Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 15: Living Together

Chapter 15: Living Together

Not long after Wang Lin left, Sun Zhenwei, the Young Master of Cloud Heaven Sect, entered the Southern Garden with practiced familiarity. He had visited several times recently regarding the matter of Dual Cultivation, frequently bringing gifts and paying assiduous attention. However, Li Muwan, still distressed from her encounter with Wang Lin, avoided meeting Sun Zhenwei.

Returning to her chamber in the pavilion, she leaned against the windowsill with bowed head, lost in thought.

Two hundred years ago, when they parted in the bamboo forest, the Soul Pearl’s affinity indicator showed the Fiend held some affection for her. Later, after returning to Luoshui Sect, the Soul Pearl fluctuated twice, with the affinity once stabilizing at forty-five.

Neither the Soul Pearl nor the Soul Blood could detect anything. If Wang Lin’s current body actually housed Ma Liang from the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, perhaps she could use Sun Zhenwei to test the Fiend’s true feelings.

The Grand Ancestor of Cloud Heaven Sect indulged Sun Zhenwei and his father in their forceful marriage proposals. Mere avoidance would prove useless and only provoke the father and son further. If they resorted to underhanded methods against her, it would be time to reveal her hidden cards.

A sharp glint flashed in Li Muwan’s eyes as she settled on a plan.

[Li Muwan: Soul Pearl, continue pursuing the Fiend.]

[Soul Pearl: You’ve finally decided to change your target?]

[Li Muwan: Not changing targets. Continuing to pursue this same Fiend.]

[Soul Pearl: ????]

Li Muwan gazed out the window veiled in Immortal Mist, murmuring to herself, “This Fiend… why won’t he acknowledge me? The Soul Pearl detects nothing, the Soul Blood shows no reaction. Yet some things cannot remain hidden forever.”

She collected her thoughts and lit the furnace in preparation for alchemy. Since he went through such trouble to enter Cloud Heaven Sect as a disciple, he wouldn’t leave easily. As for his purpose here, Li Muwan didn’t know yet.

Her delicate eyebrows arched as a long-absent coy smile touched her lips, tinged with amusement. She had plenty of time to properly look after this junior disciple.

When they parted two hundred years ago, Wang Lin was already at Core Formation Stage. He achieved Core Formation within just four years in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, yet now he was back at Qi Condensation stage. Could he have dispersed his cultivation to start over?

To pursue the Fiend, Li Muwan would need to approach from all angles.

Several months later, Wang Lin finally overcame his problem of repeatedly exploding the furnace and obtained the Foundation Establishment Pill formula from Cheng Xian, successfully reaching Foundation Establishment.

Now he could fully focus on preparing for Core Formation.

Just after emerging from seclusion, he received a summons from the Southern Garden’s Grand Ancestor.

Wang Lin frowned slightly, the jade slip delivered by a fellow disciple in his hand. “She wants to see me?”

Xu Liguo propped his chin, enjoying the drama. “Hard to accept that junior sister is now a Grand Ancestor, isn’t it?”

Wang Lin shot him a glare. Xu Liguo ducked behind a pillar, tracing circles in the air with his finger.

Since deciding not to reveal his identity to Li Muwan, Wang Lin had intended to avoid any involvement with her, focusing solely on cultivation in the Northern Court.

After Zhou Lin entered seclusion, Wang Lin remained alone in the Northern Court. The Immortal Herbs in the courtyard were well maintained, greatly aiding his alchemy and cultivation advancement.

“Junior brother, Elder Li has summoned you. Please proceed quickly,” urged his fellow disciple.

“What does that little girl want with our master?” Xu Liguo circled back behind Wang Lin.

Wang Lin’s expression darkened at the term “little girl.” His sharp gaze swept over Xu Liguo, who immediately fell silent.

Wang Lin stored the jade slip and rode his Flying Sword to the Southern Garden. During their previous encounter, he was certain Li Muwan hadn’t recognized him, so he hadn’t concerned himself with the matter.

Throughout the journey, he pondered: why was Li Muwan summoning him?

Arriving at the Southern Garden, Wang Lin stopped below the pavilion where Li Muwan resided. Flimsy curtains floated upstairs, obscuring the figure within.

A clear, melodious voice, soft as flowing water, drifted over the lotus pond accompanied by zither music: “You’ve come.”

This question gave Wang Lin a fleeting sense of reunion after long separation. What did she mean by this?

“Disciple Wang Lin pays respects to Grandmaster.” After a moment of contemplation, Wang Lin inquired about her intention. “May I ask why Grandmaster has summoned this disciple?”

“The Southern Garden has newly planted several acres of Immortal Herbs, all rare and precious herbs within Cloud Heaven Sect, some even suitable for refining fifth-grade elixirs. Previously, your master Zhou Lin attended to them, but now he’s in seclusion. Since you’re his disciple, why don’t you take care of these Spirit Herbs?” Li Muwan spoke slowly. Behind the thin veil, the beauty sitting cross-legged wore an imperceptible teasing smile.

Wang Lin sighed inwardly, not rushing to agree.

“What? Are you unwilling?” Seeing no immediate response, Li Muwan lifted her gaze to look directly out the window.

“It’s not that I’m unwilling, it’s just…” The Southern Garden was where she resided alone, with no other disciples in attendance. Wang Lin couldn’t help feeling awkward about it.

“Months ago, you mentioned your Pill Furnace shattered. Have you made a breakthrough since?” Li Muwan swept her Divine Sense over him. In just a few months, he had advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation. That Pill Furnace must have been effective. By bringing this up intentionally, she left him no room for excuses.

Using favors as leverage, though somewhat manipulative, was what this Fiend deserved. Who asked him to stubbornly deny it and pretend to be profound?

“Thank you for Grandmaster’s guidance. This disciple can now skillfully control the intensity of Earth Fire.” To prevent Li Muwan from using guidance as pretext to keep him in Southern Garden, Wang Lin also became cautious.

Since Li Muwan intended to keep him, no matter how much restraint he exercised or how much he wanted to distance himself, his status as her disciple didn’t permit refusing assignments from his Grandmaster.

“Breaking through to Foundation Establishment in just a few months – did you obtain a Foundation Establishment Stage pill formula?” Li Muwan asked.

There was no need to conceal this matter. Wang Lin replied, “Yes.”

“Did you join Cloud Heaven Sect to improve your cultivation or to advance your Pill Crafting?” Li Muwan played with a jade vial in her hand.

Wang Lin: “To improve cultivation and advance Pill Crafting.Li Muwan said: “If you want to achieve Core Formation, you’ll inevitably need elixirs for support.” Though I dare not claim my Pill Crafting is first-rate, within Cloud Heaven Sect I hold some prestige. If you wish to learn, this Grandmaster will personally teach you pill refinement techniques, fulfilling Zhou Lin’s entrustment.”

“But if you’re unwilling to serve in your master’s stead, I won’t force you. Take care of yourself.”

Her words left absolutely no room for refusal – either tend her herbs or return to Northern Garden to cultivate alone.

“As Grandmaster commands.”

Li Muwan thought to herself: Still unchanged.

Through their exchanges, Li Muwan grew increasingly certain – he was indeed the Fiend.

“Then remain in Southern Garden to serve. The side courtyard is vacant – tidy it up and reside there.”

“This disciple can stay in Northern Garden.” Southern Garden housed only her. How could an unrelated male disciple reside there? Wang Lin couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

Li Muwan paid no mind to his unease, insisting: “The Spirit Herbs in Northern Garden are tended by other disciples.”

“Barring unforeseen circumstances, I refine pills six hours daily and dislike disturbances during refinement. You may cultivate independently and tend the Mystical Plants. But each morning at dawn, I need the freshest Dewdrops for pill refinement. This is your first task from your Grandmaster, Wang Lin. Are you willing?”

Collecting dewdrops – during their cohabitation in Sea of Demonic Cultivation, Li Muwan gathered dewdrops for him daily. Now she wanted him to experience it himself.

[Soul Pearl: What are you doing?]

[Li Muwan: Just strategizing against the Fiend.]

[Soul Pearl: If he truly is the Fiend, your method might only decrease his favorability.]

[Li Muwan: How would I know without trying?]

Since he had joined the sect to cultivate, and Li Muwan was a fifth-grade alchemist as well as an elder of the Cloud Heaven Sect, training under her would undoubtedly yield twice the results with half the effort compared to cultivating under Zhou Lin.

Wang Lin’s eyes darkened. “This disciple will follow the arrangements.”

“Very well, you may move into the side courtyard today.” Not only was the side courtyard close to the spirit herb garden, but it was also near her main pavilion.

Once he entered the Southern Garden, his every move would be under her watchful eye. She would surely uncover his secrets.

If he intended to conceal things, she would play along and see this game through to the end.

Wang Lin went directly to the side courtyard. Compared to his previous residence in the Northern Court, the side courtyard in the Southern Garden was several times more spacious. Though the furnishings were simple, they were elegant.

Pushing the door open, he noticed several coral pieces arranged in the main room, with wind chimes made of seashells hanging from them. The familiar decor left Wang Lin momentarily stunned.

“What is this?”

“Good heavens, isn’t this the coral from the cave residence in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation?” Xu Liguo touched the wind chimes, producing a crisp, clinking sound.

“Master, it seems your grandmaster still holds fond memories of the Sea of Demonic Cultivation. If she knew the disciple standing before her was Ma Liang, I wonder what she would think.”

Wang Lin’s breath hitched. “Enough noise.”

Everything in the side courtyard was newly arranged, and a faint scent of lotus incense lingered in the roomidentical to the fragrance from the cave residence in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation. Li Muwan must have lived here before; otherwise, the traces of her presence wouldn’t be so strong.

After inspecting the area and finding nothing unusual, he moved to the spirit herb garden behind the courtyard.

The variety of spirit herbs here surpassed even those in the Northern Court where he had previously resided. Many were high-grade immortal herbs he had never seen beforetruly worthy of a fifth-grade alchemist’s spirit herb garden.

He felt a faint sense of relief at having stayed, though he remained wary of whether Li Muwan would find other reasons to assign him tasks in the future. A hint of caution stirred within him, fearing exposure.

Now that he was residing in the Southern Garden and Li Muwan was far from foolish, he would have to tread carefully in his words and actions, taking one step at a time.

***

Sun Zhenwei visited the Southern Garden once again, this time bringing rare spirit herbs. Li Muwan had not intended to receive him, but he arrived uninvited.

Meanwhile, Wang Lin, who had been out gathering dewdrops, would soon return.

A thought flashed through her mind. “Senior Brother Sun, please come up and speak.”

Delighted by Li Muwan’s rare cordiality, Sun Zhenwei flicked his folding fan and materialized inside the pavilion. With an ingratiating smile, he presented the spirit herbs. “Junior Sister, you mentioned recently that you were missing an ingredient for refining an elixir. I had someone find an immortal herb for you in the Land of Immortal Remains.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother Sun. I’ve already substituted that ingredient and refined the elixir with an alternative.” She closed her eyes again, her demeanor as aloof as usual. Sun Zhenwei was puzzledwhy had her attitude shifted so abruptly?

To avoid taking back the immortal herb, Sun Zhenwei gently placed it on her desk.

“Senior Brother, would you like to sit and have some tea? Make yourself at home.” Li Muwan showed no hurry to send him away.

She calculated the time and soon heard movement nearby.

He had arrived.

“Grandmaster, this disciple has come to deliver the dewdrops.” Wang Lin put away his flying sword and respectfully presented the dewdrops with both hands.

“I have a guest here. Wait outside the door.” Li Muwan adopted the authoritative tone of a grandmaster.

Wang Lin nodded and took two steps back, standing upright by the door like a steadfast pine tree.

Over the past few days, he had come punctually to deliver the dewdrops. Each time, Li Muwan would be seated with her back to him, meditating and regulating her breath. He would leave after setting down the dewdrops, exchanging few words.

“Junior Sister Li, who is that?” Sun Zhenwei gestured toward the door with his folding fan.

“My disciple’s disciple,” Li Muwan replied calmly and succinctly. “Zhou Lin is in seclusion and entrusted him to my care.”

“Over the years at Cloud Heaven Sect, Junior Sister has focused solely on alchemy and shown little interest in anything else. You’ve only been willing to accept Zhou Lin as your disciple, yet now you’re actually willing to mentor a newly arrived grand-disciple?” For years, numerous disciples had sought to become her followers, but Li Muwan had rejected them all, making Sun Zhenwei’s suspicions understandable.

“He is Zhou Lin’s disciple,” Li Muwan repeated, “and since the Southern Garden is short-handed, I decided to keep him.”

Sun Zhenwei furrowed his brow, recalling that Zhou Lin’s disciple was exceptionally handsome and in the prime of youth.

Observing the indifference on Li Muwan’s face and knowing she wasn’t one to be swayed by appearances, he relaxed slightly. “If Junior Sister Li needs assistance, you need only ask. My Eastern Garden has many disciples available for tasks. Should you require anything, feel free to make your request.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother Sun.”

Li Muwan’s eyes darkened as an idea struck her. Her tone softened slightly as she raised her voice, “Senior Brother.”

Outside the door, Wang Lin abruptly looked up, realizing after a moment that she wasn’t referring to him. A bitter smile surfaced in his heart.

Concealing a smile at the corner of her lips, Li Muwan continued, “I dislike noise. Having this grand-disciple in the Southern Garden is sufficient. Once Zhou Lin emerges from seclusion, I’ll send him back to the Northern Garden to continue his cultivation.”

“Since he’s your grand-disciple, he should naturally serve his grandmaster.” Sun Zhenwei wouldn’t question Li Muwan. If she were someone who disregarded propriety and shame, she wouldn’t have preserved her two-hundred-year-old Primordial Yin. She had accepted Zhou Lin as a disciple without any impropriety, let alone with a grand-disciple.

“Senior Brother Sun, your tea has gone cold. I have Elixirs to refine, so I won’t see you out.” Li Muwan reminded him, effectively dismissing him.

Noting the change in her attitude, Sun Zhenwei maintained a friendly expression.

“Then I shall take my leave. Wan’er, regarding the matter of Dual Cultivation, I’m still awaiting your response.” Sun Zhenwei glanced toward the door before rising and lifting the curtain to depart.

Disgust welled up in Li Muwan’s heart. Seeing a shadow appear beyond the silk curtain, she responded, “I will consider this matter. Farewell, Senior Brother Sun.”

Sun Zhenwei withdrew his gaze and turned to leave, passing Wang Lin outside the door. As they brushed past each other, his peripheral glance carried ill intent.

Lost in his thoughts, Wang Lin didn’t notice Sun Zhenwei’s hostility. Had he mentioned Dual Cultivation? Did he mean Dual Cultivation with Li Muwan?

“Come in.” Li Muwan’s voice interrupted his contemplation.

Wang Lin looked up at the dividing curtain, his heart filled with mixed emotions, then lifted the curtain and stepped inside with his long strides.

“Have you collected the Dewdrop?” Li Muwan rose and returned to her wooden chair. The tea in the pot was still warm.

“Yes, Grandmaster.” He had grown accustomed to addressing her as Grandmaster.

“Senior Brother…” Li Muwan looked up, studying his features.

Wang Lin suddenly raised his head, gazing at her in confusion.

“I meant Sun Zhenwei,” Li Muwan feigned ignorance. “He came to deliver Immortal Herbs. Coincidentally, I no longer need these herbs, but they could benefit your cultivation. Take them back with you.”

“But these,” Wang Lin swallowed nonchalantly, “were given to you by Elder Sun.”

“Sun Zhenwei merely wants to use Immortal Herbs to curry favor and persuade me to Become dual cultivation partners with him,” Li Muwan said casually. “This isn’t the first time. Since you’re residing in the Southern Garden, you’ll inevitably encounter him in the future.”

“As for these items, they’re useless to me. Take them all.” Li Muwan gestured for him to sit.

The Soul Pearl still showed no response. He wasn’t sure if the Fiend’s favorability had changed.

“Thank you.”

Li Muwan tilted her head, observing him as Wang Lin showed puzzlement.

Seeing her up close like this, he realized her features had shed their childishness and become more defined.

He quietly averted his gaze. “Thank you, Grandmaster.”

Li Muwan seemed satisfied only after hearing this address of “Grandmaster.”

“These past few days I’ve been busy refining elixirs and hadn’t time to ask you,” Li Muwan straightened her posture. “The courtyard landscape was arranged by me in my early years. If you dislike it, you may clear it away.”

“No need,” Wang Lin said. “This disciple has never seen such decorations before.”

“That’s good.” Li Muwan chuckled lightly at his tight defenses. “By the way, I’m preparing to refine some elixirs and need an assistant. You shall assist me.” Her gaze remained fixed on him.

Wang Lin blinked. Her stare was so peculiar it made him restless, though he couldn’t show it overtly. Calmly, he lifted his teacup and took a leisurely sip.

“Wang Lin, though your alchemy talent may be lacking, there’s no need for self-doubt.”

“When I found your master Zhou Lin as a child, he knew nothing – not even possessing a complete Spirit Root. It was through feeding him elixirs one by one that he developed.” Li Muwan’s expression softened with tenderness as she spoke. “Now his mastery of elixirs and Restrictions has made him an elite disciple in Cloud Heaven Sect. If you wish to cultivate in the inner sect, don’t reveal your insecurities.”

“Your Grandmaster is here to support you.” Her gaze, tender as flowing water, nearly shattered his defenses.

“Yes, what my master could learn, this disciple can learn too. I beg Grandmaster to instruct me.” Wang Lin suddenly realized he was almost being led by her.

Hearing this, Li Muwan patted her Storage Bag. A black banner emitting purple light floated overhead, dividing into ten smaller banners under her Spiritual Power that placed Restrictions around the entire room from different directions.

Wang Lin observed the exquisite Restrictions – her Formation research had already advanced two hundred years ago.

Now, two centuries later, those Formations had evolved into Restrictions, and their arrangement was so sophisticated it revealed how she had not only improved her alchemy skills but also continuously progressed in Formations and Restrictions.

With her talent and the cultivation resources Cloud Heaven Sect could provide, her Nascent Soul Formation was imminent.

But what about himself? When would he achieve Nascent Soul Formation and return to Zhao Kingdom for revenge?