Transmigrating as the Heart Demon of the Ruthless Sword Venerable – Chapter 51
by Little PandaShattered Sound (Part 1)
Wedding
Tang Wenchun and Yu Zhaoming had followed their Shizun aboard the flying boat, and several days had already passed. Ever since the Sword Sect’s circumstances had improved, Xuanjiu—being the wealthiest among them—had upgraded her equipment. The flying boat that previously required manual operation had been replaced with a fully automated model, making travel exceedingly convenient.
The three of them traveled toward Shenfeng Sect, and along the way, Xuanjiu regaled them with no shortage of gossip and amusing tales.
Shenfeng Sect was no prestigious sect. On this continent, it was merely a small establishment occupying the tail end of the Sound Sect’s vast spiritual vein, surviving for years on the Sound Sect’s sufferance. Very few Sound Sect disciples were willing to enter a Dao Companion bond with them. Even the rare exceptions were mostly Shenfeng Sect’s core disciples, using the marriage as a means to switch allegiances and join the Sound Sect.
Moreover, Nüluo was a disciple of the Sound Sect’s former Sect Master and the shijie of the current Sect Master, Yunzhongjun. The closeness between the two had spawned countless little storybooks circulating among neighboring sects—they were a pair many disciples had adored during their lovestruck younger years.
As for the engagement between Nüluo and Shenfeng Sect, no one had mentioned it in ages—whether forgotten, or simply assumed that given how highly Yunzhongjun valued Nüluo, the arrangement would most likely fizzle into nothing.
“If this were mortals, I suppose you’d call it things remain but people have changed1.”
Xuanjiu blew out a long ring of smoke, then tapped the edge of the gunwale heavily and sighed.
Not only had her ship collapsed2, but she’d gone and found herself a phoenix man3. Even Huaguo’s TV dramas wouldn’t dare film something like this. Tang Wenchun also sighed heavily.
She could understand. In her naive younger days, she’d genuinely shipped couples too. Later, watching her own ship’s house burn down—watching one half of the pair go off with some greasy guy—had felt like a knife in the back. She’d even sworn never to ship another couple again.
She just never expected—
That after transmigrating, she’d still face the backstab of her ship collapsing!!
“Senior Nüluo, what kind of taste is this!! She has Yunzhongjun as her backer—she could just ignore this engagement entirely!” Tang Wenchun slapped the railing in frustration, pouting. “I don’t even want to go anymore.”
“Who knows… This wedding was arranged while the old Sect Master was still alive. It’s most likely a matter of sect interests. Just treat it as a spectacle. You two have been through plenty of torment—you should relax a little.” Xuanjiu smiled faintly, patting Tang Wenchun’s shoulder, but her gaze drifted to her eldest disciple.
Yu Zhaoming’s gaze, however, remained fixed on Tang Wenchun’s face. She still wore that same expressionless look, yet for some reason, Xuanjiu detected a trace of calm in Yu Zhaoming’s features.
That calm was buried beneath layer upon layer of ice, as though it were merely an illusion.
But a Soul Emergence stage cultivator’s senses were extraordinarily keen—how could this be Xuanjiu’s illusion?
Yu Zhaoming had broken through, and Tang Wenchun was alive and well—this alone had eased Xuanjiu’s mind considerably. But seeing Yu Zhaoming’s current state, Xuanjiu worried anew. Her eldest disciple hadn’t changed her path, yet her heart already had cracks. If she forced herself down this road, what would happen then?
Xuanjiu spoke up: “Zhaoming, would you be willing to marry Chun’er?”
Yu Zhaoming and Tang Wenchun both turned to look at Xuanjiu simultaneously. But Xuanjiu was who she was—naturally, she wasn’t intimidated by their stares, maintaining her perfectly composed demeanor.
Yu Zhaoming withdrew her gaze and lowered her head. “I will follow Shizun’s instructions.”
Tang Wenchun said hastily, “Wait, how can you just go along with Shizun’s word?”
Yu Zhaoming turned to look at Tang Wenchun. “Then you’re unwilling?”
Tang Wenchun’s face showed nothing but righteous certainty. “Of course I’m unwilling.”
“Why would you be unwilling? If we formed a contract, my cultivation would be available for your use, and we could also employ dual cultivation methods…”
Tang Wenchun clamped her hand over Yu Zhaoming’s mouth. She met Yu Zhaoming’s puzzled eyes, then cautiously turned her head—only to find Xuanjiu wearing an expression of pure entertainment. Seeing her disciple glance over, Xuanjiu was in excellent spirits and said generously, “Go on, keep talking. It’s fine—just pretend I’m not here.”
You’re this huge person standing right here—how could I possibly pretend you don’t exist!!
Tang Wenchun once again renewed her understanding of her cheap Shizun’s shamelessness. But the trouble was, there was someone right next to her staring at her expectantly, eyes brimming with confusion, completely unaware that she had just said something utterly shameless.
Tang Wenchun gritted her back teeth. She hadn’t released her hand, so every breath Yu Zhaoming took fell against her palm, giving her the illusion that she could control Yu Zhaoming’s breathing. Tang Wenchun felt her palm gradually growing hot, and even her own breathing seemed to rise and fall in tandem with Yu Zhaoming’s.
But in the corner of her eye, Xuanjiu was propping her chin in her hand, watching her with a beaming smile. That gaze was far too gossipy—like a basin of cold water dousing the rising heat.
“Ahem… The thing is, forming a contract requires feelings, and dual cultivation requires feelings too. Not everything is about efficiency and utility!!” Tang Wenchun said.
Yu Zhaoming showed disapproval and was about to say something, but Tang Wenchun had already leaned in close, voice lowered, with something of a gnashing-teeth quality: “Don’t argue back, understand?”
Yu Zhaoming fell silent for a moment, then nodded. Tang Wenchun exhaled in relief and slowly released her hand. She released it very slowly, as though she would immediately clamp down again if Yu Zhaoming so much as uttered a word of dissent.
Yu Zhaoming let Tang Wenchun do as she pleased, eyes lowered, with an unusual docility. Strands of her hair fell loose, swaying gently against the edge of Tang Wenchun’s palm, bringing a tickle that seemed to travel from the hand straight to the heart. Tang Wenchun couldn’t help biting her lower lip, and endured.
She released her hand after all.
For some reason, both of them let out a soft breath.
Cultivators had keen ears and sharp eyes, and both heard that sigh clearly—yet neither raised their head to look at the other.
Only Xuanjiu smiled knowingly, seizing the moment when neither was paying attention to put away her Shadow-Recording Stone. Future material secured. The new novel would be called 《The Emotionless Sword Venerable’s Delicate Little Wife》—yes, she chases, she flees, she can’t escape even with wings—it would definitely be a bestseller!
Xuanjiu was in fine spirits. She leaned on the railing, gazed into the distance, and narrowed her eyes. “Shenfeng Sect is almost here.”
Tang Wenchun startled and quickly looked toward the distance. Shenfeng Sect’s name sounded grand, but the reality was quite different—the mountain gate was narrow, the buildings few, and some were clearly newly constructed. Only the disciples, all dressed in new robes, looked somewhat more spirited.
But Tang Wenchun had spent all her time in the Sword Sect, and moreover, thanks to Yu Zhaoming, her cultivation had now reached Nascent Soul, making her discerning eye far sharper. These disciples’ cultivation levels were mostly low—Foundation Establishment was already considered decent. The senior disciple who came to greet them upon hearing of the Sword Sect’s arrival was merely Golden Core.
“The Sword Sect’s arrival brings great honor to all of Shenfeng Sect. My master and his lady are still receiving guests in the front hall. Please follow me.”
That senior disciple’s gaze flicked between Yu Zhaoming and Tang Wenchun. Tang Wenchun keenly caught a flash of jealousy in his eyes and frowned, displeased.
Sword Sect disciples ranked among the Six Major Sects, but the sect’s straightforwardness and poverty meant that not only the other major sects, but even rogue cultivators spoke of the Sword Sect with a degree of disdain. If not for the fact that every Sword Sect disciple could truly fight one against a hundred, someone would have dragged them out of the Six Major Sects long ago.
Tang Wenchun had seen plenty in her five years at the Sword Sect. She clicked her tongue a few times and leaned close to Yu Zhaoming’s ear, whispering: “Do not bully the young for being poor!4 We’ll see about that!!”
The Heart Demon’s voice was soft, yet carried a vindictive5 edge—not malicious, but landing on the ear like a ticklish fragrant breeze. Yu Zhaoming looked at Tang Wenchun and nodded. “With you and me, the Sword Sect’s future will surely be bright.”
Hearing this, Tang Wenchun immediately smiled at Yu Zhaoming.
Xuanjiu trailed behind, raising an eyebrow as she walked slowly.
A small sect like Shenfeng Sect couldn’t even enter her eyes. The guests coming and going were mostly there for the sake of Yunzhongjun, who stood behind Nüluo. A Mahayana cultivator at only a hundred years old—such a genius was almost unheard of in the world. Those who could match Yunzhongjun’s cultivation speed were few indeed; Yu Zhaoming and Tang Wenchun could be counted among them, but they had only just stepped into the Nascent Soul realm.
As for the future, who could say for certain?
The hall was already crowded. Tang Wenchun looked over and spotted Shen Feng from afar, dressed up like a red envelope, with Nüluo beside him. Nüluo’s outfit clearly matched Shen Feng’s, but her expression was pale and composed, carrying only a faint smile. Compared to the smugly satisfied Shen Feng beside her, she appeared strikingly subdued.
Not at all like someone about to celebrate a wedding.
Cultivators had keen ears and sharp eyes, so Tang Wenchun didn’t dare say it aloud, only grumbling in her heart.
Xuanjiu stepped forward and presented a congratulatory gift. Shen Feng laughed loudly: “Many thanks to the Sword Sect for gracing us! Shenfeng Sect is truly humbled by your radiant presence6!” He suddenly looked up toward the distance. “Elder Qin! You came as well!”
Tang Wenchun turned and saw an elderly man with a ruddy, beaming face. He smiled and said, “Shenfeng Sect and the Sound Sect are joining in marriage. As a Sound Sect Elder, I naturally must come to offer congratulations.”
Shen Feng beamed, turning to Nüluo: “Luo’er, come, come, come—meet Elder Qin with me. We owe our smooth marriage to his mediation.”
Elder Qin also looked at Nüluo, his tone turning earnest: “The two of you will soon become one. This can be considered fulfilling the late Sect Master’s long-cherished wish.”
Nüluo lowered her head, avoiding Elder Qin’s gaze. “I have an old friendship with the Sword Sect friends as well. I happen to have a moment to exchange a few words. Please excuse me.”
Shen Feng’s face flickered with displeasure, but he quickly suppressed it and nodded. “Then I’ll trouble you to host them.” With that, he cupped his hands to Xuanjiu with a few polite words and hurried off to chat with Elder Qin.
Nüluo exhaled a long breath, turned to face the three of them, and smiled. “My hospitality may be lacking, but I’m glad you came. This way, please.”
Xuanjiu gave a noncommittal reply, and the group followed Nüluo to their seats. The people seated around them were all strangers. Tang Wenchun glanced behind Nüluo and asked, “Senior Nüluo, where’s Fu Hua?”
Nüluo turned and looked at Tang Wenchun. “Fellow Daoist’s cultivation now far surpasses mine. There’s no need to call me Senior anymore.” She paused. “Fu Hua… should currently be with Shi… with Yunzhongjun.”
Tang Wenchun wanted to ask more, but Nüluo had already walked away.
Tang Wenchun watched Nüluo’s retreating back and said softly, “I don’t think she’s happy.”
“When you first met, you were Golden Core. Now five years have passed and you’re already Nascent Soul. What’s more, she has her shimei eclipsing her like pearls and jade before her7—it’s only natural that she feels sorrow.” Xuanjiu poured herself a cup of wine and spoke leisurely. “This Shenfeng Sect Master may be a poor sort of person, but his wine is quite decent.”
“I don’t think Senior Nüluo is the resentful type,” Tang Wenchun said quietly, watching Nüluo walk toward Shen Feng in the distance. Shen Feng grabbed Nüluo and pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist. Tang Wenchun frowned. “This Shen Feng… how could Senior Nüluo fall for him?”
Xuanjiu smiled without speaking, but Yu Zhaoming turned her head and said, “Human emotions fade with time. Only cultivation and interests endure. Since Senior Nüluo chose to become Dao Companions with Shen Feng, there must be longer-term benefits at stake. Whether for cultivation, or for something else.”
“Then she should just treat herself like a commodity and trade herself away?” Tang Wenchun said, frowning, her eyes full of disapproval. But when she met Yu Zhaoming’s bewildered gaze, that anger was abruptly extinguished.
The gap between Yu Zhaoming’s background and her own was too vast. The two held fundamentally different views on many things. Tang Wenchun couldn’t force her own perspective onto Yu Zhaoming. Unhappy, she stood up. “I’m going for a walk.”
Yu Zhaoming watched Tang Wenchun gradually walk away, then turned to Xuanjiu. “Shizun.”
Xuanjiu waved her hand. “I’m not getting involved.”
Yu Zhaoming fell silent for a moment. “I simply don’t understand. What is wrong with what your disciple said? Love and affection are the most unreliable things in this world. Only interests and the Great Dao are eternal. Isn’t this true of all cultivators? Why can’t she understand?”
Xuanjiu smiled and turned to look at her disciple. “What do you think of the Sword Sect?”
Though Yu Zhaoming didn’t understand why Xuanjiu brought up the Sword Sect, she answered honestly: “It is naturally very good. Your disciple back then… if not for the Sword Sect, your disciple would not be where she is today.”
Hearing this, Xuanjiu took another sip of wine. “But you see, Zhaoming—for the Sword Sect’s pledge of teaching all without distinction8, for its vow that swords shall never turn against our own kin—how much has the Sword Sect paid? People, in the end, should hold on to a few innocent dreams.”
“After all, miracles are always hidden within innocence.”
The author has something to say:
Yu Zhaoming: I don’t understand
Xuanjiu: Are you using the Great Dao and self-interest to cover your heart, or do you truly not understand?
Later, 《The Emotionless Sword Venerable’s Delicate Little Wife》 swept across the entire cultivation world.
Xuanjiu: I told you everyone would love it!
Leave comments, leave comments, thank you everyone!! Bookmarks are already low, at least comments can cheer me up.
Footnotes
- 物是人非 | wu shi ren fei | A classical idiom from Li Qingzhao's Song dynasty ci poem, literally 'the things remain but the people have changed,' expressing poignant grief over familiar surroundings outlasting those who once inhabited them.
- 塌房 | tafang | Modern Chinese internet slang, literally 'house collapse,' originating from celebrity fandom culture where a beloved idol's scandalous downfall is likened to their figurative house caving in; used broadly for any shocking betrayal of expectations.
- 凤凰男 | fenghuang nan | Modern Chinese colloquial term for a man from impoverished rural origins who marries up to exploit his partner's wealth, connections, and social prestige, named after the mythical phoenix that rises from humble ashes but often carrying connotations of parasitic ambition.
- 莫欺少年穷 | mo qi shaonian qiong | A ubiquitous webnovel catchphrase originating from the popular xianxia novel Battle Through the Heavens, literally 'do not bully the young for being poor,' expressing defiant confidence that a currently disadvantaged youth will rise to greatness.
- 睚眦必报 | yazi bi bao | A classical idiom from Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian, literally 'must report even a glance of anger,' describing the policy of the Qin dynasty statesman Fan Sui, who repaid every grievance no matter how trivial; denotes a vindictive spirit that holds even the smallest slights accountable.
- 蓬荜生辉 | pengbi shenghui | A classical Chinese polite expression, literally 'a humble dwelling shines with brilliance,' used to express humble gratitude when one's modest home receives honored guests.
- 珠玉在前 | zhu yu zai qian | A classical Chinese idiom, literally 'pearls and jade lie ahead,' from a commentary on the Book of Documents, meaning that an individual's accomplishments are overshadowed by an exceptional peer who came before them.
- 有教无类 | you jiao wu lei | A Confucian principle from the Analects, literally 'teach all without distinction,' meaning education should be offered to everyone regardless of birth, status, or aptitude—Confucius's radical democratization of learning.
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