Chapter Twelve: The Young Master of the Western Abyss

The ornate sedan chair drew nearer and nearer, its lavish exterior studded with dazzling pearls and jewels. The four sides were draped with semi-transparent silkworm silk gauze that flowed like water, emitting a gentle radiance. Atop the carriage sat a massive luminous pearl that shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight, nearly blinding onlookers.

The crowd gasped in admiration. The luxurious sedan chair made a graceful circle above the tavern before coming to a steady rest on the bluestone path at the entrance.

Eight beautiful maidservants stood poised on either side of the sedan, each with distinct charms—from plump to slender—exuding waves of floral and cosmetic fragrance that overwhelmed Hua Qiandu, causing him to sneeze repeatedly.

Feng Qingcheng frowned as she gazed at the extravagant silkworm silk sedan, her phoenix-like eyes deep in thought.

Between sneezes, Hua Qiandu exclaimed, “Must this fellow make such a flamboyant entrance every time? It’s suffocating me.” He was highly allergic to perfumes and makeup.

Petals danced in the air, the fragrance intoxicating. Amid the crowd’s astonishment, a fair, slender hand extended from within the sedan, parting the snow-white gauze curtain at the entrance. Then an embroidered cloud-patterned boot appeared, followed by the emergence of a tall young man.

He appeared about eighteen or nineteen years old, clad in a dark red embroidered brocade robe. His black hair shone like silk, his skin pale and almost translucent under the sunlight. His watery peach blossom eyes smiled even before he spoke, captivating hearts. His lightly tinted pink lips curled into a mischievous, seductive grin. His chin was pointed, and his features exquisitely delicate as if painted. His gaze swirled with myriad charms, every movement exuded natural allure. Especially striking was the red vertical mark between his brows, adding an exotic air.

“Is that a man or a woman? Absolutely stunning,” someone exclaimed loudly.

“Isn’t that Shui Yanxi, the young master of the Western Nether Immortal Sect? What’s he doing here at Mount Shu?” a knowledgeable bystander gasped.

The Western Nether Immortal Sect lay in the western wilderness with a history spanning thousands of years, a major cultivation sect alongside Mount Shu. However, its teachings were unconventional, valuing freedom above all. Regardless of gender, any member could have multiple immortal partners, a doctrine that society found unacceptable, yet it was renowned in the martial world.

It was said that their leader, Shui Mutian, was over four or five centuries old, one of the greatest masters alive, with hundreds of immortal consorts. Despite his many wives, Shui Mutian had only one son: Shui Yanxi, the young master of the Western Nether. Shui Yanxi’s beauty was so androgynous it was impossible to discern his gender. At eighteen, he already commanded a harem of concubines and was a prodigy in cultivation, capable of sword flight since childhood.

Legend had it that at eight years old, a red vertical mark appeared between Shui Yanxi’s brows, after which his appearance grew increasingly enchanting, and his cultivation advanced rapidly. He had now reached the tenth level of the Upper Immortal Realm.

Shui Yanxi’s peach blossom eyes swept over Feng Qingcheng and her companions, a bewitching smile playing on his lips. “Feng Fox, we meet again. The Four Immortals of Mount Shu are truly hospitable, must you make such a grand reception for this young master?”

Feng Qingcheng replied coldly, “Young master of the Western Nether Immortal Sect, what brings you to the Mount Shu Immortal Sect recruitment office with such a strong entourage?”

Shui Yanxi laughed heartily. “This young master merely came seeking a wife. Does the Mount Shu Sect concern itself with such trivial matters?”

Hua Qiandu, puzzled, asked, “Is there really a wife of yours here?”

Shui Yanxi beckoned behind the Four Immortals of Mount Shu in an irresistibly charming voice: “Little Moon, be good, come out quickly. I know you’re hiding back there.”

A small, grimy urchin was hiding behind Feng Qingcheng, clutching her sleeve tightly, refusing to show her face.

Seeing no movement, Shui Yanxi threatened, “If you don’t come out, this young master will tear down this tavern.”

The crowd peered around, wondering which girl had fallen into the gaze of this notorious playboy.

Qiao Chuya glanced at the urchin behind Feng Qingcheng and grinned, baring his teeth. “She simply doesn’t want to deal with you. Why force it?”

Shui Yanxi snorted and continued, “Little Moon, come out quickly. If you’re willing to meet me, I won’t tear down this tavern.”

Running a hand through his hair with irresistible charm under the sun, Shui Yanxi’s smile captivated a group of watching young maidens.

---

A small, dirty figure emerged slowly from behind the Four Immortals of Mount Shu and stood beside Feng Qingcheng. With a stubborn yet clear voice, she said, “Shui Yanxi, let me make this clear. I saved you first; you owe me a favor, which I already said you don’t have to repay. But you insist on repaying with yourself, claiming you want to marry me... I really don’t like you, nor do I like the Western Nether Immortal Sect. I’m here to take the Mount Shu recruitment exam. I won’t hold past grudges. Let the Mount Shu brothers here bear witness: from now on, we’re done. Young master Shui, take care.” With that, the little urchin sighed deeply.

The crowd studied the urchin curiously. Covered in dirt and grime, ragged and shabby, she hardly matched the word “stunning.”

Even Princess Nalan Meidai and Jiang Yiyi couldn’t help but glance at her with disdain and contempt, thinking Shui Yanxi truly had strange tastes.

Someone murmured, “The Western Nether young master certainly has unusual preferences. Strange things happen every year, but today seems especially bizarre.”

Hua Qiandu and Qiao Chuya couldn’t help but look over the urchin, wondering how beautiful she must be beneath that grime.

Feng Qingcheng said nothing, her cold gaze fixed on Shui Yanxi. The urchin was here to take the Mount Shu exam; she could not ignore this.

“Little Moon, are you really so heartless to me?” Shui Yanxi cradled his heart in his hands, looking utterly heartbroken, as if wronged by the heavens. Only those who knew him well understood that this young master of the Western Nether was the most notorious womanizer in the world.

Qiao Chuya shuddered and cursed through gritted teeth, “Can you stop being so disgusting? If you keep this up, I’m going to throw up.”

A flash of coldness crossed Shui Yanxi’s face. Displeased, he said, “Little Moon, don’t refuse now only to be forced later. Are you trying to make this young master catch you?”

Countless women craved his beauty and wealth, throwing themselves at him desperately, so much so that he thought all women loved nothing but appearance and fortune. A mere beckon of his finger summoned a flood of beauties willing to be his concubines.

Until he met her.

He had assumed she was like most women, attracted to his looks and wealth. But upon learning his identity, she avoided him as if he were a plague. How could he not feel defeated? The more unattainable something is, the more he desired it.

Hua Qiandu nudged Feng Qingcheng’s shoulder, teasing, “I heard he already has twenty or thirty concubines. The Western Nether Immortal Sect is truly twisted. Feng Fox, aren’t you planning on living a pure, ascetic life devoted to the immortal path? Learn a thing or two from him—if not twenty or thirty, how about just one?”

Feng Qingcheng gave Hua Qiandu a look of speechless disbelief.

Feigning a pitiful expression, Shui Yanxi said, “Little Moon, are you really so heartless? Tell me what’s wrong, and I’ll change.”

The urchin shivered at his words, her body involuntarily trembling. She said firmly, “I am not your wife, never have been, never will be. Please respect yourself. I never liked you before, nor will I in the future. Tomorrow I will take the Mount Shu recruitment trial. Take care of yourself. This is goodbye.” She bowed deeply, then retreated behind Feng Qingcheng and the others, ignoring Shui Yanxi thereafter.

Seeing that softness failed, Shui Yanxi’s anger flared like smoke from seven orifices. He roared, “Must you force me to lose my temper? This young master can still handle a little girl like you. Whether you agree or not, you will marry me.”

His inner strength surged, his aura rising rapidly. He stretched out his orchid-like fingers, ready to strike at the little urchin.

Opposite him, an even mightier aura swept forth. Feng Qingcheng’s robes fluttered in the wind as her presence intensified, like a god descending to earth, overwhelming the crowd who stepped back under the weight of her power.

An admirer murmured, “It’s said Feng Qingcheng has reached the eleventh level of the Upper Immortal Realm. I wonder if it’s true.”

From the crowd, a round-faced youth with dimpled smiles spoke up, “The cultivation realms are divided into the Chongxu Realm, Upper Immortal Realm, and Supreme Divine Realm, each with twelve levels. Ordinary people rarely reach the Chongxu Realm in a lifetime. Cultivators can ascend to the highest level of the Upper Immortal Realm. It’s said the Mount Shu Sect leader and Western Nether leader have both reached the Supreme Divine Realm, the highest cultivation level. These two young men, so young yet so powerful, are truly prodigious.”

“Most cultivate to the Upper Immortal Realm but cannot advance further; those who reach the Supreme Divine Realm are rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.” Someone glanced at the youth, impressed by his knowledge, and respectfully said, “Brother Han, wise words.”

The dimpled youth smiled and replied, “Brother Mu, you’re too kind,” then eagerly watched the unfolding spectacle. This was a duel of the new generation of powerful cultivators; the crowd’s excitement soared.

---

Meanwhile, Feng Qingcheng had already formed several hand seals, and in the blink of an eye, exchanged countless palm strikes with Shui Yanxi. The crowd saw their swift shadows dancing; those less skilled were already dizzy and unable to watch directly. Everyone quickly closed their five senses as the countless potted plants on the bluestone floor were shattered and scattered.

Within half a cup of tea’s time, the victor was clear. With a few sharp steps, both withdrew their palms simultaneously.

Feng Qingcheng stood calm and composed, her expression unreadable, eyes sharp and aura fierce.

Shui Yanxi retreated several paces before stabilizing, his face slightly flushed, his clothes a bit disheveled, and his breath uneven. His face darkened with anger as he said, “Let’s go! Little Moon, I won’t give up on you. Feng Fox, wait and see, next time I’ll make sure to beat you to death.”

Fuming, Shui Yanxi climbed back into the sedan. In an instant, the eight maidservants and the carriage vanished into the distance.

Having witnessed the thrilling duel, the crowd’s admiration for the strength of the Mount Shu Immortal Sect deepened. People gradually returned to their seats in the tavern, which buzzed with lively discussion.

Back at their seats, the little urchin sincerely thanked Feng Qingcheng and the others, “My name is Mingyue. Thank you all, senior brothers.” She then stood and bowed deeply to Feng Qingcheng’s group.

Hua Qiandu chuckled, patting the urchin’s head. “Little brother, you might become our junior brother. It’s only right we help you.”

“Exactly, who cries and begs others to be their wife?” Qiao Chuya joked.

Suddenly, Qiao Chuya exchanged a complicated glance with Feng Qingcheng. Feng Qingcheng’s eyes were deep and questioning, while Qiao Chuya grinned slyly and asked the urchin, “Little... brother, Shui Yanxi wants to force you to marry him. Aren’t you actually a girl?”

Cool Mei Ren also scrutinized the little urchin from all sides. Could this blackened, grimy child truly be a stunning beauty?

Qiao Chuya stroked his chin, full of gossip, and asked, “Junior Mingyue, what grudge do you have with him to make him so persistent?”

Mingyue hesitated slightly, then said, “He was poisoned, and I discovered and saved him... He insists on marrying me...”

Hua Qiandu’s eyes twinkled as he winked at Feng Qingcheng, who wore a serious expression. “Feng Fox, doesn’t Mount Shu have reserved rooms above this tavern? It’s getting dark, and tomorrow we have to escort the examinees. For the safety of our junior brother... ah no, junior sister Mingyue, how about we stay here tonight?”

Feng Qingcheng nodded and looked at Mingyue with curiosity. “Mingyue, do you have anywhere to go?”

“No,” Mingyue answered shyly.

Qiao Chuya asked Feng Qingcheng, “Feng Fox, how many reserved rooms are there?”

Seeing Mingyue yawning repeatedly, clearly exhausted from lack of sleep, Feng Qingcheng said, “Two rooms: one for Mingyue, one for us.”

Mingyue expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, senior brothers. Tomorrow I will do my best in the exam. It will be my highest honor to study alongside you.”

Hua Qiandu warmly said, “Remember to come downstairs for breakfast early tomorrow, little sister Mingyue.”

Mingyue nodded. She had been fleeing for days without rest, and waves of sleepiness washed over her. She longed to lie down on the floor and sleep immediately.

Before long, a waiter came to lead Mingyue to the guest room upstairs, brought her hot water, and, following Feng Qingcheng’s instructions, purchased a set of girls’ clothes to be delivered to her.