We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 428: This Is Truly Far Too Shameful

Descending the steps before the gate, Jiang Qingyi approached Sili, her eyes meticulously scanning the maid from head to toe.

Sili lowered her gaze and bowed her head, her hands resting clasped in front of her, appearing utterly terrified.

Gain control. Gain control. Wangxin bestowed a supreme treasure upon me—she absolutely cannot perceive my cultivation realm.

Under the scrutiny of an Ascension Realm sword immortal, Sili’s heart pounded ever faster.

Yet, Sili compelled herself to remain composed.

Prior to entering the palace, to guarantee flawless execution, Wangxin had entrusted Sili with a half-immortal weapon: the Heaven-Covering Pearl.

Equipped with the Heaven-Covering Pearl, Sili would remain undetected by the Qin imperial palace's fortune, provided she refrained from utilizing spiritual power or employing spell arts.

Consequently, even an Ascension Realm cultivator standing directly before her would be incapable of discerning Sili’s true cultivation level.

Under the shield of the Heaven-Covering Pearl, even the Myriad Flower Peak’s secret-transmission disguise technique experienced an elevated level of effectiveness. The probability of discovery was minimal.

After completing two circuits around Sili, Jiang Qingyi’s attention shifted from the maid to Xiao Mo.

“Your Majesty possesses impeccable taste. This woman’s physique—many would despair in comparison.”

With the statement uttered, Jiang Qingyi resumed her seat on the stone stool, poured a cup of tea for herself, and her tone carried a hint of annoyance.

“Why has Your Majesty graced my National Preceptor’s Residence today? Could it be that Your Majesty has acquired a new favorite and wishes to flaunt them before me?”

“Lady Jiang jested,” Xiao Mo replied with a smile, shaking his head. “My visit today pertains to a matter requiring inquiry.”

“Oh?” Jiang Qingyi slightly raised her eyes. “And what matter is it?”

“Previously, while I was in the Library Pavilion, I encountered a book mentioning rumors of certain arts in this world capable of compelling individuals to speak the truth,” Xiao Mo inquired directly, making no attempt to conceal his conversation from Sili, who stood nearby.

“Compelling truth?” Jiang Qingyi glanced towards Sili. “What exactly do you mean?”

“Precisely as stated. This palace maid is named Si Li. Yesterday, upon encountering me, she openly declared she was dispatched by the Empress Dowager to monitor my actions, yet she professed her unwavering loyalty to me and denied any ulterior motives.”

Xiao Mo elaborated.

“However, as Lady Jiang is aware, there are numerous elements within this rear palace that necessitate my vigilance. Thus, I have sought your counsel to ascertain if you are acquainted with such an art, which could verify Si Li’s veracity.”

Jiang Qingyi regarded the woman with the striking figure impassively, speaking her mind.

“Does Your Majesty presume that merely possessing a high cultivation realm equates to omniscience?”

“Indeed, there exist certain common arts that, as one’s realm ascends, most cultivators naturally acquire,” Jiang Qingyi continued. “However, the art of compelling truth falls under the purview of Daoist cultivators or those of the Yin-Yang school.”

Jiang Qingyi turned her head away.

“I am a sword cultivator. I possess no knowledge of such an art, nor do I harbor any inclination to learn it. Should I harbor suspicion towards a target, I would rather eliminate an innocent than permit a guilty one to escape—my sword strikes decisively. Why ensnare myself in such trivialities as Your Majesty proposes?”

“Very well, then I have inadvertently troubled you.” Xiao Mo did not register disappointment. If she lacked the knowledge, he would simply pursue alternative avenues.

“Wait.”

Just as Xiao Mo initiated his departure, Jiang Qingyi’s voice called out from behind him.

Jiang Qingyi rose and approached Xiao Mo with a displeased expression.

“I am also privy to other arts that could assist Your Majesty. Why the haste to depart?”

“What other arts?” Xiao Mo inquired, curiosity piqued.

“Naturally, soul-searching,” Jiang Qingyi stated, fixing Sili with a sneer. “Once the soul is probed, all truths are laid bare. Is this not far more effective than compelling truth?”

Upon hearing the prospect of soul-searching, Sili’s heart constricted, and she involuntarily took a step backward.

“Are there any adverse effects?” Xiao Mo questioned.

“Undoubtedly. In mild cases, some memories are lost. In severe instances, the individual becomes mentally incapacitated. The degree of consequence varies from person to person,” Jiang Qingyi stated coolly.

Xiao Mo turned his head, his gaze falling upon Sili.

Sili clutched her fragrant sleeves with palpable tension, a subtle pallor tingeing her complexion.

“Let us forgo that,” Xiao Mo declared, shaking his head and rejecting Jiang Qingyi’s proposition.

“Oh?” Jiang Qingyi crossed her arms. “Does Your Majesty harbor an unwillingness to part with a beauty?”

“If she genuinely harbors loyalty towards me, and my own suspicion leads to her being rendered witless, my conscience would not find peace,” Xiao Mo elucidated.

At Xiao Mo’s explanation, Sili could not refrain from lifting her head, her gaze drawn to his profile. Her expressive eyes shimmered with emotion.

“Heh. With Your Majesty exhibiting such benevolence, how do you intend to seize power in the future?”

Jiang Qingyi let out a derisive laugh and tossed a small box from her storage pouch towards him.

Xiao Mo opened the box.

Within reach was a small, exquisite flying sword, no longer than an embroidery needle, accompanied by a piece of white paper bearing an incantation beneath it.

Jiang Qingyi, no longer minding Xiao Mo, turned and entered the room, her voice trailing behind her, "This sword is called the Heart-Piercing Sword, a seventh-rank magic artifact. I acquired it by chance while passing through and annihilating a demonic sect. Its function and how to wield this miniature flying sword are detailed on the paper. Your Majesty may examine it personally."

As the woman's words faded, the door closed, and silence descended once more upon the courtyard.

"Many thanks, Lady Jiang."

Xiao Mo clasped his hands toward the room, secured the box, and departed the National Preceptor's Residence with Sili in tow.

Upon their return to the sleeping palace, Sili assisted Xiao Mo in removing his outer robe and poured him another cup of tea. She pouted slightly, her expression tinged with annoyance. "This National Preceptor is truly something else. Just because she's a cultivator, she believes herself superior? To speak to Your Majesty in such a manner!"

Xiao Mo accepted the teacup, a smile playing on his lips. "Lady Jiang is simply like that—sharp-tongued, but soft-hearted. On the surface, she appears frigid to the extreme, and her words spare no one, yet her heart is genuinely kind. Should she be capable of offering assistance, she will not turn away."

After a sip of tea, Xiao Mo opened the box and withdrew the flying sword along with the white paper.

As Lady Jiang had stated, this sword was indeed a seventh-rank magic artifact, perfectly suited for Xiao Mo's current cultivation realm.

All that was required was for Xiao Mo to imbue the miniature flying sword with a single drop of his essence blood, then affix it to Sili's brow—

Thereafter, any question posed to Sili by Xiao Mo would elicit a truthful response. Failure to comply would result in excruciating heart-devouring pain. Furthermore, Sili would be compelled to receive a thread of Xiao Mo's sword qi daily.

Should three days pass without the receipt of sword qi, the sword would disrupt her meridians, leading to a violent demise. Naturally, this magic artifact was only effective against those in the Qi Refining Realm and ordinary mortals.

However, that was quite sufficient.

"She even claimed not to understand 'speak truth' arts," Xiao Mo mused, observing the sword with a hint of exasperation. Still, the National Preceptor had spoken truthfully; she genuinely lacked knowledge of such arts but had provided a magic artifact as an alternative.

Setting the flying sword aside, Xiao Mo handed the white paper to Sili. "Read it yourself."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sili accepted the paper and perused it meticulously. As she read, a flicker of apprehension crossed her eyes.

"How is it? Are you willing?" Xiao Mo inquired. "If you are unwilling, that is also acceptable. Palace maids such as yourself are not typically afforded much autonomy. In such a case, I shall arrange for your departure from the palace. Ensuring your safety is still within my ability."

"This servant is willing!" Sili knelt before Xiao Mo. "This servant is already wholly devoted to Your Majesty, harboring no selfish intentions whatsoever!"

"Good."

Xiao Mo nodded, then used the tip of his sword to prick his fingertip, allowing a single drop of essence blood to fall onto the small sword. With an incantation uttered, the miniature sword vibrated ceaselessly, hovering in the air.

"Go."

With a flick of Xiao Mo's sword tip, the miniature flying sword transformed into a streak of light and descended into Sili's brow. However, the instant the flying sword entered Sili's brow, it was immediately suppressed by spiritual power, rendering it inert. Sili could dispel it at any moment.

"Were you dispatched by the Empress Dowager?" Xiao Mo inquired.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sili replied truthfully.

Observing Sili's unresponsiveness, Xiao Mo continued, "Do you genuinely intend to remain loyal to me and never betray me?"

"This servant is absolutely loyal to Your Majesty. No matter what transpires, this servant shall never betray Your Majesty." Sili affirmed again, her gaze brimming with sincerity.

Seeing that Sili still exhibited no adverse reactions, Xiao Mo nodded with satisfaction, confident in the veracity of her every word.

"Speak. What is it you desire most at this moment?" Xiao Mo pressed further.

"This servant... this servant desires nothing... This servant only wishes to serve Your Majesty well."

And precisely as Sili concluded her statement—

Sili's brow furrowed. Her pearly teeth clamped down on her slender lip. Beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead. She gasped for air in ragged breaths, her chest heaving dramatically with each inhalation.

"Mmm..."

Sili clenched her fists, collapsing onto the ground, her cheeks flushed with an alluring crimson. "Your Majesty... this servant girl... Your Majesty..."

Her gaze was hazy as she looked at Xiao Mo, her words laced with apparent agony.

The shapely, firm legs beneath her skirt crossed and uncrossed themselves with an insistent rhythm.

Observing Sili's distressed state, Xiao Mo found himself momentarily lost for thought.

Compared to the discomfort of 'meridians being scrambled' as described on the paper—

Xiao Mo thought Sili appeared more as if she'd consumed an aphrodisiac.

Had Xiao Mo not cultivated a heart-calming technique, and if the boons from the Book of a Hundred Lives had not significantly bolstered his willpower—

Then, faced with Sili in such a state, practically inviting advances, Xiao Mo might have struggled to maintain his original resolve.

It was only after a full teacup's duration that Sili's distress seemed to wane, a flicker of residual apprehension in her eyes.

“Speak,” Xiao Mo prompted again. “What is it you desire?”

Trembling, Sili pushed herself up from the floor and settled to the side, her palace attire hugging her elegant form.

“This servant girl…”

Sili’s cheeks flushed, as if words failed her, her voice laden with extreme guilt.

“This servant girl… wishes for Your Majesty’s favor…”

“From the very first moment this servant girl beheld Your Majesty, my heart became yours. I have never experienced such a feeling before. It resembles the 'love at first sight' described in tales. As long as I can remain by Your Majesty’s side, I am willing to do anything.”

“I admit, I deceived Your Majesty just moments ago. I beg Your Majesty’s punishment, but I truly did not know how to articulate this… this feeling…”

“It is simply… truly far too mortifying…”

As she spoke, the blush intensified on Sili’s face, spreading like crimson ink through clear water until even her pale earlobes and neck glowed red.

“……” Xiao Mo remained quiet for a considerable time, absorbing her confession.

He had suspected she was concealing something.

Never could he have imagined—

That what she truly sought was Xiao Mo himself.

“I forgive you. Rise,” Xiao Mo instructed Sili.

“Many thanks, Your Majesty…”

Sili stood and delicately smoothed the creases in her attire.

“Your devotion—I am fully aware of it. Moving forward, you are truly mine,” Xiao Mo stated, meeting her gaze earnestly. “Rest assured. While I am present, I will exert every effort to protect you and will never mistreat you.”

Pouring a cup of tea, Xiao Mo offered it to her.

“However, the miniature flying sword within you—I must retain it for now. It shall be removed once our grand objective is achieved.”

Sili accepted the teacup with both hands.

“In truth, Your Majesty need not remove this flying sword. It would be acceptable even if this servant girl were to carry it for a lifetime.”

“Why is that?” Xiao Mo inquired.

“Because this servant girl already belongs to Your Majesty. I wish to stay by Your Majesty’s side for all my days. Whether the flying sword remains or not—what difference does it truly make?”

Sili offered a radiant smile.

“Furthermore, as long as the flying sword is present, Your Majesty will need to channel sword qi into this servant girl’s body periodically, allowing me to see Your Majesty more frequently.”

“……”

Gazing at the woman’s guileless smile, a pang of guilt stirred within Xiao Mo.

She placed such trust and loyalty in him, yet he still intended to keep the flying sword within her as a safeguard against any wavering loyalty.

He questioned if his actions were truly honorable.

“Go, get some rest,” Xiao Mo instructed, waving a hand as he collected his thoughts.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sili curtsied and departed.

Leaving Xiao Mo’s chambers, Sili returned to her own quarters to recuperate.

As a personal attendant, Sili’s living quarters were situated just a partition away from Xiao Mo’s sleeping chambers, ensuring her immediate availability.

“My performance just now should have been satisfactory.”

Recalling each action and expression, Sili felt confidence that there were no noticeable flaws.

“At this juncture, Master should place complete trust in me.”

“And going forward, provided I continue to reinforce this trust, I can gradually win my way deeper into Master’s heart.”

“Perhaps then, I may even succeed in the objective that Master and I previously failed to achieve…”

The more Sili contemplated, the more viable the plan seemed.

However, her brow quickly furrowed in concern.

A magical artifact within Sili’s storage pouch had just signaled a response.

Sili retrieved the artifact from her pouch.

It was a jade disk. Indentations began to materialize on its smooth surface, rapidly forming lines of text—

“How fares the investigation? In the realm of Zhou, have you uncovered any leads regarding Senior Brother’s reincarnation?”

These words were penned by Yu Yunwei, the esteemed Sect Master of the Myriad Dao Sect.

Sili extended a finger, poised to respond. But the instant her fingertip brushed against the jade disk, she hesitated.