Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

The night was cool as water.

In a serene room, a faint medicinal fragrance lingered in the air.

At a small table, a woman in a white dress worked diligently, meticulously preparing a shimmering powder. She occasionally leaned in, her delicate nose gently sniffing the mixture.

Not far away, a young man sat cross-legged, eyes closed. A strange rune on his brow pulsed faintly, emitting wisps of silver light.

Perhaps due to his amnesia, Xiao Bai's mind was unburdened by stray thoughts or worries.

Over the past two days, while cultivating the Heavenly Heart Sensing Chapter etched in his mind, he'd entered a peculiar state, resonating with the rune on his forehead. In those moments, faint voices—calls, murmurs—echoed in his ears. But whenever he tried to focus, they vanished.

The rune seemed to exude a subtle pull, urging his soul to merge with it. Yet, in this state, his spiritual intuition was razor-sharp, warning him that entering would spell trouble. He resisted the pull fiercely.

After about half an hour, Xiao Bai withdrew from cultivation, opening his eyes slowly. His brows furrowed, puzzled by the rune's strange attraction.

"What's wrong? You look troubled," Xiao Yi Xian said, her hands cupping her chin, her bright eyes fixed on him from across the room.

"Nothing," Xiao Bai replied, shaking his head.

Xiao Yi Xian didn't press. After a moment's hesitation, her gaze softened with anticipation. "Xiao Bai, I'm leaving this place. Come with me—I'll take you somewhere. Will you?"

Ever since rumors of her treasure spread, the master of Wan Yao Zhai had grown greedy. She'd fended him off with excuses, but his patience was wearing thin.

After obtaining the Seven-Colored Poison Scripture, she needed vast amounts of herbs for experiments, and this town had been ideal. But now, it was no longer safe to stay.

If Xiao Bai were at full strength, she'd have no fear. But from what she'd observed these past days, though he hid it well, subtle signs betrayed the constant pain he endured.

She couldn't let him fight—any further injury could be catastrophic. The thought filled her with dread. For their safety, they had to leave.

"Fine," Xiao Bai said, indifferent. One place was as good as another.

A radiant smile bloomed on Xiao Yi Xian's face. "Great! Stay close to me later, and I'll get us out of here!"

A knock interrupted them. A middle-aged man's voice called, "Xiao Yi Xian, are you there?"

Before she could respond, the door swung open. The man's gaze swept the room, lingering briefly on Xiao Bai.

He'd already had his men investigate this young man—a supposed old friend of Xiao Yi Xian, found gravely injured days ago. No threat.

With a wave, four guards filed in, their eyes locked on the pair.

"Xiao Yi Xian, have you decided? I gave you three days for an answer, and out of respect for our years together, I granted you two more. If you don't cooperate, I'll be very disappointed," the man said, his tone laced with menace.

"Heh, Yao-xiansheng, have you checked your palm lately? Notice anything unusual?" Xiao Yi Xian ignored his words, smiling calmly.

The man, Yao-xiansheng, frowned, raising his hands. His face paled. His right palm bore a faint bluish tint.

"You poisoned me? When?" he demanded, voice sharp.

He'd been cautious since entering. Initially, he'd thought nothing of Xiao Yi Xian requisitioning herbs— she was a physician, after all. But after the treasure rumors, he'd investigated and realized she'd been taking toxic herbs. Though greedy, he'd stayed vigilant. Yet somehow, he'd still been caught.

"Just a little trick," Xiao Yi Xian said, shaking her head with a smile, not answering directly. "With your knowledge of pharmacology, Yao-xiansheng, you must know: without my antidote formula, within a month, the poison will trigger. At best, you'll lose your mind. At worst, you'll die."

Her gentle voice carried no warmth, chilling him to the bone.

Yao-xiansheng's expression flickered with struggle. Finally, he growled, "Your room looks packed. You're leaving. Give me the antidote, and I'll let you go. How's that?"

"I've been at Wan Yao Zhai long enough to know your reputation, Yao-xiansheng. Don't expect me to trust you. Let us leave, and I'll give you the formula," Xiao Yi Xian replied, unruffled, her smile unwavering.

Xiao Bai watched quietly, surprised. This girl seems so delicate, yet she's got such cunning. He gave her an appraising glance.

"You—" Yao-xiansheng's face darkened, but faced with her composure, he deflated. With a reluctant wave, he dismissed the guards.

"Xiao Bai, let's go!" Xiao Yi Xian turned, smiling, and pulled him along as she stepped out.

Yao-xiansheng followed, his face stormy. The duck I'd nearly cooked has flown away!

In the open courtyard, Xiao Yi Xian produced a whistle, blowing softly. Ripples of sound spread outward.

Moments later, a massive blue eagle appeared overhead, circling before descending.

Xiao Yi Xian led Xiao Bai up one of its outstretched wings.

Xiao Bai leaned in, voice low. "Want me to kill him?"

"No!" Xiao Yi Xian said urgently. "Your injuries haven't healed— no fighting!"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she mumbled, "Hold on tight later. Don't fall off. If you're scared… you can, um, hold onto me."

"Who do you take me for?" Xiao Bai shot her a flat look.

This blockhead! Xiao Yi Xian fumed, embarrassed and annoyed. I was trying to be kind, and he brushes it off!

Ignoring him, she tossed a prescription to the ground. With a command, the blue eagle soared, leaving Yao-xiansheng's furious glare behind.

"You really gave him the antidote formula?" Xiao Bai asked, standing on the eagle's back, puzzled. If someone coveted my possessions, they'd be ash by now. An antidote? In their dreams.

"Hmph!" Xiao Yi Xian huffed, venting her earlier irritation before answering. "The formula's real. When I first came to Qing Shan Town alone, Wan Yao Zhai gave me a place to stay. It was just a business arrangement, but I owed them a debt. This settles it."

What a sentimental girl, Xiao Bai thought, watching her back.