Volume 1, Chapter 85 – They Never Trusted You

“What’s wrong, Junior Sister Song? Do you have something else to say?”

Lu Guan’s gaze looked toward Song Shiyuan through the formation restriction that had just risen.

“The Fox Palace’s formation has been activated because of Mingzhao City.”

“The previous rescue route is no longer applicable.”

“We’re now separated by this formation. Splitting into two groups to rescue people separately is the most efficient approach.”

Song Shiyuan bit her lower lip slightly. Under Lu Guan’s gaze, she found it somewhat difficult to speak.

What should she do? Should she reveal the little fox demon’s matter?

Should she tell these Lingxiao Sword Sect members before her about Song Shixuan’s true face?

No.

Having the little fox demon deliver the letter to Lingxiao Sword Sect members earlier had already made Lu Guan suspicious of Song Shiyuan.

But this wasn’t what Song Shiyuan wanted to see. She had the little fox demon deliver the letter only hoping to let these senior brothers know that fox demons could also stand on their side.

But the current situation was truly what Song Shiyuan least wanted to see.

Clearly… she had only wanted to prove the little fox demon was trustworthy. Song Shiyuan did trust the little fox demon.

But now, instead, Song Shiyuan had pushed herself into a very unfavorable position.

Song Shiyuan’s thinking was wrong. Just as Huang Shangshang had said, Lingxiao Sword Sect people would find it very difficult to trust a fox demon.

What should she do now?

No… the little fox demon’s true identity absolutely couldn’t be revealed.

Lu Guan was obviously maintaining contact with Song Shixuan. If Lu Guan learned that the little fox demon Song Shiyuan spoke of was “Ming Zhaoxi,” then Song Shixuan would know his true face had already been exposed to Song Shiyuan.

Then the little fox demon’s situation would become even more dangerous.

So she absolutely couldn’t tell!

She absolutely couldn’t let Lingxiao Sword Sect people know the little fox demon’s true identity.

But… in that case, how could Song Shiyuan save the little fox demon?

Song Shiyuan couldn’t think of a way! She was anxious and distraught.

She absolutely couldn’t let Lingxiao Sword Sect people reach the little fox demon first.

Otherwise, with Song Shixuan’s ruthless degree, he couldn’t possibly let a fox demon who knew his secrets appear alive before Lingxiao Sword Sect.

After all, Ming Zhaoxi was merely a low-ranking maidservant in the Fox Palace, not truly the Fox Monarch’s adopted daughter!

Her life and death were completely in Song Shixuan’s hands.

Song Shiyuan had known this from the start.

And Song Shixuan should also be clear about this point.

What to do… what to do…

Just as Song Shiyuan felt anxious and at a loss, Lu Guan had already taken out that crude formation defense diagram Song Shiyuan had recorded.

He drew on the defense diagram for a while, then showed the paper to Song Shiyuan through the restriction.

“Although the Fox Palace formation has undergone some changes after activation, the formation is still the same formation. The formation’s inherent loopholes still exist. As long as we advance along the new route, we can still avoid most risks.”

“I’ve already marked out the new safe route for you.”

“As long as you follow this route, you can safely reach your destination.”

Lu Guan placed the paper marking the formation key points and route on the ground.

Then he said to Lingxu Sword Sect’s leader Huang Shi, “Then we’ll part ways here, Elder Huang.”

Huang Shi pursed her lips. “Looks like I have no choice.”

“There’s no helping it.” Lu Guan said, “We’ll entrust our Junior Sister Song to your care.”

After saying this, Lu Guan nodded slightly to Song Shiyuan, then led people away.

Lingxiao Sword Sect people always acted with such decisive efficiency.

…

After leaving Song Shiyuan and Lingxu Sword Sect’s sight, Lu Guan’s expression turned slightly cold.

“Change the plan. The previous route is best not used.”

“That fox demon matter also needs to be reported to the Young Sect Master.”

A young disciple looked at Lu Guan in confusion. “Senior Brother Lu, isn’t the situation that serious?”

“We all know Junior Sister Song. She’s not someone who can’t distinguish priorities.”

“Moreover, Junior Sister Song is the Young Sect Master’s real younger sister.”

“Her loyalty doesn’t need to be questioned.”

“Haven’t we not encountered any trouble along the way?”

Lu Guan glanced at the youth. “I also want to trust Song Shiyuan.”

“But there’s one thing I need to remind you all of.”

“Don’t forget the sect’s teachings: Not one word a fox demon says can be trusted.”

…

On the other side, after Lingxiao Sword Sect members left.

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Lingxu Sword Sect’s Elder Huang Shi gently tugged on Song Shiyuan’s sleeve.

“Miss Song, that leading disciple from Lingxiao Sword Sect never fully trusted you.”

“…?” Song Shiyuan’s eyes showed confusion.

Was this elder saying Lingxiao Sword Sect couldn’t be trusted? Huang Shangshang and the little fox demon had said the same thing.

Huang Shi saw the doubt in Song Shiyuan’s eyes and continued explaining, “That person called Lu Guan deliberately kept distance from both you and me when leaving the dungeon.”

“His action of confirming the formation diagram was also an act.”

“From the beginning, he knew the formation would be activated and the safe routes would be divided.”

“Otherwise, no matter how skilled a formation grandmaster, how could they so quickly see through the formation’s flaws and reset a new route so fast?”

“Everything was prepared in advance.”

Hearing this, Song Shiyuan’s eyes widened immediately, her pupils full of disbelief.

“So that’s how it was… so that’s how it was…”

“I thought… I thought…”

Song Shiyuan murmured, her face showing a bitter smile.

Perhaps it wasn’t entirely because of the little fox demon matter.

For instance, Song Shiyuan had clearly been captured together with other martial brothers and sisters, yet while everyone else was imprisoned, only Song Shiyuan could still move freely outside.

It was normal for Lingxiao Sword Sect people to have suspicions about this.

“I originally thought I could earn them a chance to trust the little fox demon, but I never expected that even I hadn’t received their true trust.”

If breaking through the Fox Palace’s formation didn’t require a sword cultivator as an inside agent, Lingxiao Sword Sect members probably wouldn’t have chosen to reveal so many plans to Song Shiyuan.

They might not doubt Song Shiyuan’s loyalty, but they would suspect whether Song Shiyuan was bait deliberately thrown out by the fox demons.

Huang Shi looked at Song Shiyuan’s dejected appearance and actually felt a trace of guilt rise in her heart.

Actually, Lu Guan wasn’t the only one who knew in advance the formation would change.

Huang Shi had pulled Song Shiyuan back earlier to prevent Song Shiyuan from stubbornly standing together with Lingxiao Sword Sect people.

“Miss Song, the Young Sect Master already informed us beforehand.”

Song Shiyuan was first surprised, then understood.

Right, the encrypted communication from before.

She had actually relayed the secret plan to Lingxu Sword Sect right in front of Lu Guan.

Huang Shi continued, “According to Lingxiao Sword Sect’s plan, we would have to wait until last to rescue Sect Master Huang.”

“Thank you, Miss Song. Without your help, the Young Sect Master would have suffered longer.”

Song Shiyuan nodded.

This part was her and Huang Shangshang’s plan.

Huang Shangshang had told Song Shiyuan that during her time at Red Spring Pavilion, she had successfully figured out Red Spring Pavilion’s restrictions.

As long as she could unlock the female consort collar, she could leave Red Spring Pavilion.

Song Shiyuan would tell her the method to unlock the female consort collar in advance. After Huang Shangshang broke free, she would go one step ahead to Song Shixuan’s bridal chamber location and stop Song Shixuan from committing violence against the little fox demon.

Huang Shangshang even had a very legitimate reason: “The one who betrayed me back then was Song Shixuan.”

This way, Huang Shangshang could rightfully appear before Song Shixuan and confront him.

And the little fox demon could take the opportunity to escape.

This was Song Shiyuan and Huang Shangshang’s plan.

“Young Sect Master Huang should be able to make it in time.” Song Shiyuan muttered softly.

“However, Miss Song, things might not be that simple…” Huang Shi suddenly pointed into the distance.

“Miss Song, is that where you had the Young Sect Master go?”

According to Song Shiyuan’s plan, after breaking free, Huang Shangshang should immediately head to Song Shixuan and Ming Zhaoxi’s bridal chamber.

That location had already been marked on the Fox Palace defense diagram.

So Huang Shi naturally knew their destination.

However, looking from afar now, they could see that place which should have had no defenses had now raised several walls of light.

Song Shiyuan’s heart suddenly dropped.

Something went wrong!

A sense of panic suddenly seized Song Shiyuan’s heart.

It was as if the vague unease she’d felt all along had accumulated to this moment and suddenly poured out all at once.

“Little fox demon!” Song Shiyuan felt anxious.

With a new, unexpected change, she didn’t know if it would cause an accident on the little fox demon’s side.

“Miss Song, don’t be anxious.” Huang Shi said, “The formation has changed. The route you knew before probably can’t be used anymore.”

“Do you still remember the route Lingxiao Sword Sect marked earlier?”

Song Shiyuan nodded.

She was more familiar with the Fox Palace than others. She had memorized the route Lu Guan marked.

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“We’re lucky.” Huang Shi said, “Going from this side of the formation will take less time than from Lingxiao Sword Sect’s side.”

“Miss Song, if you hurry over now, you can still make it.”

“I understand.” Song Shiyuan nodded slightly. “I need to go rendezvous with Huang Shangshang now. What about you all?”

Huang Shi said, “Then let’s split up now. I need to rescue Lingxu Sword Sect disciples first, then come find you to rendezvous afterward.”

Song Shiyuan nodded.

This was the most efficient approach.

Song Shiyuan parted with Lingxu Sword Sect members and immediately rushed toward where the light wall had risen.

“Little fox demon… you absolutely can’t have an accident…”

Looking at that thick light wall, Song Shiyuan felt uneasy.

“Huang Shangshang… did she make it in time or not…”

Song Shiyuan felt uncertain at this moment.

If she had known early on that the formation would be activated and safe routes would change,

She wouldn’t have felt comfortable letting Huang Shangshang go rescue people alone no matter what.

“Elder Huang is right, there’s still time for everything.” Song Shiyuan comforted herself in her heart. “I’m more familiar with the Fox Palace than others. I can also move faster than others!”

“I can make it! I can make it!”

“As long as I follow the new safe route… I can save the little fox demon!”

Calm down, Song Shiyuan!

She’ll be fine!

Song Shiyuan kept emphasizing to herself in her mind.

She followed the safe route Lu Guan had marked and quickly approached her destination.

Everything went smoothly. That courtyard shrouded by light walls was getting closer and closer before Song Shiyuan’s eyes.

But even though she was already very close, the panic in Song Shiyuan’s heart didn’t weaken by half. It even grew stronger.

Until an extremely heavy restriction blocked Song Shiyuan’s path.

Only then did she understand the source of that unease in her heart.

“This place… according to Lu Guan’s markings, should allow safe passage. Why is it blocked here?!”

Song Shiyuan’s breathing became rapid, her heart pounding.

A panic like a mountain seized her again.

She knew she was afraid, she was scared.

She worried the most terrible thing would come true.

“It won’t… it won’t… nothing will happen.”

“Lu Guan marked more than one safe passage…”

“This time should just be an accident.”

“I still have other routes to choose from.”

Song Shiyuan bit her lip lightly.

She recalled those routes, immediately selected the nearest one, and rushed over without stopping.

Before long, Song Shiyuan’s path was blocked again.

“Why is this place also blocked?!”

Her heartbeat became even more violent than before.

Panic almost completely submerged Song Shiyuan.

She was like a drowning person, struggling in cold, suffocating water, unable to pass up any lifeline.

“There are still… still other routes!”

Song Shiyuan didn’t dare stop! She immediately rushed to the next route.

Every moment of delay increased the possibility of the little fox demon encountering danger.

However, three times in a row, Song Shiyuan discovered that all the paths she could reach were completely blocked by formation restrictions.

“How could this… be…”

Song Shiyuan clenched her fists. She felt herself losing strength.

In her chest and lungs, that chaotic breathing now became difficult to calm.

She felt dizzy and lightheaded. She felt her limbs gradually growing numb.

“Why is this happening…”

“These were clearly the safe routes Lu Guan marked…”

“Is it because the formation was changed by someone?”

“Has the plan already been discovered by those in the Fox Palace?”

“…No, that’s not right. Song Shixuan had long colluded with the Fox Palace’s fox clan. The Fox Palace fox clan originally intended to let Song Shixuan leave. They wouldn’t create extra trouble for themselves.”

“So…”

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Song Shiyuan could only think of one possibility.

“Senior Brother Lu… from the beginning, the formation route he gave me was wrong!”

Thinking of this—

Fury rose in Song Shiyuan’s heart.

She felt cold all over, as if falling into an ice cellar, shivering from the cold.

“Why?! Why?!”

“Why would Senior Brother Lu do such a thing?”

“Is it just because I trusted a fox demon?”

Song Shiyuan raised her hand, forcefully clutching her face.

Her expression was gloomy and ugly.

She recalled the scene when Lu Guan left earlier.

“No, that’s not right… it’s not entirely because of me, but because of Lingxu Sword Sect?”

When Lu Guan marked the safe routes, Lingxu Sword Sect people were also present.

Lingxu Sword Sect and Lingxiao Sword Sect’s relationship was average. Song Shixuan had even caused Lingxu Sword Sect’s Young Sect Master to be captured.

“That’s right… It’s Song Shixuan. He naturally also knows about Lingxu Sword Sect and Lingxiao Sword Sect joining forces.”

“If it’s him…”

Song Shiyuan’s eyes gradually darkened.

If it was Song Shixuan, he indeed had motive to do such a thing.

Huang Shangshang had been sold to the Fox Palace by Song Shixuan. Song Shixuan naturally wouldn’t want Lingxu Sword Sect people to leave the Fox Palace so smoothly.

“Damn it…” Song Shiyuan said angrily. “How can that man be so shameless?”

Huang Shangshang and the little fox demon had said from the beginning not to trust Lingxiao Sword Sect people too much.

From the start, Lu Guan had arranged rescuing Huang Shangshang for last, and then this time being separated in the formation,

All of this had been planned in advance by them!

“However, fortunately…” Song Shiyuan took a deep breath.

One thing could be considered fortunate amid the misfortune.

“Fortunately, I didn’t completely follow their plan.”

“I released Huang Shangshang in advance.”

“Song Shixuan probably wouldn’t expect Huang Shangshang has already successfully broken free.”

This was the only thing Song Shiyuan could feel glad about.

“When Huang Shangshang broke free, the formation hadn’t been activated yet.”

“So… she should be able to save the little fox demon…”

“Yes… Huang Shangshang, she promised me before…”

Song Shiyuan murmured to herself.

Though she knew she shouldn’t pin her hopes of saving the little fox demon on someone else.

But right now, this was the only way to reduce the panic in her heart.

“The little fox demon will be fine…”

Song Shiyuan was comforting herself, trying to make herself less afraid. Less panicked.

And at this moment, just as Song Shiyuan consoled herself,

A familiar voice came from the passage beside her.

“Miss Song… why are you here?”

This voice was…

Hearing the voice, Song Shiyuan turned to look.

What she saw was a petite, graceful figure wearing yellow sword cultivation robes, with a gilded giant sword in her hand.

“Huang Shangshang?!” Song Shiyuan’s eyes were full of disbelief.

“Miss Song…” Huang Shangshang’s eyes showed apology. “I’m sorry… I couldn’t do what I promised you.”

“I was just hiding outside their bridal chamber. I heard arguing from inside…”

“When I prepared to rush in—”

“The formation outside that room suddenly activated…”

“I was shut out by the Fox Palace’s restrictions and kept searching for a way back.”

“I never expected to run into you here…”

Song Shiyuan stared blankly at Huang Shangshang.

Her eyes were full of disbelief.

Her brain seemed to freeze as if struck by lightning.

“Huang Shangshang…” Song Shiyuan’s voice was hoarse. “Axi, she…”

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“I’m sorry…” Huang Shangshang apologized again. “I didn’t know it would turn out like this either.”

Song Shiyuan raised her slightly trembling hand. She held her face and said,

“It’s fine… I don’t blame you…”

“I blame myself…”

“I was too trusting of others…”

Song Shiyuan took a deep breath.

Huang Shangshang looked at her with worry. “Song Shiyuan, are you alright? Your complexion looks very bad.”

“Wait, your current state isn’t right.”

Huang Shangshang sensed Song Shiyuan’s current aura and her expression changed slightly. “Don’t move your spiritual power anymore… Your aura is already completely chaotic!”

“If this continues, spiritual power will flow backward through your meridians…”

“You’ll suffer qi deviation!”

“This shouldn’t happen! How did it get this bad?! Don’t the natal swords Lingxiao Sword Sect nurtures help avoid this danger?”

“Wait! Song Shiyuan, where’s your natal sword?”

Shock appeared on Huang Shangshang’s face.

After examining briefly, she discovered just how dangerous Song Shiyuan’s current state was.

Her body and meridians were unstable, her aura chaotic.

And her most important natal sword wasn’t with her at all right now.

“My natal sword.” Song Shiyuan calmed her agitated aura. “It’s with Axi.”

“That’s right, the natal sword!”

Song Shiyuan’s eyes suddenly lit up. “I still have my natal sword with Axi!”

“That sword can still protect Axi.”

Huang Shangshang looked at Song Shiyuan with a complex, strange expression.

Though she wasn’t a Lingxiao Sword Sect sword cultivator, she knew how important the natal sword was to Lingxiao sword cultivators.

That was half of Song Shiyuan’s life.

And Song Shiyuan was actually willing to entrust half her life to Lu Zhuxin.

Huang Shangshang could see how deeply this girl before her felt for Lu Zhuxin.

She was simply like a madwoman, reckless of everything.

At least Huang Shangshang couldn’t just hand over half her life to another person like that.

If it were anyone else receiving such life-risking protection from this girl, it would surely be very fortunate.

Unfortunately, that person was Lu Zhuxin.

The fox clan’s World-Ending Fox Monarch.

Song Shiyuan loved that fox demon so much. So how did that fox demon with her terrible temperament and cruel heart feel about Song Shiyuan?

Huang Shangshang sighed softly.

“Miss Song, what should we do now?” Huang Shangshang asked.

“Keep searching. The Fox Palace’s formation should still have loopholes.” Song Shiyuan said, “Axi’s bridal chamber isn’t an important location. They wouldn’t use such tight formations to protect it.”

“There must be other passages. I must save Axi!”

“I can’t let that kind of thing happen again.”

Song Shiyuan bit her lower lip.

What happened that night was a nightmare Song Shiyuan would need her entire life to erase.

“Now, Axi has already forgotten the pain of that night…”

“I can’t let what happened that night replay with the current Axi!”

Song Shiyuan gritted her teeth.

Huang Shangshang looked at her, her gaze complex.

Huang Shangshang naturally knew what Song Shiyuan spoke of.

That night, Huang Shangshang had even controlled her sword and crossed blades with Song Shiyuan from afar.

“Don’t worry, Song Shiyuan.” Huang Shangshang comforted her. “That kind of thing won’t happen again.”

But something even worse might happen.

“Mm.” Song Shiyuan lowered her eyes slightly.

Suddenly, her eyes flashed.

“My natal sword is being activated?”

Song Shiyuan turned her head, looking straight ahead.

She sensed where her natal sword was.

“It’s the little fox demon. She’s using my natal sword!”

“She’s nearby!”