I Was Forced to Marry a “Trash” Cultivator, But She Turned Out to Be a Reborn Empress!

Within the concealment formation, Shen Xian and Ye Qingxian stood facing each other.

Shen Xian’s lips curved into a faint smile, his demeanor relaxed and composed, exuding an air of casual indifference. In contrast, Ye Qingxian was as still as a frozen pond, her gaze cool and clear, her entire being radiating an ethereal aura.

When Shen Xian mentioned a gift, Ye Qingxian’s body trembled almost imperceptibly.

A gift in return?

Given her usual temperament, she should have flatly refused. Yet the words never left her lips.

Those four words she had written on the letter—”karma is settled”—had ultimately proven to be an illusion.

Thinking she wasn’t interested, Shen Xian channeled a wisp of spiritual power.

The jade box opened, releasing a wave of scorching heat. Inside, a drop of crystal-clear blood pulsed with a majestic aura.

Vermilion Bird Essence Blood.

A flicker of astonishment passed through Ye Qingxian’s eyes.

For someone with a Divine Phoenix Spirit Body, this essence blood of a divine beast was the holy grail. It could purify her foundation and help her break through faster than any other resource. Its origin was similar to the Divine Phoenix’s, making it perfectly compatible.

Ye Qingxian lifted her gaze, meeting those clear eyes, and her heart instantly became a tangled mess.

She could tell this item must have been carefully prepared by him. But why?

Why would he go to such lengths for her? They were only nominal Dao Companions. In their past interactions, they had always treated each other with polite distance. Logically, he shouldn’t have done this.

Was it flattery and calculation… or genuine sincerity?

Ye Qingxian suddenly felt her mental state waver. A pang of unease struck her, and she hurriedly steadied her mind.

“What? Don’t like it?” Shen Xian inquired, his voice pulling her from her thoughts.

She looked up, directly meeting those smiling eyes. That gaze was too frank, making her heart tighten.

Right. Why should I doubt his motives?

This wasn’t the first time he had given her gifts. If it were truly flattery and calculation, would he have been so consistent?

At this moment, the Empress felt she had been somewhat petty.

After a brief silence, Ye Qingxian finally regained her usual cool composure. She slightly lifted her chin, though her voice was a touch softer than usual.

“This item… is of great use to me.”

She paused, then added, “What do you want in return?”

Uncertain how to handle the debt, she fell back on the transaction.

Shen Xian shook his head. “You know me. I’ve always been lazy and carefree. I don’t get overly excited about material things. What could I possibly want?”

He actually did want something—like the treasure the Mystic Turtle had detected on her earlier. But since that treasure was already in Ye Qingxian’s possession, he saw no need to take what someone else cherished. Besides, its benefits would likely circle back to him anyway.

Hearing this, Ye Qingxian pressed her lips together.

He was still the same as before, giving gifts without expecting anything in return. She used to pay this sentiment no mind, but now it felt different.

As for him being lazy… she wouldn’t believe that lie anymore. A truly lazy person, even with heaven-sent opportunities, would remain content with stagnation. Shen Xian’s actions today proved he was definitely not that type.

“When you come to the Northern Region, you can seek me out.”

After a moment of silence, Ye Qingxian offered her promise.

“Alright.” Shen Xian smiled faintly.

[Host has gifted Dao Companion one drop of Vermilion Bird Essence Blood. Received 50x Blessing Return. Reward: One drop of True Dragon Essence Blood. Claim?]

The System prompt appeared immediately.

Upon hearing “True Dragon Essence Blood,” Shen Xian’s heart palpitated.

True Dragon?

This was the essence blood of a heavenly-grade divine beast. Its power would be terrifying. Among all creatures, the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin were the sovereigns. The value of this blood was incalculable.

Even if it was impure like the Vermilion Bird blood likely was, its value remained staggering.

Suppressing his inner excitement, Shen Xian looked at her. “So, what are your plans now?”

Ye Qingxian’s fingertips lightly brushed over the jade box in her sleeve. The warmth of the essence blood seeped through the container, bringing a faint warmth to her heart.

She looked up toward the sky, her voice still cool. “This trip was for the Spirit Marrow. Now that I have obtained my wish, it is time for me to leave.”

For her, this item was the only thing of value in this Godfiend Battlefield. Nothing else was worth a second glance.

Before Shen Xian could speak, she added, “And… my master is waiting for me outside.”

She didn’t need to explain. But perhaps because of her sudden departure last time, or perhaps because of his help today, she felt she should make it clear.

Shen Xian nodded.

“And you?” she asked.

“I’ll look around a bit more, search for other treasures,” Shen Xian stated frankly.

He still had a Purple Immortal Ganoderma to find, and he definitely needed to visit the God Burial Valley and the Bronze Blood Hall. He wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

“Where will you search?” Ye Qingxian pressed.

Facing Shen Xian, the Empress was clearly more talkative than usual.

“God Burial Valley,” Shen Xian said. It happened to be not far to the east.

Upon hearing the name, Ye Qingxian visibly frowned.

“There is a Celestial Venerable’s legacy there, but it is extremely perilous,” she said, studying him intensely. “You… should not go.”

It wasn’t a warning, more like genuine concern.

The moment the words left her mouth, even Ye Qingxian herself was taken aback. Such words were utterly unlike her.

Shen Xian understood. If even the Empress found a place troublesome, it must be extraordinary.

“Thanks for the warning,” he said.

“However…” Ye Qingxian’s tone shifted again. “You can check the periphery. There should be things you want there as well. But remember, do not venture into the core area.”

“Alright,” Shen Xian agreed.

The two fell into a long silence.

Powerful auras occasionally swept past outside, but none detected them. With Ye Qingxian’s spiritual power restored, ordinary Golden Core cultivators couldn’t possibly discover their traces.

Only after confirming no danger remained did she look at Shen Xian again.

“I must go now.”

Her voice was still cool, yet somehow different.

“See you in the Northern Region,” Shen Xian smiled.

Gatherings and partings had their time; they could not be forced.

“Mm.”

Ye Qingxian gave a slight nod. Spiritual power surged around her. As she prepared to leave, she spoke once more.

“Take care.”

Shen Xian’s eyes flickered. He knew very well that for this Empress, uttering those two words was no small matter.

“Take care,” he replied.

Ye Qingxian, along with Xiao Bai, transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the sky.

Shen Xian watched quietly until the figure disappeared into the sea of clouds. Only then did he disperse the formation and slip away into the forest.

High above the sea of clouds, Ye Qingxian’s figure gradually receded into the distance.

The Thunder Pattern Spirit Cat lay obediently at her feet. Then, it heard a cool inquiry from above.

“These past years… how has he been?”

The spirit cat looked up, meeting its master’s eyes. They seemed calm, yet held hidden ripples.

It let out a soft “meow” and twitched its ears.