Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 47: White Hair

Chapter 47: White Hair

Wang Lin still used Spirit Elixir and Elixirs to regulate her body. Her Cultivation level was gradually dissipating. They both seemed aware of the inevitable outcome, yet neither spoke a word of it.

The snow had piled thick in Wang Family Village. Li Muwan sat before her dressing table, where a branch of white plum blossoms hung outside the window amid the swirling snow. Wang Lin had been away for several days again, seeking Elixirs for Li Muwan.

A crack in the window let in a gust of wind carrying snowflakes, which drifted onto her waist-length glorious white hair. Staring at her fully snow-white reflection in the mirror, her heart filled with bitterness too difficult to swallow.

Her eyes brimming with moisture, she combed her hair while wearing a helpless smile, until finally a tear fell like a pearl.

Wang Lin’s footsteps crunched through the accumulated snow as he paced in the courtyard. Li Muwan heard the sound drawing nearerhe had returned.

She hastily wiped away her tears, instinctively wanting to hide, but the words to send him away stuck in her throat and were swallowed back. They would have to face each other eventually; she couldn’t avoid him forever.

Li Muwan gazed bitterly at her reflection and shook her head with a self-mocking smile. “Beauty with white hair…”

The door opened. Wang Lin’s black cloak was covered in snowflakes, his red hair dusted white, holding a jade vial containing yet another life-extending Elixir.

Separated by the doorway, Li Muwan stood inside the room, her eyes meeting Wang Lin’s outside the frame.

The cold wind swept through, and the sight of her entirely white hair struck his eyes. He steadied himself, hiding his restraint in his sleeves, gripping the jade vial so tightly it nearly shattered. His clear, profound eyes glistened with unshed tears as pain spread across his face.

Li Muwan forced a smile and stretched out her arms as if nothing was wrong. “Senior Brother, you’re back.”

After a long pause, Wang Lin stepped forward, but his steps were unusually heavy, weightier than trudging through deep winter snow.

“Wan’er…”

As Wang Lin approached her, Li Muwan stood still, radiating a smile. “Senior Brother, does Wan’er still look beautiful like this?”

Her smile was breathtaking, but Wang Lin’s strained smile was painfully forced.

“Wan’er is always beautiful.” He tenderly stroked her silver-white hair, his hand trembling as it rested behind her head.

Li Muwan wrapped her arms around his waist. “The snow has piled up these past few days. Senior Brother promised to build a snowman with me.”

“Why did it take you so long to return?”

The chill from his body hadn’t yet dissipated; she brushed off some snowflakes clinging to him.

“Alright, but only after Wan’er takes her medicine can we go build a snowman.”

The person nestled against his chest closed her eyes, savoring the warmth gradually emanating from him. If only they could truly grow old together, how fortunate that would be.

“Senior Brother said we didn’t need to stand in the snow to have white hair,” Li Muwan murmured. “Senior Brother, Wan’er wants to see you with white hair too.”

Wang Lin’s True Body transformed into his Clone’s appearancewhite hair and white robes. Li Muwan’s peripheral vision locked onto the changing hair color as her hand moved from his waist to grasp a strand of Wang Lin’s white hair, intertwining it with her own long locks.

“Look, Senior Brother,” she lifted her face with a bright smile, as lively as when he first saw her in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, “Wan’er and Senior Brother have grown white-haired together.”

“Mm.” He restrained himself, but his voice trembled visibly.

White hair couldn’t be replaced by snow…

He was rightthey didn’t need to stand in the snow to share white hair, but this wasn’t the white hair together he desired!

Li Muwan lowered her head, gently smoothing the two intertwined strands.

In that moment she couldn’t see, Wang Lin silently shed a tear that vanished into her glorious hair.

Outside, the wind and snow raged. His sturdy frame shielded her from the harsh cold, yet drafts still seeped in from all sides.

Feeling the person before her tremble, Li Muwan slipped her hand into his larger one, holding the jade vial, and comforted him, “Senior Brother, please help Wan’er take her medicine.”

Wang Lin tightened his arms around her, his voice hoarse. “Wan’er, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Amidst the howling wind and snow outside, the immense Spiritual Power within the room circulated under Wang Lin’s control. The snow seemed to intensify as Li Muwan swallowed the Elixir, her complexion improving slightly.

She draped a red cloak over her shoulders and gazed longingly outside. “Senior Brother, let’s go.”

Wang Lin glanced at the swirling snow beyond the window, tightened the cloak’s strings for her, and grasped her already icy hand. “What kind of snowman would Wan’er like to build?”

“I want to build two,” Li Muwan gestured, “one for Senior Brother and one for Wan’er.”

“Alright.”

Their red and white figures vanished into the curtain of snow. Together they built the snowmen’s bodies, arranging them side by side, while Wang Lin molded snowballs for their heads.

“Wan’er, catch.” Li Muwan looked up and caught the snowball with both hands, its weight pulling her arms downward.

Wang Lin guided her, “Place the snowball on top, and the basic form will be complete.”

“Senior Brother, have you built snowmen before?”

Wang Lin recalled distant memoriescenturies had passed, yet those traces of life with his parents in this small courtyard remained vividly clear.

“In my childhood, whenever it snowed in winter, my parents would take me to build snowmen in the yard.”

“From now on, Wan’er will build snowmen with you.” Her silver hair peeked out from beneath the cloak, sharp as ice daggers piercing Wang Lin’s heart.

“Good.”

The snowmen took shape as the snowfall gradually lightened. The white plum blossoms by the window and outside the courtyard were laden with thick layers of snow.

Wang Lin broke off a few branches of white plum to serve as the snowmen’s arms, while Li Muwan gathered some flowers and grasses to decorate them.

Seeing the snowmen covered in floral adornments, Wang Lin couldn’t help but laugh at her, though Li Muwan paid no mind.

“Who says snowmen have to look like yours?”

Suddenly, a gust of wind knocked the flower-covered head off one snowman.

Li Muwan frowned, her small face puzzled.

Just as Wang Lin was about to speak, she preempted him, “It’s your fault for not securing it properly.”

Noticing her holding the broken snowball with a hurt expression, Wang Lin flustered, hastily forming another snowball and pressing it back into place.

“This time it definitely won’t fall again.”

“Of course notyou used Spiritual Power to reinforce it. No matter how fierce the north wind blows, it won’t topple.” Li Muwan cradled the shattered snowball, picking out the decorative elements and carefully reinserting them.

Exposed, Wang Lin could only scratch his head, his hovering hand attempting to help before being lightly swatted away by Li Muwan.

The red cloak was dusted with heavy snow, the white flakes blending with their silver hair until one couldn’t distinguish snow from strands. Watching her focus intently on the snowmen, Wang Lin initially hesitated to interrupt, but her long lashes too were dotted with snow crystals. When she blinked, ice chips fell onto her cheeks, as if already numb from the cold.

Li Muwan immersed herself in the momentthis magnificent snowy scenery might become a rare sight henceforth.

“Wan’er, let’s go back.” Wang Lin finally relented, taking her small hand and helping her up.

Li Muwan inserted the final branch, her gaze lingering with affection. “I ride the wind and snow, cherishing this moment with you.”

Outside the courtyard, the snow fell unabated, mocking the entirety of winter.

Inside, charcoal burned warmly. Li Muwan shook off the snow from her clothes and sat by the stove to warm herself. Wang Lin stirred the embers with fire tongs, sparks flying up. She instinctively turned her face away, and Wang Lin raised a hand to shield her.

Once the charcoal was properly lit, Wang Lin went out again.

Watching his figure busy in the courtyard, Li Muwan sat at the desk, fetching brushes and ink. Outside, the snow fell heavily, bitter winds sweeping past the eaves, whipping up flurries.

Within the warm room, she grasped the brush amidst the howling wind, setting ink to paper, composing a letter.

Letter to My Lord**

To my lord, Wang Lin,

May these words bring me before you.

Leaning against the window gazing out, the wind and snow approach as the small courtyard welcomes winter, the biting cold wind piercing. The words flowing from my brush tonight mark the end of my life. Though filled with endless reluctance, as I lift my pen with countless words to say, I fear they may fail to convey my heart.

Fate has pushed me to my limit, Wan’er’s only concern remains you.

Daily I see you leaving home, throwing yourself into slaughter, blood soaking your robes and dyeing your white hair, all to seek Miraculous Pills and Elixirs to prolong my life.

Wan’er cannot bear to see you rush about, knowing the Cultivation bloodshed knows no end.

How fortunate I’ve been to meet you in this lifetime.

Our fate began in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, where I was like a lone swan with no one to rely on, until we depended on each other for survival. When we first met, I only knew you as reticent, unaware of the depth of your affection.

Through numerous life-and-death situations, it was always you who rushed forward without hesitation, risking your life to save mine. Unknowingly, Wan’er had long entrusted her true heart to you, yet merely thought it was the mission of the Soul of Life.

Since we parted at the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, the moon has waned and waxeda century has passed in the blink of an eye. Yet my heart remains unchanged, like spring water newly born, forever remembering.

For a hundred years, where my heart resides and where my affection lies, has always been with you. Only when we reunited under the clouds did I understand your heart mirrors mine, never betraying our longing.

When Senior Brother forced Nascent Soul Formation, risking himself for Wan’er, your sincere devotion touched my heart deeply. Thus, becoming your cultivation partner was Wan’er’s genuine wish, not compelled by the Soul of Life.

After we parted and you returned to your homeland to settle worldly vendettas, my heart followed like a shadow beside you, growing more worried each day. I could only convey my longing through zither music, expressing my wishes: for your safety and well-being, for your success in defeating old foes and fulfilling long-held desires.

A century later when we met again, though the dust had settled, everything had changed. Wan’er knows her time is short, and knows how deeply her husband cares and finds it hard to let gothese mixed feelings burn in my heart day and night.

Though each separation pierced our hearts with pain, that pain has been filled with endless longing, transformed into eternal concern.

Now, Wan’er no longer has the strength to bear all worldly matters, for my life approaches its end.

Knowing your grief, I feel the same.

Among all living beings, many die unwillingly and part reluctantly. Yet the great path of reincarnation cannot be avoided, destined to separate us forever.

If I hear your weeping from the distant underworld, my heart would break. I wish you would follow my desireaccept heaven’s will with joy, and do not grieve.

All past memories and present moments leave Wan’er completely satisfied. My only regret is my original wish to grow old with you, to be your wife and raise children, peacefully spending our remaining years. But life and death follow their own courseas something is born, something dies, reincarnation knows no bounds, beyond my control.

The world changes like wind and clouds, full of deceit and betrayal, flashing blades and cruel Cultivation bloodshed. The path of cultivation stretches vast and uncertain, yet I know you harbor lofty ambitions.

Meetings and partings follow heaven’s willdo not trap yourself in suffering. The path of cultivation is filled with thorns, lonely and hard to endure.

May your heart remain clear as a mirror, keeping evil at bay, holding fast to your original intentions, never trapped by your own self.

May everything go smoothly for you, with gentle breezes and bright moons always watching over you.

May you live worry-free hereafter, with a heart still as water, peaceful and tranquil, living as freely as the wind.

Even as time flows and fate determines life and death, my heart remains unchanged.

This life ends here. If there is a next life, shall we meet again and continue our unfinished fate?

Wan’er sets down her brush.

***

The fire in the room grew fiercer, making her feel somewhat warm. Her eyes reddened as the wind stirred the corridor lanterns, the noises from the main hall drawing closer.

Li Muwan put away the letter, folded it neatly and placed it in her dressing case. Calmly, she took out another blank sheet and began writing.

Wang Lin pushed the door open, his gaze first turning toward the screen before catching the shadow of someone seated at the writing desk. Li Muwan turned at the sound, smiling softly. “Senior Brother, the mortal world is about to celebrate the New Year, isn’t it?”

Wang Lin brushed off snow as he approached her. “Yes.”

Li Muwan said wistfully, “The storybooks describe the mortal world’s New Year as so livelywith lantern festivals, market fairs, temple gatherings, and all mortals going to temples to pray for blessings. Senior Brother, Wan’er would like to go too.”

Wang Lin gazed out the window as the snowfall intensified once more.

“Alright.”

Following depictions from storybooks about mortal New Year traditions, Li Muwan drafted a shopping list filled with festive decorations for the celebration.

On New Year’s Eve, the two kneaded dough in the main room. Neither had prior experience, and flour ended up everywhere. Li Muwan’s cheeks were dusted white, her nose tip powdered, and her rolled-up sleeves dipped into the wooden basin.

“Senior Brother, is this how dough is supposed to be kneaded?” Li Muwan eyed the shapeless mass in the basin with skepticism.

“Didn’t Wan’er read those storybooks?”

“The storybooks never explained the steps for kneading dough.”

Snow accumulated on the roof while wind rustled the thatch. Their intermittent discussions and clumsy attempts eventually shaped the flour into a proper dough, nearly filling the entire basin.

“Can two people really eat this much?” Li Muwan worried, staring at the overflowing basin.

Wang Lin pinched her flour-dusted cheek, then deliberately smeared more flour onto it.

“What are you doing?” Li Muwan sensed his mischief.

With feigned seriousness, Wang Lin replied, “Wan’er’s face is dirty. Let me clean it for you.”

Though wary, Li Muwan couldn’t detect the slyness in his expression and assumed he meant well.

“Senior Brother, are you done?”

“Wait a little longer.”

His palms continued cupping her small face as his dark eyes narrowed gradually. Realizing his playful scheme, Li Muwan wore a resigned yet perceptive look.

“Senior Brother, you’re teasing me again.”

A smile tugged at Wang Lin’s lips. “Wan’er’s face is lovely.”

Silently gathering flour in her slender fingers, Li Muwan reached out to smear his face in retaliation.

“Senior Brother’s face is dirty too. Let Wan’er clean it for you.”

Wang Lin, being taller, dodged her attempts. She chased him around the wooden table until he stopped abruptly upon seeing her nearly collide with a corner. Li Muwan stumbled straight into his embrace.

Thrilled like a child, she clung to him tightly. “Senior Brother, I caught you!”

“No more running,” Wang Lin murmured indulgently, leaning closer. “If Wan’er wants to draw, I’ll let you.”

“You said it yourself.” Li Muwan pressed her flour-coated hand against his face, delighting as his sharp features blurred under the white powder. A suppressed laugh escaped her.

Wang Lin simply watched her laughter, his gaze softening.

Outside, accumulated snow crunched a plum branch, startling the playful pair indoors.

“Oh dear,” Li Muwan stamped her foot lightly, “we haven’t prepared the filling yet!”

Wang Lin wiped her face clean with a handkerchief and said gently, “Rest, Wan’er. I’ll handle it.”

The snow ceased by nightfall. Kitchen smoke curled through the white scenery as plump dumplings bubbled in the pot. Seated by the stove, Li Muwan inhaled the aroma while watching Wang Lin’s focused movements.

“Senior Brother, are they ready?”

Wang Lin glanced down at her. “Yes. Wan’er, bring the bowls.”

She fetched bowls and stood aside, eager to taste.

“Careful, it’s hot. Step back.”

She obediently retreated a few paces. After filling both bowls, Wang Lin searched for condiments. Li Muwan shifted carefully to avoid obstructing him, amusing Wang Lin so much that he swept an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“All set. Wan’er can wait in the main room.”

“I’ll help.”

“It’s fine.”

Li Muwan obediently set the table. By the time Wang Lin carried the food over, the savory fragrance had already drifted from the corridor into the main room.

Wang Lin brought over two bowls with both hands. Li Muwan sat upright as the steaming aroma wafted into her nostrils. She couldn’t wait to try one.

“How does it taste?” Wang Lin asked somewhat nervously, afraid it might not suit her palate.

Li Muwan took a small bite and furrowed her brow.

Wang Lin’s hands half-clenched. “Is it not good?”

Then she broke into a smile. “It’s delicious.”

She had only frowned because it was too hot. Hearing this, Wang Lin sighed in relief and picked up another one for himself.

Laughter and joy filled the courtyard. Five Fiends sat neatly on the rooftop, each adorned with a red silk ribbon, creating a festive atmosphere. Li Muwan said since Wang Lin raised them, they should also celebrate the New Year. She fed the Fiends some Elixirs, treating it as the mortal world’s equivalent of lucky money given during holidays.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the mortal realm, the snow had stopped but hadn’t melted yet.

Wang Lin took Li Muwan for a stroll through the streets. She wore a red cloak with a white fur collar that covered her slender neck, her silver hair also hidden beneath the hood.

The New Year’s atmosphere still lingered. Li Muwan gazed at the thousands of splendid lanterns and the bustling crowd, their two extraordinary immortal figures submerged in the sea of people.

“Senior Brother, this mortal lantern festival is so lively.”

“If Wan’er likes it, I’ll bring you here often.”

Li Muwan looked around, filled with curiosity about the mortal world.

“Mhm.”

“Senior Brother, it’s really crowded up ahead. Shall we go see?” She pulled Wang Lin toward where many people had gathered.

“That’s the lantern fair.” Wang Lin quickly followed, keeping her protected in his embrace.

Tilting her head as they walked, she asked, “Lantern fair? Can we solve riddles there?”

“Did you read about it in those storybooks?”

Having seen it in books, she eagerly tried to push through the crowd. Wang Lin effortlessly cleared a path without letting anyone touch her.

With her intelligence, she won many prizes from solving lantern riddles, ultimately keeping only a lantern and a bell.

“Senior Brother, what is that?” She pointed at a parade float.

Wang Lin patiently explained, “That’s a mortal world parade float. They usually only appear during grand sacrificial ceremonies or celebrations. When mortal emperors tour, they also have luxurious processions to display imperial majesty.”

“And that one?” Suddenly she pointed at a distant opera stage.

“That’s an opera tower where performances are held.” A passerby squeezed beside them, nearly bumping into Li Muwan. Wang Lin immediately shielded her in his arms, his eyes flashing with sudden killing intent. The warning startled the pedestrian, who hastily retreated several yards away.

Noticing Wang Lin’s change in mood, Li Muwan reassured him, “Senior Brother, Wan’er is fine.”

The clanging of metal sounded in the distance, capturing her attention again. She pulled Wang Lin’s wrist as they walked over. “Senior Brother, what is this?”

Before Wang Lin could speak, a young man at the performance stall turned around. Though his features were youthful, his build was robust. Seeing the couple approach, he laughed heartily, “Noble guests, have you also come to see tonight’s iron flower display?”

Wang Lin studied his face and showed slight surprise. “Da Niu?”

The young man looked confused, thinking Wang Lin had mistaken him for someone else. He kindly explained, “I’m but a wandering martial artist, my name isn’t worth mentioning. I’m not the person you speak of, young master.”

Wang Lin reconsidered and realized the mortal Da Niu he knew from the Four Sect Alliance would have only lived about a hundred years. The person before him must be Da Niu’s reincarnation.

“Iron flowers? Then what are these?” Seeing Wang Lin’s expression return to normal, Li Muwan didn’t dwell on it and continued questioning curiously.

“Molten iron. We’ll be performing with iron flowers after nightfall. Would you and your wife like to come watch?”

The reincarnated Da Niu no longer recognized his Uncle Wang. Though the appearance was the same, without memories of past lives, he wouldn’t recognize Wang Lin. This wasn’t the Da Niu from his memories who had watched him establish his family and career.

Wang Lin sighed, took out several gold pieces and set them down, then wrapped his arm around Li Muwan’s waist and said gently, “Wan’er, let’s go.”

The young man stared blankly at the gold, then after a moment picked it up and chased after them. “Young master, this is too much.”

The two stopped walking. Wang Lin kept his back turned, but his gaze fell sideways on Li Muwan. “Consider it forming a good connection with you. Think of it as Wang inviting the entire city to watch your iron flower performance, accumulating blessings for my wife.”

Having said this, he strode away. Watching Wang Lin’s retreating figure, the young man suddenly felt a familiar illusion, as if he had seen him somewhere before, yet couldn’t recall where.

“Senior Brother, what’s wrong?” Li Muwan noticed his unusual behavior.

“The streets are crowded. Let me take you to the opera house.”

Having heard him mention often visiting opera houses during his mortal life, Li Muwan became interested.

Outside the opera house, children were hawking Sugar-coated Haws. Wang Lin led her over and bought one stick.

Li Muwan looked at the crystal-clear red fruits. “Is this… Sugar-coated Haws?”

“Wan’er is clever.”

She held the Sugar-coated Haws in her hand, reluctant to put it in her mouth.

“Why aren’t you eating, Wan’er?”

She carefully placed it in her mouth. Sweet and sour flavors enveloped her taste buds, her delicate brows arching happily. “Senior Brother, it’s sweet.”

“As long as Wan’er likes it.”

Li Muwan offered it to him. “Senior Brother, have some too.”

Unable to refuse her kindness, Wang Lin bit off one piece, chewing slowly and deliberately, then nodded toward the expectant Li Muwan.

The two entered the opera house. While Li Muwan surveyed their surroundings, Wang Lin kept his arm around her waist, protecting her lest the earlier situation recur.

Ignoring the surrounding gazes fixed on them, he paid no mind. Li Muwan walked closely beside him as a waiter guided them to a private room.

“When the peach trees we planted bloom, I’ll brew several jars of Peach Blossom Wine for you, Senior Brother,” Li Muwan said wistfully. “Then Senior Brother can enjoy the wine while Wan’er plays the zither.”

Wang Lin’s gaze remained fixed on her. Watching her lively features dance with excitement, he couldn’t resist touching her cheek outline, gazing at her fondly.

“Senior Brother, what is this opera about?”

Wang Lin sipped his tea and said leisurely, “This piece is called ‘The Peony Pavilion.’ It tells of an extraordinary love story. The heroine Du Liniang refuses an arranged marriage and dreams of a scholar during a spring outing. They come to know each other in the dream, and after waking, Du Liniang can’t forget the scholar. She becomes despondent, searches for him without success, and eventually dies from illness.”

“After Du Liniang’s death, the scholar finds her grave and sees a peony blooming upon it. Perhaps heaven willed their reunion – Du Liniang returns to life and ultimately spends her life with the scholar.”

Li Muwan became lost in thought. “Such love transcends the barrier between life and death, surpassing reincarnation. It’s truly moving and makes Wan’er think of Senior Zhou.”

Noticing the fleeting sadness on her face, Wang Lin tightened his grip on her hand.

“Mortals experience all aspects of life, yet can create such genuinely emotional operas,” Li Muwan immersed herself in the moment. “Senior Brother, operas are fascinating.”

“Then let’s listen to a few more pieces.”