084 Favorability Rising

Yun Feiyue watched as Gui Ming turned leisurely, “You know the outcome. I am now Mo Feiyuan’s wife.”

Gui Ming gave a wicked smile, as if he had always expected such an answer, though a sliver of hope had lingered. Now, that hope was ground to dust.

“Then don’t blame me for pressing on. I never mind killing a few more people.”

Their eyes locked, and in that instant, both unleashed their strongest techniques.

Yun Feiyue’s fiery wings spread wide, while Gui Ming’s demonic aura surged forth.

Within the flames, murderous intent stirred without limit.

Gui Ming, however, showed no sign of retreat. On the contrary, he was delighted.

Yes, this was the feeling he chased—excitement.

Seeing her fight always stirred a special thrill in him.

How could such a woman not captivate him?

His fingers pinched lightly, and streams of ghostly energy appeared out of thin air, like dancing black strands, unfurling from his palm before slowly gathering.

Eventually, the ghostly aura wrapped around Yun Feiyue, growing denser and denser, like the cocoon of a silkworm.

The black mist finally condensed into the shape of a gigantic egg.

Yun Feiyue, along with her flames, became enclosed within the giant egg.

The heat seemed to have no effect on the ghostly aura. Indeed, she was at a disadvantage against Gui Ming.

She pondered, gathered her strength, and swallowed a Burning Essence Pill.

The pill immediately transformed into immense power.

Unlike the Fire Spirit Pearl, the Burning Essence Pill functioned without repelling the Eye of the Snow Realm, rapidly augmenting her strength.

Gui Ming crossed his arms, watching the massive egg before him.

His eyes could penetrate the ghostly aura, seeing the woman inside slowly close her eyes.

Black hair tangled and flew, some strands brushing that striking face.

Her red lips were pressed together, and the surrounding flames blossomed into flaming red lotuses.

Utterly beautiful—so much so that Gui Ming felt reluctant to destroy it.

He licked his lips, gripping his deathly scythe, which exuded a chilling aura of death. Should he strike, or not?

For him, that was a question.

Or perhaps, he should simply take her away.

With a flick of his hand, the black egg floated toward the spatial stone.

A cold arrow shot from the shadows.

Small, but charged with a bright aura directly opposed to the darkness—the elegant diamond-shaped arrow seemed surrounded by countless white blossoms, the purest force in this world, carrying a majesty that could subdue all beings.

“The Mo clan,” Gui Ming snorted coldly, swinging his scythe at the tiny arrow.

In that moment, Yun Feiyue was taken away.

From the shadows, Yun Hai hurried off, clutching a stone for spiritual transmission.

“How is it?”

“It’s Nether Aura. We’ll have to wait for the Lord to arrive before it can be broken.” You Tong had tried countless methods, but the black eggshell remained unbreakable.

A group gathered before the giant black egg.

Xiao Mumu, thanks to his Celestial Spirit body, could see through the shell and glimpse Yun Feiyue’s pained expression.

He frowned and walked over.

His small hand slipped easily through the shell.

What seemed an impregnable barrier to others was nothing to Xiao Mumu.

His body passed through effortlessly, heading toward his mother.

Everyone wanted to stop him, but none managed to act in time.

The little figure vanished before their eyes.

Inside the egg, Xiao Mumu looked up and saw Yun Feiyue floating in red.

He frowned, “Mother, open your eyes. I’m here to take you out.”

Yes, his mother had to be saved by him.

If they waited for his father, who knew how long it would be.

As his mother’s most important man, it was his responsibility.

But Yun Feiyue showed no response.

More precisely, she was digesting.

The Burning Essence Pill’s power wasn’t fully under control, and chaos stirred within her.

Her weakened body wasn’t fit for battle.

She kept silently reciting her master’s heart mantra, spinning through her mind.

After what felt like ages, she sensed someone nearby.

Xiao Mumu jumped to her side, gently clasping her hand and channeling his strength into her.

His power always brought Yun Feiyue peace.

He believed he was heaven’s gift to her.

Though the thought was a bit conceited, he never doubted it.

His body’s strength was the best way to save her.

Feeling Yun Feiyue’s heartbeat stabilize and grow stronger, Xiao Mumu rubbed his face against hers.

“Mother, wake up. Don’t act like a child. You can be silly sometimes, but I never minded.”

He spoke with pride, as if coaxing a mischievous child.

Yun Feiyue frowned.

The little rascal could be quite dramatic.

“Mother, don’t be stubborn!” Xiao Mumu rubbed her face again.

Warmth radiated through her, and her body gradually returned to normal.

Her eyes opened, slightly red.

Seeing those reddened eyes, Xiao Mumu sighed, “Are you about to lose your temper again?”

He sensibly retrieved a Calming Pill from the spatial stone and popped it into her mouth.

Yun Feiyue felt a coolness, and for some reason, swallowed it.

Actually, her body wasn’t feeling irritable.

It was just the flames reflecting in her eyes and face, as if she glimpsed the Nether Hell.

With the Calming Pill, her state improved considerably.

Turning her head, she met Xiao Mumu’s excited gaze.

“Mother, let’s go out.” Xiao Mumu tugged her hand.

Yun Feiyue surveyed the swirling darkness, raised her Buddha Butterfly sword.

With a single slash, the flames twisted the world’s laws, as space seemed to warp and shift. The shell of Gui Ming’s egg shattered completely.

Xiao Mumu stared at Yun Feiyue in awe, “Mother, did you just advance?”

Yun Feiyue nodded, suppressing the flames and heading forward.

Outside, the crowd watched the black shell crack open, then split, then explode and dissolve.

Yun Feiyue walked through the void, holding Xiao Mumu, coming from afar.

It was a scene of rare beauty, reminiscent of a goddess.

Some recalled seeing something similar deep within the Mo clan, inspiring the legend:

A beautiful woman cradling a child, walking from afar.

Her expression serene, yet imbued with undeniable authority.

Almost simultaneously, everyone shared the same thought.

The similarity made them wonder if it was a hallucination.

Even You Tong rubbed his eyes, and after confirming, exclaimed, “Mistress!”

It was the highest recognition for Yun Feiyue—Mistress.

She too seemed to notice the voices.

Turning to You Tong, she said, “Thank you for earlier.”

You Tong scratched his head in embarrassment. Normally, he’d be proud.

But seeing her now, he sensed that even without his help, Yun Feiyue would have emerged on her own. There was little doubt.

Xiao Mumu, basking in surprised stares, proudly lifted his chin.

That was his mother!

Yun Feiyue approached Yun Hai, “Second Brother, did you take care of that matter?”

Yun Hai nodded—of course, his efficiency was always high.

Earlier, Yun Feiyue had asked him to record her conversation with Gui Ming using the spiritual transmission stone.

It was then spread everywhere.

She wondered what people would think upon hearing it.

Perhaps she’d be called a femme fatale, or Gui Ming a lunatic.

But one thing was certain: it wouldn’t implicate the Yun clan.

That was what she most wanted to avoid.

Everyone in the Yun clan was dear to her. She couldn’t let harm touch them.

“Since you’re so good to me, next time I’ll bring Luo Yunhuang along. Or invite you to the Mo clan for a visit.” Yun Feiyue spoke seriously, though her heart brimmed with mischief.

Yun Hai brightened instantly.

“It’s been ages since I saw Yunhuang. I’m curious—why, as Mumu’s teacher, didn’t she stay with him in the Mo clan?”

In the past, wherever Yun Feiyue went, Luo Yunhuang would accompany Xiao Mumu.

This time, it felt odd not to bring her along.

Yun Feiyue was helpless. “No choice. We left too quickly; she didn’t even know.”

Yun Hai glared at her, dissatisfied. “Next time you go out, don’t forget anything. These days, I’ll spread this everywhere.”

He displayed the spiritual transmission stone.

“Second Uncle, you really are my best uncle!” Xiao Mumu leaped at Yun Hai.

Yun Hai snorted, casting a disdainful look at Xiao Mumu, “Don’t jump on me. I have no interest in brats like you. If you really cared, you’d offer me your teacher.”

Xiao Mumu rolled his eyes. His teacher was his—never Yun Hai’s.

Murong Guiji saw another argument brewing and quickly changed the subject, “Enough, let’s not talk about this. Your sister-in-law is returning to the Golden Kingdom soon, so today we’re having a farewell meal.”

Yun Feiyue agreed.

They entered the main hall.

Jinyu smiled at Yun Feiyue, “Feiyue, come eat. Your sister-in-law said if you couldn’t rid yourself of the Nether Aura, she’d go to the War Cloud Sect for your master. But then Senior Brother appeared.”

Senior Brother?

Yun Feiyue turned and saw the heavily wrapped figure.

His face was hidden, but the giant blade on his back, with the bold character “Zhan,” was unmistakable.

War Cloud Sect, Cloud-Cutting Blade.

“Sister, I heard you were in trouble just as I arrived. I thought I’d eat first, then visit you. Who knew you’d come out so soon?”

He spoke while shoving a chicken leg under his cloak.

Yun Feiyue was sincerely amused.

Senior Brother’s behavior made it clear he wasn’t here to help.

“Since you’re my senior, at least eat properly. Otherwise, how will you attract junior sisters?” Yun Feiyue snorted, taking a seat.

Jinyu’s smile widened.

“I hear your bond with Senior Brother is solid as gold.”

“That’s just rumor,” Yun Feiyue and Senior Brother said in unison.

Jinyu laughed awkwardly.

Ever since Jin Jing stole Yun Feiyue’s dowry, her status in the Yun clan had plummeted.

Now she had to return to the Qing Kingdom because she could no longer stay.

Few knew the details, but the elders did.

Moreover, the Yun clan had become entangled with the Ghost Path—a massive problem.

If it weren’t for fear of losing her share, she’d have considered divorce.

Yun Yi treated her well, but only because she was his wife.

All his time was spent on clan matters, with no room for romance.

Her situation was poor.

But she blamed no one. Jinyu was clever and calculating.

She wouldn’t leave until the Yun clan fell.

Yun Feiyue understood Jinyu was shrewd, but as long as she didn’t cause trouble, it was fine. At least her brother’s marriage was respectable.

Yun Feiyue toasted Jinyu twice.

Jinyu drank with a smile, then returned to her courtyard.

The Yun clan was quiet for the moment.

Yun Hai spent these days busy clearing the clan’s name.

Public opinion now targeted the Ghost Path.

Soon, the continent would unite in a crusade.

To punish the Ghost Path.

It meant little to Yun Feiyue; she had no intention of joining.

But often, one’s wishes are not enough.

Now, too...

“Miss, the northern alliance has sought you out, hoping you’ll join.”

The northern alliance?

That meant the Qing Kingdom.

It must be the Holy Sect.

“Is the Saintess involved?”

“Yes, the ones who came are her subordinates. She says the situation makes it necessary to punish the Ghost Path.”

Yun Feiyue nodded. The Qing Kingdom had no royal family; the Holy Sect held power, ruled by the Saintess.

Thus, the Holy Sect ruled the Qing Kingdom.

Yun Feiyue only wished to break free from the Ghost Path, never to wage a pointless war.

The crusade had been attempted over ten times in history—always ending in failure.

The Ghost Path’s headquarters, Ghost Wilderness, was a demonic forest no martial artist could cross.

She had no wish to die in vain.

“Tell them I am gravely ill, ghostly aura invading my body, near death. No way I can participate.”

“But, Miss...”

“No buts. Weren’t those righteous sects targeting the Yun clan before? Now the focus has shifted to the Ghost Path. Let them bear it all.”

That was Yun Feiyue’s view.

She would do nothing that harmed herself or the Yun clan. Revenge could wait—she was too weak now.

The maid dared not argue.

Indeed, everyone had targeted them.

Why should the Yun clan involve themselves in such trivial matters?

“Give them some money and send them off.” Yun Feiyue smiled brightly.

Her stance was clear, with little loss.

The maid withdrew.

Meanwhile, Gui Ming had been brought back to Ghost Wilderness.

In the Ghost Hall, a masked man reclined on a bench, watching Gui Ming below.

His icy voice rang out, “Fool.”

Gui Ming smiled softly, “Ghost Lord. The righteous path has always been our rival.”

“If it were simply killing, I’d admire it. But for a woman? You—disappoint me deeply.” He exhaled heavily.

The sigh echoed eerily in the dark, hellish hall.

Hellfire trembled in fear.

The Ghost Lord hadn’t been this angry in ages.

He slapped out with a palm, channeling hellish power, torrents surging forth.

Gui Ming was thrown violently, his body like a powerless black butterfly, pinned to the wall of the hall.

Blood spilled instantly from his mouth.

The vivid red on pale skin was frightening.

His deep black eyes fixed on the Ghost Lord; he didn’t speak, but smiled—a chilling smile.

He was like a dying flower at the river’s edge.

So striking, so painful to behold.

Watching the Ghost Lord, Gui Ming snorted, “Why did I contract with the Red Lotus Token? Tell me.”

The Ghost Lord glanced coldly at him, “You’re not worthy to know. Before me you’re nothing but a dog. When I’m pleased, I may call you son; when displeased, I’ll kill you with a palm.”

The words didn’t surprise Gui Ming—not even a hint of resentment.

It had always been this way; he understood his place, his fate.

Thus, he never had a heart—only knew how to kill.

Since falling into Ghost Wilderness, he lived only to kill.

“My life is yours,” Gui Ming looked at the Ghost Lord.

The Ghost Lord ignored him, waved his hand, and had several men drag Gui Ming to the underground prison.

“You deserve it, Young Lord. Eternal imprisonment.” The jailers laughed.

Many, like them, enjoyed seeing others fall, as if their misfortune brought benefit.

They laughed loudly.

Gui Ming shot a cold glance; the man fell silent in terror.

He hurried to lock Gui Ming up.

“Ice Prison—enjoy it!” The warden snorted and left.

Gongsun Ziyan trembled in fear, unsure if she’d be implicated.

After all, she was counted among Gui Ming’s followers.

As she fretted, the Ghost Lord summoned her.

“You. What’s your name?”

Gongsun Ziyan stammered, “Gong—sun—Zi—yan!”

The Ghost Lord nodded, “You’ll take Gui Ming’s place.”

“Wh—what?” Gongsun Ziyan couldn’t believe her ears.

“You’ve made progress lately, though less gifted than Gui Ming, you’re still competent. I need you to handle something.”

His tone was calm.

Gongsun Ziyan stepped forward. It was a windfall—she’d risen so quickly.

“Thank you.”

“Want power? I’ll give you power.” The Ghost Lord placed his hand atop her head.

A surge of dark power flooded her.

It was so intense she couldn’t adapt, her body trembling uncontrollably.

“Ghost Lord!” Gongsun Ziyan cried out.

He withdrew his hand.

“Seems that’s all you can handle.”

Gongsun Ziyan hung her head, pain wracking her body, barely able to speak.

Her throat felt constricted, unbearably uncomfortable.

She could hardly stand, kneeling before the Ghost Lord.

“Useless. Take this and study it.” He tossed her a book.

Gongsun Ziyan picked it up—“Ghost Wilderness Techniques.”

Wasn’t this what she’d always wanted to practice? She’d obtained it so easily.

Everyone eyed her with envy.

With the Ghost Lord’s dark power and the Ghost Wilderness Techniques, even a pig could rank among the world’s masters, let alone a person.

Many envied Gongsun Ziyan.

And she herself believed it was her destiny—a turning point.

——

Yun clan. Yun Feiyue was lying in her courtyard, basking in the sun.

Her sister-in-law had just left.

When departing, there was no sign of reluctance.

The Yun clan was quiet these days.

The summer sun was fierce, making one sleepy.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared before her.

Sensing it, Yun Feiyue looked up slowly, startled.

“What are you doing here?”

Mo Feiyuan held an umbrella, shading her from the sun, his eyes gentle.

His slender fingers brushed her cheek lightly. “I was worried about you, wife.”

Yun Feiyue beamed, leaped up, and wrapped herself around Mo Feiyuan’s neck like an octopus.

Cheek pressed to cheek.

“Oh, our busy Lord Mo finally cares about his wife?”

“Is this proper?” Mo Feiyuan looked helplessly at her.

Yun Feiyue snorted, “Are you disliking me for clinging to you?”

Mo Feiyuan smiled, pure and captivating.

“No, not at all. Just that there are people behind us.”

Yun Feiyue looked over and noticed Luo Yunhuang holding Xiao Mumu.

Yun Hai was chatting warmly with Luo Yunhuang.

Jun Shaomo and Yun Feng had also returned to the Yun clan.

Yun Feiyue realized her octopus pose was indeed unseemly.

But she always cared for appearances.

“Ahem, newlyweds reuniting—what’s wrong with a little affection?” She slid off Mo Feiyuan.

Mo Feiyuan smiled at her.

“Wife, you’re adorable.”

Yun Feiyue stuck out her tongue, “Now you’re making me shy. Though I never used to be.”

She walked over to Jun Shaomo and Yun Feng.

She stared at them.

“When will you marry?”

Marry?

Jun Shaomo and Yun Feng were speechless.

“We’re just good friends.”

Yun Feiyue stuck out her tongue. Most celebrities caught in romance said the same—“just friends.”

“Secret romance isn’t good! Be open and admit it. Don’t be like this.”

She smiled at them.

Yun Hai jumped in, “Exactly! Like me—I like Luo Yunhuang and say it every day. Right, Yunhuang? Yunhuang, did you miss me?”

Yun Feng’s mouth twitched. He could never be as shameless as Second Brother.

Yun Hai saw Yun Feng resisting and urged, “If you don’t learn, you may never marry. Shall we go propose to the Jun clan?”

Yun Feng blushed and protested, “Don’t say nonsense.”

Yun Feiyue raised an eyebrow, “Oh, Third Brother’s shy.”

She turned to Jun Shaomo.

“Shaomo, look at my Third Brother. Good looking, good character—a perfect man. If you marry him, you’ll want for nothing. He’s not the type to chase women. So, what do you think?”

Yun Feiyue tried hard to promote Yun Feng.

Yun Feng felt awkward but also hoped she’d succeed.

It was a strange feeling.

He stood aside, hands on his sword, aloof.

He was waiting for the outcome of her matchmaking.

These days, he’d been with Jun Shaomo; feelings had grown, only the final step remained.

Jun Shaomo was lively but timid about love.

Her face reddened, like a faint pink apple veiled in gauze.

“Yun Feiyue, can you not talk about this? Yun Feng and I are just friends.”

Yun Feng felt a little disappointed.

But at least she hadn’t outright refused.

Yun Feiyue shook her head—at this rate, they’d never date freely.

“Really won’t accept? I rarely play matchmaker; miss the chance and it’s gone.”

She smiled at Jun Shaomo.

Mo Feiyuan stood by, watching Yun Feiyue chat and laugh.

For him, just watching her was pleasant, a warm feeling.

“Father.” Xiao Mumu, seeing Mo Feiyuan alone, walked over.

Mo Feiyuan picked him up, “Did you take good care of your mother while I was away?”

Xiao Mumu looked up, proud, “Of course I did. But you—why didn’t you protect her?”

Seeing the little one complaining, Mo Feiyuan couldn’t help but smile, pinching his cheek.

“My fault, right?”

Xiao Mumu snorted, “Think an apology is enough? Why would the world need officials then? Today I officially warn you, Mo Feiyuan: if you don’t pamper Mother, I’ll marry her when I grow up.”

Mo Feiyuan’s face darkened.

“She’s your mother. You can’t marry her.”

“If you don’t take care of her, you’ll see!” Xiao Mumu puffed up.

Mo Feiyuan was speechless, rubbing the boy’s hair.

Soft and warm, it was a comforting feeling.

“Don’t worry. I’ll look after your mother.”

Xiao Mumu solemnly extended his hand, “Pinky promise.”

Mo Feiyuan hooked fingers with him.

Perhaps it was blood ties, but the gesture felt especially warm.

Xiao Mumu felt it too.

Pinky swearing with Mo Feiyuan brought a sense of comfort.

But he had to control it.

Though Mo Feiyuan was his real father, his mother was most important.

If his love for her was a hundred, Mo Feiyuan’s was only eighty.

To make him love his father more would take time.

Seeing the father and son so close, Yun Feiyue suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy.

When did they become so intimate?

She walked over, smiling at them, “Why so close?”

Xiao Mumu grinned, slipped off Mo Feiyuan, and pulled Yun Feiyue into a corner.

“Because Father said he’d take good care of you. So I’ll grudgingly be his friend.”

Hearing this, Yun Feiyue felt a rush of warmth.

“At least raising you wasn’t a waste.”

Mo Feiyuan saw them whispering, feeling odd.

It seemed the big and little one were plotting against him.

Yun Feiyue and Xiao Mumu looked like two bandits planning a heist.

When their discussion ended, they approached Mo Feiyuan.

He immediately sensed trouble.

“I just discussed something with Mumu.”

Mo Feiyuan raised an eyebrow, “Speak.”

“Well—we’re going to Jing Kingdom together?”

Mo Feiyuan frowned, wondering what they were up to.

Jing Kingdom, Ye Qi?

“No.”

Xiao Mumu sighed, “I wanted to test your trust in Mother, but you two really lack faith.”

Mo Feiyuan: “…Little rascal.”

Yun Feiyue smiled sweetly at Mo Feiyuan, clearly urging him to decide—allow them to go to Jing Kingdom or not.

Mo Feiyuan was speechless.

If he agreed, he’d feel uneasy.

If not, Yun Feiyue would feel uneasy, and in the end, he’d still be uneasy.

After much thought, he nodded coldly, “Fine. If Beichen Yu doesn’t return from the border tomorrow, we’ll go.”

“Beichen Yu won’t return to Chudu. If he did, Beichen Yi would kill him, right?” Yun Feiyue smiled, making their trip to Jing Kingdom a certainty.

Ye Qi had been assassinated and returned to Jing Kingdom.

But there’d been no news since; his fate unknown.

He had saved her life once—she had to repay the favor.

－－－－－－

The author has been sick these days, headache and runny nose, worse before. Still not recovered, so writing has been tough—doing my best. Autumn’s here, take care of yourselves.

First published by Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not repost!