Chapter Ten: Collusion, Known to All

“I’m not entirely sure either. When the soul is damaged, it’s best to recover by resting,” he said.

“Would it help if we used external aid to speed up the recovery?”

“There is mention of this in the books. If someone channels divine power into the soul of the injured, they can restore it. But only a True God possesses divine power. In all the Three Realms, only the Lord of the Three Realms, the first Lord of the Divine Realm, whose divine form was shaped by the forces of heaven and earth, can be called a True God.”

“Does that mean Sister Yuori will remain unconscious for a long time?”

“Soul injuries are severe. If one doesn’t take proper care, it will undermine their foundation and drain their cultivation. So it’s normal that it takes time.” Seeing her haggard face, he advised, “A-Lan, restore your spiritual power first. I’ll attend to some affairs.”

“Alright.” Qinglan sat cross-legged, watching Cang Yi leave the hall. Only when his figure disappeared did she begin to cultivate.

——

Returning in haste from the Mortal Realm to her place of cultivation, she coughed up blood as soon as she arrived. A figure in green appeared at her side, anxiously asking, “Why did you go to the Mortal Realm and end up wounded by backlash? Do you know how worried I was?” He supported her, not daring to do more.

“It’s none of your business.” Moyan brushed his hand away.

“Take care, Princess.” With those words, he vanished from her side.

Moyan returned to her seat, troubled. After quarreling with Qiyan, she had inadvertently injured Xiao Qingyue. Xiao Qingyue was like a younger sister to the Lord, and Moyan did not know how to explain herself.

Qinglan and Cang Yi had gone back to the Mortal Realm to see if Qingyue was still alive, only to find her already dead. Investigation revealed the involvement of someone from the Demon Realm. Upon returning to the Flame Demon Hall, they ordered an investigation.

As soon as they entered the hall, they saw a figure standing in the center.

“Who are you?” Cang Yi noticed the aura surrounding the stranger—a person from the Divine Realm, yet unfamiliar, and apparently unrelated to Qinglan.

“Demon Lord, I am Chumo, head of the Leaf Clan.” The man bowed in apology. “When in the Mortal Realm, your kin died due to my mistake. I have come to atone.”

“You must know I will punish you severely.”

“At your mercy, Demon Lord.”

The head of a Divine Tribe bowing to the Demon Realm—how unexpected.

“What reason do you have, Chumo, to take the blame?” Qinglan eyed him with curiosity. She’d heard of his reputation—so young to lead a clan, yet after settling clan affairs, he vanished without a trace. Was he perhaps in the Demon Realm all along?

“There is none,” Chumo denied without hesitation, making Cang Yi suspicious.

“I’ve examined the wound. It was caused by someone from my realm. Why protect her? Is she in collusion with the Divine Realm?”

“If you knew she caused it, would you punish her?” He simply wanted to spare Moyan.

“No. Qingyue was a mere youth in the Mortal Realm, with no ties. Her passing spares her further suffering.”

“It was Princess Moyan who, while quarreling with Demon Lord Qiyan in the Mortal Realm, inadvertently injured Xiao Qingyue…”

“So you took the blame for her? What is she to you?” Cang Yi pressed.

“That seems irrelevant to you, Demon Lord,” Chumo replied.

“Then I’ll guess—you care for her, don’t you?”

“Does it matter to you?” Chumo sneered, believing Cang Yi only pressed because the one he loved did not reciprocate.

“It does. I know her heart—she is only my subordinate. I already have someone I love. Can you really bear to watch her never turn back?”

“She cares for you alone. What else can I do?” Chumo’s voice was helpless—letting go is never easy.

“You need not worry further; I will help you.”

“On one condition: if Princess Moyan is hurt, I won’t involve myself with her again. I hope you won’t harm her either.”

“Of course.”

“Then see to this. I’ll visit Sister Yuori in the Divine Realm,” Qinglan said, seeing he had matters to attend to.

“Alright.”

As Qinglan left the hall, she ran into Lord Mufeng.

“Why are you here? A-Yi is busy and doesn’t need someone chatty to distract him.”

“I just came to see him. I heard his sister passed away and wanted to comfort him,” Mufeng replied, acting the considerate friend.

“No need for you to worry—so long as I’m here. I actually need you for something else. Come with me,” Qinglan said, dragging him off without allowing protest.

Soon, they arrived at the Lingye Clan. Seeing Yuori lying in bed made Qinglan anxious.

“Why did you bring me here?” Mufeng was a little annoyed.

“I’m worried about Sister Yuori and want to help her recover quickly.”

“How do you plan to help?” Mufeng knew only divine power could restore her and was curious what Qinglan intended.

“Since Father said I was born with a divine body, that should count as divine power, right? Then I should be able to help.”

“Aren’t you afraid you’ll fail? And if anything happens to you, A-Yi will kill me.”

“To save someone, it’s worth a try. Besides, if you channel your spiritual power into me for support, nothing will go wrong. I’ll even remember your kindness. If you refuse, I’ll tell A-Yi you failed to protect me as his brother,” Qinglan declared shamelessly.

“Fine, you win. I’ll protect you,” Mufeng relented.

“Good.” Qinglan smiled at his agreement.

Together, they worked to restore Yuori’s soul. Qinglan channeled spiritual power into Yuori, while Mufeng fed spiritual power into Qinglan to prevent her from exhausting herself.

They had only hoped for luck, but within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yuori awoke, her soul nearly restored.

Seeing Yuori awake, Qinglan stopped, feeling weak but, thanks to Mufeng’s support, suffered no real harm.

“Alright, she’s awake. Can I go now?” Mufeng asked, seeing both were conscious.

“Why leave so quickly? I’m injured, and Sister Yuori needs care. Stay here and look after her.”

“Aren’t there Lingye clan members to care for her? What use am I?” Mufeng shot her a look.

“Look around—no one’s tending to her. Besides, I need to recover. If I end up hurt or exhausted, wouldn’t that be your fault?” Qinglan rolled her eyes at him.

“You planned this,” Mufeng grumbled.

“I need time to recover. Take good care of her.” With that, Qinglan returned to her own Jinglan Hall, leaving Mufeng alone.

“You… you’re impossible. I’ll make you pay for this,” Mufeng muttered, but looking at the frail Yuori, he softened. Was the Lingye clan head really family?

He had no parents and didn’t know where he came from. While traveling in the Mortal Realm, he’d learned that parents should cherish their children.

“Lord Mufeng, if you have matters to attend to, you don’t have to stay just because Qinglan said so,” Yuori said softly.

“I have nothing else to do. I’ll stay. Don’t worry, Lord Yuori.”

——

“Why is the Lord here?” Moyan was flustered when Cang Yi appeared at her training grounds. Did he know?

“I already know what you did in the Mortal Realm. You hurt my sister. Do you have anything to say?”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

“Do you expect a life to be repaid with a mere apology?” Cang Yi’s voice was cold and stern.

“Do you mean to kill me?” Moyan’s eyes reddened.

“For the sake of your carelessness, I’ll let it go this time. But I will remember this. If you err again, old and new debts will be counted together. Take care, Princess Moyan,” Cang Yi said, his cold words stinging her ears.

With that, he left, leaving Moyan alone.

“Take care…” Moyan’s heart ached. Was this his way of telling her to give up hope? Tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Princess, don’t be sad,” Chumo appeared, unable to bear her sorrow.

“You told him?”

“Yes.”

“Leave. I don’t need your pity,” Moyan pushed him away and vanished, unwilling to see him.

“I’ll wait for you to change your heart, to see my sincerity,” Chumo said, pressing a hand over his heart as she left mercilessly.

Moyan returned to the Crimson Shadow Palace, her eyes full of sorrow. This death had formed a rift—hoping for more was pure delusion. If she could not have him, she would destroy everything, leaving none at peace.

Qinglan returned to Jinglan Hall instead of Qingxuan Hall, fearing her master might notice her diminished spiritual power. She rested for several days before finally emerging from seclusion.

She hadn’t expected the rumors that had spread—word among the Immortal Sects said Qinglan Immortal Lord was colluding with the Demon Realm, and the other party was said to be the Demon Lord himself. Was history repeating itself?

Everyone knew, so the Divine Lord would as well. Soon, he went to the border to find War God Qianfeng and Lord Lingxi.

“Divine Lord,” Qianfeng and Lingxi bowed.

“I’ve heard rumors involving Qinglan Immortal Lord, and she’s currently missing,” Lord Fengyun said politely.

“If you call them rumors, then clearly they are not facts,” Qianfeng replied.

“But there is no smoke without fire. Qinglan is born with a divine body and may one day rule the Divine Realm. Such rumors trouble me greatly.”

“Then instead of speculating, why not summon her for questioning? Better than acting on hearsay,” said Lord Lingxi.

“Agreed. If she appears, have her come to the Golden Throne Hall to explain.”

“Yes,” Lingxi replied.

As soon as the Divine Lord left, Qinglan, troubled by the rumors, went to see her father and mother.

“Father, Mother,” she greeted them.

“Qinglan, are the rumors true?” Qianfeng looked at her.

“What rumors?” Qinglan’s heart pounded at her father’s gaze.

“Don’t play dumb. If you did nothing, why would such rumors arise?”

“I…” She dared not speak, afraid her father would harm Cang Yi.

“No more lies. Tell the truth,” Qianfeng demanded.

“Father, do you remember I once said I liked someone?”

“What does that matter?”

“The one I like is Cang Yi.”

“The Demon Lord, Cang Yi?”

“Yes.”

“Do you realize the consequences?”

“I have. At worst, I’ll face death. But I’ve never regretted it.”

“To be accused of colluding with the Demon Realm, to be hated and ruined—how can you say you have no regrets?”

“How is it collusion? I simply love him. Is it a crime to be with someone from the Demon Realm just because of where he’s from?” Qinglan spoke earnestly.

“Knowing the risks, you still entangle yourself with him. Must you lose your life to be satisfied?”

“It’s not entanglement—I fell for him at first sight.”

“You unfilial girl!” Qianfeng was furious. Since when had his daughter’s standards become so low? “Guards, confine her. She is not to leave.”

Qianfeng sealed her spiritual power and left. The guards took their orders and watched over Qinglan.

Lingxi followed Qianfeng out, conflicted—should she tell him?

“Lingxi, what troubles you?” Qianfeng asked, noticing her unease.

“Nothing.”

“We’ve known each other long—I know when something’s on your mind.”

“I… I’ve long known Qinglan liked the Demon Lord. I was afraid you’d disapprove, so I kept it secret. Who knew it would come to light so soon?”

“Why did you hide it? He’s the Demon Lord. Do you not remember Lord Xuanyi’s fate?”

“I know, but you know Qinglan’s temperament—she cannot be changed. I was waiting for the right moment.”

“If not for this, how long would you have kept it from me?” Qianfeng was angry.

“I…” Lingxi, knowing she was wrong, had nothing to say.

“Enough. What’s done is done. Now we must decide what to do.”

He went to the Demon Realm to find Cang Yi, while Lingxi explained the situation to Qinglan.

“Qinglan, the Divine Lord has summoned you to explain yourself at Qinglan Hall. Wait a few days and think about how to resolve this.”

“Yes.”

——

Cang Yi sat in his seat, eyes on a book but mind elsewhere. Hearing rumors from the Divine Realm and not seeing Qinglan, he was worried.

“Demon Lord, can you really sit at ease?” Qianfeng’s tone was hostile. Handsome and enigmatic—no wonder.

“War God, your visit may cause discord,” Cang Yi stood, unsure if Qianfeng already knew.

“I know everything. There’s no need to hide. I hope you will leave my daughter.”

——

“Is that Qinglan’s wish?” Cang Yi asked, worried.

“Does it matter?” Qianfeng’s words dripped with hostility.

“If it is, I will not trouble her again. If not, I will not let go.”

“It is her wish.”

“She would never say that. If you want me to let go, have her tell me herself.”

“She will not return.” With that, Qianfeng left.

Cang Yi longed to see her but feared his actions might implicate her. He was truly at a loss.

Equally anxious were Lord Mufeng and Lord Yuori—especially Mufeng, as Cang Yi was his brother. Yuori even more so; she hoped Qinglan could be free, find her beloved, and not be forced as she was.

Confined at home, Qinglan found the place filled with frost blossoms and ice—a secret arrangement by Lord Lingxi. As long as Qinglan returned to the border, she would always have a home here.

Staring at the ice and frost, Qinglan realized it could help her maintain and even increase her spiritual power. If worst came to worst, she would rather sacrifice herself than implicate her parents.

Qianfeng eventually released her, restored her power, and sent her to explain to the Divine Lord, warning her not to let the truth slip. Qinglan agreed; her cultivation was insufficient, and she would maintain the ruse as long as possible.

“Divine Lord,” she greeted.

“Qinglan, the rumors are rampant and hard to ignore,” Lord Fengyun said, clearly hoping the matter was untrue.

“I have done nothing. I am being framed. I hope you will see the truth,” Qinglan said calmly, her words convincing.

“Good. You are gifted—do not disappoint me.”

“I will devote myself to cultivation and never let you down,” she replied, meeting his gaze with calm assurance.

“You may go,” Lord Fengyun said, his eyes unreadable. Qinglan bowed and withdrew.

She sent word to Cang Yi and focused on cultivation, hoping to ascend as a Divine Lord soon.

After several days, her progress stalled. Frustrated, she took a walk to clear her mind, then tried again, but still made no progress.

Disheartened, she went to seek comfort from Cang Yi. Before leaving, she changed into a dark dress with black hair ornaments, matching Cang Yi and blending in the Demon Realm.

“A-Lan, did the Divine Realm do anything to you? Are you hurt?” Cang Yi asked, worried but unable to go to her himself.

“Silly, if they had, would I be standing here?” She tiptoed, arms around his neck, head tilted.

“That’s good,” Cang Yi said, circling her waist with his arms. “Your father came to ask me to leave you, saying it was your wish.”

“It wasn’t. I never said that,” Qinglan shook her head.

“I knew it. That’s why I didn’t believe him.”

“Good. Remember, only my words matter.”

“Mm.”

With that settled, Qinglan, feeling wronged, told him she couldn’t cultivate.

“Let’s check the books,” Cang Yi suggested. He’d never seen this happen—she should have ascended by now, but hadn’t. It was odd.

“Alright.” Cang Yi released her waist, took her hand, and led her into the library. They searched earnestly together.

But Qinglan, feeling playful, left Cang Yi to search while she browsed other books—already having read all the Mortal Realm’s stories, she leafed through Demon Realm cultivation manuals, then rested her eyes when tired.

Cang Yi could only smile indulgently at her antics—what else could he do?

Three days passed. Cang Yi found nothing helpful, but Qinglan, having sat quietly, suddenly felt her cultivation rise.

“A-Yi! My cultivation has grown!” She leapt up and hugged his arm.

“But this is the Demon Realm—there’s no spiritual energy. How did you cultivate?” Cang Yi was concerned.

“I was reading Demon Realm manuals—is that wrong?” Qinglan was puzzled herself.

“That shouldn’t be. If you’re not a demon, cultivating demonic energy would make you neither immortal nor demon—unless you have a demon vein.”

“A demon vein? Impossible. My parents are gods.”

“I’ve never seen this before. You mustn’t let anyone else know.”

“I understand.” She nodded. Thinking on it, she smiled, “That means we’re a match made by heaven!”

“A-Lan, don’t flaunt it.”

“It’s true.”

Hand in hand, they left the library and walked through the Demon Realm, gazing up at the blood-red moon.

“A-Yi, of all the moons in the Three Realms, which do you think is most beautiful?”

“Before meeting you, I liked the Mortal Realm’s moon best. The Demon Realm’s red moon is striking, but the Mortal Realm’s moon reminds me of my parents. Now, with you by my side, I love them all.”

“I feel the same, but I especially love sculpting ice and snow—it feels so familiar.”

“The Demon Realm’s snow is blood-red. Shall I show you?”

“Yes.”

——

Qinglan’s long absence from the Divine Realm sparked another storm. In the Golden Throne Hall, the immortals gathered for council.

“I have a report,” one said. “I heard War God Qianfeng went to the Demon Realm recently. I fear he may already be in collusion.”

“I’ve heard it too—these rumors may not be groundless.”

“Divine Lord, please investigate thoroughly.”

…

Many spoke in this vein—clearly, someone was trying to bring them down.

“Divine Lord, War God has guarded the border for years—he would never betray us,” Yuori defended him.

“I believe in War God’s character. He would never do such a thing,” Lord Chiyan also spoke up.

“Enough. Whether there is any involvement, we must investigate. If anyone is being framed, that will be punished severely. But if the rumors are true, I will not be lenient,” Lord Fengyun said, his gaze settling on Yuori.

Yuori’s heart trembled—no one could fathom the Divine Lord’s thoughts, and she was worried.