301 - Elasia Saga

"Ugh..." Ji Qing Jue felt like she could hardly breathe. Unconsciously, she reached out to push Shui Liu Qing away. Her enchanting eyes were already glazed over with a mist of emotion. Her vision felt blurred, and unbeknownst to her, a crimson blush had spread across her fair complexion. In the dim moonlight, she appeared even more enticing, akin to a soul-stealing enchantress. Of course, Shui Liu Qing wasn't faring much better. As she finally withdrew from Ji Qing Jue, their tongues barely parted, an electric current raced through both of their bodies. Perhaps because the kiss was too drawn out, her own face was flushed as well. Regaining some composure, Shui Liu Qing looked at the figure in her arms, feeling a wave of heat wash over her. She involuntarily swallowed hard. In the end, she let go of Ji Qing Jue. Instantly, Ji Qing Jue felt she could breathe again, and she took deep breaths while her gaze slowly refocused on Shui Liu Qing. "You..." Ji Qing Jue finally snapped back to her senses. She glared at Shui Liu Qing, speaking in fits and starts: "What were you doing... This is outside the city, and cultivators often pass by here." Thinking back to their passionate kiss outside the city, Ji Qing Jue struggled with her breathing, her face burning fiercely. Moreover... she had just finished slaying a Changsheng Beast, a bloody stench still clung to her, her clothes not yet changed, and her hair was a mess... Ji Qing Jue felt a moment of paralysis. She knew she couldn't afford to dwell on it any longer. Shui Liu Qing, unfazed, focused intently on Ji Qing Jue and seriously said, "Next time, don't risk your life for me, understand?" Ji Qing Jue: "..." Seemingly unwilling to speak further, Ji Qing Jue quickly formed a hand sign, dispersing the bloody smell from her body. A faint light shimmered, and she changed into a fresh, light outfit. However, those lips, recently teased, remained particularly alluring, sparking endless daydreams in the mind. Shui Liu Qing took a deep breath, suppressing the rising heat in her heart. She discreetly averted her gaze, but thinking of Ji Qing Jue facing the Changsheng Beast alone for her, her heart swelled with emotion. In the dim moonlight, Shui Liu Qing unconsciously licked her lips, let out a soft sigh, and asked Ji Qing Jue, "Should we... head back to the Northern Region?" Ji Qing Jue paused, nodded gently, "Let's go. I've already informed the master." Though she spoke confidently, Ji Qing Jue felt slightly uneasy. The thought of visiting Shui Liu Qing's family filled her with a sudden hesitation. But it was fleeting. Since she was with Shui Liu Qing now, naturally, she needed to meet her family. "Mmm." Shui Liu Qing swiftly responded. Soon, their figures vanished rapidly from the spot. Yet, instead of taking their own spirit ship or puppet vessel back to the Northern Region, Shui Liu Qing and Ji Qing Jue planned to board a commercial spirit ship. After all, they had plenty of time. Both harbored a bit of nostalgia; when they first left the Northern Region, they were aboard the same spirit ship. Despite encountering a ghost ship and barely escaping with their lives, the shared memory was precious to both. That period of mutual escape bore witness to their journey. Thus, they decided to take the commercial spirit ship back to the Northern Region, unhurriedly savoring the scenery they had missed. Now, with both close to reaching the peak cultivation stage, they could easily distinguish between legitimate commercial ships and dangerous ghost ships. Decades ago, they mistakenly boarded a ship leaving the Northern Region; now, they were embarking on another to return. This time, she assured, they would reach safely. "Swoosh, swoosh—" As the commercial spirit ship soared into the night sky, Shui Liu Qing and Ji Qing Jue stood in the corridor, facing the wind. Under the night sky, they exchanged smiles. ... Within the secluded valley, a powerful bolt of lightning pierced layers of thunderclouds, striking the ruins where Bai Yue Li sat. "Crack—" A massive lightning bolt sliced through the sky, and in the blink of an eye, the terrifying strike surged into Bai Yue Li, cold sweat beading on her forehead, her brow furrowed tightly. Tremendous power coursed and clashed within her, threatening to tear her apart, testing her endurance. After what seemed like an eternity, the celestial lightning within her finally began to subside, though blood still trickled from Bai Yue Li's lips. These agonies were once endured by Fu Yan; now she shared in that formidable force. This realization deepened Bai Yue Li's resolve. Exhaling deeply, Bai Yue Li opened her eyes from meditation. She didn't dwell on the pain but wiped the blood from her lips. Sensing a window before the next lightning strike, she gazed toward the courtyard. But the two figures that once stood there were gone. Pausing slightly, Bai Yue Li understood that Fu Yan had been taken by Mo Jun. Yet, she trusted that Fu Yan would be safe, focusing on overcoming her own ascension tribulation. Resolute, she fixed her gaze upon the sky. Rumble— Thunder roared across the heavens. In mere moments, another celestial strike descended, full of menace, demanding her full concentration. While Bai Yue Li continued her ordeal, in a void space, Fu Yan stood across from Mo Jun. Despite her words, Mo Jun remained unmoved. Seeing this, Fu Yan frowned, perplexed about Mo Jun's intentions. But she quickly lost time for thought, as Mo Jun suddenly vanished. In an instant, Fu Yan's senses flared, a terrifying pressure emanating from behind. Without a second's hesitation, Fu Yan instinctively leapt, flipping in mid-air. "Whoosh!" An attack sliced through beneath her. Startled, Fu Yan widened her eyes. As she lifted her gaze, Mo Jun had already charged, leaving no time to ponder. She swiftly summoned her inner energy. Fortunately, in that void, her true essence wasn't suppressed. In an instant, torrents of energy erupted from her being, and she fiercely grasped her weapon's hilt. Though the reason for Mo Jun's attack was unknown, Fu Yan knew she had to defend herself rapidly. Vast energy surged, like a tidal wave oppressing her. Ignoring everything else, Fu Yan threw her sword, weaving seals with her hands. "Buzz, buzz—" As her sword vibrated intensely, a flurry of blades materialized before her. In her bright eyes flickered a sharp determination. In a flash, the blades flew toward Mo Jun. "Rip—" They tore through the oncoming force, yet he had vanished once more. Quickly, Fu Yan extended her senses fully. The bizarre void hindered her spiritual perception, yet it was no significant issue. Swipe! Swipe! Suddenly, Mo Jun's apparitions emerged around her, encircling her entirely. Without delay, each Mo Jun raised a hand, black energy striking like serpents lunging toward Fu Yan, giving her no room to retreat. Mo Jun's power was unfathomable, fearsome even when not at his peak. Fu Yan never intended to grapple with him. Driven to protect herself, she unleashed her full might. In the blink of an eye, swords suddenly appeared behind Fu Yan, forming a vast sword matrix that filled the air with an overwhelming sword aura. "Go!" Without a moment's hesitation, Fu Yan, standing at the center of the sword array, moved her hand. Instantly, the sword array scattered. In an instant, the void space was overrun with sword silhouettes, clashing directly with Mo Jun's black serpents. Countless attacks intertwined before them. Soon, a massive outburst of energy occurred, causing the surrounding space to tremble. This was a true battle between immortals; had it occurred outside, Fu Yan and Mo Jun could easily have flattened a mountain range. However, in just moments, an innumerable amount of black serpents made of power effortlessly pierced through each of Fu Yan's sword projections, heading directly towards her in the array's center. In that moment, Fu Yan felt a brush with death. Clearly, Mo Jun held nothing back. A casual strike from him could easily dismantle Fu Yan's sword array. With no time to think, Fu Yan at the center of the sword matrix reflexively grabbed a celestial bow that appeared in her hand. The black serpents became a blur in her vision, radiating destructive power, but she focused, raising the celestial bow. "Whoosh!" A sharp arrow sound broke through as a light arrow shot from Fu Yan's hand, meeting the oncoming attack head-on, colliding with a dark shadow. With a crackling explosion sound, a massive energy vortex erupted in midair. Yet, Fu Yan had no time to rest. She flipped and shot a light arrow in another direction, repeating this action several times. With the celestial weapon's aid, she finally shattered the incoming attacks. The surrounding Mo Jun duplicates didn't seem surprised. Soon after, Mo Jun's expression changed, and an overwhelming dark energy surged out. In less than a breath, the vast space was submerged in darkness. Fu Yan tightly gripped her celestial bow, frowning, her vision clouded. Though she could extend her spiritual sense, the seven or eight Mo Jun duplicates left her guessing. Sensing the dense dark energy, an idea sparked in Fu Yan's mind, causing her eyes to brighten faintly. The next moment, Fu Yan channeled her power, her energy core violently churning like a stormy sea. Without hesitation, she began absorbing the surrounding dark energy. "Swoosh—" As Fu Yan acted, the dark energy was rapidly drawn into her body, visibly siphoned, then rushed into her turbulent core. In that moment, Fu Yan was engulfed in dark energy as if she was an extraordinary dark cultivator. Seeing this, Mo Jun, poised to strike, hesitated. Surprised by Fu Yan's audacious act of absorbing the dark energy, something ordinarily resulting in one's destruction. However, Mo Jun clearly sensed Fu Yan's power surging, absorbing the dark energy successfully. As breaths passed, the void restored its clarity, and when Fu Yan opened her eyes again, no trace of dark energy lingered. It seemed it was all an illusion. "Are you a dark cultivator?" Mo Jun asked, fixing her gaze on Fu Yan, muttering, "Could it be... a dual divine-demonic physique?" Yet, before Fu Yan could respond, Mo Jun dismissed her thought, realizing such a dual physique was unlikely in this world. Indeed, Fu Yan wasn't of legendary divine-demonic nature. Her unique energy core converted dark energy into spiritual power, not directly harnessing its powers. She was far from being a dark cultivator, even half of one. "Truly intriguing," Mo Jun smirked at Fu Yan, but suddenly, all her duplicates attacked Fu Yan again. It all happened in a split second, and Fu Yan hadn't had the chance to speak. Fu Yan: "..." The celestial weapon was powerful, but a tad slow. Against two or three foes, it managed, but facing seven or eight Mo Jun was a different story. With no alternative, Fu Yan quickly stowed the celestial bow, tossing out her Stargazing Sword, immediately splitting into multiple sword images, enveloping her. The realm of unity with the sword burst forth. Swipe! Swipe! In an instant, Fu Yan merged with her spirit sword, the sword shadows spinning fiercely around her, sharp gleams slicing through the void, suffusing it with surging sword intent. When she looked up, her eyes were filled with persistent sword intent. At that thought, Mo Jun halted, merging her split forms back into her primary self. Soon, once again, the vast space held only the two of them. Hum— Opposite, Fu Yan transformed into a razor-sharp longsword, streaking toward Mo Jun. Her gaze unwavering, Mo Jun made no attempt to dodge, raising a hand to channel tremendous energy, launching a black beam from her palm. When their energies clashed again, the entire void quaked. "Ugh—" Blood spilled from Fu Yan's mouth as she felt her sword intent forcibly disbanding. A singular strike from the unified Mo Jun was, indeed, fearsome. Cracking sounds ensued as the Stargazing Sword began to shatter, unable to persist any longer. In the next moment, the sword was obliterated, and Fu Yan was sent flying back by the strike. After flying dozens of meters, Fu Yan finally steadied herself. Without a pause, she lightly stepped on the void, charging toward Mo Jun once more. "Swoosh—" Suddenly, a golden spell-like light flashed through the void, and in the blink of an eye, a golden cord swiftly coiled around Mo Jun. With that, Fu Yan exhaled, halting nearby. Despite Mo Jun's prowess, Fu Yan believed she couldn't break free from the bindings of the Law's power. Finally restraining Mo Jun, Fu Yan could catch her breath. "Ah... it's the power of the Law." Soon, Mo Jun spoke calmly, as another Mo Jun appeared, observing her bound form curiously. Fu Yan: "..." Mo Jun couldn't escape the binding of Law's power, but at the critical moment, she had split another form. Fu Yan realized she had expended much effort merely to restrain a clone with the Law's power. Taken aback by this realization, Fu Yan struggled for composure. Her unease didn't stem from fear but from the hardest-to-accept: the Law's power seemed futile. Despite everything, Fu Yan still had the Xu You Jade Seal; regardless of Mo Jun's intent, her life was safe. The other Mo Jun walked toward Fu Yan with calm determination, asking, "Did you defeat Fang Yu using the Law's power?" Hearing the male lead's name, Fu Yan snapped back, eyeing Mo Jun with puzzled, slightly shocked eyes. At that thought, an absurd idea flickered in Fu Yan's mind. Could Mo Jun be part of the male lead's harem? Mo Jun, oblivious to Fu Yan's thoughts, continued to examine Fu Yan. "So, you're the one who used the Law to suppress the Heavenly Dao." Mo Jun spoke with tranquility, not at all like someone avenging Fang Yu, giving Fu Yan a sense of relief; her notion was ridiculously melodramatic. Mo Jun being connected to Fang Yu seemed implausible. "What?" Fu Yan paused, finally seizing the chance to speak again. Yet Mo Jun's words still confused her. Clearly, Mo Jun had noticed a trace of heavenly intent intertwined with Fang Yu's power. As Mo Jun paused before Fu Yan, she meticulously observed her. "Why has Tongxuan Continent suddenly been sealed off?" Mo Jun abruptly asked. "Chirp chirp..." As soon as the words left Mo Jun's lips, Fu Yan was about to respond when the Little Medicine Dumpling suddenly flew out, flapping its tiny wings. It landed atop Fu Yan's head, its large, liquid eyes fixed directly on Mo Jun. For a moment, Mo Jun gazed at the pure white Little Medicine Dumpling and couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. "I never expected to see a remnant of the Phoenix clan still on the continent. I wonder what those from the Dragon clan would say if they saw you." "Chirp chirp…" The Little Medicine Dumpling seemed to understand, flapping its small wings atop Fu Yan's head. Hearing this, Fu Yan finally regained her senses. As she looked again at Mo Jun, her pupils contracted slightly. It was evident that Mo Jun was aware of matters from thousands of years ago with startling clarity. She instantly recognized the Little Medicine Dumpling's true nature. "What exactly happened between the Dragon and Phoenix clans?" Fu Yan couldn't hold back anymore and asked. Mo Jun's gaze returned to the Little Medicine Dumpling, her expression casual yet contemplative. After a moment, her lips moved slightly, "Nothing much, they simply fell out with each other." Thousands of years ago, the continent experienced its final upheaval. The Phoenix clan chose to move to other dimensions, while the Dragon clan, unwilling to leave, decided to slumber in their sanctum. Time had flown by since then. Hearing Mo Jun's explanation, Fu Yan was momentarily stunned. She hadn't imagined that all of the Little Medicine Dumpling's kind had long departed the continent. Yet, who had left the law's power etched on the Little Medicine Dumpling? That question, perhaps, had no answer. Mo Jun seemed to have pulled her thoughts back in. She fixed her gaze on Fu Yan once again and began to question her deliberately, "So, why did the Tongxuan Continent suddenly get sealed off by the Heavenly Dao?" Fu Yan raised her eyes, meeting Mo Jun's gaze.