Chapter 109: The Dual Soul Unity

Along the way, Tang Wei didn’t have much to say to the two members of the Xuanyuan family. It wasn’t very convenient to talk to Zixuan either. Listening to the three men discuss grand matters of the world, she found it incredibly dull. Overhearing their conversation, she caught the mention of Hua Jinxin and couldn’t help but interject, “Why do I feel like Hua Jinxin is a bit strange?”

“Senior, what exactly do you find strange about her?” the head of the Xuanyuan family quickly asked, seeming to know some inside information.

Tang Wei thought for a moment and organized her thoughts. “When I first met her, she felt cold and distant like ice, but then she suddenly became passionate and fiery. For example, by the illusion array in front of the cave, she actually talked with me about Xiaoxue so enthusiastically, and her attitude toward Xiao Xuan was different too. Later, in the cave labyrinth, she reverted to that cold and icy demeanor. She gives me the impression of someone with two faces, like a double persona I’ve seen on TV, but I’ve never actually encountered such a person firsthand, so I can’t be sure.”

Hearing Tang Wei’s observation, the head of the Xuanyuan family chuckled. “In fact, she could be considered a double-faced person. According to the records left by our ancestors, this kind of condition is called a dual-soul entity, which is rare in the world. They’re born this way, with exceptionally good cultivation aptitude. But because the two souls alternate in control, it creates obstacles for her cultivation.”

Tang Wei sighed at the incredible revelation. “No wonder fate is fair—she was given such talent but also burdened with such an environmental hindrance. Have they ever considered expelling one of the souls? Achieving full transformation early on would probably be the best outcome for the other soul.”

“You misunderstand, senior. In their case, harming one soul injures the other equally. To truly resolve this, one soul must become exceptionally strong and suppress the other into eternal slumber. Only then is it safe. But this also leaves future risks: if the main body is injured, the weaker soul could be destroyed at any time. Conversely, even the dominant soul, no matter how powerful, would perish along with it.” The Xuanyuan family head spoke at length, clearly having studied Hua Jinxin’s condition for some time. Otherwise, how could he be so knowledgeable?

“Is there no other solution?” Tang Wei asked curiously.

“None that we know of so far. We dare not experiment recklessly—that could cost lives!” he replied cautiously. Yet, given the actions of the Three Great Cultivation Clans and Four Great Sects over the years, it’s unlikely they truly fear for Hua Jinxin’s life. She must have powerful backing; otherwise, she would have been used as a test subject long ago, dissected and experimented upon without mercy. That she remains untouched suggests strong protection behind her.

Tang Wei didn’t want to press further or uncover who her protectors might be, so she changed the subject. “Hua Jinxin looks so young, but she’s actually fifty or sixty, right?”

“You’re quite right. She must be at least in her sixties,” the Xuanyuan head answered truthfully, unaware of the implication behind her question.

“She’s so old, yet still interested in young men? Could her other soul be particularly wicked—like seeking out frivolous companions or something?” Tang Wei’s curiosity ran wild as she tried to tarnish Hua Jinxin’s image to undermine this beautiful rival.

Though Zixuan was actually older than Hua Jinxin, Tang Wei subconsciously considered Zixuan as someone who had only existed in society for about five years since his past life had ended long ago. This place was where he truly grew up. In her heart, she regarded Zixuan as younger than herself. Whether she was an older woman attracted to a younger man never crossed her mind. Instead, all she could do was obsessively compare herself to Hua Jinxin. She had no idea how much her feelings for Zixuan had grown, mistakenly believing she merely disliked someone and was oblivious to her own romantic feelings. No wonder she had once lost a man without realizing it.

The Xuanyuan family head wanted to roll his eyes at such a trivial question but remained patient. “It’s not as bad as you imagine. Hua Jinxin’s other soul is, well... to put it plainly, a bit infatuated—like a flower fanatic. But mostly, the primary soul controls the body. The other soul only occasionally makes an appearance.” He seemed reluctant to discuss the matter but didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm.

Tang Wei pretended not to notice his hesitation. Her curiosity was insatiable. If she didn’t get to the bottom of it, her mind wouldn’t settle. “Isn’t she already at the Foundation Establishment stage? Is the other soul really that strong? After so many years, has she not found a way to suppress it?”

“That, I’m not sure about. I only know the other soul has less than five layers of Qi Refining stage cultivation. Despite this gap, Hua Jinxin’s main soul, together with the Elder of the Hundred Flowers Valley, has not been able to fully suppress it. It still emerges now and then. Souls are mysterious things; it’s hard to pinpoint the cause. Since it doesn’t affect major affairs, it’s often ignored.” The Xuanyuan head smiled awkwardly.

“Well! Seeing her personality change so drastically, and you all just watch naturally like it’s nothing, I guess you’re used to it!” Tang Wei decided not to press further and jokingly switched topics. “Xuanyuan friend, if Yunqian knew you came here to fetch treasures, would she throw a fit?”

She chuckled at the thought.

The Xuanyuan family head discreetly patted his chest, relieved she didn’t continue. He wasn’t sure how to answer if she delved into personal matters. Smiling indulgently as he imagined Yunqian’s reaction, he said, “Please forgive me, senior. That girl has been spoiled by me; she has no discipline at all.”

“Don’t be upset. Yunqian is adorable and pure-hearted. I like her very much and only hope she remains that innocent forever.” Tang Wei genuinely cared for Yunqian, treating her like a little sister to protect, like a daughter to cherish, hoping that joy would radiate from her to everyone she met.

Meanwhile, Zixuan was deep in discussion with the Xuanyuan patriarch about the intricacies of formation arrays. When it came to topics he was interested in, he could talk endlessly. The old patriarch also clearly had a keen interest in formations, and the two, sharing the same passion, chatted animatedly. They leaned close over a sheet of paper, drawing diagrams, completely ignoring Tang Wei’s side conversation. In this one-on-one exchange, they soon arrived back at the Xuanyuan ancestral home.

Two more visitors appeared: the Ouyang siblings, Ouyang Qianru and Ouyang Qihua. Although the Ouyang patriarch had formed a master-servant contract with Zixuan, Zixuan had no intention of relying on him, which made the patriarch anxious. He took a gamble, hoping to use the children’s presence to bridge the gap with Tang Wei and her companions. After all, people of the same age tended to get along better. However, the relationship between the Ouyang siblings and Tang Wei’s group was not as good as that between Xuanyuan Zhe, Yunqian, and themselves. Whether this attempt would backfire remained to be seen—otherwise, they might end up like the saying “Pig Bajie looking in the mirror—neither inside nor outside fits.”

Tang Wei was in no mood for warm embraces. She exchanged polite words and returned to her quarters. Seeing Ouyang Qianru stirred a fire in her heart; there was no way she could put on a pleasant face.

Gathering Tang Jun, Xuanyuan Zhe, and Li Changfeng, she inquired about the little girl’s recent movements. Before she could hear all the details, a fierce anger ignited anew within her.

That reckless girl was truly audacious! Everyone knew she was the daughter of a Golden Core cultivator’s family, and all would show her three parts respect. With Zhang San following behind, she strutted arrogantly in the secular world. Yet she showed no restraint, becoming even more lawless!

Tang Wei was furious to hear that the girl had nearly burned down a shop over a toy. She vowed to catch her and give her a good scolding. If this little demon didn’t learn discipline soon, she would grow into an irredeemable tyrant.

Before she could act, a message arrived from a servant—it was from the girl herself. She was going on a trip and would turn off her phone for convenience. She told Tang Wei not to worry and promised to return after she had her fill of fun.

This only made Tang Wei more livid. The girl was blatantly avoiding her and had even learned to run off. She was getting bolder and bolder!

Before she could sort out the girl’s affairs, she saw Tang Jun preparing to flee again. From his panicked demeanor, it was as if he’d seen a ghost. Curious, Tang Wei glanced at Xuanyuan Zhe, silently asking for an explanation.

Xuanyuan Zhe pointed toward the door with a nod. Tang Wei looked over just in time to see Yunqian running toward them. Passing by Tang Wei, Yunqian anxiously asked, “Sister, have you seen Tang Jun?” Seeing Tang Wei’s surprised shake of the head, she thanked her and quickly chased after him.

The meaning was clear now—Tang Jun was running away from Yunqian!

Tang Wei’s curiosity deepened. What had happened between Yunqian and her brother? What was going on?