Familiarity

“No.” The moment she heard Xu Yuan’s words, Tianyan’s delicate face turned frosty, her cold voice instantly shutting down his idea. “I don’t agree.” Looking at the man sitting not far away with greed flickering in his eyes, Tianyan couldn’t fathom his reasoning in the least. At present, whether in natural talent, physique, cultivation method, or divine soul, this scoundrel could practically be called the pinnacle of the world. Not to mention that as Xu Yinhe’s son, the cultivation resources surrounding him far surpassed even what she had as the Saintess of the Overseeing Heaven Pavilion. He needed only time to settle, and everything would fall into place naturally. After all, he wasn't some common mudfoot desperately clawing his way upward. Why did he insist on taking such reckless gambles with his life? With that thought, Tianyan spoke with aloof detachment: “If you still remember what happened in Zhujian Valley, you should know that these yin ghosts are nothing more than agglomerations of negative emotions. That holds true for ordinary yin ghosts, let alone the sheer malice and negativity contained within the soul of a Saint Tier yin ghost. “Just leaving this ghost saber sitting here is already more than your Soul Condensation cultivation can bear. What do you think you’re going to devour it with, Xu Yuan?!” Hearing Tianyan’s reproach, laced as it was with worry, Xu Yuan didn’t waver in the slightest. “Didn’t you say it yourself? The consciousness of this Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow has already been wiped clean.” When the Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow attempted to possess him, Yuchu’s Charm God imprint had obliterated its consciousness, an outcome directly reflected in reality. A Saint Tier yin ghost origin devoid of self-awareness might be dangerous to devour, but it wasn't an impossible puzzle to solve. As long as he controlled the dosage, even a Soul Condensation cultivator like him could assimilate it. Seeing that familiar look on his face, Tianyan opened her mouth, yet found herself at a loss for words. It was always like this. Whenever he made up his mind, no matter how hard you tried to dissuade him, he would obstinately go his own way. After a brief silence, Tianyan raised her fair hand and swept the willow ghost saber straight back into her Sumeru ring. *Hmph. In the illusion he was in the Origin Realm, so she couldn't stop him. But now that he's merely in Soul Condensation, how could she fail to hold him back?* Watching the ghost saber vanish into thin air, Xu Yuan smacked his lips and took a deep breath. “If you keep acting like this, I’m calling Lou Ji over to snatch it.” “Heh.” A smile tugged at Tianyan’s lips instead. She glanced toward the door with amused interest. “Fine by me. Go ahead and call her. Let’s see whether she attacks me first once she hears what you plan to do, or gives you a sound beating first, you fool.” *Well, so much for bluffing her.* Xu Yuan felt a headache coming on. If that old auntie Lou Ji caught wind of what he wanted to do, forget agreeing—she would probably rap his forehead with a fierce knuckle-thump. With an inward sigh, Xu Yuan looked back at the young girl seated cross-legged on the futon. There was no way Lou Ji would change her mind from his smooth talk, and the only person in the entire black eagle pavilion who would obey him unconditionally was probably Xiao Bai. However, Xiao Bai’s cultivation clearly couldn’t match Tianyan’s, to say nothing of delicate tasks like slicing off a sliver of a Saint Tier yin ghost’s origin and feeding it into his mouth. This silly washboard Saintess was different; he was confident he could talk her around. His best angle was still Tianyan. After a moment of silence, Xu Yuan smiled and strolled slowly toward the girl. Tianyan instantly saw through his intentions and said with a beaming smile, “If you can snatch this willow ghost saber from my hands, I’ll agree.” Xu Yuan’s eyelid twitched. Snatch the ghost saber from her hands? A Soul Condensation cultivator defeating an Origin Realm expert, was that it? Xu Yuan rolled his eyes, but didn't dwell on it. Shaking his head, he took his seat on his futon. He poured tea, savored it, and set down his cup. Tianyan watched his little performance from the side, wearing that same sweet, narrow-eyed smile. In any case, no matter what this fellow said, she wouldn’t agree. Then, his calm voice drifted out like a devil’s whisper: “Tianyan... “Have you ever considered that Tianye might still be alive?” “...” The beaming smile vanished from Tianyan’s face in an instant, but she quickly let out a soft huff. “Xu Yuan, don’t try to stir up panic here. I’ve never heard of anyone surviving for twenty thousand years.” Xu Yuan shook his head and glanced at where the willow ghost saber had rested earlier, his tone faint and haunting. “You’re right. There truly are no cultivators in this world who can live for twenty thousand years. But how do you explain this Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow?” “The Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow?” Tianyan’s brows knitted. “This Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow exists somewhere between a yin ghost and a spiritual essence spirit. It isn't strange for it to survive twenty thousand years. But Tianye—” “You think that’s what I meant?” Sitting cross-legged on the futon with downcast eyes, Xu Yuan toyed with the precious porcelain cup in his hand. Tianyan’s lovely brow furrowed even tighter. “Then stop talking in riddles!” “Awakening.” Xu Yuan uttered that single word, then slowly lifted his gaze to look at Tianyan, raising two fingers. “In the Charm God Illusion realm, two existences awakened on their own, realizing that they were actually trapped inside an illusion. “The first was the Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow refined into that willow ghost saber. If it hadn't tried to possess me within the illusion, its intent-soul would likely still be intact today.” With that, Xu Yuan folded down one finger and spoke in a gentle, measured tone: “And as for who the other awakened individual was, I don't think I need to spell it out, do I?” The soul imprints of millions of deceased cultivators had formed that illusion realm. Yet only Tianye and the ghost willow had preserved their intent-soul origins. Tianyan fell silent for a moment. “You aren't suggesting that Tianye had foresight, plotted out the next twenty thousand years, and attempted to reincarnate into the present world, are you?” Xu Yuan chuckled softly and shook his head. “If that witch Tianye possessed such heaven-defying means, calling her the greatest figure throughout history wouldn't be an exaggeration at all.” Saying so, Xu Yuan set the porcelain cup back onto the tea table. A crisp clack echoed through the room. “As Yuchu was dissipating, she showed us what happened during the Qionghua Sect’s millennial grand ceremony back then. With so many Saints under her control, how could Tianye have had any strength to spare when she went to assassinate her alone with the willow ghost saber? “In all likelihood, under Yuchu’s backlash, she had no choice but to resort to certain methods to preserve herself—perhaps a seal, or perhaps deep slumber. “Though that witch Tianye had an eccentric, uninhibited temperament, she was always exceedingly cautious when it came to major matters. Leaving behind such a contingency wouldn’t be strange in the least.” Tianyan narrowed her eyes, a meaningful smirk suddenly curling onto her lips. “You certainly understand that vixen well.” *Wait, is that really what you're focusing on?* Xu Yuan complained internally, but said aloud, “Calculating the time, that woman Tianye should be an old crone by now. “From when Yuchu was refined into the Meishen tree spirit to when she triggered the Meishen Calamity, a full century had passed. Even if she truly is alive and remembers everything from the illusion, she’s just an old woman nearing two hundred years of age.” As he spoke, a strange thought flickered through Xu Yuan’s mind. He couldn't understand why this washboard Saintess was always so jealous of that witch Tianye. She was merely an enemy... *“I’m going to make you fall in love with me, and then help you return to that reality where I have already passed away.”* *“...”* *“...”* *“Xu Yuan, I win this time~”* A seductive, frivolous voice flashed past his ears, causing Xu Yuan’s train of thought to halt abruptly. *No way...* When he ran Tianye through, she couldn't have meant that, could she? Xu Yuan began frantically searching his memories. He wanted to find what expressions and feelings he had shown back then, but his fragmented memories weren't enough to piece it together. If he couldn't remember, he wouldn't dwell on it. Thinking the washboard Saintess might know something, he instinctively looked over at her, but then realized that with his fragile, prickly nature, there was no way he would have let this punching bag find out while he was pulling off those stunts. Forget it. The boat would straighten itself once it reached the bridge. Even if things were as he guessed, once he recovered all his memories of the illusion, he was confident he could put that witch out of his mind in short order. Love was a fragile thing, unless it could endure long enough to transform into familial affection. Having made up his mind, he heard Tianyan’s plaintive voice slowly drift over: “Are you so sure she’s still alive?” Xu Yuan chuckled softly and replied readily, “The Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow is proof right before our eyes. We have to consider the possibility.” Tianyan lightly tapped her fingertip against her Sumeru ring, biting her lower lip. “B-but what does that have to do with you wanting to devour the ghost willow’s origin?” “Of course it’s related. Judging by the aura that ghost saber revealed earlier, it isn't hard to guess that Tianye used the properties of the ancient willow ghost saber to corrupt Yuchu into madness.” Xu Yuan gently tapped his finger on the tea table, his voice deepening. “And the nature of a yin ghost dictates that this saber is a double-edged sword. An ancient willow ghost saber with its own consciousness cannot be fully controlled. If Tianye wanted to borrow its power, she must have used secret arts to forcefully bind herself to it. “If I devour a portion of this ghost willow’s origin now, I might be able to sense her presence.” “...” Silence fell. Tianyan had actually thought of these things early on; she simply hadn't wanted to admit them. Because once she admitted it, this scoundrel would take risks—risking his life just as he had in the illusion. Furthermore... She didn't want Xu Yuan to have any connection with Tianye whatsoever. Even if the other party was an old crone, she still refused. “And so what if you find her? What if your actions awaken her from her slumber...?” Tianyan pressed her lips together, her slender index finger tugging nervously at her skirt. “...With that woman’s strength as a Saint, she will definitely become a grave threat to your Prime Minister's Manor.” “The same goes for your Overseeing Heaven Pavilion.” Xu Yuan gave a dry chuckle, though a hint of unease laced his smile. “With Tianye’s personality, she couldn't possibly return to your Overseeing Heaven Pavilion. Given a second life, she would act with even less restraint, willfully pursuing whatever people or things bring her pleasure. Finding such an unstable factor and nipping her in the bud benefits both of us.” At this point, Xu Yuan’s tone grew somewhat solemn: “You should know how terrifyingly powerful a Saint with the aptitude of ‘Tianyan’ would be. “So, give the ghost saber to me.” Rain pattered outside as sandalwood smoke curled softly. “B-but what if something goes wrong?” “My secret art can even devour the Heavenly Yan divine soul. I refuse to believe the yin origin of a mere Saint Tier yin ghost is more extraordinary than the divine soul from your Heaven-Deducing Art.” Xu Yuan’s tone was resolute, carrying a faint smile: “Besides... “I trust you.” “...” Meeting his trusting gaze, Tianyan suddenly felt a tightness in her chest. He always knew how to persuade her. Even without those memories, he could still accurately pinpoint the exact argument that would convince her amid countless possibilities. The willow ghost saber was brought out once more by the girl. Laying the ghost saber across the robes draped over her kneeling legs, she suggested in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz: “Xu Yuan... although the consciousness of this ghost saber’s artifact spirit has been erased, its origin still holds pure negative emotions. Should I use my divine soul to purify it for you first?” Xu Yuan smiled and shook his head. “If you purify those violent negative emotions, how would it be any different from the pure soul pills refined from yin ghost soul power in my family’s Ghost Mist Array? You only need to carve off a sliver of the origin for me to devour.” Tianyan clenched her small fist slightly, her eyes lowering. “I... I understand...” Among the countless memory fragments from the Charm God Illusion realm, Xu Yuan’s impression of this Thousand-Thorns Ghost Willow was exceptionally profound. Not merely because of that battle in the treetop alongside the washboard Saintess, but also because of its ghost domain that could twist reality’s laws. Creating matter from nothing. To this day, it was the only thing Xu Yuan had ever seen that broke the law of conservation of energy. Right now, the “hardware” of his body had already fused human Source Qi and intent-souls, an aberrant ghost's life origin and synesthesia, and just moments ago, acquired the traits of the Heavenly Yan divine soul. If he also devoured the yin power of a Saint Tier yin ghost... Just how powerful would his peerless spiritual vision become? Setting aside payback against Xu Changge for now, by the time his cultivation reached the Grandmaster level, it would probably be the day he asserted his husbandly authority over these proud daughters of heaven... With thoughts running through his mind, Xu Yuan sat with his back to Tianyan. Tianyan pressed a soft, slender finger gently against his Zhongji acupoint on his spine, while her other hand gripped the ancient willow ghost saber that emanated an ominous aura. The Saint Tier yin ghost's origin was severed by Tianyan using her Heavenly Yan divine soul, then fed bit by bit into Xu Yuan’s sea of consciousness. The amount was small. If the Heavenly Yan divine soul Xu Yuan had devoured earlier was likened to an apple, this wisp of ghost willow yin origin was merely the size of a walnut. Furthermore, due to the girl’s worries, this wisp of origin had already been thoroughly shattered before entering his sea of consciousness. Because of that, all Xu Yuan needed to do was circulate the companion secret art of the Blood Yuan Heart Calamity Art to devour it. Inside the room, there was only the faint whistling of wind swirling around the two of them. Perhaps because he already possessed the Heavenly Yan divine soul’s trait of disregarding all negative mental states, the yin origin laced with pure negative emotions failed to shake his mind much. The companion secret art circulated, ravenously devouring the Saint Tier yin origin delivered by Tianyan like a taotie beast. Time slipped quietly by. Outside, the boundless rain stretching for thousands of li gradually tapered off, and the post-rain breeze drifted gently into the bedchamber through the gaping hole in the roof. After who knew how long, Xu Yuan slowly opened his eyes. Then, he saw her slightly pale face, her voice laced with anticipation: “...Did it work?” His heart twitched. Xu Yuan raised a hand to stroke the girl’s soft, glossy hair, saying gently, “Mm. All thanks to you.” Even with the Heavenly Yan divine soul, Tianyan was ultimately only in the Origin Realm. Even though the ghost willow had lost its self-awareness, severing its Saint Tier yin origin remained an immense drain on her. Rising slowly to his feet, Xu Yuan felt the changes within his body. A unique power surged through him. After devouring the Saint Tier yin origin, his spiritual vision had undergone yet another miraculous transformation. Reaching out with his spiritual vision, besides the Source Qi drifting through the air and tainted with the aura of departed cultivators, he could also see wisps of eerie black qi this time. *Is this the corrupted corpse qi that creates ghost mist?* Tracing those wisps of ghost qi with his gaze—sure enough, they stemmed from the ancient willow ghost blade in Tianyan’s hands. Yet this time, Xu Yuan didn't feel the slightest discomfort. In its place was a sense of familiarity. A familiarity as if they shared the exact same roots and origin. Casually taking the ghost saber from Tianyan’s hands and sensing it closely, Xu Yuan suddenly turned his gaze toward the window. He realized that this sensation was not solitary. Far off in an unimaginably distant place, another aura was exuding an inexplicable, elusive familiarity...