50. The Profound Bond Between Biological Brother and Sister

Only then did he learn that Song Xiaoyu was not Song Xiao’s biological daughter; her background was astonishingly prestigious. Song Xiaoyu’s mother, the late Emperor’s Consort Li, had once been falsely accused of colluding with the enemy while pregnant. Branded a traitor, Consort Li fled the palace in the dead of night. The late Emperor’s investigation later revealed that another concubine had orchestrated the plot out of jealousy, for Consort Li enjoyed unrivaled favor and her first daughter was Bai Liuli, who was but five years old at the time.

According to Xie Wuji’s conjecture, Consort Li must have encountered the reclusive Song brothers while on the run. Setting aside her noble status, she chose a humble life with the honest Song Xiao as commoners. It was said that Song Xiaoyu once had a younger sister, but the child died young from illness; her mother grieved herself into an early grave thereafter.

Piecing together these clues, Xie Wuji understood the entire sequence of events. Now that he had embarked on the path of cultivation, spiritual energy nourished his body, making him appear barely in his early twenties. It was only natural that Bai Liuli saw him as her younger brother. Yet, Xie Wuji found it difficult to accept at first.

Bai Liuli had ruled as Empress for many years, but the matter of her mother had always weighed heavily on her heart. Upon seeing Xie Wuji, she embraced him so tightly he could hardly breathe, weeping uncontrollably—gone was the dignified Empress so formidable in court.

Speaking of the Empress, she was, indeed, remarkable. The nation before Yunshang was Xiliang, a realm where women always sat the throne. Thus, when the dynasty changed hands, few objected to Bai Liuli, the seventh sovereign, ascending as Empress. As the eldest imperial daughter, she was learned, compassionate, and deeply loved by her people.

After composing herself, Bai Liuli had Xie Wuji change into fresh clothes. For such a joyous occasion, of course her sisters would join them. Nine princesses appeared, the youngest only ten, the oldest just two years younger than Bai Liuli herself, who, though twenty-six, was impeccably maintained. In Xie Wuji’s words, she was the very embodiment of a charismatic, commanding lady.

Bai Liuli asked, “And what is my brother called now?”

Since they were all family, Xie Wuji no longer concealed the truth. “Elder Sister, my name is now Xie Wuji.”

He recounted his experiences over the years, half fabricated, half true. His audience was utterly captivated, laughing heartily at times, moved to tears at others.

Inwardly, Xie Wuji worried about extricating himself. If he declared he was not Consort Li’s son, would these imperious women not have him executed on the spot?

It was better, he thought, to find Song Xiaoyu and the others first, then reveal the truth. Otherwise, deceiving the royal family was a capital crime in any world—punishable by death and the extermination of one’s kin.

“I never imagined my brother suffered so much all these years,” Bai Liuli said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Had we found you sooner, perhaps you would have been spared such hardship.”

Xie Wuji laughed to lighten the mood. “Actually, I came this time to borrow something from the palace.”

He explained the matter of the World-Creating Rebirth Pill.

Bai Liuli replied, “That’s no problem. Take it. But I must warn you, there is only one left. It was refined by the previous head of the Danxia Sect. Even if mortally wounded, as long as a single breath remains, it can restore you to health.”

“It seems my sister and the Danxia Sect are on excellent terms,” Xie Wuji remarked.

“Yunshang owes much of its success to Danxia Sect. They dispatched disciples in our darkest hours, turning the tide for us again and again. Before he died, Father commanded that we treat them with utmost respect,” Bai Liuli said. “By the way, your true name is Bai Wuchang.”

“What! That’s quite something!” Xie Wuji exclaimed, springing to his feet.

Bai Liuli smiled, “Father chose that name—‘all things are impermanent.’ Sometimes a single misunderstanding, once resolved, means parting forever. You and Mother were always his greatest sorrow.”

That Song Xiaoyu was of royal blood staggered Xie Wuji, but he harbored no desire to usurp that identity. Once he found Song Xiaoyu, he would confess the truth. For now, revealing it could enrage Bai Liuli and cost him his life.

“Elder Sister, you seem troubled,” Xie Wuji changed the subject.

The second princess interjected, “Fifth Brother, you don’t know. Our eldest sister bears immense pressure as Empress of Yunshang. The truce with Li State is about to end, and soon she must decide whether to extend peace or resume war.”

“Li State?” Xie Wuji recalled it was one of the Seven Kingdoms.

Bai Liuli’s brow furrowed. “Enough, sister. Today is a day of reunion—let us forget affairs of state and focus on Wuji. Now that you know your true identity, will you return to Danxia Sect?”

“Elder Sister, my real goal is to revive the Undying Sect. Danxia is merely a place for training. I haven’t even reached the Golden Core stage. But if I restore the Undying Sect, it will serve Yunshang loyally, for I am, after all, the Empress’ brother.”

A flash of cunning lit Bai Liuli’s eyes. “That is for the best. Though Danxia Sect is powerful, its people are unruly and rife with internal strife. Everyone knows that Elder Ding Desheng and the current head, Dongmen Yong, are bitter rivals. To rely on them entirely is impossible. But if you lead the Undying Sect, it will stabilize the realm greatly.”

“Is my sister worried about the four regents?” inquired Bai Meigui, another princess.

Bai Liuli gazed skyward. “Though I am Empress, I am but a puppet. When Father died, he entrusted the Grand Chancellor, Grand General, Grand Marshal, and Great Scholar as my regents. Now, they cling to power, some even pushing for Uncle Bai Wushang to take the throne, claiming a woman cannot rule. If I had a sect to back me, those four would not be so bold.”

“Would my sister lend me her support?” Xie Wuji asked eagerly.

“Of course. We are siblings, after all!” Bai Liuli’s smile was radiant. She was known for her stern demeanor, but her occasional smile was truly lovely.

Xie Wuji rejoiced, “I won’t let you down, Elder Sister!”

Soon, an attendant presented an ornate box. Bai Liuli handed it to Xie Wuji. “Inside are two pills. One is the World-Creating Rebirth Pill—the only one left in the world. The recipe is lost. Treasure it well. Father took the first, which prolonged his life by three years, but it can only be used once in a lifetime. The second was kept for emergencies.”

She pointed to the other pill. “This was tribute from Li State when the truce was signed—a Golden Core Pill. It protects and enhances the core during the Golden Core breakthrough. Since you are about to forge your core, it is invaluable to you.”

Xie Wuji accepted the box, marveling that he had come to steal a pill from the Heaven-Towering Pagoda, only to have the Empress present them to him in person.

Bai Liuli’s devotion to her siblings was genuine. With such a sister, Xie Wuji was reluctant to reveal the truth. Yet the Golden Core was crucial, so he gratefully accepted, “Thank you, Elder Sister!”

Bai Liuli laughed, “Why thank me? But you care so much for Miss Dongmen—could it be you…”

She narrowed her eyes playfully as the other princesses covered their mouths and giggled.

“Our brother seems to be awakening to matters of the heart…”

“Perhaps he’ll have children before our eldest sister does!”

“With our brother’s background, he’s certainly worthy of proposing to the Danxia Sect!”