186 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Cen Ran's heart was heavy with worry, but she still managed to relax her furrowed brow and pondered for a moment. "Your sect is skilled with formations; you must have discovered something else. Anything new to report?" Gongsun Yin smiled. "This kind of formation seems to be based on resentment. Once the formation is activated, it continuously absorbs the surrounding spiritual energy, and we've discovered that the formation has an additional hallucinatory effect." These details were already known to Cangjun Mountain. Cen Ran nodded and said, "We are aware of these." "There's no need to rush, Vice Sect Leader. We also found that this formation appears to be a corner of a larger formation. In other words, this formation is just a small part. Of the known formations, one is in Wanjia Village to the north and another is ours here in the east. According to my calculations, there should be three more formations located in the west, southeast, and southwest." Cen Ran was shocked. The suggested locations pointed towards the territory of the demon race. Spiritual energy is crucial for both the demon and human cultivators. If this formation was deliberately orchestrated by someone, who could it be—a demon or a human? What is their ultimate goal? Despite her internal turmoil, Cen Ran maintained a calm exterior. "Assuming this grand formation comes to fruition, what would be the consequences?" Gongsun Yin replied, "Gui'er, you explain." At this point, Helan Mian Mian became noticeable for the first time. His gentle appearance and jade-like face made him easily likable. After a shy smile, Helan Mian Mian began to explain. "If I may be so bold, should this grand formation succeed, it will cover the entire human and demon realms. The formation's effect won't change; it'll still be based on resentment, draining spiritual energy to create illusions." Cen Ran now took note of this young man. He had been quiet all this time, so she had overlooked him. She recalled that he was recorded in the list of participants for the grand ceremony. With her excellent memory, she remembered that this youngster was the talisman formation genius and future successor of the Zhenqi Sect. Cen Ran showed a bit of appreciation and respect. She smiled and said, "Elder Gongsun's disciple is so talented; it's truly enviable." Gongsun Yin knew this was just polite small talk, but he felt the same pride in his heart and smiled proudly. "My little disciple surely has some talent, but he's no match for the Vice Sect Leader's two disciples, and certainly incomparable to the beloved disciple of Venerable Qingshuang." Despite the flattery, Cen Ran couldn't help but be pleased. Among the four major sects, the Zhenqi Sect was the most peaceful and non-contentious, hence she had a good impression of their members. However, the involvement of the demon race complicated the formation matter. While Cen Ran certainly hoped that the demon race would be disturbed by the formation, letting it succeed would rob the human race of the opportunity to pursue immortality and enlightenment. Given the still tense relations between the human and demon races, and the lack of trust from the demons towards humans, investigating this would require infiltrating the demon realm. But whom should be sent for such a dangerous task? "May I ask, Senior, is Lady Ning a Soul-Devouring Physique?" Helan Mian Mian addressed Cen Ran, who was seated at the head. Though uncertain of his intention, Cen Ran responded affirmatively and then asked, "Why ask this all of a sudden?" Helan Mian Mian did not falter. "A Soul-Devouring Physique can not only absorb spiritual power but also devour souls. Since the formation is based on resentment, with many vengeful spirits within, perhaps a Soul-Devouring Physique could suppress the formation." It sounded logical, but Cen Ran dared not agree lightly. She had previously sent people to purify the resentful spirits within the formation, only for them to nearly lose their sanity due to backlash. In the end, Ning Songwu was just a sixteen-year-old girl; the odds of success were slim. Contemplating all these aspects, Cen Ran chose to evade the suggestion. "I have not heard of such an effect from a Soul-Devouring Physique. Please allow me to discuss this with my senior sister before making a decision." Seeing that Cen Ran had not agreed, Helan Mian Mian wanted to continue, but Gongsun Yin pulled him back. Gongsun Yin smoothed things over. "Very well, we'll leave it to you, Vice Sect Leader." Cen Ran nodded and saw them out. Only after Gongsun Yin and his disciple had disappeared into the sky did Cen Ran dare sigh. She stood and made her way to the Morning-Farewell Peak, intending to discuss this matter with her nonchalant senior sister. At that moment, Ning Songwu stirred, mumbling something softly in her sleep, as if on the verge of waking up. Ran Fanyin, unsure of what to do, hurriedly folded the piece of parchment and stuffed it back into the brocade pouch before pretending to sleep. When Ning Songwu opened her eyes, she rubbed them before placing her hand on Ran Fanyin's waist, causing his heart to race from the slight intimacy. Ning Songwu was still in a daze, her vision blurred. She blinked hard, trying to focus on the figure before her. Her eyes widened in shock. Was she still dreaming? Why was her master... still on her bed? And... with bare shoulders... Last night... wasn't a dream?! Ning Songwu opened her mouth, at a loss, clutching the sleeping Ran Fanyin in her arms, overwhelmed. What on earth was going on... Ning Songwu cautiously released Ran Fanyin and placed her hand on her own forehead. It seemed her fever had subsided. She slowly got up, straightened her clothes, and glanced uncertainly at the person in bed. Determined to find someone for answers, she decided to leave. Her last conscious memory was kneeling in the snow with a burning forehead. As Ning Songwu stood, the bed slightly rose from losing her weight. Feeling her departure, Ran Fanyin felt inexplicably hollow, his fingers tightening slightly as he grasped a bit of wrinkled fabric. Ning Songwu's steps were unsteady, feeling light-headed as she walked out, supporting herself by the cave walls of Huaxu Grotto, looking around to find someone. It was early morning, and Xue was carrying a lunchbox to the Kunlun kitchen to bring some food back for the few 'Buddhas' in the hidden cave. Upon stepping out, she almost bumped into the passing Ning Songwu. "Oh my... you scared me. Why are you out of bed? Are your injuries healed?" Ning Songwu recognized the girl and quickly grabbed her. "Xue, what happened?" Xue looked puzzled. "Happened? What do you mean?" "I remember fainting that day... and then... what happened?" "Oh... you mean that." Xue rolled her eyes. "After you fainted, Lord Ran brought you back and took care of you the whole time." "...That's all?"