that we've met, you’re already ordering me around. Isn't that a bit uncalled for?"

Upon hearing this, Murong Qiandai turned his head to look at Yun Feiyue, remaining silent for a long time. His expression seemed to suggest that Yun Feiyue had done something wrong.

To be honest, Yun Feiyue truly did not want to say anything more. Murong Qiandai clearly had a bad temper, and she figured that the more she spoke, the more she would be in the wrong, so she simply stopped dwelling on the matter.

"Grandfather, I just want to ask one thing."

Murong Qiandai merely looked at her, showing no intention of answering.

Yun Feiyue took out the Red Lotus Token and placed it before him. "Take a look at this..."

Murong Qiandai only glanced at it and remained silent. However, Yun Feiyue noticed a flicker of emotion in him—faint, almost imperceptible.

"Grandfather... where did this come from? Why is it connected to the people of the Ghost Path?"

Murong Qiandai shook his head. "Who should I ask? It was just a gift someone gave me for my birthday; I didn't pay much attention to it."

"Could it have been a gift from that Gui Ming?" Yun Feiyue asked, probing him with her gaze.

Murong Qiandai did not answer, merely giving a faint hum. "I am going to sleep." He left her with nothing but his retreating back.

Unbelievable! Watching Murong Qiandai disappear, Yun Feiyue rose and left in frustration. She clutched the book he had given her, wondering whether she should actually practice it.

Mo Feiyuan was waiting at the door, looking slightly worried. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Let's go back." Yun Feiyue took little Mumu by the hand, ready to leave.

However, Murong Fenghua blocked their path. "Don't even think about it. Grandfather said that if you don't stay here properly, you won't be able to leave unless you comprehend some of the contents of that book. Don't you want to know how to get out?"

Yun Feiyue found this strange and did not understand what Murong Fenghua meant, but his expression suggested there was more to his words.

"Can you be more specific?"

Murong Fenghua hummed. "I can! To be specific... you had better not leave, or I'll beat you up."

Yun Feiyue smiled with squinted eyes, her expression indifferent. "Come on then, if you think you can win."

Murong Fenghua snorted; with Mo Feiyuan standing nearby, he really could not make a move. In any case, Yun Feiyue could not leave, as this area was within the barrier created by Murong Qiandai. Escaping was simply impossible.

Yun Feiyue stayed in the Murong estate, feeling puzzled. She wondered what had gotten into Murong Qiandai that he would suddenly decide to summon a granddaughter he hadn't seen in years. During this time, Yun Feiyue made discrete inquiries, but she couldn't get a single shred of information about the Red Lotus Token from the maids. Eventually, she gave up.

She opened the book Murong Qiandai had given her and began to practice according to its instructions. Little Mumu, bored, followed suit.

During this period, Mo Feiyuan essentially turned the place into his office; You Tong and Han Cheng would deliver all sorts of documents for him to process every day.

Time flew, and half a year passed.

Yun Feiyue became slightly familiar with the path of immortality and began true cultivation. Unlike martial arts, which focused on the strength of the body, the path of immortality focused on internal cultivation. By combining the two, Yun Feiyue felt her body had improved significantly.

On a spring morning, Yun Feiyue slowly opened her eyes as cherry blossoms drifted into the room, enveloping the entire space. She curled her lips into a smile, stretched, and walked out.

Little Mumu, dressed in spring clothes, stood under a cherry tree, clutching the hem of Mo Feiyuan’s robe. Both males wore unique smiles.

"Mother."
"Wife."

Yun Feiyue hummed in response and picked up little Mumu, realizing the little guy had grown heavier.

"How long have I been in seclusion?"
"From winter to spring." Mo Feiyuan reached out and gently smoothed her long hair. "You’ve finally come out."
"Did you miss me?" she teased.

Mo Feiyuan nodded without further words, his gaze drifting into the distance. Spring was in the air, and the entire Murong estate radiated vitality. Although Yun Feiyue had not reached a new stage in these six months, she could feel that her body was much tougher than before.

Not far away, You Tong and Han Cheng approached, once again delivering documents to Mo Feiyuan. Seeing Yun Feiyue, You Tong was surprised.

"Mistress, you’ve come out?"

Yun Feiyue nodded, smiling at You Tong. "I have. Have you grown a bit?"

You Tong hummed and bowed politely. "Greetings, Mistress." He then turned to hand a sandalwood box to Mo Feiyuan. "My Lord, it seems some things have happened recently."

Mo Feiyuan took the box. "What has happened?"

You Tong’s expression was strange, as if he found it difficult to speak. Mo Feiyuan said calmly, "Just say it."

You Tong looked at Yun Feiyue with hesitation before speaking. "It’s about the young master."

Yun Feiyue looked at little Mumu, full of questions. "What bad thing did you do?"

Little Mumu pouted, looking aggrieved. "I didn't, Mother. You're wronging me again. I haven't done anything."

Yun Feiyue patted his little head. "Alright, alright, I said nothing. Tell me, You Tong, what is it?"

"His constitution. The Heavenly Spirit Body."

"Buzz—" Yun Feiyue’s ears rang.

So, it had been discovered after all. The Heavenly Spirit Body, which she had tried so hard to hide, was now known. She bit her lip and asked after a long while, "What is the situation?"

From You Tong, she learned that many people now knew about little Mumu’s constitution, and he had inevitably become a target. Although no one dared to act openly due to Mo Feiyuan’s protection and little Mumu’s identity, some were bold enough to try every method to capture the child, who was seen as a medicinal tonic.

There were already people forming groups to ambush little Mumu; if they stepped out of the Murong estate, trouble would surely follow.

Yun Feiyue smiled faintly. It seemed those people really thought she was a good-for-nothing. Going after her little Mumu...

"Find out who is interested in my Mumu. I will go and meet them."

You Tong nodded and left. Mo Feiyuan put his arm around Yun Feiyue’s shoulder. "Don't worry, I will handle these matters. There will be no issues."

Yun Feiyue hummed, though her concerns did not fade because of his words. A Heavenly Spirit Body in the Golden Spear Continent meant a powerful tonic that could allow stagnant old men to enter a new level of cultivation. There must be many who coveted it, and surely some very formidable characters among them.

Feeling her worry, Mo Feiyuan held her tighter. "Don't worry, I will protect you."

Yun Feiyue looked up at the cherry blossoms filling the sky, a faint fragrance filling her nose. "The weather is so lovely; it would be a waste to spend it worrying. Don't worry, I don't have the energy to dwell on it."

Mo Feiyuan felt relieved, offering a gentle smile, though a trace of hidden worry remained on his handsome face. Little Mumu shook his head helplessly. "Mother, don't worry. Everything will be fine."

Yun Feiyue pinched his cheeks and smiled. "Stop bragging. Go practice your skills properly."

Little Mumu grumbled but nodded obediently. Although he was slightly dissatisfied with his mother, he knew she did it for his own good, so he would never defy her.

A few more days passed.

Spring rain fell endlessly, and cherry blossoms covered the ground. Yun Feiyue leaned against the window, watching the scenery and urging little Mumu to practice. Although not entirely willing, little Mumu was forced to train.

Copper Bell brought over some freshly made pastries and placed them beside Yun Feiyue. "Miss, please try these seasonal cherry blossom cakes."

Yun Feiyue casually picked one up, eating it while watching the incessant rain. "Isn't it too sweet?"

Copper Bell was surprised, then realized, "I don't know if I put too much sugar in."

"I was talking about the rain."

Copper Bell hummed, curious. "How could the rain be sweet?"

"It feels like it has a sweet taste, which is why I find it strange."

In the rain, under the cherry trees, a pale figure appeared, holding a black oil-paper umbrella, walking slowly closer. Reaching the pavilion, the figure looked up.

Yun Feiyue squinted. "Who is it?"

The person’s voice was faint. "It is I." He adjusted the white mask on his face.

Yun Feiyue shook her head. This was not Yu Que. Besides Yu Que, who else wore a mask? The person walked through the rain, step by step, as if floating in the air, light and ethereal. A scent of decay slowly drifted closer.

"Ghost Path..."

Yun Feiyue was startled and quickly retreated to shield little Mumu. She never expected someone from the Ghost Path to enter the Murong estate.

"Copper Bell, go find Murong Fenghua!"

"Little girl, it’s useless!" The cold voice was more delicate than the sound of the rain. The man walked closer step by step. If not for the overwhelming aura, Yun Feiyue would have mistaken him for Gui Ming. However, this person’s immense power told her it could not be him.

She clutched little Mumu, waved her hand to cover the window, and leaped out from the other side. A red umbrella, a red dress, she spun and landed on the ground. Turning back to face the approaching man, she curled her lips into a cold smile.

"A person from the Ghost Path—are you the Ghost Monarch?"

"My name is Xiamu." As the man’s cold voice echoed, a dozen people appeared, surrounding Yun Feiyue, leaving no possibility of escape.

"I don't care what your name is, don't block my path."

"I appeared specifically to block your path." Xiamu lifted his hand, and the rain instantly stopped falling. Everything around them seemed to freeze.

This was a Ghost Path space. Only someone at the peak of the eighth stage of the Ghost Path could manifest such a space. It was isolated, and those outside could not see what was happening within.

"Do you think this will kill me?" Yun Feiyue’s red dress billowed, and a five-tailed phoenix made of flames formed around her.

"Improvement," Xiamu said, stroking his chin, watching her with lingering interest.

Yun Feiyue did not stop to chat; now was not the time. She moved her hands, and a surge of power erupted. At the same time, she leaped into the air, spinning her body, causing the frozen rain to fall once more. It swirled into flames, attacking Xiamu.

Xiamu squeezed his hand, and the space twisted and deformed. He flickered and disappeared. Only his voice remained: "How could I let you escape in my space? Do you think I'm that stupid?" Xiamu’s voice sounded unexpectedly soft, as if he were smiling.

Yun Feiyue retreated and closed her eyes. In his space, she could only rely on her senses to locate him. Suddenly, a massive force struck from the left. She leaped, hands swinging, and two balls of fire ignited. They seemed unaffected by the distorted space and struck Xiamu directly.

Xiamu’s body split into a dozen or more, attacking Yun Feiyue again. She turned perfectly, holding little Mumu, and dodged the attacks. The surrounding barrier and the attacks collided, forming fireworks that exploded around her. These fireworks were then driven toward the opponent, bursting into blood-red sparks before vanishing into the rain.

Everything suddenly went still. Xiamu did not move; he stood in mid-air, holding his black umbrella, staring at the woman opposite him.

He spoke slowly: "I heard that in this world, there are two similar figures. Like two similar flowers in one world, they share the same experiences, the same preferences, the same appearance, and even the same techniques. These two similar flowers appear at different times, or even in different spaces; this is called reincarnation."

"What are you trying to say?" Yun Feiyue threw a fireball at him without hesitation, which was extinguished at his fingertips.

Xiamu continued to stare at her. "I have no interest in you. I only want the child you are carrying."

"Go to hell."

The flames born of anger burned in the small space, distorting it. The rain seemed to evaporate instantly, replaced by a hazy fog. In the scorching mist, the figure opposite her became indistinct. Yet, Xiamu maintained his posture, holding his umbrella.

"You’ve heard of the Mo family's 'Painting of the Chaste Maiden,' haven't you? It’s too similar. Both are children with the Heavenly Spirit Body, both are men who came walking through fire. That child... was not a child of the Mo family, and that woman was not a woman of the Mo family; it was merely a sacrifice. A sacrifice of the filthy people of this world. The child with the Heavenly Spirit Body was eventually devoured by an ordinary person, who, through the creation of space and the power of divine consciousness, eventually became one of the nine great gods of this world."

"The god of the Mo family. During the war of the gods, he was sealed. Now, the seal is about to be broken. And your appearance seems to have pushed everything back to the starting point."

Starting point... Yun Feiyue had heard this term before. But in her understanding, it had nothing to do with gods.

"I will protect my son."

"That one said the same, and in the end, his soul was destroyed. To preserve her life, Murong Qiandai hid her soul in the Reincarnation Mirror. And the moment the soul lamp of the Yun family girl went out, the mirror and the soul within flew out of the Murong estate and vanished."

"What does that have to do with me?" Yun Feiyue understood that Xiamu wanted her to believe she was that reincarnation. But she knew her own identity; she was a transmigrator, and she had nothing to do with that reincarnation.

"Of course it has to do with you, for you must be the person from that reincarnation. Murong Qiandai and I, along with Zhan Yun of the Zhan Yun Sect, are the three sages of the Golden Spear Continent; how could we fail to see through this? Otherwise, why would Murong Qiandai let you stay here? He doesn't like people from the Yun family..."

This explanation seemed to make sense. However— "Why should I believe you? I know who I am better than anyone. You want to convince me to hand over little Mumu with this excuse? Not a chance."

"There is something in this world called destiny, which is predetermined. Like now, this is a trap—a trap laid by one of those insidious nine gods. Even Murong Qiandai cannot change what has come to pass. He can only imprison you here..."

Xiamu walked closer as he spoke. The mask on his face had disappeared, yet his face remained blurry and unclear.

"Looking so similar, it really is endearing. I once thought about killing that woman of the Yun family. I thought Qiandai would be angry, but he said nothing." He smiled faintly. "Sure enough, you are the one who can stir his heart. Even after all these years, you are still the reason for his persistence."

Yun Feiyue had been stunned by Xiamu’s words at first, but upon hearing this, she suddenly remembered something and teased, "With that tone of jealousy, don't tell me you have feelings for my grandfather?"

"Grandfather?" Xiamu seemed surprised by the term, but then understood. "The affairs between me and Qiandai are not for you to judge. Hand over the child. I will not kill you."

Yun Feiyue snorted, stepped back, and whipped out her lash again. "Keep dreaming. Get lost."

The fire whip burned his hand, but he seemed not to feel it, a faint smile still on his lips. "Still the same temperament. Really just like her."

"Like your sister! Let me tell you the truth: I come from the twenty-first century! I am the Queen of Casinos, and I have my own life!" Fearing that Xiamu’s words might shake her resolve, she roared this out.

Xiamu was not surprised; instead, he smiled. "Ah, it seems you have fallen into another space-time."

Yun Feiyue gritted her teeth. This guy was clearly trying to disrupt her state of mind. Even when she said things others couldn't understand, he wasn't surprised; he just insisted on pinning the label of reincarnation on her.

After repeated attacks and counters, Yun Feiyue’s stamina was severely depleted. Little Mumu remained quiet, his hand gripping hers tightly, as if afraid he would be snatched away. His little eyes glared at the man, full of hostility.

Two against one, how could they lose! Of course, that was what Yun Feiyue thought. But Xiamu was too strong. He was the Ghost Monarch, one of the three sages; only her master from the Zhan Yun Sect or Murong Qiandai could contend with him.

As he thrust his palm toward her throat, the space suddenly shattered.

Mo Feiyuan walked out from not far away, looking tenderly at Yun Feiyue, and countered with a surge of purifying divine power. Xiamu dodged to the side and looked at Mo Feiyuan. "What an annoying dog. Still acting as the lackey of that piece-of-trash god, the Mo family. Using his power to oppose me, aren't you overestimating yourself?"

"If you want to die, stay. Stop the chatter." Mo Feiyuan leaped, a white radiance enveloping him. The light was blinding, leaving Yun Feiyue momentarily stunned. She saw only this blinding white expanding infinitely, then colliding with Xiamu’s ghost energy.

The collision of the two powers did not explode like fireworks. It was silent... as if the entire world had gone quiet. After a long, long time, both men retreated.

Murong Qiandai’s voice came from nearby: "Senior Brother, have you come to seek death?"

Following the voice, a beautiful figure flashed out and slapped Xiamu. Xiamu retreated quickly, dodging the blow, and turned to leave. He left behind a laughing voice: "I thought you wouldn't intervene. Always doing it at the last minute—that must be why the Junior Sister didn't like you."

This remark seemed to pierce Murong Qiandai’s heart. His expression changed, and he flicked his sleeves, sending a breeze mixed with cherry blossoms toward Xiamu like sharp swords.

"I truly regret not destroying you."
"Isn't it that you couldn't bear to part with me, Junior Brother?" Xiamu’s voice faded away.

Yun Feiyue watched in a daze, then turned to look at Mo Feiyuan. "Are you alright?"

Mo Feiyuan shook his head, gently stroking her hair. "I'm fine. As long as you are safe."

Murong Qiandai didn't even look at them and walked away. Yun Feiyue watched his back, her gaze darkening.

Mo Feiyuan gripped her hand, feeling nervous. "What are you thinking?"

"Nothing. Just thinking that the relationship between my grandfather and Xiamu seems quite complex. I heard they were fellow disciples. So it's true..."

Mo Feiyuan hummed. "Indeed, fellow disciples, and once very close. I heard that a certain term originated from them a thousand years ago: 'the bond of the cut sleeve.'"

Cut sleeve... Yun Feiyue was stunned.

"It doesn't look like my grandfather is very interested in Xiamu, though."

"Well, there was once a junior sister, but she died. The two broke off their relationship because of it. Eventually, Murong Qiandai married and had children, while Xiamu went about killing people and founded the Ghost Path. These are matters of the sages from a millennium ago, so..."

Yun Feiyue rubbed her ears. "You mean my grandfather has lived for a thousand years?" It seemed the immortal techniques he practiced were far more advanced than those of the Yun family. No wonder he looked down on them.

Yun Feiyue decided she would study the book he gave her properly. She grabbed the book and little Mumu, quickly returning to her room.

Yun Feiyue sat in meditation, reading, while Mo Feiyuan leaned nearby, teasing little Mumu. Suddenly, he asked, "Wife, do not be too anxious in your cultivation; you must take it one step at a time."

Yun Feiyue hummed, but after reading for a while, she found she had no mood to continue. After all, despite not believing Xiamu’s words, the knot in her heart remained. Regardless of whether it was true, she wanted to know the truth. Why did Xiamu say those things? What did that nonsense about reincarnation and the nine gods have to do with her?

She suddenly opened her eyes, rose, and headed for the door. "I’m going to see Grandfather."