Let me Touch your Tail

Chapter 61

After Yuan Yi was injured by Nangong Yin at the Immortal's Cave last time, his wounds had not improved. Bu Donghou dismissed him from his post and sent him to reflect in the forbidden area at the back of the mountain. Coincidentally, the cave he was sent to for reflection was the same place where Yan Yuanqing had once been imprisoned.

The cave was barren, with only damp, dark walls. In a corner, there was a rough stone platform with a reed mat laid on top. As Yuan Yi sat cross-legged on the mat in meditation, he couldn't help but think of how, three hundred years ago, Yuanqing had been confined here while pregnant, enduring interrogation and torture. Her suffering then was a hundred times worse than what he was facing now.

At times, Yuan Yi was filled with sorrow, guilt-ridden for not having fulfilled his duty as an elder brother, which led to Yuanqing's great misfortune. Other times, he was filled with rage, blaming himself for his weakness and cowardice, unable to prevent the tragedy or protect his sister as she died before his very eyes. Because of Bu Donghou's gag order, a seal had been placed on his tongue, preventing him from speaking about the events of three hundred years ago to anyone.

Distancing himself emotionally and cutting ties was the only way he could think of to protect Yan Zhao. But he had no idea where Yan Zhao was now. Thinking of the recent events in the Immortal's Cave, Yuan Yi let out a bitter laugh and a long sigh. "Yuanqing, even in death, you were still planning for Ah Zhao. It's been three hundred years. As your uncle, I have been so unworthy. Do you blame me?"

His sigh echoed through the cave, unintentionally startling the birds outside.

"Why would a mighty Immortal Lord such as yourself sigh like this?" A stranger's voice drifted in from outside the cave. Yuan Yi wondered, who would come to visit him in this godforsaken place? However, reality quickly slapped him in the face.

The person who approached had an emblem of the Immortal Alliance's Deputy Envoy hanging at his waist. Clearly, he wasn't here for a friendly visit; he was here to stir up trouble.

Yuan Yi remained seated on the reed mat, not moving. When Xie Xinrong stepped into the cave, Yuan Yi leaned against the stone platform lazily. Before Xie Xinrong could speak, Yuan Yi said, "I was gravely injured in a battle with a demon, and I'm unable to stand and greet you. I hope the esteemed Deputy Envoy will forgive me."

Xie Xinrong, unbothered, replied, "Your esteemed Immortal Lord's health is important. You should rest well. I am here today only to ask you a small matter, and then I'll be on my way."

Unable to avoid the situation, Yuan Yi locked eyes with him. "What is this matter you speak of, Deputy Envoy?"

Xie Xinrong repeated his purpose for coming. When he brought up the matter of Yan Yuanqing stealing treasures, for some reason, Yuan Yi immediately thought of Yan Zhao. The treasures Yuanqing left behind, aside from that Immortal Mansion, surely included Yan Zhao. And also, the divine source sealed within Yan Zhao.

Yuan Yi fell silent. Xie Xinrong sensed something was off and pressed further, "Does the esteemed Immortal Lord have any clues?"

Yuan Yi let out a soft laugh at this and raised a hand to show Xie Xinrong his current surroundings. "I have been dull-witted since childhood, both in talent and ability inferior to Yuanqing. With her around, I was always under her shadow."

"Yuanqing has been dead for three hundred years, yet I am still being reprimanded by the sect leader for not protecting her Immortal Mansion. Deputy Envoy, though Yuanqing and I were siblings, our relationship was as bitter as that of enemies. Why would she have told me her secrets?"

Xie Xinrong pondered for a moment, scrutinizing Yuan Yi, unsure if his words were true. Before he could ask further questions, Yuan Yi continued, "However, I do know of someone. Three hundred years ago, when Yuanqing was punished for breaking sect rules, the one responsible for interrogating her was Dao Ling, the Peak Lord of Xuanying Peak in the Fuyun Sect. Perhaps you could ask him. You might get some useful information."