Chapter 53

At the highest point of the heavens, the setting sun bleeds like blood.

In the distance, the peaks are a deep blue-green, with pavilions and terraces stretching as far as the eye can see, seemingly endless. On the highest peak, the gardens are filled with blooming flowers and swaying trees. As one ascends, clouds and mist swirl beneath the carved railings, making one feel as if floating on clouds.

The disciples of the Nine Heavens Pavilion stood on both sides, and on the cliff, a pavilion was suspended high, from which the clear sound of a zither could be heard, as if it were a celestial palace.

After the music ended, the Pavilion Master of the Nine Heavens Pavilion clapped his hands and sighed, "The music of Immortal Rong is hard to find anywhere else in the world. If you weren't now the acting Pavilion Master of the Sword Pavilion, I would have shamelessly asked you if you would be willing to join my Nine Heavens Pavilion."

His praise was sincere, but the person sitting opposite him maintained the same smile and said gently, "You flatter me, Pavilion Master."

Blue runes were scattered across the silver robes, resembling a vast galaxy stretching across them.

Young master, you must only be a painter; you are certainly not a person of this world.

Yu Tanqiu's expression grew even more admiring, and he said, "A disciple of the Sword Pavilion should look like this, just like Rong Xian."

Rong Que smiled slightly and followed his words, saying, "Is the Pavilion Master inviting you here to discuss something?"

Mentioning this matter, the admiration on Yu Tanqiu's face faded, and he said, "I wonder if the Immortal Master has heard of the Chu family finding the 'Sword Venerable Reincarnation'?"

Since the news spread, the head of the Chu family has never appeared in public again, leaving everyone unable to even probe him.

"I heard that Patriarch Chu is staying at the Bright Moon Pavilion on the sea all day long, which makes us very worried." Yu Tanqiu personally poured Rong Que a cup of tea, a hint of worry on his face. "The Thousand Mountains Trial is imminent. If Patriarch Chu does not come, I'm afraid there will be more trouble."

He was always like this, with a graceful demeanor reminiscent of a noble family in the mortal world, which captivated countless female cultivators back then.

Otherwise, the upheaval in Hehuan City that shocked the world would not have occurred.

However, the immortal sitting opposite him was even more outstanding than he had been in his youth.

The young master was as dignified and upright as jade, remaining calm and composed amidst ups and downs.

Rong Que took a sip of tea, seemingly unaware of Yu Tanqiu's probing, and said gently, "This Thousand Mountains Trial was brought about by Feng Jun. Even the Chu family of the East Sea has to give Feng Jun some face."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yu Tanqiu's heart sank slightly. He smiled insincerely and said, "Speaking of this, there has been a rumor recently that a female disciple with an appearance that is extremely similar to the Sword Master has appeared in Qingyi Academy. Even the Chu family head mistook her for the one named Qingniao Yiyehua and rushed to the academy because of it."

"I wonder which of these two is the real one?"

Birds flap their wings in the distance, clouds hang low, and a gentle breeze stirs, revealing the beauty of the heavens and the moon.

Rong Que withdrew his gaze and sighed softly, "Why is the Pavilion Master so concerned about this matter?"

Yu Tanqiu sighed deeply, stroking his long beard, his eyes filled with reminiscence: "Sword Venerable... Sword Venerable was exceptionally talented. The 'Invincible Sword' she wielded was a peerless immortal sword, connected to her soul. At that time, everyone believed that Sheng Ningyu could truly forge a unique sword path that would reach the highest heavens."

Rong Que paused in his zither playing, then looked up and said, "That sword is named 'Flawless'."

Rong Que said, "Junior Sister is probably named for this reason."

Yu Tanqiu shook his head: "I think it's more than that."

Back then, the bright moon shone brightly, full of vigor and unmatched in the world.

Even those with higher cultivation levels than her always have entanglements and concerns in this world, lacking her fearless and reckless spirit.

A 'Sword of Impossibility' can truly do all the things that are impossible in the world and kill all the people that are impossible to kill.

"But she is too harsh and inhumane in her work."

Yu Tanqiu's expression suddenly turned cold, and she gave a sarcastic smile: "Putting aside everything else, how much trouble has Sheng Ningyu caused since she became the Sword Master? Even Feng Buqi's son..."

He stopped talking, looked at Rong Que opposite him, and sighed again.

"I only know that you are her senior brother, so I will definitely favor her. However, she is too extreme in her actions and never shows any mercy, which has caused many people to complain in private."

"For the sake of your past relationship with your master, I would like to offer a word of advice: if... if she really does return, Immortal Rong should persuade her to repent."

Yu Tanqiu's face was full of worry and disappointment.

It really does resemble an elder who devotes a lot of energy to the apprentice of someone they know well.

Then suddenly a soft laugh came.

Yu Tanqiu looked up and saw that the person opposite him was looking at him.

This man, known as the "First Young Master," had a gentle and compassionate look in his eyes and spoke in a calm and unhurried tone, but his words were ruthless.

"Does the Pavilion Master's concern for my junior sister mean he still can't let go of the great fire that struck Hehuan City back then?"

Almost before he finished speaking, Yu Tanqiu could no longer sit still. With a flick of his sleeve, spiritual energy surged around him, stirring up gusts of wind and falling flowers.

"How can you expect me to let go!"

Yu Tanqiu is now a highly respected figure in the cultivation world, but he still cannot forget what happened back then.

"She's been sick for so many years, and this is the only chance I can cure her..."

Memories of the past resurfaced in my mind.

When Han Yuyi chose to change her name and leave Jiuxiao Pavilion, her face was sickly and pale, but her eyes revealed a resolute and tenacious determination that did not match her appearance.

She looks exactly like his wife, Han Rusu.

Yu Tanqiu never dared to think about what happened that day.

The hatred in his heart is hard to shake off whenever he thinks about it.

"She could clearly, clearly pretend not to see it, clearly, clearly Yi'er and she used to be so close..."

As she finished speaking, Yu Tanqiu's tone became increasingly intense, almost revealing undisguised disgust and resentment.

"Back then, I even promised to heal your junior brother's leg!"

Rong Que slightly raised his eyes.

Countless unseen spiritual energies transformed into countless threads, appearing and disappearing around Yu Tanqiu, slowly seeping into a blackish-red hue.

If anyone could see this scene, they would be so shocked that they would back away repeatedly, and they might even close their eyes and faint.

Rong Que could see everything, and he smiled with pleasure.

"I have never met the person that the Chu family is looking for, but I have happened to meet a disciple of Qingyi Academy once."

"no?"

Rong Que shook his head: "No."

It was truly a scene of pure and bright sunshine, as if it were born without desires or wants, and without any secrets to hide.

Compared to his famous junior sister, this acting pavilion master lived a clean and pure life, free from any worldly desires.

Yu Tanqiu looked coldly at Rong Que and said sarcastically, "Immortal Rong Que has an eye ailment, and his vision has become increasingly blurred in recent years. Perhaps you're mistaken."

These words were extremely harsh, and Yu Tanqiu was shocked when she said them.

He would never speak so bluntly, especially since the person opposite him is now a force to be reckoned with. How come he couldn't control his temper in front of Rong Que today?

Yu Tanqiu composed herself and personally refilled Rong Que's tea, saying, "I misspoke; please forgive me, Immortal Rong."

Rong Que remained gentle: "It's alright. What happened back then was Mingyue's recklessness. It's only natural for the Pavilion Master to be worried about his own flesh and blood."

His slender fingers plucked the strings, producing a melodious and captivating sound, like flowing water.

Rong Que smiled, lifted his fingertips from the strings, and looked at the person opposite him.

"However, the Pavilion Master should also know that people like us do not use our eyes to observe people and things and to walk in the world."

That day, he didn't hear the disciple speak, nor did he hear his junior sister's heartbeat.

not to mention……

If she comes back, he will be the first to know.

Yu Tanqiu and Rong Que exchanged glances, and after a moment, Yu Tanqiu burst into laughter: "Young friend Rong's character is extraordinary, far beyond my reach!"

Rongque is not a sound editor, but it is better than a sound editor.

Sound-based object identification never uses the eyes, but rather the ears to listen and "see".

The greatest sound is silent, the greatest form is formless.

Yu Tanqiu confirmed, "It seems that the disciple of Qingyi Academy really isn't? That makes sense. I heard she already has a Daoist partner. It's a pity that Chu Jiye's group misplaced their affections and made a fool of themselves in front of the academy."

Rong Que's lips curled up as he rubbed the teacup in his hand, lowered his eyes and smiled: "If the Sword Master really returns, he should be worshipped by my Sword Pavilion."

Yu Tanqiu: "You mean, the one at the Bright Moon Pavilion on the sea is not the Sword Master either?"

Rong Que smiled silently: "Does the Pavilion Master still remember the prophecy of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion?"

Who could forget this?

Without a second thought, Yu Tanqiu said, “A hundred years pass in the blink of an eye, and the bright moon will soon rise. All generations will bow their heads, and all evil deeds will be punished.” He pondered the meaning of the words and suddenly realized what was going on.

You mean?

"It's only been sixty years now." Rong Que sat in the pavilion, the smile on his lips fading slightly.

"Not nearly as good."

...

"A hundred years pass in the blink of an eye, and the bright moon will soon rise. All generations will bow their heads in reverence, and all evil deeds will be punished."

Just as they stepped out of the main hall, Feng Qingli called out to the elder of the Tianji Pavilion ahead.

He unusually suppressed his usual frivolous demeanor and lowered his head meekly, saying, "Regarding this prophecy, Elder, could you please enlighten me?"

Ruan Shu calmly said, "This prophecy emerged from the 'Fragment of Heavenly Destiny.' We are of limited knowledge and dare not presume to interpret it."

However, Feng Qingli still wouldn't let it go.

"When the winds rise and the heavens and earth tremble, a single divination with a whisk settles the universe. Who in the world does not know or recognize Elder Ruan of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion?"

He said this not in secret, but just as the discussion about the Thousand Mountains Trial in the main hall had just ended, many elders from other sects slowed down their pace.

Sensing the gazes, both overt and covert, Ruan Shu remained calm and composed, speaking with neither arrogance nor servility.

"Sect Leader Feng is too kind. However, these are the words of the 'Fragment of Heavenly Destiny.' I'm afraid that only Sect Leader Xin in the world can enlighten you."

The "Sect Master Xin" mentioned by Ruan Shu is naturally Xin Zhuiwang, the Sect Master of Tianji Pavilion.

Feng Qingli was impatient.

Xin Zhuiwang has been holed up in his small corner of Tianxingzhou for years, rarely seen. Even if you send him a visiting card, you might not be able to meet him. How could you expect to meet him with just a few words?

Knowing he wouldn't get any information, Feng Qingli replied lazily, "Thank you for informing me, Elder Ruan."

The next second, spiritual energy surged, and Feng Qingli had vanished without a trace.

Instead of wasting time here, we should go to the East China Sea coast in advance to meet the legendary "Sword Master reincarnation".

Feng Qingli never liked to hide her actions. After those around her found out, they cautiously asked, "What if the person the sect leader went to in the East Sea is a fake...?"

“Of course, we should kill her.”

Is it true?

Feng Qingli seemed to remember something, and chuckled, propping her head up with her hand.

The people below were completely baffled. Just when they thought that this Sect Leader Feng was perhaps feeling nostalgic, his spiritual power suddenly erupted, and a fierce killing intent swept over them!

Before anyone knew it, the Red Dust was already in Feng Qingli's hand. He said, word by word, "Of course, we must kill her."

On the other hand, Ruan Shu felt a little worried.

Whether it's the events in the East China Sea, the frequent emergence of demonic seeds, or the prophecy above the dust and noise.

A storm is brewing.

Ruan Shu took out a letter kite, wrote a few strokes, but did not fly towards Tianxing Continent.

·

Yunmeng Marsh, Thousand Poison Cave

A woman sat diagonally on a high seat, gazing into the distance.

Her back view was gentle and graceful, like a delicate flower yet to bloom, exuding a beautiful and understated charm.

Even without seeing her face, you should know from her back that she is a beauty.

"Sect Master."

A disciple stood with his head bowed: "The disciple who went to the East Sea the other day has sent a message."

The woman, referred to as the "Sect Leader," turned around. Her left side of her face was delicate and beautiful, like a fragrant orchid. However, when she turned her face completely, her right side was covered with poisonous patterns, shaped like scorpions, which was terrifying and horrifying.

The disciples below felt a tremor in their hearts, not out of fear, but out of concern.

These people gathered in the Thousand Poison Cave all had some kind of problem; some were ugly, while others were born with disabilities.

Such people with improper appearances cannot be accepted into the Fourteen Continents Immortal Sects; only Han Yuyi would take them in.

Not only that, the sect leader even used his old connections to secure opportunities for them to go to Qingyi Academy. Even though only a handful of them could go, the disciples were still extremely grateful for his kindness.

"Sect Leader, has the poison in your body flared up again?"

Just as Han Yuyi was about to speak, a tickling sensation rose in her throat.

She coughed a few times, from softly to loudly, which made the disciples feel extremely distressed.

"It's just an old problem."

Han Yuyi dismissed everyone, but was in a very good mood.

The fact that her health problems were getting worse only meant one thing.

Her life was already over, and she should have been dead. It was Yan Ruchao who used a secret method to enter the path of evil spirits in the body of a living person, reversed the flow of her meridians, and extended her life.

The price is that every year for ten Ghost Days, he will fall into a coma where he is unaware of the world's affairs. However, this period will be the best time for Han Yuyi's body.

Once Yan Ruchao wakes up, all the pain will slowly return to her.

But Han Yuyi had nothing to be dissatisfied with; on the contrary, she would feel very happy whenever this happened.

Her pain signifies Yan Ruchao's awakening.

And Heaven proved that she was right in choosing him as her partner or friend.

A faint smile appeared on Han Yuyi's beautiful face.

In theory, she should stay in the Ghost Pavilion every year on Ghost Nourishing Day, accompanying Yan Ruchao. However, this year, due to the Qingyi Academy incident, she came out early to handle various matters.

For example, the letter kite that the disciple just presented did not come from the East Sea, but from Qingyi Academy.

There were only a few words at the top.

[The winds of war rise over the sea, within the Ghostly Tower.]

A cluster of ghostly flames rose from Han Yuyi's fingertips, instantly turning the letter kite to ashes.

"Feng Qingli, Chu Jiye..."

Han Yuyi murmured softly.

It seems she needs to return to the Ghost Cang Tower as soon as possible.

...

"When I said that my senior sister had lied to me that day, it wasn't because of my legs."

Yang Xiuzhu looked at Sheng Ningyu, who was holding the crane Dahuang, and slowly spoke.

It is now deep winter outside, but among the four seasons, spring remains the same, and warmth persists.

Under the pear blossom tree, the voice and appearance of the old friend seemed exactly the same as in my memory.

Hearing Yang Xiuzhu say this, Sheng Ningyu slowed down her stroking of Da Huang's tail feathers and squinted at him: "Back then, didn't you resent me?"

Yang Xiuzhu's lips tightened involuntarily: "I was indeed tempted by what happened back then."

Sheng Ningyu nodded.

She could certainly sense her junior brother's distance from her at that time, and even a slight resentment.

“That’s normal.” She smiled at Yang Xiuzhu.

If anyone were to stop Xie Qianjing from seeking revenge, or use Xie Qianjing's flesh and blood for something else again, she would probably not be able to tolerate it.

It was unexpected that Yang Xiuzhu was now willing to see her.

As for the past grudges and affections, he could simply laugh them off if he wished.

He hadn't spoken this much in a long time, and now his speech was so fast it was almost incoherent.

"If my senior sister hadn't stopped me back then, I'm afraid I would have become one of those mindless demons... or even a demon seed."

The hand stroking Big Yellow stopped, and the smile on Sheng Ningyu's face faded slightly: "What happened?"

Yang Xiuzhu made no attempt to conceal anything and recounted everything that had happened over the years.

"That Hehuan City was the place where the Puppet Barrier first arose. Later, someone attempted to use that secret technique, but could not endure the pain and transformed into a monster that was neither human nor demon. Then, suddenly, his flesh and blood exploded, and his entire body turned into thousands of red threads..."

"Fortunately, Senior Qi Baiya suppressed it there." Yang Xiuzhu paused, "Junior Sister, that's when we met Senior Qi."

Mentioning Ning Jiao and recalling her behavior during their previous meetings, Sheng Ningyu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Yang Xiuzhu clearly didn't want to trouble her, so he quickly moved on from Ning Jiao's matter.

"...After meditating and practicing, I have realized the truth."

“I will definitely be plagued by inner demons.” Yang Xiuzhu looked at his hands and said in a low voice, “At that time, I’m afraid I really won’t be able to lift a sword anymore.”

Sheng Ningyu: "I promised you I would find a way to help you stand up again, but I failed to do so."

Yang Xiuzhu shook her head: "Senior sister, that's not what I meant."

The shadows of the trees swayed, and the fragrance of flowers wafted faintly to the nose.

Yang Xiuzhu said, "Senior sister, you have hidden your identity from me."

Sheng Ningyu coughed lightly, somewhat unable to look directly into Yang Xiuzhu's clear eyes: "Didn't I tell you that night? It's really..."

Yang Xiuzhu stubbornly said, "But my senior sister still lied to me."

Sheng Ningyu: "."

Yang Xiuzhu lowered her eyes, caught a pear blossom, and tightly held its many petals.

"Senior sister, you still don't acknowledge me."

She lied to him.

She didn't want him to know.

This is what saddened Yang Xiuzhu the most.

Pear blossoms fluttered in the air, as if a heavy snow was about to fall.

Yang Xiuzhu was always stubborn, and Sheng Ningyu had the hardest time dealing with this junior brother.

But she recently discovered that someone can.

Sheng Ningyu did not hesitate to ask for help.

She waved to the figure in the distance and flashed a big smile: "Xie Qianjing, we're here!"

The young man in white seemed to smile, but in the blink of an eye he landed in front of the two.

Her graceful figure and white robes seemed to swirl like spring mist.

He looked at Sheng Ningyu, who suddenly grabbed his sleeve. Instead of being angry, a smile spread across his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Sheng Ningyu concisely twisted the truth: "I was in a hurry to find you that day and didn't explain things clearly to my junior brother, and now he's angry."

Yes, Sheng Ningyu did not fully explain things to Yang Xiuzhu that day.

She managed to get the information out of him, after Xie Qianjing reminded her, and then inexplicably blurted out, "Then where is he?"

Yang Xiuzhu was taken aback by the question and slowly shook her head: "I don't know."

Seeing that Sheng Ningyu's smile vanished, he added as if possessed, "If she hasn't left, she should still be under the tall building on the left side of the trial platform, behind the third pear tree."

Sheng Ningyu immediately said, "Okay, I'll go find him first."

Yang Xiuzhu was completely baffled: "Why is Senior Sister in such a hurry to leave?"

He seemed to be thinking about something, and his expression gradually became serious.

"But that Demon Lord harbors ill intentions, planning to spread demonic energy within the academy and manipulate the disciples of various sects across the fourteen continents..."

Not only that, Yang Xiuzhu even wondered if the young lord of the Phoenix Clan had been coerced into agreeing to let this Demon Lord enter the palace.

What are you thinking about?

A confused voice interrupted Yang Xiuzhu's thoughts. He looked up and saw his senior sister looking at him strangely.

“I went to find him because I was worried he’d be standing there all alone, with no one to play with or talk to. How boring would that be?” Sheng Ningyu said, her brows furrowing deeply as she spoke. “Besides, with all the sect elders gathered recently, what if… what if he gets bullied again?”

Yang Xiuzhu: "..."

Even though he had handled many matters in Jian Ge over the years and considered himself to be knowledgeable and experienced, he was still speechless by Sheng Ningyu's absurd reasoning.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking stiffly: "Senior sister, he is the Demon Lord."

Sheng Ningyu was even more puzzled than him. She scratched her head and asked, "What's wrong with the Demon Lord?"

A thousand words raced through Yang Xiuzhu's mind, but in the end, she keenly noticed one thing.

"Why are you so sure, Senior Sister, that he's waiting there?"

Sheng Ningyu was taken aback, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "I don't know."

But for some inexplicable reason, she just felt that Xie Qianjing was definitely waiting for her.

It's as if, in some year, amidst a heavy snowfall resembling pear blossoms, someone had stepped out of the high platform and stood alone in the snow, waiting for her many times.

Yang Xiuzhu was really curious. He followed Sheng Ningyu to where she went and was surprised to find that Xie Qianjing hadn't actually left.

"See? I told you so!"

When Sheng Ningyu realized she had guessed correctly, she smiled happily again.

She patted her junior brother on the shoulder and said mysteriously, "Your senior sister does have some predictive ability."

No.

Yang Xiuzhu thought expressionlessly, this is not the kind of predictive ability that ordinary people should have.

Before Yang Xiuzhu could speak, the person beside him had already used his spiritual power to rush towards the young man under the pear tree.

I don’t know what he said, but the young man who was cold and aloof when he was talking to him smiled gently, like the pear blossoms falling from the side. He no longer had the aloofness and coldness that he used to be.

The ice and snow melted, and gods and demons bowed their heads. They fell into the mortal world.

That's so strange.

Both the young man's behavior and his expression when he was with his senior sister.

The usually perceptive senior sister was actually fooled by this person and even thought he would be "bullied".

Yang Xiuzhu found it unbelievable, but for some inexplicable reason, Sheng Ningyu's words came to mind.

"...Really, you're just like that person, unable to bear hearing these things."

I will definitely find an opportunity to introduce you two in the future.

Yang Xiuzhu suddenly looked up, as if he had realized something.

Sheng Ningyu was startled by his intense gaze, and hesitantly raised her hand to wave it in front of him: "I just meant to tell you, Junior Brother Yang, not to make this public for now, you don't need to..."

Is such a strong reaction really necessary?

Yang Xiuzhu shook her head: "You don't need to tell me, Senior Sister. I will keep this a secret."

Sheng Ningyu exchanged a strange glance with Xie Qianjing, then looked at Yang Xiuzhu: "What did you remember, Junior Brother?" Before she could finish her sentence, she couldn't help but joke: "Why does it seem like you suddenly had an epiphany? So seeing me can bring such good luck?"

Enlightenment, understanding, and admiration...

A myriad of complex emotions flashed across Yang Xiuzhu's eyes.

Sheng Ningyu: "?"

No, what did she do before?

-----------------------

Author's Note: Sheng Ningyu: ? ? ? [A non-existent memory has appeared.jpg]

Xie Qianjing (smiles slightly, gentle and kind): Hello, junior brother.

Yang Xiuzhu's stubbornness lies in this: he will remember every word you say and then persistently ask for the answer.

It's late again, starfish feels guilty.jpg

24-hour red envelope giveaway continues!

I need to overcome my procrastination!