Chapter Two: Unraveling the Mystery of Origins

Qu Yi Qiu’s pupils dilated.

Qu An Yi drew out from his robe an ancient fragment of jade and a blue pearl, placing them on the table. “We found these beneath your grandfather’s memorial tablet, Yue Xuan and I.”

Qu Yi Qiu picked up the two objects, studying them with a suspicious look. “Aside from this piece of jade being rather old, I don’t see anything special about them.”

Was her father so hopelessly self-absorbed that he’d even led her mother astray?

Qu An Yi saw right through her thoughts, rapped her lightly on the head, and said, “This fragment of jade has a remarkable origin. There was once a sliver of divine soul within it. But just as it was about to reveal my true parentage, it faded away from weakness, so all I learned was that I am not your grandfather’s biological son.”

Qu Yi Qiu blinked in disbelief. This plot was straight out of a melodrama—right at the crucial moment, the truth slips away, leaving everyone to guess the culprit themselves.

Could her father really be the useless son of some powerful cultivator, left behind in the mortal world?

Qu An Yi retrieved the jade from her hands, speaking gravely. “After discovering this jade and the pearl, Yue Xuan and I discussed matters for a long time…”

“What did you discuss?” Qu Yi Qiu had a bad premonition.

Zhao Yue Xuan gazed at her with reluctance. “Yi Qiu, your father and I have decided to go in search of his birth parents.”

Qu Yi Qiu stared at them in shock. “You mean to abandon your own daughter in this ruthless sect? And with your mere Foundation Building cultivation, do you really think you can even leave Yiyan City?”

Qu An Yi knocked her on the head again. “Don’t underestimate your parents. Yiyan City is under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Evolution Sect—it’s the safest city for miles. If we want to leave, it’s no trouble at all.”

Qu Yi Qiu rubbed her head in grievance. Wasn’t she only worried they’d be robbed and killed before even finding her father’s real family?

Zhao Yue Xuan gently soothed her hair, speaking softly, “Yi Qiu, don’t worry about us. You know your father—once he sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him. We’ll be careful, and as long as we don’t seek trouble, no one will pay attention to a pair of Foundation Building cultivators.”

Yi Qiu looked at her father’s resolute face, resignation in her voice. “Father, you must take good care of Mother on the road.”

Qu An Yi’s smile was kind and gentle. “I promise you, even at the cost of my life, I will never let harm come to her.”

Zhao Yue Xuan’s eyes met his, full of sweetness.

Goosebumps crawled up Qu Yi Qiu’s arms—every day they flaunted their affection before her, a perpetual singleton.

“Oh, right, you should keep the blue pearl. According to that remnant soul, this is a family heirloom.” Qu An Yi’s gaze fell upon the pearl in her hand.

Qu Yi Qiu blinked. “Do I need to drip blood to claim it?”

“You can try. We’ve told you everything that needs telling. The rest is up to you.” Qu An Yi took Zhao Yue Xuan’s hand, rising to his feet.

“You’re leaving already?” Qu Yi Qiu was left speechless.

“There’s no time to lose.” Qu An Yi’s chiseled features were set with determination.

Zhao Yue Xuan looked back at her, reluctant to part. “Take good care of yourself!”

Qu Yi Qiu nodded vigorously. “I will!”

…

Qu An Yi and Zhao Yue Xuan departed decisively.

Watching their loving figures disappear into the distance, Qu Yi Qiu could not help but suspect she might be the one adopted.

She touched her cheek and turned away. “Time to find Master.”

Little Flat Peak was small and its path gentle. She soon reached the summit and saw Mo Qing Li’s cave dwelling.

“Master, are you inside?” Qu Yi Qiu called politely.

“Enter,” came a warm and melodious voice from within.

Qu Yi Qiu stepped inside, taking in the scene before her eyes.

“Master, what are you doing?” she asked in surprise, taking in the bloodstains on the floor and the young man lying upon the stone bed.

Mo Qing Li turned, revealing a breathtaking face. In a soft voice, he said, “I was saving a life, only to discover just now that he isn’t human.”

“He’s not human? Then what is he?” Qu Yi Qiu walked over, startled.

Mo Qing Li’s elegant brows knitted slightly. “He’s a dragon.”

“What?” Qu Yi Qiu’s voice rose involuntarily.

Mo Qing Li seemed accustomed to her outbursts, his expression unchanged. “Dragons died out tens of thousands of years ago. How could a dragonling still exist?”

Qu Yi Qiu quickly composed herself, feigning calm. “Master, where did you find him? Could you be mistaken?”

Mo Qing Li shook his head slightly. “Found him by the cliff. He revealed his original form just now, but as his wounds healed, he turned human again.”

Qu Yi Qiu’s expression grew solemn, her tone earnest. “Master, hand the dragon over to me, and I’ll exchange a Vein-Restoring Soul-Renewing Pill for him.”

Mo Qing Li lifted his gaze. “Do you take your master for a three-year-old, trying to trade a non-existent pill for a dragon?”

“Master, do you believe my father isn’t Qu Ran’s biological son?” Qu Yi Qiu didn’t answer, but posed a seemingly unrelated question instead.

Qu Ran was the previous clan leader, her grandfather.

Mo Qing Li gave her a cool glance. “Your father told you this? That he is not Qu Ran’s son?”

Qu Yi Qiu nodded, her voice full of mystery. “My father might be the illegitimate child of some great cultivator! He left behind a blue pearl, and inside it is a pill. Guess what kind?”

Mo Qing Li gave her a sidelong glance, his tone flat. “Don’t tell me it’s a Vein-Restoring Soul-Renewing Pill from ancient times?”

Qu Yi Qiu clapped excitedly. “Congratulations, Master, you guessed it!”

Mo Qing Li looked at her expressionlessly, sighing softly. “Yi Qiu, I know you want to make me happy, but I’ve given up on the Vein-Restoring Soul-Renewing Pill. No one in this cultivation world knows how to refine it anymore.”

“Master, just answer me—would you trade this dragon for a Vein-Restoring Soul-Renewing Pill or not?” Qu Yi Qiu sat seriously on the edge of the stone bed, meeting his gaze.

Mo Qing Li’s clear eyes flickered gently. “Even if the pill is lost to time, if you want the dragon, I would give him to you.”

Before Qu Yi Qiu could be moved, he continued, “I’ve already transferred half my lifetime’s cultivation to him. He is now my disciple. You are his senior sister. From now on, he is your responsibility.”

“What? How can you take a dragon as a disciple? And even give him your cultivation? When I asked you, you refused me!”

She was indignant. If only Mo Qing Li had agreed to give her some of his cultivation, she’d have reached the fifth stage of Foundation Building long ago and bought that pill herself.

Why wait all these years?

Mo Qing Li looked at the youth with deep eyes. “He is a dragon. When he matures, the entire demon race will fear his power.”

“You want to use him for revenge?” Qu Yi Qiu suddenly understood his intentions.

Mo Qing Li gazed steadily at the boy, lips pressed in silence.