100 Encounter

“Speak. What solution do you have?” Yun Feiyue smiled gently at Madam Wei.

Madam Wei shook her head. “I can’t just tell you so casually. If you want to know... you must first meet my conditions.”

“How am I supposed to know if you’re telling the truth if you don’t speak?” Yun fixed her gaze on Madam Wei, a faint smile playing at her lips.

These words...

Madam Wei was no fool either. The two circled each other in a game of verbal sparring, never touching on the crucial matter.

In the end, both grew weary and finally spoke plainly.

“Very well. Since we’ve decided to cooperate on this matter, I won’t bother with subtleties any longer. I know what’s on your mind. You think I’m treating your Xiao Mumu unfairly? But you must understand, this is for his own good. It’s better than turning him into a human tonic, isn’t it?”

Madam Wei smiled softly at Yun Feiyue, her expression relaxed.

She knew Yun Feiyue had no choice but to cooperate—for Xiao Mumu’s safety.

Sure enough, Yun Feiyue yielded. “Alright, but I need to consult Xiao Mumu first.”

Madam Wei beamed brightly. “Naturally, no problem.”

Thus, they reached a preliminary agreement.

“Where is the elder brother?” Wei Ziyou, sensing the awkward atmosphere, finally asked.

Yun Feiyue pointed to a nearby pavilion. “Over there. Second Miss Jun of the Jun family has not regained consciousness since her injury; Xiao Mumu is guarding her there.”

Madam Wei frowned slightly upon hearing this. Xiao Mumu was her designated son-in-law—how could he be guarding another girl?

Yet, she said nothing, a faint smile curving her lips.

“Then let’s go take a look. I’ve long heard the Jun family’s second miss is a fairy and skilled in prophecy. But after all, she’s just a child—how formidable can she be?”

Wei Ziyou tugged gently on Madam Wei’s sleeve. “Mother, why do you speak of Sister Qianyue like that? She’s only a few years older than me.”

Madam Wei tapped Wei Ziyou’s head impatiently. “You’re just too honest. If you weren’t, how could I have taken matters into my own hands? Ah, my reputation for cleverness has been ruined by you and your father—two fools.”

Wei Ziyou pouted, scolded, while Yun Feiyue felt a chill inside.

If Madam Wei became her in-law, life would certainly lose its sweetness.

Sensing Yun Feiyue’s disdainful gaze, Madam Wei turned and smiled at her. “I know what you’re thinking, Miss Yun. But no matter what, our cooperation is set. Are you aware of the Heavenly Way of Jing Kingdom?”

Yun Feiyue certainly knew. The Heavenly Way was a force native to Jing Kingdom but never interfered in worldly affairs. Its status was akin to the Murong family’s in Chu Kingdom—arrogant and unrivaled.

Yet, the Immortal Way and the Heavenly Way were different. The Immortal Way had few practitioners but many knew of it; the Heavenly Way had even fewer practitioners and fewer who knew of its existence. Only a handful of influential figures were aware.

“Don’t tell me you’re from the Heavenly Way. I’ve heard they never arrange marriages outside, let alone marry into the general’s family.”

“Of course not,” Madam Wei denied Yun Feiyue’s guess.

At this, Yun Feiyue’s expression softened somewhat.

“Then what is it?”

Madam Wei narrowed her eyes, pondering carefully before lowering her voice.

“This is our Wei family’s little secret. Let me see your son first. If your son doesn’t like my Wei Ziyou, I won’t be pleased.”

Yun Feiyue found Madam Wei’s confidence disarming, and for the first time, she found herself at a loss.

For Xiao Mumu’s sake, she could tolerate this—for now.

If Madam Wei truly had a way to protect Xiao Mumu, that would be excellent; if not, then pleading was useless. It all depended on Xiao Mumu’s will.

She had raised her son well, yet now he was about to become someone else’s son-in-law. The thought unsettled her deeply.

Soon, they arrived at Jun Qianyue’s room.

Jun Shaomo sat beside her, holding her hand tightly.

Xiao Mumu obediently transferred spiritual energy to Jun Qianyue.

The so-called “great tonic” was her Heavenly Spirit Body, able to gather the world’s spiritual energy into her hands and transform it into power.

Yun Feiyue knew this would severely drain Xiao Mumu’s health.

But this was his choice, and she could not interfere.

Xiao Mumu was focused on channeling the energy, unaware of anyone approaching until Yun Feiyue was near.

“How is she?” Yun glanced at Jun Qianyue lying on the bed.

Jun Qianyue’s complexion was poor; her eyes remained open, and as before, she grew agitated upon seeing Yun Feiyue.

Thus, Yun hadn’t approached too closely.

Xiao Mumu wiped sweat from his brow; his plump face had noticeably thinned these days.

He turned to Yun Feiyue. “Mother, why are you here?”

Yun felt a pang of sympathy but could not neglect Jun Qianyue.

She could only weigh both matters and let them be.

She wiped the sweat from Xiao Mumu’s forehead and pointed to the door. “Look who’s coming.”

Xiao Mumu slowly turned to see Wei Ziyou and Madam Wei standing at the entrance.

Backlit by the doorway, Madam Wei held Wei Ziyou’s hand as they approached slowly, a faint halo seemingly surrounding them.

Yun rubbed her eyes, reluctant to admit it—Madam Wei was truly a great beauty.

“Elder brother...” Wei Ziyou broke free from Madam Wei’s grasp and ran to Xiao Mumu.

Xiao Mumu beamed happily, his eyes shining brightly.

Ah, this son...

Yun Feiyue felt overwhelmed.

The two children greeted each other warmly, their bond seemingly stronger than before—a feeling of ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’

Madam Wei was satisfied, nodding before turning to Yun Feiyue. “I think these two are perfect together. Don’t believe me? Ask Xiao Mumu.”

Yun Feiyue glanced at Jun Qianyue resting in bed. “Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”

Jun Shaomo, sensing secrecy and the involvement of Jun Qianyue, grew curious.

“Feiyue, what’s really going on?”

Yun Feiyue smiled. “Nothing much, just Xiao Mumu’s marriage. We elders wanted to discuss it.”

Jun Shaomo’s eyes showed some confusion but she quickly masked it.

Considering Jun Qianyue’s condition, she couldn’t say much.

“Xiao Mumu and Wei Ziyou?” She guessed but sought confirmation.

Madam Wei did not deny it; instead, she smiled even brighter.

“Of course. Our Wei Ziyou is clever and lively—naturally, she’s the best match for Xiao Mumu. Though this matter concerns your Southern Kingdom little, I will still invite you.”

Jun Shaomo was displeased but, trained by the Jun family, maintained her composure.

She forced a smile, dimples flickering at the corners. “I will attend then. I hope everything goes smoothly.”

Madam Wei smiled but no longer looked at Jun Shaomo; instead, she fixed her gaze on Jun Qianyue.

“I heard your little Jun is possessed? Has lost her consciousness? If I can save her, it would be a great blessing for your Southern Kingdom, wouldn’t it?”

Jun Shaomo was stunned. She hadn’t expected Madam Wei to say that.

But thinking again, if even Mo Feiyuan couldn’t save her, why was Madam Wei so confident?

“I don’t know what method you have, Madam Wei, but if you truly can save our little Jun, there will be great reward.”

“No need for rewards. I only ask that your Jun family refrain from interfering in Wei Ziyou and Xiao Mumu’s relationship. No matter the reason or person, no involvement allowed. If anyone from your family harms my Wei Ziyou in the future, I will not forgive them.”

Jun Shaomo was even more shocked at this demand.

In truth, it was hardly a demand. Xiao Mumu was still young, and Jun Qianyue was young too.

It had been said her life wouldn’t reach adulthood; living a few more years was fortune. Thus, the Jun family guarded Jun Qianyue fiercely.

She was a genius, yes, but mostly frail.

For a child with an uncertain future, love seemed a luxury.

Yet Jun Shaomo did not wish to decide on her own—not out of fear but unwillingness. She wanted no regrets for Jun Qianyue.

Seeing her hesitation, Madam Wei sneered coldly. “So it is. Aren’t your Jun family known for wisdom and justice? What kind of wisdom is it to kill for selfish desires?”

“Um...” Jun Shaomo frowned, conflicted.

Yun Feiyue crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe, watching Madam Wei.

She always felt Madam Wei was too composed—a rare kind of woman.

After much thought, Madam Wei lifted her chin slightly. “If you won’t, then forget it. Whether your Jun miss dies or not is none of my concern. I won’t waste effort for her.”

She then turned to share a knowing smile with Yun Feiyue.

Yun Feiyue found herself curious about this woman—where she came from, what she was like.

Such calm and relentless pressure was masterful.

Even Yun Feiyue felt overshadowed.

After a while, Xiao Mumu and Wei Ziyou played quietly. Yun Feiyue gave Madam Wei a look.

“We’ve seen enough. Madam Wei, the scenery today is lovely. Why don’t we take a walk? We can talk as we go.”

Madam Wei nodded. “Just what I intended.”

She looked at Wei Ziyou with concern before reluctantly leaving the room.

“You were a bit harsh speaking to Miss Jun just now.”

“If I weren’t harsh, how would they understand my good intentions? Miss Yun, tell me your thoughts. What do you think? Does my proposed method seem feasible?”

Yun Feiyue hummed. “You only mentioned marriage, not the method.”

Madam Wei tapped her head, pretending to have forgotten. “Right, I should explain. Wei Ziyou is a Wind Spirit Body; your Xiao Mumu is a Heavenly Spirit Body—they complement each other.”

“But I don’t care about that. I want to know how you can save or protect my son.”

“Of course, through marriage. You know Wei Ziyou’s master is from the Heavenly Way. On the day Wei Ziyou was born, a Heavenly Way practitioner came to take her as a disciple. She must leave with them at age seven. She’s four now—only three years left.”

What did that have to do with Xiao Mumu? Yun was puzzled.

Though she hadn’t seen the Heavenly Way, she had heard of their power.

If they wanted to take Wei Ziyou as a disciple, her future would be promising.

But why involve Xiao Mumu?

Was she planning to use him as a tool for her daughter?

Thinking this, Yun’s expression darkened.

“What exactly are you after? Say it all at once.”

Madam Wei seemed to sense Yun’s impatience and chuckled. “Rest assured, I have no interest in harming children or my son-in-law. Compared to other spirit bodies, the Heavenly Spirit Body is more gifted. But whether one thrives is uncertain. With the Heavenly Way’s help, success is assured.”

Yun Feiyue still did not understand what benefit Madam Wei sought, making her travel from Jing Kingdom to Chu Kingdom, especially after learning of Xiao Mumu’s Heavenly Spirit Body.

“Be specific. What do you gain? What do I gain? No beating around the bush.”

“My benefit is that my daughter can live without worry and be with the one she loves. I believe Xiao Mumu will mature into someone who can protect Wei Ziyou. Of course, you probably don’t believe me.”

Madam Wei was too shrewd, making Yun wary.

She seemed to be playing a deep game.

Yun disliked this feeling.

Perhaps sensing Yun’s frustration, Madam Wei abandoned subtlety.

“Dual cultivation. I hope Wei Ziyou and Xiao Mumu can cultivate together, with him lending his Heavenly Spirit energy as protection. The cost is high, but I guarantee the Heavenly Way will protect Xiao Mumu. Wherever they are together, they will be guarded.”

Without hesitation, Yun Feiyue refused.

“If that’s the case, forget it. Xiao Mumu is still cultivating and progressing rapidly. With a few more years of protection, he can become a powerhouse that shocks the continent, no need to reach adulthood.”

She paused. “If Xiao Mumu truly likes Wei Ziyou, I have no objection. I won’t oppose it. So don’t be upset with me. Perhaps we may even become in-laws. As for the Heavenly Way, I’m unfamiliar and unwilling to trust outsiders.”

Yun turned and left. Madam Wei chuckled softly.

“Well, you’re much calmer than I imagined. They say you have a fiery temper, but I see you as steady. You know what you want better than anyone. I forgot—how could a woman who captured Shen Yinjun’s heart be so simple?”

Yun paused and glanced back with a faint smile. “So, Madam, what do you think?”

Madam Wei hesitated, then said, “I don’t think much—I don’t want to. What I really want to know is why you refuse. Do you truly believe you can protect your son? Or don’t you trust me?”

“Neither. I don’t like entrusting what I cherish to others. I prefer keeping it close. Whether the Heavenly Way or you—I trust no one. Also, if you want Wei Ziyou and Xiao Mumu to be close, keep her by his side. I don’t mind her borrowing his Heavenly Spirit energy, and Xiao Mumu can borrow her Wind Spirit energy. They balance each other.”

Madam Wei’s expression soured at first, but then she smiled and nodded respectfully.

“Thank you, Lady Mo. You truly deserve respect. I’m growing fonder of you than when we first met.”

Yun Feiyue ignored further chatter and returned to Jun Qianyue’s room.

Jun Shaomo sat by the bed, while Xiao Mumu and Wei Ziyou appeared to be sharing a playful moment.

Yun Feiyue wasn’t overly concerned with children’s matters and approached Jun Shaomo.

“Any sign of awakening recently?”

“No. Still controlled. If this continues, she may die.” Jun Shaomo’s mouth twitched. “Father doesn’t know when he’ll arrive. I fear this will cause embarrassment between the Jun and Yun families.”

This matter...

Yun Feiyue was troubled.

It seemed she’d have to consult the masters of the Zhan Yun Sect.

“I’ll write to my master, ask him to come down the mountain. Whether he can save her, I’m unsure.”

“What about Madam Wei’s request? I agreed.” Jun Shaomo seemed anxious.

The mention of death unsettled her.

She and Jun Qianyue had grown up together as sisters.

Jun Qianyue had been clingy as a child, always following Jun Shaomo, upset when strangers approached.

Jun Shaomo had found it vexing then, but now, on the brink of separation, she felt sorrow.

She squinted slightly, a trace of helplessness on her face.

“I don’t know if this choice is right, but I believe Madam Wei can do it.”

Yun Feiyue neither agreed nor opposed—this was not hers to decide.

As for Madam Wei’s abilities, Yun was curious. She wanted to see what this reputed Madam Wei could do, daring to claim she could save Jun Qianyue.

Madam Wei returned shortly, a radiant smile upon her lips.

“I heard Miss Jun agreed to my terms. What a coincidence.”

Jun Shaomo gritted her teeth. “I agreed.”

“Since you agreed, I’ll fulfill my promise. Miss Jun’s illness is indeed severe.”

Madam Wei placed her hand on Jun Qianyue’s forehead.

“She must be tired from always staring. I wonder if she can’t see, if everything before her is black. I once heard that those who die with their eyes open do so because the darkness ahead is too vast—they want to open their eyes to see the path.”

Madam Wei spoke to herself, a faint, eerie smile lingering.

Soon, she produced a talisman and placed it on Jun Qianyue’s forehead, chanting an incantation. Slowly, Jun Qianyue’s eyes closed.

Madam Wei sent a surge of energy into Jun Qianyue’s “spirit court”—the area between the eyebrows. Jun Qianyue’s body trembled twice rapidly.

After some time, Madam Wei withdrew her hand, and Jun Qianyue calmed.

Xiao Mumu watched anxiously at the bedside.

“How is it?”

Madam Wei smiled faintly. “Perhaps she’s fine now. I’m not certain. It depends on her destiny.”

“Madam Wei, you’re not confident?” Jun Shaomo frowned.

Madam Wei only smiled. “I am confident. But if your little Jun doesn’t want to live, then I am not. Most spirit control happens because of weak will. Why do you think so many aren’t controlled, but Jun Qianyue was? Because she has little desire for life, making her vulnerable.”

Her words made sense but sounded like excuses to Yun Feiyue.

“Do you mean to shirk responsibility if something happens?”

Madam Wei smiled. “I’m not that kind of person. If I say I can save her, I have a way. The possibility exists. I know what you think, but I, Wei Ji, am not so shameless.”

Yun Feiyue said nothing, smiling faintly as she turned to look at Jun Qianyue.

The quiet figure was endearing, like a delicate porcelain doll.

Jun Qianyue’s pulse was normal, no anomalies. Yun Feiyue could not detect irregularities in her spirit.

She was weak with spiritual matters—spirit being the soul.

When power grows strong, the soul strengthens too.

Perhaps because Yun Feiyue’s soul was incomplete, though strong in combat, her spirit was weak.

Fortunately, Murong Fenghua and Murong Shengqing had some research on this.

Murong Fenghua was shocked by Jun Qianyue’s condition and asked about Madam Wei’s background.

Madam Wei said nothing.

Yun Feiyue was curious and underestimated Madam Wei.

“Madam Wei, can you tell me where you come from?”

Madam Wei smiled faintly. “I won’t say—it’s a secret. And where my master is from no longer matters. What matters is, I’m still useful to you.”

Yun Feiyue nodded. If others won’t say, she wouldn’t force it—she disliked forcing others.

“Very well, Madam Wei. I hope we never become enemies.”

“The word ‘enemy’ will never exist for me. I, Wei Ji, never liked enemies. Since I sincerely seek cooperation, you should believe I do this only for my daughter.”

Yun Feiyue could not fully believe her, but believed most of it.

A mother would do anything for her child, just as she would for Xiao Mumu.

Life at the Yun residence had not been safe, but fortunately, Mo Feiyuan had strengthened Xiao Mumu’s protection.

Yun Feiyue planned to leave with Xiao Mumu once Jun Qianyue’s condition improved.

Ten days later, Jun Qianyue awoke.

She was as before—the supposed god in her mind had left.

“How is she?” Yun truly cared for Jun Qianyue.

Jun Qianyue nodded, eyes a bit dazed. “I think I did wrong. Is Xiao Mumu angry?”

Xiao Mumu...

He had spent more time with Wei Ziyou these days, partly thanks to Yun Feiyue.

After guarding Jun Qianyue for days, his health seemed to decline.

Yun did not want him to continue and encouraged his time with Wei Ziyou.

Moreover, they planned to leave the Yun residence soon.

“Is Xiao Mumu truly angry with me?” Jun Qianyue seemed helpless.

Yun smiled softly. “No, by his nature he’d never be angry at you. He’s probably just out playing today.”

Jun Qianyue exhaled slowly, seeming relieved.

“I had a dream. In it, I saw Miss Yun.”

Dreaming of her? Yun smiled awkwardly. Shouldn’t it be her son?

“What did you dream?”

“A prophecy, Miss Yun. If one day you must use your name to fulfill a destined cycle, would you agree?”

Yun narrowed her eyes. She had never considered this—she did not want to die.

“I don’t believe in fate or reincarnation.”

“I ask, if you had to agree, what then?” Jun Qianyue looked into Yun’s eyes; her purple pupils dilated, pure as crystal jade, reflecting a shadow.

In those eyes, her reflection was a life consumed by fire.

—End of this chapter—