Chapter Fifty: The Grand Accomplishment

With Zhuo Jin’er’s help, Qi Fei narrowly escaped disaster and, having steadied himself, spoke at length, immediately earning the complete trust of Sima Yan, the master of the Seven Absolutes Sect.

“Tonight was indeed my fault. I regret having injured you, Young Master Qi,” Sima Yan said, his face showing genuine apology.

Qi Fei appeared unconcerned, replying calmly, “Master Sima, your words are mistaken. Tonight, I acted on impulse, disturbing the Seven Absolutes Sect. Yet, I was careful in my actions; those elders I injured will recover with a few days’ rest and suffer no lasting harm.”

Sima Yan glanced at Qi Fei’s bloodied hands, inwardly noting that this senior brother of Zhuo Jin’er seemed somewhat dissatisfied with him. Considering that he would need these two experts of the Yin-Yang Dao to deal with the Xuanzhen Temple in the future, Sima Yan steeled himself and, with visible pain, took out a bottle of pills from his sleeve. “Young Master Qi, you spared my men, matching me only in martial prowess. I cannot ignore your injuries. This is the peerless elixir of the Pill Cauldron Sect, the foremost alchemy school in the world. I obtained it by chance years ago. With just…”

Before Sima Yan could finish, Qi Fei snatched the bottle, laughing heartily. “Master Sima, you are indeed generous! To gift me the Pill Cauldron Sect’s peerless elixir—such a grand gesture leaves me grateful and somewhat overwhelmed!”

Sima Yan was anxious; he had meant to offer only a single pill, not the entire bottle. This disciple of the Yin-Yang Dao seemed entirely ignorant of proper etiquette.

Without waiting for Sima Yan to speak, Qi Fei sighed, “I was worried my master would scold me for these wounds, but with the Pill Cauldron Sect’s peerless elixir, I should recover completely before seeing him again.”

Zhuo Jin’er, barely suppressing her laughter, chimed in, “Well then, Senior Brother, now that you have Master Sima’s medicine and he has taken such good care of me, don’t mention this incident to our master, lest he blame me as well.”

Qi Fei and Zhuo Jin’er played their parts perfectly, invoking the name of the Yin-Yang Dao sect master, frightening Sima Yan into swallowing his words. The master of the Yin-Yang Dao was a notorious figure, a supreme expert of the mystical arts, far beyond the reach of the Seven Absolutes Sect or Sima Yan. Poor Sima Yan, nearly beside himself with anger, dared not offend these two Yin-Yang Dao disciples, fearing their master’s reputation.

Qi Fei feigned magnanimity, saying to Zhuo Jin’er, “With Master Sima’s generosity and his care for you, how could I possibly tell our master?”

Sima Yan’s heart bled, but he forced a smile. “Thank you, Young Master Qi. Let us put tonight behind us. In the days to come, the Seven Absolutes Sect will rely on your assistance. Once the matter is settled, you will be handsomely rewarded.”

Qi Fei turned the tables, and before Zhuo Jin’er could speak, he declared, “Master Sima, rest assured. I have already infiltrated the outer court of the Danxia Sect and used a secret technique to assume the appearance of one of their disciples. When the time comes at Qingyang Peak, I will aid the Seven Absolutes Sect.”

Even the experienced Sima Yan was taken aback, staring at Qi Fei’s flawless disguise. The methods of the Yin-Yang Dao disciples were even more ruthless and insidious than rumors suggested. He must treat them well, lest, after dealing with the Xuanzhen Temple, the Seven Absolutes Sect suffer at their hands.

Qi Fei paused and continued, “Tonight, following my junior sister’s plan, I seized the spirit talisman from a Xuanzhen Temple disciple and stirred chaos at Moonwatch Peak. Now, Master Sima has justification to act; at Qingyang Peak, you can join forces with my junior sister and the Danxia Sect’s outer court to catch the Xuanzhen Temple unawares.”

Zhuo Jin’er looked at Qi Fei, calm and self-assured, fully assuming the role of a Yin-Yang Dao senior brother. She couldn’t help but admire his composure in the face of danger.

The three discussed their plans in the pavilion for a while. Sensing that lingering too long could spell trouble, Qi Fei deliberately glanced at Zhuo Jin’er’s delicate figure, his face showing impatience.

Sima Yan, observing their expressions, feared he might ruin a budding romance by staying longer, and quickly excused himself.

Qi Fei escorted Sima Yan to the pavilion’s entrance. Before parting, Qi Fei frowned and said, “Master Sima, now you know my identity. After I bid farewell to my junior sister, I must return to the Danxia Sect’s outer court. If I encounter Seven Absolutes Sect disciples on my way down the mountain, it could cause unnecessary trouble.”

Sima Yan hurriedly took out a jade pendant. “Please accept this, Young Master Qi. Once I leave the valley, I’ll order my disciples to withdraw. Anyone who sees you with this pendant will treat you with respect and never trouble you.”

Qi Fei’s mind was eased; as he prepared to leave the perilous valley with Sima Yan, a languid and alluring voice called from the window.

“Senior Brother, are you leaving without saying goodbye to your little sister?”

Qi Fei tensed, unwilling to reveal any weakness before Sima Yan. He slowly turned, gazing at the stunning beauty at the window, inwardly lamenting.

In the night, Zhuo Jin’er’s expressive eyes seemed to warn Qi Fei: if you dare leave, I’ll expose your lie to Master Sima Yan.

Sima Yan, with a hint of amusement, said aloud, “Young Master Qi and Miss Zhuo should not waste such a beautiful night. I’ll take my leave now—please stay.”

With that, Sima Yan leapt away, swiftly departing the valley.

Outside the pavilion, Qi Fei looked up at Zhuo Jin’er and sighed deeply, shaking his head with a bitter smile. “Fine, you win. I truly fear your mysterious demonic arts. I want to flee, but dare not. So… how should we spend this beautiful night?”

Zhuo Jin’er’s cheeks flushed. She retorted, “Who wants to spend a beautiful night with you? I’m only reminding you not to forget our agreement.”

Seeing Zhuo Jin’er had no intention of detaining him, Qi Fei was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly. “I will never forget your kindness tonight, Miss Zhuo. Nor the promise I made. If you have no further instructions, I’ll return to the outer court now, lest my master worry.”

Zhuo Jin’er’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Is the Bloodshadow Lord also at the Danxia Sect’s outer court?”

Qi Fei’s expression darkened. “My master, after granting me a great opportunity, was killed by the corpse poison of the Hundred Ghosts Daoist. The one waiting for me in the outer court is my teacher after joining the Danxia Sect.”

“I see.” Zhuo Jin’er, seeing Qi Fei’s sorrow, felt a pang of melancholy herself. She steadied her heart and said sweetly, “If there’s a share for those present, then the Pill Cauldron Sect’s peerless elixir is partly mine. If you dare keep it for yourself, I’ll spread word of your secret treasure across the land.”

Qi Fei pleaded, “You jest, Miss Zhuo. Even if I had the courage of a lion, I wouldn’t dare keep the elixir from you. If you want it, take it anytime.”

Zhuo Jin’er thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Keep it for now. If I want it, I’ll come to you.”

They gazed at each other in silence, neither finding words.

Zhuo Jin’er pursed her lips. “Hey, aren’t you afraid that Sima Yan might realize something’s amiss after he calms down?”

Qi Fei smiled bitterly. “That’s precisely why I’m eager to leave the mountain. I hope you’ll be merciful and let me go.”

Zhuo Jin’er’s cheeks reddened, as if recalling something embarrassing. She scolded, “Who’s your junior sister? We don’t have that kind of relationship. And you were so bold earlier, you actually dared—”

“I only feared Sima Yan would stay longer and see through our ruse. It was unavoidable. Please don’t hold it against me; I’ll apologize another day.”

Qi Fei found himself helpless before the capricious Zhuo Jin’er, fearing she might devise some strange scheme. He cupped his hands to the window, disregarding his injuries, summoned the last of his elemental energy, and hurried out of the valley.

Watching Qi Fei’s hasty retreat, Zhuo Jin’er’s lovely face showed a hint of triumphant smile.