Chapter 54: Scorched Inch by Inch

Though the voice was not loud, it thundered in their ears. Yan Chixia was so startled that his soul seemed to fly from his body; Bai Xiaoyue, Rabbit Xiaomeng, and Pinecone were all terrified as well. Master Qingxu’s heart was struck with alarm, his complexion shifting as he thought to himself:

“Cloud Swallow of the Nine Heavens? She knows this matter so well?”

The voice belonged to the Nine Heavens Immortal, Cloud Swallow.

Master Qingxu dared not be negligent. He immediately rose from his seat and walked swiftly outside. Yan Chixia, Bai Xiaoyue, Rabbit Xiaomeng, and Pinecone, seeing this, dared not speak further but hurriedly followed him outside. There, before the Qingxu Temple, he stood facing the direction of Lishan, and, with utmost reverence, spoke:

“Immortal of the Nine Heavens, please discern the truth! To be honest, I, Qingxu, have indeed contracted the ‘Burning Inch by Inch’ affliction… I have been tormented by it for days, suffering greatly! Your wisdom is vast and insight clear as fire; I humbly plead for your guidance: is there a remedy to cure this fatal disease?”

No sooner had Master Qingxu spoken than Yan Chixia, Bai Xiaoyue, Rabbit Xiaomeng, and Pinecone felt their vision blur, and suddenly, the Nine Heavens Immortal appeared before them.

She stood with graceful bearing and natural beauty. Though she was over two hundred years old, her technique for preserving youth ensured she always appeared in the prime of her years—elegant and dignified, a paragon of loveliness.

Beside her, She Meier appeared, delicate and charming.

The sudden appearance of the Nine Heavens Immortal and She Meier astonished Yan Chixia, Bai Xiaoyue, Rabbit Xiaomeng, and Pinecone. They were left speechless, unsure how to respond. Master Qingxu, however, was deeply moved and said:

“Great Immortal, your presence brings radiance to this humble temple! Qingxu humbly greets your arrival!”

After speaking, he bowed deeply and respectfully to the Nine Heavens Immortal.

With a calm expression, the Nine Heavens Immortal waved her jade-like hand and said,

“No need for ceremony. Qingxu, this young woman is my disciple of the Purple Cloud Palace, She Meier. Meier, why have you not greeted Master Qingxu?”

“Yes, Master!” She Meier answered, stepping forward obediently to stand opposite Master Qingxu. She smiled sweetly and said, “Master Qingxu, disciple She Meier of Purple Cloud Palace offers her respects.”

She then bowed deeply with utmost respect.

Hearing this, Master Qingxu thought, “No wonder Danzi dislikes She Meier so much. She is indeed seductive; observing her behavior, though she is a millennia-old serpent spirit, she seems not malicious. Her repeated harassment of Danzi is merely a result of her new arrival in the mortal world and her fascination with romantic affairs.”

Thus, Master Qingxu formed his judgment of She Meier and felt some fondness for her. With a gentle smile, he said,

“She Meier, no need for formality! Though this is our first meeting, I have heard much about you. My disciple Yan Chixia is young and inexperienced; in the future, I hope you will be lenient and take care of him.”

She Meier, catching his subtle meaning, blushed with shyness and replied,

“Oh, Master, what are you saying? Your disciple Yan Chixia, though still in his youth, is exceptional—mature beyond his years and outstanding in talent. How could he be inexperienced? It is I, She Meier, who, though young, am naïve and reckless, truly inexperienced in the ways of the world.”

As she spoke in her melodious voice, She Meier boldly cast a flirtatious glance at Yan Chixia.

Yan Chixia felt she was brazenly teasing him and was furious, but dared not protest. With the Nine Heavens Immortal backing her and his own master seeking her favor, he could only grit his teeth and clench his fists in silent frustration.

At that moment, the Nine Heavens Immortal spoke sternly,

“Meier, refrain from such behavior in front of everyone.”

“Yes, Master, Meier understands!” She Meier replied sweetly, her manner extremely alluring.

Rabbit Xiaomeng snorted in annoyance, about to speak, but Bai Xiaoyue quickly covered her mouth, whispering in her ear,

“Xiaomeng, patience is key! Today, you, I, and Pinecone are merely minor figures. Here, we are only to listen, not to speak!”

Though Bai Xiaoyue whispered softly, the Nine Heavens Immortal heard every word and took notice of her, saying,

“What a clever and discerning young lady. What is your name?”

Bai Xiaoyue smiled and, poised and confident, stepped before the Nine Heavens Immortal, bowed respectfully, and said,

“Immortal, my name is Bai Xiaoyue. I apologize for my private conversation with Rabbit Xiaomeng, which disturbed you. Please forgive us.”

“Forgive what?” Before the Nine Heavens Immortal could answer, She Meier interjected rudely, “Bai Xiaoyue, since you know you’re a minor figure, you shouldn’t be here! Why don’t you leave at once?”

She Meier’s hostility towards Bai Xiaoyue stemmed from discovering Bai Xiaoyue standing beside Yan Chixia. Sensing a rival in love, she was quick to anger.

Originally, Bai Xiaoyue had found She Meier charming and likable, but now, faced with her arrogance and command to leave, she scoffed and retorted,

“She Meier, what grounds do you have to say that? Qingxu Temple is my brother Yan Chixia’s home. Even if I am a minor figure, here I am at least a host. You, though a disciple of the Purple Cloud Palace, are merely a guest here. Are you not overstepping your bounds?”

Bai Xiaoyue’s words were reasonable and dignified, leaving She Meier speechless and enraged.

“Bai Xiaoyue, you... you dare argue with me? Today I’ll teach you a lesson!”

With that, she summoned a gleaming sword into her hand.

“Meier, mind your manners!” the Nine Heavens Immortal rebuked her, lightly flicking her sleeve. Instantly, She Meier’s sword vanished.

“Step back!” the Nine Heavens Immortal commanded again. Seeing She Meier reluctantly obey and stand aside, she turned to Bai Xiaoyue and said, “Bai Xiaoyue, my disciple’s poor manners have brought disgrace here. I must apologize.”

“Immortal, you need not say so,” Bai Xiaoyue replied, both anxious and sincere. “Your disciple is frank and true, a person of genuine character.”

“Yes, indeed, sister’s words are most true,” Yan Chixia quickly added.

Master Qingxu smoothed things over,

“Immortal, please don’t mind. They are all fellow cultivators, and youthful enthusiasm can lead to impulsive words, but it is of no consequence.” He then pointed to Yan Chixia, “Immortal, this is my disciple Yan Chixia, also known as Danzi. Danzi, greet the Nine Heavens Immortal.”

“Yes,” Yan Chixia replied loudly and immediately bowed to the Nine Heavens Immortal, “Immortal, peace to you! Yan Chixia of Qingxu Temple greets you!”

Yan Chixia wore a blue Taoist robe, adorned with a “Sun Pendant,” his brows sharp and eyes bright, his complexion fair as jade, standing tall and spirited—truly outstanding and handsome.

The Nine Heavens Immortal observed him with delight, and the impassive mask on her face softened into a smile.

“Yan Chixia, no need for formalities! In the past, She Meier troubled you many times; it was due to my lack of discipline. I hope you bear no grudge!”

Yan Chixia replied,

“Of course not. Immortal, though I am not remarkable, I am tolerant and broad-minded…”

“Excellent!” the Nine Heavens Immortal smiled faintly, then turned a piercing gaze upon Master Qingxu. Using her spiritual sense to examine his body, she said gravely,

“The ‘Burning Inch by Inch’ is indeed formidable: after half a month, your chest and back are already blackened and scorched… At this rate, I fear you will not last ten days. Qingxu, your time is truly short!”