Jade Flow Mountains, White Azure Cavern.
Furnishings carved from profound ice and cold jade shone with clear light. Qing Ling stood among them, allowing the Thunder Sparrow on her shoulder to hop about. She dared not make the slightest rash move, even though she had cultivated two divine abilities.
Flecks of thunder flickered in Xu Xuan's eyes as he paced slowly, waiting for Demon King Qing Ling to speak. After a short while, the green serpent finally said in a low voice:
"Imperial Preceptor Qi had full authority over the Red Cloud affair. He promised to help me refine my bloodline, so... I agreed to bear the infamy for him."
"The Imperial Preceptor."
Xu Xuan's voice was like the bitter wind of a winter month. At the mention of Imperial Preceptor Huji, the sword qi around him grew sharper, making Qing Ling beside him even more fearful.
"If I tell you the truth, I hope you will, Sword Immortal-"
"Speak first. I will judge for myself. Tell me everything about this Imperial Preceptor's origins and his schemes."
The cold within the cavern intensified, wind and snow sweeping through it. Qing Ling dared not activate the great formation here. She merely did her utmost to appear submissive, not daring to show the slightest defiance.
"The path of 'fortune qi' is also called 'Fortune Brightness.' In former days, the Zhao Court occupied the north and established the lineage of [Fortune Treasure Palace]. Its founder was the Heavenly Official [Fortune's Arrival], a great being who held the Retainer Position of fortune qi."
Something occurred to Xu Xuan, and he asked only:
"How... did this Heavenly Official fall?"
Unease showed on Qing Ling's face. Even she felt her heart tremble when speaking of such matters.
"I heard that the Shu Kingdom's High Shaman [Calamity