Chapter 51: Journey in the Mountains and Rivers (V)

Sui Ning felt heavy-hearted as she knew what the future held.

The seal of the Demon’s Abyss was broken, and evil spirits appeared. The strength of the demon clan soared, while the immortal realm retreated step by step. Countless beings suffered, and the ground was littered with corpses.

The goddess Yan Heng and the demon god Gui Ba perished together, their blood and flesh scattered throughout the mortal world.

Ji Hu exhausted his cultivation, hoping to keep a part of the goddess’s soul, but he did not know how it would end.

It was precisely because she knew all of this that Sui Ning felt so sorrowful.

Both Ji Hu and Yan Heng would die in that great war between gods and demons.

Ji Hu had already taken out the Demon-Slaying Sword without Sui Ning noticing. His brows furrowed, and his dark and thick eyelashes drooped as he gazed at the sword with a gloomy expression.

He spoke softly: “Yanheng began refining the Demon-Slaying Sword ten thousand years ago, but I never knew. She kept it a secret from everyone.”

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Ji Hu’s cold and stern face suddenly turned somewhat gloomy. The utmost sorrow lingered around him, and there was a hint of redness in his cold eyes.

Sui Ning remained silent for a long time before letting out a sigh. She spoke slowly: “So what does the God of War want me to do?”

Ji Hu quickly adjusted his emotions, and when he turned to look at her, he had resumed his arrogant and proud appearance.

Sui Ning continued to ask, ‘Didn’t the God of War say that there are immortals guarding the perimeter of the palace? What do you want me to do?’

Ji Hu handed her the Demon-Slaying Sword, and his eyes were filled with coldness.

“Keep the immortals stable.”

Sui Ning took the sword and asked, ‘How should I do that?’

“Tell the immortals that the Demon-Slaying Sword has been forged and that it is necessary to eliminate the ghosts and demons,” Ji Hu said, looking at Sui Ning, but his gaze drifted towards Xie Changzhou.

Although the two of them looked completely different, their pupils were surprisingly beautiful. Their translucent, crystal-like eyes were bright and sparkling, as if filled with galaxies.

Xie Changzhou looked at Ji Hu coldly and asked, ‘Do you want Ningning to pretend to be the goddess and inform those immortals that they must eliminate the ghosts and demons? What about the Wanmo Cavern?’

Sui Ning furrowed her brows. Ji Hu only mentioned the ghosts and demons, but what about the Wanmo Cavern?

“There’s no time for the Wanmo Cavern,” Ji Hu said without changing his expression.

Sui Ning tightened her grip on the Demon-Slaying Sword and asked with a heavy heart, ‘What do you mean by no time?’

“The seal on the Wanmo Cavern has already been loosened. If we want to reseal it, we need a god’s sacrifice, and the cost is the complete destruction of the god’s soul.”

Ji Hu’s silent gaze was unusually cold; his hands were behind his back, and his eyes were fixed on Sui Ning.

Sui Ning immediately understood his meaning. The only god left now was Yanheng, who had used the God’s Divine Heart to forge the Demon-Slaying Sword. She definitely had no spare energy to seal the Wanmo Cavern.

Even if she had the ability, Ji Hu probably wouldn’t let her make the sacrifice.

Sui Ning could tell that Ji Hu liked Yanheng.

Xie Changzhou said calmly, ‘So the God of War wants Ningning to stabilize the immortals outside the palace.’

He raised his eyebrows, and his voice became low. ‘But after stabilizing those immortals, what does the God of War plan to do?’

Ji Hu remained silent, staring at him with pursed lips.

Sui Ning also looked up at him quietly, holding the Demon-Slaying Sword.

Ji Hu’s Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed; his gaze shifted slightly, and after a while, he spoke expressionlessly, “I have a plan for this matter. Both of you just need to impersonate the goddess and stabilize the situation.”

After he finished speaking, he fell silent again, his gaze icy and his expression grim.

Xie Changzhou’s expression remained clear and distant, but he suddenly let out a light laugh. However, his eyes held no trace of amusement. “Alright, then we won’t meddle further.”

“Let’s wait and see—” Xie Changzhou paused briefly, then took a step forward to stand in front of him. With his tall and upright figure, he enunciated each word clearly: “What will the War God do?”

Their statures were similar, and they stared at each other, their expressions both cold and stern. The pressure emanating from their bodies hinted at the turbulent undercurrents between them.

Sui Ning keenly sensed the tension in the atmosphere. Knowing that Ji Hu had a bad temper and Xie Changzhou was currently upset, she was worried they might start fighting again. She quickly stepped forward to mediate.

“War God, aren’t the immortals still waiting in the outer hall?” Sui Ning squeezed between the two of them, holding the Demon-Slaying Sword and discreetly creating more distance between them.

Xie Changzhou’s gaze landed on her, and his cold and aloof expression suddenly melted away. His eyes softened, and he looked somewhat helpless. “Ningning…”

Sui Ning turned to look at him, her dark eyes clearly conveying her message: Shut up.

The words he hadn’t finished saying were silenced, and he seemed a bit dazed. After a moment, he inexplicably felt like laughing.

Sui Ning turned her gaze back to Ji Hu in front of her, her brows lifting, and two small dimples appeared on her cheeks as she said, “War God?”

Ji Hu withdrew his gaze from Xie Changzhou, nodding slightly and saying, “Yes, it’s time to go.”

His calm gaze shifted to Sui Ning for a moment, and then he shook his head and said, “You need to change your clothes first.”

Sui Ning understood and readily agreed.

She was going to put on Yanheng’s clothes. She had already thought about it; when acting, she needed to play the part convincingly.

Yanheng was an ancient goddess, and her attire was mostly extravagant and intricate, with the headpiece being especially elaborate.

Under the guidance of the system, Sui Ning struggled to put on her clothes, but when it came to the headpiece, she ran into trouble again.

“I have no idea how to do this at all!” Sui Ning was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Yan Heng’s clothes were complicated enough, but the headpiece was even more troublesome. With a table full of flowing suzhu flowers, Sui Ning had no idea how to match them, not to mention Yan Heng’s complicated hairstyle.

Sui Ning: “……System, I really don’t know how to do this!”

[Should you call a maid…no, you can’t call a maid; you will be discovered.]

The system was also in a bit of a bind. They couldn’t call a maid, and Sui Ning didn’t know how to do it. The only people there were Ji Hu and Xie Changzhou, two big men.

It wouldn’t be appropriate to ask two big men for help, would it?

Just as the system was thinking, a slight knock on the door was heard from outside the hall.

“Ningning, are you ready?” A clear and gentle voice came through, and Sui Ning’s eyes lit up.

It was Xie Changzhou!

The closed doors opened, and Sui Ning quietly poked her head out. Her long black hair fell softly on her shoulders, and her bright black eyes hesitated as she looked at him with her slightly pursed lips.

Xie Changzhou’s heart softened, and he asked softly, “Ningning?”

Sui Ning’s eyes were conflicted, and she stretched her neck to see Ji Hu sitting on the bed, focused on Yan Heng’s outfit, without noticing them. She quickly reached out and pulled Xie Changzhou in, suddenly closing the door.

Xie Changzhou was a bit puzzled and looked at her. “Ningning, what’s wrong?”

Sui Ning’s emotions suddenly rose, and she pointed to her own head, feeling quite wronged, saying, “I don’t know how to do this.”

Her black eyes were slightly red, her beautiful eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and her hair was messy, with some strands falling on her face, which was cold and pale but slightly flushed.

Xie Changzhou was slightly stunned, looking into her eyes, and his heart softened even more. He raised his eyebrows, and a smile appeared in his eyes.

He took Sui Ning’s hand and sat her down at the dressing table. The two of them were reflected in the mirror: Sui Ning’s beautiful face and Xie Changzhou’s gentle expression as he focused on her.

Sui Ning’s heart softened, and her cheeks were a little hot. “Jianzun?”

“Mhmm.”

Xie Changzhou’s long and slender hand brushed over Sui Ning’s hair, picking up the wooden comb on the table and gently straightening her just-messed-up hair. His well-defined joints were faintly visible in her dark hair, and his movements were gentle and careful, holding her green silk with great care as he tied it up.

Sui Ning looked in the mirror; her fair face flushed like a sunset, and even her ears were red.

Xie Changzhou lowered his long eyelashes, his expression focused and soft, skillfully weaving her complex hair into an elegant bun. He picked up the jade hairpin on the table and gently fastened her hair, placing the exquisite phoenix crown on her head.

“Jianzun,” Sui Ning called out softly, unable to resist asking the question in her heart, “how do you know how to do a woman’s hair?”

She thought of something, furrowed her brows, turned her head to look at him, and looked at him with some doubt on her gentle face.

“You’re not used to doing women’s hair, are you?”

His technique was so skilled, even more so than a woman’s hand. Sui Ning stared at him with wide eyes, her face showing anger.

Xie Changzhou laughed lightly, his glassy eyes hiding a hint of laughter, and his eyebrows were full of pleasure.

He reached out and gently pinched her delicate face, feeling her skin burning hot and the laughter in his eyes becoming even stronger.

Sui Ning slapped his hand away, raised her eyebrows, and scolded, “Jianzun, why are you avoiding the question? You haven’t really done a woman’s hair before, have you?”

Her soft voice was lowered, her tone drawn out, and although it sounded threatening, it sounded like she was coquettish in his ear. Xie Changzhou’s eyebrows were full of laughter; his clear and elegant face appeared even gentler under the light, and the stars in his eyes sparkled.

He bent down and leaned on the dressing table, with Sui Ning in his arms. The light scent of pine entered her nose, making her heart itch. Xie Changzhou chuckled softly. “My master’s wife taught me how to braid hair years ago, and Sui Ning was the first person I braided hair for.” 

He leaned closer to her, and the sweet scent on Suining’s body filled his nose, making his gaze even softer. “My master’s wife said, Let me learn how to braid hair and use it to please my future wife. A harmonious relationship between husband and wife is important.” 

His master’s wife was completely different from his master—an extremely gentle woman. His master always said that cutting off all emotional attachments was necessary to have no weaknesses, but his master’s wife didn’t believe that. She said, “Ziyue, only those who love can love the world.” 

“Sui Ning.” Xie Changzhou’s voice was low, and his gentle gaze traced her eyebrows and eyes, gradually lowering his gaze to her slightly pursed lips. He smiled slightly, and the corners of his eyes turned slightly red. Suddenly, he lowered his head and kissed her, then pulled away, leaving behind warm breath and the light scent of pine on her face. 

Sui Ning’s heart fluttered, her ears turned red, and her thick, long eyelashes trembled slightly, indicating her nervousness. The system in her mind screamed, “[Damn, Xie Changzhou has this kind of look!]” 

Sui Ning’s throat was dry as she met his gaze, seeing the intense emotion in his eyes. “Do you please me, Sui Ning?” Xie Changzhou was very close to her, and her heart was beating faster and faster. 

He was…too much! 

Seeing Sui Ning hesitate to answer, he couldn’t help but smile and kiss her again, feeling completely smitten. His voice was low and hoarse: “Sui Ning, do I please you?”

Seeing him try to come closer to kiss her, Sui Ning stretched out her hand to stop him, her thick eyelashes trembling lightly and her eyes darting around nervously, unable to look at him.

“Jianzun!” She spoke with a hint of anger, whispering into Xie Changzhou’s ear, causing his heart to flutter and his eyes to fill with a smile.

Xie Changzhou chuckled softly, his breath spraying onto Sui Ning’s palm like a small brush, tickling her. She quickly withdrew her hand and covered his lips.

He stood up and lightly rubbed her furry head with his hand. “Ningning, I only want to tie your hair for you.”

Sui Ning stood up calmly and expressionlessly in front of him, although her heart was as sweet as honey. She tried to suppress the smile on her lips and forced it down.

She replied in a calm tone, “Okay.”

Xie Changzhou still wore a smile on his face, his gaze fixed on her with tenderness and affection in his eyes and at the corners of his mouth.

Sui Ning wore a veil, and once it covered her face, the smile on her lips was fully revealed. Her black, bright eyes sparkled with laughter.

Xie Changzhou shook his head helplessly, combed her hair, and took her hand to walk out of the hall.

When she took his hand, Sui Ning tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on his cold, white cheek through the veil.

She whispered in his ear, “Happy.”

She was responding to his earlier words.

“Ningning, are you happy?”

Yes, she was very happy.

A soft laughter came from Sui Ning as she flashed past him and opened the door, leaving Xie Changzhou standing alone, stunned in place.

For a long time, a soft laugh echoed in the silent hall.

His heart skipped a beat and then pounded rapidly like thunder.

Sui Ning, his Ningning.

***

Footsteps came from behind, and Ji Hu put away his sadness and quickly regained his appearance as a powerful god of war.

He turned to look at Sui Ning, and his fingertips trembled slightly when his gaze met hers.

The gorgeous and noble court dress she wore highlighted her slender and graceful figure. A beautiful hairpin on her forehead made her look alluring, with curved eyebrows and bright and deep black eyes.

A veil covered her face, hiding her beautiful features, and her hands were folded in front of her with a dignified bearing, displaying the demeanor of a superior.

It was too alike.

This was just too much like Yanheng.

Ji Hu frowned slightly, staring at her with a deep gaze, revealing an expression of incredulity.

Why would a nascent soul stage cultivator from the mortal realm look so much like Ah Heng?

Xie Changzhou walked over slowly, seeing that Ji Hu was staring fixedly at Sui Ning without blinking, and his forehead wrinkled slightly. His glassy eyes were cold and indifferent as he spoke softly, “God of War.”

Ji Hu suddenly came to his senses, his expression somewhat unnatural. He quickly turned his gaze away, looking somewhat embarrassed.

He had actually been staring blankly at a nascent soul-stage female cultivator.

But Sui Ning really looked too much like Yanheng.

He had not seen Yanheng’s face for ten thousand years, and when he saw Sui Ning’s face for the first time, he felt that they looked similar.

But when Sui Ning put on her veil, he was shocked to realize that they were not just similar; they were exactly the same.

Suining chuckled. “God of War also thinks I look like Ah Heng, right?”

Ji Hu looked at her but didn’t say anything, silently acknowledging Sui Ning’s words.

Sui Ning met his gaze, and a hint of darkness flickered in her black eyes. “I also can’t believe that someone could look exactly like me.”

At the moment she saw the Yanheng, she felt a sense of fear and absurdity.

Ji Hu silently watched her. The woman wearing a veil really looked like Yanheng.

Suddenly, the jade pendant hanging from his waist lit up. Ji Hu took it off and opened it, and a figure gradually appeared in the void.

He wore wide blue clothes, with dust settling on his sleeves and his white hair loosely tied behind him.

He bowed to Ji Hu and Sui Ning and said, “Greetings to the Goddess and the God of War, Ji Hu.”

Ji Hu waved his hand and said, “No need for excessive formalities.”

The man slowly stood up, his old face looking at Sui Ning and Ji Hu.

Xie Changzhou had already dodged away, and only Sui Ning and Ji Hu were left in the hall.

He said softly, “Goddess, God of War, the immortals have been waiting for a long time.”

Ji Hu looked at Sui Ning, the threat apparent in his shallow eyes.

Sui Ning: “…”

She understood and imitated Yanheng’s dignified and serious demeanor: “I will come later.”

The man did not notice anything strange and bowed to her and said, “Yes.”

The projection disappeared, and Xie Changzhou stepped out from the side. Ji Hu relaxed his gaze on Sui Ning.

He said softly, “Just say what we discussed later.”

After speaking, he handed something to Sui Ning, who looked surprised as she lowered her eyes to see it.

A hairpin lay quietly in the palm of her clearly defined hand, sparkling and exuding a warm and pure aura.

Sui Ning raised an eyebrow and asked, “What is this?”

“It’s just an artifact used to deceive people’s eyes and ears,” Ji Hu explained in a nonchalant tone.

Seeing that Sui Ning seemed to not understand, he patiently explained, “Your cultivation level is only at the nascent soul stage, without even reaching the immortal level. You’ll be exposed as a fake at first glance.”

Sui Ning nodded in understanding, and Ji Hu raised his hand to put a hairpin in her hair.

But before his hand could reach her hair, a cold fragrance swept past, and a cold, white, slender hand passed directly through the jade hairpin in Ji Hu’s hand, saying in a clear and melodious voice, “Don’t worry, I’ll do it.”

Ji Hu was stunned for a moment, then withdrew his hand and chuckled nonchalantly.

Xie Changzhou gently removed the jade pendant from Sui Ning’s phoenix crown and inserted the hairpin into her hair.

“This girl is several hundred years younger than you, yet you still had to intervene.” Ji Hu sneered as he hugged his sword, his voice inexplicably sour.

Xie Changzhou remained calm and composed, his face unchanging and his voice still flat. “Isn’t the goddess also ten thousand years older than the God of War?”

He took Sui Ning’s hand and turned around to face Ji Hu, standing tall and straight with a cold gaze.

He spoke slowly: “But Sui Ning and I love each other, while the God of War only has unrequited love.”

Ji Hu’s expression immediately turned cold; his thin lips were tightly pursed, and a chilly aura emanated from his body.

Xie Changzhou’s lips curled up with a hint of teasing; the meaning was clear.

Sui Ning tried hard to suppress the urge to laugh, and she held Xie Changzhou’s cool hand in return.

When did Xie Changzhou learn to be so sarcastic and venomous? It was truly shocking.

Ever since the incident where Ji Hu injured her, Xie Changzhou has always shown strong hostility towards him. His usual indifference and courtesy disappeared, making him appear like a sulky child.

Sui Ning felt that it was somewhat cute.

The amusement in her eyes became even more apparent, causing Ji Hu’s expression to darken visibly.

He spoke coldly, “We’re done with the love talk. Can we leave now?”

Sui Ning turned to look at Xie Changzhou beside her. Xie Changzhou was helpless and slightly bowed his body to meet her gaze.

“Ningning, I can’t go. Those immortal beings will recognize my identity.”

He reached out and brushed away the stray hairs on her forehead, his expression gentle. “I’ll be close to you outside the palace. If there’s anything, you can send me a message.”

Sui Ning nodded in agreement, saying, “Okay.”

***

To leave the outer hall, they needed to walk through a long corridor. The corridor hung in mid-air, surrounded by dense, colorful clouds and wispy mist, giving it an otherworldly feel.

Ji Hu spoke as he walked: “You just need to inform those immortal beings that the Demon-slaying Sword has been forged, so they don’t have to panic.”

Sui Ning frowned. “What about the evil spirits in the Demon’s Abyss? Is the Immortal Realm not planning to deal with them?”

Ji Hu didn’t say anything; his face was cold as he continued to walk towards the outside of the palace. Sui Ning was angry and lifted her skirt to catch up with his steps.

“War God, didn’t you say it was too late for the Demon’s Abyss? How will the evil spirits that escaped from there be dealt with once the seal is completely broken?”

Ji Hu suddenly stopped and turned around to look at her, lowering his gaze.

He was as tall as Xie Changzhou, and now he looked down at her, firmly enveloping her in front of him.

Ji Hu’s brows furrowed, and Sui Ning also stared back at him, her gaze calm and cool.

With their eyes locked, Suining could clearly see the coldness in Jihu’s eyes. He spoke slowly and deliberately: “I will handle this matter myself.”

He turned and walked away, his black robe fluttering behind him and his back appearing solemn and murderous.

Sui Ning furrowed her brows and felt increasingly anxious. It seemed like Ji Hu was hiding something from her. What did he really want to do?

The system detected her emotions and mechanically comforted her, saying, “[Host, don’t worry. This is all in the past, and you can’t change what Ji Hu did. Just let things take their course.]”

Sui Ning silently watched Jihu’s retreating figure for a while before nodding slightly. The system was right. What had happened was in the past, and no matter how it had played out, the final outcome would not have changed.

She calmed herself down and followed Jihu at a slow pace, lifting the hem of her dress.

Outside the palace, several dozen immortal beings stood scattered about, their faces full of worry and their bodies surrounded by a cloud of divine energy. They were gathered together in a small group, discussing something in hushed tones.

When Sui Ning and Jihu arrived, the immortals quickly stood up and respectfully bowed to them, saying, “Greetings, Divine Maiden, Greetings, War God.”

Sui Ning’s expression remained unchanged as she gently waved her hand and said, “Please rise, Immortals.”

She stood tall and aloof on the high platform, her beautiful features cold and indifferent.

Ji Hu obediently stood by her side, his cold gaze silently fixed on her face, his hand tightly gripping his sword, revealing the veins on his back.

Sui Ning looked even more like a queen in this position, holding dominion over all.

The immortals slowly straightened up; their eyes focused on Sui Ning with a unanimous look of respect and admiration.

Sui Ning raised her right hand, and a clear and bright true energy was emitted, gradually forming a long sword in the air.

The sword was bright white, and the divine energy flowed like a rainbow, exuding a powerful killing intent.

She spoke softly, “This is the Demon-Slaying Sword.”

The immortals below were immediately thrown into chaos, each with a stunned expression and disbelief written all over their faces.

“I will use the Demon-Slaying Sword to personally slay the ghosts and demons, bringing peace to this world.”