Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 50: Old Haunt

Chapter 50: Old Haunt

Wang Lin’s lips curved with a doting gleam in his eyes. “It was Wan’er who first deceived me with the Sky Sundering Pill to save you.”

“You knew I was tricking you, so why did you still rescue me?” Li Muwan deliberately teased with a smile.

Wang Lin couldn’t quite explain it either. Given his nature, he could have simply walked away without getting involved. Even if detected by that Core Formation cultivator, he could have continued using his Earth Manipulation Escape Technique to flee if he didn’t wish to engage.

He tightened his grip on her hand. Back during their first meeting in the bamboo forest, she had spoken up to help him before even seeing him clearly, and he had formed a favorable impression of her then. Using some clever tricks to secure his rescue for survival’s sake was understandable.

“You needed me,” he simply replied calmly.

It was only after years of separation that Wang Lin suddenly realized – during his time in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation and throughout those long years, he had needed Li Muwan even more.

Li Muwan seemed to have gotten the answer she wanted. For her, she truly had needed his rescue at that time, and with the Soul Pearl identifying the Fiend, she had to involve him too.

The mosquito beast arrived above the original cave residence, but with the passage of time, the dwelling they once inhabited had long collapsed and vanished. The mornings and evenings they spent together, the cave entrance where they fought side by side – all were unrecognizable now.

“It’s gone…” her despondent voice echoed through the mist. “The cave residence was right here back then…”

After repeatedly confirming that their former dwelling had disappeared, along with the memories it held of them both, she suddenly understood during those centuries of waiting, through countless dreams and recollections, that everything had changed with time. In that moment, she seemed to comprehend that all that remained was herself and him.

“Senior Brother, let’s go…” Li Muwan bowed her head dejectedly, turning to take small steps away, her heart filled with regret.

Noticing the change in her expression, Wang Lin suddenly grabbed her hand and stated firmly, “The cave residence hasn’t disappeared.”

He immediately gathered Spiritual Power in his hand, performing several Magic Arts to forcibly raise a mountain peak identical to the original one. The cave residence within the mountain was exactly as he had crafted it back then, with even the interior furnishings matching perfectly.

“Wan’er, the cave residence hasn’t disappeared. Look.” Seeing the cave residence take form, Li Muwan’s earlier gloom dissipated, and a smile returned to her face.

Wang Lin had recreated the cave residence – he still remembered what it looked like.

Li Muwan knew this was Wang Lin’s way of comforting her, his sincere gesture. He watched the emotions shifting in her eyes, only relaxing when he saw Li Muwan’s mood improve.

With towering rocks standing outside the cave residence, Li Muwan walked ahead, examining the scenery outside the dwelling. Wang Lin supported her lower back as they entered together.

Those four years in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation were when they came to know and understand each other. Even while he spent days in closed-door cultivation, he would still pay attention to her refining pills outside the stone chamber.

They had risked their lives for each other. Wang Lin still remembered how she had exhausted her last trace of Spiritual Power to deploy a Barrier, blocking a Core Formation cultivator’s attack to protect him.

If she had only been approaching him to complete some mission for the Soul Pearl to reclaim her Soul of Life, why would she have protected him at the cost of her own life?

Wang Lin recalled the information about the Soul of Life he had gathered from that Nascent Soul cultivator’s memories. He had already formed his own judgment.

If Li Muwan had her Soul of Life devoured by the Soul Pearl and urgently needed to complete missions to retrieve it, thus getting close to him and trying to please him everywhere…

Perhaps her kindness had an initial purpose, but why would she go so far as to risk her life? Wang Lin didn’t believe that was the case. The careful planning was her, but the genuine devotion was also her. Even without the Soul Pearl’s compulsion, she would have been wholeheartedly good to him.

“Senior Brother used to cultivate here. Wan’er wanted to talk with you but didn’t dare disturb you. If not for Blood Moon keeping me company, I’d have been bored to death.” Li Muwan leaned against his chest, interrupting his contemplation.

Wang Lin’s fingers brushed through her silver hair, tucking it gently as he guided her to rest more securely against his chest.

She indeed appeared fearful, yet knowing the Fiend wouldn’t trouble her, she never held back from speaking her mind to him.

“I used to sit here refining pills, waiting for your return,” Li Muwan said. “I remember that day you brought back a Flood Dragon. I always wanted to ask how you caught it, but you looked so cold then, I didn’t dare approach you.”

Wang Lin smiled faintly.

“Later, I waited here for you for three years. Never expected you’d return gravely injured with a large crowd following you. Back then, when Senior Brother denied they came for the Pill Furnace, was it because you didn’t trust Wan’er? Or was there another reason?”

Wang Lin merely chuckled. “Fortunately, Wan’er’s Formation helped buy me time back then.”

“I helped you, and Senior Brother saved me in return.” Li Muwan pinched his sleeve. “Senior Brother, could we stay here for a few days?”

“Alright.”

Occasionally they would stroll through the back mountains to enjoy the scenery, resting on mountain rocks when tired.

With elegant hands holding lotus blossoms, ethereal steps treading the great void. Wang Lin’s gaze followed Li Muwan closely, setting aside the unique landscapes of the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, for no worldly beauty could compare to her every smile and frown.

During leisurely moments, she would admire flowers and play in the water while Wang Lin stood in the stream, holding ancient texts as he studied the ingredients for the Sixth-Grade Returning Origin Pill.

Noticing his deep concentration, Li Muwan approached from behind and sat at the water’s edge, dipping her feet and swaying them in the current. Seeing he remained unaware, she scooped water and splashed him. Droplets hit his cheek as Wang Lin turned to see her gleefully running away after teasing him, his eyes crinkling with affection.

After she ran some distance, he suddenly teleported before her. Li Muwan turned to find his white robe filling her vision, her breath catching before she could react. Wang Lin’s hands settled on her slender waist, spinning her effortlessly until their faces were inches apart, his warm breath brushing her skin.

His starlit eyes seemed to melt with tenderness. “Wan’er, caught you.”

“Senior Brother.” Li Muwan blushed under his gaze, slightly turning her face away.

Amused by her sudden shyness compared to her earlier boldness, Wang Lin raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, warm breath fanning her cheek. “Wan’er, your shoes.”

He now held her shoes, having retrieved them unnoticed. When she reached for them, he evaded her grasp and swept her into his arms, carrying her ashore.

Li Muwan leaned against a tree while Wang Lin sat cross-legged before her. His large hand enveloped her ankle, and when she tried to pull back, he gently drew her foot forward until her pale sole rested against his chest. He meticulously wiped away the water droplets, admiring it like a white lotus.

She waited for him to dry her feet and help with the shoes, but he made no move to do so.

“Senior Brother.” Li Muwan called softly.

“Hmm?” Wang Lin responded absently, still staring at the water beads on her feet.

Hiding a smile, she mischievously pressed her toes against his chest. Wang Lin looked at her in confusion as her foot gradually slid downward, coming to rest against his abdomen where firm muscle contours were concealed beneath loose robes. The teasing glint in her eyes unconsciously enticed him.

A subtle smile touched Wang Lin’s lips as his hand migrated from her ankle to cradle her entire foot, playfully caressing it. This time, when she tried to withdraw, she found herself trapped.

“Does Wan’er wish to leave?” Wang Lin arched an eyebrow with playful mockery.

She only felt the silhouette drawing nearer, so close she could no longer see clearly, until the warmth of lips gently brushed against hers.

Li Muwan arched her neck backward as his lips slowly trailed from the corner of her mouth down to the side of her neck. At that touch, both their spirits trembled, a tingling softness spreading through their bodies. She melted into Wang Lin’s embrace, the setting sun dyeing her silver hair golden.

Her Moon White Cloak hung from the branches of an ancient tree, the ribbons of her white robe fluttering in the wind. Li Muwan lay upon his inner garment, their ragged breaths rising and falling, drowned by the roaring waterfall.

“Senior Brother…” Li Muwan’s toes brushed against both sides of his thighs. Just one inch closer, and she would touch that place.

Wang Lin couldn’t suppress the smile at his lips, his gaze tender, deliberately letting her revel in her triumph.

As darkness surged in the night, the clothes on the tree disappeared, and their figures returned to the Cave Residence, properly dressed and composed.

The mystical plants in the Sea of Demonic Cultivation grew strangely. Seized by a playful mood, Li Muwan hid while Wang Lin was distracted. When he turned around and found her gone, she peeked out from the side, calling out coyly, “Senior Brother.”

Wang Lin smiled and reached to pull her close, but Li Muwan nimbly sidestepped, leaving him grasping empty air.

“Senior Brother can’t catch me.” Li Muwan’s steps were light as a dancing butterfly, her laughter echoing outside the Cave Residence.

Wang Lin shook his head and gave chase. They circled around a mystical plant, their sleeves billowing. Just as he was about to catch her, she slipped away again.

This repeated several times, making Li Muwan laugh even more joyfully.

Suddenly, a small stone tripped her. As Li Muwan stumbled sideways, Wang Lin’s heart leaped violently. He caught her just as she fell, holding her entire body in his arms. Terrified, he was relieved to find her unharmed.

“Will Wan’er keep hiding?” His deep eyes filled with tenderness.

“That doesn’t count. Senior Brother took advantage of my stumble.” Li Muwan pushed against his chest, but Wang Lin refused to let her escape, tightening his embrace instead.

His distinct profile buried into the curve of her neck, a mixture of lingering fear and dread of loss. “Wan’er need not hide. I will always find you.”

Sensing his unusual distress, she abandoned her playfulness and gently stroked his back. “Senior Brother, Wan’er was just teasing you. Wan’er won’t leave…”

In an instant, he flipped over, pinning her beneath him. Nose to nose, he carefully studied her face, cradling her lovingly as his thumb traced from her brow down to her lips. He swallowed dryly.

His passionate eyes, brimming with adoration, stared at her as if craving more. Li Muwan curved her lips, responding to his affection. Wang Lin leaned inher soft lips were warm. He parted his lips to share his breath, the gentle tasting gradually intensifying into fervor. His movements remained tenderly entwined, only kissing her without advancing further.

Through dazed eyes, he couldn’t get enough of the treasure held between his fangs. Sometimes opening, sometimes closing his eyes, he wanted to merge her into his very blood, yet feared hurting her. This tenderness pushed him to the brink of perpetual loss; he was like a startled bird, even blinking with the fear that she might vanish.

“Wan’er, don’t hide… don’t go…”

“Let me see you…”

He needed someone he could see and touch. Li Muwan nestled within his protective boundary, allowing him to admire and cherish her.

As daylight faded over the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, Wang Lin and she admired the moon outside their Cave Residence. Li Muwan took out some Elixir to feed the Thunder Frog. The Thunder Frog delighted her, releasing Thunder Power from its mouth that soared into the night sky, instantly painting it with brilliant colors.

Xu Liguo hid behind a mountain rock, using a Magical Art to fill the air with drifting flower petals. Xiao Ling flew over and alighted on Li Muwan’s shoulder, holding a small bouquet. Li Muwan accepted it, bringing it to her nose for a gentle sniff.

The Great Ape danced joyfully as it offered fruits, which Wang Lin accepted on her behalf. The mosquito beast circled around them excitedly, darting toward the night sky before swooping down again, amusing Li Muwan so much that she covered her lips with a light laugh. Wang Lin, standing beside her, kept his gaze fixed on her, unable to look away.

His heart was heavy with sorrow, a bittersweet ache he couldn’t quite define. He etched the sight of his beloved’s smile into his memory, cherishing the precious and fleeting peace and tranquility before him. His eyes reflected a profound contentment.

As the night grew chilly, Li Muwan coughed a few times uncontrollably. Wang Lin’s expression shifted slightly, concealing that hard-won satisfaction and replacing it with a mix of fear and determination. He was resolved to cure her, no matter what.

Li Muwan gazed at the dazzling night sky for a long while until Wang Lin drew her close. “Wan’er, the wind is picking up. Let’s head back.”

That night, Wang Lin patted her back gently to soothe her. Feeling his breath, Li Muwan looked up at him and asked, “Senior Brother, why aren’t you asleep?”

“I’ll sleep once Wan’er is asleep.”

Li Muwan raised her hand to touch the tip of his nose, tracing along the bridge to his brow, smoothing it gently. “Senior Brother, would you accompany Wan’er for a walk outside the cave residence tomorrow?”

Wang Lin took her wrist, pressing his cheek against her palmit felt cold. “Of course. I’ll be with you for whatever Wan’er wishes.”

“Senior Brother.” Li Muwan nestled closer against his chest, absorbing his warmth, and held on a little tighter, almost greedily.

“Sleep now, Wan’er.” Wang Lin held her even closer, stroking her white hair repeatedly.

Weakened as she was, she had become more prone to drowsiness than before. Curled in his embrace, she could drift off without a care, feeling utterly secure. In her dreams, her brows were smooth, and a blissful smile graced her cheeks.

As her breathing deepened in sleep, Wang Lin, careful not to disturb her, vanished from the stone bed and settled cross-legged before it.

The figure on the stone bed furrowed her brow slightly, as if missing his familiar presence, and turned her head to the side.

Wang Lin watched it all with tender affection. He had just set up a formation with top-grade spirit stones to channel spiritual power into her, aiding her recovery.

Outside the cave residence, the moonlight faded behind thick clouds. The roars of spirit beasts were muted by the restrictions he had cast, while fiends stood guard outside, protecting the sanctuary.

As dawn broke through the morning mist, sweat beaded on Wang Lin’s forehead, trickling down his jaw.

He hadn’t slept all night. Knowing Li Muwan would wake soon, he withdrew the formation, wiped away the sweat, and took several elixirs to regulate his breathing. Days of overexertion in transferring spiritual power had drained his nascent soul, and he strove to hide any signs of strain from her.

The stone chamber was decorated by the two of them together. Li Muwan loved flowers, so Wang Lin had braved the dew and mist to gather lilies of the valley and violets from the grassy banks below the waterfall near the cave residence, placing them on the desk.

Stacked on the desk were several ancient texts and some pill formulas. Li Muwan’s research into the formulas was mentally taxing, and Wang Lin often urged her to rest more. He himself picked up an ancient book, studying the herbs listed in the formulas. His alchemy skills were lacking, and his knowledge of herbs paled in comparison to Li Muwan’s expertise.

Thus, he devoted extra effort. Watching his serious, absorbed expression, Li Muwan couldn’t help but find it endearing.

Yet, the thought that he was doing all this for her filled her heart with a bitter ache.

Feeling bored on her own, she picked up a storybook to read but soon felt the urge to tease Wang Lin. Restlessly, she lay her head on the desk, staring sideways at his focused form.

“Senior Brother, keep Wan’er company and talk with me.”

Wang Lin closed the ancient text and pulled her into his arms. “Alright.”

“Senior Brother once said that to achieve Spirit Transformation, one must first experience mortality. You spent a lifetime on a street in the Four Sect Alliance. Could you tell Wan’er more about it?”

“If you wish to know, I’ll tell you everything in detail.” Wang Lin’s gaze was tender.

“I bought a shop in the capital where I could quietly practice wood carving, setting aside thoughts of cultivation level. The four centuries of murderous aura accumulated through cultivation gradually dissipated with every stroke of my carving knife.”

“There I met Da Niu and his father Zeng Dage. The Zeng family was warm and hospitable, treating me with genuine sincerity. Da Niu would often come to chat with me, bring me wine, and introduce customers.” Wang Lin recalled the past, his expression softening as he remembered watching the child grow up and start a family.

Wang Lin had briefly mentioned his mortal transformation experience when they went shopping at the market together, so Li Muwan had some recollection of it. She listened attentively, nodding in understanding.

“He loved wood carving, but Zeng Dage wanted him to inherit the family business. Later, Da Niu married and had children. Eventually, Zeng Dage completed his mortal cycle and passed away peacefully, except…”

Just as Li Muwan was listening with great interest, Wang Lin paused. She couldn’t help but ask, “Except what?”

“Later, the Snowy Kingdom invaded, and the Four Sect Alliance suffered devastating losses. There I experienced life and death, comprehending what it means to live and what it means to die, ultimately achieving my Life and Death Conception.”

“Life and Death Conception?” Li Muwan looked surprised and confused.

Wang Lin was sharing his conception with someone for the first time, and that someone was Li Muwan.

“Every cultivator undergoing Spirit Transformation must comprehend their own conception to achieve it.”

“…”

Wang Lin told Li Muwan much more. She was intelligent and perceptive, understanding everything with just a hint.

“Senior Brother’s conception is life and death.”

She looked at the stream flowing through the cave residence, where moss and flowers grew from the stone crevices. Pointing into the distance, she said, “This is life.”

Then she looked up at Wang Lin, seemingly waiting for his confirmation.

Wang Lin reached out and stroked the back of her head, responding indulgently.

“The Fighting Evil Sect fell, and the original cave residence is gone. This is death. Is that what Wan’er means?”

“Yes.”

“All things grow and flourish endlessly, moving from life to death, from death to rebirth. When the body perishes, it’s death; when the heart perishes, it’s oblivion…” Li Muwan murmured Wang Lin’s words, her thoughts drifting far away, revealing sorrow. “Senior Brother, you will always, always remember Wan’er, right?”

“Wan’er?” Wang Lin looked pained, his eyes showing reluctance to part. “We won’t be separated.”

Li Muwan felt a pang in her heart. His promise was so resolute, yet she felt she might not be able to keep her end of it.

“If, Wan’er means, if I were to be reincarnated in the next life,” Li Muwan tentatively continued, “would Senior Brother still find Wan’er and recognize Wan’er?”

“There’s no need for reincarnation. We’ll always be together, Wan’er. I’m not leaving again,” he said firmly. “We won’t be separated anymore.”

“Nothing can tear us apart!”

He understood the implication in Li Muwan’s words, comforting both her and himself. “Even in the next life, if we’re both reincarnated without memories of our past, I will still find you and remember Wan’er. The bond between you and me lasts through countless lifetimesit cannot be severed!”

“Senior Brother…” Li Muwan gazed at him with deep affection. With his words, even death seemed less frightening.

“When Wan’er’s cultivation level progresses toward Spirit Transformation in the future, I will definitely accompany you to the mortal world for your mortal transformation, to experience life and find the conception that belongs uniquely to Wan’er.”

Her conception?

She had never considered what her conception might be. And given her current deteriorating physical condition, even achieving Nascent Soul Formation was becoming difficult. She probably had no future left…

Now, being able to spend a few more days with him day and night was already satisfying. For the remainder of her life, she never wanted to be separated from Wang Lin again.

“Hmm,” she changed the subject, “Senior Brother, you said that experiencing mortal life through wood carving helps comprehend one’s state of mind. Was Wan’er carved earlier for the same reason?”

Wang Lin lowered his head upon hearing this, his earlobes flushing red. “No.”

“Then what was it for?”

Wang Lin took out a small figurine. “Because I missed you.”

It was the small carving he would look at every night before closing his eyes at the woodcarving shop, treasuring it like a precious gem.

“When Senior Brother carved Wan’er earlier, why didn’t you mention this small wooden figurine of Wan’er?” Li Muwan caressed her own small carving lovingly. The lines on it weren’t as clear as a freshly carved piece, especially the smoothed-out features on the face, as if it had been handled frequently. She lifted the corners of her lips, seeming to have seen through something, then turned her gaze back to Wang Lin.

His eyes were filled with affection, staring directly at her.

“Senior Brother, could you carve another Wan’er?” She pressed the small wooden figurine against her heart.

“Alright.” He would carve as many as she wanted.

Wang Lin then took out a piece of wood. With a thought, a carving knife appeared in his hand.

“What kind of Wan’er would you like carved?”

“Senior Brother can decide.”

Wang Lin pondered for a moment before bringing down the carving knife. Li Muwan watched as the shape gradually emerged with each cut – it was herself in wedding robes running toward Wang Lin at Cloud Heaven Sect.

Wood shavings clung to his robes, and a few had landed on Li Muwan’s skirt as well. With a slight movement of her Spiritual Power, the wood dust vanished into nothingness.

While focused, Wang Lin still kept attention on the quiet figure beside him. Suddenly, he paused his hand movements and turned to call her, “Wan’er.”

“Hmm?”

“Would you like to come here?” Wang Lin opened his arms.

Li Muwan lifted her skirt and stood, sitting in front of him. His arms wrapped around her, holding her hands as he taught her step by step. “Hold the tool with your right hand, apply light pressure when cutting, and be careful not to hurt your hand.”

“Mm.” She understood Wang Lin’s instruction, following his guided movements to make the first cut. After successfully completing the first stroke, her confidence grew.

The warm breath against her ear made her somewhat flustered, but she quickly refocused on the task at hand.

“Almost done.” Wang Lin released her hand, leaving the final stroke for Li Muwan.

With the carving knife tracing the lines, she held up the small figurine before Wang Lin’s eyes. “Senior Brother, it’s finished.”

“Why did Senior Brother want to carve this version of Wan’er?”

“Because it’s beautiful.” Wang Lin shyly averted his gaze.

Li Muwan smiled meaningfully. “Senior Brother, could you give this small figurine to Wan’er?”

“Of course.”

After examining it for a moment, she put away the wood carving but remained sitting in his embrace, their silver hair cascading over their chests.

A coughing sound stabbed into his heart. Wang Lin felt as if his internal organs were shattering. Unable to restrain himself, he pulled her tightly onto his lap. Li Muwan gasped in surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself, turning sideways with lowered head in shyness. “Senior Brother…”

Wang Lin’s embrace tightened further, afraid that if he weren’t careful, if he failed to protect her, she would leave like his parents had – that was an eternal pain he could never erase. Such heart-wrenching agony was something he never wanted to experience again, never wanted to lose his beloved again.

He had made a name for himself with the Vermillion Bird, was at the peak of his vitality, and had even greater ability to protect her now. But, but…

Gloom threatened to consume him, and only a safe and sound Li Muwan could save Wang Lin from this brink of collapse.

Li Muwan took Wang Lin’s wrist, carefully studying his palm from the lines to his fingertips, and couldn’t help but marvel, “Senior Brother’s hands can carve such lifelike wood carvings and perform various Mystical Powers. What other surprises does Wan’er not know about Senior Brother?”

“Wan’er wants to know?” Wang Lin’s brows tightened, as if hiding other thoughts. Yet his eyes were woven with desire and tenderness, tearing him apart.

Li Muwan traced upward along his fingertips, pausing at his wrist bone. Suddenly, she sensed the Spiritual Power fluctuations from Wang Lin’s wrist showing clear signs of dissipation.

Suddenly, she tightly grabbed his wrist, her voice choked with tears, hesitating to speak, “Senior Brother, your Spiritual Power…”