256 - Elasia Saga

Chapter 256: Soul Fusion Fu Yan's voice was soft yet seeped into Bai Yueli's very being, making her feel as if she had lost all anchor, her body floating. "Sister..." The husky voice reached her again. Bai Yueli tried valiantly to gather her thoughts, but joy coursed through her like waves, compelling her to follow Fu Yan willingly. After Fu Yan sensed Bai Yueli's mind opening up, a glint of desire flickered in her bright eyes. She lowered her gaze and captured those warm, moist lips again. The person in her embrace trembled, blissfully weak, as Fu Yan instinctively tightened her hold around Bai Yueli's waist. Despite their close embrace, it still felt insufficient... Never enough; they yearned for more. "Whoosh—" In the mist-shrouded spiritual pool, both figures involuntarily closed their eyes. Fu Yan's consciousness lightly stirred and entered Bai Yueli's mind. A cultivator's mind space was their most fragile yet mysterious domain. Normally, it was fiercely guarded against any intrusion. Yet, contrary to expectation, Bai Yueli's mind remained unguarded, welcoming Fu Yan's presence. Because it was Fu Yan, there was undying trust between them. The expansive mind resembled a mystical chaotic universe, with Bai Yueli’s consciousness, like a soft, glowing cloud, floating at its center. Noticing Fu Yan's entry, Bai Yueli's consciousness flickered with glee, brightening as it spotted Fu Yan's approaching form. Fu Yan's heart stirred, and her consciousness, carrying a gentle strength, flew directly to the mind's center. Bai Yueli moved too, aligning with her. Within the vast mindscape, two glowing consciousnesses raced toward one another. In the next instant, Fu Yan's consciousness gently collided with Bai Yueli's, threads of their spiritual energy entwining slowly. "Buzz—" Soon, Fu Yan's consciousness enveloped Bai Yueli's, the light intensifying as it fused completely within the other. Their souls merged, the serene mindscape quivering violently, like a calm sea suddenly stirred into tidal waves. In moments, all that remained was a single, unified consciousness. The interwoven consciousness pulsed brightly, flickering like a heartbeat. At that moment, their souls became one. In the spiritual pool, Fu Yan and Bai Yueli's bodies simultaneously quivered lightly. They seemed to transcend reality, hand in hand, soaring to the heavens. This was their first soul cultivation. The pleasure derived from soul cultivation far surpassed physical dual cultivation. Engulfed in sweetness, they felt utterly enraptured. "Mm... ah..." On the misty peak, a soft, instinctive whimper echoed, prompting Fu Yan to instinctively kiss the corner of Bai Yueli's reddened eyes. With souls intertwined, they soared to new heights once more. ... Inside the Frosthuan Palace... A head suddenly appeared atop the main hall of Xingyue Peak, as Mo Ling floated lazily through the window, noticing something peculiar about Fu Yan. Fu Yan sat quietly in a chair, her eyes unfocused, cheeks flushed, her temples slick with sweat. Though still, Mo Ling immediately noticed her long lashes trembling faintly, like butterfly wings stirring. This demeanor suggested she was enduring something profound. Something's wrong, very wrong, Mo Ling thought, narrowing its gaze on Fu Yan. "Hey, what's wrong with you?" Mo Ling asked, unable to fathom it itself, studying Fu Yan intently. Fu Yan seemed startled for a moment, finally lifting her gaze towards Mo Ling, who had suddenly appeared, "Hm?" Shocked, Mo Ling quickly floated before her, eager to uncover the reason, "Something's off, definitely off. You didn't notice me instantly." To Mo Ling, Fu Yan was typically vigilant. Even with a protective barrier around Xingyue Peak, she'd never be so careless to overlook Mo Ling until it spoke. For Mo Ling, this was unsettlingly unusual behavior from Fu Yan. In truth, Fu Yan was under the influence of soul cultivation with Bai Yueli—their thoughts and senses interconnected. Though just a spiritual imprint in a puppet, Fu Yan keenly perceived those sensations. The pleasure from their soul cultivation left her mind foggy and her breath unsteady. This was why Fu Yan hadn't immediately sensed Mo Ling's entrance. "You... you haven't had a cultivation mishap, have you?" Mo Ling asked, initially puzzled, now suggesting incredulously, hints of smugness in its tone. Mo Ling had a vested interest—if Fu Yan succumbed to a cultivation mishap, it might free Mo Ling from the shackles of the law, restoring its freedom. "Are you pleased with the notion of my mishap?" Fu Yan stifled the overwhelming pleasure deep within her soul, taking a deliberate breath before eyeing Mo Ling's floating head. Mo Ling snapped back to seriousness, "Of course not." Recognizing Mo Ling's sincerity, Fu Yan nodded mildly, "Rest assured, even if I were to succumb to a mishap, I’d consume you first." Mo Ling: "..." It felt an urge to retaliate. Since Fu Yan and Bai Yueli decided to cultivate together, the process—whether dual or soul cultivation—would take time. The puppet Fu Yan couldn't remain in a state of exuberance indefinitely. Reflecting on this, Fu Yan reduced their mental connection, dulling the sensations. Once done, the puppet in Frosthuan eased, the allure of soul cultivation leaving her senses high in the clouds, heart aglow. Gradually, the flush faded from Fu Yan’s face, restoring her usual calm. Though she dampened the sensation, their connection remained unbroken, and from within her soul, a serene softness lingered, uplifting Fu Yan's spirit. She had skillfully controlled the puppet as an extension of herself, its appearance gradually mirroring hers when she focused her mind upon it. Until she acted, others found nothing amiss. With composure restored, Fu Yan directed her gaze back to Mo Ling, asking simply, "What's happened?" Mo Ling was tasked to observe Ji Xian of the Corpse Ghost Sect, so its unexpected return signaled something. Upon hearing Fu Yan's inquiry, Mo Ling’s thoughts adjusted, abandoning its curiosity over Fu Yan’s lapse, and spoke, "He finally made his move." Strangely, despite being at Frosthuan Palace for so long, Ji Xian hadn't acted suspiciously—seemingly a typical cultivator focused solely on cultivation. Mo Ling, enduring grievance for prolonged vigilance without discovery, endured the faint stench of corpses, often tempted to slay the source. For this grievance, Mo Ling lamented extensively before Fu Yan. Fu Yan ignored such grievances. Today, Ji Xian left Frosthuan Palace alone—finally demonstrating action, prompting Mo Ling's somewhat excited pursuit. "Who did he meet?" Fu Yan inquired, her demeanor unchanged by Mo Ling's account. Mo Ling shook its head, admitting, "I'm unfamiliar, but he wreaked of corpse stench—a like-minded associate." "..." Ji Xian had met with someone from the Corpse Ghost Sect. After a pause, Fu Yan continued, "And what did they discuss?" Seizing the opportunity, Mo Ling retorted, tone laden with grievance, "Though insignificant under my eye, my powers haven't fully recovered. If I drew closer, I'd surely be detected." Fu Yan couldn't deny it; although the confinement of the law's power had been lifted, without demonic energy or creatures to absorb, Mo Ling couldn't possibly recover much of its strength right after Fu Yan forcibly devoured its power last time. Fu Yan's lips twitched slightly. After a moment's pause, she retrieved a few stalks of demon mare's grass from her storage ring. Mo Ling, overjoyed, devoured them at once. "However, I followed that person further and discovered they returned to a place called 'Nanluo Sect,'" Mo Ling, feeling its strength restored by a fraction, recounted haltingly. Nanluo Sect? Fu Yan remembered—it was a moderately-sized sect in the southern region. Her eyes widened slightly, a trace of surprise flitting through them. It seemed the Corpse Ghost Sect's infiltration was not limited to their Frosthuan Palace; other ordinary sects likely housed their members as well. Clearly, the Corpse Ghost Sect harbored significant ambitions, which explained why the forces in the central region shifted their focus from the demonic realm to them. Reflecting on this, a shadow flickered across Fu Yan's eyes in the room. Not planning to alarm the enemy prematurely, Fu Yan instructed Mo Ling to continue monitoring Ji Xian. She ensured Mo Ling had plenty of demon mare's grass to aid its recovery and left it be. These plants, native to the demonic realm, contained substantial demonic energy, akin to a special elixir for demonic cultivation, facilitating Mo Ling’s absorption and recovery. Fu Yan specially procured them from Bai Yueli. Armed with resources for strength recovery, Mo Ling's departure was marked by a radiant smile—the stench of corpses seemingly more bearable now. After Ji Xian's solo excursion, he resumed his usual cultivation routine, revealing his composed and cautious nature, avoiding suspicion. Several months passed before Lu Xiao Wen sought Fu Yan out. "How many disciples are there currently in Frosthuan Palace?" Lu Xiao Wen asked directly while seated on Xingyue Peak. While Fu Yan's puppet disguise could deceive many, Lu Xiao Wen, having reached immortality, saw through it but didn't mind since he was informed of her seclusion. Given Frosthuan Palace's steady growth, new disciples joined in significant numbers, with seven or eight strong elders in the Conversion Phase. Excluding young ones yet to open their energy seas, Fu Yan calculated and replied, "There are about a hundred disciples at the Open Light Stage or above." Lu Xiao Wen nodded, seemingly unsurprised. Fu Yan sensed that he was not merely making idle conversation, waiting expectantly for his further explanation. "Follow me." With those words, devoid of context, Lu Xiao Wen rose and exited Xingyue Peak, prompting Fu Yan to quickly follow. They streaked across Frosthuan Palace as beams of light, arriving atop a mountain beyond the twelve peaks in minutes. Once on the peak, Fu Yan sensed something unusual; this mountain differed from the Twelve Peaks. Without further ado, Lu Xiao Wen gestured with his hand, and a spatial rift tore open before them, revealing a swirling vortex. "This is..." Fu Yan, sensing the fluctuations within the vortex, expressed her astonishment, "A small secret realm?" Lu Xiao Wen dropped his hand, standing tall beside her, and nodded in confirmation before explaining, "This was intentionally set up for disciple training in Frosthuan Palace." Even so, with the palace’s decline, the secret realm had been sealed for over a millennium. Lu Xiao Wen had already ensured there were no significant threats within by personally inspecting it. "After so many years, the resources inside are plentiful, but it does pose certain dangers." Lu Xiao Wen shifted his gaze, detailing calmly. Training grounds are never without challenge, designed to test the disciples. Upon hearing this, Fu Yan couldn't help but feel elated. She had been concerned that the disciples’ cultivation was too unchallenging. This was a perfect solution. Not only did it conserve resources, but it also provided valuable training—killing two birds with one stone. "Any hidden dangers?" Fu Yan noted the stabilized spatial fluctuations, though centuries without entry meant other dangers might lurk. Lu Xiao Wen suggested, "Crafting beads that shatter and immediately transport users out." Fu Yan nodded; it was indeed feasible. Soon after returning, plans for training in the secret realm were quickly implemented. Lu Xiao Wen indicated the realm could admit twenty individuals at a time, necessitating internal selection amongst the disciples. Fu Yan entrusted these tasks to Yuan He and the others. The selections didn't take long to finalize. Fu Yan observed discreetly during this period, noting a few promising disciples worthy of cultivation. After arrangements for entering the secret realm were set, Fu Yan entrusted Chu Heze with overseeing it. With everything in place, she finally managed a sigh of relief. ... A year later. The abyssal lake at the junction between the central and western regions suddenly emitted a white light. As this phenomenon quickly spread, it soon became the talk of everyone. "Have you heard? Yesterday there was a massive tremor from the depths of the Abyssal Lake, the entire lake was upheaved, and shortly after, a light emerged from its depths." "Yes, I've heard too. Do you think this could be the sign of some treasure surfacing?" "Certainly sounds like it! Haven't you heard? Many prodigious disciples have gone to investigate, including Brother Fang Yu from the Sword King Sect." "You mean that Fang Yu who reached the Grand Completion Stage before turning one hundred? He's gone too? This must signal something remarkable from the Abyssal Lake. Haha, I’ll join the crowd!" "…" By the time the Abyssal Lake incident reached the northern region, Frosthuan Palace had completed two rounds of disciple training in the secret realm. Chu Heze was recounting an unexpected incident to Fu Yan. During the latest training, a disciple of moderate talent inexplicably fell unconscious and upon awakening, found their aptitude transformed, advancing two cultivation stages. Upon hearing, Chu Heze questioned the disciple closely, but they were confused, unaware of what had occurred. Though beneficial, Chu Heze still worried about hidden problems in the secret realm and sought Fu Yan's guidance. Surprised, Fu Yan recalled Lu Xiao Wen’s words: "There are opportunities left by past masters of Frosthuan Palace—not authentic inheritances, but great fortunes for them." Yet, it all depended on fate. Realizing this, Fu Yan understood the disciple likely stumbled upon a legacy from Frosthuan Palace’s ancient masters. "Is that so," Chu Heze relaxed, astonished by Fu Yan's explanation. Remarkably, despite perceptions of Frosthuan as a newly established sect, it was indeed steeped in millennia of heritage. Lu Xiao Wen mentioned the realm primarily trains disciples in their early cultivation stages, restricted to those below the Conversion Phase. Upon learning this, the disciples buzzed with excitement, invigorating Frosthuan Palace with a fiery spirit. While Fu Yan was pleased by such enthusiasm, Yi Tu entered. "My lord," he greeted Fu Yan, offering her a bow. In the main hall, Fu Yan composed herself slightly before meeting Yi Tu’s gaze, listening intently as he delivered his report. "Abyssal Lake?" Fu Yan paused, Yi Tu's report sparking a thought. Yi Tu confirmed, "Yes, it seems something valuable is emerging from the lakebed. Should we… investigate?" Without rushing a response, Fu Yan tapped her finger on the table, her thoughts drawn to the treasure map in her possession. She had an inkling it pointed to an ancient immortal tomb soon to surface. Given Fang Yu, the protagonist, had reached the Grand Completion Stage, waiting for his ascension would diminish this opportunity’s significance. Deciding swiftly, Fu Yan resolved to use the treasure map, essentially a key, and make the journey herself. She never prioritized Fang Yu’s affairs. Wenzhi Peak. "You’re certain you want to go?" Lu Xiao Wen, after hearing Fu Yan’s plan, glanced deeply at her and asked. Fu Yan understood the meaning behind Lu Xiao Wen's words. Currently, her strength was only at the initial stage of the Void Fusion. Attending such an event might present challenges, yet she smiled and earnestly replied, "Yes, I intend to go." Lu Xiao Wen, recognizing Fu Yan was not one to act rashly without a plan, refrained from further comment. "Then go," he said, setting his teacup down. "Take a few disciples along—it should serve as good experience." Indeed, Fu Yan had planned to take disciples on this journey, as the path of cultivation shouldn't be devoid of trials. Exploring the outside world was necessary for the disciples of Frosthuan Palace. "Alright," she agreed. After entrusting Frosthuan Palace to Lu Xiao Wen, Fu Yan disseminated the news of their departure and tasked Yuan He with selecting five disciples to accompany them. Since they were leaving, Fu Yan had no intention of allowing Ji Xian to remain at Frosthuan Palace. He'd be joining the group as well. Chu Heze, comfortable in Shen Shu Palace, opted to stay behind. Yuan He's sea of qi damage hadn't healed, so he would remain in the palace too. Shui Liu Qing and Yi Tu prepared to go, and Lu Xiao Wen entrusted his disciple Liu Bei to Fu Yan as well, finalizing their group. In truth, it wasn't a large group—only about a dozen people, including the five disciples and two elders. "Prepare yourselves. We depart at dawn," Fu Yan instructed the gathered individuals. Among them, Ji Xian's gaze lingered subtly on Fu Yan for a moment, a slow, knowing smile curling his lips as he turned away. Fu Yan seemed oblivious to any hidden motives. Soon enough, those in the hall dispersed to make ready. The next day. Shui Liu Qing brought out a puppet boat she crafted, accommodating the other disciples and elders. She, along with Yi Tu, Ji Xian, and Liu Bei, took seats on Fu Yan's spiritual boat. The two vessels swiftly soared toward the direction of the Abyssal Lake.