86 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 86: The Celestial Spirit (Deep Waters Incremental Update - Double Chapter) As Yan Jue stepped out of the grand hall, her mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the Nine-tailed Fox's heart. Impossible. Yan Jue was certain that the sect leader knew she possessed a pure Yin body, but it was impossible for the leader to know she was a fox demon. It must have been a coincidence. Even she herself wasn't sure if her original form was that of a Nine-tailed Fox. She had narrowly escaped her death calamity, so she should be able to flee now. However, Yan Jue wasn't ready to run just yet. On that day, she had eavesdropped on the Demon Lord's conversation with the protagonist, who had mentioned that preserving Qi Xianqing's celestial spirit body was useful. But useful for what purpose? She was worried about Qi Xianqing and couldn't bring herself to escape just yet. Wulong Mountain was filled with restrictions everywhere; even someone as high-ranking as the head of Wulong couldn't casually make a move. That's why last time, the Demon Lord had wanted to use the protagonist's hand to kill her on the dueling platform, where there were no such restrictions. In the Demon Lord's eyes, she was merely a girl with her Yin essence drained by the protagonist, shy and weak. Therefore, Yan Jue wasn't afraid. She decided to stay there for a while, figuring out how to unmask the Demon Lord's identity and gather information about the fox clan. Qi Xianqing walked behind, her eyes cast down, lost in thought. As Yan Jue was walking, someone suddenly blocked her path. Looking up, she saw a girl dressed in orange-yellow silk with twin-bunned hair, smiling at her warmly. The girl introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Wang Yi, a reporter from Kongqing Prefecture. I would like to interview Yan Jue, would that be okay?" Given the commotion caused at Jianzhong Valley, Yan Jue knew the "Wulong Chronicles" wouldn't let her off easily. Yan Jue smiled, "Sure, feel free to ask any questions." Just as Jiang Mengchu was coming out of the hall, she saw Yan Jue being interviewed. Jiang Mengchu exclaimed and skipped over, playfully wrapping an arm around Yan Jue's shoulder. Yan Jue was startled, almost jolting forward. Jiang Mengchu was certainly uninhibited. Wang Yi blinked, pleasantly surprised. "Is this Jiang Mengchu, Sister Jiang?" Jiang Mengchu replied, "Yes, that's me." Wang Yi continued, "It was said that Sister Jiang and Yan Jue went to retrieve 'Liubing, the Immortal Sword' together at Jianzhong Valley. What are your thoughts about that day and the experience of drawing the sword together with Yan Jue?" "I heard that you were fiercely competitive with each other that day. Is it true?" Jiang Mengchu shook her head vigorously. "Not at all. Yan Jue is a wonderful person; she even let me touch Liubing." Wang Yi asked, "You think Yan Jue is a wonderful person. Sister Yan, what do you think of Sister Jiang?" Yan Jue inwardly sighed. Wasn't this a normal interview just a moment ago? How did it shift to these topics so quickly? Maintaining an awkward yet polite smile, Yan Jue responded, "Sister Jiang is also a wonderful person." Qi Xianqing, upon exiting the hall, unexpectedly saw Yan Jue and Jiang Mengchu being interviewed from a distance. Since ascending the mountain, Jiang Mengchu had always been pampered by Xing Ye, the sect leader of Mu Yin Sect, known for her lively and cheerful personality. She hung herself around Yan Jue, arms looped around Yan Jue's neck, smiling widely. Kongqing Prefecture's Wang Yi asked something that made all three of them laugh. Normally, Qi Xianqing would keep her distance from any member of Kongqing Prefecture. Yet today, inexplicably, Qi Xianqing walked over with her hands crossed behind her back and positioned herself beside Yan Jue. Qi Xianqing bit her inner cheek. Wang Yi set eyes on Qi Xianqing and immediately let out a tiny shriek, quickly covering her mouth. "Elder Sister, how are you?" Qi Xianqing replied simply, "I'm good." Yan Jue: "..." Having Qi Xianqing present during an interview was something Wang Yi had never experienced in her journalism career. It took her several deep breaths to regain her composure. Still hesitant to directly question Qi Xianqing, Wang Yi resumed her queries with Jiang Mengchu. "I heard you'll be going down the mountain to undertake an S-class mission with two senior sisters. How do you feel about that?" Jiang Mengchu responded, "I'm very happy to be going on a mission with Sister Yan. I hope during this mission, Sister Yan will take good care of me." Sister Yan? Qi Xianqing looked down at the jade pendant at her waist. She knew that Yan Jue and Jiang Mengchu had gone to Jianzhong Valley together. Have they become this close? Wang Yi then asked Yan Jue, "What are your thoughts on carrying out a mission with the newly acquainted Sister Jiang?" Yan Jue said, "I'm very happy to carry out a mission with such a delightful junior sister." "……" Taking another deep breath, Wang Yi finally dared to ask a question concerning Qi Xianqing. "It's said that Sister Yan and Elder Sister Qi share a close relationship. Do you have any special expectations for carrying out a mission with Elder Sister Qi this time?" Before Wang Yi finished, Qi Xianqing lifted her head, watching Yan Jue intently. After a moment's reflection, Yan Jue replied, "The elder sister is a great teacher and friend. Each time I descend the mountain with her, I gain so much. This time, too, I hope to learn a lot from the elder sister." Qi Xianqing frowned slightly. In Yan Jue's heart, was she just a teacher? - Finally wrapping up the Kongqing Prefecture interview, Yan Jue returned at last to Shuiyun Sect. She headed straight for the rear mountain. Previously, she had planted a spirit candle fruit tree there, and already, it had produced many plump fruits. The area where she had once transcended a thunder tribulation was now a vast open space, filled with eight majestic spirit candle trees. Gazing at her accomplishments, Yan Jue felt a surge of pride. On tiptoes, she carefully plucked each fruit from the tree, placing them into her qiankun bag. With impending long travels, she needed to prepare some necessities. Now that she's free to move, she must seek out news of the fox clan while carrying out tasks during her descent from the mountain. Returning to her room, Yan Jue shut the door, beginning an inventory of the materials she had recently acquired. First, there were three fragments of purple jade. Yan Jue assembled them solemnly on the table, noting that the set was still incomplete by one piece. She had no idea what they could be for. Reluctantly, she tucked the purple jade close. She also possessed a Yunxu Umbrella, perfect for cloaking one's presence. Three Intrusive Needles. A sleeve arrow adorned with five elements runes. Dozens of juicy, red spirit candle fruits. The immortal sword, Liubing. Yan Jue sank her consciousness into the qiankun bag, placing her recent acquisitions in order within the storage house. Propping her chin, Yan Jue meticulously reviewed the old provisions. Ample remaining sleep initiation talismans, along with multiple bottles of healing and detoxifying potions… With such preparations, she was ready to leave the mountain, well-equipped for any situations. Having secured the qiankun bag, a knock on the door disrupted the quiet. Slightly taken aback, Yan Jue rose to open the door, finding Du Ming awaiting with a cheerful smile. Yan Jue asked, "Is there something you need?" Du Ming replied enthusiastically, "Yan Jue, the individual rounds of this year's Wulong Summit have concluded. Next, we have the thrilling group contest!" Yan Jue inquired, "Hmm? There's a group contest too?" Du Ming had likely discussed the group contest before, but she had forgotten. He explained, "The group contest is more relaxed and entertaining than the individual rounds. Disciples form their own teams, and the sect will open the Wulong Secret Realm. Teams enter to gather materials for points, and the group with the highest points wins." Acknowledging him with a nod, Yan Jue agreed that the group contest sounded like a pleasant distraction. "When does the group contest begin?" she asked. "Due to recent happenings within the sect, the group contest has been postponed for two months. The elders will take this time to repair the Wulong Secret Realm." Two months hence… Du Ming asked, "Have you assembled your team?" "I haven't yet," Yan Jue admitted. Du Ming eagerly grasped her arm. "Can I join your team? I have two more friends, and this time, we can have up to five members per group." Yan Jue smiled, "Of course." - After seeing Du Ming off, Yan Jue resumed practice in her room, circulating a set of the 'Lesser Yin Ice Soul Technique.' Sensing spiritual power saturate her being, she slowly opened her eyes. Outside, the sound of flapping wings suddenly filled the air. A snowy white celestial crane perched before her, a basket hanging from its neck, seemingly carrying something inside. Hastily rising, Yan Jue retrieved the short letters from the basket. There were two. The first letter was from Yun Zhen. Yun Zhen: "Do you have the time to visit Qiu Li Xuan now?" The second was from Qi Xianqing, inviting her to take a trip to Zhen Fire Sect at you hour. With the departure scheduled for the next day, Yan Jue was aware that a visit to Zhen Fire Sect meant discussing matters. Balancing her time, she retrieved white paper from her drawer, dipped her brush in ink, and wrote a reply to Qi Xianqing: "Yun Zhen Master has summoned me to Qiu Li Xuan now, and I'm unaware of how long it might take. I'll come by once I'm done." Yun Zhen, now having sealed and taught her divine knowledge, could be considered her master. When her master needed her, it was only natural for her to prioritize, but she had to inform Qi Xianqing at least. Yan Jue placed the letter in the bamboo basket hanging around the crane’s neck. The crane flapped its wings and quickly flew away. Yan Jue then found herself at Zhen Fire Sect’s territory, making her way directly into the tranquil serenity of Qiu Li Xuan. The place was as elegant and peaceful as ever. Yun Zhen lounged lazily in the pavilion, smiling as she saw Yan Jue approaching. “You’re here, take a seat.” Despite Yun Zhen’s offer, Yan Jue didn’t dare to sit; she merely smiled and stood by Yun Zhen’s side. Next to Yun Zhen was a young man with clear, refined features clad in a Qing robe from Mu Yin Sect, his face lined with worry. Yan Jue quickly recognized him and respectfully greeted, “Uncle Xing Ye.” Xing Ye Daoist nodded at her with a smile. Yun Zhen spoke up, “Disciple, your Uncle Xing Ye heard you’re going down the mountain and specifically came to ask a favor of you. I told him to speak with you himself, which is why I summoned you now.” Hearing this, Yan Jue hurriedly bowed to Xing Ye Daoist, “What can I do for you, Uncle Xing Ye?” Without any delay, Xing Ye said directly, “Little Yan, you’re undertaking an S-class mission this time, right? You’ll be with one of my disciples... Jiang Mengchu.” Yan Jue expressed mild surprise, “Yes.” Xing Ye stood up with a sigh, “I’d like to ask a favor.” Yan Jue responded, “What is it?” “To be frank, Jiang Mengchu possesses the rare Celestial Spirit Body.” “This type of spirit body is naturally adept at sensing the Heavenly Dao, endowed with immense power and potential... but it carries a fatal flaw.” “She’s exceptionally susceptible to backlash from her spirit body,” Yun Zhen interjected. Yan Jue frowned slightly. Each unique physique has its fatal drawbacks. For instance, Qi Xianqing's celestial body makes her extraordinarily talented in cultivation, but her blood frequently entices the greed of monsters. Perhaps when the Heavens open a door for someone, they also close a window. Xing Ye smiled at Yan Jue, “Haven’t you noticed that perhaps Jiang Mengchu doesn’t seem very intelligent?” “Isn’t it peculiar how someone with no magical treasures, lacking wit, could secure the runner-up position at the Wulong Summit?” As Xing Ye finished, Yan Jue felt as if her mind was struck, opening up an epiphany. Xing Ye explained, “The Celestial Spirit Body is, in a way, cursed from birth. Every time Jiang Mengchu utilizes a divine ability, the Heavenly Dao consumes her intelligence, including her original memories, leaving nothing behind.” “During the match with Qi Xianqing, it was a fierce battle. Jiang Mengchu attempted to use her divine power, believing it was within the Heavenly Dao's acceptable limits, yet she still lost most of her memories since she ascended the mountain…” “Hence, she doesn’t quite recall the details of that competition.” “The reason I’m letting her accompany you down the mountain this time is in hopes she might regain her lost memories.” “Can you look after her?” - When Yan Jue arrived at Qi Xianqing’s dorm within Zhen Fire Sect, Qi Xianqing was already seated, waiting for her. Beside her sat another person. Dressed in a saffron robe, Jiang Mengchu stood up to greet Yan Jue, “Sister Yan!” Qi Xianqing glanced at her. Qi Xianqing stated, “We’re discussing which of the tasks assigned by the sect leader should be prioritized.” Currently, Wulong’s sect leader, Mu Zhongzi, is experimenting with the Longevity Elixir, which requires five ingredients. These include the Pearl of a Mermaid, the Herb of Spirits, the Celestial Grass, the Phoenix Embryo, and the Heart of a Nine-tailed Fox. When heading out to gather ingredients, a sequence must be determined. Yan Jue furrowed her brows and slowly suggested, “The southwest border is near the sea, and the Pearl is the most treasured asset of a mermaid, who dwells along the southwestern coast. Why don't we search for the Pearl first?” Qi Xianqing nodded, “I had the same thought. How about Sister Jiang?” Jiang Mengchu agreed, “I also think we should search nearby first, starting with the Pearl.” They continued their deliberations in Zhen Fire Sect and decided to set off the next morning at dawn. - Dawn came swiftly the next day, and Yan Jue awoke. She warmed up with a series of martial exercises in the backyard, sensing her body’s spiritual energy smoothing out before she packed and prepared to descend the mountain. With her backpack on, Yan Jue was just about to set forth on the mountain path when she saw a small, dark figure emerge from the nearby shrubs. Upon a closer look, Yan Jue couldn’t help but smile. Zhu He. The little wild boar, Zhu He, was still donned in its tiny cloak, wobbling towards her and looking up with a gesture: "Skin." The small wild boar treasured its skin greatly; it was this very skin that had once saved her life. Yan Jue certainly wouldn’t forget. If an opportunity arose on this trip, she planned to acquire a new skin for it. Soon, Yan Jue descended the mountain. It was still early, and while Jiang Mengchu hadn’t yet arrived, Qi Xianqing was already waiting at the mountain gate. Adorned in a jade pleated skirt, Qi Xianqing’s slender figure and her ink-black hair were partially secured with a hairpin, cascading over her shoulders. The sunlight carved out her delicate features, making her pale skin even more striking. Yan Jue greeted, “Elder Sister.” Qi Xianqing turned her head to look at her, a fleeting glance like a startled swan. Though she had admired Qi Xianqing's beauty countless times before, Yan Jue’s heart couldn’t help but race when meeting her gaze. Qi Xianqing herself wasn’t feeling much better. Her days had been so busy that she’d had little chance for solitude with Yan Jue. Thus, the prospect of finally getting to journey with her brought her immense joy. With her hands clasped behind her back, Qi Xianqing suggested, “To reach the Yuxu Sea in the southwest border, about three hundred miles from Wulong Mountain, it would typically take a day and a half by carriage. I’m thinking of flying there on swords. What does Sister Yan think?” Yan Jue’s face fell at the thought of sword-flying. Although she had acquired the immortal sword Liubing, she knew nothing of common sword techniques, much less flying on one. Most disciples at Wulong Sect learn to fly on swords by the illumination stage. Qi Xianqing, amused by her late-blooming junior sister, advised, “Sister Yan, come over. I’ll teach you.” Sensing something off in Qi Xianqing’s tone, Yan Jue instinctively took a step back, watching closely as Qi Xianqing slowly drew the sword Candle Shadow. Yet, the opportunity to learn sword-flying from Qi Xianqing was too tempting to pass up. Casually, Qi Xianqing added, “Come or not, this is your only chance. I won’t offer again.” Alright, she’s in! Yan Jue slowly approached Qi Xianqing, concentrating intently on her. Qi Xianqing first explained the hand and verbal incantations needed for sword-flying. Even though expert practitioners could direct their swords with mere thought, beginners needed to use the proper hand signs and chants. Yan Jue memorized them all. Her right hand formed the signs, left hand waved through the air, and an ice-blue sword appeared before her. Having slumbered for centuries in Jianzhong Valley, Liubing was awakened without any lethargy, radiating an intense aura of ice and snow. Under the sunlight, the sword's intricate frosty patterns shone with piercing brilliance. Yan Jue intoned softly, “In the profane void, vast calamities begin; fleeting transience, either submerged or adrift!” As she spoke, Liubing’s blade surged with a soft spiritual light, rippling like water waves. Yan Jue stepped forward, leaping onto Liubing in an instant. Liubing, possibly unaccustomed to being ridden, noticeably dipped when Yan Jue stepped onto it. She almost fell but was steadied by a supporting arm. Qi Xianqing’s breath was warm against her ear as the chaotic winds tousled Yan Jue's nose. “Be careful,” Qi Xianqing cautioned before releasing her grip. Yan Jue awkwardly maneuvered Liubing, soaring as a fleeting blue shadow across the sky. Holding her breath, Yan Jue staggered atop Liubing for several breaths, when suddenly the sword mischievously tilted upward, unseating her. Wind roared past as Yan Jue thought in distress and instinctively shut her eyes. The anticipated pain never came. Instead, she rolled through the air and landed softly in someone's arms. Qi Xianqing. Since the individual rounds of the Wulong Summit concluded, the weather had turned to fall. Chill winds against her face, Yan Jue instinctively clutched Qi Xianqing’s clothing, sighing inside with relief. This Liubing was impressive as an immortal sword, albeit challenging to control. Fortunately, Qi Xianqing was there to prevent disaster. Qi Xianqing spun gracefully twice to soften their landing, then gently set Yan Jue down. In the sunlight, the paleness of her ears burned with a bright red while she glared at Yan Jue, "Could you let go?" Only then did Yan Jue notice where her hand had landed, inadvertently gripping Qi Xianqing’s chest. The neckline was pulled slightly aside, revealing a swath of porcelain skin, a scene of sheer embarrassment. With a brain-whirring thud, Yan Jue quickly released her hold and shifted topics, murmuring, “Why does it feel like Liubing just doesn’t listen to me...” Qi Xianqing clenched her fists, turning away with a low murmur, "I won’t save you next time." The girl’s voice was soft, tinged with a playful reproach. Yan Jue’s heart twisted sharply, quickly apologizing, “I didn’t know...” Only acting nonchalant did Qi Xianqing glance toward the hovering immortal sword Liubing, “Having slept in Jianzhong Valley for over a millennium, it’s natural it has its temperament. It’s nothing overbearing.” Yan Jue: "..." That was a swift change of topic. Qi Xianqing drew out Candle Shadow. The sword's azure glow formed a foggy veil in the sky. At that moment, the previously languid Liubing seemed to sense something, its blade standing more erect than before. With a sharp motion, Qi Xianqing swung her sword, and the azure sword energy struck the ice-blue long sword, giving Liubing a harsh blow. Qi Xianqing commanded, "Listen to your master properly." Liubing wobbled in the air, appearing both angry and aggrieved. Suddenly, Candle Shadow slipped from Qi Xianqing's grasp, sending another flash of dazzling blue-green sword energy toward Liubing, which unleashed a surge of spiritual power in retaliation. Candle Shadow relentlessly found a gap in Liubing's sword aura, striking its ice-blue blade with force. Liubing was knocked back three paces, landing awkwardly on the grass. Yan Jue: "..." Qi Xianqing calmly sheathed Candle Shadow back into its dark scabbard, "Candle Shadow has accompanied me for a long time, in both skill and cultivation it surpasses Liubing." "Currently, Liubing's cultivation is akin to a newborn, naturally no match for Candle Shadow. It bears an air of arrogance that must be tempered." "A little lesson never hurts." Yan Jue: "..." Indeed, she's tough. - With time to spare, Yan Jue continued practicing her sword-flying down the mountain. What started out shaky gradually became more adept. As a modern person transported into this world, Yan Jue had never experienced anything like it. It was like riding a bicycle: a beginner might feel scared practicing alone, but with someone beside them, they could quickly learn. She trusted that Qi Xianqing would catch her if she fell. After another hour, Yan Jue finally mastered the sword-flying technique. The time reached the designated hour. Silently reciting the mnemonic, the ice-blue sword Liubing ascended mid-air. Yan Jue stepped onto the immortal sword, darting forward like a flash of light. Flying a round trip in the vicinity, she landed near Qi Xianqing just as footsteps sounded behind her. Jiang Mengchu, still attired in her saffron robe, with her hair elegantly pinned with a gold clasp, approached. "Elder Sister! Sister Yan!" Yan Jue noticed Jiang Mengchu wasn’t carrying any magical artifacts and found it strange. That day, Jiang Mengchu had followed her into Jianzhong Valley, hoping to use the immortal sword Liubing as a magical tool, but ultimately failed. Yet, she set out without any protective magic tool. Didn't Xing Ye cherish her enough to provide one? Qi Xianqing nodded, "Since our junior sister has arrived, let's be on our way." Just as Yan Jue wondered how Jiang Mengchu would fly, she felt the girl step forward and wrap her arms around her waist. Jiang Mengchu asked, "I don't have a magic tool. Can Sister Yan carry me?" Recalling Xing Ye's instructions from the day before, Yan Jue nodded, "Sure." Qi Xianqing, watching the two from behind, couldn't resist clenching her hands. Unexpectedly, Jiang Mengchu felt a chill at her nape, cautiously glancing back. Qi Xianqing approached, gently patting Jiang Mengchu's shoulder, "Junior Sister, come here. I'll take you." "Sister Yan has just mastered the sword technique and isn't very skilled in sword flying yet," Qi Xianqing remarked with a soft smile. "If you fall and hurt yourself, what then?" Yan Jue: "..." Jiang Mengchu felt touched, "Elder Sister is so kind." ...Yet Elder Sister's smile was oddly unsettling. Despite her misgivings, Jiang Mengchu leapt onto Qi Xianqing's sword, hugging her waist. Yan Jue saw no issue, nodded at Qi Xianqing, and promptly summoned Liubing. With a flash of icy blue light, Liubing expanded in the sky, forming a stable platform to stand on. With precise incantations, Yan Jue directed Liubing to lift off smoothly, darting out like a meteor into the distance. Qi Xianqing followed closely, Candle Shadow cutting through with its luminescent hue. Together, they embarked on a new journey.