“Your expressions are priceless,” Ye Yu thought, watching Shangguan Jiujiu and Zhuo Lanqing’s faces. “You’ve dug up the evidence yourself, and you still say you’re possessed by a demonic mind? Immortal, are you mocking us with veiled irony?”
Zheng Nanxiu saw their looks and thought they didn’t believe her. She pressed on earnestly. “I swear it’s true—I must be possessed. So I’d like your help to dispel this inner demon!”
Ye Yu glanced back at Shangguan Jiujiu and Zhuo Lanqing. Their silent looks said it all. Look at this poor maiden, driven to doubt herself. What could he do?
Sighing, Ye Yu was about to speak when Shangguan Jiujiu beat him to it. “Inner demons can be grave or trivial. Let Qing’er accompany you for some leisure; my husband and I will discuss how best to help you!”
“Me?” Zhuo Lanqing was dumbfounded, pointing at herself. But seeing Shangguan Jiujiu’s earnest face, she did not refuse. She escorted Zheng Nanxiu outside, shooting desperate pleading glances at Ye Yu—hoping he wouldn’t let her take the fall too long, or their ruse would unravel.
Once the two immortals had departed, Shangguan Jiujiu exhaled deeply. “Husband, what shall we do? Tell her the truth?”
“I...I don’t know,” Ye Yu admitted, brow furrowed. The sect’s trouble had driven her nearly mad. If he didn’t speak up, she’d sink deeper; but if he revealed everything, she might never accept it.
After a moment’s thought, Shangguan Jiujiu said softly, “Why not let the current error compound itself?”
“How do you mean—compound the error?” Ye Yu’s interest was piqued.
Leaning in, Shangguan Jiujiu whispered her plan.
Half an hour later, Ye Yu led them to the rear mountain grounds and summoned Zhuo Lanqing and Zheng Nanxiu. Standing on soil that once belonged to the Zhuxie Sect, Zhuo Lanqing trembled. Though Shangguan Jiujiu had chosen this site, Zhuo Lanqing risked blame if the truth emerged.
With hands clasped behind him, Ye Yu spoke quietly, “You are not possessed. In fact, this place is your Zhuxie Sect.”
At his words, Zhuo Lanqing looked up sharply, astonished. No preamble—he’d gone straight to the point? Had he decided to sacrifice her?
Gulping, she rehearsed her apology mentally.
Zheng Nanxiu’s eyes widened, then dimmed with emotion. “Ye Xianyou, spare me reassurance. The Zhuxie Sect is lost, and I have accepted that. But this inner demon must be exorcised!”
“It’s true—come see.” With a flourish of his sleeve, Ye Yu cast a formation. In an instant, the three vanished.
They reappeared at the entrance to the sect proper, facing a massive stone stele engraved with four characters:
Zhuxie Sect
Ye Yu had reconstructed the broken relic from memory; it matched Zheng Nanxiu’s recollection almost perfectly.
Sure enough, upon seeing the stele, Zheng Nanxiu’s eyes reddened. “How is this possible?”
Softly, Ye Yu said, “From now on, your Zhuxie Sect is merged with Wuwei Tower. We will watch over one another. This is your home.”
Tears of gratitude streamed down Zheng Nanxiu’s face. She was convinced Ye Yu had prepared this gift entirely for her happiness. How thoughtful!
“Thank you—truly, thank you!” she gushed.
Beside her, Zhuo Lanqing’s mind whirred. Wait—what did this mean? Had Ye Yu spoken the truth? He’d said this was the Zhuxie Sect, and Zheng Nanxiu believed him wholeheartedly. Could it really be so simple?
Ye Yu patted Zheng Nanxiu’s shoulder, urging her to stop crying, then winked at Zhuo Lanqing. Observe and learn!
Afterward, Zheng Nanxiu’s emotions settled. She thanked Ye Yu and Zhuo Lanqing again; Zhuo Lanqing waved her hands so frantically they nearly smoked. She felt wholly undeserving of the praise.
Ye Yu himself remained composed. Zheng Nanxiu, still worried about her demon mind, brought up the subterranean ruins. Had her obsession manifested them?
Ye Yu nodded gravely. “Not a demon mind. This is truly your Zhuxie Sect—remember that.”
Zheng Nanxiu lowered her head, pondered, then nodded resolutely. “I understand. This is my Zhuxie ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) Sect. It appeared here, so I belong here. Ye Xianyou, I hope our two sects will aid each other!”
“Excellent.” Having achieved his goal, Ye Yu turned and departed.
Zhuo Lanqing watched him go, utterly stunned. “That’s it? You’re not curious why? Or how it came here?”
Zheng Nanxiu shook her head decisively. Drawing the Zhuxie Immortal Sword, she planted it in the ground and gazed at the four characters.
“I see Ye Xianyou’s meaning: face the inner demon, do not fear it. And since Ye Xianyou declares this the Zhuxie Sect, so it is. I will not question the cause. I only know that I will remain here and revive the sect to its former glory!”
No sooner had she spoken than the heavens trembled. The once-gentle auspicious clouds converged fiercely above her head, and the surrounding immortal aura swelled like a tide!
In one day, Zheng Nanxiu soared an entire realm to achieve the perfect Earth Immortal stage!
Witnessing this, Zhuo Lanqing nearly collapsed. My goodness! Is that exorcising an inner demon? That’s pure enlightenment! So losing one’s sect can be a blessing. Maybe someone should steal Wuwei Tower next—then I might breakthrough, too!
Unbeknownst to her, Ye Yu and Shangguan Jiujiu watched from the shadows, seeing everything clearly. As events turned in their favor, each let out a sigh of relief. They had indeed turned a mistake into a fortunate outcome!
From that day on, Wuwei Tower would have no more back doors.
