We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 419: A Woman Who Does Not Play by Reason!

Following Sili's departure from the sleeping quarters, a determined path was chosen—straight towards the royal sleeping palace of the ruler of Zhou.

Determining if a soul was the reincarnation Sili sought was no simple feat.

Unless one was a cultivator at the Ascension Realm, possessed profound soul arts, and had even a wisp of connection to the individual's past existence, a certainty could not be achieved at a mere glance.

Alternative methods were therefore necessary.

Numerous such methods existed.

The approach Sili adopted was a classic blood art originating from the Western Regions, employing a relic to meticulously gather Xiao Mo’s blood over a span of seven days.

This artifact already contained residual blood from Xiao Mo’s prior life.

Should the ruler of Zhou indeed be the master's reincarnation, the treasure would exhibit a reaction after the seven-day period.

However, the acquisition of fresh blood from Xiao Mo presented a genuine challenge.

While it had been decreed since the era of Great Qin that successive emperors were forbidden from advancing beyond Foundation Establishment,

Under the regulations established by that ancient ruler, emperors within the confines of the imperial palace were shielded from external mental manipulation.

Consequently, Sili was precluded from utilizing illusionary techniques; otherwise, Sili felt assured that with a single penetrating gaze, the ruler of Zhou would be compelled to prostrate and attend to Sili's footwear.

Before long, Sili reached the imperial chambers designated for Xiao Mo’s residence.

Knowledge of the route was secured because, upon their initial entry into the palace that very day, a palace attendant had thoughtfully outlined the locations of the ruler of Zhou’s quarters, the Empress Dowager’s residence, and those of the two designated future consorts.

The attendant had even personally guided them through the palace, evidently concerned they might stray into forbidden areas, thereby potentially offending His Majesty or intruding upon the consorts’ privacy.

“Setting all other considerations aside, this mortal emperor certainly enjoys a life of considerable ease.”

Gazing at the sprawling sleeping palace of the ruler of Zhou, flanked by the courtyards of the two consorts, Sili’s mind conjured an image of the ruler’s future existence—an unending cycle of nightly revelry.

“Proceed.”

From a spirit-pet pouch, Sili retrieved a horned mosquito.

Complying with its master’s directive, the horned mosquito swiftly ascended into the sleeping palace.

After a period equivalent to the time it takes for a cup of tea to cool, the winged creature returned to Sili, alighting upon the back of the offered hand.

The horned mosquito vibrated its wings, emitting a continuous, low hum.

“He is not present?” A flicker of uncertainty crossed Sili’s features.

This ruler of Zhou had no state affairs to attend to, nor were there any official consorts within the palace as of yet.

Furthermore, given the Empress Dowager's likely strict oversight before the future consorts conceived, it seemed improbable he would receive favor from palace maids. So, where might he be spending his nights?

“Remain here. Await the ruler of Zhou’s return. Procure fresh blood for me daily, understood?”

Possessing limited intelligence and an even poorer sense of direction, a low-tier spirit pet like the horned mosquito was incapable of independently drawing blood and then locating Sili.

Therefore, Sili intended to leave the creature within the premises and retrieve it later in the deep of night.

The horned mosquito buzzed in affirmation and re-entered the sleeping palace.

Just as Sili turned to retreat to the quarters for rest, a subtle sensation registered, prompting Sili to turn and gaze in a particular direction.

Sili’s brows furrowed slightly.

A potent surge of sword qi, profoundly unsettling, had been detected.

It bore a disquieting resemblance to that night.

That woman who disregarded all conventional propriety!

Within the hallowed grounds of the National Preceptor’s Residence in Zhou.

The courtyard resonated with the intertwined sword qi emanating from Xiao Mo and Jiang Qingyi.

Beneath the moon’s soft glow, their two longswords cast forth a chilling luminescence, weaving together and then parting in a dynamic display.

The woman’s silken skirt billowed with the rhythm of her swordplay.

Despite the sharp, decisive nature of each of her movements, imbued with extreme ferocity, the performance possessed an aesthetic grace, akin to a captivating dance.

Seizing an opportune moment, Jiang Qingyi’s blade curved around Xiao Mo’s, entwining like the supple embrace of a lover.

With a swift pull, Jiang Qingyi drew Xiao Mo’s sword towards her, disrupting his balance and causing him to falter.

Yet, Jiang Qingyi pivoted, her slender form pressing against Xiao Mo’s front. The sword in her hand rotated backward, not only steadying him but also bringing the sharpened edge to rest precariously at his throat.

“I concede defeat.”

A sigh escaped Xiao Mo’s lips. He had harbored the conviction that with his significantly enhanced physique, he might at least contend evenly with her today.

The outcome, however, proved contrary. Despite a full day of combat, Xiao Mo found himself consistently outmaneuvered.

“Falling to my skill is no cause for shame,” Jiang Qingyi stated coolly, lowering her sword.

She resumed her seat, taking a sip of tea.

Xiao Mo followed suit, settling beside her, eyes closed in meditative repose, silently reviewing the day’s exchanges and refining his sword intent.

Jiang Qingyi turned her head, casting a brief glance at Xiao Mo without disrupting his concentration.

Within her own heart, however, a measure of astonishment was taking root.

She observed that Xiao Mo’s capacity for improvement was accelerating with each passing engagement.

His physical endurance was not only amplified but also significantly more resilient than before.

Today, he had sparred with her over ten times, from dawn until dusk with minimal breaks.

Following each short respite, Xiao Mo's sword techniques, sword Qi, and sword intent had all seen substantial improvement.

Previously, mere exhaustion would have left Xiao Mo collapsing on the ground long ago.

Jiang Qingyi mused that continuing like this would make it increasingly challenging to keep him suppressed at his current cultivation realm.

This thought brought a mixed feeling of pleasure and displeasure to Jiang Qingyi.

Pleasure stemmed from witnessing his rapid progress.

Displeasure arose from her aversion to the future possibility of being surpassed by him.

Yet, despite having superior opportunities, he stubbornly remained within the imperial palace, steadfastly refusing to depart with her.

After a period equivalent to an incense stick burning, Xiao Mo exhaled a slow, murky breath.

Spiritual energy swirled around him before gradually dissipating.

Finally, Xiao Mo opened his eyes.

“Not bad.”

As Xiao Mo's aura stabilized, Jiang Qingyi's voice resonated softly.

“You have attained the twelfth layer of the Qi Refining Realm, achieving perfect completion. And in the mere span of a year since embarking on the path of cultivation, your talent is indeed quite remarkable.”

With her pronouncement, Jiang Qingyi's gaze, sharp as a sword, locked onto Xiao Mo.

“I shall pose this question to you one final time!

Do you genuinely refuse to return to the sect with me?

In antiquity, after the Great Qin ruler issued that imperial decree, mortal emperors faced immense difficulty in breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

Even without that decree, legends claim that those emperors who reached the Golden Core Realm were exceedingly rare.

Cultivation demands unwavering concentration and a clear mind.

Yet, the daily machinations and power struggles within court politics—how many can truly dedicate themselves to cultivation? How many can maintain mental clarity?

Setting aside mortal dynasties, even the sect masters residing atop the mountains often hold mere titular positions, focusing on cultivation while leaving most administrative duties to their deputies.

Therefore, remaining here means you are merely squandering your potential!”

“I am grateful for Immortal Lady Jiang’s kind intentions,”

Xiao Mo replied with a smile, shaking his head.

“However, I truly have no intention of leaving. And the Heavens do not block every path—I intend to forge my own foundation first.”

“Stubborn to the very end!”

Jiang Qingyi let out a cold snort and turned, re-entering the room.

“When His Majesty eventually succumbs to old age, I shall not even return to cast a glance!”