254 - Elasia Saga

Chapter 254: A Test of Strength After listening to Fuyan's explanation, Shuiliuqing was still a bit puzzled but decided not to press further. She quickly turned and went back to her preparations. After all, crafting a puppet was no simple task. Even for a relatively basic puppet, Shuiliuqing needed nearly half a year to perfect its creation. Her primary focus was the art of puppetry, and crafting them was not just a task but also a form of cultivation for her. Once Shuiliuqing had left, Fuyan slowly withdrew her gaze from the vast hall, lifting her hand effortlessly from the table. As if prompted by a sudden thought, she turned her hand slightly, and a treasure map appeared in her grasp. This treasure map was once a resource held by the young master of the Mu family, Mu Shaohong. The last time she had been at the Mu residence, one of the male lead's harem, Mo Ruxue, had discussed it with Mu Shaohong. Mo Ruxue probably hadn't anticipated Mu Shaohong's death in that minor secret realm. Fuyan gazed down at the treasure map in her hand. She was aware that this was left by an immortal, one of five parts serving as keys to the immortal's tomb. She had encountered one piece of the map at an auction in Chaoyang City in the Northern Region. However, at the time, she didn't have the financial means to purchase it. Simply holding a treasure map didn’t guarantee access to the immortal's tomb—it merely offered a chance. Based on her last observation at the Mu family, it seemed the male lead and his companions had at least three parts of the treasure map. Fuyan wasn’t overly concerned; having one part was enough for her. Ultimately, it came down to luck. She speculated that there wasn’t much time left before the immortal's tomb would open. Presently, what Shuanghua Palace needed most were resources, so she planned to explore the tomb. Regardless of the outcome, it would enhance Shuanghua Palace's standing. With this thought, Fuyan tucked the treasure map away again. Due to Lu Xiaowen being in seclusion, all matters of Shuanghua Palace now fell to Fuyan. Nonetheless, there were no significant setbacks, and it was a valuable experience for her. Fuyan couldn't help but reflect on how challenging it was to be the master of a palace. In the blink of an eye, several months passed. With an immortal as a protector, Shuanghua Palace attracted numerous itinerant cultivators and other ordinary cultivators, steadily moving toward prosperity. As for the other sects and factions in the Southern Region, after a few unsuccessful confrontations, they stopped overtly seeking trouble. Many of them had only one immortal to rely on as well. They might still harbor some reluctance, but outright conflict would only lead to mutual destruction, leaving others to benefit. One day, Shuanghua Palace welcomed a powerful cultivator at the peak stage, who came seeking the position of a peak master. Given his prowess, it wasn't unreasonable. However, Fuyan sensed something unusual about him. Typically, a cultivator of his level could roam the continent at will and was a target for many factions looking to recruit talent. Shuanghua Palace might not seem the best choice for someone of his caliber. In the main hall stood a man in a gray robe, his eyes long and filled with an enigmatic allure. He appeared ordinary, but the aura emanating from him unmistakably indicated peak-stage strength. Fuyan showed no particular reaction, casting him a brief glance before speaking calmly, "May I ask your name?" "Ji Xian," the man replied, his gaze fixed on Fuyan with an unreadable smile. Fuyan asked, "Is something the matter?" "Isn't it said an immortal presides over Shuanghua Palace?" Ji Xian didn't blink as he looked at Fuyan, a hint of disbelief in his captivating eyes. "Isn't the palace master the one in charge?" Seeing him, Fuyan's lips curled into a subtle smile as she calmly explained, "Whether or not I am the one in charge, does it really matter?" Ji Xian chuckled and shook his head. "Not really." Unabashed, he met her gaze head-on and said deliberately, "I suddenly don't want to be just another peak master." "Oh?" Fuyan remained unperturbed by his words, instead smiling with interest. "What do you mean by that, Ji Daoist?" "Since the palace master is also at the peak stage, why shouldn't I take the position?" Ji Xian's ambition was blatant, his eyes fixated on Fuyan. His provocative words would likely irk anyone, perhaps even inciting a tempestuous reaction. But Fuyan remained entirely unruffled. "Do you wish to be the palace master?" Fuyan replied without a moment's hesitation. Ji Xian tilted his head slightly, his smile deepening. "I only wonder, if my strength surpasses the palace master's, will you relinquish the position?" This time, Fuyan laughed out loud. "It seems, Ji Daoist, you're quite confident in your abilities." "Then, will you?" Ji Xian asked, every word deliberate, his gaze steady on Fuyan. Fuyan responded, "If you can defeat me, I see no issue with yielding the palace master position to you." It seemed Fuyan had guessed correctly. Ji Xian's intentions upon coming to Shuanghua Palace were far from simple, and the position of palace master wasn't his ultimate goal. But Fuyan was untroubled; with her current strength, unless faced with an immortal, few cultivators of her level could challenge her. Moreover, Ji Xian exuded a disconcerting aura, faint yet impossible to overlook. Hearing Fuyan's words, Ji Xian was momentarily taken aback. It seemed he hadn't expected her to agree to his terms so readily—it was indeed surprising. Yet Ji Xian was unafraid, convinced that Fuyan couldn't possibly best him. Before long, the two figures soared into the skies above Shuanghua Palace, drawing the attention of everyone below. "What's going on? Wasn't he here to become a peak master? Why is he suddenly sparring with the palace master?" Yi Tu wondered, glancing at Yuan He and Shuiliuqing beside him, but none offered an explanation. "…" In the sky, Ji Xian casually drew a short flute, gazing at Fuyan with a hint of indifference. "Palace Master, don't hold back. I want to gauge my strength." "Of course," Fuyan replied serenely, seemingly unfazed by his implication. In the next instant, she gripped the hilt of the Stardust Sword. Immediately, the air currents above churned violently, and in the blink of an eye, the two were locked in battle. Fuyan held nothing back, her entire being exuding a sharp sword intent. She raised her hand, and sword light erupted towards Ji Xian's vitals. Ji Xian hastily dodged, retaliating without mercy. "Shhkk," Fuyan's sword sliced through his attack effortlessly. Simultaneously, she darted in close, unleashing a series of Four Seasons Sword techniques at him. Confronted by the oncoming attack, Ji Xian's eyes widened in surprise. Reacting instinctively, he twisted the flute in his hands, summoning a powerful force that shielded him from all attacks. Observing this, he thrust the flute like a sword, sending a formidable force towards the unprepared Fuyan. But a moment later, Ji Xian was blocked by an unseen force, as Fuyan, seemingly unbothered, effortlessly hurled him away with a simple gesture. Feeling a mental pressure, Ji Xian finally furrowed his brow. This was Fuyan's spiritual power. Although she hadn’t mastered the Art of Mind Control, utilizing only a third of its potential, the effect was impressive. Lu Xiaowen’s spiritual skill compendium was remarkable, albeit challenging to master. Fortunately, Fuyan had a natural aptitude for comprehension. Eyeing the figure before her, Fuyan knew it wasn't enough. Her opponent was likely holding back, revealing no weaknesses. With this thought, Fuyan abruptly raised her Stardust Sword, a whistling sound preceding a massive surge of genuine force. Sword hum resonated across the sky. A colossal sword phantom appeared above Fuyan, her figure darting forward toward Ji Xian once more. With a swift motion of her hand, the giant sword silhouette cleaved straight towards him. As the sword shadow descended, there was no escape. Ji Xian's eyes widened in shock. Under this overwhelming pressure, it felt as though a sword was already pressed against his throat, imminent death in the air. Panicked, Ji Xian quickly raised the short flute to his lips, unleashing all his energy in a desperate attempt to fend off the impending sword attack. "Buzz—" In an instant, a thunderous crash echoed across the sky, deafeningly loud. Ji Xian watched helplessly as his force was instantly shattered, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. He hesitated, debating whether to unleash his true power, which would expose his identity entirely. What choice did he have? In the blink of an eye, Ji Xian's gaze flickered decisively, and he slowly lowered the flute, meeting Fuyan's eyes with an air of resignation. He seemed to have surrendered. In truth, Ji Xian was taking a gamble. He did not believe Fuyan would kill him outright. Fuyan noticed this and a quick flash of amusement crossed her eyes. Yet she remained unfaltering, her attack still aimed directly at Ji Xian. The sword fell. At the last possible moment, Ji Xian watched as the massive sword shadow halted above his head, its force shattering his hair tie and sending his long hair aloft. Fuyan came to a stop before him, sheathed her sword, and smiled at Ji Xian with calm curiosity. "What do you think?" she asked. Ji Xian swallowed involuntarily but quickly regained his former composure. "The palace master's strength indeed surpasses mine. I am convinced," he admitted, conceding. Fuyan said nothing more, turning back towards the main hall. Ji Xian, snapping back to reality and watching her retreating figure, couldn't hide a flicker of malice in his eyes. He had won his gamble. Thus, Ji Xian, in the peak stage, became Shuanghua Palace's second peak master. Suddenly, the magic spirit emerged from somewhere, unsettling as ever. It seemed to have sensed something off, looking at Fuyan with a grimace. "Didn't you notice that strong odor of death on him?" it asked. Indeed, the discomforting aura from Ji Xian was that of decay. Though he hid it well, when the sword shadow descended, Ji Xian faltered momentarily, allowing Fuyan to detect the death scent. In that instant, Fuyan confirmed his identity—Ji Xian was from the Corpse Ghost Sect. The Corpse Ghost Sect must have underestimated Shuanghua Palace, daring to infiltrate so boldly. Squinting, Fuyan redirected her gaze to the spirit. Oblivious to Fuyan's thoughts, the magic spirit suddenly felt a golden light flash within, followed by the release of its power. "You finally did the right thing!" it exclaimed joyfully, looking at Fuyan with genuine gratitude. Fuyan withdrew her hand, looking intently at it. "In Shuanghua Palace, you're the only one without a task." "What?" The magic spirit was caught off guard. Fuyan continued, "Since that's the case, why don't you go keep him company? Just don't reveal your identity too early." Understanding the implication of Fuyan's words, the magic spirit's expression fell. It wasn't afraid, just repulsed—Ji Xian's concealment meant nothing to it; the stench of decay was highly unpleasant. Reluctantly bound by a power of law, it could only obey Fuyan's orders. Before long, the magic spirit vanished from the hall, floating towards Ji Xian's peak. Fuyan had no intention of exposing his identity hastily. She wanted to see what the Corpse Ghost Sect was planning. Several more months passed, marking over half a year since Lu Xiaowen had secluded himself. By her calculations, he would emerge soon. On this day, Shuiliuqing finally sought out Fuyan. "Palace Master, the puppet you requested has been successfully crafted."