274 - Elasia Saga

After leaving the Frost Flower Palace in the Southern Region, Shui Liu Qing quickly reunited with Ji Qing Jue. Since their separation at the bottom of the Dark Heart Lake, two small years had passed without either seeing the other. During this time, everyone who returned from the tombs delved into relentless cultivation, seeking new opportunities. Naturally, Shui Liu Qing and Ji Qing Jue were no exception. Shui Liu Qing aimed to break through to the later stage of the Transformation Realm, but she didn't succeed. Her focus on puppetry limited her own progress. However, this was not a concern. Her lifesource puppet possessed the consummate power of the Transformation Realm. Whether in battle or training, it ensured she wouldn't be a burden. Furthermore, Shui Liu Qing had already begun preparations to create a second puppet. With Ji Qing Jue due to finish her isolation training soon, Shui Liu Qing decided to reach out, suggesting they venture across the continent together. Since she had resolved to pursue a relationship with Ji Qing Jue, Shui Liu Qing knew she needed to take the initiative. The thought of Ji Qing Jue’s tear-filled eyes that day in the treasure vault still brought a pang to her heart. With their puppets, they easily contacted each other, leaving the sect and heading straight for their rendezvous point. It was a modest town, and upon meeting, both felt a certain awkwardness in the air. After a long silence, Ji Qing Jue looked up, her face calm, and asked, "Where to next?" Naturally, Shui Liu Qing had gathered information in advance. The town was close to the Western Region, where several new medium-sized secret realms had appeared. Although many were claimed by Western sects, others were freely accessible. Because of this, many disciples and rogue cultivators headed there, hoping to train in these realms. Regardless of their size, secret realms held potential opportunities, which cultivators would not ignore. Shui Liu Qing thought it worthwhile to explore the Western Region and see its famed landscape. Finding a chance there would be ideal, but even without one, the journey wouldn't be wasted. Ji Qing Jue had no objections to Shui Liu Qing's proposal, having heard of the recent activity in the Western Region’s secret realms. She nodded after a brief consideration, "Alright, let's head to the Western Region." Hearing this, Shui Liu Qing tried to remain impassive but couldn't help feeling affected, eventually suggesting, "No rush, we've traveled quite a bit. Let's find an inn and rest a night before setting out tomorrow." Ji Qing Jue saw the sense in this and agreed. With that, Shui Liu Qing led Ji Qing Jue to the door of a nearby inn. Inside, not long after, the innkeeper apologized with a smile, "I'm sorry, we have only one room left. Would the two fairies mind sharing?" Shui Liu Qing hesitated: "..." Ji Qing Jue too seemed taken aback, her expression awkward: "..." The innkeeper, oblivious to the discomfort, insisted, "Though there's only one room, sharing won't be a problem. Since you're together, it won't make a difference." Faced with this, Shui Liu Qing felt deeply embarrassed, as if orchestrating the situation. She was the one who suggested staying and led them here, making the coincidence seem deliberate. It was indeed a coincidence. Shui Liu Qing knew she and Ji Qing Jue weren't at that stage yet. They had only recently expressed their feelings, needing time for natural progression. Worried Ji Qing Jue might think she had ulterior motives, Shui Liu Qing glanced sidelong at her. But Ji Qing Jue chose that moment to look back. "Ahem." Shui Liu Qing reflexively averted her gaze, pretending to focus on the innkeeper, maintaining her composure, "No problem, we'll take the earth-grade room as well." "Certainly!" The innkeeper promptly answered. With a neutral expression, Shui Liu Qing accepted the room key, avoiding further eye contact with Ji Qing Jue. Upstairs, she handed the celestial-grade room key to Ji Qing Jue while holding onto the earth-grade room key. Thinking a moment for casualness, she added, "Want to get something to eat?" About half an hour later, they were seated in the celestial-grade room, a spread of dishes laid before them. Somehow, the tension between them eased a bit. Shui Liu Qing glanced at the table, then at Ji Qing Jue, offering a warm smile, "The food here looks good. Try it?" She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, intending to place it in Ji Qing Jue's bowl, only to realize the distance was too far. Standing up would be awkward, and tossing it impossible... After a pause, Shui Liu Qing nonchalantly withdrew, popping the fish into her mouth, "You're right, it's pretty good." "Hmm." Ji Qing Jue, seemingly unaware of Shui Liu Qing’s awkward moment, began eating. Seeing this, Shui Liu Qing sighed in relief. Relaxing, she took a sip of fruit wine, feeling more at ease. Candles flickered gently, illuminating their contemplative faces. Gazing at Ji Qing Jue, Shui Liu Qing couldn't help but feel captivated, her natural charm making even a strand of hair enticing. Shui Liu Qing briefly regretted taking the extra earth-grade room. They were cultivators. A night's meditation was but a flicker of time, and sharing a room didn’t mean anything needed to happen. It was normal, even among friends, and they were already more than friends. Yet, with both rooms booked, regret wasn’t an option. Shui Liu Qing found her meal tasteless, sipping more wine in frustration. "What's wrong?" Ji Qing Jue noticed her pour another drink. Not concerned about intoxication—as no mortal drink could affect a cultivator—she was merely curious. Pausing, Shui Liu Qing smiled, "Nothing, just enjoying the sweetness of this wine." Drunk she would not get, but emboldened she did. After dinner, she lingered, not returning to her room immediately. "Right." A thought struck, prompting her to ask, "Did the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion’s disciples ever... come after you?" She hadn’t mentioned the tracking mark to Ji Qing Jue, not wanting to worry her. Caught by the sudden question, Ji Qing Jue blinked, pondering briefly before honestly shaking her head, "No, I went into seclusion soon after returning." "Are you close to breaking through to the Mahayana Stage?" Shui Liu Qing suddenly inquired. "No, I still have a long way to go," Ji Qing Jue replied. Though her master helped unlock her innate charm’s potential, the path of cultivation remained challenging, with a significant journey ahead before the Mahayana Stage. Unclear how, the conversation simplistically turned to their cultivation issues, quite harmonious barring any digressions. Ji Qing Jue shared tales of life in the Blossom Spirit Valley, all new to Shui Liu Qing, who listened intently. As the candlelight swayed, Shui Liu Qing’s eyes traced Ji Qing Jue's elegant face, slowly lingering on her delicate lips, feeling a sudden throat dryness. "Qing Jue." Ji Qing Jue paused mid-sentence at the sound of her name, instinctively looking up. The next moment, her world blurred with motion, feeling something warm press against her lips. Shui Liu Qing stood stunned, their lips locked. In that instant, both women froze, unable to move. Shui Liu Qing didn't quite understand what compelled her to lean in and seal the moment with a kiss, but the fleeting sensation that had crossed her mind was instantly validated. Indeed, her lips were as sweet and soft as she imagined. Their contact lasted only a second before Ji Qing Jue, flustered, hurriedly pushed her away. In the end, Shui Liu Qing found herself unceremoniously tossed back into the earth-grade room by a distinctly blushing Ji Qing Jue. "…" It was bound to be a sleepless night. ... Within the Xu You Jade Seal. Fu Yan, who was practicing various sword techniques beneath the waterfall, immediately sensed Bai Yue Li's return to the space, even though it caused no major disturbances. After all, the Xu You Jade Seal was Fu Yan's treasure. Although Bai Yue Li could enter due to their dual cultivation bond, any slight change would be instantly perceived by a conscious Fu Yan. A year ago within the seal, Fu Yan had awakened from a period of deep seclusion, spending her time mastering sword techniques acquired from the depths of Dark Heart Lake. With the aid of the cultivation abode, her progress in these techniques was remarkable. In just a few months, Fu Yan had become adept in wielding them, even mastering the mysterious sword formation Bai Xiong had provided, unleashing its full potential. Moreover, her years of secluded cultivation had elevated her strength significantly. However, ascending to immortality remained a distant goal, as only about five or six years had passed outside, and the grand immortality ceremony at Central was still two decades away. Immortality was not easily attained; throughout history, only a sparse few cultivators could achieve it. Fu Yan was not overly concerned; time was on her side. “Go!” In the celestial sky of the cultivation abode, Fu Yan wielded her sword, and formidable sword energy began to converge around her, her eyes gleaming with determination. With a series of rapid lip movements, Fu Yan swung her sword, unleashing the attack without reservation. The strike was nearly flawless. In an instant, the powerful sword energy surged forth, clashing with the shadow formed by the waterfall's flow, igniting a massive explosion mid-air. The entire realm echoed with the forceful collision, rippling waves of air sweeping outward. “Splashing.” Following the atmospheric rupture, the waterfall’s flow seemed instantly drained of energy, transforming into ordinary streaks of water, cascading straight down. In midair, Fu Yan deftly turned and landed back on the stone platform beneath the waterfall. She took a moment to assess the sword technique she just executed, finally allowing a satisfied smile to grace her lips, a subtle hint of pride in her expression. After sheathing her sword, Fu Yan instinctively glanced over to the grassy area, her gaze meeting a set of smiling eyes. On the sloped grass, Bai Yue Li stood in a white form-fitting gown that accentuated her waistline. Her simple hair accessories adorned with long ivory ribbons fluttered amidst her dark hair. As the gentle breeze passed, it lifted her ribbons and gown effortlessly, matching the clarity of her eyes with an ethereal elegance. She was breathtakingly captivating, making it difficult to look away. At just a glance, Fu Yan felt a warmth spread within her, her throat dry and parched. She swallowed unconsciously. Since their reunion, Bai Yue Li hadn’t worn such attire for a long time, least of all since becoming the Demon Domain's sovereign. Though Fu Yan found Bai Yue Li irresistibly beautiful in anything, she particularly loved seeing her in this dress. One look, and it felt like their first meeting all over again. Without hesitation, Fu Yan moved gracefully from the stone platform of the cultivation abode, her heart overflowing with joy as she approached Bai Yue Li. "Senior Sister!" she called softly to Bai Yue Li even before landing completely. Happiness resonated in her voice. Bai Yue Li lifted her gaze, watching Fu Yan approach with a serene smile blooming uncontrollably, instinctively reaching to catch the descending figure. "How is your cultivation going?" Bai Yue Li inquired. Fu Yan landed stably, her eyes brimming with a sparkle that invited a tender warmth. She nodded, "It's going smoothly." "That's good." Bai Yue Li had wondered if she would disturb Fu Yan’s deep seclusion training on her arrival, but to her surprise, Fu Yan had been practicing sword techniques. Bai Yue Li had witnessed the earlier display clearly. Having reunited after a long time, they naturally exchanged a tender moment. Releasing Bai Yue Li’s lips, Fu Yan noticed a mist forming in her eyes, her breath slightly uneven. Her lips were glistening and full from their attention, resembling a budding flower with irresistible allure, making it hard for Fu Yan to let go. Fu Yan’s own lips showed marks of the encounter, and as Bai Yue Li regained herself, she noticed Fu Yan’s tender yet alluring lips she had just left tinged with her own impression. Bai Yue Li felt a warmth rise to her face. Witnessing her stunning appearance, Fu Yan couldn’t help her heart from racing, although she managed to suppress her impulse. Bai Yue Li turned her gaze slightly, placing her hand on Fu Yan's shoulder, her voice a bit husky, "Alright, let’s take a step back." "Okay." Fu Yan nodded with a smile, but not before giving Bai Yue Li’s lips a quick, playful peck. Like a fleeting dragonfly, the moment vanished almost immediately. Relaxed, they sat on the grassy field in the Xu You Jade Seal, enjoying the gentle breeze. Fu Yan squinted slightly, turning to Bai Yue Li, "Senior Sister, you’ve been out for a long time. Did something significant happen in the Demon Domain?" Fu Yan’s external puppet allowed her to stay informed of the continent's happenings. Yet, the Demon Domain had been relatively quiet these past years. Bai Yue Li's prolonged absence suggested notable events, hence Fu Yan’s inquiry. They never kept secrets from each other. Hearing the question, Bai Yue Li began, "In recent years, Fu Juan has been training outside with Xiao Yao Tuan Zi, but don’t worry, they’re fine." Fu Yan nodded, unsurprised by the update. She and Bai Yue Li had trained together, and staying idle in the Demon Domain would have been dull for Fu Juan. Furthermore, as a pure-blooded black dragon, Fu Juan faced minimal risk unless encountering immortals. “Indeed, Fu Juan will grow swiftly.” Fu Yan responded warmly. Bai Yue Li gently nodded, her expression turning serious as she met Fu Yan's gaze, recounting the heart's past events. Upon hearing everything, Fu Yan paused, her brows furrowing slightly, "Senior Sister, do you mean that heart belongs to Mo Zi?" Bai Yue Li nodded, "Yes." "Would Mo Zi's heart pose significant danger?" Fu Yan pondered the demonic essence, realizing it was an uncontrollable variable. Bai Yue Li thought for a moment before answering, "According to the records, it shouldn’t pose significant danger. Mo Zi is long dead; his heart merely emits concentrated demonic energy." This energy could somewhat affect the minds of ordinary cultivators and mortals. "There might be other functions, but given its rarity, with only one Mo Zi over millennia, the Demon Domain lacks detailed records." Bai Yue Li paused briefly before continuing. The situation indeed seemed peculiar—why did the original Demon Lord value Mo Zi's heart so? Despite its utility in enriching their cultivation with demonic energy, even foreseeing her downfall, she had tasked Bai Yue Li with guarding it. Clearly, the original Demon Lord had intended to use Mo Zi's heart for something. With this in mind, Fu Yan suddenly entertained a bold idea, her eyes betraying a hint of astonishment, "Senior Sister, could the Demon Lord have intended to use Mo Zi’s heart... for resurrection?" It was a thought devoid of logic, daring indeed. After all, the original Demon Lord perished under her own heavenly tribulation. Reaching such heights, it was virtually impossible for her to have the chance to split off a wisp of soul to reincarnate and cultivate anew, as Lu Xiao Wen did. Hearing this, a look of surprise flickered in Bai Yue Li's eyes. Once Fu Yan voiced her speculation, her thoughts cleared. She looked at Bai Yue Li and tightly grasped her hand. "Senior Sister, don't worry. No matter what happens, I will always be here." In truth, if the original Demon Lord could somehow return, it might be advantageous. Fu Yan could see that Bai Yue Li had no interest in the position of Demon Sovereign, so it could be a chance to hand it back to her, allowing Bai Yue Li to naturally leave the Demon Domain. “Mm.” Feeling the warmth from Fu Yan's hand, Bai Yue Li returned to her senses. She met Fu Yan's reassuring smile and couldn't help but smile back. Regardless of whether the original Demon Lord would succeed in returning, they would be together no matter what. Putting these troubles aside for now, the two rested peacefully on the grass for a while, until Bai Yue Li suggested a spar to see the results of Fu Yan's years of training. Although seclusion training was beneficial, it still lacked the practical experience of actual combat. Hearing this, Fu Yan readily agreed, and soon the two engaged in playful combat high within the Xu You Jade Seal. Anyone witnessing their sparring match might exclaim, “To those who know, it’s a spar; to those who don’t, it seems a tender dance!” After several rounds, both seemed thoroughly pleased. As they lay together atop the clouds, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li breathed heavily, catching their breaths, before turning to share a knowing glance. In that instant, smiles crept onto their faces, silently sharing laughter. Fu Yan reached out and clasped Bai Yue Li’s hand, leading her into a renewed session of cultivation. Naturally, this marked the return to their long-awaited shared cultivation journey.