77 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 77: Illusions in the Clouds After Yan Jue finished her match, the crowd buzzed with discussions, reflecting on the thrilling spectacle they had just witnessed. Feeling weak, Lin Xi descended from the platform and suddenly experienced a wave of dizziness, his vision turning black. He clutched his temples, on the verge of fainting. Ji Gui Yan quickly stepped forward to support him, "Senior brother, are you alright?" "Is it your health...?" Ji Gui Yan asked with concern. "Earlier, you seemed a bit off." Before stepping onto the stage, Lin Xi had looked in good spirits. But now, his complexion was pallid, and his eyes were a deep red, nothing like a normal person... Lin Xi said, "I probably just didn't rest well last night. I'll head back to sleep." Ji Gui Yan replied, "I'll go with you." - After Yan Jue descended from the martial platform, she also felt that something was amiss. Initially, Lin Xi's gaze toward her was fine, but in the blink of an eye, it turned murderous. However, she didn't dwell on it long, following the crowd under the sun to the easternmost martial platform. A resonant bell echoed from afar, resounding through the verdant green mountains. Qi Xian Qing, donning a snow-blue multi-layered skirt, with a narrow-sleeved cross-collar, stood with hands behind him on the martial platform. In the sunlight, his expression was calm and his face as pale and smooth as frost, exuding an aura vast and profound. Qi Xian Qing calmly fixed his gaze on his opponent. The Five Dragons Tournament had entered its latter stages; just three more victories and he would claim the championship, fulfilling his mentor's expectations. Winning was a must. Qi Xian Qing did not favor endurance battles in matches, as prolonged duration could invite unexpected turns. Last year's overtime matches with Yun Rang were such a case. This match, he aimed to decisively finish his opponents within the span of half a cup of tea's time. Behind Qi Xian Qing, the immortal sword "Zhu Ying" glistened with an imposing luster under the sun's rays. Opposite of Qi Xian Qing stood a woman of ethereal beauty. Bai Chu Li, the second young lady of the Bai family, was known for her love of high-stakes gambling. Her innate talent in cultivation had brought her smoothly to the fourth round of the tournament, where she now faced Qi Xian Qing. Bai Chu Li bowed to Qi Xian Qing, saying, "Wooden Tiger Sect disciple Bai Chu Li. I've long admired Senior Brother Qi's reputation. It's a great honor to spar with you today." Everyone beneath the platform noticed something peculiar. It was normal to introduce oneself before a match... "Why do I get the feeling that Senior Sister Bai seems a bit... sycophantic towards the senior brother?" "Oh my, now that you mention it, I sense it too." On the platform, Bai Chu Li looked at Qi Xian Qing with an intense gaze. Facing him in the martial arena was indeed a rare opportunity. Being able to match with Qi Xian Qing thrilled Bai Chu Li immensely. As a member of the Bai family, one of the four great families, Bai Chu Li, like Yun Rang, saw competing with Qi Xian Qing as her lifelong goal. Bai Chu Li formed a hand seal and summoned her long sword. The pure white immortal sword instantly floated in the air, emanating a sacred aura. With gentle affection, Bai Chu Li looked at Qi Xian Qing, speaking persistently, "This sword is named 'Liu Su,' crafted with a core of a ten-thousand-year crystal essence. Senior brother, please lend me your guidance." Qi Xian Qing, however, was indifferent to her enthusiasm. With a gesture, the sword "Zhu Ying" slowly lifted behind him. The dark green sword "Zhu Ying" sparkled subtly in the sky, like a poised and ready-to-pounce tiger, lying silently in wait. The match began. In an instant, Qi Xian Qing gripped the sword hilt single-handedly, transforming into a blur as he approached Bai Chu Li. Bai Chu Li's pupils contracted. She formed a quick gesture with her hands, and the immortal sword "Liu Su" appeared at her front, blocking with force. "Boom!!!" The two swords collided, generating a deafening thunderous roar. Pain erupted in Bai Chu Li's chest, and blood energy surged violently within her. She hadn't expected the sword "Zhu Ying" to possess such formidable power with a single strike. Bai Chu Li immediately regained her stance. The immortal sword "Liu Su" trembled in the sky for a moment before flashing brightly and charging forward. Qi Xian Qing maintained a solemn expression, raising his sword to clash once more. This was truly a duel of sword practitioners, void of unnecessary frills, just two straightforward strikes of immortal swords colliding. Gradually, the pace of the duel between their swords quickened in mid-air. Qi Xian Qing's eyes were sharp as lightning, his expression icy. "Zhu Ying" shimmered with a blue gleam. Every attack she launched had a clear purpose, each aimed at finding a breach in the other's protective shield! The "Liu Su" immortal sword, an ice-type sword, left a trail of frost wherever it passed on the platform. Qi Xian Qing's face remained impassive. Narrowing her eyes, she seemed to finally find a breakthrough point in the opponent's shield. The "Liu Su" sword quivered violently, shrieking as it darted towards Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing's right hand deftly tossed, launching the immortal sword "Zhu Ying" high into the sky! "Boom!!!" Another earth-shattering impact reverberated through the valley, resonating melodiously. "Zhu Ying" forcefully withstood a strike from "Liu Su," hovering serenely in mid-air. In contrast, "Liu Su" couldn't withstand the brute force of the impact with "Zhu Ying," retreating directly. Qi Xian Qing's fingers formed a mountain seal, and "Zhu Ying" instantly levitated, glowing with shadowy green brilliance, enveloped in celestial vapor and hues. Bai Chu Li's expression turned solemn. Recently, during the Five Dragons Tournament, sect masters had been heavily replenishing their disciples with elixirs, ensuring that many disciples had reached the fusion realm. Bai Chu Li was no exception, especially having grown up immersed in celestial arts due to her upbringing in the renowned Bai family, granting her a natural acuity for magical abilities. Though "Zhu Ying" hung silently in the air, it hid an impending storm-like danger. Qi Xian Qing lifted his gaze, his clear peach blossom eyes fixed unwaveringly, chanting sword incantations softly. Suddenly, "Zhu Ying" erupted with a dragon's roar, echoing across the land! Sword Incantation: Earthquake. Yan Jue watched in a daze from below, cold sweat trickling down her forehead. This sword incantation, she had seen Duan Lu Xi use it before. But Qi Xian Qing wielded it in a way completely different from Duan Lu Xi! Now on the martial stage, he was unstoppable. The blade of "Zhu Ying" instantly grew to the height of two people. A shadowy blue blade light streaked across the sky, "Zhu Ying" hurtling like a cannonball, shattering Bai Chu Li's protective barrier to pieces! So... so fast... A stunned uproar spread around. In theory, a cultivator's protective barrier shouldn't give way so easily. Breaking a shield typically required finesse, like locating weak points and cleverly exploiting them. But "Zhu Ying" merely needed one forceful strike to break through the opponent's shield, showcasing its incredible power! Bai Chu Li's expression turned grave, her forehead beaded with cold sweat and her legs trembling uncontrollably. Before anyone could react, another azure flash appeared. Qi Xian Qing had already firmly gripped "Zhu Ying" again, bending slightly to mitigate the impact. The next moment, a sharp sword energy swept past Bai Chu Li. The heavens shifted color. "Sword Incantation: One Thought." An exclusive sword technique from the Zhenhuo Sect, reputed to be capable of instantly vanquishing a demon in a single thought, not a technique for the uninitiated. But Qi Xian Qing wielded it with such ease, indicating his mastery of sword techniques had reached an unparalleled level! The sword energy, with an unparalleled force, swept over. Bai Chu Li's face turned pale with fright. She hastily formed a hand seal to deploy a protective barrier in defense. Yet "Zhu Ying" cut through effortlessly, streaking directly past her, charging towards the immortal sword "Liu Su" above her head. In the martial stage, one could not directly kill the opponent. Thus, all of Qi Xian Qing's powerful attacks were aimed at the opponent’s magical instruments. The noise echoed throughout the surroundings, resembling mountains collapsing and ground cracking. The immortal sword "Liu Su" collided with the azure sword energy, vibrating mid-air before flying off instantly. Bai Chu Li felt a sharp pain in her chest. Her legs faltered, bringing her to her knees. - The match concluded. Bai Chu Li clutched her immortal sword, disbelief painted across her face. "How... how could this be..." Bai Chu Li murmured. Yun Rang, standing beside her, consoled her, "Qi Xian Qing is a madman. A normal person like you facing him, how could you stand a chance?" Bai Chu Li protested, "But I already reached the fourth round, losing like this is just too embarrassing, boo hoo hoo." Yun Rang replied, "You got lucky; your previous opponents weren't that difficult, which is why you held out until the fourth round..." Yeah, Senior Sister Yun Rang is also formidable, but she happened to face Qi Xian Qing in the second round, so... Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps was heard. Yun Rang turned her head guardedly, only to see Qi Xian Qing standing calmly behind them, eyes observing her coolly. Yun Rang became instantly cautious, taking a step back, "What do you want?" Qi Xian Qing replied, "I need to discuss a private matter with Junior Sister Bai." Yun Rang questioned, "Why can't it be discussed here?" Qi Xian Qing's peach blossom eyes lifted slightly, "It makes no difference where we discuss it." With that, he pulled out a document from behind, unrolling it slowly. At the sight of the document, Bai Chu Li's pupils contracted sharply. Qi Xian Qing stated, "My junior sister's spirit beast ate three Xuan Beast Bloodline Pills at the Spirit Beast Hall. She was asked to compensate with three thousand high-quality spirit stones." Bai Chu Li instinctively wanted to refute, but with Qi Xian Qing holding the evidence, excuses were futile. Goodness, just yesterday she wondered why Yan Jue asked for a receipt. Now it all makes sense... But, since when did Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing team up?! Qi Xian Qing stated, "Though the Xuan Beast Bloodline Pills are precious, their value isn't that high. The price for three is just about 600 high-grade spirit stones." Bai Chu Li's fair face turned ashen, and she gritted her teeth, "What do you want?" Without a change in his expression, Qi Xian Qing looked down at her, "Just return the extra 2,400 spirit stones, that's all." Bai Chu Li was utterly shocked; she couldn't dare to refuse with this imposing figure standing before her. But how could she possibly have the money? She'd lost it all gambling at the Jade Platform. Yun Rang stepped up, glaring coldly at Qi Xian Qing, "Junior Sister Bai has no money; you're being too harsh." Qi Xian Qing responded, "To avoid being bullied, she shouldn't have started it in the first place." "You don't want a mark on your record from the Disciplinary Hall, right? You have until this afternoon to return the spirit stones, or face the consequences, which you know well." Yun Rang's face changed color. The Five Dragon Mountain consists of five main peaks, each overseeing different domains. For example, the Wooden Tiger Sect manages spiritual beasts, the Water Cloud Sect oversees discipline... While the Zhenhuo Sect handles judicial matters. The Disciplinary Hall within Five Dragon Mountain has always been a fearsome presence, and no one wants to endure the punishment of kneeling under the cold waterfall for two hours. Though the Bai Chu Li matter wasn't overly severe, if the Disciplinary Hall intentionally caused problems, it could become an issue. She had tricked Yan Jue out of a great amount of money, losing any ground to stand on. Facing Qi Xian Qing's gaze, Bai Chu Li clenched her teeth, "I'll return it!" - After watching Qi Xian Qing's match, Yan Jue went on to watch a few more matches at other locations. To avoid the crowd after the matches ended, she decided to head back early. Upon returning to the Water Cloud Sect, Yan Jue found Bai Ying waiting for her at the entrance. Knowing Bai Ying's capabilities, Yan Jue had grown to trust her immensely. With the Celestial Insight Talisman depleted, she chose not to buy more, instead asking Bai Ying to hide in the cliffside cave daily to scout for enemy activity. Bai Ying, with a solemn expression, asked, "What's wrong?" Bai Ying replied, "Someone discovered the Master's entrance into the cave to retrieve treasures, found by the Mo Zun." Yan Jue paused, taken aback. In this world, while celestial arts are formidable, they have their limitations. Take Yan Jue's frequent use of Insight Celestial on Bai Ying for example—it requires applying it to a living entity to see through and perceive what they do. A similar art to Insight Celestial is Horizon Vision, which is what Yan Jue saw as a faint blue glow in the cave that day. Horizon Vision is used by the Mo Zun to communicate with Chu Fu. It doesn't require any external medium to perform and is akin to heightened hearing and visionary senses across vast distances. However, this celestial art also comes with limitations. Horizon Vision can only be used in places the user has previously been and doesn't offer the sensory depth that Insight Celestial does. For instance, in a room, Horizon Vision would show only the door. To view outside the window, a significant amount of spiritual energy would be needed to refocus on the new area. By the time you managed that, you would have expended energy twice. Casting celestial arts requires a hefty consumption of spiritual energy, resulting in the Mo Zun not realizing her presence in the cave promptly. Despite their strengths, celestial arts aren't all-powerful. Bai Ying continued, "The Master's guess was right on point; it seems the Mo Zun switched to a new body somewhere along the line. Upon discovery of the treasure theft, he instructed Chu Fu for future contacts to be in a new place, apparently abandoning the cave." Yan Jue furrowed her brows. The Mo Zun's injuries were severe; it wasn't likely he'd travel far, confining him within the Five Dragon Sect. The individuals involved that night were Du Ming, Duan Lu Xi, Elder Li Tian, Li Hao, and... Yan Jue suddenly frowned, a dreadful thought surfacing in her mind. Yan Jue instructed, "Go and shadow Chu Fu, see where he heads tonight." Yan Jue took a moment to visit the Five Dragon Market, procuring five talismans inscribed with the celestial art of Insight Celestial. To safeguard Bai Ying from danger, she also acquired several Breath Concealment Pills. Yan Jue crushed a talisman, casting the Insight Celestial art upon Bai Ying, and had her take two Breath Concealment Pills before sending her after Chu Fu. Meanwhile, Yan Jue sat on her bed, her face lined with seriousness as she followed Bai Ying's every move closely. It was already dusk. Bai Ying transformed into a fly, waiting patiently at the entrance of Chu Fu's residence. Soon, Chu Fu opened the door. The young man, clad in a black night-suit, exuded the aura of a fusion-realm master, his every motion oozing refinement. But to Bai Ying, witnessing this filled her with inexplicable disdain. To ascend from Foundation Establishment to Fusion in an instant, relying on her Master's elixirs, was he really that proud of himself? Chu Fu tread up the mountain trail, glancing back warily as if he feared being tailed. He soon arrived at the Qidun Sect, navigating through winding paths to a charming courtyard. The courtyard was expansive, encircled with a bamboo fence. Within, lush grass and spiritual plants flourished. Bai Ying followed closely and abruptly halted upon a discovery. At the courtyard entrance lay a barrier. The barrier shimmered with a soft golden glow, a spell only the ability of a sixth-level being or higher could conjure! The Mo Zun was clearly more cautious now. Bai Ying quickly telepathically communicated with Yan Jue, "Master, what should I do? The courtyard's exterior is covered with a barrier; forcefully entering would reveal us." Perplexed, Yan Jue sat on her bed, her brow furrowed deeply. What now? Unable to follow Chu Fu inside, Bai Ying couldn't gather the Mo Zun's latest information. Suddenly, Yan Jue recalled something, and she swiftly rummaged through her Qiankun Bag before pulling out the teal oil-paper umbrella. That day, Qi Xian Qing had taken suspicious artifacts to the Artificer Hall. This umbrella was of little concern and was left behind. The "Yun Xu Umbrella" appeared to be a simple tool for invisibility. Yet Yan Jue knew its true power. The Yun Xu Umbrella had more capabilities beyond mere invisibility. Unfurling the Yun Xu Umbrella, Yan Jue felt a faint spiritual ripple above her head as the oil-paper canopy cloaked her entirely. ... Yan Jue took the Yun Xu Umbrella and tread onto the path leading to the Qidun Sect. Swiftly advancing up the mountain path, Yan Jue, who had already mastered light-foot techniques, swiftly arrived at the Qidun Sect. With the open umbrella, Yan Jue passed numerous disciples of the sect, yet none even acknowledged her presence. As though she had vanished into thin air. Yan Jue soon reached the courtyard where Bai Ying was waiting outside. Within, the tranquil sound of a stream could be heard. The entrance stood with an elegant bamboo support, above which a plaque inscribed with the characters "Bingquan Pavilion" was displayed. This was the courtyard most frequented by the head of the Five Dragons. Transformed into a fly, Bai Ying hovered anxiously by the fence, seemingly unable to see Yan Jue. Yan Jue whispered to her, "I'm here. Come quickly." The tiny fly paused, finally locating Yan Jue and slipping under the umbrella, nesting on her clothing. Armed with the Yun Xu Umbrella, Yan Jue approached the golden barrier, instinctively shut her eyes, clenched her teeth, and stepped through. Unexpectedly... she walked through the barrier with ease! Gazing back at the faint golden glow, Yan Jue sighed in relief. Indeed, the barrier was ineffective against the Yun Xu Umbrella. This umbrella could render someone invisible, even hiding their presence entirely! Yan Jue walked directly into the courtyard, finding, as anticipated, the figures of Chu Fu and the Mo Zun near the fairy fruit rack. Gazing at the larger and smaller figures ahead, Yan Jue frowned slightly. No, that wasn't the Mo Zun. That was the Five Dragons Sect leader, Mu Zhong Zi. Dressed in a Taoist robe, Mu Zhong Zi's face bore a healthy glow. Turning to Chu Fu, his eyes were watchful. Chu Fu, his gaze lowered, emitted a suffusive gloom, fists clenched tightly at his sides. Yan Jue blinked in surprise. It seemed the black-vein pill she'd given the protagonist that day had indeed had some effect. The Mo Zun remarked, "What troubles you? You don't seem pleased?" Hoarsely, Chu Fu replied, "I've had enough." "Hmm?" Chu Fu continued, "Within the Five Dragons Sect, no one truly understands me; to them, I'm just a joke." The Mo Zun replied, "Do not speak that way. I, more than anyone, understand you." Chu Fu added, "I just want to..." Ever since absorbing Yan Jue's negative energy that day, an ominous anger surged within Chu Fu's heart, growing and threatening to erupt. Before Chu Fu could complete his thought, the Mo Zun interrupted forcefully. "Now isn't the time for such plans," he chided. The air grew silent and tense. Chu Fu asked, "How is your new form, Master?" The Mo Zun responded, "Do not call me Master; it might raise suspicion if overheard. Just call me Sect Leader." Immediately, Chu Fu acknowledged, "Yes, Sect Leader." Inhabiting Mu Zhong Zi's body, the Mo Zun gazed into the night sky, "The Five Dragons Sect Leader, Mu Zhong Zi, once severely injured me at Bai'e Mountain. Little did he suspect I'd seize his body when he was at his weakest, striving to advance while in seclusion." The dim light added a sinister quality to Mu Zhong Zi's face. "I'm still getting used to this body," said Mo Zun. Chu Fu frowned, "But the Five Dragons Sect Leader was wholly devoted to cultivation. How did you find an opening?" Mo Zun replied, "It was his greed and impatience that led to a misstep during his seclusion, allowing me to seize his body during his internal struggle." "Thanks to my vial of Yin Spirit Water, my soul's strength increased dramatically, enabling me to successfully take over his body!" Yin Spirit Water! Yan Jue's pupils narrowed slightly. That day, when she and Qi Xian Qing rummaged through the treasure pouch, they indeed found a vial of Yin Spirit Water! Mo Zun continued, "Did you use the demonic Soul-Burning Gu method in the square today?" Chu Fu responded, "I did." Yan Jue was startled. What? The Soul-Burning Gu method? Was it Chu Fu who caused Lin Xi's strange behavior on the martial platform today? "I just couldn't stand that woman, I was too furious, so I..." Chu Fu began. Mo Zun interrupted, "Don't ever use forbidden techniques publicly again. If you're caught, it's over!" Chu Fu hesitated, "Yes..." With hands clasped behind his back, Mo Zun stated nonchalantly, "I've subtly informed the Elder arranging tomorrow's matchups to pair your name with that of the Pure Yin Body." Chu Fu was taken aback, his face growing stern, "I'm matched against Yan Jue in tomorrow's tournament?!" Mo Zun confirmed, "Indeed. You'll face her legitimately in the arena. I will enhance the power of the Tianyan Array to support you, and then you can directly take her life." Chu Fu hesitated, "Can people really be killed in the martial arena?" Mo Zun replied, "Accidents happen; a sparring match between cultivators isn't child's play, casualties are just another day!" "She is already weakened from when you siphoned her Yin energy. Carry this with you, and I'll assist you." Mo Zun gestured, and an emerald green jade seal rolled to Chu Fu's feet. Chu Fu exclaimed, "The Evil God Demon Seal!" Yan Jue watched from the side, a cold sweat breaking out on her back. The Evil God Demon Seal was a jade seal jointly held by the Mo Zun of Soulbreak Mountain and the Mo Zun of Death Valley in ancient times. It symbolizes the glory of the demon race and contains countless aggrieved souls and spirits. As the original story dictated, when the protagonist succumbed to demonic influence, he held this jade seal. "The girl might have been too ashamed to report the incident of you taking her Yin energy back then, but leaving her alive is too much of a risk." Mo Zun concluded with a smile, "Dead people can't talk." Chu Fu hesitated, "But what about Senior Sister? She knows about that day too; shouldn't you..." Chu Fu gritted his teeth, resolute, "Besides her, the sect has other outstanding disciples." Mo Zun said, "I have other uses for her! Don't you dare scheme against her." Chu Fu was taken aback, brooding, "Yes... yes." "Do you have any leads on the thief who stole the treasures? That person is truly despicable." Mo Zun replied, "They're in the shadows while we're out in the open, making them hard to find." Mo Zun thoroughly understood the uses of his artifacts, particularly the Yun Xu Umbrella, which was especially valuable. When opened above one's head, it could deceive anyone, regardless of cultivation, from detecting its presence. However, this umbrella is a secret treasure of the demon gate, and unknown to the outside world, making it improbable for an ordinary person to discern its magical properties, let alone approach them boldly. Mo Zun felt secure in this fact. Having finished their discussion, the two began to walk out. Yan Jue, holding the umbrella, stood in the courtyard, feeling as if she were in an icy cave. As Mu Zhong Zi passed, she sensed the immense oppressive force of an eighth-realm powerhouse. The disparity in power was truly daunting. Suddenly, Mo Zun frowned, gazing towards her with an extended hand. Startled, Yan Jue reflexively gripped the cool sleeve arrow in her hand, only to realize Mo Zun's hand passed right through her body. Looking down, Yan Jue noted that, under the umbrella's protection, even her form had become transparent. Mo Zun grabbed a few errant mosquitoes, crushing them before turning to leave. No pop-up ads here, permanent site URL (xbanxia.com)