Chapter 307: Late Evening Snow Approaches

As New Year's Eve drew near, the disciples of the Ancient Spirit Sect had gradually departed. The once vast sect, already depleted by the catastrophe at the Nether Hall, where most of the elder cultivators had perished, now felt utterly lifeless.

Yu Jin's home wasn't far, so she lingered for a few extra days.

The young woman, dressed in the attire of an inner disciple with a sword at her side, stood while two servants behind her carried bulging travel bundles. A carriage waited ready at the gate, prepared for immediate departure.

Yu Jin stood on the suspension bridge leading to the Nine Nether Hall, gazing into the distance for a while.

Ning Xiaoling's figure never appeared.

As she turned, she noticed a small fox in the forest staring at her.

She recognized the beautiful spirit fox; she often saw it happily frolicking outside when she attended lessons in the Wooden Hall.

Yu Jin had initially thought that the sect's recent quietness had allowed wild spirit foxes to emerge. Later, she heard that this particular fox was kept by the new Sect Master, and whenever it played outside, it would invariably be caught and brought back by the ink-robed Sect Master, whose face was always concealed by a fox-wood mask.

Little was known about this new Sect Master, with many merely speculating if they might be a fox demon.

How could a demon possibly become the Sect Master of human cultivators? It seemed utterly absurd.

However, the Ancient Spirit Sect was a shadow of its former glory. Even such a preposterous situation, if it truly came to pass, would find no one daring to openly resist. At most, there would be private grumbling, or a desperate hope that major sects like the Sword Pavilion or Divine Towers would intervene to purge the demonic presence.

Meanwhile, the events at the Luoshu Tower could no longer be hidden. News spread rapidly, shocking the entire Central Continent. It was said that the masters of the other three Divine Towers emerged from seclusion and rushed to Luoshu Tower to investigate. Compared to this, the death of a Sect Master in the World-Overturning Sect and the loss of a Dragon Mother in the Sea Kingdom became insignificant matters.

And this mysterious new Sect Master, it was rumored, hailed from the direction of the Luoshu Tower and had even appeared in the World-Overturning Sect.

Everyone felt astonished, yet dared not voice any opposition. Many days passed, and everything within the sect remained orderly, with no disasters or upheavals. This new Sect Master, who kept a small fox, seemed quite benevolent.

Ning Xiaoling, however, was unaware of Yu Jin's thoughts. If she had known, she would surely have scoffed at the word "benevolent."

In her mind, her current benefactor sister was absolutely terrible!

"Little fox, I'm leaving now," Yu Jin said, squatting down and extending her hand.

Ning Xiaoling walked over and rubbed her palm.

She had wanted to speak with Yu Jin, but in her current form, she was simply too embarrassed. It would be better to surprise her once she transformed back into her human shape.

Yu Jin stood up, looking at the little fox with a gentle gaze, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.

She waved to the little fox.

Ning Xiaoling also extended a tiny paw, waving farewell to Yu Jin.

After Yu Jin left, Ning Xiaoling cautiously hid behind a large tree, her eyes alertly scanning her surroundings, like prey searching for signs of a predator.

"Benefactor Sister shouldn't have followed me, right?" Ning Xiaoling, terrified of Siming, whispered to herself, "I'd better go to Senior Brother's place for shelter first."

By the spirit waterfall, Lu Jiajia was still engrossed in comprehending the balance and synergy between spiritual arts and sword techniques.

Her talent was exceptional, and she deeply understood the principles of the sword. After an afternoon of deduction and experimentation, she finally found the key, and following that lead, she meticulously deduced each subsequent sword move.

"Sword of Restraint and Calamity?" Lu Jiajia's fingers traced an invisible line in front of her, her eyes fixed on a faint, ethereal sword, as she murmured to herself.

The illusory sword's light intensified, becoming full and bright, sweeping before her like a rainbow, about three feet long.

Lu Jiajia pointed her sword forward.

The illusory sword, as if imbued with spirit, darted and spun in the air, aligning with the moves of the Sword of Restraint and Calamity, weaving a flurry of sharp, intricate shadows.

She watched the sword, and only after confirming there were no longer any past flaws in the sword moves did she breathe a soft sigh of relief.

Lu Jiajia savored the profound principles within the sword moves, marveling at the innate genius of Mu Lingtong.

"Excellent sword technique."

Behind her, a clear voice sounded once more, like a cold, tranquil stream flowing over stones. This beautiful, celestial voice, however, sounded to Lu Jiajia more like a succubus's whisper, chilling her to the bone.

Siming appeared like a phantom.

The wholly focused Lu Jiajia had not sensed her arrival at all.

"Didn't we agree you wouldn't disturb me until I perfected the sword technique?" Lu Jiajia demanded.

Siming replied, "Haven't you perfected it, little sister?"

"I still need to polish it," Lu Jiajia said.

"Polish it?" Siming leaned closer. "Jiajia truly lives up to her sword-body, it seems she needs a good beating and polishing to become perfect."

Lu Jiajia looked at her, helpless. She asked, somewhat exasperated, "Sister Xueci, were you truly a divine official in the past?"

This Siming was far too different from the divine official she had imagined.

Siming immediately sat upright, her expression serene. The roaring sound around them gradually softened, the flow of the spirit waterfall slowed, and within moments, the cascade of water was covered in a thin layer of cold mist.

"Does it not seem so?" Siming sat cross-legged, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Lu Jiajia looked at her cool, dignified demeanor and truly felt the oppressive majesty a deity exuded when sitting alone.

Of course, she wanted to say it didn't seem so, but now that they were two women alone in this place, she decided to swallow her pride and temporarily yield to this "sister."

"It's... very similar," Lu Jiajia said against her will.

"Then, between me and Zhao Xiang'er, who is more beautiful?" Siming suddenly asked.

Lu Jiajia was startled. She wasn't truly foolish. After a moment of hesitation, she thought, "Distant water cannot quench a nearby fire, and a distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor..."

"Sister is more beautiful," Lu Jiajia's voice grew softer and softer.

Siming gently flicked her sleeve, not dwelling on whether Lu Jiajia's words were sincere, and turned slightly to look at the spirit waterfall. She had slowly stilled the waterfall using her authority over time. Now, her cultivation was steadily recovering; although still far from its peak, her use of authority was noticeably more effortless.

Lu Jiajia looked at the starlight and moonlight reflected in the waterfall and praised, "Congratulations, Sister Xueci, on your breakthrough in cultivation."

"Congratulations?" Siming glanced at her. "Are you truly happy that my cultivation is rising, little sister?"

"Terribly happy," Lu Jiajia sighed.

Siming smiled faintly, "Is that so?"

Lu Jiajia pursed her lips, wanting to give a perfunctory answer, but she found she couldn't move.

The waterfall continued to cascade from above. Amidst the vast white mist, a roaring sound echoed in her ears, and tiny water droplets splashed coolly against her face.

Movement and stillness intertwined at this moment.

The waterfall's water began to flow again, but Lu Jiajia remained still, as if trapped in stagnant time, not even her robes fluttering in the night wind.

"You..." Lu Jiajia spoke with difficulty.

Siming watched her, smiling.

With a mere flick of her hand, she had enveloped Lu Jiajia in her authority.

Lu Jiajia's time had stopped.

"Has Ning Changjiu ever used this on you?" Siming's voice drifted languidly.

Lu Jiajia shook her head with difficulty.

Siming reached out, her finger gently touching Lu Jiajia's forehead, then sliding down to rest between her delicate nose. She said, "Perhaps Big Sister has been too lenient with you usually? Putting on airs in front of Big Sister all day, even forgetting to use respectful titles. Is my little sister Jiajia so complacent once she has someone to rely on?"

"I... did not," Lu Jiajia uttered with difficulty.

Siming said, "Still unrepentant?"

Lu Jiajia felt like crying, though no tears came. Even Ning Changjiu had never bullied her like this.

"I was wrong," Lu Jiajia responded, humiliated.

Siming sneered, "You only learn from a beating, not from kindness."

Lu Jiajia pressed her lips together, saying nothing, only hoping that Siming's authority would soon deplete, so she could find an excuse to escape.

Anyway, she had already comprehended the sword technique, and the abundant spiritual energy of this waterfall was no longer as beneficial to her.

Siming said, "Are you thinking of hiding back with Ning Changjiu right now?"

"I..." With her thoughts exposed, Lu Jiajia felt ashamed and annoyed, but it was inconvenient to admit.

Siming smiled faintly, "What's the difference? You're bullied here, and you're bullied there. The only difference is being beaten versus being... Heh, your ears are turning red."

Lu Jiajia closed her eyes, realizing her ears were now in the "demoness's" grasp.

"Sister..." Lu Jiajia decided to temporarily surrender, feigning submission. "Jiajia was wrong. Please forgive me, Sister Xueci."

"Are you really wrong?" Siming asked, looking at her aggrieved expression.

"Yes," Lu Jiajia said.

Siming chided, "You are the mistress, how can you say such things to a mere servant like me?"

"..." Lu Jiajia felt everything she did was wrong.

This was no goddess; she was clearly an unreasonable female bandit!

*Tap, tap, tap.*

Ning Xiaoling hopped onto the window sill and tapped it with her paw.

Ning Changjiu set down his brush and looked over, saying softly, "Come in."

Ning Xiaoling happily hopped inside.

She looked at the cozy room, at the scrolls piled on the desk, and the burning lamp, feeling touched.

"Senior Brother's place is the best," Ning Xiaoling darted over, leaped onto the bed, and rolled around, scratching the quilt with her paws, letting out joyful giggles.

Ning Changjiu chuckled, "What's wrong with other places?"

Ning Xiaoling said, "There are no bandits... Ah, no, any place without Benefactor Sister is good!"

"Bandits?" Ning Changjiu was a little surprised. "Is that the nickname you gave Siming?"

Ning Xiaoling immediately shook her head. "No! You absolutely must not tell Benefactor Sister!"

Ning Changjiu clasped his hands inside his sleeves, smiling as he watched the little fox sprawled on the bed. "How have you and Siming been getting along these past two days? Siming hasn't bullied you, has she?"

"N-no," Ning Xiaoling stammered. "Benefactor Sister and Master also get along very well."

Ning Changjiu smiled, roughly guessing how arrogant Siming had been these past two days.

"When Senior Brother finishes with the matters of the Netherworld, I'll go beat up that bandit for Xiaoling, okay?" Ning Changjiu said with a smile.

Ning Xiaoling, listening to his child-like coaxing, felt a bit helpless. She dared not agree readily, only meekly saying, "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother."

Ning Changjiu looked at the pile of scrolls, feeling a headache. He sighed and said slowly, "Xiaoling, this Nine Nether Hall will likely become your residence in a while. It will be the new Nether Hall, and you must preside here, overseeing the scattered netherworld authority in the human realm."

"Alone?" Ning Xiaoling asked worriedly.

Ning Changjiu replied, "If Xiaoling feels lonely, I can ask your Sister Siming to accompany you."

"Not lonely! Not lonely at all!" Ning Xiaoling declared decisively, her bright fox eyes filled with a sense of mission.

Ning Changjiu, sorting through the scrolls, smiled faintly. "It's good that you're not lonely... Oh, right, after we spend New Year's Eve together, Senior Brother needs to go to the central part of the Central Continent. It might take two or three months to return."

"Two months!" Ning Xiaoling was startled.

Ning Changjiu asked, "What's wrong?"

Ning Xiaoling's eyes widened. "Senior Brother... can I come with you? I can be a mobile Nether Hall."

Ning Changjiu said, "The place I'm going to is the Heavenly Roll. Only one person can preside over the Heavenly Roll."

Ning Xiaoling thought, "When Senior Brother is here, I have a place to hide. But if you're gone for two months, that bandit sister will surely..."

Ning Changjiu chuckled and said, "Don't worry, before I leave, I'll properly instruct your Benefactor Sister to bully you less."

Ning Xiaoling looked at him doubtfully. "Senior Brother, what exactly is your relationship with Benefactor Sister?"

Ning Changjiu said, "What relationship could there be? Don't overthink things."

Ning Xiaoling retorted, "I don't believe you! She's acting so high and mighty, and you're not even managing her. She must be someone with connections!"

Ning Changjiu said, "Aren't I more worried about Xiaoling's safety?"

Ning Xiaoling looked at the stacks of scrolls, feeling sympathy, and said no more. She simply hid herself, meticulously grooming her nine tails. "Senior Brother, Benefactor Sister is so beautiful... are you truly not tempted?"

Ning Changjiu asked calmly, "In Xiaoling's heart, is Senior Brother the kind of person who is easily swayed by beauty?"

Ning Xiaoling silently looked at him.

Though she was very reluctant to admit it, weren't Sister Xiang'er, Master Jiajia, and... Benefactor Sister, all peerless beauties? Senior Brother always claimed to be a gentleman, but this claim seemed less and less convincing, alas.

"Of course not!" Ning Xiaoling declared adamantly.

"Then that's good," Ning Changjiu said leisurely. "With Xiang'er, Jiajia, and Junior Sister, Senior Brother is already content. No matter how beautiful Miss Siming is, what does it have to do with me? For now, she and I are merely passing acquaintances."

"Really...?" Ning Xiaoling didn't quite believe him. After all, she had personally heard Senior Brother say things like 'only those who aren't afraid of death would lust after beauty and marry Zhao Xiang'er,' and 'Lu Jiajia has always been a revered teacher to me.'

It wasn't the first or second day that Senior Brother had gone back on his word.

However, if Sister Siming really became Senior Brother's third wife... then if they met Sister Xiang'er later, it would surely be utter chaos day and night.

Ning Changjiu looked at the little fox. "Now you don't even believe Senior Brother's words?"

"I do!" Ning Xiaoling said earnestly.

She quietly curled up in the quilt, watching Senior Brother intently reading, unwilling to leave.

"New Year's Eve is just a few days away," Ning Changjiu suddenly said.

"It is," Ning Xiaoling recalled. "Three years ago, we spent New Year's Eve in Linhe City. We had planned to see the lantern festival... It's a pity what happened."

Ning Changjiu said, "No one will disturb us this year."

"Mm!" Ning Xiaoling said. "We can go play on Clothes Street; it's very bustling. Xiaoling will lead the way for Senior Brother then!"

That night, Siming, as the Sect Master, lifted the array that enveloped the Ancient Spirit Sect.

Snowflakes from the human world drifted in, falling into the empty sect grounds.

On the buildings with dark eaves and green tiles, Siming lightly stepped on a corner of the eaves, her figure ancient and still, like a spirit walking on water in the night. She looked at the moon, still distinct in the snowy sky, and fell into thought.

Lu Jiajia, clutching her sword, watched the woman gazing at the moon from the pavilion, her footsteps pausing slightly. She had originally planned to secretly seek out Ning Changjiu while Siming was away, but unexpectedly, Siming shamelessly blocked the unavoidable path.

Siming withdrew her gaze from the moon.

She looked towards the figure amidst the falling snow, a figure colder than the snow and more secluded than plum blossoms, and smiled faintly. "Little Sister Jiajia, where are you going?"

Today, Lu Jiajia had been thoroughly subjugated by Siming's oppression.

Lu Jiajia looked at the Nine Nether Hall, so close by, and pursed her lips. After a moment, she spoke powerlessly, "I... came to find you, Sister."

"Oh, is that so?" Siming smiled slightly.

They both knew the truth.

Siming lightly leaped down from the eaves and came before Lu Jiajia.

"What do you need to find Big Sister for?" Siming asked.

Lu Jiajia lowered her head, her expression meek but her teeth clenched. "Some sword moves I couldn't grasp fully earlier today, so I came to ask for Big Sister's guidance."

Siming's icy eyes narrowed slightly. She reached out and poked Lu Jiajia's brow, then slid her finger down to the bridge of her delicate nose, saying, "Good. Big Sister will teach you well tonight."

"Thank you, Sister Xueci," Lu Jiajia bowed.

She lifted her head, looking at the tall building at the end of the snowy path, feeling like crying.

Just as Siming was about to lead her away, the great door of the Nine Nether Hall suddenly opened.

A faint light spilled into the night.

In the soft, warm candlelight, the falling snow seemed more vivid.

Ning Changjiu, dressed in loose white robes, slowly stepped out and said, "Miss Siming, where are you taking Jiajia?"

Siming replied, "Teaching my little sister sword techniques. What's wrong? Do you have an objection?"

Ning Changjiu said, "I also have something I need Jiajia for."

Siming looked at Lu Jiajia. "Whom will you go with?"

Lu Jiajia feigned hesitation, giving Siming a moment of face, then immediately walked toward the Nine Nether Hall.

Siming watched Lu Jiajia's retreating figure, a little annoyed, and muttered to herself, "Girls grow up and leave home."

Ning Changjiu looked at Siming and asked with a smile, "It's cold outside, Miss Siming. Would you like to come in and warm up together?"

Siming certainly didn't want to be retaliated against by them.

She said languidly, "No need, I have important matters to attend to."

With that, the woman's figure blurred in the night, as if she, too, had transformed into a light, floating snowflake, scattered by the wind into the darkness.

Lu Jiajia looked back once, then walked through the doorway.

In the softly lit room, Lu Jiajia removed the large red velvet cloak from her shoulders, shook off the snow, and gently hung it on the clothes rack.

Lu Jiajia felt much more relaxed. She looked at Ning Changjiu's face, slightly thin from fatigue, and smiled as she bowed. "Husband, were you intentionally late in opening the door?"

Ning Changjiu was slightly stunned. He saw Lu Jiajia, who usually remained aloof, showing such a rare demeanor, and realized how touched she must have been by him opening the door. Alas, Siming had indeed gone too far... It seemed she needed a lesson.

But right now...

Ning Changjiu brushed the snow from her shoulders and hair, tactfully reminding her, "Right now... you don't need to call me 'husband.'"

"Hmm?" Lu Jiajia didn't understand. She thought they only called each other 'Master and disciple' in front of outsiders. What else would she call him in private? Could it be...

Lu Jiajia blushed even more. Having successfully escaped Siming's clutches, she was already overjoyed. Now, seeing Ning Changjiu in the warm candlelight, and recalling her anxiety and worry during his days in the netherworld... the spring waters of her heart couldn't help but ripple.

So... this is what you want, she thought, mistakenly believing she understood.

Lu Jiajia smiled faintly. She winked at Ning Changjiu, her cherry lips parting slightly, and said softly, "Jiajia... greets Master. May I ask what Master wishes to do, summoning his disciple here in the middle of the night?"

This enchantress sword immortal... Ning Changjiu looked at Lu Jiajia, rarely revealing such an enchanting expression, and his own emotions were similarly stirred. But right now...

"N-nothing at all," Ning Changjiu said, somewhat flustered, and gave ground.

Lu Jiajia, however, wouldn't let up. She said, "Does Master think Jiajia didn't learn sword techniques well today and wishes to scold and punish me? Jiajia has already told Master before, that when Jiajia makes a mistake, if Master wishes to forge a sword..."

She gently bit her cherry lips, lowered her head, and said no more, instead slowly turning and walking to the window.

Her hand rested on the wooden sill beneath the window, her gaze fixed on the snowy night outside, and she slowly bent her body.

The silhouette outlined by the warm candlelight was enough to overturn any painting created by a mortal artist.

Normally, Ning Changjiu would have found it difficult to control himself.

But today...

"Jiajia..." Ning Changjiu didn't know how to begin.

"Hmm?" Lu Jiajia, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, turned slightly.

Suddenly, she froze.

From beneath the quilt on the bed, a pair of fluffy fox ears emerged.

At that moment, the entire room was as silent as the Nether Hall.

Seeing no movement outside, Ning Xiaoling, hiding under the quilt, immediately realized her fox ears had been exposed. Her tiny paws gripped the edge of the quilt, and she cautiously poked out her head, her dark, round eyes looking at her Master's figure standing by the window.

At this moment, Lu Jiajia had not a trace of her usual gentle demeanor.

The cold wind from outside blew incessantly, snowflakes relentlessly struck the window, creaking loudly. Lu Jiajia's expression was icy cold, her hair clung to her cheeks and danced wildly, killing intent spreading through her fluttering robes. She stood tall and slender, her graceful figure like an ancient sword suddenly drawn, almost extinguishing the candlelight in the room.

"Ma-Master... Xiaoling is deaf and blind, Xiaoling saw nothing!" Ning Xiaoling covered herself with the quilt, trembling as she felt her Master's murderous intent.

"Ning! Chang! Jiu!" Lu Jiajia suddenly turned and glared at the young man standing innocently to the side.

"Jiajia, listen to me! Xiaoling, she's just..."

"Ah, I was going to tell you just now, who knew you'd be so..."

"No, no, it's all my fault."

"Jiajia, calm down, don't hit me..."

"Jiajia, stop hitting, mercy please..."

"I just managed to organize these books, they concern Xiaoling's safety, you really can't touch them."

"Are you trying to murder your husband!"

"You can hit me, but don't bully Xiaoling, this has nothing to do with Xiaoling... Ah!"

Ning Xiaoling listened to Senior Brother's cries, hid under the quilt, and meekly said, "Mm! It's all Senior Brother's fault, Master, go hit Senior Brother, don't hit me."

"???" Ning Changjiu, being chased around the room by Lu Jiajia, felt even more despair upon hearing his Junior Sister's words.

Inside the Nine Nether Hall, sword qi flickered, candlelight wavered, and the several-story-high hall was in utter chaos all night, from the first floor to the top, and from the top back down to the first, with occasional glimpses of a fox jumping around to evade.

"Siming..."

From within the Nine Nether Hall, Ning Changjiu's voice suddenly called out, "Divine Official, where are you? Come manage your little sister!"

Siming sat outside the hall, listening to the faint screams emanating from within, despite the heavy snowfall. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

She unhooked a brand new flask from her waist, brought it to her lips, and took a small sip.

In the past, she rarely drank alcohol.

She was a deity; the potency of alcohol was no different from water to her.

But tonight, on a whim, she took a sip, and looking at the warm candlelight in the Nine Nether Hall, she felt a little tipsy.