257 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

Chapter 257: The Ten Elements Ding Ding flapped a couple of times before obediently allowing Qian Wanyu to grasp it. With one hand holding the Water Thunder Whip and the other placing Ding Ding back on her shoulder, Qian Wanyu raised an eyebrow at the golden glowing blade. "You want us to seal this hole again." The blade emitted a soft sword hum in response, answering her question. She glanced at the 'Soul Suppression' stone that Ding Ding had just tossed aside. "You think putting you back into that cavity with this stone on top will re-seal the death aura?" The blade let out another hum, but its presence was noticeably weaker. Qian Wanyu chuckled softly and suddenly addressed Ding Ding, "Ding Ding, you just ate your fill. Are you hungry again?" Ding Ding rubbed its little belly, "Hungry." After the chase and hauling the large stone, the energy it had consumed seemed depleted. Ding Ding's bright black eyes locked onto the sword, having sensed the greater energy concealed within compared to before. The sword shivered slightly but quickly released another hum. "I'll speak honestly; I enjoy the death aura. Sealing it for you would be a loss for me, don't you think?" "Yes, yes." Though not too fond of the aura around Qian Wanyu, Ding Ding's innate loyalty prompted an immediate response, wagging its head earnestly, "Eat it." The blade trembled again and darted in front of Qian Wanyu before darting away in fright. Ding Ding immediately fluttered after it, "Naughty, must eat." Qian Wanyu glanced at the large stone—'Soul Suppression' stone quietly lay on the ground, less than a meter from the cave. She approached the entrance, finding the death aura purer and more intense than what she had absorbed before. As the sword's hum sounded again, she turned slowly in the direction Ding Ding had flown. Ding Ding sat cross-legged on the sword blade, drooling over the artifact spirit within. The sword weaved lazily along, occasionally diving down and rising again as if toying. Qian Wanyu followed for an unmeasured distance until the death aura gradually lessened. Eventually, a multi-colored glowing iron door appeared before her. The sword halted around ten meters away, unwilling to approach further. Ding Ding, enamored by the dazzling door, attempted to glide closer, only to be bounced back by an unseen force. "Ouch—" "Ding Ding." Lagging behind, Qian Wanyu swiftly lashed out with the Water Thunder Whip, catching the little creature just in time to pull it in. Ding Ding appeared dazed and slightly stunned by the bounce, looking foolishly at Qian Wanyu who caught it. "Ding Ding?" Seeing no response from the usual lively creature, not even from the golden element aura Qian Wanyu released, she worried, "Could that bump have made you silly? How would I explain to Ninth Sister?" Ding Ding tilted its head, gave her a skeptical look, then clutched her hair tightly. Qian Wanyu soothingly patted its little head, noting it wasn’t entirely silly if it reacted tearfully at the mention of Ninth Sister. She walked to the blade, “What is this thing?” The blade shivered lightly. Qian Wanyu couldn't make sense of its response, so she simply reached forward, tentatively touching an invisible barrier. Her arm was jolted backward, causing her to step back several paces. Her hand, scorched and swollen, bore evidence of a powerful light element barrier. "A light element aura shield." Given the innate opposition between light and dark elements, Qian Wanyu’s encounter with a light shield had injured her. Swiftly, she drew a small amount of blood by scoring her fingertips, then retrieved a ceramic bottle from her space ring to disinfect and bandage her hand. After tending to her injury, she carefully regarded the iron door in front of her. What intrigued her was that the door bore resemblance to the archway they had encountered atop the mountain—not only in structure but also the intricate, hollow patterns that matched precisely. Together, they appeared to form a complete portal. A door and a barrier. A possibility flashed in Qian Wanyu's mind. Turning back, she observed the area cloaked in black mist—as if guarded—preventing the death aura from advancing any further. Where she stood now seemed a momentary refuge. "Ding Ding, let Little Nine and the others come out to get some air; perhaps the entrance to the Dragon Clan's realm is right before us." "Okay, Little Nine, Little Nine." In a burst, Ding Ding released a crowd from the Longevity Cauldron. Dongfang Minghui coughed, scarcely catching her breath before the creature swung on her hair like a swing, "Little Nine, Little Nine, it hurts." Dongfang Minghui tenderly cradled it, frowning with concern, her voice gentle, "Where does it hurt?" "Here, here, and here—all hurts." Ding Ding showed its tiny limbs, snuggling into her with a pitiful look. "What is this?" Qian Wanyu observed Ninth Sister and Ding Ding. Witnessing Ding Ding’s sulky act almost pained her teeth—it was surprisingly adept at wheedling. "Yu’er, have we exited the death aura zone?" "Not quite." The sword, having led her here, seemed intent on exchanging a favor. But there remained the task of returning to suppress the death aura, "A formidable barrier lies here. Uncle, mother, I need you both to inspect it—but don’t touch." "Hmm? Seventh Sister, you’re hurt?" The keen-nosed Dongfang Minghui, initially preoccupied by Ding Ding, recognized the faint scent of blood. She soon noticed Qian Wanyu’s swollen fingers, “What happened?” Qian Wanyu had already applied ointment. "The barrier is brimming with potent light element aura. I got caught unawares. So both you and Uncle must only observe from outside—no attempts to breach it. Ding Ding and I already tried." "This door seems familiar," Yu Chi Shou remarked, drawn near but retracting at her warning. "Door?" Dongfang Minghui motioned with her mouth, "The structure resembles the arch on the mountain top. That was merely an empty frame. Positioned here, it forms a complete iron door. I remember the hollow patterns vividly." "No..." Yu Chi Shou shook his head, "I've seen it elsewhere, but where?" Qian Wanyu and Dongfang Minghui shared a glance. His statement solidified Qian Wanyu's certainty—even if not the Dragon Clan’s entrance, they were close. Yu Chi Shou guarded the Dragon Clan’s boundary; most things he knew linked to them. "Seventh Sister, do we try to open this barrier?" "No." Qian Wanyu gave the silent blade a sidelong glance and instructed them, "This place is safest; the death aura won’t encroach. Avoid touching the barrier; I must return." "Yu’er, why must you return?" "To seal the death aura again." The blade brightened, a cheerful hum echoing expansively, conveying its elation to all. Qian Wanyu, having given simple instructions, resolutely took the sword and left to fulfill her mission. Dongfang Minghui gently gestured to Ding Ding, "Ding Ding, I'm uneasy with Seventh Sister alone handling this. It's bound to us, so letting her clean up feels wrong. Yet I can't enter where the death aura is strongest, Ding Ding, could you aid us both?" "Um..." Ding Ding hesitated, "Little Nine, my fish slices..." ... Dongfang Minghui blinked seriously, "If successful, Ding Ding, your contribution will definitely earn you fish slices when I find fish." "Ah, great, Little Nine, Little Nine, you’re the best." "Go on, Ding Ding." "Okay." Ding Ding launched itself like a missile, landing triumphantly on Qian Wanyu's shoulder, "Little Nine promised to make me fish slices!" Qian Wanyu, noticing Ding Ding's cocky demeanor, felt the urge to squish it with a finger. "So you better behave, Ninth Sister likes those who are obedient." "Obedient," Ding Ding parroted back like a talking bird. Returning to their previous spot, Qian Wanyu observed the steady outward flow of black mist, interspersed with death aura that could easily be overlooked. She addressed the sword blade, "If you can suppress the death aura, there must be something unique about you." The blade humbly responded with a light ringing, seeming to affirm her statement. Qian Wanyu surveyed the pervasive death aura and black mist, staining everything in its path black. Such a suffocating presence would be overwhelming even for a spirit master. "I don't know what lies beneath or why the death aura is so intense, but I can assure you, if you can suppress the death aura here, I'll help clear the rest outside." "Eat," Ding Ding chimed in, its gluttonous nature laid bare with a single word. Qian Wanyu offered it a helpless glance. "What do you say?" The blade danced before her, then shot into the hole from which the death aura emerged. However, halfway in, the blade stalled, blocked by the aura. "Oh no," Ding Ding flitted around the sword, as if trying to cheer it on. Seeing this, Qian Wanyu flew over, unleashing her gold elemental spirit power, striking the sword hilt hard. "Ding Ding, fetch the Soul Suppression Stone." Ding Ding quickly retrieved the heavy stone, placing it before Qian Wanyu. "When I give you the signal, press this stone down on the blade. Understand?" "Okay." Recognizing its chance for redemption, Ding Ding focused intently, hoisting the hefty stone with tiny paws, waiting for her cue with bated breath. Qian Wanyu, attempting to drive the sword deeper, placed all her weight on her hands. Even with both hands, the sword descended less than ten centimeters. Driving it fully into the hole posed significant difficulty. "Ah—" With a burst, her five elemental energies radiated from her, the vibrant colors a striking contrast against the dark backdrop. The blade sank in deeper, reaching the bottom as she called, "Ding Ding, now!" Their synergy continued; yet, as soon as they paused, the blade re-emerged, pushed by the relentless death aura. Gold spirit energy flared from the blade, while Ding Ding pressed the stone atop, gritting its metaphorical teeth like it was eating fish fillets, "Ugh—" "Ding Ding, harder." "Okay." Qian Wanyu stomped on the stone, both expending great effort to force the blade, along with the Soul Suppression Stone, into place. The ground vibrated again, unlike the initial minor tremors. These expanded outward, emanating from them. Ding Ding hovered mid-air, observing the commotion below, lacking true understanding of the vibrations it witnessed. Seeing the stone returned, it plopped onto it, rolling and casting a glance at Qian Wanyu, "Head back, find Little Nine." Not until the tremors ceased did Qian Wanyu acknowledge Ding Ding, "The Sword Tomb's destruction likely weakens the blade's ability to suppress the death aura." But it should hold for some time—how much, she couldn’t predict. She wanted to help but lacked means to suppress the aura effectively. Glancing at the Sword Tomb's site and the iron door afar, she mused aloud, "The Dragon Clan, with its foresight, must have foreseen how the death aura's release might affect them. Hence a light element barrier to fend off the aura." Puzzled, Ding Ding stared at her, before repeating, “Leave.” "Not yet. We need to absorb all the surrounding death aura first." "Don't want to, tastes bad." Qian Wanyu laughed at its earnest refusal. Only Ding Ding could describe death aura as tasting bad with such sincerity. "Go tell Ninth Sister that the death aura here is a great opportunity for me. Have them wait for my return." "Sure thing." Without hesitation, Ding Ding flapped its wings and zipped away in an instant, showing no lingering attachment. — "Seventh Sister said that?" "Yes," Ding Ding nodded, lifting its small head. "We should wait for her." "Seventh Sister must be cultivating; let's not disturb her," Dongfang Minghui advised, then questioned Ding Ding, “The Soul Suppression Stone is back in place?” "Indeed." Dongfang Minghui exhaled with relief. It was fitting for the issue instigated by Ding Ding to also be resolved by it. She teased its little face, causing it to dodge playfully. "Take a rest, Ding Ding." Actually feeling a bit tired, Ding Ding nestled into her hair, nuzzling one of her locks. She glanced at it, noticing how it had entwined itself, and realizing that Ding Ding had dozed off with its head lolling and seemingly hanging by a hair loop tied in a knot—much akin to a hanged person. Seeing Ding Ding so at peace brought a mix of amusement and helplessness as she cradled the small creature. “Looks like Ding Ding really worked hard.” In her palm, Ding Ding sprawled out, its little rear end high in the air. Witnessing its miniature likeness snooze in such a carefree manner made it hard for Dongfang Minghui to keep a straight face. She pulled out a white cloth from her space, gently covering it like a tiny quilt. "Little Nine, how are things?" "Everything’s settled. Ding Ding relayed that Seventh Sister chose that place to cultivate. Mother, don’t worry, she'll be fine." "Yes, and Ding Ding is now—" "It's asleep, I suppose." Dongfang Minghui replied, still finding it hard to believe how little time had passed since Ding Ding last slept. Why was it suddenly dozing off again? When there's something odd, something is surely amiss. Qian Yiling reached out, anticipation gleaming in her eyes, "Let me hold it. I won’t disturb its sleep." "Alright." Ding Ding, once asleep, was as immovable as a mountain. Yet caution was needed lest it transform back into the Longevity Cauldron suddenly. Dongfang Minghui shared this possibility with Qian Yiling during their transition. Satisfied with an opportunity to dote, Qian Yiling carried the mini version of Little Nine away, experiencing a maternal delight. Dongfang Minghui watched over the area, noting no significant change in the airborne black mist. She checked every so often, her vigil giving her the air of a 'Waiting Stone.' She guessed Seventh Sister would need more time before finishing cultivation. She resumed her routine diligently, crafting pills and observing the two companions steeped in blue liquid in her spatial space. “Hmm, Little Color, Pig Immortal Grass, both of you have chosen quite the timing to laze about. We are nearing the Dragon Clan’s territory, potentially teeming with countless spiritual herbs. Missing out would be your loss, not mine. "I'll refine any good herbs or celestial treasures into potions, or feed them to the Man-eating Grass—since you’re not in need, especially you, Little Color." She knew her contract plant was possessive, loath to part with its beloved herbal stash. "Don’t think hiding them well means I’m unaware. I just didn't mention it. Stay in slumber, and all those herbs you’ve marked are mine to consume." Inside, the blue liquid dwindled, seemingly drained by Little Color and the Pig Immortal Grass. However, something else caught her attention: what seemed to be white sand-like fragments. Whether by her daily nagging or the longevity fluid she added, Pig Immortal Grass suddenly sprang from the blue liquid, yanking its tail-like appendage, prancing madly in Far-reaching Passion, circling everyone. "What on earth is that?" Yu Chi Shou mashed his own head, distracted, inadvertently entangling his feet with the Pig Immortal Grass. He found himself dragged across the ground. "Damn, witch, better control your… whatever plant, or I'm calling the shots." "Oh dear, Minghui." "Um, witch." "Pig Immortal Grass, calm down." The Pig Immortal Grass circled around them, wrapping Mu Sheng, Zhi Lan, Yu Chi Shou, and Lien into a tangled mess, looping around them on the ground. Never had she seen the Pig Immortal Grass's tail so extended before. The ground was littered with its tail. Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling reacted quickly enough to avoid getting entangled, and Little Fatty and Xiao Miao managed to avoid it as the Pig Immortal Grass instinctively steered clear of these two fire element spirit masters. Little Hui reacted swiftly, darting to hide behind Dongfang Minghui when it saw the grass tail approaching. "Pig Immortal Grass, stop, calm down." Dongfang Minghui attempted to intervene, but the moment she stepped into the circle of tails, one of her legs was ensnared, pulling her to the ground. She landed heavily, momentarily dazed. "The Pig Immortal Grass doesn’t recognize anyone now, not even me." "Little Nine." "Don’t, Mother, stay back." Lying on the ground, Dongfang Minghui could still see the blue sky and white clouds above, and, glancing to the side, she saw the dark clouds that marked Seventh Sister's location. "I’m fine, Mother; you and Uncle stay outside. The Pig Immortal Grass is just too excited, playing around with everyone." "Minghui... can plants even get excited?" Mu Sheng seemed ready to cry, bound face-first to the dirt, having gotten a mouthful from the Pig Immortal Grass's antics. He was implying—plants don’t have excitement phases. His beloved Little White and Little Green had never exhibited such behavior; the Pig Immortal Grass must be insane. Plants are protective of their territory. Realizing her intrusion into the Pig Immortal Grass's domain, she gently coaxed, "Pig Immortal Grass, it's me, let go, you're about to break my leg." After her reassuring words, she noticed the grip of the grass loosening slightly. Yu Chi Shou was still wailing loudly nearby, "Make it let go, or I'll give it a lesson." No sooner had he spoken than the Pig Immortal Grass slapped him twice, binding his hands, feet, and mouth securely. Lien couldn't help but laugh, a hint of schadenfreude in his voice, "Yu Chi Shou, looks like it’s your turn today." "Eh?" Realizing he'd been freed, Lien moved cautiously, standing and stepping clear of the plant’s reach before hopping out of the circle. "Everyone, don't struggle. It'll release us soon enough." Mu Sheng and Zhi Lan ceased their struggles as well. Indeed, within moments, the tail slackened, and they mimicked Lien's escape. Breathing a sigh of relief, Dongfang Minghui gently petted the grass tails and noticed the Pig Immortal Grass shift from green to a light blue—the hue of the blue liquid in the space ring. Her attempts to rub away the color proved futile. "Is it really?" "Little Nine, what's wrong?" Qian Yiling, keeping a watchful eye on Dongfang Minghui, had been ready to assist but was restrained by Qian Ziyan. Accepting the peculiar situation, Dongfang Minghui seemed to grasp why the Pig Immortal Grass had behaved so erratically. "Pig Immortal Grass, did I do something bad?" With fur bristling in hostility, the Pig Immortal Grass swung Yu Chi Shou far away, tightening its grip around Dongfang Minghui. To onlookers, it appeared the grasstails meant to strangle her. "Minghui." "Little Nine." Yet Dongfang Minghui harbored no fear, unfazed as she was certain the Pig Immortal Grass wouldn't harm her, feeling only remorse over its potential harm from the blue liquid. "Pig Immortal Grass, aside from your color change, do you feel any other discomfort?" Might the longevity fluid have influenced it as well? "Humph, just as well if you're silly," the Pig Immortal Grass finally muttered, shrinking down to palm size, dispassionately flicking at its blue-tinged tail. "Ugly." Dongfang Minghui actually found the color quite appealing but dared not say so seeing its displeasure, fearing it might lash out. "Pig Immortal Grass, what happened before?" The Pig Immortal Grass retorted, "Hasn't that white-haired Little Hui told you?" A tale of being squashed by a rude spirit beast wasn’t one to brag about. With a disgruntled grumble, it retreated into her soul sea. Dongfang Minghui collected the scattered strands of its tail from the ground, sighing, "Pig Immortal Grass, are you still mad at me?” The pig’s only joy was to toy with its tail, stretching and coiling it. Now distraught over its changed color, it ignored Dongfang Minghui, still sulking. Seeing the color change in the Pig Immortal Grass, Dongfang Minghui quickly retrieved Little Color from the liquid bath too. Surprisingly, Little Color’s vines appeared larger, yet were not stained blue as the Pig Immortal Grass had been. "Hmm." Returning Little Color to the liquid bath, she remained intrigued by the differing outcomes between it and Pig Immortal Grass after the soak. One was a spirit plant and the other, a demon plant, as Little Color always claimed. Studying the divergent results of a demon plant and a spirit plant soaking in Blue Night… Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling, noticing her calm, refrained from mentioning recent events, focusing instead on the barrier at hand. Meanwhile, Yu Chi Shou had been rag-dolled by the Pig Immortal Grass, almost colliding with the black mist face-first. "Witch." Seeing Yu Chi Shou in his disheveled state, Dongfang Minghui shrank slightly, "Sorry, the Pig Immortal Grass isn’t in a good mood. Yu Chi Shou, forgive me." Yu Chi Shou choked on his words, unable to let it go or swallow it away, stymied by her apology. "If you hadn’t provoked it, it wouldn’t have treated you like that," Lien remarked, throwing a challenging look at Yu Chi Shou. "You brat, let's settle this one-on-one." Their bickering threatened to escalate, while Mu Sheng and Zhi Lan wisely distanced themselves. Likewise, Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling ignored the commotion, focusing on the barrier discussion. Leftward then rightward, Dongfang Minghui retreated, giving the brawling pair space. “Pig Immortal Grass, are you aware of the longevity fluid?” she attempted conversationally, aiming to lighten its mood. Alas… The soul sea was silent; the Pig Immortal Grass entirely ignored her. Dongfang Minghui felt a pang of dejection, realizing the Pig Immortal Grass was genuinely upset. It stayed that way for several days, stewing until Little Color awoke. The vine exchange turned into a scuffle in her soul sea after Little Color ridiculed Pig Immortal Grass's color change. Afterward, she collected their scattered vines and tails, preserving them in her space ring. These would serve as valuable components for crafting suppressive black powder—priceless and hard to come by. "Everyone, look at that." Mu Sheng's keen eyes spotted the massive gray vortex appearing above where Qian Wanyu was. From the swirl, flashes of lightning flickered ominously, an intimidating spectacle. "Seventh Sister is advancing," Dongfang Minghui declared excitedly. Accustomed to the phenomena of Seventh Sister's breakthroughs, she knew the storms described in texts were vividly exaggerated. With the dark clouds overhead intensifying the gloom, this advance likely pertained to her dark element. "Why the lightning?" "Whenever Seventh Sister advances, lightning accompanies her—perhaps tied to her five-element physique." More likely due to having honed the thunder attribute, letting her harness its essence, even as each breakthrough grew more perilous. Yet overcoming them fortified her resistance to its onslaught. As her words barely ended, the first bolt shattered the vortex's stillness, descending with destructive fervor, echoing thunderously. Despite the distance, they could clearly discern a straight-backed figure sitting on a small hill, fearlessly confronting each heavenly strike. "Yu’er." "Don’t worry, Mother, Seventh Sister will be fine," Dongfang Minghui reassured, clutching her hand soothingly. "Seventh Sister's breakthroughs have been like this; you'll get used to it. I've witnessed far more dire scenarios." "So many?" Qian Yiling felt fresh pangs of guilt—a mother, realizing her neglect. “Indeed, every time Sister Wanyu advances, she causes quite the spectacle," Mu Sheng interjected, recalling how during their spirit infusion in the pool, Sister Wanyu's breakthrough abruptly interrupted them. Everyone felt a bit on edge, but Mu Sheng's humorous exaggeration eased some of the tension. As the final bolt of lightning dispersed, Dongfang Minghui's heart settled. Everyone exhaled a collective sigh of relief before exchanging smiles, holding this cheer until Qian Wanyu walked over at a leisurely pace. "Seventh Sister, congratulations on your advancement." "Thank you." Qian Wanyu looked quite calm, as if the recent lightning strikes were of little consequence. Her gaze swept across the group, "I see everyone is well-rested. Mother, Uncle, did you find any way to break through this barrier?" Qian Yiling, holding Ding Ding, never seemed to tire of the task. "Your uncle tested it earlier; this barrier is peculiar. It shifts every two hours, but never the same way twice." Qian Ziyan's hand had mostly healed, though his body bore new wounds—particularly a fresh scar on his face, still smelling of blood, making denial futile. Seeing him like this, Qian Wanyu realized they hadn't heeded her earlier warnings. She chose not to dwell on it and redirected her focus to the barrier. "It changes every two hours?" "Yes." "So this barrier is constructed from six elemental powers?" Qian Wanyu frowned. Though her luck was usually good, she had unfortunately encountered the light element last time... Qian Yiling gave her a surprised look, "How did you know, Yu'er?" "Because you mentioned it changes every two hours in unique ways. A day is twelve segments; if it changes once every two segments, that suggests six powers. The Seven-colored Continent has ten spirit elements. Excluding the light element leaves five others." Since light and dark elements are opposites, this barrier can't include dark elements, narrowing the eight remaining to five. Qian Wanyu's deductions pin down the elements with near accuracy. "Seventh Sister, you're amazing." Admiration filled Dongfang Minghui’s eyes as she gazed at Qian Wanyu, as if seeing her as a blooming flower. The realization, which took long hours and trials by her uncle and mother, was something Qian Wanyu managed to deduce so swiftly. This mind was... quite remarkable. Focusing on the barrier, Qian Wanyu speculated it acted like a spiritual energy shield. Her mind envisioned a large formation requiring six individuals or treasures with different attributes to stabilize it, but maintaining it consistently would be impossible. "I believe this might be a six-type formation." "See, Big Brother, Yu'er agrees it's a formation," Qian Yiling remarked smugly. She and Qian Ziyan had wagered on whether it was a barrier or a formation, sparking debate. Now with Qian Wanyu’s siding, the balance tipped in her favor. Her confidence grew stronger in her hypothesis. "Did Uncle think it a barrier?" Yet, Qian Wanyu remained level-headed, thoughtful about the possibilities. "Yes." Contemplating the issue, Qian Wanyu cautiously spent another day verifying whether it was a formation or a barrier. Each time the energy shield shifted, she approached to test it, repeatedly getting blasted back. Although unharmed each time, her efforts concerned everyone. "Seventh Sister, your fingers are hurt again." "Yes, more than before." Encountering the light element in the shield inevitably caused injury, but she minimized its impact. "Light, thunder, wind, fire, water, and ice." Listening and muttering to herself, Dongfang Minghui added, "If only there were wood elements, perhaps I could help." Qian Wanyu gently tousled her hair, "You've already helped us plenty. Plus... on our journey here, we've encountered all ten elements." "Huh?" "Yu'er, what are you saying?" "When we entered the forest, we faced the wood element, followed by earth element scorpions, then the Sword Tomb with dark elements. It wasn’t until Ninth Sister mentioned it that I realized we’ve encountered all ten elements."