Chapter 59: Risking one’s life

“Harsh words must still be said.”

Lin Qingyue’s tone was serious.

She wasn’t unwilling to save someone, but the Sword Immortal Master within her sea of consciousness was not a gentle existence, nor was she a figure of mercy.

‘That is a man-eating tiger, absolutely not some tame little kitten or puppy.’

“Family Head Qin, Third Young Lady.”

Lin Qingyue’s gaze swept over their faces through her veil.

“In the affairs of this world, nothing is ever foolproof. However, my Master’s [Nine Nether Sealing God Seal], in theory, can work wonders, transforming the Divine Punishment into a driving force for cultivation.”

She extended a finger, a wisp of sword intent coalescing at its tip.

“Especially when facing this kind of Divine Punishment that originates from ancient legends.”

“The so-called seal is, in fact, forcibly constructing a cage within Third Young Lady’s dantian, using her physical body as the battlefield.”

“If successful, she becomes the master of the cage and can henceforth command the Divine Punishment.”

“But—”

Lin Qingyue paused, her voice lowering a few degrees.

“If it fails, the Divine Punishment will backlash, and the cage will collapse. At that point, forget cultivation, even her life will likely vanish in an instant.”

“Even her soul may scatter, with no chance for reincarnation.”

“The risk in this is fifty-fifty.”

The color drained from Qin Tianheng’s face.

Life and death, each with a fifty percent chance—this was the price of defying fate.

He was not only the Qin Family Head, but also a father.

For other matters, even with only a ten percent chance, he would dare to gamble.

But his daughter’s life was the one thing he dared not wager.

“Fifty percent…”

Qin Tianheng’s lips trembled slightly, the hand at his side clenching and then relaxing.

“Too low… too low…”

He murmured to himself.

If left untreated, although painful, although she might only live for a few more decades, at least she would still be alive, able to live a period of stable life.

But if treated, once it failed, there would be nothing left.

“Cold Immortal.”

Qin Tianheng raised his head.

This regional overlord now had a pleading look in his eyes.

“Is there a safer method? Even if she cannot cultivate, just extending her lifespan would be good. Even if it consumes more resources, takes more time…”

Lin Qingyue shook her head.

“Family Head, hesitation leads to disaster.”

“This Divine Punishment has already awakened. It is merely temporarily suppressed now and could erupt at any moment.”

“Aside from completely sealing it, there is no other way.”

“And—”

She glanced at the silent Qin Xiyan, then looked back at Qin Tianheng, delivering the final condition.

“Even if the seal is successful, there is one more thing that must be strictly forbidden.”

“Maintaining her virginity.”

Lin Qingyue’s tone was calm.

“The Divine Punishment is of the Yin nature, and the seal is also of Yin nature. Before Third Young Lady completely refines the Divine Punishment, her constitution must remain absolutely pure.”

“Once she loses her virginity, the entry of Yang essence will cause a clash of Yin and Yang, and the seal will inevitably break.”

“At that point, not even a god could save her.”

Regarding this point, Qin Tianheng didn’t see it as a problem.

The curse’s power might even be transmitted through bloodlines; having children would only bring more trouble.

This condition was nothing.

“Regarding this, Immortal, please rest assured.”

Qin Tianheng said gravely.

“Our Qin Family’s upbringing is strict, and there are already strict orders. Yan’er, before her grand wedding, will absolutely never…”

He didn’t finish, but the meaning was clear.

The real problem was never here.

It was in that “fifty-fifty” life-and-death gamble.

Qin Tianheng closed his eyes, sinking into struggle.

“This matter is too great…

Allow me to think a little more.”

This decisive and ruthless overlord was now retreating.

He was afraid he couldn’t afford to lose.

He didn’t dare to gamble.

Lin Qingyue did not urge him; she could understand this feeling.

If it were her, having to make such a choice regarding Gu Qing, she would probably hesitate too.

At that moment, Qin Xiyan, who had been silent all along, suddenly moved.

She walked up to Qin Tianheng and gently took her father’s hand.

“Father.”

Her voice was unusually calm.

“I want to be treated.”

Qin Tianheng’s eyes snapped open, looking at his daughter.

“Yan’er, do you know what this means? You could die! If you die, how will your father face your mother?”

“But Father, if I continue living like this…”

Qin Xiyan’s gaze became somewhat distant, as if looking through the great hall towards the distant Moon-Dwelling Courtyard.

“That is just waiting for death.”

Her mind conjured Gu Qing’s face—gentle yet tinged with unwillingness.

That afternoon, Gu Qing drinking the bitter medicine, the flash of light in his eyes.

He wanted to soar.

He said he would never leave, willing to accompany her as a cripple.

But she knew that was comfort.

It was his gentleness, and also his shackles.

If she remained ill like this, Gu Qing would be trapped in the Moon-Dwelling Courtyard, trapped in his identity as a “Matrilocal Son-in-law,” serving her tea and water, accompanying her to watch sunrises and sunsets.

Until she died.

And after her death?

What would be the fate of a Matrilocal Son-in-law with no cultivation, no backing, and the stigma of “having caused his wife’s death”?

Driven out? Bullied? Or even… disappearing without a trace?

Thinking of these, Qin Xiyan’s heart felt as if cut by a knife.

She wasn’t afraid of death.

What she feared was—after she died, no one would protect Gu Qing.

“Father.”

She raised her head, an unprecedented light burning in her purple eyes.

“Cold Immortal said that as long as it succeeds, I can cultivate, I can become strong.”

“I want to become strong.”

“I don’t want to be a burden who only hides behind you all anymore.”

“I also… have someone I want to protect.”

The last sentence was spoken very softly, only for herself to hear.

Qin Tianheng looked at his daughter and suddenly realized—that little girl who only knew how to act spoiled and was delicate seemed to have grown up overnight.

Was this the courage Gu Qing brought her?

His heart was a mix of emotions.

Both gratified and a sense of loss.

“You… are you truly decided?”

Qin Tianheng asked in a low voice.

“This is gambling with your life.”

Qin Xiyan nodded heavily, even a faint smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

“I’ve decided.”

“If I win, the world will be my oyster.”

“If I lose…”

She paused, a flicker of reluctance in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resolve.

“Then it was Yan’er’s fate. At least, I tried, and I won’t regret it.”

Silence filled the great hall.

A long time passed.

Qin Tianheng let out a long, heavy sigh.

That sigh seemed to age him ten years in an instant.

“Alright.”

“Since it is your choice, your father… will respect it.”

He turned to look at Lin Qingyue, his gaze becoming firm again.

“Cold Immortal, then I entrust this to you.”

“If successful, my Qin Family will owe you an immense favor. If there is an accident, the Qin Family will absolutely not hold you responsible.”

This was his final bottom line and his grace.

Lin Qingyue was slightly moved and bowed solemnly.

“Family Head, please rest assured. This junior will definitely exert my utmost effort.”

Just as Qin Tianheng was about to nod, Qin Xiyan suddenly spoke.

“Father, I have one request.”

“What request?”

Qin Tianheng asked.

Qin Xiyan bit her lip, her hands twisting the hem of her clothes, somewhat nervous.

“Can this matter… be kept secret?”

“Especially from… him.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Qin Tianheng frowned.

“Gu Qing? Why hide it from him? He is your fiancé; he should rightfully know about this.”

“He cannot know!”

Qin Xiyan suddenly became emotional.

“If he knows I would be in mortal danger, he would definitely not let me be treated!”

“That person, he seems gentle, but he’s more stubborn than anyone.”

More importantly—

If she truly failed, if she truly died…

She didn’t want Gu Qing to watch her die with his own eyes.

Nor did she want him to bear the heavy burden of “she risked her life for him.”

“Just tell him… it’s just a regular treatment.”

“If I win, I want to give him a surprise.”

“If I lose…”

Qin Xiyan lowered her head, tears hitting the ground.

“Then tell him… I passed away due to my illness, that I went peacefully, without suffering.”

“Tell him… not to be sad for too long, tell him… to forget me and live a good life.”

It was a clumsy lie.

But also the most gentle protection she could offer.

Lin Qingyue stood to the side, listening to these words, her fingers tightening slightly.

She didn’t know who Gu Qing was, but she was moved by this girl’s deep affection.

‘What a foolish girl.’

Within her sea of consciousness, the Sword Immortal sighed softly.

‘Just as foolish as you.’

For some reason, Lin Qingyue felt a slight pang in her heart.

Qin Tianheng remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.

“Alright, I promise you.”

“In front of him, this will just be a regular treatment.”

He looked at his daughter, a hidden glimmer of tears in his eyes.

“But, Yan’er—you must win.”

“If you lose, that boy… I’ll drive him out of the Qin Family and let him fend for himself!”

These were, of course, angry words.

Just to ignite her will to survive.

“Mhm! I will definitely win!”

Qin Xiyan wiped away her tears, revealing a brilliant smile.

“I absolutely will not die!”

“Since the decision is made, it’s better sooner than later.”

Lin Qingyue broke the heavy atmosphere.

“In three days, on the night of the full moon, when Yin energy is at its peak, will be the best time to perform the technique.”

“During these three days, Third Young Lady must remain in the Hall of Longevity to adjust her condition and must not go out.”

“As for your fiancé…”

She looked at Qin Xiyan.

“You can write a letter or have someone deliver a message, but it’s best not to meet in person.”

“To avoid unsettling your mind.”

Qin Xiyan was slightly taken aback, then nodded, her expression dimming.

“I understand.”

Not meeting… might be for the best.

If they met, she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears, wouldn’t be able to bear parting, would end up telling the truth.

Like this—

Perhaps it was the best choice.