Chapter 425: Zixuan

At the bottom of the Eastern Sea.

This vein of earth qi had been forged by Gu Qing into the Earth Inferno Array; Su Yao and the others who presided over it had been subdued by the Nine Heavens Goddess and were now sealed away. Gu Qing brought Liu Mengli here so she could meet the old companions from the Qionghua Sect.

“Su Yao…”

Liu Mengli saw Su Yao and recalled the days of her youth at Qionghua.

“Mengli.”

Su Yao, having been subdued twice by the Nine Heavens Goddess, deeply recognized her errors. Seeing Gu Qing arrive with Liu Mengli, she immediately admitted her wrongdoing, confessing that in her pursuit of immortality, she had grievously harmed Liu Mengli’s people.

“All these years, you’ve been atoning.”

Liu Mengli had observed this group of Qionghua disciples; she felt the past was long buried. She channeled her demonic power and drifted toward the sea’s surface.

The night sky held a bright moon; the sea was not calm. Liu Mengli hovered midair, turning her face to look at Gu Qing. Her peerless beauty, illuminated by the moonlight, glowed like that of a celestial immortal.

“I brought you here to tell you that after Qionghua’s rebuilding, its conduct will be entirely different from before.”

Gu Qing, dressed in Confucian robes, appeared refined and scholarly as he spoke to Liu Mengli.

“Uncle Qing, I trust you.”

Liu Mengli’s voice was clear and crisp, yet she maintained a certain distance from Gu Qing, adding: “Besides, with Ziying leading Qionghua, it will never repeat its past mistakes.”

“Next, I’ll take you to the Demon Realm.”

Gu Qing named the next destination.

“The Demon Realm?”

Liu Mengli hesitated upon hearing it.

Among the Six Realms, the gods and demons towered above all others; the demon race was fragmented and had to bow to both. To voluntarily enter the Demon Realm felt like seeking thrills—but back then, when she adventured with Yun Tianhe, they had faced Zhulong and braved the Ghost Realm. Besides, Gu Qing’s combat strength had been hinted at by Murong Ziying.

To reach the Demon Realm, Gu Qing took the Wugou Spring.

Passing through the Wugou Spring, Gu Qing arrived at the Yanbo Spring’s location. As soon as he and Liu Mengli emerged from the Demon Realm, Mo Zhong Lou noticed them. Upon seeing Gu Qing, he turned his gaze away.

“Gu Qing, I didn’t come looking for you—how dare you show up in the Demon Realm?”

Xuan Xiao had transformed into a demon, his power vastly increased since his defeat by Gu Qing at the bottom of the Eastern Sea. Seeing Gu Qing, he surged with full confidence, condensing demonic energy into sword qi that swept down toward Gu Qing and Liu Mengli!

Normally, Gu Qing would spar with Xuan Xiao—but now, he was on a sisterly outing.

“Slap!”

In an instant, Xuan Xiao was pinned to the ground by Gu Qing.

Liu Mengli: “...”

In the timeline of Sword and Fairy IV, Liu Mengli had not participated in the final battle, but she had truly felt Xuan Xiao’s oppressive aura. Now, seeing her old nemesis crushed beneath Gu Qing’s hand, she felt the strange disparity.

“Still needs practice!”

Gu Qing satisfied Xuan Xiao’s desire for a fight, gained good karma, and demonstrated his strength before Liu Mengli.

“Zhong Lou.”

Gu Qing gazed far into the Demon Realm. Since becoming a realm, its demon clans had diversified—but Gu Qing was not looking at them. He studied the water veins and asked: “Do you want a Water Demon Beast?”

The Water Demon Beast is the creature that will later afflict Lin Qing’er and Zhao Ling’er.

The Master of Worship’s personal power was not that great, nor did he indulge in philosophy like in the TV drama. What forced Lin Qing’er and Zhao Ling’er to sacrifice themselves in sealing was the Water Demon Beast.

There is another interpretation of the ending of Sword and Fairy I, originating from the game’s creator but expressed subtly: in the ending, Lin Yueru died, but her body was preserved; Zhao Ling’er sealed the Water Demon Beast and died in the flesh. Thus, the figure holding an umbrella in the snow at the end of Sword and Fairy I is Zhao Ling’er’s soul inhabiting Lin Yueru’s body.

This interpretation applies only to Sword and Fairy I; after Sword and Fairy II appeared, it vanished.

“Why would I want that thing?”

Zhong Lou showed no interest.

“The water veins of the Demon Realm.”

Gu Qing said simply.

Zhong Lou shook his head. He was no caretaker of the Demon Realm; it should be left as it was—he was used to solitude.

“Fine.”

Gu Qing did not rush to deal with the Water Demon Beast. After bidding farewell to Zhong Lou, he took Liu Mengli to seek out the Heavenly Demon Clan.

Since her defection from the Divine Clan, Goddess Kuiyu had taken refuge among the demons, her followers all defectors from the gods.

“Goddess.”

Gu Qing greeted Kuiyu and said: “Ao Xu has been severely punished by the Heavenly Court. I know you are inherently kind; you brought the gods to the demon realm out of necessity. So I wish to take you to live among mortals.”

These Heavenly Demon Clan members could only hide in the Demon Realm—but among mortals, they could truly flourish.

Kuiyu sat cross-legged on her throne, her gaze sharp and commanding as she asked coolly: “On what basis do you make such a guarantee?”

“Because I defeated Zhong Lou and the Nine Heavens Goddess.”

Gu Qing said calmly: “Together.”

Kuiyu, mid-posture, froze—this information was unknown to her.

“And…”

Gu Qing looked at Kuiyu and said: “I can resolve the Divine Clan’s succession crisis.”

At once, Kuiyu rose from her seat, a flash of light revealing the Divine Cloud Spear. She sought proof, challenging Gu Qing to combat. The outcome was obvious: this famed warrior of the Divine Realm, giving her all, could not withstand even a few blows from Gu Qing.

Standing in the Demon Realm, Gu Qing and Liu Mengli stood side by side. Gazing at her close face, Gu Qing smiled and asked: “You’re curious why I brought you here.”

Liu Mengli nodded slightly, then spoke: “Actually, I’ve guessed.”

Back at Qingluan Peak, when Gu Qing took her hand, Liu Mengli had sensed this “uncle” was not entirely pure.

“Perhaps you think your uncle has ill intent.”

Gu Qing said softly: “But I bring you here to make a covenant—with the gods and demons as witnesses. I represent the mortal race; you represent the demon race. We pledge peace. From now on, any killing between mortals and demons will be captured and judged by all.”

Gu Qing painted a vision of the future for Liu Mengli.

“Really?”

Liu Mengli was deeply moved, yet she added: “The Phantom Eye Realm is unlike other demon clans—we appear only once every nineteen years. A pact with us won’t bind ordinary demons.”

“It’s the same.”

Gu Qing summoned the Chunzi Sword and said to Liu Mengli: “With this sword, you may travel freely between the demon realm and the mortal world.”

The Chunzi Sword had an unusual form, its divine energy tranquil. Its mysteries had been unlocked by Gu Qing. As soon as Liu Mengli touched it, she felt its profundity and immediately wished to refuse. “This is an opportunity between mortals and demons.”

Gu Qing took Liu Mengli’s hand, placing the Chunzi Sword into it: “You are naturally kind, whether as a woman or a demon. The covenant we make will forge a new path between mortals and demons.”

Liu Mengli gently gripped the sword and whispered: “This is a divine sword.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Gu Qing replied at once: “Xiū Wú won’t need it anymore.”

Gu Qing had already handled all the battles and tasks Xiū Wú would have faced—the sword was truly unnecessary.

“A fine sword for a beauty.”

Gu Qing gently held Liu Mengli’s hand, guiding her to hold the Chunzi Sword properly.

“A fine sword for a beauty.”

Liu Mengli looked at Gu Qing and asked: “Then what shall I give to the hero?”

His childhood rescue, her becoming queen of the Phantom Eye Realm, the debt of reviving Han Lingsha…

“Mengli.”

Gu Qing spoke solemnly: “I believe love is about fulfillment, not possession. I do this only so you may live better—I care nothing for your response.”

The words sounded like groveling, yet they struck precisely at Liu Mengli’s inner turmoil. Gazing at Gu Qing so near, breathing his scent, she involuntarily rested her forehead against his shoulder.

Gu Qing gently patted her shoulder, showing no haste, whispering comfort as he spoke with her—of mortals, of demons.

“The rift between mortals and demons has always been deep, yet tales of mortal-demon love abound. Perhaps we can become the perfect example for future lovers across the two races.”

Gu Qing spoke of the future: “We’ll send divine clans and Qionghua disciples to patrol, safeguarding marriages between mortals and demons…”

The future was bright and fascinating. Liu Mengli imagined it, studying Gu Qing’s face.

“Divine clans and Qionghua disciples alone won’t be enough.”

Liu Mengli reminded him.

“True.”

Gu Qing nodded. He had intended for her to contribute, to feel involved. He continued: “Then I’ll travel the mortal realm, gathering all cultivators to sign a covenant… Hmm, let’s call it the Yiqi Dao Alliance. What do you think?”

Liu Mengli’s eyes shimmered, her head resting against Gu Qing as she whispered: “Uncle Qing, I can’t betray Auntie Su.”

Won!

Gu Qing gently wrapped his arm around Liu Mengli’s waist and murmured: “We’ll take it slow. No rush.”

The mortal realm.

Gu Qing returned to Shushan and saw Murong Ziying reviewing Qionghua disciples, opening the sect gates wide to recruit new students.

“Ziying, I knew I could count on you!”

Gu Qing patted Murong Ziying’s shoulder and praised him.

“Not compared to the sect master.”

Murong Ziying said sincerely.

Centuries ago, Qionghua’s highest ideal was immortality. But now, centuries later, Qionghua employed divine and demonic beings as gatekeepers—this alone elevated its status far above all other sects. Its new disciples were reincarnated divine generals, divine beings born from the Divine Tree’s fruit. Gu Qing had journeyed to the Demon Realm and returned with a host of divine elites—including several divine princes.

Honestly, Murong Ziying had never led such a prosperous sect.

If Qionghua didn’t flourish now, it would defy cosmic justice!

“This book, Dongxia Secret Elixir, contains my revisions. You may read it in your spare time. It’s not as profound as my teachings, but it has merit.”

Gu Qing passed the Dongxia Secret Elixir to Murong Ziying, then casually sketched a few more promises before heading to the back mountain of Shushan, where he met Su Yu, comforted her, turned, frowned slightly, and shot downward toward the foot of Shushan.

Mount Emei.

After the original Shushan Immortal Sword Sect was driven off the mountain by Gu Qing, they settled here; now on Emei’s Golden Summit, Zi Xuan stood opposite Xu Zhangqing, urging him earnestly.

Xu Zhangqing’s expression was complex, visibly moved.

“Zi Xuan?!”

Gu Qing arrived with a stern face, seeing Zi Xuan standing with Xu Zhangqing, his anger flared; he reached out and grabbed her. “Come down the mountain with me first!”

Zi Xuan, pulled by his grip, could not resist; she floated helplessly with Gu Qing down to Emei’s foothills, into a secluded valley where a cascading waterfall and vivid flower clusters bloomed. Gu Qing shoved her down and slapped her twice. “You want to make me a cuckold, is that it?!”

Zi Xuan, pinned down, flung her hands behind to shield her hips, furious: “Make you a cuckold? It’s you who wants to make Xu Zhangqing a cuckold!”

This struck right at Gu Qing’s secret guilt, making him grunt.

“I came to him to have him join Qionghua.”

Zi Xuan said: “Joining Qionghua Sect gives him a clear path to immortality—if he cultivates harder…”

“Then the two of you stay together, right?”

Gu Qing slapped Zi Xuan again. “Forget it.”

Gu Qing never aided his enemies.

“Fine, fine then…”

Zi Xuan lifted her head slightly, gazing at Gu Qing. “If you truly make him join Qionghua, he might die one day under mysterious circumstances.” She sighed softly. This entanglement had spanned three lifetimes—letting go easily was impossible. But compared to Xu Zhangqing, Gu Qing was perfect in every way, and he still made her heart flutter with joy.

While lost in thought, Zi Xuan felt Gu Qing tugging at her sash; she quickly grabbed it. “No, this won’t do!”

Though they had grown close, they had never crossed this final line.

“Why not?”

Gu Qing kissed her face twice, dissatisfied.

“No means no.”

Zi Xuan hadn’t thought things would move this fast. Seeing Gu Qing lean in, she shook her legs and instantly transformed into a serpent’s body, coiling her tail around him with a smile. “No means no. If you want it, come get it yourself.”

Gu Qing, seeing her defiant expression, snorted, reached out, and grasped the serpent’s body with practiced ease.

A serpent’s body? He knew this too well—he was the Hero of the Grass Python.

Zi Xuan’s face froze. Seeing his expression, she suddenly punched his shoulder twice, furious: “You’re a beast!”

He actually figured this out?

(End of Chapter)