Chapter 9: The Returning Moonlight Who Once Took the Blade (Part 8)

After the initial panic had passed, Qingyuan had already regained his usual composure. “My senior sister and I have known each other for tens of thousands of years. Do you really think a mere acquaintance of less than ten days could drive a wedge between us?”

Xiyun showed no fear. “If your bond is truly unshakable, then why did your hand tremble just now? Immortal Lord, you’re not as calm as you pretend to be.”

As soon as she finished, Qingyuan’s grip tightened, clearly provoked by her words. Yet before he could respond, the very person at the heart of their dispute, Tushan Xi, entered the room carrying something.

Upon seeing what was happening inside, her expression changed dramatically and she shouted, “Qingyuan, what are you doing? Let go of her this instant!”

At the sound of Tushan Xi’s voice, Qingyuan reluctantly released his hold. Deprived of his support, Xiyun nearly collapsed to the floor.

Fortunately, Tushan Xi caught her in time, sparing her further humiliation.

“Are you all right? Are you hurt? Let me see.”

Hearing Tushan Xi’s concern, Xiyun, who had just stood her ground against Qingyuan, suddenly felt a wave of grievance rise within her. She frowned and pouted, shaking her head at Tushan Xi.

“Sister Tushan, I’m fine.”

Tushan Xi arched her willow-shaped brows, clearly surprised that Xiyun would suddenly show such vulnerability and cling to her so intimately.

Did this mean she had finally gained Xiyun’s full trust?

With that thought, she gently put her arm around Xiyun’s shoulders and soothed, “I’m right here. If you’ve been wronged, just tell me and I’ll stand up for you.”

Xiyun wiped her tears and nodded pitifully. “Sister, you’d never harm me, would you?”

“Of course not. Whatever happens, I’ll always be on your side.”

As she spoke, she gently brushed away the tears from the corner of Xiyun’s eyes and comforted her, “There, don’t cry anymore. If you keep crying, your face will look like a little tabby cat.”

“Mm,” Xiyun nodded, “I feel much better with your promise.”

After soothing Xiyun, Tushan Xi helped her lie back down before turning to deal with Qingyuan.

“Qingyuan, I asked you to come here and apologize to Xiyun, but what were you just doing? If I’d come in any later, were you planning to kill her right under my nose?”

Still reeling from his confrontation with Xiyun, Qingyuan was now berated by his senior sister. His mood soured further, and his tone bristled with anger.

“Senior Sister, you only listen to her side of the story. Why won’t you ask me what happened? We’ve known each other for so many years—don’t you know what kind of person I am?”

Seeing the wounded look in Qingyuan’s eyes, Tushan Xi realized she’d spoken too harshly and felt a twinge of regret.

“Qingyuan, it’s not what you think. When I came in, all I saw was you grabbing Xiyun by the throat—what was I supposed to think? And besides, you… you…” She hesitated, then muttered, “You’ve got a record, after all. Can you blame me for assuming the worst?”

Qingyuan ignored her explanation and said bitterly, “So in the end, Senior Sister, you just don’t trust me!”

Tushan Xi was taken aback. Why did it sound like she was the heartless one here?

She tried to steer the conversation back, but Qingyuan flung his sleeve angrily and stormed out.

Watching his childish display, Tushan Xi covered her face. Wasn’t the male lead supposed to be cold and aloof? Why was he acting so immature now?

But Qingyuan, now labeled “immature,” hadn’t gone far at all. If Tushan Xi simply stepped outside, she’d find him immediately.

But she didn’t. He waited an entire incense stick’s time, but his senior sister never once came out of the room—not even a message through sound transmission. She didn’t care about his feelings at all!

What was so special about this Xiyun anyway? He was her only junior brother—why was his senior sister’s mind now filled with Xiyun?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. With the room still silent, he finally turned and left for good.

His senior sister had changed so much since she awoke—she wasn’t the same as before.

Inside the room, Tushan Xi was watching Xiyun eat when she heard the system’s voice in her mind: [Host, the male lead’s favorability has dropped to 55%.]

“That’s good news.”

[And, and…]

“And what? If you’ve got something to say, say it.”

The system closed its eyes and blurted out, [And it seems the male lead is starting to suspect you aren’t the original host.]

“That?” Tushan Xi’s voice remained calm, utterly unlike the panicked system. “It’s normal for someone’s personality to change after a brush with death. And anyway, the male lead only suspects—he has no solid proof. Let’s not panic.”

The system, previously anxious, was soothed by her words. [Host, you’re right.]

After reassuring the system, Tushan Xi turned to Xiyun, who had obediently finished her meal and was smiling brightly.

“You’ve just eaten, so wait two incense sticks before taking this medicine,” she said, setting down the bowls and retrieving a pouch from her spatial ring. “If you find it bitter, have some sweets.”

Xiyun followed her gaze to the pouch—a simple bag of black and white, with no trace of spiritual energy. It appeared quite ordinary, but somehow didn’t look like something from the Immortal Realm.

Before she could ponder further, Tushan Xi spoke. “Have you thought about what I asked you last night?”

Last night?

Xiyun’s expression flickered before she met Tushan Xi’s gaze, her voice resolute. “I want revenge. I must have revenge! I did nothing wrong—why should I have had to take that blow?”

Seeing this, Tushan Xi finally nodded in satisfaction. “Now that’s the spirit of a young member of the Nine-Tailed Fox clan. Remember, saving people was never your mistake. But if someone tries to exploit your kindness to hurt you, then they must pay the price.”

“Don’t worry, Sister Tushan, I won’t forget.”

“So, what do you plan to do next?”

“I’ll train hard,” she said, though her posture slumped in defeat and helplessness. “Qingyuan is already at the supreme level, while I haven’t even passed my heavenly tribulation yet.”

She looked to Tushan Xi for help, her eyes pleading. “Sister Tushan, the gap in our strength is so great—do you think I’ll ever reach his level in this lifetime?”

“Of course you will. Don’t ever think otherwise. As long as you train diligently, I believe you’ll achieve your goals. Besides, you’re still young—Qingyuan is tens of thousands of years old. Who knows, maybe you’ll just outlive him in the end.”

“That does make sense. Sister Tushan, I’ll keep working hard.”

Seeing Xiyun’s renewed energy, Tushan Xi felt reassured. “If there’s anything you need, just ask me. I’ve lived for many years. I may not have much else, but I have plenty of manuals, rare treasures, and heavenly resources. I hardly use them anymore, so don’t hesitate to ask.”

Xiyun nodded instinctively, then paused, puzzled. “Sister Tushan, I remember your cultivation was at the peak of the divine stage before—why wouldn’t you need these things?”

Tushan Xi’s smile froze, clearly caught off guard by Xiyun’s perceptiveness. She turned her head slightly to avoid her gaze.

That reaction was proof enough—something was definitely wrong!

Xiyun grew anxious at once and hurriedly asked what was going on.