Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 52: Nascent Soul Formation

Chapter 52: Nascent Soul Formation

After nightfall, the lingering sound of a zither drifted from the pavilion in the Southern Garden. Wang Lin leaned against the railing, gazing at the dark sky, lost in thought.

The fruit wine, mingled with the zither’s melody, slid down his throat. His expression was solemn. Li Muwan’s back resembled a new willow in early springboth gentle and resilient. As she played the zither, her movements were a graceful sway.

Her robes accentuated the smooth lines of her shoulders and neck. Wang Lin’s gaze drifted downward, inevitably settling on her slender waist, which looked as if it could be encircled by a single grasp. The moonlight stretched her shadow long.

Her graceful figure was reflected by the pond. That ethereal aura, emanating from her very bones, had not faded in the slightest despite her frail body.

Instead, it was complemented by a newfound sense of calm and charm, each enhancing the other.

The night deepened, and the zither fell silent.

Inside the pavilion, under the light gauze, several ripples of condensed Spiritual Power slowly spread out. Wang Lin was once again conditioning her body.

Every time he finished, a healthy blush would return to Li Muwan’s face. Only then would Wang Lin’s heart, which felt as if it were being cut by a knife, find a sliver of relief. Yet, he was not optimistic.

Beneath that stunningly beautiful face, everywhere Wang Lin looked, she always wore a smile. But to him, this smile was like a thorn, plunging into him mercilessly and without reservation.

Li Muwan lay on the low couch, her head pillowed on Wang Lin’s arm, holding a book of Mortal Tales.

The room was so quiet that only their heartbeats and the occasional rustle of a turning page could be heard. Wang Lin’s starry eyes reflected Li Muwan’s face. Her long, thick eyelashes trembled from time to time. Li Muwan was so engrossed in her reading that she was completely unaware of the fervent gaze from above her.

Suddenly, seeing something in the book, she instinctively tried to cover it, but then feared that Wang Lin, who was behind her, had already seen everything. She closed the book.

The shadow in her eyes shifted. She looked up and met his gaze, only to find Wang Lin looking completely bewildered.

“What’s wrong? You’re not reading anymore?”

His question made Li Muwan think he had seen the page and wanted to keep reading.

Her face flushed, and she said evasively, “You want to see?”

“I do,” Wang Lin said, lifting her chin, making the soft contours of her face even clearer. “And I can never see enough.”

Only then did Li Muwan realize they were not talking about the same thing. She propped herself up to get up, but Wang Lin pressed her down with his wrist. With his other hand, he took the book from her, placed it aside, and leaned over her.

She was enveloped beneath his body, his broad, curved back like a drawn bow as he lowered himself toward her slightly pale lips. Because of her weak body, the two had not been intimate for a long time. The moment their lips touched, a soft and powerless sensation spread through her entire body.

Li Muwan let out a soft “Mmm,” which became the spark that ignited Wang Lin’s desire.

But in the end, all that heated passion turned into a gentle kiss. Her cherry lips were covered by his, stirring a clear spring. The large hand on the small of her back slipped under her inner clothes, tracing the graceful curves of her body.

He was clearly restraining himself, yet he couldn’t stop wanting her. As they intertwined, a strand of Li Muwan’s hair fell into his bloodshot eyes, and only then did Wang Lin pause.

He suppressed all the passion and heat surging within him.

His hand moved from her soft peak to her blushing cheek, and he lightly tapped the tip of her pink nose.

“It’s late. You should sleep, Wan’er,” he said, his hoarse voice betraying his reluctance.

Li Muwan knew he was being considerate of her. The Spiritual Power generated by Dual Cultivation was more than her body could bear. Seeing Wang Lin’s pained expression, and wanting to stay with him longer, just a little longer, she could only slowly close her eyes and fall asleep in the crook of his arm.

Wang Lin gazed at her sleeping face, so sweet and peaceful. The only thing he wanted to protect in this life was her.

But fate was cruel. The dark eyes of destiny spied on them in the night, and the Soul of Life rang like an alarm bell in his soul. He didn’t know if, after the Sixth-Grade Returning Origin Pill was refined and Li Muwan successfully achieved Nascent Soul Formation, she could temporarily escape the fate of her Soul of Life.

For days, he had wanted to ask Li Muwan about the Soul of Life, but every time he saw her spring-breeze-like smile, he felt that nothing else mattered, as long as she could live.

On the roof of the Southern Garden pavilion, several Fiends huddled together, their expressions worried. Xu Liguo chewed on a Spirit Herb. “The Mistress’s body is getting weaker by the day, filled with the aura of death. The Fiend Master is growing more haggard, yet he has to pretend to be happy to cheer the Mistress up. What a pair of ill-fated lovers.”

Xiao Ling, having spent a long time with Li Muwan, didn’t want to hear such negative words. It flapped its wing and hit Xu Liguo, as if protesting his opinion.

Xu Liguo staggered from the blow, his head suddenly drooping, and the herb fell from his mouth. “Second Brother, why did you push me?”

“I’m just telling the truth. I’m afraid the Master is going to lose his beloved this time.”

“In the past, his hatred was for Teng Huayuan. He wiped out everyone with the surname Teng in the state of Zhao to quell the fury in his heart. If the Mistress is gone, where will this hatred go? I’m afraid he can only hate the injustice of the heavens, the cruelty of fate, and himself. Life is so unpredictable…” Xu Liguo muttered endlessly.

The Great Ape was eating a Spirit Fruit again, nodding thoughtlessly. The mosquito beast, hearing that Wang Lin was not well, lowered its head and flapped its wings dejectedly, its proboscis nudging the Thunder Frog. For once, the Thunder Frog didn’t get angry.

Its half-open eyes were drowsy. It didn’t jump into the pond to play, nor did it croak.

Wang Lin stayed awake all night, watching the woman in his arms, occasionally glancing out the window. The starlight and moonlight gradually faded, and the first light of dawn crept up the high pavilion. A ray of sunlight slanted through a gap in the gauze window, landing right on Li Muwan’s pert nose. Wang Lin raised his sleeve to block the light for her.

His arm was numb from being used as a pillow, but he had no intention of pulling it away, simply gazing quietly at her peaceful, sleeping face.

Li Muwan’s small face wrinkled slightly, and she turned on her side, nuzzling her cheek against his chest, seeking the warmth and scent of his body.

A smile touched Wang Lin’s lips. He tucked her stray hairs behind her ear, rousing the half-asleep woman.

Li Muwan’s eyes were drowsy as she looked at him hazily. She lifted her chin to nuzzle him, and Wang Lin understood, lowering his head to meet her. As his cheek brushed against her moist lips, Li Muwan broke into a radiant smile.

“Senior Brother, you’re awake so early?”

Wang Lin hadn’t slept at all. He just gave a faint “Mmm.” Li Muwan felt a force lift her chin, and he kissed her domineeringly, so much so that she couldn’t catch her breath and let out two muffled sounds.

Outside, Zhou Lin had brought the conditioning Elixirs. He called out twice, “Master, Senior, this disciple has brought the medicine.”

Li Muwan tried to answer, but Wang Lin wouldn’t let her, kissing her even more deeply. She tried to push him, but he caught her wrists. Her wide eyes accused him, while Wang Lin’s gaze was a naked plea, his eyes filled with provocation.

“Master? Senior?” Zhou Lin called out again.

Li Muwan pushed harder, but Wang Lin didn’t yield, increasing his own strength.

Tears welled up in her peach-blossom eyes, their salty taste flowing into their mouths. Only then did Wang Lin reluctantly release her.

His eyes held a mischievous glint, as if daring her to answer Zhou Lin. Just as Li Muwan was about to speak, Wang Lin kissed her again.

“Why don’t you answer, Wan’er?” Wang Lin breathed into her. “Zhou Lin is calling for you.”

She tentatively moved her lips again, and Wang Lin covered them once more. Li Muwan resigned herself, no longer struggling. She decided to indulge in the moment and took the initiative, rolling on top of him, surprising Wang Lin.

His pupils constricted, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.

Seeing no response, Zhou Lin said, “This disciple will leave it outside.”

The air in the room grew heavy. In the end, it was Wang Lin who couldn’t hold back. He gently pushed Li Muwan away, his eyes shimmering. “Wan’er,” he rasped.

It was a signal to stop. But Li Muwan continued to place soft kisses on him, her small hands reaching into his robes, pulling them open to reveal his physique. Wang Lin grabbed her wrist, immobilizing her. She looked at him with a wronged expression.

“You can’t handle it. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Li Muwan wrapped her arms around his neck, her touch tantalizing. “If Senior Brother seals his cultivation level, no Spiritual Power will be generated. Wan’er can naturally handle it.”

His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed twice, a movement Li Muwan saw clearly. He obviously wanted it but was still suppressing his desire, shaking his head almost imperceptibly.

His will was firm; he was not a man driven by lust. It was only that when feelings ran deep, one would naturally sink into them. Seeing that she couldn’t tempt him, Li Muwan pressed herself against him, rubbing against the man who was on the verge of breaking.

“But, Wan’er wants it.” She looked at him with her alluring peach-blossom eyes, easily captivating him. Seeing him swallow hard a few more times, Li Muwan gave him no chance to breathe, her lips pressing against the lines of his body, her arms wrapping around his waist.

Reason told him to push her away, but his hands couldn’t bear to move. Helplessness flickered across his handsome features, and his eyes once again filled with an aggressive hunger, yet his exploratory movements were incredibly gentle.

The person on top of him, however, was more restless. Her clothes had been stripped away until only an inner garment remained. Her wide robe lay on the low couch, and the person sitting on his abdomen hooked her arms around his neck.

Wang Lin sat up straight, his broad back resting against the headboard. The bed curtains half-concealed them, and when they swayed, they revealed glimpses of rolling red waves.

Wang Lin’s large hand covered her slender waist, lifting her up, as if chiding her for being too slow and light.

A fragrant breeze drifted in, urging them to seek more. Petals carpeted the air above the pavilion.

As they fell, a rush of pleasure shot through his senses. Wang Lin suddenly flipped over, and the person on top of him fell unexpectedly into his arms, beneath his body, rising and falling with his every move.

In the hazy moment, she saw the clear outline of his profile, his features tightly furrowed, as if he were enduring something.

Li Muwan’s shoulders rose and fell.

Wang Lin’s hands pressed down on the smooth, fair lines of her shoulders and neck as he leaned down to hold her.

“Wan’er was the one who said she wanted it. How come you can’t take it now?” His hot lips moved upward, kissing her trembling eyelashes, which were thick and damp.

“I… I can take it,” Li Muwan bit her lip, unwilling to admit defeat. Wang Lin then intensified his movements, as if he wouldn’t stop until he heard her beg for mercy.

The passion made her powerless to resist. His silver hair suddenly transformed, and a flash of crimson entered her vision, along with a pair of fierce, predatory eyes staring at her. His hair wrapped around her waist like a garment of brilliant red.

Suddenly, their figures appeared on the desk in the outer room. Li Muwan sat on the cold surface, her hands braced behind her, pressing against a pile of Ancient texts. The books tumbled to the floor, clearing the desk.

The red hair pulled her back to lie down. The man before her was powerfully built, his gaze possessive and covetous. Li Muwan instinctively shrank back, only to be dragged back by the red hair.

She tried to prop herself up, but the hair coiled around her again, pressing her down. Her back against the cold wooden desk was not a pleasant feeling.

Her eyes glistened with tears as she looked at him resentfully, but Wang Lin was not yet satisfied. He leaned over her, and she couldn’t help but tremble, parting her legs slightly.

His large hand lifted her leg, which was hanging by her waist, raising it higher. Wang Lin seemed very pleased with this.

He poured out all his long-suppressed and fearful emotions with abandon.

“Wang Lin…” Li Muwan called his name in protest.

Wang Lin pinched her chin and brought her closer to his ear. When he whispered, his breath tickled her ear as he commanded, “Call me husband.”

“Husband…”

“Husband what?”

“Husband, deeper,” Li Muwan said, raising an eyebrow.

Wang Lin took a deep breath, studying her bewitching face. She was seducing him so recklessly.

He threw all his pity to the wind, showering all his love upon her.

The wind lifted the petals, and the clouds parted.

Silver and red hair tangled messily, sticking to her face. Wang Lin couldn’t see her clearly. He raised his fingers to brush away the obstructing strands, revealing eyes as clear as autumn water.

The wooden desk creaked and groaned. Scattered Ancient texts and papers covered the carpet. She turned her head, her gaze falling outside the window. The sunlight slanted across the Southern Garden pavilion. Beyond the curtains, a pair of cranes flew past, and mandarin ducks swam in pairs in the lotus pond.

A few sparrows perched on the arched bridge leading to the pavilion. Peach blossoms fell in a flurry, blowing into the inner room of the pavilion and landing on the chaotic wooden desk. Wang Lin casually picked up a petal and placed it in her mouth.

Her pearly teeth and red lips bit down on the petal, making her clench around him tightly.

A few Fiends leaned against a decorative rock outside the Southern Garden’s gate, exposed to the wind and sun. Xu Liguo complained, “We used to be allowed into the Southern Garden, but now we can’t even get through the main gate. The Fiend Master is getting more and more unreasonable. We’ve been through life and death together, for crying out loud.”

The Thunder Frog wanted to swim in the lotus pond and was also resentful that it couldn’t get in. It spat out balls of lightning, striking a tree outside the Southern Garden and burning it to ashes.

Passing disciples gossiped among themselves. The rumors reached Zhou Lin’s ears. He looked at the tree, which had been struck by lightning until only a blackened trunk remained, and helplessly instructed a disciple, “Quickly have the sect’s internal affairs office send another one over.”

Inside the Southern Garden pavilion, sweat soaked their hair. The two panted heavily. The untamable man’s brow was relaxed in satisfaction, though he had not yet pulled away.

Li Muwan’s legs, which had been pinned, were long numb. She felt like a ball of cotton as he held her in his arms.

After he withdrew, he carried her back to the low couch to rest.

The broad, sturdy body was dressed again. When Li Muwan opened her eyes, Wang Lin had returned to his white-haired appearance. He held a wooden comb, gently untangling her messy hair.

At dusk, Li Muwan’s figure appeared on the waterside pavilion.

The zither began to play, and the evening breeze arrived.

Wang Lin held a wine pot, looking like a high-spirited youth. The zither’s melody drifted from the Southern Garden. The few Fiends huddled outside saw a glimmer of hope. Xu Liguo begged, “Master, please let us in.”

The untimely disturbance piqued Wang Lin’s interest. He raised his sleeve and released the Restriction. Xu Liguo shot inside, and the others followed closely. But they all knew their place and didn’t approach the waterside pavilion. Except for the Thunder Frog, which jumped into the pond, the rest went to the roof of the main pavilion.

Xiao Ling, who had been longing for the zither music, listened intently. The Great Ape went to the Eastern Garden to pick many Spirit Fruits and generously shared them with Xu Liguo. The mosquito beast’s gaze remained on Wang Lin, as if it could sense its master’s sorrow, and it drooped its head, flapping its wings dejectedly.

Ouyang Zi had been studying the pill formula for the Sixth-Grade Returning Origin Pill day and night, already on the verge of obsession.

Li Muwan’s periods of drowsiness grew longer. Wang Lin stayed by her couch, never leaving her side. Whenever she opened her eyes, she would see him.

He once again transferred Spiritual Power to her. “Wan’er, sleep.”

Wang Lin didn’t say a word, but she could feel that he was about to leave again. The missing herbs for the pill formula required him to go personally to retrieve them.

Li Muwan leaned against his chest, his scent enveloping her. “Senior Brother, Wan’er is not afraid of death. What I’m afraid of is never seeing you again.”

He furrowed his brows, hiding his heartache. He looked down at the person in his arms, gently stroking her back, and said softly, “You won’t. I promise you.”

Wang Lin would go out to retrieve the herbs while she was asleep. His black-robed, murderous figure appeared in various countries and sects across the Vermilion Bird Star, burning, killing, and plundering without scruple. The various countries and sects, even fourth and fifth-level cultivation countries, were terrified of him. He had to get the herbs and refine the Elixir.

In her daze, she felt a vague sense of unease. A cold sweat broke out on Li Muwan’s forehead. In her dream, Wang Lin’s robe was stained with blood. He knelt exhaustedly before her couch, smiled at her, and in his hand was the Elixir he had fought and killed for. She woke up with a start.

Her gaze fell on the edge of the couch where Wang Lin usually sat. A figure with white robes and white hair came into view. A gentle face smiled at her, the smile wrapped in warm sunlight, dispelling the gloom of her illness and fear.

Li Muwan threw herself into Wang Lin’s arms.

He held her and coaxed her gently, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Only when she felt the warmth of his body did Li Muwan finally relax.

When her complexion improved a little, Wang Lin would accompany her as she played the zither in the Southern Garden.

“Senior Brother, let me teach you how to play the zither,” Li Muwan said, turning to look at him. His white robes billowed in the wind, and his silver hair floated.

Her smile dispersed Wang Lin’s sorrow.

“Wan’er can play for me,” Wang Lin said, raising his wine pot and taking a drink, a smile playing on his lips.

Li Muwan saw through his thoughts, and her expression dimmed with a sigh. He wanted her to play for him because he believed they would not be separated. As long as he wanted to listen, she would be able to play.

This was the third time she had asked the same question, but Wang Lin’s answer had never changed.

“Wan’er, play another piece.” He carved every note she played into his heart. He didn’t know how to play the zither and was originally ignorant of music, but through her playing, he had come to understand its melodies.

Li Muwan’s fingertips plucked the strings, playing another tune. The afterglow faded, the night wind blew gently, and peach blossoms fell onto the lake’s surface, stirred into the lotus pond by the wind-driven ripples.

The zither music stopped. Wang Lin leaned over, wrapped his arm around her slender willow-like waist, and with a gentle pull, brought her back to the pavilion.

The next morning, a vast surge of Spiritual Power erupted from the Cloud Heaven Sect. A roar echoed almost beyond the mountains. “It’s done! This Sixth-Grade Returning Origin Pill, I’ve refined it!”

Ouyang Zi’s hair was disheveled, but he seemed not to care. His eyes shone with fascination as he stared at the Essence Returning Pill in his hand, from which a boundless Spiritual Power continuously surged.

In the Southern Garden pavilion, Wang Lin had just finished inserting the last hairpin into Li Muwan’s hair. The person in the bronze mirror had a pale face, her body exuding an aura of death.

Li Muwan also felt increasingly weak. If not for drinking the Spirit Elixir, even as her lifespan was depleted, her appearance remained the same as before, without a single wrinkle or trace of age. Her eyes were bright and clear, forever as radiant as the blazing sun.

“This immense Spiritual Power… Senior Ouyang Zi must have succeeded in refining the Elixir,” Li Muwan said, grasping the hand on her shoulder. His palm was always warm.

She gazed fondly at their reflection in the mirror.

Wang Lin sent a telepathic message to Zhou Lin, who was waiting outside. “Have Ouyang Zi bring the Elixir in.”

Li Muwan wanted to speak but hesitated. Looking at Wang Lin’s solemn expression, she forced away her own gloom, leaving only a single beam of light.

“I should have asked you to carve a wooden hairpin for me,” Li Muwan changed the subject.

“What’s wrong? Doesn’t Wan’er like the hairpin I chose today?”

“I’ve worn these styles for hundreds of years. I want one carved by Senior Brother’s own hands.”

“Alright. After I help Wan’er successfully achieve Nascent Soul Formation, I’ll carve as many as you want.” He coaxed her with his words, but his eyes were filled with an irresolvable worry.

Ouyang Zi waited outside the Southern Garden with the Elixir. Wang Lin also summoned the Grand Ancestors to act as protectors.

He held the Elixir, about to place it in Li Muwan’s mouth.

She turned away.

Wang Lin’s arm froze in mid-air. He dismissed everyone. Li Muwan turned her back to him and walked towards the window. The wind from outside blew in, dispersing the heavy aura of death.

Her voice was hoarse. “Senior Brother, can we not take it right now…”

“Why?”

“Wan’er, only by helping you successfully achieve Nascent Soul Formation can the depletion of your lifespan be resolved,” Wang Lin said. Her faint figure, seen through the gauze curtain, was reflected in the depths of his eyes.

A thin layer of gauze separated them, yet it was a divide of life and death that could not be crossed. Li Muwan knew that even if she succeeded in Nascent Soul Formation, she might not be able to escape the fate of her Soul of Life.

She closed her eyes, feeling the coolness of the wind on her cheeks, as if she could see the vitality of all things outside the window, but none of it was her own.

“This Sixth-Grade Returning Origin Pill has immense Spiritual Power. With my current body, I might not be able to withstand the impact of it pouring into me.”

The voice from behind the curtain began to choke up. “I know… Senior Brother obtained the Essence Returning Pill and risked his life to find so many precious herbs. Wan’er should fight for us.”

“But if I fail, my soul will dissipate…”

“Wan’er… Wan’er is not afraid of death…”

“It’s just… it’s just…”

Her last few words faded away, leaving only a breath hanging in her throat. Wang Lin’s heart felt like it was being torn apart.

Behind the curtain, her shoulders heaved, and her figure trembled. His steps were heavy as he walked forward, hearing the sobs she was trying so desperately to hide.

Wang Lin took half a step back, his fists clenched tightly. His eyes grew moist, but he gritted his teeth and held back the tears.

Li Muwan opened her eyes. The blazing sun in the sky was dazzling, making her squint. She didn’t dare to turn around, didn’t dare to look at the person behind her.

The man who had retreated finally stepped forward. Li Muwan had chosen him countless times, firmly and bravely. He, too, would cross the boundary between life and death, even if he could only hold a faint shadow of her.

“For half my life, I, Wang Lin, have been trapped in this beast-fighting cage, never seeing the light of day. But at the height of my slaughter, I saw a beam of light.”

“I know that in this ruthless prison of cultivation, there is a light that has not been extinguished for a hundred years, shining for me. And for the thousands and tens of thousands of years to come, it will never go out!”

“I have killed countless people, and I have been hunted countless times. The years of being a fugitive were long and lonely. But only with you do I feel that I am alive.”

“That I, Wang Lin, am a person of flesh and blood.”

Li Muwan’s weak body was held tightly in his arms. Wang Lin buried his chin in her shoulder and made his promise.

“Besides my parents, no one has ever said they would wait for me to come back.”

“Wan’er, I no longer have a home.”

“Wherever you are, that is my home.”

“I… only have you.”

“Wan’er, I won’t let you die.”

Li Muwan’s love had made him, who was originally just a soul, grow flesh and blood with frantic desperation.

She burst into tears, turning to throw herself into Wang Lin’s arms, her body trembling uncontrollably.

“Give… give Wan’er a little more time,” Li Muwan looked up, her vision blurred with tears, their bitter taste in her mouth. “Please?”

Wang Lin kissed away her tears, from her eyes to her cheeks, and even her chin, tasting them all.

Her heart-wrenching, pitiful appearance made him want to merge her into his own body. He held her shattered face, caressing it over and over, looking at it again and again. Although her image was already carved into the depths of his heart, he could never get enough of looking at her.

Just wait a little longer. He hoped it could be later, just a little later.

“Give Wan’er half a month more, alright?”

Wang Lin nodded with a broken heart, holding her tighter as he stored that Elixir into his Storage Bag.