As the sun dipped below the horizon, Zhang Xian returned to the prince’s mansion. The group had been waiting for him in the main hall for some time.

“You’re back?” Li Fuxi was the first to rise, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. Only after confirming he was unscathed did she let out a small, quiet sigh of relief.

“I am. How did things go on your end?”

Yun Wanqing smiled warmly. “Zhiyin and I scouted the borders of the Liang Kingdom. We found no remaining traces of the array. It seems the land is finally safe.”

“Sect Master Yun still wasn’t entirely at ease,” Zhiyin added. “She installed a Mind-Clearing and Qi-Stabilizing Formation around the imperial city. If any evil spirits attempt to descend again, the array will detect and repel them.”

Zhang Xian cupped his hands in gratitude. Yun Wanqing brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her expression modest. “It was a small matter. There is no need for such formality.”

Zhang Xian then turned to Xuanwei. “Everyone, would you be willing to return to the cultivation world with us?”

Li Fuxi and Yun Wanqing spoke almost in unison:

“You may join our Yunmiao Sect.”

“The Cloud Raiment Pavilion would be honored to welcome you.”

the two women traded a sharp look, sparks practically flying in the air between them, before they simultaneously lowered their heads to sip their tea in silence.

Xuanwei smiled and shook his head. “This humble Daoist and Miaoyin are accustomed to the wandering life. We plan to remain at the temple, perhaps taking on a few disciples to pass on our legacy. As for Yu Yun—”

“As the Pillar Duke, it is my duty to protect the people of Liang,” Yu Yun said, straightening his posture and casting a pointed look at Zhang Xian.

After a few final farewells, Zhang Xian and the others departed, crossing back into the cultivation world.

On the flying vessel, Yun Wanqing took the initiative to invite Zhang Xian into the study for a private conversation. Her expression was uncharacteristically grave. “Zhang Xian, there is something you must know.”

“The recent stirrings of these demons suggest a great calamity is coming to the Southern Region. Even the minor worlds under your protection may not be spared.”

“I am aware,” he replied.

She looked him directly in the eyes. “The Demon-Suppression Campaign is being led by the Great Xia Dynasty. Given the Emperor’s temperament, he will demand a thorough investigation of every minor world.”

Zhang Xian’s heart skipped a beat, though his face remained a mask of calm. “And?”

“It isn’t just the Liang Kingdom. They will eventually demand to investigate your world of origin to ensure no demons are hiding there. It is only a matter of time.”

Zhang Xian fell silent. His “world of origin” was a complete fabrication. Was Yun Wanqing hinting that she knew the truth?

“Do not worry, however,” she said, her smile returning. “The Cloud Raiment Pavilion will stand firmly by your side. After all, I owe you far too much.”

“Thank you.”

“I will keep you informed of any news.” She rose to leave, a strange glint in her eyes. “No matter what happens, you can always come to me.”

[Ding! Current Favorability: 48.]

No sooner had he seen Yun Wanqing out than the door burst open. Li Fuxi stepped in, her silhouette framed by the flickering lamplight.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Zhang Xian marveled internally. What is wrong with everyone today? First Yun Wanqing, and now my master? Why is this fierce lioness acting so soft?

“What could possibly be wrong with me?”

Li Fuxi bit her lip, showing a rare flash of gentleness. “The enemy is formidable. Do not act rashly.” She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. “If anything troubles you, talk to me. After all… I am your master.”

[Ding! Current Favorability: 50.]

Did she take the wrong medicine? Zhang Xian wondered. Their favorability is skyrocketing for no reason.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. “Since Master mentioned it, I actually do have a request.”

“Speak.”

“I would like to borrow your magic sword for an experiment.”

“What?!” Li Fuxi bristled instantly, slamming her palm onto the table. The teacups rattled violently.

For a sword cultivator, their blade was their life—their soul. If anyone else had made such a request, she would have cut them down on the spot.

“Master, calm yourself!” Zhang Xian urged. “I have vast resources at my disposal. Why would I want to steal your sword?”

Li Fuxi stared at him, remembering how he had casually detonated top-grade swords during his fight with Lu Qing. He was undeniably wealthy, and she still owed him fifty thousand spirit stones. Still, handing over her personal blade felt… intimate. It felt wrong.

“I guarantee it will be returned intact,” he promised.

Hesitating, she finally drew a water-blue, top-grade magic sword and laid it on the table. She hovered over it nervously, her voice reaching a high pitch. “What… what are you going to do to her?”

She looked like a mother terrified her daughter was about to be bullied.

“Could you step aside for a moment?”

“No!”

“Then perhaps we should forget it,” Zhang Xian sighed.

“Fine! You have so many swords anyway, why do you need mine?” She reached out to snatch it back.

Smack!

Zhang Xian slapped her hand away. “You gave your word! You can’t go back on it now!”

Li Fuxi stared at him in pure shock, a faint red mark appearing on her fair skin. “You… you dared to hit me?”

“I’ve done more than just hit you!” Zhang Xian snapped back without thinking.

Li Fuxi’s face turned a brilliant crimson. Fury flared in her eyes as she teetered on the edge of a violent outburst.

“Calm down!” Zhang Xian continued to placate her. “Just sit and watch. I’m going to give you a surprise.”

Her chest heaved with emotion, but just as he thought she would explode, she suddenly deflated and slumped into a chair. “Hurry up, then. Let’s see this ‘trick’ of yours.”

Zhang Xian smiled and cradled the cool, water-blue blade. He could feel the spiritual power flowing through it like a river. He retrieved a transparent jade vial from his system space: the Spirit Treasure Essence Extract.

“What is that?” Li Fuxi asked, her fists clenched. She could sense a profound, ancient aura coming from the vial.

“Something good.”

He tilted the vial. A single drop of pure, transparent liquid fell onto the blade. It dissolved instantly.

A brilliant, blinding blue light erupted from the sword! The blade began to vibrate with a resonant hum. Li Fuxi gasped—she could feel the soul-bond with her weapon becoming agitated and powerful.

“What did you do?!” She lunged toward him, her face pale.

“Don’t panic!” Zhang Xian caught her, pressing her back down into her seat. “This is normal!”

Just as she was about to kick him across the room, she froze. The magic sword rose into the air, floating on its own. The blue light intensified until tiny droplets of water manifested around the blade, condensing into miniature water dragons that coiled and danced around the steel.