"That was the trap set by that venomous woman, who rallied several sects from the Nine Mansions against my husband and me."
Haitang's eyes turned somewhat cold as she spoke.
"Venomous woman? Could it be that empress?"
"Exactly her, but she also has another identity—my once junior sister, Qi Luoyu."
Haitang sighed.
She then briefly recounted to Xu Taiping the grudges between her, her junior sister, and the major forces of the Nine Mansions, as well as the recent conflict over the Dao seals.
Haitang, Xiang Nantian, and Qi Luoyu all hailed from a reclusive sect known as "San Geng Abbey."
About seven hundred years ago, when the master of San Geng Abbey disappeared, the disciples left the mountain. Each possessed unparalleled divine abilities, which sparked a fierce competition among the Nine Mansions' sects.
This upheaval nearly altered the power structure of the Nine Mansions at the time, with San Geng Abbey disciples dominating the rankings in the Nine Mansions Sword Competition.
However, Haitang and Xiang Nantian did not join any sect within the Nine Mansions. Instead, they became Dao companions and traveled the world, continuing their search for their missing master.
But from that time on, a rumor spread among the Nine Mansions that the true inheritance of San Geng Abbey was actually in the hands of Xiang Nantian and Haitang.
In the days that followed, both disciples of the Nine Mansions and unaffiliated cultivators began to hunt for the couple's whereabouts.
Their carefree days of traveling came to an end as they had to fend off attacks from cultivators of the Nine Mansions while hiding.
Their cultivation also improved significantly during this period, and soon, there were few within the Nine Mansions who could challenge the couple.
"Back then, aside from a few old monsters from several sects, our only match was Su Chan from your Qingxuan Sect."
Haitang suddenly looked at Xu Taiping with a respectful smile.
"Did you cross paths with Senior Brother Su Chan?"
Xu Taiping asked curiously.
"Su Chan defeated us but did not make things difficult for us."
Haitang shook her head.
"After Su Chan's death, there was no one left in this world who could rival my husband and me. Our only enemy was our dwindling lifespan."
She sighed and chuckled bitterly.
"So you chose to cadaver liberation?"
Xu Taiping inquired.
"We originally intended to rest forever, but at that time, we happened to learn of a clue about our master and did not want to give up the chance to find him. So, we chose to use that poem as our Dao seal and began the process of cadaver liberation rebirth."
"But little did we expect, this became the start of our nightmare."
As she said this, a rare look of panic flashed in Haitang's usually calm eyes.
"What happened?"
Xu Taiping couldn't help but ask.
"To prevent us from being unable to awaken, we entrusted the Dao seal to our most trusted junior sister, Qi Luoyu."
"Unexpectedly, Qi Luoyu, who had always been jealous of my union with Brother Xiang, colluded with several major sects of the Nine Mansions and began to search for our reincarnations in the mortal world."
"Once found, they would set up a situation where my husband and I would be forced to fight each other, aiming to destroy our Dao hearts and coerce us into handing over the true inheritance of San Geng Abbey."
Reluctant to recall the painful past, Haitang poured herself a drink and downed it in one gulp.
"Is this your first reincarnation?"
Xu Taiping ventured.
"The seventh."
Haitang exhaled softly and then said with a bitter smile:
"If not for you, Taiping, I might not have made it to the next reincarnation. My Dao heart would have collapsed, and my soul would have dissipated completely."
She spoke with visible relief.
Hearing this, Xu Taiping had almost pieced together the entire story.
"I merely stumbled upon the solution to your Dao seals by accident."
Xu Taiping humbly deflected.
"Don't be too modest, Taiping. Although I'm no longer the Sixth Princess, I remember everything that has happened during this time very clearly."
Haitang pointed to her head with a smile.
"What are your plans now, Sister Haitang, and Brother Xiang?"
Xu Taiping changed the subject.
"Next, naturally, we're going to seek revenge on that venomous woman."
Xiang Nantian stepped forward at this moment.
Though no longer the emperor of the Black Vulture Nation, he still exuded a martial presence.
Xu Taiping glanced behind him and saw that Oriole had already passed out on the table.
"Don't worry about that kid, Taiping. He probably won't wake up for another few days."
Xiang Nantian grinned and sat down next to Xu Taiping.
"Xu Taiping, I have the honor of meeting Senior Xiang Nantian."
Xu Taiping greeted Xiang Nantian with a bow.
"You are my savior. There's no need for such formality."
Xiang Nantian waved it off.
"To avoid drawing the attention of that venomous woman and her backers, we will find a way to conceal the fact that we've awakened for a few days. The outside world will think I died in an assassination attempt."
"Taiping, you can take this time to return to Qingxuan Sect. After all, the entire Nine Mansions will not be peaceful in the coming days."
Haitang exchanged a glance with Xiang Nantian as she spoke, and the couple shared a chilling smile.
Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.
Despite her seemingly fragile appearance, Sister Haitang's murderous intent was no less than that of Xiang Nantian.
Xu Taiping thought to himself.
"However, rest assured, Taiping. Although your Qingxuan Sect also tacitly approved of the plot to kill us, in consideration of you, Taiping, we will spare Qingxuan Sect this time."
Xiang Nantian flashed a grin at Xu Taiping.
"Thank you."
Xu Taiping expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Realizing the strength of their cultivation, he understood the weight of this statement.
"We should be presenting you with a grand gift, Taiping, but right now, my wife and I have nothing of value on us. We'll owe you for now. Once we reclaim our belongings, we will find you to return the favor."
Haitang suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
"There's no need. This escort mission was part of my sect's training. You don't need to give me anything extra."
Xu Taiping shook his head.
He had come to the palace to understand the full story, not for gifts.
"Wait, Taiping, do you have a broken transmission order on you?"
Xiang Nantian suddenly asked Xu Taiping.
"Transmission order?"
Xu Taiping looked at Xiang Nantian with some wariness.
He hadn't expected Xiang Nantian to sense the presence of the half transmission order on him.
"Don't be nervous, my young friend. I ask because during my time as emperor of the Black Vulture Nation, I also received half of a transmission order, which feels quite similar to the one you have. It's currently in my treasury. If you need it, I can give it to you."
Xiang Nantian explained with a smile.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas