Chapter 168: A Mistake.

Ye Xiu slowly ended his power and removed his hands from Liu Sheng Piao Xu's back.

By then, the handprints left by the Poison Sand Palm on Liu Sheng Piao Xu's back had completely faded, but Liu Sheng Piao Xu still hadn't woken up.

"Ye Xiu, will she ever wake up?" Qu Feiyan curiously observed the unconscious Liu Sheng

Piao Xu. Several days had passed since Liu Sheng

Piao Xu was rescued. Every day, Ye Xiu used the Divine Illumination Sutra to try to save her. But Liu Sheng Piao Xu still showed no signs of waking up.

"It's hard to say. Her injuries are too severe. Not to mention the superficial ones, her internal injuries are extremely severe. Many of her meridians have been broken. Now I can only use the Divine Illumination Sutra to repair them bit by bit. As for when she'll wake up, I'm really not sure." Ye Xiu shook his head.

"Tsk, her injuries are quite severe," Qu Feiyan couldn't help but remark.

"That's right, it's only me. If it weren't for me, she would have died long ago," Ye Xiu nodded.

"So this isn't a self-torture scheme?" Qu Feiyan couldn't help but mutter.

"What did you say?" Qu Feiyan suddenly muttered, and Ye Xiu, unable to hear her clearly, asked.

"No, nothing. I just said she was lucky. If she hadn't met you, she would have really died," Qu Feiyan explained quickly.

"Yes," Ye Xiu nodded, not refusing at all. He believed that Liu Sheng Piaoxu was still alive because of his Shen Zhao Jing.

The others listened to Ye Xiu's words, watching Liu Sheng Piaoxu, still in a coma, with no idea when she would wake up, or even if she would wake up.

To be honest, at first, most of them thought Liu Sheng Piaoxu was the owner of the diary, deliberately creating this situation that required Ye Xiu's rescue, in order to get close to him.

But they had no idea that Liu Sheng Piaoxu's injuries were so serious. Even after using the Shen Zhao Jing for so long, Ye Xiu still couldn't wake her.

So, at this moment, they began to wonder if this woman wasn't the diary's owner, as they'd assumed. They felt they were overthinking it.

Even Dongfang Bubai couldn't help but wonder if her previous suspicions were wrong. After all, the unknown woman's injuries were so severe. It wasn't even certain she'd ever wake up.

If this truly was a self-torture tactic, then it was incredibly cruel.

Because of Liu Sheng Piaoxu, Ye Xiu and his companions' speed was inevitably slowed down.

However, Ye Xiu and his companions didn't seem to mind it.

After all, they weren't in a rush, and they didn't have anything particularly urgent to attend to.

The only person who was relatively busy was probably Dongfang Bubai, as members of the Sun Moon Cult would often come to him. After all, Dongfang Bubai was the leader of the Sun Moon Cult, and within the Cult, there wasn't a figure like Lian Xing from the Yihua Palace.

Therefore, some matters inevitably needed the leadership of Dongfang Bubai.

In reality, Dongfang Bubai's constant presence at Ye Xiu's side had already had a certain impact on the Sun Moon Sect's development, even ostensibly creating some obstacles.

After all, if certain matters weren't addressed promptly, they would inevitably harm the Sun Moon Sect's interests.

However, in Dongfang Bubai's view, the Sun Moon Sect's interests were just that, far less significant than the benefits she would gain from staying with Ye Xiu.

The only difference was the one benefiting the Sun Moon Sect, while the other was her own.

Dongfang Bubai had feelings for the Sun Moon Sect, but they were modest. The Sun Moon Sect couldn't become a stumbling block to her emotional development—or to her own advancement.

After all, in a world where force reigned supreme, as long as Dongfang Bubai possessed sufficient strength, even if the Sun Moon Sect collapsed, she could easily rebuild a new one.

Therefore, some within the Sun Moon Sect viewed Dongfang Bubai as somewhat uninterested in the sect's development, a fact that even sparked resentment among some within the sect.

However, Dongfang Bubai, at only the eighth level of Grandmaster cultivation, had already suppressed the entire Sun Moon Sect, deterring any members from harboring any dissenting ideas. Furthermore, now that Dongfang Bubai had ascended to Grandmaster status, no one dared to show the slightest disrespect towards him.

Most importantly, Ren Woxing, the ambitious former leader, had been dealt with by Dongfang Bubai, and no one else had stepped forward to take the lead, thus ensuring the stability of the Sun Moon Sect.

Furthermore, the Sun Moon Sect's direct opponents, or rather, hostile forces, included the Five Mountains Sword Sect, and the Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect, which remained relatively inactive behind them.

Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect were both equally powerful as the Sun Moon Sect, yet neither sect had taken the initiative, instead allowing the Five Mountains Sword Sect to engage in relentless struggles with the Sun Moon Sect.

However, recently, the Huashan Sect, one of the Five Mountains Sword Sects, suddenly formed an alliance with the main branch of the Wudang Sect. The Songshan Sect had initially been eyeing the Huashan Sect, but this alliance with the Wudang Sect shattered Zuo Lengchan's dream of uniting the Five Mountains.

For a time, the Songshan Sect ceased any action, whether targeting Huashan or the Sun Moon Sect. Consequently, both the Five Mountains Sword Sects and the Sun Moon Sect fell into a brief period of calm.

This was one of the reasons why Dongfang Bubai had been able to stay by Ye Xiu's side.

...

Just as Ye Xiu and the others continued on their journey, a girl suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Huh? It's you?" Qu Feiyan gasped in surprise upon seeing her.

Upon seeing Zhong Ling, Dongfang Bubai and Yao Yue showed no surprise. Although Zhong Ling was a Grandmaster like them, they viewed her as completely unthreatening, both physically and emotionally.

"Hey, um, it's me," Zhong Ling scratched her head, a look of embarrassment and hesitation on her face.

The last time she left, she was so determined, she even harbored hostility towards Dongfang Bubai and the others. But now, having come to her senses, she'd returned. The thought of her resolute departure filled her with embarrassment.

If it weren't for the desire to gain more benefits from the diary, which required her to stay with Ye Xiu and cultivate a good relationship with him, she really wouldn't have wanted to return.

Seeing Zhong Ling's expression, the clever Huang Rong understood her reasoning and felt she wasn't so foolish.

After all, a mere Bei Ming Divine Art held far less promise and potential than staying with Ye Xiu.

When Huang Rong saw Zhong Ling's resolute decision to leave, she had mentally mocked her, calling her foolish. Now that she'd chosen to return, she was indeed quite foolish.

Of course, Ye Xiu didn't know about the diary, so he was particularly surprised to see Zhong Ling return. Wasn't she worried that Dongfang Bubai and the others would steal her Bei Ming Divine Art this time?

"I'm sorry. I was too narrow-minded before. So I apologize to you." Zhong Ling said, bending down and bowing, apologizing sincerely.

"Judging others by your own standards? No, I'm genuinely interested in the martial arts you practice," Qu Feiyan said, briskly and directly.

"..." Zhong Ling felt a little embarrassed. Finally, after glancing at Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue, she said, "Well, if you're interested, that's fine. You can't beat me anyway. As long as Sect Leader Dongfang and Palace Master Yaoyue aren't interested, that's all."

"Don't worry, we're truly not interested in your martial arts," Dongfang Bubai said casually.

Yaoyue also expressed disdain for Zhong Ling's practice of the North Sea Divine Art.

Hearing Dongfang Bubai's words and Yaoyue's attitude, Zhong Ling breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, before she arrived, Zhong Ling had already decided that if Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue showed any interest in the North Sea Divine Art, she would hand it over.

But since neither Dongfang Bubai nor Yaoyue were interested in her martial arts, Zhong Ling simply kept the North Sea Divine Art to herself.

"I'm interested, very interested. A martial art that can absorb the power of others—how magical! And it doesn't require the hard work of training. It's simply divine power, divine power! This is what I want most," Qu Feiyan shouted.

But no matter what Qu Feiyan said, Dongfang Bubai and the others simply didn't bother to pay attention.

Ye Xiu, on the other hand, was a little stunned. What had Zhong Ling said to Qu Feiyan last time? How did Qu Feiyan know that Zhong Ling could absorb the power of others? Was Zhong Ling so straightforward? She actually told Qu Feiyan about the North Sea Divine Art directly?

Of course, Ye Xiu himself had no interest in the North Sea Divine Art. After all, in his opinion, whether it was the North Sea Divine Art, the Wedding Dress Divine Art, or the Absorbing Power Technique, they all had flaws. But Ye Xiu felt that this was only true for him. For the average wuxia player, the North Sea Divine Art was extremely attractive.

Therefore, Ye Xiu felt that Zhong Ling would not reveal the North Sea Divine Art to others.

But now, Qu Feiyan actually knew about the Northern Ocean Divine Art.

Ye Xiu looked at Zhong Ling and wondered if there was something wrong with her intelligence. Was she a fool?

Zhong Ling, besides being wary of Dongfang Bubai and Yao Yue, was more focused on Ye Xiu.

When she noticed that Ye Xiu's expression was not right, as if he were looking at a fool, she felt a tightness in her chest and a urge to vomit blood.

She didn't want Ye Xiu to treat her like a fool. But, no explanation seemed possible. This made Zhong Ling even more depressed.

Qu Feiyan, however, smiled and took Zhong Ling's hand, wanting to whisper something to her.

Mainly, Qu Feiyan still wanted to obtain the Northern Ocean Divine Art from Zhong Ling.

So, Qu Feiyan pulled Zhong Ling away, hiding where Ye Xiu couldn't see her, and summoned her diary, ready to have a confession with Zhong Ling.

Zhong Ling looked at Qu Feiyan's diary, then at her own, a look of confusion on her face.

Qu Feiyan and Zhong Ling then discussed a lot, leaving Zhong Ling feeling as if her worldview had been shattered.

"...So, we're all sisters from now on, and sisters should naturally share. So, please teach me your Bei Ming Divine Art." Qu Feiyan shook Zhong Ling's arm, her tone slightly coquettish.

Zhong Ling was still a little overwhelmed; she hadn't expected her diary to be so overflowing.

Elsewhere, Jiang Yuyan, seemingly tending to the unconscious Liu Sheng Piaoxu, watched Qu Feiyan drag Zhong Ling away, her eyes narrowed slightly.

Jiang Yuyan had originally thought that Ye Xiu's surroundings were inferior to her because she joined late, but she still had Qu Feiyan as a backup, or perhaps her mind control technique could still help her defeat her. But if Qu Feiyan gained the Bei Ming Divine Art from Zhong Ling and her strength skyrocketed, her mind control technique would be completely useless.

"Strength—" Jiang Yuyan bit her lower lip. She also wanted strength, she also wanted to become stronger.

Jiang Yuyan couldn't help but look at Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue in front of her. These two people were actually the people Jiang Yuyan longed for, and they were also the goals she wanted to become, or even surpass.

However, since they were all owners of the diary, they couldn't distance themselves from each other in terms of Ye Xiu's favorability. Jiang Yuyan might never be able to surpass Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue.

Her goal was so ambitious, but now, she might be overtaken by that girl Qu Feiyan. Jiang Yuyan couldn't help but feel a little bad.

Beiming Divine Art?

Jiang Yuyan wondered if she should go to Zhong Ling and get a method of practicing Beiming Divine Art from her.

Practicing Beiming Divine Art would definitely improve her strength very quickly. But according to what was mentioned in Ye Xiu's diary, martial arts that absorbed the cultivation of others had a low upper limit and also had defects such as insufficient purity of true qi.

If Jiang Yuyan truly cultivated the Northern Divine Art, she would likely never surpass Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue in strength, perhaps even surpassing Huang Rong.

Without the Northern Divine Art, she would be completely left behind by Qu Feiyan. However, cultivating the Northern Divine Art would prevent her from surpassing Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue in the future. Jiang Yuyan knew that one should take a long-term view. Even if she were truly given the Northern Divine Art, she wouldn't practice it. But she simply felt bad.

Closing her eyes, she pushed aside the chaotic thoughts in her mind. Opening them again, Jiang Yuyan was once again the gentle and considerate woman she once was.

Dongfang Bubai glanced back at Jiang Yuyan, a smile spreading across his face.

Dongfang Bubai now only saw Yaoyue as a competitor. As for Jiang Yuyan, although he knew she was scheming, he simply treated her as a source of amusement. Jiang Yuyan's current strength was so far behind her,

she posed no threat at all. Yue Lingshan, on the other hand, felt a bit more mixed.

After all, Yue Lingshan, hailing from a prestigious and upright family and receiving a formal education from childhood, still found it difficult to accept what she considered to be a sinister martial art like the Beiming Divine Art.

The cultivation that others had painstakingly cultivated for decades could simply be drained away by the Beiming Divine Art for no apparent reason.

It was truly cruel, utterly brutal. It was like Ren Woxing in the past, a target hated by everyone in the

martial arts world. Yet, she had to admit, the Beiming Divine Art held immense appeal. Just like Yue Lingshan, after obtaining the diary, she had only reached the innate realm. Without it, she would have been a weakling even in the acquired realm. With the Beiming Divine Art, she could undoubtedly become a Grandmaster in a fraction of a second. Even her father and mother—no, her father—wouldn't have been able to catch up.

Especially since practicing the Beiming Divine Art seemed so incredibly easy and simple. This made Yue Lingshan waver.

Watching Qu Feiyan whispering something to Zhong Ling while pulling her along, Yue Lingshan gritted her teeth and averted her gaze. She figured that since she had the diary, she'd eventually become a Ninth-Level Grandmaster, perhaps even a Grandmaster like Dongfang Bubai and Yao Yue. Ultimately, she decided to abandon the unorthodox Bei Ming Divine Art.

With this thought in mind, Yue Lingshan felt a great deal more relaxed, though even with a hint of regret, she couldn't help but feel a bit of regret.

...

"Tianzun, Ye Xiu and his group are five kilometers away." The person who spoke knelt before Murong Qiudi and reported the news.

"Hmm!" Murong Qiudi nodded, thinking about her plan, and couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

After all, it was very important for her to be close to Ye Xiu. Moreover, Ye Xiu was accompanied by two great masters, Dongfang Bubai and Yao Yue.

"Tianzun--" The person who reported the news was still kneeling on the ground and did not leave.

"Hmm? What else?" Murong Qiudi frowned, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.

"Tianzun, Zhong Ling, she appeared."

"Zhong Ling? Where is she?" Murong Qiudi's eyes widened instantly, and a trace of anger and anxiety flashed in her eyes.

"Zhong Ling has joined Ye Xiu's team."

"Pa--"

Murong Qiudi slapped the spy who reported the news to death with a slap. Her face was filled with anger. Even killing one person could not vent her anger: "Zhong Ling!!!"

Watching Murong Qiudi kill people, the men around her remained calm. The lives of these spies were not lives at all, not worth their attention at all.

Murong Qiudi took a deep breath: "Let's go! Cancel today's plan!"

"Yes!"

Murong Qiudi left, and Tianzun's people quickly began to clean up the traces. The body and even the blood of the man who was beaten to death by Murong Qiudi were also quickly cleaned up without leaving any traces or flaws.

As for Murong Qiudi, her mood was very bad. She had finally arranged everything. As long as Ye Xiu and the others arrived, they could proceed according to the plan. At that time, she could join Ye Xiu's team with good reason. Of course, this was done by changing her name and hiding her identity.

But the appearance of Zhong Ling meant that Murong Qiudi's plan was scrapped, because Zhong Ling knew her identity, or in other words, knew that she was not an ordinary person, and her plan had to be scrapped and started over.