Chapter 32: Ice Fairy's Deterrence

Hearing what Xiao Luo Mountain had to say, Xiao Kuangyun could no longer afford to show off. His expression quickly constricted, leaning back and saying, "It appears to be the Xianjiao Sect's Chu Xianshi. How fortunate I am, Xiao Kungong Xiao Kuangyun, to have the honor of meeting you here. Though I must ask, why would the honored Chu Xianshi deign to visit this humble Stream Cloud town today? Perhaps there are matters of importance? My father once said that when we encounter a Xianjiao Sect immortal, we must show utmost courtesy. If there is anything I can assist with, please speak freely."

When Xiao Kuangyun's words mentioned "Xianjiao Sect," all who heard them suddenly froze, their throats making a synchronized "hmmph" sound.

What small Stream Cloud town had attracted the attention of a deity from the heavens today? A place that normally wouldn't even deign to acknowledge a third-rate sect, now hosting not only the Xiao Sect but also the Xianjiao Sect's representatives!

No wonder this woman possessed such extraordinary qualities, her beauty truly matchless. She could traverse the void, and now it was revealed she was from the Xianjiao Sect, holding a position of considerable rank. Otherwise, Xiao Kuangyun, as the son of the Xiao Sect's patriarch, would not have been so respectful and courteous toward her.

"Why have I come here?" Chu Yuehuei raised her cold eyebrow and replied, "You have been harassing my disciple, and I cannot simply stand by and watch."

"Your disciple?" Xiao Kuangyun froze, then his face changed abruptly with a startled exclamation, "Chu Xianshi, you mean... could it be... Summer Qingyue?"

At that moment, Summer Qingyue also approached Chu Yuehuei, bowing respectfully and calling out, "Master."

These two simple words caused Xiao Kuangyun's face to convulse violently. Xiao Yulong stood completely frozen, as did all the Xiao Sect members and the major figures of Stream Cloud City, their hearts nearly stopping from shock.

My goodness! This daughter of the Summer family, who could have been a mere noble maiden, is actually a disciple of the Xianjiao Sect! A Xianjiao Sect disciple had been living right under our noses in Stream Cloud City all along!

The expressions of those looking at Summer Qingyue changed instantly, becoming utterly shocked and reverent. Even those glancing at Xiao Hongyi underwent a similar transformation.

Xiao Yulong stood there for a moment, then suddenly broke out in cold sweat. This Summer Qingyue was a Xianjiao Sect disciple... he had previously attempted to flirt with her, only to be rebuked embarrassingly, nursing a grudge in his heart. But now, realizing this, he could literally have returned home safely—it was as if he had picked up a free ticket to death! To attempt to flirt with a Xianjiao Sect disciple... how many people in the entire Empire of the Azure Wind dared to do such a thing?

That was nothing, but today's scheme to drive Xiao Shuecheng and Summer Qingyue apart was clearly his own doing, and even after driving Xiao Shuecheng away, Xiao Kuangyun had already planned how to take Summer Qingyue for himself... If these matters became known to the Xianjiao Sect, he would face certain destruction.

Breaking out in cold sweat, Xiao Yulong looked at Xiao Kuangyun with pleading eyes.

"So... so Summer Qingyue is indeed a palace disciple of yours. I was unaware of this, which explains the misunderstandings."

If this were any other sect's disciple, Xiao Kuangyun would have dismissed it without a second thought. But the Xianjiao Sect is different! The Xianjiao Sect is not a hereditary sect; all their disciples are female, selected from across the Azure Wind Continent for their exceptional talents. Thus, it is the smallest of the four great sects, yet still ranks second among them, its power undeniable. Every disciple within the palace possesses extraordinary abilities, with no incompetent ones, and each is fully protected by the sect. To provoke disciples from other sects, perhaps only a minor matter, even conflicts resulting in death between disciples of different sects are common. But to provoke the Xianjiao Sect... even if it were the lowest-ranking woman in the palace, the sect would act decisively and relentlessly, never giving up until satisfied!

"An misunderstanding? I hope so. Will you continue tearing up my disciple's marriage contract?" Chu Yuehuei said coldly, her gaze sweeping downward, no one daring to meet her eyes. Though she was merely a woman, all the men present felt as though they were gazing upon the fairy of the Moon Palace, their own humble status making them feel unworthy even to look in her direction.

"If it's an misunderstanding, I certainly wouldn't dare." Xiao Kuangyun maintained his composure and said, "Only, I must ask, why would this disciple of yours, Summer Qingyue, be... married?"

"Hmph! My sect's Xianjiao Method certainly requires chastity and celibacy, but I have never forbidden my disciples from marrying. Qingyue joined my sect at twelve, yet she has always refused to return with me, wishing to marry Xiao Shuecheng at sixteen. Not for love, but for filial piety and promise. Such a pure heart and noble character, my sect would never prevent her. Even if my sect did prohibit marriage, I could certainly make an exception. Xiao Gongzi, do you have any other questions?" Chu Yuehuei coldly said. Her voice was calm, yet each word cut through the air like ice, making those who heard it feel an involuntary chill in their hearts, unable to even think of daring to argue.

"No, no, this truly is only a misunderstanding." Xiao Kuangyun quickly said, then turned to Summer Qingyue, saying, "Qingyue, I was unaware you were a Xianjiao Sect disciple, please forgive my forward behavior."

As the son of the Xiao Sect's patriarch, his status naturally far surpassed that of a Xianjiao Sect disciple. Yet, respecting Chu Yuehuei's presence here, he had to temper himself. For this was a remote place unnoticed by others, and they had only brought Xiao Luomshan and Xiao Baxiao Jiu. If they offended Chu Yuehuei, they would all be wiped out on their return journey, leaving no trace—and they would die a pointless death.

Before arriving, he could never have imagined this desolate place would harbor someone of Chu Yuehuei's caliber.

He had never intended to lay a hand on Summer Qingyue—it was all a waste of his precious time. Before Chu Yuehuei, he had no choice but to be respectful, which only added to his inner frustration. He clenched his chest, then looked toward Xiao Lihaxi... though Summer Qingyue was now impossible, at least there was one other! Chu Yuehuei would protect Summer Qingyue, and absolutely could not protect Xiao Lihaxi, a mere outsider! Otherwise, she would not have appeared when Xiao Shuecheng was being driven out, only appearing at the moment when her gaze shifted to Summer Qingyue.

Indeed, regarding Chu Yuehuei, she would only care for Summer Qingyue. As for others, they were completely irrelevant to her. She had no reason, nor obligation, to interfere.

"Since Chu Xianshi has deigned to visit, your Xiao Sect has truly flourished! Then, we must begin our affairs for today." Xiao Kuangyun's expression was steady, his gaze directly fixed on Xiao Lihaxi: "First... Xiao Baxiao Jiu! Bring down that thief who stole the Tongyuan Dan and dispersed the Xuan scriptures! Tomorrow, bring him back to the Xiao Sect for punishment!"

This single sentence made even the most naive person understand why Xiao Kuangyun was staging such a despicable and shameless act of framing. Though this act of framing had already been exposed by Xiao Shuecheng before everyone, the overwhelming pressure of the sects still allowed Xiao Kuangyun to continue unabated.

"Yes, the Young Master!"

Xiao Baxiao Jiu simultaneously stepped forward, rushing to apprehend the flustered Xiao Lihaxi.

"Master!" Summer Qingyue saw this, quickly signaling with her eyes for Chu Yuehuei to intervene and protect Xiao Lihaxi... at least to prevent her from being taken by Xiao Kuangyun. But Chu Yuehuei seemed oblivious, showing no reaction.

Summer Qingyue's expression showed growing anxiety, her face pleading: "Master, you should see that Xiao Kuangyun was targeting me, and Xiao Shuecheng was only caught in the crossfire, thus being expelled from the Xiao Sect. Before leaving, he requested I protect his grandfather and cousin, which I promised. This is my final act for him... After this matter, I will immediately return to the Xianjiao Sect with Master, thereafter remaining in the sect to cultivate quietly. Please, Master, make an exception!"

Chu Yuehuei's eyes flickered slightly, then let out a light sigh. Raising her right hand, she waved it gently. Suddenly, a cold breeze descended from the sky, causing Xiao Baxiao Jiu and the others to shiver completely, their steps freezing in place, unable to move forward.

Xiao Kuangyun's face changed slightly. He calmed himself and said, "Chu Xianshi, what do you mean? You just criticized me for the Xiao Sect not properly handling matters concerning your palace disciple... but now we are dealing with internal affairs of our sect. Chu Xianshi, do you intend to intervene?"

"No! I have no interest in intervening in your Xiao Sect's affairs." Chu Yuehuei's expression was calm and composed, her gaze blank: "I merely had some things I did not favor, so I acted spontaneously. If you say this is an internal matter of your sect, then, is Xiao Lihaxi one of your sect's people?"

Xiao Kuangyun shook his head, "No! But she stole from our sect's Tongyuan Dan!"

"But according to what I heard, this Tongyuan Dan was a gift your Xiao Sect brought, already delivered to the Xiao family yesterday. How... your Xiao Sect's gifts are still from your own sect? If this becomes known, won't people mock you?" Chu Yuehuei said bluntly.

Xiao Kuangyun suddenly blinked, his mouth going dry.

"Xiao Lihaxi is a person of the Xiao family, not your Xiao Sect. This Tongyuan Dan also belongs to the Xiao family, not your Xiao Sect's property. Therefore, Xiao Lihaxi, even if she stole the Tongyuan Dan, should be dealt with by the Xiao family, not your Xiao Sect."

Chu Yuehuei glanced sideways, looking directly at Xiao Yulong. With just a single glance, Xiao Yulong felt a jolt through his entire body, instinctively shrinking back. Chu Yuehuei said calmly, "Xiao Menzhu, if those within your sect steal, should they be dealt with this way?"

Xiao Yulong looked at Xiao Kuangyun, then quickly forced himself to maintain composure and said, "If those under my sect commit theft... the lightest punishment is three months of closed mountain retreat... Xiao Lihaxi stole a precious item from the Xiao Sect, so the harshest punishment should be fifteen years of closed mountain retreat, fifteen years within which she may not step foot beyond the Xigou Valley for even a single step!"

Chu Yuehuei looked away, saying nothing further.

"Then stop standing there idly, and send her into that Xigou Valley!" Xiao Kuangyun shouted angrily! Though he was internally frustrated and suppressed, he was after all not stupid, and should know Chu Yuehuei had given him considerable leeway. Otherwise, she could have directly exposed Xiao Kuangyun's act of framing, leaving him unable to deal with Xiao Lihaxi while also losing all face, publicly failing to act.

Though Chu Yuehuei did not publicly expose Xiao Kuangyun's deception, nor restore Xiao Lihaxi's innocence, Xiao Lie still bowed deeply to her, his heart filled with gratitude. The majestic Fairy of the Azure Cloud Seven Immortals—what a noble and noble person! Yet she went to such lengths for a mere daughter of the Xiao family, showing such benevolence and grace. It was as though she had done everything possible, showing great kindness and generosity... at least, she had saved Xiao Lihaxi from the nightmare of being taken back to Xiao Kuangyun and the Xiao Sect.

"I have been teaching the Nv Fang, deceiving the Xiao family for over a decade, so I should face severe punishment. Take me as well, into Xigou Valley." Looking at the four elders—Xiao Sheng, Xiao Lie stepped forward calmly, saying simply.

Chu Yuehuei stood by, Xiao Sheng dared not make any move, nor say a single word, taking Xiao Lie and Xiao Lihaxi in a straightforward manner toward the mountainside.

Though ultimately, both ended up suffering the tragic fate of being locked away for a full fifteen years, Summer Qingyue knew that Chu Yuehuei had reached her limit in doing so. Xiao Lie's voluntary request to be locked away with Xiao Lihaxi clearly showed his desire to accompany her, and more importantly, to protect her. Perhaps on the matter of safety, she no longer needed to worry. As for what came after, they could only wait and see for themselves.

"Since that is the case, we have no need to remain here any longer." After Xiao Lihaxi and Xiao Lie were led away, Chu Yuehuei said calmly, "Young Master Xiao, before you leave Stream Cloud City, I will remain in this area... Qingyue, let us go."

Chu Yuehuei's final words made Xiao Kuangyun clench his fist in frustration... "Before you leave Stream Cloud City, I will remain in this area"—her words clearly served as a warning to him not to attempt anything against Xiao Lihaxi! Though she had only managed to protect Xiao Lihaxi's safety, when she chose to protect someone, she would do so completely.

After Chu Yuehuei and Summer Qingyue departed, Xiao Kuangyun angrily punched his fist into the armrest of the ceremonial chair, shattering it into splinters across the floor. He had originally expected to acquire two unmatched beauties, but after all his schemes, it had turned into nothing but wasted effort. The outcome was merely driving away a minor figure and sending the two women to Xiao Gong's Xigou Valley, completely different from what he had intended!

And he had not yet realized that he had not only gained nothing, but had also sown the seeds of his own destruction, and that of the entire Xiao Sect!

…………………………………………

Seeing many people inquire about the settings for spiritual energy levels, so... here's a repost.

Spiritual Energy Levels: Initial Spiritual Realm, Entry Spiritual Realm, True Spiritual Realm, Spiritual Spiritual Realm, Earth Spiritual Realm, Heavenly Spiritual Realm, Sovereign Spiritual Realm, Peerless Spiritual Realm, Imperial Spiritual Realm, Divine Spiritual Realm...

Spiritual Artifact Levels: Common Artifacts, Refining Spiritual Artifacts, True Spiritual Artifacts, Spiritual Spiritual Artifacts, Earth Spiritual Artifacts, Heavenly Spiritual Artifacts, Sovereign Spiritual Artifacts, Peerless Spiritual Artifacts, Imperial Spiritual Artifacts, Divine Artifacts.

Spiritual Beast Levels: Common Beasts, Refining Spiritual Beasts, True Spiritual Beasts, Spiritual Spiritual Beasts, Earth Spiritual Beasts, Heavenly Spiritual Beasts, Sovereign Spiritual Beasts, Peerless Spiritual Beasts, Imperial Spiritual Beasts, Divine Beasts...

Spiritual Skill Levels:

Spiritual Technique Levels:

PS: The protagonist's demonic spiritual energy level classification follows the same progression as regular spiritual energy. However, its power may be misaligned... whether it's before or after misalignment, the degree of misalignment... it's hard to say.