32 Chapter 183: Smoke and Fire

Strong x strong/double beauty strong and tragic/battle-scarred/top-tier combat power gentle older gong x occasionally unhinged cool-headed shou/exploration adventure

In ancient times, those who could purify themselves and serve the gods were called "Xi" if men and "Wu" if women. Witch maidens were also known as forbidden witches.

The so-called forbidden witch bone was in truth a vicious curse sent down to punish those who lusted after the divine. It passed down through the generations, dooming all who drew near to an untimely death.

A creepy online comment and a blurry photo of an altar lured Gu Xianwang—bearer of the forbidden witch bone—deep into the impenetrable mountains.

To save her mother, who lay dying under the curse's torment, Gu Xianwang defied her master's orders. She took up the taboo treasure-hunting craft and plunged alone into a trap others had plotted for decades.

Yelang Copper Head Altar

Qinling Hanging Coffin Cave

Yinshan Lama Temple

~~~

Only when the Long Family Ancient Village loomed into view did she realize the mysterious woman who had shadowed her the whole way—ally one moment, foe the next—was far more than a karmic entanglement that had cracked her defenses.

They were destined mortal enemies, locked in a grudge match to the death. The seeds of that fate and karma had been sown a thousand years before.

~~~

High-mountain flower x soft-hearted god

Word was that Gu Xianwang was Pear Garden's newest sensation, a dan specialist in warrior roles. Her lineage was illustrious; onstage, her every move, her singing, speech, acting, and combat evoked a true general. Offstage, she was coolly elegant, rivaling even the legendary beauties of Qinhuai River. A blossom high on untouchable peaks, she never bent for anyone.

Simple reason: her temperament was distant. Not even her childhood senior brother could get close to her heart.

No one knew that Gu Xianwang, tormented by the forbidden witch bone for half her life, hadn't erupted in silence—she had warped in silence long ago.

The damn curse slew her father, her mother, everyone dear. Its one silver lining: total poison immunity. Its fatal flaw: it drew monsters like a magnet—a walking lingchi execution, sliced to ribbons alive.

So Gu Xianwang charged ahead. Whoever hit her, she killed. A reckless, death-defying psycho beauty through and through.

That mysterious woman named Long Li put Gu Xianwang on edge from the first glance. After a few tests, she confirmed it: enemy spy!

The spy wasn't just stunning—she was freakishly skilled, like heaven-sent kryptonite.

Three fights, three times Gu Xianwang lost her blade. The third time, monsters watched as Long Li hoisted her up and carried her off.

Humiliation! Degradation! Heart-shattering!

For all Gu Xianwang's sharp tongue and ruthless grit, Long Li's silver words pinned her down every time.

What "beautiful strong tragic" type was some tight-lipped gourd?

One word from this woman plucked stars from the sky; a single breath conjured half the splendor of the Tang Dynasty.

~~~

Long Li: Xianwang, through the ages, year after year we meet. This cycle of fate ends with me. From here on, may you live plainly—wishes granted, every endeavor a success.

Gu Xianwang: Liar! Witch maiden? Shentu? Aren't you the gods' emissary? Why deny my prayer?

I wish for my Long Li to return to me—every moment, every season. This life, Xianwang and you, forever inseparable.