93 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 93: Heartstrings The ocean's realm is forever enigmatic and profound. Above them stretches the vastness of the azure sea. Swarms of fish dart about, interspersed with peculiar creatures found only in the realms of spirituality. Together with their merman companions, three individuals delved into the ocean's depths, advancing as time passed the length of a single incense stick. The Water-Repelling Pearl cast a gentle radiance, crafting a protective dome around them, shielding them from the sea’s formidable presence. Yan Jue held the Water-Repelling Pearl, her attention suddenly captured by something. She paused sharply and exclaimed, "Jiang Shimei, you..." Jiang Meng Chu floated, joyfully weaving between the schools of fish, encircled by a soft golden aura of true energy. She moved effortlessly through the water without any signs of strain. Jiang Meng Chu chirped, "It's nothing, Yan Jue Sister, don't worry about me." Yan Jue fell silent. Was this the Supreme Spiritual Physique? Her energy felt inexhaustible. Gradually, more and more fish began to gather around them. Beneath, the sea appeared even bluer and more luminous than it seemed from above. Before them, a resplendent golden palace emerged. From a distance, a small dark shape approached rapidly. Hai Ying—with her golden locks floating amid the blue waves, skin like porcelain under the water—wore nothing but the unique garb of the merfolk, her navel exposed. Qi Xian Qing had grown accustomed to her appearance and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Hai Ying's face still bore traces of fatigue she couldn't conceal, having spent too much time above the water. Although the court's physician had given her special cultivation pills, recovery was a process that wouldn't happen overnight. In a moment, Hai Ying swam up to them and greeted them with poised courtesy. "Thanks to you two immortals, my father awaits you in the palace." Upon entering the grand hall, they found someone already seated there. An aged merman king occupied the throne, and beside him sat a girl of striking elegance, dressed in blue robes with a bone flute hanging at her waist. Yan Jue observed, a faint sense of familiarity prickling at her memory. Seeing the two approach, the girl promptly stood up and offered a respectful salute. "Greetings to my fellow Taoist friends. I am Jiang Yu from Qingfeng Valley." Yan Jue quickly returned the gesture. No wonder the bone flute seemed so familiar—it was a recognized artifact of Qingfeng Valley. But what was a disciple from Qingfeng Valley doing here? Jiang Yu hesitantly glanced at them. "My Shixiong, Mao, has caused you trouble, and I'm here to extend our apologies on behalf of Qingfeng Valley." Yan Jue blinked in confusion. "Mao Shixiong?" "Could you elaborate? I'm not quite sure I understand," she inquired. Jiang Yu frowned slightly. "The man causing trouble in the small fishing village was once a student of Qingfeng Valley. He lost his way in practice, delving into demon summoning and eventually severing ties with us to pursue his interests here. If not for your intervention, I would have been sent by our sect to discipline him myself." Through Jiang Yu's patient recounting, Yan Jue learned that Qingfeng Valley, one of the six great sects, balanced the forces of light and shadow due to their specialization in summonings. The entities they summoned ranged from divine beings and mystical creatures to fiendish spirits and demons. A schism had occurred decades ago when some disciples secretly practiced ghost summoning against sect rules. The man they encountered had once been part of this sect. Intent on harnessing the merfolk's formidable power, he lingered by Yu Xu Sea, manipulating mankind's greed to capture merfolk en masse for their precious pearls to empower the summoned mer-god. It was a sinister alliance—he gained powerful pearls, while the village men acquired wives for heirs. Unforgivable wickedness. The merfolk, sequestered underwater and seldom in contact with land-bound sects, had no clue this man was a defector from Qingfeng Valley. As their numbers dwindled, the elderly king worried incessantly, issuing stern orders to keep away from the coastline. He attempted to contact a nearby dragon clan for help, but received no response. Jiang Yu’s arrival and intention to punish the man were driven by Qingfeng Valley's concerns, leading her here. In the midst of their conversation, a tremendous tremor accompanied by thunder resounded from outside. A breathless merman raced in, reported, "Your Highness, tonight’s storm is unusually fierce... it’s submerged the village!" The old merman frowned in contemplation. "The village chief has led his people to seek refuge in the mountains, asking for our help," the merman continued. "They claim many of our descendants live there. If the village is lost, those people face inevitable displacement." Merfolk have long been allies with the humans. This fishing village sits next to Yu Xu Sea. Yet despite traditional friendship, the elder merman hesitated to act. Those villagers, he thought, brought calamity upon themselves and would eventually have to bear the consequences. Qi Xian Qing pondered, then stepped forward and retrieved an item from her robe. Yan Jue started slightly. Qi Xian Qing produced a crystal vial—taken from the Qingfeng Valley traitor—filled with merfolk pearls. "Your Highness, we found this on a Qingfeng Valley disciple, presumably belonging to your people," Qi Xian Qing said. The old merman was startled, accepting the crystal bottle. Once its contents were revealed, his face flushed with righteous anger. "These are indeed our clan's pearls! That scoundrel!" Yan Jue watched, musing over Qi Xian Qing's noble integrity. Although unclaimed treasures from a body, she properly returned them to the merfolk, illustrating righteous conduct typical of her upright sect. The trio's purpose was, after all, to search for precious merfolk pearls. Passing the crystal vial to a nearby attendant, the old merman swam down, bowed slightly before Qi Xian Qing. "Immortal, your righteousness and valor humble my old self. May I beseech you for another favor?" The elder merman had previously alluded to assistance above sea, prompting Qi Xian Qing to continue their conversation. "Pray, speak openly." As a representative of a respected sect tasked with maintaining balance, it was a matter of honor to aid those in need. "There is a deep abyss outside our palace harboring a monstrous serpent. It causes trouble, causing countless deaths among us in these recent years with its brutal ways..." "We wonder if the immortals might help us rid the evil?" Should the immortals aid them, the gratitude would be boundless. In the midst of pleading, the old merman's fierce tail demanded attention, nearly moving to kneel. Merfolk, bound to sea life and with little connection to the righteous cultivators, turned to the dragons for help. But the prideful sea dragons had little time for mere merfolk’s requests. Moods permitting, they offered aid sparingly. Qi Xian Qing inquired further, "Could Your Highness describe this monster?" Qi Xian Qing was well-read and acquainted with worldly creatures during her time at Five Dragon Mountain. With a description, she might discern its nature. The elder merman hesitated slightly but explained, "The serpent resembles an ordinary snake but much larger, with two heads. It's fond of devouring people. We call it Fei Yi." Upon hearing this, Qi Xian Qing formulated a plan. She stood, smiled confidently, and reassured, "Fear not, Your Highness." Without hesitation, Jiang Yu volunteered her assistance. "I am willing to accompany the Immortal to suppress this beast." Offering his support, the merman king pledged, "I shall assign five of my best warriors to join the Immortal on this quest." Qi Xian Qing acknowledged and left the grand hall. As Yan Jue followed, she noticed a female merman discreetly wiping away tears as they exited. Caught off guard, Yan Jue hesitated, unsure whether to disregard or approach. Noticing she's been seen, the female merman swiftly brushed away her tears, swam over, and offered a deep salute to Yan Jue. "Are you not the Immortal from Five Dragon Gate?" "I am indeed," Yan Jue affirmed cautiously. "May I ask why you were crying?" Yan Jue recalled that the merman was one they had rescued from the fishing village. The female merman sniffed, trying to compose herself. "Oh Immortal, you may not remember, but you stayed at my home two nights ago." Yan Jue was taken aback, recalling their brief stay in a man's dwelling upon arriving at the village until his unseemly intentions drove them away to the mountains. Was that woman the one imprisoned in the man's backyard? The female merman covered her mouth in front of Yan Jue and began to sob again, "I returned to the sea alone, but I can't bear to leave my child behind." "I heard the fishing village was hit by a tsunami. I have no idea if they're safe..." ... Yan Jue listened to the female merman's lament for a while before slowly walking away. The underwater world was starkly different from how it appeared from above. Clear blue surrounded them, with fish swimming in orderly fashion. Aside from the grand merfolk palace, the sea floor was dotted with giant sea shells likely used for housing. Qi Xian Qing stood not far away, hands behind her back, staring into the distance, lost in thought. Yan Jue joined Qi Xian Qing and asked, "Do you know of the snake monster Fei Yi that the merman king mentioned? At what level is its cultivation?" Yan Jue had lived on Five Dragon Mountain for years, reading extensively, yet she still felt that her knowledge paled in comparison to Qi Xian Qing's. Qi Xian Qing explained, "Fei Yi, the monstrous snake, is well-documented in many texts." "Some say it dwells in the deep seas, others say in remote mountain forests." "The cultivation level of an adult Fei Yi is roughly at the fifth realm. With Jiang Yu from Qingfeng Valley assisting us, we should manage." Fei Yi, being a creature of the beast kind, possesses limited potential for advancement. A cultivator's spirit pet advances because of the heavenly treasures their master provides. Human cultivators can progress without such aids before reaching the Nascent Soul stage, whereas beasts always require these treasures for advancement, highlighting their struggle. Generally, a beast’s cultivation at birth might only advance one minor realm in adulthood, with little change otherwise. If the Fei Yi the old merman spoke of matches the one from the texts, both Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing, alongside Jiang Yu, can handle it. Besides, Yan Jue speculated that Qi Xian Qing had likely reached the pinnacle of the Integration Stage, with potential to overpower opponents of higher rank. --- After resting briefly in the palace, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue, along with Qingfeng Valley's Jiang Yu, set out to vanquish the serpent. Yan Jue felt drowsy, possibly due to the fox demon's biological cycles acting up, making her feel a chill even in the depths of the sea. Suddenly, her shoulder became heavier. Startled, Yan Jue turned to find that Qi Xian Qing had draped a soft green silk cloak over her shoulders. Qi Xian Qing said, "I happened to bring it along. Put it on if you're cold." Yan Jue glanced at Qi Xian Qing, her heart feeling a gentle squeeze. It touched her, confirmed Qi Xian Qing's attentiveness. For a moment, they stood in silence, until footsteps approached. Seeing them standing together, Jiang Yu hesitated, then quickly saluted. "Might you be Meng Heng Jun from Five Dragon Gate?" Qi Xian Qing replied, "Yes." Jiang Yu was startled. Known to abstain from worldly desires, Meng Heng Jun was a figure of purity and restraint, yet she directed gentle-eyed looks at the person beside her? Furthermore, Jiang Yu perceived an unusual harmony between the aura of the artifacts behind them. The swords on their backs were a pair! Could this... be the Immortal's Dao Companion? Jiang Yu, unable to suppress her curiosity, walked with them, casting frequent sideways glances their way. Yan Jue felt awkward. "..." Soon they arrived at the sea valley described by the old merman. The light from above dimmed instantly. Before them, darkness swallowed everything. Anxiety grew about an eerie face emerging from the void. Yan Jue shivered slightly at the thought. The rugged terrain of the seaside valley made Qi Xian Qing turn back to Yan Jue. "Be cautious." Such attentive remarks made Jiang Yu secretly think; it seemed almost like an expectant father. Qi Xian Qing extended a hand towards Yan Jue. Yan Jue stiffened, concerned about Jiang Yu's presence, hesitating to take Qi Xian Qing’s hand. Yet, a misstep made her hastily grasp Qi Xian Qing's hand. "..." In the darkness, Qi Xian Qing’s lips curved slightly. A nearby merman soldier teased, "Are you two a Dao Companion?" Yan Jue blurted an immediate denial, "No!" Qi Xian Qing merely smiled silently. In the obscurity, their ears flushed red. The growing darkness made the ground harder underfoot, obscuring their path. With a solemn expression, Qi Xian Qing retrieved the Transformation Pearl from her robe. In a flash, piercing light banished the dark, extending ten paces forward. Yan Jue glanced up, noticing strange creatures weaving through jagged rocks above. Jiang Yu frowned. "The snake's whereabouts are uncertain, how will we draw it out?" Rolling up her sleeves, Qi Xian Qing unsheathed her longsword. Jiang Yu, seeing her icy resolve, blinked in surprise as the gleaming blade traced across Qi Xian Qing’s alabaster arm. Blood trickled slowly, mingling with the surrounding sea. Jiang Yu gaped, unused to witnessing such unemotional self-inflicted injuries, unsure how to react. Having seen similar scenes before, Yan Jue only furrowed her brow and looked further afield. One breath, two breaths, three breaths... Qi Xian Qing, unfazed, bandaged her arm with a handkerchief. Eerie silence blanketed the deep valley, stoking an unsettling hush. Unexpectedly, a melodious female voice resonated in everyone's ears. "The calls of birds announce the decline of flowers..." Yan Jue felt a sudden vertigo, a disorienting haze enveloped her. The ethereal song echoed through the lonely valley, reminiscent of tales Yan Jue read where sirens sang such luring tunes, tapping tenderly upon heartstrings. A sharp pain jolted Yan Jue's arm. She snapped her eyes open, meeting Qi Xian Qing’s icy gaze. Her hand was gripped tightly, the bruised marks of Qi Xian Qing’s grasp evident. "The heart is like a dual-threaded web...tied with a thousand knots..." Mermen nearby, bewitched by bliss, began swimming towards the source. One merman... two mermen... Everyone burst into song, eagerly swimming onward. Yan Jue's eyes widened in alarm, reaching to grab a merman's arm, but its slippery body evaded her grasp. Qi Xian Qing maintained a stern expression. In the sea, many of her techniques were limited. Nevertheless, she leapt deftly, employing instant travel to stop a dazed merman. Seizing the merman’s arm, she twisted, toppling him behind her. The song persisted as the merman, eyes blazing with madness, incanted a spell, summoning several razor-sharp water blades. The blades hurtled by with formidable force, the merman's nostrils and eyes bleeding. In a heartbeat, three deep cuts scored Qi Xian Qing's pale arm, the aqueous razors seeming to penetrate her skin as she released her grip. The merman quickly escaped. Jiang Yu's alarmed voice echoed from a distance, "Look there!" Suddenly, water ripples violently agitated. From the darkness, something ominous neared! A greenish-black shadow darted from above, leaving crimson water in its wake. The previously crazed mermen were swallowed whole. As the shadow drew closer, its mouth clutched a merman, and screams filled the waters, with its exposed tail thrashing wildly. "Ka Cha..." The tail, too, succumbed, swallowed. Now visible, the monstrous entity revealed its grotesque form. Twin serpentine heads protruded in the darkness, menacing fangs bared. Venom seeped sluggishly from the teeth, a faint green luminescence in its slime. Abruptly, that venom sprayed toward Qi Xian Qing. Yan Jue's heart skipped as golden light flared before Qi Xian Qing, blocking the venom. The Heart-Protection Mirror. Jiang Yu retreated swiftly, raising her bone flute. A crisp melody pierced the water, and spiritual energy exploded above her. Something materialized overhead! An elderly man clad in Taoist robes, eyes ablaze with fierce golden light, gazed impassively around. A conjuring. The Star-Lord of Greed! Renowned in Qingfeng Valley for summoning ancient beasts and deities, though only shadows of their power, such invocation was still formidable. The serpentine monster leapt, massive tail crashing against rocks, creating an avalanche of boulders. A thunderous exclamation ensued. Qi Xian Qing raised her right hand, and a blue shield instantly materialized above the trio, deflecting falling debris. Jiang Yu recited an incantation, prompting the Tengu Star Lord to swing his right arm, casting ethereal light that struck the serpent creature. The serpent lunged at Qi Xian Qing, its gaping maw targeting her alone. She, however, wielded the sword Zhuying and dodged nimbly before her blade struck the serpent’s body. The green light gleamed, causing it to recoil and lunge once more at Qi Xian Qing, who remained unfazed, waving her right hand forcefully. Zhuying expanded in size, towering to match their heights. Qi Xian Qing formed a powerful hand seal, and Zhuying emitted a thunderous noise as it cleft the water, obliterating one of the serpent's heads in an instant. Blood stained the ocean crimson. Even as the other head snapped towards her, Zhuying darted forward, wedging itself between its jaws. The serpent grumbled from its throat, finding itself unable to close its mouth. Qi Xian Qing caught Yan Jue's eye with a side glance, who understood instantly. She summoned her celestial sword, Liu Bing, which trembled eagerly before springing forth like a meteor, stabbing into the serpent's body. The serpent bellowed in deafening pain and writhed, desperate to flee. Liu Bing pinned its back, emitting an icy blue radiance. Yan Jue leaped, straddling the serpent’s back. It surged, more like a swimming dragon, towards the abyss. With Zhuying still wedged absurdly in its mouth, Qi Xian Qing watched as the serpent disappeared, her face growing tense. Holding the Water-Repelling Pearl, she cast her shadowy silhouette across the waters, grasping the serpent's tail. The dark-hued serpent thrashed its massive head and vanished entirely. --- Perched atop the serpent, Yan Jue, unprotected by the Water-Repelling Pearl, enveloped herself in her golden true energy, rings swirling widely. Wounded and weary from its previous injuries, the serpent’s pace slowed drastically, teetering on the brink of death. As Yan Jue rode on its back, Qi Xian Qing clung to the tail. Chilled seawater sliced against their faces like knives; Qi Xian Qing’s mind replayed the earlier chaos. Once-living comrades were now wiped out in mere moments by the monster. Her hand clenched at her side, nails digging painfully into her flesh. Memories from her childhood flashed—seeing demons slaughter humans fueled her deep-seated hatred. The tiger demon incident, which devastated the Qi family, often haunted her nightmares. The serpent's desperate attempt included singing the enchanting songs, but to Qi Xian Qing, each note was thunderous, splitting. Zhuying soared, its glowing blade aimed at the serpent's vital point. The serpent shuddered violently and shrieked, succumbing rapidly, plummeting into the depths. ... Faced by tumultuous currents, Yan Jue closed her eyes, letting her spiritual sense explore the surroundings. In the shadowy depths of the sea-valley, bones of merfolk littered the seabed—remnants, some whole, others reduced to skulls and fragments. The earlier blood-scented air began to make sense; the serpent carried countless lives on its slithering beast. As the serpent neared the ground, Yan Jue sprang back, spotting Qi Xian Qing near the tail. Dust swirled as the serpent crashed down, and Qi Xian Qing, nimble like a swallow, climbed towards its abdomen, retrieving Zhuying and slicing downward. The serpent was disemboweled. Yan Jue stood speechless as Qi Xian Qing, face impassive, extracted something from the monster's belly. A pale golden pearl. Monster core. The term flashed through Yan Jue's mind. Holding the core, Qi Xian Qing appeared as if she might crush it within her grasp, burdened by its dark energy. Yan Jue felt a low tension emanating from her, sensing Qi Xian Qing's precarious mood. Finally, Qi Xian Qing murmured, “This is a mid-fifth realm monster core.” Yan Jue joined beside her, nodding. She had read in the library that monster cores were potent materials for cultivation due to the concentrated essence of a demon's power. Meeting Qi Xian Qing's ambiguous gaze, Yan Jue calmly affirmed, “Monster cores are superb for advancing one's cultivation.” Qi Xian Qing was slightly taken aback by this pragmatic outlook. On the brink of advancing into the Heart-Activating Realm, Qi Xian Qing hesitated to harness the serpent’s core—a natural-born foe that cost many lives. Lowering her gaze, Yan Jue remarked, “If Shijie seeks a breakthrough, I'm here to guard over you." Qi Xian Qing's frown deepened yet interestingly, something akin to warmth flickered between her and Yan Jue. She had vowed never to protect Qi Xian Qing again, yet circumstances swayed her resolve; some connections inspired commitment. Oh no... Could she be falling for that stoic facade? Although Yan Jue was a fox spirit, she was more tenuously linked to monsters and their cores. Qi Xian Qing's sanguinary tendencies hadn't changed. The palace was too conspicuous and dangerous for such an advance. Here in the secluded sea valley, opportunities presented themselves. Disturbed by her thoughts, Qi Xian Qing was intercepted by Yan Jue’s clear voice, urging, “If Shijie aims to breakthrough, now is the time before others arrive.” While frustration lingered, Qi Xian Qing acknowledged that this was merely another evil beast—the spark of camaraderie between them perplexed her further. With a curt nod acknowledging the guardian role, Yan Jue took a seat, forming hand seals. Qi Xian Qing cast a deep glance over, then sat herself down. The process began. Spiritual energies entwined as they settled, sky bathed in subtle light—icy blue merging with verdant hues as power flowed between them. Yan Jue felt the qi of the ocean circulate through Qi Xian Qing—undulating, fluctuating. These pivotal moments bore intense danger; electric energy coursed wildly around them, infiltrating their senses. The sound of tempests echoed from within Qi Xian Qing’s spiritual sea. Time distorted as Qi Xian Qing's breath grew ragged, rushing and heavy. In the recesses of the deep, Yan Jue’s guidance became the sole beacon for Qi Xian Qing’s consummate integration realm advance—a monumental shift. Frowning tightly, perspiration dotted Yan Jue’s forehead. Qi Xian Qing’s emanating power threatened to sear her. Qi Xian Qing abruptly spewed blood mist, cheeks stained faintly with color, sweat gleaming on her brow. Yan Jue recognized subtle shifts within Qi Xian Qing's spiritual aura—hints of passing clouds swaying. Qi Xian Qing's firm resolve slammed against boundaries again and again, striving for release. Her senses flickered—lost amidst the dark depths until warmth surprised her palm. Qi Xian Qing startled slightly. Yan Jue reached over, clasping Qi Xian Qing's hand. Warm spiritual energy rippled fiercely through her, swiftly grounding Qi Xian Qing’s senses to realization: she wasn't alone. Yan Jue was by her side. ... After about an hour passed, Yan Jue slowly opened her eyes, exhaling as she glimpsed atop Qi Xian Qing a scene similar to one she had witnessed beyond the Icy Peach Grove—clouds roiling, colors blending. Relief washed over her. Within Qi Xian Qing, the spiritual energy gradually settled, and a new, subtle power began to rise within her spiritual sea. This power, though not overt, was palpable enough to make Yan Jue’s skin prickle upon the slightest brush. Qi Xian Qing had successfully broken through. Yan Jue quickly retracted her spiritual sense, not daring to delve further into Qi Xian Qing’s condition. She wobbled slightly, her vision momentarily darkening. However, familiar with the effects of Qi Xian Qing's lightning-based energy, she managed to keep her footing, unlike their last encounter when it overwhelmed her. The sea valley fell silent. Qi Xian Qing slowly stood up, gradually calming her unsteady breath. “Thank you." For ascendants like her, the path beyond the Integration Stage was exceedingly arduous, and yet she succeeded effortlessly this time. Yan Jue understood how rare this achievement was. The higher one's cultivation reached, the more potent the inherent scent of a divine physique became. Yan Jue watched Qi Xian Qing, unable to suppress a slight gulp as the ambient quietude amplified her own reactions. Standing right behind her, Qi Xian Qing’s presence was an unmistakable whisper. Had she noticed? Qi Xian Qing’s brow flickered slightly, yet she moved directly towards the serpent's body, extracting the celestial sword Zhuying and skillfully flaying the scales. “These scales can be fashioned into clothing for the little boar.” The little boar on Five Dragon Mountain frequently clamored for a hide of its own. Though Qi Xian Qing had never mentioned it, she had certainly remembered. Understanding Qi Xian Qing’s intentions, Yan Jue felt an unexpected warmth blossom within her. Qi Xian Qing turned to Yan Jue, her complexion still brushed with the warmth of breakthrough exertion, her eyes bright and captivating. “These Fei Yi serpent scales have the 'Protean' trait. Wearing them allows one to change their appearance at will, and the material is incredibly resilient. For Zhu He, it’s an excellent enhancement material.” Yan Jue nodded with a smile, saying, “Zhu He will surely be thrilled with such attire.” Qi Xian Qing gazed up at the dimness above, exhaling deeply. Now at the Heart-Moving stage, everything felt different. Her spiritual sea pulsed with an invisible power. All this was thanks to Yan Jue. Finding a guardian during such pivotal cultivation moments required immense trust. Yan Jue, during Qi Xian Qing’s breakthrough, had numerous opportunities to disrupt her spiritual sea completely. Lost in these thoughts, Qi Xian Qing noticed Yan Jue examining the serpent in detail. Aware that, like all demons, every part of the Fei Yi serpent was valuable—the scales, the core, and now... Yan Jue, struck by a sudden thought, reached into the serpent's mouth and yanked out one of its pristine fangs. Satisfied, she glanced over to find Qi Xian Qing watching her, a pensive expression on her face. Yan Jue blurted, “What’s up?” Qi Xian Qing replied calmly, “Nothing.” With that, she turned away, maintaining her stoic demeanor. Yan Jue stood speechless, processing the brief interaction.