Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 31: Reunion

Chapter 31: Reunion

She looked up abruptly, but the person before her wasn’t the one in her memoriesyet that voice…

Li Muwan kept staring at his appearance.

Could it be another Clone? she wondered inwardly. However, one thing was certain: his Cultivation level had grown even more unfathomable than before.

Early Spirit Transformation stage? In just a few decades, he had advanced again.

Seeing her dazed expression, Wang Lin called out patiently once more: “Wan’er, are you feeling better now?”

It was him.

Xiao Ling had already eagerly flown to Wang Lin’s side. Though his attire was unfamiliar, Li Muwan knew it was him. Lifting her skirts with joyful abandon, she leaped forward as Wang Lin stretched out his arms from below the pavilion, his large hands settling perfectly around her slender waist. Li Muwan cupped Wang Lin’s face, gazing at him intently. The long-lost embrace was both warm and fervent.

“Senior Brother.”

Setting aside all reservations, she buried years of accumulated longing into his chest.

Her clear, gentle voice called out repeatedly: “Senior Brother, Senior Brother, Wan’er missed you so much.”

She lifted her head again, cradling that faceunfamiliar at first glance, yet intimately familiar upon closer inspection. Overwhelmed with joy, Li Muwan wept. “This isn’t a dream. It’s real.”

“Senior Brother has returned. Was that Teng Cultivator troublesome? Did he delay you?”

“Are you injured, Senior Brother?”

“Let Wan’er check.” Li Muwan moved her hands to his shoulders, seeking to examine his wounds.

From the moment he embraced her, Wang Lin once again felt that familiar aura, melting decades of yearning into the tenderness in his eyes.

His embrace tightened.

Even though she herself had sustained severe injuries in battle, her first reaction upon seeing Wang Lin was still concern for him.

During these years of mortal seclusion within the Cultivation Alliance, he had contemplated the entirety of mortal life. His only regret was her absence by his side.

Having witnessed the fleeting joys of mortal existence, he had often indulged in fantasies of one day living like ordinary humans with herfar from the Cultivation bloodshed, finding a peach grove to seclude themselves for a lifetime.

He could only channel his longing through Wood carvings. The statues he carved were filled with memories of his longing during every passing day and night.

“Wan’er, I missed you too.” His heavy voice whispered by her ear, halting her movements.

She had yearned desperately for that voice. Rising on her toes, she rubbed her cheek against his jaw.

“I feared I wouldn’t make it in time. It was my fault for leaving you to fight alone. Wan’er, I’ve returned.”

“With me here, no one will ever harm you again.”

“Don’t be afraid.”

“Mmm.” Li Muwan wrapped her arms around his waist.

Their noses touched. The reunion spanning countless mountains and rivers finally settled into tranquil stillness.

***

Under the watchful eyes of all, everyone witnessed the great sect master who had slain Zhan Bai escort Li Muwan into the Southern Garden, where they remained for many days without emerging.

A powerful ripple of energy enveloped the Cloud Heaven Sect’s territory. Moreover, the Divine Sense was immensely powerfulfar more terrifying than when he had stormed the sect decades earlier. Now, he was someone they dared not provoke.

Clouds gathered and drifted.

Inside the pavilion, light curtains veiled their figures. Li Muwan’s arms encircled his neck as she leaned almost entirely against him. She gazed intently at his outline and attire. “Senior Brother, why has your appearance changed again?”

Wang Lin had now restored his True Body’s Ancient God form. After returning from Zhao Kingdom and rescuing Cloud Heaven Sect, he had brought her back to the Southern Garden pavilion. Only after restoring her health did he resume his external True Body form while maintaining his Clone internally.

Wang Lin explained the reasons to her. Li Muwan had many questions but didn’t know where to begin, unable to resist staring at that unforgettable face.

“Then, Senior Brother, aren’t you afraid of being discovered while cultivating the Ancient God Technique and bringing fatal disaster upon yourself?” Worry surfaced in Li Muwan’s voice.

Wang Lin had originally intended to enter the Earth’s core to absorb Star Veins and enhance his Ancient God Technique, yet he didn’t want to return to see Li Muwan with just his Clone.

Thus, he left his Clone outside, concealed his True Body, and hurried back to the State of Chu.

“It’s fine.” Once he entered the Cloud Heaven Sect, he wouldn’t reveal his True Body to anyoneexcept Li Muwan.

Li Muwan stared at him for a long time. His aura had grown even colder, yet his gaze remained gentle when it fell upon her.

“Do you not like how I look now, Wan’er?” Wang Lin didn’t care much about his appearance, but it seemed that every time they reunited, his appearance had changed, making him fear that Li Muwan might mind.

Li Muwan shook her head, still immersed in the joy of Wang Lin’s return.

Zhou Lin had just returned from gathering herbs, unaware that there was someone else in his master’s room, and he entered directly.

Fortunately, the two conversing maintained a proper distance.

“Master, has your injury improved? I’ve gathered herbs…” Zhou Lin caught a glimpse of a sharp, cold aura from the corner of his eye, and an overwhelming pressure forced him to retreat several steps.

Wang Lin sat unmoving in the main seat, seemingly displeased by the abrupt intrusion. Li Muwan, having forgotten this matter, explained, “Zhou Lin, this is your…”

She initially intended to say “disciple” but changed her wording, “This is my husband.”

Zhou Lin glanced at Wang Lin in the main seat. His appearance and aura were different from the man who had fought Zhan Bai in the great battle. Was this the same refined and gentle disciple from before?

“Junior Zhou Lin pays respects to Senior.”

Wang Lin nodded slightly, sitting silently with an imposing presence that commanded respect without anger.

“After you left, Senior Brother, Zhou Lin has been helping me manage the sect’s affairs all these years.” Li Muwan, noticing his mood, softened her tone.

“You taught me the ways of Pill Crafting,” Wang Lin said calmly. “Thank you for taking care of Wan’er on my behalf all these years.”

Zhou Lin cupped his hands again. “Senior, you flatter me. I was raised by my master since I was a child. Serving her is my duty as a disciple.”

“Zhou Lin will not disturb Master and Senior’s reunion. I take my leave.”

After Zhou Lin left, Li Muwan poured tea and returned to her seat.

“Senior Brother, will you leave again after returning this time?”

“Yes, I’ll leave once the Immortal Realm of Rain opens.” Wang Lin watched her from the corner of his eye.

Li Muwan lowered her gaze and sighed. “Senior Brother, what will you do in the Rain Immortal Realm?”

“Rumors say the opening of the Immortal Realm of Rain is an opportunity for cultivators to gain fortunes. I wish to seek Immortal Qi there to reach the Infant Transformation Stage as soon as possible and see if there’s a way to revive my parents.” Wang Lin spoke candidly.

“When the Immortal Realm of Rain opens, cultivators from all nations, and even from other Cultivation Stars, will flock there. Although you’ve reached the God Transformation Stage, fighting for treasures is a perilous endeavor…” Li Muwan expressed her concern. From the moment she met him, he had always been a man with clear goals, seemingly unwilling to stay for anyone.

Wang Lin noticed the disappointment in her eyes, but before he could offer comfort, Li Muwan had already composed herself.

“Since you have a goal to achieve, Wan’er will support you wholeheartedly. When you go to the Rain Immortal Realm, you must not lack Magical Artifacts, defensive items, or Elixirs.” Li Muwan meticulously listed the necessities. “Over the years, I’ve refined many Elixirs, hoping to assist you. As for Magical Artifacts…”

Li Muwan took out hundreds of bottles of Elixirs with various effects from her Storage Bag.

Without another word, Wang Lin stored the elixir and stood up, taking her arms in his hands. “Don’t worry, Wan’er. I wouldn’t take this risk unless I was fully prepared.”

“The opening of the immortal realm is unpredictable. Will Senior Brother be staying at Cloud Heaven Sect during this time?” Li Muwan’s eyes held a glimmer of expectation.

“Yes.” He had only considered returning to see her after making thorough preparations for this journey.

She had waited all these years, and since his return, he hadn’t properly caught up with her before she became entirely concerned for his well-being. Wang Lin gazed at the woman who had grown even more graceful and beautiful than when he left, feeling a tremor in his heart.

Hearing that he would stay for some time, Li Muwan beamed and moved closer to stand beside him, yet maintained a respectful distance without clinging to him.

Wang Lin seemed to be waiting for her to approach, but she never did. Both adhered to propriety, as if the intimate moments they had shared in this room fifty years ago belonged to someone else. Separation had deepened their longing, yet they restrained their impulses.

In the following days, Wang Lin remained in Li Muwan’s Southern Garden pavilion. It felt as if they had returned to their days at Cloud Heaven Sect – she playing the zither, he listening.

Amidst the blooming peach blossoms and the lingering melody, Wang Lin recalled his time living as a mortal with Da Niu’s family. Had she experienced such earthly pleasures, he thought, she would surely find them captivating.

His crimson eyes misted over as the figure playing the zither flickered in his vision. His mental state seemed on the verge of disruption – this was him completely abandoning any use of magical arts, allowing himself to be immersed in the moment, stealing this half-day of leisure.

In Li Muwan’s heart, after all these years, Wang Lin had changed not only in appearance but in another aspect as well. In the past when she played the zither, he would sit in meditation nearby, quietly listening.

Now he didn’t meditate, but leaned against the railing instead. Under the open window, his wide sleeves resembled a low-flying roc. As he raised his hand, wine flowed down his throat.

He never used to drink, but now he always kept a wine gourd with him.

Wang Lin listened with rapt attention until the snapping sound of a broken zither string tore through the air, seemingly disturbing his mood.

The thin string slid across her slender fingers, and Li Muwan’s fingertips bled profusely. As if startled by the broken string, she gasped sharply.

Wang Lin had been watching all along. At her soft sigh, he instantly appeared before her.

Looking at the broken string on the zither and her blood-stained fingers, his brow furrowed tightly. He took Li Muwan’s hand and performed a magical art, healing the wound immediately.

“Does it hurt?” Wang Lin’s voice was deep, yet his gaze was soft as water.

Li Muwan shook her head, her tone regretful. “The string broke. I can’t play for Senior Brother anymore…”

Wang Lin didn’t know how to repair zithers – it was different from artifact refinement.

“Then let’s go to the market and buy one.”

“Cloud Heaven Sect affairs are complicated. Although Zhou Lin handles matters for me, going to the market would take several days. I’m afraid I can’t get away…” Li Muwan explained her situation.

Over the years, she had personally attended to all matters of Cloud Heaven Sect and rarely left the sect.

Wang Lin turned slightly, his reliability evident. “It’s fine. I’m here.”

Li Muwan approached him, her confusion plain to see, yet the expression on his profile inspired complete confidence.

Whenever he made a promise, he never broke it – this much Li Muwan still trusted.

“Alright.”

Wang Lin presided over the sect without revealing his identity. When Zhou Lin brought Southern Garden’s internal affairs to him, he carefully reviewed everything. Handling them wasn’t immediately straightforward, but when he devoted effort to deep consideration, he could resolve them smoothly.

He had originally intended to accompany Li Muwan to the market, but his Ancient God form wasn’t suitable for public appearance, so he could only send his clone to accompany her.

Li Muwan had just finished tidying up and stepped out of her chamber when she saw two identical-looking Wang Lins sitting separately. Aside from their faces, everything else about them seemed different.

She also saw the white-robed, white-haired Senior Brother who had held her during the great battle.

“Se…Senior Brother?”

Both the True Body and the Clone stood up simultaneously and walked toward Li Muwan. The True Body Wang Lin said, “Wan’er, this is my Clone. He will accompany you to the market.”

Knowing he always had his reasons for his actions, Li Muwan never questioned him excessively. She blinked at the Clone Wang Lin and revealed a smile. “Mm.”

She couldn’t help but stare at the white-robed, white-haired Clone. Though their faces were identical, the Clone’s gaze lacked the sharpness of the True Body.

Seeing her gaze fixed on the Clone, the True Body felt inexplicably uneasy, but quickly dismissed the thought. The Clone and True Body shared the same Divine Sensethere was no distinction between them. If Li Muwan knew about his baseless jealousy, she would surely laugh at him.

Li Muwan held onto the Clone Wang Lin’s arm and cheerfully left the pavilion. But after taking two steps, she paused, turned back, and walked toward the inner chamber. The True Body Wang Lin withdrew his gaze as Li Muwan leaned close to him in meditation, planting a light kiss before quickly leaving.

“Senior Brother, wait for Wan’er to return.”

“Mm.” Her cherry-red lips lingered in his vision.

On their way to the market, Li Muwan kept studying the Clone’s appearance. Wang Lin held her hand as they flew, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Wan’er, why do you keep staring at me?”

Li Muwan’s cheeks instantly flushed red. She turned her face away and slowly voiced her thoughts: “Senior Brother, why are your Clone and True Body different?”

Wang Lin smiled. “The Clone and True Body are both me. They just practice different cultivation techniques, so what you see is slightly different, but they share the same Nascent Soul.”

“I see.” Upon hearing this, Li Muwan simply wrapped her arms around his waist. This was the first time she had taken such initiative to be close to him since his return.

“Senior Brother, where did this mosquito beast come from?” The mosquito beast flew faster than ordinary Spirit Beasts. He had already given her Xiao Ling, yet he had somehow acquired this strange Demon Beast.

And there was that Primal Beast Driving Ring on his wrist, containing who knew what inside.

“I obtained it by chance in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation when returning to Zhao Country. Do you like it, Wan’er?”

Li Muwan’s mouth twitched. Having Xiao Ling was enoughshe feared Wang Lin might force another one upon her. “Xiao Ling is quite good.”

“While Senior Brother was away these years, Xiao Ling kept me company.”

A trace of guilt flashed in Wang Lin’s eyes. “Wan’er, I promised to return to you after completing my revenge, but along the way…”

“Senior Brother, no need to explain. You had your difficulties. Wan’er will support you in whatever you do.”

Wang Lin raised a finger to smooth her wind-tousled hair, his thumb stroking her pink-flushed cheek. Li Muwan’s heart fluttered, and she turned her face away.

But soon she couldn’t resist looking back at him. Wang Lin gazed ahead with a serious expression, yet the corners of his mouth were smiling.

Back in the Southern Garden pavilion, the cross-legged True Body’s crimson hair floated without wind as a fierce aura spread. Books and papers scattered across the deskLi Muwan often practiced calligraphy and painting here. If she returned to see this mess…

After leaving the main city market, Li Muwan waited for Wang Lin at a street-side tea stall. Several Cultivators at the stall were discussing secret rumors from the World of Cultivation.

Li Muwan’s thoughts were with Wang Lin, who had been gone for three hours. Her mind was not present here but communicating with Xiao Ling at her brow center. “Xiao Ling, where has your master gone?”

Xiao Ling did not respond.

Gazing at the long street where cultivators came and went incessantly, the murmurs of discussion shifted from clear to indistinct until Li Muwan caught the words “Soul of Life.”

Her previously calm expression instantly sharpened with alertness.