Chapter 10: The Price of a Life and a Disguise

He had been wary.

Though he had taken his leave, the Sky Philosophy Sect disciple who had handed him the waist token did not go far before stopping, their gaze profound as they watched Quan Haoqing’s retreating figure.

Quan Haoqing’s conjecture was accurate; the waist token, beyond merely signifying identity, possessed a multitude of other functions, one of which was to ascertain a disciple’s location within a specific radius.

However, this positioning spell could only be activated by an elder-level disciple’s waist token, and Du Yu had merely been granted temporary access.

Ye Lan’s waist token was on this person.

Du Yu had no intention of alerting the enemy. He had deliberately broadened the conditions for claiming the reward, even including clauses like “regardless of life or death” and “mere location clues suffice,” all in an effort to prompt this rogue cultivator to reveal Ye Lan’s whereabouts.

Yet, the rogue cultivator had not complied, a behavior starkly at odds with the typical profit-driven nature of their kind. The spiritual stones and magical artifacts offered were a fatal temptation for any rogue cultivator.

Most likely, he was unaware of Ye Lan’s location, having acquired the waist token purely by chance.

Alternatively, Ye Lan might have struck some sort of deal with him, intentionally allowing him to take the waist token while concealing her own tracks.

Regardless of the scenario, this individual shared some connection with Ye Lan. His only hope now was that the message would reach Ye Lan; this was all he could manage at present.

****

Rewind the clock a little.

“Finally… I’m dressed.”

At this moment, Ye Lan had transformed completely, presenting an entirely different appearance.

Upon her head, she wore an exquisite and ornate golden headdress, inlaid with glittering gems and pearls that shimmered captivatingly under the sunlight.

Her finely crafted brocade top, a base of rose-red, was embroidered with golden thread patterns, emanating a subtle nobility and tenderness amidst the vibrant crimson.

For her lower half, she donned a loose yet comfortable long skirt. Fashioned from soft, flowing silk fabric, it featured a light purple hue, subtly adorned with faint floral patterns.

To complement the ensemble, she wore a pair of delicate embroidered cloth shoes. Made from soft fabric and adorned with intricate floral stitches, they lent her an air of playfulness and vivacity.

Adding to her adornment, a delicate necklace graced her throat, strung with shimmering, translucent pearls and gemstones that swayed gently, radiating an alluring brilliance.

Overall, her attire perfectly showcased the noble demeanor and graceful elegance befitting an ancient young lady of status. Every detail—from the finely wrought, opulent headdress and the lavish brocade top to the soft, flowing long skirt, the exquisite yet comfortable embroidered cloth shoes, and the pearl and gemstone necklace—underscored her unique and captivating charm.

This appearance left Ye Lan marveling, yet she promptly removed the headdress and necklace, tossing them casually into her storage pouch.

“It’s too flashy, and… too feminine.”

“But you are a woman now, Master,” the Xuan Yin Book Spirit kindly reminded. “Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable if you looked a little better? It’s best to get used to it sooner rather than later.”

Ye Lan’s lips twitched slightly as she replied, “Thank you for the reminder. Don’t mention it again. Besides, I’m going to change back, so there’s no need to get used to it!”

‘If only it were that easy.’

The Xuan Yin Book Spirit muttered softly to itself, ‘Still so young. If it were merely a physical transformation, there would be no need for the Essence of Heaven and Earth or the rotation of Yin and Yang to reshape the body.’

Naturally, it dared not utter these words aloud. It had no desire to be roasted over a fire; though it wouldn’t be destroyed, it would certainly hurt!

Composing herself, Ye Lan’s expression grew indifferent. What was done was done; words were useless now.

Liang Tong!

For today’s humiliation, I will make you pay back tenfold in the future!

And that Quan Haoqing!

Just you wait!

With blazing fury in her eyes, Ye Lan was filled with fighting spirit. The names of these two individuals were now etched onto her mental blacklist; this vendetta would absolutely be settled!

Guided by the Book Spirit, she departed the Grotto-heaven, intent on first exiting the secret realm to expose Liang Tong, that hypocritical murderer of fellow disciples.

However, the method remained a problem. Liang Tong enjoyed an excellent reputation within the sect, and she herself was now in this altered state. Even if she were to disregard external prejudices and reveal her identity…

How could she possibly gain anyone’s trust?

The main issue was not merely the absence of ‘that thing’; her body and appearance were entirely different from before.

But as a major Daoist sect, surely the Sky Philosophy Sect would have a way to identify her, wouldn’t they?

Perhaps there was even a method to change her back!

Yes, that’s it, that’s the best way, it *must* be this way!

Clutching these hopeful aspirations for the future, she traversed the safe passage of the secret realm. Just then, a chilling sensation swept through her body, yanking her from her reverie. Looking up, a surge of murderous intent immediately welled within her; she felt as if possessed by a demon, yearning to cut down everything in her path.

“Alright, alright, so you’re a persistent ghost, huh!”

Ye Lan’s fair, rosy cheeks instantly puffed out into two adorable little buns, storing not mere air, but the sky-burning inferno of her rage!

Right or wrong, she felt that the connection between her and this person was nothing short of a karmic entanglement!

It seemed she would have to be ruthless. Though her strength had waned, she had once been a Core Formation realm cultivator, still stronger than ordinary Body Refinement realm cultivators.

Moreover, this brat possessed many valuable items. If she fought hard and didn’t lose herself in the process, it would be like transforming a flying sword into an immortal vessel!

Every inch of Quan Haoqing’s skin prickled from the surging murderous intent. Reacting instinctively, he drew his sword into a defensive stance, shouting towards Ye Lan, “I still have at least 100 years of lifespan! So calm down!”

Body Refinement realm cultivators generally lived up to 150 years.

Ye Lan: “…”

‘She had forgotten this person was a ruthless individual who ‘spent’ their life force (TL Note: Kè mìng (氪命) is a slang term referring to sacrificing one’s lifespan or health to gain power or achieve a goal, similar to ‘P2W’ but with life as currency.). How could anyone be so despicable!’

‘Playing games with your lifespan, are you?!’

Ye Lan’s delicate brows furrowed fiercely as she angrily demanded, “Does that move of his have no cooldown?!”

“Cooldown? Do you mean the casting interval? No, as long as he’s willing to expend his life, he can use it anytime. When given three choices, any sane person would pick the two without side effects.”

The Xuan Yin Book Spirit was utterly speechless regarding this eccentric individual, Quan Haoqing.

When the Blazing Starfall Tome Spirit art was first cultivated, due to the blessing of primordial earth fire, one of the initial three moves could be mastered instantly. Theoretically, a normal person would never consider practicing such a life-consuming divine ability, would they?

‘It wasn’t as if he couldn’t practice it later.’

Ye Lan: “…”

‘Alright, alright, that’s just great!’

The sky-burning fury instantly transformed into a torrent of grievances as vast as the Yellow River. In that moment, Ye Lan desperately wanted to cry.

She gently patted her puffed-out, bun-like cheeks with her small hands, attempting to physically deflate the pouches brimming with anger and grievance. Yet, her jelly-like little buns were incredibly stubborn; they would retract when patted down, only to spring back up when her hand lifted.

Quan Haoqing, standing by, was utterly mesmerized. There was no helping it; she was simply too adorable. Ye Lan’s current image was like a tiny hamster meticulously grooming itself with its cheeks stuffed full, so cute it melted one’s heart.

Initially, he had almost believed Ye Lan was about to burst into tears before him, and he had been preparing to mobilize every brain cell to figure out how to appease a fairy who was both crying because of him and intent on killing him.

Now, it seemed his efforts were unnecessary. Her resilience was far greater than he had imagined, and this method of dispelling grievances was truly something one could watch endlessly without tiring.

However, lingering like this was clearly not an option. He wanted to slip away, but Ye Lan was blocking his only path.

“Um, do you need help?”

Ye Lan ceased her actions, her two little buns now resembling small peaches, though their size seemed unchanged. She fixed Quan Haoqing with an utterly frigid gaze: “Of course. Would you mind dying now?”

Despite being a secret realm where spring reigned year-round, at that instant, Quan Haoqing felt as though he stood amidst a ten-thousand-foot glacier, icy winds from all directions chilling him to his bones with a dull ache.

Quan Haoqing swallowed the saliva that felt like it was freezing into ice shards, then stammered, trembling, “Um, I’m afraid I cannot comply.”

Ye Lan scoffed softly.

Her cherry-red lips curled upwards in a dismissive sneer, seemingly mocking Quan Haoqing’s overestimation of himself. Her black, pearl-like eyes were filled with utter disdain for him, as if he were nothing more than the depleted dregs of spiritual stones.

She then resumed patting her cheeks with her palms, attempting to calm herself.

“Uh, you’re curious about this, aren’t you?”

Watching Ye Lan, who seemed to have grown up feasting on cuteness, Quan Haoqing helplessly opened his palm, revealing Du Yu’s waist token resting within.

As expected, Ye Lan’s attention was captured, and she abandoned her ridiculously adorable behavior.

“You… attacked another Sky Philosophy Sect disciple?”

‘Why “another”? It was a Sky Philosophy Sect disciple who attacked *me*.’

Quan Haoqing silently retorted in his mind, then shook his head, saying, “Of course not. How dare I offend the Sky Philosophy Sect? Heh, if I’m unlucky enough to encounter some scoundrels, I’m only fit to be robbed.”

‘Who are you calling a scoundrel?!’

Ye Lan’s eyes instantly ignited, fierce flames burning Quan Haoqing across the void.

Quan Haoqing silently endured the “double hell of ice and fire,” merely taking it as retribution for having seen Ye Lan completely naked. “…I wasn’t talking about you, nor do I intend to slander the Sky Philosophy Sect. But in a big forest, there are all sorts of birds. Renowned sects prioritize talent over character, not to mention those burrowing worms (TL Note: Dìxuè chóng (地穴虫) refers to a type of beast that disguises itself as harmless burrows, devouring any creature that enters its trap-like maw.) who know how to hide themselves.”

Ye Lan inexplicably thought of Liang Tong. Wasn’t he exactly who Quan Haoqing was describing?! This guy actually had good insight!

Yet, Quan Haoqing didn’t know Liang Tong at all. The only Sky Philosophy Sect disciple he knew was her—oh, and now Du Yu, whom he had met once.

“Indeed, the sect truly ought to strengthen its moral cultivation.”

Hearing Ye Lan’s somewhat gentle words, Quan Haoqing knew they had finally found common ground, though he remained unaware that they were each thinking of completely different people.

Ye Lan subtly inquired, “Then where did you obtain this waist token?”

Seeing Ye Lan proactively change the subject, Quan Haoqing breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t usually flustered by women, but whenever he saw Ye Lan, the image of her jade-like body, like that of a celestial fairy, would flash in his mind, causing his thoughts to become muddled and leaving him feeling bewildered in her presence.

Since Ye Lan wasn’t pressing the issue of their earlier “frank encounter” by the lake, Quan Haoqing was more than eager to use other topics to quickly divert the conversation.

“A Sky Philosophy Sect cultivator gave it to me. They have a disciple named Ye Lan who has ‘disappeared’ within the secret realm, and they’ve issued this sect mission to rogue cultivators as well. The reward is quite generous, I’d say: a thousand high-grade spiritual stones or a high-grade magical artifact.”

Ye Lan’s lips twitched violently. The excuse of “disappearing in the secret realm” was far too clumsy; it was clearly a flimsy cover for their true intentions.

Who would declare their own disciple missing before the secret realm even closed, especially one who hadn’t even exited yet, and then widely broadcast a mission for them to rogue cultivators?

Harboring a sense of unease, Ye Lan feigned nonchalance and remarked, “It is quite generous, generous enough that it doesn’t sound like a simple search mission.”

Quan Haoqing nodded. “Fellow Daoist, you’ve also sensed something amiss, haven’t you? And merely discovering their whereabouts is enough. That person isn’t missing at all; they’re evading their sect, or perhaps even… defecting.”

As the word “defecting” reached her ears, Ye Lan’s pupils constricted. Her hands clenched tightly into fists, nails digging deep into her flesh, and faint traces of blood could be seen oozing from between her fingers.

“Is that so.”

Though she desperately wanted to appear completely unaffected, her reaction had already been observed by Quan Haoqing.

‘Was she connected to that cultivator named Ye Lan, or perhaps to the Sky Philosophy Sect?’

“If Fellow Daoist has any clues regarding that cultivator named Ye Lan, you can go to the Sky Philosophy Sect to claim the reward.”

Ye Lan nodded. “If I find any clues, I certainly will.”

‘She just wondered if the bounty would still be paid out normally after she turned herself in, or if they would even acknowledge her.’

After a self-deprecating thought, Ye Lan looked at the waist token in Quan Haoqing’s hand and asked, “But if it’s just issuing a mission, there’s no need to give us a waist token, is there? I have friends in the Sky Philosophy Sect, and they don’t seem to have this rule.”

Quan Haoqing chuckled, voicing his own confusion: “That’s what I found strange too. They said if I saw that Ye Lan and they made any unusual moves, I could hand it over to them. Want to take a look?”

Quan Haoqing proactively offered the waist token to Ye Lan.

‘This guy is testing me!’

Ye Lan saw through it, as her previous actions had indeed been somewhat suspicious.

‘But what did it matter?!’

‘My foolish mortal enemy!’

‘Even with your extraordinary intelligence, you would never guess that the “Ye Lan” you’ve been “longing for” is standing right before you, would you?’

‘Ahahahah!’

At this thought, Ye Lan’s heart swelled with involuntary triumph, and she openly accepted the waist token.

A sect’s waist token was more than just an identification badge; it was called a “Talisman of Trust.” Besides confirming one’s identity within the sect, it could also store a small piece of information using a special method taught by the sect.

To retrieve this information, one not only needed the sect’s public message decryption method but also the corresponding incantation of the intended recipient.

Of course, sect elders possessed a higher-grade decryption art, allowing them to directly view the waist token’s information.

Ye Lan was extremely familiar with the owner of this waist token; he was one of her few trusted friends in the Sky Philosophy Sect.

Ye Lan had once, by chance, saved his life. He was a stubborn individual, and his closeness to Ye Lan stemmed from her life-saving kindness. However, he did not believe that this closeness meant he could neglect repaying such a profound debt.

Thus, he had constantly sought ways to repay her, even making his intentions quite obvious. Despite Ye Lan repeatedly stating it was unnecessary and merely a small favor, his resolve remained unshaken: repay kindness, return affection, and avenge grievances—such was his philosophy of life.

As Ye Lan examined the waist token, she silently input her decryption art. A surge of information, or rather a memory, flooded into her mind.

She strongly resisted the urge to immediately scrutinize the information, instead flipping the waist token two or three times before handing it back directly. Shaking her head regretfully, she stated, “I don’t see anything particularly special about it.”

Quan Haoqing nodded; he hadn’t held much hope to begin with.

Immediately afterward, he pulled out another waist token—Ye Lan’s own.

“Fellow Daoist, please examine this one.”