85 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 85: The Immortal Sword Liu Bing Half a cup of tea's time ago. Yan Jue stood atop the great rock in Sword Grave Valley, soothing Liu Bing as if she were comforting a child. After a long silence, Liu Bing finally spoke. Liu Bing: "Do as you wish." And then, Liu Bing said nothing more, as if the mind-blowing conversation moments before had never happened. With her right hand, Yan Jue gripped the sword hilt tightly. She began to slowly lift Liu Bing upward. A dazzling blue light burst forth from the rock, blinding Yan Jue momentarily. With each inch she drew Liu Bing out, the surrounding spiritual energy surged more. In that instant, Yan Jue understood. The previous conversation had merely been the prelude. This was the real "sword lifting." Earlier, Jiang Mengchu had also been blasted away at this moment by the immense spiritual power emanating from the immortal sword Liu Bing. That's why Qi Xianqing had told her that although Zhu Ying had drawn runes in her palm, all of it still depended on her own effort. The gales around grew fiercer, forcing Yan Jue to lower her stance to prevent herself from being blown away. The surrounding light intensified. A pale blue halo enveloped the area, making it impossible for those at the Five Dragon Plaza, who were observing through the shadow trapper, to see what was happening. Zhu Ying exuded a frost. This frost had an immense lethality, and just a wisp of it would freeze Yan Jue's entire arm. A tremendous chill poured out from the immortal sword Liu Bing, as Yan Jue clung to the hilt with her eyes closed, engaged in a silent contest with Liu Bing. The cold, accompanied by hidden greedy emotions buried within her subconscious, swept over her. Yan Jue could even see a glimmer in the distance beckoning her: "Let go..." The glimmer contained blood and mountains of skulls... For her, a fox demon, it was no doubt a massive temptation. Suddenly, Yan Jue realized something, and her pupils contracted sharply. Qi Xianqing had somehow appeared before her. Under the sunlight, the girl's skin was delicate, with faintly visible blue veins around her slender neck. The scent of a celestial spirit surrounded her, unnoticed. Yan Jue instinctively swallowed. Just one bite would be enough to sever Qi Xianqing's vein. This was an illusion! Yan Jue's expression hardened, ignoring everything around her, and began to desperately pull the immortal sword Liu Bing upward. Liu Bing was a gift Qi Xianqing had promised her. If she failed to obtain it, she would be disregarding Qi Xianqing's good intentions. The sword Qi Xianqing meant for her would end up with another. Surging spiritual energy coursed through her body as true energy frantically traversed her veins. In such critical moments, any carelessness could shatter her meridians and lead to death. Just like Zhu Ying, Liu Bing was also reputed as a divine sword capable of cutting down all evil. Surrounding it were surges of righteous energy. Yan Jue's demonic aura was gradually dissolved by this righteousness, leaving her with no place to hide. The outcome was determined in a split second. Yan Jue's arm suddenly exerted all her strength, pulling sharply upwards. In a flash, spiritual energy splattered! - Yan Yue, the sect master of Water Cloud Sect, was also present today. The emergence of the immortal sword Liu Bing was an extremely rare event, just as significant as the unveiling of Zhu Ying back in the day. Having just concluded her seclusion with little to attend to, she decided to join in the spectacle. After observing for a while, Yan Yue asked, "Is the disciple retrieving the sword in Sword Grave Valley from our Water Cloud Sect?" A nearby disciple hesitated, "It... It seems so." Looks like Water Cloud Sect has produced yet another outstanding pupil. Yan Yue couldn't hide the joy in her eyes, deciding to bring Yan Jue over for proper nurturing in the future. Yan Jue had managed to pull out the immortal sword Liu Bing. Everyone clearly understood what this signified. To conquer a sword like Liu Bing, one must possess incredible capability and talent, that much was evident. Suddenly, a boy clad in brown stepped briskly from the crowd, kneeling before Wu Long Sect Leader Mu Zhongzi. "Zhang Men, I... I have a discovery to share." Mu Zhongzi, having discreetly crushed the jade pendant in his hand, maintained a genial smile, "What discovery might that be?" "Yan Jue... Yan Jue cheated!" Before he finished speaking, murmurs erupted throughout the audience. Mu Zhongzi's face darkened instantly, "How dare she cheat in Sword Grave Valley? How did you realize?" Qi Xianqing's brow furrowed slightly, looking up. The disciple mumbled, "When Yan Jue grasped the immortal sword Liu Bing earlier, she hesitated for a moment. It was apparent that she was communicating briefly with Liu Bing!" The surrounding people started whispering among themselves. Liu Bing, having been dormant, shouldn't have engaged in any conversation under normal circumstances. Only Zhu Ying could convince Liu Bing to engage. Could it be that... All eyes turned to Qi Xianqing. Qi Xianqing sat composedly, her peach eyes half closed, a hint of amusement playing at her lips. Suddenly, a voice rang out. Yun Zhen: "Absurd." Everyone's attention immediately shifted. Yun Zhen sneered, "All of us from the older generations know that Liu Bing is innately proud. Even with Zhu Ying's endorsement, enduring the icy sword intent of Liu Bing is still questionable." "Only those whose hearts are free of evil and are righteous can possibly draw the immortal sword Liu Bing." "Among the disciples present, who can withstand Liu Bing's sword intent? Stand out, and I'll help you open the Sword Grave entrance to let you try pulling Liu Bing out after my disciple inserts it back!" "I, Yun Zhen, as the master of Zhenhuo Sect, will uphold my word." A hush fell over the crowd. No one dared to risk madness by challenging Liu Bing's bone-chilling sword intent. Mu Zhongzi darkly retreated to his seat. Originally, he had sent Jiang Mengchu to retrieve the sword, intending for her to take it first so he could reclaim it under various pretexts. After all, this Liu Bing was the companion sword to Qi Xianqing's. Once it was in his hands, he could exploit it extensively... Now, it seemed hopeless. That accursed woman! If she hadn't intervened, he would've been able to take back the immortal sword Liu Bing without a hitch. Now that his plan was unraveled, he swore to make her pay dearly. Yan Yue furrowed her brow at Yun Zhen's words: "When did that girl become your pupil?" Yun Zhen smiled, "Sister, have you forgotten? You handed her over to me the other day." "What." Yan Yue paused, then erupted angrily, "When did I ever give you such a talented disciple?!" Yun Zhen: "When someone isn't renowned yet, they're naturally unknown. But since I discovered her before you did, I had to seize the opportunity first." "Such a bright pupil, it's a pity she was buried in your sect for so long." Yun Zhen's words triggered a memory in Yan Yue. Indeed, Yun Zhen did come to request a disciple a few days ago. At the time, she was preoccupied and didn't pay much heed to Yun Zhen's request before reluctantly agreeing. What?! The disciple Yun Zhen wanted was this one? Yan Yue responded coldly, "I was unaware before, but now I naturally regret it." Yun Zhen sipped tea lightly, "Regret won't undo what's done." Yan Yue slammed the table, poised to confront Yun Zhen, but a disciple quickly held her back. - Yan Jue emerged from Sword Grave Valley cradling Liu Bing. Jiang Mengchu, who had crawled out of a nearby stream, trailed her since then, "Yan Jue-sister." Yan Jue turned to look at her. Jiang Mengchu: "What does Liu Bing feel like in your hands? Can I try it?" In the sunlight, Jiang Mengchu's skin was fair, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with a captivating gleam, exceptionally charming when she blinked. Yan Jue had no hostility toward such a person and offered her the sword. To everyone's surprise, the moment Liu Bing rested in Jiang Mengchu's grip, it blazed with intense blue light. Enormous spiritual power exploded, and Liu Bing was immediately sent flying. Jiang Mengchu was thrown several meters away. Yan Jue: "..." Rubbing her waist, Jiang Mengchu returned, "Amazing, you." "Zhang Men Shishu even suggested giving Liu Bing to me. I wouldn't want such an annoying sword." Yan Jue found her straightforwardness quite refreshing and harbored a thought. Yan Jue, cradling Liu Bing, suddenly asked, "In this Five Dragon Summit competition, were you the second place winner?" She had assessed Jiang Mengchu earlier, noting she bore no magical artifacts. How puzzling. How did she fare so well in the Five Dragon Summit without them? Jiang Mengchu pouted, "In the first round, I had a bye directly into the second round." "In the second round, my opponent fell ill and couldn't compete." "In the third, my pesky opponent wasn't that strong, so after a couple of tricks, he fell off the martial stage." "In the fourth, my opponent was too injured from the previous match to compete." Yan Jue: "..." Jiang Mengchu: "And in the fifth round..." Yan Jue quickly interrupted, "Alright, enough." It turns out she was a real lucky charm. Yan Jue couldn't help but sweat. Someone so straightforward and easily influenced... It's quite suggestive that the Demon Sovereign had her come here to obtain the sword... - Yan Jue soon returned to her dormitory. Though she was now recorded under Yun Zhen's name, she still resided in her original place. That made things much more convenient for her. Yan Jue sat on her bed, gazing down at the immortal sword Liu Bing. The ice-blue Liu Bing lay quietly across her lap, the translucent white jade hilt smooth and soft to the touch. Liu Bing turned out to be a soft sword. The blade was thin, with an extremely fine edge, and under the sunlight, the patterns of ice and snow on the sword were clear and beautiful. Holding Liu Bing, Yan Jue felt a faint, cool sensation spreading from her palm to every part of her body. She suddenly slashed downward, and with a flash of cold light, Liu Bing sprang forward like a swift, twisting serpent, emitting a series of phoenix cries, sending waves of frost and snow expanding around her. It was entirely different from Qi Xianqing's Zhu Ying. Yan Jue's expression turned slightly serious. If she could seize the protagonist's opportunities... the protagonist's fortune... Could she perhaps take the male lead's place and stay by Qi Xianqing's side? Yan Jue momentarily faltered, then immediately shook her head, snapping out of this dangerous thought. What are you thinking? How can you have such improper ideas about Qi Xianqing? Don't you know Qi Xianqing is a straight woman? Moreover, she spent a million top-grade spirit stones to acquire this sword. If she can't repay that, she might be working for Qi Xianqing her entire life. - In the following days, Yan Jue secluded herself to become familiar with Liu Bing. Previously, when practicing with an iron sword, she had gained a basic understanding of swordsmanship. Now, with Liu Bing in her hand, it felt as if someone used to driving an old car suddenly switched to a sports car. Much easier to handle. That day, while Yan Jue was again getting accustomed to Liu Bing in her room, there was a sudden knock on the door. When Yan Jue opened it, sunshine rushed inside; today was a beautiful day. Qi Xianqing stood at the door, her brows arched, a faint smile in her eyes: "Got the sword?" Yan Jue clasped her hands in gratitude, "Thanks to you, Senior Sister." Qi Xianqing replied, "Junior sister Yan is impressive; you did very well." Her voice was noble and low, making it sound particularly pleasant in the quiet room. Yan Jue had a quirk where she didn't mind being scolded, but any praise made her uncomfortable. Her ears started to burn, and she quickly denied, "It's not me; it's all thanks to your excellent runes." "And thanks to Zhu Ying." Zhu Ying seemed to understand, puffing up proudly, giving a little jolt of satisfaction. Qi Xianqing advised, "Junior Sister Yan should refrain from praising it too much. If you praise it, its tail might stick up to the sky." Zhu Ying, embarrassed again, retreated behind Qi Xianqing. Yan Jue laughed heartily, her smile like the sun's warmth. Qi Xianqing gazed deeply at her. Yan Jue always had this ability, that being around her, everything seemed happier. Qi Xianqing suddenly said, "I want to ask you something, Junior Sister." Yan Jue blinked, "What is it?" Qi Xianqing: "That day in the Sword Grave, did you say something to Liu Bing?" "Initially, Liu Bing didn't seem willing to leave with you." Meeting Qi Xianqing's deep, clear eyes, Yan Jue's heart skipped a beat, "No, I didn't say anything." Liu Bing, a thousand-year-old immortal sword, loathes liars. Yan Jue had spoken from her heart to Liu Bing. But these heartfelt words were definitely not for Qi Xianqing to hear. Yan Jue feigned a sheepish smile. Qi Xianqing sighed, looking thoughtfully troubled, "I just hope the debt you owe me can be repaid soon." Yan Jue: "..." Qi Xianqing looked up and repeated, "Come on, Junior Sister Yan, Zhang Men has summoned the top three of the Five Dragon Summit personal contest to Qidun Sect." Yan Jue had a strong aversion to the Demon Sovereign posing as the Five Dragon Leader, and was taken aback upon hearing Qi Xianqing say this: "Huh? What's it about?" Qi Xianqing began to walk outside, "Junior Sister Yan doesn't know? The top three in this competition are to represent Wulong Gate and earn the qualification to accept first-class missions." This was a tremendous honor. But Yan Jue could hardly muster a smile. Though from earlier observations, it seemed Mu Zhongzi was not aware of her eavesdropping on his conversation with Chu Fu, nor about her and Qi Xianqing entering the cave to steal magic treasures. Qi Xianqing was wise and likely informed Yun Zhen rather than Mu Zhongzi directly. Yan Jue adjusted her thoughts before reluctantly following Qi Xianqing out the door. - Qidun Sect was not far from the Water Cloud Sect, so Yan Jue and Qi Xianqing quickly arrived at the grand hall where the Five Dragon Sect Leader Mu Zhongzi resided. By the time Yan Jue entered, the hall was already filled with people. She couldn't help but be momentarily stunned. Mu Zhongzi sat among them, in a brown Taoist robe, thin as a crane, with a face like a child's, eyes slightly closed. Beside him were the sect leaders, including Yun Zhen of Zhenhuo Sect and Yan Yue of Water Cloud Sect... Below them, a mix of elders sat chaotically. In the center stood Jiang Mengchu, who had placed second in the Five Dragon Summit. Despite failing in the contest for the immortal sword, she showed no excess emotion, standing naturally in the hall's center. Qi Xianqing walked over, nodding gently in greeting to the Five Dragon Sect Leader and the others. The Xing Ye Tao Ren, the head of the Mu Yin Sect, stroked his beard, smiling as he observed the three disciples standing in the hall. "Master, these three are indeed the finest of our new generation at Wulong Gate." Several elders below also began to chatter, "Truly remarkable youth." Mu Zhongzi gestured towards Qi Xianqing, displaying a kindly smile, "Xianqing, you have come out as the champion again in this competition. What insights do you have?" There was no trace of the anger from a few days ago when the matter of Liu Bing was discussed. With a solemn expression, Qi Xianqing kneeled down in the hall: "The path of cultivation is long, and I will strive to better myself to meet the expectations of my elders." Amidst the praises, Mu Zhongzi slowly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice: "This time, the top three of the Five Dragon Summit are the finest among the new generation, worthy of representing Wulong Mountain as they venture into the human world." "Now, the worldly situation is turbulent and unpredictable. The demon path is about to rise again, causing calamity in the human realm. As one of the righteous immortal sects, there are many tasks you must undertake." Mu Zhongzi delivered a lengthy discourse, and Yan Jue watched coldly, marveling at his quick adaptability. Mu Zhongzi smiled as he looked at Qi Xianqing: "Xianqing, the rebellion among the northern demon tribes is significant, and it is crucial for you to quell it." Yan Jue furrowed her brow slightly. Perhaps to avoid public panic, this matter was kept rather secret. It could be that the demon cult was becoming more active recently, or perhaps the increasing oppression of the demon tribes by humans led to the demon tribes siding with the demon sect. Qi Xianqing was off to slay demons again. As the thought crossed her mind, Yan Jue's eyes wandered restlessly, her emotions complex. Mu Zhongzi: "This mission—" Before he could finish, Yun Zhen interrupted! Yun Zhen, lazily propping her chin, spoke with a drawn-out elegance: "Zhang Men Senior Brother, such a dangerous mission should not involve my disciple." The leader was taken aback by the interruption and was momentarily stymied. Yun Zhen wore an even more gorgeous and elegant attire today, a water-red embroidered phoenix-patterned brocade, with her long hair styled in cloud-like braids and a red cinnabar dot on her fair forehead. Her narrow phoenix eyes exuded an inherent charm. Mu Zhongzi frowned, "Yun Zhen, what are you talking about?" Yun Zhen replied, "Senior Brother, why send my disciple, known to be a rare celestial spirit body in a hundred generations, like a sheep among wolves near the demon tribes, to the northern realm to banish demons?" Mu Zhongzi retorted, "Xianqing is extraordinarily capable, and she would naturally face such threats unafraid. Especially with the immortal sword Zhu Ying at her side for protection!" Yun Zhen responded, "I wonder if Senior Brother lacks any affection for his own disciple, showing no concern." Previously, Mu Zhongzi, as the revered leader thoroughly familiar with his junior sister's temperament, would offer a measured response to her provocations. But now, as the Demon Sovereign of Broken Soul Mountain posed as the leader, Yun Zhen's few words left him seething with anger. Qi Xianqing noticed this, frowning slightly, instinctively glancing at Yan Jue. Yan Jue focused intently on the Five Dragon Leader. Yun Zhen continued, "In any case, I cannot bear to see my disciple take such risks. For missions like these, I am willing to send my sect's disciples instead. I request that other important tasks be assigned to Xianqing." The hall momentarily fell silent. While everyone knew Yun Zhen protected her disciples, they hadn't expected her to do so so unabashedly. The leader's face darkened further: "You mustn't let personal feelings disrupt the overall mission." This woman, lately for reasons unknown, had repeatedly opposed him! Yun Zhen thumped her chest: "Brother, you're joking. Yun Zhen is also an elder, and wouldn't jeopardize things over small matters. Should Brother insist, I am willing to journey north myself to vanquish the demons!" Her declaration once again plunged the hall into silence. Yan Yue, the Water Cloud Sect leader, though having had some clashes with Yun Zhen, regarded her as her closest confidant on Wulong Mountain. In such tense atmospheres, naturally, she came to Yun Zhen's defense: "Senior Brother, I am also willing to send my disciples north to exorcise demons. Xianqing's unique constitution is well-known to us all, and she is Wulong Gate's prized disciple. If anything were to happen to her, the repercussions would be unfavorable." The sect leader remained silent for a while before nodding slowly, under the watchful eyes of everyone: "In that case, there is another top-level mission that Xianqing, Mengchu, and Yanjue can undertake together." Seeing the sect leader finally compromise, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The sect leader continued, "Recently, I have been working on crafting an Elixir of Immortality. If I succeed, it will be a boon for the cultivation world." Immortality is a lifelong pursuit for cultivators, but so far, no one has achieved this goal. There are countless cultivators researching how to create an Elixir of Immortality. If Wulong Gate can be the first to develop it, it would significantly enhance its status in the cultivation world. Currently, apart from dealing with the rebellion of the demon tribes, rejuvenating Wulong Gate's standing is of utmost importance. The sect leader assigned, "Your task is to venture out and gather the materials needed for crafting the Elixir of Immortality." Beside him, Xing Ye Dao Ren smiled and asked, "Might I inquire if the sect leader has discovered a new formula for the Elixir of Immortality? What are the key ingredients that need to be collected?" The sect leader replied, "The ingredients required for this Elixir of Immortality include mermaid pearls, xiangjing grass, bixian herb, and a phoenix fetus." Mu Zhongzi licked his lips and said in a deep voice, "The last ingredient is also the hardest to collect." "The heart of a nine-tailed fox demon." Though his voice was not loud, to Yan Jue's ears, it was like a thunderclap. The heart of a nine-tailed fox demon!