The mystery of the origin
The appearance of the "Source of Life" is like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating new ripples within Yao Tian. This not only concerns whether Yi Xing can get rid of his chronic illness, but may also point to a deeper secret of the "Ink of the Dark Night".
Ming Shiyin remained unconscious and unable to participate in discussions. The burden of decision-making naturally fell on the shoulders of Yi Xing, who was gradually recovering.
“We must find out the origin of this ‘source of life’.” Yi Xing sat by the window, his fingertips twirling the warm, smooth fragment, his gaze calm. “Its appearance in the core of the corrupted ‘Hun Tian Cardinal’ is no accident. What do Mo Zun and the others intend to do with it? Use it to stabilize that destructive energy? Or… do they have other plans?”
Pei Qinhu scratched his head: "This thing sounds mysterious, where can we even look it up?"
“Ancient books, legends, perhaps… there’s another person who might know some clues.” Yi Xing looked at Yang Yuhuan. “Sister Yuhuan, you have a profound lineage and are proficient in music and ancient secrets. Have you ever heard of any records related to this?”
Yang Yuhuan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I once saw a similar description in a tattered volume of 'Tales of Mountains and Seas,' which said that there was a divine tree in the West called 'Fusang,' whose core contained marrow that was as white as jade and contained endless vitality, and was called the 'Fountain of Life.' Perhaps it is related to this 'source seed.' But the Fusang divine tree is now just a legend, and its whereabouts are unknown."
“The West…Fusang…” Yi Xing silently memorized it.
"Perhaps we could ask Zhou Yu, who always seems to know everything?" Gongsun Li suggested. "They're well-informed in Jiangdong; they might know something."
That's one line of thought. Zhou Yu is a meticulous and knowledgeable man, and he previously took the initiative to contact Yao Tian, so he might actually be able to provide some clues.
Just then, a disciple delivered a secret letter. The letter was unsigned, but contained a faint mark that resembled the interplay of water and flame—Zhou Yu's mark.
Yi Xing unfolded the letter, which contained only a few words:
"Congratulations on thwarting the Netherworld's plot! However, the storm has not yet subsided, and new troubles have already arisen. The 'Source Seed' has appeared in the world, surrounded by wolves. Three days later, at dusk, at our usual spot in Qujiang, let's have a game of chess; perhaps it can resolve our doubts. — Jin"
Zhou Yu not only learned about the underground events, but also mentioned the "Origin Seed"! Moreover, his tone implied that besides the "Ink of the Night," there were other people or forces eyeing the "Origin Seed"!
"This guy's information network is too good!" Pei Qinhu clicked his tongue in amazement.
Yi Xing put down the letter, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes. Zhou Yu's invitation was undoubtedly an important opportunity for information exchange, but it would inevitably come with new risks and costs.
“I’ll go see him,” Yi Xing decided.
"No! You're not fully recovered yet, it's too dangerous!" Gongsun Li immediately objected.
“Sister Ali, there are some risks we must take.” Yi Xing’s tone was calm but firm. “The ‘Source Seed’ is too important. It not only concerns me personally, but may also affect the future situation. Zhou Yu is currently the most likely person to know the truth.”
"The truth is like a lighthouse hidden in the fog. The brighter it is, the more dangerous the reefs around it are. But if you are afraid to set sail, you will never reach the other shore."
Yi Xing spoke softly, expressing his determination to take any risks in order to pursue the crucial truth.
Looking into Yi Xing's determined eyes, Yang Yuhuan knew that dissuading him was useless, and said softly, "In that case, I will go with you. My music may help you calm your mind and cope with any unforeseen circumstances." She was also worried about Yi Xing's health and the traps that Zhou Yu might have set.
Pei Qinhu patted his chest and said, "I'll go with Xing'er! Let's see what tricks that pretty boy is up to!"
Yi Xing shook his head: "No, Brother Hu, you and Sister Ali stay here. Master needs guards here, and the camp needs someone to be stationed. Sister Yu Huan and I can go. Too many people will only attract attention."
His arrangements were reasonable, and Pei Qinhu, though unwilling, had no choice but to agree.
Three days later, at the same waterside pavilion by Qujiang Pool.
Zhou Yu was already waiting there, still dressed in a moon-white robe, exuding an extraordinary air. A chessboard was laid out in front of him, and he smiled and gestured when he saw Yi Xing and Yang Yuhuan arrive.
"Young Master Yixing seems to be in better health; it appears he's recovering quite well." Zhou Yu said casually as he glanced at Yixing, but Yixing could sense a subtle, probing look in his eyes.
"Thank you for your concern, Governor Zhou." Yi Xing nodded slightly and, with Yang Yuhuan's help, sat down in front of the chessboard. "What do you mean by the 'new trouble' and 'pack of wolves' mentioned in your letter, Governor?"
Zhou Yu picked up a white piece but didn't place it. Instead, he looked at Yi Xing with a meaningful smile on his lips: "Why is my lord in such a hurry? In chess, one piece must be placed one at a time. Information must also be exchanged in kind, mustn't it?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
