298 - Elasia Saga

Returning to her room, Shui Liu Qing wasted no time. She swiftly packed her belongings, changed into more practical attire, and then reached out to push open the door. Her journey back to the Northern Territory was estimated to last two to three years. While this was merely a blink of an eye for a cultivator, Shui Liu Qing still intended to bid farewell to everyone. “What?” Ming Xi was genuinely surprised upon hearing the news. She blurted out, “Sister Shui, you’re not returning to Frost Flower Palace with us?” Shui Liu Qing nodded and explained truthfully, “Central City is not far from the Northern Territory. I plan to visit my family.” Realizing this, Ming Xi smiled and said, “I see. Take care on the road, Sister Shui. We’ll be waiting for you at Frost Flower Palace.” “Haha, perhaps the Water Peak Master isn’t aware, but since the Immortal Gate Ceremony concluded, many disciples have asked when you’ll take on students. They’re very interested in puppetry. Looks like they’ll have to wait a bit longer.” Yi Tu laughed heartily at the thought. Indeed, Shui Liu Qing’s display of puppetry at the Immortal Gate Ceremony was impressive, leading many disciples to aspire to join her peak and learn the craft. Puppetry, after all, allowed one to overwhelm the opponent with sheer numbers, which was appealing. Hearing this, Shui Liu Qing paused momentarily but wasn’t too surprised. She merely smiled and said, “I did consider this, but ordinary disciples shouldn’t practice puppetry until their own strength reaches the Spirit Transformation stage.” For cultivators with low cultivation levels, crafting high-grade puppets was nearly impossible, and they might neglect their own cultivation if they aimed too high. With these concerns, Shui Liu Qing wasn’t planning to let disciples below the Spirit Transformation stage major in puppetry, as it could lead to their detriment. As a result, although Shui Liu Qing was a peak master at Frost Flower Palace, she hadn’t yet taken on a disciple, not because she didn’t want to, but because this matter required careful consideration. “The Water Peak Master speaks wisely,” Yi Tu nodded with a smile. “No need to rush. They should focus on strengthening their cultivation foundation first. You can select disciples carefully once you return.” After some casual conversation, everyone saw Shui Liu Qing off with smiles. After leaving the spirit ship of Frost Flower Palace, Shui Liu Qing headed to the previously agreed meeting place with Ji Qing Jue. The thought of bringing Ji Qing Jue back to her family filled her with a sense of excitement and joy. However, upon arrival, Ji Qing Jue was nowhere to be found. This made Shui Liu Qing a bit worried. Was Flower Valley preventing Ji Qing Jue from leaving, or did Ji Qing Jue change her mind and not want to return to the Shui family in the Northern Territory with her? No, even if Ji Qing Jue reconsidered, she wouldn’t leave without telling her. Shui Liu Qing quickly corrected her thoughts, realizing she couldn’t let her mind run wild. She took out a small puppet used to contact Ji Qing Jue, hoping to get in touch. Despite sending out her spiritual energy waves, no one answered from the puppet’s side for quite some time. Just as Shui Liu Qing started frowning in concern, Ji Qing Jue's voice finally came through. “Where... are you?” Shui Liu Qing kept her tone calm, as if she wasn’t worried at all. “Hmm?” Over on Ji Qing Jue’s end, she seemed distracted, taking a moment before realizing and replied in surprise, “Sorry, sorry. I miscalculated the day. Wait for me there, I’ll be there shortly.” With that, before Shui Liu Qing could say more, Ji Qing Jue had already ended the connection. Looking down at the small puppet in her hand, Shui Liu Qing could only reassure herself that Ji Qing Jue was delayed by something important, yet her mind couldn’t help but wander. Half a day passed this way. By evening, Ji Qing Jue finally arrived, slightly out of breath and apologizing, “Sorry, I’m late.” The Ji Qing Jue before her had an unsteady aura, her clothing had traces of unknown beast fur, her long hair was messy, indicating she might have just gone through an intense battle. Seeing this, Shui Liu Qing was startled. She quickly and carefully examined Ji Qing Jue, fearing she might find injuries. Thankfully, Ji Qing Jue seemed unharmed. “What happened? Did you encounter a beast?” Despite her relief, Shui Liu Qing couldn’t help but anxiously question while looking up at Ji Qing Jue. “I’m fine, really,” Ji Qing Jue smiled softly, taking a deep breath to steady her aura. Shui Liu Qing reached out to tidy Ji Qing Jue’s hair. “What exactly happened? Was it an ambush?” Ji Qing Jue chuckled, shaking her head slowly. “No, I was hunting a Longevity Beast.” The Longevity Beast is a unique creature to the Central City region, renowned for its lifespan surpassing even many immortals, hence the name. Its blood can be refined into an elixir to extend the life of mortals and cultivators alike, making it incredibly rare and coveted. An adult Longevity Beast’s strength rivals that of a peak-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, making it formidable. Most would not dare attempt to hunt one alone. When Shui Liu Qing heard Ji Qing Jue mention killing a Longevity Beast, she was momentarily stunned, puzzled as to why Ji Qing Jue would take such a risk. Ji Qing Jue felt a bit embarrassed and explained, “I couldn’t come back empty-handed now, could I?” Realization dawned on Shui Liu Qing. Ji Qing Jue had risked her life to hunt a Longevity Beast for its vital blood, all for her sake. Shui Liu Qing had shared that her mother was a mere mortal, reliant on Shui family elixirs to prolong her life. However, the effectiveness of these elixirs was diminishing with time, prompting Ji Qing Jue to seek the Longevity Beast's blood. Further ponderings on grand resources for Shui family that might provoke envy and trouble led her to this conclusion on fetching the longevity essence instead. Using her master's treasure, Ji Qing Jue tracked down a Longevity Beast and vanquished it, collecting its blood successfully. It was more troublesome than anticipated, leading to the delay. “You…” Staring at Ji Qing Jue, Shui Liu Qing felt an overwhelming tide of emotions. Her bright eyes brimmed with tears. “What’s wrong?” Ji Qing Jue was surprised, quickly asking. “How could you?” Shui Liu Qing's voice wavered with emotion, her heart aching, “Longevity Beasts are incredibly fierce. What if you got hurt? How could you go alone?” Tears finally fell from Shui Liu Qing’s eyes. Ji Qing Jue froze, failing to comprehend the gravity initially. Yet, seeing Shui Liu Qing crying, she moved to speak but found herself pulled into an embrace. Shui Liu Qing held Ji Qing Jue tightly, pouring her heart out, burying her face in Ji Qing Jue’s neck, voice choked with sobs. “I don’t know what to do with you.” Realizing Shui Liu Qing’s deep worry and fear for her prompted Ji Qing Jue to relax, smiling. “It’s alright. With my strength, handling a Longevity Beast wasn’t a problem. See? Not a scratch on me.” “Don’t worry, I’m...” Before Ji Qing Jue could finish, she felt a soft bite on her neck. Not painful, but the tingly sensation coursing through her like electric currents. "Shui Liu Qing, let go of me!" Ji Qing Jue suddenly felt awkward, realizing how tightly the two were embraced. The softness of their bodies was pressed together. Shui Liu Qing's breath brushed lightly against Ji Qing Jue’s neck, the warmth magnifying in her mind. Ji Qing Jue felt herself growing hot, yet Shui Liu Qing seemed oblivious, holding her tightly still. After a while, Shui Liu Qing finally lifted her head, her eyes seriously meeting Ji Qing Jue's as she softly pleaded, "Please don't take risks for me again, okay?" Confronted with Shui Liu Qing’s heartfelt concern, Ji Qing Jue inexplicably calmed down. Her body, which had been struggling, became still. She opened her mouth, instinctively agreeing, "Okay." Regaining composure, Ji Qing Jue shifted her gaze, still slightly uneasy. "You… you should let go of me, um…” However, the next moment, Shui Liu Qing leaned in, pressing her lips against Ji Qing Jue’s. Ji Qing Jue felt her mind explode, unprepared for the sudden invasion of a warm tongue. In that instant, her defenses crumbled. Ji Qing Jue’s whole being surrendered as waves of heat overtook her. “Mm…” In the dark night, two figures held each other tightly, inseparable. ... "Recognize a master?" Fu Yan on the spirit ship voiced her surprise, seemingly caught off guard by Bai Xiong's words. "Now that you've ascended to an immortal, don’t you want a celestial artifact of your own?" Bai Xiong continued his persuasion undeterred by Fu Yan’s surprise. Fu Yan: "..." Bai Xiong’s sudden enthusiasm for recommending himself as Fu Yan's companion wasn’t unfounded. Knowing her potential strength could grow immensely, binding himself to her now might be his best opportunity. Despite his self-confidence, Bai Xiong was wise enough to find the most favorable path for himself. Unbeknownst to the depths of Bai Xiong’s intentions, Fu Yan simply found his sudden change in attitude baffling, unsure if she should immediately bind herself to him. Of course, once a celestial artifact was in hand, it wouldn’t escape easily. Accepting Bai Xiong as her artifact was inevitable. "It's a pity," Fu Yan commented, "if only you were a celestial spirit sword." Not understanding Bai Xiong’s true intention, Fu Yan neither agreed nor disagreed openly, merely expressing a whimsical thought. Bai Xiong: "..." As the conversation continued, Fu Yan turned and headed back to her room. Many disciples and elders had already returned, and Lu Xiao Wen had sent word he would soon bring his disciples back. They would likely set out for the Southern Territory's Frost Flower Palace tonight. On her way back, Bai Xiong persisted with his argument in her mind, "Whether it's a spirit sword or not doesn’t matter. As a celestial artifact, it can only enhance your strength." "And remember, during your last spar, I shattered that whatever-spirit-armor with just one shot, and that wasn’t even with a master. Imagine my true power." Fu Yan observed Bai Xiong, who appeared genuinely keen on selling his abilities to her. She couldn’t discern any hidden motives after careful scrutiny, which in itself was peculiar. Could Bai Xiong truly be swayed by her talent? Choosing not to dwell on it, Fu Yan brushed off the doubt, focusing on bidding farewell to Bai Yue Li. With Lu Xiao Wen and his group back, Bai Yue Li would likely return to the Demon Domain. Fu Yan quickened her pace down the corridor. It didn't take long before Fu Yan returned to her room. Without further thought, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. “Sister.” Before even fully entering, Fu Yan called out. But as her words hung in the air, the room remained silent, devoid of Bai Yue Li's response. Pausing briefly, Fu Yan assumed Bai Yue Li was resting again, having not yet awakened. She chuckled, closing the door and moving further inside. A few steps in, Fu Yan sensed something amiss. Though the room retained Bai Yue Li’s aura, her presence was absent. Realization prompted Fu Yan to dart into the inner chamber. The narrow bed lay empty, as did the spacious room. The only sign of occupancy was a cyan ceramic teacup on the table, recently used. Instinctively, Fu Yan expanded her awareness, scanning the entire spirit ship, yet she found no trace of Bai Yue Li. Moreover, she found no signs in the surrounding mountain forests. In such a short time, Bai Yue Li seemed to have vanished, leaving Fu Yan staring perplexed at the teacup. This was too bizarre. Why had Bai Yue Li disappeared without a trace? Although it was time for Bai Yue Li to return to the Demon Domain, Fu Yan was sure Bai Yue would have informed her rather than leave silently. If Bai Yue Li had been captured, it seemed unlikely. Apart from Bai Yue Li's lingering aura, there were no unfamiliar traces. Nobody could have taken her unnoticed. Additionally, with Fu Yan’s cultivation, she would’ve detected any disturbance. While it wasn't impossible for a master to move undetected, it was unlikely. The most plausible explanation was that Bai Yue Li left of her own volition, perhaps due to an urgent matter in the Demon Domain. Fu Yan forced herself to remain calm, trusting in Bai Yue Li’s abilities to protect herself. Perhaps she would soon hear from her. “The Sound Sensing Mirror!” While grasping at possibilities, Fu Yan recalled the Sound Sensing Mirror and quickly sent a message to Bai Yue Li. Yet the response was as silent as a stone sinking into the sea. Fu Yan’s frown deepened. “Palace Master!” A disciple called from outside. Fu Yan recollected herself, putting the Sound Sensing Mirror away. “What is it?” “Palace Master, Peak Master Lu and his group have returned.” Fu Yan paused and, without further delay, left her room. Outside on the spirit ship, Lu Xiao Wen had indeed returned with disciples. Leaving everything else to Yi Tu and others, Fu Yan approached Lu Xiao Wen herself. “Was the journey smooth?” Fu Yan asked, observing him closely. Lu Xiao Wen nodded, noticing a flicker of anxiety in Fu Yan’s eyes, asking, “Is something the matter?” Fu Yan’s expression turned grave. Instead of elaborating, she inquired, “Can the Sound Sensing Mirror determine a location?” Surprised, Lu Xiao Wen swiftly suspected Bai Yue Li’s involvement, knowing only her absence could unsettle Fu Yan. “Yes, though it only indicates a general direction.” Lu Xiao Wen answered frankly. Knowing a direction was better than none, it would reveal if Bai Yue Li returned to the Demon Domain. Assisted by Lu Xiao Wen, Fu Yan quickly attempted to pinpoint Bai Yue Li’s location with the Sound Sensing Mirror. Yet, the result was a blank, white void without movement. Lu Xiao Wen furrowed his brows at this, stating, “She must be in a sealed space, which prevents confirmation.” Fu Yan’s thoughts raced, confirming her suspicion that Bai Yue Li hadn't returned to the Demon Domain. She put away the mirror, lifting her gaze when Lu Xiao Wen surprisingly spoke up: “I know a Tracking Spell—it locates where one last appeared.” The Tracking Spell, a mental skill, required an item connected to the target’s mind. After explaining, Lu Xiao Wen queried, “It’s rare to have such an item. Do you?” “I do.” Fu Yan affirmed, lifting her gaze steadily, “It’s me.” Having experienced dual cultivation with Bai Yue Li numerous times, and with their spiritual senses having merged, Fu Yan herself was the perfect "item" for such a spell. After conveying this, Fu Yan turned to Lu Xiao Wen, “Please proceed with taking the disciples back to the Frost Flower Palace in the Southern Territory.” “No problem at all,” Lu Xiao Wen replied calmly, “Go ahead. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out.” “Thank you,” Fu Yan said, bowing slightly. Fu Yan quickly departed, though before searching for Bai Yue Li, she needed to inform two individuals at the Divine Merit Palace. “You two immortals needn’t worry. Since I promised Senior Chu, I will not forget my obligations,” Fu Yan assured Zi Xi and Xue Wu without preamble. “However, I have an urgent matter to address first, so I won’t be returning to the sect with everyone else. I will visit the Divine Merit Palace later.” “Alright,” they both replied. Zi Xi and Xue Wu had no concern about Fu Yan fleeing. Given her current abilities, it would take time before she’s called upon to assist by the Divine Lords. After a few more brief exchanges, Fu Yan took her leave. The Tracking Spell passed on by Lu Xiao Wen was indeed extraordinary. It didn’t take long for Fu Yan to sense where Bai Yue Li had last appeared. Without hesitation, Fu Yan transformed into a beam of light, shooting straight towards the sensed direction. Having ascended to immortality, she could now tear through space at will. In mere hours, Fu Yan landed in a valley. It wasn’t until she landed that Fu Yan realized this location wasn’t far from where Bai Yue Li had previously encountered the demonic heart’s aura.